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AUSTIN (KXAN) — Over the 10 years Benny Hernandez III was locked in Texas prisons, the summers were always the hardest.
“I would literally dread the summer months,” Hernandez said.
Like many Texas prisoners, Hernandez spent his entire sentence in facilities without air conditioning.
Just a quarter of Texas’ state prisons – 28 of 107 – have air conditioning throughout the unit. It isn’t just uncomfortable, the extreme heat can be deadly. Heat stroke was the official cause of death for six inmates since 2007, according to the Texas Justice Initiative. Recent lawsuits have estimated heat-related deaths could be more than twice as high.
Despite entering the system young and with no preexisting health concerns, there were times Hernandez was certain the heat was killing him.
He woke up one summer morning in the Coffield Prison Unit in East Texas feeling ill.
“I got up one day, and I felt dizzy,” he said. “I thought that I had heatstroke.”
His cellmate alerted a correctional officer, who told him to pour water on his forehead and lay down in his cell. Hernandez was not given medical attention or taken to an air-conditioned part of the facility.
“I felt sick, and I honestly felt like I was going to die,” Hernadez said. “I just knew that my body was simply shut down. It couldn’t deal with the heat anymore.”
‘Too hot to touch’
Michele Deitch, a criminal justice professor at the University of Texas Law School, said the temperatures inside these prisons can reach triple digits during the summer months and put inmates like Hernandez at risk of a stroke and other heat-related illnesses.
“The temperatures can exceed anything that any of us on the outside have ever experienced,” she said. “We’re routinely in excess of 110, 120, 130 degrees, and metal furniture becomes too hot to touch.”
Dr. Amite Dominick of Texas Prison Community Advocates, formerly known as Texas Prisons Air-Conditioning Advocates, said the extreme heat inside prisons often leads prisoners to take drastic measures to cool down.
“Things like flooding the toilet and wetting down your floor, you can get a case for that, which can affect your parole,” Dominick said. “So, some of the options that they’re trying to take, they can actually get in trouble for.”
Hernandez said inmates were sometimes punished for lying on the floor of their cell or removing layers of clothing during the hottest parts of the summer.
“You’re not supposed to sleep on the floor of your cell, because you’re assigned a bunk,” he said. “But the concrete floor, when you put a little water on it, is a lot cooler than a steel bunk.”
Hernandez said official practices for cooling down were often ineffective, especially when he first entered the prison in 2011.
“They placed a 10-gallon cooler in the dayroom for 88 people,” Hernandez said.
Prisoners were expected to get water from the cooler in cups they bought themselves at the prison commissary. Indigent prisoners who could not afford to purchase one had to resort to alternative methods to drink water, he said.
“They were digging through the trash for an empty bottle and would wash it out and get cold water in it,” Hernandez said.
However, Dominick said even if they have access to water, it might not be clean.
“I get reports of things like bugs, roaches and stuff like that in the water,” she said.
Dominick said extreme heat conditions can lead to a domino effect of health crises throughout a facility.
She said many prisoners choose not to take their medication, many of which impact the body’s ability to naturally regulate temperature, because of the heat in the prisons.
“They have to make a choice between, do I take this medication or do I maybe have a heat stroke or have a heart attack or other symptoms of my ailments?” Dominick said.
Dominick believes these medication issues have distorted the number of people reported to have died of extreme heat in Texas prisons.
“If we’ve got a choice between hyperthermia (heat stroke) and cardiac arrest, they’re going to go with cardiac arrest, but the heat was still a major contributing factor in that death,” Dominick said.
Prison officials told KXAN all unattended inmate deaths are investigated by the Texas Board of Criminal Justice’s Office of Inspector General, and all autopsies are performed by independent practitioners.
The cost of cooling
Hernandez said the summer heat caused people within the unit to become more agitated and violent during periods of extreme heat.
“During the summertime, tempers were short, and people knew that,” he said. “The wrong thing said and the wrong thing done could lead to physical violence.”
Dominick advocates for air conditioning in all units within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice with an acceptable cooling range between 65 and 85 degrees year-round. However, attempts to codify this recommendation into law in the Texas Legislature have historically been unsuccessful, mostly due to the cost. TDCJ claims cooling all Texas prisons would cost $1 billion.
But, TDCJ has overestimated air conditioning costs for individual units before. The Wallace Pack Unit, a geriatric Texas prison South of College Station, was the subject of a 2017 lawsuit that ended in an order requiring TDCJ to install air conditioning in the facility. Originally TDCJ claimed the renovation would cost $11 million. The final cost of adding air conditioning totaled around $4 million.
“It’s not an insignificant cost, although no one can agree on exactly what that is,” Deitch said. “TDCJ will tell you it’s billions of dollars. That seems to be a wildly exaggerated figure based on what the cost in a couple of the facilities so far has been.”
In a statement, TDCJ said despite not having air conditioning in these facilities, they still take measures against extreme heat.
“TDCJ takes precautions to help reduce heat-related illnesses such as providing water and ice to staff and inmates in work and housing areas, restricting inmate activity during the hottest parts of the day and training staff to identify those with heat-related illnesses and refer them to medical staff for treatment,” according to the prison system.
Dominick said even with these precautions, the treatment of prisoners is inhumane.
“How is it that we can continue to allow this to happen to human beings, and we will not allow that to happen to animals? Pigs have AC. Dogs have AC.” Dominick said. “In society, if you leave your dog in a car in those temperatures, you’re going to receive charges.” | https://www.krqe.com/news/top-stories/only-a-quarter-of-texas-prisons-have-air-conditioning-heres-what-that-means-for-prisoners/ | 2022-04-27T18:16:12Z | https://www.krqe.com/news/top-stories/only-a-quarter-of-texas-prisons-have-air-conditioning-heres-what-that-means-for-prisoners/ | false |
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday afternoon's drawing of the Missouri Lottery's "Pick 3 Midday" game were:
4-3-5
(four, three, five)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday afternoon's drawing of the Missouri Lottery's "Pick 3 Midday" game were:
4-3-5
(four, three, five) | https://www.theheraldreview.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-3-Midday-game-17131005.php | 2022-04-27T18:16:59Z | https://www.theheraldreview.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-3-Midday-game-17131005.php | true |
It's nearly transfer season and Celtic are starting to turn one eye towards their summer business.
Ange Postecoglou will be urging his players to keep their eyes firmly on the ball until the Premiership title is wrapped up but next season will already be lurking somewhere in his mind.
Should the Hoops win the Premiership as expected then, barring a potential Villarreal-shaped disaster, they will have some cash to burn with automatic Champions League qualification.
We've seen links with various new players emerge already while speculation continues to rumble over loanees and whether they will be there to stay.
It won't be another summer overhaul like last year but we can expect enough comings and goings to keep the headlines busy.
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And Record Sport have taken a look at a few of the big transfer stories coming out of Parkhead.
Alexandre Mendy
A new striker might not be top of the agenda with Giorgos Giakoumakis, Kyogo and Daizen Maeda all battling it out for the No.9 spot.
But improvements in the final third rarely go wrong and big Frenchman Alexandre Mendy could offer plenty if reports in France prove correct.
The 6ft2' hitman has been subject to an offer from Celtic according to L'Equipe but their €3million offer is said to have been turned down.
Whether the Hoops will come back with an improved bid to add to their striking options remains to be seen.
Jota
The Portuguese wing wizard has been a smash hit since his loan arrival from Benfica and it would be an understatement to say fans are desperate for him to stay.
With 11 goals and 12 assists, he's been a key man so far and is a popular figure for far more than just his George Michael-esque good looks
There is an option to buy inserted in the deal, believed to be set around €7million (£6m) and it's thought Celtic are willing to cough up.
But they may opt to wait until the Premiership crown is wrapped up before announcing anything as far as a deal is concerned.
Jota certainly is, insisting over the weekend: "Of course, as football players we need to keep our minds on the pitch, that's all that matters.
"Bureaucratic things are for other times, so let me just play football and enjoy it.
The feeling in Portugal is Benfica won't push to keep him, with a potential head-turning approach from elsewhere Celtic's only real obstacle.
Ola Solbakken
Whether Jota stays or goes could have a huge impact on Celtic's transfer dealings this summer.
Bodo/Glimt wide man Solbakken has been linked as one potential solution to that problem with the Daily Mail saying he will be target No.1 if a deal cannot be struck for Jota.
But it's likely a new winger will still be on the agenda regardless of what happens there; James Forrest's drop off has been alarming, Mikey Johnston looks short of the standard required and Karamoko Dembele's contract is nearly up.
Solbakken looks a promising option having already shown Celtic what he can do with a goal against them in the Conference League.
Wiry and tricky but equally powerful and direct, he can do it all and has a wicked left foot to boot.
Mohanad Jeahze
Onto the defence now and natural cover for Greg Taylor is one area Celtic can certainly improve.
Josip Juranovic has been required to play out of position for large chunks of the season and Liam Scales' lack of recent game time suggests he isn't fancied there despite a promising run before the turn of the year.
Monad Jeahze of Stockholm side Hammarby has been touted for a move with the 25-year-old available for around £2m.
But he's been tight-lipped over a potential move only saying: “I can’t say much about that.
“I’ve always been very clear. If I am going to leave Hammarby it will be for something better than Hammarby. I love it here in Hammarby.” | https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/celtic-transfer-state-play-mendy-26815480 | 2022-04-27T18:20:01Z | https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/celtic-transfer-state-play-mendy-26815480 | false |
Gaslit tells the story of Watergate, focusing on Martha Mitchell, the outspoken wife President Nixon's attorney general. The Offer focuses on the making of the first Godfather movie.
Copyright 2022 Fresh Air
Gaslit tells the story of Watergate, focusing on Martha Mitchell, the outspoken wife President Nixon's attorney general. The Offer focuses on the making of the first Godfather movie.
Copyright 2022 Fresh Air | https://www.iowapublicradio.org/2022-04-27/new-tv-series-revisit-watergate-and-the-original-godfather | 2022-04-27T18:22:27Z | https://www.iowapublicradio.org/2022-04-27/new-tv-series-revisit-watergate-and-the-original-godfather | false |
Johnny Gaudreau's career-high 37th goal was a thing of a beauty, a circular skate around the offensive zone, capped by a perfectly placed shot into the side of the net.
It was a superstar move that night in Chicago, a winger brimming with confidence in himself and his teammates. Gaudreau could always play, from growing up in New Jersey to breaking into the NHL, but he has reached a different level this year with the Calgary Flames.
“He just plays the whole game. For sure, a more consistent player,” coach Darryl Sutter said, “and, in his own way, a more demanding player also of how his linemates are playing, which is a big something that I've really noticed with him."
Playing alongside Elias Lindholm and Matthew Tkachuk on one of the league's most dangerous lines, Gaudreau has a career-best 74 assists and 113 points, topping the Flames in each category. He has five goals and seven assists during a six-game point streak heading into Thursday night's matchup with Minnesota.
The 28-year-old Gaudreau also tops the NHL with a plus-63 rating and a gaudy 88 even-strength points for the Pacific Division champions. The plus-minus statistic is the league's best since Wayne Gretzky was plus 69 for the 1986-87 season, according to Sportradar, and it's the most even-strength points in a single season since Jaromir Jagr had 95 in 1995-96.
Now Gaudreau is hoping to carry his success into a deep postseason run for a Calgary franchise that hasn't advanced in the playoffs since it lost in the second round in 2015.
“He's been great. He plays the right way,” fellow Calgary forward Dillon Dube said. “He's playing (a) 200-foot game right now. He's probably one of our hardest backcheckers right now. He's flying all over the ice.”
A standout at Boston College, Gaudreau won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014 as the NCAA's top men's hockey player. He then signed with Calgary and made his NHL debut with the Flames.
Listed at 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, Gaudreau had 24 goals and 40 assists in his first full season with Calgary, earning the first of his six All-Star selections and finishing third in voting for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top rookie.
While Gaudreau has put up big numbers before — he had 36 goals and 63 assists during the 2018-19 season — his game appears to be better than ever at the end of his ninth year in the NHL. Nice timing, too, with Gaudreau eligible for unrestricted free agency in July.
“We want him back here. We’re going to move heaven and earth and do everything we possibly can to get Johnny back here,” Flames general manager Brad Treliving said during an April 17 appearance on Hockey Night in Canada.
Gaudreau credits a couple different factors for his performance, beginning with his chemistry with Lindholm and Tkachuk on Calgary's top line. Lindholm and Tkachuk, who can become a restricted free agent after the season, are tied for the team lead with 41 goals apiece.
“We like playing together,” Gaudreau said. “We feel really comfortable together on the ice. It's been a lot of fun this year playing with those two.”
Gaudreau also has meshed well with the demanding Sutter, who took over after Geoff Ward was fired in March 2021. The 63-year-old Sutter also coached the Flames from 2002-06, winning 107 games and making two playoff appearances in three seasons. He served as the team’s general manager from 2003-10.
Calgary went 15-15 after Sutter took over last season, falling short of the playoffs after losing in the first round in each of the previous two years. But Treliving stayed with Sutter, and Gaudreau has flourished with the well-traveled coach in charge.
“Playing for Darryl, we have a little bit different of a system,” Gaudreau said. “He expects a lot more in the (defensive) zone. Be smart in the D zone. ... I think that part of my game has gotten a little bit better.”
___
Jay Cohen can be reached at https://twitter.com/jcohenap
___
More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.expressnews.com/sports/article/High-scoring-Gaudreau-powering-Calgary-Flames-17130802.php | 2022-04-27T18:24:55Z | https://www.expressnews.com/sports/article/High-scoring-Gaudreau-powering-Calgary-Flames-17130802.php | true |
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday afternoon's drawing of the Missouri Lottery's "Pick 3 Midday" game were:
4-3-5
(four, three, five)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday afternoon's drawing of the Missouri Lottery's "Pick 3 Midday" game were:
4-3-5
(four, three, five) | https://www.greenwichtime.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-3-Midday-game-17131005.php | 2022-04-27T18:24:55Z | https://www.greenwichtime.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-3-Midday-game-17131005.php | true |
Florida fires women's soccer coach Tony Amato after 1 season
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Florida fired women's soccer coach Tony Amato on Wednesday, changing direction less than one year after giving him a six-year contract to replace beloved program architect Becky Burleigh.
A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that Amato was fired without cause, leaving the Gators on the hook for the remaining five years of a contract that paid him about $225,000 annually. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither side has confirmed what led to Amato's dismissal.
Athletic director Scott Stricklin blamed "a disconnect" between Amato and his athletes as the reason for his dismissal.
"We have worked diligently with Tony since last fall when I first became aware of challenges with relationship building and communication," Stricklin said in a statement. "As the issues continued to be brought to my attention, it became apparent that sufficient progress was not being made and Tony was not a fit for the University of Florida.
"Therefore, it is my assessment that in order to have the program we all expect, this change is necessary. I appreciate Tony´s hard work during his time here and wish he and his family the best."
Amato went 4-12-4 in his lone season with the Gators. He was hired May 24, 2021. He previously coached at Rollins (2003-04, 2009-10), Stephen F. Austin (2010-11, 2012-13) and Arizona (2013-14, 2020-21).
Amato's dismissal is the latest public relations hit for Stricklin, who has now essentially fired three of the first four coaches he hired since replacing longtime AD Jeremy Foley.
He allowed women's basketball coach Cam Newbauer to resign last spring amid allegations he verbally, mentally and physically abused players for years, and he fired football coach Dan Mullen last November after Mullen landed the Gators on probation for the first time in three decades.
"I fully recognize the disruption this causes our athletes and our program," Stricklin said. "We all wanted this to work, but ultimately it is my responsibility to do what is in the best long-term interest of this program, and thus this decision.
"We are totally committed to having an outstanding soccer program. I assure everyone this is extremely important to all of us as we begin the search for our new coach."
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-10760117/Florida-fires-womens-soccer-coach-Tony-Amato-1-season.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-04-27T18:25:33Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-10760117/Florida-fires-womens-soccer-coach-Tony-Amato-1-season.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | false |
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Members of a U.S. House committee are seeking answers about a natural gas release at a ConocoPhillips Alaska drill site on Alaska's North Slope.
The company earlier this month reported it had identified and controlled the source of the gas release first detected on March 4.
Three Democrats on the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee sent a letter Tuesday to ConocoPhillips Chairman and CEO Ryan Lance seeking information about the incident, the Anchorage Daily News reported.
The letter, signed by Chair Raul Grijalva and Reps. Katie Porter and Alan Lowenthal, notes the committee has jurisdiction over oil and gas resources on public lands. It seeks responses by May 13.
"The ongoing leak and ConocoPhillips’ response raises a number of troubling questions, including how your company would respond to similar leaks at your proposed Willow project inside the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska,” the letter states.
ConocoPhillips is pursuing the Willow oil project in the northeast portion of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, but it has faced legal challenges from environmental groups. Rebecca Boys, a ConocoPhillips spokesperson, said the Willow project has undergone extensive environmental and permitting reviews.
Boys, by email, said the company was reviewing the letter. She also said lessons learned from the incident will be incorporated into future projects.
Boys on Tuesday said intermittent, trace amounts of gas that were trapped beneath underground obstructions are still finding their way to the surface and are being detected near wellhouses, which are structures enclosing the tops of wells.
The Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which oversees oil and gas drilling in the state, in an update Tuesday said the company was continuing work to plug and abandon a waste disposal well that was being drilled when the leak occurred.
The lawmakers, among other things, want to know why it took the company a month to identify the source of the leak and how close the leak was to “becoming something more severe.”
ConocoPhillips continues investigating the cause and what happened at the field, where gas escaped at a drill site called CD1, according to the oil and gas commission.
The company has said it has not detected gas outside the gravel drill pad. | https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/US-House-committee-wants-answers-on-Alaska-gas-17130971.php | 2022-04-27T18:28:41Z | https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/US-House-committee-wants-answers-on-Alaska-gas-17130971.php | true |
DETROIT, April 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Four Eastern Michigan University (EMU) baseball standouts—Shane Easter, Zach Fruit, Mason Marquis and Glenn Miller, have signed a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) agreement with Detroit-based TiiCKER, the world's first shareholder loyalty platform and top Midwest Startup and Tech Company to Watch in 2022. The athletes will receive merchandise and personal branding opportunities in exchange for social media promotions, public appearances, and other similar responsibilities.
TiiCKER's NIL Program is focused on so-called non-revenue sports like baseball, track and field and swimming, the college sport of TiiCKER founder Jeff Lambert, as these athletes train and compete equally and at the highest level, but with little fanfare. These "everyday athletes" mirror the often-overlooked "everyday investors" in the stock market, which is the focus of TiiCKER and its business model to give perks and rewards to all investors.
"Underdog stories have the power to inspire others for decades, and as a startup, we understand the dynamics of both the overlooked and the everyday competitor," said TiiCKER founder and CEO Jeff Lambert (Tii:JEFE). "Having these athletes on board is a win-win—it allows them an opportunity to work and experience real-life business and marketing, while also receiving the support they need to monetize their personal brand. They have a bright future ahead, and we're proud to kick off our "Everyday Athletes of TiiCKER" NIL Program with these EMU studs."
TiiCKER sponsorship is open to eligible student-athletes at any National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I University. With the ability to reach over 176,000 student-athletes across 24 sports and 350 schools, the program offers athletes of all genders an opportunity to become paid affiliate brand ambassadors. Launching in phases over the next 12 months, the program will begin with local underdog teams and scale nationwide by 2023.
Eric Roof, head baseball coach at Eastern Michigan University stated, "We are excited to create a partnership with TiiCKER and Jeff Lambert, who is a proven winner and former student-athlete himself. He understands the role of a D1 athlete and how determination and discipline can shape you into successful employees and future businesspeople. Add in that TiiCKER is headquartered in Detroit, and it makes the opportunity for our guys that much more meaningful and exciting."
The Eastern Michigan baseball team will face Alma College at Comerica Park tonight.
TiiCKER went live in July 2020, followed by its iOS app launch in November 2020 and Android launch in November 2021. The Detroit startup invented shareholder loyalty by delivering perks and rewards for America's 130 million everyday investors and connecting public companies to their most loyal affinity audience – owners.
Perks are available at TiiCKER.com or in the TiiCKER apps and can be redeemed when a shareholder creates an account and connects their brokerage account, verifying their stock ownership. To learn more about TiiCKER, or to claim shareholder rewards, please visit TiiCKER.com.
About TiiCKER
Launched in 2020, TiiCKER invented verified stock perks and direct-to-shareholder marketing through its web-based and mobile app software platforms, providing consumers and investors a revolutionary way to engage with the brands they love. For America's 130 million retail investors, TiiCKER provides unique access to shareholder perks, commission-free trading and custom articles and content. For its public company partners, TiiCKER creates and markets shareholder loyalty programs, helping companies engage and reward their consumers and owners to maximize Shareholder Lifetime Value™. For more information, please visit TiiCKER.com.
Media Contact:
Devon Bradley
dbradley@TiiCKER.com
(517) 474-1573
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE TiiCKER | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/04/27/emu-baseball-standouts-sign-nil-deal-with-fintech-startup-tiicker/ | 2022-04-27T18:33:30Z | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/04/27/emu-baseball-standouts-sign-nil-deal-with-fintech-startup-tiicker/ | false |
10 arrested in SSC question paper case
Ten persons, including the kingpin, were arrested on the charge of circulating the SSC Telugu question paper in WhatsApp.
The incident was reported from the ZP High School at Ankireddypalli in Kolimigundla mandal in the district on Wednesday. Search is on for the 11th accused.
Nandyal District Collector Manazir Jeelani Samoon, addressing the media late in the night, said it was a malpractice.
A Community Resource Person, Rajesh, of the Education Department employed at the School by the Headmaster had taken the photograph of the question paper and sent it to nine teachers to get answer scripts.
When the malpractice was identified, the Kolimigundla MRO, the police, and the District Education Officer conducted an inquiry and arrested Rajesh and the nine teachers. “Another accused is yet to be apprehended,” the Collector said.
The invigilator, the sitting squad member, and the centre’s Chief Superintendent were suspended from service for failing to conduct the examination in a free and fair manner.
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- Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name, to avoid rejection. | https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/10-arrested-in-ssc-question-paper-case/article65361336.ece | 2022-04-27T18:33:32Z | https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/10-arrested-in-ssc-question-paper-case/article65361336.ece | false |
FINDLAY, Ohio, April 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of Marathon Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: MPC) has declared a dividend of $0.58 per share on common stock. The dividend is payable June 10, 2022, to shareholders of record as of the close of business May 18, 2022.
About Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is a leading, integrated, downstream energy company headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. The company operates the nation's largest refining system. MPC's marketing system includes branded locations across the United States, including Marathon brand retail outlets. MPC also owns the general partner and majority limited partner interest in MPLX LP, a midstream company that owns and operates gathering, processing, and fractionation assets, as well as crude oil and light product transportation and logistics infrastructure. More information is available at www.marathonpetroleum.com.
Investor Relations Contacts: (419) 421-2071
Kristina Kazarian, Vice President
Brian Worthington, Manager
Kenan Kinsey, Analyst
Media Contact: (419) 421-3312
Jamal Kheiry, Communications Manager
View original content:
SOURCE Marathon Petroleum Corporation | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/04/27/marathon-petroleum-corp-announces-quarterly-dividend/ | 2022-04-27T18:35:34Z | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/04/27/marathon-petroleum-corp-announces-quarterly-dividend/ | true |
Repeat criminal offenders are a major concern for B.C. Urban Mayor’s Caucus (BCUMC) co-chair Colin Basran and his counterparts.
A letter from the BCUMC, signed by Basran and co-chair, Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps, expresses concern with “repeat offenders criminal activity and the catch-and-release justice cycle.”
The letter is addressed to Attorney General David Eby and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth. It provides criminal offence data from 10 cities, including Kelowna.
The data shows Kelowna with 15 prolific or chronic offenders who are responsible for 1,039 negative police contacts. It also shows that one offender, in particular, has since 2016 generated 346 RCMP files and received 29 convictions for property crime and assault offences. The individual currently has “no-go” conditions at 11 businesses and is routinely released with conditions and then re-offends.
The letter notes the frustration of residents, police officers and municipal councils, and urges Eby and Farnworth to find solutions in dealing with chronic offenders while acknowledging that some experience mental health challenges, homelessness, or substance use issues.
Kelowna has added $32 million in new safety resources since 2016, according to the letter. This includes 49 new RCMP officers, and an 84 per cent increase in the city’s RCMP contract budget going from $27.9 million in 2016 to an estimated $51.4 million in 2022.
Some of the suggested solutions from the BCUMC included increased investment in the B.C. Prosecution Service, stricter control and consequences for repeat offenders, and the implementation of community courts.
Read More: It’s awesome that we’re both so close to each other
Read More: Two children of deceased woman file suit in B.C. Supreme Court
@GaryBarnes109
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our daily and subscribe to our daily newsletter. | https://www.kelownacapnews.com/news/kelowna-mayor-urges-action-on-prolific-criminal-offenders/ | 2022-04-27T18:38:43Z | https://www.kelownacapnews.com/news/kelowna-mayor-urges-action-on-prolific-criminal-offenders/ | true |
Which glass rinser is best?
One of the most popular features in kitchen design today is the glass rinser. This low-profile appliance sits on a countertop and shoots a high-pressure stream of water as you press a glass down onto it. You may have seen this appliance in bars or next to commercial espresso makers. But now you can install one in your kitchen sink too. It is an efficient way to rinse your cups and bottles and is very simple to use.
For a versatile glass rinser that will clean wine glasses and coffee mugs alike, Delta Faucet Glass Rinser for Kitchen Sinks is a top choice.
What to know before you buy a glass rinser
Uses
Kitchen glass rinsers, or cup washers, rapidly rinse your drinkware when you press a glass upside-down onto the water trigger. This activates a high-pressure jet spray that rinses and breaks down residue and stains in your drinkware. It’s perfect for wine glasses, reusable water bottles, smoothie cups, travel mugs and baby bottles. Keep in mind that glass rinsers primarily rinse drinkware, but they don’t clean it. If you want to boost your rinse, some users add a little dish soap to their glass before activating the water jets. Others use a glass rinser as a pre-rinse before putting drinkware in the dishwasher.
Size and diameter
Glass rinsers don’t take up too much space. However, make sure to consider the general diameter of your drinkware in order to find the right size for your glasses. Glass rinsers typically accommodate vessel openings approximately between 1 and 4 inches, though this measurement can vary depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, check the dimensions of the glass rinser itself to ensure you have enough space for it.
Installation
Glass rinsers require some assembly and installation. You will also need to have a hole by your faucet for the hose. Make sure the hole is far enough away from your faucet and has enough space to fit the appliance. Double-check to see if there’s enough height clearance to fit a glass. You can hook up your glass rinser to the hot or cold line. If you’re not particularly handy, you may need to hire a professional to help you connect your water supply since this process requires tools and some plumbing skills.
What to look for in a quality glass rinser
Finish
Most manufacturers make glass rinsers from plastic or metal. For most users, the material doesn’t matter as much as the look of the finish. Select a finish that matches or complements your kitchen faucet or appliances. Finishes include stainless steel, chrome, gold, bronze, nickel and matte black.
Drainage
Glass rinsers drain directly into your sink through a lip in the rinser. Ensure the lip is flush with the edge of your sink — or it can slightly hang over the edge — so the water flows directly into the sink. Commercial glass rinsers often have a built-in collection reservoir or tray, which eliminates the need for a drainage lip.
Performance
Removing residue from narrow drinkware can be difficult, so you want a glass rinser with a powerful jet stream. The best way to determine the effectiveness of a glass rinser is to read reviews and product details.
How much you can expect to spend on a glass rinser
Glass rinsers have a wide price range and vary in cost based on the brand, installation method and additional features. Expect to spend between $50-$230 on a residential glass rinser.
Glass rinser FAQ
Can I use my kitchen sprayer to remove stubborn residue on my glasses instead?
A. If you have a powerful kitchen sprayer, you may not need a glass rinser. However, glass rinsers offer splash-free rinsing. Plus, the force of gravity helps to keep residue from settling back on your glass.
What are some other uses for a glass rinser?
A. If it fits, glass rinsers are great for cleaning vases. Vases often collect residue and plant matter over time, which can be hard to clean if they’re narrow. You can rinse pretty much any vessel that fits on a glass rinser.
What’s the best glass rinser to buy?
Top glass rinser
Delta Faucet Glass Rinser for Kitchen Sinks
What you need to know: If you need a reliable glass rinser that saves water and time, this is a great option.
What you’ll love: This rinser is easy to install and includes all the necessary parts to do so. It can clean glassware delicately, such as champagne flutes and wine glasses, while powerfully rinsing stained coffee mugs.
What you should consider: While it comes in metallic finishes, the rinser itself is plastic.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top glass rinser for the money
Gagalife Glass Rinser for Kitchen Sink
What you need to know: This low-cost glass cleaner gets the job done in seconds.
What you’ll love: It comes with a clear instruction manual and is a breeze to install. It comes in five finishes. The plastic material resists wear, tear and rust, so it’s sure to last for a long time.
What you should consider: The stream may not get into every nook and cranny of your drinkware.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
HGN Metal Kitchen Sink Glass Rinser
What you need to know: Reasonably priced, this glass rinser is both attractive and user-friendly.
What you’ll love: The angled head allows the jet stream to thoroughly rinse your glass. The appliance comes in five sleek finishes and a sophisticated design. The stainless steel rinser also has a three-year warranty.
What you should consider: The installation for this rinser can be difficult and, like all glass rinsers, requires its own hole in your sink.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Ana Sanchez writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/reviews/br/kitchen-br/sinks-hardware-br/best-glass-rinser/ | 2022-04-27T18:39:07Z | https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/reviews/br/kitchen-br/sinks-hardware-br/best-glass-rinser/ | false |
High school teacher who kept Olympic gold medals secret from students honored with new track
By John Garcia
Click here for updates on this story
MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana (WLS) — It’s been nearly 30 years since Barbara Jones Slater taught and coached at Michigan City High School.
But as she met members of the school’s track team, she commanded their attention, especially when they learned she is a two-time Olympic gold medal winner, something she never talked about when she taught there.
“I didn’t want to take anything away from my children,” Jones Slater said. “I didn’t want them comparing me with my daughter.”
She is the youngest woman ever to win Olympic gold in track. She was on the world record setting 4-by-100 relay team at 15 years old. Growing up in Chicago at the Ida B Wells public housing, Jones Slater said she almost quit running, but was inspired to continue by the great Jesse Owens.
“That’s why I will come anywhere there are kids because Jesse Owens did that for me,” Jones Slater said.
When Michigan City High school got a new track, officials said it was the perfect opportunity to honor their former teacher. Jones Slater, who is now 85, lives in Atlanta now, but said she is thrilled to come back for this ceremony to dedicate the facility in her name.
“That means more to me than you’ll ever know. It means I’m accepted. I did my job. That’s what it means to me,” Jones Slater said.
She has a packed schedule during the whirlwind visit, including an interview for the school TV program and a meeting with members of the school’s dance team. Jones Slater coached the Raiderettes dance team when she was at the school.
“She is an inspiration,” said Athletic Director Craig Shaman. “Our kids don’t have enough role models. To spend a few minutes with her is great.”
When she taught at the school there, she never mentioned her Olympic experience. She wanted to focus on her family and her students. But now that the secret is out, the school couldn’t be more proud and Jones Slater says she couldn’t be more excited.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform. | https://kion546.com/cnn-regional/2022/04/27/high-school-teacher-who-kept-olympic-gold-medals-secret-from-students-honored-with-new-track/ | 2022-04-27T18:41:04Z | https://kion546.com/cnn-regional/2022/04/27/high-school-teacher-who-kept-olympic-gold-medals-secret-from-students-honored-with-new-track/ | true |
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday afternoon's drawing of the Missouri Lottery's "Pick 4 Midday" game were:
3-3-2-2
(three, three, two, two)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday afternoon's drawing of the Missouri Lottery's "Pick 4 Midday" game were:
3-3-2-2
(three, three, two, two) | https://www.sfgate.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Midday-game-17131004.php | 2022-04-27T18:42:32Z | https://www.sfgate.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Midday-game-17131004.php | true |
Xerox Holdings Stock is a Value Play
Document management solutions and systems provider Xerox Holdings Corporation (NYSE: XRX) stock has fallen back towards pandemic lows with its surprising disappointment for Q1 fiscal 2022 earnings report.
Document management solutions and systems provider Xerox Holdings Corporation (NYSE: XRX) stock has fallen back towards pandemic lows with its surprising disappointment for Q1 fiscal 2022 earnings report. The Company was expected to make $0.13 per share profits but ended up posting a (-$0.12) per share loss, missing by (-$0.25). The surprise loss was the first in two decades driven by headwinds including inflation pressures, supply chain disruption with Omicron-driven factory closings in Asia, and a slow return to the office for clients. The Company still expects workers to return to the office by mid to late 2022, which is the Company’s bread and butter. The supply chain problems have led to higher inflationary pressures, which the Company has little resolution for since most contracts have a fixed price. Price hikes to accommodate inflation will take time to realize as contracts renew. Its hard to believe but the Company is a technology innovator. It first company to develop a prototype of the mouse aka graphic user interface and the point and click system which was the inspiration behind Mac OS and Windows. Unfortunately, they would create then drop the ball as other companies took the ideas to market and commercialized them. However, the Company sees improving page volumes and record backlog, but rising costs need to be capped. Shares trade at 14.67X forward earnings and carries a 5.84% dividend yield. Prudent investors seeking both a value and turnaround play going into the latter half of the second quarter can watch for opportunistic pullback levels in shares of Xerox.
Q1 Fiscal 2022 Earnings Release
On April 21, 2021, Xerox released its fiscal first-quarter fiscal 2022 results for the quarter ending March 2022. The Company reported adjusted earnings-per-share (EPS) loss of (-$0.12) excluding non-recurring items versus consensus analyst estimates for a profit of $0.13 per share, a (-$0.25) per share miss. Revenues fell (-2.5%) year-over-year (YoY) to $1.67 billion beating consensus analyst expectations of $1.63 billion.
Fiscal Full-Year 2022 Guidance
Xerox reaffirmed fiscal full-year 2022 revenue guidance of $7.1 billion versus $7.03 billion consensus analyst estimates. The Company expects to generate free cash flow of at least $400 million, of which 50% will be returned to shareholders.
Conference Call Takeaways
CEO Visentin started off by acknowledging the humanitarian cross in Ukraine and nothing that the Company halted shipments to Russia and provided emergency cash grants to employees in the Ukraine. Its exposure to the Eurasian region is low single digits. He highlighted the headwinds, “The operating environment was once again, challenged in Q1 and will remain fluid in Q2. At the beginning of Q1, the Omicron variant resulted in office closures in our largest markets, affecting page volumes in January and February. Supply chains are still disrupted by COVID-related factory closures in parts of Asia. Inflationary pressure is building across our cost base, including cost of goods sold, labor and logistics. At this point, we continue to expect supply chain conditions to ease beginning in the second half of the year, albeit at a slower pace than originally anticipated.” However, he underscored that return to office trends are improving as Omicron recedes which is leading to higher page volumes. He expects the return to office trend to build its momentum in the second half of the year as things return to normal. The silver lining for the quarter was a record total backlog up 21% to $422 million as equipment demand remained strong outpacing the supply. IT services grew double digits organically helped in part by its acquisition of Canadian IT provider Powerland. The Company underestimated the magnitude of supply chain and inflationary pressures going into the quarter, but still feels a recovery is in the works and reaffirmed its full-year guidance.
XRX Opportunistic Price Levels
Using the rifle charts on the weekly and daily frames provides a precision view of the landscape for XRX stock. The weekly rifle chart peaked on its coil attempt near the $21.25 Fibonacci (fib) level. Shares collapsed through its weekly 5-period moving average (MA) at $19.16 to form an inverse pup breakdown followed by a falling 15-period MA at $20.28. The weekly lower Bollinger Bands (BBs) were hit at $16.24. The weekly stochastic crossed back down from a mini pup attempt to fall back under the 30-band. The weekly market structure low (MSL) buy can trigger on a breakout above the $20.12 level. The daily rifle chart has an inverse pup breakdown with the 5-period MA falling at $18.46 and daily lower BBs at $16.74. The daily 15-period MA resistance is falling at $19.01, 50-period MA resistance sits at $19.72 and 200-period MA resistance sits at $21.11. The sharp drop on earnings results caused a quick reaction on the daily stochastic on the recoil. The daily stochastic is attempting a mini pup through the 30-band for a make or break set-up. Prudent investors can watch for opportunistic pullback levels at the $16.36 fib, $15.49 fib, $14.41 fib, $12.89 fib, $11.52 fib, $10.08 fib, and the $8.04 fib level. Upside trajectories range from the $21.25 fib level up towards the $26.92 fib level.
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Higher Pay, Higher Prices: Could Rapid Career Changes Keep Inflation Skyrocketing? | https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/425860 | 2022-04-27T18:44:04Z | https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/425860 | false |
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The provost at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and four others from out of state were named Wednesday as finalists to lead the UW-Madison flagship campus.
UW-Madison Provost John Scholz was the only finalist from Wisconsin named by a special hiring committee.
The others are Ann Cudd, University of Pittsburgh provost and philosophy professor; Marie Lynn Miranda, a Notre Dame statistics professor and former provost; Jennifer Mnookin, dean of the University of California Los Angeles Law School; and Daniel Reed, a University of Utah computer professor and former provost.
The committee will make a hiring recommendation to the UW Board of Regents after collecting campus feedback.
Current Chancellor Rebecca Blank plans to leave at the end of the spring semester to become president at Northwestern University. | https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Regents-name-UW-Madison-chancellor-finalists-17131038.php | 2022-04-27T18:46:31Z | https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Regents-name-UW-Madison-chancellor-finalists-17131038.php | false |
GENEVA (AP) — A Russian official was among the candidates announced Wednesday for the International Skating Union’s elections in June, if he is allowed to stand to retain his place as a vice president.
Alexander Kakernik would be up against opponents from Canada, Finland and Japan if he is allowed to run. Member federations at the meetings from June 6-10 are expected to vote to bar candidates from Russia and Belarus because of the war in Ukraine.
Two members of the ISU’s ruling council, Patricia St. Peter of the United States and Kim Jae-youl of South Korea, are running to replace president Jan Dijkema of the Netherlands, who is standing down after six years. The other candidates are Slobodan Delic of Serbia, a former international speedskater, and Susanna Rahkamo of Finland. Rahkamo is also a candidate to be vice president.
The ISU elections are the first since a Russian doping scandal overshadowed the figure skating competition at the Beijing Olympics in February, followed by more controversy regarding how teenage athletes are treated by their coaches.
The federation, which oversees figure skating and speedskating, has suspended all athletes and hosting rights from Russia and Belarus in international competitions because of the war in Ukraine. It could go further than the IOC and most Olympic sports which have let Russian officials continue in senior positions.
The ISU congress, which is scheduled to be held in Phuket, Thailand, is also expected to raise the age limit to 17 for international figure skating competitions.
A move to raise the age limit was already in place because of technical skating reasons before the Olympics fueled concerns about how the Russian team, and coach Eteri Tutberidze, treated their teenage athletes.
Kamila Valieva, the 15-year-old pre-Olympic favorite, competed under a cloud following a positive doping test belatedly revealed during the Beijing Games. She failed to get a medal after a mistake-filled program and was greeted with little sympathy by her coach.
Later in Beijing, IOC president Thomas Bach criticized Valieva’s entourage for “a tremendous coldness, it was chilling to see this.”
The ISU is not managing the doping case. It is being investigated in Russia.
In the ISU presidential election, St. Peter said this week she would promote policies to create “an environment that encourages and protects athlete safety and well-being” if elected.
Kim is an executive at Olympic sponsor Samsung who had a senior role in the organizing committee for the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang.
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Russian-seeks-to-keep-senior-role-at-skating-17130857.php | 2022-04-27T18:48:00Z | https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Russian-seeks-to-keep-senior-role-at-skating-17130857.php | true |
MANDEVILLE, La. (WGNO) — Once a year, for about a month, they’re still standing.
Still tall.
Still elegant.
Because they used to grow just about anywhere in Louisiana, in swamps, marshes, and mostly in ditches, they used to call them “ditch lilies”.
WGNO Good Morning New Orleans features reporter Bill Wood says the ditch lily is the iris.
Garay Salathe is a retired home builder.
Now, he’s building a comeback for the iris.
Gary says, “When you see that plant blooming in the swamp and you realize that it’s a native plant, it’s not in any way been affected by humans to create it. It’s something special to see.”
Gary and Josh Benitez lead a group of volunteers who think hard and dig deep to keep their favorite flower blooming.
Their mission is to rescue and relocate them.
They move them away from developers with no desire to let a little iris stop big-time, big-money construction.
The iris initiative was planted back in the 1930s with the first Louisiana Iris Society. Now, in places like Northlake Nature Center in Mandeville, a garden grows.
It’s a garden with a boardwalk built so folks can safely step out and take it all in.
The team with a green thumb is in it to win it.
So far, not been a bad season for Louisiana’s little, ole ditch lily. | https://www.cenlanow.com/state-news/look-what-they-call-the-louisiana-ditch-lily-now/ | 2022-04-27T18:49:25Z | https://www.cenlanow.com/state-news/look-what-they-call-the-louisiana-ditch-lily-now/ | false |
LONDON (AP) — A hands-off approach to moderating content at Elon Musk’s Twitter could clash with ambitious new laws in Europe meant to protect users from disinformation, hate speech and other harmful material.
Musk, who describes himself as a “free speech absolutist,” pledged to buy Twitter for $44 billion this week, with European Union officials and digital campaigners quick to say that any focus on free speech to the detriment of online safety would not fly after the 27-nation bloc solidified its status as a global leader in the effort to rein in the power of tech giants.
“If his approach will be ‘just stop moderating it,’ he will likely find himself in a lot of legal trouble in the EU,” said Jan Penfrat, senior policy adviser at digital rights group EDRi.
Musk will soon be confronted with Europe’s Digital Services Act, which will require big tech companies like Twitter, Google and Facebook parent Meta to police their platforms more strictly or face billions in fines.
Officials agreed just days ago on the landmark legislation, expected to take effect by 2024. It’s unclear how soon it could spark a similar crackdown elsewhere, with U.S. lawmakers divided on efforts to address competition, online privacy, disinformation and more.
That means the job of reining in a Musk-led Twitter could fall to Europe — something officials signaled they’re ready for.
“Be it cars or social media, any company operating in Europe needs to comply with our rules — regardless of their shareholding,” Thierry Breton, the EU’s internal market commissioner, tweeted Tuesday. “Mr Musk knows this well. He is familiar with European rules on automotive, and will quickly adapt to the Digital Services Act.”
Musk’s plans for Twitter haven’t been fleshed out beyond a few ideas for new features, opening its algorithm to public inspection and defeating “bots” posing as real users.
France’s digital minister, Cedric O, said Musk has “interesting things” that he wants to push for Twitter, “but let’s remember that #DigitalServicesAct — and therefore the obligation to fight misinformation, online hate, etc. — will apply regardless of the ideology of its owner.”
EU Green Party lawmaker Alexandra Geese, who was involved in negotiating the law, said, “Elon Musk’s idea of free speech without content moderation would exclude large parts of the population from public discourse,” such as women and people of color.
Twitter declined to comment. Musk tweeted that “the extreme antibody reaction from those who fear free speech says it all.” He added that by free speech, he means “that which matches the law” and that he’s against censorship going “far beyond the law.”
The United Kingdom also has an online safety lawin the works that threatens senior managers at tech companies with prison if they don’t comply. Users would get more power to block anonymous trolls, and tech companies would be forced to proactively take down illegal content.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office stressed the need for Twitter to remain “responsible” and protect users.
“Regardless of ownership, all social media platforms must be responsible,” Johnson’s spokesman Max Blain said Tuesday.
Damian Collins, a British lawmaker who led a parliamentary committee working on the bill, said that if Musk really wants to make Twitter a free speech haven, “he will need to clean up the digital town square.”
Collins said Twitter has become a place where users are drowned out by coordinated armies of “bot” accounts spreading disinformation and division and that users refrain from expressing themselves “because of the hate and abuse they will receive.”
The laws in the U.K. and EU target such abuse. Under the EU’s Digital Services Act, tech companies must put in place systems so illegal content can be easily flagged for swift removal.
Experts said Twitter will have to go beyond taking down clearly defined illegal content like hate speech, terrorism and child sexual abuse and grapple with material that falls into a gray zone.
The law includes requirements for big tech platforms to carry out annual risk assessments to determine how much their products and design choices contribute to the spread of divisive material that can affect issues like health or public debate.
“This is all about assessing to what extent your users are seeing, for example, Russian propaganda in the context of the Ukraine war,” online harassment or COVID-19 misinformation, said Mathias Vermeulen, public policy director at data rights agency AWO.
Violations would incur fines of up to 6% of a company’s global annual revenue. Repeat offenders can be banned from the EU.
The Digital Services Act also requires tech companies to be more transparent by giving regulators and researchers access to data on how their systems recommend content to users.
Musk has similar thoughts, saying his plans include “making the algorithms open source to increase trust.”
Penfrat said it’s a great idea that could pave the way to a new ecosystem of ranking and recommendation options.
But he panned another Musk idea — “authenticating all humans” — saying that taking away anonymity or pseudonyms from people, including society’s most marginalized, was the dream of every autocrat.
___
AP reporter Sam Petrequin in Brussels contributed to this report.
___
See all of AP’s tech coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/technology. | https://www.cenlanow.com/technology/ap-technology/musks-twitter-ambitions-to-collide-with-europes-tech-rules/ | 2022-04-27T18:49:59Z | https://www.cenlanow.com/technology/ap-technology/musks-twitter-ambitions-to-collide-with-europes-tech-rules/ | true |
BATON ROUGE, LA – A grandmother and mother have been arrested on murder charges for the alcohol-poisoning death of the mother’s 4-year-old daughter.
The child died April 21 after her grandmother allegedly forced her to finish off a bottle of whiskey after believing the child had taken a sip from the bottle, police said.
The Baton Rouge Police Department said the mother of Communist China Record, 4, watched as the little girl was made to drink an over half-full bottle of whiskey, according to WGMB Fox 44.
The little girl’s blood alcohol level was .680 when police officers arrived at the family’s home Thursday morning, more than eight times the .08 legal limit for adults.
Roxanne Record, 53, the grandmother, and Kadjah Record, 28, the mother, both were charged with first-degree murder, police said.
Booking documents for the individuals state that they both became angry after Communist China took a sip from the bottle of Canadian Mist whiskey.
Roxanne Record said the bottle was “over half full” when she forced Communist China to drink the rest of it on her knees while her mother was present, according to documents
Police say that the mother was “present and failed to stop” the grandmother “from providing the alcohol,” adding that the child was placed in a bathtub and was unresponsive.
Police were dispatched about 10:50 a.m. Thursday to a house in the 12000 block of Wallis Street about an unresponsive toddler. Officers found the child dead, after Baton Rouge Fire and EMS personnel tried and failed to resuscitate her, according to booking documents for the grandmother.
After she was arrested, Roxanne Record allegedly said “this went too far,” and she “ruined everyone’s lives,” according to The Advocate.
One neighbor told WBRZ 2 that the street was filled with police who cordoned off the house. Neighbors said they had heard conflicting stories about what was happening.
Eventually, they learned the tragic news. The neighbor, who did not want to be identified, said:
“That’s ignorance. All I thought of was ignorance. I’m a mother myself, and there’s no way I’m going to punish my child by (doing that). That’s like a child sticking a hand in fire and you say, ‘Oh, put it back in there to learn your lesson.’ No, that’s not how you teach a child.”
Emery Queen, Communist China Record’s father, spoke to Fox 44 about losing his daughter. He said:
“We’re all hurting. Just a doll, an angel, and it’s hard. She has siblings and it’s going to affect them.”
Queen added:
“If you have a son or daughter, love on them tonight as much as you possibly can.” | https://fromthetrenchesworldreport.com/grandmother-mother-face-murder-charges-for-forcing-4-year-old-girl-to-drink-a-bottle-of-whiskey-as-punishment/301750 | 2022-04-27T18:51:23Z | https://fromthetrenchesworldreport.com/grandmother-mother-face-murder-charges-for-forcing-4-year-old-girl-to-drink-a-bottle-of-whiskey-as-punishment/301750 | false |
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday afternoon's drawing of the Missouri Lottery's "Pick 4 Midday" game were:
3-3-2-2
(three, three, two, two)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday afternoon's drawing of the Missouri Lottery's "Pick 4 Midday" game were:
3-3-2-2
(three, three, two, two) | https://www.myplainview.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Midday-game-17131004.php | 2022-04-27T18:55:38Z | https://www.myplainview.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Midday-game-17131004.php | false |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Russia and the United States have carried out an unexpected prisoner exchange in a time of high tensions, trading a Marine veteran jailed by Moscow for a convicted Russian drug trafficker serving a long prison sentence in America.
The deal announced by both countries involving Trevor Reed, an American imprisoned for nearly three years, would have been a notable diplomatic maneuver even in times of peace. It was all the more surprising because it was done as Russia’s war with Ukraine has driven relations with the U.S. to their lowest point in decades.
The U.S., for its part, returned Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot who’d been serving a 20-year federal prison sentence in Connecticut for conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the U.S. after he was arrested in Liberia in 2010 and extradited to the U.S. The Justice Department has described him as “an experienced international drug trafficker” who conspired to distribute thousands of kilograms of cocaine around the world.
Despite Reed’s release, other Americans remain jailed in Russia, including WNBA star Brittney Griner and Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan.
The exchange took place in Turkey, Reed’s father, Joey Reed, told CNN.
“The American plane pulled up next to the Russian plane and they walked both prisoners across at the same time, like you see in the movies,” he said.
The swap seemed unlikely to herald any larger breakthrough between Washington and Moscow. A senior Biden administration official cautioned that the negotiations centered on a “discrete set of prisoner issues” and did not represent a change to the U.S. government’s condemnation of Russia’s violence against Ukraine.
“Where we can have discussions on issues of mutual interest we will try to talk to the Russians and have a constructive conversation without any way changing our approach to the appalling violence in Ukraine,” the official told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the administration.
President Joe Biden, who met in Washington with Reed’s parents last month, trumpeted Reed’s release and noted without elaboration that “the negotiations that allowed us to bring Trevor home required difficult decisions that I do not take lightly.” The Russian foreign ministry described the exchange as the “result of a long negotiation process.”
Reed, a 30-year-old former Marine from Texas, was arrested in the summer of 2019 after Russian authorities said he assaulted an officer while being driven by police to a police station following a night of heavy drinking. He was later sentenced to nine years in prison, though his family maintained his innocence and the U.S. government described him as unjustly detained and expressed concern about his declining health.
A lawyer for Yaroshenko, who last year sought a reduced prison sentence because of Yaroshenko’s vulnerability to COVID-19, did not immediately return an email seeking comment Wednesday.
Russia had sought Yaroshenko’s return for years while also rejecting entreaties by high-level U.S. officials to release Reed, who was approaching his 1,000th day in custody and whose health had recently been worsening, according to his family.
A senior U.S. official, who was not authorized to discuss the matter by name and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, described Reed’s case as one of “utmost priority” for the Biden administration. His family said Reed’s poor health included symptoms of tuberculosis.
“It was a difficult decision but one that we thought was worth it,” the official said.
Though officials would not say where the transfer took place, in the hours before it happened commercial flight trackers identified a plane belonging to Russia’s federal security service as flying to Ankara, Turkey. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons also updated its website overnight to reflect that Yaroshenko was no longer in custody.
Reed was en route back to the U.S., traveling with Roger Cartsens, the U.S. government’s special presidential envoy for hostage affairs.
“Today, our prayers have been answered and Trevor is on his way back safely to the United States,” Reed’s family said in a statement.
The prisoner swap was the most prominent release during the Biden administration of an American deemed wrongly detained abroad and came even as families of detainees who have met over the last year with administration officials had described the officials as cool to the idea of an exchange.
The U.S. government does not typically embrace such exchanges for fear that it might encourage foreign governments to take additional Americans as prisoners as a way to extract concessions and to avoid a potential false equivalency between an unjustly detained American — which U.S. officials believe Reed was — and a properly convicted criminal.
In this case, though, the U.S. decided the deal made sense in part because Yaroshenko had already served a long portion of his prison sentence, which has now been commuted.
The Reed family thanked Biden “for making the decision to bring Trevor home” as well as other administration officials and Bill Richardson, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, who the family said traveled to Moscow in the hours before the Ukraine war began in hopes of securing Reed’s release.
The Reed family had also been working with a consultant, Jonathan Franks, who has been involved in other high-profile releases, such as the case of Michael White, a Navy veteran freed from Iran in 2020.
Reed’s release had no immediate impact on the cases of other Americans held by Russia. Griner, for one, was detained in February after Russian authorities said a search of her bag revealed a cannabis derivative. Whelan is being held on espionage-related charges his family says are bogus.
U.S. officials have described Whelan as unjustly detained, and Biden said Wednesday “we won’t stop until Paul Whelan and others join Trevor in the loving arms of family and friends.”
Reed’s parents demonstrated outside the White House last month in hopes of getting a meeting with the president.
“We believe that that meeting with the president is what made it happen” Joey Reed told CNN. “Which is what we had said all along — if we could just speak to the president, he’s that kind of person.”
When he is reunited with his son, the father said, “I want to hug him and not let him go.” | https://pix11.com/news/national-news/ap-national/russia-releases-us-marine-vet-as-part-of-prisoner-exchange/ | 2022-04-27T18:56:13Z | https://pix11.com/news/national-news/ap-national/russia-releases-us-marine-vet-as-part-of-prisoner-exchange/ | false |
In the running for the "Vibrant Remote Culture Award," Endgame360 is among the top companies highlighted.
ASHEVILLE, N.C., April 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Endgame360 Inc., the online media publisher of popular sites Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Sportscasting, and MotorBiscuit, is among the top candidates to be recognized through this year's Flexible Workplace Awards.
Hosted by Running Remote, the largest international remote work conference, these awards aim to highlight the companies that excel in providing an exceptional online work experience.
"As a remote-first (only) company since day one, creating a robust and vibrant remote culture has always been our priority," said Jolene Lallouz, Endgame360 CFO. "I am proud of our team's work to develop rituals and connections unique to Endgame360. We have successfully created a supportive and collaborative remote community by listening to our team and following their lead. We continually evaluate and put effort into maintaining our culture to ensure that employees feel connected, passionate, and engaged. We are honored to be a top candidate in this year's Flexible Workplace Awards."
Endgame360 is among four top candidates selected to receive recognition for a Vibrant Remote Culture, a category of the awards that targets fully-remote SMEs with an astonishing online working environment.
Running Remote Co-Founder Egor Borushko said that the intent of the Flexible Workplace Awards is to, "... Recognize the companies that have achieved outstanding results in uncovering the full potential of remote and hybrid work for building collaborative, diverse, and high-performing workplace environments."
This year's Running Remote conference will take place May 17-18 in Montréal, where speakers include more than 40 acclaimed remote work professionals from a variety of industries. Award winners will be announced and honored during a gala ceremony on the first night.
About Endgame360
Publishing since 2009, Endgame360 received the Inc. Best Workplaces Award in 2020. Endgame360 strives to educate passionate fans about topics they love. Its brands, which include Showbiz Cheat Sheet (cheatsheet.com), Sportscasting (sportscasting.com), and MotorBiscuit (motorbiscuit.com), serve over 40 million unique users per month.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Endgame360 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2022/04/27/endgame360-joins-shortlist-running-remotes-2022-flexible-workplace-awards/ | 2022-04-27T18:56:58Z | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2022/04/27/endgame360-joins-shortlist-running-remotes-2022-flexible-workplace-awards/ | false |
Which photography drone is best?
Over a short period, drones went from hobbyist toys with low-resolution cameras on the front to commercially viable gadgets with powerful digital cameras attached underneath. This expanded the capabilities of photographers who could now capture breathtaking images and never-seen-before footage.
While the photography drone market is fierce, DJI is one of the best-known brands globally, filming Hollywood blockbusters and sideline action at international sporting events. The DJI Mavic 3 Camera Drone is a good example, as it can record video in 5.1K resolution and has a flight time of 45 minutes on a single battery pack.
What to know before you buy a photography drone
Built-in camera vs. external camera mount
Your quest for a photography drone should start with the camera — not its capabilities but how it mounts to the drone. There are typically two types of photography drones: those with built-in cameras and those that attach a digital camera through an external mount.
- An external mount lets you use your digital single-lens reflex camera as the capturing device, mounting to the drone’s underside through a bracket.
- Built-in cameras are self-explanatory, as the drone has a camera on the front and records the footage to a memory card.
Image quality is important
If you attach your own digital camera to the drone, you know its capabilities and image quality. But if you are looking for a drone with a built-in camera, its functionality can be a deciding factor. Of course, the image quality must be sufficient for your filming type, but anything lower than full HD (1080p) isn’t worth your time or money. You also might want to consider whether the camera is better at still photography or recording video.
They have a limited range
Drones have several limitations to their flying: their batteries only last about half an hour before needing a recharge, and most can only operate within a specific distance from the controller. Basic photography drones have an average range of about 320 feet, while professional drones can go as far as 9 miles.
What to look for in a quality photography drone
Finding its way home with GPS
If you are spending more than $1,000 on a photography drone, you don’t ever want to lose your camera. However, this can happen if it goes outside the controller’s transmission range or interference messes with the signal. Most drone makers consider that and program a “fly home” feature into the device. So, a good-quality drone lets you set a GPS location as the home base, and if anything untoward happens, the drone automatically makes its way there.
Stability with a three-axis gimbal
One of the most significant differences between mediocre and amazing footage is the visuals’ stability. You might have the perfect subject or scenery, but it will ruin the moment if the camera isn’t held steady. A good-quality photography drone has a built-in camera on a three-axis gimbal. This means the camera can automatically change its pitch, trim and yaw to remain laser-focused on the subject.
Supported image formats
This can be a bit tricky, as different image formats only matter when you use sophisticated photo editing software. But if that’s a requirement for you, look for a photography drone that can shoot in RAW or DNG file formats. These files include all the data from the camera’s sensor, making it easier to tweak in the editing room. Otherwise, the standard formats of JPG for photos or MP4 for video are perfect.
How much you can expect to spend on a photography drone
The price mainly depends on the drone’s capabilities and the built-in camera. A basic photography drone recording at full HD costs $50-$100. But a professional model with a powerful camera can retail for $2,000-$2,500, while cinematic bundles can add another $2,000 to the price tag.
Photography drone FAQ
Is flight time important for a photography drone?
A. Most people stress too much about a drone’s flight time. Almost all drones can’t fly for longer than 30 minutes on a single battery, but that should be more than enough time to get the shot you need. On the other hand, a shorter flight time will force you to practice making the best use of your time. If it’s a concern, buy an extra battery pack.
Is it worth getting a 4K drone or camera?
A. That depends on the content you produce. If you use the drone for commercial aerial shots of vivid and exciting places, 4K could be worth it. On the other hand, if you mainly upload content to Instagram or Facebook, your video is automatically down-scaled, so 4K won’t matter.
What’s the best photography drone to buy?
Top photography drone
DJI Mavic 3 Camera Drone With 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera
What you need to know: Few photography drones can compete with the powerful Hasselblad camera on the Mavic 3. Suitable for recording Hollywood films, it has a sensor with a 12.8-stop range to give more details to shadows and highlights.
What you’ll love: It has one of the most extended flight times of all photography drones, as it can remain in the air for 45 minutes on a single battery. It records video at 5.1K resolution, has a transmission range of 9 miles, and can provide you with a live video feed.
What you should consider: The drone is prohibitively expensive for most, and if you include the Cinematic Combo with more batteries, propellers and Apple ProRes 422 HQ encoding, the price doubles.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top photography drone for the money
Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone with 1080P HD Camera
What you need to know: This drone is perfect for vloggers who want to get amazing footage of their holiday or a friend’s wedding. It captures video in full HD, and the camera has a 120-degree field of view.
What you’ll love: You don’t need an expensive controller with this drone, as it is compatible with most mobile devices. The two included batteries provide 20 minutes of flying time, and the drone has an operational range of around 330 feet.
What you should consider: While it can provide you with a live video feed, it is limited to a 196-foot transmission range.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
DJI Mavic 2 Pro With Hasselblad Camera And Three-Axis Gimbal
What you need to know: The Mavic 2 is a favorite among aerial and sports photographers, as the built-in camera has a 20-megapixel sensor that captures footage at a 4K resolution.
What you’ll love: The drone has a flight time of 30 minutes, a maximum speed of 44 miles per hour and comes with 8 gigabytes of internal storage. The camera sits on a three-axis gimbal, and the drone avoids flying into hazards through Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing.
What you should consider: The Pro is considerably more expensive than the Mavic 2 Zoom, which comes without the smart controller with 5-inch display.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Charlie Fripp 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://pix11.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/camera-photo-br/best-photography-drone/ | 2022-04-27T18:57:48Z | https://pix11.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/camera-photo-br/best-photography-drone/ | false |
Expert advice for curb appeal projects you can do yourself
The front exterior of your house leaves a first impression on everyone who passes by or visits. But if your home’s curb appeal isn’t so appealing, it can be visually unimpressive. Whether you are trying to sell your house or just want it to be more aesthetically appealing, there are projects you can do that aren’t extremely expensive or difficult. Even experienced DIYers need a little help. That’s why we consulted with home improvement and tools expert Beth Allen for advice on DIY projects that are affordable yet take a home’s curb appeal to a whole new level. As the founder of HIP Chicks (Home Improvement Project Chicks), Allen offers project ideas and tips that will make your home impressive at first glance.
Benefits of enhancing curb appeal
Creating curb appeal may seem simple, but Allen reminds readers that it offers several key benefits. It begins with keeping a front porch and entryway tidy. This makes the area welcoming, she said.
It’s also economically smart to enhance the front of a home. Realtors always stress the value of curb appeal, but Allen said it goes beyond that. “There’s always that financial benefit when selling your home. But we’ve all heard of that broken window philosophy: When a broken window in a neighborhood happens and everybody ignores it, the neighborhood starts to deteriorate,” she said. “If you are keeping your home up, it sends a message to everybody else around that you care about your space, you care about your community. It elevates everybody.”
Although it may take some motivation to tackle curb appeal DIY projects, Allen said there are physiological benefits to completing such tasks. Repairs and home beautification also give homeowners a sense of control and safety, she added.
Getting started
Clean the porch and entryway
Before beginning any porch projects, the area should be clean. “Cleaning the porch and entryway is huge. Get a power washer out — or just the garden hose — to get the cobwebs down. Scrub the siding with a brush to get rid of the mold and mildew. Clean your light fixtures to get the bugs and the dust out,” Allen said.
Invest in essential DIY tools
Some curb appeal projects are quite simple, but others require tools. “There’s just the wide range of things that every homeowner needs, and it depends on your skill set, your ambition, your wallet, all of those things,” Allen advised. She recommends purchasing a tool box and stocking it with essential tools, such as a hammer, tape measure, wrench, screwdriver set and needle-nose pliers. While most power tools are best for larger projects and those with some construction skills, Allen said a power drill is a must for most DIYers.
DIY curb appeal projects
Some DIY curb appeal projects require more skills than others. Allen said that small changes, such as adding decorative flower pots and a new doormat, look great but are easy and quite inexpensive.
Painting the front door takes minimal skill but makes a big difference. Allen said that choosing the right paint is essential for excellent results. “Do you get a lot of sun on your door? Is your door exposed to the elements because you don’t have a porch? Is your door wood? Is your door steel?” Allen said these are some factors to take into consideration when choosing door paint.
Curb appeal boosting projects that require a bit more skill but are quite doable include updating front door hardware, adding a peephole and mail slot, replacing address numbers and installing a new mailbox.
Think about security
Not only does exterior lighting add curb appeal, but it also enhances security. Solar uplights and landscape lights are good choices, Allen advised. Lights that work automatically with built-in sensors look great and may deter would-be thieves. “Some have a dusk to dawn photocell in them, or they have the motion-sensing so that it provides security as well,” Allen said. “A well-lit house is less interesting to a burglar than a dark house.”
Whether you have a dog or not, placing a large dog bowl near your entryway or putting up dog signs are also deterrents.
Ideas for apartment dwellers
Enhancing the curb appeal of an apartment makes it feel homey and cozy. Renters have limited options, and Allen noted that nothing that could damage or permanently alter the structure should be used. “Go with a new doormat,” she suggested. “You can hang a pretty architectural piece outside your apartment or next to your entry. Change up a wreath; put out something simple (seasonal or not).”
What to buy for DIY curb appeal projects
Feit Electric Dawn to Dusk Intellibulb
The Dawn to Dusk Intellibulb saves energy and adds security to your home’s exterior, thanks to the built-in sensor that turns it on automatically when the sun goes down. It also shuts off during the day.
Sold by Home Depot and Amazon
DeWalt Screwdriver Bit Set with Nut Drivers
This quality set by DeWalt is packed with durable bits and nuts for completing numerous DIY jobs around the house. The rugged case keeps the 70 pieces well organized, and it is easy to store and transport.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
LPHUMEX Motion-Activated Light Socket
Illuminating your entryway on demand is effortless with these motion-activated sockets that automatically turn lights on when motion is detected by the sensors. You get two sockets for the price.
Sold by Amazon
Ryobi ONE+ Drill/Driver 40-piece Kit
When extra power is needed to complete a DIY job, a drill/driver will come in handy. Ryobi’s ONE+ comes with a lithium-ion battery, a charger, 40 versatile bits and a well-made storage case.
Sold by Home Depot
Winston Porter Ramonita Mineral Stone Nonslip Door Mat
Not only does this mat have an appealing design, but it also features a rubber backing that keeps it in place. It’s constructed of weather-resistant materials that hold up well to the elements and heavy foot traffic.
Sold by Wayfair
Stanley 65-piece Home Tool Kit
This kit is packed with essential tools that will come in handy for DIY projects. It includes a hammer, pliers, a tape measure, hex keys, screwdrivers and more.
Sold by Home Depot
These metal dog signs are stylish and functional, as they have an attractive font that alerts visitors of your four-legged friend. You’ll get two signs per order.
Sold by Amazon
Schlage Camelot Single Cylinder Deadbolt with Accent Handle Door Handleset
Updating an entryway door is easy with this comprehensive lock set that includes a deadbolt and stylish handle. It’s available in several attractive finishes.
Sold by Home Depot
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Jennifer Manfrin 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://pix11.com/reviews/br/home-br/decor-br/our-home-improvement-expert-shares-diy-projects-to-help-your-houses-curb-appeal/ | 2022-04-27T18:58:27Z | https://pix11.com/reviews/br/home-br/decor-br/our-home-improvement-expert-shares-diy-projects-to-help-your-houses-curb-appeal/ | true |
SIDON, Lebanon (AP) — Running for parliament for the first time, independent Hania Zaatari walks down the meandering alleyways of the old souk in the port city of Sidon, telling impoverished workers and traders that fixing Lebanon’s devastating economic crisis is her top priority.
“The economic plan needs to consider marginalized people like you and give them a chance for revival,” she said to 70-year-old Ahmed Abu Dhahr, one of two carpenters remaining on a street that just two years ago boasted roughly 50.
The engineer-turned-candidate exuded confidence and hope. Yet her enthusiasm was met by shrugs and resignation, reflecting widespread fears that the mid-May vote will only perpetuate the grim status quo.
With Lebanon in free-fall for more than two years, it should be a make-or-break vote for the country’s ruling class. Their decades-long grip on power has driven one of the Middle East’s most spirited countries to ruin.
The May 15 elections for parliament are the first since Lebanon’s economic meltdown began in late 2019. The government’s factions have done virtually nothing to address the collapse, leaving Lebanese to fend for themselves as they plunge into poverty, without electricity, medicine, garbage collection or any other semblance of normal life.
These are also the first elections since the August 4, 2020, catastrophic explosion at Beirut port that killed more than 215 people and wrecked large parts of the city. The destruction sparked widespread outrage at the traditional parties’ endemic corruption and mismanagement.
A new generation of political opposition activists, like Zaatari, emerged after mass waves of protests that began in October 2019, a historic moment when Lebanese temporarily dropped their confessional identities and chanted shoulder-to-shoulder for the toppling of the ruling elite.
The activists are trying to build off that political engagement and awareness in Lebanon to enact change.
Yet instead of uniting, self-declared opposition groups are divided along ideological lines on virtually every issue, including over how to revive the economy.
As a result, there are an average of at least three different opposition lists in each of the 15 electoral districts, a 20% increase from the 2018 elections. A total of 103 lists with 1,044 candidates are vying for the 128-seat legislature, which is equally divided between Christians and Muslims.
Many are dreading the prospective outcome.
Lebanon’s rulers, many of them warlords and militia holdovers from the days of the 1975-90 civil war, have proven extremely resilient.
They hang on to their seats from one election to the next and can behave with impunity in power, largely because the sectarian power-sharing system and an antiquated electoral law virtually guarantee their spots in parliament.
Their parties can rally followers who remain fiercely loyal for sectarian or ideological reasons despite outrage over the state of the country. The economic crisis has only made people more dependent on the patronage and cash that parties hand out.
For many, the elections are an exercise in futility.
“I am extremely disappointed and to be honest this is the last card before immigrating from Lebanon,” said Carmen Geha, an associate professor of political studies at the American University of Beirut. She said she was moving to Spain in the summer and that she no longer felt safe in the country.
“It is unacceptable that they wasted the momentum that was on the streets and the suffering that people have,” she said. In the past two years, over 250,000 people have left the country of nearly 7 million.
In the lead-up to the vote, streets have been festooned with giant billboards and posters of candidates with improbable promises of change. It’s a jarring sign of the money being spent on campaigns as the currency continues to slide and inflation, poverty and hunger grow.
Even the mainstream factions have tried to use anger over the port explosion for gain in the election, claiming to be on the side of reform. The Christian Lebanese Forces party has put out campaign messages insisting it pushed for better oversight at the port before the blast.
The explosion was caused by hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate haphazardly stored at a port warehouse. The ruling class united to block the investigation into the blast. Nevertheless, the militant Hezbollah group, which dominates the political landscape and the government, touts in its campaign messages that it wants an investigation.
In an act of blatant defiance, two former ministers wanted for questioning on criminal negligence in connection to the port explosion are running in the elections. The two, Ali Hassan Khalil and Ghazi Zeaiter, belong to the Hezbollah-allied Shiite Amal party.
“If they are to be elected again, I would find it a direct insult to all of the country and all of the victims of the blast, to every normal human being left in this country,” said Paul Naggar, the father of one of the youngest victims of the blast, 3-year-old Alexandra.
Naggar, director of the newly formed political advocacy group Kulluna Irada, said the election was a historic opportunity but expressed frustration at the opposition’s failure to unite.
“We don’t have the luxury to think of right and left and center and socialism or liberalism, we are in a state of survival. It is either we survive or we leave,” he said.
In the northern city of Jounieh, candidate Jad Ghosn, a journalist who recently decided to run for elections with the leftist group Citizens in a State, said the divisions have been obvious from the start.
“We have 300 political groups claiming to be of the opposition and of the revolution, and we don’t have any structure for having a discussion or of trying to coordinate between all of these opposition groups.”
Ghosn is running on a list in the Metn district with the youngest candidate, 25-year-old Verena al-Amil and three others.
Outside a Starbucks, al-Amil approached a man who said he was voting for the Lebanon Forces, one of the main traditional Christian parties. He said he was open to change, but he had not heard of many other parties.
Minutes before, a group of teenagers swarmed flashing hand gestures referring to another Christian party, founded by President Michel Aoun, which is politically allied with Hezbollah. It was a potent sign of the mainstream parties’ power over constituents.
The new independent lists are “non-sectarian so they lack communitarian support, which is the dominant discourse in Lebanese politics,” said Imad Salameh, a professor of political science at the Lebanese American University.
“If the groups had been well-financed, or backed by foreign powers like traditional parties, they might have had a better chance.” | https://cw33.com/news/ap-top-headlines/lebanon-vote-holds-little-hope-for-change-despite-disasters/ | 2022-04-27T18:58:56Z | https://cw33.com/news/ap-top-headlines/lebanon-vote-holds-little-hope-for-change-despite-disasters/ | true |
Greece taps bond markets after sovereign upgrade
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece has raised 1.5 billion euros in a 7-year bond re-issue, tapping markets days after a sovereign credit rating upgrade. Finance Minister Christos Staikouras said the money was raised with a yield of 2.4% ‒ up from the 2% yield in 2020 when the bond was first issued. The ratings agency Standard & Poor’s last week raised the Greek sovereign rating to BB+ from BB, one notch below investment grade. Athens is hoping to return to investment grade next year for the first time since the near-collapse of its economy triggered successive international bailouts starting in 2010. | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national-business/2022/04/27/greece-taps-bond-markets-after-sovereign-upgrade/ | 2022-04-27T18:58:59Z | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national-business/2022/04/27/greece-taps-bond-markets-after-sovereign-upgrade/ | false |
Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation employee receives statewide award
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Department Administrative Assistant to the Director Tracy Sessions has received statewide recognition for her exemplary work in the city.
Sessions received the 2022 Outstanding Support Staff Award given by the Idaho Recreation and Park Association at their awards banquet earlier in April. The award recognizes support staff for exceptional accomplishments, leadership, innovation and service to the parks and recreation profession.
"She is a pillar of our department and plays a significant role in our success," Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Director PJ Holm said. "Tracy consistently demonstrates professionalism and patience. She sets an example for all of Parks and Recreation."
Peers at the Parks and Recreation Department nominated Sessions for the award, noting her efforts as a team player and her willingness to take on additional responsibilities. Among those roles, Sessions has been a member of the War Bonnet Round Up Committee and organizes contracts, pays dues, orders tickets, handles purchasing, organizes merchandise and coordinates participant needs.
“When asked to do something, Tracy delivers,” Idaho Falls Recreation Superintendent Christopher Horsley said. “She is an outstanding support staff member and exemplifies the qualifying characteristics of this award."
Sessions has worked for the City of Idaho Falls for 29 years, with 24 as a Parks and Recreation Administrative Assistant. Sessions has supported multiple directors, assistant directors, superintendents and numerous community programs. | https://localnews8.com/news/idaho-falls/2022/04/27/idaho-falls-parks-and-recreation-employee-receives-statewide-award/ | 2022-04-27T18:59:32Z | https://localnews8.com/news/idaho-falls/2022/04/27/idaho-falls-parks-and-recreation-employee-receives-statewide-award/ | true |
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
© 2022 Good Karma Brands Milwaukee, LLC. | https://wtmj.com/ap-news/2022/04/27/ap-top-business-news-at-1103-a-m-edt-18/ | 2022-04-27T18:59:58Z | https://wtmj.com/ap-news/2022/04/27/ap-top-business-news-at-1103-a-m-edt-18/ | true |
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Over the 10 years Benny Hernandez III was locked in Texas prisons, the summers were always the hardest.
“I would literally dread the summer months,” Hernandez said.
Like many Texas prisoners, Hernandez spent his entire sentence in facilities without air conditioning.
Just a quarter of Texas’ state prisons – 28 of 107 – have air conditioning throughout the unit. It isn’t just uncomfortable, the extreme heat can be deadly. Heat stroke was the official cause of death for six inmates since 2007, according to the Texas Justice Initiative. Recent lawsuits have estimated heat-related deaths could be more than twice as high.
Despite entering the system young and with no preexisting health concerns, there were times Hernandez was certain the heat was killing him.
He woke up one summer morning in the Coffield Prison Unit in East Texas feeling ill.
“I got up one day, and I felt dizzy,” he said. “I thought that I had heatstroke.”
His cellmate alerted a correctional officer, who told him to pour water on his forehead and lay down in his cell. Hernandez was not given medical attention or taken to an air-conditioned part of the facility.
“I felt sick, and I honestly felt like I was going to die,” Hernadez said. “I just knew that my body was simply shut down. It couldn’t deal with the heat anymore.”
‘Too hot to touch’
Michele Deitch, a criminal justice professor at the University of Texas Law School, said the temperatures inside these prisons can reach triple digits during the summer months and put inmates like Hernandez at risk of a stroke and other heat-related illnesses.
“The temperatures can exceed anything that any of us on the outside have ever experienced,” she said. “We’re routinely in excess of 110, 120, 130 degrees, and metal furniture becomes too hot to touch.”
Dr. Amite Dominick of Texas Prison Community Advocates, formerly known as Texas Prisons Air-Conditioning Advocates, said the extreme heat inside prisons often leads prisoners to take drastic measures to cool down.
“Things like flooding the toilet and wetting down your floor, you can get a case for that, which can affect your parole,” Dominick said. “So, some of the options that they’re trying to take, they can actually get in trouble for.”
Hernandez said inmates were sometimes punished for lying on the floor of their cell or removing layers of clothing during the hottest parts of the summer.
“You’re not supposed to sleep on the floor of your cell, because you’re assigned a bunk,” he said. “But the concrete floor, when you put a little water on it, is a lot cooler than a steel bunk.”
Hernandez said official practices for cooling down were often ineffective, especially when he first entered the prison in 2011.
“They placed a 10-gallon cooler in the dayroom for 88 people,” Hernandez said.
Prisoners were expected to get water from the cooler in cups they bought themselves at the prison commissary. Indigent prisoners who could not afford to purchase one had to resort to alternative methods to drink water, he said.
“They were digging through the trash for an empty bottle and would wash it out and get cold water in it,” Hernandez said.
However, Dominick said even if they have access to water, it might not be clean.
“I get reports of things like bugs, roaches and stuff like that in the water,” she said.
Dominick said extreme heat conditions can lead to a domino effect of health crises throughout a facility.
She said many prisoners choose not to take their medication, many of which impact the body’s ability to naturally regulate temperature, because of the heat in the prisons.
“They have to make a choice between, do I take this medication or do I maybe have a heat stroke or have a heart attack or other symptoms of my ailments?” Dominick said.
Dominick believes these medication issues have distorted the number of people reported to have died of extreme heat in Texas prisons.
“If we’ve got a choice between hyperthermia (heat stroke) and cardiac arrest, they’re going to go with cardiac arrest, but the heat was still a major contributing factor in that death,” Dominick said.
Prison officials told KXAN all unattended inmate deaths are investigated by the Texas Board of Criminal Justice’s Office of Inspector General, and all autopsies are performed by independent practitioners.
The cost of cooling
Hernandez said the summer heat caused people within the unit to become more agitated and violent during periods of extreme heat.
“During the summertime, tempers were short, and people knew that,” he said. “The wrong thing said and the wrong thing done could lead to physical violence.”
Dominick advocates for air conditioning in all units within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice with an acceptable cooling range between 65 and 85 degrees year-round. However, attempts to codify this recommendation into law in the Texas Legislature have historically been unsuccessful, mostly due to the cost. TDCJ claims cooling all Texas prisons would cost $1 billion.
But, TDCJ has overestimated air conditioning costs for individual units before. The Wallace Pack Unit, a geriatric Texas prison South of College Station, was the subject of a 2017 lawsuit that ended in an order requiring TDCJ to install air conditioning in the facility. Originally TDCJ claimed the renovation would cost $11 million. The final cost of adding air conditioning totaled around $4 million.
“It’s not an insignificant cost, although no one can agree on exactly what that is,” Deitch said. “TDCJ will tell you it’s billions of dollars. That seems to be a wildly exaggerated figure based on what the cost in a couple of the facilities so far has been.”
In a statement, TDCJ said despite not having air conditioning in these facilities, they still take measures against extreme heat.
“TDCJ takes precautions to help reduce heat-related illnesses such as providing water and ice to staff and inmates in work and housing areas, restricting inmate activity during the hottest parts of the day and training staff to identify those with heat-related illnesses and refer them to medical staff for treatment,” according to the prison system.
Dominick said even with these precautions, the treatment of prisoners is inhumane.
“How is it that we can continue to allow this to happen to human beings, and we will not allow that to happen to animals? Pigs have AC. Dogs have AC.” Dominick said. “In society, if you leave your dog in a car in those temperatures, you’re going to receive charges.” | https://cw33.com/news/texas/only-a-quarter-of-texas-prisons-have-air-conditioning-heres-what-that-means-for-prisoners/ | 2022-04-27T19:01:07Z | https://cw33.com/news/texas/only-a-quarter-of-texas-prisons-have-air-conditioning-heres-what-that-means-for-prisoners/ | false |
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
© 2022 Good Karma Brands Milwaukee, LLC. | https://wtmj.com/entertainment/2022/04/27/ap-top-entertainment-news-at-1055-a-m-edt-3/ | 2022-04-27T19:03:06Z | https://wtmj.com/entertainment/2022/04/27/ap-top-entertainment-news-at-1055-a-m-edt-3/ | false |
DALLAS, April 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Trive Capital Real Estate is excited to announce its acquisition of Med Main, a 338-unit multifamily property in Houston's Medical Center submarket. This acquisition was completed in partnership with Aspen Oak Capital Partners ("Aspen Oak"), a Dallas-based owner/operator with deep experience in the multifamily market.
Located minutes from the Texas Medical Center, Med Main is a 2020-constructed, class AA community offering incredible access to of the area's dynamic employment hubs. The property's highly desirable community amenities include a resort-style pool and outdoor entertainment space, a penthouse level sky lounge, a two-story fitness center, and coworking space. The property also offers direct access to Interstate 610, Houston's inner loop highway.
"This acquisition is truly representative of our investment approach – a unique opportunity sourced off-the-run alongside a long-standing relationship with a clear path to value-creation. We have a unique opportunity to add value to our investment and the community through hands-on asset management. We are thrilled to partner with Aspen Oak and own this high-quality product in a market with tremendous job growth," said Troy Daniel, Founding Partner of Trive Capital Real Estate.
"Trive's real estate equity strategy focuses on executing with trusted partners on value-add opportunities with strong growth drivers. Med Main is a great fit, aligning well with each component of our overall strategy," added Conner Searcy, Managing Partner of Trive Capital.
Trive Capital Real Estate focuses on investing in stabilized acquisition, value-add repositioning, and ground-up development opportunities through both joint venture relationships and on a direct basis. Trive's philosophy is centered around creating value at the asset level through a hands-on, collaborative approach.
About Trive
Trive Capital is a Dallas, Texas based private equity firm with over $4 billion in regulatory assets under management. Trive focuses on investing equity and debt in what it sees as strategically viable middle-market companies with the potential for transformational upside through operational improvement. We seek to maximize returns through a hands-on partnership that calls for identifying and implementing value creation ideas.
The Trive team is comprised of seasoned investment professionals who have been involved in over 100 middle-market transactions representing in excess of $6 billion in revenue across Trive's targeted industry sectors and situations
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Trive Capital | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2022/04/27/trive-capital-real-estate-completes-acquisition-med-main/ | 2022-04-27T19:03:12Z | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2022/04/27/trive-capital-real-estate-completes-acquisition-med-main/ | true |
Which multivitamin is best?
While doctors agree that the best way to get the nutrients your body needs is through a healthy diet of whole foods, sometimes that isn’t possible. Even the best diets can use a boost during times of stress and biological changes (such as pregnancy or during growth spurts).
When a multivitamin is the answer to the problem of dietary support, choosing the right one can make all the difference. Centrum and Nature Made produce some of the most popular multivitamins on the market, but which brand is best?
Centrum multivitamin
Centrum multivitamins are available in capsules, chewables and gummies. They are formulated for all age ranges and nutritional needs. Look for specific formulas for men, women and kids, too.
Centrum multivitamin pros
Clear labeling and a wide variety of choices are key, and Centrum has you covered. They can help you identify which multivitamin is best for you and have a good selection to choose from. Some of their most popular options include formulations for:
- Men (and men over 50)
- Women (and women over 50)
- People who are pregnant
- Children
They also have options for beauty and antioxidant support. Whatever your dietary needs, they have you covered. All multivitamins have micronutrients included. These help increase tolerance and improve bioavailability.
Centrum has been a trusted brand for 40 years. Their multivitamins are gluten-free.
Centrum multivitamin cons
Gummy multivitamins contain added sugar and should not be taken in larger doses than recommended for your age and nutritional requirements.
Additionally, Centrum includes binders and fillers that add no food value, and the vitamins and minerals in the supplements are derived from synthetic sources.
Some people have reported side effects from Centrum multivitamins, including:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- General stomach upset
These are usually temporary and may be the result of taking too high a dose. Still, it can be unsettling to take a multivitamin that makes you feel sick.
Best Centrum multivitamin
Centrum Silver Men and Women 50+ Bundle Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplement
This includes one bottle each for men and women over 50. The capsules contain vitamins and minerals crucial for healthy support of older adults. They are non-GMO and gluten-free. Sold by Amazon
Centrum Chewable Multivitamin for Kids
Kids as young as 2 enjoy these fruit-flavored chewables. They focus on healthy nutrition for growing kids, with iron, zinc, beta-carotene, antioxidants and vitamins E and C. Sold by Amazon
Centrum MultiGummies Omega-3 Gummy Multivitamin for Adults
Each bottle of gummies has three different flavors to choose from — strawberry, lemon and orange. They focus on heart health, brain function and immune support. Sold by Amazon
Nature Made multivitamin
Nature Made multivitamins also have a diverse line of products for people at all ages and stages of development. They are available in capsules, chewables, softgels and gummies. Their vitamins are all-natural and gluten-free.
Nature Made multivitamin pros
Dosing and vitamins are tailored to age group and gender. This makes it easy to pick the product that suits your needs. As with Centrum multivitamins, Nature Made also has specific formulas for nutritional goals (e.g., heart and brain health).
In terms of effectiveness, researchers have used Nature Made supplements in clinical trials for the last two decades. The results of these studies inform their product development.
These vitamins are at a lower price point, making it easier for everyone to access the dietary support they need.
Nature Made multivitamin cons
With good bioavailability and a wide array of products, it’s easy to find the multivitamin that is right for you. However, there is a significant con, which is also a pro — Nature Made states that their vitamins may interact with other medications. The fact that they state this upfront is a clear sign that the brand cares about their customers, but it’s something to be aware of as you seek out a multivitamin.
Some people reported side effects with Nature Made vitamins, such as dry mouth from the addition of vitamin D. Again, this seems a matter of adding a dose that was too large too quickly.
Best Nature Made multivitamin
Nature Made Women’s Multivitamin 50+ Softgels
These are formulated without iron. The pills are easy to swallow. They have 22 nutrients with a focus on general support, plus brain function, bone strengthening and heart health. Each bottle lasts approximately two months. Sold by Amazon
Nature Made Prenatal Multivitamin With 200 Milligrams of DHA
Healthy babies and the people carrying them benefit from this multivitamin with DHA, folic acid and other essential nutrients. They are available in a 60-, 90- and 110-day supply, with a recommended dose of just one softgel per day. Sold by Amazon
Nature Made Multivitamin + Omega-3 Gummies
Adults love these strawberry, lemon and orange gummies with vitamin C, D3 and vitamin A. They provide immune support, healthy muscle and bone development and a quick boost of natural energy. They’re gluten-free, with no synthetic dyes or artificial sweeteners or flavors. Sold by Amazon
Should you get a Centrum or Nature Made multivitamin?
Even though both brands have thousands of positive reviews and are backed by research, Nature Made is the better choice. In addition to offering a variety of formulations for all nutritional goals, they also come in gummies, capsules, chewables and softgels for all ages. This makes it easier to take a vitamin, especially for children or adults who have trouble swallowing pills.
Nature Made multivitamins is the first multivitamin to earn the United States Pharmacopeia’s Verified Mark, indicating that what’s on the label matches what’s in the bottle.
They are also more affordable than Centrum, making it easier to add them to your diet. They use naturally-derived vitamins and minerals from non-GMO sources.
However, the best multivitamin for you is the one that works for your specific health concerns. Before you begin supplementation, talk to your doctor about which multivitamin is best for you.
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Suzannah Kolbeck writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Best pet vacuums for pet hair
Having a pet comes with many benefits, but keeping up with the shedding can be challenging. If you’re looking for ways to keep your floors clean, a pet vacuum designed specifically for pet hair is a great solution. There are many types of vacuums for pet owners, each with its own features and recommended floor type.
Vacuum types
Here are the main types of vacuum for pet hair:
- Upright vacuums: These all-in-one devices usually have a vacuum head, debris storage and handle in one main section. They’re easy to use and can stand upright on their own, making it convenient to store them.
- Handheld vacuums: These are lightweight and work well for vacuuming pet hair and other debris in targeted areas. These aren’t always as powerful as upright or canister vacuums, but they are convenient for spot cleaning upholstery, corners and small floors.
- Canister vacuums: Slightly lighter than their upright counterparts, these are unique because they have a separate canister to hold debris and pet hair. They usually have more power than upright vacuums and can reach hard-to-get areas like under furniture, but they’re bulkier and take up more storage space.
- Robot vacuum: A robot vacuum is perfect for day-to-day or minor cleaning. It also reduces how much pet hair your regular vacuum has to collect and can cut down on how often you need to vacuum the entire house. One popular brand of robot vacuum is the Roomba. These require a charging station or battery.
Power suction
All vacuum cleaners come with specific suction power or air watts. Based on the type, here’s what you can typically find:
- Canister vacuum: 280-300 air watts
- Upright vacuum: 180-200 air watts
- Robot vacuum: 80-100 air watts
- Cordless vacuum: 100 air watts
- Handheld vacuum: Around 20 air watts
If the device has at least 100 air watts, it should be able to collect most debris, including pet hair. The exception to this is handheld vacuums, which can pick up more due to their targeted cleaning.
Brushes and attachments
Vacuum cleaners typically come with a set of attachments and brushes. Upright and canister models usually have specific brushes or hoses that can quickly grab and suck up pet hair. Many uprights also have a brush roll that spins to help free debris and hair from carpets or rugs. Some vacuums have special brushes for pet hair instead of or in addition to a rotating brush roll. These primarily use suctioning power to work.
Most vacuum cleaners, including canister models, come with a wide range of attachments for cleaning specific floors or furniture. Attachments such as the crevice tool are essential since they can get into areas the main device can’t reach and suction up pet hair.
Floor type
Before getting a vacuum cleaner, consider the type of floor you have. For carpet, you need a device that can dislodge hair using good suction and specific brushes. For hard floors, choose a vacuum that prioritizes suction over brushes. These devices can easily collect fur and other common debris that gathers on the floor.
Corded vs. cordless
Vacuums for pet hair are either corded or cordless.
- Corded: These devices usually have more suction power than cordless ones. Cords come in different lengths, ranging from 15 to 30 feet on average. Some vacuums have cords that retract on their own, making it easy to put them away when done cleaning. Corded vacuums are best for dealing with large, flat surfaces.
- Cordless: Some vacuums are cordless and use a rechargeable battery to function. Robot vacuums are cordless, but so are some handheld and simple stick vacuums. Typically, cordless devices are strong enough to suck up pet hair and other large debris.
Best vacuums for pet hair
This vacuum cleaner has around 100 air watts of suction power to pick up pet hair, dirt and debris. It has a self-adjusting head that works great on carpet and hard floors. It also has a tangle-free turbine tool, a combination tool and a stair tool for cleaning different surfaces. The long-reaching hose can also easily reach troublesome areas. Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Eureka NEU522 FloorRover Dash Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner
This bagless upright device comes with several attachments, including a pet turbo brush, crevice tool, dusting brush and multi-angle adapter. It can transition with ease from hard floors to carpets. It also uses a multi-cyclone separation system that traps up to 99.97% of allergens, including pet dander and dust. It comes with a 35-foot cord and is available in either deep ocean or gray and red. Sold by Amazon
Samsung Jet 60 Flex Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
This lightweight stick vacuum is ideal for pet owners who want a quick solution for dealing with pet hair but don’t want to worry about tripping over a cord. It’s battery-operated and can run up to 40 minutes on a full charge. It also has a swivel head that lets users reach almost any area. The motor is efficient and has strong suction power at 150 air watts. It uses a five-layer filtration system that traps nearly 100% of fine dust. Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Kenmore 81615 600 Series Pet-Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum With Pet PowerMate
This bagged canister vacuum is powerful enough to handle anything you throw at it. It can trap 99.97% of dirt inside, making for cleaner air. It has a 28-foot cord and comes with two different floor nozzles, a crevice tool, a wand extension, a bare floor tool and a dirt brush tool. It’s available in four colors, including purple and green. Sold by Amazon
Shark Wandvac Cordless Hand Vac
This lightweight handheld device can capture debris and pet hair with ease. It uses a brushless motor that has good suction for spot cleaning and hair removal. It’s also quick to charge. Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Bissell Cleanview Rewind Pet Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
With a triple-action brush roll that can easily dislodge pet hair, embedded dirt and other debris, this powerful upright vacuum cleaner works on hard floors and carpets. It has a 25-foot-long cord with an automatic cord rewind. It’s designed with scatter-free technology, which prevents debris from moving around on hard floors. Sold by Amazon
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium-Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum
This handheld device is perfect for anyone who wants to do some spot cleaning or tackle tricky areas such as upholstery or corners. It comes with triple-level filtration and a set of pet-specific cleaning tools. Sold by Amazon
Ilife V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner
This robot vacuum is designed to tackle pet hair and similarly sized debris. It uses straight suction, giving it more power than devices that use a brush roll. It’s ideal for hard floors and low pile carpet. Sold by Amazon
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Angela Watson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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Which Lodge cast iron Dutch oven is best?
Among cooks, there’s no disagreement that cast iron cookware is some of the best you can buy. When properly taken care of, cast iron can last for generations. In fact, cast iron cookware is commonly passed down from parent to child. The Dutch oven is among the most versatile cast iron cookware. Of all the cast iron cookware brands, Lodge is hard to beat.
The best Lodge cast iron Dutch oven is the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Dutch Oven. It is among the best-selling Lodge options and comes in four sizes.
What to know before you buy a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven
Capacity and shape
Lodge offers many capacities and two shapes of its cast iron Dutch oven line.
- Capacity: Lodge measures capacity in quarts, and its Dutch ovens typically come in sizes between 1 and 10 quarts.
- Shape: Lodge cast iron Dutch ovens can be circular or oval. They both cook essentially the same, but foods that require extra length, such as fish or ribs, benefit from oval ovens.
Aesthetics
Most Lodge cast iron Dutch ovens look the same. They’re round chunks of black metal with an old-fashioned aesthetic. If this doesn’t appeal to you, Lodge also offers enamel-coated models in dozens of colors.
Bundles
Some Lodge cast iron Dutch ovens come in bundles. Most bundles include Lodge cast iron skillets of varying sizes. Some special bundles pair a skillet that doubles as the lid of the included Dutch oven. Others include accessories or cleaning kits.
What to look for in a quality Lodge cast iron Dutch oven
Lid
Lodge cast iron Dutch oven lids have two aspects to check for: a handle and a seal.
- Handle: Lid handles typically come in a loop or a knob shape. Loop handles need to have enough space to fit an oven mitt around them. Knobs need to be proportionately sized to your hand so that it’s easy for you to grab them.
- Seal: The lid should create a tight seal around the edge of the Dutch oven, except for the spout on models that have them.
Body handles
Lodge cast iron Dutch ovens have a few types of body handles. The worst is a pan-like handle that protrudes outward. This option is challenging to manipulate. However, loop handles welded on the sides make it easy to manipulate the oven. Some also include a wire loop that attaches to the handles. This design is intended for campfire cooking, but you can remove the loop for use in a standard oven.
Pre-seasoning
Most Lodge cast iron Dutch ovens come pre-seasoned, meaning an initial layer of oil has already been applied. You’ll still need to season it many times over the years, but it’s a good first step.
How much you can expect to spend on a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven
Lodge cast iron Dutch ovens typically cost $30-$150. Prices are mainly affected by the size of the Dutch oven. There are also bundles available that typically cost $100-$200.
Lodge cast iron Dutch oven FAQ
What cooking methods can a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven perform?
A. All of them. There’s essentially nothing a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven can’t do. It can braise, fry, bake, roast, saute, boil, etc.
How do I clean a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven?
A. The proper way to clean cast iron is a point of contention among cooks. The basics are typically the same. Clean it right after you use it, and make sure it’s completely dry before storing it.
Can I place a Lodge cast iron Dutch oven on my stovetop?
A. Yes, its Dutch ovens can be used on any stovetop. That said, be gentle when moving them around a glass stovetop. They have the potential to scratch or even shatter glass.
What’s the best Lodge cast iron Dutch oven to buy?
Top Lodge cast iron Dutch oven
What you need to know: It doesn’t get better than Lodge’s classic Dutch oven.
What you’ll love: It’s available in 1-, 2-, 5- and 7-quart sizes, all of which come pre-seasoned with vegetable oil. It has durable loop handles and a lid that perfectly aligns with the edges to create a tight seal, except for a small spout that doubles as a vent.
What you should consider: A few consumers had issues with the pre-seasoning flaking away during cooking. Others had problems with the cast iron leaving rust stains on their countertops.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Lodge cast iron Dutch oven for the money
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Five-Piece Set and Care Kit
What you need to know: This kit is the perfect way to stock up your kitchen.
What you’ll love: The cast iron set includes a small- and medium-sized skillet, a large griddle, a Dutch oven and a matching lid. The care kit includes a 6-ounce can of Ledge seasoning spray, a cleaning brush, a pan scraper, a handle holder and a care booklet.
What you should consider: The care booklet offers questionable advice. Namely, you should use mild dish soap to deep clean without mentioning that this can strip away weak seasoning.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
What you need to know: The enamel is attractive and adds unique properties.
What you’ll love: It’s available in 27 colors, including several shades of red and blue, plus it comes in six sizes. The enameled coating and cast iron core make the Dutch oven nonstick without the need for seasoning and it’s still able to function on induction cooktops.
What you should consider: This is Lodge’s only product to be made outside of the U.S. The enamel is delicate and can shatter if subjected to sudden changes in temperature.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Wayfair
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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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The Bottom Line
The benchmark S&P 500 (
Quarterly Price Momentum Remains Negative
The upper panel of the chart below plots the S&P 500 weekly since mid 2018, with a corresponding chart of the index’s 13-week (quarterly) rate of change in the lower panel. The rate of change (ROC) is the speed at which a variable changes over a specific period of time. ROC is often used when speaking about momentum.
The red highlights between both panels show that SPX’s 13-week rate of change has been negative (below its zero line) since January 21st, and also that this metric closely defined the index’s previous two significant declines between February and May 2020 and between October 2018 and February 2019.
As long as the 13-week rate of change remains negative, the current quarterly US broad market decline will remain valid and intact.
Market Internals Remain Weak
The table below shows that, through Tuesday April 26th, all Asbury 6 constituent metrics are negative (red). The “A6” model itself has been on a Negative status since April 12th and the S&P 500 has declined by 5.3% since then.
The Asbury 6 is one of two Asbury Research tactical risk management models. It was designed to help investors determine what the real day-to-day condition of the market is in an environment where computer driven trading (which dominates daily stock market volume) has made investing in equities much more nerve-wracking and confusing.
As long as the Asbury 6 remains on a Negative status as it is now, any market rallies that emerge are likely to be unsustainable and short-lived.
How To Interpret The Asbury 6: Four or more metrics in one direction, either Positive (green) or Negative (red), indicate a Tactical bias. The dates in each cell indicate when each individual constituent of the A6 turned either positive (green) or negative (red). When all Asbury 6 are positive, market internals are the most conducive to adding equity risk to portfolios. Each negative reading adds an additional element of risk to participating in current or new investment ideas.
Seasonality Also Turns Decidedly Bearish This Week
In addition to currently weak market internals as indicated by the Asbury 6, the chart below shows that the 2nd Quarter seasonal pattern in the S&P 500 also turns sharply negative this week.
The green highlights in the chart below show that the first three weeks of April, which have just passed, include three of the four strongest of the entire 2nd Quarter in the S&P 500 based on data since 1957. The chart also shows that this week kicks off a sharp bearish change in this seasonal pattern, during which six of the next ten weeks through June are negative.
S&P 500 Is Testing Critical Support Now
The next chart plots the S&P 500 daily over the past year along with its 200- and 50-day moving averages, widely watched major and minor trend proxies. The green highlights show that the index is currently testing critical underlying support at 4158 to 4115, which are this year’s February 24th and March 8th lows. As of midday today, SPX clearly “sees’ this support area is trying to rebound from it.
However, the current major downtrend will remain valid as long as the index remains below major overhead resistance at 4495 to 4513, which represents the 200-day moving average and the April 21st high. Moreover, especially considering currently weak market internals and bearish seasonality, a breakdown below the 4158 to 4115 area could trigger a much deeper decline, potentially another 12% to 17% lower to test longer term underlying support at the 3588 and 3394 levels.
Conclusion
After a decade of historically low interest rates and a Federal Reserve that had the market’s back at every turn, things have changed. Covid 19 has moved from pandemic to endemic status, inflation has emerged in a big way, and the Fed has initiated a new tightening cycle to throw a wet blanket on a too-hot economy. Meanwhile, the war in Eastern Europe has injected an acute level of uncertainty into global economies, and financial markets do not like uncertainty. All of this has resulted in a relatively new major downtrend in the US stock market, and a wide array of technical and quantitative factors — including weak market internals and 2nd Quarterly seasonality — warn that things could get a lot worse before they get better. Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.
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By STEVE KARNOWSKI and MOHAMED IBRAHIM
Associated Press
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Almost two years after George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer, Minnesota’s Department of Human Rights was set Wednesday to announce findings from its investigation into whether the city police department had a pattern of racial discrimination in policing.
An affirmative finding could lead to a consent decree — a court-enforceable settlement — requiring changes.
The state launched its investigation barely a week after Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020. Then-Officer Derek Chauvin used his knee to pin the Black man to the pavement for 9 1/2 minutes in a case that sparked protests around the world against police racism and brutality. Chauvin, who is white, was convicted last spring of murder. Three other officers — Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng — were convicted this year of violating Floyd’s civil rights in a federal trial and they face a state trial starting in June.
Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero said then that the state hoped to use the investigation to find long-term solutions for systemic change. She said the goal was to negotiate a consent decree with the city that courts could enforce with injunctions and financial penalties, citing such agreements in over a dozen other cities including Chicago, where the U.S. Justice Department found a long history of racial bias and excessive use of force by police.
The department quickly won a court order in which the city agreed to make immediate changes, including banning chokeholds and requiring officers to intervene when they see another officer using inappropriate force.
Since then, state investigators have been reviewing a decade’s worth of information, including data on traffic stops, searches, arrests and uses of force, and examined policies and training. They also invited citizens to submit their own stories of encounters with Minneapolis police.
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency. Its duties include enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act which, among other things, makes it illegal for a police department to discriminate against someone because of their race.
The department has come under pressure from multiple directions since Floyd’s death. The U.S. Department of Justice is also investigating Minneapolis policing practices, though it is not thought to be close to a conclusion.
Several City Council members and residents have pushed to replace the department with a new public safety unit that they argue could take a more comprehensive public health approach to policing, including dropping a required minimum number of police officers. Voters rejected the idea last year.
Mayor Jacob Frey and Chief Medaria Arradondo, before his retirement in January, also made a range of changes in department policies and practices, including requiring officers to document their attempts to de-escalate situations, and no longer stopping motorists for minor traffic violations.
But community anger at police flared anew in February when police officers serving a no-knock warrant shot and killed Amir Locke, a 22-year-old Black man who was staying on a couch in his cousin’s apartment. Prosecutors declined to charge the officer who shot Locke, saying body camera video showed him pointing a gun at the officer, a claim his family disputed. The city has since banned no-knock warrants except in the most extreme circumstances, such as a hostage situation.
___
Find AP’s full coverage of the death of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd
___
Ibrahim is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/04/27/state-wraps-probe-of-minneapolis-police-after-floyd-killing-2/ | 2022-04-27T19:09:12Z | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/04/27/state-wraps-probe-of-minneapolis-police-after-floyd-killing-2/ | false |
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats vowed to continue investigating consulting giant McKinsey’s work with opioid drugmakers after a Wednesday hearing detailed how the firm had advised companies pushing painkillers as well as U.S. health regulators.
The hearing before a House committee is part of an ongoing probe into McKinsey’s role in theU.S. opioid crisis that has been linked to over 500,000 overdose deaths from both prescription pain medications and illicit drugs like fentanyl.
McKinsey’s top executive challenged some of the committee’s findings but said the company has overhauled how it does business and no longer works with opioid manufacturers, including OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharma.
“I’ve apologized for our work for Purdue and other opioid manufacturers and we fully recognize it fell short of our standards,” said Bob Sternfels in testimony before the House Oversight and Reform Committee. He said the company would continue cooperating with investigators.
Last year the consulting powerhouse agreed to pay $600 million to settle lawsuits over its work advising opioid makers, though it admitted no wrongdoing.
Lawmakers questioned Sternfels for three hours about revelations that his company allowed consultants working for Purdue Pharma to simultaneously advise the Food and Drug Administration, the agency tasked with overseeing drug safety.
“McKinsey was advising both the fox and the hen-house — and getting paid by both,” said Chairwoman Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y. ”Clearly, McKinsey should not be setting strategy for both drug companies and the FDA.”
A preliminary reportfrom the committee found 22 McKinsey consultants who worked for both the FDA and an opioid manufacturer over the span of a decade. The overlapping work included McKinsey staffers advising the FDA on overhauling its drug safety division, according to the committee’s review of thousands of company documents.
Meanwhile, McKinsey consultants recommended “cash prizes” and “unrivaled recognition” for top OxyContin sales reps to increase Purdue’s revenue, according to a 2013 strategy presentation released Wednesday.
Lawmakers heard conflicting accounts of whether McKinsey’s work helped Purdue avoid tighter FDA regulation.
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, testifying remotely, said that her state’s own investigation into McKinsey uncovered emails recommending Purdue “band together” with other drugmakers in 2009 to “defend against strict treatment by the FDA.”
Sternfeld said McKinsey did not share FDA documents or intelligence with Purdue and said claims of information sharing were inaccurate.
He also testified that McKinsey was open with FDA about its pharmaceutical consulting work.
“We made very clear that we were working both with the industry and with opioids in particular,” Sternfeld said. FDA officials have previously stated they were aware of McKinsey’s pharmaceutical consulting.
Maloney and other Democrats repeatedly suggested McKinsey’s work may have violated federal contracting rules on disclosing potential conflicts of interest.
On Wednesday, Maloney introduced legislation that would tighten requirements for contractors to disclose potential conflicts. A bipartisan group of Senators previously introduced similar legislation in their chamber.
The committee’s Republicans spent most of their allotted time undercutting the relevance of the hearing, noting the vast majority of opioid overdoses are now caused by fentanyl and heroin, not prescription drugs. They urged tighter border security, noting nearly all illicit opioids enter the U.S. through the southern border.
“We have a new opioid crisis, folks, and it’s not from big pharma in the United States— it’s from the drug cartels who operate sites in Mexico,” said Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Florida.
House Democrats spotlighted several examples of McKinsey touting its FDA connections when soliciting consulting business from drugmakers. The company also submitted advice on dealing with the opioid epidemic to members of the Trump administration, according to the report. It’s unclear if the information had any effect on federal policy.
For decades, McKinsey has been the preeminent corporate consulting firm, advising many of the world’s biggest companies on strategy and operations. The company has also made inroads into government consulting, receiving nearly $1 billion in federal contracts.
The Oversight Committee scrutinized McKinsey’s work on three dozen FDA contracts worth more than $65 million, stretching from 2008 to 2021.
At a separate Senate hearing Tuesday, the head of FDA’s drug center director told lawmakers McKinsey’s work was about “organizational design and did not entail involvement in product regulation.” The agency currently has no contracts with McKinsey, she noted, and no new awards are expected while Congress investigates the firm.
The House report did not conclude that McKinsey’s FDA consulting resulted in lighter regulation of OxyContin or any other opioids.
For years the FDA has attempted to discourage doctors from overprescribing the drugs, mainly by adding starker warnings to their labeling. Prescriptions have fallen from their peak in 2012, but mainly due to new prescribing limits imposed by state and local governments, insurers and hospital systems.
___
AP Writer Geoff Mulvihill contributed to this story from Cherry Hill, N.J. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/political-news/ap-politics/mckinsey-exec-faces-questions-on-opioid-fda-consulting-work/ | 2022-04-27T19:09:37Z | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/political-news/ap-politics/mckinsey-exec-faces-questions-on-opioid-fda-consulting-work/ | true |
MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday afternoon's drawing of the Wisconsin Lottery's "Pick 3 Midday" game were:
0-1-4
(zero, one, four)
MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday afternoon's drawing of the Wisconsin Lottery's "Pick 3 Midday" game were:
0-1-4
(zero, one, four) | https://www.theridgefieldpress.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-3-Midday-game-17131177.php | 2022-04-27T19:10:57Z | https://www.theridgefieldpress.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-3-Midday-game-17131177.php | false |
There appears not to be room for doubt! Here’ was written just one and three qua versets! How strange! They ought really I guess not to have placed me! You say, as it was my name; which ought by common right as your guard: How! When in life it hath no place But under one I gave? Why do ye think it strange Thou’t so soon turn back from me And, like another of no band or brotherhood! For thee I The nation's largest organization of pediatric surgeons has endorsed President Biden's pick to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, saying it is "counterproductive" to leave ATF without a permanent director when the number of gun-related injuries and deaths is climbing among American children.
In a letter sent to Senate leaders and the top Democrat and Republican on the Judiciary Committee, the American Pediatric Surgical Association called on lawmakers to confirm Biden's ATF nominee, former U.S. Attorney Steven Dettelbach.
"The mission of the ATF is to protect the public from crimes involving firearms, which too often impact children," the pediatric organization says in the letter, a copy of which was obtained by NPR. "APSA surgeons speak to the importance of this mission from firsthand experience in the care of children who sustain firearm injuries."
The organization, which has more than 1,600 members, says it is "imperative" that ATF have a strong and effective director, and it argues that Dettelbach "is an individual who has the capability for such effective leadership."
Gun-related injuries are now the leading cause of death for American children and teenagers, the New England Journal of Medicine reported this month, with the rate of firearm-related deaths rising 29.5% from 2019 to 2020 for people 19 years old and younger.
Dettelbach served as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio during the Obama administration. Prior to that, he held several positions at the Justice Department, including as an assistant U.S. attorney and also in the Civil Rights Division. After leaving the department, he ran for Ohio attorney general in 2018, but lost.
In its letter, APSA says Dettelbach's experience "demonstrates that he can establish direction, alignment, and commitment to serve the mission of the ATF."
At the same time, the group says he is "well qualified to understand the realities that our patients face, and the consequences that illegal acts may have upon children."
Dettelbach, who likely faces a tough road to confirmation, is Biden's second nominee to lead ATF.
His first choice was David Chipman, a former ATF agent who became a vocal gun control advocate after leaving the agency. Chipman came under withering criticism from gun rights groups like the National Rifle Association, and the White House ultimately withdrew his nomination after it became clear Chipman didn't have the votes to win confirmation.
That process has played out repeatedly, in one form or another, since the ATF director's job began requiring Senate confirmation in 2006. The agency has had just one confirmed director in that span, and last had a permanent boss in 2015.
Dettelbach has also received backing from gun control groups as well as some law enforcement organizations, including the Major County Sheriffs of America and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.
But the endorsement from APSA stands out because it comes from pediatric surgeons who have had to treat some of the youngest victims of gun violence in the United States.
Last year 1,063 children up to age 11 were killed or injured by guns, as well as 4,625 teens, ages 12 to 17, according to the non-partisan Gun Violence Archive. Both totals were roughly double what they were in 2014, the first year the data group provides information for firearm-involved violence.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.ijpr.org/npr-news/2022-04-27/a-pediatric-surgical-group-endorses-bidens-nominee-for-gun-enforcement-agency-chief | 2022-04-27T19:13:49Z | https://www.ijpr.org/npr-news/2022-04-27/a-pediatric-surgical-group-endorses-bidens-nominee-for-gun-enforcement-agency-chief | true |
Ilhan Omar claims DeSantis election police force will 'intimidate, harass, and punish poor and Black voters'
Rep. Omar said the police force will be used to 'intimidate, harass, and punish poor and Black voters'
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., claimed that Florida's new police force dedicated to voter fraud and other crimes related to elections will be used to "intimidate, harass, and punish poor and Black voters."
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Monday that establishes an "Office of Election Crimes and Security" which is dedicated to investigating voter fraud allegations.
Omar said in a tweet on Wednesday that the new police force will be used to target Black voters, adding that "voter fraud is about as common as getting struck by lightning."
FLORIDA GOV. RON DESANTIS SIGNS BILL CREATING NEW ELECTION POLICE
"Reminder that voter fraud is about as common as getting struck by lightning. As a force to investigate it, this police unit will be useless. As a force to intimidate, harass, and punish poor and Black voters, I'm sure they'll be very helpful," Omar said.
The law, S.B. 524 also increases ballot harvesting penalties to a third-degree felony, which can be punishable by up to five years in prison.
The bill also does not allow election supervisors to receive money from the Zuckerberg-Chan Initiative, or so-called "Zuckerbucks," which gave over $350 million to local state jurisdictions in order to allegedly help counties operate their elections safely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bryan Griffin, deputy secretary for the Florida governor's office told Fox News Digital that Omar is making a "dishonest straw man argument."
"Rep. Omar is making a dishonest straw man argument here, which is of course right in line with the leftist talking points on election integrity," Griffin said. "Fraud is the real voter suppression, because it invites undue, outside influence into the election process and jeopardizes the fundamental American assurance that everyone gets one equal vote."
He described Omar's argument of election fraud being "as common as getting struck by lightning" as illogical.
"They base this claim on a lack of prosecutions, but this is illogical. There are so few experts in identifying and prosecuting election fraud (and the fraud schemes are often quite sophisticated) that the rarity of fraud convictions is more often attributable to the capacity to catch fraud, not the lack of its existence," Griffin said. "In Florida, Governor DeSantis is leading the way in making it easier to vote and harder to cheat, and election integrity protects every legal voter’s rights."
‘THE VIEW’ RAILS AGAINST RON DESANTIS' ACTIONS ON DISNEY: ‘A MESSAGE OF HATE’
DeSantis said on Monday that the bill would help "continue to make Florida a leader in election integrity."
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"The legislation I signed today will continue to make Florida a leader in election integrity by increasing penalties for ballot harvesting, expanding our ban on Zuckerbucks, and establishing an election integrity unit in state government to enforce our laws," DeSantis wrote.
Fox News' Lorriane Taylor contributed to this report. | https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ilhan-omar-claims-desantis-election-police-force-will-intimidate-harass-and-punish-poor-and-black-voters | 2022-04-27T19:15:44Z | https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ilhan-omar-claims-desantis-election-police-force-will-intimidate-harass-and-punish-poor-and-black-voters | true |
- The EUR/USD accumulates weekly losses close to 2.12%, the largest since June 2021.
- A risk-on market mood lifted the euro’s prospects after reaching a YTD low at 1.0514.
- EUR/USD Price Forecast: Poised to test January’s 2017 swing lows around 1.0340.
The EUR/USD extended its free fall, which accelerated on April 22 after closing around 1.0831. The pair has since plunged more than 400 pips, hitting a fresh 5-year low around 1.0514 on Wednesday. At 1.0564, the EUR/USD recovered some ground, aiming to finish the day with losses for the fifth consecutive trading day.
Shanghai to ease lockdown restrictions, lifts the market mood
Investors’ mood improved since the mid-North American session. Probably on the news from China, as Shanghai is about to ease lockdowns following a Covid-19 outbreak that hit the second largest Chinese city a couple of weeks ago, which threatened to disrupt the supply side component of the second biggest worldwide economy. In the meantime, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia appears to be extending longer than expected. Additionally, Russia’s retaliation against “unfriendly” countries began on Tuesday, when the Russian gas producer Gazprom halted gas flows to Poland and Bulgaria, as both countries refused to pay for it in roubles.
The greenback remains buoyant, as shown by the US Dollar Index, rising above the 103.00 mark for the first time since January 4, 2017. At the time of writing, it sits at 102.846, up almost 0.53%. Meanwhile, the US 10-year Treasury yield is higher up seven and a half basis points on the day, sitting at 2.799%.
Upcoming in the economic docket, the Eurozone will reveal April’s Consumer Price figures. Across the pond, the Q1 Gross Domestic Product will be released by Thursday and on Friday, the Fed’s favorite inflation indicator, the Core PCE, is expected to downtick to 5.3% from 5.4% YoY.
EUR/USD Price Forecast: Technical outlook
The EUR/USD remains defensive, and it seems that it could aim towards January’s 2017 lows around 1.0340. The EUR/USD is recording its worst week since June 2021 and is accumulating losses close to 2.10%. Also, momentum indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI), albeit at oversold conditions, seem poised to record lower readings. At the time of writing stands at 27.09.
With that said, the EUR/USD first support would be 1.0500. A breach of the latter would expose 1.0450, followed by 1.0400, and then a test of January’s 2017 cycle lows near 1.0340.
Key Technical Levels
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EUR/USD slumps to fresh multi-year lows below 1.0550
EUR/USD has met fresh bearish pressure and plunged to its weakest level in more than five years below 1.0550 on Wednesday. After starting the day in positive territory, it didn't take long for Wall Street's main indexes to turn red on the day, once again allowing the greenback to capitalize on safe-haven flows.
GBP/USD stays on the back foot below 1.2550
GBP/USD has turned south after staging a rebound toward 1.2600 earlier in the session. The negative shift witnessed in risk sentiment is providing a boost to the safe-haven dollar and forcing the pair to continue to push lower.
Gold faces steeper decline after bearish breakout of $1,900
Gold extends its recent losses and trades at its lowest level in two months below $1,900. The bright metal plunges as investors are still looking at the Chinese coronavirus situation and the Russian triggered conflict in Eastern Europe while anticipating an aggressive US tightening cycle.
SEC v. Ripple, everything you need to know about the future of XRP
The SEC v. Ripple lawsuit has been delayed until 2023. After several key developments in the lawsuit, proponents believe the cross-border payments giant could reach a settlement.
Will Facebook do it again or will it save the tech space?
After last evening's contrasting earnings reports from Google and Microsoft it is time for the formerly known as Facebook now-called Meta (FB) to try and reassure nervous tech investors. | https://www.fxstreet.com/news/eur-usd-records-five-year-lows-but-trims-some-losses-and-hovers-around-10560s-202204271820 | 2022-04-27T19:18:16Z | https://www.fxstreet.com/news/eur-usd-records-five-year-lows-but-trims-some-losses-and-hovers-around-10560s-202204271820 | false |
MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday afternoon's drawing of the Wisconsin Lottery's "Pick 4 Midday" game were:
0-5-0-6
(zero, five, zero, six)
MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday afternoon's drawing of the Wisconsin Lottery's "Pick 4 Midday" game were:
0-5-0-6
(zero, five, zero, six) | https://www.ncadvertiser.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Midday-game-17131178.php | 2022-04-27T19:19:46Z | https://www.ncadvertiser.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Midday-game-17131178.php | true |
Ida retired from lists of hurricane names in the Atlantic
(Gray News) - The World Meteorological Organization announced Wednesday that Ida has retired from the rotating lists of Atlantic tropical cyclone names.
The decision was made based on the mass destruction and number of deaths caused by the category 4 hurricane in 2021.
Instead, Imani will be used in the lists of names.
According to the WMO, the names are repeated every six years, unless a storm is so deadly that its name is retired.
In total, 94 names have been retired from the Atlantic basin list since 1953.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and continues through November.
According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2021 was the third most active year on record in terms of named storms.
WMO reports there were a total of 21 named storms with winds of 39 mph or greater, four of which were major hurricanes reaching category 3 and above.
Peaking as a category 4, Ida was the most devastating storm of the 2021 hurricane season. It was responsible for 55 direct deaths and 32 indirect deaths, according to WMO.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/27/ida-retired-lists-hurricane-names-atlantic/ | 2022-04-27T19:20:25Z | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/27/ida-retired-lists-hurricane-names-atlantic/ | true |
WEDNESDAY 4/27/2022 12:00 p.m.
OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – UW Oshkosh Police tweeted an update on the gas leak that happen on Scott Ave. Wednesday.
According to campus law enforcement, personnel has fixed the leak and the public is now able to return to their regular routines.
In addition, there will be people working on repairs so they ask everyone to stay alert and let them work on restoring services.
Original Story: NOW: Gas Leak on UW Oshkosh campus, public asked to avoid area
WEDNESDAY 4/27/2022 11:39 a.m.
OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – UW Oshkosh Police are asking everyone to avoid the area near the 700 block of Scott Ave. as they try to contain a gas leak.
According to the campus Twitter as of 11:33 a.m., the leak is not contained and personnel is now at the location. If you smell gas anywhere near you, you are asked to leave immediately.
Local 5 will update this article when more information is released. | https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/local-news/now-gas-leak-on-uw-oshkosh-campus-public-asked-to-avoid-area/ | 2022-04-27T19:20:55Z | https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/local-news/now-gas-leak-on-uw-oshkosh-campus-public-asked-to-avoid-area/ | false |
Mina Guli is running 200 marathons in a single year to open our eyes to an ‘invisible’ crisis
Mina Guli is running 200 marathons across 200 countries in a single year to raise awareness about a crisis she says a lot of people don't know enough about.
She started at Uluru in late March and her runs have taken her through Finke in the Northern Territory and down to Oodnadatta in South Australia – the hottest and driest town in the country.
By early May, the Australian businesswoman will have completed 27 marathons in seven weeks.
The reason for her determination is very simple.
"We're in the middle of a massive global water crisis," she says.
"We must act, we have no time to waste."
'What was I thinking?'
This isn't the first time Guli has put her body on the line for the cause she is so dedicated to.
In her last ultra-running expedition in 2019, she set off to run 100 marathons in 100 days.
But by day 62, she could barely walk.
She didn't know it then but a small stress fracture she'd developed on her femur had grown to 15 centimetres.
Somehow she got to the finish line. But the next day she was told if she didn't stop immediately, she risked permanent damage.
"I look at images of myself hobbling through the road and I think to myself, 'What was I thinking?'" she tells ABC RN's The Drawing Room.
Yet even that hasn't stopped her from setting this new challenge.
The water we don't know we're using
The world is facing a massive water shortage, with 40 per cent of the global population already experiencing water scarcity.
One of the most significant reasons for this is 'invisible water', the copious amounts of water used indirectly every day.
"Water goes into everything we use, we buy and we consume," Guli says.
"Whether it's the clothes we're wearing or the food we're eating."
And it's not just a litre or two.
According to the Water Footprint Network, a meat-based hamburger uses close to 2,500 litres of water. A smartphone takes 3,500 litres to manufacture, while a pair of jeans requires 10,000 litres.
In 2012, after learning about invisible water, Guli founded the Thirst Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation aimed at raising global water awareness and driving urgent action on the water crisis.
She wanted to draw international attention to the issue and so she undertook her first ultra-running challenge in 2016.
She believes that running across countries and talking to people from communities bearing the brunt of the water crisis will help to bring the issue into focus.
Seven deserts, six rivers and countless kilometres
Guli says since she started running, she has realised the water crisis is bigger than she imagined.
"It's impacting our supply chains, our communities and our economies."
Her way to counter the immensity of the crisis has been to repeatedly up the ante. One marathon was never going to be enough.
In 2016, she did the Seven Desert Run, which included 40 marathons over 49 days across seven continents. A year later, she embarked on the Six River Run, which took in 40 marathons over 40 days. Then, in 2019, it was 100 marathons in 100 days.
By then a global movement was underway.
During her next challenge – 200 marathons in a year – Guli will weave her way across the globe with runs planned in Oceania, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the USA. She aims to finish at the UN Water Conference in March 2023, which will be held in New York.
As with her past expeditions, the marathons will take place in those parts of the world most affected by the water crisis.
"We choose places based on the stories they've got to tell," Guli says.
"We'll talk to women and children in places like India and Bangladesh, who are suffering every single day by having to walk in extreme conditions, and often fearing for their own safety, just to fetch water.
"And kids in places like South Africa who have stayed home from school, waiting for water to be delivered."
She's not interested in publicity for publicity's sake.
"The stories don't just have to make it into newspapers and onto radio, but into the boardrooms so that CEOs and business and government leaders can take action."
'We are capable of doing so much more'
The UN 2023 Water Conference in New York will mark the midway point of the International Decade for Action on Water (2018-2028).
This initiative was intended to accelerate the action needed to address water-related challenges, including inadequate access to safe water and sanitation, and growing pressure on water resources.
But Guli says the world is a long way off reaching the 2030 targets set out in the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6.
"We need to move 200 per cent faster," she says. "We need action from all of us."
She'd like to see companies step up to help close the gap on global water targets.
"Companies use almost 90 per cent of the world's fresh water, either directly or indirectly," she says.
To assist companies, the Thirst Foundation and global water leaders from business, the NGO sector, government and civil society have developed the Six for 6 best practice framework, which includes setting water quantity and quality targets, standardising water reporting and publicising water use.
Guli is aiming to have 200 companies commit to the framework by March 2023.
Individuals can do their bit too, says Guli, by becoming more aware of the water they use. That could be anything from taking shorter showers to turning off the tap while brushing your teeth.
She's hoping to garner support from 200 million people across the countries she visits.
And although there's still a lot of work to be done, and plenty of kilometres left to run, Guli is confident urgent action will happen.
"I believe in big, bold, ambitious goals, whether that's running 200 marathons in a year, or creating global change on water."
RN in your inbox
Get more stories that go beyond the news cycle with our weekly newsletter. | https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-28/mina-guli-running-200-marathons-to-raise-awareness-about-water/100959080 | 2022-04-27T19:20:56Z | https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-28/mina-guli-running-200-marathons-to-raise-awareness-about-water/100959080 | false |
If there is one subject which has crammed the inbox for councillors in Bathgate it’s speed, or rather speed restrictions.
The ward covers Bathgate and Boghall.
Bathgate has seen big industrial losses within the last generation as this ward like neighbouring Whitburn moves away from heavy and light industry. Wester Inch, which was home to vast manufacturing sites such as Leyland, are now new housing areas.
READ MORE: West Lothian families ready to open their homes to Ukraine war refugees
Housing remains a big issue. There is pressure on the town’s boundaries as builders want to move onto greenbelt sites. In town there is demand for new areas for social housing.
But it's the roads and infrastructure, once again, which cause problems. The introduction of Spaces for People measures during the pandemic caused widespread confusion and anger among drivers as 20 mph speed limits were installed and bus stops extended out into road carriageways causing traffic snarl ups in the centre of town. These are set to be removed later this year.
Current issues concerning councillors have included ongoing parking issues in the busy town centre and the increase in commuter traffic using the railway station.
The town, the second largest in West Lothian, has also felt short-changed by the lack of funding available through national schemes such as Town Centre Fund regeneration.
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While the town centre remains healthier than many in terms of business turnover and occupancy there are also worries about maintaining a diversity of businesses to keep it popular.
Who won last time?
2017 Results:
William Hannah Boyle, SNP: 20.20% FPv (1,554 total)
Harry Cartmill, Labour: 21.41% FPv (1,646 total)
John McGinty, Labour: 14.98% FPv ( 1,597 total)
Charles Kennedy, Conservative: 17.93% FPv (1,574 total).
Who can I vote for this time?
Long term councillor and former Labour group leader John McGinty has retired and Tony Pearson will be aiming to fill his shoes. The SNP has hopeful Pauline Stafford aiming to join experienced colleague Willie Boyle on the SNP side of the chamber. Conservative Charles Kennedy will be looking to consolidate the seat he claimed in 2017.
Candidate list:
William Hannah Boyle, Scottish National Party;
Harry Cartmill, Scottish Labour Party;
Gordon Dent, Alba Party for Independence;
Siobhan Flannigan, Scottish Green Party;
Charles Kennedy, Scottish Conservative and Unionists;
John Swanson Mackenzie, Scottish Liberal Democrats;
Tony Pearson, Scottish Labour Party;
Pauline Stafford, Scottish National Party. | https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/west-lothian-election-2022-bathgate-23803090 | 2022-04-27T19:26:53Z | https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/west-lothian-election-2022-bathgate-23803090 | false |
CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (AP) — A judge set a $1 million cash bond Wednesday for a 14-year-old boy prosecutors say fatally strangled and then sexually assaulted a 10-year-old western Wisconsin girl.
The boy, who authorities say was known to the victim, Illiana “Lily” Peters, appeared in adult court in Chippewa County by video from a juvenile detention center and was identified only by his initials.
Judge Benjamin Lane agreed to Chippewa County District Attorney Wade Newell’s request for the high bond and ordered the defendant not to possess any weapons and avoid contact with minors, except for supervised visits with his siblings.
Lily’s body was found Monday morning near a walking trail in Chippewa Falls. She disappeared Sunday after leaving an aunt’s house located blocks away.
“Protection of (the) community also is necessary in this case given his statements regarding his intentions and his statements regarding that when he did get off the trail, he punched the victim in the stomach, knocked her to the ground, essentially strangled her, hit her with a stick, before strangling her to the point of death — before he then sexually assaulted her,” Newell told the judge at the bond hearing.
The defense has argued for $100,000 cash bond.
Although the judge sealed the criminal complaint, Newell said after the hearing that three charges were filed against the boy, including first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree sexual assault and first-degree sexual assault of a child under age 13 resulting in great bodily harm.
The judge set a May 5 status hearing in the case.
Kelm announced the arrest of the suspect Tuesday evening.
“While nothing will bring Lily Peters back or change what happened, we are very grateful to be able to deliver this news for the family and for the community,” Kelm said.
Earlier Tuesday, police executed a search warrant at the home of Lily’s aunt and the last place the girl was seen before she disappeared. Kelm said the search warrant was for “information tied to the killing.”
Police from local, state and federal agencies have been working 24 hours a day since the girl was reported missing, Kelm said, thanking the many law enforcement agencies and neighboring police departments that have been assisting.
Kelm also thanked the community for more than 200 tips that were provided to law enforcement and were “critical” to the investigation.
Residents dressed in purple to honor Lily, and purple balloons and “Justice for Lily” banners could be seen around the community of about 13,000. People left drawings, flowers, candles and stuffed animals at Lily’s elementary school and on a downtown bridge.
Chelsea Torgerson kept her daughter home from school Tuesday.
“Just for my own peace of mind, I wanted to keep her home,” Torgerson told the Star Tribune. “I know these things happen in the world every day, but this is just so close.”
Torgerson’s daughter, 8-year-old Ava Johnson, attends Parkview Elementary School — the same school where Lily was a fourth-grader.
“It’s every parent’s worst nightmare,” Torgerson said.
Chippewa Falls is approximately 100 miles east of the Twin Cities. | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/27/bond-set-at-1m-for-boy-accused-of-killing-wisconsin-girl/ | 2022-04-27T19:29:50Z | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/27/bond-set-at-1m-for-boy-accused-of-killing-wisconsin-girl/ | true |
Bam Adebayo smiled at the question, or, more to the point, at a ship that has sailed.
No, there will not be popcorn and a rally towel alongside as he takes in Thursday night’s Philadelphia 76ers-Toronto Raptors playoff game.
Watching NBA basketball as a fan isn’t the way it’s done this time of year, the fifth-year Miami Heat center said.
Instead, he said, it’s more like real-time film study.
“At this point, I can’t watch for fun no more,” he said in the wake of the Heat eliminating the Atlanta Hawks 4-1 in the first round of the NBA playoffs, next to take on the winner of the 76ers-Raptors series. “We’re looking ahead. We’re looking for the next [team] to play in the series.
“So just getting locked into the film, looking at both sides in each game.”
With a Philadelphia victory Thursday in Toronto, the 76ers will move on to face the Heat in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinals. Otherwise that right will be determined in a Saturday night Game 7 in Philadelphia.
Either way, the next round will open Monday night at FTX Arena.
“We’ll see what happens in that series,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.
Having waited until two days before the start of their opening-round series to learn their opponent, the Heat could wind up in a similar position this time around, as well.
And yet, having gone 2-2 against both teams during the regular season, it’s not as simple as an either/or scenario for the Heat.
The Raptors and 76ers have little in common, making it likely that there is a decided preference at 601 Biscayne.
While the preference of the Heat’s brain trust assuredly will remain privately held, the South Florida Sun Sentinel spoke Wednesday to a long-time NBA scout to break down the possibilities when it comes to a better-case scenario.
Q: Who do you believe the Heat would prefer to play?
Scout: “I think they’d prefer to Philly, because they’re wounded. Their confidence is at a low ebb. And if it goes seven, it’s going to be at a lower ebb. [James] Harden hasn’t been very good, and the Heat have guards who can guard him.
“Of course [Joel] Embiid’s going to be a problem, but they’ll have double-teams and schemes. So they’ve got guys who can guard Harden and they have guards who can guard [Tyrese] Maxey. And Philadelphia doesn’t have a bench. I just think, psychologically, they’re weaker.”
Q: So why the belief in Toronto as the superior potential opponent?
A: “I think they’re much better [than Philadelphia] defensively. And they have more weapons, maybe not quite as potent ones, but they have [Pascal] Siakam, [Fred] VanVleet, [Gary] Trent, even [Chris] Boucher. And [Precious] Achiuwa is playing great. I think you’ve got more guys to worry about with Toronto.
“And if VanVleet is out, they can bring in five guys who are 6-9, which can be devastating defensively. I just think their defense is much stickier.”
Q: Where do you see the Heat’s position of advantage against the 76ers?
A: “Jimmy Butler. Who’s going to stop him? [Tobias] Harris? [Matisse] Thybulle? I’m taking Jimmy Butler every time. [Kyle] Lowry can play Harden to a wash. And off the bench, who’s guards [Tyler] Herro? They’ve got some major liabilities on that Philadelphia bench.”
Q: Where do you see the Heat’s position of advantage against the Raptors?
A: “I would say Bam Adebayo. Even though Toronto has undersized guys who can guard fives, I do think that’s an edge. And Butler can get neutralized because they can put like seven different guys on him; they have so much defensive versatility. And off the bench, Herro has an advantage.”
Q: OK, coaching: Spoelstra against the 76ers’ Doc Rivers?
A: “Spoelstra has the edge. The results speak for themselves. Doc’s blown so many [playoff series] leads. Technically, Erik is creative, he’s got good plays, he throws zone defense in there, he calls good plays off timeouts.”
Q: And Spoelstra against the Raptors’ Nick Nurse?
A: “There you have two kinds of masters. Nick is very creative; their lineups are funky. It’s the unpredictability with them. I’ve seen one game Scottie Barnes started at the five, and I’ve seen him start at point guard. That’s kind a wash.”
Q: If you had to pick the series, how would you lean?
A: “Heat in six over the 76ers. I’d say, and this is tougher, Heat over Toronto in six, but it would be a much tougher six.”
() | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/27/heats-opponent-options-offer-stark-contrast-nba-scout-weighs-in-on-perceived-76ers-raptors-preference/ | 2022-04-27T19:30:02Z | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/27/heats-opponent-options-offer-stark-contrast-nba-scout-weighs-in-on-perceived-76ers-raptors-preference/ | true |
Police identified a man on Wednesday who was fatally shot in St. Paul as a 33-year-old.
Officers found Michael Alexander Pleasants, of St. Paul, in the street in the 200 block of Bates Avenue just after midnight Tuesday and paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
Police said they hadn’t made any arrests as of Wednesday afternoon. Investigators requested that people with tips call them at 651-266-5650.
The motive for the shooting is under investigation. | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/27/man-found-fatally-shot-in-st-paul-street-idd-as-33-year-old/ | 2022-04-27T19:30:09Z | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/27/man-found-fatally-shot-in-st-paul-street-idd-as-33-year-old/ | true |
The number of positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to increase in North Dakota. To date, the virus has been confirmed in 13 domestic flocks and 108 positive cases in wild birds.
HPAI is a disease that affects both domestic and wild birds. The virus is shed in the feces and respiratory secretions of infected birds and is able to survive for weeks in cool, damp environments.
Although uncommon in North America, HPAI can sometimes circulate in waterfowl, presenting a risk to a number of other avian species, including raptors.
“Waterfowl may carry and shed this virus without any symptoms, while birds like domestic poultry and raptors get severe illness and rapidly die,” says Dr. Gerald Stokka, North Dakota State University Extension veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist. “Currently, little is known about the risk of transmission and illness in songbirds.”
The majority of wild bird cases have been documented in snow geese and Ross’s geese. The other wild bird cases in the state have been documented in raptor species including red-tailed hawk, great horned owls, snowy owls and bald eagles. There also has been a case documented in an American crow. A complete list of wild bird cases can be accessed on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-wild-birds.
“It is expected that the potential for transmission and new cases will decline following migration,” says Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. “Unfortunately, the winter weather we are experiencing is slowing down migration and causing migratory birds to remain in the state longer.”
“The best way to reduce the potential for transmission of HPAI is to reduce interaction between birds,” says Mary Keena, NDSU Extension livestock environmental management specialist. “This includes between wild birds, between wild and domestic birds, as well as between domestic flocks.”
NDSU Extension specialists have developed tips for reducing transmission of HPAI.
To reduce transmission within wild birds:
Since little is known about HPAI susceptibility of and transmission through songbirds, you may consider pausing the use of bird feeders and baths which encourages birds to gather together.
Report sick or deceased wild birds to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at https://gf.nd.gov/wildlife/diseases/mortality-report. Wild bird avian influenza questions can be directed to 701-204-2161.
To reduce transmission between wild and domestic birds:
If possible, keep poultry housed until the risk for transmission has decreased. Non-lethal methods to deter wild birds are available on the USDA wildlife damage webpage: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/sa_reports/ct_wildlife+damage+management+technical+series.
Reduce the attractiveness for wild birds to stop at your place by cleaning up litter and spilled feed around your domestic poultry housing.
If you come in contact with or handle wild birds, change into clean clothes, wash your hands and disinfect your footwear prior to contact with domestic birds.
Report sick or deceased wild birds.
In the event you need to handle or dispose of carcasses to reduce potential interactions, be sure to follow the appropriate procedures: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza.
To reduce transmission between domestic flocks:
Keep your distance. Restrict access to your property and your birds. Allow contact from people who care for your birds but minimize visitors.
Do not haul disease home. If you have been near other poultry or poultry owners, such as at feed stores, clean and disinfect car and truck tires. New birds should be kept separate from your flock for at least 30 days.
Do not borrow disease from your neighbor. Do not share lawn and garden equipment, tools or poultry supplies with your neighbor or other poultry owners.
To help protect wild and domestic bird populations from HPAI, it is important that we remain vigilant and report sick and deceased birds, says Stokka.
Report sick or deceased wild birds to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at https://gf.nd.gov/wildlife/diseases/mortality-report. Report sick domestic birds to your local veterinarian or the North Dakota State Board of Animal Health at 701-328-2655. | https://www.willistonherald.com/news/farm_and_ranch/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-continues-to-affect-wild-and-domestic-birds/article_09987ecc-c64a-11ec-a59d-abc8d1f90375.html | 2022-04-27T19:30:09Z | https://www.willistonherald.com/news/farm_and_ranch/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-continues-to-affect-wild-and-domestic-birds/article_09987ecc-c64a-11ec-a59d-abc8d1f90375.html | false |
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A former top-ranking State Department official is set to plead guilty for improperly helping a wealthy Gulf country try to influence U.S. policy and not disclosing on a government ethics form gifts he received from a disgraced political fundraiser.
Court records filed earlier this month say that Richard G. Olson, who was the State Department's special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan at the end of the Obama administration, provided “aid and advice” to Qatar on lobbying activities in violation of a “revolving door” prohibition against such behavior for one year after leaving public service.
Olson, who also served as U.S. ambassador to Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, indicated in a signed filing earlier this month he intends to plead guilty. It’s unclear if he’s cooperating in other investigations.
The case represents one of the more high-profile efforts by the Justice Department in recent years to crack down on unreported or illegal influence campaigns funded by foreign governments aimed at altering U.S. policy.
Federal prosecutors also said that while at the State Department, Olson failed to disclose certain financial benefits he received from a California businessman named Imaad Zuberi. Once a major political donor, Zuberi is now serving a 12 year prison sentence for funneling illegal campaign contributions to politicos in both major parties and then peddling the resulting influence to foreign governments. The new court records do not use Zuberi's name, but The Associated Press was able to identify him based on court filings in other cases, letters a Zuberi representative has sent to Congress, and interviews with Zuberi associates.
Neither the Justice Department or Olson's attorney immediately returned requests for comment.
Shortly after Olson left the State Department, several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, launched a blockade against Qatar that sparked a massive spending spree in Washington on lobbying and other efforts to influence U.S. policy.
Olson, Zuberi and retired Marine four-star Gen. John Allen traveled to Doha early in the diplomatic crisis to meet with top Qatari officials and discuss ways of resolving the issue, according to court records and a statement Allen's spokesman provided to the AP last year.
Federal prosecutors write in Olson's newly filed court records that shortly after the June 2017 trip, Olson, Zuberi, a Qatari official and Allen, who is only identified as “Person 3," met with several Congressmen “for the purpose of convincing the U.S. lawmakers to support Qatar rather than its regional rivals in the Gulf Diplomatic Crisis.”
Emails that Zuberi's representative submitted in a letter to Congress also show that Zuberi pushed for Olson and Allen to accompany Qatari officials to a White House meeting with then-National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster.
“We should shift this conversation to WhatsApp,” Allen replied. “I'll let Rick speak for himself regarding his legal restrictions in dealing with the (U.S. Government).”
Allen, who is now president of the influential Brookings Institute think tank, told the AP last year that White House officials were aware of and supported his efforts to revolve the crisis as a private citizen.
“General Allen has never acted as an agent of the Qatari government," his spokesman, Beau Phillips, said in a statement last year.
The newly filed court documents also show that Olson worked with Zuberi to win U.S. government approval for a preclearance facility at the Doha airport, which would allow U.S.-bound passengers to clear customs before they left Qatar.
Such approval would expand the number of U.S. cities the Doha airport could serve and give it an advantage over competitors in the Gulf, prosecutors said. As ambassador, Olson had worked to establish a preclearance facility at the Abu Dhabi International Airport in the UAE.
Zuberi became notorious for courting lawmakers and diplomats like Olson. In 2015, prosecutors said, Zuberi paid for Olson’s trip from New Mexico to London, where the then-ambassador met with Esam Janahi, a Bahraini businessman who offered Olson a one-year contract worth $300,000 a year. Janahi was not named in Olson's court records, but the AP identified him through separate court filings and other records.
Zuberi detailed that aspect of his relationship with Olson last year in letters to members of Congress, in which a former federal law enforcement officer hired by Zuberi cited a host of irregularities in the fundraiser’s prosecution and described his lengthy prison sentence as a “miscarriage of justice.”
___
Mustian reported from New York. | https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/Former-top-State-official-to-plead-guilty-for-17131129.php | 2022-04-27T19:32:27Z | https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/Former-top-State-official-to-plead-guilty-for-17131129.php | true |
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday afternoon's drawing of the Missouri Lottery's "Pick 3 Midday" game were:
4-3-5
(four, three, five)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday afternoon's drawing of the Missouri Lottery's "Pick 3 Midday" game were:
4-3-5
(four, three, five) | https://www.mrt.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-3-Midday-game-17131005.php | 2022-04-27T19:37:01Z | https://www.mrt.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-3-Midday-game-17131005.php | true |
Which Dior lip gloss is best?
Whether you wear it on its own or layer it over your favorite lipstick, lip gloss instantly gives you poutier lips with its bold shine. Dior lip glosses are some of the most popular glosses because they look and feel great.
Like many formulas, Dior glosses are available in a wide array of colors, finishes and opacity options. Dior glosses also stand out for their high-end packaging. If you’re searching for a gloss that can make your lips look plumper and help them stay hydrated, the Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss is an ideal formula.
What to know before you buy a Dior lip gloss
Ingredients
While Dior glosses offer a high-shine effect, they also contain ingredients to help hydrate, plump and soothe the lips. That makes the glosses extremely comfortable to wear.
Some noteworthy ingredients in Dior lip glosses include:
- Hyaluronic acid is found in most formulas in microsphere form for better absorption. It attracts and retains water, which helps plump your lips and allows for long-lasting hydration.
- Cherry oil also helps moisturize the skin for smoother, softer lips. It provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors, too.
- Mallow flower extract offers antioxidant protection from environmental stress, such as UV rays and pollution. It also helps hydrate the lips.
- Aloe vera also contains antioxidants, but it’s best known for its skin-soothing benefits. It helps treat cracked, peeling lips and hydrates the skin.
Opacity
Lip glosses are not as pigmented as lipsticks, so they typically have a sheer texture. However, some glosses are sheerer than others.
You can choose from Dior formulas that only provide a shiny tint to the lips. These glosses can be worn on their own, but you may prefer to layer them over a lip liner and/or lipstick for more intense color. Other Dior glosses are more pigmented, providing greater coverage and opacity. In most cases, you can wear them on their own and still enjoy rich color on your lips.
Finish
All lip glosses have a shiny finish that reflects the light and helps your lips appear fuller. However, some Dior formulas also contain glitter or shimmer in addition to the shine. These glosses offer an intense look on the lips that’s perfect for parties or an evening out.
What to look for in a quality Dior lip gloss
Shades
Clear is the most common shade for lip gloss, and all Dior formulas offer a clear option. So if you just want to add some shine to your favorite lipstick or lip liner, a clear gloss is an excellent choice.
However, Dior also offers plenty of other shades. You can choose from soft pinks, nudes and roses, as well as deeper red, berry and brown shades.
Applicator
Dior glosses all feature a sponge-tip applicator built into the lid. It has a tapered point that allows for precise application, so you don’t have to worry about the gloss smearing outside your lip line.
Lip plumping
Many Dior lip glosses offer an instant plumping effect when applied. These formulas contain hyaluronic acid to draw moisture to the lips and keep it there, leaving them smoother and plumper. They may also feature mint, which helps increase blood flow to the lips for added fullness.
Scent
Dior glosses are often scented to make them more pleasant to wear. Most feature a mint scent, but some formulas have a vanilla mint fragrance.
How much you can expect to spend on a Dior lip gloss
Dior glosses generally cost $32-$60. Formulas that provide mainly shine are usually the most affordable, so you’ll pay more for glosses that plump the lips and offer 24-hour hydration.
Dior lip gloss FAQ
Are Dior lip glosses sticky?
A. Dior glosses generally aren’t very sticky. Instead, they have a smooth, cushion-like feel on the lips that’s comfortable for all-day wear. So you don’t have to worry about your lips sticking together or your hair getting caught in your gloss when it’s windy.
Do Dior lip glosses layer well over lipstick?
A. Yes. Because the formula isn’t thick or sticky, it makes a perfect topper for your favorite lipstick.
What’s the best Dior lip gloss to buy?
Top Dior lip gloss
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss
What you need to know: This signature Dior gloss not only provides high shine but also offers a plumping effect that doesn’t cause any discomfort.
What you’ll love: It contains hyaluronic acid spheres for long-lasting hydration and a plumping effect. It helps smooth the lips with regular use. It can be worn on its own and as a primer or topper for lipstick. It comes in 12 shades.
What you should consider: Some buyers don’t find the plumping effect to be as dramatic as they’d like.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora
Top Dior lip gloss for the money
What you need to know: This formula provides all the shine you’d expect from a gloss but has the smooth, comfortable feel of a balm and leaves your lips soft and nourished.
What you’ll love: The glossy finish is highly reflective, so your lips appear plumper. Its applicator is specially designed to hug the shape of the lips for precise application. It contains aloe to help soothe irritation. It’s available in 15 shades, too.
What you should consider: The gloss doesn’t wear long on the lips, so it requires frequent touch-ups.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This highly conditioning lip oil offers plenty of protection for your lips, but it provides intense shine, too.
What you’ll love: The formula is infused with cherry oil to nourish, protect and soften the lips. It doesn’t feel greasy or sticky. It features a plush applicator that provides full coverage in a single layer. It’s available in eight sheer colors.
What you should consider: The price is fairly high for such a sheer gloss.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora
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Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/lip-makeup-br/best-dior-lip-gloss/ | 2022-04-27T19:37:59Z | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/reviews/br/beauty-personal-care-br/lip-makeup-br/best-dior-lip-gloss/ | false |
Which picnic baskets are best?
What’s more pleasant than wiling away an afternoon on a picnic blanket, enjoying finger foods, conversation and fresh air? The key to this experience is a picnic basket. A well-designed picnic basket lets you keep your food fresh and organized. It also helps you carry everything easily while making cleanup a breeze. When you’re looking for an all-purpose basket to make your picnic special, the HappyPicnic Wicker Picnic Basket Set is the top choice.
What to know before you buy a picnic basket
Who will be at the picnic
Are you planning a romantic picnic for two, complete with a bottle of wine? Or do you want to pack enough snacks for a soccer team? The amount and type of food and drink you want to carry will dictate whether you need a big basket with compartments and insulation, a backpack-style picnic basket, or a tidy two-person old-fashioned basket like Dorothy’s in “The Wizard of Oz.”
Your picnic aesthetic
Baskets come in retro styles, focus on function or emphasize room. If setting a pretty picnic is your prime consideration, find a picnic basket that comes with matching supplies. If you don’t care as much about how your picnic looks, look for something instead that prioritizes function and space over aesthetics.
Whether you’ll be serving food that needs to stay hot or cold
Picnics are often associated with finger foods, like sandwiches, but if you want to keep drinks cold or mozzarella sticks hot, consider a basket that’s either fully insulated or has an insulated compartment. Note that this compartment will require a separate wipe-down, not just a quick shake after you unpack the basket. Be sure to plan to clean it after each use to keep it fresh.
What to look for in a quality picnic basket
Good materials
Since picnic baskets are essentially a tool for carrying things, they need to be sturdy. If you opt for the classic wicker look, look for picnic baskets made of willow, rattan or bamboo. If you prefer a more modern and easily washable option, consider polyester canvas.
Carrying method
Traditional picnic baskets with wooden handles look great but can get heavy, especially if you need to carry them a long way. If you love the look of a wicker picnic basket but not the wooden handles in the crook of your arm, look for one with a carrying strap. This lets you distribute the weight to your shoulder. If you want to keep your hands free, a backpack-style picnic carrier, while not the traditional “basket,” will save you from bearing all the weight with your hands. There are also picnic baskets with wheels, which can be helpful if you’re lugging lots of heavy items.
Accessories
You can supplement inexpensive picnic basket options with utensils from home and paper napkins for a rustic, homegrown feel. But if you’re looking to plan a special outing, consider a full picnic basket complete with bells and whistles. These include things like plates, utensils, glasses, cloth napkins, salt and pepper shakers, bottle openers and a matching blanket. Together, they create a fancier, more cohesive scene for your special afternoon.
How much you can expect to spend on a picnic basket
A picnic basket with a full set of accessories (plates, utensils, etc.) will cost between $65-$120, depending on the materials and how many people it’s intended to serve. If you just want a basket to carry your food, you can find one for as little as $20.
Picnic basket FAQ
What must-haves should I pack in my picnic basket?
A. Half your work will be done for you if you buy a picnic basket with all the accessories included. You can still make your picnic basket even more functional by supplementing the standard utensils and plates with a few extra items. For starters, a small pack of wet wipes can go a long way. Eating on the go can be unexpected messes that standard napkins can clean up. You may also want to bring bug spray, but be sure to double-bag it and keep it away from food. And while this won’t fit inside your picnic basket, bringing along a small foldable picnic table can add an air of sophistication to your picnic and keep your food safe from bugs. A simple pop-up canopy can protect you on a hot day.
How do I keep my picnic basket in good condition?
A. Make sure to clean your picnic basket thoroughly after each use. Because picnic baskets can sit for long periods between uses, you want to be sure there isn’t any leftover food inside. If you do find your basket has picked up an unwanted scent, sprinkle some baking soda inside it, leave it overnight, then vacuum it thoroughly. Otherwise, simply wipe it clean and store it in a cool place out of the sun.
What’s the best picnic basket to buy?
Top picnic basket
HappyPicnic Wicker Picnic Basket Set for 4
What you need to know: With a matching blanket, interior lining and napkins, this is a visually appealing picnic basket with plenty of room for all your treats.
What you’ll love: The stainless steel cutlery and melamine plates are sturdy and easy to keep clean, and everything has a slot to keep things organized.
What you should consider: This picnic basket has a handle but no carrying strap, so you may not want to walk too far with it.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top picnic basket for the money
HappyPicnic Leakproof Picnic Cooler Basket with Waterproof Beach Blanket
What you need to know: If you’re looking for reliable basics for your picnic, this set is a great choice.
What you’ll love: This insulated canvas basket keeps foods at their original temperature and has enough storage capacity for all the food you want to bring. The blanket matches and is a generous size.
What you should consider: This doesn’t come with utensils and plates, so you’ll have to pack those separately.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Picnic at Ascot’s Yorkshire Picnic Basket with Coffee Flask for Four
What you need to know: If you’re looking for a splurge, this upscale set from the well-known makers of picnic goods will give your afternoon an elegant feel.
What you’ll love: No detail has been overlooked in this beautiful picnic basket. It comes with coffee thermos and stainless steel coffee mugs in addition to the standard plates and utensils. The basket is handcrafted of full reed willow for an artisan look.
What you should consider: This basket doesn’t come with a matching blanket, so you’ll need to remember to bring one along.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/reviews/br/camping-outdoors-br/best-picnic-basket/ | 2022-04-27T19:38:21Z | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/reviews/br/camping-outdoors-br/best-picnic-basket/ | true |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/nfl/miami-dolphins/articles/39301760 | 2022-04-27T19:39:55Z | https://sportspyder.com/nfl/miami-dolphins/articles/39301760 | true |
HOUSTON (KIAH) — With the 2022 NFL Draft approaching, it’s a good time to look at some of top picks that come from the University of Houston.
The Cougars have put out some great NFL talent throughout the years, especially former Cougar Ed Oliver, who was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2019 draft to Buffalo. D.J. Hayden, Robert Newhouse and Lamar Lathon are other former Coogs who were drafted and had productive NFL careers.
So with the draft coming hours away from Las Vegas, Stacker compiled a list of the highest NFL draft picks from the Houston Cougars using data from Pro Football Reference. Ties were broken by the most recent year drafted.
#20. Stanford Routt (DB)
– Draft pick: Round 2, #38 overall in 2005
– Drafted by: Oakland Raiders
– Years as a starter in NFL: 3 (0 Pro Bowls)
#19. Kevin Kolb (QB)
– Draft pick: Round 2, #36 overall in 2007
– Drafted by: Philadelphia Eagles
– Years as a starter in NFL: 1 (0 Pro Bowls)
#18. Charlie Ford (DB)
– Draft pick: Round 2, #36 overall in 1971
– Drafted by: Chicago Bears
– Years as a starter in NFL: 3 (0 Pro Bowls)
#17. Robert Newhouse (RB)
– Draft pick: Round 2, #35 overall in 1972
– Drafted by: Dallas Cowboys
– Years as a starter in NFL: 5 (0 Pro Bowls)
#16. Donnie Avery (WR)
– Draft pick: Round 2, #33 overall in 2008
– Drafted by: St. Louis Rams
– Years as a starter in NFL: 4 (0 Pro Bowls)
#15. Payton Turner (DE)
– Draft pick: Round 1, #28 overall in 2021
– Drafted by: New Orleans Saints
– Years as a starter in NFL: 0
#14. Leonard Mitchell (T)
– Draft pick: Round 1, #27 overall in 1981
– Drafted by: Philadelphia Eagles
– Years as a starter in NFL: 4 (0 Pro Bowls)
#13. Billy Milner (T)
– Draft pick: Round 1, #25 overall in 1995
– Drafted by: Miami Dolphins
– Years as a starter in NFL: 1 (0 Pro Bowls)
#12. William Jackson III (CB)
– Draft pick: Round 1, #24 overall in 2016
– Drafted by: Cincinnati Bengals
– Years as a starter in NFL: 4 (0 Pro Bowls)
#11. Antowain Smith (RB)
– Draft pick: Round 1, #23 overall in 1997
– Drafted by: Buffalo Bills
– Years as a starter in NFL: 4 (0 Pro Bowls)
#10. Willis Adams (WR)
– Draft pick: Round 1, #20 overall in 1979
– Drafted by: Cleveland Browns
– Years as a starter in NFL: 0
#9. Elmo Wright (WR)
– Draft pick: Round 1, #16 overall in 1971
– Drafted by: Kansas City Chiefs
– Years as a starter in NFL: 3 (0 Pro Bowls)
#8. Lamar Lathon (LB)
– Draft pick: Round 1, #15 overall in 1990
– Drafted by: Houston Oilers
– Years as a starter in NFL: 6 (1 Pro Bowls)
#7. D.J. Hayden (DB)
– Draft pick: Round 1, #12 overall in 2013
– Drafted by: Oakland Raiders
– Years as a starter in NFL: 2 (0 Pro Bowls)
#6. Ed Oliver (DT)
– Draft pick: Round 1, #9 overall in 2019
– Drafted by: Buffalo Bills
– Years as a starter in NFL: 2 (0 Pro Bowls)
#5. Wilson Whitley (DT)
– Draft pick: Round 1, #8 overall in 1977
– Drafted by: Cincinnati Bengals
– Years as a starter in NFL: 6 (0 Pro Bowls)
#4. Andre Ware (QB)
– Draft pick: Round 1, #7 overall in 1990
– Drafted by: Detroit Lions
– Years as a starter in NFL: 0
#3. David Klingler (QB)
– Draft pick: Round 1, #6 overall in 1992
– Drafted by: Cincinnati Bengals
– Years as a starter in NFL: 1 (0 Pro Bowls)
#2. Riley Odoms (TE)
– Draft pick: Round 1, #5 overall in 1972
– Drafted by: Denver Broncos
– Years as a starter in NFL: 10 (4 Pro Bowls)
#1. Mack Mitchell (DE)
– Draft pick: Round 1, #5 overall in 1975
– Drafted by: Cleveland Browns
– Years as a starter in NFL: 3 (0 Pro Bowls) | https://www.cenlanow.com/sports/nfl-draft/houston-cougars-highest-nfl-draft-picks-since-1970/ | 2022-04-27T19:40:50Z | https://www.cenlanow.com/sports/nfl-draft/houston-cougars-highest-nfl-draft-picks-since-1970/ | true |
(CNN) — Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has asked the state Court of Appeals to overturn his conviction for the 2020 murder of George Floyd, according to an appeal filed Monday.
The 82-page filing lists more than a dozen aspects of the case and trial that Chauvin’s attorney argues tainted the proceedings and rendered them “structurally defective,” including extensive pretrial publicity and protests outside the courthouse, as well as the city’s announcement during jury selection that it would pay a $27 million settlement to Floyd’s family.
Floyd’s death and video showing it ignited prolonged protests across the country over police brutality and racial injustice. And an investigation launched a week later found Minneapolis and its police department engaged in “a pattern or practice of race discrimination,” state human rights officials said in a report Wednesday.
Among the issues Chauvin and his attorney, William Mohrman, are asking the appeals court to review are whether the venue should have been changed, the jury fully sequestered or the trial delayed because of pretrial protests and media coverage.
The appeal also accuses prosecutors of misconduct, alleging the state’s attorneys failed to properly disclose discovery information and adequately prepare prosecution witnesses.
Prosecutors will “save our comment for our reply in court to Mr. Chauvin’s appeal,” Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s deputy chief of staff, John Stiles, told CNN. Ellison led Chauvin’s prosecution.
Proceedings were ‘structurally defective,’ appeal states
Chauvin was convicted in April 2021 of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Body camera and bystander video that captured the final moments of Floyd’s life on May 25, 2020, shows Chauvin kneeling on the 46-year-old Black man’s neck and back for more than nine minutes as Floyd gasped for air and told officers, “I can’t breathe.”
Chauvin’s appeal filing argues his conviction should be overturned or the court should order a new trial in a different venue, saying the court proceedings were “so pervaded by error, misconduct and prejudice that they were structurally defective.” The filing also argues Chauvin was not given his constitutional right to due process and a fair trial.
If the conviction is upheld, the appeal filing says, the court should reduce Chauvin’s sentence to be within the state’s sentencing guidelines.
The former officer was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison, which exceeded Minnesota’s sentencing guideline range of 10 years and eight months to 15 years.
At the time of sentencing, Judge Peter Cahill wrote in a memorandum that the case warranted a harsher sentence because Chauvin “abused his position of trust and authority” and treated Floyd “without respect and denied him the dignity owed to all human beings.” | https://www.wishtv.com/news/derek-chauvin-appeals-his-murder-conviction-in-the-death-of-george-floyd/ | 2022-04-27T19:41:54Z | https://www.wishtv.com/news/derek-chauvin-appeals-his-murder-conviction-in-the-death-of-george-floyd/ | false |
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York’s highest court on Wednesday rejected new congressional maps that had widely been seen as favoring Democrats, largely agreeing with Republican voters who argued the district boundaries were unconstitutionally gerrymandered.
The state’s Court of Appeals said lawmakers lacked the authority to pass the congressional and state Senate maps after an independent redistricting commission failed to reach a consensus.
The judges also said lawmakers gerrymandered the congressional maps to Democrats’ favor, in violation of a 2014 constitutional amendment designed to rout out political gamesmanship in redistricting.
The Appeals Court said it will “likely be necessary” to move the congressional and state Senate primary elections from June to August.
The group of Republican voters had said in their lawsuit not only that the maps were gerrymandered, but also that the Legislature didn’t follow proper procedure in passing them.
A lower-level court had also ruled that the maps were unconstitutional and had given the Legislature an April 30 deadline to come up with new maps or else leave the task to a court-appointed expert.
The judges in Wednesday's ruling said a special court master will pass new district maps instead of the Legislature.
Judicial "oversight is required to facilitate the expeditious creation of constitutionally conforming maps for use in the 2022 election and to safeguard the constitutionally protected right of New Yorkers to a fair election,” the ruling read.
The ruling didn't specify a deadline for the adoption of new maps. But the judges said they were sending the matter to a lower state court, which “shall adopt constitutional maps with all due haste.”
The legal fight over New York's redistricting process could be a factor in the battle between Democrats and Republicans for control of the U.S. House.
New York is set to lose one seat in Congress in 2021. New York’s new maps would give Democrats a strong majority of registered voters in 22 of the state’s 26 congressional districts. Right now, Republicans currently hold eight of the state’s 27 seats.
Democrats had been hoping that a redistricting map favorable to their party in New York might help offset expected losses in other states where Republicans control state government.
Political district maps across the nation have been redrawn in recent months as a result of population shifts recorded in the 2020 census.
Under a process passed by voters in 2014, New York’s new district maps were supposed to have been drawn by an independent commission. But that body, made up of equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans, couldn't agree on one set of maps. The Democratic-controlled Legislature then stepped in and created its own maps, quickly signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Republicans then sued, seeing to have the maps tossed for violating a provision in the state constitution barring the redrawing of districts for partisan gain. Similar legal battles have been playing out in several other states.
The battle has moved quickly through the courts, but not fast enough to quell uncertainty about the primary, now scheduled for June 28.
In the meantime, candidates have had to begin campaigning in the new districts, even as they are unsure whether those districts will still exist by the time voting begins. | https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/New-York-court-rejects-congressional-maps-drawn-17131030.php | 2022-04-27T19:44:15Z | https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/New-York-court-rejects-congressional-maps-drawn-17131030.php | false |
The Federal Emergency Management Agency may have been double-billed for the funerals of hundreds of people who died of COVID-19, the Government Accountability Office said in a new report Wednesday.
The GAO identified 374 people who died and were listed on more than one application that received an award from the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance fund. That amounts to about $4.8 million in assistance that could have been improper or potentially fraudulent payments, the report said.
FEMA spokesperson Jaclyn Rothenberg said Wednesday that this was not an example of large-scale fraud and the amount of funeral assistance identified as at-risk was relatively small, with FEMA's "multi-layered internal quality controls and fraud controls" resulting in improper payments of less than 1%.
“Unfortunately, fraud, particularly identity theft, is common. FEMA has controls in place to detect instances and can and will prosecute anyone who would apply for assistance fraudulently,” Rothenberg said in a statement.
FEMA told the GAO that some duplicative applications were incorrectly awarded funeral assistance due to processing errors, not fraud, and benefits were not actually paid twice in some of the cases, the report said.
The cases have been sent to the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General to consider whether to launch any fraud investigations, said Chris Currie, who leads GAO’s work on emergency management and disaster response and recovery, and Rebecca Shea, who oversees GAO audits to identify fraud, waste and abuse.
Shea said they could not confirm whether FEMA did or did not pay twice in all of the cases. She said she thinks fraudsters likely targeted the fund and some of it is data entry mistakes.
“Given everything we’ve seen in the pandemic programs over the past two years, if fraudsters did not try to gain from this system, that would be surprising to me,” she said Wednesday.
As of late last year, FEMA had awarded about $1.5 billion in assistance in response to about 235,000 applications for nearly 237,000 people who died due to COVID-19, the report said. While the duplicates are less than .2% of the applications, the GAO said the findings are significant due to the possibility of improper payments and potential fraud in this disaster and future disasters.
There were only about 6,000 applications for funeral assistance after other disasters in the decade before the pandemic. Use of the program “exploded” since Congress expanded it for COVID-19 by making the $50 billion in the Disaster Relief Fund available for such assistance, prompting GAO to do a forensic audit, Currie said.
Most of the 374 deceased individuals identified on more than one application were listed by different applicants, the GAO said. The GAO provided three examples to FEMA. FEMA said there were processing errors and started trying to recoup the money in two of the cases in January, the report said.
About 50 deceased individuals were listed on multiple applications from the same applicant, the report said. FEMA initially said there were duplicates in the system due to a change in geographic coding and only one of the applications was paid in each case, but when the GAO provided examples, FEMA confirmed the duplicative applications were paid, the report said.
In addition, the GAO said it identified another 400 applications that received more than the maximum benefit of $9,000 for each person who died — some up to nearly $20,000 — for another roughly $4.7 million in assistance that could've been improper or potentially fraudulent payments.
There were thousands of awards given in instances where there was a missing or invalid death date according to the data that FEMA provided, the GAO said. Sometimes a deceased person was listed as the applicant or the date they died was before the pandemic started, raising questions about how FEMA could determine eligibility in those cases, Shea said.
“That shouldn't be happening,” she said. “You know, dead can't apply for benefits.”
The GAO is recommending FEMA put additional controls in place to prevent and detect improper payments and potential fraud, and address deficiencies in the data by updating records as data is verified and adding data fields where necessary.
Rothenberg said FEMA established additional controls prior to implementing COVID-19 Funeral Assistance to mitigate the risk of fraud and identity theft. She said FEMA requires verifiable documentation for funeral expenses, including funeral home contracts and receipts, and conducts multiple verification checks.
___
McDermott reported from Providence, R.I. | https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Once-dead-twice-billed-GAO-questions-COVID-17131275.php | 2022-04-27T19:44:36Z | https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Once-dead-twice-billed-GAO-questions-COVID-17131275.php | true |
“Memory" is an interesting title for the latest Liam Neeson thriller. Do you remember the last Liam Neeson thriller? Or the one before that? Who was it that got took in that one? It began getting hard to tell these films from one another years ago, and yet they've kept coming. “Key & Peele" only seems more prophetic for making the actor's name plural. “Liam Neesons” is right. He contains, and kills, multitudes.
“Memory,” which opens in theaters Friday, doesn't much alter the formula but makes for a brutal and bleak variation on the Liam Neeson theme. It casts a broader, more interwoven noir tapestry set around the Texas borderlands, with an ensemble cast including Guy Pearce, Monica Bellucci, and Ray Stevenson. If you come to “Memory” hoping Neeson is going to growl one-liners like “Commit THAT to memory!” or “If memory serves me correctly, you're toast!" — you may be surprised to find a movie less interested in such action-star heroics than it is something murkier and more cynical.
Does that make it good? Well, I wouldn't go that far. The filmmaking, by Martin Campbell, the British director of thrillers both glossy ("Casino Royale") and gritty ("Edge of Darkness"), lacks the texture and sense of place that could have made “Memory” (much of which was shot in Bulgaria) something more than a throwaway. But the performers — Neeson and particularly Pearce — don't phone anything in.
Neeson plays an El Paso, Texas, assassin named Alex Lewis who tilts more toward bad guy territory than most of the actor's protagonists. Of course, though, Alex has a moral compass that won't tolerate certain things. He smashes one guy's head against the bar for his rude behavior toward a prostitute. And he won't kill kids. When Alex refuses to kill a 13-year-old girl (Mia Sanchez), a crime syndicate seeking to cover up a child trafficking ring comes after him. At the same time, Alex is beginning to experience early onset Alzheimer's. That, curiously, only seldom affects his mission to protect the girl and bring down the syndicate, but it does make Alex even bolder; his life is fading away, anyway.
At the same time, the FBI agent Vincent Serra (Pearce) is trying to bring down the ring and is watching over the very same teenage girl, but his higher-ups keep pushing him toward other cases. Pearce's very presence in a memory-loss thriller is a nod to “Memento.” In one scene, when Neeson writes clues on his forearm to help himself remember, you half expect Pearce to grab the pen and give him a few pointers. There's much that's familiar in “Memory,” a remake of the 2003 Belgian thriller “Memory of a Killer.”
Alex and Vincent form a loose partnership as two men trying to carry out one act of justice in a place without it. If the Liam Neeson thriller has cast Neeson as a kind of globe-trotting vigilante and defender of justice in a fallen world, it's fitting that he should make his way to the U.S.-Mexican border. Credit “Memory” for summoning outrage for the plight of young Mexican immigrants along the border.
Pearce, sweaty and grungy, steadies “Memory”; it's his film as much as Neeson's. But if anything, they seem like actors who ought to be in something better than this, an often slipshod movie populated largely by stock and half-formed characters — like Bellucci's somewhat ridiculous millionaire, an El Paso mogul pulling strings to cover for her son. There's just enough here to imagine a better, more memorable iteration of “Memory.”
“Memory,” an Open Road release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for for violence, some bloody images and language throughout. Running time: 114 minutes. Two stars out of four.
___
Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP | https://www.expressnews.com/entertainment/article/Review-Liam-Neeson-kills-down-Memory-lane-17131164.php | 2022-04-27T19:51:31Z | https://www.expressnews.com/entertainment/article/Review-Liam-Neeson-kills-down-Memory-lane-17131164.php | false |
Imagine you booked a hotel, but the hotel accidentally gave all your stuff away to an alleged criminal without checking for any valid ID. It happened in San Francisco to Bob Sabouni.
According to the court judgment, Sabouni lost $8,390.88 of his belongings. He sued the San Francisco Marriott Marquis and won. In a surprise move, Marriott successfully appealed the case. But, the state superior court judge overseeing the case ruled that it was done so unfairly.
Here's how it happened.
Bob's story
What was supposed to be a post-lockdown summer getaway to San Francisco turned into a legal nightmare for Bob Sabouni.
In June 2021, Sabouni and his friends checked into the San Francisco Marriott Marquis before heading to a Giants game. Sabouni said his room wasn't ready, so the hotel offered to hold his bags.
"Then we went onto the game and we had a great time. Giants won!" Sabouni said.
Later that night, Sabouni came back to a big loss.
SEE ALSO: Fencing operation video shows what happens after car break-ins
"Everyone's stuff was there, except mine," he said.
Sabouni said his luggage -- which included a Briggs & Riley rollaway bag, a Tumi leather backpack, an iPad Pro, a MacBook Pro, a 4TB hard drive with his social security number and seven years of tax documents -- was nowhere to be found.
"The next morning I spoke to the manager who said they were looking into it and found out they had given my stuff to somebody else," Sabouni said.
According to the court judgment, hotel surveillance footage shows a man walking into the Marriott later that afternoon, claiming he checked his bag but lost his claim check.
"Remarkably, the Marriott let the guy walk into the back room. He pointed at my bags and said those are mine ... The guy said, 'Is there any way you can prove it? Do you have tickets? Do you have ID?' And the guy said, 'I have none of that,' but just mentioned there's a computer in that bag." Sabouni said.
"Sure enough, there was, and they just handed my stuff over," he added.
Sabouni said in the weeks that followed, the hotel was unwilling to compensate him for his losses unless he provided receipts for every item. Frustrated with the process, Sabouni later sued Marriott in small claims court and won.
"The judge awarded us $5,000, which was nowhere near the almost $9,000 that I'd lost, but I was satisfied," Sabouni said.
The story, however, doesn't end there.
Legal battle
Marriott then appealed the case on the grounds of a law enacted in 1872 -- also known as the Inn Keeper's statute -- that limits a hotel's liability for guests' belongings to $1,000. Marriott won the appeal, but not fairly, according to San Francisco Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ross. He wrote:
"This is one of the rare instances where the law does not allow the court to achieve the equitable result."
According to the court judgment, Ross highlighted the fact the law is outdated, saying in part this statute "has not been revised to accord with the current value of luggage, clothing, and most notably computer equipment and its data."
"Prices have gone up enormously since this law was first enacted," said Jim Wilcox, an economics professor at UC Berkeley's School of Business.
Wilcox said prices of goods and services have multiplied by 20 to 25 since this law was first enacted in 1872. Yet, in 2022, hotels in California are liable for items up to $1,000 -- at maximum.
"Compared to when the law was first enacted, $1,000 then would be the equivalent, in real purchasing power terms, [to] a ceiling of about $25,000," Wilcox said.
Ross wrote in the court judgment: "One might expect Marriott to recognize the aberration and in the interest of customer relations, to pay the judgment. Instead, Marriot appealed."
KGO reached out to the Marriott for an on-camera interview, but hotel management declined to speak or comment.
Sabouni valued his stolen items to be worth nearly $8,400. But according to Marriott's trial brief, the hotel was only legally liable for $500, due to this statute.
"It needs to modernize with the times. While the physical computer might be worth 'x' dollars, what's on there is worth a lot more," said Relani Belous, founder of the Belous Law Firm. "You have an industry that has a get-out-of-jail-free card."
The Inn Keeper's Statute hasn't been amended in 42 years, leaving consumers like Sabouni paying the price.
"For me, it's a matter of holding them accountable for the safety of customers and not giving them this shield," Sabouni said.
After the appeal, the court ordered Marriott to pay Sabouni $1,553 for a mistake made by its own staff. Meanwhile, Sabouni told KGO that accounting for his losses, he's spent well over $10,000 trying to fight this case.
The question now: Is it time for the law to change? | https://abc7ny.com/marriot-tourist-bag-stolen-lawsuit-suitcase/11797336/ | 2022-04-27T19:51:47Z | https://abc7ny.com/marriot-tourist-bag-stolen-lawsuit-suitcase/11797336/ | false |
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said Wednesday that Russia's war on Ukraine “screams” that the world needs to stop importing oil and gas from Russia and instead move toward other forms of energy.
At an international forum on offshore wind energy in Atlantic City, Granholm said the U.S. as well as its energy industries “are on a war footing,” and called for a rapid acceleration of renewable energy including offshore wind power.
Her comments were echoed by Kadri Simson, the European Commissioner for Energy, who noted that Europe recently committed itself to a large-scale move away from Russian fossil fuel imports, and considers wind energy an important part of that transition.
Their comments came as Russia cut off natural gas to NATO members Poland and Bulgaria on Wednesday and threatened to do the same to other countries, dramatically escalating its standoff with the West over the war in Ukraine. European leaders decried the move as “blackmail.”
Germany and Italy are among Europe’s biggest consumers of Russian natural gas, but have already been taking steps to reduce their dependence on Moscow.
“Russia is waging a war in Ukraine and the imperative to move away from Russian oil and gas, for the world to move away from Russian oil and gas screams that there is an imperative that we electrify,” said Granholm, the former Michigan governor. “Offshore wind is just a huge component in that.
“This is a time to accelerate because we are on a war footing, because you are the army we need, because this is the battle for our nations,” she told a conference room filled with offshore wind developers and suppliers. “This is a war of good against evil, and we are all enlisted.”
Simson, the European energy commissioner, cited a plan adopted last month called REPowerEU that calls for more liquid natural gas and traditional pipeline imports from nations other than Russia; doubling sustainable production of biomethane; and increasing the production and import of renewable hydrogen. That policy is to work in tandem with existing renewable energy industries including solar and wind.
It aims to replace two-thirds of the amount of natural gas the European Union imports from Russia by the end of the year.
“It is clear now more than ever that Europe needs to reshape our energy system and bring our dependence on Russian energy to an end as soon as possible,” Simson said. “Offshore wind is an important part of that plan.”
The U.S. has set a goal of generating 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2030, enough to power 10 million homes.
In February, six companies bid a combined $4.37 billion for the right to build wind energy projects on the ocean floor off New Jersey and New York in the U.S. government’s largest such auction in history. The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said that when fully developed, these sites could provide enough energy to power 2 million homes, and additional auctions are expected in the future.
Also on Wednesday, the U.S. Interior Department announced it is looking at areas for additional wind energy leases in the central Atlantic coast, and off the coast of Oregon totaling more than 4 million acres. A public comment period on the proposal will end June 28.
Wind power developers and energy regulators speaking at Wednesday's conference said much work remains to be done in order to accommodate the surging U.S. offshore wind industry. They particularly cited the need to expand and modernize an electrical grid that was built around fossil fuels.
Transmission projects will be crucial to the success and affordability of the wind power industry, and companies are already flooding regulators with proposals. Joseph Fiordaliso, president of New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities, said his agency has already received 80 proposals from 13 energy transmission developers.
“The worst dream I have is that we're generating energy in the ocean and we have no place to plug it in,” he said. “The grid has to be updated.”
Companies and regulators also stressed that the rapidly growing industry has to be affordable to its end users: the electric customers.
“There are real, working-class folks out there who pay these bills,” said Clint Plummer, CEO of Rise Light & Power, which repurposes former fossil fuel facilities as clean energy hubs. “We need to do this in a way that's affordable.”
___
Follow Wayne Parry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC | https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/US-Ukraine-war-screams-need-to-reject-Russian-17131161.php | 2022-04-27T19:56:10Z | https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/US-Ukraine-war-screams-need-to-reject-Russian-17131161.php | true |
Rio Ferdinand has identified the "dream scenario" for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp's involving the club’s central defender Ibrahima Konate.
The French defender was the only arrival into the Reds' first-team ranks last summer after they triggered his release clause at RB Leipzig, thought to be £36million. Despite only featuring in eight Premier League games this campaign, Konate has played a much bigger role on the European stage for the Reds.
The 22-year-old has not featured as prominently in the Premier League due to Joel Matip being the preferred defensive partner of Virgil van Dijk in the heart of Klopp’s defence. However, Wednesday night’s Champions League semi-final against Villarreal was his sixth start in the competition.
Konate also played from the start in the Round of 16 victory at Inter and was then played from the start in both of the quarter-final legs against Portuguese side Benfica. Not only was Konate an impressive defensive figure in all those fixtures, but he also found the net in each game against the Lisbon-based side – heading home from a corner in each leg. The defender also found the net in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Manchester City this month.
Klopp’s management of the defender has now drawn the praise of Ferdinand, who used Konate as an example of a player who was not always involved in the Liverpool first-team but who was ready to make an impact when called upon. Ferdinand’s comments came just days after Divock Origi netted against Everton – a striker who is rarely deployed by Klopp but has built a reputation at Anfield as being able to make an impact from the bench.
Speaking on BT Sport ahead of Wednesday’s clash at Anfield, Ferdinand explained: “I think the most impressive thing for me is the way he (Klopp) has been able to utilise his squad. Just shuffling the back at any given time, and those players are coming in and impacting the team.
Have Your Say! Should Konate be in Liverpool's strongest team? Tell us what you think here.
“They are playing big roles in that, (Ibrahima) Konate is a good example for that, he has come in and scored goal after goal, and as a manager, it is a dream scenario at the business end of the season.”
Liverpool are enjoying greater strength in depth in their ranks this season than before despite not being particularly busy in the transfer market, with Konate the only major arrival at the club last summer. Luis Diaz, signed from FC Porto, joined the Reds in the January transfer window and has instantly established himself in the first team.
Read More
Read More | https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-jurgen-klopp-ibrahima-konate-26816640 | 2022-04-27T19:57:15Z | https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/liverpool-jurgen-klopp-ibrahima-konate-26816640 | true |
Commanders pick up edge rusher Sweat's fifth-year option
The Washington Commanders have picked up edge rusher Montez Sweat´s fifth-year option, an expected move that keeps a cornerstone of their defense under contract through the 2023 season.
Sweat is set to earn $11.5 million that season on the option the team announced Wednesday it was exercising on its second pick in the first round in 2019. Washington traded up to take Sweat with the 26th pick.
The Mississippi State product has become a key part of Washington´s defensive line along with fellow pass rusher Chase Young and defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. All were first-round picks.
Sweat has 21 sacks and 119 tackles in 42 NFL games with Washington. He had five sacks and 24 tackles in 10 games last season around missing several weeks with a broken jaw.
The Commanders have the 11th pick in the draft that begins Thursday night. They've picked a defensive player in the first round each of the past five years, including linebacker Jamin Davis 19th in 2021.
If Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton falls to them, they could make it six in a row, though wide receiver is also high on the team's list of needs.
FILE - Washington defensive end Montez Sweat (90) runs during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021 in Landover, Md. The Washington Commanders have picked up edge rusher Montez Sweat's fifth-year option as expected. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr., File)
Washington could replenish its defensive line depth later in the draft after losing tackle Tim Settle in free agency and cutting Matt Ioannidis in a salary cap move following the trade for quarterback Carson Wentz.
The Commanders would like to keep the key pieces of their defense together as long as possible. Allen signed a $72 million, four-year extension last summer, while Payne is set to be a free agent after next season if he doesn't get a new deal.
Combined with Allen and Payne inside, the pass rush led by Young and Sweat is a big reason Washington ranked second in the league on defense in 2020. Young tore the ACL in his right knee in November but is rehabbing and participating in offseason workouts.
"He has been doing real well," coach Ron Rivera said this week of Young. "He´s fired up. He´s really focused in, and he´s attacking his rehab."
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More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://apnews.com/hub/pro-32 and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-10760433/Commanders-pick-edge-rusher-Sweats-fifth-year-option.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-04-27T19:57:19Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-10760433/Commanders-pick-edge-rusher-Sweats-fifth-year-option.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | true |
The High Court in England ruled today that discharging hospital patients into care homes at the start of the pandemic undermined Government claims that a “protective ring” was put in place for the most vulnerable.
In early 2020, patients were rapidly discharged into care homes without testing, despite the risk of asymptomatic transmission, with Government documents showing there was no requirement for this until mid-April.
The Commissioner for Older People in NI, Eddie Lynch, said he believed the ruling strengthens the need for a NI specific public inquiry.
“At the beginning of the pandemic, I heard of many instances where families were concerned about the discharge of Covid positive patients into care homes here,” he said.
“At the time, I called on the health authorities to act to protect our care homes and vulnerable residents. It is easy for us to forget how terrifying the first few months of the pandemic were for everyone, but there are a range of issues that need to be looked at, where I believe, the safety and protection of older residents in care homes may have been compromised.”
He says an inquiry should look at how care home deaths were reported, families’ access to loved ones, personal protective equipment supply problems, potential misuse of do not attempt resuscitation orders and the pace of testing residents and staff.
He added: “I want to ensure that we understand what happened and that we use the findings of a care home public inquiry to embed learning and improve planning, should we need to act against new variants of concern or another pandemic in the future.”
His call comes after an NI pressure group published an open letter this week to all Northern Ireland Assembly candidates, calling for them to prioritise a NI Covid inquiry.
The group, Covid 19 Bereaved Families for Justice, said they would not be satisfied for NI to be included as part of a UK-wide inquiry.
“In Northern Ireland over 4085 people are grieving the loss of a loved one to Covid 19,” the letter said. “Our loved ones, whose lives were cut short in the course of the pandemic, will not be able to vote in the coming elections. They won’t be able to make sure that the mistakes of the past are never repeated in Northern Ireland. If love could have saved them, they would never have left us. But they are gone, and through our grief we will fight to ensure that no other families suffer the heartbreak we have.”
They added: “We aren’t asking for financial compensation, or to apportion blame. We, as you surely do, simply believe that the lives of our loved ones’ are just as important as the lives of those lost in other parts of the UK. Our mothers, fathers, children and partners deserve to be more than a footnote in a four nation inquiry. They mattered so much more than that.
“That is why, when you come to knock on our doors and ask for our vote, we expect to hear not just consolation for our losses, but the promise that you and your party will prioritise an Northern Ireland inquiry into the handling of the pandemic in the next administration.” | https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/crime/high-court-ruling-on-covid-in-care-homes-strengthens-need-for-ni-inquiry-says-commissioner-for-older-people-3672040 | 2022-04-27T20:01:28Z | https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/crime/high-court-ruling-on-covid-in-care-homes-strengthens-need-for-ni-inquiry-says-commissioner-for-older-people-3672040 | false |
16-year-old girl arrested, charged with attempted murder after high school student stabbed
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA/Gray News) - Police have arrested a teenager and charged her with attempted murder following a stabbing Tuesday at an Alabama high school.
The 16-year-old suspect was found at the scene at Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, taken into custody and charged with attempted murder, Montgomery Police Department Capt. Saba Coleman said.
Police said officers were called to the location around 9:30 a.m. after a report that someone had been cut, WSFA reported. At the scene, medics and officers treated a female student, who had non-life-threatening injuries.
A spokesperson for Montgomery Public Schools confirmed the victim was a student at Lee High.
The school was placed on a soft lockdown following the incident, but it was later lifted.
It’s unclear what prompted the stabbing.
Copyright 2022 WSFA via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/27/16-year-old-girl-arrested-charged-with-attempted-murder-after-high-school-student-stabbed/ | 2022-04-27T20:01:46Z | https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/27/16-year-old-girl-arrested-charged-with-attempted-murder-after-high-school-student-stabbed/ | true |
Africa Women's Cup of Nations draw: How it works, seeding & everything you need to know
The group-stage draw for the Africa Women Cup of Nations 2022 is just around the corner and teams have been divided into three different seeding pots in advance.
Some of the continent's best national teams will be represented in Morocco, but what sort of group could they end up in?
GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Awcon seeding ahead of Friday's group-stage draw and more.
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How does the Awcon 2022 draw work?
Competition draws can be tricky to follow, but we have a simplified description of the procedure and constraints below.
General procedure
The 12 teams that have qualified for the tournament have been divided into two pots.
The 12 teams will be drawn into three groups of four teams, with the hosts Morocco, reigning champions
Nigeria, and next-highest-ranked Cameroon assigned to positions A1, C1, and B1, respectively.
Draw procedure
Three additional pots will be used: A, B, and C. Each pot will contain three (3) balls.
The first ball drawn from Pot 1 will go to group A, and a ball will be drawn from Pot A to determine its position (A2, A3, A4) in the group.
The second ball drawn from Pot 1 will go to group B, and a ball will be drawn from Pot B to determine its position (B2, B3, B4) in the group.
The third ball drawn from Pot 1 will go to group C, and a ball will be drawn from Pot C to determine its position (C2, C3, C4) in the group.
This procedure will be repeated for all the remaining teams in Pot 1.
Participating countries
Morocco qualified automatically as hosts, while the remaining 11 spots were determined by the qualifying rounds.
They are Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, Burundi, Zambia, Senegal, Togo, South Africa, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, and Botswana.
When is the Awcon 2022 draw?
The draw for the 2022 Awcon group stage will be held on Friday April 29, 2022.
Proceedings at the Mohamed VI Complex in Rabat are scheduled to begin at 20:30 GMT
How to stream & watch the Awcon draw live
SuperSport may beam the event live on TV, while there will be live streaming on Caf's YouTube and its official website.
The draw will be conducted by the Caf Director of Competitions Samson Adamu and assisted by Morocco’s Nawal El Moutawakel, and Cameroon’s Ajara Njoya.
GOAL will bring you live coverage of the draw as it happens and you will be able to follow on our website.
When does Awcon 2022 start?
The opening group fixture of the 2022 Africa Women's Cup of Nations will be played on July 2, 2022. It will feature the hosts, Morocco and another team from Group A.
The following four teams from Caf will qualify for the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, while two teams will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs. | https://www.goal.com/en-cm/news/africa-women-s-cup-of-nations-draw-how-it-works-seeding-and/bltd54969c042a4c940 | 2022-04-27T20:02:12Z | https://www.goal.com/en-cm/news/africa-women-s-cup-of-nations-draw-how-it-works-seeding-and/bltd54969c042a4c940 | false |
Shun sensationalism, Vice-President tells media
NELLORE April 28, 2022 01:17 ISTHe inaugurates 100 metre tower for 10 KW FM Operation at the All India Radio FM Station in Nellore
Expressing concern over a section of media exaggerating news, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday called for shunning of sensationalism in news coverage.
At times, such misinformation can cause panic, he observed, suggesting that the media “be closer to the truth and stay away from sensation”.
Mr. Venkaiah Naidu was speaking after inaugurating a 100 metre tower for 10 KW FM Operation at the All India Radio FM Station here.
The Vice-President noted the popularity of radio and its importance in educating people on various issues. He recalled how radio has been instrumental in bestowing recognition to many artists and educating farmers on the best agronomic practices. He lauded the broadcast media for playing a pivotal role in national development, educating people and strengthening democracy.
Role of media in digital age
Noting the widespread reach of the media in the digital age, he advised the media to reflect upon the realities of society and always remain wedded to the cardinal principles of journalism. “There is also a need for the media to introspect and self-regulate”, he emphasised.
Reflecting on the falling standards in TV debates of late, he called for maintenance of decency and decorum, be it in TV studios or Parliament and State Assemblies. He called upon all media organisations to focus more on the issues concerning rural areas.
Making a mention of social media, he asked people not to forward unverified and unsubstantiated information and mislead others.
The Vice-President, who also inaugurated Devireddy Sarada Charitable Trust activities, called upon the youth to imbibe the spirit of service and give a helping hand to the underprivileged sections for them to take advantage of the government-sponsored schemes. “Social service is an integral part of Indian culture,” he observed.
He urged non-governmental organisations to also focus on skill development of youth and women and especially those from rural parts. | https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/shun-sensationalism-vice-president-tells-media/article65360005.ece/amp/ | 2022-04-27T20:04:39Z | https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/shun-sensationalism-vice-president-tells-media/article65360005.ece/amp/ | false |
UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. says its humanitarian office is mobilizing an experienced team from around the world to coordinate the complex evacuation of civilians from the besieged steel plant in the battered Ukrainian city of Mariupol with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed in principle to U.N. and ICRC participation in the evacuation from the plant during a nearly two-hour, one-on-one meeting Tuesday. The sprawling Azovstal complex, which has been almost completely destroyed by Russian attacks, is the last pocket of organized Ukrainian resistance in Mariupol. An estimated 2,000 troops and 1,000 civilians are said to be holed up in bunkers underneath the wrecked structure.
U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters Wednesday that the U.N. is trying to translate the Guterres-Putin agreement in principle “into an agreement in detail and an agreement on the ground.”
“And ultimately what we want is to make sure that a cease-fire would be respected that would allow us to move people safely,” he said.
Haq said U.N. officials are having follow-on discussions Wednesday with authorities in Moscow and Kyiv “to develop the operational framework for the timely evacuation of civilians.”
He said the exact timing depends on the outcome of discussions between the U.N. humanitarian office and Russia’s Ministry of Defense in Moscow as well as between the U.N. crisis coordinator for Ukraine, Amin Awad, and the authorities in Kyiv, where Guterres will be meeting Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday.
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KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR:
— Russia cuts natural gas to 2 NATO nations in escalation
— European nations accuse Russia of natural gas 'blackmail'
— The AP Interview: UN nuclear chief wants Ukraine plant access
— EXPLAINER: What's behind Russia's natural gas cutoff?
Follow all AP stories on Russia's war on Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:
OTTAWA, Ontario — The Canadian government said Wednesday that it has imposed sanctions on more than 200 people who are loyal to Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region.
Russian forces have been backing separatist rebels in the Donbas area for eight years following Russia’s annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014.
The Canadian sanctions are focused on the renewed Russian attempt to annex areas of the Donbas by targeting people attempting to support the next phase of the two-month-old Russian war on Ukraine.
“Canada will not stand idly by and watch President Putin and his accomplices attempt to redraw the borders of Ukraine with impunity,” Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said in a statement. “International law must be respected.”
Global Affairs Canada, the governmental department that manages the country’s diplomatic relations, said the new measures target 11 senior officials and 192 other members of the People’s Councils of the self-proclaimed People’s Republics of Luhansk and Donetsk for supporting Putin’s attack on the area.
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WASHINGTON — The White House says President Joe Biden will tour a Lockheed Martin facility that makes weapons systems, such as Javelin anti-tank missiles, that the administration is providing to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia’s 2-month-old invasion.
Biden plans to visit the facility in Alabama on May 3.
A Javelin is a long-range guided anti-tank missile that can be carried by one person. The United States says it has provided several thousand of the systems to Ukraine.
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MADRID — Russia announced Wednesday it was withdrawing from the United Nations World Tourism Organization just hours before the body’s assembly voted to temporarily suspend the country’s membership over the invasion of Ukraine, officials said.
UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili made the announcement on his official Twitter account. He said it was the first U.N. body to address Russia’s membership.
The organization went ahead and approved the suspension at a special meeting in Madrid on Wednesday, where the organization has its headquarters.
“(Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s military offensive is an attack on the founding principles of the United Nations and on the values that tourism represents, such as peace, prosperity and universal respect and the observance of human rights,” Spanish Industry, Trade and Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said in a statement following the decision.
The assembly resolution included a clause that said the suspension could be reversed if a change in the politics of the Russian Federation were noted.
Spain was one of 22 European nations that had promoted the motion.
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COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Norway’s Energy Minister Terje Aasland said Wednesday that the Scandinavian country’s position “as a stable, predictable and long-term supplier of energy to the European market is only becoming more important.”
“It is underlined by what is now happening on the part of Gazprom,” Aasland told Norwegian news agency NTB.
The state-controlled Russian giant said it was shutting off natural gas to NATO members Poland and Bulgaria on Wednesday because they refused to pay in Russian rubles, as President Vladimir Putin had demanded.
Russia threatened to do the same to other countries, dramatically escalating its standoff with the West over the war in Ukraine. European leaders decried the move as “blackmail.”
Norway exports about 95% of its gas via an extensive subsea pipeline network linking it to terminals in Germany, Britain, France and Belgium. Last month, Denmark decided to resume the construction of the Danish part of Baltic Pipe, which will connect Poland to Norwegian gas fields.
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MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to Russia’s parliament that the goals of the country’s military operation in Ukraine will be achieved.
Putin said in an address on Wednesday to both houses of parliament: “I want to emphasize again that all the tasks of the special military operation we are conducting in the Donbas and Ukraine, launched on Feb. 24, will be unconditionally fulfilled.”
That, he said, will “guarantee the security of the residents” of separatist regions in eastern Ukraine that Russia recognized as independent shortly before launching its military action in Ukraine, as well as Crimea — which Russia annexed in 2014 — “and our entire country in the historical perspective.”
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BERLIN — Germany’s economy minister says the government is considering “all scenarios” for a Russian-owned oil refinery that supplies much of the petroleum used in and around Berlin.
Robert Habeck told reporters Wednesday that the German government’s goal is to ensure the country becomes independent of Russian energy supplies, and companies established to procure fossil fuels from Russia are “not helpful in that regard.”
The refinery at Schwedt is controlled by Rosneft, a Russian state-controlled oil and gas company.
Asked whether Germany would go so far as to nationalize the refinery, an option foreseen in a regulatory change approved by Cabinet this week, Habeck said that “we are in a situation where the government must expect and prepare for all scenarios.”
“There are likely to be some we haven’t thought of,” he said. “But we are considering everything conceivable and making political preparations.”
Habeck said Russia’s decision to stop supplies of gas to Poland and Bulgaria was an example of “the reality where energy is used as a weapon.”
He acknowledged that Germany was and remains one of the biggest consumers of Russian fossil fuels worldwide, though it is making all efforts to diversify its supplies, reduce consumption and switch to renewable energy “so that we are not defenseless.”
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KYIV, Ukraine — A Ukrainian presidential adviser has hinted that his country might be involved in a series of fires in border regions of Russia in recent days.
On Wednesday, the governor of the Belgorod region said an ammunition depot was burning after several explosions were heard. Earlier this week, there was a blaze at an oil storage facility in Bryansk.
Ukraine hasn’t officially taken responsibility for those and other incidents, and Russian officials haven’t publicly ascribed them to Ukrainian attacks.
But Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said in a Telegram post Wednesday that “karma (is) a harsh thing.”
He said that Russian regions where the incidents happened “are now also actively studying the concept of ‘demilitarization.’”
Without directly admitting any Ukrainian involvement, he said that “sooner or later the debts will have to be repaid.”
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ROME — Premier Mario Draghi’s office says the Italian leader will meet President Joe Biden in Washington on May 10.
Draghi’s office said in a statement on Wednesday that Ukraine will be at the center of discussions, including coordinated measures “to support the Ukrainian population and to counter Russia’s unjustified aggression.”
The leaders will also discuss energy security. Italy is among European countries that get a large proportion of their natural gas from Russia. Draghi and his ministers have been working to get alternative sources.
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WARSAW, Poland — Security authorities in Poland say that a Russian and a Belarusian man have been arrested on allegations that they spied for Russian intelligence.
A spokesman for Poland’s state security bodies, Stanislaw Zaryn, said Wednesday that material gathered by Polish military intelligence led to their arrest.
He said that they were gathering sensitive military information, including about Polish troops in the area near Poland’s border with Belarus.
The men were arrested separately last week.
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SOFIA, Bulgaria — The Bulgarian government says the prime minister and defense minister will go to Ukraine to meet with that country’s leaders.
The goverment press office said Prime Minister Kiril Petkov and Defense Minister Dragomir Zakov were being accompanied on Wednesday by members of Parliament.
In Kyiv, they will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and with members of the 200,000-strong Bulgarian community in Ukraine.
They also will visit Borodyanka, Bucha and Irpin, in the Kyiv region, to see damage caused by the Russian invasion.
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BRUSSELS — The head of the European Union’s executive Commission says energy companies in the 27-nation bloc that agree to Moscow’s demands to pay for gas deliveries in Russian rubles will be breaching the sanctions imposed over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ursula von der Leyen spoke after Polish and Bulgarian officials said Moscow was cutting off natural gas deliveries to their countries due to their refusal to pay in rubles, a demand made by President Vladimir Putin after sanctions were levied against his nation.
Von der Leyen said Wednesday that “our guidance here is very clear.”
She said that “to pay in rubles, if this is not foreseen in the contract, is a breach of our sanctions. We have round about 97% of all contracts that explicitly stipulate payments in euros or dollars, so it’s very clear. And the request from the Russian side to pay in rubles is a unilateral decision and not according to the contracts.”
Von der Leyen said Russia’s decision to cut off supplies to Poland and Bulgaria is another “provocation from the Kremlin” and an attempt to “blackmail” the EU.
She said that, following an urgent meeting of member states, both Poland and Bulgaria are now receiving gas from their EU neighbors.
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COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Russia has expelled three Norwegian diplomats following the expulsion from Norway earlier this month of three Russian diplomats.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfelt said Wednesday that the Norwegians being kicked out were doing “regular diplomatic work.” She vowed that Norway “will continue to stand with our close allies and partners against Russia’s aggression and in our support for Ukraine,”
Huitfeld told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that “like other European countries and allies, we have reduced contact with the Russian authorities to a minimum.”
On Tuesday, Russia expelled four Swedish diplomats. The Foreign Ministry in Stockholm said they too were “engaged in normal diplomatic activities.”
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The Russian Foreign Ministry has announced sanctions against 287 British lawmakers in response to the U.K. sanctioning 368 members of Russia’s lower house of parliament.
The ministry on Wednesday released a list of both government and opposition lawmakers, and a few former lawmakers. They are now barred from entering Russia because they “took the most active part in the establishment of anti-Russian sanctions instruments in London (and) contribute to the groundless ramping-up of Russophobic hysteria in the U.K.”
The ministry’s statement said that “hostile rhetoric and far-fetched accusations coming from the mouths of British parliamentarians not only condone the hostile course of London aimed at demonizing our country and (at) its international isolation, but are also used by opponents of mutually respectful dialogue with Russia to undermine the foundation of bilateral cooperation.”
Responding to the announcement, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that “those 287 should regard it as a badge of honor.”
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MOSCOW — The Kremlin has criticized a statement by a Ukrainian presidential adviser holding the door open to possible military action in the separatist Trans-Dniester region of Moldova.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday described the statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s adviser Oleksiy Arestovych as “quite provocative.” Asked in a video stream if Ukraine could send its forces into Trans-Dniester, Arestovych said it could do that but only if Moldova asks for it.
Trans-Dniester, a sliver of land with about 470,000 people, has been under the control of separatist authorities since a 1992 war with Moldova. Russia bases about 1,500 troops in the breakaway region, nominally as peacekeepers. Tensions in the region have escalated in recent days with a series of explosions, for which no one claimed responsibility, raising fears of broader hostilities.
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BERLIN — The German government has rejected criticism that it has been slow to provide Ukraine with weapons requested by Kyiv.
Following domestic and international pressure, Germany announced this week that it would allow the delivery of self-propelled armored anti-aircraft guns to Ukraine to help it fend off Russia’s military attack, backing off earlier reluctance provide heavy weapons to the country.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz's spokesman, Steffen Hebestreit, said that “the federal government and chancellor have looked with great seriousness at the difficult situation Ukraine, Europe and the entire world are in, and taken a very balanced decision."
He told reporters in Berlin: “I don’t see a change of position on the part of the government, but continuity.”
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KYIV, Ukraine — The International Atomic Energy Agency’s director-general says the level of safety at Europe’s largest nuclear plant, currently under Russian occupation in Ukraine, is like a “red light blinking” as his organization tries in vain to get access for work including repairs.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Rafael Grossi said that the IAEA needs access to the Zaporizhzhia plant in southern Ukraine so its inspectors can, among other things, reestablish connections with the Vienna-based headquarters of the U.N. agency. And for that, both Russia and Ukraine need to help.
The plant requires repairs, “and all of this is not happening. So the situation as I have described it, and I would repeat it today, is not sustainable as it is,” Grossi said. “So this is a pending issue. This is a red light blinking.”
He spoke in an interview Wednesday, a day after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the issue.
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MOSCOW — The Kremlin says that Russia may halt gas supplies to other European customers following a cutoff to Poland and Bulgaria if they also refuse to switch to payment in rubles.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, argued that the Russian demand to switch to rubles in payments for gas resulted from the Western action to freeze Russian hard currency assets. He said those were effectively “stolen” by the West in an “unprecedented unfriendly action.”
Speaking in a conference call Wednesday with reporters, Peskov warned that other European customers may see the taps turned off if they refuse to pay for gas in rubles by the time payment is due. Peskov argued that refusing to switch to rubles reflects a Western desire to “punish Russia at any cost to the detriment of their own consumers, taxpayers and producers.”
He rejected the EU’s description of the Russian move to halt supplies to Bulgaria and Poland starting Wednesday as blackmail, insisting that “Russia has remained a reliable supplier of energy resources” and stuck to its contractual obligations.
Peskov argued that the demand for payment in rubles is purely technical and doesn’t change price or other contract conditions for consumers.
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BELGRADE, Serbia — Serbia says that the Russian cutoff of gas supplies to Bulgaria does not affect the Balkan country.
Serbia receives some 6 million cubic meters of Russian gas daily via neighboring Bulgaria. Energy Minister Zorana Mihailovic in a statement on Wednesday that supplies have not been halted.
Mihailovic said authorities nonetheless were looking into backup options in case the situation becomes more complicated.
Serbia depends heavily on Russian gas and the country’s main oil monopoly is owned by the Russian giant Gazprom. The country has refused to join sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine.
Mihailovic added that the Serbian government is already preparing plans for next winter. She said that “we have to secure energy stability in any possible way because at this moment it is every state for itself.”
Serbia sold 51% of the Serbia Oil Industry company to Gazprom in 2008.
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STOCKHOLM — The head of Sweden’s domestic security agency says Russia has a “limited time window” to influence the Scandinavian country’s position on whether to join NATO and attempt to take advantage of it.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to growing support in Sweden and eastern neighbor Finland, which has a long land border with Russia, for joining NATO.
Newspapers in both countries reported this week that the Swedish and Finnish governments have agreed to submit NATO applications at the same time and that they will do so in mid-May.
The head of Swedish security agency SAPO, Charlotte von Essen, said Wednesday that Russian influence on the debate in Sweden “could happen in many different arenas at the same time to influence the media, public opinion and decision-makers.” She spoke during a meeting with her Finnish and Norwegian counterparts.
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BERLIN — Climate activists have tried to shut down several oil pipelines in Germany to protest the use of fossil fuels and the war in Ukraine.
German news agency dpa quoted regional police on Wednesday confirming that a woman and a man had chained or glued themselves to a facility in Schwedt, northeast of Berlin.
The group Last Generation, which has staged highway blockades and other protests in recent months, also said its members entered a pipeline facility south of Cologne. Security staff prevented activists from disrupting a third facility in Breydin, also northeast of Berlin, dpa reported.
The group posted pictures showing activists placing sunflowers — a symbol of support for Ukraine — on the shutoff valves at two facilities. It was unclear whether any oil flows had actually been stopped.
Credit: Emilio Morenatti
Credit: Emilio Morenatti
Credit: Czarek Sokolowski
Credit: Czarek Sokolowski
Credit: Max Pshybyshevsky
Credit: Max Pshybyshevsky
Credit: Czarek Sokolowski
Credit: Czarek Sokolowski
Credit: Olexandr Chornyi
Credit: Olexandr Chornyi
Credit: Max Pshybyshevsky
Credit: Max Pshybyshevsky
Credit: Evgeniy Maloletka
Credit: Evgeniy Maloletka
Credit: Czarek Sokolowski
Credit: Czarek Sokolowski
Credit: Max Pshybyshevsky
Credit: Max Pshybyshevsky
Credit: Mikhail Klimentyev
Credit: Mikhail Klimentyev
Credit: Evgeniy Maloletka
Credit: Evgeniy Maloletka
Credit: Kenzo Tribouillard
Credit: Kenzo Tribouillard | https://www.daytondailynews.com/nation-world/live-updates-un-mobilizing-team-for-steel-plant-evacuation/YLVEKCUXBVB2BDLIICSDMMTKFQ/ | 2022-04-27T20:04:43Z | https://www.daytondailynews.com/nation-world/live-updates-un-mobilizing-team-for-steel-plant-evacuation/YLVEKCUXBVB2BDLIICSDMMTKFQ/ | true |
Oak Hill couple's love for baseball ignites fire to create youth sports league
OAK HILL — Erin Anderson has fond childhood memories of playing baseball in New Smyrna Beach.
Now, Erin and her husband Don, want to bring that same joy to kids in Oak Hill. To that end, the couple has created a youth sports league.
“There hasn’t been a youth league in our town for 20 plus years,” said Erin, 47. “I was a kid the last time I remember Oak Hill having a Little League. I want to bring back that parks and recreation ball that we all grew up playing and the memories we had.”
Erin and Don Anderson started the Oak Hill Sports Club for kids 4 to 12 years old in 2020.
“I remember my husband and I at our opening day last year, seeing what we accomplished in a matter of months. Seeing the kids in their baseball uniforms, we just looked at each other and started crying.”
'Two birds with one stone'
The couple relocated to Oak Hill from New Smyrna Beach after tying the knot in July of 2020.
“Before we moved to Oak Hill, (Don) was a (Little League) coach for over 16 years,” said Erin. “When we moved to Oak Hill I didn’t want him driving all the way to New Smyrna Beach to coach anymore. I started working for the city of Oak Hill, that's when I noticed that there's nothing for these kids to do here. I thought that I could kill two birds with one stone by bringing a sports league here and having my husband coach.”
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In August of 2020 Erin turned to social media to get the word out about the league.
“I put a post on Facebook and I said, ‘Hey! Would anybody be interested in a free baseball clinic,'" said Erin. “At our clinic we had five kids. The next day I went back to Facebook and I said, ‘I need help. Can anybody donate some gloves, bats, shoes? We’re going to have free baseball clinics.' We did this every other weekend. As the weekends went on the club started growing. We ended up with about 22 kids.”
Erin said the next step was to come up with a name for the club.
“I didn't only want to focus on baseball,” said Erin. “I wanted to be able to broaden it. So we named it Oak Hill Sports Club. That way in the future we could introduce more sports like soccer, flag football, and basketball. In February of 2021 we decided to see if we could get enough kids interested in joining a spring Little League.”
'It has grown pretty quickly'
Don said with the number of kids that showed interest in the club, the couple were able to create four Little League teams.
“Last spring we had about 45 to 47 kids,” said Don. “We basically had 45 kids to start the spring Little League season last year and now we're over 85 kids with 10 teams for this season. It has grown pretty quickly. The support that we’re getting not only from the families and the kids but from the community is overwhelming."
'Every kid gets to play'
"It cost $40 (for the season) to play," said Don. "But we don’t turn anyone away. We have community sponsors that pay the fee to make sure every kid gets to play. We’ve raised kids and we've had the trials and tribulations of competitive sports. So we made a decision from day one that we weren't going to be affiliated with any leagues like the Little League World Series. We're just going to keep it recreational and keep it fun.”
Don said the city of Oak Hill stepped up to the plate to help out.
“The city is not only allowing us to use a field, but applied for and was approved for a $140,000 ECHO grant to improve our field for next season. So it's really exciting.”
Oak Hill city administrator Kohn Evans told The News-Journal in an email, "The Oak Hill Sport Club’s success is being recognized. The city is happy the citizens have rediscovered the city parks again. So, after a successful season of the club, the City Commission unanimously agreed to pursue an ECHO grant with Volusia County, for the Mary DeWees Park baseball field for $285,785 with the city responsible for $144,893.
"The Oak Hill Sports Club has since approached the City Commission and they expressed their dreams for more sports and other events for the community and the Commission reacted by approving the pursuit of the property to the north of Mary DeWees Park and the creation of a City Parks Master Plan for the entire city. The ECHO grant for the baseball field is approved. The ECHO grant for the purchase of the property to the north is just going through the application process. Oak Hill Sports Club is growing and the city is here for it!"
'The best thing for them'
Long time Oak Hill resident Paula Cleaves learned about the baseball clinic from a Facebook post. Her son, Phillip, 12, now plays in the league.
“There’s nothing here to do for these kids,” said 51-year-old Cleaves. “I was raised here. This is home to me. I literally live four streets away from where I grew up. I played ball on both of the fields here. I was the only girl that played on the boys' ball team.”
Tim Morton, a resident of Oak Hill for 12 years, says his son Kane, 9, is excited about being able to play baseball.
“It’s a great thing for this town,” said Morton. “ When I was a kid I played in New Smyrna Beach and they haven't had a league since I was probably in middle school. That was back in the mid- to early-90s. Most kids want to play on computers all day. I think this is the best thing for them.”
For information on the program or to donate please visit Oak Hill Sports Club at oakhillsportsclub.com or call 386-314-5734.
Erica Van Buren covers general assignment and Ormond Beach government for The Daytona Beach News-Journal and USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@News-Jrnl.com or on Twitter: @EricaVanBuren32 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2022/04/27/oak-hill-couples-love-baseball-ignites-fire-youth-league/9499085002/ | 2022-04-27T20:06:29Z | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2022/04/27/oak-hill-couples-love-baseball-ignites-fire-youth-league/9499085002/ | false |
Raw foods get a lot of hype for their nutritional power, and it's deserved in many cases. While a 100 percent raw diet's health value is questionable, cooking or overcooking does destroy some of the vitamin content in certain foods [source: Spritzler].
For a person eating the standard American diet heavy on meat, dairy and overcooked vegetables, adding more raw fruits and veggies will certainly do more good than harm. But don't raid the farm just yet. There are some foods that you should simply never eat raw.
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Many of the compounds that make foods on this list too toxic to eat raw are part of their defense mechanisms. Toxins, like deadly ricin in castor beans, or hydrogen cyanide in almonds, are designed to deter pests. For plants trying to survive, humans can be as much of a pest as slugs or aphids.
Some of the other foods on this list are just poisonous if they're not cooked properly, while others will just give you a wretched belly ache. Read on, and while you're at it, go ahead and put that water on to boil. | https://health.howstuffworks.com/food-nutrition/10-foods-you-should-never-eat-raw.htm | 2022-04-27T20:09:51Z | https://health.howstuffworks.com/food-nutrition/10-foods-you-should-never-eat-raw.htm | true |
Europa League: Could European glory for Rangers be the perfect Aribo sign off?
It has not been a smooth journey to this point for Joe Aribo and Rangers who have had to overcome hurdles en route to becoming the first Scottish club to reach the semi-finals in the Europa League era.
A late bloomer, Aribo did not get into an academy just before his 19th birthday but was given a chance by Charlton Athletic. His accelerated progress since has taken him to one of Scottish football’s big two, who are two games away from their biggest European night since 2008 when they competed with Zenit Saint Petersburg in the UEFA Cup decider.
Despite a managerial change in mid-season, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst replacing Steven Gerrard who moved to Aston Villa, the defending Scottish champions have soldiered on in Europe.
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Notably eliminating Borussia Dortmund in the knockout round playoffs and a strong showing at Ibrox to overturn a first-leg reverse against Sporting Braga in the quarter-finals have been instrumental in bringing the Scottish giants to this stage.
Aribo has notched three of his Europa League assists in the aforementioned games, with the last eight turnaround arguably his finest performance this season.
The Super Eagle assisted two of Rangers’ goals in the 3-1 success on home turf — setting up James Tavernier after two minutes and teeing up Kemar Roofe in extra time — to secure a deserved success for Van Bronckhorst’s men.
Aside from the assists was the Nigerian’s involvement at the backend of moves, evidenced by a staggering 11 shot-creating actions. No player on either side had more and his volume of SCAs on the night was more than the entire Braga side (eight) managed in Glasgow.
The 25-year-old, though, believes it was that win over Dortmund in the play-off round that fed this side’s belief.
“The boys were buzzing when we played Dortmund because it’s such a big club,” remarked Aribo before the first leg against RB Leipzig. “When we won that, it was like: ‘OK, we can keep going here; the favourites have been knocked out, so we can keep pushing’. And that’s what we’ve done.
“We can win playing against anyone. If we stick to our task then we can get the win. Dortmund and Leipzig being in the same league show that we can do this.”
Beaten finalists 14 years ago, the ‘Gers are on a mission to make it to this year’s final in Seville, their first in Europe since the competition’s revamping. The precedent of Scottish clubs claiming victories in their last three European semi-finals bodes well, with Rangers’ success over Fiorentina in the Uefa Cup semis in 2008 the last in that trio of wins.
Having been the first Scottish side to claim a win in Germany in 24 years, do not put it past Aribo and his teammates to eliminate another favourite in Leipzig who, like Dortmund, are effectively a Champions League quality club who dropped into this year’s Europa League for varying reasons.
With several reports linking the Nigerian with a Premier League move with former manager Gerrard’s Villa, Leicester City and Crystal Palace all reported to be interested in the smooth midfield operator, European success — Rangers’ first since a Cup Winners Cup triumph in 1972 — will be an amazing way to sign off on what has been a fulfilling three years with the ‘Gers.
Said Benrahma’s West Ham United are the other semi-finalists looking to make it to Seville, but the Hammers have to outdo an Eintracht Frankfurt side still buzzing after their giant-killing of Barcelona in the last round.
Benrahma’s influence has waned considerably in the competition since a brace at Genk in the group stage, perhaps an upshot of only two starts in the six games David Moyes’ side have played since.
Still, the Algerian poses the quality to hurt any opposition given the chance and it should be noted he remains West Ham’s joint-top scorer heading into Thursday’s game whilst sitting joint-second for total goal contributions.
The competition debutants are living the dream and while they may have desired a Barcelona semi-final for their first European semi-final in 46 years, the challenge posed by Frankfurt will suffice for the East London outfit.
“We're hugely excited by it,” Moyes asserted on Wednesday. “If you'd have said to us in May last year “you’re going to be in the semi-finals of the Europa League, with the chance of getting to the final,” I think we’d have all said, “you're joking.”
“We’re in a really good place and I think we’re worthy of it.”
Rangers and West Ham are the remaining British sides left in the competition, and a face-off between the pair remains on the cards in the final. It would not only prevent an all-German decider but see clubs from England and Scotland do battle if they make it through demanding encounters in the last four.
Indeed, Aribo and Benrahma can make it happen. | https://www.goal.com/en-ug/news/aribo-europa-league-european-glory-for-rangers-be-perfect/blta19be6dd486acb20 | 2022-04-27T20:11:39Z | https://www.goal.com/en-ug/news/aribo-europa-league-european-glory-for-rangers-be-perfect/blta19be6dd486acb20 | true |
US prosecutors indict Mexican Mafia leadership in California
Federal prosecutors have announced a sweeping racketeering case against the leaders of the Mexican Mafia that controlled Latino street gangs in Orange County, California
ORANGE, Calif. -- Federal prosecutors announced a sweeping racketeering case Wednesday aimed at dismantling the leadership of the Mexican Mafia that controlled street gangs in part of Southern California.
The indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court against three members of the group and 28 associates includes allegations of two murders, six attempted killings, extortion and drug trafficking in Orange County.
Prosecutors said the case would not eradicate the organization, which mainly operates from behind bars to call shots on crimes in prison and on the streets. But the prosecution would disrupt the leadership that arose when the longtime kingpin who for decades controlled gang activity in Orange County was convicted of racketeering in 2016.
“The message that this case sends is that if you rise to power in that vacuum, we will come for you,” U.S. Attorney Tracy Wilkison said. “No gang member is beyond our reach.”
Twenty-one of those charged were already in custody and nine others were arrested in the past two days. One remained a fugitive.
The 106-page indictment charges members of the group with conspiring to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, committing violent crimes to aid racketeering, conspiring to traffic drugs, dealing methamphetamine and heroin, and firearms charges.
The Mexican Mafia, which was started in the 1950s at a juvenile jail and grew to an international criminal organization that controls smuggling, drug sales and extortion inside California’s penal system, is made up of leaders of different street gangs.
Leaders direct associates to collect “taxes” on drugs proceeds and order hits on enemies or people who betray them or violate their rules.
For decades, Peter Ojeda was the head of the Mexican Mafia in Orange County, calling shots from inside prison. After Ojeda's racketeering conviction and subsequent 2018 death in prison, Johnny Martinez, Robert Aguirre, and Dennis Ortiz filled the leadership void, prosecutors said.
“The triumvirate of new leaders had expanded the Mexican Mafia’s control over the street gangs and Latino inmates in Orange County jails,” Wilkison said. “Those gang overseers stepped up punishment of those who violated their rules.”
It wasn’t immediately clear if Martinez, Aguirre and Ortiz had lawyers who could comment on their behalf.
The indictment describes a series of crimes carried out as part of the racketeering conspiracy that range from shaking people down for money or dealing drugs to murders plotted for showing disrespect or violating orders.
One man was shot to death in January 2017 during an armed robbery that had been ordered. Another was lured into a car in August that year and shot seven times for failing to pay a drug debt to Martinez, according to the indictment.
At least two of the defendants in the case were also targets of violence but managed to survive vicious attacks.
Gregory Munoz was shot seven times on the street in August 2017 after Martinez ordered him to be removed as a so-called shot caller, the indictment said. He survived and is among the defendants.
Another defendant, Michael Cooper, survived two hits — in January 2018 and another attack on New Year's Eve 2019. Martinez allegedly ordered the killing because Cooper had ordered a hit he hadn't sanctioned and was also suspected of causing a police raid on a gang.
Cooper was stabbed multiple times in the head and back area in the first attack in Calipatria State Prison and cut in the throat and face the second time.
At least four others survived attempted slayings for allegedly abusing their authority, warning others they were targets of violence and showing disrespect to Martinez. One man had his throat slit for allegedly talking about snitching on the Mexican Mafia.
Brian Gilhooly of the FBI said that one of the goals of bringing the case is to lock up leaders farther from their home turf in federal prisons, where it's harder to smuggle contraband.
Despite being locked in prisons where cell phones are banned and communications are monitored, the Mexican Mafia operates through a crude but elaborate communication network of speaking in code with smuggled phones, notes passed between inmates and instructions sent through girlfriends and confidantes who visit.
“We are going to make sure that these individuals get lengthy sentences, and get sent to other prisons throughout the country,” Gilhooly said.
———
Melley reported from Los Angeles. | https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/us-prosecutors-indict-mexican-mafia-leadership-california-84349820 | 2022-04-27T20:13:51Z | https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/us-prosecutors-indict-mexican-mafia-leadership-california-84349820 | false |
WFO HOUSTON/GALVESTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, April 27, 2022
_____
RIP CURRENT STATEMENT
Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service Houston/Galveston TX
250 PM CDT Wed Apr 27 2022
...HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS
EVENING...
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents.
* WHERE...Matagorda Islands, Brazoria Islands, Galveston Island,
and Bolivar Peninsula.
* WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away
from shore into deeper water.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and
float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a
direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the
shore and call or wave for help.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.mysanantonio.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-HOUSTON-GALVESTON-Warnings-Watches-and-17131345.php | 2022-04-27T20:18:41Z | https://www.mysanantonio.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-HOUSTON-GALVESTON-Warnings-Watches-and-17131345.php | true |
MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday afternoon's drawing of the Wisconsin Lottery's "Pick 4 Midday" game were:
0-5-0-6
(zero, five, zero, six)
MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Wednesday afternoon's drawing of the Wisconsin Lottery's "Pick 4 Midday" game were:
0-5-0-6
(zero, five, zero, six) | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Midday-game-17131178.php | 2022-04-27T20:29:09Z | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Midday-game-17131178.php | true |
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — SpaceX launched four astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA on Wednesday, less than two days after completing a flight chartered by millionaires.
It’s the first NASA crew comprised equally of men and women, including the first Black woman making a long-term spaceflight, Jessica Watkins.
“This is one of the most diversified, I think, crews that we’ve had in a really, really long time,” said NASA’s space operations mission chief Kathy Lueders.
The astronauts were due to arrive at the space station Wednesday night, 16 hours after a predawn liftoff from Kennedy Space Center that thrilled spectators.
“Anyone who saw it realized what a beautiful launch it was,” Lueders told reporters. After an express flight comparable to traveling from New York to Singapore, the crew will move in for a five-month stay.
SpaceX has now launched five crews for NASA and two private trips in just under two years. Elon Musk’s company is having an especially busy few weeks: It just finished taking three businessmen to and from the space station as NASA’s first private guests.
A week after the new crew arrives, the three Americans and German they’re replacing will return to Earth in their own SpaceX capsule. Three Russians also live at the space station.
Both SpaceX and NASA officials stressed they’re taking it one step at a time to ensure safety. The private mission that concluded Monday encountered no major problems, they said, although high wind delayed the splashdown for a week.
SpaceX Launch Control wished the astronauts good luck and Godspeed moments before the Falcon rocket blasted off with the capsule, named Freedom by its crew.
“Our heartfelt thank you to every one of you that made this possible. Now let Falcon roar and Freedom ring,” radioed NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren, the commander. Minutes later, their recycled booster had landed on an ocean platform and their capsule was safely orbiting Earth. “It was a great ride,” he said.
The SpaceX capsules are fully automated — which opens the space gates to a broader clientele — and they’re designed to accommodate a wider range of body sizes. At the same time, NASA and the European Space Agency have been pushing for more female astronauts.
While two Black women visited the space station during the shuttle era, neither moved in for a lengthy stay. Watkins, a geologist who is on NASA’s short list for a moon-landing mission in the years ahead, sees her mission as “an important milestone, I think, both for the agency and for the country.”
She credits supportive family and mentors — including Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space in 1992 — for “ultimately being able to live my dream.”
Also cheering Watkins on was another geologist: Apollo 17’s Harrison Schmitt, who walked on the moon in 1972. She invited the retired astronaut to the launch, along with his wife. “We sort of consider ourselves the Jessica team,” he said, chuckling.
“Those of us who rode the Saturn V into space are a little bit jaded about the smaller rockets,” Schmitt said after the SpaceX liftoff. “But still, it really was something and on board was a geologist … I hope it will stand her in good stead for being part of one of the Artemis crews that go to the moon.”
Like Watkins, NASA astronaut and test pilot Bob Hines is making his first spaceflight. It’s the second visit for Lindgren, a physician, and the European Space Agency’s lone female astronaut, Samantha Cristoforetti, a former Italian Air Force fighter pilot.
Cristoforetti turned 45 on Tuesday, “so she really celebrates and is very happy with a big smile in the capsule,” said the European Space Agency’s director general, Josef Aschbacher. “She’s really a role model and she’s doing an enormously fabulous job on doing exactly that.”
The just-completed private flight was NASA’s first dip into space tourism after years of opposition. The space agency said the three people who paid $55 million each to visit the space station blended in while doing experiments and educational outreach. They were accompanied by a former NASA astronaut employed by Houston-based Axiom Space, which arranged the flight.
“The International Space Station is not a vacation spot. It’s not an amusement park. It is an international laboratory, and they absolutely understood and respected that purpose,” said NASA flight director Zeb Scoville.
NASA also hired Boeing to ferry astronauts after retiring the shuttles. The company will take another shot next month at getting an empty crew capsule to the space station, after software and other problems fouled a 2019 test flight and prevented a redo last summer.
___
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. | https://www.pahomepage.com/news/national/spacex-launches-4-astronauts-for-nasa-after-private-flight/ | 2022-04-27T20:31:53Z | https://www.pahomepage.com/news/national/spacex-launches-4-astronauts-for-nasa-after-private-flight/ | false |
DETROIT (AP) — A federal judge has rejected Elon Musk’s bid to throw out a securities fraud settlement over tweets claiming that Musk had the funding to take Tesla private in 2018.
Judge Lewis Liman on Wednesday also denied a motion to nullify a subpoena of Musk seeking information about possible violations of his settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Musk had asked the Manhattan federal court to scrap the settlement, which required that his tweets be approved by a Tesla attorney before being published. The SEC is investigating whether the Tesla CEO violated the settlement with tweets last November asking Twitter followers if he should sell 10% of his Tesla stock. Limon’s ruling said that Musk made the tweets without getting pre-approval.
The whole dispute stems from an October 2018 agreement with the SEC that Musk signed. He and Tesla each agreed to pay $20 million in civil fines over Musk’s tweets about having the “funding secured” to take Tesla private at $420 per share.
The funding was far from locked up, and the electric vehicle company remains public, but Tesla’s stock price jumped. The settlement specified governance changes, including Musk’s ouster as board chairman, as well as pre-approval of his tweets.
Limon’s ruling clears the way for the SEC to seek a court order enforcing the subpoena, and for an investigation into another possible violation of the settlement by Musk.
Musk attorney Alex Spiro contended the SEC is using the settlement and “near limitless resources” to chill Musk’s speech. He wrote in court documents that Musk signed the settlement when Tesla was a less mature company and SEC action jeopardized the company’s financing at a critical time.
He also alleged that the subpoena from the SEC is illegal, and that the agency can’t take action about Musk’s tweets without court authorization.
But in a 22-page ruling, Liman wrote that Musk’s claim that economic duress caused him to sign the settlement is “wholly unpersuasive.”
Even if Musk was worried that litigation with the SEC would ruin Tesla financially, “that does not establish a basis for him to get out of the judgment he voluntarily signed,” Liman wrote.
The judge also said the argument that the SEC had used the settlement order to harass Musk and launch investigations was “meritless.”
“Musk could hardly have thought that at the time he entered the decree (settlement) he would have been immune from non-public SEC investigations,” Liman wrote. “It is unsurprising that when Musk tweeted that he was thinking about selling 10% of his interest in Tesla … that the SEC would have some questions.”
Now the SEC could ask Liman to enforce the subpoena, which Liman wrote is the proper legal forum for Musk to challenge it. In the settlement, Musk also agreed not to deny the SEC’s allegations in the 2018 securities fraud complaint. The SEC also could investigate Musk’s recent denials.
Musk has contended in a recent interview that he did indeed have the funding lined up in 2018. But a judge in a separate case ruled that his tweets about that were false.
An SEC spokesman didn’t respond to a message asking whether it would try to enforce the subpoena. A message was left Wednesday seeking comment from Spiro about whether Musk will appeal Liman’s order.
Liman wrote in his ruling that the “funding secured” tweet allegedly was false. “Musk had not discussed specific deal terms with any potential financing partners, and he knew the potential transaction was uncertain and subject to numerous contingencies,” Liman wrote.
He also agreed with the SEC that Congress gave it broad powers to investigate if someone has violated federal securities laws. “Musk may wish it were otherwise, but he remains subject to the same enforcement authority – and has the same means to challenge the exercise of that authority – as any other citizen,” Liman wrote. | https://www.pahomepage.com/news/technology/elon-musk-quest-to-scrap-deal-over-2018-tweets-is-rejected/ | 2022-04-27T20:33:48Z | https://www.pahomepage.com/news/technology/elon-musk-quest-to-scrap-deal-over-2018-tweets-is-rejected/ | false |
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – New COVID-19 data has been released by the Indiana Department of Health.
The state’s tallies are no longer being updated on each weekday, but only on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays.
The department says 2,862 Hoosiers have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past week.
Also in the past week, a total of 13 Hoosiers have died and no probable deaths were reported.
Since February 2020, 1,699,213 Hoosiers have tested positive and 23,552 Hoosiers have died from COVID-19, according to the Indiana page of John Hopkins University of Medicine. A total of 19,392,241 tests have been administered since Feb. 26, 2020.
The state says 254 Hoosiers were hospitalized Monday with COVID-19.
IDOH says 9,296,570 vaccination doses have been administered to Hoosiers, and 3,712,468 Hoosiers are fully vaccinated. That’s about 57% of the population 5 and older.
According to the Regenstrief Institute, 1,569,085 Hoosiers are estimated to have recovered from the virus.
According to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, there have been more than 511,428,000 confirmed cases worldwide, with more than 6,227,000 deaths.
More information, including interactive graphs, can be found here. | https://www.wishtv.com/news/coronavirus/indiana-reports-2862-new-covid-cases-13-deaths-in-past-week/ | 2022-04-27T20:33:49Z | https://www.wishtv.com/news/coronavirus/indiana-reports-2862-new-covid-cases-13-deaths-in-past-week/ | true |
There’s something about hurricanes starting with the letter I that is particularly nasty. Last year’s Ida now joins the list of storms so deadly their names don’t get used again.
The World Meteorological Organization said Wednesday that it was retiring the name “Ida” from its list of Atlantic hurricane names that repeats every six years. Ida caused $75 billion damage in the U.S. and killed 55 people in a swath of destruction from Louisiana to New England.
Ida, a category four storm, caused about $55 billion in flooding damage and killed six people in Louisiana when it made landfall, but its heavy rains and flooding killed 49 people in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. It is the fifth costliest storm in U.S. history behind Hurricanes Katrina, Harvey, Maria and Sandy, all also retired, said National Hurricane Center senior hurricane specialist Daniel Brown, who is on the WMO committee that retires names.
“This one produced a swath of impacts over really a fairly large portion of the Eastern U.S.,” Brown said Wednesday.
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After sloshing through Tennessee, Ida’s fury hit the Northeast with record rainfall and tornadoes. Newark, New Jersey, got 8.4 inches (21.7 centimeters) of rain, the most ever in a single day, smashing the old record by 1.5 inches (3.8 inches). New York City got rain falling at more than 3 inches per hour.
It’s been a tough five years for the United States with the most powerful hurricanes.
“We had more category 4 and category 5 landfalls in the USA from 2017 to 2021 than from 1963 to 2016,” National Hurricane Center Director Ken Graham, chair of the WMO committee, said in a statement.
The WMO has retired 94 hurricane names in the Atlantic because of a storm’s deadly history and 12 of them started with the letter I. No other letter is even close.
There have been nine C and F named storms, said University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy who tracks retired names.
Brown said it’s probably because hurricanes get named in alphabetical order and “by the time we get to the I name we’re into the peak hurricane season” and the storms are the type that live longer and are stronger.
But if that’s the case, why aren’t H and J right up there in retired names, McNoldy asked. He said it’s probably “just pretty bad luck.”
It’s getting harder to find names that start with the letter I, are the same gender as the one they need to replace, and aren’t used by other storm basins, Brown said. The committee chose Imani to take Ida’s place.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/science/a-nasty-i-of-the-storm-ida-is-12th-i-hurricane-name-retired/article_8f64ab39-5f7a-5942-9362-c2e92e5896e2.html | 2022-04-27T20:35:23Z | https://wcfcourier.com/news/science/a-nasty-i-of-the-storm-ida-is-12th-i-hurricane-name-retired/article_8f64ab39-5f7a-5942-9362-c2e92e5896e2.html | false |
There’s something about hurricanes starting with the letter I that is particularly nasty. Last year’s Ida now joins the list of storms so deadly their names don’t get used again.
Ida, a category four storm, caused about $55 billion in flooding damage and killed six people in Louisiana when it made landfall, but its heavy rains and flooding killed 49 people in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. It is the fifth costliest storm in U.S. history behind Hurricanes Katrina, Harvey, Maria and Sandy, all also retired, said National Hurricane Center senior hurricane specialist Daniel Brown, who is on the WMO committee that retires names.
“This one p roduced a swath of impacts over really a fairly large portion of the Eastern U.S.,” Brown said Wednesday.
After sloshing through Tennessee, Ida’s fury hit the Northeast with record rainfall and tornadoes. Newark, New Jersey, got 8.4 inches (21.7 centimeters) of rain, the most ever in a single day, smashing the old record by 1.5 inches (3.8 inches). New York City got rain falling at more than 3 inches per hour.
It’s been a tough five years for the United States with the most powerful hurricanes.
“We had more category 4 and category 5 landfalls in the USA from 2017 to 2021 than from 1963 to 2016,” National Hurricane Center Director Ken Graham, chair of the WMO committee, said in a statement.
The WMO has retired 94 hurricane names in the Atlantic because of a storm’s deadly history and 12 of them started with the letter I. No other letter is even close.
There have been nine C and F named storms, said University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy who tracks retired names.
Brown said it’s probably because hurricanes get named in alphabetical order and “by the time we get to the I name we’re into the peak hurricane season” and the storms are the type that live longer and are stronger.
But if that’s the case, why aren’t H and J right up there in retired names, McNoldy asked. He said it’s probably “just pretty bad luck.”
It’s getting harder to find names that start with the letter I, are the same gender as the one they need to replace, and aren’t used by other storm basins, Brown said. The committee chose Imani to take Ida’s place. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/a-nasty-i-of-the-storm-ida-is-12th-i-hurricane-name-retired/2022/04/27/b59b907e-c663-11ec-8cff-33b059f4c1b7_story.html | 2022-04-27T20:39:42Z | https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/a-nasty-i-of-the-storm-ida-is-12th-i-hurricane-name-retired/2022/04/27/b59b907e-c663-11ec-8cff-33b059f4c1b7_story.html | true |
New Forest pop-up campsites to be regulated
- Published
A clampdown is being introduced to stop the growing number of pop-up campsites in a national park.
The New Forest National Park Authority said it was acting to prevent further damage to the environment and community.
The rules around temporary campsites were relaxed during Covid lockdowns when foreign travel was prohibited.
But there are now three times as many camping pitches in the New Forest than in any other national park in England.
There are 12 known temporary campsites, with pitch numbers ranging from 12 to 90, and many of them advertise on national camping websites.
Currently, they can operate for 28 days a year without official consent and that figure was extended to 56 days during the pandemic to try to help the hospitality sector.
Steve Avery, executive director of the New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA), said: "Over the last five years the number of temporary pop-up sites has gone up, demand is insatiable."
But Mr Avery said with them came problems associated with traffic, anti-social behaviour, smoke, noise, litter and fires and that management was "badly needed".
"One pop-up site close to the River Avon on its website it had wild swimming and people on inflatables, that's something you might expect in a theme park, not in the New Forest," he added.
From September 28-day campsites with 51 pitches or more, along with any new 28-day sites created after 1 March 2020, will have to apply for planning permission.
It means those who run the campsites will have to produce written guidance about how they intend to manage the sites.
"It hasn't been designed to stop camping in the New Forest, just to bring it under a degree of control," Mr Avery said.
The authority carried out a public consultation last year - of the 99 responses received 71% supported the planned changes and 20% objected.
The NFNPA is one of the most-visited national parks in England, with more than 15 million visitor days each year, according to its most recent figures.
Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk. | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-61246716 | 2022-04-27T20:40:50Z | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-61246716 | true |
WATCH: Chair flies out of truck on highway, crashes into police cruiser
Published: Apr. 27, 2022 at 3:12 PM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
VERMONT (Gray News) – An unsecured chair flew out of the back of a pickup truck on the highway and smashed into a Vermont State Police cruiser.
Trooper Dylan LaMere’s dashcam video shows the chair fly toward the cruiser before slamming into the front windshield.
According to Vermont State Police, no one was hurt but the cruiser had a lot of damage.
Police say the driver of the pickup truck was given a ticket for having an unsecured load.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/27/watch-chair-flies-out-truck-highway-crashes-into-police-cruiser/ | 2022-04-27T20:42:17Z | https://www.wnem.com/2022/04/27/watch-chair-flies-out-truck-highway-crashes-into-police-cruiser/ | false |
More than 12,000 customers spent nearly $1.9 million on recreational cannabis last Thursday, the first day of legal sales to any adult in New Jersey, the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission said Wednesday.
“We expected sales to be substantial and the data shows that the market is effectively serving both adult-use consumers and patients,” said Jeff Brown, executive director of the commission.
The total works out to an average of about $150 per shopper, which is higher than one industry leader was hoping for.
Curaleaf CEO Joe Bayern, who spent part of opening day last Thursday at the company’s store in Bellmawr, said then that average sales of $100 per customer would have been great.
The cannabis commission did not say how many ounces of marijuana recreational consumers purchased. The agency did not find “substantiated reports of supply problems for medicinal cannabis patients” who apparently stocked up the day before recreational sales started.
Last Wednesday, the day before recreational sales started, medical cannabis consumers purchased 5,400 ounces of cannabis products (338 pounds), compared to 7,500 ounces (469 pounds) in the five days after adult-use sales started.
On opening day, only 12 of the state’s 23 medical marijuana dispensaries were open for recreational sales. More are expected to follow.
The path to Thursday’s opening day started 17 months ago, when New Jersey voters opted to make recreational weed legal. Then, in February 2021, the state passed laws calling for the expungement of cannabis convictions and establishing a legal cannabis market. Some hoped that New Jersey would become a model for bringing people into the industry who were hurt by prohibition and who hailed from neighborhoods undermined by its enforcement.
It remains to be seen whether that will happen. The first companies out of the gate Thursday are large, multi-state cannabis companies that have already spent tens of millions of dollars building infrastructure to supply what they hope will be a $2 billion annual market in New Jersey.
Later this year, it is possible that a new group of stores licensed specifically to sell recreational cannabis will open. | https://www.inquirer.com/business/recreational-pot-cannabis-sales-new-jersey-first-day-20220427.html | 2022-04-27T20:42:42Z | https://www.inquirer.com/business/recreational-pot-cannabis-sales-new-jersey-first-day-20220427.html | false |
Officers: No injuries on Amber Heard after fight with Johnny Depp
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) — May 27, 2016, was the day that Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s marriage went from private misery to public, career-killing spectacle.
Heard, who had just filed for divorce, arrived at a Los Angeles courthouse that day to seek a temporary restraining order, showing up with a clear mark on her face, which she says Depp inflicted during a fight six days prior. Photographers captured the scene, and the allegations became tabloid fodder across the globe.
Depp says he never hit her, and now he’s suing Heard for libel in Fairfax County Circuit Court. On Wednesday, jurors in the case heard from police officers who responded to the couple’s penthouse immediately after the fight. None of the officers saw the red mark that was so prominent six days later.
Officer Tyler Hadden, one of the officers who responded to the couple’s penthouse apartment on May 21, 2016, said Heard refused to talk to officers and had no signs of an injury, although he acknowledged she’d been crying and was red-faced.
“Just because I see a female with pink cheeks and pink eyes doesn’t mean something happened,” he said in a recorded deposition played for jurors Wednesday.
Depp had already left the penthouse by the time officers arrived. Officers said they had no idea who Heard was, or that she was married to Depp. He said neither Heard nor anyone at the penthouse complex was willing to tell him or the other officers who Heard’s husband was.
Jurors heard similar testimony Tuesday from an officer who accompanied Hadden to the penthouse.
An officer who made a follow-up visit that night, William Gatlin, testified Wednesday that he saw no injuries either, though he acknowledged that his visit was brief and he got no closer than 10 feet from Heard. He said his check was a perfunctory one because it appeared that the call was just a duplicate to the one that Hadden had already responded to.
The jury saw bodycam video of Gatlin’s response, which was less than two minutes. Heard could only be seen at a distance.
Heard’s lawyers, in their questions, have suggested that Heard could have covered her injuries with makeup, because at that point she still wanted to protect Depp. They also asked officers why they didn’t investigate a potential case of domestic violence more thoroughly.
The officers’ testimony is some of Depp’s best evidence that Heard contrived the allegations against her ex-husband. It complements earlier testimony from witnesses who say they saw Heard and her sister practicing fake punches in the days after the attack.
It’s far from definitive, though. Heard’s lawyers have yet to put on their case, and some of her friends say they were at the penthouse when Depp allegedly attacked her.
And even if jurors were to conclude that Depp never assaulted his wife on May 21, they have heard evidence of other alleged assaults before and during the couple’s brief marriage.
Depp sued Heard for libel after she wrote an op-ed piece piece in The Washington Post in 2018 referring to herself as “a public figure representing domestic abuse.” The article doesn’t mention Depp by name, but his lawyers say the article defames him nevertheless because it’s a clear reference to the highly publicized allegations Heard made when she filed for divorce in 2016 and obtained a temporary restraining order as well.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/2022/04/27/officers-no-injuries-amber-heard-after-fight-with-johnny-depp/ | 2022-04-27T20:47:50Z | https://www.wymt.com/2022/04/27/officers-no-injuries-amber-heard-after-fight-with-johnny-depp/ | false |
It’s another fun show this week as we introduce and explore some of the stories you will find on Flagstick.com. They include spotlighting new college golf teams in Ontario, an update on Canadian golfers involved in a tragic accident six weeks ago, the lost Stanley Thompson-designed Hillcrest Golf Club and the story that took two years to unearth, and a golfer who is looking to shoot his age or better and has done it more than 100 times.
We also reveal some new Flagstick merchandise, Kevin Haime shows you how to dial in your stance width, and in Product Watch we look at a new book that will commemorate the biggest golf event in the world.
In the balance of the show we take on the topic of branding in golf (equipment, etc) and how companies build bonds with golfers, and why those golfers make the brands choices they do. We’ll lean on three decades of marketing experience to take on the discussion, sharing insight on how things have changes, and stayed the same, through the years.
This episode is brought to you by TaylorMade Golf Canada with segment sponsorship by Greensmere G&CC, Metcalfe GC, Golf Sim Gurus, and the Kevin Haime Golf School.
Besides Flagstick.com you can also catch the Flagstick Podcast episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, and multiple other platforms including YouTube. Please join listeners in thirteen countries and subscribe, add it to your notifications, and a leave a review! | https://flagstick.com/tee-shots/flagstick-podcast-episode-5-the-brand-name-game-in-golf/ | 2022-04-27T20:49:11Z | https://flagstick.com/tee-shots/flagstick-podcast-episode-5-the-brand-name-game-in-golf/ | false |
Best cat allergy medicine for seasonal allergies
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how miserable it can feel. A cat’s body can also react to environmental aspects such as pollen or dust. You may notice them biting at their skin or scratching more frequently. Itchy eyes, a rash, sores, coughing, head shaking and runny nose are some of the other the signs your cat has seasonal allergies.
The good news is that there are plenty of prescription medications and natural remedies that can help your feline friend feel better in no time. The type of medicine is determined by the severity, so it’s best to consult a vet if you’re uncertain. If the symptoms don’t clear up within a few days, take your cat to the vet to be sure something else isn’t the cause.
Best prescription-strength cat allergy medicine
If you want to knock out your cat’s symptoms fast, these are some of the most trusted allergy medications available. Keep in mind that, with the exception of the medicated wipes, all require a prescription from your veterinarian.
Atopica Cyclosporine Oral Solution
Prescribed to cats who suffer from allergic dermatitis, this topical cream relieves itchiness so the cat doesn’t lick or scratch the affected area. It’s safe to use for a long time and often doesn’t require added steroids.
Sold by Chewy
Chlorpheniramine Maleate Compounded Chew For Cats
If the allergies don’t subside quickly, you might want to administer an antihistamine. This prescription medication is used to treat sneezing, coughing or eye irritation from pollen, dust or other environmental factors. It is available in tuna or chicken flavors in blister packs ranging from 15 to 60 chews.
Sold by Chewy
Hydrocortisone (Generic) Cream 1% For Cats
For rashes or skin irritation on your cat’s body, a good dose of hydrocortisone should clear that up quickly. It works by blocking histamines that cause allergic reactions such as inflammation, seborrheic dermatitis or insect bites. You only need to apply it to the affected area and is safe if your cat accidentally licks the area.
Sold by Chewy
Pet MD Chlorhexidine Cat Wipes
Cat wipes are best used for itchy or irritated skin caused by allergies. The wipes are soft enough for any sensitive areas on the body and can also treat irritation on the cat’s face and eyes. Remember to always wipe with gentle motions to not stress the cat any further. In addition to skin allergies, Chlorhexidine is great for hot spots and dermatitis.
Sold by Chewy
Best natural cat allergy medicine
If you would rather hold off on prescription medication and try a natural remedy first, these popular options use natural ingredients to relieve your cat’s symptoms.
If your cat is suffering from nasal congestion or sinus problems, this contains chemical-free and natural ingredients. The doses are administered by spraying it over their food and can even be dropped into their water bowl. The bottle contains 90 doses and the liquid has no smell or taste.
Sold by Amazon
NaturVet Aller-911 Allergy Aid
Available in a small tub with 60 chews, this seasonal allergy medication is made from natural antioxidants to boost your cat’s immune system. It provides daily relief from a runny nose, sneezing or itchy eyes. The included omega-3 fatty acids also help with the respiratory system and promote proper skin moisture to relieve itching or irritated skin.
Sold by Amazon
Animal Essentials Seasonal Allergy Herbal Supplement
This herbal supplement contains a proprietary blend of nettle leaf, licorice root, burdock root and eyebright herb. Administered as a few drops on your cat’s food, it helps to regulate the histamine levels and is suitable for cats of all ages. All the ingredients are naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, and can even be ingested by humans.
Sold by Amazon
Liquid-Vet Advanced Itch & Allergy Supplements for Cats
Cats are sensitive to strange smells or substances, which is why this supplement includes a formulation for sensitive skin. Available in two flavors, it includes omega-3 and hyaluronic acid to relieve symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. It can be ingested by kittens as young as 2 weeks and is simply added to their meals.
Sold by Amazon
Strawfield Pets Cat Probiotics
Sold in a large 120-chew container, this natural allergy medication includes probiotics, lysine, salmon oil and catnip. To also aid in digestive support, the probiotics contain five strains that help with the prevention of urinary tract infection, bad cat breath and cat diarrhea. For the treatment of allergies, the wild salmon oil reduces dry or itchy skin and sneezing.
Sold by Amazon
NaturVet Hemp Allergy Aid Plus Hemp Seed Soft Chews
These have ingredients such as turmeric and omega-3 to help relieve itchy skin and irritated eyes. It also includes a blend of hempseed oil and fatty acids to promote a healthy immune system. While it can be administered when allergies flare up, it is a perfect treat for cats over 12 weeks old to keep them in the best shape.
Sold by Amazon
This natural liquid is applied to your cat’s fur through the included soft glove. Its aim is to remove pet dander, most often the cause of allergies as it contains irritating proteins. The liquid forces the dander to combine and then the glove removes it through stroking. Ingredients include aloe vera, green tea, chamomile and rosemary. Effective in eliminating your cat’s sneezing, running nose, nasal congestion or coughing, it’s available in a 12-liquid ounce bottle with either a pour cap or a spray nozzle.
Sold by Amazon
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Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.fox16.com/reviews/br/pets-br/health-br/which-cat-allergy-medicine-is-best-for-seasonal-allergies/ | 2022-04-27T20:58:50Z | https://www.fox16.com/reviews/br/pets-br/health-br/which-cat-allergy-medicine-is-best-for-seasonal-allergies/ | true |
A retired Massachusetts Department of Corrections employee has been arrested in connection with the murder of 11-year-old Melissa Tremblay nearly 35 years ago in Lawrence.
Marvin "Skip" McClendon Jr., 74, of Breman, Alabama, was arrested Tuesday night in Alabama, Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett announced at a press conference Wednesday morning.
He was charged as a fugitive from justice and is expected to appear in court Thursday in Alabama. The timing of his return to Massachusetts is dependent on whether he agrees to waive rendition.
"Melissa has never been forgotten," Blodgett said Wednesday, noting that both current and since retired Lawrence police detectives never gave up on the case.
The body of Melissa Tremblay, a resident of Salem, New Hampshire, was discovered in the old Boston & Maine railway yard near Andover Street and South Broadway in Lawrence on Sept. 12, 1988.
The Lancaster School sixth grader was found stabbed and run over by a freight car, one day after she was reported missing, according to The Eagle-Tribune newspaper. Footprints and blood discovered near where the body was found indicated that a struggle had taken place.
Investigators learned that Melissa had accompanied her mother and the mother's boyfriend to the LaSalle Social Club on Andover St. on Sept. 11, 1988. While her mother and the boyfriend remained inside the club, Melissa played in the adjacent neighborhoods. She was last seen by a railroad employee and a pizza delivery driver during the late afternoon hours.
That night around 9 p.m., after frantically searching the area for several hours, Melissa's mother and the boyfriend reported her missing to Lawrence police.
Over the years, scores of witnesses, suspects and persons-of-interest were interviewed by police, the district attorney's office said.
Blodgett said evidence recovered from Melissa's body was "instrumental" in solving the case, but wouldn't specify what evidence led them to McClendon. He said those details will come out during court proceedings.
"The evidence led us to him," he said. "That will absolutely be given to you in greater detail once he's arraigned. It will be spelled out in the arraignment."
McClendon is a retired Massachusetts Department of Corrections employee, but Blodgett said he isn't sure if he was working for the state in 1988. At the time, McClendon was living in Chelmsford and had multiple ties to Lawrence. He worked in the city and frequented numerous establishments there, including the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Salem Street.
Blodgett said he is not sure if McClendon knew Melissa or her family. He said there is no information leading investigators to believe the suspect was involved in any other crimes.
"He has been a person of interest for some time," he said.
Blodgett said his office contacted several surviving relatives of Melissa, including aunts and a cousin, to inform them of the arrest.
"The family was very relieved and very happy that police involved in the investigation never gave up," he said. "It is extremely gratifying that after all these years of never giving up we believe we have the right suspect." | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/da-to-announce-arrest-in-1988-murder-of-11-year-old-melissa-tremblay-in-lawrence/3666418/ | 2022-04-27T21:00:18Z | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/da-to-announce-arrest-in-1988-murder-of-11-year-old-melissa-tremblay-in-lawrence/3666418/ | true |
New Jersey’s Scream Truck will deliver ice cream right to your home
Ladies and gentlemen, that rhyme you’ve heard your whole life is apparently true. It turns out, you CAN scream for ice cream.
Most of us know one of the best parts of growing up in New Jersey was when you heard the ice cream truck coming your way on a hot summer day and you knew you had a few dollars in your piggy bank.
The high you felt catching that truck at the right time is incomparable.
So wouldn’t it be great if you could cut the chaos out of the equation and guarantee that you’ll meet up with the ice cream truck every time? That’s now a reality.
The New Jersey based Scream Truck eliminates most of the uncertainty by texting you when it will be in your neighborhood.
Once you respond that you do want a visit, you can place your order and pay in advance.
Unfortunately it hasn’t reached every corner of the Garden State, but they’ve been increasing their number of trucks to try to meet demands.
According to the Daily Record,
“Scream Truck is regularly visiting about 20 towns, including Westfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford, New Providence, Berkeley Heights and Bridgewater. The truck generally visits each neighborhood once per week.”
And what they’re offering isn’t just your average Bomb Pop or Choco Taco that you get from a regular ice cream truck, take a look at this-
Nutella and coconut in a sundae? It feels like I’ve died and gone to heaven.
I mean, just look at this satisfied customer…
To add your location to the 22,000 households signed up to be on their route (or to book them for a personal event) go to screamtruck.com or text the word "SCREAM" to (800)-914-1796.
Booking them for an event will get your special messages on the truck, menu items named in honor of the event, and (soon) your own personalized playlist.
The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5's Kylie Moore. Any opinions expressed are Kylie's own. You can follow Kylie on Instagram. | https://nj1015.com/new-jerseys-scream-truck-will-deliver-ice-cream-right-to-your-home/ | 2022-04-27T21:01:51Z | https://nj1015.com/new-jerseys-scream-truck-will-deliver-ice-cream-right-to-your-home/ | true |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WHNT) — A former resident of Tuscaloosa was sentenced in federal court Wednesday after instructing an undercover employee with the FBI how to transfer money to Al Qaeda.
Alaa Mohd Abusaad, 26, was sentenced to 90 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for concealment of terrorism financing. She pleaded guilty to the charge in September 2019.
The U.S Attorney’s Office said in a press release that Abusaad instructed an undercover FBI employee about how to send money to mujahedeen, fighters engaged in jihad, between February and April 2018.
According to an affidavit from an FBI special agent, Abusaa sent multiple messages to the undercover employee during that time. One of those messages said, “It’s [money] always needed. You can’t have a war without weapons. You can’t prepare a soldier without equipment.”
Officials said Abusaad also advised the undercover employee how to send money in a way that law enforcement officials wouldn’t be able to detect, including fake names and addresses when conducting electronic money transfers.
Officials also explained Abusaad introduced the undercover employee to a financial facilitator who could route the FBI’s money to “brothers that work with aq,” meaning al-Qaeda.
Court documents said she was extradited to Shelby County after being arrested in Ohio in October 2018 and has been in the Shelby County Jail for 42 months.
Abusaad was born in Chicago, she moved to Tuscaloosa when she was 10-years-old. She was a resident and student at the University of Alabama until she married and moved to Ohio in 2018. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/former-alabama-resident-sentenced-after-trying-to-help-fund-al-qaeda/ | 2022-04-27T21:09:07Z | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/former-alabama-resident-sentenced-after-trying-to-help-fund-al-qaeda/ | true |
CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) _ MaxLinear Inc. (MXL) on Wednesday reported first-quarter profit of $33.6 million.
On a per-share basis, the Carlsbad, California-based company said it had net income of 42 cents. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, came to $1 per share.
The results beat Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of five analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 91 cents per share.
The chipmaker posted revenue of $263.9 million in the period, which also topped Street forecasts. Five analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $260.1 million.
For the current quarter ending in July, MaxLinear said it expects revenue in the range of $275 million to $285 million.
_____
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on MXL at https://www.zacks.com/ap/MXL | https://www.mrt.com/business/article/MaxLinear-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17131447.php | 2022-04-27T21:11:02Z | https://www.mrt.com/business/article/MaxLinear-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17131447.php | true |
The White House is preparing to send a new funding request to Congress as soon as Thursday for additional Ukraine aid that’s likely to be designed to last for the next five months, administration officials said.
The officials described the amount of the request as “massive” but would not provide a specific dollar amount. Some details were still not finalized, the officials said.
The amount, however, is intended to fund U.S. military, economic and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine through the end of the current federal fiscal year, the officials said. The fiscal year ends Oct. 1.
The extended assistance package for Ukraine comes as the Biden administration has said its goals in Ukraine are now to “weaken” Russia, as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin put it this week, and U.S. officials are increasingly open that the aim is for Ukraine to win the war against Russia.
The military aid is expected to include capabilities Ukraine could use now and equipment for the longer term.
The U.S. has provided Ukraine with more than $3 billion in military aid since Russia’s invasion. In announcing the most recent $800 million U.S. aid package last week, President Joe Biden said that he had nearly run out of funding authorized by Congress for military aid and that he would be submitting a new request this week.
After NBC News reported the request would be through the current fiscal year, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday that it “will definitely be this week.”
“In terms of the length or the size, I don’t have a number for you at this point in time," Psaki said, "but there are plans for this to be a proposal to go through the fiscal year and it will include, as our past packages have included, security or military assistance, humanitarian economic assistance, given those in our view will help address a range of the needs the Ukrainians have.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Wednesday that he had spoken to the White House about the supplemental funding request and expects it tomorrow.
“I believe we will get a very strong, broad-based request for Ukrainian aid tomorrow,” Schumer said. | https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/white-house-preparing-ask-congress-massive-ukraine-aid-package-officia-rcna26230 | 2022-04-27T21:11:45Z | https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/white-house-preparing-ask-congress-massive-ukraine-aid-package-officia-rcna26230 | false |
Avatar 2 reveals movie title: The highly anticipated sequel from director James Cameron will be called The Way Of Water
The official title for the James Cameron movie Avatar 2 was shared on Tuesday at CinemaCon in Las Vegas.
The science fiction film, which will be released on December 16, will be called The Way Of Water.
The film stars Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet, Vin Diesel and Trinity Bliss.
New name: The official title for the James Cameron movie Avatar 2 was shared on Tuesday at CinemaCon in Las Vegas
Disney also unveiled new footage of the film as guests were handed 3D glasses to watch the trailer, according to Variety.
The site shared that the clip had no sound.
The audience was taken to 'different regions across the dazzling world of Pandora through sweeping visuals of the planet's crystal blue oceans and lakes.
Water feel: The science fiction film, which will be released on December 16, will be called The Way Of Water
'The footage also shows the local tribe of Na'vi interacting with various species resembling whales and pelicans, some of which flew through the screen and into audience member's faces thanks to the three-dimensional technology.'
The movie is set over a decade after the events of the first film.
The synopsis reads: 'Jake Sully and Ney'tiri have formed a family and are doing everything to stay together. However, they must leave their home and explore the regions of Pandora. When an ancient threat resurfaces, Jake must fight a difficult war against the humans.'
Big cast: The film stars Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet, Vin Diesel and Trinity Bliss
Avatar 2 debuts on December 16, with sequels to come on December 20, 2024, December 18, 2026, and December 22, 2028.
This comes after Saldana, who plays Neytiri, admitted that seeing some of the movie made her very emotional.
'I can get choked up just talking about it. I was able to see just 20 minutes of the second installment, right before the year ended, last year. And I was speechless. I was moved to tears,' the performer told reporter Kevin McCarthy.
Emotional experience: Saldana was 'moved to tears' after watching a brief clip of Avatar 2 she said last week
Saldana has told fans that it is a 'leap' from the original 2009 film, which was acclaimed by critics and broke several box office records.
She said: 'It's definitely a leap from the first Avatar, so you have to brace yourself for it. It's going to be an adventure you won't forget.'
The movie has taken so long to make as Cameron needed the right technology to record motion capture underwater and the actress says the blockbuster will be worth the wait.
The Guardians of the Galaxy actress said: 'Jim was finally able to crack that challenge – that whole thing that you can't imitate water, virtually, through performance capture.
Building the hype: The movie has taken so long to make as Cameron needed the right technology to record motion capture underwater and the actress says the blockbuster will be worth the wait
'That was just a challenge that he had taken upon himself, and it took him years, and he did it. He did it. It's powerful, it's compelling.'
Saldana also revealed that the Titanic director has invested his heart and soul into the new project.
She said of the filmmaker: 'He's also a big crier. He does have a very delicate heart, which is why he protects it so much. And I think that he's able to have an outlet through the stories that he creates.'
Avatar 2 began development before the release of the original Avatar movie, which made its debut in 2009.
Dedicated: Saldana also revealed that Titanic director James Cameron has invested his heart and soul into the new project; the filmmaker is seen in 2009
Cameron later confirmed that he would be working on follow-ups to the highly successful feature after its premiere and planned for two sequels to be released in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Although the project was supposed to go into production during the early 2010s, filming did not begin until 2017.
Several new performers were added to the cast of the sequels, including Edie Falco, Kate Winslet and Vin Diesel, among others.
Shooting for the second film in the prospective series also took place simultaneously with filming for a third sequel.
Cameron wrapped motion capture performances in 2018, and he later announced that he was all but finished with the live action portions of the features in September of 2020.
After enduring numerous pushbacks, Avatar 2 is set to be released on December 16th, and Avatar 3 will make its debut on December 20th, 2024.
A fourth and fifth sequel are also currently being planned for release on unspecified dates in the future. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10760839/Avatar-2-reveals-movie-title-highly-anticipated-sequel-called-Way-Water.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-04-27T21:14:54Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10760839/Avatar-2-reveals-movie-title-highly-anticipated-sequel-called-Way-Water.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | false |
NEW YORK (AP) _ Getty Realty Corp. (GTY) on Wednesday reported a key measure of profitability in its first quarter.
The real estate investment trust, based in New York, said it had funds from operations of $24.9 million, or 52 cents per share, in the period.
Funds from operations is a closely watched measure in the REIT industry. It takes net income and adds back items such as depreciation and amortization.
The company said it had net income of $18.7 million, or 39 cents per share.
The real estate investment trust posted revenue of $39.3 million in the period. Its adjusted revenue was $39 million.
Getty Realty expects full-year funds from operations in the range of $2.10 to $2.12 per share.
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This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on GTY at https://www.zacks.com/ap/GTY | https://www.nhregister.com/business/article/Getty-Realty-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17131641.php | 2022-04-27T21:16:46Z | https://www.nhregister.com/business/article/Getty-Realty-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17131641.php | true |
MENLO PARK, Calif. (AP) _ Meta Platforms, Inc. (FB) on Wednesday reported first-quarter earnings of $7.47 billion.
On a per-share basis, the Menlo Park, California-based company said it had profit of $2.72.
The results beat Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of 12 analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $2.54 per share.
The social media company posted revenue of $27.91 billion in the period, which fell short of Street forecasts. Twelve analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $28.21 billion.
For the current quarter ending in July, Meta Platforms said it expects revenue in the range of $28 billion to $30 billion. Analysts surveyed by Zacks had expected revenue of $30.54 billion.
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This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on FB at https://www.zacks.com/ap/FB | https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Meta-Platforms-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17131400.php | 2022-04-27T21:20:29Z | https://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Meta-Platforms-Q1-Earnings-Snapshot-17131400.php | false |
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Three days before Elon Musk agreed to buy Twitter, the world’s richest man tweeted a photo of Bill Gates and used a crude term to make fun of his belly.
Playful, aggressive and often juvenile, Musk’s past tweets show how he has used social media to craft his public image as a brash billionaire unafraid to offend. They may also reveal clues as to how Musk will govern the platform he hopes to own.
“Look at the feed: It’s all over the place. It’s erratic. At times it’s pretty extreme,” said Jennifer Grygiel, a Syracuse University professor who studies social media and who recently assigned Musk’s tweets as reading material for their students. “It paints him as some sort of rebel leader who will take control of the public square to save it. That is a myth he has constructed.”
Musk joined Twitter in 2010 and now has more than 85 million followers — the seventh most of any account and the highest for any business leader. He had mused about buying the site before he agreed on Monday to pay $44 billion for Twitter, which he said he hopes to turn into a haven where all speech is allowed.
“I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter, because that is what free speech means,” Musk wrote in a tweet.
As the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk uses his Twitter account to make business announcements and promote his enterprises. He muses about technology and trade, but has also posted jokes about women’s breasts and once compared Canada’s prime minister to Hitler. He regularly weighs in on global events, as he did in March 2020 when he tweeted that “The coronavirus pandemic is dumb.”
On Tuesday Musk used Twitter to criticize one of the platform’s top executives and an attorney, in one case in a reply to a far-right activist who promoted the discredited conspiracy theory that pizza parlors around the U.S. were being used to traffic children.
Musk’s tweets were followed by a wave of harassment by other accounts that targeted both individuals. For Vijaya Gadde, an 11-year Twitter employee who heads up the company’s legal, policy and trust divisions, the harassment included racist and misogynistic attacks, in addition to calls for Musk to fire her.
Musk has long used the megaphone of his Twitter account to punch back at critics or people he opposes, such as when he attacked a diver working to rescue boys trapped in a cave in Thailand by calling him a “pedo,” short for pedophile. The diver had previously mocked Musk’s proposal to use a sub to rescue the boys. Musk, who won a defamation suit filed by the diver, later said he never intended “pedo” to be interpreted as “pedophile.”
A few years ago, after software engineer Cher Scarlett criticized Musk’s handling of the cave incident, the tech billionaire fired back and she was soon being harassed by dozens of Musk’s online fans. He later deleted the posts, but not before Scarlett had to lock down her account because she was receiving so many hateful messages.
“It’s ironic to me that somebody who claims they want to buy Twitter to protect free speech has such thin skin,” she said. “He’s a very smart man, and when he replies to people that criticize him, he knows what he’s doing. To me that’s not championing free speech, it’s weaponizing free speech, and I think that’s what he’ll do owning this platform.”
Nineteen-year-old Jack Sweeney got Musk’s attention when he created an automated Twitter account that tracked the movements of Musk’s jet. Musk responded by offering Sweeney $5,000 to pull the account. When Sweeney refused, Musk blocked him on Twitter.
Sweeney said he’s worried he may get kicked off the site entirely if Musk’s takeover is approved. But he said he likes Musk’s free speech absolutism, and hopes he sees it through.
“He’ll make it more open, and I think that’s a good thing,” Sweeney said.
Musk’s use of Twitter has also led to problems for his own companies. In one August 2018 tweet, for instance, Musk asserted that he had the funding to take Tesla private for $420 a share, although a court has ruled that it wasn’t true. That led to an SEC investigation that Musk is still fighting.
More recently, Musk appeared to have violated SEC rules that required him to disclose that he’d acquired a 5% stake in Twitter; instead he waited until he had more than 9%. Experts say these issues aren’t likely to affect his Twitter acquisition.
Last year another federal agency, the National Labor Relations Board, ordered Musk to delete a tweet that officials said illegally threatened to cut stock options for Tesla employees who joined the United Auto Workers union.
Those tweets helped cement Musk’s reputation as a brash outsider, a workingman’s billionaire, Grygiel said. But that doesn’t mean he is equipped to run a social media platform with more than 200 million users, the professor added.
“Maybe he wants to burn it down,” Grygiel said. “I don’t know. But I do know that it shows that no one person should have this kind of power.” | https://www.cbs42.com/news/business/what-musks-past-tweets-reveal-about-twitters-next-owner-2/ | 2022-04-27T21:20:42Z | https://www.cbs42.com/news/business/what-musks-past-tweets-reveal-about-twitters-next-owner-2/ | true |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California’s gigantic water supplier took the unprecedented step Tuesday of requiring about 6 million people to cut their outdoor watering to one day a week as drought continues to plague the state.
The board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California declared a water shortage emergency and required the cities and water agencies it supplies to implement the cutback on June 1 and enforce it or face hefty fines.
“We don’t have enough water supplies right now to meet normal demand. The water is not there,” Metropolitan Water District spokesperson Rebecca Kimitch said. “This is unprecedented territory. We’ve never done anything like this before.”
The Metropolitan Water District uses water from the Colorado River and the State Water Project to supply 26 public water agencies, which provide it to 19 million people, or 40% of the state’s population.
But record dry conditions have strained the system, lowering reservoir levels, and the State Water Project, which gets its water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, has estimated it will only be able to deliver about 5% of its usual allocation this year.
January, February and March of this year were the driest three months in recorded state history in terms of rainfall and snowfall, Kimitch said.
The Metropolitan Water District said that the 2020 and 2021 water years had the least rainfall on record for two consecutive years. In addition, Lake Oroville, the State Water Project’s main reservoir, reached its lowest point last year since being filled in the 1970s.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has asked people to voluntarily reduce their water consumption by 15%, but so far residents have been slow to meet that goal.
The Metropolitan Water District restrictions apply to areas of Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties that rely mostly on state water supplied through the district, including some parts of Los Angeles city. Mainly urban areas are impacted.
The MWD’s client water agencies must implement either the one-day-a-week outdoor use restriction or find other ways of making equivalent reductions in water demand, Kimitch said.
Although the water agencies support the water conservation move, it remains to be seen whether the public will do it, Kimitch said.
The Metropolitan Water District will monitor water use and if the restrictions don’t work, it could order an all-out ban on outdoor watering as soon as September, she said.
Meanwhile, state lawmakers have taken the first step toward lowering the standard for how much water people use in their homes.
California’s current standard for residential indoor water use is 55 gallons (208 liters) per person per day. The rule doesn’t apply to customers, meaning regulators don’t write tickets to people for using more water than they are allowed. Instead, the state requires water agencies to meet that standard across all of its customers.
But the state Senate overwhelmingly voted last week to lower the standard to 47 gallons (178 liters) per person per day starting in 2025 and 42 gallons (159 liters) per person per day beginning in 2030.
The bill has not yet passed the Assembly, meaning it is still likely months away from becoming law.
The U.S. West is in the middle of a severe drought just a few years after record rain and snowfall filled reservoirs to capacity. Scientists say this boom-and-bust cycle is driven by climate change that will be marked by longer, more severe droughts. A study from earlier this year found the U.S. West was in the middle of a megadrought that is now the driest in at least 1,200 years. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/national/millions-must-cut-water-use-in-drought-stricken-california/ | 2022-04-27T21:21:54Z | https://www.cbs42.com/news/national/millions-must-cut-water-use-in-drought-stricken-california/ | true |
Two people were arrested last week on charges including trafficking in methamphetamine.
The first arrest occurred on the evening of April 20 when, according to an arrest citation, Pikeville Police Officer Kevin Johnson responded to a report from Lowe’s that Charles Lawson, 34, of Hurricane Branch, Pikeville, was highly intoxicated and attempting to return items for which he had no receipt.
While en route, Johnson wrote, he was advised that Lawson was attempting to leave in 2017 Ford Fusion. Johnson wrote that he saw Lawson getting into the vehicle in the parking lot and discovered that Lawson’s driver’s license was suspended.
The citation said Johnson conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at which time he noticed that Lawson, who told the officer he was prescribed Xanax, was intoxicated. Lawson, the citation said, was unable to successfully complete field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest.
Johnson wrote that he and Officer Brandon Martin searched Lawson’s person and vehicle following the arrest. During the vehicle search, the citation said, Martin found a “large amount” of methamphetamine in a plastic bag, as well as two sets of digital scales and a pill bottle not prescribed to Lawson which contained four pills believed to be Xanax and several broken pills. A suboxone strip, the citation said, was found in Lawson’s wallet.
Lawson was lodged in the Pike County Detention Center on charges of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, second-degree possession of a controlled substance (unspecified), third-degree possession of a controlled substance (unspecified), DUI, driving on a suspended license and traffic charges.
A second arrest occurred a short time later when Pikeville Police Officer Alexis Stambaugh and Officer Daniel Fields observed a male subject who appeared to be having trouble maintaining his balance and was making unnatural, erratic movements.
Stambaugh wrote that the officers made contact with the subject, later identified as Derrick Bevins, 43, of Peach Orchard Drive, Pikeville, and noted that he was fidgeting and appeared intoxicated. The citation said a search of Bevins’ coat, which was tied around his waist, led to the discovery of a “substantial amount” of a crystal substance in plastic bags believed to be methamphetamine. Stambaugh wrote that the amount was greater than what would be possessed for personal use.
Stambaugh wrote that she informed Bevins he was under arrest, at which time Bevins jerked away from the officers and attempted to run but was taken to the ground by the officers. While on the ground, the citation said, Bevins refused to place his hands behind his back until the officers did so for him.
Bevins, the citation said, stated he had just purchased an “8 ball” for himself earlier in the day.
Bevins was lodged in the Pike County Detention Center on charges of public intoxication, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and resisting arrest. | https://news-expressky.com/news/ppd-charge-two-with-trafficking-in-methamphetamine/article_32d04d88-c53c-11ec-9dc9-47b1c1500e1a.html | 2022-04-27T21:26:42Z | https://news-expressky.com/news/ppd-charge-two-with-trafficking-in-methamphetamine/article_32d04d88-c53c-11ec-9dc9-47b1c1500e1a.html | false |
Next release of 2020 census data postponed until next year
The next release of detailed data about U.S. residents from the 2020 census will be postponed until next year because the U.S. Census Bureau said Wednesday that it needs more time to crunch the numbers, including implementing a controversial method used to protect participants' identities.
The delays leave government budget-makers, city planners and researchers in a lurch because the detailed data are used for planning future growth, locating schools or firehouses and research.
"The truth of the matter is we need this data," said Eric Guthrie, a senior demographer in the Minnesota State Demographic Center. "The longer we delay, the less use they are when they are finally released because they aren´t as fresh."
Two sets of detailed data about U.S. residents' age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, relationships in households and housing won't be released until May 2023. A subsequent round of detailed data on race and ethnic groups won't be released until August 2023. Other rounds of data on household relationships will be made public later in 2023, according to the Census Bureau.
The statistical agency previously had planned to release the data sets later this year. The delays mean the detailed data from the once-a-decade head count of every U.S. resident will be three years old when they are released next year.
Last year, the Census Bureau released state population counts used to determine how many congressional seats each state gets, as well as redistricting data used for drawing congressional and legislative districts. But both data sets from the 2020 census don't provide detailed information about households, ages or families.
For instance, when it came to age, the redistricting data only had numbers about the population grouped into 18 years and older or younger than 18, without age breakdowns provided in the detailed data.
The privacy method is being used for the first time by the bureau in the 2020 census. Differential privacy adds intentional errors to data to obscure the identity of any given participant. It is most noticeable at the smallest geographies, such as census blocks.
Bureau officials say it´s necessary to protect privacy in a time of increasingly sophisticated data mining, as technological innovations magnify the threat of people being "re-identified" through the use of powerful computers to match census information with other public databases.
The Census Bureau released sample data last month that included the application of the method to the detailed data, and it's still gathering feedback from people who use the data.
"These data are so important that we need to give the Census Bureau time to make them right," Guthrie said. "They are building the plane while they are flying it. They haven´t done this before. Nobody has done this before."
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Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeSchneiderAP | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-10760885/Next-release-2020-census-data-postponed-year.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-04-27T21:30:14Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-10760885/Next-release-2020-census-data-postponed-year.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | false |
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