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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates has purchased a seat on a SpaceX rocket for an Emirati astronaut to journey to the International Space Station for a six-month stay, officials said Friday, the oil-rich federation’s first long-term mission as it advances its ambitions in space.
The UAE purchased the seat on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket through a private Houston-based company, Axiom Space, a space tour operator that has been leading efforts to commercialize the industry. The mission is scheduled for launch next year from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
This will mark the UAE's second time sending an astronaut into space. In 2019, Maj. Hazzaa al-Mansoori spent an eight-day mission aboard the International Space Station. The UAE statement did not identify the astronaut picked for the 2023 mission.
The statement also did not say how much the country paid for the prized seat on the rocket built by Elon Musk's SpaceX. Axiom's ticket price for wealthy citizens who paid their way to the International Space Station earlier this month was $55 million apiece for the rocket ride and accommodations.
Friday's announcement is part of a flurry of activity in the UAE's space program. Last year, the UAE put its Amal, or Hope, satellite in orbit around Mars, a first for the Arab world. In 2024, the country hopes to put an unmanned spacecraft on the moon.
The UAE also has set the ambitious goal of building a human colony on Mars by 2117. | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/UAE-to-send-astronaut-on-6-month-mission-to-space-17136833.php | 2022-04-29T17:38:56Z | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/UAE-to-send-astronaut-on-6-month-mission-to-space-17136833.php | false |
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ECG devices are experiencing a paradigm technological shift from resting ECG systems to portable Holter monitoring systems, owing to their advantages of patient mobility, low prices and longer duration of patient monitoring. ECG devices are proving to be more efficient in ECG monitoring due to advancement in technology, allowing healthcare providers to monitor recorded data remotely and data management facilities for better analysis of data.
These factors are expected to fuel the growth of global ECG devices market to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% between 2016 and 2024, according to a new report by Persistence Market Research (PMR). The report, titled, “ECG Device Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast, 2016-2024”.
PMR’s report offers market forecast and analysis on global ECG device market, segmenting the market on the basis of product, end-user, and region. The report segments the global ECG device market into five key regions, North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Asia Pacific (APAC).
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Company Profiles:
- GE Healthcare,
- Koninklijke Philips N.V,
- Welch Allyn (Hill-rom company, Inc.),
- Schiller AG, Fukuda Denshi Co. Ltd.,
- Nihon Kohden Corporation,
- Mortara Instrument, Inc.,
- Spacelabs Healthcare, Inc.
- Other
According to the PMR’s regional analysis, North America (U.S. and Canada) is the most lucrative market for ECG devices globally. This region holds highest market share over the forecast period (2016-2024) and is expected to exhibit slow growth rate. The Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region for ECG devices owing to its increasing incidence rate of cardiovascular diseases and high population.
APAC is estimated to hold nearly 27.3 % revenue share by the end of 2016 in the ECG device market. MEA region is also expected to grow significantly over the forecast period owing to its high public healthcare expenditure and government funding. This region is expected to grow at CAGR of 4.5% over the forecast period.
On the basis of product, PMR has segment the ECG device market into ECG resting system, ECG Holter monitoring system, ECG stress testing system and cardiopulmonary stress testing system segments. ECG Holter monitoring system segment is expected to dominate the market through the forecast period and is anticipated to be the most lucrative segment. Due to the high adoption rate of ECG Holter monitoring devices globally this segment is expected to witness high incremental opportunity.
On the basis of the end user, the ECG device market has been segmented into hospitals, diagnostic centers, clinics and ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). PMR estimates that hospitals segment accounts for highest revenue share in the end user segment of ECG device market and is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period.
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Factors like increasing number of private hospitals in emerging countries and government funding for better infrastructure is expected to boost revenue share from hospitals segment for ECG device market. Diagnostic centers segment is also expected to gain significant growth during the forecast period due to better diagnostic facilities and ease of access.
ECG Devices Market – Report Highlights
- A detailed overview of parent market of ECG Devices Market
- Changing ECG Devices Market dynamics in the industry
- In-depth segmentation of the ECG Devices Market
- Historical, current, and projected ECG Devices Market size regarding volume and value
- Recent industry trends and developments in ECG Devices Market
- Competitive landscape of the ECG Devices Market
- Strategies for key players and products offered
- Potential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growth
- A neutral perspective on ECG Devices Market performance
- Must-have information for ECG Devices Market players to sustain and enhance their market footprint
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Pending Buncombe vote, $70M bond referendum for housing, land headed for November ballot
ASHEVILLE - Buncombe County will pursue a $70 million bond referendum in November to support future investment in affordable housing and land conservation, pending a May 3 Board of Commissioners vote, which would cost households up to $34 a year.
After the vote, the county has planned about four months to get the referendum officially approved and on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.
The $70 million is split between two amounts: $40 million for affordable housing — "capital costs of housing for the benefit of persons of low or moderate income," according to a memo — and $30 million for land conservation.
Previous:Should Buncombe borrow $70M for housing, conservation? Surveyed voters said yes. Now what?
Commissioners in an April 19 briefing heard a presentation from county-contracted Trust for Public Land representative Pegeen Hanrahan who conducted a study — free to the county because of funding from the Doris Duke Foundation and Merck Family Fund — that polled Buncombe residents on whether or not they would vote for a referendum.
Of the polled residents, 71% said they would vote for the land conservation bond and 63% said they would vote for the affordable housing bond, which Hanrahan noted were enough to confidently greenlight the borrowing.
If the referendum move is approved, the county will have more fiscal analysis to complete in the coming months.
What impact it could have on taxpayers, therefore, remains to be seen.
2022 Election:Early voting Buncombe County, Asheville on April 28. Where can you vote? Do you need ID?
More on Buncombe's move to build housing, conserve land:
- Amid growth boom, Buncombe eyes more than 5,000 acres in future land conservation
- Buncombe County wants to build 3,000 units, invest $62 million, use tax credits
"I think it's going to take additional analysis to look at the effect on the property tax rate if the total $70 million investments are approved by the voters," said commission Chair Brownie Newman. "Part of that is because not all that $70 million gets invested at once."
Hanrahan noted April 19 a "worst-case" scenario would cost Buncombe households about $34 a year, if the bonds were borrowed all at once and paid back over two decades.
"A $30 million bond for capital projects would cost (a) typical household (a) max of $14 per year for 20 years, $18 (a year) for $40 million," she said. "Together it's still a very modest cost."
Newman said the county is also progressively retiring other debt, which may have some effect.
"So it's not clear if a tax rate change would be necessary in order to accommodate these investments or not," he said. "That's going to take a little more time to analyze. But I think part of the takeaway is we do want to be real up front. It's $70 million."
Who's running for Buncombe commission? What to know about 2 facing off in May 17 primary
Sate Sen. Julie Mayfield, who has talked with commission members about the referendum, expressed support for it.
"I'm a big fan of bond referenda," she said. "Bonds are a a great way for local governments to pay for big projects, big initiatives that simply can't be funded out of the general fund. It allows local governments to really work at scale in a way that they can't year to year."
Mayfield noted she was on Asheville City Council in 2016 when the voters approved $74 million in borrowing for public improvements.
Should commission approve the referendum May 3, the county will propose the following timeline through the November election:
- May 16 - Referendum application to local government commission.
- May 19 - At board meeting introduce of bond order to set date of public hearing
- June 7 - At board meeting hold public hearing, bond orders may be adopted and if adopted, they set the referendum.
- Aug. 5 - Ballot language may go to Board of Elections.
- Nov. 8 - Referendum.
Andrew Jones is Buncombe County government and health care reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at @arjonesreports on Facebook and Twitter, 828-226-6203 or arjones@citizentimes.com. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times. | https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2022/04/29/buncombe-county-bond-referendum-vote-affordable-housing-land-conservation-may-3/9568808002/ | 2022-04-29T17:43:11Z | https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2022/04/29/buncombe-county-bond-referendum-vote-affordable-housing-land-conservation-may-3/9568808002/ | false |
(STACKER) — Food insecurity is a widespread problem in the United States, with people experiencing food insecurity in every single county in the nation. The nonprofit Feeding America describes food insecurity as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life.”
Food insecurity hits children particularly hard. The USDA estimates that more than 5.3 million children lived in food-insecure households in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic put further strain on households already experiencing food hardship, with Feeding America estimating that 13 million children may experience food insecurity in 2021—that’s one in six children. Not having consistent access to enough food can affect cognitive abilities, overall health, moods, and attention spans—not to mention the psychological effects of living with scarcity.
Stacker compiled a list of counties in Oregon with the highest rate of food insecure children using data from Feeding America. Counties are ranked by highest percent of children with food insecurity as of 2019.
36. Hood River County
- Child food insecurity rate: 7.7%
— Number of food insecure children: 430 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 100.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 0.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 6.6%
35. Washington County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.0%
— Number of food insecure children: 13,740 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 65.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 35.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 8.4%
34. Clackamas County
- Child food insecurity rate: 10.4%
— Number of food insecure children: 9,300 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 52.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 48.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 8.4%
33. Benton County
- Child food insecurity rate: 12.1%
— Number of food insecure children: 1,810 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 60.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 40.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 10.8%
32. Clatsop County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.6%
— Number of food insecure children: 1,010 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 88.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 12.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 11.8%
31. Multnomah County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.6%
— Number of food insecure children: 20,830 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 66.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 34.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 11.2%
30. Deschutes County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.8%
— Number of food insecure children: 5,240 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 64.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 36.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 10.2%
29. Polk County
- Child food insecurity rate: 13.9%
— Number of food insecure children: 2,630 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 73.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 27.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 10.5%
28. Gilliam County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.0%
— Number of food insecure children: 50 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 81.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 19.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 12.1%
27. Yamhill County
- Child food insecurity rate: 14.3%
— Number of food insecure children: 3,360 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 77.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 23.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 10.2%
26. Marion County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.0%
— Number of food insecure children: 12,640 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 84.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 16.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 11.2%
25. Columbia County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.7%
— Number of food insecure children: 1,720 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 67.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 33.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 11.4%
24. Wasco County
- Child food insecurity rate: 15.9%
— Number of food insecure children: 930 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 83.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 17.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 11.8%
23. Morrow County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.0%
— Number of food insecure children: 500 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 89.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 11.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 10.2%#22. Linn County
- Child food insecurity rate: 16.9%
— Number of food insecure children: 4,790 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 79.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 21.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 12.7%
21. Harney County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.4%
— Number of food insecure children: 260 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 68.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 32.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 12.8%
20. Lane County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.4%
— Number of food insecure children: 12,090 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 73.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 27.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 13.6%
19. Union County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.5%
— Number of food insecure children: 1,010 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 83.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 18.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 12.5%
18. Jackson County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.5%
— Number of food insecure children: 7,830 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 78.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 22.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 12.7%
17. Curry County
- Child food insecurity rate: 17.9%
— Number of food insecure children: 590 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 60.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 40.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 13.8%
16. Umatilla County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.4%
— Number of food insecure children: 3,620 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 85.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 15.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 12.8%
15. Tillamook County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.5%
— Number of food insecure children: 930 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 92.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 8.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 12.7%
14. Sherman County
- Child food insecurity rate: 18.8%
— Number of food insecure children: 50 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 78.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 22.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 13.4%
13. Baker County
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.1%
— Number of food insecure children: 600 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 76.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 24.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 13.1%
12. Malheur County
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.1%
— Number of food insecure children: 1,480 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 92.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 8.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 13.9%
11. Jefferson County
- Child food insecurity rate: 19.2%
— Number of food insecure children: 1,070 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 80.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 20.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 13.8%
10. Wallowa County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.1%
— Number of food insecure children: 260 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 69.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 31.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 13.7%
9. Wheeler County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.3%
— Number of food insecure children: 50 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 98.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 2.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 13.6%
8. Douglas County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.8%
— Number of food insecure children: 4,410 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 81.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 20.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 14.0%
7. Crook County
- Child food insecurity rate: 20.9%
— Number of food insecure children: 950 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 80.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 20.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 13.1%
6. Lincoln County
- Child food insecurity rate: 21.1%
— Number of food insecure children: 1,730 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 89.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 11.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 14.4%
5. Lake County
- Child food insecurity rate: 21.5%
— Number of food insecure children: 320 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 83.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 17.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 15.7%
4. Josephine County
- Child food insecurity rate: 21.5%
— Number of food insecure children: 3,640 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 83.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 17.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 15.0%
3. Coos County
- Child food insecurity rate: 21.9%
— Number of food insecure children: 2,580 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 77.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 23.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 15.2%
2. Klamath County
- Child food insecurity rate: 22.1%
— Number of food insecure children: 3,210 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 87.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 13.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 15.4%
1. Grant County
- Child food insecurity rate: 23.8%
— Number of food insecure children: 310 - Percentage of children in households with income below 185% FPL: 83.0%
- Percentage of children in households with income above 185% FPL: 17.0%
- Overall food insecurity rate: 16.6% | https://www.koin.com/news/oregon/counties-with-the-highest-rate-of-food-insecure-children-in-oregon/ | 2022-04-29T17:44:22Z | https://www.koin.com/news/oregon/counties-with-the-highest-rate-of-food-insecure-children-in-oregon/ | false |
SOFTS-Raw sugar futures rise as oil gains; Brazil output data disappoints
Updates prices, adds details
LONDON, April 29 (Reuters) - Raw sugar futures on ICE rose on Friday as oil prices gained and traders digested data showing worse-than-expected output in top producer Brazil. O/R
Strong energy prices tend to prompt cane mills in Brazil to produce less sugar and more ethanol, a cane-based biofuel.
SUGAR
* May raw sugar SBc1, which expires on Friday, was up 0.6% to 19.53 cents per lb at 1417 GMT, having hit its lowest price since March 18 at 18.80 cents on Wednesday.
* Cane crushing in Brazil's center-south region fell 66.9% in the first half of April versus a year ago, sharply below market expectations.
* With the Brazilian harvest starting slowly, dealers said the market looks to be well supported until more data becomes available.
* Looking further ahead, analyst Greenpool said a global sugar surplus of 1.41 million tonnes is now expected in the 2022/23 season.
* August white sugar LSUc1 rose 0.7% to $531.10 a tonne.
COFFEE
* July arabica coffee KCc2 gained2.7% to $2.2365 per lb, having hit the lowest level since March 30 at $2.1455 on Wednesday.
* Dealers said exporters in top producer Brazil have been reticent to sell, even in the face of a weakening Brazilian currencyBRL=. A weak real usually prompts selling because it raises returns in local currency terms.
* On the downside, Citi said it has again cut its coffee demand outlook by 0.5 million bags due to the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID lockdown in Shanghai.
* July robusta coffee LRCc2rose 1% to $2,109 a tonne.
* Coffee exports from top robusta producer Vietnam are expected to increase 28.4% in the first four months of this year, the General Statistics Office said.
COCOA
* July New York cocoa CCc2 rose 0.5% to $2,579 a tonne, recovering some ground after Tuesday's fall to an eight-week low of $2,478.
* "Softer-than-expected first quarter cocoa grindings, amid the Russia/Ukraine conflict and China lockdowns, are weighing. That said, 2021/22 cocoa balances remain in deficit given the substantial short-crop in Ghana," Citi said in its latest monthly report.
* It said prices, which have declined over the past month from $2,700 to $2,500 a tonne, should find support around current levels.
* July London cocoa LCCc2 rose 0.3% to 1,815 pounds per tonne.
(Reporting by Maytaal Angel; editing by David Evans and Paul Simao)
((maytaal.angel@thomsonreuters.com(00442075429105)(Reuters Messaging: maytaal.angel.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net) ))
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/softs-raw-sugar-futures-rise-as-oil-gains-brazil-output-data-disappoints-0 | 2022-04-29T17:56:04Z | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/softs-raw-sugar-futures-rise-as-oil-gains-brazil-output-data-disappoints-0 | true |
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What are the best gifts for mothers who love crossword puzzles?
Are you trying to think of a gift that shows your mother how much you care? While that’s a nearly impossible task, moms will love anything that comes from the heart. However, that doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute and grab a card from your local grocery store.
If your mother loves crossword puzzles, getting a related gift will demonstrate that you know her well. So whether she’s a crossword puzzle enthusiast or enjoys relaxing while completing her daily puzzle, here are the 10 best gifts for mothers who love crossword puzzles.
Tips for choosing a Mother’s Day gift
Choose your budget
While you can’t put a price on the love you have for your mother, she wouldn’t want you spending all of your money on her gift. So even though you think she deserves an all-expenses-paid trip to Hawaii, it’s the thought that counts.
Setting a budget will help you narrow down potential gift ideas and ensure you’re being financially responsible. Also, remember not to stress about what you can or cannot afford. After all, Mother’s Day isn’t about fancy things — it’s about being together.
Personal touch
Is your mom sentimental? Does she still have the handprint ornament you made for Mother’s Day in kindergarten? If so, you might consider a homemade gift, such as creating your own crossword puzzle. If you’re not crafty, a gift with a personal note is also a great touch. However, don’t be afraid of practical gifts. Many moms appreciate a useful gift.
Combine her interests
The best Mother’s Day gift is something that shows you’re thinking about her specifically, whether it’s homemade or store-bought. For example, if your mom likes crossword puzzles and reading, getting her a Kindle pre-downloaded with a book full of crossword puzzles is a great way to demonstrate that you pay attention to her interests. If she is competitive when it comes to her crossword puzzle, she might like a puzzle game that will give her a challenge.
Best gifts for mothers who love crossword puzzles
The Million Word Crossword Dictionary
With over one million words, this crossword dictionary will help her become a crossword puzzle pro. It includes slang terms, literary works, films, automobile models and famous people from all fields.
Sold by Amazon
Make sure your mom is comfortable while doing her daily crossword puzzle. This pillow measures 18 inches high by 15 inches wide and features two side pockets to keep a phone, a pen, glasses or remote control at your fingertips.
Sold by Amazon
“Curious History of the Crossword: 100 Puzzles from Then and Now”
Those who appreciate history will fall in love with this book that explores the past 100 years of the crossword puzzle (starting in 1913). Every chapter compares crossword puzzles from then to now and includes challenging puzzles.
Sold by Amazon
The Unemployed Philosophers Guild Crossword Puzzle Coffee Mug
Mothers who enjoy completing their crossword puzzle while drinking a steaming cup of coffee need this coffee mug and pencil. Plus, new puzzles are being added all the time, so you can wash off the old answers and begin a new puzzle.
Sold by Amazon
This custom crossword puzzle is ideal for sentimental moms. You get to choose a theme, the difficulty level and any words you want to be included, such as your mom’s favorite place, family names or occasions.
Sold by Etsy
Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light
If she’s too busy during the day to find time to complete the crossword puzzle, this neck reading light will help her finish it at night without disturbing anyone. It has three color temperatures and three brightness levels.
Sold by Amazon
This heated blanket will ensure she stays warm whether she’s doing the crossword puzzle or snuggling up to watch a movie. It features 10 heat settings and a 12-hour automatic shut-off to avoid overheating.
Sold by Amazon
Customizable Family Name Scrabble Wall Tiles
Mothers and grandmothers who appreciate a personal touch will love the thought put into this gift. The letters are carved and hand painted into actual wood tiles, so you know they will last for years.
Sold by Etsy
Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray
Whether she likes to do her crossword puzzle while relaxing in the bathtub or enjoys a nice soak now and then, this bathtub tray ensures she has everything she needs. It’s adjustable to fit your bathtub and made from sustainable premium bamboo.
Sold by Amazon
While these bookmarks are small, they’re one of the sweetest gifts for a mom who loves crossword puzzles. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite word or phrase.
Sold by Etsy
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cbs42.com/reviews/10-gifts-for-mothers-who-love-crossword-puzzles/ | 2022-04-29T17:59:50Z | https://www.cbs42.com/reviews/10-gifts-for-mothers-who-love-crossword-puzzles/ | false |
Which disc golf set is best?
A quality disc golf set includes everything you need to start playing and will likely serve you well for years to come. While almost every set includes a putter, midrange disc and driver, the number of discs per set and plastic quality can vary. Our top choice is a reliable set from a popular brand, the Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Disc Golf Starter Set.
What to know before you buy a disc golf set
When comparing disc golf sets, take note of the number and type of discs included. Most sets are intended for beginners and will include at least three versatile discs.
Putter
Honing your short game will save you a tremendous amount of throws over the years. A putter should be comfortable to hold and should fly fairly straight, floating as it approaches the chains of the basket. Many disc golf manufacturers include their most popular putter in their sets.
Midrange disc
When you are new to the sport, your midrange disc may be the disc you throw most. It should fly very straight for short distances but also be capable of throws like hyzers, rollers and hard fades.
Driver
Arguably the most exciting disc in any set, your driver is for powerful throws off the tee pad that hopefully land in the center of the fairway or even near the basket. Most disc golf sets include a fairway driver — a low-speed driver that doesn’t need to be thrown with much power for a smooth, predictable flight.
What to look for in a quality disc golf set
Discs vary in their plastic quality and appearance, and each brand has its own line of plastics and selection of disc molds.
Plastic quality
Most disc golf manufacturers offer a few different types of plastic. Often, the discs in their sets are made from softer, less durable plastic, but some sets are made from more rigid plastic that will last for several years. Some brands even offer discs made of plastic with a swirl or tie-dye pattern.
Disc golf brands
While there are dozens of disc golf manufacturers, a handful of popular brands stand out for their quality and prolific offerings.
- Innova is a hugely popular brand known for its Champion and Star plastics, both of which are highly durable and come in vibrant colors.
- Discraft has a smaller selection of molds than Innova, but many of its discs are beloved by players of all skill levels, and it has a wide range of plastics to choose from.
- MVP discs stand out for their distinctive black edges, made of a softer plastic that feels good against your hand and can take more of a beating.
- Latitude 64° is a Swedish brand offering a robust lineup of discs for all playstyles.
How much you can expect to spend on a disc golf set
The price of disc golf sets depends largely on the number of discs included. Most three-disc sets cost around $20, while sets with four to six discs usually cost $25-$50.
Disc golf set FAQ
How many discs do you need to play disc golf regularly?
A. Any reliable set of three discs has you covered. However, if you find yourself wishing for discs that behave differently, the only limit is the size of your bag. Eight to 12 discs is generally a good number for an intermediate player.
How do I know when to use each type of disc?
A. Generally, you use a driver on the tee pad, a midrange disc on the fairway and a putter for approaching the basket and, of course, putting.
Is it more cost-effective to buy discs in a set?
A. Sets are almost always more affordable when you consider the cost of each disc. Most individual discs cost from $8-$20, so five discs in a $35 set is a cost-saving option.
What’s the best disc golf set to buy?
Top disc golf set
Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Disc Golf Starter Set
What you need to know: With five discs and a mini marker disc, this set has any beginner covered.
What you’ll love: The Judge is a classic putter, and when paired with the straight-flying Truth, your short game is covered. With two fairway drivers and a distance driver, this is one of the more robust starter sets available.
What you should consider: You don’t know which colors will come with each set, and they may be less than vibrant.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top disc golf set for the money
What you need to know: This classic set includes three Innova favorites and is one of the best budget sets available.
What you’ll love: The Aviar in DX plastic is a favorite of professional and amateur players alike, and it will last you for many seasons. The Leopard is a reliable fairway driver that can reach impressive distances with a small amount of power.
What you should consider: The DX plastic is soft and prone to dings and dents, so the mid-range disc and the driver may only last a few seasons.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Latitude 64 Retro Burst Disc Golf Set
What you need to know: This eye-catching starter set features three straight-flying discs and a mini marker disc.
What you’ll love: The plastic offers a good grip, and the burst patterns give your discs a unique look. Beginners will appreciate how reliably straight these discs fly.
What you should consider: This set is more expensive than many comparable starter sets, and the plastic may show wear fairly quickly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Peter McPherson writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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HAMILTON COUNTY — An Indianapolis father has been found guilty in the death of his four-year-old son in 2019.
Elijah Mills, 35, was convicted of neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury or death, battery resulting in serious bodily injury to a person less than 14-years-old and battery resulting in the death to a person less than 14-years-old. The charges are Level I, Level II and Level III felonies.
The trial lasted five days according to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office.
Mills is the father of the child, who was rushed to the hospital on Nov. 12, 2019. The child was later transported to Riley Hospital for children. Doctors at Riley found bleeding and hemorrhages on the brain, skin injuries, broken bones and multiple other forms of trauma.
Some of the child's injuries were believed to have occurred as many as three to four weeks prior to his admittance into the hospital, according to the probable cause affidavit.
According to the prosecutor's office, during the trial, first responders described finding the victim, who was a 4-year-old at the time, with bruises in various stages of healing over his body, which also appeared very small for his age. The child was rushed to Riverview Hospital and transferred to Riley Hospital for Children where emergency neurosurgery was performed.
“This tragic case demonstrates the importance of all members of our community doing their part to protect children,” D. Lee Buckingham II, Prosecuting Attorney of Hamilton County said in a news release. “Without these fellow citizens raising their concerns, sharing their observations, and following through with law enforcement and trial testimony, holding Mr. Mills accountable through prosecution would have been even more difficult. My staff’s efforts might not have been successful without fellow members of the community saying something when they saw something or without the dedication of so many fine first responders and medical professionals.”
Mills' partner at the time, Taylor Abrams, is scheduled for a jury trial at 9 a.m. on May 9. She is charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury or death and a misdemeanor charge of failure to report.
Mills’ sentencing is scheduled for May 19. He is currently held in the Hamilton County Jail without bail. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/crime/indianapolis-man-convicted-in-2019-murder-of-4-year-old-son | 2022-04-29T18:05:38Z | https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/crime/indianapolis-man-convicted-in-2019-murder-of-4-year-old-son | false |
AUSTIN — The University of Texas is warning its students to steer clear of raccoons on-campus after three students were bitten and administered rabies vaccinations.
The university said it has seen an increase in incidents involving raccoons and the student population, and that it believes the raccoon is sheltering around the outside of the library and business school.
"Students, Faculty and Staff, please do not approach any animal with intent to feed, pet, or take pictures with the raccoon," said the school in a tweet. "It is likely that the raccoon may feel threatened by close contact, especially if they have babies nearby."
The school asks that everyone on campus be aware of their surroundings while in the area.
"... and immediately seek medical attention if you are scratched or bitten by a raccoon or any wildlife," said the university.
Recently, we have seen an increase of incidents involving raccoons and the UT student population. Unfortunately, these interactions have resulted in three students being bitten by a raccoon and receiving rabies vaccinations as a precautionary measure.
— UT Austin Office of Campus Safety (@UTAustinSafety) April 27, 2022
(Thread) pic.twitter.com/AiNPHJw9wh
This story was first reported by Khadeeja Umana at KXXV in Waco, Texas. | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/university-of-texas-warns-students-to-beware-of-raccoons-after-series-of-attacks | 2022-04-29T18:06:38Z | https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/university-of-texas-warns-students-to-beware-of-raccoons-after-series-of-attacks | false |
First case of human bird flu infection confirmed in Colorado
By DAVID PITT
Associated Press
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Colorado prison inmate has tested positive for bird flu in the first recent confirmed case of a human infected with the disease that has resulted in the deaths of millions of chickens and turkeys, but federal officials say they still see little threat to the general public.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday evening that the man who tested positive had been in a prerelease program and was helping to remove chickens from an infected farm. The man, who was under age 40, reported fatigue for a few days but has since recovered, state health and CDC officials said in a statement.
The man was isolated and is being treated with an antiviral drug. Other people involved in the bird removal operation in Colorado have tested negative, but they are being retested out of an abundance of caution.
Despite the infection, the CDC considers the threat to the general public to be low because spread of the virus to people requires close contact with an infected bird.
Signals that could raise the public health risk might include multiple reports of virus infections in people from exposure to birds, or identification of spread from one infected person to a close contact. The CDC also is monitoring the bird flu virus for genetic changes, which could indicate the virus is adapting to spread more readily from birds to people or other mammals.
The current strain of bird flu, the H5N1, has been spreading among backyard and commercial chicken and turkey flocks in the U.S. since late February. Viruses have been found in U.S. commercial and backyard birds in 29 states and in wild birds in 34 states. More than 35 million chickens and turkeys have been killed and removed to avoid spread, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported.
The CDC said it has tracked the health of more than 2,500 people who have been exposed to H5N1 virus-infected birds but that this was the only confirmed case to date.
The CDC said it was possible the man only had the virus present in his nose but that his body was not infected. Colorado public health officials say repeat testing on the man was negative for influenza. A nasal swab positive test result meets the agency’s criteria for considering it an infection.
“The appropriate public health response at this time is to assume this is an infection and take actions to contain and treat,” the CDC statement said. | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national-business/2022/04/29/first-case-of-human-bird-flu-infection-confirmed-in-colorado/ | 2022-04-29T18:07:27Z | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national-business/2022/04/29/first-case-of-human-bird-flu-infection-confirmed-in-colorado/ | false |
First on CNN: A record 35 million-plus Americans have Affordable Care Act coverage — but the gains may not last long
By Tami Luhby, CNN
More Americans than ever before have health coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act, which is helping send the nation’s uninsured rate to near record lows, the Biden administration announced Friday.
Fueled by Covid-19 relief measures and renewed federal investment, enrollment in Obamacare plans, Medicaid expansion and Basic Health Plan policies has soared to an estimated 35.8 million as of early 2022, up from 27.1 million in 2020, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
This includes an estimated 13.6 million people enrolled in policies purchased on the Obamacare exchanges and more than 21 million people in Medicaid expansion coverage, including 16.8 million who were not eligible prior to the landmark health reform law.
Meanwhile, the uninsured rate fell to 8.8% in the fourth quarter of last year, down from 10.3% in the same period of 2020, according to new federal National Health Interview Survey data. That represents about 4.9 million people obtaining coverage.
“With a record-breaking total of over 35 million people who now have health coverage, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, America’s uninsured rate is nearing an all-time low,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement.
However, these gains could start melting away as early as this summer if the nation’s public health emergency is not renewed again. That will allow states to resume disenrolling Medicaid beneficiaries who no longer qualify for coverage, a practice that was halted during the pandemic.
Also, the enhanced federal subsidies for Obamacare policies, which have drawn more Americans to the exchanges, are set to expire at the end of this year unless Congress acts.
Growing interest
Even before President Joe Biden took office in 2021, more Americans were signing up for Affordable Care Act coverage as the Covid-19 pandemic put an increased emphasis on access to health care.
Biden then launched a six-month special enrollment period early last year, which allowed people to take advantage of the more generous federal subsidies created by the Democrats’ $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. Some 2.8 million people enrolled in Obamacare plans during the period.
The administration also extended the open enrollment period for 2022 coverage by a month and poured funding into marketing, outreach and assistance in picking policies. A record 14.5 million people selected plans, though not all ended up actually enrolling.
Last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services launched a special enrollment period for lower-income Americans, most of whom can select plans with no premiums.
In addition, Medicaid enrollment has swelled over the past two years in large part because states have not been allowed to remove anyone involuntarily from coverage during the pandemic in exchange for a more generous federal Medicaid match, under a coronavirus relief package Congress passed in 2020.
Gains at risk
The historic increase in Affordable Care Act and Medicaid coverage may be short lived, however.
Unless Congress acts, the enhanced subsidies will not be available for 2023 policies on the Affordable Care Act exchanges. The Democrats’ plan to extend the provision as part of their Build Back Better spending package was thwarted last year when Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia said he would not support it.
Also, up to 14.4 million people could lose Medicaid coverage if the public health emergency expires after the second quarter of this year, according to the Urban Institute.
The public health emergency currently runs through mid-July. The Biden administration has said it will give states 60 days’ notice of the emergency’s end so they can ramp up their preparations to review residents’ Medicaid eligibility.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2022/04/29/first-on-cnn-a-record-35-million-plus-americans-have-affordable-care-act-coverage-but-the-gains-may-not-last-long/ | 2022-04-29T18:08:38Z | https://localnews8.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2022/04/29/first-on-cnn-a-record-35-million-plus-americans-have-affordable-care-act-coverage-but-the-gains-may-not-last-long/ | true |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/articles/39328450 | 2022-04-29T18:11:23Z | https://sportspyder.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/articles/39328450 | true |
A lot has changed in the world since Supercars power couple Will Davison and Riana Crehan set foot in Western Australia for a race weekend.
Since the last Perth Supercars event in 2019, the long-time partners got married just a few months before the pandemic hit, triggering back-to-back seasons without a V8 race in Perth.
Given Supercars presenter Crehan’s Perth roots and Dick Johnson Racing driver Davison’s success out west, the pair are ecstatic to be heading back to Wanneroo Raceway this weekend.
Crehan grew up in Henley Brook, so the prospect of roaming the pitlane at her home track this weekend is an exciting one.
“Last time we were here with the Supercars was 2019 and I selfishly always love coming here for the V8s, because I get to see my family and friends and reminisce about growing up in Perth,” Crehan said.
“It’s been a couple of years since we’ve been here and we’ve got a night race this weekend, which is really exciting for us and our fans. I think it’s going to be a fantastic weekend.”
Davison may not have won a race since the 2016 Bathurst 1000, but he has three victories to his name in WA, including a double win in 2012.
After finishing fourth in last season’s championship and recording four second-place finishes to start the year, Davison said he was full of confidence ahead of his return to a track which held fond memories for him.
“You’re only as good as your last race and I’ve had difficulties here as well, but I do enjoy racing here,” he said.
“It’s a great circuit, there’s big undulation there. It’s a very short lap, one of the shorter circuits we go to all year, but it’s an exciting, technical track and always very close.
“I’ve had some great memories here, so I’m hoping to create a few more this weekend.”
Crehan is a seasoned professional, but said she had learnt to keep a lid on emotions when it came to watching her long-time partner on race day.
“It’s been probably 15 years that we’ve both been working in the Supercars and obviously I’ve always got one eye I focusing on what he’s doing,” she said.
“But for me, it’s a work weekend and I’m flat out chasing the rest of the cars up and down the pitlane and all the things that are happening.
“I’m nervous for him because I want him to be successful, but aside from that, it’s just part and parcel of the job.” | https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/v8/will-davison-and-riana-crehan-hold-perth-close-to-their-hearts-ahead-of-supercars-championships-wa-return-c-6539190 | 2022-04-29T18:12:14Z | https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/v8/will-davison-and-riana-crehan-hold-perth-close-to-their-hearts-ahead-of-supercars-championships-wa-return-c-6539190 | true |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/nfl/detroit-lions/articles/39328190 | 2022-04-29T18:17:25Z | https://sportspyder.com/nfl/detroit-lions/articles/39328190 | false |
"Star Trek" star and "Reading Rainbow" host LeVar Burton will be honored by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences at the new Children's & Family Emmy Awards by receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Burton took to Twitter to react to the news announced Tuesday.
"Whoa," the beloved host said.
Whoa…😲
LeVar Burton to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 2022 Emmys https://t.co/G46wErSL14— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) April 28, 2022
CBS News reported that this marks the first time the Emmys have been expanded since 1979.
Burton hosted the show for 23 years, with the show garnering 12 Daytime Emmys and winning a Peabody Award.
The show was canceled in 2006.
The awards show is slated to happen on Dec. 11 in Los Angeles, NPR reported. | https://www.3newsnow.com/entertainment/burton-to-receive-lifetime-achievement-award-at-new-childrens-emmys | 2022-04-29T18:18:03Z | https://www.3newsnow.com/entertainment/burton-to-receive-lifetime-achievement-award-at-new-childrens-emmys | false |
It's lights out beachside starting Sunday as the turtles return to Brevard to nest
It's that time of year again: Time to mind the turtles and the birds, or both could face a disastrous nesting season.
Beachside light restrictions kick in Sunday, May 1, in which indoor and outdoor lights must not be visible from beach, through October.
And state wildlife biologists also warn beachgoers should watch out for nesting shorebirds along the dunes.
Nighttime lighting can lure hatchling sea turtles to crawl inland instead of seaward after emerging from their beach nests. As a result, the threatened and endangered turtles often die from dehydration, get run over or become prey for raccoons, crabs or ants.
So from Sunday through Oct. 31, all indoor and outdoor lights visible from the beach must be shielded, repositioned, replaced with special turtle-friendly amber bulbs or turned off from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Bright beach lights, flashlights, flash cameras, video recorders and other types of artificial lighting aren’t allowed either.
Disturbing a sea turtle, its nests or hatchlings also is illegal. Those who violate Brevard’s marine turtle lighting ordinance face fines of up to $500 and six months in county jail.
Most beachside cities have similar ordinances.
Sea turtle nesting season actually has been underway since March 1 from Brevard through Broward counties, with leatherback turtles the first to nest along the beaches. Coinciding with that date, some limits on coastal construction already have taken effect. But Sunday marks the start of the beach-lighting restrictions.
Florida law restricts activities such as beach renourishment and repairs to seawalls and other structures during sea turtle nesting season.
Officials will work with residents on lighting problems. Along with the nonprofit Sea Turtle Conservancy, Brevard County periodically has grant money available to help homeowners fix beach-lighting issues.
'Old school' naturalist leaves legacy of a national wildlife refuge
Audubon also has been reminding beachgoers that sea and shorebirds lay their eggs right on the sand. When frightened by humans or their dogs, the birds take flight, leaving their eggs and colonies behind.
The nonprofit says to heed posted areas, even if you don’t see any birds; carefully move away if birds "dive-bomb" you; don't leave trash or food behind that attracts predators; keep dogs on a leash, on board your boat or at home.
Shorebirds and seabirds typically nest directly on beaches but as shorelines grow increasingly crowded with people, less nesting space is available and birds increasingly use gravel rooftops to nest and raise chicks.
Florida protects most shorebirds and seabirds that nest on rooftops as "threatened" species, such as black skimmers and least terns. More than half of Florida’s least tern population relies upon rooftops for nesting, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Nesting season for shorebirds and seabirds in Florida happens between March and August. FWC recommends owners of buildings that have shorebirds nesting on rooftops conduct routine maintenance and nonemergency repairs outside of nesting season, between September and February.
"If unexpected repairs are required during the nesting season, building owners can work with the FWC’s regional shorebird biologists to determine if take could occur and how to apply if a permit is needed," FWC said Wednesday in a release.
Turtle nesting tips
How to ensure successful nesting of threatened and endangered sea turtles:
• Complete beach-repair work before nesting turtles arrive.
• Remove all equipment, beach furniture and other potential obstructions from the beach at night, when nesting females and hatchlings need to move unimpeded across the sand.
• Manage artificial light at night by turning off lights when not in use, closing curtains and shades, and shielding lights needed for human safety so no light is visible from the beach. For information about sea turtles or alternative lighting solutions, call 633-2016 ext. 52431.
• If you find a dead, sick, or injured sea turtle, call FWC’s 24-hour Wildlife Alert Number at 1-888-404-3922. Be prepared to answer the following questions: exact location of the animal? Is the turtle alive or dead? Approximate size of the turtle? Is the turtle marked with spray paint? (This may indicate that the turtle has been previously documented). Location of the closest access point to the turtle? If the turtle is alive, please be prepared to stay with it until help arrives.
• Read your city’s lighting ordinance: http://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/lighting/ordinances/
Jim Waymer is an environment reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Waymer at 321-261-5903 or jwaymer@floridatoday.com. Or find him on Twitter: @JWayEnviro or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jim.waymer
Support local journalism and local journalists like me. Visit floridatoday.com/subscribe | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2022/04/29/floridas-sea-turtle-nesting-starts-sunday-so-lights-out-beachside/9583142002/ | 2022-04-29T18:22:36Z | https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2022/04/29/floridas-sea-turtle-nesting-starts-sunday-so-lights-out-beachside/9583142002/ | true |
Amid all the hubbub of the Overwatch 2 beta, it's worth remembering that the Overwatch League is about to kick off its fifth season on May 5. That’s exciting too! Beyond the small matter of beta keys being given away during opening weekend and seeing pros play Overwatch 2, one element that's returning this year is Overwatch League Pick'em predictions, which includes the chance to win some serious cash.
This season, Pick'em will be available in the Overwatch League app on iOS and Android as well as on the OWL website. You can start making your opening weekend predictions now.
There are a bunch of prizes and rewards at stake this year. For one thing, you'll be able to earn Overwatch League tokens for certain matches.
There’ll be a contest for each of the four tournament cycles. The first prize winner for each will receive a real-live loot box as part of a gift set. Those who finish between first and 10th place will receive cash prizes as well (though be sure to check the terms and conditions to find out if you're eligible).
There will also be perfect and best bracket contests again in 2022. The Overwatch League has run a perfect bracket contest for the last couple of seasons and it's always fun to see how long it takes for everyone's brackets to get busted.
This year, there will be a bracket contest for Midseason Madness. If you defy the odds and complete a perfect bracket, you can win $50,000. There's also a more-realistic $5,000 prize for the best bracket.
If you're able to build a perfect bracket for Grand Finals, you can win a $100,000 prize. There's $10,000 up for grabs for the best bracket too.
Although it's very unlikely that anyone will complete a perfect bracket, it's fun to dream. And hey, the only way you're guaranteed to lose is by not creating a Pick'em bracket at all, so why not try? | https://www.forbes.com/sites/krisholt/2022/04/29/overwatch-league-pickem-predictions-are-back-for-2022-with-big-cash-prizes-on-the-line/ | 2022-04-29T18:26:57Z | https://www.forbes.com/sites/krisholt/2022/04/29/overwatch-league-pickem-predictions-are-back-for-2022-with-big-cash-prizes-on-the-line/ | true |
Lucknow Super Giants finished with 153 on board in their game vs Punjab Kings. Stoinis came in at number five after Krunal Pandya, scored a single run, and went back in the hut. LSG's handling of Stoinis is something that hasn't impressed many.
He is constantly moving up and down the order, and there seems no definite role designated to him.
He has played five matches this season and made a total of 73 runs. On the bowling front, he has just bowled three overs in total with an economy rate of 9.00, and a wicket to his name.
He isn't bowling as much as he should, and is defineitly not batting at a position where he can contrinute more. Krunal Pandya has played the role of a finisher with Mumbai Indians for all these years. Even he is coming ahead of Stoinis at number four. Stoinis was a draft pick for LSG with KL Rahul and Ravi Bishnoi. The franchise paid INR 9.2 crore for him
As far as the match is concerned, PBKS won the toss and opted to bowl. QDK top-scored for the Giants with 46 runs off 37 deliveries.
PBKS Playing 11
Mayank Agarwal (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Rishi Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Sandeep Sharma, Arshdeep Singh
LSG Playing 11
Quinton de Kock (wk), KL Rahul (c), Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Jason Holder, Dushmantha Chameera, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan | https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/cricket/ipl-2022-lucknow-super-giants-are-not-using-their-trump-card-2022-04-29-773120 | 2022-04-29T18:27:10Z | https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/cricket/ipl-2022-lucknow-super-giants-are-not-using-their-trump-card-2022-04-29-773120 | false |
Financial services leaders discuss 3 ways traditional banks can team up with fintechs to drive equity for historically marginalized communities.
The realities of America’s wealth gap are sobering and persistent. A 2021 survey by the Federal Reserve found that on average Black and Latinx households earn about half as much as the average white household and own only about 15 to 20 percent as much net wealth.
There are many factors to blame: Race-based disparities of interest rates for loans. The redlining of minority neighborhoods. The continuing gender pay gap. These are just a few of the many culprits contributing to the difficulties marginalized communities face in accumulating generational wealth.
I was the host of a recent panel conversation focused on what can be done to narrow the wealth gap. Panel members included Shundrawn Thomas, President and Chief Executive of Northern Trust Asset Management; Hill Harper, Founder and CEO of The Black Wall Street; and Paul Williamson, Head of Revenue and Partnerships at Plaid.
As Hill Harper aptly put it: “We cannot have social justice without economic justice.” To achieve that economic justice, fintechs and traditional banks will have to rally around these three critical pillars.
Pillar #1: Accessibility
Creating cumulative, generational wealth starts with access to financial products and services that secure and grow your money. Yet, according to a study by the FDIC, people of color in the U.S. are 6.5 times more likely to be unbanked than white Americans.
One way systemic disadvantage plays out is accessibility, even at a physical level—bank branches are scarcer in low-income communities and communities of color. If you live in a “banking desert,” you’re more likely to have to utilize predatory alternatives such as check cashing services, which can skim as much as 24% off your paycheck as a service fee.
With the rise of digital and mobile platforms, no one should live in a finance desert any more.
In the digital space, it’s important to pay attention to accessibility barriers that affect people with disabilities, elders who might benefit from digital solutions but feel intimidated by the technology, young people entering the financial system for the first time, and people with thorny social issues, such as a history of incarceration.
Hill Harper noted that digitization and education can work together to improve access for underbanked populations. The Black Wall Street’s initial offering has been a cryptocurrency wallet, and along with it, a push to educate users on how crypto works. As Paul Williamson added, the pandemic highlighted the reality that banking customers no longer have to interface with brick-and-mortar banks. And with the rise of digital and mobile platforms, no one with access to a mobile phone has to live in a finance desert any more.
Pillar #2: Representation
For traditional banks and fintech entities alike, the imperative for diverse representation at all levels cannot be overstated. As Paul Williamson plainly said: “We have to do something different to create change.”
To that end, Plaid built the Finrise program to mentor up-and-coming BIPOC entrepreneurs—a move he sees as a value proposition. The result can be seen in businesses like Guidefi, a company that connects women and people of color with a culturally competent financial advisor. If a wealth management company’s advisors are from communities of color, they’re going to be better able to understand the needs of those clients and offer more successful products and advice.
Another piece of the representation puzzle is the importance of including women and BIPOC employees at every level of product development, design, and marketing teams. This diversity of thought and perspective will help eliminate biases that can be unwittingly built into digital tools from the get-go, instead ensuring that the experience serves the needs of people of all backgrounds.
Pillar #3: Trust
Trust is inextricably linked to the pillars of accessibility and representation.
Hill Harper described a recent tour of the 20 poorest ZIP codes in the United States, where The Black Wall Street provided financial literacy training. “They were astounded that we were even there,” he said.
When people are acculturated to predatory institutional practices or systemic disempowerment (because of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or any other factor), it takes empathetic education and strategic evangelizing to persuade those people they truly have a place in the system.
We’ve had the capacity to create a more equitable financial system for some time. What we’ve lacked is the will.
It’s crucial for incumbent banking systems to work to eliminate inherent, systemic bias from the top down—and for fintechs to avoid wiring those ancient biases into novel technologies. Credit risk assessment has historically been riddled with biases which, in plenty of cases, deny opportunity to people who are extremely worthy of those opportunities. Part of Plaid’s purpose, for example, is to allow openness and portability of data: this can redefine credit assessment standards in a more inclusive way.
This is where a “by us, for us” mindset can be transformative. Harper offered the example of a formerly incarcerated person who has defied the odds and escaped recidivism. “If you had a formerly incarcerated person writing the algorithm, that person would know, hey, this guy is a high achiever who beat the odds,” where others might only see a sparse credit record.
Innovate with awareness
Shundrawn Thomas pointed out in our discussion that we’ve had the capacity to create a more equitable financial system for some time. “What we’ve lacked,” he said, “is the will.”
So what can financial leaders do? Three things:
- Financial leaders can work to cultivate opportunity, literacy, and trust in communities where it has historically not existed. This extends to exerting influence over public policy (historically, as Shundrawn Thomas pointed out, the government has been a perpetuator of many of the systemic barriers affecting us today).
- Incumbent systems need to address representational imbalances by reevaluating their models with an eye on practices that contribute to the wealth gap. By partnering with niche-specific fintechs (designed for women, for BIPOC, for LGBTQ+ communities), traditional financial institutions can adopt great insights on how to better connect with communities they might have excluded in the past.
- In the digital space, it’s incumbent on us to ensure broad, diverse representation from inception to delivery, so that we can avoid duplicating historical biases and inequities in new platforms.
Expansive, more equitable participation in the financial system benefits all involved. The financial industry is in a position to innovate with awareness. And with the proliferation of new technologies, new financial products, and new ways of delivering them, we can ensure that at long last everyone has a seat at the table.
Want to learn more? View the entire “From Financial Inclusion to Empowerment: Transformational Conversations in Financial Services” roundtable here. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/servicenow/2022/04/29/working-together-to-close-the-wealth-gap/ | 2022-04-29T18:27:51Z | https://www.forbes.com/sites/servicenow/2022/04/29/working-together-to-close-the-wealth-gap/ | false |
The Biden Administration's Test-to-treat program has the potential to transform the pandemic, especially for those at high risk of severe disease. The program represents a great advance in healthcare delivery.
Test-to-treat is intended to eliminate any barriers to accessing testing and treatment in the early days of infection. The ideal scenario is for patients to walk into a pharmacy that has a health clinic staffed by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or physicians where they can be tested for Covid-19 at no cost, and if treatment is deemed appropriate be prescribed oral antiviral therapy at no cost.
Currently, only 2,800 of the approximately 50,000 retail pharmacies in the U.S. have health clinics staffed by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or physicians causing issues of access and equity. But the Biden Administration is working to address these issues and I hope that there continue to be many incremental improvements. Oral antivirals are currently available in 20,000 locations across the US including pharmacies, community health centers, hospitals, urgent care centers, Veterans Affairs clinics, and Department of Defense Medical Treatment Facilities. The Biden administration intends to increase that number to 30,000 in the coming weeks.
The drugs are intended for those with mild or moderate COVID-19 who are at risk of severe disease. This can include older people and those who are immunosuppressed or have conditions such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. The drug Paxlovid has a distinct advantage, as it has a higher efficacy and is also authorized for children ages 12 and older.
The U.S. has also committed to the purchase of 20 million treatment courses of Paxlovid. But despite the abundance of medication, state health officials have reported that many Americans who are good candidates for Paxlovid do not seek it out. Pharmacists have also reported that they have struggled to use up the drugs despite recent increases in cases.
While the cost of the pills is covered by the federal government, obtaining a prescription can be expensive for those who are not insured. CVS pharmacies is one of the largest participants in the Test-to-treat program and primarily where those who don’t have a primary care physician or who live in a healthcare desert would seek out Test-and-treat. CVS doesn’t charge uninsured patients for Covid testing, however, an appointment at a MinuteClinic which is required to prescribe an antiviral can cost upwards of $100. Those without insurance or whose health plans don't cover visits to the clinics are responsible for the cost of the appointment. The fees associated with getting a prescription from an urgent care clinic or hospital would be significantly higher than a Minute Clinic for the uninsured.
One way I suggest the cost barrier could be resolved is to have the appointments made free of charge through federal funds or to authorize pharmacists to dispense oral antiviral drugs to patients with positive Covid-19 tests who meet the criteria. Not dissimilar to how pharmacists were given broad, national authorization to administer Covid-19 vaccines. However, this poses problems of potential liability and fear of litigation for pharmacists. The American Medical Association (AMA) has rejected the concept of Test-to-treat in pharmacies, citing concerns over the complexity of treating Covid-19 and the high number of drug reactions, suggesting they seek care from their primary care physician instead.
Other reasons Paxlovid may be underutilized are due to poor communication and messaging. Members of the general public may be unaware they qualify for it, hesitant about taking a new medication or confused by healthcare providers who interpret the eligibility guidelines more narrowly than others. The Biden Administration intends to address these issues by making sure that health care providers have the latest information on Covid treatments and launching an awareness campaign for the general public. This will include an online test-to-treat locator and a call center (1-800-232-0233) to provide help in more than 150 languages. However, they will need to address the same trust issues that have contributed to lagging vaccination rates.
However, Paxlovid does have the disadvantage of several drug interactions with common medications such as statins because of the use of the drug Ritonavir. Hopefully, we will soon have a range of antiviral drugs that match or exceed Paxlovid’s efficacy with fewer interactions. Recent data for Shinogi's new protease inhibitor drug S-217622, show promising results and does not use Ritonavir. On day four of treatment, the proportion of patients with positive viral titer decreased by approximately 90% versus placebo.
At this stage in the pandemic, we have some highly effective tools to reduce the severity of the Covid-19 for individual health outcomes and then reduce its spread within the community. If we can remove the barriers of cost, poor communication, and access we can make enormous progress in our fight against the virus. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhaseltine/2022/04/29/additional-support-arrives-for-the-covid-19-test-to-treat-program/ | 2022-04-29T18:28:15Z | https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamhaseltine/2022/04/29/additional-support-arrives-for-the-covid-19-test-to-treat-program/ | true |
ATLANTA (AP) — When potential grand jurors show up at an Atlanta courthouse Monday, they’ll find a television camera in the room and streets closed outside — nods to the intense public interest in theinvestigationinto whether former President Donald Trump and others illegally tried to pressure Georgia officials to overturn Joe Biden’s presidential election victory in the state.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has taken the unusual step of requesting a special grand jury for the investigation, and the selection of that panel begins Monday.
The seating of a grand jury — even a rare special grand jury — is a routine process that’s generally of little interest to the public. But the appetite for any news about this case has prompted the court to make accommodations for at least parts of the grand jury selection to be broadcast to the public. Although there will be cameras in the room, they won’t be allowed to show potential grand jurors.
The investigation into potential attempts to influence the 2020 general election in Georgia began early last year. Willis asked the chief judge of the county superior court in January to impanel a special grand jury. She wrote in a letter that her office had information indicating a “reasonable probability” of “possible criminal disruptions” to the administration of that election.
The chief judge’s order says the special grand juryis to be seated for a period of up to a year, beginning Monday. Unlike a regular grand jury, which hears many different cases and can issue indictments, a special grand jury focuses on investigating a single topic and produces a report on its findings. The district attorney then decides whether to seek an indictment from a regular grand jury.
Former Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter, who convened a special grand jury roughly 15 years ago, said the process for seating a special grand jury is pretty much the same as seating a regular grand jury. It’s made up of between 16 and 23 people who are summoned from the county master jury list.
The judge will make sure the potential grand jurors are qualified — over 18, residents of Fulton County and haven’t been convicted of a felony — and then will hear from people who want to be excused for one reason or another.
Unlike jury selection for a trial, where there are two sets of lawyers trying to ferret out biases and prejudices, there’s no defense attorney in this process because no one has been charged yet. Anyone who tunes in to watch shouldn’t expect to hear potential grand jurors questioned extensively about their political leanings or their opinions on Trump.
“There’s no excuses for bias or prejudice,” Porter said. “In this case, I would suspect if somebody came in wearing a MAGA hat, they would probably excuse them. But the inquiry into their prejudices or biases is very, very limited in selecting a grand jury.”
Once the special grand jury is seated, the cameras will have to leave — all grand jury proceedings are secret. But Willis indicated in her letter to the chief judge that one reason she wanted a special grand jury is to issue subpoenas to witnesses who have refused to cooperate without one.
Willis has confirmed that her team is looking into a January 2021 phone callin which Trump pushed Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to “find” the votes needed for him to win the state. She has also said they’re looking at a November 2020 phone call between U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and Raffensperger, the abrupt resignation of the U.S. attorney in Atlanta on Jan. 4, 2021, and comments made during December 2020 Georgia legislative committee hearings on the election.
A Trump spokesman has previously dismissed the investigation as a politically motivated “witch hunt.” Graham has also denied wrongdoing.
In a separate investigation in New York, Trump is appealing rulings enforcing a subpoena for his testimony and holding him in contempt of court for failing to turn over documents in a civil investigation that the state attorney general’s office says has uncovered evidence that he may have misstated the value of skyscrapers and other assets for more than a decade.
Trump’s lawyers argue that Attorney General Letitia James is using the civil probe to collect information that could then be used against the former president in a parallel criminal probe overseen by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. James and Bragg are both Democrats.
Bragg says the criminal investigation is continuing despite a shakeup in the probe’s leadership. So far, it’s resulted only in tax fraud charges related to fringe benefits against the Trump Organization and its longtime finance chief, Allen Weisselberg. Both have pleaded not guilty.
___
Associated Press writer Michael R. Sisak in New York contributed reporting. | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/trump-election-probe-in-georgia-to-seat-special-grand-jury/ | 2022-04-29T18:29:27Z | https://www.cenlanow.com/politics/ap-politics/trump-election-probe-in-georgia-to-seat-special-grand-jury/ | true |
WFO MIDLAND/ODESSA Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Friday, April 29, 2022
_____
RED FLAG WARNING
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
101 PM CDT Fri Apr 29 2022
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH 9 PM CDT /8 PM MDT/
THIS EVENING FOR RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 11% OR LESS, 20-FT WINDS OF
20 MPH OR MORE, AND HIGH TO EXTREME FIRE DANGER FOR SOUTHEAST NEW
MEXICO AND MOST OF WEST TEXAS...
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT /8 PM MDT/
THIS EVENING FOR RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 11% OR LESS, 20-FT WINDS OF
20 MPH OR MORE, AND HIGH TO EXTREME FIRE DANGER FOR SOUTHEAST NEW
MEXICO AND MOST OF WEST TEXAS...
* AFFECTED AREA...Gaines, Dawson, Borden, Scurry, Andrews,
Martin, Howard, Mitchell, Loving, Winkler, Ector, Midland,
Glasscock, Ward, Crane, Upton, Reagan, Pecos, Sacramento
Foothills and Guadalupe Mountains, Chaves Plains, Eddy Plains,
Lea, Guadalupe Mountains Above 7000 Feet, Guadalupe and
Delaware Mountains, Van Horn and Highway 54 Corridor, Eastern
Culberson County, Reeves County Plains, Chinati Mountains,
Marfa Plateau, Davis Mountains, Davis Mountains Foothills and
Central Brewster County.
* TIMING...Through 9 PM CDT /8 PM MDT/ this evening.
* WINDS...West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 4 percent.
* RFTI...4 or near critical.
* IMPACTS...Avoid the use of open flames or any activities that
may generate sparks. Accidental ignitions will have the
potential to grow into dangerous wind-driven wildfires.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong
winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will increase
potential for fire growth.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.milfordmirror.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-MIDLAND-ODESSA-Warnings-Watches-and-17137036.php | 2022-04-29T18:31:46Z | https://www.milfordmirror.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-MIDLAND-ODESSA-Warnings-Watches-and-17137036.php | true |
By ERIC TUCKER
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The worst possible moment for bringing Trevor Reed home turned out to be the best.
With U.S.-Russian relations at their lowest point in decades, it seemed an improbable time to hope for the release of Reed, a former Marine detained in Russia for almost three years. Yet this week the Biden administration completed the type of transaction it had earlier seemed resistant to, exchanging Reed for Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot and convicted drug trafficker serving a 20-year prison sentence in Connecticut.
A series of events and considerations in the last two months helped facilitate the swap, including escalating concerns over Reed’s health, a private Oval Office meeting between his parents and President Joe Biden and a secretive Moscow trip by a former diplomat on the cusp of Russia’s war with Ukraine.
“All those three forced the White House to make a decision that they hadn’t made before,” said Mickey Bergman, vice president at the Richardson Center for Global Engagement.
How the war — and the breakdown in U.S.-Russian relations — affected the deal isn’t clear. U.S. officials stressed that the negotiations for Reed’s release were narrow in scope, focused squarely on the prisoners and not on Russia’s war and not reflective of any broader diplomatic engagement. But while the timing of the deal was startling, it’s also clear that the groundwork for it had been laid before the conflict had begun.
“I did it,” Biden told reporters Wednesday about the deal. “I raised it. I raised it three months ago.”
Just as the war was about to commence, Bergman and his colleague, Bill Richardson, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and ex-New Mexico governor, flew to Moscow on the plane of FedEx chief executive Fred Smith for a meeting with Russian government officials. It was a continuation of negotiations they’d been having for the release of Reed and another jailed American, corporate security executive Paul Whelan.
They left with the contours in place for the one-for-one swap that ultimately took place.
In Texas, Joey and Paula Reed were worrying that Russia’s war with Ukraine, and resulting tensions with the U.S., could close off communication channels and prevent any common ground for negotiations. During meetings with administration officials in the last year — including with the Justice Department, which prosecuted Yaroshenko — the couple expressed support for a swap but say they weren’t led to think that was a viable option.
“They didn’t say: ‘Oh, we agree with you, that’s a great deal. That’s a good point,'” Paula Reed said in a February interview with The Associated Press. “They didn’t say anything like that. They just said: ‘We hear you. Thank you very much.’”
But weeks into the war, the couple did something that got the White House’s attention.
As Biden traveled to Texas to support veterans, the Reeds stood along the motorcade route in hopes of getting meaningful face-time with the president. That didn’t happen, though he did speak by phone with the couple. Later that month, they arrived in Washington and stood with signs near the White House, hoping again to meet with the president.
This time, they were invited into the Oval Office for a sit-down with Biden and other administration officials. The White House issued a statement that night reiterating its commitment to getting Reed and Whelan home, an issue that senior officials had raised in private meetings with Russian leaders.
The meeting was a rare bit of presidential access for the family of an American detainee, especially since Biden himself has been less public than his predecessor, Donald Trump, about efforts to get Americans home. Behind the scenes, though, Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken were raising the cases with the Russians, and Roger Carstens, the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, was working on the issue too.
Hovering in the background was Reed’s health. In March, Reed told his parents he’d been coughing up blood several times a day, had pain in his lung and a broken rib. Last year, he contracted COVID-19. Even on Wednesday, his parents were taken aback by how thin their son looked during video footage of the transfer. They said they expected that he’d need medical care before resuming his daily life in Texas.
Paula Reed told ABC’s “Good Morning America” that Trevor was getting testing done, and his sister, Taylor, said that his “spirits are bright.”
“He’s telling stories,” she said. “He’s flirting with the nurse staff. It’s great. It’s great to see.”
His health issues also alarmed U.S. officials.
“That, I think, contributed to really ratcheting up the conversations on this issue, getting to a point where we were able to make this arrangement, getting to a point where we were able to turn to some of the logistics of simply getting it done,” a senior administration official told reporters in a background briefing this week.
Separately, a lawyer for Yaroshenko has said his client also suffered from multiple health problems and had earlier tried unsuccessfully to have him freed early from prison on compassionate release grounds because of the pandemic.
Left out of any deal were Whelan, who is serving a 16-year sentence on espionage-related charges that his family says are fabricated, and Brittney Griner, a WNBA star detained in February after Russian authorities said a search of her bag revealed a cannabis derivative.
The Whelan family said in a statement that it was happy about Reed’s release but troubled that their loved one wasn’t part of it.
“Paul has already spent 3 and a quarter years as a Russian hostage,” the statement said. “Is President Biden’s failure to bring Paul home an admission that some cases are too hard to solve? Is the Administration’s piecemeal approach picking low-hanging fruit?”
Richardson, who has helped facilitate multiple releases of American detainees and hostages in recent years, said the Biden team deserves recognition for authorizing this particular swap at a time when U.S.-Russia relations were so low.
“It doesn’t matter who gets credit,” Richardson said, “as long as hostages like Trevor Reed are home.”
____
Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.etuckerAP
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/04/29/inside-the-trevor-reed-deal-from-oval-office-to-moscow-trip-2/ | 2022-04-29T18:36:30Z | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/04/29/inside-the-trevor-reed-deal-from-oval-office-to-moscow-trip-2/ | 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/sports/2022/04/29/ap-top-sports-news-at-1107-a-m-edt-14/ | 2022-04-29T18:40:12Z | https://wtmj.com/sports/2022/04/29/ap-top-sports-news-at-1107-a-m-edt-14/ | false |
Two years ago after leaving a house party together, Megan Thee Stallion was out with Tory Lanez when they were stopped by police around 4:30 a.m. near a house in the Hollywood hills, Megan was taken to the hospital for injuries to her foot and Tory Lanez was arrested for a gun charge. Recently Megan Thee Stallion opened up for the first time, with Gayle King exclusively, about the alleged Tory Lanez shooting incident that has left bullet fragments in her feet to this day. Megan Thee Stallion in the same interview also claimed that Tory Lanez offered her and her ex-best friend Kelsey Nicole “one million dollars” to keep quiet. Tory Lanez trial is set to go down in September and it appears that Megan Thee Stallion has back up on what went down that night including the hush money that was offered.
Megan Thee Stallion’s friend and former stylist, Jonathan Wright, in a separate interview is singing “I second that emotion ♫”. According to Jonathan Wright he is still cool Megan despite rumors that the two had a fallout, Jonathan Wright say’s he was DM’d by Tory and knew he was trying to pay off Megan.
Take a look at the video below. | https://wzakcleveland.com/4306963/former-stylist-says-tory-lanez-offered-megan-thee-stallion-hush-money/ | 2022-04-29T18:48:54Z | https://wzakcleveland.com/4306963/former-stylist-says-tory-lanez-offered-megan-thee-stallion-hush-money/ | true |
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — As a mom and a Christian conservative, Lorissa Sweet found herself increasingly frustrated with Republicans in the Indiana Statehouse who she said were too willing to compromise on such issues as abortion and gun rights.
Then COVID-19 hit, and Sweet says those same legislators who campaigned as conservatives who believe in individual freedom stood by as she was ordered to shut down her dog grooming business. Kids were required to wear masks in school and some employers mandated workers be vaccinated, prompting protests by angry voters.
Now the County Council member from rural northern Indiana is among roughly two dozen “liberty candidates” running in Tuesday’s primary — including challenges to several top-ranking GOP House members and bids for open seats. Both sides say the 23 challenges to sitting GOP lawmakers is unusually high in a state where Republicans control all statewide offices and Democrats have scant legislative influence.
Unlike in other GOP races across the country — including Ohio, which also has a statewide primary on Tuesday — the Indiana legislative contests have focused on state issues, rather than which candidate is closest to former President Donald Trump or has his support. And while it’s unclear if the challengers can defeat incumbents backed by Republican leaders’ multimillion-dollar campaign fund, they say they are tapping into a deep resentment among voters — and even winning a few seats could nudge the Legislature further to the right.
“You just assume when you elect Republican representatives and senators that they’re going to reflect your values and do the right thing. And then they didn’t,” said Sweet, 43, who is facing a far better-funded 20-year incumbent. “You get even five of us elected and you’re going to turn the tide.”
For some of the challengers, the discontent started years before COVID, after Indiana lawmakers and then-Gov. Mike Pence in 2015 approved a religious-freedom law that was quickly criticized as allowing discrimination against gay people. Facing a national backlash, lawmakers altered the measure to make clear it cannot be used to discriminate, a change that infuriated some social conservatives.
At the heart of Tuesday’s challenges is a conservative group, Liberty Defense, which touts a “no-compromise view” on issues like the religious objections law, banning all abortions and repealing Indiana’s “red flag” law, which allows police to seize guns from people who show warning signs of violence.
During a protest against vaccine mandates at the Indiana Statehouse last September, the group announced a plan to recruit 100 like-minded candidates in 100 days for various offices. Candidates say the group reached its goal in a matter of days, with many challenges growing from protests against the COVID-19 shutdowns and complaints that GOP legislators didn’t take action to end Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb’s executive orders, including a mask mandate.
Holcomb also enraged social conservatives in March when he vetoed legislation to ban transgender females from girls school sports; the Legislature is expected to override his veto in late May.
Liberty Defense PAC, which is largely funded by conservative individuals, has issued endorsements, promoted the “liberty candidates” on social media and elsewhere to stir up voters in what is likely a low-turnout primary since Indiana has no statewide races on the ballot. The PAC made donations in the hundreds of dollars to endorsed candidates, and has helped with mailers and items like hats.
Among the endorsed candidates are two incumbents, Reps. Curt Nisly and John Jacob, who have angered members of their own party with hardline stances, such as repeatedly pushing a complete ban on abortion. Nisly defeated a moderate Republican incumbent in 2014, making him an “inspiration” to the liberty candidates, his campaign chairwoman said.
Still, defeating incumbents is rarely an easy task, and the challengers are targeting some well known and influential lawmakers, along with some of the House’s most conservative members. They have the backing of the House GOP campaign operation, which had raised nearly $3.4 million by end of March and has given over $1 million to candidates for the primary — including those trying to unseat Nisly and Jacob. Liberty Defense PAC had raised a total of of about $95,000.
Republican House Speaker Todd Huston said the incumbents can run on a strong record of low taxes and unemployment, along with a strong budget surplus for the state. Legislative leaders decided earlier this year to hold off on major anti-abortion action until after the U.S. Supreme Court rules on a case that could overturn Roe v. Wade, but said they will return to a special session to act if the court gives states greater authority to limit it.
“We have to live in the practical world of getting things done and we have a lot of accomplishments,” Huston said. “We feel good.”
The “liberty candidates” are predominately running in heavily Republican districts, so even primary wins by far-right challengers would likely provide few opportunities for Democrats to dent the GOP’s current 71-29 House majority.
If the challengers end up winning legislative seats, Huston said, “they’ll have to figure out, do they want to be able to get things done or just focus on the things that probably aren’t practical to get done?”
Sweet, who has raised about $27,000 for her campaign, is running against Rep. Dan Leonard, 73, a top Huston lieutenant who had raised about $250,000 as of the end of March — more than half from the House Republican Campaign Committee.
Leonard has drawn the wrath of social conservatives for his frequent role in blocking proposals from Nisly and Jacob — either by raising procedural objections or not taking up bills assigned to the House committee he leads. He says the Liberty Defense candidates have an unrealistic view of what it’s like to make laws, and the give-and-take that’s sometimes necessary, even in a statehouse where Republicans hold a supermajority.
“They want it all or nothing and so consequently what they’re getting is nothing,” he said. “So why send someone to the Statehouse to get nothing? It doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.”
Challengers like Brittany Carroll, a family law attorney running for a central Indiana seat, dismiss that argument.
Republicans hold larger legislative majorities in Indiana than in states such as Texas, she noted, yet Indiana lawmakers aren’t as aggressive in pushing issues such as the Texas ban on abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy. In 2020, Indiana voters supported President Donald Trump over Joe Biden by wider margins — 57% to 41% — than Trump’s victory in Texas or several other GOP-led states.
“Indiana could be leading in terms of liberty, like Florida, like Texas,” Carroll said.
Carroll also said she is undeterred by the incumbents’ fundraising advantages.
“No amount of money is going to overcome an angry voter.” | https://pix11.com/news/national-news/ap-national/challengers-try-to-push-indianas-dominant-gop-more-to-right/ | 2022-04-29T18:54:34Z | https://pix11.com/news/national-news/ap-national/challengers-try-to-push-indianas-dominant-gop-more-to-right/ | true |
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Mr. Gerald Sazon, a former player in the American Negro Baseball League, can hardly believe he’s now 86.
The staff at St. Margaret’s Nursing Home in Mid-City is making sure their resident, Sazon, feels special on his birthday with a baseball-themed party.
At just 16-years-old, Sazon started playing for the New Orleans Creoles and then the New Orleans Black Pelicans before pitching for the Indianapolis Clowns.
“They used to call me ‘fireball,’” said Sazon. “Yeah, I used to throw it so hard [that] I wouldn’t see it until it got to the catcher’s mitt and hear it pop.”
Although Sazon and his teammates were idolized by many, they still faced their fair share of challenges.
“If we would go to a town that didn’t have a colored boarding house or anything, we had to sleep on the bus, and at the same time, get up in the morning to play baseball,” recalled Sazon. “Riding on that bus used to wear you down.”
However, Sazon mostly has fond memories, and his favorite memory is beating a top-notch player in the league.
“Beating Hank Aaron’s team in Prichard, Alabama, and I pitched and beat them,” said Sazon.
As Sazon celebrates his birthday surrounded by his loved ones, he considers himself blessed.
“I’m thankful for the years, and I’m thankful for the recognition,” said Sazon. | https://www.cbs42.com/regional/louisiana-news/new-orleans-negro-league-baseball-player-gerald-sazon-celebrates-86th-birthday/ | 2022-04-29T18:55:29Z | https://www.cbs42.com/regional/louisiana-news/new-orleans-negro-league-baseball-player-gerald-sazon-celebrates-86th-birthday/ | true |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/articles/39328250 | 2022-04-29T18:56:55Z | https://sportspyder.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/articles/39328250 | false |
Daz 3D will soon release a brand new NFT collection exclusively on the platform.
SALT LAKE CITY and VANCOUVER, Apr. 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Daz 3D, a market leader in NFT creation using their advanced 3D modeling and avatar technology, today announced the company will be a launch partner of Coinbase NFT. Coinbase NFT, a web3 social marketplace, recently entered Beta. Daz 3D will include their debut NFT collection, Non-Fungible People, on the platform.
Coinbase NFT amassed millions of people on their waitlist and the first set of beta testers will be able to create a Coinbase NFT profile to buy and sell NFTs using any self-custody wallet, whether that's Coinbase Wallet or something else.
Daz 3D will be releasing a new NFT collection to launch exclusively on the new marketplace. More details about this collection will be released soon.
Daz 3D's first NFT collection, Non-Fungible People (NFP), will be a featured collection on Coinbase NFT. NFP is 8,888 hyper-realistic female and non-binary avatars generated using the leading character generation technology on the market. Each avatar comes paired with a fully-rigged 3D model for advanced utility. Daz 3D has partnered with trendsetting corporations including Champion and Louis Moinet to bring exclusive NFT content to NFP holders.
"We couldn't be more thrilled to be an official launch partner of Coinbase NFT," said Scott Guttenberger, VP of Marketing at Daz 3D. "Coinbase has an unmatched track record as the leader in crypto exchange, and their NFT marketplace will bring new beautiful collections to a new audience for NFTs."
About Daz 3D
Daz 3D is a leader in NFT strategy, marketing & full-stack development, including generative PFP collections. The company has worked with iconic brands like Warner Brothers, Champion, Coca-Cola, Samsung, Louis Moinet, and others to create cross-chain NFT collections and wearables for the metaverse. In 2021 it partnered with RTFKT (now Nike) to bring 3D utility to CloneX, and Daz recently dropped Non-Fungible People, the first of several PFP projects slated for 2022.
Daz offers proprietary avatar technology and its free-to-use 3D modeling software, Daz Studio, which has been used by millions of people worldwide. This powerful combination allows artists to create high-resolution stills and animations in 3D scenes and its digital marketplace showcases tens of thousands of products with more than 5 million cross-compatible 3D assets. Learn more about Daz 3D.
CONTACT
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SOURCE Daz 3D | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2022/04/29/daz-3d-joins-coinbase-nft-launch-partner/ | 2022-04-29T19:00:34Z | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2022/04/29/daz-3d-joins-coinbase-nft-launch-partner/ | true |
Ukraine war: Injured Briton captured by Russian forces and paraded on television
Russia's defence ministry says Andrew Hill surrendered to troops in the Mykolaiv region of southwestern Ukraine.
Friday 29 April 2022 19:57, UK
An injured British man wearing military fatigues has been captured by Russian forces in Ukraine and paraded on television.
Named as Andrew Hill, he was filmed with a bandaged left arm and a makeshift bandage around his head.
Sky News understands he is 35-years-old.
He was filmed while being questioned, saying he had travelled to Ukraine of his own accord to help the country, Reuters reported.
Mr Hill signalled a connection with the International Legion, a unit set up by the Ukrainian government for foreigners who want to fight in support of the war effort.
Putin launches 'dangerous' missile strike during UN chief trip - follow latest updates
Asked by his questioners about his rank, the Briton said: "I don't have a rank... I just know the foreign legion said I could help."
Russia's defence ministry said he had surrendered to Russian troops in the Mykolaiv region of southwestern Ukraine.
It is the same region where a second British man, Scott Sibley, 36, a former soldier, was killed a few days ago.
During filming, Mr Hill said he was from Plymouth and had four children and a partner.
Russian soldiers took his passport, he added.
Two other British men have also been detained by Russian forces in Ukraine.
Aiden Aslin, 28, and Shaun Pinner, 48, were captured earlier this month while defending the southeastern city of Mariupol.
On Thursday it was revealed a British army veteran had been killed after he was believed to have travelled to Ukraine to fight.
It is not clear on what day Scott Sibley, 36, was killed but it is thought to have been a few days ago in southern or eastern Ukraine.
Mr Sibley's family has been informed about the situation and is being supported by the Foreign Office.
Meanwhile, two British aid workers have reportedly been captured by Russian forces.
UK non-profit organisation Presidium Network said Paul Urey, 45, and Dylan Healy, 22, were captured on Monday.
They are understood to have been seized at a checkpoint south of the city of Zaporizhzhia in southeastern Ukraine. | https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-injured-briton-captured-by-russian-forces-and-paraded-on-television-12601953 | 2022-04-29T19:01:33Z | https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-injured-briton-captured-by-russian-forces-and-paraded-on-television-12601953 | false |
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Justin Verlander certainly noticed that Astros batters were being retired one after another. The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner was pretty impressive himself in only his fourth start since Tommy John surgery.
Kyle Tucker hit a tiebreaking pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning, providing the margin of victory for Verlander, and Houston beat Texas 3-2 on Thursday after Rangers left-hander Martin Perez took a perfect game into the seventh.
“They’re interesting when you’re in the middle of them. I mean, obviously always root for runs, but then all of a sudden you realize, three or four or five innings, I’m like, you know, he’s got it,” Verlander said. “So kind of knew we’d be in the middle of a pitching duel there. … It was fun to come out on the right side of it.”
Tucker’s two-run blast came off Matt Bush (0-1), the first reliever for Texas after Perez retired the first 18 batters before giving up his only run and two hits in the seventh. Perez struck out four without a walk, with 55 of 76 pitches being strikes.
Verlander (2-1) struck out eight, also allowing one run over seven innings. The 39-year-old right-hander, who retired 18 of the first 19 Texas batters, threw 64 of 91 pitches for strikes and didn’t have a walk while lowering his season ERA to 1.73.
“He was dealing, and he had been matched by their pitcher, too. He was dealing, both of them,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said, adding that Verlander’s curveball and slider were working well with his always-good fastball. “That was a classic pitcher’s duel. If you took a pitch, it was a strike, and if you swung at it, it wasn’t a good pitch to hit.”
Blake Taylor pitched a perfect eighth for the Astros. Rafael Montero then worked the ninth with usual closer Ryan Pressly still on the injured list and got his first save despite Corey Seager’s one-out homer to straightaway center.
Perez didn’t allow a runner until Chas McCormick lined a double into the right-center gap on a full-count pitch leading off the seventh. The lefty got out two more batters out before Yordan Alvarez lined an opposite-field single to left to drive in McCormick.
“That was as good as I’ve seen a guy throw. He kept executing and executing,” Texas manager Chris Woodward said. “I thought he was going to throw a perfect game, frankly. He had the pitch count to do it. Everything was right there for him. McCormick just hit a pretty good pitch there. … Obviously the guy on the other side is pretty good, has a pretty good track record.”
Before McCormick’s double, the closest the Astros had gotten to a hit was when Jose Siri had a one-out comebackerin the sixth that ricocheted off the pitcher. Perez scrambled off the mound and made a strong throw to first for a bang-bang play that was ruled out — and stood after a replay challenge by Houston.
Texas got even at 1 in the bottom of the seventh, when Adolis Garcia had a sacrifice fly to center after the Rangers loaded the bases with three consecutive one-out singles off Verlander. That included a checked swing from Mitch Garver that turned into a groundball hit against a shifted infield.
“I feel good. We’ve done a good job communicating and allowing myself, especially with the short spring training, to kind of build my pitch county, kind of slowly allow myself time to recover in between starts,” Verlander said. “It’s the most I’ve thrown to this point, so hopefully just kind of keep building on it.”
PERFECT SIX
Perez was the first Rangers pitcher to retire the first 18 batters in a game since Mike Minor against San Diego on June 27, 2018. He was the second MLB pitcher to do that this season. Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw retired all 21 batters he faced at Minnesota on April 13 before being pulled from his first start of the season after 13 strikeouts and 80 pitches. … The only Rangers hit, and their only baserunner, before the seventh was No. 9 hitter Andy Ibanez with a sharp single up the middle in the third.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Astros: 2B Jose Altuve (strained hamstring) is scheduled to play rehab games for Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday and Saturday and could be activated from the injured list when Houston returns home Monday to start a series against Seattle. Altuve has been on the IL since April 19 and could have been activated as early as Friday. General manager James Click says Altuve wanted to play a couple of games to get his timing back before rejoining the Astros lineup.
Rangers: Catcher Jonah Heim was put on the paternity list after the birth Thursday morning of his second child, a daughter born just before 8 a.m.
UP NEXT
Astros: Jose Urquidy (1-1, 3.15 ERA) is the the scheduled starter when Houston opens a three-game series Friday night in Toronto.
Rangers: After dropping three of four to the defending American League champions, the Rangers open a three-game weekend series Friday against the reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.wric.com/sports/sports-headlines/tuckers-pinch-hr-lifts-astros-over-texas-in-starters-duel/ | 2022-04-29T19:03:40Z | https://www.wric.com/sports/sports-headlines/tuckers-pinch-hr-lifts-astros-over-texas-in-starters-duel/ | false |
This week we wrap up the behind the scenes look into the kitchens of ABC11. We head to Steve Stewart's kitchen for an amazing salad recipe.
Yep, I said amazing and salad in the same sentence. Even his kids like it. Let's get to it!
Ingredients
1 head of Romaine lettuce, chopped
2 grilled chicken breasts, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red onion chopped
1/2 yellow and orange pepper, chopped
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can Mexicorn, drained and rinsed
1 bag of tortilla strips for salad
1 bottle of Chipotle Ranch dressing
1/2 cup of Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup honey
1 lime
1 T of cilantro, finely diced
Pinch of salt
Crushed Red Pepper flakes
1 Avocado, freshly sliced
Preparation
1. Pour Honey, water and lime juice into pan and bring to a low boil over medium heat
2. Add Salt and Juice of lime to the pan and let it go for 1 minute
3. Remove from heat and add cilantro to liquid and let it cool
4. Mix your veggies, lettuce, beans, cheese, and chicken together in a big bowl
5. Serve in individual bowls and drizzle the Ranch over your salad
6. Drizzle the honey mixture (about one tablespoon) over that and stir it all up
7. Top with tortilla strips
8. Add the avocado slices to the top
9. Enjoy!
This was so good! It has such a great finish with the honey sweetness and a little bit of zing from the red pepper flakes. And it's pretty dang healthy. You could skip the chicken if you wanted a vegetarian take, and keep the tortilla strips out to cut down on a little bit of fat, but the crunch they add is awesome. Thank you Steve (and all my work counterparts), for stepping forward and teaching me something new... and delicious!!!
Also, if you have a great recipe that you want me to try, send me an email and I may feature it in this Big Recipe segment. Email Don.
RELATED: Hungry for more Big Recipes? Click here!
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Big Weather's Big Recipe: Steve Stewart's Superior Salad
Sponsored Content | https://abc11.com/big-weathers-recipe-superior-salad-steve-stewart-don-schwenneker/11795808/ | 2022-04-29T19:04:40Z | https://abc11.com/big-weathers-recipe-superior-salad-steve-stewart-don-schwenneker/11795808/ | true |
WILLIAMS, Calif — Granzella’s Restaurant & Deli is located just off I-5 in the little town of Williams.
Inside, you will find one of the most elaborate taxidermy collections around. Co-owner Dino McCarty may not know how many animals are hanging on the wall, but he sure knows how they got there.
“You know I’ve never counted them,” McCarty said. “But they pretty much all came from friends.”
McCarty says his grandfather Jim Granzella, the founder of the bar and restaurant, wasn’t much of a hunter. His friends were though.
“Joe Vaiano, who gave us most of the African Animals, [which] were shot back in the 50s and 60s,” McCarty said.
When it comes to the exotic animals, McCarty says they were killed during a time when hunting laws were different. The mounts you see now were either donated or loaned to Granzella’s so the public could see them.
“People love to take pictures with them,” McCarty said.
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Taxidermy is not the only thing Granzella’s is known for. The fresh-made deli sandwiches have been enticing people to pull off I-5 since the family first started the business back in 1976. The secret ingredient is the home made Muffuletta, which is also made in-house.
“It's got mushrooms, artichokes and carrots all chopped up with olives,” McCarty said.
Speaking of olives, Granzella’s also sells a variety of locally sourced olives, stuffed with everything you can imagine.
“They put everything from fish to nuts inside,” McCarty said.
Beer, gelato, bread and even a gift shop full of knickknacks. The town of Williams may be one of many exits on the freeway, but Granzella’s has everything a weary traveler needs, including a hotel.
“Ya! We are the place in town to be,” McCarty said. | https://www.abc10.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/backroads/soup-sandwich-safari-granzellas-road-trip-bartells-backroads-pit-stop/103-143d9aea-0905-4494-80db-55c6b1f39515 | 2022-04-29T19:04:40Z | https://www.abc10.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/backroads/soup-sandwich-safari-granzellas-road-trip-bartells-backroads-pit-stop/103-143d9aea-0905-4494-80db-55c6b1f39515 | true |
STOCKTON, Calif. — Financial relief is coming soon to 28,000 students of a multi-state beauty school that closed in 2016 following allegations by the U.S. Department of Education of widespread misconduct.
The Department of Education announced Thursday $238 million has been approved to be discharged to 28,000 Marinello Schools of Beauty borrowers. The beauty school, which opened in 2009, closed all 56 locations in 2016 following the U.S. Department of Education's removal of the school from federal student aid programs.
The department made the move following a 2015 investigation that found widespread misconduct at the beauty schools. The alleged misconduct included claims the school left students without instructors for weeks or months at a time and failed to train students on basic elements such as how to cut hair.
Several of Marinello School of Beauty's 56 campuses were located in Northern California including locations in Sacramento, Stockton and San Francisco.
According to the Department of Education, they will begin notifying students who attended Marinello and still owe the federal government for loans about their debt forgiveness. The department says borrowers do not need to take further action to receive their discharges.
Before Thursday's approval of the $238 million in funding for the group, former students had to file an individual borrower defense claim. The Department of Education reports that only 300 of those individual claims had been approved before Thursday.
The announcement marked the first group discharge for defrauded borrowers approved by the federal government since 2017.
Watch More from ABC10:2,000 new employees start at unique Amazon distribution center in Stockton | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/education/marinello-schools-of-beauty-relief/103-1ac4d53e-f28c-4c93-b892-dd1a69a32a4b | 2022-04-29T19:04:46Z | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/education/marinello-schools-of-beauty-relief/103-1ac4d53e-f28c-4c93-b892-dd1a69a32a4b | false |
EXCLUSIVE: 'I want one now!' Oti Mabuse beams after hopeful Romeo and Duet suitor reveals he uses his UNIBROW as a pick up line
Oti Mabuse is set to meet a contestant on her ITV dating series Romeo and Duet who reveals he uses his unibrow as a pick up line on dating apps.
In scenes set to air on Saturday, the presenter, 31, is in high spirits after speaking to hopeful Callum on the lighthearted TV show about romance and singing.
The Liverpudlian tells Oti on the Shakespeare programme with a twist, that he uses his monobrow to pick up potential suitors despite it being 'so cringe.'
Unexpected: Oti Mabuse, 31, is set to meet a contestant on her ITV dating series Romeo and Duet who reveals he uses his unibrow as a pick up line on dating apps
He explains: 'Surprise surprise yes I have a unibrow and I use to have it in my dating app bio, 'lets be like my eyebrows, together.''
Oti confesses that seeing Callum's unibrow has made her 'want one now'.
She replies: 'To be honest you're the only person who can rock a unibrow, I want one now! You make it look so cute.'
'Lets be like my eyebrows, together': Callum told Oti on the Shakespeare programme with a twist, that he uses his monobrow to pick up potential suitors despite it being 'so cringe.'
The dancer, who quit BBC Strictly Come Dancing earlier this year, looks stunning in a vibrant pink one shoulder dress as she flashes her legs through a thigh high split.
She dazzles in a pair of silver heels which elevate her incredible figure and styles her long tresses in perfect waves.
While Callum rocks a pale blue suit with gold eye-catching jewellery and styled his shoulder length blonde tresses in tight curls.
Pick up line: The Liverpudlian explained: 'Surprise surprise yes I have a unibrow and I use to have it in my dating app bio, 'lets be like my eyebrows, together''
Callum has various potential dates sing for him on Saturdays show, including one belting out a Whitney Houston classic and another singing a Mariah Carey hit.
Viewers will have to wait until tomorrow night to find out if he walks down the staircase and find a potential match.
The ITV show is proving its popularity as it hits its target market with 38% share of 16-34 year-olds tuning in to watch the third episode at 7pm on Saturday night.
Oti admits that she 'cannot sing' herself but believes fans are interested due to having the common interest of people coming together for love.
High spirits: The former BBC Strictly Come Dancing star confesses that seeing Callum's unibrow has made her 'want one now'
She said: 'I think it's people coming together for a common love. The common factor is love.
'It was nice for me to see how the audience actually got into it and were really supporting the contestants and wanting them to come down the stairs. [They wanted] the screen to open and [see them] sing a great duet.'
When asked if she would give a programme like this a go in a hope to find love, she added: 'I cannot sing! [But] the thing I love about this show is it's not about singing.
'You don't have to have a great voice, you just have to connect with the person that you've matched with. It's not a talent show. It's just coming together and having a good time.'
Romeo and Duet airs on Saturday at 7pm on ITV.
Stylish: Callum rocked a pale blue suit with gold eye-catching jewellery and styled his blonde tresses in tight curls as he showcased his unibrow | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10768401/Oti-Mabuse-beams-hopeful-Romeo-Duet-suitor-reveals-uses-UNIBROW-pick-line.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-04-29T19:11:08Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10768401/Oti-Mabuse-beams-hopeful-Romeo-Duet-suitor-reveals-uses-UNIBROW-pick-line.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | false |
(AP) — Google has expanded options for keeping personal information private from online searches.
The company said earlier this week that it will let people request that more types of content such as personal contact information like phone numbers, email and physical addresses be removed from search results.
The new policy also allows the removal of other information that may pose a risk for identity theft, such as confidential log-in credentials.
The company said in a statement that open access to information is vital, “but so is empowering people with the tools they need to protect themselves and keep their sensitive, personally identifiable information private.”
“Privacy and online safety go hand in hand. And when you’re using the internet, it’s important to have control over how your sensitive, personally identifiable information can be found,” it said.
Google Search earlier had permitted people to request that highly personal content that could cause direct harm be removed. That includes information removed due to doxxing and personal details like bank account or credit card numbers that could be used for fraud.
But information increasingly pops up in unexpected places and is used in new ways, so policies need to evolve, the company said.
Having personal contact information openly available online also can pose a threat and Google said it had received requests for the option to remove that content, too.
It said that when it receives such requests it will study all the content on the web page to avoid limiting availability of useful information or of content on the public record on government or other official websites.
“It’s important to remember that removing content from Google Search won’t remove it from the internet, which is why you may wish to contact the hosting site directly, if you’re comfortable doing so,” it said. | https://www.wpri.com/business-news/google-adds-ways-to-keep-personal-info-private-in-searches/ | 2022-04-29T19:18:24Z | https://www.wpri.com/business-news/google-adds-ways-to-keep-personal-info-private-in-searches/ | false |
On Monday afternoon, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office released a Dropbox filled with documents and video evidence from the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, and wounding of director Joel Souza, on the New Mexico set of the Alec Baldwin film “Rust” last year.
Included in the remarkably large information dump were scenes of Baldwin rehearsing what would become the fatal shot; officers’ body camera recordings of Baldwin, crew members and law enforcement as early responders attempt to contain the scene; and police interviews with, among others, Baldwin, Souza (one as he receives treatment in the emergency room), armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed and weapons provider Seth Kenney.
It also included images of emergency crew members attempting to treat Hutchins and many photographs of the police scene, including bloody footprints and pieces of blood-soaked gauze.
No new information
What wasn’t included was any new information about how a lead bullet got into the gun Baldwin held, why the gun fired though he claimed he did not pull the trigger or who brought the many rounds of live ammunition to the set in direct contradiction with production protocols.
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Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was on the cusp of reaching a new level of recognition in a male-dominated field.
Also missing was any sense that the district attorney was any closer to deciding if charges would be filed against anyone involved.
So an information dump with little or no new information. If anything, it felt like an enormous distraction from the actual investigation. But there was blood, actual and emotional.
As media outlets around the world scrambled to sift through the unredacted, unorganized welter of material, some chose to use discretion, but others did not; within hours of the dump, the images of Hutchins’ final moments could be found all over the internet, along with the less disturbing but still invasive footage of Baldwin, Gutierrez Reed and others reacting to the shocking event.
Everything in the Dropbox file was, of course, what actually happened, and as a journalist, I can stand only on the side of transparency. But as a journalist, I also know that there are many details and images that add less to the illumination of a story and more to its sensationalism. Which, in turn, often distracts from the actual story while causing unnecessary harm to individuals.
Horrific images
Individuals including Hutchins’ husband and young son, forced to share a personally cataclysmic image with the rest of the world, or the countless crew members reliving one of the worst days of their lives. Having chosen to work behind the scenes, they are, as the videos circulate, now unwitting stars of a ghastly reality show.
New Mexico has very liberal disclosure laws, although there are exceptions, including for ongoing investigations. According to the sheriff’s department, the massive release was a response to continued requests for documents relating to the case. According to a spokesperson, the department was in compliance not only with the state’s Inspection of Public Records Act, but also the state’s victim’s rights laws, which require that victims be treated with fairness, dignity and privacy throughout the criminal justice process.
After the release, however, Brian Panish, the lawyer for the Hutchins family, said in a statement: “We were surprised by the decision of the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office to release such a large amount of evidence given that the investigation is still ongoing and active. For this reason, we are not going to comment on the material released except to say we hope the press will exercise discretion in how they use the graphic images and videos of the fatal events of Oct 21, 2021.”
It should be noted that the number of users attempting to access the material caused the Dropbox file to crash shortly after it went out.
Not normal
Whether in compliance or not, this is absolutely not the way evidence in an ongoing criminal investigation is normally dispersed to the media, or in this case to whoever had the link to the Dropbox.
In its volume and its lack of editing and redaction, the information dump is difficult not to see as something more than disclosure. Was it an act of aggression toward the national press — you want the information? Here’s aaaalllll the information. An attempt to force the DA to pick up her feet? Or simply the relatively small sheriff’s department throwing up its hands? In any case, the result was the same: the dispersal of images, including those of a woman dying, that should have been redacted and a general feeling that it was somehow up to the press, and the public, to figure out what happened on that terrible day.
What the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office made available was not so much information as a challenge to play a morbid, deeply disturbing game of “Clue.”
The worst aspect of the dump was, obviously, the images of Hutchins. But given the involvement of Baldwin, the very public nature of the case and, well, the internet, there is also the issue of context. Releasing, pell-mell, video of people’s initial reactions to the shooting invites precisely the kind of arm-chair psychology social media loves. Is Baldwin or Gutierrez Reed upset enough? Worried enough? Upset and worried about the right things in the right way?
And what does that say in terms of responsibility? Hutchins’ husband, Matthew, has said one of the reasons he included Baldwin in the wrongful-death lawsuit he filed against the producers of “Rust” was that the actor was so quick to publicly distance himself from any responsibility. That was Baldwin’s choice, but it seems impossible that this footage will not have a similar effect in the court of public opinion.
An argument could be made that it is up to the media to use discretion to avoid such things, and that is fair but stickier. The startling release of so much information is, in itself, news, and for outlets, like The Times, that have been rigorously covering the “Rust” story, the details provided by the new documents and video are impossible to ignore entirely, particularly because the story has so much significance even beyond its specific tragedy.
That significance, however, is not about personality but protocol.
Hutchins’ death was entirely preventable. The film industry has strict multitiered protocols regarding the handling of weapons and ammunition on film sets; for reasons of economy, scheduling or oversight by more than one person, those protocols were not followed on the set of “Rust,” with terrible consequences.
Law enforcement too has protocols when dispersing information to the public, which include a duty to care for those involved in any investigation. Drowning the media with a deluge of images and details provides care to no one.
With all the evidence it has, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office seems to have missed the key to the whole case: Protocols exist for a reason.
Mary McNamara is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times. | https://herald-review.com/entertainment/movies/mary-mcnamara-keep-film-accident-from-public-consumption/article_a995c53a-c7e2-11ec-9ff2-fb95e140636a.html | 2022-04-29T19:19:29Z | https://herald-review.com/entertainment/movies/mary-mcnamara-keep-film-accident-from-public-consumption/article_a995c53a-c7e2-11ec-9ff2-fb95e140636a.html | false |
The woman by Boris Becker's side: Privately-educated daughter of an African politician Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro speaks five languages, has dated tennis ace for at least two years... and blew him a kiss goodbye as he was jailed
- Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro started dating Boris Becker in June 2020, two years after he split with his wife
- Lilian is a political risk analyst and has three degrees, as well as speaking five languages, including German
- She was born in the African island state of São Tomé and Príncipe and is the daughter of a former politician
- She first came to London to study at the School of Oriental and African Studies and earned a master's degree
- She was in her 40s when she met Becker and was at his side throughout his numerous court hearings
- On Friday, she was seen to blow Becker a goodbye kiss as he was led to the cells having been jailed
Boris Becker's girlfriend was by his side today as the tennis ace was jailed for two and a half years for flouting the terms of his bankruptcy and blew him a kiss goodbye as he was led to the cells.
Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro started dating the three-time Wimbledon champion in the summer of 2020 after he split with his ex-wife Lilly in 2018 following nine years of marriage.
London-based Lilian is a political risk analyst and has three degrees, including a masters in African studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies, and speaks five languages, including German, according to German newspaper Bild.
She was born in the African island state of São Tomé and Príncipe and is the daughter of Victor Monteiro, the republic's former Minister of Defence who ran for the presidency in 2014.
Lilian spent much of her youth in Rome where she attended a private school before studying at the University of La Sapienza.
She first came to London to study at the School of Oriental and African Studies, where she earned her master's degree at the age of 25.
She was in her 40s when she first met father-of-four Boris Becker - who had been married twice before, to Lilly between 2009 and 2018, and Barbara Becker from 1993 to 2001.
Former tennis player Boris Becker arrives with Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro at Southwark Crown Court on Friday
In the summer of 2021, Lilian and Becker were seen enjoying a relaxing holiday to Ibiza after spending time together in London and Dubai
The couple seen together during an exhibition in Mallorca on August 13, 2021. They are thought to have met in June 2020
Lilian and Becker seen attending the Almauftrieb Kaefer's Koa Wiesn 2.0 event at Restaurant Kaefer-Schaenke, Munich, Germany in September 2021
Boris Becker and Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro in the stands at Centre Court on day one of Wimbledon at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon, in June 2021
Boris Becker at the opening of the painting exhibition of his son Noah's in Palma de Mallorca, accompanied by his girlfriend Lilian de Carvalho, his children Noah and Elias, and his ex-wife Barbara
Lilian has been by Becker's side throughout all of the court hearings and also attended court on Friday when he was jailed
Lilian and Becker were reported to have linked in June 2020, before they spent time together in London as well as being seen in Dubai back in January 2021 during the third UK lockdown.
In the summer of 2021, the couple were seen kissing and enjoying the warm weather on a boat trip in Ibiza.
This year, Lilian has been a constant presence by Becker's side while attending court hearings, in which he was initially accused and later found guilty of hiding £2.5million worth of assets and loans to avoid paying his debts.
On Friday afternoon, Lilian was seen attending Southwark Court Court alongside Becker and even blew him a goodbye kiss after he was jailed for two and a half years and blasted by a judge for showing no remorse.
Lilian and Becker attending Southwark Crown Court on Friday morning where he was later jailed for two years and six months
Former tennis player Boris Becker and his girlfriend Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro enjoy their holiday in Ibiza, 11 August 2021, in Ibiza, Spain
Lilian and Becker attend the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 28, 2021 in London, England
Lilian leaves Southwark Crown Court shortly after she blew a kiss to Becker when was jailed for two years and six months
Becker, 54, was declared bankrupt in June 2017, owing creditors almost £50million over an unpaid loan of more than £3million on his estate in Mallorca, Spain. The BBC pundit transferred around £390,000 from his business account to others, including those of his ex-wife Barbara Becker and estranged wife Sharlely 'Lilly' Becker.
He also failed to declare his share in a £1million property in his home town of Leimen, Germany, hid a bank loan of almost £700,000 - worth £1.1million with interest - and concealed 75,000 shares in a tech firm, valued at £66,000.
Becker - who got a two-year suspended sentence for tax evasion and attempted tax evasion worth £1.4million in Germany in 2002 - was found guilty on April 8 of four Insolvency Act offences between June and October 2017.
Each count carried a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. This afternoon, Judge Deborah Taylor sentenced the six-time Grand Slam champion to 30 months' imprisonment, of which he will serve at least half.
Lilian holds Becker's hand as they walk to Southwark Crown Court during an earlier hearing. She attended alongside her partner throughout the case
Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro, girlfriend of former tennis player Boris Becker, enjoys her holidays in Ibiza, August 11, 2021, in Ibiza, Spai
Lilian gets into a car outside Southwark Crown Court shortly after her partner, former tennis star Boris Becker, was jailed
As he was led away, Becker was red-faced and appeared to struggle with his overnight bag. Lilian blew him a kiss before he disappeared out of the court to the cells below.
Becker had earlier arrived at court with Lilian this morning, dressed smartly in a suit and wearing a Wimbledon tie as he walked up the steps and into the building while holding hands with her.
He then entered the dock of the court, while his eldest son came into the courtroom carrying a large Puma-branded bag, which the tennis star had previously been seen carrying outside his home.
After Becker was sentenced, former British number one tennis player Andrew Castle said he felt sorry for Lilian. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10768411/Privately-educated-African-girlfriend-Lilian-Carvalho-Monteiro.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 | 2022-04-29T19:19:56Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10768411/Privately-educated-African-girlfriend-Lilian-Carvalho-Monteiro.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 | true |
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A man who pleaded no contest to shooting an Omaha officer during a 2018 traffic stop before being shot himself by other officers has been sentenced to the equivalent of life behind bars.
John Ezell Jr., 39, was sentenced Thursday to 96 to 106 years for the Sept. 11, 2018, shooting that injured Officer Ken Fortune, television station WOWT reported.
Ezell pleaded no contest in January to two counts of attempted first-degree assault on an officer and two weapons counts.
Police have said Ezell was a passenger in a car that fled police. Once the car was stopped, Ezell opened the car door holding a gun and shot Fortune at point-blank range. The shooting was caught on officer body camera video.
Ezell also fired at Office Jeffrey Wasmund, but missed, police said. Ezell then fled and was shot several times by police.
Both Fortune and Ezell have since recovered. | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Man-gets-equivalent-of-life-for-shooting-Omaha-17136992.php | 2022-04-29T19:23:09Z | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Man-gets-equivalent-of-life-for-shooting-Omaha-17136992.php | true |
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Friday afternoon's drawing of the Missouri Lottery's "Pick 3 Midday" game were:
7-8-0
(seven, eight, zero)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Friday afternoon's drawing of the Missouri Lottery's "Pick 3 Midday" game were:
7-8-0
(seven, eight, zero) | https://www.middletownpress.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-3-Midday-game-17137027.php | 2022-04-29T19:24:15Z | https://www.middletownpress.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-3-Midday-game-17137027.php | true |
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ The winning numbers in Friday afternoon's drawing of the Iowa Lottery's "Pick 4 Midday" game were:
4-5-7-4
(four, five, seven, four)
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ The winning numbers in Friday afternoon's drawing of the Iowa Lottery's "Pick 4 Midday" game were:
4-5-7-4
(four, five, seven, four) | https://www.middletownpress.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Midday-game-17137012.php | 2022-04-29T19:24:27Z | https://www.middletownpress.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Midday-game-17137012.php | true |
Lucknow, April 29
Divyansh Kumar, a final year MBA student at the Lucknow University, has created a record of sorts by making music up in the air.
Divyansh has found a place in the India Book of Records by singing and playing the guitar at a height of 8,000 feet in Naukuchiatal in Uttarakhand while paragliding.
The 21-year-old who sang, ‘Luka chuppi bahut hui, saamne aa ja naa’, dedicated his feat to Lata Mangeshkar, India's most celebrated singer who passed away in February this year.
“I have been trying to make this record since last March. I failed twice, once due to rain and later when the pilot refused to fly the team. Then there was the pandemic, followed by a death in the family,” he said on Friday.
Divyansh made the record in the combined category of culture and adventure.
“I am a singer and a guitarist and while I was about to leave for a trip to Nainital, I searched a few paragliding videos for knowledge. While I was searching, I came across a video in which a boy was singing and playing guitar while paragliding and it inspired me.
“Later, I found out that till now, no record of singing while paragliding has been made by someone of my age and so, I was determined to make this record,” he added.
IANS
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New Delhi, April 27
The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to respond by the end of this week to petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the law on sedition under Section 124A of the IPC.
A Bench led by CJI NV Ramana asked the petitioners, including PUCL (People’s Union for Civil Liberties), to file rejoinders to the Centre’s affidavit by Tuesday and posted the matter for May 5. The Bench gave time to the Centre to file affidavit after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said response was ready and only two days were needed for vetting and filing. Mehta told the Bench that he was representing the Centre and KK Venugopal would be appearing in his capacity as the Attorney General as he had been separately issued notice by the court. The top court made it clear that no adjournments would be granted during the hearing till final disposal.
Centre told to file reply by weekend
- Petitions will be taken up for final disposal without adjournments, says CJI
- The SC has asked the Centre to respond to the challenges by weekend
Peep into past
- The law on sedition was not there in the original IPC that came into force in 1862
- It was added to the Code in 1870 and its ambit was expanded in 1898 to crush the freedom movement
- Last year, the CJI had asked A-G to clarify if this law was still needed after 75 years of Independence
On behalf of petitioners, senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Sanjay Parikh said that they would not repeat the submissions. In July last year, the CJI had asked the Attorney General to clarify if this law was still needed after 75 years of Independence. The sedition law was used by the British against Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and was now being misused with no accountability from government, he had noted. “The government has repealed a number of laws... I don’t know why you aren’t looking into it,” the CJI had asked.
Section 124A is a non-bailable provision that makes any speech or expression that brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the government established by law in India a criminal offence punishable with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The law on sedition was not there in the original IPC that came into force in 1862. It was added to the Code in 1870 and its ambit was expanded in 1898 with a view to crush the freedom movement.
The SC had in 1962 upheld the validity of Section 124-A in Kedar Nath Singh versus State of Bihar by reading down the provision.
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View All | https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/supreme-court-to-hear-pleas-against-sedition-law-from-may-5-389949 | 2022-04-29T19:32:15Z | https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/supreme-court-to-hear-pleas-against-sedition-law-from-may-5-389949 | false |
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa has likely entered a new wave of COVID-19 earlier than expected as new infections and hospitalizations have risen rapidly over the past two weeks, the country’s health minister said on Friday.
The increase in new cases has been dominated by the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages of the omicron variant which dominated the country’s earlier wave of the virus.
“Whichever way you look at it, it does suggest that we may actually be entering the fifth wave much earlier,” Health Minister Joe Phaahla said Friday at a televised press briefing.
He said officials will be watching carefully over the next few days to determine if the increase is sustained which would confirm a new wave.
The country’s new infections are now several thousand per day, up from a few hundred a few weeks ago.
According to Phaahla, there was currently no information indicating the emergence of a new strain, which scientists had earlier suggested may drive the country’s fifth wave, expected during the country’s upcoming winter season from May into June.
“We have always been informed that when a new wave comes, it will be driven by a new variant, but at this stage we have not been alerted to a definite new variant except changes in the omicron,” said Phaahla.
Three South African provinces — Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape — currently are accounting for 85% of new infections, with the positivity rate in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal above 20%, he said.
Hospitalizations from the new cases are increasing but are still relatively low, Dr. Waasila Jassat from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, said.
“We are starting to see a small rise in hospital admissions in the private and public sector,” said Jassat. “Since around the 17 of April, we are seeing a sharp increase in hospital admissions.”
South Africa has experienced the highest number of infections in Africa since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, accounting for more than a quarter of the continent’s 11.4 million cases.
More than 252,000 people in South Africa have died from the virus, but the numbers are considered to be much higher when considering the number of excess deaths recorded since the pandemic compared to the same periods before the pandemic.
Just over 44% of South Africa’s adult population has been vaccinated. | https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/world-news/ap-international/south-africa-likely-in-new-covid-wave-says-health-minister/ | 2022-04-29T19:34:37Z | https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/world-news/ap-international/south-africa-likely-in-new-covid-wave-says-health-minister/ | false |
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea will ease its outdoor mask mandate starting next week as COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations continue to decline.
Starting Monday, people will only be required to wear a mask outdoors when participating in gatherings of more than 50 people or attending sports and cultural events with potentially large crowds, health authorities said in a briefing Friday. The mask mandate for indoors and public transport will also remain in place.
Health workers have diagnosed a daily average of around 63,000 new cases in the past seven days, including 50,568 in the latest 24 hours — a drop-off from mid-March when the country was reporting hundreds of thousands of infections each day at the height of an omicron-driven surge. As hospitalizations and deaths slow, less than 30% of the country’s 2,800 intensive care units designated for COVID-19 patients are occupied.
South Korea had already removed much of its pandemic restrictions earlier this month, including a 10-person limit on private social gatherings, a midnight curfew at restaurants, coffee shops and bars and a ban on food consumption at movie theaters, concert halls and indoor sports venues.
Jeong Eun-kyeong, commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said the weekslong decline in infections even with the easing of social distancing suggests that the country’s outbreak is stabilizing. She said health authorities concluded it was safe to relax the mask mandate because the risk of transmissions is much lower outdoors and other countries didn’t see a meaningful increase in infections after easing similar restrictions.
Jeong recommended that people still wear masks outdoors if they have symptoms like coughs or fever or are in crowded spaces like theme parks where it’s hard for them to maintain at least a meter (3-foot) distance with others.
However, the office of President-elect Yoon Suk Yeol, who takes office in May 10, raised concern that the move to ease the mask mandate could be premature. Hong Kyung-hee, spokesperson of Yoon’s presidential transition committee, said the committee had recommended the government to monitor virus trends for at least another month before deciding whether to relax the mask mandate. | https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/world-news/ap-international/south-korea-to-relax-outdoor-mask-mandate-as-covid-19-slows/ | 2022-04-29T19:34:44Z | https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/world-news/ap-international/south-korea-to-relax-outdoor-mask-mandate-as-covid-19-slows/ | true |
This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
It's the final day of the NHL regular season. Well, it was supposed to be. The Kraken and Jets have a makeup game to come, but this is, at least ceremonially, the end of the regular season. There are 15 games taking place. The Hurricanes and Kings get an extra day to prep themselves for the playoffs. Here are my recommendations for players to target and avoid for your DFS lineups. See you in the playoffs!
GOALIE
Jake Oettinger, DAL vs. ANA ($30): The Stars have made the playoffs, and Oettinger will presumably be their primary goalie. He has a 2.54 GAA and .915 save percentage. While professional athletes are competitive, the Ducks have definitely had a "we're ready for the season to end" vibe for as long as any team, dating back to the fire sale at the trade deadline. They have nothing to play for, and they are in the bottom 10 in goals and shots on net per game.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Logan Thompson, VGK at STL ($33): For the first time in their history, the Golden Knights aren't going to the playoffs. You can't blame Thompson, who has a 2.60 GAA and .918 save percentage. It's a tough matchup to end the season on, though, as the Blues have scored 3.77 goals per contest.
CENTER
Nick Schmaltz, ARI vs. NAS ($18): It's Bizarro World to end the regular season! I'm recommending a Coyotes player! Schmaltz hasn't given up, as he has six points in his last five games. The Predators are on the road for the second leg of a back-to-back, and Juuse Saros is being sat until the playoffs. Will we see third-string goalie Connor Ingram in net, who has played in all of two NHL games?
CENTER TO AVOID
Evgeny Kuznetsov, WAS at NYR ($21): If Alexandar Georgiev is in net instead of the all-but-crowned Vezina winner Igor Shesterkin, this changes. However, things may still be trickier than expected for Kuznetsov. The Capitals are on the road for the second leg of a back-to-back, and Alex Ovechkin has missed Washington's last couple of games. No Ovi really changes the picture for the Capitals, especially his usual center in Kuznetsov.
WING
Rickard Rakell, PIT vs. CLM ($17): Since joining the Penguins, Rakell has 13 points in 18 games. He's also put 45 shots on net. The Blue Jackets have allowed a whopping 35.1 shots on goal per contest, and they are also on the road for the second leg of a back-to-back.
Carter Verhaeghe, FLA at MON ($16): The Panthers have nothing to play for, so they could rest some key pieces for the playoffs potentially. Verhaeghe just returned from injury, though, so Florida may want him to get into the swing of things. The winger has 24 goals and 31 assists in 76 games. Montreal, meanwhile, has locked up the worst GAA in the NHL, as they currently stand at having allowed 3.89 goals per game.
WINGS TO AVOID
Matthew Boldy, MIN vs. COL ($18): Both of these teams are on the second leg of a back-to-back, and both have two goalies they trust, but I think the Avalanche might have the edge there. Pavel Francouz has a 2.52 GAA and .918 save percentage this season, and in his career he has a .922 save percentage. Boldy has had an impressive rookie campaign, but there are so many better options on a day where 30 teams are playing.
Mark Stone, VGK at STL ($16): Stone's return was exciting for a Vegas team on a playoff push, but since getting back in the lineup he has only one point in eight games. Now he ends the season on the road against the Blues, and Ville Husso has a 2.47 GAA and .921 save percentage.
DEFENSE
Tyson Barrie, EDM vs. VAN ($18): Barrie has long been a power-play specialist, and the Oilers certainly have a special power play. He's notched 21 points with the extra man. The Canucks have the 31st-ranked penalty kill, and with Thatcher Demko banged up, they may be without their top-two goalies from the start of the season, and with nothing to play for why would they risk Demko's health?
Moritz Seider, DET at NJD ($17): Let's see if Seider can make one last argument to win the Calder. While he's slowed down a bit, seven points and 43 shots on net in his last 15 games is nothing to sneeze at. He's also averaged 2:54 per game with the extra man this year. The German catches a Devils team on a back-to-back, and they also have a 3.64 GAA.
DEFENSE TO AVOID
Alex Pietrangelo, VGK at STL ($20): As I noted, Husso has a 2.47 GAA and .921 save percentage for the Blues. St. Louis also has the fourth-ranked penalty kill. Pietrangelo has tallied 12 of his 43 points on the power play, and also the last two points he's notched, which doesn't bode well for him.
Kevin Shattenkirk, ANA at DAL ($15): I would have recommended avoiding Cam Fowler, but the Ducks sat him out their last game so he might not even play. Shattenkirk has been in the lineup, but he's also on the road facing a goalie with a 2.54 GAA. Also, as the Ducks have undergone a bit of a youth movement, Shattenkirk's power-play time has dropped. He's only averaged 1:44 per game with the extra man over his last 14 outings. | https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/article.php?id=63350 | 2022-04-29T19:34:57Z | https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/article.php?id=63350 | false |
Chandigarh, April 28
The Punjab and Haryana High Court today directed Punjab’s former Director-General of Police Sumedh Singh Saini to join the investigation in a cheating, forgery and corruption case registered against him, while staying his arrest in the matter.
Justice Avneesh Jhingan of the High Court also fixed a week’s deadline for Saini to join the probe. As Saini’s anticipatory bail petition filed through counsel SPS Sidhu came up for preliminary hearing, Justice Jhingan put respondent-State of Punjab on notice.
Accepting it on the State’s behalf, Additional Advocate General HS Grewal sought time to file reply to the contentions raised by Saini in his plea.
The matter was placed before Justice Jhingan after a Mohali Court earlier this week dismissed Saini’s bail application in the case pertaining to the purchase of Sector 20 property. An FIR in the matter was registered in September 2020 at Mohali police station under Sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Dismissing the plea, the Mohali Court had, among other things, observed: “This court is of the considered view that there are serious allegations against the applicant/accused to the effect that he in connivance with his co-accused Surinderjit Singh Jaspal, has forged and fabricated the agreement to sell dated October 2, 2019, in order to save house No 3048, Sector 20-D, Chandigarh, from attachment.
Further, it seems that the execution of the said agreement is shrouded by suspicious circumstances, as it has been shown to be prepared on a plain paper without any attesting witness.
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Penn State Scandal Fast Facts
CNN Editorial Research
Here’s a look at the Penn State sexual abuse scandal. On November 4, 2011, a grand jury report was released containing testimony that former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky sexually abused eight young boys over a period of at least 15 years. Officials at Penn State purportedly failed to notify law enforcement after learning about some of these incidents. On December 7, 2011, the number of victims increased to 10. Sandusky was found guilty in 2012.
Included is a timeline of accusations, lists of the charges against Sandusky, a list of involved parties, a post grand jury report timeline, information about The Second Mile charity and Sandusky with links to the grand jury investigation.
Jerry Sandusky
Birth date: January 26, 1944
Birth place: Washington, Pennsylvania
Birth name: Gerald Arthur Sandusky
Marriage: Dorothy “Dottie” (Gross) Sandusky (1966-present)
Children: (all adopted) E.J., Kara, Jon, Jeff, Ray and Matt. The Sanduskys also fostered several children.
Occupation: Assistant football coach at Penn State for 32 years before his retirement, including 23 years as defensive coordinator.
The Second Mile
Initially founded by Sandusky in 1977 as a group foster home for troubled boys, but grew into a non-profit organization that “helps young people to achieve their potential as individuals and community members.”
May 25, 2012 – The Second Mile requests court approval in Centre County, Pennsylvania, to transfer its programs to Arrow Child & Family Ministries and shut down.
August 27, 2012 – The Second Mile requests a stay in their petition to transfer its programs to Arrow Child & Family Ministries saying, “this action will allow any pending or future claims filed by Sandusky’s victims to be resolved before key programs or assets are considered for transfer.”
March 2016 – After years of dismantling and distributing assets to Arrow Child & Family Ministries and any remaining funds to the Pennsylvania Attorney General to hold in escrow, the organization is dissolved.
Timeline of Accusations
Source: Grand Jury Report
1998 – Penn State police and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare investigate an incident in which the mother of an 11-year-old boy reported that Sandusky showered with her son.
1998 – Psychologist Alycia Chambers tells Penn State police that Sandusky acted the way a pedophile might in her assessment of a case in which the mother of a young boy reported that Sandusky showered with her son and may have had inappropriate contact with him. A second psychologist, John Seasock, reported he found no indication of child abuse.
June 1, 1998 – In an interview, Sandusky admits showering naked with the boy, saying it was wrong and promising not to do it again. The district attorney advises investigators that no charges will be filed, and the university police chief instructs that the case be closed.
June 1999 – Sandusky retires from Penn State after coaching there for 32 years, but receives emeritus status, with full access to the campus and football facilities.
2000 – James Calhoun, a janitor at Penn State, tells his supervisor and another janitor that he saw Sandusky sexually abusing a young boy in the Lasch Building showers. No one reports the incident to university officials or law enforcement.
March 2, 2002 – Graduate Assistant Mike McQueary tells Coach Joe Paterno that on March 1, he witnessed Sandusky sexually abusing a 10-year-old boy in the Lasch Building showers. On May 7, 2012, prosecutors file court documents to change the date of the assault to on or around February 9, 2001.
March 3, 2002 – Paterno reports the incident to Athletic Director Tim Curley. Later, McQueary meets with Curley and Senior Vice President for Finance and Business Gary Schultz. McQueary testifies that he told Curley and Schultz that he saw Sandusky and the boy engage in anal sex; Curley and Schultz testify they were not told of any such allegation. No law enforcement investigation is launched.
2005 or 2006 – Sandusky befriends another Second Mile participant whose allegations would form the foundation of the multi-year grand jury investigation.
2006 or 2007 – Sandusky begins to spend more time with the boy, taking him to sporting events and giving him gifts. During this period, Sandusky performs oral sex on the boy more than 20 times and the boy performs oral sex on him once.
2008 – The boy breaks off contact with Sandusky. Later, his mother calls the boy’s high school to report her son had been sexually assaulted and the principal bans Sandusky from campus and reports the incident to police. The ensuing investigation reveals 118 calls from Sandusky’s home and cell phone numbers to the boy’s home.
November 2008 – Sandusky informs The Second Mile that he is under investigation. He is removed from all program activities involving children, according to the group.
Timeline (post Grand Jury report)
November 4, 2011 – The grand jury report is released.
November 5, 2011 – Sandusky is arraigned on 40 criminal counts. He is released on $100,000 bail. Curley and Schultz are each charged with one count of felony perjury and one count of failure to report abuse allegations.
November 7, 2011 – Curley and Schultz are both arraigned and resign from their positions.
November 9, 2011 – Paterno announces that he intends to retire at the end of the 2011 football season. Hours later, university trustees announce that President Graham Spanier and Coach Paterno are fired, effective immediately.
November 11, 2011 – McQueary, now a Penn State receivers’ coach, is placed on indefinite administrative leave.
November 14, 2011 – In a phone interview with NBC’s Bob Costas, Sandusky states that he is “innocent” of the charges and claims that the only thing he did wrong was “showering with those kids.”
November 15, 2011 – The Morning Call reports that in a November 8, 2011, email to a former classmate, McQueary says he did stop the 2002 assault he witnessed and talked with police about it.
November 16, 2011 – Representatives of Penn State’s campus police and State College police say they have no record of having received any report from McQueary about his having witnessed the rape of a boy by Sandusky.
November 16, 2011 – A new judge is assigned to the Sandusky case after it is discovered that Leslie Dutchcot, the judge who freed Sandusky on $100,000 bail, volunteered at The Second Mile charity.
November 21, 2011 – It is announced that former FBI Director Louis Freeh will lead an independent inquiry for Penn State into the school’s response to allegations of child sex abuse.
November 22, 2011 – The Patriot-News reports that Children and Youth Services in Pennsylvania has two open cases of child sex abuse against Sandusky. The cases were reported less than two months ago and are in the initial stages of investigation.
November 22, 2011 – The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts announces that all Centre County Common Pleas Court judges have recused themselves from the Sandusky case. This is to avoid any conflicts of interest due to connections with Sandusky, The Second Mile charity, or Penn State.
November 30, 2011 – The first lawsuit is filed on behalf of a person listed in the complaint as “John Doe,” who says he was 10 years-old when he met Sandusky through The Second Mile charity. His attorneys say Sandusky sexually abused the victim “over one hundred times” and threatened to harm the victim and his family if he alerted anyone to the abuse.
December 2, 2011 – A victim’s attorneys say they have reached a settlement with The Second Mile that allows it to stay in operation but requires it to obtain court approval before transferring assets or closing.
December 3, 2011 – In an interview with The New York Times, Sandusky says, “If I say, ‘No, I’m not attracted to young boys,’ that’s not the truth. Because I’m attracted to young people — boys, girls — I …” His lawyer speaks up at that point to note that Sandusky is not “sexually” attracted to them.
December 7, 2011 – Sandusky is arrested on additional child rape charges, which raises the number of victims from eight to 10 people. He is charged with four counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and two counts of unlawful contact with a minor. He also faces one new count of indecent assault and two counts of endangering a child’s welfare, in addition to a single new count of indecent assault and two counts of corruption of minors.
December 8, 2011 – Sandusky is released on $250,000 bail. He is placed under house arrest and is required to wear an electronic monitoring device. He is also restricted from contacting the victims and possible witnesses, and he must be supervised during any interactions with minors.
December 13, 2011 – Sandusky enters a plea of not guilty and waives his right to a preliminary hearing.
December 16, 2011 – A hearing is held for Curley and Schultz. McQueary testifies he told university officials that he saw Sandusky possibly sexually assaulting a boy in 2002. Following the testimony, the judge rules that the perjury case against Curley and Schultz will go to trial. The incident is later said to have happened in 2001.
January 13, 2012 – Curley and Schultz enter pleas of not guilty for their failure to report child sex abuse.
January 22, 2012 – Paterno dies at the age of 85.
February 14, 2012 – Penn State says that the Sandusky case has cost the university $3.2 million thus far in combined legal, consultant and public relations fees.
June 11, 2012 – The Sandusky trial begins.
June 22, 2012 – Sandusky is found guilty on 45 counts after jurors deliberate for almost 21 hours. His bail is immediately revoked, and he is taken to jail.
June 30, 2012 – McQueary’s contract as assistant football coach ends.
July 12, 2012 – Freeh announces the findings of the investigation into Penn State’s actions concerning Sandusky. The report accuses the former leaders at Penn State of showing “total and consistent disregard” for child sex abuse victims, while covering up the attacks of a longtime sexual predator.
July 23, 2012 – The NCAA announces a $60 million fine against Penn State and bans the team from the postseason for four years. Additionally, the school must vacate all wins from 1998-2011 and will lose 20 football scholarships a year for four seasons.
– The Big Ten Conference rules that Penn State’s share of bowl revenues for the next four seasons – roughly $13 million will be donated to charities working to prevent child abuse.
August 24, 2012 – “Victim 1” files a lawsuit against Penn State.
September 20, 2012 – Penn State hires Feinberg Rozen LLP (headed by Kenneth Feinberg who oversaw the 9/11 and BP oil spill victim funds).
October 2, 2012 – McQueary files a whistleblower lawsuit against Penn State.
October 8, 2012 – An audio statement from Sandusky airs in which he protests his innocence and says he is falsely accused.
October 9, 2012 – Sandusky is sentenced to no less than 30 years and no more than 60 years in prison. During the hearing, Sandusky is designated a violent sexual offender.
October 15, 2012 – Plaintiff “John Doe,” a 21-year-old male, files a lawsuit against Sandusky, Penn State, The Second Mile, Spanier, Curley and Schultz. Doe alleges that he would not have been assaulted by Sandusky if officials, who were aware he was molesting boys, had not covered up his misconduct.
November 1, 2012 – The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania files eight charges against former Penn State President Spanier. The charges include perjury and endangering the welfare of a child. Former university Vice President Schultz and former Athletic Director Curley face the same charges, according to Attorney General Linda Kelly.
November 15, 2012 – The Middle States Commission on Higher Education lifts its warning and reaffirms Penn State’s accreditation.
January 30, 2013 – Judge John M. Cleland denies Sandusky’s appeal for a new trial.
July 30, 2013 – A judge rules that Spanier, Curley and Schultz will face trial on obstruction of justice and other charges.
August 26, 2013 – Attorneys announce Sandusky’s adopted son and six other victims have finalized settlement agreements.
October 2, 2013 – The Superior Court of Pennsylvania denies Sandusky’s appeal.
October 28, 2013 – Penn State announces it has reached settlements with 26 victims of Sandusky. The amount paid by the university totals $59.7 million.
April 2, 2014 – The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania also denies Sandusky’s appeal.
September 8, 2014 – NCAA ends Penn State’s postseason ban and scholarship limits. The $60 million fine and the 13 years of vacated wins for Paterno remain in place.
January 16, 2015 – The NCAA agrees to restore 111 of Paterno’s wins as part of a settlement of the lawsuit brought by State Senator Jake Corman and Treasurer Rob McCord. Also, as part of the settlement, Penn State agrees to commit $60 million to the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse.
December 23, 2015 – A spokeswoman for the State of Pennsylvania employee retirement system says Sandusky will receive $211,000 in back payments and his regular pension payments will resume. This is the result of a November 13 court ruling that reversed a 2012 decision to terminate Sandusky’s pension under a state law that allows the termination of pensions of public employees convicted of a “disqualifying crime.” The judge said in his ruling that Sandusky was not employed at the time of the crimes he was convicted of committing.
January 22, 2016 – A three-judge panel reverses the obstruction of justice and conspiracy charges against Spanier, Curley and Schultz, and the perjury charges against Spanier and Curley.
May 4, 2016 – A new allegation purports Paterno knew that his assistant coach Sandusky was sexually abusing a child as early as 1976, according to a new court filing. The ongoing lawsuit, filed in 2013, seeks to determine whether Penn State or its insurance policy is liable for paying Sandusky’s victims. At least 30 men were involved in a civil settlement with Penn State, and the number of victims could be higher.
May 6, 2016 – CNN reports the story of another alleged victim who explains how he was a troubled young kid in 1971 when Sandusky raped him in a Penn State bathroom. He says his complaint about it was ignored by Paterno.
July 12, 2016 – Newly unsealed court documents allege that Paterno knew about Sandusky’s abuse and that he dismissed a victim’s complaint.
August 12, 2016 – In a bid for a new trial, Sandusky testifies at a post-conviction hearing claiming his lawyers bungled his 2012 trial. On the stand, Sandusky describes what he said as bad media and legal advice given to him by his former lawyer, Joseph Amendola.
November 3, 2016 – The Department of Education fines Penn State $2.4 million for violating the Clery Act, a law that requires universities to report crime on campuses. It’s the largest fine in the history of the act.
March 13, 2017 – Curley and Schultz plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of children in exchange for the dismissal of felony charges.
March 24, 2017 – Spanier is found guilty on one misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of a child. Spanier was acquitted of more serious allegations, including conspiracy charges and a felony count of child endangerment.
June 2, 2017 – Spanier and two other former administrators are sentenced to jail terms for failing to report a 2001 allegation that Sandusky was molesting young boys. Spanier whose total sentence is four to 12 months incarceration, will be on probation for two years and must pay a $7,500 fine, according to Joe Grace, a spokesman for Pennsylvania’s attorney general’s office.
— Curley is sentenced to seven to 23 months’ incarceration and two years’ probation, Grace said. He will serve three months in jail followed by house arrest and pay a $5,000 fine.
— Schultz is sentenced to six to 23 months’ incarceration and two years’ probation. He will serve two months in jail, followed by house arrest and pay a $5,000 fine, according to Grace.
January 9, 2018 – Penn State reports that the total amount of settlement awards paid to Sandusky’s victims is now over $109 million.
February 5, 2019 – In response to an appeal for a new trial that also questions the validity of mandatory minimum sentencing, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania orders Sandusky to be re-sentenced. The request for a new trial is denied.
April 30, 2019 – US Magistrate Judge Karoline Mehalchick vacates Spanier’s 2017 conviction for endangering the welfare of a child. Spanier was set to be sentenced on the one count conviction, instead, the court ordered the conviction be vacated because it was based on a criminal statute that did not go into effect until after the conduct in question. The state has 90 days to retry him, according to court documents. The following month, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro appeals the judge’s decision to throw out the conviction.
November 22, 2019 – Sandusky is resentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison, the same penalty that was previously overturned. The initial sentence of at least 30 years in prison was overturned by the Pennsylvania Superior Court, which found that mandatory minimum sentences were illegally imposed.
March 26, 2020 – The US Office for Civil Rights finds that Penn State failed to protect students who filed sexual harassment complaints. OCR completed the compliance review after it was initially launched in 2014, and found that the University violated Title IX for several years, in various ways. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announces that the US Department of Education and the university have entered into a resolution agreement that compels Penn State to address deficiencies in their complaint process, reporting policy requirements, record keeping, and training of staff, university police and other persons who work with students.
December 1, 2020 – Spanier’s conviction is restored by a federal appeals court.
May 26, 2021 – A judge rules that Spanier will start his two month prison sentence on July 9. Spanier reports to jail early and is released on August 4 after serving 58 days.
Sandusky Verdict
Victim 1
Count 1 – guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
Count 2 – guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
Count 3 – guilty: Indecent Assault (Felony 3)
Count 4 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 1)
Count 5 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
Count 6 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Felony 3)
Victim 2
Count 7 – not guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
Count 8 – guilty: Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 2)
Count 9 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 1)
Count 10 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
Count 11 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Misdemeanor 1)
Victim 3
Count 12 – guilty: Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 2)
Count 13 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 3)
Count 14 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
Count 15 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Felony 3)
Victim 4
Count 16 – ****DROPPED****: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
Count 17 – guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
Count 18 – ****DROPPED*****: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
Count 19 – ****DROPPED*****: Aggravated Indecent Assault (Felony 2)
Count 20 – guilty: Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 2)
Count 21 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 1)
Count 22 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
Count 23 – guilty” Endangering Welfare of Children (Felony 3)
Victim 5
Count 24 – not guilty: Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 1)
Count 25 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 3)
Count 26 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
Count 27 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Felony 3)
Victim 6
Count 28 – not guilty: Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 1)
Count 29 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 3)
Count 30 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
Count 31 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Misdemeanor 1)
Victim 7
Count 32 – guilty: Criminal Attempt to Commit Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 2)
Count 33 – ****DROPPED****: WITHDRAWN BY PROSECUTORS (unlawful contact with minors)
Count 34 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
Count 35 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Misdemeanor 1)
Victim 8
Count 36 – guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
Count 37 – guilty: Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 2)
Count 38 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 1)
Count 39 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
Count 40 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Misdemeanor 1)
(Due to 2nd indictment, counts start over with Victims 9 and 10)
Victim 9
Count 1 – guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
Count 2 – guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
Count 3 – guilty: Indecent Assault (Felony 3)
Count 4 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 1)
Count 5 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
Count 6 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Felony 3)
Victim 10
Count 7 – guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
Count 8 – guilty: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1)
Count 9 – guilty: Indecent Assault (Misdemeanor 1)
Count 10 – guilty: Unlawful Contact with Minors (Felony 1)
Count 11 – guilty: Corruption of Minors (Misdemeanor 1)
Count 12 – guilty: Endangering Welfare of Children (Felony 3)
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/04/29/penn-state-scandal-fast-facts-2/ | 2022-04-29T19:42:13Z | https://localnews8.com/news/2022/04/29/penn-state-scandal-fast-facts-2/ | true |
NEW YORK (AP) — The following is a list of initial public offerings planned for the coming week. Sources include IPO ETF manager Renaissance Capital, and SEC filings.
Bausch + Lomb - Vaughan, Canada, 35 million shares, priced $21-$24, managed by Morgan Stanley/Goldman Sachs. Proposed NYSE stock symbol BLCO. Business: Supplier of contact lenses and eyecare products. | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/business/article/Initial-public-offerings-scheduled-to-debut-next-17137148.php | 2022-04-29T19:46:08Z | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/business/article/Initial-public-offerings-scheduled-to-debut-next-17137148.php | false |
Moderna is seeking to be the first to offer COVID-19 vaccine for the youngest American children, as it asked the Food and Drug Administration Thursday to clear low-dose shots for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Frustrated families are waiting impatiently for a chance to protect the nation's littlest kids as all around them people shed masks and other public health precautions -- even though highly contagious coronavirus mutants continue to spread. Already about three-quarters of children of all ages show signs they've been infected at some point during the pandemic.
Moderna submitted data to the Food and Drug Administration that it hopes will prove two low-dose shots can protect children younger than 6 -- although the effectiveness wasn't nearly as high in kids tested during the omicron surge as earlier in the pandemic.
"There is an important unmet medical need here with these youngest kids," Dr. Paul Burton, Moderna's chief medical officer, told The Associated Press. Two kid-size shots "will safely protect them. I think it is likely that over time they will need additional doses. But we're working on that."
Moderna said two kid doses were about 40% to 50% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19, not a home run but for many parents, any protection would be better than none.
That effectiveness is "less than optimal. We were hoping for better efficacy but this is a first step," said Dr. Nimmi Rajagopal of Cook County Health in Chicago. She's anxiously awaiting vaccinations for her youngest patients and her own 3-year-old son who's ready to enter preschool.
"It gives me such peace of mind to know that hopefully by fall I'll get him in school and he'll be fully vaccinated," she said.
Now, only children ages 5 or older can be vaccinated in the U.S., using rival Pfizer's vaccine, leaving 18 million younger tots unprotected.
Moderna's vaccine isn't the only one in the race. Pfizer is soon expected to announce if three of its even smaller-dose shots work for the littlest kids, months after the disappointing discovery that two doses weren't quite strong enough.
Whether it's one company's shots or both, FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks said the agency will "move quickly without sacrificing our standards" in deciding if tot-sized doses are safe and effective.
While questions are swirling about what's taking so long, Marks pointedly told lawmakers earlier this week that the FDA can't evaluate a product until a manufacturer completes its application. In a statement Thursday, the FDA said it will schedule a meeting to publicly debate Moderna's evidence with its independent scientific advisers but that the company still must submit some additional data. Moderna expects to do so next week.
"It's critically important that we have the proper evaluation so that parents will have trust in any vaccines that we authorize," Marks told a Senate committee.
If FDA clears vaccinations for the littlest, next the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would have to recommend who needs them -- all tots or just those at higher risk from COVID-19.
"It's very important to get the youngest children vaccinated" but "moving quickly doesn't mean moving sloppily," said Dr. Philip Landrigan, a pediatrician and public health expert at Boston College. FDA must "see if it's safe. They need to see if it's effective. And they need to do so swiftly. But they won't cut corners."
Many parents are desperate for whichever vaccine gets to the scientific finish line first.
"We've been kind of left behind as everybody else moves on," said Meagan Dunphy-Daly, a Duke University marine biologist whose 6-year-old daughter is vaccinated -- but whose 3-year-old and 18-month-old sons are part of Pfizer's trial.
The family continues to mask and take other precautions until it's clear if the boys got real vaccine or dummy shots. If it turns out they weren't protected in the Pfizer study and Moderna's shots are cleared first, Dunphy-Daly said she'd seek them for her sons.
"I will feel such a sense of relief when I know my boys are vaccinated and that the risk of them getting a serious infection is so low," she said.
The FDA will face some complex questions.
In a study of 6,700 kids ages 6 months through 5 years, two Moderna shots — each a quarter of the regular dose — triggered high levels of virus-fighting antibodies, the same amount proven to protect young adults, Burton said. There were no serious side effects, and the shots triggered fewer high fevers than other routine vaccinations.
But depending on how researchers measured, the vaccine proved at best about 51% effective at preventing COVID-19 cases in babies and toddlers and about 37% effective in the 2- to 5-year-olds. Burton blamed the omicron variant's ability to partially evade vaccine immunity, noting that unboosted adults showed similarly less effectiveness against milder omicron infections. While no children became severely ill during the study, he said high antibody levels are a proxy for protection against more serious illness — and the company will test a child booster dose.
"That's not totally out of the realm of what we would have expected," said Dr. Bill Muller of Northwestern University, who helped with Moderna's child studies. "Down the road I would anticipate it's going to be a three-shot series."
Another issue: So far in the U.S., Moderna's vaccine is restricted to adults. Other countries have expanded the shot to kids as young as 6. But while Moderna has filed FDA applications for older kids, too, the FDA hasn't ruled on them. Months ago the agency cited concern about a rare side effect, heart inflammation, in teen boys, a concern that hasn't been reported in much younger children.
It's not clear if FDA will consider Moderna's vaccine for children of all ages now or focus first on the littlest. But Muller already has had lots of parents ask why shots were being tested in tots before older kids were vaccinated — and says pediatricians and pharmacists must be ready with answers.
Burton said safety data from millions of older children given Moderna vaccinations abroad should help reassure parents.
While COVID-19 generally isn't as dangerous in youngsters as adults, some do become severely ill or even die. About 475 children younger than 5 have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic's start, according to the CDC, and child hospitalizations soared at omicron's peak.
Yet it's not clear how many parents intend to vaccinate the youngest kids. Less than a third of children ages 5 to 11 have had two vaccinations, and 58% of those ages 12 to 17. | https://www.djournal.com/print-features/moderna-seeks-to-be-1st-with-covid-shots-for-littlest-kids/article_2e64cdbc-7448-59a4-abc2-639843b60468.html | 2022-04-29T19:55:51Z | https://www.djournal.com/print-features/moderna-seeks-to-be-1st-with-covid-shots-for-littlest-kids/article_2e64cdbc-7448-59a4-abc2-639843b60468.html | false |
MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Friday afternoon's drawing of the Wisconsin Lottery's "Pick 3 Midday" game were:
4-5-6
(four, five, six)
MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Friday afternoon's drawing of the Wisconsin Lottery's "Pick 3 Midday" game were:
4-5-6
(four, five, six) | https://www.timesunion.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-3-Midday-game-17137166.php | 2022-04-29T19:56:26Z | https://www.timesunion.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-3-Midday-game-17137166.php | true |
When you're traveling, whether on a road trip or a flight, comfort is key but that doesn't mean style needs to be sacrificed. From footwear to handbags, here are eight new chic items that will take you to your destination.
1.Fitflop ankle boots £150
Every FitFlop product is biomechanically engineered – which means it’s designed to complement your body structure, joint alignment and natural movement. It also looks great as is evident in these funky platform ankle boots with a ‘70s vibe. Forget hard and heavy, these are soft and light. Sporting chunky heels, leather uppers, stitch detail and a full inside zip for easy on/off and you can walk for miles in them. And they’re easy to remove in the dreaded airport security check.
2.Fitflop lightweight trainers £110
The Vitamin, a sleek super-light sneaker is one of the most comfortable on the market - ideal for long city walking tours. Biomechanically engineered for exercise and casual running, it’s equally good for upping your everyday activity from speedwalking to cycling round town. A stretchy, breathable, pull-on knit upper gives extra support at the sides and arch.
3.Briggs & Riley Carryon £299.00
Iconic American travel brand Briggs & Riley has just launched an updated and improved Baseline collection. The new Baseline Collection features varying styles including wheeled carry-on and checked luggage, backpacks, tote bags, duffle bags, garment bags, and toiletry kits. The brand is the only luggage company to offer an unconditional lifetime guarantee, which repairs any product free of charge with no proof of purchase needed and no questions asked.
4.Pompom London cross body bag £84.95
Designed exclusively in the UK, Pom Pom London is a luxury brand that aims to deliver affordable stylish fashion pieces that are unique and fun for all ages. This is reflected in the wide range of colors of these fabulous cross body 100% leather bags with a variety of interchangeable straps.
5.Dai freedom jogger £145
Want to feel like you’re in yoga gear when traveling but look like you’re wearing a power suit? Then Dai’s range of trousers, in black, navy or dark green, will fit the bill. They use performance four-way stretch, machine washable, wrinkle resistant fabrics. They’re planet-friendly and a certified B Corporation for (companies that demonstrate high social and environmental performance).
6.Dai FLOW Scuba Sweatshirt £125
Another versatile travel essential is Dai’s loose fitting navy top with dropped armhole and high funnel turtleneck that can be styled up or turned down. Soft and sustainable the scuba jersey is 86% made of yarns that are Sensil® EcoCare recycled polyamide from pre-consumer waste.
7.Rise & Fall T-shirts, £54 for pack of two
A long sleeve organic cotton T-shirt should be in every suitcase. Available in men’s or women’s sizes in black or white, this super soft luxury T-shirt is perfectly draped, super-durable and flattering.
8.SANS natural deodorant £30 for a refillable starter kit
The deodorant industry produces over 7 million kilograms of plastic waste every year. SANS products are zero-plastic and use only the most natural and necessary ingredients. Launched in December 2021, SANS natural deodorants come in three unisex scents: 18th Orchard (Grapefruit, Orange & Rosemary); Pinacea (Rose, Mandarin, Cedarwood, Geranium) and Twig and Blossom (Bergamot, Lemon, Petitgrain, Neroli, Cardamom). SANS’ capsules are made solely from aluminium - recyclable and refillable too for the consumer. The stick refills come in zero-plastic, fully recyclable cardboard packaging. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanneshurvell/2022/04/29/8-new-stylish-travel-essentials/ | 2022-04-29T19:57:51Z | https://www.forbes.com/sites/joanneshurvell/2022/04/29/8-new-stylish-travel-essentials/ | true |
Supreme Court limits discrimination claims for emotional distress
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the dismissal of a discrimination lawsuit filed by a deaf, legally blind woman against a physical therapy business that wouldn’t provide an American Sign Language interpreter for her appointments.
In a 6-3 ruling with conservatives in the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that businesses that receive federal health care money can’t be sued for discrimination under the Affordable Care Act when the harm alleged is emotional, not financial.
Justice Stephen Breyer wrote in dissent that people who suffer discrimination often feel humiliation or embarrassment. “It is difficult to square the Court’s holding with the basic purposes that antidiscrimination laws seek to serve. One such purpose, as I have said, is to vindicate ‘human dignity and not mere economics,’” Breyer wrote, citing an opinion from his onetime boss, Justice Arthur Goldberg, in a key Civil Rights-era case.
Breyer noted in his opinion that some anti-bias laws, including against workplace discrimination, allow for damages for emotional distress.
The current case began when the woman, Jane Cummings, asked for an ASL interpreter for physical therapy appointments to treat chronic back pain with Premier Rehab Keller, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Cummings communicates primarily in ASL. But Premier Rehab said Cummings could “communicate with the therapist using written notes, lip reading, or gesturing,” Roberts wrote.
She went elsewhere, but then sued the business, asking for a court order against Premier Rehab and damages for emotional distress. Lower courts dismissed the lawsuit.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wcjb.com/2022/04/28/supreme-court-limits-discrimination-claims-emotional-distress/ | 2022-04-29T20:01:10Z | https://www.wcjb.com/2022/04/28/supreme-court-limits-discrimination-claims-emotional-distress/ | false |
Motor racing-Struggling Mercedes could have upgrades for Miami
LONDON, April 27 (Reuters) - Formula One champions Mercedes could have new parts available to improve their bouncing car in time for next week's Miami Grand Prix, trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin said on Wednesday.
Mercedes have been wrestling with the 'porpoising' problem since the start of the season, with seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton already 58 points behind Ferrari's Charles Leclerc after four races.
Hamilton finished 13th in last Sunday's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.
Shovlin said in a debrief on the team's YouTube channel that the problem posed new engineering challenges that Mercedes needed to understand.
"Hopefully soon, maybe as soon as Miami, we can start to bring some parts to the car that will hopefully give us an indication on whether we are moving in the right direction," he said.
"We are not expecting to solve this overnight, but if we can get a clue that we are going in the right direction, that we really got to the bottom of what is going on, then we will be quite pleased that we are just moving on the right path."
The bouncing problem has forced the team, now third in the standings, to run their car higher than planned which affects aerodynamic performance.
Shovlin said a lot of the work being done at the factory was to understand the phenomenon and see whether there was an aerodynamic solution to make it go away.
"Being realistic, we think this will be something we approach in steps rather than one big moment where the whole thing vanishes," he added.
"But we are seeing encouraging signs... we are hoping to bring parts to the car soon, maybe even Miami where we can hopefully see progress on this issue." (Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Toby Davis) | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-10760645/Motor-racing-Struggling-Mercedes-upgrades-Miami.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-04-29T20:07:53Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-10760645/Motor-racing-Struggling-Mercedes-upgrades-Miami.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | true |
White House vows to press for release of Paul Whelan
WASHINGTON, April 27 (Reuters) - The White House vowed on Wednesday to keep pressing for the unconditional release of former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, who is imprisoned in Russia and accused of spying.
A U.S.-Russia prisoner swap that obtained the release of Trevor Reed, also a former U.S. Marine, brought a spotlight on Whelan, who holds U.S., British, Canadian and Irish passports. Whelan was sentenced to 16 years on espionage charges in June 2020. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the United States would continue pushing for his unconditional release.
(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Steve Holland; Editing by Leslie Adler)
Advertisement | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-10760659/White-House-vows-press-release-Paul-Whelan.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-04-29T20:08:12Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-10760659/White-House-vows-press-release-Paul-Whelan.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | true |
Teenage boys charged in stabbing of Scarborough high school student
Two teenage boys have been arrested and charged following the stabbing of a Toronto high school student earlier this week, Toronto police say.
The male student had just been dismissed from school at Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute on Monday afternoon, in the Birchmount and Kingston roads area, when he reportedly became involved in a fight with two other boys outside the school.
One of the three was stabbed by the two others and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The principal of Birchmount Park Collegiate told parents in a letter that his injuries were not serious.
Investigators said they were initially looking for three suspects who fled the scene immediately after the incident.
On Wednesday, police say they took at 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy into custody.
Both were charged with assault, assault with a weapon, weapons dangerous and carrying a concealed weapon.
Neither suspect can be identified, per the terms of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Both boys appeared in court at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East on Friday morning.
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UN works to broker civilian evacuation from Mariupol
The United Nations doggedly sought to broker an evacuation of civilians from the increasingly hellish ruins of Mariupol on Friday, while Ukraine accused Russia of showing its contempt for the world organization by bombing Kyiv while the UN leader was visiting the capital. | https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/teenage-boys-charged-in-stabbing-of-scarborough-high-school-student-1.5882070 | 2022-04-29T20:09:53Z | https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/teenage-boys-charged-in-stabbing-of-scarborough-high-school-student-1.5882070 | true |
'American Idol' winner Laine Hardy accused of bugging ex's dorm room
The Season 17 'American Idol' winner faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted
"American Idol" winner Laine Hardy was arrested Friday, accused of planting a listening device in his ex-girlfriend’s dorm room in Louisiana, according to authorities.
He surrendered to the LSU Police Department and was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Hardy is not a student at the school.
Hardy, 21, faces a felony charge of interception and disclosure of wire, electronic or oral communication, a university spokesperson said.
The Louisiana native took to social media to address the allegation Thursday.
'AMERICAN IDOL' CONTESTANT, KNOWN AS 'SINGING GARBAGEMAN' DOUG KIKER, ARRESTED FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
"I understand that my career has thrust me into the public spotlight, and I embrace that wholeheartedly as my entire world belongs to my music and my fans," he said.
"However, due to the sensitive nature of this allegation, I humbly ask for privacy at this time. I have the utmost respect for the law and will assist in their investigation as needed moving forward."
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According to the arrest warrant, a woman and her roommate found a recording device inside their dorm room April 6. The following day, they reported the finding to LSU police. The woman told police she found the device, which looked like a phone charger, under her futon, the warrant stated.
She told officers that she believed her ex-boyfriend, Hardy, had left the device in her room earlier because he appeared to know details about what was going on in her life even though she hadn’t told him about them. Police said they later found evidence of secret recordings made over 10 days in February, the warrant said.
"The victim advised she immediately confronted him, to which he admitted to her that he left a ‘bug’ in her room but discarded it in his pond," a police affidavit said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Hardy’s attorney, C. Frank Holthaus, told USA Today Hardy "has been and will continue to be completely cooperative."
The season 17 "American Idol" winner faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.
The Associated Press contributed to this report | https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/american-idol-winner-laine-hardy-accused-bugging-ex-dorm-room | 2022-04-29T20:28:13Z | https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/american-idol-winner-laine-hardy-accused-bugging-ex-dorm-room | false |
Elon Musk and Amber Heard: The bombshell revelations we learned this week
Depp has accused the Tesla titan and the 'London Fields' star of having an affair during their marriage
Billionaire Elon Musk has become a regular figure in Johnny Depp’s $50 million defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard – despite never setting foot in the courtroom.
JOHNNY DEPP V. AMBER HEARD DEFAMATION TRIAL: LIVE UPDATES
Although the Tesla chief is on Heard’s witness list, his lawyer, Alex Spiro, confirmed to Fox News Digital that he will not be testifying.
But that hasn’t kept the world’s richest man out of the bombshell civil proceeding in which Depp, 58, is suing Heard, 36, over a 2018 op-ed she wrote referring to herself as "a public figure representing domestic abuse."
The actress and Musk, 50, were first spotted together in July 2016 at a hotel in Miami— just two months after her messy split from Depp.
Elon Musk's ACLU donations
ACLU Chief Operating Officer Terence Dougherty testified in a pre-recorded deposition played in court Thursday that Musk likely made a $500,000 donation in Heard’s name.
Musk, who has a net worth of $219 billion, has been a longtime supporter of the charity that was once known as a bastion of free speech.
After Heard’s acrimonious split with Depp, she promised to donate her entire $7 million divorce payout to two charities: the ACLU and the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital.
Musk emailed the ACLU’s CEO in 2017, after he started dating the "Justice League" actress, explaining that his girlfriend intended to satisfy her $3.5 million pledge over 10 years, Dougherty testified.
JOHNNY DEPP V. AMBER HEARD: THE SHOCKING TRIAL'S WILDEST MOMENTS
Around that same time, a $500,000 donation was made in Heard’s name from a Vanguard account.
"We believe that, that is a donor-advised fund that was set up by Elon Musk," Dougherty testified.
Another $350,000 payment was made in 2018 from a Fidelity account that Depp’s lawyers contend also came from the SpaceX founder — but Dougherty was unsure.
Love triangle: Why the Tesla honcho is involved
Johnny Depp has accused Heard of starting an affair with Musk just one month after they tied the knot.
Staffers at the couple’s Los Angeles penthouse apartment said that Musk visited Heard "late at night" while Depp was filming in Australia in March 2015.
"Specifically, Ms Heard asked staff at the Eastern Columbia Building to give her ‘friend Elon’ access to the building's ‘parking garage and the penthouse elevator ‘late at night,’’ the defamation complaint alleges.
JOHNNY DEPP RECOUNTS INFAMOUS DEFECATION INCIDENT IN COURT: ‘I COULD ONLY LAUGH’
The staffers said they regularly spotted the billionaire leaving the next morning.
After Depp and Heard split in May 2016, Musk again became a frequent visitor to the penthouse late at night, the court papers say.
Musk and Heard have both denied that the relationship began before her split from Depp.
Amber Heard didn't love Elon Musk
The short-lived romance ended five months after the pair went public on Instagram in April 2017.
The actress repeatedly told former agent Christian Carino, who was once engaged to Lady Gaga, that Musk was "just filling space."
Heard told Carino that she didn’t love Musk, according to the agent's pre-recorded deposition played in court Wednesday.
Carino was asked to read a text exchange with Heard from August 2017. "Dealing with a breakup. I hate when things go public. C, I’m so sad," Heard wrote of Musk.
"You weren’t in love with him, and you told me a thousand times you were just filling space," Carino replied.
Heard complained about the publicity surrounding her love life. "I hate that yet again a man lets me fall on the spikes by myself," she wrote, adding, "men are mad at me for leaving them and put things like this out there."
But Carino pointed out that she could avoid the attention by not "dating Uber-famous people."
The actress appears to love her Tesla
The "Aquaman" actress is still driving what is believed to be the $80,000 black Tesla Model S that Musk gifted her while they were dating.
Heard was spotted in Los Angeles in January running errands in the ride — after she allegedly told her mom that Musk had bugged the car, according to documents obtained by the Daily Mail.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Depp’s defamation trial against Heard is set to resume Monday in Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia — and the billionaire’s name is likely to resurface before the curtains close on the case. | https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/elon-musk-amber-heard-what-learned-week | 2022-04-29T20:28:19Z | https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/elon-musk-amber-heard-what-learned-week | true |
WFO AMARILLO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Friday, April 29, 2022
_____
RED FLAG WARNING
URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Amarillo TX
238 PM CDT Fri Apr 29 2022
...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS
EVENING FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR ALL OF THE
TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA PANHANDLES...
* Affected Area...In Oklahoma...Cimarron...Texas and Beaver. In
Texas...Dallam...Sherman...Hansford...Ochiltree...Lipscomb...
Hartley...Moore...Hutchinson...Roberts...Hemphill...Oldham...
Potter...Carson...Gray...Wheeler...Deaf Smith...Randall...
Armstrong...Donley...Collingsworth and Palo Duro Canyon.
* 20 Foot Winds...West 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.
* Relative Humidity...As low as 4 percent.
* Red Flag Threat Index...6 to 8.
* Timing...Through 10 PM.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now...or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures will
create favorable weather for rapid fire growth and spread. Avoid
activities that promote open flames and sparks.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.lmtonline.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-AMARILLO-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17137288.php | 2022-04-29T20:29:44Z | https://www.lmtonline.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-AMARILLO-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17137288.php | true |
Georgia man 2nd Capitol rioter to plead guilty to seditious conspiracy
PHOENIX (AP) — A Georgia man affiliated with the far-right Oath Keepers militia group became the second Capitol rioter to plead guilty to seditious conspiracy for his actions leading up and through the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection.
The sentencing guidelines for Brian Ulrich, who pleaded guilty on Friday, were estimated to be 5 ¼ years to 6 ½ years in prison. He also pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding.
Authorities say Ulrich participated in encrypted chats with other people affiliated with the Oath Keepers in the days before the riot, rode toward the Capitol with others in golf carts on that day, marched on the grounds in a military “stack” formation, taunted police officers who were guarding the building and also entered the Capitol as hundreds of former President Donald Trump’s supporters sought to block the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory.
Asked by the judge whether he was pleading guilty because he was in fact guilty of the charges, Ulrich answered, “Yes, your honor.”
The 44-year-old from Guyton, Georgia, agreed to cooperate with authorities investigating the riot, including testifying before a grand jury.
The seditious conspiracy prosecution is the boldest publicly known attempt so far by the government to prosecute those who attacked the U.S. Capitol. The group’s founder, Stewart Rhodes, and eight others have pleaded not guilty to seditious conspiracy and other charges.
A conviction under the seditious conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years, compared with five years on the lesser conspiracy charge that others associated with the militia group are facing.
Those charged with seditious conspiracy are accused of working together to use force to stop the peaceful transfer of presidential power. Authorities say participants discussed their plans in encrypted chats, traveled to the nation’s capital from across the country, organized into teams, used military tactics, stashed weapons in case they felt they were needed and communicated with each other during the Jan. 6 riot.
While four other people connected with the Oath Keepers have pleaded guilty to obstruction of Congress and the lesser conspiracy charge, Ulrich is the second person to plead guilty to seditious conspiracy. Joshua A. James of Arab, Alabama, pleaded guilty to the charge last month.
Prosecutors say the group set up a “quick reaction force,” or QRF, that kept guns at a hotel in nearby Arlington, Virginia, and that they were prepared to bring the weapons into Washington if Rhodes or associates believed the need arose. Days before the attack, one defendant suggested getting a boat to ferry weapons across the Potomac River. In the end, the QRF teams didn’t bring guns into Washington.
More than 780 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Jan. 6 riot. Over 250 of them have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors. About 160 of them have been sentenced.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/29/georgia-man-2nd-capitol-rioter-plead-guilty-seditious-conspiracy/ | 2022-04-29T20:33:07Z | https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/29/georgia-man-2nd-capitol-rioter-plead-guilty-seditious-conspiracy/ | true |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge on Friday threw out part of the case against Kim Kardashian in former reality TV star Blac Chyna's lawsuit while the jury deliberates on the elements that remain.
Judge Gregory Alarcon ruled that Chyna's attorney Lynne Ciani did not provide any statement during the trial from Kardashian that was defamatory toward Chyna.
The case against Kardashian for interference with a contract remains alive. The jury, in its first full day of deliberations, is deciding on that and both defamation and contract-interference cases against Kris Jenner, Khloé Kardashian and Kylie Jenner.
Chyna's lawsuit alleges that the women falsely told television producers and executives that Chyna had violently attacked her then-fiancé Rob Kardashian in December 2016 in an attempt to get her reality show, “Rob & Chyna," canceled.
Ciani argued during closing arguments Thursday afternoon that the women had no reason to believe the attack had occurred, as testimony, photos and video from the time showed no significant injuries to Rob Kardashian.
“He didn’t have a mark on him,” Ciani said. “There was no call to the police, no trip to the hospital, not even a Band-Aid.”
Kardashian attorney David G. Rhodes argued during his closing that the women had every reason to believe the accounts of the attack from Rob Kardashian and from Kris Jenner’s longtime boyfriend Corey Gamble, who broke up the dispute and was a key defense witness.
“Do you remember how Rob looked on the stand yesterday? His pain was real,” Rhodes said. “This is a real family. Yeah, they’re famous, but they’re real people. He got really badly hurt here.”
Ciani provided clear examples of statements via text messages and emails from Kris Jenner, Khloé Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, telling the show's producers and the E! network, which the show appeared on, about the abuse allegation.
But the case she made against Kim Kardashian was more vague.
After Alarcon read the jury its instructions Thursday, Rhodes pointed out that there was no potentially defamatory statement in them from Kim Kardashian.
Ciani was angered by the assertion, but the frustrated judge rebuked her, saying she had agreed to the jury instructions before the trial began.
A similar argument emerged in court Friday over Alarcon's unusual method of jury selection. Instead of choosing 12 jurors and four alternates, the judge had the lawyers select 16 jurors, then chose by random drawing after closing arguments which four were the alternates.
The judge again pointed out to Ciani that she had agreed to the process before trial.
In the civil case, nine of the 12 jurors will need to agree on whether three of the Kardashian defendants either knowingly lied about Chyna abusing Rob Kardashian, or spread the word about it with reckless disregard for the truth. The same number will need to decide whether each of the four illegally interfered with Chyna’s contract with the E! network.
___
Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton | https://www.expressnews.com/entertainment/article/Judge-tosses-part-of-Blac-Chyna-case-against-Kim-17137248.php | 2022-04-29T20:33:34Z | https://www.expressnews.com/entertainment/article/Judge-tosses-part-of-Blac-Chyna-case-against-Kim-17137248.php | false |
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma's Republican-led state Legislature passed several anti-abortion restrictions in recent weeks, part of a movement in conservative states to curtail women's reproductive rights.
Anti-abortion lawmakers are hopeful the conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court, which already indicated in arguments it would uphold Mississippi's ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, might even overturn the nationwide right that has existed for nearly 50 years. A decision isn't expected before June.
Meanwhile, a new Texas law that bans most abortions and was designed to evade court challenges has been in effect nearly eight months, resulting in a major spike in abortions in Oklahoma as women in Texas head to surrounding states to receive services.
Here's a look at what's happening in Oklahoma and what experts say is expected in the coming months:
ARE OKLAHOMA'S ABORTION RESTRICTIONS EXPECTED TO STAND?
The first anti-abortion bill signed into law this year by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt would make performing an abortion a felony crime, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. That bill is scheduled to take effect in August, but legal experts say it's likely to be struck down by the courts. A lawsuit seeking to halt that measure was filed Thursday in district court, adding the challenge to an existing case in which five anti-abortion measures approved by lawmakers last year have been blocked from taking effect.
Abortion providers in Oklahoma say they are more concerned with two anti-abortion bills in the state that, like the Texas law, allow private citizens to sue doctors or anyone who helps a woman obtain an abortion for up to $10,000. One Texas-style bill that prohibits abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy already is awaiting the governor's signature; another that bans essentially all abortions is still working through the Legislature.
“We are more concerned at this point about these Texas-style bans because they have, at least recently, been able to continue and remain in effect,” said Emily Wales, interim president and CEO at Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which operates two abortion clinics in Oklahoma.
Even though Oklahoma's governor has yet to sign the Texas-style ban, abortion rights activists are optimistic it could be halted by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which has blocked dozens of proposed anti-abortion laws in recent years.
HOW MANY ABORTIONS ARE PERFORMED IN OKLAHOMA?
The number of abortions performed each year in Oklahoma, which now has four abortion clinics, has declined steadily over the last two decades, from more than 6,200 in 2002 to 3,737 in 2020, the fewest in more than 20 years, according to data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health. In 2020, before the Texas law was passed, about 9% of the abortions performed in Oklahoma were women from Texas.
Those numbers are expected to spike dramatically because of the influx of Texas residents seeking abortions in Oklahoma. Before the Texas ban took effect on Sept. 1, about 40 women from Texas had abortions performed in Oklahoma each month, the data shows. That number jumped to 222 Texas women in September and 243 in October.
“We’re serving as many Texans as Oklahomans right now, in some cases more Texans than Oklahomans,” Wales said.
WHAT'S HAPPENING ON THE GROUND IN OKLAHOMA?
Even though abortions are still legal in Oklahoma, Wales said many patients are uncertain because they've seen news stories about efforts to outlaw the practice. She said operators of the two clinics are slowing down scheduling appointments over concerns that there could be delays because of the new laws.
“At this point we are being really cautious about opening new schedules, because we don’t want patients to make travel arrangements, schedule time off work, get to Oklahoma and then find out the governor signed a bill and you can no longer access care here," she said.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
It's not clear how soon the courts in Oklahoma might act, although judges in the past have issued temporary injunctions within weeks of legal challenges being filed.
Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers in Oklahoma who have sought to restrict or outlaw abortion for decades are buoyed by the possibility that the U.S. Supreme Court may allow states to regulate or ban the practice.
“Combined with other Oklahoma statutes now on the books, it is hoped the practice of abortion will cease in our state for all time," said Rep. Todd Russ, a Republican from Cordell who wrote Oklahoma's Texas-style bill. “We will continue our work until that is accomplished.”
Oklahoma is one of 22 states that have laws in place that would immediately ban abortions if the high court were to overturn or fundamentally weaken its Roe v. Wade decision, according to the Guttmacher Institute in New York, a think tank that supports abortion rights. | https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/EXPLAINER-What-is-happening-with-abortion-in-17137394.php | 2022-04-29T20:35:01Z | https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/EXPLAINER-What-is-happening-with-abortion-in-17137394.php | false |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/nba/minnesota-timberwolves/articles/39329640 | 2022-04-29T20:35:23Z | https://sportspyder.com/nba/minnesota-timberwolves/articles/39329640 | true |
NEW YORK (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer was suspended Friday for two full seasons without pay by Major League Baseball for violating the league's domestic violence and sexual assault policy, which he denies.
Bauer's lengthy suspension comes after a San Diego woman, whom the pitcher had met through social media, alleged that Bauer beat and sexually abused her last year. She later sought — but was denied — a restraining order. Los Angeles prosecutors said in February there was insufficient evidence to prove the woman’s accusations beyond a reasonable doubt.
Bauer repeatedly has said that everything that happened between the two was consensual.
“In the strongest possible terms, I deny committing any violation of the league’s domestic violence and sexual assault policy,” he said Friday in a statement. “I am appealing this action and expect to prevail. As we have throughout this process, my representatives and I respect the confidentiality of the proceedings.”
If the suspension is upheld, Bauer will lose about $60 million in salary.
Bauer earlier this week sued his accuser in federal court, a move that came less than three months after prosecutors decided not to file criminal charges against the pitcher. Bauer named the woman and one of her attorneys, Niranjan Fred Thiagarajah, as defendants in the lawsuit. The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they have been victims of sexual assault.
The lawsuit said that “the damage to Mr. Bauer has been extreme” after the woman alleged that he had choked her into unconsciousness, punched her repeatedly and had anal sex with her without her consent during two sexual encounters last year.
The pitcher has said the two engaged in rough sex at his Pasadena home at her suggestion and followed guidelines they agreed to in advance. Each encounter ended with them joking and her spending the night, he said.
Bauer was placed on administrative leave last July 2 under the joint domestic violence and sexual assault policy of MLB and the players’ association. The leave has been repeatedly extended and Bauer continued to be paid his $32 million salary while on leave. He stopped getting paid Friday.
MLB announced the suspension in a short statement that did not provide details of the findings of its investigation, adding: “In accordance with the terms of the Policy, the Commissioner’s Office will not issue any further statements at this point in time.”
After winning his first Cy Young Award with the Cincinnati Reds in 2020, Bauer agreed to a $102 million, three-year contract to join his hometown Dodgers. He did not pitch after June 29 and finished with an 8-2 record and a 2.59 ERA in 17 appearances. He was paid his $28 million salary last year.
“The Dodgers organization takes all allegations of this nature very seriously and does not condone or excuse any acts of domestic violence or sexual assault,” the team's statement said. “We’ve cooperated fully with MLB’s investigation since it began, and we fully support MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Policy, and the Commissioner’s enforcement of the Policy. We understand that Trevor has the right to appeal the Commissioner’s decision. Therefore, we will not comment further until the process is complete.”
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.expressnews.com/sports/article/Dodgers-Bauer-suspended-for-2-seasons-over-17137284.php | 2022-04-29T20:37:11Z | https://www.expressnews.com/sports/article/Dodgers-Bauer-suspended-for-2-seasons-over-17137284.php | false |
WFO EL PASO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Saturday, April 30, 2022
_____
AIR QUALITY ALERT
Air Quality Alert Message
Relayed by National Weather Service El Paso TX/Santa Teresa NM
207 PM MDT Fri Apr 29 2022
...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM MDT SATURDAY...
The Texas Department of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued an
Ozone Action Day for the El Paso Area, in effect from noon to 8 PM
MDT Saturday.
Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing
high levels of ozone pollution in the El Paso area. You can help
prevent ozone Pollution by sharing a ride, walking, riding a
bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive through lanes,
conserving energy and keeping your vehicle properly tuned.
For more information on ozone:
OZONE: THE FACTS
www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/ozonefacts.html
EPA AIR NOW:
www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_city&cityid=236
TAKE CARE OF TEXAS:
www.takecareoftexas.org/air/airquality
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.seattlepi.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-EL-PASO-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17137368.php | 2022-04-29T20:38:46Z | https://www.seattlepi.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-EL-PASO-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17137368.php | true |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Los Angeles funeral home owner illegally left the remains of 11 people, including infants, in stages of decay and mummification and faces more than a decade in jail, prosecutors said Friday.
Authorities opened an investigation into the Mark B. Allen Mortuary and Cremations Services Inc., after receiving complaints from families. The mortuary, owned by Mark B. Allen, is now closed and phone numbers listed for the business were disconnected.
It was not immediately clear whether Allen has an attorney who can speak on his behalf. He faces 22 misdemeanor charges — two for each person — from the state's Health and Safety Code. The maximum penalty is $110,000 and 11 years in jail.
City Attorney Mike Feuer, whose office can only file misdemeanor offenses, announced the charges Friday, calling it an “incredibly sad and shocking situation.”
“Eleven people died, including very young children, and the funeral director hired to compassionately prepare the bodies for burial allegedly just let them rot, with neither the decency nor the dignity that all our loved ones deserve,” Feuer said in a statement. "Their deaths are one tragedy, and this alleged monstrous mistreatment is a second tragedy.” | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Prosecutor-LA-funeral-home-director-left-remains-17137315.php | 2022-04-29T20:40:36Z | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Prosecutor-LA-funeral-home-director-left-remains-17137315.php | true |
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A 38-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in a hit-and-run crash that killed a 14-year-old girl in Des Moines, police said.
The crash happened Thursday afternoon a few blocks east of Hiatt Middle School on the city’s east side, police. First responders found 14-year-old Ema Cardenas with critical injuries after she was hit by a sport utility vehicle that fled the scene, according to police.
Cardenas was taken to a hospital, where she soon died of her injuries.
Police said they later found the SUV suspected of hitting the teen at a home less than a mile from the crash site. On Friday, police announced the arrest of Terra Jean Flipping, 38, of Des Moines.
Flipping has been charged with leaving the scene of a fatal crash. It was not clear Friday whether she had an attorney to represent her. | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Woman-arrested-in-hit-and-run-crash-that-killed-17137234.php | 2022-04-29T20:41:01Z | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Woman-arrested-in-hit-and-run-crash-that-killed-17137234.php | false |
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ELDORADO GOLD CORP /FI General Corporate Statement By Foreign Issuer (Form6) (0000918608-22-000010)
Accepted:
Form Type:
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Accession Number:
0000918608-22-000010 | https://www.benzinga.com/secfilings/22/04/26891524/eldorado-gold-corp-fi-general-corporate-statement-by-foreign-issuer-form6-0000918608-22-000010 | 2022-04-29T20:42:33Z | https://www.benzinga.com/secfilings/22/04/26891524/eldorado-gold-corp-fi-general-corporate-statement-by-foreign-issuer-form6-0000918608-22-000010 | true |
Dolly Parton backtracks, will ‘gratefully accept’ Rock Hall nomination
'Jolene' songstress had revealed on March 14 that she would be pulling out of the nominations because she felt that she hadn’t 'earned that right'
Dolly Parton wants the gold after all.
After previously refusing a nomination from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the country singer, 76, is now saying she will happily welcome a nod.
In a new interview with NPR’s "Morning Edition," the banana cake entrepreneur declared that she will receive the honor if she’s voted in. "I’ll accept gracefully," she said. "I’ll say ‘thanks’ and accept that."
The "Jolene" songstress had revealed on March 14 that she would be pulling out of the nominations because she felt that she hadn’t "earned that right," but seemed to hope that the organization would always love her.
"I do hope that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again — if I’m ever worthy," she wrote in a statement shared on her social media at the time. "This has, however, inspired me to put out a hopefully great rock and roll album in the future, which I have always wanted to do."
DOLLY PARTON RECALLS CRITICISM OVER ‘CHEAP' STYLE: ‘PEOPLE WANT ME TO CHANGE’
However, now the "9 to 5" actress has changed her point of view.
"It was always my belief that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was for people in rock music. I have found out lately it’s not necessarily that," Parton said Friday. "But if they can’t go there to be recognized, where can they go? And so I felt like I was taking away from someone that maybe deserved it certainly more than me since I never considered myself a rock artist. But obviously, there’s more to it than that."
In fact, the Hall of Fame had previously hit back at her desire to refuse the recognition and explained that it was far too late to remove her from consideration.
"Dolly’s nomination, along with the other 16 for the Class of 2022, was sent out earlier this month to our 1,100 general ballot voters, the majority of whom are artists themselves, for induction at our ceremony," the organization said in a statement. "We are in awe of Dolly’s brilliant talent and pioneering spirit and are proud to have nominated her for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame."
Parton’s name appears on the Hall of Fame ballot alongside iconic names such Duran Duran, Eminem, Devo, Carly Simon, A Tribe Called Quest, Beck, Lionel Richie, Rage Against the Machine and Pat Benatar.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Voting ceased earlier this week, and the inductees are set to be announced next month. | https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/dolly-parton-accept-rock-hall-nomination | 2022-04-29T20:45:58Z | https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/dolly-parton-accept-rock-hall-nomination | true |
Which disc golf set is best?
A quality disc golf set includes everything you need to start playing and will likely serve you well for years to come. While almost every set includes a putter, midrange disc and driver, the number of discs per set and plastic quality can vary. Our top choice is a reliable set from a popular brand, the Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Disc Golf Starter Set.
What to know before you buy a disc golf set
When comparing disc golf sets, take note of the number and type of discs included. Most sets are intended for beginners and will include at least three versatile discs.
Putter
Honing your short game will save you a tremendous amount of throws over the years. A putter should be comfortable to hold and should fly fairly straight, floating as it approaches the chains of the basket. Many disc golf manufacturers include their most popular putter in their sets.
Midrange disc
When you are new to the sport, your midrange disc may be the disc you throw most. It should fly very straight for short distances but also be capable of throws like hyzers, rollers and hard fades.
Driver
Arguably the most exciting disc in any set, your driver is for powerful throws off the tee pad that hopefully land in the center of the fairway or even near the basket. Most disc golf sets include a fairway driver — a low-speed driver that doesn’t need to be thrown with much power for a smooth, predictable flight.
What to look for in a quality disc golf set
Discs vary in their plastic quality and appearance, and each brand has its own line of plastics and selection of disc molds.
Plastic quality
Most disc golf manufacturers offer a few different types of plastic. Often, the discs in their sets are made from softer, less durable plastic, but some sets are made from more rigid plastic that will last for several years. Some brands even offer discs made of plastic with a swirl or tie-dye pattern.
Disc golf brands
While there are dozens of disc golf manufacturers, a handful of popular brands stand out for their quality and prolific offerings.
- Innova is a hugely popular brand known for its Champion and Star plastics, both of which are highly durable and come in vibrant colors.
- Discraft has a smaller selection of molds than Innova, but many of its discs are beloved by players of all skill levels, and it has a wide range of plastics to choose from.
- MVP discs stand out for their distinctive black edges, made of a softer plastic that feels good against your hand and can take more of a beating.
- Latitude 64° is a Swedish brand offering a robust lineup of discs for all playstyles.
How much you can expect to spend on a disc golf set
The price of disc golf sets depends largely on the number of discs included. Most three-disc sets cost around $20, while sets with four to six discs usually cost $25-$50.
Disc golf set FAQ
How many discs do you need to play disc golf regularly?
A. Any reliable set of three discs has you covered. However, if you find yourself wishing for discs that behave differently, the only limit is the size of your bag. Eight to 12 discs is generally a good number for an intermediate player.
How do I know when to use each type of disc?
A. Generally, you use a driver on the tee pad, a midrange disc on the fairway and a putter for approaching the basket and, of course, putting.
Is it more cost-effective to buy discs in a set?
A. Sets are almost always more affordable when you consider the cost of each disc. Most individual discs cost from $8-$20, so five discs in a $35 set is a cost-saving option.
What’s the best disc golf set to buy?
Top disc golf set
Dynamic Discs Prime Burst Disc Golf Starter Set
What you need to know: With five discs and a mini marker disc, this set has any beginner covered.
What you’ll love: The Judge is a classic putter, and when paired with the straight-flying Truth, your short game is covered. With two fairway drivers and a distance driver, this is one of the more robust starter sets available.
What you should consider: You don’t know which colors will come with each set, and they may be less than vibrant.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top disc golf set for the money
What you need to know: This classic set includes three Innova favorites and is one of the best budget sets available.
What you’ll love: The Aviar in DX plastic is a favorite of professional and amateur players alike, and it will last you for many seasons. The Leopard is a reliable fairway driver that can reach impressive distances with a small amount of power.
What you should consider: The DX plastic is soft and prone to dings and dents, so the mid-range disc and the driver may only last a few seasons.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Latitude 64 Retro Burst Disc Golf Set
What you need to know: This eye-catching starter set features three straight-flying discs and a mini marker disc.
What you’ll love: The plastic offers a good grip, and the burst patterns give your discs a unique look. Beginners will appreciate how reliably straight these discs fly.
What you should consider: This set is more expensive than many comparable starter sets, and the plastic may show wear fairly quickly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Peter McPherson 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.wowktv.com/reviews/br/sports-fitness-br/recreational-sports-br/best-disc-golf-set/ | 2022-04-29T20:49:10Z | https://www.wowktv.com/reviews/br/sports-fitness-br/recreational-sports-br/best-disc-golf-set/ | false |
Yu-Raku, a Japanese-style Chinese food restaurant in San Mateo, is closing after 12 years, as first reported by KQED.
"As many of you may have already heard rumors, Yuraku will be closing on Sunday, May 15 due to the retirement of the owner-chef," read an Instagram announcement from the restaurant earlier this month. "We have come this far in the 12 years since we opened in August 2010, thanks to the support of all of you."
As KQED noted, Yu-Raku is one of the only places in Northern California that serves chuka ryori — Chinese food cooked to suit Japanese tastes — from a less spicy version of mapo tofu to steaming bowls of ramen. Fans of the restaurant would regularly travel from all over the Bay Area to enjoy these comfort foods.
Chef-owner Sakae Yuizuma told KQED that he originally wanted to retire and move back to Japan with his wife a few years ago, but had his plans stalled by the pandemic.
"The memories we have at Yuraku are precious and irreplaceable treasures for us," continued the closure announcement. "We would also like to express our sincere gratitude for the many encounters we have had ... We look forward to seeing everyone again someday, somewhere."
An outpouring of mixed emotions flooded the restaurant's Instagram and Facebook announcements, from retirement congratulations to one regular asking "where will we get chuka after May?"
Yu-Raku, located at 104 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, is open every day except Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (and until 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday).
- San Francisco restaurant Yo Yo's saved from closure
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- Eataly's new Italian market destination heads to Valley Fair mall
- 35-year-old Bay Area Italian restaurant is closing this week
- Bender's belongs in the San Francisco dive bar hall of fame
- Phan expands Bay Area food empire with new concept in Marin
- 'I tried everything': Michelin-starred SF restaurant closes | https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/Bay-Area-Japanese-Chinese-restaurant-is-closing-17137076.php | 2022-04-29T20:52:07Z | https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/Bay-Area-Japanese-Chinese-restaurant-is-closing-17137076.php | true |
By KEVIN McGILL
Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Once silenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival opened Friday for the first time in three years — a long awaited 2022 revival that holds echoes of 2006 when the annual celebration of music and culture went on even after Hurricane Katrina.
The two-weekend production draws tens of thousands to the city’s Fair Grounds Race Course, where as many as 80 musical acts perform daily on more than a dozen stages, complemented by art and craft exhibits and an array of booths featuring foods from Louisiana and beyond.
“This lovely community, here in New Orleans, needs this festival,” visitor Garey Rosen said as he and a buddy snapped a selfie while “Jesus on the Main Line” blared from the festival’s Gospel tent. It was his seventh Jazz Fest for Rosen, who said he’s from New Jersey.
“Everybody here relies on this festival. And it is the best festival in the world,” Rosen said.
Lionel Richie and Death Cab for Cutie are among Friday’s draws at the festival that sprinkles numerous big-name entertainers throughout its run. The Who headlines Saturday; the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sunday. But the festival may be best known for showcasing a dizzying array of Louisiana musical talent, styles and genres — jazz, blues, Cajun, Zydeco and more.
Organizers pulled off the April 2006 show eight months after levees failed and the city flooded during Hurricane Katrina, and as debris and water-damaged houses still marred the landscape. Longtime festival producer Quint Davis recounts two strong emotional memories from that festival: Bruce Springsteen bringing the local crowd to tears singing “My City of Ruins” to close the first weekend, and the joy at having crowds line up at the gates on opening day.
“It was just incredible energy, like a pilgrimage,” Davis recalled Tuesday.
2020 marked the first time the festival had been canceled in its 50-year history, owing to COVID-19. “It was like a sword through the heart,” Davis said, adding that the comeback has been more difficult in some ways than the post-Katrina festival because the pandemic has led to changes in vendors, higher costs and complications in rounding up equipment after a three-year lull.
The 2020 cancellation, plus cancellations of planned returns in spring and fall of 2021, were emotionally devastating for festival organizers and fans, said Davis. And they brought recurring economic shocks for the bars, restaurants and music venues that count on an influx of Jazz Fest visitors.
“It’s our biggest two weekends of the year,” said James Gonzci, a co-owner of Liuzza’s by the Track, recalling the disappointment. The neighborhood bar and restaurant draws overflow crowds after each day of the festival.
Robert Mercurio can assess the comeback from two perspectives. As the bassist for the funk band Galactic, he credits the fest with helping the band build international renown after a 1996 performance. As part owner of the historic Tipitina’s music club, he appreciates the business that Jazz Fest brings to live music venues as they regain their footing after pandemic shutdowns.
“I think that people who haven’t been to New Orleans for a long time are looking forward to coming to Tipitina’s to have that real New Orleans experience after the fest,” Mercurio said Thursday.
Jazz Fest returns as COVID-19 cases are at a lower point than they’ve been in months and two-thirds of the U.S. population is vaccinated. Mask mandates, public gathering limits and proof-of-vaccine requirements have been lifted in New Orleans. Hospitalizations remain low in Louisiana after reaching dangerous peaks in 2020 and 2021.
Jazz Fest hotel occupancy rates have not rebounded to the 2019 levels yet. Kelly Schulz of the tourism association New Orleans & Co., said downtown and French Quarter hotels so far project occupancy to be about 80%. It was around 90% three years ago.
But Schulz points to several signs of recovery, among them this year’s return of the Mardi Gras season’s parades and parties, the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament, a recent pro golf tournament, NBA playoff games and two major conventions.
Jazz Fest, she said, has an estimated $400 million impact on the local economy, akin to when the city hosts the Super Bowl.
“What we’re seeing is the best period of time as an industry since the beginning of the pandemic,” Schulz said.
“Comparing it to 2006 is meaningful,” Schulz said of Jazz Fest’s return. “Because I think that’s how people feel about it, in terms of the return and what it means and how much people have waited for this day — especially because people thought we were going to have it last year and it was canceled again.”
Mercurio, too, says the return of Jazz Fest is reminiscent of 2006 after Katrina. “It feels like an awakening after a really dark time,” he said. “Finally coming to a light at the end of the tunnel that we’ve all been looking for so long.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/04/29/echoes-of-2006-jazz-fest-returns-to-new-orleans-for-2022-2/ | 2022-04-29T20:56:48Z | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/04/29/echoes-of-2006-jazz-fest-returns-to-new-orleans-for-2022-2/ | false |
By JONATHAN DREW
Associated Press
A 22-year-old former U.S. Marine was killed alongside Ukrainian forces in the war with Russia, his relatives told news outlets in what’s the first known death of an American citizen fighting in Ukraine.
Willy Joseph Cancel was killed Monday while working for a military contracting company that sent him to Ukraine, his mother, Rebecca Cabrera, told CNN. Cancel had recently worked as a corrections officer in Tennessee and had previously served in the Marines from 2017-21, joining the service the same year he graduated from high school.
Cabrera said her son had signed up to work with the private military contractor shortly before fighting began in Ukraine on Feb. 24. She told CNN he agreed to go to Ukraine.
“He wanted to go over because he believed in what Ukraine was fighting for, and he wanted to be a part of it to contain it there so it didn’t come here, and that maybe our American soldiers wouldn’t have to be involved in it,” she said.
Cabrera said her son’s body has not been found.
“They haven’t found his body,” she said. “They are trying, the men that were with him, but it was either grab his body or get killed, but we would love for him to come back to us.”
She said her son flew to Poland on March 12 and entered Ukraine shortly after. She said he was fighting alongside men from a number of countries.
Cancel had also served as a volunteer firefighter in New York and leaves behind a 7-month-old son, according to an online fundraising page set up by a man identifying himself as his father. His wife received the call informing her of his death on Tuesday, the page said. The father wrote that Cancel made the decision in early March to go to Ukraine because he wanted to defend innocent people.
Cancel graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in New York in 2017, the school district said.
Cancel worked at a private prison in Tennessee from May 2021 until January, said Matthew Davio, a spokesman for the private prison company CoreCivic. The Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, a medium security facility, is about an hour northeast of Nashville.
“As a correctional officer, Mr. Cancel served his state and his community by helping maintain a safe, secure environment where inmates can participate in life-changing reentry programs. We are grateful for his service and saddened by his loss,” Davio said in a statement.
While in the Marines, Cancel served as a rifleman and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He was given a bad conduct discharge after he was convicted of violating a lawful general order, Marine Corps spokesperson Maj. Jim Stenger said.
He had no war zone deployments, Stenger said. No other details on the bad conduct conviction were provided.
The U.S. has not confirmed the reports of Cancel’s death. On Friday, the State Department said it was aware of the reports and is “closely monitoring the situation” but could not comment further “due to privacy considerations.”
“We once again reiterate U.S. citizens should not travel to Ukraine due to the active armed conflict and the singling out of U.S. citizens in Ukraine by Russian government security officials, and that U.S. citizens in Ukraine should depart immediately if it is safe to do so using any commercial or other privately available ground transportation options,” the State Department said.
Cancel’s widow, Brittany Cancel, told Fox News he leaves behind a young son and that she sees her husband as a hero.
“My husband did die in Ukraine,” Brittany Cancel said. “He went there wanting to help people, he had always felt that that was his main mission in life.”
She said her husband volunteered to go to Ukraine but also had aspirations of becoming a police officer or firefighter.
“He had dreams and aspirations of being a police officer or joining FDNY,” she told Fox. “Naturally when he found out about what was happening in Ukraine, he was eager to volunteer.”
Tens of thousands of Ukrainians are believed to have been killed in the war. Other noncombatants from the U.S. have been killed, including a documentary filmmaker who was slain when his vehicle came under fire at a checkpoint and a man killed while he was waiting in a bread line.
___
Drew reported form Durham, North Carolina. Contributing were AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee in Washington and Associated Press writers Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia; Allen G. Breed in Hubert, North Carolina; Kristin Hall in Murray, Kentucky; Karen Matthews in New York; and Dylan Lovan in Louisville, Kentucky.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/04/29/relatives-say-former-us-marine-killed-fighting-in-ukraine-3/ | 2022-04-29T20:59:29Z | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/04/29/relatives-say-former-us-marine-killed-fighting-in-ukraine-3/ | false |
By MSTYSLAV CHERNOV and YURAS KARMANAU
Associated Press
KHARKIV, Ukraine (AP) — Viktor appeared nervous as masked Ukrainian security officers in full riot gear, camouflage and weapons pushed into his cluttered apartment in the northern city of Kharkiv. His hands trembled and he tried to cover his face.
The middle-aged man came to the attention of Ukraine’s Security Service, the SBU, after what authorities said were his social media posts praising Russian President Vladimir Putin for “fighting with the Nazis,” calling for regions to secede and labeling the national flag “a symbol of death.”
“Yes, I supported (the Russian invasion of Ukraine) a lot. I’m sorry. … I have already changed my mind,” said Viktor, his trembling voice showing clear signs of duress in the presence of the Ukrainian security officers.
“Get your things and get dressed,” an officer said before escorting him out of the apartment. The SBU did not reveal Viktor’s last name, citing their investigation.
Viktor was one of nearly 400 people in the Kharkiv region alone who have been detained under anti-collaboration laws enacted quickly by Ukraine’s parliament and signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion.
Offenders face up to 15 years in prison for collaborating with Russian forces, making public denials about Russian aggression or supporting Moscow. Anyone whose actions result in deaths could face life in prison.
“Accountability for collaboration is inevitable, and whether it will happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow is another question,” Zelenskyy said. “The most important thing is that justice will be served inevitably.”
Although the Zelenskyy government has broad support, even among many Russian speakers, not all Ukrainians oppose the invasion. Support for Moscow is more common among some Russian-speaking residents of the Donbas, an industrial region in the east. An eight-year conflict there between Moscow-backed separatists and Ukrainian government forces had killed over 14,000 people even before this year’s invasion.
Some businessmen, civic and state officials and members of the military are among those who have gone over to the Russian side, and Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigations said more than 200 criminal cases on collaboration have been opened. Zelenskyy has even stripped two SBU generals of their rank, accusing them of treason.
A “registry of collaborators” is being compiled and will be released to the public, said Oleksiy Danilov, head of Ukraine’s Security Council. He refused to say how many people have been targeted nationwide.
With martial law in place, authorities have banned 11 pro-Russian political parties, including the largest one that had 25 seats in the 450-member parliament – the Opposition Platform For Life, which was founded by Viktor Medvedchuk, a jailed oligarch with close ties to Putin.
Authorities say pro-Russian activists in southeastern Ukraine, the site of active fighting, are helping the invaders by acting as spotters to direct shelling.
“One of our key goals is to have no one stab our armed forces in the back,” said Roman Dudin, head of the Kharkiv branch of the SBU in an interview with The Associated Press. He spoke in a dark basement where the SBU had to move its operations after its building in central Kharkiv was shelled.
The Kharkiv branch has been detaining people who support the invasion, call for secession and claim that Ukrainian forces are shelling their own cities.
Allegations of collaborating with the enemy carry strong historic resonance in Ukraine. During World War II, some in the region welcomed and even cooperated with invading forces from Nazi Germany after years of Stalinist repression that included the “Holodomor” – a man-made famine believed to have killed more than 3 million Ukrainians. For years afterward, Soviet authorities cited the cooperation of some Ukrainian nationalists with the Nazis as a reason to demonize today’s democratically elected leaders of Ukraine.
Human rights advocates know of “dozens” of detentions of pro-Russian activists in Kyiv alone since the new laws were passed, but how many have been targeted nationwide is unclear, said Volodymyr Yavorskyy, coordinator at the Center for Civil Liberties, one of Ukraine’s largest human rights groups.
“There is no complete data on the (entire) country, since it is all classified by the SBU,” Yavorskyy told AP.
“Ukrainian authorities are actively using the practice of Western countries, in particular the U.K., which imposed harsh restrictions on civic liberties in warring Northern Ireland. Some of those restrictions were deemed unjustified by human rights advocates, but others were justified, when people’s lives were in danger,” he said.
A person in Ukraine can be detained for up to 30 days without a court order, he said, and antiterrorism legislation under martial law allows authorities not to tell defense attorneys about their clients being remanded.
“In effect, these people disappear, and for 30 days there’s no access to them,” Yavorskyy said. “In reality, (law enforcement) has powers to take anyone.”
The Ukrainian government knows the implications of detaining people over their opinions, including that it risks playing into Moscow’s line that Kyiv is repressing Russian speakers.
But in wartime, officials say, freedom of speech is only part of the equation.
“The debate about the balance of national security and ensuring freedom of speech is endless,” Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told AP.
In the town of Bucha, which has become a symbol of horrific violence in the war, Mayor Anatoly Fedoruk said there were collaborators who gave invading troops the names and addresses of pro-Ukrainian activists and officials in the city outside Kyiv, with hundreds of civilians shot to death with their hands tied behind their backs or their bodies burned by Russian forces.
“I saw these execution lists, dictated by the traitors -– the Russians knew in advance who they’re going to, at what address, and who lives there,” said Fedoruk, who found his own name on one of the list. “Of course, Ukrainian authorities will search for and punish these people.”
In the besieged port city of Mariupol, officials accused collaborators of helping the Russian military cut off electricity, running water, gas and communications in much of the city in a matter of days.
“Now I understand perfectly why the Russians were carrying out such precise, coordinated strikes on objects of critical infrastructure, knew about all locations and even times when Ukrainian buses evacuating refugees were supposed to depart,” said Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko.
Political analysts say the invasion and the brutality of the Russian troops against civilians have turned off many Russian sympathizers. Still, many Moscow supporters remain.
“Russian propaganda took deep roots and many residents of the east who watch Russian TV channels believe absurd claims that it’s Ukrainians who are shelling them and other myths,” Volodymyr Fesenko of the Penta Center think tank told AP. “Naturally, Ukrainian authorities in the southeast are afraid of getting stabbed in the back and are forced to tighten security measures.”
Unlike Viktor, whose Kharkiv apartment was raided, 86-year-old Volodymir Radnenko didn’t seem surprised when Ukrainian security arrived at his flat Saturday to search it after detaining his son, Ihor. The military said the son was suspected of helping the Russians in shelling of the city — some of which occurred in Radnenko’s neighborhood about 15 minutes before the officers showed up, and the smell of smoke lingered in the area. At least two people were killed and 19 others wounded in the region.
“He is used to thinking that Russia is all there is,” Radnenko told AP after the officers left. “I ask him: ’So who is shelling us? It’s not our (people), it’s your fascists.’ And he only gets angry at that.”
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Karmanau reported from Lviv, Ukraine. Vasilisa Stepanenko in Kharkiv contributed.
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Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/04/29/ukraine-cracks-down-on-traitors-helping-russian-troops-3/ | 2022-04-29T21:00:23Z | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/04/29/ukraine-cracks-down-on-traitors-helping-russian-troops-3/ | false |
Zion Williamson says he'd sign Pelicans' extension
Zion Williamson said he wouldn't hesitate to sign an extension with the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason.
"Of course," the forward said Friday, per ESPN. "I couldn't sign it fast enough."
Williamson, 21, who missed the entire 2021-22 season with a broken right foot, addressed the media for the first time since September.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Williamson is eligible to sign a five-year, $181 million max rookie extension this summer.
Williamson, an All-Star in 2020-21, has played in just 85 career games, averaging 25.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
--Field Level Media
Advertisement | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-10768729/Zion-Williamson-says-hed-sign-Pelicans-extension.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-04-29T21:02:45Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-10768729/Zion-Williamson-says-hed-sign-Pelicans-extension.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | false |
Price stability precondition for strong, sustainable growth: RBI
Mumbai: Price stability is a necessary precondition for strong and sustainable growth, an RBI report said on Thursday while stressing a series of structural reforms to nurture a durable recovery post-COVID.
"A feasible range for medium-term steady-state GDP growth in India works out to 6.5 - 8.5 per cent, consistent with the blueprint of reforms," said the Report on Currency and Finance (RCF) for 2021-22.
The theme of the report is "Revive and Reconstruct" in the context of nurturing a durable recovery post-COVID and raising growth in the medium term.
The Reserve Bank, however, added that the report reflects the views of the contributors and not of the central bank.
"Timely rebalancing of monetary and fiscal policies will likely be the first step in this journey...Price stability is a necessary precondition for strong and sustainable growth," it said.
Reducing general government debt to below 66 per cent of GDP over the next five years is important to secure India's medium-term growth prospects, according to the report prepared by officials of the RBI's Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR).
The structural reforms suggested by the report include enhancing access to litigation free low-cost land; raising the quality of labour through public expenditure on education and health and the Skill India Mission; and scaling up R&D activities with an emphasis on innovation and technology.
It has also made a case for creating an enabling environment for startups and unicorns; rationalisation of subsidies that promote inefficiencies; and encouraging urban agglomerations by improving the housing and physical infrastructure.
The authors said industrial revolution 4.0 and committed transition to a net-zero emission target warrant a policy ecosystem that facilitates the provision of adequate access to risk capital and a globally competitive environment for doing business.
"India's ongoing and future free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations may focus on the transfer of technology and better trade terms for high-quality imports from partner countries to improve the outlook for exports and domestic manufacturing," they said. The report further said a comprehensive plan is necessary to revive the rural economy. | http://www.millenniumpost.in/business/price-stability-precondition-for-strong-sustainable-growth-rbi-476100 | 2022-04-29T21:03:06Z | http://www.millenniumpost.in/business/price-stability-precondition-for-strong-sustainable-growth-rbi-476100 | false |
A step that would trigger language phonocide
Imposing Hindi would be catastrophic; instead, India would be better off having a multi-linguistic accommodative policy
The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, recently urged the use of Hindi as the lingua franca, rather than English, in inter-State communication. He suggested (reportedly at the Parliamentary Official Language Committee) that when citizens of States who speak other languages communicate with each other, it should be in the “language of India”. It is quite natural that a leader of a political stream that raised the slogan, ‘Hindi, Hindu, Hindustan’ would air such a quixotic idea. It was V.D. Savarkar, the Hindutva icon, who first advocated the idea of Hindi to be declared the national language and articulated the slogan, ‘Hindi, Hindu, Hindustan’. R.V. Dhulekar, a member of the Constituent Assembly, bluntly stated in the Assembly, “You may belong – to another nation but I belong to Indian nation, the Hindi Nation, the Hindu Nation, the Hindustani Nation.”
India has a harmonious symphony of linguistic pluralism; it is not a disarranged cacophony. Ganesh N. Devy, in ‘Indigenous languages’, a UNESCO lecture in October 2008, and also in a media article, “Tribal languages in a death trap” in August 2011, has mentioned how Sir George Grierson’s Linguistic Survey of India (1903-1923) had identified 179 languages and 544 dialects in India. The 1961 Census reports mentioned a total of 1,652 ‘mother tongues’, out of which 184 ‘mother tongues’ had more than 10,000 speakers, and of which 400 ‘mother tongues’ had not been mentioned in Grierson’s survey, while 527 were listed as ‘unclassified’. In 1971, the linguistic data offered in the Census was distributed in two categories — the officially listed languages of the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and the other languages with a minimum of 10,000 speakers each. All other languages spoken by less than 10,000 speakers were lumped together in a single entry ‘Others’. That practice continued to be followed in subsequent enumerations. This practice made many languages invisible, says Prof. Devy.
Also read: Explained | The anti-Hindi imposition movements in India
Exposing a myth
The so-called ‘National Grandiosity’ of Hindi is a dubious fallacy unsupported by facts. Prof. Devy had exposed the myth of Hindi as a pan-Indian language. In an article in The Hindu on June 7, 2019, “Language, the opening move”, he wrote: “The 2011 Census data on languages, published last year, was heavily doctored. It presents Hindi as the ‘mother tongue’ of over 52 crore people by subsuming more than 5 crore claimants of Bhojpuri and more than 9 crore speakers of nearly 61 other languages — claimed as ‘other’ by their speech communities — from Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. ‘The Hindi’ is probably spoken by not more than 30% of the population, but it is not the mother tongue for the remaining 70%.”
Hindi is not a lingua franca for Indians; nor is it a dominant language. It is only a primus inter pares among numerous Indian languages.
In the neighbourhood
The imposition of one language in neglect of the others in a multilingual state is disastrous. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are textbook examples of how stubbornness over language ruined nations. After Partition and Pakistan was formed, Pakistan became a multi-ethnic and multi-linguistic state. In 1948, the Government of Pakistan ordained the Islamisation of East Pakistan, with Urdu as the sole national language. “There can only be one state language if the component parts of this state are to march forward in unison, and in my opinion, that can only be Urdu,” asserted Jinnah. This arrogance of the West Pakistan elite ignited the violent Bengali language movement or Bhasha Andolan in East Pakistan, advocating the recognition of the Bengali language as an official language of the then Dominion of Pakistan in order to allow its use in government transactions, in education, in media, in currency and to maintain its writing in the Bengali script. The Language Movement catalysed Bengali nationalism and the eventual separation of East Pakistan from Pakistan.
The Sinhala Only Act (the Official Language Act) of 1956 was a high point in Sri Lanka’s history. It triggered intense enmity and distrust between the Sinhalis and the Tamils. The Act replaced English with Sinhala as the sole official language of the nation with the exclusion of Tamil. Sinhalese was the language of Sinhalese people who formed 70% of the population. Tamil was spoken by Indian and Sri Lankan Tamils (and most Muslims) who together constituted around 29% of the country’s population. The Act was discriminatory and alienated the Tamil community from the mainstream. The Act also symbolised the Sinhalese majority’s zeal to assert Sri Lanka’s identity as a Sinhala nation state; for Tamils, it epitomised minority oppression and a justification for the demand for a separate Tamil nation. This friction sparked the decades-long civil war and ruined the nation.
A place for diversity
In contrast, the nations that accommodated linguistic diversity prospered. Singapore has a multi-ethnic population (Chinese, Malay and Indian). In its formative years, there was immense pressure to declare Chinese as the official language of Singapore. But Lee Kuan Yew, the architect of modern Singapore, quelled the demand and opted for English. English language proficiency made the city state a global business hub. In an article in The Straits Times (2004) he had said, “When we became independent in 1965, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce committee came to see me in my office, then at City Hall. They urged me to have Chinese as our national and official language. I looked them in the eye and said, ‘You must be mad, and I don’t want to hear any more of that from you. If you do, you are entering the political arena. I have to fight you. Because, Singapore will come apart.’ Supposing I had been otherwise inclined, which my colleagues would not have allowed, and had said, ‘Yes, okay.’ What would have happened to Singapore? Where would the Malays be, and the Indians, what future would they have? The English-educated Chinese would also be against us. The country would fall apart. Let us assume that we were all Chinese, no Malays, no Indians. Could we make a living with Chinese as our language of government and our national language? Who is going to trade with us? What do we do? How do we get access to knowledge? There was no choice.”
In South Africa, the national anthem of this Rainbow Nation, since 1997, is a five-language lyrical composition, making it the most unique anthem in the world in this regard. The languages are Xhosa, Zulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans and English. South Africa is an emerging leader of the African continent and its accommodative linguistic policy helped them a lot.
India should emulate the multi-linguistic accommodative policy of Singapore and South Africa; not the disastrous linguistic chauvinism of Pakistan or Sri Lanka. Imposing Hindi, which is the first language of the residents of only 12 of the 35 States and Union Territories (in the 2011 Language Census of India, and where Andhra Pradesh and Telangana figure together in the 2011 data) as a lingua franca would initiate the phonocide of other Indian languages. And it would prove to be catastrophic.
Faisal C.K. is Under Secretary (Law) to the Government of Kerala
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SPRINGFIELD — As overdose deaths continue to rise nationwide, Illinois lawmakers this month took aim at the drug contributing to many accidental overdoses.
On the last day of its spring session, the Illinois General Assembly passed, with no opposition, a bill that will allow pharmacists and physicians to dispense fentanyl and other drug testing supplies. Some local pharmacists say it could be instrumental in preventing overdose deaths and fighting the fentanyl crisis in Illinois.
“There really isn’t a reason why we shouldn't also have this ability to have testing equipment available for patients,” said Lauren Young, the operations manager for Dale's Southlake Pharmacy in Decatur and the other Colee family pharmacies in Decatur and Forsyth.
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If House Bill 4556 is signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, pharmacists will be able to provide, for some patients, tests that determine if certain drugs have been laced with fentanyl.
These tests are helpful, Young said, because many people who suffer from fentanyl-related overdoses or deaths never intended to take fentanyl in the first place.
Allowing individuals to test drugs for the presence of fentanyl before they take them means more people will have the chance to avoid accidental and unknowing fentanyl overdoses, she said.
“This is not just a gateway drug or anything like that,” Young said. “A lot of times the people that are impacted by this are someone who has been dealing with pain issues for a long time, and they have just exhausted all of their avenues, and so they end up turning to a different supplier.”
Health care providers know illicit drugs are being manufactured, sold and consumed, Young said. They still want their patients to be aware of what they’re consuming and to be able to prevent death when possible.
“As pharmacists and part of the health care team, we know that they're fighting that addiction every single day,” said Erica Colee, Young’s sister and one of the pharmacists at the Colee family pharmacies. “So it’s not that we want them to be able to have access to (illicit drugs), but I want them to at least not be blindsided with what they have.”
Colee's Community Pharmacy is located inside Crossing Healthcare, which operates an addiction treatment facility. Both Young and Colee said they see the devastation of opioid addiction on their patients and in their community.
“It doesn't matter what anyone's background is. It affects everyone,” Colee said. “It could be your brother, your grandma, your aunt, your uncle. It’s a quiet addiction.”
Amid the ongoing opioid epidemic, concerns about fentanyl have grown in recent years.
In its pharmaceutical form, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid reserved for treating severe pain, usually for patients who’ve suffered from serious trauma like car accidents or gun violence, said Cindi Reed, pharmacist and owner of Oakwood Apothecary in Sullivan and Dick’s Pharmacy in Arthur.
It’s often prescribed in the form of a transdermal patch, but those prescriptions aren’t very common, she said. Between her two pharmacies, she distributes only about 30 fentanyl patches a month for three patients.
Reed said fentanyl is rarely used because it’s so potent and because health care providers are wary of the ways it can be abused.
According to the CDC, most recent fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths in the United States are linked to fentanyl made and sold illegally and mixed with other drugs, with or without the user’s knowledge.
Fentanyl in any form is extremely powerful, about 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
“Fentanyl is so concentrated. It's incredibly potent. Most of the opiates that we normally talk about, the hydrocodones, the oxycodones, you're talking in milligrams,” Reed said. “Fentanyl is dosed in micrograms.”
But illicit drug manufacturers don’t carefully measure doses like pharmacists do. Just 2 milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal depending on a person’s size or other factors.
Opioids, many linked to fentanyl, are the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States.
Recent data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics showed the United States topped 100,000 overdose deaths in the 12-month period from April 2020 to April 2021, a 28.5% increase from the year before.
Young said the pandemic worsened already existing mental health and addiction problems for many people.
“I think with everything that's happened, people are just trying to get to a better place,” she said. “And I think with the pandemic, that made it hard for people to hide some of those habits they were having, whether it was addiction issues or something else.”
Colee said HB4556 is a first step toward empowering health care professionals to fight against the rise in overdoses.
How to fight back against increasing numbers of fentanyl overdoses across the state was a recurring debate for legislators in the last few weeks of session.
State Sen. Sally Turner, R-Beason, said she voted for HB4556 because access to drug testing supplies could help not just individuals struggling with addiction, but health care and emergency workers, too.
Turner would have liked for the bill to include a stipulation requiring health care providers to dispense information about addiction and treatment along with the testing strips. Spreading awareness about the dangers of fentanyl should be a priority, she said.
“It's like a loaded gun,” Turner said of the drug. “It’s a death sentence.”
Turner opposed another bill meant to address the fentanyl crisis, House Bill 0017, which would have granted immunity from prosecution for possession of small amounts of fentanyl to people seeking medical treatment for an overdose.
She and many of her Republican colleagues in the Senate took issue with specific language in the bill referring to “3 grams of a substance containing fentanyl.”
While Democrats argued that language was necessary because small amounts of fentanyl are often used to lace larger amounts of other drugs, Republicans said it was easy to misinterpret, and likely to be confusing in the courts.
During Senate debate on HB0017, Turner and another senator, Patricia Van Pelt, D-Chicago, grew emotional discussing loved ones lost to accidental fentanyl overdoses.
“We had a son die of fentanyl, and he had no idea that fentanyl was laced in what he had,” Turner said on the Senate floor. “So, what I’m saying today is that fentanyl doesn’t even compare with any of these (other) drugs.”
HB0017 was pulled from the record before the Senate could issue a final vote, an attempt by its sponsor to find a way to pass the bill in the future.
Turner said lawmakers need to be careful when crafting bills addressing fentanyl because of how dangerous even a small amount of the substance could be.
“Any drug dealer that’s adding fentanyl into their drugs, they're trying to get those people more addicted. But they aren't chemists, so they don’t even know what the difference is if you put 1 gram, a half a gram, whatever,” Turner said. “They're killing people. That's the way I look at it. I have no sympathy about fentanyl whatsoever.”
HB4556 was sent to the governor’s desk April 20, and with no opposition in the General Assembly, it’s likely to be signed into law soon.
While the bill won’t solve the fentanyl overdose crisis, it will likely help ease the pain, Reed said.
“If it saves a single life, it's totally worth it.” | https://herald-review.com/news/local/public_safety/watch-now-bill-awaiting-pritzkers-signature-could-help-fight-fentanyl-crisis-local-pharmacists-say/article_bc8852c2-c745-11ec-80cf-5b896521649e.html | 2022-04-29T21:03:54Z | https://herald-review.com/news/local/public_safety/watch-now-bill-awaiting-pritzkers-signature-could-help-fight-fentanyl-crisis-local-pharmacists-say/article_bc8852c2-c745-11ec-80cf-5b896521649e.html | false |
AUSTIN, Texas — On Friday, Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Speaker Dade Phelan, Senate Finance Committee Chair Joan Huffman, and House Appropriations Committee Chair Dr. Greg Bonnen approved the transfer of $495.3 million to continue Operation Lone Star and other operations at other state agencies.
The funds will go toward the deployment of the Texas National Guard as well as addressing border security needs. Future funding will also be evaluated, the governor's office said in a press release.
"Texas will not sit on the sidelines as President Biden continues turning a blind eye to the crisis at our southern border," said Gov. Abbott. "Texans’ safety and security is our top priority, and we will continue fighting to keep our communities safe. This additional funding ensures the Lone Star State is fully equipped to provide Texans the border security strategy they demand and deserve."
Gov. Abbott's office added that the governor has taken the following actions at the border:
- Securing $4 billion in funding for Texas' border security efforts
- Launching Operation Lone Star and deploying thousands of National Guard soldiers and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers
- Arresting and jailing illegal migrants trespassing or committing other state crimes in Texas
- Allocating resources that include acquiring 1,700 unused steel panels to build the border wall in Texas
- Signing a law to make it easier to prosecute smugglers bringing people into Texas
- Signing 15 laws cracking down on human trafficking in Texas
- Signing a law enhancing penalties for the manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl
- Issuing a disaster declaration for the border crisis
- Issuing an executive order preventing non-governmental entities from transporting illegal immigrants
- Taking legal action to enforce the Remain in Mexico policy
- Taking aggressive action to secure the border as President Biden ends Title 42 expulsions, including busing migrants to Washington, D.C.
- Signing memoranda of understanding between the State of Texas and the States of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas to enhance border security measures that will prevent illegal immigration from Mexico to Texas
Texas politicians and law enforcement have expressed different conclusions regarding the efficacy of the governor's program. Now more than a year into Operation Lone Star, authorities are still dealing with a high number of migrants at the border.
RELATED OPERATION LONE STAR HEADLINES:
- Texas politicians, law enforcement leaders have different conclusions on efficiency of Gov. Abbott’s border crackdown
- Gov. Abbott discusses border security efforts at meeting with Texas Border Sheriffs Coalition
- Texas This Week: 'We're essentially mall security,' James Barragán discusses conditions for service members in Operation Lone Star
- Gov. Greg Abbott replaces Texas military leader who has overseen heavily criticized border mission
- Future of Operation Lone Star remains uncertain | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/texas/more-funding-approved-for-texas-operation-lone-star/269-f6953781-d9d7-4305-a1d9-c8ca9504c670 | 2022-04-29T21:07:05Z | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/texas/more-funding-approved-for-texas-operation-lone-star/269-f6953781-d9d7-4305-a1d9-c8ca9504c670 | false |
Bassitt throws 6 shutout innings, Mets blank Cards 3-0
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Chris Bassitt pitched six strong innings, and the New York Mets beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 Tuesday night for its franchise-best sixth straight series win in a chippy game. Bassitt (3-1) struck out six batters and allowed two hits and two walks. Drew Smith...
www.semoball.com | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2584563490262/bassitt-throws-6-shutout-innings-mets-blank-cards-3-0 | 2022-04-29T21:11:21Z | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2584563490262/bassitt-throws-6-shutout-innings-mets-blank-cards-3-0 | false |
I like writing – whether it will last on a physical page, if people look beyond its contents – and so am quite happy sharing links or reading comments here in Worddile Blipfolio and on FaceSpace… where comments here can get missed (as Wordflare is less public) you might have a slightly broader reach posting in F-space. So just go there when the words (like many more to share over these days in the UK; you guys get a long one), 30 years ago Friday, the police officers who beat Rodney King were found not guilty — and people took to the streets in Los Angeles to protest. Here's how the Los Angeles Riots are still relevant.
Copyright 2022 NPR
30 years ago Friday, the police officers who beat Rodney King were found not guilty — and people took to the streets in Los Angeles to protest. Here's how the Los Angeles Riots are still relevant.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.mainepublic.org/2022-04-29/the-los-angeles-riots-still-resonate-after-30-years | 2022-04-29T21:13:37Z | https://www.mainepublic.org/2022-04-29/the-los-angeles-riots-still-resonate-after-30-years | false |
The number of secret search and eavesdropping orders approved by the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court dropped by more than half in the last two years, according to data released Friday by government officials who attributed the drop to the pandemic keeping even spies and terrorism suspects at home.
While 2019 was also the year that Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz issued a report that strongly criticized how the FBI handled FISA warrant applications targeting a former Trump campaign adviser, intelligence officials did not attribute the steep decline to any change in policy. Rather, they pointed to changes in the behavior of espionage and terrorism suspects.
Separately, officials reported a major increase in the number of searches of data related to people or companies in the United States. That program, referred to by the part of federal law that created it, Section 702, authorizes queries of broad pools of data gathered for foreign intelligence purposes. While the program is designed to target people outside the United States, the queries also end up pulling in data about Americans.
From December 2019 to November 2020, the estimated number of queries likely to involve information about Americans was reported as “fewer than” 1,324,057. The following year, that figure more than doubled to 3,394,054.
A senior FBI official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss details of intelligence-gathering, said the increase was largely the product of a single suspected Russian hacking case. That case, relating to attempts to compromise critical U.S. infrastructure, accounted for approximately 1.9 million queries, the official said.
Such query counts are a new feature in the public reporting by U.S. intelligence agencies of what information they gather about Americans. The workings of the FISA court and the surveillance it approves are some of the most closely kept secrets in the government. Past abuses and revelations about how the government collected and searched such data has led Congress to gradually require more public disclosures about how the government secretly gathers information about its citizens and legal residents.
Authorities said Friday that the pandemic has accelerated and deepened a longer-term trend in the decrease in probable cause FISA orders for surveillance and searches, which began before 2019.
“If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that people can work from home. And we have seen that in the national security space as well,” said Ben Huebner, chief of the ODNI’s Office of Civil Liberties, Privacy, and Transparency.
“Instead of coming to the United States, foreign intelligence targets have continued their activities but operating from outside the United States,” Huebner said. “That is one of the reasons that while the number of probable cause FISAs has declined over time, the number of Section 702 targets — targets who must be outside the United States — continues to increase.”
Overall, Huebner said, “it is fair to attribute some of the decline to the changing nature of the threat from certain international terrorism groups during the time period, changes in the way international terrorism subjects communicate, and the Intelligence Community’s ability to collect those communications. Accordingly, the number of counterterrorism probable cause applications and orders focused on these threats have significantly declined over time.”
The past decade has seen bursts of public debate over the proper role of secret government surveillance — most notably in 2013, when then-National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden shared secret documents showing the breadth and reach of such surveillance.
Another controversy erupted in 2017, when President Donald Trump accused the FBI and other agencies of spying on his campaign. A lengthy inspector general report concluded in 2019 that the FBI’s court applications for surveillance on Carter Page, a former Trump campaign adviser, were rife with significant errors or omissions, and a follow-up review of the FBI’s work more broadly found frequent errors in the how agents documented their FISA work. Around the time of that review, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray announced changes designed to improve the accuracy and management of FISA applications. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/04/29/fisa-surveillance-orders-drop/ | 2022-04-29T21:26:24Z | https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/04/29/fisa-surveillance-orders-drop/ | true |
Iain Thornley and Liam Marshall went over for two each, as part of a strong attacking display from Matty Peet’s side.
Bevan French, Liam Farrell, and Ethan Havard were all on the scoresheet as well, but there will be concern over Jai Field, who left the action at half time.
Wigan took the lead after only three minutes, as Thornley cut through a gap in the Warrington line.
The Wolves quickly pulled level, as Riley Dean created space for himself with a sharp change of direction, before adding the extras himself.
It wasn’t long until Peet’s side were back in front.
Once again space opened up on the right side, with Thornley to diving over for his second, with Wire unable to deal with his physique.
Warrington set about trying to find an instant equaliser, but despite some great play they just couldn’t find the killer pass.
It was Wigan who went over the next try.
Field was once again causing problems with his rapid pace, as he broke through the Wolves line, before providing an assist to Bevan French in the right corner.
Warrington closed the gap between the sides prior to the half an hour mark, as Matty Ashton dove over on the right wing.
Dean was unable to add the extras, leaving the Warriors with a 18-10 lead.
Just before the break, Farrell added another, as he produced some fantastic footwork to create some space to cross the line, following a superb offload by Patrick Mago.
At half time Field was replaced by Sam Halsall, with French moving to fullback.
Within 10 minutes of the restart, Wigan had strengthened their lead, with Marshall going over for a quick-fire double down the left side.
Harry Smith was unable to convert the first but amends with the second.
On the hour mark, Havard added his name to the scoresheet, as he powered through the Warrington defence.
Wire pulled one back with 10 minutes remaining, as Danny Walker found space to go over.
They weren’t done there, as Peter Mata’utia added another consolation to make it 40-22, as the Wolves enjoyed a good finish to what was a game to forget for them.
Warrington Wolves: Josh Thewlis, Josh Charnley, Peter Mata’utia, Toby King, Matty Ashton, Riley Dean, George Williams, Robbie Mulhern, Daryl Clarke, Mike Cooper, Ben Currie, Oliver Holmes, Billy Magoulias.
Interchanges: Joe Philbin, Jason Clark, Joe Bullock, Danny Walker.
Tries: Dean (7’), Ashton (27’), Walker (69’), Mata’utia (74’)
Conversions: Dean (1/2), Mata’utia (1/1), Thewlis (1/1)
Wigan Warriors: Jai Field, Bevan French, Iain Thornley, Jake Bibby, Liam Marshall, Cade Cust, Harry Smith, Brad Singleton, Brad O’Neill, Kaide Ellis, Liam Farrell, John Bateman, Morgan Smithies.
Interchanges: Patrick Mago, Ethan Havard, Liam Byrne, Sam Halsall.
Tries: Thornley (3,’ 13’), French (24’), Farrell (37’), Marshall (45, 48’), Havard (60’)
Conversions: Smith (6/7) | https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby-league/iain-thornley-and-liam-marshall-score-two-each-as-wigan-warriors-produce-a-40-22-victory-over-warrington-wolves-3675890 | 2022-04-29T21:27:44Z | https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby-league/iain-thornley-and-liam-marshall-score-two-each-as-wigan-warriors-produce-a-40-22-victory-over-warrington-wolves-3675890 | true |
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Germany has filed a case against Italy at the United Nations’ top court in a long running dispute over World War II reparations. The International Court of Justice announced the filing late Friday.
In its new case, Germany argues that despite that ruling, “Italian domestic courts, since 2012, have entertained a significant number of new claims against Germany in violation of Germany’s sovereign immunity.”
In the case that it won in 2012, Berlin argued that the Italian supreme court ruling threw into doubt a restitution system put in place after the Nazis’ defeat that has seen Germany pay tens of billions in reparations since the 1950s.
Germany’s new case asks judges at the Hague-based court to declare that “Italy has violated, and continues to violate, its obligation to respect Germany’s sovereign immunity by allowing civil claims to be brought against Germany” linked to Nazi war crimes and by planning to auction off four German-owned properties in Rome.
The case also seeks urgent orders from the court — known as provisional measures — including an order to ensure that the German properties “are not subjected to a public auction” or “further measures of constraint” pending the court’s final judgment in the case, which will likely take years to reach.
No date was immediately set for hearings. Rulings by the International Court of Justice are final and legally binding. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/germany-takes-italy-to-un-court-over-war-reparation-dispute/2022/04/29/ce8cf1d4-c7ff-11ec-8cff-33b059f4c1b7_story.html | 2022-04-29T21:28:20Z | https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/germany-takes-italy-to-un-court-over-war-reparation-dispute/2022/04/29/ce8cf1d4-c7ff-11ec-8cff-33b059f4c1b7_story.html | false |
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A New York judge ordered Friday that the state’s congressional and state Senate primaries be delayed until Aug. 23 to provide enough time to replace district maps that were ruled unconstitutional this week.
State Judge Patrick McAllister moved the primaries back from their original date of June 28. He said the independent expert he tasked with helping him craft new maps, special master Jonathan Cervas, will finish drawing districts by May 20.
New York is set to separately hold gubernatorial and state Assembly primaries in June, unless lawmakers or Gov. Kathy Hochul decide to delay. New York once held congressional and state office primaries on separate dates, but lawmakers in 2019 consolidated them to save money, increase voter turnout and make the process less confusing for the public.
On Wednesday, New York’s highest court rejected new congressional and state senate maps that had widely been seen as favoring Democrats. The majority decision largely agreed with Republican voters who argued the district boundaries were unconstitutionally gerrymandered.
The ruling also dashed Democrats’ national redistricting hopes, which leaned heavily on their ability to gerrymander New York state to maximize the number of seats they could win in the U.S. House of Representatives.
A state board of elections spokesperson said Thursday the state had asked the U.S. Justice Department if a federal court might need to review any change to the date of the primary. The spokesperson said Friday they were still looking into whether a review will be required. | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/ny-to-move-some-primaries-to-august-after-court-tosses-maps/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world | 2022-04-29T21:34:52Z | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/ny-to-move-some-primaries-to-august-after-court-tosses-maps/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world | false |
Chipotle wants to thank healthcare heroes with a year of free food
(CNN) - Free Chipotle for a year?
Yes, please!
Chipotle Mexican Grill is thanking healthcare heroes in a big way. The company is giving 2,000 of them free burritos, bowls or whatever else their Chipotle-loving hearts desire for a year.
That’s more than $1 million in free food!
If you know a hero in healthcare, post on Chipotle’s social media and tag your hero.
Make sure to share a little about what they’ve done for you and how they’ve impacted your life.
You’ve got until May 6, which is National Nurses Day, to do it.
After that, Chipotle will randomly select 2,000 people who’ve been tagged, DM them and then give them free Chipotle for a year.
It’s a tasty way to thank the people who spend their lives taking care of others.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wistv.com/2022/04/28/chipotle-wants-thank-healthcare-heroes-with-year-free-food/ | 2022-04-29T21:35:15Z | https://www.wistv.com/2022/04/28/chipotle-wants-thank-healthcare-heroes-with-year-free-food/ | true |
A Hooksett man was arrested late Thursday after a three-hour standoff with police, and has pleaded not guilty to domestic violence charges.
According to a news release from the Hooksett Police Department, someone called 911 around 8 p.m. Thursday from a home on Hooksett Road, near the Allenstown line. The phone was off the hook, police said, and police said they heard talk that led them to believe someone was being assaulted and threatened, possibly with a gun.
According to a case summary, prosecutors allege a man later identified as John Ramsey, 61, was threatening household members, saying, "I'm going to put a bullet in your head," and took a cell phone from a person who was trying to call police and threw it across the room.
When police got to the home at 1866 Hooksett Road, they said Ramsey stepped outside for a moment but went back in the house and refused to leave.
Hooksett police evacuated residents from their homes in the woodsy subdivision and called for help from the Southern New Hampshire Special Operations Unit, Pembroke police and the Merrimack County Sheriff's Department.
After three hours, police were able to arrest Ramsey around 11:30 p.m. No one was hurt as Ramsey was taken into custody, police said.
Ramsey was been charged with resisting arrest and several charges related to domestic violence.
Ramsey pleaded not guilty in a Hooksett court on Friday. | https://www.unionleader.com/news/crime/hooksett-man-arrested-after-three-hour-standoff/article_b0779469-448a-5c74-a4d6-3a54af351501.html | 2022-04-29T21:38:12Z | https://www.unionleader.com/news/crime/hooksett-man-arrested-after-three-hour-standoff/article_b0779469-448a-5c74-a4d6-3a54af351501.html | false |
Make India semiconductor hub of the world: Narendra Modi
Asserting that the government has put in place a supportive policy environment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged the industry to make India a semiconductor hub of the world based on the principles of high technology, high quality and high reliability.
Bengaluru: Asserting that the government has put in place a supportive policy environment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged the industry to make India a semiconductor hub of the world based on the principles of high technology, high quality and high reliability. In his inaugural address at the Semicon India-2022 conference here, Modi said the country has the appetite for "technology and risk-taking" and emphasised that hard work has been done over the last few years to create an environment that encourages growth. India's own consumption of semiconductors is expected to cost USD 80 billion by 2026 and USD 110 billion by 2030, he noted.
Highlighting that the country has an exceptional semiconductor design talent pool, which makes up for up to 20 per cent of the world's semiconductor design engineers, he said, "It is our collective aim to establish India as one of the key partners in global semiconductor supply chains". "We want to work in this direction based on the principle of high tech, high quality and high reliability," Modi said. The prime minister took a jibe at earlier governments for not working in sync with the industry by mentioning 'Not Gate' and 'And Gate' -- technical terms that are common in the semiconductor industry parlance. "In earlier times, the industries were ready to do their work but the government was like a 'Not Gate'. When any input flows into the 'Not Gate', it gets negated. So, many different compliances and no ease of doing business... but we understand that the government must be like the 'And Gate'.
"While the industry works hard and the government must work harder. I would like to assure you that we will continue to support the industry in future as well," Modi said. Generally, 'Not Gate' refers to doing the opposite of the command received while 'And Gate' implies combining two commands received for generating high output. India is working on ways to boost the semiconductor industry in the country and make indigenous semiconductors. "We have put the urge in your favour as far as possible through a supportive policy environment. We have shown that India means business. "Now it is over to you. I look forward to practical suggestions from all of you about how we can move towards an India that is a hub for semiconductors for the world in coming years," Modi said. The prime minister also said the government is building the digital infrastructure to connect 1.3 billion Indians and the country has one of the largest per capita consumption of data. "We are on our way to connect 6,00,000 villages with broadband.
We are investing in developing capacity in 5G, IoT and clean energy technologies. We are working to unleash the next wave of innovation in data, AI and other technologies. "India is headed for robust economic growth. We have the world's fastest-growing startup ecosystem. New unicorns are coming up every few weeks," Modi said. Further, he noted that the government has abolished more than 25,000 compliances and has given a push towards auto-renewal of licenses. "A new world order is forming and we must see this opportunity. We have worked hard over the last few years to create an environment that encourages growth. India has the appetite for tech and risk-taking," the prime minister said. Speaking at the event, Electronics and Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that electronics manufacturing in India has already reached USD 76 billion and is on the way to USD 300 billion. "The way the smartphone usage and the 5G industry is growing, it's going to see a very high growth for semiconductors in the coming years." The government has received proposals from five companies for setting up the electronic chip and display manufacturing plants with an investment of Rs 1.53 lakh crore. Almost 100 academic institutions and R&D organisations have been roped in to train 5,000 professionals, 30,000 in research and 50,000 at floor level, he said. "This is a very big commitment to augment our talent nation station.
250 semiconductor design companies are working out of India. 24,000 design engineers, who design 2,000 chips every year is what we understand from the industry," Vaishnaw said. Vedanta Foxconn JV, IGSS Ventures and ISMC propose to set up electronic chip manufacturing plants with USD 13.6 billion investment and have sought the support of USD 5.6 billion from the Centre under the Rs 76,000 crore Semicon India Programme. Vedanta and Elest have proposed to set up display manufacturing units -- used in mobile phones and laptops, among others -- with a projected investment of USD 6.7 billion. They have sought the support of USD 2.7 billion from the Centre under the scheme for setting up display fabs in India. Vaishnaw said the government is expected to grant them approvals in the next 6-8 months and then invite proposals for the next round of investments in the semiconductor space. "We have a roadmap for 20 years. This is just the beginning," he said. Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said India is creating demand for semiconductors in the country by growing electronics manufacturing. At present, he said that India's share is 2-3 per cent in global electronics, which the prime minister wants to increase to 7-8 per cent by 2025-26. | https://www.thehansindia.com/karnataka/make-india-semiconductor-hub-of-the-world-narendra-modi-740410 | 2022-04-29T21:40:27Z | https://www.thehansindia.com/karnataka/make-india-semiconductor-hub-of-the-world-narendra-modi-740410 | false |
Michigan was a focal point in Trump's effort to overturn the 2020 election. Zach Gorchow of Gongwer News Service tells NPR's Ailsa Chang that election misinformation still looms large there.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Michigan was a focal point in Trump's effort to overturn the 2020 election. Zach Gorchow of Gongwer News Service tells NPR's Ailsa Chang that election misinformation still looms large there.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.wvasfm.org/politics/2022-04-29/election-denialism-beliefs-animate-some-gop-candidates-in-michigan | 2022-04-29T21:42:59Z | https://www.wvasfm.org/politics/2022-04-29/election-denialism-beliefs-animate-some-gop-candidates-in-michigan | false |
Met PC who went on Nigerian Big Brother gets written warning
- Published
A police officer who appeared on the Nigerian version of Big Brother without permission from her bosses has been given a final written warning.
PC Khafilat Kareem was a serving Metropolitan Police officer when she applied to be on the show in 2019.
A misconduct hearing ruled PC Kareem should be given the written warning after gross misconduct was proven.
She entered the Big Brother house in Lagos in June 2019 and lasted 77 days before being evicted.
The misconduct panel, sitting at the Empress Building in west London, found PC Kareen had breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to "orders and instructions" and "discreditable conduct".
Following the panel's conclusion, Det Ch Supt Andy Day said: "Permission was refused for PC Kareem to appear on the Nigerian version of Big Brother as it was felt it was not in the best interest for either her or the Metropolitan Police Service to take part.
"Despite this refusal, she went on the show anyway.
"A detailed investigation was carried out by the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards which concluded PC Kareem should face gross misconduct proceedings.
"Being a police officer means you must abide by the standards of professional behaviour. PC Kareem's behaviour clearly fell far short and she has been given a final written warning."
PC Kareem had admitted one misconduct allegation of surrendering her work laptop to the producers of Big Brother, but had denied three other misconduct allegations.
In June 2019, she requested unpaid leave to appear on the show.
Although permission for the leave was granted, permission to take part in the show was not.
Earlier this week, the tribunal heard PC Kareem contacted Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist on 30 June hours before she went on the programme to ask him to reverse the decision for her not to go on the programme.
Mr Twist voiced concerns over PC Kareem's welfare, her conduct and the public image of a serving Met Police officer on a reality TV show.
Her superior Ch Supt Jason Gwillim said the following day he became aware PC Kareem had entered the Big Brother house and was uncontactable until September.
He told the hearing his concerns then shifted towards her welfare as the national media began to pick up on the story.
- 13 August 2019 | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-61277417 | 2022-04-29T21:45:15Z | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-61277417 | true |
WHO: Madam Choy Wai Chee, 59, office manager and Covid-19 survivor
MADAM CHOY WAI CHEE: Two years ago, Covid-19 really changed my life. I was on a life-support machine for 29 days and almost lost my life.
I have a curved spine which prevents my lungs from expanding well and I am thus less able to fight the disease.
At one point during my dramatic ordeal, my liver, heart and kidneys malfunctioned and I also needed dialysis.
That was in 2020, when my family and I had just returned from a holiday in Europe, and three of us - my daughter, granddaughter and myself - fell ill with the virus.
My condition worsened rapidly and I was hospitalised for four months at the National University Hospital.
I was discharged at the end of July 2020 and went back to work at the end of August. As I slowly regained my strength, I tried to help take care of my grandchildren.
I have four children and two grandchildren. While my daughter had caught the virus at the same time as I did in 2020, my other children caught the virus this year, even though we were all fully vaccinated.
In February, my second son, 27, came down with the virus and was isolated for eight days. Two weeks later, my youngest son, 21, caught the bug and had to be at home for seven days.
Less than two weeks after that, my eldest son, 31, also got infected. Only my husband did not get the virus. We all live together in the same home.
Fortunately, this recent bout of Covid-19 that my sons experienced was much milder compared with what I went through in 2020.
The effects of my Covid-19 experience two years ago continue to linger to this day. I still have some difficulty breathing. I get tired easily. I have to use a ventilation machine at night to help me breathe.
I try to not rely too much on the machine. My breathing is okay when I take short naps, but I need it at night as breathing becomes harder for me. I used this machine while I was in hospital and will need it for the rest of my life.
My doctors had said they would follow up with me for three years before deciding if they would be able to close my case. I will hit the three-year mark at the end of this year.
During my first year of recovery, I could walk only very slowly. I could not breathe if I over-exerted myself as there was not enough oxygen in my body. My breathing is better now, but there is still some difficulty when I get anxious.
My grandson is 16 months old. If I carry him now, I have to let him down after five minutes.
After my close shave with death when I had Covid-19, I cherish life a lot more. Being able to spend time with family has become more precious to me.
I am really looking forward to a cruise to nowhere in June. We booked it on the very day the easing of restrictions was announced this month. It'll definitely be a good getaway for all of us. I will be taking my ventilator with me on the cruise.
As told to Clara Chong | https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/i-was-on-a-life-support-machine-for-29-days-and-i-almost-lost-my-life-0 | 2022-04-29T21:49:23Z | https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/i-was-on-a-life-support-machine-for-29-days-and-i-almost-lost-my-life-0 | true |
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January 2021, here we go for my 10th year on 365 ! I'm just an amateur, I have no technics, no rules. I know I will never...
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0000050725-22-000052 | https://www.benzinga.com/secfilings/22/04/26893683/griffon-corp-quarterly-report-form10 | 2022-04-29T21:52:22Z | https://www.benzinga.com/secfilings/22/04/26893683/griffon-corp-quarterly-report-form10 | false |
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Thousands of firefighters continued to slow the advance of destructive wildfires in the Southwestern U.S., but officials warned they were bracing for the return Friday of the same dangerous conditions that quickly spread the wind-fueled blazes a week ago.
At least 166 homes have been destroyed in one rural county in northeast New Mexico since the biggest fire currently burning in the U.S. started racing through small towns east and northeast of Santa Fe on April 22, the local sheriff said.
Winds gusting up to 50 mph (80 kph) were forecast Friday in the drought-stricken region. One expert said it’s a recipe for disaster on the wildlands where some timber has a fuel moisture drier than kiln-dried wood.
“It’s a very, very dangerous fire day tomorrow,” fire behavior specialist Stewart Turner said at a briefing Thursday night on the edge of the Santa Fe National Forest in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
“Like we saw last Friday, epic fire behavior,” Turner said. “It’s a day that as a firefighter, we’ll write about, we’ll read studies about. It’s going to be a big fire day.”
A swath of the country stretching from New Mexico and Colorado to Kansas and the Texas panhandle is expected to be hit the hardest by the return of the bad firefighting weather that has generated unusually hot and fast-moving fires for this time of year, forecasters warned.
Red flag warnings for extreme fire danger were in place Friday for nearly all of New Mexico and parts of Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.
The expected high winds will likely ground firefighting aircraft in some areas, officials said.
More than 3,000 firefighters were battling fires in Arizona and New Mexico on Friday — about half of those in northeast New Mexico, where more than 187 square miles (484 square kilometers) of mostly timber and brush has been charred.
They focused Thursday on preventing it from moving into the rural New Mexico community of Ledoux. That meant bolstering fire lines and sending in crews tasked with protecting structures.
“Great progress again today,” incident commander Carl Schwope said Thursday night. But “tomorrow has the potential to be a very destructive day.”
“It will be chaotic if anything close to what happened (last) Friday occurs,” added operations chief Jayson Coil.
Sheriff Chris Lopez, of New Mexico’s Miguel County, confirmed for the first time Thursday night the fire there has destroyed at least 166 homes, 108 outbuildings and three commercial buildings. He joined authorities in neighboring Mora County in pleading with residents to pay close attention Friday to sudden changes in closures and evacuation orders.
“Falling trees, possibly falling power lines, that’s the kind of winds we’re looking at,” Lopez said.
Turner, the fire behavior specialist, said the gusty winds are only part of the problem. He said moisture levels in downed logs and woody debris are “extremely dry” — just 2% in small twigs, pine needles and grasses that “actually carry a forest fire across the landscape.”
Moisture in a small log “the size of a 4-by-4 post you buy at the lumber store … are coming down to 8%,” he said. “Kiln-dry is 12%. So out there, that’s drying to what a kiln would do.”
In northern Arizona, authorities downgraded some some evacuation orders at a fire that has destroyed at least 30 homes near Flagstaff. It’s now estimated to be 43% contained. Another fire 10 miles (16 km) south of the community of Prescott was 23% contained, but officials at both blazes warned of worsening conditions expected Friday.
Elsewhere, one national wildfire management incident team continued to oversee a large prairie fire in Nebraska, where more than 200 firefighters were battling a blaze that has been burning since last week. 44024 acres (68.79 square miles)
About 68 square miles (176 square kilometers) of mostly grasses and farmland have been blackened near Nebraska’s state line with Kansas. Several homes were destroyed and at least one person was killed. That fire was 97% contained Friday.
___
Sonner reported from Reno, Nevada. Associated Press writers Paul Davenport in Phoenix and Margery A. Beck in Omaha, Nebraska, contributed to this report. | https://www.wane.com/news/dry-southwest-braces-for-stiffer-winds-epic-fire-danger/ | 2022-04-29T21:52:45Z | https://www.wane.com/news/dry-southwest-braces-for-stiffer-winds-epic-fire-danger/ | false |
Which 4K gaming monitor is best?
Just a few years ago, high-refresh-rate gaming in 4K was a pipe dream. But hardware has improved to the point where it’s no longer a fantasy. The latest PlayStation and Xbox consoles have made Ultra HD gaming even more convenient, allowing casual and competitive gamers to enjoy high resolutions without a high-end PC.
The best overall 4K gaming monitor is the Gigabyte M32U because of its complete feature set, wide color space, great motion handling and reasonable price.
What to know before you buy a 4K gaming monitor
You need a powerful graphics card or console
If you have anything older than a 2000-series Nvidia RTX GPU, you’ll have a hard time playing recent games at 4K with a reasonable frame rate. If you’re using a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, you can’t take advantage of most premium 4K displays.
While this requirement was once troublesome, it’s reasonable for an everyday gamer to access a new console or graphics processing unit. The availability of better hardware plus several new 4K gaming monitor releases makes this a great time to buy.
Input lag vs. response time
Input lag, or latency, is how much time it takes the display to register and reproduce input from your keyboard, mouse or controller. Response time, on the other hand, is how much time it takes each pixel to change from one color to another. While the names sound similar, they’re not directly related. A low pixel response time, such as a one-millisecond gray-to-gray time, usually results in smooth motion with minimal artifacts and image doubling.
Monitors vs. TVs
TVs used to lag a bit behind monitors, especially with gaming features, but that’s not the case anymore. A PC monitor is your best bet if you’re on a budget. But if you want a large, versatile display, it’s worth considering a full-size TV. The LG C1 OLED TV, for example, is fully equipped for pristine gaming. Alternatively, you can get marginally higher performance from some gaming monitors, but those tend to be even more expensive than 4K TVs of the same size.
What to look for in a quality 4K gaming monitor
HDMI 2.1 connectivity
Unless you can only afford a budget-friendly gaming system, you’ll want HDMI 2.1 to ensure your setup is future-proof. The increased bandwidth allows for 4K resolution at 60 frames-per-second, and the built-in features make it convenient and reliable for computers and consoles.
Variable refresh rate
Make sure your display supports FreeSync variable refresh rates. Otherwise, you’ll experience screen tearing and stuttering. Certified G-Sync displays work a little better with Nvidia GPUs, but they are also more expensive.
HDR performance
If you’re investing in a premium gaming setup, consider the display’s HDR performance. Native contrast ratio, color gamut and local dimming are all important for a high dynamic range experience. To get the best possible HDR playback, consider getting a 4K TV with local dimming zones or individually lit OLED pixels.
How much you can expect to spend on a 4K gaming monitor
The most affordable 4K monitors for gaming cost around $300, but these often lack high refresh rates and advanced features. You can spend well over $1,000 on the absolute best, but the most cost-effective models are in the $700-$900 range.
4K gaming monitor FAQ
Do FreeSync-enabled displays support G-Sync variable refresh rate technology?
A. Yes, almost all of them do. This wasn’t always the case, but now it’s rare to find a gaming monitor limited solely to AMD FreeSync.
What is a DisplayHDR certification?
A. A DisplayHDR certified monitor meets several requirements, including 10-bit color processing, high peak brightness, effective local dimming and a wide color gamut. For example, you’ll have great results if you opt for a monitor with DisplayHDR 1000 certification or better.
What’s the best 4K gaming monitor to buy?
Top 4K gaming monitor
What you need to know: Its pristine image and ample motion handling make it look just as good as more expensive options.
What you’ll love: At 32 inches, it delivers an excellent field of view, with a low pixel response time that ensures smooth motion and minimizes ghosting. It can produce up to 144 frames per second and supports the FreeSync variable refresh protocol. It’s also compatible with Nvidia G-Sync. There are several connectivity options, including a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports and a USB-C connector. It also offers 10-bit color and has a wide color gamut.
What you should consider: The only minor drawback is a moderate restriction on HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, but it only limits image clarity slightly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top 4K gaming monitor for the money
What you need to know: While this isn’t necessarily a gaming monitor, it’s an affordable 4K option from one of the most respected PC display manufacturers in the industry.
What you’ll love: It delivers a clear and crisp image, even if you disable potentially resource-hogging graphics options. It offers two-way stand ergonomics and a slim build that won’t take up too much desk space. It even supports 65W USB-C Power Delivery, allowing it to serve as a docking station as well.
What you should consider: It’s limited to a maximum refresh rate of 60 hertz. But it does support AMD FreeSync to minimize tearing.
Where to buy: Sold by Dell and Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This is one of the top TVs overall, making it one of the best gaming display options available.
What you’ll love: It sports a low input lag plus VRR capability, and its motion handling and color gamut are superior to LCD technology. Its nearly full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 connectivity is perfect for PC and console gaming, and the Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support make it perfect for a cinematic experience.
What you should consider: Aside from the high cost, it’s potentially susceptible to long-term burn-in. However, if you watch and play a wide variety of content, you won’t have to worry about it.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Chris Thomas writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/gaming-accessories-br/best-4k-gaming-monitor/ | 2022-04-29T21:57:38Z | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/gaming-accessories-br/best-4k-gaming-monitor/ | true |
ATLANTA (AP) — When potential grand jurors show up at an Atlanta courthouse Monday, they’ll find a television camera in the room and streets closed outside — nods to the intense public interest in theinvestigationinto whether former President Donald Trump and others illegally tried to pressure Georgia officials to overturn Joe Biden’s presidential election victory in the state.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has taken the unusual step of requesting a special grand jury for the investigation, and the selection of that panel begins Monday.
The seating of a grand jury — even a rare special grand jury — is a routine process that’s generally of little interest to the public. But the appetite for any news about this case has prompted the court to make accommodations for at least parts of the grand jury selection to be broadcast to the public. Although there will be cameras in the room, they won’t be allowed to show potential grand jurors.
The investigation into potential attempts to influence the 2020 general election in Georgia began early last year. Willis asked the chief judge of the county superior court in January to impanel a special grand jury. She wrote in a letter that her office had information indicating a “reasonable probability” of “possible criminal disruptions” to the administration of that election.
The chief judge’s order says the special grand juryis to be seated for a period of up to a year, beginning Monday. Unlike a regular grand jury, which hears many different cases and can issue indictments, a special grand jury focuses on investigating a single topic and produces a report on its findings. The district attorney then decides whether to seek an indictment from a regular grand jury.
Former Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter, who convened a special grand jury roughly 15 years ago, said the process for seating a special grand jury is pretty much the same as seating a regular grand jury. It’s made up of between 16 and 23 people who are summoned from the county master jury list.
The judge will make sure the potential grand jurors are qualified — over 18, residents of Fulton County and haven’t been convicted of a felony — and then will hear from people who want to be excused for one reason or another.
Unlike jury selection for a trial, where there are two sets of lawyers trying to ferret out biases and prejudices, there’s no defense attorney in this process because no one has been charged yet. Anyone who tunes in to watch shouldn’t expect to hear potential grand jurors questioned extensively about their political leanings or their opinions on Trump.
“There’s no excuses for bias or prejudice,” Porter said. “In this case, I would suspect if somebody came in wearing a MAGA hat, they would probably excuse them. But the inquiry into their prejudices or biases is very, very limited in selecting a grand jury.”
Once the special grand jury is seated, the cameras will have to leave — all grand jury proceedings are secret. But Willis indicated in her letter to the chief judge that one reason she wanted a special grand jury is to issue subpoenas to witnesses who have refused to cooperate without one.
Willis has confirmed that her team is looking into a January 2021 phone callin which Trump pushed Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to “find” the votes needed for him to win the state. She has also said they’re looking at a November 2020 phone call between U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and Raffensperger, the abrupt resignation of the U.S. attorney in Atlanta on Jan. 4, 2021, and comments made during December 2020 Georgia legislative committee hearings on the election.
A Trump spokesman has previously dismissed the investigation as a politically motivated “witch hunt.” Graham has also denied wrongdoing.
In a separate investigation in New York, Trump is appealing rulings enforcing a subpoena for his testimony and holding him in contempt of court for failing to turn over documents in a civil investigation that the state attorney general’s office says has uncovered evidence that he may have misstated the value of skyscrapers and other assets for more than a decade.
Trump’s lawyers argue that Attorney General Letitia James is using the civil probe to collect information that could then be used against the former president in a parallel criminal probe overseen by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. James and Bragg are both Democrats.
Bragg says the criminal investigation is continuing despite a shakeup in the probe’s leadership. So far, it’s resulted only in tax fraud charges related to fringe benefits against the Trump Organization and its longtime finance chief, Allen Weisselberg. Both have pleaded not guilty.
___
Associated Press writer Michael R. Sisak in New York contributed reporting. | https://www.koin.com/news/politics/trump-election-probe-in-georgia-to-seat-special-grand-jury/ | 2022-04-29T22:00:16Z | https://www.koin.com/news/politics/trump-election-probe-in-georgia-to-seat-special-grand-jury/ | false |
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli military: Palestinian assailants shoot, kill security guard at entrance of Jewish settlement in the West Bank.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli military: Palestinian assailants shoot, kill security guard at entrance of Jewish settlement in the West Bank. | https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/Alert-Israeli-military-Palestinian-assailants-17137629.php | 2022-04-29T22:05:05Z | https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/Alert-Israeli-military-Palestinian-assailants-17137629.php | false |
Eight seniors from the Gophers’ 2021-22 women’s hockey team, including Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner Taylor Heise, are returning for the 2022-23 season.
The WCHA Player of the Year had 29 goals and an NCAA-best 66 points last season while centering the Gophers’ top line of Abigail Boreen and Catie Skaja. Those two seniors also are returning after combining with Heise for 121 regular-season points, best in the nation.
The Gophers (29-9-1) won the WCHA regular-season championship and were ranked No. 1 in the nation for the final several weeks of the season before losing to Frozen Four runner-up Minnesota-Duluth in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Also returning is Grace Zumwinkle, who last winter played for the U.S. Olympic hockey team that won a silver medal in Beijing. She was the Gophers’ leading scorer in the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season. The NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility for all student-athletes who were on scholarship in 2020-21.
“We are thrilled to have these players coming back to our team for their final year of eligibility,” head coach Brad Frost said. “Each of them have tremendous experience and have played a significant role in our culture and program.”
Crystalyn Hengler, a top blue liner, will be back, as well, as will forwards Savannah Norcross and Emily Oden. Gracie Ostertag will return to the blue line after missing much of the past two seasons because of injuries.
Abbey Murphy, a winger who had 18 points and 10 assists as a freshman, will return after redshirting last season to play for the U.S. Olympic team. | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/29/womens-hockey-gophers-returning-nations-top-line-for-extra-season/ | 2022-04-29T22:05:14Z | https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/29/womens-hockey-gophers-returning-nations-top-line-for-extra-season/ | true |
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