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TORONTO - Further gains in the energy sector powered Canada's main stock index higher for a fifth straight week and raised the loonie to almost 80 cents for the first time since January.
The S&P/TSX composite index closed up 68.05 points to 222,005.94.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 153.30 points at 34,861.24. The S&P 500 index was up 22.90 points at 4,543.06, while the Nasdaq composite was down 22.54 points at 14,169.30.
The Canadian dollar traded for 79.99 cents US compared with 79.71 cents US on Thursday.
The May crude oil contract was up US$1.56 at US$113.90 per barrel and the May natural gas contract was up 16.5 cents at US$5.61 per mmBTU.
The April gold contract was down US$8 at US$1,954.20 an ounce and the May copper contract was down 4.4 cents at US$4.70 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 25, 2022. | https://www.cp24.com/news/s-p-tsx-composite-rises-for-fifth-week-in-a-row-while-loonie-nears-80-cents-1.5835131 | 2022-03-25T20:59:23 | en | 0.965902 |
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Ontario’s Ministry of Labour is investigating after an incident involving a crane at a construction site north of Toronto left two people injured.
York Regional Police said the incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. on Friday at a site located near Woodbine Avenue and Stouffville Road in Whitchurch-Stouffvile near Gormley.
Two people were hurt and the incident involved a crane, though few other details have been released by police.
One male was rushed to hospital via air ambulance with serious injuries. The other male was transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital, though the extent of his injuries are unknown at this time.
An investigation into the incident is now underway, Ontario’s Ministry of Labour confirms. | https://www.cp24.com/news/two-people-hospitalized-following-incident-involving-crane-at-whitchurch-stouffvile-construction-site-police-1.5834980 | 2022-03-25T20:59:29 | en | 0.986461 |
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Premier Doug Ford is expressing increasing confidence that his government will soon “get the deal done” with the federal government to reduce the cost of child care in Ontario amid a report suggesting that there has been significant progress at the negotiating table.
The Toronto Star reported on Friday that the feds are considering providing the provinces with hundreds of millions in additional money to create child care spaces as part of an arrangement that would be separate from the $30 billion child care accord, which Ontario remains the lone holdout for.
The newspaper said that an unnamed top Ontario government official described the new money as a “game changer.”
It also quoted a federal official saying that the two sides “we’re on track” to reach a deal, likely next week.
Asked about the development during a press conference in Ottawa on Friday, Ford refused to provide specific details but seemed to express confidence that a deal was finally in reach.
His optimistic tone comes about three weeks after a federal official told CP24 that negotiations had entered their “next phase” following the submission of a long-requested action plan by the Ontario government.
Ford also suggested that an announcement on a deal could be coming "very, very soon" during a press conference alongside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last week.
“We have been working very closely with the federal government. I always say we wouldn’t sign a deal that doesn’t work for the people of Ontario and that is where we are at,” Ford said on Friday. “We have worked very collaboratively with the federal government on so many different issues and we will get the deal done.”
The federal government has offered Ontario $10.2 billion in funding to reduce the average cost of child care by 50 per cent by the end of 2022 en route to lowering it further to $10 a day by 2026.
But the province has been reluctant to sign onto the accord, with Education Minister Stephen Lecce previously questioning whether there was sufficient funding to actually reduce costs to an average of $10 a day within five years.
Meanwhile, parents in a number of provinces are already saving hundreds of dollars a month.
Some have even been issued large retroactive rebates.
As an example, Saskatchewan reduced fees by 50 per cent as of November and also plans to issue parents rebate cheques retroactive to last July.
“Parents in Ontario paying crushing, mortgage-sized fees for child care could have gotten the relief of $10-a-day child care for months now,” NDP Child Care critic Bhutila Karpoc said in a statement released on Friday afternoon. “Instead, Doug Ford and Stephen Lecce have dragged their heels on signing a deal with Ottawa, leaving families struggling and in the dark about their plans, while every other province and territory has signed on.”
Federal officials have previously told CTV News Toronto that more than a billion dollars of the funding promised to Ontario was intended for the 2021-2022 fiscal year and could “lapse” if a deal isn’t reached by the end of this month. | https://www.cp24.com/news/we-will-get-the-deal-done-ford-says-of-child-care-talks-with-fiscal-year-nearing-its-end-1.5835044 | 2022-03-25T20:59:35 | en | 0.97669 |
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OTTAWA - The World Health Organization says it is reviewing its policies after opting not to accept a made-in-Canada COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use.
Health Canada authorized Medicago's two-dose Covifenz vaccine in February for adults 18 to 64.
Medicago says WHO did “not accept” its application because it has a strict policy not to engage with companies that promote tobacco, and Philip Morris owns about one-fifth of the company.
WHO says it is now exploring different policy options for health products linked to the tobacco industry.
The federal government signed an agreement with Medicago in 2020 to buy 20 million doses once the vaccine was approved by Health Canada, with the option to purchase 56 million more.
The government's ability to donate those doses to countries in need could be seriously impeded without WHO emergency approval.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 25, 2022. | https://www.cp24.com/news/who-reviewing-policy-after-rejecting-emergency-use-of-canadian-made-covid-19-vaccine-1.5835076 | 2022-03-25T20:59:41 | en | 0.969106 |
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A pedestrian has serious injuries after being struck by the driver of a vehicle near the Mount Dennis neighbourhood Friday afternoon, Toronto police say.
It occurred in the area of Weston Road and Cordella Avenue, west of Black Creek Drive, just before 4 p.m.
Police said the pedestrian, a woman in her 60s, has been taken to the hospital. There is no immediate word on her condition.
The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene, police said.
The intersection is closed for investigation. | https://www.cp24.com/news/woman-seriously-injured-after-being-struck-by-vehicle-near-mount-dennis-1.5835098 | 2022-03-25T20:59:47 | en | 0.985436 |
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OTTAWA - YouTube says Canadian digital creators, including influencers, could lose foreign revenue if the government forces online platforms to promote Canadian content.
The platform says proposed legislation obliging platforms to promote Canadian content risks downgrading the popularity of that content abroad - and the foreign earnings many Canadian YouTubers rely on.
YouTube fears the proposals in the Online Streaming bill could skew the algorithm it uses to match content with viewers' personal preferences.
Michael Geist, a University of Ottawa expert in internet law, says the bill would make platforms like YouTube emphasize Canadian content that people might not usually choose to watch.
If they don't choose the content they are offered, or dislike it, YouTube's algorithm, which works across borders, might interpret it as unpopular, which could lead to Canadian creators' work being promoted less heavily around the world, costing them revenue.
Laura Scaffidi, spokeswoman for Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez, says the act does not affect user-generated content and will give online streaming platforms flexibility on how they make Canadian commercial content easier to find.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March, 25, 2022. | https://www.cp24.com/news/youtube-warns-federal-bill-could-hit-digital-creators-earnings-from-abroad-1.5834952 | 2022-03-25T20:59:53 | en | 0.948683 |
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TORONTO - Even in defeat, Canada impressed.
And Sunday, John Herdman's team can turn the disappointment of Thursday's 1-0 loss in Costa Rica into celebration by dispatching Jamaica to secure World Cup qualification before a sellout crowd at Toronto's BMO Field.
The numbers are clear for the 33rd-ranked Canadian men (7-1-4, 25 points). A draw against No. 62 Jamaica (1-6-5, eight points) and they book their ticket to Qatar 2022. They can still qualify with a loss if Costa Rica (5-3-4, 19 points) drops points at El Salvador (2-6-4, 10 points).
Even if Canada loses to both Jamaica and No. 63 Panama (5-4-3, 18 points) in Panama City next Wednesday and Costa Rica defeats El Salvador and the visiting U.S., the Costa Ricans would have to make up a considerable deficit in goal difference (Canada is plus-13 while Costa Rica is plus-two) with the teams tied at 25 points.
The top three teams in CONCACAF's eight-country final round robin will represent North and Central America and the Caribbean in Qatar this November-December. The fourth-place finisher will take on an Oceana team in an intercontinental playoff to see who joins them.
So barring a turnaround of biblical proportions, Canada - which tops the standings with a three-point cushion over the 13th-ranked U.S. and No. 12 Mexico and a six-point bulge over No. 42 Costa Rica - is hours away from ending its 36-year absence from the men's World Cup.
“We'll come out of this hungry,” Herdman said after Thursday's game in San Jose. “We're going into Canada and like (goalkeeper) Milan (Borjan) said after the game, it's in the stars for us to do this at home, to qualify at home.
“So we'll be back ready to fight with that extra fire in the belly now.”
The Canadian men have never lost a competitive match (11-0-5) at BMO Field.
Despite the loss Thursday, Canada had plenty to be proud about. Reduced to 10 men after midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye was sent off for a second yellow in the 34th minute, the Canadians took it to the Costa Ricans in the second half and charged hard for the equalizer that would have sent them to Qatar.
Canada outshot Costa Rica 14-6 (3-2 in shots on target) in the second half and finished with 68 per cent of possession despite playing with 10 men.
Herdman credited the Costa Ricans for their resolute defence in handing his team its first loss in 18 games (13-1-4) over three rounds of qualifying.
Richie Laryea and Tajon Buchanan were constant thorns in Costa Rica's side and drove the Canadian attack from the flank.
Laryea's performance was particularly impressive given his lack of playing time since moving to England's Nottingham Forest in early January. The 27-year-old fullback/wingback has had a hard time cracking the lineup of a Forest team that has gone 10-2-3 since he joined them - with the only losses against Liverpool, in FA Cup play, and Cardiff.
But against Costa Rica, it was the Laryea that Toronto FC fans are used to seeing. The wingback ran at the opposition, went for goal and was his spiky self all night.
It marked only the second time in five months that Laryea had played 90 minutes, Herdman noted.
Buchanan's pace and guile were also a problem for Costa Rica.
The two almost combined on a Canadian goal in the 73rd minute when Laryea's low shot forced a save from Keylor Navas and Buchanan's header off the rebound hit the crossbar.
Like Laryea, Canada's Stephen Eustaquio has been doing more watching than playing at Portugal's FC Porto in recent weeks. And while there were a few passes that failed to find their mark, the influential midfielder delivered dangerous balls from set pieces, ran his socks off while showing his normal vision and nearly scored with a low angled shot that was just wide in the 64th minute.
Herdman praised both players, calling them “absolute warriors.”
Thursday's game also demonstrated the importance of defender Steven Vitoria, who was on the bench but did not see action due to an injury he was carrying. At almost six foot five, Vitoria is a force in the air at both ends of the field and he was missed.
With Vitoria unavailable and Doneil Henry and Sam Adekugbe suspended, Herdman dropped captain Atiba Hutchinson from midfield to centre back. And while the 39-year-old skipper delivered his normal poised performance, Canada was vulnerable on set pieces.
Costa Rica's Celso Borges, who stands six foot, rose above the five-foot-nine Eustaquio to head home the lone goal of the game in first-half stoppage time.
Hutchinson completed 95.7 per cent of his passes while midfielder Jonathan Osorio was good on 98.4 per cent.
The Canadian bench also delivered.
Veteran Junior Hoilett, entering with 20 minutes to go, added threat to the Canadian attack. And there was an impressive debut from 19-year-old CF Montreal midfielder Ismael Kone, who looked confident and completely at home after coming on in the 80th minute.
Kaye will sit out Sunday in the wake of Thursday's ejection after his shoulder made contact with Johan Venegas as they crossed paths following an unsanctioned challenge by the Costa Rican that crumpled the Canadian. Venegas made the most of the shoulder contact, tumbling theatrically to the ground.
“He'll learn from this ... We love him. He's our brother,” Herdman said of Kaye. “And we'll stay together and we'll fight together.”
Despite that costly red mist, Kaye showed his skill on the ball and ability to link up play.
As for the Costa Ricans, who came into the game unbeaten in four (3-0-1), they benefited from time together with the domestic league suspended for two weeks. And they knew a win was needed to keep their qualifying hopes alive.
Canada comes home looking to finish the job. The players know what's at stake, Herdman said.
“They know they're fighting for something they believe in, which is to qualify this team and put respect in that badge and in this football country. That brings us together,” he said after Thursday's game.
“In short, this team cares. They care about this opportunity. And they wanted nothing more than to bring this home for the country. They wanted it tonight, but they'll do it this weekend.”
---
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 25, 2022 | https://www.cp24.com/sports/herdman-says-canadian-men-hungry-to-to-seal-world-cup-qualification-against-jamaica-1.5835092 | 2022-03-25T20:59:59 | en | 0.978263 |
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BRUSSELS (AP) - With stunning speed, Russia's war in Ukraine is driving Western Europe into the outstretched arms of the United States again, especially apparent when President Joe Biden offered a major expansion of natural gas shipments to his European Union counterpart Friday.
Talking to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Biden said the core issue was “helping Europe reduce its dependency on Russian gas as quickly as possible.” And Europe, which relies on Moscow for 40% of the natural gas used to heat homes, generate electricity and drive industry, needs the help.
An economic miscalculation with massive geopolitical consequences, many European Union nations let themselves become ever more reliant on Russian fossil fuels over the years, vainly hoping trade would overcome Cold War enmity on a continent too often riven by conflict.
That longstanding practice meant the 27-nation bloc could not simply stop Russian energy imports as part of Western sanctions to punish Moscow for the invasion a month ago.
And changing energy policy is about as cumbersome as turning around a liquefied natural gas carrier on a rough sea. In reality, it will take years.
This is where Biden stepped in Friday. Under the plan, the United States and a few like-minded partners will increase exports of liquefied natural gas, or LNG, to Europe by 15 billion cubic meters this year. Those exports would triple in the years afterward, a necessary move if the EU can back up its claim to be rid of Russian imports in five years.
“We are right on track now to diversify away from Russian gas and towards our friends' and partners' reliable and trustworthy suppliers,” von der Leyen said.
It will take huge investments, and getting more liquefied natural gas to Europe could be difficult. U.S. export facilities are already operating at capacity, and most new terminals are still only in the planning stages. Most U.S. shipments already go to Europe.
Even if more gas can be shipped to Europe, the continent may struggle to receive it. Import terminals are in coastal areas, and Europe's pipeline system doesn't have all the connections needed to send the natural gas throughout the continent.
But Europe is looking anywhere it can for solutions. Some countries - Germany, Italy and Bulgaria among them - are more heavily dependent on Russian gas than others, complicating efforts to agree on either a faster exit or a complete boycott now.
Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said an immediate embargo through energy sanctions would cost thousands of jobs and leave schools and homes unheated. Meanwhile, Europe must still replenish gas reserves that were heavily depleted during the past winter.
Yet, LNG can't simply be conjured out of thin air. It requires export terminals that turn the gas into super-chilled liquid, then a reception terminal on the other end to turn it back into gas form to go into Europe's pipeline system. The terminals cost billions and take years to build. With gas prices high from an energy crunch and the war's jolt to volatile energy markets, terminals and tankers around the globe are fully booked already, leaving customers competing for available shipments.
Although the U.S.-EU initiative will likely require new facilities for importing liquefied natural gas, the White House said it is also geared toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels in the long run through energy efficiency and alternative sources of energy.
But climate campaigners criticized the agreement and called instead for the U.S. and EU to focus on renewable energy and reducing fossil fuel demand.
That “is a more affordable and sustainable solution that does not lock Europe into infrastructure or deals it does not need,” said Raphael Hanoteaux, senior policy adviser at the Brussels-based environmental group E3G.
The U.S. has been dramatically increasing its LNG exports in recent years, and most already go to Europe, according to the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas, an industry lobbying group. Although much of the supply is already contracted out to buyers, there are still opportunities to shift its destination.
“The U.S. is in a unique position because it has flexible LNG that can be rerouted to Europe or to Asia, depending on who's willing to pay that price,” said Emily McClain, gas markets analyst at Rystad.
Under the deal, a senior U.S. administration official said the government will continue existing efforts to supply LNG, while over time, Europe will be committing to stable demand of some 50 billion cubic meters.
Germany, Europe's industrial juggernaut, has already started making major efforts to bring that gas in from coastal terminals , especially after it suspended approval of the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline from Russia last month.
The government's plan to shut down Germany's last nuclear plants this year and phase out coal-fired power by 2030 relies heavily on natural gas as a “bridge” until sufficient renewable energy can be produced for Europe's biggest economy.
Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said Germany now expects to be able to become almost entirely independent of Russian gas by mid-2024. To do this, the government has secured the use of three “floating” terminals capable of turning LNG brought in by ship back in gas form and is working hard to build permanent LNG terminals for long-term imports.
“By the time the terminals could help us, we could already have achieved the transition” to renewable energy, youth activist Clara Duvigneau said at a climate rally in Berlin.
Associated Press reporters Chris Megerian and Sam Petrequin in Brussels, Cathy Bussewitz in New York, and Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed. | https://www.cp24.com/world/ukraine-war-drives-us-eu-deal-to-undercut-russian-energy-1.5834146 | 2022-03-25T21:00:05 | en | 0.953684 |
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The New Delhi Bench of the NCLT accepted a plea by Union Bank of India to initiate insolvency against debt-laden builder Supertech. In its Friday order, a two-member Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), headed by Justice PSN Prasad, said the documents submitted by the financial creditor Union Bank of India as well as the corporate debtor Supertech “substantiated” the former’s claim that there was a debt on which the builder had defaulted.
“In light of the above discussion, after giving careful consideration to the entire matter, hearing arguments of the parties and upon appreciation of the documents placed on record to substantiate the claim, this Tribunal admits this petition and initiates CIRP (corporate insolvency resolution process) on the Corporate Debtor with immediate effect,” noted the order.
The NCLT Bench has named Hitesh Goel as interim resolution professional for Supertech and placed the company under moratorium. Once a corporate debtor is admitted into insolvency, no new cases or claims can be filed against the company in any court of law, tribunal, arbitration panel or any other authority. Apart from this, the corporate debtor is also barred from transferring, encumbering, alienating, or disposing off of any assets.
In a statement, however, Supertech said that the NCLT order initiating insolvency against “one of the Supertech Group Companies” would not impact any other ongoing operations of the group company and that it was “committed to give delivery of units to allottees”.
“In the interest of homebuyers, preference was given to construction and delivery of projects over repayment of Bank dues which can be fulfilled after project completion. As all the projects of the company are financially viable, there is no chance of loss to any party or financial creditor,” the company said in a statement, adding that it would approach the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) against the NCLT order.
Earlier on December 17, Union Bank of India had rejected a one-time debt settlement proposal submitted by Supertech.
On January 31, 2021, Union Bank had moved the NCLT claiming that Supertech had defaulted on payment of Rs 431.92 crore. In its plea, Union Bank had claimed that Supertech had in 2013 approached several financial institutions for a loan of Rs 350 crore. Of this, Union Bank was the lead bank with an exposure of Rs 150 crore. In 2015, Supertech approached Union Bank and other lenders for a second loan on the facility, and an extra credit of Rs 200 crore was extended by the lenders. Of this, Union Bank lent Rs 100 crore.
In April 2019, Union Bank sent Supertech two notices for repayments of the first and second loan under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act of 2002. Union Bank claims that Supertech did not respond to the notices or make any efforts for repayment of the debts, following which the accounts of the builder were declared non-performing assets (NPAs).
Earlier this year in January, Supertech faced the ire of the Supreme Court for not complying with its order on demolition of the 40-story twin towers. The top court had then warned that the directors of the company would be sent to jail for “playing truant”. The demolition of the twin towers has for now been scheduled for May 22.
- The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards. | https://indianexpress.com/article/business/companies/debt-hit-supertech-enters-insolvency-7836761/ | 2022-03-25T21:02:37 | en | 0.96887 |
AFTER A delay of three years, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to expedite the underground dustbin project.
An official from Solid Waste Management (SWM) department said that so far, 12 underground dustbins have been installed at seven locations. The BMC plans to install another 20 bins, each with a 240 litre capacity, across the city.
Started in 2019, the underground dustbin project has been delayed due to site issues. Back then, two dustbins were installed at Fort and Girgaon Chowpatty on a pilot basis, and the civic body announced that it will install more such bins. “There were several problems, such as shortage of land, the underground utilities. But now, we have identified 20 such locations where underground dustbins can be installed. The outbreak of Covid has also led to delay in the project,” an official from the SWM department said.
Mumbai generates about 6,000 metric tonne waste daily. Meanwhile, the civic body has also planned to deploy vehicles that will be used for household hazardous waste. This includes diapers, surgical items, and sanitary napkins.
Earlier, the BMC, under ‘Zero Garbage’ mission had eliminated garbage collection points.
- The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards. | https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/after-3-yr-delay-bmc-to-expedite-underground-dustbin-project-7836758/ | 2022-03-25T21:02:43 | en | 0.966809 |
A COURT in Mumbai on Friday rejected the pre-arrest bail plea of Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Pravin Darekar, in connection with an FIR registered against him for cheating, conspiracy and criminal breach of trust in a bank fraud case.
Rejecting Darekar’s plea, sessions judge R N Rokade said there is “prima facie evidence” against him. However, after Darekar’s lawyer sought protection to seek relief against the order in the high court, the judge granted protection from arrest to Darekar till Tuesday, March 29.
The FIR was registered at MRA Marg police station on a complaint filed by AAP leader Dhananjay Shinde who has accused Darekar of defrauding the government and the Mumbai District Central Cooperative Bank (known as Mumbai Bank) by posing as a labourer and contesting the bank’s election for the post of director under the labour category. Police claimed that losses were incurred by the bank.
Darekar stated that he had not committed any offence and submitted that the Enforcement Directorate registered a complaint in 2015 based on the same offence but filed a closure report after investigation. He said he is willing to cooperate with the probe and the protection from arrest be granted to him.
Police said in their reply that Darekar had wrongly claimed to be a labourer even though he had other means of livelihood. On this basis, he entered the fray to become the director of the Mumbai Bank and received a remuneration of over Rs 4 lakh.
The reply filed by police through special public prosecutor Pradip Gharat said Darekar became a member of a labour cooperative society in 1999 by claiming he was a labourer. It added that his affidavit before the legislative council elections in 2016 showed he had property worth Rs 2.3 crore and Rs 91 lakh cash, and this showed he is not a labourer.
- The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards. | https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/bank-fraud-case-no-pre-arrest-bail-for-bjp-mlc-pravin-darekar-7836760/ | 2022-03-25T21:02:49 | en | 0.980742 |
BJP MLA Amit Satam on Friday claimed in the Assembly that singer Sonu Nigam has complained that a “relative” of former BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal asked him to organise a free show, failing which, a notice will be sent to his home and demolition activity will be carried out.
“Sonu Nigam has given a complaint that the brother of Chahal, named Rajinder, is threatening him to organise a free show or else notice will be sent to his home and demolition will be carried out. The government should take note and act against Rajinder and Chahal,” Satam said in the Assembly.
Chahal, meanwhile, said that Rajinder was not related to him and only hailed from the same place as he did. “Anyone is free to take action against his misbehaviour,” he added.
- The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards. | https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/chahals-relative-threatened-sonu-nigam-bjp-mla-7836757/ | 2022-03-25T21:02:55 | en | 0.985816 |
A 33-year-old unemployed man from Dongri was arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch’s Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) early on Friday for allegedly peddling and possessing Mephedrone (MD) drugs in commercial quantity worth Rs 4.66 crore. An ANC official said the drugs were brought from another state and was being peddled by the accused in Mumbai.
The accused, Ashiqali Poisarwala, 33, is a resident of Nawroji hill road in Dongri where he lives on rent. Rajendra Dahifale, senior inspector of ANC’s Azad Maidan unit, had received a tip-off that some person is selling MD drugs in Dongri area.
Acting on a tip-off that the person will be coming to Clare Road in Byculla, a trap was laid and Poisarwala was nabbed around 10 pm on Thursday. Nearly 705 grams of MD was found with him. “Our ANC team then conducted a search at his Dongri residence and found 2.405 kg of MD drugs concealed in a cupboard at his home,” said Datta Nalawade, DCP, ANC.
Poisarwala was produced before a court on Friday and remanded to police custody for eight days. In 2021, Poisarwala was earlier arrested in a stalking case and was out on bail.
The man lived with his wife and a child. He was raised by his aunt after his parents passed away.
- The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards. | https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/man-arrested-for-possessing-commercial-quantity-peddling-drugs-worth-rs-4-66-cr-7836764/ | 2022-03-25T21:03:01 | en | 0.990852 |
FACING OPPOSITION over its decision to provide 300 houses of Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority to legislators at Goregaon, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has clarified that the houses are only for those legislators who do not have an accommodation of their own.
MHADA sells its houses via a lottery and in this case, legislators outside Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) were to get confirmed allotments. After criticism, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said these flats will be given only to those legislators who do not have a Mumbai flat in their name or in that of their spouses, and that this figure may be as low as 30.
Housing minister Jitendra Awhad said these houses were not free and legislators will have to pay land and construction costs.
Raju Patil, the lone MLA of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, said, “Why should MLAs get MHADA houses? Each legislator gets a salary of around Rs 3.5 lakh. Instead [of this], the government must give 200 units of power free to every household.”
MHADA flats are for public housing and sold by a lottery at subsidised rates. Every lottery has reservation for legislators. The 300 flats were announced for legislators not hailing from MMR if they don’t have a house in Mumbai.
The BJP said they did not approve of flats for legislators and money should be given to MSRTC workers and farmers. BJP state chief Chandrakant Patil said, “The government feels that MLAs may desert them and hence they are giving them sops. The local area development fund for legislators was increase from Rs 4 crore to Rs 5 crore per year. Many of us have houses in Mumbai.”
State Congress working president Praniti Shinde said she didn’t want the house. In 2008, MHADA had given 188 flats to legislators at its prime housing scheme at Versova. Back then, housing secretary Gautam Chatterjee had opposed the move as MHADA houses are meant for common people.
- The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards. | https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/mhada-houses-only-for-lawmakers-without-flats-in-mmr-clarifies-govt-7836762/ | 2022-03-25T21:03:07 | en | 0.979436 |
Network Rail bosses have come under fire after announcing that railway bridge repairs which have caused traffic problems across Torbay are to be delayed yet again. Torbay Council leaders Steve Darling and Darren Cowell have blasted “poor project management” and called for rail and bus services to be subsidised while the work goes on.
And Torbay MP Kevin Foster has called on Network Rail to compensate local people “let down” by the works. As revealed by Devon Live yesterday, the work to replace the old bridge at Hollicombe will be delayed until May 23, with the main sea front road between Paignton and Torquay closed to traffic.
Network Rail says it is considering opening part of the bridge to allow pedestrians and cyclists to use it, but no cars will be able to use the main road until after the Easter and May Day Bank Holiday weekends. It says the location of BT cables on the bridge means the installation of the beams, which support the road surface, will take longer than anticipated. A footpath for pedestrians and cyclists could be open on Sunday, May 8.
Read more:Torbay biker festival cancelled due to 'public safety fears'
Scott Pillinger, programme manager for Network Rail, said: “The complex nature of the bridge replacement means that we’ve had to extend the work to ensure the BT cables keep working and that no one is cut off from these services. We’re sorry for the disruption this has caused and thank local residents for their patience and understanding.”
In a letter to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, the council leaders say they are “extremely concerned”. They write: “The impact of this closure is immense for our economy and for our residents. Significantly this has disrupted the main bus route within the bay, which is the lifeline for many.
“The works commenced in the new year and were due to have finished on March 8. In early February, we were advised that the works would be delayed until the April 8, which was extremely disappointing. Now we have learned for the first time that there are still challenges, with the works delayed until May 23.
“This position is a complete surprise as we have not been kept informed, despite numerous attempts by officers at the council to be updated by Network Rail. The continued closure, with the commencement of the tourism season over Easter and the May Bank Holiday, will magnify even further the immense impact for the economy, residents and visitors in the bay.
“Significantly the delay impacts upon Stagecoach, for whom the main bus route is the lynchpin serving Torbay at a time when bus operators are struggling to get passengers to re-engage with their service following the impact of Covid. Given the multiple delays and lack of communication, you will appreciate our concerns as to what can only be described as poor project management, with a disregard as to the impact upon our economy and residents.
“As the Government are the key stakeholder in Network Rail, can you please explain how such poor project management can occur that has a profound economic and wider impact on our communities in Torbay?” The letter calls for rail travel on the between Paignton, Torquay and Torre to be made free to try and shift road users onto rail. It also calls for conversations with Stagecoach buses to consider subsidies to encourage local people to use the routes worst hit by the closure after the road has opened again.”
Meanwhile, Mr Foster has written an angry letter to Network Rail’s Swindon-based project director, saying that people living near to the bridge works “rightly feel” that they have been let down. “It is now time for your company to go above and beyond in terms of their community responsibilities,” says the MP.
“The road closures have created a dangerous ‘rat run’ down previously quiet suburban roads populated by families with young children. This needs to be urgently addressed by Network Rail in conjunction with Torbay Council in terms of additional mitigation (signage) and considering alternative, more suitable routes.
“The local residents worst affected by the ongoing noise and disruption should now be directly compensated for the disruption to their lives. Network Rail has a precedent for doing this on previous occasions, including offering hotels in order for line-side neighbours to sleep, and gift vouchers.
“I feel that it is time that Network Rail moved proactively to address and meet the concerns of the local community. Letter drops and leaflets are no longer enough and the company needs to make a real effort, at a senior level, to engage with residents face to face. A public meeting in Torquay, headed up by senior executives, is an idea that should now be considered.” | https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/network-rail-under-fire-over-6861305 | 2022-03-25T21:03:08 | en | 0.975893 |
THE INCOME-TAX department has asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to submit several documents, including those pertaining to contracts awarded by the municipal corporation between 2018 and 2021, in connection with its probe against Yashwant Jadhav, former chairperson of BMC’s Standing Committee.
The notice was issued in the name of the commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, dated March 3. “…Wheras your attendance is required in connection with the proceedings under the Income Tax Act, 1961, in case of Shri Yashwant Kamlakar Jadhav,” the notice stated while seeking presentation of all books of accounts pertaining to the case on March 10.
The municipal corporation had subsequently asked for time till the end of March to submit the documents asked for by the tax authority.
Sources said the BMC has been summoned as a witness in this tax case against Jadhav.
Last month, the tax department had searched Jadhav, a few of his associates and five BMC contractors, for alleged tax evasion. According to the department, it has found “evidence” that shows a “close nexus” between Jadhav and these contractors. “Particulars of about three dozen immovable properties, whose value could be more than Rs 130 crore, has also been detected. It includes property acquired either in their name or their associates or benamidars,” said the department.
It has also found evidence of international hawala transactions and routing of “ill-gotten” money to foreign countries. The tax authority added that it has seized a number of documents, loose sheets of paper and excel files with information on cash receipts and payments.
A Dubai-based company has also come under the scanner of the department, said sources.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Iqbal Singh Chahal, said, “I have not visited the I-T office even once. These notices come and get answered at appropriate lower levels.”
- The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards. | https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/probe-against-yashwant-jadhav-i-t-dept-asks-bmc-for-documents-7836751/ | 2022-03-25T21:03:13 | en | 0.979852 |
The income-tax department is probing a Rs 15-crore transaction between the former chairman of BMC Standing Committee, Yashwant Jadhav, and a multimedia company owned by Mumbai-based businessman Bimal Agarwal, who is also an accused in the cricket T20 IPL betting case, sources said.
The department is also reportedly investigating Rs 30-crore contracts, including a khichdi making contract that was awarded by the BMC to companies owned by Agarwal during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-21, though the companies did not have any prior experience in executing such contracts.
The department has allegedly found that a Kolkata-based shell company, Pradhan Dealers Private Limited, had given unsecured loans of Rs 15 crore to Jadhav’s family members, including his wife, in 2019-2020.
Following an income-tax probe into an unsecured loan of Rs 1 crore availed by Jadhav’s wife Yamini Jadhav – also a MLA from Byculla – from Pradhan Dealers, Jadhav’s family in 2020-21 returned Rs 15 crore to Pradhan Dealers.
Sources said the same year, Pradhan Dealers rerouted Rs 15 crore to Mumbai-based Newshawk Multimedia Private Limited, owned by Agarwal. Of the Rs 15 crore, Newshawk used Rs 4 crore to buy Bilakhadi Chambers building at Mazgoan in Mumbai, which is also Jadhav’s residence. The remaining Rs 11 crore was allegedly transferred by Newshawk to Jadhav’s mother-in-law.
Bilakhadi Chambers has 108 units, most of which are occupied by tenants. Jadhav allegedly owns four to five such units. However, the tax probe has now found that Newshawk Multimedia owns at least 31 units at Bilakhadi Chambers. This, after a number of tenants surrendered their tenancy rights in favor of the company.
Sources said the department has recorded the statements of a few tenants who alleged they received Rs 30 lakh each in cash to surrender the tenancy rights.
The tax agency, sources said, has also found about 45 benami properties of Jadhav.
Newshawk media, according to records, was set up in 2010 and Agarwal has been a director in the company since its inception. Agarwal was recently in news after he filed a complaint with the Mumbai Police against its former commissioner Param Bir Singh, alleging exortion.
In 2017, Agarwal was arrested by the ED in connection with its money laundering probe against its own officer J P Singh for allegedly collecting protection money from bookies to prevent arrests in the Rs 5,000-crore IPL betting scam. Agarwal was also arrested by the CBI after it booked Singh under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
In 2020, Jadhav was involved in controversy after a purported audio clip of him threatening a contractor to withdraw from projects had gone viral. This January, BJP leaders in BMC had written to move a no-confidence motion against him, alleging that he did not allow members of the Standing Committee to speak on corruption in regard to various projects that had come for approval before the panel.
While Agarwal refused to speak on the matter, Jadhav was not available for a comment despite repeated attempts.
- The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards. | https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/transaction-between-yashwant-jadhav-bizman-under-i-t-lens-7836745/ | 2022-03-25T21:03:19 | en | 0.986421 |
Dr Sonal Mansingh, nominated member, Rajya Sabha, speaks to Kaunain Sheriff M
Today, you raised the issue of misuse of antibiotics.
For every small thing, we see people popping antibiotics. But during the pandemic, we saw this frequency of misuse of antibiotics increase significantly. In fact, three months ago, I lost one friend tragically. That made me think how far this habit has gone.
Why is the misuse rampant?
There is an over-dependence on antibiotics. Even for fever or a common cold, people take antibiotics. Most importantly, they are easily available. In fact, you can get them without any prescription.
You also raised the issue of a huge problem linked to antibiotics resistance.
Yes, the Indian Council of Medical Scientific Research states that two out of every three healthy adults in India have become antibiotics-resistant. This is horrendous. The consequences are dire.
You suggested people should be encouraged to use alternative medicine.
Yes. We should encourage the use of Ayurveda. Importantly, we should develop healthy lifestyles.
So, what is the way forward to curb misuse of antibiotics?
First, the guidelines of the WHO should be followed seriously. Our own medical institutes should help formulate a law. Doctors also should participate and help in reducing the misuse of antibiotics.
- The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards. | https://indianexpress.com/article/india/5-questions-dr-sonal-mansingh-rajya-sabha-antibiotics-pandemic-ayurveda-7836748/ | 2022-03-25T21:03:25 | en | 0.954856 |
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Beijing reached out to New Delhi for Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but South Block politely declined, The Indian Express has learnt.
The Indian side was said to have conveyed to the Chinese that the Prime Minister was busy Friday since he had to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the UP Chief Minister in Lucknow.
Wang, who came on an unannounced visit to New Delhi, was here after more than two years. He reached the Capital at 7.45 pm Thursday and left around 3 pm Friday.
Sources said the Chinese have invited Doval to China in his capacity as the Special Representative. The NSA, sources said, responded positively, saying he could visit after immediate issues were resolved successfully.
The Chinese did not, however, invite India for a meeting on Afghanistan which is being convened in Beijing. “No, they have not invited us,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Friday.
- The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards. | https://indianexpress.com/article/india/beijing-wanted-wang-to-call-on-pm-delhi-said-polite-no-7836753/ | 2022-03-25T21:03:32 | en | 0.990737 |
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Dangerous chemicals found in fast-food wrappers at major chains, report says
Alarming levels of dangerous chemicals known as PFAS were discovered in food packaging at a number of well-known fast-food and fast-casual restaurants and grocery store chains, a new report found.
The highest levels of indicators for PFAS were found in food packaging from Nathan's Famous, Cava, Arby's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Stop & Shop and Sweetgreen, according to an investigation released Thursday by Consumer Reports.
Often called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment, PFAS are used in food packaging to prevent grease and water from soaking through food wrappers and beverage cups. PFAS can also be found in the ink used to print logos and instructions on food containers.
The new report comes more than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, when the public has relied heavily on takeout and grocery deliveries.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) a "public health concern," citing studies that found the human-made chemicals can harm the immune system and reduce a person's resistance to infectious diseases.
"There is evidence from human and animal studies that PFAS exposure may reduce antibody responses to vaccines," stated the CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. "More research is needed to understand how PFAS exposure may affect illness from COVID-19."
More than 100 food products tested
The Consumer Reports investigation collected 118 food packaging products sold by 24 companies in the tristate area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. It tested those products for organic fluorine — a marker for PFAS. Researchers then sent samples of products with the highest levels to an independent laboratory that could perform more specific tests, said Michael Hansen, senior staff scientist for advocacy at Consumer Reports.
Regulatory limits for how much PFAS food packaging should contain can vary greatly. In the U.S., there are no federal limits, leaving action up to the states. Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington have passed bills banning intentional use of PFAS in food packaging, but haven't yet specified a limit, according to Consumer Reports. In January 2023, a new law in California will set the limit at less than 100 ppm (parts per million).
However, Denmark set a much lower regulatory limit of 20 ppm with great success, said Xenia Trier, a chemicals, environment and human health expert at the European Environment Agency.
"In Denmark we've seen both a decrease in noncompliance by industry from 60% to about 30% and a decrease in levels of PFAS in packaging products over the past 10 years," Trier told CNN. "It does work to set limits and enforce them. It is possible to find alternative solutions and if one manufacturer can make packaging without PFAS, then it should be possible for everybody to do it."
The Consumer Reports investigation found the highest indicators for PFAS — 876 ppm and 618 ppm — in two types of bags for sides at Nathan's Famous restaurants.
High indicators of PFAS (in the 500s) were also found in a Chick-fil-A sandwich wrapper and in fiber bowls at Cava, a Mediterranean restaurant chain.
Indicator levels in the 300s and 400s were found in a bag of cookies at Arby's, bamboo paper plates at Stop & Shop, and in a bag for both cookies and French toast sticks at Burger King.
Levels of PFAS indicators in the 200s were found in a Sweetgreen paper bag for focaccia, additional items at Cava, and in bags for french fries, cookies and Chicken McNuggets at McDonald's.
However, all of the companies listed had additional food packaging that tested at levels below 200 ppm. Four companies — Arby's, Nathan's Famous, McDonald's and Stop & Shop — also sold food in packaging that had no detectable levels of PFAS, the report said.
The Consumer Reports investigation did not test packaging from every food product sold at each company.
"I would not urge consumers to take these brand names and only go to this one or that one, as this investigation only looked at just over 100 products," said Graham Peaslee, a professor of physics, chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.
"However, this will hold industry's toes to the fire, so in that sense, I think it's a valuable report," he added. "Measuring and saying PFAS is there and it's dangerous gets people's attention, and companies tend to avoid attention like that."
Health impact of PFAS
PFAS chemicals are in many products: nonstick cookware, infection-resistant surgical gowns and drapes, cell phones, semiconductors, commercial aircraft and low-emission vehicles. The chemicals also are used to make carpeting, clothing, and furniture resistant to stains, water and grease damage.
In use since the 1950s, PFAS are chemicals most Americans have "in their blood," especially perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)," according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, which is charged with protecting the public from hazardous substances.
In the Consumer Reports investigation, the most common chemical found in the food packaging that was tested was PFOA, with PFOS coming in fifth, according to the report.
In addition to impacts on the immune system, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry said studies in humans and lab animals have found links between certain PFAS chemicals and an increase in cholesterol levels, alterations in liver enzymes, a higher risk of developing kidney or testicular cancer, small reductions in infant birth weights and an additional risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women.
"PFAS have also caused birth defects, delayed development, and newborn deaths in lab animals," the agency stated, while adding "not all effects observed in animals may occur in humans."
As environmental groups and the public began to take notice of the health impacts of the chemicals, manufacturers started to voluntarily phase out the use of PFOS and PFOA in the U.S. Between 1999 and 2014, blood levels of PFOS in Americans had declined by more than 80% and blood levels of PFOA had declined by more than 60%, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry stated.
However, "as PFOS and PFOA are phased out and replaced, people may be exposed to other PFAS," the agency continued. Newer versions of PFAS in food packaging appear to be absorbed by food more readily than the older versions, according to a 2016 study.
Studies in Denmark have shown that PFAS do "migrate from the paper into the food," Trier said. "Even though it was not 100%, we still saw substantial transmission. In general, transmission from packaging to food is increased as the temperature of the food rises and the time spent in wrapping materials increases."
Industry response
The Consumer Reports investigation mirrored results of reports in 2018 and 2020 by Toxic-Free Future and Safer Chemicals Healthy Families. Those reports found "harmful" levels of PFAS in fast-food packaging and in nearly two-thirds of takeout containers made of paper, like those used at self-serve salad buffets and hot bars.
In response to the 2018 report, Whole Foods became the first grocery chain in North America to publicly commit to remove PFAS from takeout containers and deli and bakery paper. Other companies have followed suit, including Ahold Delhaize, Albertsons, Amazon.com, Cava, Chipotle, Freshii, McDonald's, Panera Bread, Sweetgreen, Trader Joe's and Wendy's, according to Toxic-Free Future.
In the new investigation, Consumer Reports tested 13 food packaging products from retailers that had previously committed to phasing out PFAS. Seven of the 13 had levels of PFAS above 20 ppm, the report said.
Burger King, which had high levels of PFAS in three of six products tested, had not made a public commitment to phase out PFAS, according to Consumer Reports. Early Thursday, parent company Restaurant Brands International announced it will globally phase out any "added" PFAS from "guest-facing packaging materials" at the Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes brands "by the end of 2025 or sooner."
Nathan's Famous, which Consumer Reports said also has not made a public commitment to reducing PFAS, told CNN the company had begun phasing out the bags. "One of our goals in this complete package redesign is to reduce PFAS," said Phil McCann, vice president of marketing at Nathan's Famous. "Full transition will be complete by December 2022."
Chick-fil-A told CNN it had been on a four-year journey to phase out PFAS: "Chick-fil-A has eliminated intentionally added PFAS from all newly produced packaging going forward in our supply chain. While some legacy packaging may still be in restaurants, it is expected to be phased out by the end of this summer," the company tweeted Wednesday.
Cava, which had previously pledged to reduce PFAS but had five out of six products with indicators between 200 ppm and 548 ppm, told CNN that "due to a multitude of factors related to the pandemic, and especially global supply chain shortages, the transition to eliminating added PFAS, which began in August of 2021, is taking longer than planned. Our teams are working with our suppliers to complete the transition within the year."
A McDonald's spokesperson said less than 7.5% of the company's global food packaging contained added PFAS at the end of 2020 and said the company was continuing its search for alternative materials that offered proper grease-resistant barriers, with a goal of reducing deliberately added PFAS by the end of 2025.
Sweetgreen told CNN the company was "proud to share that we are currently in the process of rolling out new PFAS-free focaccia bags that will be available in all Sweetgreen locations by the end of Q2."
Jennifer Brogan, director of external communications and community relations for Stop & Shop, told CNN the company could "confirm that these Nature's Promise brand plates have been removed from all store locations."
A spokesperson from Arby's told CNN in an email that the company has "minimal packaging materials containing PFAs and is on track to have PFAs removed from all packaging products by the end of 2022."
Actions the public can take
Experts say people who want to avoid PFAS in their takeout and food delivery packaging should favor companies that have pledged to remove the chemicals.
Take food out of the container as soon as you receive it, and never reheat food in its original container. Instead, remove your food and heat it in ceramic or glass containers, Trier said.
The Consumer Reports investigation found some of the highest levels of PFAS were in paper bags (192.2 ppm) and molded fiber bowls and trays (156.8 ppm). Paper plates tested at 149 ppm, and food wrappers and liners came in at 59.2 ppm.
Don't be fooled by "environmentally friendly" claims — they don't guarantee a product is PFAS-free. When Consumer Reports tested those products, some had levels of PFAS above 100 ppm, and most had some detectable levels, the report said.
Experts also suggest reducing the frequency of takeout meals to once a week or less, and recommend that people instead make food at home.
You can also reach out to your congressional representative and senators and support the bipartisan bill Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act, experts said. Designed to ban the use of any PFAS as a food contact substance, the bill was introduced into both chambers in November. | https://www.4029tv.com/article/dangerous-chemicals-found-in-fast-food-wrappers-at-major-chains-report-says/39539906 | 2022-03-25T21:10:04 | en | 0.969352 |
Australia's Great Barrier Reef is suffering another mass bleaching. That's when corals turn ghostly white due to heat, and it's becoming more common as the climate warms.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Australia's Great Barrier Reef is suffering another mass bleaching. That's when corals turn ghostly white due to heat, and it's becoming more common as the climate warms.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.kunm.org/2022-03-25/a-massive-bleaching-event-is-taking-place-in-australias-great-barrier-reef | 2022-03-25T21:10:36 | en | 0.966623 |
Ibibio Sound Machine is an Anglo-African band from London, and they've teamed up with Hot Chip to create the album Electricity. Together, they balance African funk with British electronica.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.kunm.org/2022-03-25/afrobeats-harmonize-with-british-electronica-on-the-latest-from-ibibio-sound-machine | 2022-03-25T21:10:42 | en | 0.900059 |
Some local Ukrainian officials banned alcohol sales amid the war, which has made it difficult for some people trying to relax. But there are still ways to find open bars.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Some local Ukrainian officials banned alcohol sales amid the war, which has made it difficult for some people trying to relax. But there are still ways to find open bars.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.kunm.org/2022-03-25/alcohol-bans-in-ukraine-have-led-to-a-whisper-network-among-those-seeking-a-drink | 2022-03-25T21:10:48 | en | 0.979604 |
Fighting around Kyiv continues as Ukrainian forces try to push back Russian troops. Many families with kids have fled to other countries, but millions are now internally displaced within Ukraine.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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NPR's Mary Louise Kelly reports from the boundary line of the Russian-controlled area in northern Georgia, which saw heavy fighting during the 2008 Russian invasion.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.kunm.org/2022-03-25/people-in-russia-controlled-georgia-are-watching-whats-happening-in-ukraine-closely | 2022-03-25T21:11:01 | en | 0.949647 |
The Kremlin stashed away billions before invading Ukraine. China helped them hide it. NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with economist Benn Steil about his investigation into Russian assets.
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The Kremlin stashed away billions before invading Ukraine. China helped them hide it. NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with economist Benn Steil about his investigation into Russian assets.
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NPR's Juana Summers speaks with Hawon Jung, a Korean journalist, about fears that the president elect will reverse years of progress on women's rights in South Korea.
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Here's a look at what Sunday's Oscars telecast will tell us about the state of the film industry mid-pandemic and the films we'll be seeing in the future.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.kunm.org/2022-03-25/this-could-be-the-1st-oscars-in-which-a-streaming-services-film-wins-best-picture | 2022-03-25T21:11:19 | en | 0.940594 |
GBP/USD trims two days of losses but fails to reclaim 1.3200 amid a positive sentiment
The British pound rebounded from intraday losses in the mid-North American session, though it failed to reclaim the 1.3200 mark, courtesy of a risk-on market mood, Fed hawkishness, and Bank of England’s rate hike, with one dissenter, perceived as a dovish increase. At the time of writing, the GBP/USD is trading at 1.3187. Late in the North American session, the market sentiment improved, boosting appetite for risk-sensitive currencies like the GBP. Nevertheless, amid an increased appetite for the greenback, disappointing data coming from the UK put a lid on the GBP/USD recovery. Read more...
GBP/USD Weekly Forecast: Correction set to extend in the US NFP week
Clocks will turn forward in Europe and the UK next week but the corrective move in GBP/USD is unlikely to alter its course. Concerns over soaring inflation and Ukraine tensions resurfaced and crippled GBP/USD’s recovery rally from 2022 lows. GBP bulls lost conviction, as the central banks’ divergence returned to the fore. In the week ahead, the US Nonfarm Payrolls, Fed’s preferred PCE inflation and BOE-speak will hold relevance, as the Russia-Ukraine conflict rages on. Read more...
GBP/USD Forecast: Pound fluctuates between key technical levels
GBP/USD has been moving sideways in a relatively tight channel in the second half of the week. The pair needs to break out of the 1.3160-1.3200 range to determine its next short-term direction. The data published by the UK's Office for National Statistics showed on Friday that Retail Sales in the UK declined by 0.3% on a monthly basis in February after rising by 1.9% in January. This print missed the market expectation for an increase of 0.6% by a wide margin and made it difficult for the British pound to continue to gather strength. Read more...
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Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.kunm.org/npr-news/2022-03-25/a-business-built-a-new-supply-chain-due-to-the-pandemic-its-now-having-doubts | 2022-03-25T21:11:25 | en | 0.966332 |
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Dangerous chemicals found in fast-food wrappers at major chains, report says
Alarming levels of dangerous chemicals known as PFAS were discovered in food packaging at a number of well-known fast-food and fast-casual restaurants and grocery store chains, a new report found.
The highest levels of indicators for PFAS were found in food packaging from Nathan's Famous, Cava, Arby's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Stop & Shop and Sweetgreen, according to an investigation released Thursday by Consumer Reports.
Often called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment, PFAS are used in food packaging to prevent grease and water from soaking through food wrappers and beverage cups. PFAS can also be found in the ink used to print logos and instructions on food containers.
The new report comes more than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, when the public has relied heavily on takeout and grocery deliveries.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) a "public health concern," citing studies that found the human-made chemicals can harm the immune system and reduce a person's resistance to infectious diseases.
"There is evidence from human and animal studies that PFAS exposure may reduce antibody responses to vaccines," stated the CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. "More research is needed to understand how PFAS exposure may affect illness from COVID-19."
More than 100 food products tested
The Consumer Reports investigation collected 118 food packaging products sold by 24 companies in the tristate area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. It tested those products for organic fluorine — a marker for PFAS. Researchers then sent samples of products with the highest levels to an independent laboratory that could perform more specific tests, said Michael Hansen, senior staff scientist for advocacy at Consumer Reports.
Regulatory limits for how much PFAS food packaging should contain can vary greatly. In the U.S., there are no federal limits, leaving action up to the states. Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington have passed bills banning intentional use of PFAS in food packaging, but haven't yet specified a limit, according to Consumer Reports. In January 2023, a new law in California will set the limit at less than 100 ppm (parts per million).
However, Denmark set a much lower regulatory limit of 20 ppm with great success, said Xenia Trier, a chemicals, environment and human health expert at the European Environment Agency.
"In Denmark we've seen both a decrease in noncompliance by industry from 60% to about 30% and a decrease in levels of PFAS in packaging products over the past 10 years," Trier told CNN. "It does work to set limits and enforce them. It is possible to find alternative solutions and if one manufacturer can make packaging without PFAS, then it should be possible for everybody to do it."
The Consumer Reports investigation found the highest indicators for PFAS — 876 ppm and 618 ppm — in two types of bags for sides at Nathan's Famous restaurants.
High indicators of PFAS (in the 500s) were also found in a Chick-fil-A sandwich wrapper and in fiber bowls at Cava, a Mediterranean restaurant chain.
Indicator levels in the 300s and 400s were found in a bag of cookies at Arby's, bamboo paper plates at Stop & Shop, and in a bag for both cookies and French toast sticks at Burger King.
Levels of PFAS indicators in the 200s were found in a Sweetgreen paper bag for focaccia, additional items at Cava, and in bags for french fries, cookies and Chicken McNuggets at McDonald's.
However, all of the companies listed had additional food packaging that tested at levels below 200 ppm. Four companies — Arby's, Nathan's Famous, McDonald's and Stop & Shop — also sold food in packaging that had no detectable levels of PFAS, the report said.
The Consumer Reports investigation did not test packaging from every food product sold at each company.
"I would not urge consumers to take these brand names and only go to this one or that one, as this investigation only looked at just over 100 products," said Graham Peaslee, a professor of physics, chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.
"However, this will hold industry's toes to the fire, so in that sense, I think it's a valuable report," he added. "Measuring and saying PFAS is there and it's dangerous gets people's attention, and companies tend to avoid attention like that."
Health impact of PFAS
PFAS chemicals are in many products: nonstick cookware, infection-resistant surgical gowns and drapes, cell phones, semiconductors, commercial aircraft and low-emission vehicles. The chemicals also are used to make carpeting, clothing, and furniture resistant to stains, water and grease damage.
In use since the 1950s, PFAS are chemicals most Americans have "in their blood," especially perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)," according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, which is charged with protecting the public from hazardous substances.
In the Consumer Reports investigation, the most common chemical found in the food packaging that was tested was PFOA, with PFOS coming in fifth, according to the report.
In addition to impacts on the immune system, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry said studies in humans and lab animals have found links between certain PFAS chemicals and an increase in cholesterol levels, alterations in liver enzymes, a higher risk of developing kidney or testicular cancer, small reductions in infant birth weights and an additional risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women.
"PFAS have also caused birth defects, delayed development, and newborn deaths in lab animals," the agency stated, while adding "not all effects observed in animals may occur in humans."
As environmental groups and the public began to take notice of the health impacts of the chemicals, manufacturers started to voluntarily phase out the use of PFOS and PFOA in the U.S. Between 1999 and 2014, blood levels of PFOS in Americans had declined by more than 80% and blood levels of PFOA had declined by more than 60%, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry stated.
However, "as PFOS and PFOA are phased out and replaced, people may be exposed to other PFAS," the agency continued. Newer versions of PFAS in food packaging appear to be absorbed by food more readily than the older versions, according to a 2016 study.
Studies in Denmark have shown that PFAS do "migrate from the paper into the food," Trier said. "Even though it was not 100%, we still saw substantial transmission. In general, transmission from packaging to food is increased as the temperature of the food rises and the time spent in wrapping materials increases."
Industry response
The Consumer Reports investigation mirrored results of reports in 2018 and 2020 by Toxic-Free Future and Safer Chemicals Healthy Families. Those reports found "harmful" levels of PFAS in fast-food packaging and in nearly two-thirds of takeout containers made of paper, like those used at self-serve salad buffets and hot bars.
In response to the 2018 report, Whole Foods became the first grocery chain in North America to publicly commit to remove PFAS from takeout containers and deli and bakery paper. Other companies have followed suit, including Ahold Delhaize, Albertsons, Amazon.com, Cava, Chipotle, Freshii, McDonald's, Panera Bread, Sweetgreen, Trader Joe's and Wendy's, according to Toxic-Free Future.
In the new investigation, Consumer Reports tested 13 food packaging products from retailers that had previously committed to phasing out PFAS. Seven of the 13 had levels of PFAS above 20 ppm, the report said.
Burger King, which had high levels of PFAS in three of six products tested, had not made a public commitment to phase out PFAS, according to Consumer Reports. Early Thursday, parent company Restaurant Brands International announced it will globally phase out any "added" PFAS from "guest-facing packaging materials" at the Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes brands "by the end of 2025 or sooner."
Nathan's Famous, which Consumer Reports said also has not made a public commitment to reducing PFAS, told CNN the company had begun phasing out the bags. "One of our goals in this complete package redesign is to reduce PFAS," said Phil McCann, vice president of marketing at Nathan's Famous. "Full transition will be complete by December 2022."
Chick-fil-A told CNN it had been on a four-year journey to phase out PFAS: "Chick-fil-A has eliminated intentionally added PFAS from all newly produced packaging going forward in our supply chain. While some legacy packaging may still be in restaurants, it is expected to be phased out by the end of this summer," the company tweeted Wednesday.
Cava, which had previously pledged to reduce PFAS but had five out of six products with indicators between 200 ppm and 548 ppm, told CNN that "due to a multitude of factors related to the pandemic, and especially global supply chain shortages, the transition to eliminating added PFAS, which began in August of 2021, is taking longer than planned. Our teams are working with our suppliers to complete the transition within the year."
A McDonald's spokesperson said less than 7.5% of the company's global food packaging contained added PFAS at the end of 2020 and said the company was continuing its search for alternative materials that offered proper grease-resistant barriers, with a goal of reducing deliberately added PFAS by the end of 2025.
Sweetgreen told CNN the company was "proud to share that we are currently in the process of rolling out new PFAS-free focaccia bags that will be available in all Sweetgreen locations by the end of Q2."
Jennifer Brogan, director of external communications and community relations for Stop & Shop, told CNN the company could "confirm that these Nature's Promise brand plates have been removed from all store locations."
A spokesperson from Arby's told CNN in an email that the company has "minimal packaging materials containing PFAs and is on track to have PFAs removed from all packaging products by the end of 2022."
Actions the public can take
Experts say people who want to avoid PFAS in their takeout and food delivery packaging should favor companies that have pledged to remove the chemicals.
Take food out of the container as soon as you receive it, and never reheat food in its original container. Instead, remove your food and heat it in ceramic or glass containers, Trier said.
The Consumer Reports investigation found some of the highest levels of PFAS were in paper bags (192.2 ppm) and molded fiber bowls and trays (156.8 ppm). Paper plates tested at 149 ppm, and food wrappers and liners came in at 59.2 ppm.
Don't be fooled by "environmentally friendly" claims — they don't guarantee a product is PFAS-free. When Consumer Reports tested those products, some had levels of PFAS above 100 ppm, and most had some detectable levels, the report said.
Experts also suggest reducing the frequency of takeout meals to once a week or less, and recommend that people instead make food at home.
You can also reach out to your congressional representative and senators and support the bipartisan bill Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act, experts said. Designed to ban the use of any PFAS as a food contact substance, the bill was introduced into both chambers in November. | https://www.wxii12.com/article/dangerous-chemicals-found-in-fast-food-wrappers-at-major-chains-report-says/39539906 | 2022-03-25T21:11:50 | en | 0.969352 |
(NEWS10) – This week on Empire State Weekly, with the deadline to pass the state budget quickly approaching, Governor Hochul’s public safety plan to address potential changes to bail reform laws is threatening to derail the timeline. Many lawmakers are now considering voting against the budget plan, should it include any significant changes to bail reform. According to advocacy groups and policy experts, the statistics surrounding the bail laws are showing that the current reforms are working the way they were intended.
We hear from law enforcement groups both in favor of making changes to New York’s bail reform laws and advocators who argue changing the laws will set the state back from its progress to make the court system fairer and just for all New Yorkers.
Insha Rahman of the Vera Institute of Justice says the current laws have benefited thousands of New Yorkers who would’ve remained locked up for small amounts of bail they can’t afford as they await their day in court, and ultimately, these laws have made New York safer despite rhetoric floating among lawmakers that’s attempting to paint a narrative opposite of what the data has witnessed.
“Every data point that we have about bail reform shows that it is working, that it has not been behind the very real uptick in shootings and homicides,” says Rahman. “If that’s what we want to address, as well as repeat offenses, we need to invest in prevention and not fearmonger and blame the wrong cause. Because if you do, you miss the right solutions.”
Our team of New York correspondents joins us to weigh in on how bail reform and other controversial proposals being touted in the state budget are being gauged across the state.
Here is a list of how you can watch Empire State Weekly in your area of New York every weekend: | https://www.news10.com/news/empire-state-weekly-budgeting-for-bail-reform/ | 2022-03-25T21:11:55 | en | 0.966697 |
A senior U.S. defense official says Russia's top military priority at the moment is to advance in the Donbas region in the east of Ukraine, and ground efforts around the capital of Kyiv appear to be paused.
The Russian Defense Ministry said today that Russia is focused on the Donbas, and the U.S. official says that tracks with the heavy fighting the U.S. has been seeing there for the past several days. The Donbas is the site of two breakaway regions that have been contested by Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists since shortly after the 2014 annexation of Crimea.
There's also heavy combat in Mariupol, a coastal city to the south of the Donbas. The U.S. official says this is part of a Russian effort to take full control of the region and cut off Ukrainian forces from helping elsewhere, such as Kyiv.
The official also said that, at least for the moment, the Russians have halted their ground offensive for Kyiv.
"They're digging in ... we're not seeing any movement on the ground," the official said, adding that the Russians are in a "defensive crouch" about 10 miles outside the capital to the northwest, and 30-plus miles to the east. Bombardment of the capital continues, however.
Farther to the west, the senior official says the Pentagon considers the area around the southern city of Kherson contested territory again. Russian forces had captured the city on March 3.
In another development, the U.S. sees indications that Russia is drawing on its forces in Georgia for use in Ukraine. The official said he didn't know the number of troops involved, or the possible timeline for their deployment to Ukraine. Russia invaded Georgia in 2008 to help a separatist region there and have remained for the past 14 years.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.kunm.org/npr-news/2022-03-25/russias-assault-on-kyiv-slows-as-it-shifts-focus-to-eastern-ukraines-donbas-region | 2022-03-25T21:11:56 | en | 0.972407 |
Rockingham County School District files lawsuit against Juul
Rockingham County School District files lawsuit against Juul
336-373-10.00 THE ROCKINGHAM COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS ONE OF FIVE IN THE STATE THAT FILED A LAWSUIT AGAINST ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE MAKER JUUL. WXII 12 NEWS OBTAINED A COMPLAINT THAT CLAIMS JUUL WANTED TO, QUOTE GET YOUNG PEOPLE HOOKED. IT SAYS THE COMPANY USED KID-FRIENDLY FLAVORS AND ADRTVEISED ON QUOTE CHDRILEN’S WEBSITES SUCH AS NICK JUNIOR AND CARTOON NETWORK. THE COMPLAINT CLAIMS QUOTE, THREE TACTICS WERE CENTRAL TO DECADES OF CIGARETTE INDUSTRY MARKET DOMINANCE, PRODUCT DESIGN DECEPTION; AND TARGETING OF YOUTH. JLI AND ITS CO-CONSPIRATORS ADOPTED AND MASTERED THEM ALL. NORTH CAROLINA IS THE FIRST STATE TO SUE THE E-CIGARETTE MAKER. LAST YEAR, THE COMPANY AGREED TO PAY THE STATE $40 LL
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Rockingham County School District files lawsuit against Juul
Rockingham County School District is the fifth in North Carolina to file a lawsuit against electronic cigarette maker Juul. WXII 12 News obtained a complaint that claims Juul wanted to "get young people hooked."The complaint said that the company used kid-friendly flavors and advertised on "children's websites, such as Nick Jr. and Cartoon Network." "Three tactics were central to decades of cigarette industry market dominance: product design to maximize addiction; mass deception; and targeting of youth. JLI and its co-conspirators adopted and mastered them all," the complaint said.North Carolina is the first state to sue the e-cigarette maker.Last year, the company agreed to pay the state $40 million to settle the case.
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. —
Rockingham County School District is the fifth in North Carolina to file a lawsuit against electronic cigarette maker Juul.
WXII 12 News obtained a complaint that claims Juul wanted to "get young people hooked."
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The complaint said that the company used kid-friendly flavors and advertised on "children's websites, such as Nick Jr. and Cartoon Network."
"Three tactics were central to decades of cigarette industry market dominance: product design to maximize addiction; mass deception; and targeting of youth. JLI and its co-conspirators adopted and mastered them all," the complaint said.
North Carolina is the first state to sue the e-cigarette maker.
Last year, the company agreed to pay the state $40 million to settle the case. | https://www.wxii12.com/article/rockingham-county-school-district-lawsuit-juul/39541914 | 2022-03-25T21:12:00 | en | 0.886537 |
(The Hill) – A new male contraceptive was found to be 99% effective when tested in mice, according to research presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) on Wednesday. Gunda Georg, is a medicinal chemist who leads the University of Minnesota lab conducting the research.
Georg said that human testing of the nonhormonal male contraceptive could begin as soon as the third or fourth quarter of 2022, according to a press release from the ACS. Abdullah Al Noman, a graduate student involved in the research said “Scientists have been trying for decades to develop an effective male oral contraceptive.”
Currently, no approved male birth control bills are on the market, he added. The ACS noted that the majority of male birth control pills in the works use hormones to target testosterone, which could potentially cause side effects such as weight gain, depression, and increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
“We wanted to develop a non-hormonal male contraceptive to avoid these side effects,” Noman said.
When given orally to male mice for four weeks, the compound researchers tested was found to be 99 effective in preventing pregnancy in female mice. No observable side effects were detected, and male mice were able to reproduce within four to six weeks after they stopped receiving the compound.
“Because it can be difficult to predict if a compound that looks good in animal studies will also pan out in human trials, we’re currently exploring other compounds, as well,” noted Georg. | https://www.news10.com/news/male-birth-control-pill-99-percent-effective-in-mice-study-finds/ | 2022-03-25T21:12:01 | en | 0.972531 |
Congress failed to approve billions in new funding to fight COVID-19. Among threatened program cuts are free treatments for COVID patients who are uninsured.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Congress failed to approve billions in new funding to fight COVID-19. Among threatened program cuts are free treatments for COVID patients who are uninsured.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.kunm.org/npr-news/2022-03-25/the-covid-fund-for-the-uninsured-is-shutting-down-which-will-likely-drive-spread | 2022-03-25T21:12:02 | en | 0.926837 |
MANSFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) — State police in Connecticut are investigating after a premature newborn baby was left on the hood of a car. On March 23 around 4:15 p.m., a woman called 911 reporting a man left a baby on the hood of her parked car in Mansfield.
According to investigators, the woman found a 2-pound baby boy wrapped in a towel on her car.
“As she approached the male and tried to ask him questions—you know, ‘What are you doing?’—and she didn’t know what was happening. He fled the area in a dark-colored SUV,” said Connecticut State Police Sergeant Dawn Pagan. “They were able to call 911, wrap up that infant, get the infant warm and the infant was transported to an area hospital.”
Investigators said the man who left the baby was described as Hispanic, heavy-set, with short black hair, wearing a black long-sleeved T-shirt and black jogger-style pants. Meanwhile, state police said staff at the hospital determined the baby to be a 28- to 30-week-old premature newborn. Thus far, the baby is listed in stable condition, according to state police.
People along Pleasant Valley Road were surprised to see police and an ambulance. “I can’t imagine seeing a child that young and that small and that helpless, just abandoned,” said Jennifer Nelson. “What would I do if I came out and saw a baby on the hood of the car?”
They are also keeping their eyes open for that dark-colored SUV. After all, Connecticut has a SAFE Havens Act for Newborns.
“A parent can bring a newborn—if they don’t want the baby, of course—30 days and under to any emergency department in the state,” said Dr. John Brancato with Connecticut Children’s. “There’s no risk of prosecution. We don’t require names, of course. This is meant to allow an anonymous process.”
There will be no questions asked, but there is one caveat—the baby has to be healthy and uninjured. “If it appears that the baby has been abused, that’s a different story and then prosecution is absolutely in the cards,” Brancato said. | https://www.news10.com/news/northeast-news/premature-baby-left-on-hood-of-car-in-connecticut/ | 2022-03-25T21:12:07 | en | 0.975647 |
A new Virginia state law prohibiting mask mandates in public schools does not apply to 12 students with disabilities whose parents challenged the law, a federal judge has ruled.
Last month, the parents of 12 students across Virginia asked the court to halt enforcement of the law, saying it violated their rights under the federal American with Disabilities Act. The law, signed by newly elected Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, went into effect March 1; it gives parents a say over whether their children should wear masks in school.
On Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Norman Moon issued a preliminary injunction, saying the new law cannot prevent the 12 students from seeking "reasonable modification" to their classroom setting, which could include requiring the rest of the class to wear masks.
The group of parents have children whose health conditions range from cystic fibrosis to asthma that put them at heightened risk for COVID-19.
Moon said that federal law requires that schools be able to afford "reasonable modifications" from general policies and said that the children involved in the case would suffer "irreparable harm" should modifications not be made.
The judge also emphasized that the Virginia law would stay in place and that the injunction only applies to the 12 plaintiffs in this case.
The American Civil Liberties Union, which was one of several legal organizations that filed on behalf of the plaintiffs, said the injunction served as a "blueprint."
"While the injunction is limited to these 12 students, it is clearly a blueprint for any parent of a student with disabilities to assure their school district can make accommodations when the safety of their children is at stake and that state law cannot stand in the way," the ACLU said.
In a statement, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares said the ruling affirms that "parents have the right to make choices for their children."
The case was seen as a significant step in Virginia's mask mandate controversy because it used the American with Disabilities Act as a legal argument to counter the new law.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.kunm.org/npr-news/2022-03-25/virginias-law-barring-mask-mandates-does-not-apply-to-12-children-with-disabilities | 2022-03-25T21:12:08 | en | 0.9754 |
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Winston-Salem firefighter, civilian injured in afternoon shooting at hot dog stand, police say
Winston-Salem firefighter, civilian injured in afternoon shooting at hot dog stand, police say
12 news. This is breaking news. I want to continue to stay on top of that breaking news out of Winston Salem police say two people have been shot including a city firefighter. Let's get you back out live to that scene. W X 12 Justin share is there just a few minutes ago we heard from Lieutenant Amy Golden, she fielded some questions from reporters. What were the key takeaways Justin? Mm hmm. Yeah guys, good afternoon that Lieutenant Lieutenant Amy Golden just spoke to us probably about 4 to 5 minutes ago. What we do know right now and what she was able to confirm is that two people were shot here. We are told one of those two people was an on duty Winston Salem Firefighter we are told that that firefighter is in stable condition, the other person that was shot is a citizen. We are told that that person is in critical condition right now. Once again two people were shot here. I'm going to step out of the way real quick and just show you this very, very active scene behind me here. This is at Kermit's hot dog house here. You can see there is still shattered glass on the ground. You can also see medical equipment here on the ground as well as a lot of different police department officers and detectives here as well. That is the latest information. Once again that on duty Winston Salem firefighter we are told is in stable condition and that other person who was shot is in critical condition right now Kenny and Christine Justin before we let you go any indication about when we might get the next update and, and you've been there for about a half hour, 45 minutes or so, do you see the police presence ramping up or does it appear as if they are starting to trickle out at this point? So that's right. As you said, We, we did get here probably about 30 minutes ago or so. Right now, there is still a fair amount of police officers and detectives on scene. It really hasn't gotten any smaller in the last 30 minutes. As for your other question about another update, we did ask that question and as of right now, police have told us this is an ongoing investigation. There are still a lot of details that they are really trying to iron out a lot of folks they're trying to talk to right now, so they were not able to give us a timeline on when they may speak to us next, Justin a quick question, you know, of course everyone's wondering what about the suspect? They weren't able to to nail down whether there is one, obviously they said they needed the public's help at this point. So anymore that you can reiterate about that. So that's another very good question and, and we had asked that as well and right now they do not have any type of description on that person or even persons who may have fired those shots. So right now we have no information about that as well. But I can tell you that we will continue to ask both of those questions as the afternoon and the evening progressives.
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Winston-Salem firefighter, civilian injured in afternoon shooting at hot dog stand, police say
A shooting at Kermit's Hot Dog House injured an on-duty firefighter and a civilian Friday afternoon. The shooting happened at the Winston-Salem hot dog stand on Thomasville Road at about 2:30 p.m.Winston-Salem police said a city firefighter and another person suffered gunshot wounds.The civilian is hospitalized in critical condition.The firefighter is in stable condition. The shooter is still at-large, police said, any witnesses or people with information about the shooting are strongly encouraged to contact authorities.No further information has been released.This is a developing story, check back with WXII for more updates.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —
A shooting at Kermit's Hot Dog House injured an on-duty firefighter and a civilian Friday afternoon.
The shooting happened at the Winston-Salem hot dog stand on Thomasville Road at about 2:30 p.m.
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Winston-Salem police said a city firefighter and another person suffered gunshot wounds.
The civilian is hospitalized in critical condition.
The firefighter is in stable condition.
The shooter is still at-large, police said, any witnesses or people with information about the shooting are strongly encouraged to contact authorities.
No further information has been released.
This is a developing story, check back with WXII for more updates. | https://www.wxii12.com/article/winston-salem-shooting-firefighter-person-shot/39541755 | 2022-03-25T21:12:10 | en | 0.978458 |
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The Schenectady Police Department has released the accident report from a patrol car crash that damaged two homes in Schenectady. According to the report, Officer Josh Clifford said he hit a patch of ice, which caused him to lose control of the vehicle.
On March 3 around 6:45 a.m., Clifford was driving when he left the road and crashed into 747 and 751 Eastern Avenue. The occupants of each home, as well as Clifford, were uninjured.
The investigation into the cause of the accident remains ongoing. Police said at this time, speed and impairment are not factors. The accident reconstruction report will be released once it is completed and reviewed.
You can take a look at the accident report below. | https://www.news10.com/news/schenectady-county/schenectady-officer-says-ice-caused-him-to-crash-into-two-homes/ | 2022-03-25T21:12:13 | en | 0.983173 |
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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Some lawmakers are urging the Biden administration to spread the word about the child and dependent care tax credit.
“We want to make sure that folks know about it and I just didn’t think the administration was doing a good enough job in getting the word out,” Sen. Bob Casey (D-Penn.) said.
Casey also wants American families to utilize this now refundable tax credit, which can offset the costs of child care.
“Thousands of dollars extra, just for this year, if families claim it on their tax return,” Casey said.
Parents can receive up to $4,000 per child. Casey says this tax credit can also cover things besides just daycare.
“The expenses are incurred in regards to summer camps, babysitting, before and after school care. It’s a good way to get some relief at a time when inflation has increased for a lot of families,” Casey said.
Republicans agree that many Americans may not realize they can get the credit starting this tax season, even if they don’t make enough to pay taxes.
“We want everybody to be able to take advantage of that,” Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) said.
Capito adds that it’s an important benefit for Americans still recovering from the pandemic.
“These tax credits can help with child care issues or educational issues, things of that nature that we’re seeing parents struggle with, particularly post-pandemic,” Capito said.
Casey stresses that to get the available funds, families need to file their 2021 taxes. | https://www.news10.com/washington/washington-dc/lawmakers-urge-the-white-house-to-spread-the-word-on-new-and-expanded-tax-credit/ | 2022-03-25T21:12:19 | en | 0.967563 |
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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Lowering the price of lifesaving drugs is top of mind for many in Congress. The issue is the focus of several different pieces of legislation.
Lawmakers say many Americans are struggling to afford the medication they need. Debra Tyler-Horton with Georgia’s AARP is advocating for legislation that will help seniors with the rising costs.
“Seniors are sick and tired of being pharma’s piggybank and funding their high profits,” Tyler-Horton said.
It’s a problem lawmakers want to solve. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., is introducing a bill to cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for seniors on Medicare.
“It is unconscionable that our country would allow our seniors to go without the medication they need to live healthy lives, because of high costs,” Warnock said.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., is co-sponsoring Sen, Warnock’s other bill to cap the price of insulin at $35. Both also support a measure to allow Medicare to negotiate the price of prescription drugs.
“I’m going to continue working to get the job done on this much-needed reform,” Baldwin said. “Because not only does it save patients money, it saves taxpayers money.”
Democrats are hopeful this is an issue that can get traction with Republicans too. They’re ready to negotiate.
“If somebody has got an idea, I’ve got an idea, we put those ideas together,” Warnock said.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., believes this can be a bipartisan push.
“Capping prices may not be where the consensus is but something that leads to lower prices – much, much lower prices – is, I think, on everybody’s radar screens,” Capito said.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to bring the insulin legislation to the Senate floor in the next few weeks.
“There should be nothing remotely partisan about making sure Americans don’t go broke to manage their diabetes,” Schumer said. | https://www.news10.com/washington/washington-dc/lowering-prescription-prices-high-priority-for-some-lawmakers/ | 2022-03-25T21:12:25 | en | 0.945891 |
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NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Kansas City Chiefs lost another member of its Super Bowl team.
The New Orleans Saints announced Friday that they signed former Chiefs safety Daniel Sorensen. The terms of the deal haven’t been released.
Sorensen signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent out of BYU in 2014, and spent eight years with the team.
He was an unrestricted free agent with the Chiefs following the 2021-2022 season.
Fans had a lot of criticism for Sorensen throughout the season. They claimed he didn’t step up and often played poorly on defense.
The news comes the same week that former Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill signed a mega deal with the Miami Dolphins.
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💻 Find today’s top stories on fox4kc.com for Kansas City and all of Kansas and Missouri. | https://fox4kc.com/sports/chiefs/new-orleans-saints-sign-chiefs-safety-dan-sorensen/ | 2022-03-25T21:12:45 | en | 0.97366 |
Dipping sauces are a quick and easy way to elevate the often one-note flavors of McDonald’s fries and McNuggets (that one note typically being salt) to a level one might call “almost complex.” Okay, maybe “almost complex” is still be too strong a phrase, but our point is that McDonald’s dipping sauces make their food significantly better — which begs the question, which of McDonald’s dips and condiments tastes the best?
This is probably an actual question you’ve asked yourself in the drive-through — considering McDonald’s offers one to two free dipping sauces with your meal but chargers for extra sauce, thus forcing you to pick a team. Are you all about the Tangy BBQ? Are you a Ranch person? Have you even bothered to try the full lineup?
With the weekend approaching, we decided to find out which sauce tastes the best by taste testing all of them on the two best McDonald’s foods to dip — French fries and McNuggets.
Currently, McDonald’s has the following dips and condiments:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Spicy Buffalo
- Sweet n’ Sour
- Hot Mustard
- Ranch
- Tangy BBQ
…And, beginning March 31st for a limited time and while supplies last…
- The legendary Szechuan Sauce.
Pro tip: If you order all of these sauces in one go, as I did, whoever is working will be sure to remind you that you’re paying for each of these sauces (helpful!). They will also treat you like a weirdo who is somehow trying to prank them (less helpful!). Anyway, let’s dip, starting with the worst of the sauces…
8. Tangy BBQ
Tasting Notes:
I’m sorry if you’re team Tangy BBQ but this is legitimately the worst, let me emphasize, the worst, barbecue sauce I’ve ever tasted in my life. It hardly even tastes like BBQ sauce, you would only classify it as such because of the color — which looks more like slightly dark ketchup than your typical BBQ. The sauce goes very heavy on the vinegar notes with a sweet tomato-forward flavor.
There are no traces of smoke here, it’s sugary sweet and bright with a tangy almost sour after taste. Truly the weirdest BBQ sauce ever.
Fries Or Nuggets?
Neither, this sauce tastes equally bad on the nuggets and fries. Once the saltiness of the chicken and fries meets this overly tangy and sweet sauce, the sour flavors come to the forefront causing a wince-inducing experience.
7. Mustard Packet
Tasting Notes:
Mustard is a wonderful condiment, it’s packed with all sorts of complex, earthy flavors, McDonald’s mustard though doesn’t quite… cut the mustard. Sorry, but really, this mustard doesn’t have the complexity of a good blend — it’s a little bit blunt and bitter, with a vinegar dominant flavor. It pairs nicely with beef but as a dip for fries or nuggets, it’s useless.
Fries Or Nuggets?
Fries. Mustard on nuggets just doesn’t really work, the bitter flavors of yellow mustard don’t do anything to elevate the salty flavor and crispy texture of the McNugget. On fries, they’re enjoyable enough, but they’re nobody’s first choice. You’re much better off blending the ketchup and mustard together if you go the fry route.
6. Ranch
Like McDonald’s Tangy BBQ, the flavor of McDonald’s Ranch comes across as tasting cheap, more an approximation of ranch dressing than actual ranch dressing. It’s very sour-forward, with a sort of powdered sour cream and onion flavor with a loose milky consistency. It’s sour in flavor and smell, very off-putting.
Fries Or Nuggets?
You’re going to want to dip fries in Ranch, not the nuggets. The salty slightly sweet flavor of McDonald’s crispy french fries pairs better with the sour cream and onion flavor of this ranch dressing, on chicken it takes on an almost stomach-turning flavor.
5. Ketchup
Tasting Notes:
As far as I can tell, McDonald’s has its own proprietary ketchup — that’s pretty dope, but it tastes almost exactly like Heinz. I know this because I also did a ketchup ranking not too far back, so I’m pretty zeroed in on the nuances of the different brands, and this has that same bright and slightly sweet flavor that Heinz has. It’s kind of hard to hate on ketchup, so the biggest insult we can give to the condiment is saying it’s mid-tier, which it is.
Nothing wrong with that though!
Fries Or Nuggets?
Ketchup tastes equally great on both! I like it a bit more for fries, I find the sweet bright tomato flavors pair nicely with the saltiness of McDonald’s fries, whereas on the chicken all it achieves is adding some moistness to the crispy mouthfeel.
4. Hot Mustard
Tasting Notes:
Take “hot” with a grain of salt here because McDonald’s Hot Mustard sauce isn’t hot at all. There is a spice to it, but it’s spicy in the way garlic is spicy, not chili peppers. The flavor here is a bit blunt, and heavily vinegar-forward before settling into an intense sweet garlic flavor. It’s similar to McDonald’s mustard packets but with more interesting flavors that hit your taste buds in small waves.
I’ll never understand why McDonald’s ditched its delicious Honey Mustard sauce, which was both sweeter and spicier than this sauce.
Fries Or Nuggets?
It pairs much better with the nuggets than the fries. The salt of the fries muddies the sweet flavors of this sauce. On the nuggets, the white pepper and garlic flavor of the McNugget batter becomes emphasized by the slightly earthy flavor of this sauce.
3. Sweet N’ Sour
Tasting Notes:
McDonald’s Sweet N’ Sour sauce attempts to capture the flavor of sweet ‘n sour dishes of takeout Chinese restaurants, and it almost gets there. As you may have noticed by now, a lot of McDonald’s sauces rely on sugar to deliver most of their flavor, and this sauce is no different. The word “sour” may be in the name, but make no mistake, there is nothing sour about this sauce — it’s corn syrup sweet. That said, it also has an interesting fruity component to it which adds a lot of depth. It tastes like apricot and plum with a brown sugar after taste that makes it incredibly addictive to dip into.
Fries Or Nuggets?
Nuggets are the play with this sauce. The way the sweet fruit and brown sugar flavors pair with the crispy light batter of the McNuggets tastes like a fast food version of sweet and sour chicken.
2. Spicy Buffalo
Tasting Notes:
McDonald’s has sadly discontinued its Mighty Hot Sauce so for fans of spicy sauces, the Spicy Buffalo is all we have. The good news is that unlike McDonald’s Ranch and BBQ sauce, this actually tastes like it’s supposed to taste. The Spicy Buffalo has a cayenne pepper forward flavor with garlic and onion notes that settle into a pronounced lingering sizzle on the palate. It’s a great sauce, and if it weren’t for the legendary Szechuan, it would’ve taken the number one spot easily.
Fries Or Nuggets
C’mon, this is buffalo sauce we’re talking about here, you have to eat this on the McNuggets. When the cayenne dominant notes mix with the crispy salty flavor of the McNugget batter, you’ve got one of the best boneless wings in fast food. Grab a nugget, dip it in sauce, and then sandwich it between a small stack of fries. You’ll get your hands dirty, but you’ll have a crispy, salty, spicy treat that comes across better than any McDonald’s chicken sandwich so far.
1. Szechuan Sauce
Tasting Notes:
We have to give the number one spot to McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce. Maybe it’s just the novelty of having something new, but this sauce is just tasting the best to me right now. The sauce will be available for a limited time while supplies last (something McDonald’s anticipates will be “a few days”) beginning March 31st but McDonald’s sent me over a small box of five that I will be now guarding with my life.
Ever since Szechuan Sauce (which was released to coincide with Disney’s Mulan in 1998) was mentioned in an episode of Rick and Morty, it’s gone on to enjoy legendary status amongst McDonald’s fans. And here’s the truth: It delivers!
Like all of McDonald’s sauces, the Szechuan is dominated by sweet notes. It’s not in the least bit spicy or hot, flavors most commonly associated with sauces from the Sichuan province of China. Instead, the sauce leans more on brown sugar ginger flavors, almost Teriyaki-like with a smokey after taste. The island of Japan is about 2000 miles away from the province of Sichuan, but… good try McDonald’s!
Aside from not really delivering on the expected heat, this sauce is pretty damn tasty with a sweet soy sauce flavor (not sure there is actual soy sauce in it though) that balances salty and sweet notes perfectly with a sweet smokey finish.
I can’t figure out why McDonald’s makes delicious sauces like the Szechuan, Mighty Hot, and Honey Mustard limited when they are leagues better than the stock sauces, but here we are, living in an age of artificial scarcity for the sake of hype. Rarely is that hype justified, and if you approach this sauce with a bunch of hype and anticipation, we’re telling you straight up that you’re going to be disappointed.
It’s good, but it’s not that good. At the end of the day it’s a just sugar-loaded sauce, which McDonald’s has many of.
Fries Or Nuggets?
It’s equally great on fries and nuggets and for that reason, we’re putting it just above the Spicy Buffalo. The sweet brown sugar and slightly smokey sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy mouthfeel of the chicken, and its subtle vinegary notes play nicely with the salty fries, offering some of that smokiness that the BBQ sauce is sorely missing.
Get it while you can, but if you miss it, just make your own: sugar, a splash of vinegar, corn starch, a splash of apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame seed oil. Half the ingredients, double the flavor. | https://uproxx.com/life/best-mcdonalds-dipping-sauces-ranked-szechuan/ | 2022-03-25T21:16:30 | en | 0.915573 |
In celebration of her infectiously danceable new single with Dua Lipa, “Sweetest Pie” Megan Thee Stallion has linked up with Goldbelly for a special pie collaboration that attempts to capture the spirit of the song. Megan’s H-Town Hottie Pie is inspired by the rapper’s hometown of Houston and goes big on the sweets — featuring a pecan pie loaded up with a combination of shredded coconut, pretzels, butterscotch chips, and gooey brown sugar with a golden glaze over the top.
According to the branding, it promises to taste like your “favorite bakery took a trip down the candy aisle” and it’s very much that. Literally, we’re talking about the “sweetest pie” your money can buy.
Sidenote: We’re eternally thankful Megan take the line “Wanna put his Nutty Buddy in my Fudge Round” too literally with this dessert. Sexual innuendo completely aside, Nutty Buddys and Fudge Rounds are some pretty bottom-tier snacks, so if this was a giant Nutty Fudge Round pie we would’ve had to pass. I’m sorry to the Little Debbie fans out there, you all have bad taste.
Anyway, the H-Town Hottie Pie is currently available for a limited time on Goldbelly for a price of $59. Before you drop that kind of cash on a gold spray-painted pecan pie, you’re probably going to want to know if it’s any good — so let’s eat!
Megan’s H-Town Hottie Pie
Price: $59
Experience & Tasting Notes:
Before we dive into the pie we have to talk about the packaging and presentation, because this is a Gold Belly product, after all. The pie ships frozen in a small box with bubble wrap and is stable at room temperature for a full week, or a full month if you re-freeze it. By the time I received and opened up the pie, it was fully thawed and ready to eat.
That’s great if you live in an apartment with an indoor mailing room like I do, but if you’re getting this delivered to your doorstep and live in a warmer climate, I could see heat damaging the consistency of your pie, which is made of mostly gooey sugar, not exactly the biggest resistor to melt-age.
The pie itself is housed in a special promotional box featuring Megan holding a sprinkled donut with her hair made-up to look like whipped cream. The photo matches some of Megan’s recent promotional material, namely her Apple Music profile photo, but I think it’s an odd choice to decorate this pecan pie with so much whipped cream donut imagery when none of that has to do with the pie.
But hey, we’re not here to talk about the conceptual consistency, we’re here to talk about the pie.
The pie itself looks like — and I say this with all due respect to both Ms. Stallion and Goldbelly — what I imagine C-3P0’s shit would look like if he was a robot capable of using the bathroom. Spray-painted food is a trend that no one asked for and people keep giving us. Stop. I think I speak for everyone when I say that eating spray-painted food, no matter how much you say ‘its edible!’ will always feel wrong.
When it comes to cutting into this pie we’re going to suggest you use a hammer and chisel because it’s incredibly hard to get a knife through this thing. So unless you’re totally fine with eating an ugly, uneven slice, don’t approach this pie as you would any other pie.
The brown sugar/corn syrup substance that sticks all this candied snack food together does a good job of binding the ingredients together, but it makes it hard to get through easily. It’s messy, is the point — most pecan pies are.
Once I finally bit into the pie though, all my criticisms melted away into a pool of sweet ecstasy. This pie is tooth-achingly sweet, brown sugar dominates the flavor with sweet and moist shredded coconut flavor on the aftertaste, mingling with subtly salty notes. While it relies on salted pretzels to act as a counterbalance to the sweetness, it leans much more comfortably on the sweet side of the flavor spectrum.
It’s a pleasure to eat bite after bite, but if you really want to kick it up a notch you’ll throw it in the microwave. A few seconds of heat took the already pleasant experience of eating this pie to the next level. Instead of receiving the flavors in sweet and salty waves, they melded together into a more harmonious whole. The warmed-up pie had a great texture and mouthfeel, courtesy of the combination of sugar, nuts, and shredded coconut, and an even better flavor that tasted like pecan pie reimagined by munchie-seeking stoners.
I still wish it wasn’t spray-painted fucking gold though.
The Bottom Line:
Sweet, salty, nutty, and then sweet again. Once warmed up and topped with your favorite ice cream, you’re in for one of the sweetest pies you’re bound to eat all year. And a pretty damn delicious one. | https://uproxx.com/life/megan-thee-stallion-h-town-hottie-pie-goldbelly-review/ | 2022-03-25T21:16:36 | en | 0.947134 |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/articles/38944500 | 2022-03-25T21:16:36 | en | 0.738227 |
BTS and Snoop Dogg have been linked to each other for quite some time… well, sort of. Back in 2014, when BTS was just beginning their world domination, the track “Hip Hop Phile” singled out Snoop as an inspiration. BTS’s RM starts reeling off the albums that made him “love” hip-hop and spits the lyric, “And of course the classic Illmatic and Doggystyle!” Now, in a full-circle moment eight years later, Snoop Dogg confirmed that he and the K-Pop supergroup are indeed set to collaborate on a track.
“The BTS experience you keep talking about. I’m going to let them tell you about it. It’s official like a referee with a whistle,” he told the A.V. Club on the red carpet for the premiere of his and Kelly Clarkson’s American Song Contest. “I make good music. They make good music. And we end up doing this. This is what it’s always about, bringing our worlds together.”
In January, Snoop said on a Clubhouse chat hosted by the Mogul Talk podcast that BTS had reached out to him about possibly collaborating, but he wasn’t all that familiar with them yet. He explained that his nephew illuminated him to the finer points of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, and then likened them to the “Asian New Edition. ”
So there you have it, the D-O-Double-G and the Bangtan Boys will be together on a track soon enough. Stay tuned. | https://uproxx.com/music/snoop-dogg-bts-collaboration/ | 2022-03-25T21:16:42 | en | 0.971761 |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/articles/38945239 | 2022-03-25T21:16:42 | en | 0.738227 |
It seems like there’s an annual conversation regarding the NFL’s overtime rules and whether or not they should change. This year, the conversation came after the high-scoring AFC playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills in which Buffalo’s offense did not get to touch the ball in overtime because Kansas City scored a touchdown on its first possession.
The immediate aftermath of the game featured a huge debate about whether or not this was fair, but no matter what, it does seem like there’s a window for the NFL to do something. And according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN, there is a chance — albeit not a great one — something happens in the coming weeks. Rich McKay, the chairman of the league’s competition committee, says there’s “a lot of momentum” to change the NFL’s overtime rules when the owners come together to meet next week, with a pair of options coming under the microscope.
At the moment, two proposals are under consideration. The Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles have proposed making it mandatory for each team to have an overtime possession before moving to sudden death. The Tennessee Titans, meanwhile, proposed a tweak that would implement mandatory possession for each team unless the team that has the first possession scores a touchdown and converts a successful 2-point attempt.
The bad news for those who want the OT rules to change is that McKay has some reservations about one of these getting the green light, telling ESPN that “I think my history on this rule tells me that 24 votes is not easy to get. But I do think the statistics absolutely warrant an examination of whether overtime rules need to be further modified.” | https://uproxx.com/sports/momentum-change-nfl-overtime-rules-details/ | 2022-03-25T21:16:48 | en | 0.955786 |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/mcb/duke-blue-devils-basketball/articles/38946511 | 2022-03-25T21:16:48 | en | 0.738227 |
If you’ve ever dreamed of donning a slick suit and traveling around the world while bringing down the bad guys, perhaps a James Bond-themed competition is for you. Luckily, there is one in the works at Amazon!
007’s Road To A Million will feature contestants traveling the world and competing at tasks in various James Bond locations, all for the goal of winning up to 1 million pounds — which comes to about 1.3 million US dollars. There will be physical challenges as well as trivia questions that the teams of two will have to answer correctly in order to advance.
The show has been in the works for a while since a globe-trotting competition series sounds like it will need a lot of planning. Production is slated to begin this year, so there is still time for civilians to train and practice their Bond-style moves and rehearse the correct way to order a vodka martini. So, more or less, the show sounds like The Amazing Race with fancier cars.
No premiere date has been announced yet, but the show will consist of eight parts and be available to stream on Amazon Prime. The show will be produced by 72 Films in collaboration with Bond producers Michael G Wilson, Barbara Broccoli, and MGM Television.
Now that Daniel Craig is done with his spy days, maybe whoever wins this competition will be the next Bond? And maybe it will be a comedy! | https://uproxx.com/tv/james-bond-007-road-to-a-million-competition-series/ | 2022-03-25T21:16:54 | en | 0.963368 |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/mcb/duke-blue-devils-basketball/articles/38946536 | 2022-03-25T21:16:54 | en | 0.738227 |
After wowing audiences with its wild second season, the HBO original series Euphoria has become such a huge hit that Maude Apatow, who plays Lexi on the show, has become a bigger name than her father, acclaimed comedy director Judd Apatow. At least with the show’s audience, anyway, and the elder Apatow is perfectly fine with it. In fact, he says that’s the plan.
While sitting down with The Last Laugh podcast, the Knocked Up director recalled his first experience with seeing Maude’s fame eclipse his own on social media. Via The Daily Beast:
“I went online and I looked at my Twitter feed and I saw that my name was trending and the first tweet was something like ‘Judd Apatow is Maude’s dad?!’” the legendary comedy director tells me in this preview from next week’s 150th episode of The Last Laugh podcast. “And then someone else was like, ‘Who the fuck is Judd Apatow?’ And then someone else was like, ‘He’s a director!’ And then that person said, ‘Well, I don’t know every nerdy indie director.’ And then someone else was like, ‘He’s not an indie director. He did Knocked Up!’”
Of course, like any proud parent, Apatow couldn’t be more thrilled of Maude’s work on Euphoria, which he self-deprecatingly jokes is directed better than anything he’s ever put out.
“You’re supposed to surpass your parents,” Apatow said. “You want to be the better version. So that’s already happened and I’m very excited for her.”
(Via The Daily Beast) | https://uproxx.com/tv/maude-apatow-dad-judd-euphoria-fans-dont-know-who-he-is/ | 2022-03-25T21:17:00 | en | 0.967358 |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/mcb/duke-blue-devils-basketball/articles/38946853 | 2022-03-25T21:17:00 | en | 0.738227 |
The comedic trio will be the first to host the Academy Awards since Jimmy Kimmel emceed the 2018 ceremony. The Oscars went without hosts in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
We had a chance to catch up with Hall and Sykes, who said they plan on making the 94th Oscars a celebration, filled with good humor, good intentions and plenty of laughs.
"It's going to be funny. We have some, you know, some hard jokes that's coming. But it's all in celebration of the night. And we want the audience to have fun," said Sykes.
"I think intention is everything. So all our intention is, is to laugh! That doesn't mean we aren't gonna, you know, not make jokes, you know? But it means no one's feelings will be hurt!" said Hall.
Hall, Schumer and Sykes will take the stage one, two or three at a time to host the show, which will take place at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
At the venue, things are shaping up along what will soon be the most watched red carpet of the year come Sunday. There are now some very colorful flowers added along the red carpet to add some razzle to the arrivals. Inside the venue, just expect dazzle! Artist renderings show the stunning stage you'll see on Oscar Sunday, with some intimate seating in the theater as well.
FULL LIST: 2022 Oscar nominations
Mark your calendar: March 27 is Oscar Sunday. Special "On The Red Carpet" coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT and continues all day leading up to the 94th Academy Awards ceremony. After the last award is handed out, stay with "On The Red Carpet" for continuing coverage. Be sure to follow @OnTheRedCarpet on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for all your Oscar news and information. Click here to download our CTV apps to watch "On The Red Carpet" wherever you stream. | https://6abc.com/94th-oscars-2022-oscar-regina-hall/11680338/ | 2022-03-25T21:17:06 | en | 0.96628 |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/mcb/duke-blue-devils-basketball/articles/38947131 | 2022-03-25T21:17:06 | en | 0.738227 |
Once again, it's set to be the backdrop for some of the most glamorous people in the world.
"I think it's important to feel beautiful and yourself," Oscar nominee Kirsten Dunst said.
She is nominated for her role in "The Power of the Dog," along with her partner Jesse Plemons, who she said is the one for whom she wants to look great.
"The person I want to think I'm most beautiful is Jesse," she said.
RELATED | 'Live With Kelly and Ryan' prep for 'After Oscars Show' that has become annual tradition
Even the extensive health protocols -- the testing and re-testing for COVID 19 -- can't spoil the joy of those who are back.
Cat McKenzie and I have worked half a dozen Oscar shows together, and now, she's back with the cast and crew of "GMA3: What You Need To Know."
McKenzie, who is the Executive Producer of GMA3, notices a big difference from last year's subdued show at Union Station.
"People are ready to be back," she said.
Alicia Vitarelli from sister station WPVI in Philadelphia believes the event "feels more exclusive this year," and producers have told her more of the really big stars want to come, not just those who are nominated.
GMA3 anchors Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes have been there before, with Robach calling her first trip to the Academy Awards' red carpet a surreal "pinch me moment" because, like so many others, she grew up watching the Oscars on TV.
RELATED | Oscars producers Shayla Cowan, Will Packer aim for awards show that appeals to all
Holmes added that it was the bright red of the carpet and the size of it that impresses him, even before the stars arrive.
Dr. Jennifer Ashton, who guided so many of us during the long pandemic, is making her first trip to the Oscars, and she was favorably impressed by the Motion Picture Academy's extensive health protocols.
Meanwhile, preparations for Sunday's big show continue.
"It's a ton of work," Oscar producer Will Packer said. "I've produced a lot of movies, this is like producing 10 movies at once."
Mark your calendar: March 27 is Oscar Sunday. Special "On The Red Carpet" coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET 10 a.m. PT and continues all day leading up to the 94th Academy Awards ceremony. After the last award is handed out, stay with "On The Red Carpet" for continuing coverage. Be sure to follow @OnTheRedCarpet on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok for all your Oscar news and information. Click here to download our CTV apps to watch "On The Red Carpet" wherever you stream. | https://6abc.com/oscars-academy-awards-diversity-red-carpet/11680604/ | 2022-03-25T21:17:12 | en | 0.975912 |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/mcb/maryland-terrapins-basketball/articles/38945299 | 2022-03-25T21:17:12 | en | 0.738227 |
Ludescher, 42, was an avid triathlon and marathon participant despite being diagnosed with asthma. But during her 30s, the condition stopped her in her tracks.
"I was constantly in the hospital. I was on BiPAP in the ICU," she said. "So, they actually sent me to Temple Lung Center, and then I got approved for the procedure."
That procedure is known as a bronchial thermoplasty. Dr. Sean Duffy, an associate professor of pulmonary and critical care disease at Temple Lung Center, says it's become a viable treatment within the last decade.
"It's a treatment where we can go into the airways with a bronchoscope and deliver a thermal energy or heat and that's what helps shrink the muscle layer that's around your airways," said Dr. Duffy. "And that prevents constriction of that airway when you have a flare up.
Ludescher received the treatment over several months, targeting different parts of her lungs during outpatient procedures. Ever since, she has crossed the finish line at the Broad Street Run, Philadelphia Marathon, and others.
This Saturday, she will run in the Phillies Charities 5K, which is returning in-person for the first time since 2019. The 12th annual event circles Citizens Bank Park and the Navy Yard to raise funds for Phillies Charities.
When she's not running, Hannah Ludescher is an interventional radiology nurse at Suburban Community Hospital in Norristown, Pennsylvania. She loves her job, loves running, and loves life now that she's been given a new lease on it.
"I feel like a brand new person," she said. "I'm able to breathe again. I got my life back."
To learn more about the Temple Lung Center or Phillies Charities 5K, visit their websites.
RELATED: Former firefighters bonded by kidney donation going strong after four years | https://6abc.com/philadelphia-phillies-charities-5k/11678338/ | 2022-03-25T21:17:18 | en | 0.977823 |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/mcb/maryland-terrapins-basketball/articles/38946792 | 2022-03-25T21:17:18 | en | 0.738227 |
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — (The video above is from a previous report.)
A Kingsland, Ga. man plead guilty to wire fraud on Friday after lying to receive COVID-19 small business assistance money.
Mack Devon Knight, a pastor, mortician, tax preparer and restaurateur, admitted to lying to receive assistance from the CARES Act, according to court records.
Knight faces up to 20 years in prison as well as financial restitution.
“Congress provided emergency taxpayer funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Security (CARES) Act to help financially struggling small businesses during the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney David H. Estes. “I have made fraud related to these funds a priority."
According to court documents and testimony, Knight applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loans for multiple businesses in Camden County. In the applications, Knight lied and said he had a series of businesses that made hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue before the pandemic.
Knight received $149,900 from the Small Business Administration for the claimed tax businesses, using a large portion of the money to buy a Mercedes-Benz sedan, officials said. That car will be given to the government as part of his plea agreement. | https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/crime/south-georgia-pastor-pleads-guilty-to-fraud/77-3e75a012-8810-4bb6-bf93-8f745ee12444 | 2022-03-25T21:17:52 | en | 0.96471 |
President Joe Biden asked former NFL running back Herschel Walker and TV personality Mehmet Oz, M.D., to step down from their positions on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. The two Republicans are running for U.S. Senate and were originally appointed to their positions by former President Donald Trump.
“President Biden is so scared about us beating Raphael Warnock that he has asked me to resign from my unpaid position on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition,” Walker tweeted on Thursday in reference to his opponent in the Georgia Senate race. “I'm not a quitter so you are going to have to fire me.”
In a video shared on Twitter, Oz also addressed a letter from the Biden administration asking that he resign from his position by close of business or he would be terminated.
Comedian Steve Hofstetter claimed in a viral tweet that Oz “violated the Hatch Act by running for Pennsylvania senate while employed by the government.”
THE QUESTION
Is it a violation of the Hatch Act to run for political office while working for the federal government?
THE SOURCES
- U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), federal agency tasked with enforcing the Hatch Act
- Congressional Research Service, nonpartisan public policy research institute of the U.S. Congress
- Advisory opinion from OSC Hatch Act Unit Chief Ana Galindo Marron
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
THE ANSWER
This claim needs context. While most federal employees cannot run for partisan political office under the Hatch Act, some special government employees can do so.
WHAT WE FOUND
The Hatch Act is a federal law passed in 1939 that limits certain political activities of federal employees, along with some state and local government workers connected to federally funded programs.
The provisions of the Hatch Act apply in one way or another to “all federal employees, other than the President and Vice President, in the executive branch of the federal government,” according to a 2014 report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS).
“The law’s purposes are to ensure that federal programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion, to protect federal employees from political coercion in the workplace, and to ensure that federal employees are advanced based on merit and not based on political affiliation,” the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), the federal agency tasked with enforcing the Hatch Act, explains on its website.
Federal employees who need to comply with the Hatch Act are classified into two groups: “less restricted” and “further restricted.” Most federal employees are in the first group. Both less and further restricted employees are not allowed to be candidates for partisan political office, according to the OSC and the CRS report.
Less restricted employees can engage in other political activities, including contributing money to campaigns or parties and attending political fundraising functions, among others. They can also run for office in nonpartisan elections, which are those not tied to a political party. Further restricted employees are those who work in intelligence and enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, and are prohibited from engaging in partisan political management or campaigns.
However, special government employees (SGEs), such as those who are part of a commission, may run for partisan political office, according to a 2019 advisory opinion issued by OSC Hatch Act Unit Chief Ana Galindo Marron. But they cannot participate in campaign-related activity while performing official government work.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, members of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition are considered special government employees and are not paid for their work. Former President Donald Trump appointed Oz and Herschel as council members, who advise the president on the council’s goals of expanding and encouraging youth sports participation, and promoting the overall physical fitness, health and nutrition of Americans.
Oz and Walker claim they were pushed out because they disagree with Biden’s policies. But a White House spokesperson told VERIFY the Biden administration does not allow candidates running for federal office to serve on presidential boards.
While it isn’t a violation of the Hatch Act for Oz and Herschel to run for Senate, they could have violated the act if they performed campaign work while they were on duty.
“While an SGE is generally not subject to the Hatch Act while off duty, a Commission member may not use their official title when engaging in off-duty political activity by, for example, including their Commission title in the signature block of a political fundraising letter. Doing so gives the appearance that the member is acting in an official capacity and, therefore, on duty. We consider such activity to be prohibited by the Hatch Act,” the 2019 advisory opinion says.
More from VERIFY: No, Congress members did not give themselves a 21% pay raise in 2022 | https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/verify/how-hatch-act-applies-federal-employees-dr-oz-herschel-walker/536-89e3ef53-db47-4cdd-855c-fef1022c1c32 | 2022-03-25T21:17:58 | en | 0.966912 |
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Fall in love again as the classic film, “Selena,” returns to theaters. Selena Quintanilla, known as the “Queen of Tejano music,” was a star headed for crossover success when she was shot in 1995 by her fan club president and friend, Yolanda Saldivar.
Story continues below
- Crime: Suspect to face murder trial for fatal Santa Fe I-25 crash
- KRQE En Español: Jueves 24 de Marzo 2022
- Albuquerque: Sinkhole swallows car in northeast Albuquerque
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The biopic musical highlights the late artist’s life and career. On Monday, the late artist’s verified account announced the return of the film nationwide.
Mark your calendars and rediscover the incredible story of one of America’s brightest stars! “Selena” The Movie Appears nationwide starting April 7th in theaters.
Playing the Grammy-winning performer in the film, Jennifer Lopez shared her love for the film in a tribute post on her Instagram account.
This movie means so much to me … Selena and her family mean so much to me, and I was so lucky to be chosen to play her. I’ll never forget this time in my life and it’s an honor as an artist to have been part of the magic that is this movie
Jennifer Lopez | https://www.krqe.com/entertainment-news/selena-returning-to-theaters-for-25th-anniversary/ | 2022-03-25T21:19:33 | en | 0.921282 |
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Sawmill Market is looking to hire more than 100 people. They are looking for everything from cooks to servers, and back-of-house workers.
Story continues below
- Crime: Suspect to face murder trial for fatal Santa Fe I-25 crash
- KRQE En Español: Jueves 24 de Marzo 2022
- Albuquerque: Sinkhole swallows car in northeast Albuquerque
- Data Reporting: Census: Which New Mexico counties lost the most residents
They will be holding a hiring event next Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. They are offering hiring bonuses of $500 for cooks and $300 for other positions. | https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/sawmill-market-to-host-hiring-fair/ | 2022-03-25T21:19:35 | en | 0.912319 |
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – A technical glitch has delayed the use of online EBT purchases at New Mexico Albertsons stores. In a press release sent out Friday, Albertsons Companies Foundation said it is due to a technical glitch.
The company says they will announce when online EBT purchases will be possible. The release states plans to go live with online EBT sales have shifted to the summer to ensure a better customer experience.
The following 10 stores will be able to use the feature once it goes live:
- Safeway at 730 West Main – Farmington, NM
- Albertsons at 4909 E. Main – Farmington, NM
- Albertsons at 2551 East Lohman – Las Cruces, NM
- Safeway at 415 North Main – Aztec, NM
- Safeway at 980 N. US. Highway 491 – Gallup, NM
- Albertsons at 1285 El Paseo – Las Cruces, NM
- Safeway at 3540 East Main – Farmington, NM
- Albertsons at 1702 E. 66th Ave Zecca Plaza – Gallup, NM
- Albertsons at 2501 N. Main – Las Cruces, NM
- Albertsons at 1956 Hwy. 180 E. – Silver City, NM | https://www.krqe.com/news/business/albertsons-says-glitch-delaying-online-ebt-purchases/ | 2022-03-25T21:19:38 | en | 0.86477 |
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