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Did you lose money on investments in Twist Bioscience Corporation? If so, please visit Twist Bioscience Corporation Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@bernlieb.com to discuss your rights.
NEW YORK, Jan. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the common stock of Twist Bioscience Corporation ("Twist" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: TWST) between December 13, 2019 and November 14, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Twist is a biotechnology company that manufactures synthetic DNA and DNA products. Synthetic DNA products allow users to design and modify DNA for the purposes of academic research, enhancing specialty chemical production, and developing healthcare treatments among other uses.
Throughout the Class Period, Defendants repeatedly assured investors that the Company possessed innovative proprietary technology relating to its synthetic DNA products that positioned Twist for significant future growth. Indeed, Defendants claimed that the Company had already achieved substantial growth during the Class Period, growing from a customer base of approximately 1,300 diagnostic companies, hospitals, research institutions, and others at the end of fiscal year 2019, to approximately 2,900 customers at the end of fiscal year 2021.
Similarly, Defendants reported skyrocketing gross margins, which purportedly grew from 12.8% in fiscal year 2019, to 39.1% in fiscal year 2021, with margins projected to reach 40% for fiscal year 2022.
During the Class Period, Defendants also announced plans to build a "Factory of the Future" in Wilsonville, Oregon (the "Oregon Facility"), which would purportedly provide hundreds of jobs and occupy 110,000 square feet. By August 2022, when Twist reported its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2022, Defendants projected annual capital expenditures between $95 million and $100 million, largely attributable to "building out" this new manufacturing facility.
Plaintiff and other members of the class learned the truth about the Company's actual financial health on November 15, 2022, when Scorpion Capital ("Scorpion") published a lengthy report (the "Scorpion Report") alleging that Twist is "a cash-burning inferno that is not a going concern." Specifically, Scorpion alleged that, among other things, Twist's purported DNA chip technology is a "farce" comparable to Theranos Inc.'s now infamous non-existent blood-testing technology, and that the Company's growth and revenues are unsustainable, among other issues.
According to the Scorpion Report, Twist is perpetuating its fraud through false reporting of capital expenditures and gross margins—which Scorpion claims are actually negative. Indeed, Scorpion's investigation of the forthcoming Oregon Facility revealed no evidence that the Company is preparing to begin manufacturing there, suggesting that the Company is using the facility to hide large operating expenses as fraudulent capital expenditures.
Scorpion further alleged that the Company's growth is dependent upon unsustainable pricing strategies, such as using below-cost prices to undercut competitors by as much as 70% to 85%. Ultimately, the Scorpion Report concluded that Twist is "operating a Ponzi-like scheme that will end in bankruptcy."
On this news, the price of Twist common stock fell $7.57 per share, or nearly 20%, to close at $30.43 per share on November 15, 2022.
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 10, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.
If you purchased or acquired Twist common stock, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Twist Bioscience Corporation Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@bernlieb.com.
Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for ten consecutive years.
ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. © 2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.
Contact Information:
Peter Allocco
Bernstein Liebhard LLP
https://www.bernlieb.com
(212) 951-2030
pallocco@bernlieb.com
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SOURCE Bernstein Liebhard LLP | https://www.wistv.com/prnewswire/2023/01/12/twist-bioscience-corporation-nasdaq-twst-shareholder-class-action-alert-bernstein-liebhard-llp-reminds-investors-deadline-file-lead-plaintiff-motion-securities-class-action-lawsuit-against-twist-bioscience-corporation-nasdaq-twst/ | 2023-01-12 09:06:01 | 1 | https://www.wistv.com/prnewswire/2023/01/12/twist-bioscience-corporation-nasdaq-twst-shareholder-class-action-alert-bernstein-liebhard-llp-reminds-investors-deadline-file-lead-plaintiff-motion-securities-class-action-lawsuit-against-twist-bioscience-corporation-nasdaq-twst/ |
Genetically modified herpes virus shows promise in killing advanced cancer, study says
LONDON - Researchers say a genetically modified herpes virus is showing promise in fighting against a range of advanced cancers in early trial results.
A team from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said the virus, RP2, proved to be effective in a quarter of patients taking part in the experiment.
They presented their findings at the 2022 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress.
RELATED: Sitting less, more physical activity 'highly likely' to lower breast cancer risk, study says
The patients had various forms of cancer including skin, esophageal, and head and neck. Researchers said the patients had exhausted other treatments.
Researchers said they injected the RP2 virus directly into the cancer tumors. It then multiplied inside cancer cells, causing them to burst from within. The virus also blocked the protein CTLA-4, which helped the immune system destroy the cancer cells.
Results showed that some patients treated with RP2 saw their cancer tumors shrink. One saw cancer completely disappear and has been cancer-free for 15 months after starting the treatment. Other patients saw various promising results.
The herpes virus did produce some mild side effects including fever, chills, and fatigue.
"Our study shows that a genetically engineered, cancer-killing virus can deliver a one-two punch against tumours – directly destroying cancer cells from within while also calling in the immune system against them," study leader professor Kevin Harrington said in a news release.
RELATED: Ryan Reynolds films colonoscopy to raise cancer awareness; doctors find polyp
"It is rare to see such good response rates in early-stage clinical trials, as their primary aim is to test treatment safety and they involve patients with very advanced cancers for whom current treatments have stopped working," he continued.
The team will now expand their study to test a larger number of cancer patients.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cancer was the second-leading cause of death, after heart disease, in the U.S. in 2020. That year, there were 602,350 cancer deaths.
This story was reported from Los Angeles. | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/genetically-modified-herpes-virus-shows-promise-in-killing-advanced-cancer-study-says | 2022-09-26 21:16:51 | 1 | https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/genetically-modified-herpes-virus-shows-promise-in-killing-advanced-cancer-study-says |
KCRA Today: 8th victim linked to suspected Stockton serial killer, Title 42 remains, Southwest Airlines investigation
KCRA 3 is rounding up all the information you need to know to get a head start on your day.
Here you'll find what you missed overnight, what's happening throughout the day, the forecast and how your commute is shaping up.
You can also watch our morning newscasts live from 4-10 a.m. here.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN NORCAL
With air travel out, Southwest customers in Sacramento opt for train, rental cars | As Southwest Airlines continues to cancel flights nationwide following a massive winter storm, passengers continue to try to find alternative ways home. When Jose Bantum arrived in Sacramento to spend the holiday with his family, he had no idea how hard it would be to get back to San Diego, a relatively short flight home. Read more here.
4 more murder charges filed against suspected Stockton serial killer Wesley Brownlee; 7 total | Four more murder charges were filed Tuesday against Wesley Brownlee, the man accused of serial killings in Northern California and the Bay Area. This gives him seven total homicide charges, meaning investigators have learned of an eighth victim. The latest charges filed by the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office also include an attempted murder charge related to the only known survivor in the serial killings. Read more here.
Sacramento police search for at-risk 13-year-old girl | Sacramento police say they are searching for an at-risk 13-year-old girl who disappeared Tuesday afternoon. Jayda Brown suffers from a medical condition, the Sacramento Police Department said, and she was last seen at 1:30 p.m. leaving her home in the 10 block of Oracle Court. She might be near Mack Road and Franklin Boulevard. Police say she is described as 5 foot 3 with a thin build and long curly brown hair. She was last seen wearing a gray crew new sweatshirt that says "Champion" on the front in blue writing and blue jeans. Anyone with information is asked to call police. Read more here.
More than 60 car break-ins reported at 2 different spots near Sacramento State, police say | The Sacramento Police Department is looking into more than 60 car break-ins that happened Tuesday at two different locations not too far from Sacramento State. Police said they received several reports of vehicle burglaries at the American River Commons apartment complex on American River Drive. When officers got there, they said they found 47 cars that were damaged and showed evidence that they had been burglarized. Read more here.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg considers judgeship role | Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg is eyeing a career in the judicial system, which could possibly lead to a special election to replace Steinberg as mayor if he gets it. "I have two years left in my current term as mayor and I am fully focused on the challenges and opportunities we face in the city of Sacramento," Steinberg said in a statement to KCRA 3. "I've submitted an application for the judiciary because I'm open to all possibilities for my long term future." Read more here.
WHAT'S HAPPENING ELSEWHERE
Southwest cancels more flights, draws federal investigation | Southwest Airlines scrubbed thousands of flights again Tuesday in the aftermath of the massive winter storm that wrecked Christmas travel plans across the U.S., and the federal government said it would investigate why the company lagged so far behind other carriers. Read more here.
Former Pope Benedict is 'very sick', Pope Francis says | Pope Francis said Wednesday that his predecessor Pope Benedict is "very sick" and asked for prayers for the 95-year-old former pontiff. "I want to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict who sustains the Church in his silence. He is very sick," Francis said during his general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday. "We ask the Lord to console and sustain him in this witness of love for the Church to the very end." Read more here.
Supreme Court keeps immigration limits in place indefinitely | The Supreme Court is keeping pandemic-era limits on immigration in place indefinitely, dashing hopes of immigration advocates who had been anticipating their end this week. In a ruling Tuesday, the Supreme Court extended a temporary stay that Chief Justice John Roberts issued last week. Read more here.
Here are the winning numbers for the $565 million Mega Millions jackpot | The holiday shopping season — for Mega Millions lottery ticket buyers, at least — is ramping up. Tuesday's jackpot prize is a whopping $565 million — or more than $293 million if delivered in cash. The numbers for the drawing were: white balls 9, 13, 36, 59 and 61, and the gold Mega Ball was 11. There were no lucky winners holding a ticket that matched all six numbers in the last drawing held on Friday. Read more here.
WHAT'S COMING UP TODAY
- Further preliminary hearings continue for the former Stockton police sergeant Nicholas Bloed, who is accused of multiple sexual assaults.
- Sacramento City Unified School District is distributing fresh produce boxes today from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. for families at five campuses while schools are closed for winter break.
TODAY'S WEATHER OUTLOOK
Meteorologist Tamara Berg says Northern California is drying out today after Tuesday’s rainfall. Skies have cleared out, leading to a cooler start to the day. Some areas of the Valley are also waking up to some patchy fog. Temperatures will be in the low 40s by 9 a.m., reaching the mid-40s by 1 p.m. and then topping out at about 47 degrees by 3 p.m.
REAL-TIME TRAFFIC MAP
(App users, click here to see our interactive traffic map.) | https://www.kcra.com/article/northern-california-news-traffic-weather-morning-update-dec-28-2022/42354536 | 2022-12-28 15:55:21 | 1 | https://www.kcra.com/article/northern-california-news-traffic-weather-morning-update-dec-28-2022/42354536 |
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ The winning numbers in Saturday afternoon's drawing of the Iowa Lottery's "Pick 4 Midday" game were:
4-7-9-8
(four, seven, nine, eight)
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) _ The winning numbers in Saturday afternoon's drawing of the Iowa Lottery's "Pick 4 Midday" game were:
4-7-9-8
(four, seven, nine, eight) | https://www.expressnews.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Midday-game-17432596.php | 2022-09-10 19:32:49 | 0 | https://www.expressnews.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Midday-game-17432596.php |
COLUMBIA, Mo., Aug. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- American Outdoor Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: AOUT), an industry leading provider of products and accessories for rugged outdoor enthusiasts, today announced that it plans to release its first quarter fiscal 2023 financial results on Thursday, September 8, 2022, after the close of the market. The full text of the press release will be available on the company's website at www.aob.com under the Investor Relations section.
The company will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, September 8, 2022, to discuss its first quarter fiscal 2023 financial and operational results. Speakers on the conference call will include Brian Murphy, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Andy Fulmer, Chief Financial Officer. The conference call may include forward-looking statements. The conference call and webcast will begin at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 p.m. Pacific). Those interested in listening to the conference call via telephone may call directly at (833) 630-1956 and ask to join the American Outdoor Brands call. No RSVP is necessary. The conference call audio webcast can also be accessed live on the company's website at www.aob.com, under the Investor Relations section.
About American Outdoor Brands, Inc.
American Outdoor Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: AOUT) is an industry leading provider of outdoor products and accessories, including hunting, fishing, camping, shooting, and personal security and defense products, for rugged outdoor enthusiasts. The company produces innovative, top quality products under its brands BOG®; BUBBA®; Caldwell®; Crimson Trace®; Frankford Arsenal®; Grilla Grills®; Hooyman®; Imperial®; LaserLyte®; Lockdown®; MEAT!; Old Timer®; Schrade®; Tipton®; Uncle Henry®; ust®; and Wheeler®. For more information about all the brands and products from American Outdoor Brands, Inc., visit www.aob.com.
Contact:
Liz Sharp, VP, Investor Relations
lsharp@aob.com
(573) 303-4620
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SOURCE American Outdoor Brands, Inc. | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/08/25/american-outdoor-brands-first-quarter-fiscal-2023-financial-release-conference-call-alert/ | 2022-08-25 22:41:22 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/08/25/american-outdoor-brands-first-quarter-fiscal-2023-financial-release-conference-call-alert/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI discovered an additional document with classified markings at former Vice President Mike Pence ’s Indiana home during a search Friday, following the discovery by his lawyers last month of sensitive government documents there.
Pence adviser Devin O’Malley said the Department of Justice completed “a thorough and unrestricted search of five hours” and removed “one document with classified markings and six additional pages without such markings that were not discovered in the initial review by the vice president’s counsel.”
The search, described as consensual after negotiations between Pence’s representatives and the Justice Department, comes after he was subpoenaed in a separate investigation into efforts by former President Donald Trump to overturn the 2020 election and as Pence contemplates a Republican bid for the White House in 2024.
Pence is now the third current or former top U.S. official, joining Trump and President Joe Biden, to have their homes scoured by FBI agents for classified records. The willingness of Pence and Biden to permit the FBI to search their homes, and to present themselves as fully cooperative, reflects a desire by both to avoid the drama that enveloped Trump last year and resulted in the Justice Department having to get a warrant to inspect his Florida property.
Police blocked the road outside Pence’s neighborhood in Carmel, just north of Indianapolis, on Friday afternoon as the FBI was inside the home. They were seen leaving shortly after 2 p.m. Pence and his wife were out of state, visiting family on the West Coast following the birth of their second and third grandchildren.
A member of Pence’s legal team was at the home during the search and the FBI was given what was described as unrestricted access to search for documents with classified markings, documents that could be classified but without markings and any other documents subject to the Presidential Records Act.
O’Malley said Pence has directed his legal team to continue to cooperate with the DOJ and “to be fully transparent through the conclusion of this matter.”
The FBI had already taken possession of what Pence’s lawyer previously described as a “small number of documents” that had been “inadvertently boxed and transported” to Pence’s Indiana home at the end of the Trump administration.
The Justice Department did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Separate special counsels have been investigating the discovery of documents with classification markings at Biden’s home in Delaware and his former Washington office, as well as Trump’s Florida estate. Officials are trying to determine whether Trump or anyone on his team criminally obstructed the probe in refusing to turn over the documents before the FBI seizure. The FBI recovered more than 100 documents marked classified while serving a search warrant at Mar-a-Lago last August.
In yet another document development, emails released late Friday revealed that after the National Archives became aware of the discovery of the classified papers at Biden’s former Washington office, Archives officials requested and received papers that had been shipped to a law office in Boston by the president’s personal attorney.
No classified documents were believed to be in the Boston documents.
The circumstances of the Biden and Pence cases are markedly different from that of Trump.
Pence, according to his lawyer Greg Jacob, had requested a review by his attorneys of records stored at his home “out of an abundance of caution” during the uproar over the discovery of classified documents at Biden’s home and former private office. When the Pence documents were discovered on Jan. 16 among four boxes that had ben transferred to Pence’s home during the transition, Jacob said, they were secured in a locked safe and reported to the National Archives. FBI agents then collected them.
Material found in the boxes came mostly from the Naval Observatory residence where Pence lived while he was vice president. Other material came from a West Wing office drawer.
Pence has said he was unaware the documents had been in his possession.
“Let me be clear: Those classified documents should not have been in my personal residence,” Pence said recently at Florida International University. “Mistakes were made, and I take full responsibility.”
“We acted above politics and put national interests first,” he said.
The National Archives last month asked former U.S. presidents and vice president s to recheck their personal records for any classified documents following news of the Biden and Pence discoveries.
The Presidential Records Act states that any records created or received by the president while in office are the property of the U.S. government and will be managed by the Archives at the end of an administration.
___
Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Tom Davies in Carmel, Ind., contributed to this report. | https://www.wfla.com/news/politics/ap-politics/ap-fbi-searching-pence-home-as-part-of-classified-docs-probe/ | 2023-02-11 12:28:46 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/news/politics/ap-politics/ap-fbi-searching-pence-home-as-part-of-classified-docs-probe/ |
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Trinity Thomas of Florida tied the NCAA record with her 28th career perfect 10 and Oklahoma won its second consecutive team title Saturday at the NCAA women’s gymnastics championships.
It’s the top-ranked Sooners’ sixth title in nine years. They finished with 198.3875 points, 0.15 ahead of Thomas and the second-ranked Gators. Audrey Davis scored a 9.900 on the floor before teammate Jordan Bowers — who soared high on a double pike — earned the event’s top score of 9.950.
Thomas, a fifth-year senior, was limited to just two events due to an leg injury suffered two weeks ago in the regional round. She recorded her fifth career 10 on the vault and 28th overall to match the mark set by Jamie Dantzcher (UCLA, 2000-04) and Jenny Hansen (Kentucky, 1992-96); Hansen is the only person to win three straight all-around titles.
Thomas wrapped up her stellar collegiate career with a chance to break the record in her final event, but finished with a 9.912 on the bars. Florida teammates Kayla DiCello and Leanne Wong each earned a 9.975 to help the Gators finish with 198.2375 points, three-tenths of a point ahead of Utah.
The Utes, who finished third for the third consecutive year, were led by Maile O’Keefe. The senior, who had a 10 on the beam Thursday en route to the all-around title, registered her sixth perfect score of the season on beam.
Haleigh Bryant led fourth-place LSU (197.9375 points) with an all-around score of 39.725 — including a near-perfect 9.9875 on the vault. That was the most by any athlete Saturday, but the individual all-around crown was won by Thomas on Thursday during the national semifinals.
___
AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://who13.com/sports/ap-sports/oklahoma-women-win-second-straight-ncaa-gymnastics-title/ | 2023-04-17 02:38:46 | 0 | https://who13.com/sports/ap-sports/oklahoma-women-win-second-straight-ncaa-gymnastics-title/ |
The Golden State Warriors have one week or less to bend the arc of basketball history into a glorious blue-and-gold rainbow, with a pot of diamond rings at the end.
It’s more than just a championship they’re aiming for in these NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, currently knotted at 2-2 with Game 5 on Monday night at Chase Center.
A championship would give deeper meaning to the story that began eight seasons ago. It would magnify what the Warriors have done for the Bay Area and for the basketball world.
Legacy, baby.
Not that the Warriors are talking about that now. Their focus is narrow, where it should be — on how to stop Jayson Tatum, how to shoot a layup over Robert Williams III.
But just for the heck of it, I ran the legacy thought past Kevon Looney, who joined this crazy circus one year into its current eight-season run.
What about it? Do you guys ever talk about the big picture, how much a title here would mean to the Warriors’ legacy?
“We really don’t talk about it much,” Looney said amiably, the way he answers every question. “We’re just focused on this year, and what it would mean just to have those two years off, (when) we didn’t make the playoffs, for us to come back and win the Finals would be just a wonderful story.”
Warriors vs. Celtics
All games on Channel: 7Channel: 10 / 95.7
Game 1: Boston 120, Golden State 108
Game 2: Golden State 107, Boston 88
Game 3: Boston 116, Golden State 100
Game 4: Golden State 107, Boston 97
Monday: at Chase Center, 6 p.m.
Thursday:at Boston, 6 p.m.
Next Sunday: at Chase Ctr., 5 p.m.*
* - if necessary
Looney said the fellas do talk about how hard it has been to get back to the Finals, and how much they owe it to themselves to enjoy every game, appreciate every round, savor every step. It’s the Steve Kerr School of Mindfulness.
“After you make it (to the Finals) four or five (it was five) times in a row, you kind of take that thing for granted, take health for granted,” Looney said. “For us to make it back to this point, for us to win it, that’s what we talk about the most.”
Those of us who do not play for the Warriors are under no constraints to focus on the moment, or limit our scope. We are free to take a step-back look at the big picture.
What we see is that this is more than just a one-season quest. It’s about legacy, dynasty, majesty.
The story so far:
First season (2014-15). Title. Revolutionary and dazzling.
Second season. Dominant, until the Finals, when Stephen Curry got hurt and Draymond Green got suspended.
Third season. Kevin Durant arrives. How could they not win?
Fourth season. Win again. Of course.
Fifth season. Lose in Finals as Durant and Thompson go down.
Sixth season. Durant gone, Curry hurt, Thompson out. Worst record in the league.
Seventh season. Nice closing kick but no playoffs.
This season. Back to the Finals. Back to the Finals?!
In assigning a magnitude of potential greatness to this particular Warriors’ team, should it win the title, The Durant Factor is gigantic. With Durant, the Warriors lost their lovable identity. They went from being the warm little neighborhood mom-and-pop store to being Walmart.
When Durant left, he turned out the lights on the dynasty, or so it seemed. Durant made himself a villain to some Warriors fans with his strange moods, his incomplete buy-in to the Warriors’ system and then by opting to leave. But he was never an outcast among his teammates. The Warriors accepted Durant’s quirkiness, appreciated his greatness, and wished him well when he left.
But the Warriors might be a tiny bit resentful that some still consider Durant the sun around which the other Warriors revolved. You hear that in Green’s recent statement about the Warriors’ offense.
“It all starts with Steph,” Green said. “When KD was here, our offense still started with Steph.”
The Warriors might not be giving a lot of thought to the Durant Effect as they try to figure out how to deal with the Celtics, but on some level, they would love to prove that there is life after KD.
And that they can keep winning as their core stars get injured and grow older, and as the league catches up with the Warriors’ 3-point magic and copies their beautiful flow and movement.
A title here would also provide updated validation of the organizational philosophy. What other team, in any sport, keeps its core intact for a decade? This is Curry’s 13th season as a Warrior, Thompson’s 11th, Green’s 10th. It’s even Looney’s seventh. There is some special glue that holds this crew together, and it’s a glue that money alone can’t buy.
But unless the Warriors win this title, it’s all nostalgia.
Win this one, though, and the Warriors’ legacy changes dramatically, from marvelous to magical.
Scott Ostler is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: sostler@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @scottostler | https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/ostler/article/For-Warriors-more-than-just-one-year-s-title-17237056.php | 2022-06-13 12:21:56 | 1 | https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/ostler/article/For-Warriors-more-than-just-one-year-s-title-17237056.php |
2 teenagers indicted in street racing crash that killed 4 in Phoenix
Two teenagers were indicted Saturday on nine felony charges after their involvement in a street racing accident that left four people dead in July.
A Maricopa County grand jury indicted Jakel Huckaby and Elena Marie Rodriguez, both 17, on suspicion of manslaughter, aggravated assault and endangerment, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
On July 22, two drivers were racing north on 43rd Avenue near Thunderbird Road, when one of them crashed into another vehicle making a left turn at an intersection, according to Phoenix police.
The car making a left turn caught fire and Terry Hill, 28, Sara Loustaunau, 37, and British Pena, 39, died at the scene. Six teenagers were inside the other car, which police said was stolen. One of the passengers, 19-year-old Galexy Saunders, died from her injuries later at the hospital.
Police said the other driver involved in the racing continued north after the accident and didn’t remain on scene. That car was also packed with teenagers.
More than three months after the fatal crash, police arrested Huckaby and Rodriguez and named them as the drivers they suspected of racing.
Court documents say Huckaby and Rodriguez were accused of causing an injury and endangering others, as well as recklessly causing the death of Hill, Pena, Loustaunau and Saunders.
Huckaby is also facing a count of theft of means of transportation, and Rodriguez a count of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
“The senseless acts by these two individuals have brought pain and suffering to the families of those killed. This type of reckless behavior must stop and for those who continue to engage in this type of dangerous activity, you will be held accountable,” County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a news release. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-traffic/2022/12/05/2-teenagers-indicted-in-connection-to-crash-that-killed-4-in-phoenix/69703248007/ | 2022-12-05 23:33:42 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-traffic/2022/12/05/2-teenagers-indicted-in-connection-to-crash-that-killed-4-in-phoenix/69703248007/ |
WASHINGTON — As a mother of two young girls, Melissa Lester knows firsthand about the struggle of keeping up with childcare costs.
“I often say this that when they’re older and they ask where their college fund is, I’m going to have to say, I’m sorry it went to your childcare costs,” said Lester.
The Ohio mother testified before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday about her experience.
“Even with two working parents, making ends meet is a real struggle for us,” said Lester. “Today with two little ones, childcare costs us $2,504 a month. Our family childcare costs more than a one-year tuition at The Ohio State University and the cost just keeps rising.”
Lester provided her testimony as the Senate committee debated a proposal to permanently expand the Child Tax Credit (CTC).
Congress temporarily expanded the CTC in 2021, which gave many families between $3,000 to $3,600 per child, which was up from $2,000 per child.
“The child tax credit expansion was a glimmer of hope,” said Lester. “It helped moms like me feel like maybe, just maybe it’s possible for things to get better.”
The CTC expansion expired at the end of 2021.
“They ended when prices began to skyrocket,” said Lester.
The Democrat-backed bill dubbed the Working Families Tax Relief Act would make the American Rescue Plan’s expansion of the CTC and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) permanent.
“Our plan would put more money back in the pockets of working families and help parents afford all the extra expenses that come with raising children,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), a sponsor of the Senate bill.
Supporters of the bill pointed to data showing the 2021 CTC expansion helped reduce childhood poverty in the U.S.
“According to researchers at Columbia University, expanding the child tax credit lifted 3.7 million American kids out of poverty,” said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). “Child hunger fell by nearly a quarter.’”
But the measure is facing pushback from Republicans who argue a tax credit without conditions would lead to fewer people working.
“Recent polling from May shows that nearly two-thirds of Americans support work requirements for recipients of government benefits,” said Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Ind.). “Unconditional direct transfer policies simply do not achieve their aim of actually reducing poverty and dependency, even if they are called a tax credit.”
“A child allowance has been oversold,” said Dr. Bruce Meyer with the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago. “We are in danger of discouraging work… And we risk encouraging the formation of family units that cannot support their children.”
That argument led to heated frustration from the supporters of the bill.
“That’s not reality,” said Sen. Michael Bennett (D-Colo.), a sponsor of the Senate bill. “The reality is a world where parents are scraping by every single month.”
Lester, meanwhile, is hoping lawmakers consider her story and take action to help more families soon.
“We need more family-friendly policies that truly impact all families,” said Lester.
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Celebrate the red, white and blue with up to $869 off organic mattresses – handmade in America.
CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio, June 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Naturepedic, leader of the organic mattress revolution, announced its 2023 4th of July Sale today. Health-conscious sleep enthusiasts shopping online (code JULY4) or in-store can save 15% sitewide. Additionally, Naturepedic is gifting free pillow(s) with every kids or adult mattress.
Made in the U.S.A. using a harmonious blend of domestic and global materials, Naturepedic's GOTS certified organic mattresses and bedding products capture the essence of American craftsmanship. Free of polyurethane foam, notorious for its heat-trapping properties, Naturepedic mattresses provide ideal summertime comfort with breathable organic cotton, moisture-wicking organic wool and individually wrapped coils.
From just-launched products like the Organic Side Sleeper Pillow and Organic Pet Bed to classic favorites, the sale includes something for everyone. Here's a sneak peek at mattress deals:
Classic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress: Delight in the market's most affordable certified organic crib mattress, designed with non-toxic waterproofing and allergy-friendly, organic materials – up to $49 off.
2-in-1 Organic Kids Mattress (Twin): Discover an innovative mattress tailor-made for kids, featuring a waterproof side for potty-training and a quilted side for older children – $224 off.
Chorus Organic Mattress: Sleep cool and comfy with one of the market's only latex-free, certified organic mattresses, made with organic cotton, organic wool and glueless encased coils – up to $419 off.
Naturepedic eliminates flame retardants, forever chemicals and toxic VOCs from its products and is a proud 1% for the Planet member, donating one percent of their annual mattress sales to nonprofits dedicated to protecting our planet.
In its 20th anniversary year, Naturepedic is excited to expand with multiple new store openings and new organic bedding products coming soon.
About Naturepedic:
Since 2003, Naturepedic has been on a mission to protect families through safer, healthier organic-based products with a positive impact on the environment. A brand with purpose, transparency and ethical practices, Naturepedic, an EPA Green Power Partner, is the recipient of many certifications and is highly respected by numerous health and environmental organizations. Since its inception, Naturepedic has been a consistent and generous supporter of NGOs and nonprofits advocating for "Right to Know" about what is in the products that people bring into their homes.
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SOURCE Naturepedic | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/06/21/naturepedic-revolutionizes-organic-sleep-savings-with-spectacular-4th-july-sale/ | 2023-06-21 15:42:43 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/06/21/naturepedic-revolutionizes-organic-sleep-savings-with-spectacular-4th-july-sale/ |
Republican Dave McCormick conceded Friday to celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania's Republican Senate primary as the state conducted a recount of the May 17 election.
According to The Associated Press, Oz leads McCormick by 972 votes and the final results of the recount are expected early next week. In remarks to supporters on Friday evening, McCormick said he could not make up the deficit in the recount.
"Today I called Mehmet Oz to congratulate him on his victory, and I told him what I always told you: that I will do my part to try to unite Republicans and Pennsylvanians behind his candidacy, behind his nomination for the Senate," the former hedge fund CEO said.
Oz, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, will now face Democrat John Fetterman, the state's lieutenant governor, in November.
"I received a gracious phone call from David McCormick and am tremendously grateful for his pledge of support in the fall election," Oz tweeted. "We share the goal of a brighter future for Pennsylvania & America."
Fetterman is recovering from a stroke he suffered the weekend before the primary and needed to undergo a pacemaker implant procedure. He has since not returned to the campaign trail and has only done video appearances since.
Earlier Friday, Fetterman released a statement saying he should have taken his health more seriously and had not seen a doctor in five years.
"Like so many others, and so many men in particular, I avoided going to the doctor, even though I knew I didn't feel well. As a result, I almost died," Fetterman said.
He also posted a letter from his cardiologist who said that if Fetterman takes care of himself and follows doctors' orders, he will be able to return to the campaign trail and serve in the Senate.
The Senate seat is being vacated by retiring GOP Sen. Pat Toomey, creating the first open Senate seat in Pennsylvania in a dozen years. The Republican primary recount was automatic because Oz's lead was less than half a percentage point.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wvasfm.org/politics/politics/2022-06-03/dr-oz-wins-pennsylvanias-gop-senate-primary-after-opponent-dave-mccormick-concedes | 2022-06-04 00:20:29 | 1 | https://www.wvasfm.org/politics/politics/2022-06-03/dr-oz-wins-pennsylvanias-gop-senate-primary-after-opponent-dave-mccormick-concedes |
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
© 2022 Good Karma Brands Milwaukee, LLC. | https://wtmj.com/ap-news/2022/05/24/ap-top-business-news-at-936-a-m-edt-9/ | 2022-05-24 17:06:06 | 1 | https://wtmj.com/ap-news/2022/05/24/ap-top-business-news-at-936-a-m-edt-9/ |
'A very special year': UK to hold days-long bash to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign
Video above: Queen Elizabeth makes surprise appearance to mark opening of new subway Line
Britain is getting ready for a party featuring mounted troops, solemn prayers — and a pack of dancing mechanical corgis.
The nation will celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne this week with four days of pomp and pageantry in central London. But behind the brass bands, street parties and a planned appearance by the aging queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace lies a drive to show that the royal family still remains relevant after seven decades of change.
“The monarchy is not elected, so the only way in which a monarch can demonstrate consent is not through the ballot box, but through people turning out on the streets,” said Robert Lacey, the historical adviser on “The Crown″ series. “And if the monarch turns up on the balcony and waves and there’s no one there, that’s a pretty definitive judgment on the monarchy.
"Well, when it comes to Elizabeth, the opposite has been the case. People can’t wait to mass and cheer together,” he added.
And the royals, sometimes criticized as out of touch with modern Britain, want to show that their support comes from all parts of a society that has become more multicultural amid immigration from the Caribbean, South Asia and Eastern Europe.
As part of the jubilee pageant, dancers from London's African-Caribbean community will don costumes of giant flamingos, zebras and giraffes to re-imagine the moment in 1952 when Princess Elizabeth learned she had become queen while visiting a game park in Kenya. Another group will recall the queen’s 1947 marriage to Prince Philip and celebrate weddings around the Commonwealth with Bollywood-style dancing.
The jubilee is an opportunity for the royals to demonstrate their commitment to change and diversity, something the queen has embodied as she traveled the world over the last 70 years, said Emily Nash, royal editor of HELLO! magazine.
“She’s been everywhere and she has engaged with people from all walks of life, from all creeds and colors and faiths,” Nash said. “I think it’s easy to see, in the sort of pomp and pageantry, perhaps more of a lack of diversity. But if you look at what the royal family actually do, the people they engage with, the places they go to, I think it’s perhaps a little unfair to say that it's not as diverse as it could be.”
If the depleted stock at the Cool Britannia gift shop is any indication, the jubilee has caught public attention. The shop around the corner from Buckingham Palace has run out of Platinum Jubilee tea towels. Spoons are sparse. Mugs are in short supply.
And it’s not just foreign tourists who are buying all things Elizabeth. Visitors from around the U.K. are also hunting for jubilee mementos, said Ismayil Ibrahim, the man behind the counter.
“It’s a very special year,” he said. "They’re celebrating it as a big event.”
The question for the House of Windsor is whether the public will transfer their love for the queen to her son and heir, Prince Charles, when the time comes.
It is a problem that stems, in part, from the queen’s unprecedented reign, the longest in British history. The only monarch most people have ever known, she has become synonymous with the monarchy itself.
Since assuming the throne after the death of her father on Feb. 6, 1952, Elizabeth has been a symbol of stability as the country negotiated the end of Empire, the birth of the computer age and the mass migration that transformed Britain into a multicultural society.
The shy woman with a small handbag, a trailing corgi and passion for horses presided over an era that spawned Monty Python, the Beatles and the Sex Pistols. People who thought they knew her thought wrong — as evidenced by her star turn as a Bond Girl at the 2012 London Olympics.
Yet through it all, the queen has built a bond with the nation through a seemingly endless series of public appearances as she opened libraries, dedicated hospitals and bestowed honors on deserving citizens.
Susan Duddridge feels that connection. The administrator from Somerset will dance in the Platinum Jubilee pageant, 69 years after her father marched in the queen’s coronation parade.
“I think it’s amazing that the country always comes together when there’s a wedding, a royal jubilee, whatever the royals are involved in,” she said. “We love the queen!’’
The past two years have highlighted the monarchy’s strengths as the queen alternately consoled a nation isolated by COVID-19 and thanked doctors and nurses battling the disease.
But its frailties were also on display as the 96-year-old monarch buried her husband and was slowed by health problems that forced her to turn over important public duties to Charles. That came amid the all-too-public tensions with Prince Harry and his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, who made allegations of racism and bullying in the royal household, and the sordid allegations about Prince Andrew’s links to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Against this backdrop, the jubilee is also part of the effort to prepare the public for the day when Charles takes the throne. Now 73, Charles has spent much of his life preparing to be king and battling a somewhat stuffy image that wasn’t helped by his ugly divorce from the still-adored Princess Diana.
Charles reportedly may play a key role during the first event of the jubilee weekend, taking the salute of passing soldiers during the annual military review known as Trooping the Colour. The queen will attend the more than 400-year-old ceremony that marks her official birthday if she feels OK, but will decide on the day.
Elizabeth, who only recently recovered from COVID-19 and has begun using a walking stick, has given Charles an increasingly important role as the public face of the monarchy. Earlier this month, he stood in for his mother when what the palace describes as “episodic mobility problems” prevented her from presiding over the state opening of Parliament.
Still, in the days afterward, she turned up at a horse show, opened a subway line and toured the Chelsea Flower Show in a chauffeur-driven royal buggy — a sort of luxurious golf cart.
“There is no blueprint for a reign of this length and, subsequently, I think the palace and courtiers are having to improvise all the time,” said Ed Owens, a royal historian and author of “The Family Firm: Monarchy, Mass Media and the British Public 1932-1953.”
“In the case of Elizabeth II, we haven’t had a monarch this elderly who has reigned for so long and is so meaningful to so many people having to essentially transfer her role to the next in line.''
But don’t expect the queen to leave the scene any time soon.
Robert Hardman, biographer and author of “Queen of Our Times: The Life of Elizabeth II’’ said he expects to see an even bigger party four years from now when Elizabeth turns 100.
“A 100th birthday raises the intriguing prospect: Will she send a card to herself?” Hardman mused, referencing the queen’s tradition of sending a personal birthday card to anyone who reaches that milestone. “I’m looking forward to that debate in 2026.” | https://www.wvtm13.com/article/uk-to-hold-days-long-bash-to-celebrate-queen-elizabeths-70-year-reign/40134674 | 2022-05-29 11:23:45 | 1 | https://www.wvtm13.com/article/uk-to-hold-days-long-bash-to-celebrate-queen-elizabeths-70-year-reign/40134674 |
EMERYVILLE, Calif., Feb. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Berkeley Lights, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLI), a life sciences tools company, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2022.
Recent Highlights
- Achieved revenue of $78.6 million for the full year 2022, representing an 8% decrease over the prior year;
- Announced the acquisition agreement of IsoPlexis to create a premier functional cell biology company, PhenomeX, when the merger closes, would accelerate the transformation of Berkeley Lights from a technology platform company into a growing, profitable, and sustainable life sciences company;
- Launched Beacon Select™, a new optofluidic system for cell line development, to increase customer accessibility and affordability; and
- Launched the Opto® Memory B Discovery Rabbit workflow to expand the diversity of antibodies customers can discover on the Beacon Platform.
"It was a transformational year in 2022 for Berkeley Lights as we made significant changes across the business and made important progress on the execution of our strategic plan," said Siddhartha Kadia, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Berkeley Lights. "While our revenue this quarter was impacted by ongoing initiatives to reshape our business model as well as the timing of Beacon platform placements and decline in Partnerships & Services revenue, we are confident we are laying the foundation for future growth. We remain focused on the pending acquisition of IsoPlexis, expected to close in the first quarter of 2023, completing and accelerating the timeline to achieve positive operating cash flow by the end of 2024."
2023 Guidance Outlook
Berkeley Lights will not provide revenue guidance for the full year 2023 at this time, pending the anticipated close of the acquisition of IsoPlexis.
Webcast and Conference Call Information
Berkeley Lights will host a conference call to discuss the fourth quarter and full year 2022 financial results after market close on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. A webcast of the conference call can be accessed at http://investors.berkeleylights.com. The webcast will be archived and available for replay for at least 90 days after the event.
About Berkeley Lights
Berkeley Lights is a leading life sciences tools company focused on enabling and accelerating the rapid development and commercialization of biotherapeutics and other cell-based products. The Berkeley Lights Platform captures deep phenotypic, functional, and genotypic information for thousands of single cells in parallel and can also deliver the live biology customers desire in the form of the best cells. Our platform is a fully integrated, end-to-end solution, comprised of advanced automation systems, proprietary consumables, including our OptoSelect® chips and reagent kits, and advanced application and workflow software. We developed the Berkeley Lights Platform to provide the most advanced environment for functional testing of single cells and provide customers local access to functional cell biology for developing cell-based products on a global scale.
Berkeley Lights' Beacon® and Lightning® systems and Culture Station™ instrument are: FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. All statements contained in this release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expectations of future operating results or financial performance, including our proposed acquisition of IsoPlexis and the related expected benefits therefrom, the timing of the proposed acquisition of IsoPlexis, management's estimates and expectations regarding growth of our business and market, including statements regarding transforming Berkeley Lights from a technology platform company into a growing, profitable and sustainable life sciences tools and services company and the impact of the pending acquisition of IsoPlexis on the timing for achieving positive operating cash flow and other matters regarding our business strategies, use of capital, results of operations and financial position, and plans and objectives for future operations.
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the words "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "project," "potential," "continue," "ongoing" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. There are a significant number of factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from statements made in this press release, including: our ability to implement our strategies for improving growth; our ability to attract new and retain existing customers, or renew and expand our relationships with them; the failure to timely develop and achieve market acceptance of new products and services as well as existing products and services offerings; our limited operating history; our history of losses since inception; and general market, political, economic, and business conditions, including those related to the continuing impact of COVID-19 and geopolitical uncertainty. Additional risks and uncertainties are described under "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere in the documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. We caution you that forward-looking statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our projections of the future, about which we cannot be certain. As a result, the forward-looking statements may not prove to be accurate. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent our views as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.
Participants in the Solicitation
Berkeley Lights, IsoPlexis and their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction between Berkeley Lights and IsoPlexis under the rules of the SEC. Information regarding Berkeley Lights' directors and executive officers is set forth in Berkeley Lights' Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for its 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 15, 2022, and in certain of Berkeley Lights' Current Reports on Form 8-K. To the extent holdings of Berkeley Lights' securities by Berkeley Lights's directors and executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in such proxy statement, such changes have been reflected in the joint proxy statement/prospectus relating to the proposed transaction, which was filed with the SEC on February 13, 2023, or will be reflected on subsequent statements of beneficial ownership filed with the SEC. Information regarding IsoPlexis' directors and executive officers is set forth in IsoPlexis' revised Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for its 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2022, and in certain of IsoPlexis' Current Reports on Form 8-K. To the extent holdings of IsoPlexis' securities by IsoPlexis' directors and executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in such proxy statement, such changes have been reflected in the joint proxy statement/prospectus relating to the proposed transaction, which was filed with the SEC on February 13, 2023, or will be reflected on subsequent statements of beneficial ownership filed with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated below. Additional information regarding the interests of these participants is set forth in the joint proxy statement/prospectus relating to the proposed transaction, which was filed with the SEC on February 13, 2023.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed transaction between Berkeley Lights and IsoPlexis, Berkeley Lights and IsoPlexis have filed relevant materials with the SEC, including a Berkeley Lights registration statement on Form S–4 that includes a joint proxy statement of Berkeley Lights and IsoPlexis that also constitutes a prospectus of Berkeley Lights. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BERKELEY LIGHTS, ISOPLEXIS AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. The joint proxy statement/prospectus, and other documents relating to the proposed transaction, can be obtained free of charge from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. These documents can also be obtained free of charge from Berkeley Lights' investor relations website at www.investors.berkeleylights.com or from IsoPlexis' investor relations website at www.investors.isoplexis.com.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Press Contact
Media@berkeleylights.com
Investor Contact
IR@berkeleylights.com
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SOURCE Berkeley Lights, Inc. | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/02/23/berkeley-lights-reports-fourth-quarter-full-year-2022-financial-results/ | 2023-02-23 22:20:49 | 0 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/02/23/berkeley-lights-reports-fourth-quarter-full-year-2022-financial-results/ |
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ The winning numbers in Monday evening's drawing of the Indiana Lottery's "Daily Four-Evening" game were:
7-9-0-1, SB: 9
(seven, nine, zero, one; SB: nine)
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ The winning numbers in Monday evening's drawing of the Indiana Lottery's "Daily Four-Evening" game were:
7-9-0-1, SB: 9
(seven, nine, zero, one; SB: nine) | https://www.ourmidland.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Daily-Four-Evening-game-17375899.php | 2022-08-16 04:18:25 | 0 | https://www.ourmidland.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Daily-Four-Evening-game-17375899.php |
Biden: US would intervene militarily to defend Taiwan
TOKYO (AP) — President Joe Biden said Monday that the U.S. would intervene militarily if China were to invade Taiwan, saying the burden to protect Taiwan is “even stronger’ after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It was one of the most forceful presidential statements in support of self-governing in decades.
Biden, at a news conference in Tokyo, said “yes” when asked if he was willing to get involved militarily to defend Taiwan if China invaded. “That’s the commitment we made,” he added.
The U.S. traditionally has avoided making such an explicit security guarantee to Taiwan, with which it no longer has a mutual defense treaty, instead maintaining a policy of “strategic ambiguity” about how far it would be willing to go if China invaded. The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, which has governed U.S. relations with the island, does not require the U.S. to step in militarily to defend Taiwan if China invades, but makes it American policy to ensure Taiwan has the resources to defend itself and to prevent any unilateral change of status in Taiwan by Beijing.
Biden’s comments drew a sharp response from the mainland, which has claimed Taiwan to be a rogue province.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin expressed “strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition” to Biden’s comments. “China has no room for compromise or concessions on issues involving China’s core interests such as sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
He added, “China will take firm action to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests, and we will do what we say.”
A White House official said Biden’s comments did not reflect a policy shift.
Speaking alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Biden said any effort by China to use force against Taiwan would “just not be appropriate,” adding that it “will dislocate the entire region and be another action similar to what happened in Ukraine.”
China has stepped up its military provocations against democratic Taiwan in recent years aimed at intimidating it into accepting Beijing’s demands to unify with the communist mainland.
“They’re already flirting with danger right now by flying so close and all the maneuvers that are undertaken,” Biden said of China.
Under the “one China” policy, the U.S. recognizes Beijing as the government of China and doesn’t have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, the U.S. maintains unofficial contacts including a de facto embassy in Taipei, the capital, and supplies military equipment for the island’s defense.
Biden said it is his “expectation” that China would not try to seize Taiwan by force, but he said that assessment “depends upon just how strong the world makes clear that that kind of action is going to result in long-term disapprobation by the rest of the community.”
He added that deterring China from attacking Taiwan was one reason why it’s important that Russian President Vladimir Putin “pay a dear price for his barbarism in Ukraine,” lest China and other nations get the idea that such action is acceptable.
Fearing escalation with nuclear-armed Russia, Biden quickly ruled out putting U.S. forces into direct conflict with Russia, but he has shipped billions of dollars in U.S. military assistance that has helped Ukraine put up a stiffer-than-expected resistance to Russia’s onslaught.
Taipei cheered Biden’s remarks, with Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Joanne Ou expressing “sincere welcome and gratitude” for the comments.
“The challenge posed by China to the security of the Taiwan Strait has drawn great concern in the international community,” said Ou. “Taiwan will continue to improve its self-defense capabilities, and deepen cooperation with the United States and Japan and other like-minded countries to jointly defend the security of the Taiwan Strait and the rules-based international order, while promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.”
It’s not the first time Biden has pledged to defend Taiwan against a Chinese attack, only for administration officials to later claim there had been no change to American policy. In a CNN town hall in October, Biden was asked about using the U.S. military to defend Taiwan and replied, “Yes, we have a commitment to do that.”
Biden’s comments came just before he formally launched a long-anticipated Indo-Pacific trade pact that excludes Taiwan.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed Sunday that Taiwan isn’t among the governments signed up for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, which is meant to allow the U.S. to work more closely with key Asian economies on issues like supply chains, digital trade, clean energy and anticorruption.
Inclusion of Taiwan would have irked China.
Sullivan said the U.S. wants to deepen its economic partnership with Taiwan on a one-to-one basis.
___
Miller reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wistv.com/2022/05/23/biden-us-would-intervene-militarily-defend-taiwan/ | 2022-05-23 15:01:58 | 1 | https://www.wistv.com/2022/05/23/biden-us-would-intervene-militarily-defend-taiwan/ |
Irina Hemmers to Join Thoma Bravo as a Partner to Lead London Office
SAN FRANCISCO and LONDON, Sept. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Thoma Bravo, a leading software investment firm, today announced that it will be expanding its presence internationally with the opening of an office in London. Thoma Bravo's London office will join the firm's existing offices in San Francisco, Chicago and Miami, each of which have recently experienced tremendous growth.
As part of this expansion, Irina Hemmers will join Thoma Bravo as a Partner to lead and grow the London office and help deepen the firm's presence across Europe. The London office will serve as the firm's hub for U.K. and European deals and will allow Thoma Bravo to further access the region's rich ecosystem of innovative and fast-growing software and technology companies.
"Europe is a critical market for the growth of Thoma Bravo, and the launch of a London office represents a significant step forward in our ability to partner with some of the best software companies in the world as we continue to extend our investment strategy globally," said Orlando Bravo, a Founder and Managing Partner at Thoma Bravo. "I am delighted to welcome Irina to the firm, and I am confident that her extensive investing and leadership experience will help accelerate our international presence."
Hemmers will be joining from Inflexion Private Equity where she led the technology investment team as Partner and Head of Technology. Prior to that, she was a Partner at Apax Partners. Hemmers holds a BA in business administration and management from Tulane University, a master's degree in international economic and business studies from Leopold-Franzens Universität Innsbruck and an MPA in economics from Harvard Kennedy School.
Thoma Bravo is one of the largest private equity firms in the world, with more than $122 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2022. The firm invests in growth-oriented, innovative companies operating in the software and technology sectors. Leveraging the firm's deep sector expertise and proven strategic and operational capabilities, Thoma Bravo collaborates with its portfolio companies to implement operating best practices, drive growth initiatives and make accretive acquisitions intended to accelerate revenue and earnings. Over the past 20 years, the firm has acquired or invested in more than 380 companies representing over $190 billion in enterprise value. The firm has offices in Chicago, Miami and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.thomabravo.com.
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SOURCE Thoma Bravo | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/09/06/thoma-bravo-expand-presence-internationally-with-opening-london-office/ | 2022-09-06 06:52:14 | 1 | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/09/06/thoma-bravo-expand-presence-internationally-with-opening-london-office/ |
A New Hampshire woman on Thursday said she was sickened to learn her father’s remains were stolen from the Harvard Medical School morgue as part of an alleged conspiracy to sell body parts that were donated to the school for research.
“We were just disgusted,” Paula Peltonovich, of Newton, N.H., said in a phone interview Thursday. “Sick, like we were going to throw up.”
Peltonovich said her father, Nicholas A. Pichowicz, died in 2019 at the age of 87 and had willed his remains to the medical school through its Anatomical Gift Program.
When she heard the news on Wednesday that the morgue’s former manager and several others had been arrested, Peltonovich said she contacted Harvard and was told her father “was a victim” of the scheme.
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“It’s just unthinkable. There’s no words,” Peltonovich said. “They didn’t go into a lot of detail. They can’t,” since the case is pending, she said.
Peltonovich said her mother, Joan Pichowicz, died in March at the age of 86 and had also willed her remains to the medical school.
“This is what they chose to do years ago,” Peltonovich said. Both her parents worked in law enforcement and were dedicated to “helping people,” she said.
“They gave back to science,” she said.
Peltonovich said her family doesn’t know the status of her mother’s remains. If Harvard has them, the family wants them back, she said.
“We want her returned, so we can bury her,” Peltonovich said. “We don’t even want them to cremate her.”
A federal indictment alleges that former morgue manager Cedric Lodge, 55, spent years diverting organs and cadaver parts that had been donated to Harvard Medical School and were supposed to be cremated, sometimes taking the remains to his home in Goffstown, N.H., before selling them to people in other states.
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The alleged conspiracy ran from about 2018 until at least August 2022, as Lodge allegedly diverted organs and cadaver parts that had been donated for medical research and education, according to the indictment.
Lodge sometimes took stolen remains home to New Hampshire, where he and his wife sold them, prosecutors allege.
In a joint e-mail statement, the dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Harvard University and the dean for Medical Education at Harvard Medical School called the allegations a case of “abhorrent” betrayal.
“We are appalled to learn that something so disturbing could happen on our campus — a community dedicated to healing and serving others,” George Q. Daley and Edward M. Hundert wrote. “The reported incidents are a betrayal of HMS and, most importantly, each of the individuals who altruistically chose to will their bodies to HMS through the Anatomical Gift Program to advance medical education and research.”
Lodge was fired May 6. His responsibilities included “preparing for and intaking anatomical donors’ bodies, coordinating embalming, overseeing the storage and movement of cadavers to and from teaching labs, and, when studies were complete, preparing remains to be transported to and from the external crematorium and, when appropriate, for burial,” according to Harvard Medical School.
“I don’t even know what to say anymore,” Peltonovich said. “It’s real but it’s not real.”
An obituary for her father said he was born in Billerica in 1931 and served in the Massachusetts National Guard.
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He was a successful business owner and part-time police officer in Plaistow and also served as a Rockingham County deputy sheriff, the obituary said.
“His interests included woodworking, gold panning, collecting antiques, traveling in his motorhome and spending time at home sharing stories with his extended family,” the obituary said. “He loved cooking and is known for making the best homemade spaghetti sauce in the world which was always shared at the family gatherings.”
Material from prior Globe stories was used in this report.
Travis Andersen can be reached at travis.andersen@globe.com. | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/06/15/metro/its-just-unthinkable-daughter-man-whose-remains-were-stolen-harvard-medical-school-morgue-speaks-out/ | 2023-06-15 17:03:59 | 1 | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/06/15/metro/its-just-unthinkable-daughter-man-whose-remains-were-stolen-harvard-medical-school-morgue-speaks-out/ |
NEW YORK, Oct. 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Consolidated Edison, Inc. (Con Edison) (NYSE:ED) plans to report its 3rd Quarter 2022 earnings on November 3, 2022 after the market closes.
Consolidated Edison, Inc. is one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy-delivery companies, with approximately $14 billion in annual revenues and $64 billion in assets. The company provides a wide range of energy-related products and services to its customers through the following subsidiaries: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (CECONY), a regulated utility providing electric service in New York City and New York's Westchester County, gas service in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens and parts of Westchester, and steam service in Manhattan; Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), a regulated utility serving customers in a 1,300-square-mile-area in southeastern New York State and northern New Jersey; Con Edison Clean Energy Businesses, Inc., the second-largest owners of solar electric projects in North America, which, through its subsidiaries develops, owns and operates renewable and sustainable energy infrastructure projects and provides energy-related products and services to wholesale and retail customers; and Con Edison Transmission, Inc., which falls primarily under the oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and through its subsidiaries invests in electric transmission projects supporting its parent company's effort to transition to clean, renewable energy. Con Edison Transmission manages, through joint ventures, both electric and gas assets while seeking to develop electric transmission projects that will bring clean, renewable electricity to customers, focusing on New York, New England, the Mid-Atlantic states and the Midwest.
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SOURCE Consolidated Edison, Inc. | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/10/11/con-edison-report-3rd-quarter-2022-earnings-november-3/ | 2022-10-11 21:24:10 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/10/11/con-edison-report-3rd-quarter-2022-earnings-november-3/ |
Benedict’s lasting mark on papacy will be his resignation
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Although Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI had a long and illustrious career as one of the Roman Catholic Church’s pre-eminent theologians, he will forever be known as the first pope in 600 years to resign. Elected in 2005, he continued the conservative course charted by St. John Paul II. He disciplined errant theologians, particularly those who espoused the Liberation Theology popular in Latin America in the 1970s and ’80s. But his eight-year papacy was marred by a series of communications blunders, missteps and scandals. His outreach to Jews was tainted when he rehabilitated a Holocaust-denying bishop. He roiled the Islamic world by quoting a Byzantine emperor who characterized some of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as “evil and inhuman.” | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national/2022/12/31/benedicts-lasting-mark-on-papacy-will-be-his-resignation/ | 2022-12-31 12:37:16 | 1 | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national/2022/12/31/benedicts-lasting-mark-on-papacy-will-be-his-resignation/ |
NEW DELHI (AP) — The top diplomats of Australia, India, Japan and the United States offered sharp but veiled criticism of China on Friday, even as they maintained their Indo-Pacific-focused bloc is not aimed at countering Beijing.
In comments at a public event and in a written statement, the four foreign ministers used buzzwords and phrases that reflected growing unease over China’s influence in the region and made clear the group aims to be an alternative to China.
Meeting in New Delhi, the four barely mentioned China by name and insisted that the so-called Quad group is designed to boost their own national interests and improve those of others through enhanced cooperation in non-military areas.
Both the public comments and the statement had repeated references to the importance of democracy, rule of law, maritime security and the peaceful settlement of disputes, all of which Beijing regards with suspicion when coming from Quad members.
“We strongly support the principles of freedom, rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes without resorting to threat or use of force and freedom of navigation and overflight, and oppose any unilateral attempt to change the status quo, all of which are essential to the peace, stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and beyond,” the ministers said in the statement.
In a direct shot at China, which has become increasingly aggressive in the Pacific and has alarmed its smaller neighbors by pushing claims to disputed maritime zones, the ministers said they viewed with concern “challenges to the maritime rules-based order, including in the South and East China Seas.”
“We strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo or increase tensions in the area,” they said. “We express serious concern at the militarization of disputed features, the dangerous use of coast guard vessels and maritime militia, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore resource exploitation activities.”
China has been accused of doing all three. In Beijing, China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the Quad, saying that “cooperation among countries should conform to the trend of the times for peace and development and should not engage in exclusive cliques.”
“We hope the countries concerned will do something that is conducive to enhancing the security and mutual trust of regional countries and to maintaining regional peace and stability,” ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily briefing.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, meanwhile, accused the United States of “trying to militarize Quad,” an accusation also often made by Beijing that America is trying to set up a new NATO-style alliance in Asia to counter China in the region.
In an oblique reference to China, as well as Russia, which have blocked actions at the U.N. Security Council and other institutions on matters ranging from Ukraine to Myanmar, North Korea, trade, technology and health, the Quad foreign ministers said they “are committed to cooperate to address attempts to unilaterally subvert the U.N. and international system.”
And just a day after China and Russia thwarted the Group of 20 largest industrialized and developing nations from adopting a joint communique on Russia’s war against Ukraine, the Quad specifically endorsed language to which Beijing and Moscow objected. That included a line that said, “the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.”
“We underscored the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law, including the U.N. Charter,” they added, repeating another line China and Russia refused to agree to at Thursday’s G-20 foreign ministers’ meeting, which was also held in the Indian capital.
In signing off on the statement, India, which has long-standing close ties with Russia and has reacted cautiously to the Ukraine war, achieved what it, as host of the G-20, had been unable to do: present a document that supports international principles it values.
And Australia, Japan and the United States, among the most vocal critics of Russia, acknowledged that New Delhi’s ties with Moscow complicate its position.
Speaking at a panel at India’s Raisina Dialogue, the four ministers maintained that the Quad does not seek conflict with China or to antagonize it but rather to promote democracy, good governance, transparency, digital security and global health and disaster relief.
“As long as China abides by the law and international norms and acts under international institutional standards this is not a conflicting issue between China and the Quad,” Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa said in a rare direct reference to China.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the group is not designed to blunt China’s rise by demanding that countries align with Quad members or Beijing.
“Our proposition is not to say to countries in the region ‘You have to choose,'” he said. “Our proposition is to offer a choice, a positive alternative.”
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar agreed.
“I prefer to think about what we are for, not about what we are against,” Wong said.
“We do offer more choices,” Jaishankar said. “We do collectively offer something different. Countries are interested, many of them are looking at the Indo-Pacific as a changing theater and how to define themselves.”
___
Associated Press writer Krutika Pathi contributed to this report. | https://www.wdtn.com/news/u-s-world/ap-international/ap-quad-fms-wary-of-chinas-might-push-indo-pacific-option/ | 2023-03-04 00:44:15 | 1 | https://www.wdtn.com/news/u-s-world/ap-international/ap-quad-fms-wary-of-chinas-might-push-indo-pacific-option/ |
MILWAUKEE (AP) — MILWAUKEE (AP) — Zurn Water Solutions Corporation (ZWS) on Tuesday reported fourth-quarter earnings of $14.2 million.
On a per-share basis, the Milwaukee-based company said it had net income of 8 cents. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, were 16 cents per share.
The results met Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of three analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was also for earnings of 16 cents per share.
The motion control and water management company posted revenue of $340.3 million in the period, missing Street forecasts. Three analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $344.3 million.
For the year, the company reported profit of $61.7 million, or 40 cents per share. Revenue was reported as $1.28 billion.
For the current quarter ending in March, Zurn Water said it expects revenue in the range of $340 million to $355 million.
The company expects full-year revenue in the range of $1.5 billion to $1.55 billion.
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This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on ZWS at https://www.zacks.com/ap/ZWS | https://www.mrt.com/business/article/zurn-water-q4-earnings-snapshot-17770120.php | 2023-02-07 22:46:48 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/business/article/zurn-water-q4-earnings-snapshot-17770120.php |
Wisconsin political parties view for the Latino vote
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - With election day about six weeks away, both political parties in Wisconsin are pushing to court Latino voters.
Experts say this is because every vote counts in Wisconsin as elections are often decided by small margins.
“When you think about the statewide margins, it’s a powerful pro-immigrant voting block. Pro-immigrant, pro-worker because immigrants are disproportionately working class,” Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of Voces de la Frontera, said.
She was in Green Bay on Saturday along with residents and activists for a ribbon cutting on a new office building for Voces de la Frontera. Among its many services, the Milwaukee-based non-profit provides training and legal resources for Hispanics.
A Siena-New York Times times poll released this month shows that while an overwhelming number of Latinos still vote for democrats, the republican party made in roads during the last election cycle, especially in Florida and Texas.
Still, the Latino voting bloc is complex and varies by region.
Neumann-Ortiz says the majority of Latinos in Wisconsin tend to vote democratic, but she’s more concerned of Latinos not participating in the election process.
“The greater caution is people dropping out of elections, I do think, if they’re feeling disenchanted,” she said. “For us, we believe it is not just about the elections. That you have to put pressure. To really push back against the politics of hatred, division, and greed.”
Vice President Kamala Harris was in Milwaukee this week and on our sister station WISN’s UpFront program, she says the Biden administration is aimed at helping Latinos.
“Half of Latino’s student’s debt will be wiped out because of what the president has done in forgiving student loan debt of $10,000,” Harris said.
According to the Republican National Committee, Hispanics are realizing they identify more with GOP values.
“The pillars of our Hispanic outreach...are economy, education for our kids, and then the third one which is going to be public safety,” Jaime Florez, RNC Hispanic Communications Director, said.
Locally, the latest census data shows one in five Green Bay residents identify as Hispanic.
Rep. Kristina Shelton, (D) Green Bay, attended Saturday’s ribbing cutting. She says the number one issue she hears from them is getting a license.
“If you are undocumented, you can no longer get a license. And so people are driving every day in fear that they’re going to be pulled over and ticketed and they want to do the right thing, and they need to be able to do the right thing, to be able to go to work and raise their families,” Shelton said.
Election day is on November 8.
Copyright 2022 WBAY. All rights reserved. | https://www.wbay.com/2022/09/25/wisconsin-political-parties-view-latino-vote/ | 2022-09-25 22:30:11 | 1 | https://www.wbay.com/2022/09/25/wisconsin-political-parties-view-latino-vote/ |
‘This is really exciting!’: 3 couples welcome twins at same hospital within hours
BETTENDORF, Iowa (KWQC/Gray News) - It’s something you don’t see every day, even at a hospital, and that’s three couples having three sets of twins, all born within hours of each other.
Hospital officials at the UnityPoint-Trinity’s Bettendorf BirthPlace said the six babies were born between 6:20 a.m. and 6:46 p.m. on May 2. One set of twins were boys, another set were girls and the other was a boy and a girl.
KWQC reports labor, delivery nurses and doctors had their hands full, but the team was prepared.
“It’s a huge accomplishment for our team to have three sets of twins born on the same day,” said Kelli Sieverding, nurse manager. “They all were well and newborn admissions.”
Braelyn and Brooklyn were the first set of twins born.
“I like that we’re a part of being the three sets of twins. I’m jealous of the two boys, but it’s really cool to be part of this,” said Kaitlin Connard, Braelyn and Brooklyn’s mother.
In the afternoon, Violet and Asher made their appearance.
Parents Stacy and Jacob Smith said they knew there was at least one more set of multiples earlier that day.
“I was like, ‘Oh, this is really exciting!’ And then we found out there was somebody else here to deliver twins. Three sets of twins in one shift, that’s pretty cool,” Stacy Smith said.
Rounding out the day shift, Ezra and Cian arrived.
All of the parents said they were grateful for the chance to meet up and for everyone getting to go home healthy.
Copyright 2022 KWQC via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kbtx.com/2022/05/05/this-is-really-exciting-3-couples-welcome-twins-same-hospital-within-hours/ | 2022-05-05 22:35:39 | 0 | https://www.kbtx.com/2022/05/05/this-is-really-exciting-3-couples-welcome-twins-same-hospital-within-hours/ |
We interviewed Cameron Diaz because we think you'll like her picks. The products featured are from Cameron's brand, Avaline. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.
If you're looking for some holiday planning inspiration this season, Cameron Diaz has you covered. As the E! Holiday Guest Editor, she will share her insights in the coming weeks. So far, she recommended some holiday gifts, including some inspiration from her husband Benji Madden. Today is all about hosting for the holidays, which can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Just ask Cameron.
She shared, "This time of year is about enjoying yourself, making memories with loved ones, eating delicious food, and enjoying a glass of wine." And, of course, Cameron's wine of choice is Avaline, the organic brand she created with Katherine Power.
An elaborate tablescape is nice and all, but when it comes down to it the holidays should be about good company, food, and wine. Here are Cameron's fuss-free hosting essentials.
Cameron Diaz's Holiday Hosting Essentials
E!: A lot of people are into playing games for the holidays when they're with their family or hosting a party. Do you have any go-to games?
CD: I wish I was a gamer. I just don't do games. What we do is eat. There are people who love the games and there are so many that seem fun for them, but that's just not my kind of fun.
E!: What are some good snacks to pair with wine this time of year?
CD: For me, I'm here for anything that's a finger food. Something easy that you can just take off a tray, a little sweet, a little salty, a little creamy. Get all of those flavors and textures together. I feel like there are people who are into games at a party, but I'm just looking for a charcuterie plate and some skewers. Charcuterie and cheese plates, I've got you covered.
Smirly Bamboo Cheese Board and Knife Set
"I'm always an advocate for great cheese and charcuterie plate. You need to nail the perfect timing for the cheese plate. You want it to be the right temperature when people arrive. You don't want to do it too much ahead of time or be too late."
This set has 4,800+ 5-star Amazon reviews.
Avaline The Holiday Collection
"With our holiday bundle, we have a limited edition of the merlot. Other than our core wines, which are red, white, and rosé, everything is limited edition because they're made by smaller producers in smaller batches. We have two whites and four reds. We're offering merlot, syrah, bobal, penedés, tinto, sauvignon blanc, and viognier."
"It's a collection you can give to other people as a gift. Or you can split it up and keep one for yourself and give out individual bottles to different people. A variety of different wines would be great for a dinner party whether you're hosting or attending."
Avaline The Essentials- Red, White, and Rosé
"We want wine drinkers to enjoy wine and not feel put off because they may not know what they're talking about. You can enjoy a wine that meets all of your values and it can taste delicious. That's something you can have. Katherine and I are both moderate wine drinkers. We're all about the enjoyment of wine for our customers."
Harry & David Classic Pears, Apples, and Cheese Gift
"I love a seasonal fruit, a nice fruit basket with something you can only get during a specific time of year. A beautiful pear or gorgeous pomegranates. I think that's always fun to receive and it's not too much. It's just enough, a few beautiful pears to consume. It's like a dream come true. And you don't need to find storage or a place to keep them compared to other gifts.
Avaline Cabernet Sauvignon
"We're super engaged with our community. We do Instagram polls asking 'What do you guys want?' We listen to everything you say and we read every comment. We respond as much as we possibly can and try to give you want you want. That's why we just launched our cab, Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a beautiful red medium bodied wine. It's got a nice little stone fruit flavor. It's awesome, and it's what our community wanted."
Looking for more holiday content from Cameron Diaz? Check out her E! Holiday Guest Editor Letter to find out more about her plans for the holiday season. | https://www.eonline.com/news/1355400/cameron-diaz-shares-must-haves-for-stress-free-holiday-hosting?cmpid=rss-syndicate-genericrss-us-top_stories | 2022-11-21 22:49:25 | 0 | https://www.eonline.com/news/1355400/cameron-diaz-shares-must-haves-for-stress-free-holiday-hosting?cmpid=rss-syndicate-genericrss-us-top_stories |
HONOLULU (KHON) — Passengers aboard Sunday’s Hawaiian Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu got more than complimentary lunch — they were treated to a familiar, and famous, face behind the flight attendant cart.
“Aloha Kakahiaka. Good morning guests, this is Jason Momoa.”
Momoa, star of ‘Aquaman’ and a beloved Hawaii native, handed out bottles of Mananalu water on the flight, as part of the partnership with the airline. A viral Tiktok shared the moment, showing the “hottest steward” pulling the beverage cart and handing out water while sporting a flower tucked behind his ear.
The concept of Mananalu, Momoa’s water brand, came to him on a flight where he noticed water bottles in single-use plastic bottles but other beverages in aluminum cans, his website explains. He took that moment and turned it into Mananalu, which distributes its water in recyclable, aluminum bottles.
Hawaiian Airlines started serving the 16-ounce bottles to Premium Cabin guests in April and replaced single-use plastic water bottles in the Pau Hana snack cart on continental U.S. flights.
Guests on the flight were also given 10,000 Hawaiian miles.
“I started Mananalu to give people a better option than single-use plastic and create a wave of positive change,” Momoa shared. “For every bottle of Mananalu sold, we remove one bottle of plastic from ocean-going waste.”
The partnership has eliminated 35,000 items of plastic in the first two months and anticipates the yearly average to be hundreds of thousands.
Momoa is back in Hawaii after being involved in a collision with a motorcyclist in California last week.
Authorities say the motorcyclist crossed the centerline and went “directly into the path of Jason Momoa’s vehicle,” a 1970 Oldsmobile. The man was ejected but suffered only minor, non-life-threatening injuries. | https://www.wfla.com/nextstar-news-wire/jason-momoa-surprises-passengers-aboard-flight-to-hawaii/ | 2022-08-04 02:04:15 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/nextstar-news-wire/jason-momoa-surprises-passengers-aboard-flight-to-hawaii/ |
Kate Ruder | KFF Health News (TNS)
BOULDER, Colorado — Ilyse Streim views massage for people in hospice care as “whispering to the body through touch.”
“It’s much lighter work. It’s nurturing. It’s slow,” said Streim, a licensed massage therapist.
Massage therapy for someone near the end of life looks and feels different from a spa treatment. Some people stay clothed or lie in bed. Others sit up in their wheelchairs. Streim avoids touching bedsores and fresh surgery wounds and describes her work as “meditating and moving at the same time.” She recalled massaging the shoulders, hands, and feet of one client as he sat in his favorite recliner and watched baseball on TV in the final weeks of his life.
“When you’re dying and somebody touches you without expectation of anything in return, you just get to be,” said Streim.
Massage therapists like Streim, who specializes in working with people who are dying or have an advanced form of cancer or other illness, are rare. Fewer than 1% of therapists specialize in hospice or palliative care massage, according to research by the American Massage Therapy Association, although many more may periodically offer massage for hospice patients.
Streim has a private practice in Lafayette, and her clients pay her out-of-pocket, as Medicare and private insurance typically don’t cover massage therapy. She also volunteers as a hospice massage therapist four hours a month.
It’s common for hospice organizations to use volunteer therapists for treatments, though some massage therapists, with physicians backing them, are pushing for paid positions as part of medical teams working alongside nurses and social workers. In the hospice unit at Palo Alto VA Medical Center, in Palo Alto, California, for example, massage therapists have been integral members of the multidisciplinary team for decades, said VJ Periyakoil, a professor of medicine at Stanford University and the founding director of its palliative care education and training program.
The covid-19 pandemic made the recruitment of specialists for this intimate work, both paid and volunteer, more difficult, as the pool of massage therapists shrank amid school closures and exits from the profession. There are up to 10% fewer massage therapists today than before the pandemic, according to Les Sweeney, president of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.
“It’s still hard for us to hire and recruit therapists,” said Kerry Jordan, operations director at Healwell, a nonprofit that trains and employs massage therapists to work in hospitals in the Washington, D.C., area.
For three weeks in April 2020, licensed massage therapist Cindy Spence, who works at Faith Presbyterian Hospice in Dallas, could not massage patients due to the state’s lockdown orders. Then, the state granted an allowance for massage therapists like her, working in medical settings under supervision, to resume giving massages. But it took several months for many therapists to return to work, and some didn’t return at all, Spence said.
“The pandemic was not kind to massage therapists,” Spence said. “And so we have lost a lot of people like me who are of an age and experience level that would really be called to and suitable” for oncology, hospice, and palliative massage.
“We need to get more therapists trained,” she said. She described receiving several calls each month from people who have found her name online. It has become harder since covid to find a therapist to refer them to, Spence said.
At TRU Community Care, which operates in several locations in Colorado, Volunteer Services Supervisor Wendy Webster said massages are a top request from patients and their families, but they’re limited in how many sessions they can offer, with only two volunteer massage therapists. (A third volunteer did not return after the pandemic.)
Finding new massage therapist volunteers is challenging, said Webster, in part because they can earn money in other settings and “they’re coming to us for free.” Thirty years ago, TRU Community Care’s nonprofit status was the norm, but now the majority of hospices are for-profit, with growing investment from private equity.
Despite that shift, hospices still rely heavily on volunteers. Medicare pays for at least six months of hospice for a patient on the condition that providers use volunteers for at least 5% of the patient-care hours worked by paid staff and contractors. Sometimes, those volunteer hours are filled by massage therapists.
“All hospices, not-for-profit or for profit alike, should aim to include medically-trained massage therapists as part of best holistic care,” Hunter Groninger, a professor of medicine at Georgetown University who directs palliative care at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., wrote in an email. Employing these specialists is beneficial and does not diminish the important service of volunteers, particularly in end-of-life care, he added.
More studies on the impact of specialized massage could enact changes in the field, said Cal Cates, founder and executive director of Healwell, which, since 2009, has trained 500 therapists in hospital-based and oncology massage, as well as in how to work collaboratively with doctors and nurses.
In a recent clinical trial of 387 patients in palliative care at MedStar, including some nearing the end of their lives, Groninger, Cates, Jordan, and other co-authors found that massage therapy improved quality of life.
Despite new research on the benefits of massage, Cates said, many hospices bring on volunteers who don’t have advanced training, because hospices may not know that specialized training — such as the kind Healwell offers — exists.
Streim, who paid for her own classes in oncology and lymphatic massage, said that investment in education qualified her for a six-year career as an oncology massage therapist at Good Samaritan Medical Center’s Center for Integrative Medicine in Lafayette and later her private practice. She teaches classes in adapting massage for the elderly and those with illnesses at Boulder Massage Therapy Institute. In her 39 years as a therapist, Streim has done it all: volunteer, staff, entrepreneur, teacher.
Like Streim, Spence has continually redefined her role. She began in private practice before becoming an employee of a large hospice agency in which she traveled across nine counties in Texas, giving thousands of massages to people dying in their homes, assisted living communities, and skilled nursing homes. Today, at Faith Presbyterian Hospice, she is one of three licensed massage therapists on staff and fully integrated as an employee of the organization, which has more than 100 patients.
“Those of us who do this work have made big investments in our profession and I’m glad to see that we can be paid for it,” she said.
Spence collects data on how patients rate their pain on a scale of 1 to 10 before and after a massage. Most fall asleep during the massage, which she takes as an indication their pain has lessened or they became more relaxed. Of those who stay awake, almost all say their pain subsided significantly or went away completely.
That kind of positive engagement with providers is more urgent than ever since the pandemic, Groninger said. Spence agreed: “The pandemic taught us all, in a very painful way, what it’s like to be deprived of human touch and human connections.”
Sometimes the nursing staff at Faith Presbyterian will roll a bed out onto the patio so a patient can hear the sounds of nature and the fountain gurgling during Spence’s massage. There is more teasing and laughter than she would have imagined. For patients unable to speak, Spence watches their reactions carefully: a deep exhalation or the face and body softening. Sometimes it’s tears running down their cheeks.
“It’s profound, helping someone find safe breaths along this very difficult dying journey,” she said.
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(KFF Health News, formerly known as Kaiser Health News (KHN), is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs of KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling and journalism.)
©2023 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. | https://www.bostonherald.com/2023/06/16/massage-therapists-ease-the-pain-of-hospice-patients-but-arent-easy-to-find/ | 2023-06-16 18:50:27 | 1 | https://www.bostonherald.com/2023/06/16/massage-therapists-ease-the-pain-of-hospice-patients-but-arent-easy-to-find/ |
NEW YORK, June 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Squarespace Inc. (NYSE: SQSP), the design-driven platform helping entrepreneurs build brands and businesses online, announced today it has entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement with Google, whereby Squarespace will acquire the assets associated with the Google Domains business, which will be winding down following a transition period. This purchase includes approximately 10 million domains hosted on Google Domains spread across millions of customers.
"We are exceptionally proud to be chosen to serve the customers of the Google Domains business," said Anthony Casalena, Founder & CEO of Squarespace. "Domains are a critical part of web infrastructure and an essential piece of every business's online presence. We look forward to serving these new customers as we have served millions using our domain products and are committed to ensuring a seamless transition."
"In keeping with our efforts to sharpen our focus, we have entered into a definitive agreement with Squarespace for the acquisition of customer accounts of the Google Domains registrar business," said Matt Madrigal, Vice President and General Manager, Merchant Shopping of Google. "Supporting a smooth transition for customers over the coming months, with the help of the Google Domains team, is our top priority. Squarespace can provide an integrated experience of purchasing and managing domains along with offering other tools that these customers may need to build their online presence."
Under the terms of the agreement, Squarespace will honor all existing Google Domains customers' renewal prices for at least 12 months following the closing of the transaction, as well as provide additional incentives to encourage Google Domains customers to build a website with Squarespace and adopt other Squarespace offerings. Further, Squarespace will be leveraging Google's infrastructure powering the Google Domains product during the migration period in order to ensure the seamless transfer of domains.
Upon closing, Squarespace, a long- time reseller of Google Workspace, will become the exclusive domains provider for any customer purchasing a domain along with their Workspace subscription from Google directly for a minimum of three years. Squarespace will also provide billing and support services to Google Workspace customers that signed up for the service through Google Domains. Customers will continue to have the option to make changes to their domains account at any time.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2023, and is subject to certain regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. While the majority of the benefits of this deal will be realized in 2024 and beyond, Squarespace believes this deal will be meaningfully accretive to its business from both a revenue and free cash flow perspective over time.
Squarespace management will host a conference call today, June 15th, at 5:00pm ET. A live webcast of the event will be available in the Events & Presentations section of the Squarespace Investor Relations website. An archived replay of the webcast will be available following the conclusion of the call.
About Squarespace
Squarespace (NYSE: SQSP) is a design-driven platform helping entrepreneurs build brands and businesses online. Our products empower millions in more than 200 countries and territories with all the tools they need to create an online presence, build an audience, monetize, and scale their business. Our suite of products range from websites, domains, ecommerce, and marketing tools, as well as tools for scheduling with Acuity, creating and managing social media presence with Bio Sites and Unfold, and hospitality business management via Tock. For more information, visit www.squarespace.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed transaction, including statements regarding the benefits and impact of the transaction and the anticipated timing of the transaction. The words "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "expect," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations, assumptions, and projections based on information available at the time the statements were made. In light of these assumptions and the risks and uncertainties that could impact Squarespace's business or this transaction, Squarespace's actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Further information on risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from forecasted results are included in Squarespace's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Squarespace assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons if actual results differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.
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Voters in Philadelphia are determining who will likely lead the nation's sixth-largest city in a crowded field of Democratic candidates on Tuesday, as the city faces upticks in gun violence and quality-of-life issues that make people feel unsafe.
Five front-runner candidates — including former city council members, former city officials and a grocery store franchiser — have sought to differentiate themselves in a tight contest.
The Philadelphia race serves as the latest barometer of how residents of some of the nation’s largest cities hope to emerge from the pandemic, which heightened concerns about crime, poverty and inequality. The results have sometimes been tumultuous in other parts of the country, leading to the defeat of the incumbent mayor of Chicago in February and the ouster of San Francisco’s district attorney last year.
Philadelphia voters will choose between front-runner candidates including former council members Allan Domb, Helen Gym and Cherelle Parker; former city controller Rebecca Rhynhart; and political outsider and grocer Jeff Brown. They are vying to replace Democratic Mayor Jim Kenney, who is term-limited.
Only one Republican, former city council member David Oh, is running. He and the Democratic nominee will face each other in the Nov. 7 general election. Because Philadelphia is heavily Democratic, it is likely that whoever wins the primary will become the next mayor.
The candidates have pledged to tackle the city's violence and crime, and address the rampant quality-of-life issues, but how they plan to get there varies. The candidate who is able to muster their base and appeal to the widest cross-section of voters will ultimately tip the scales in a tight contest.
Voters on Tuesday will also elect seven out of more than 30 total Democratic and Republican candidates for city council-at-large seats and three contested district seats.
To the west, voters in Allegheny County, which encompasses the state's second largest city of Pittsburgh, will choose among six Democratic candidates vying to replace the county's top official, who is term-limited. The winner will face a lone Republican contender in the November general election. Unlike in the Philadelphia mayor's race, the primary winner will not necessarily be the person most likely to fill the county executive's seat. | https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/politics/article/philadelphia-democratic-primary-voters-choosing-18101638.php | 2023-05-16 10:59:36 | 1 | https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/politics/article/philadelphia-democratic-primary-voters-choosing-18101638.php |
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LeBron James is closing in on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA career scoring record. And now, he has caught Abdul-Jabbar on another page of the All-Star record book.
James was announced Thursday as an NBA All-Star for the 19th time, the Los Angeles Lakers’ star tying Abdul-Jabbar for the most selections in league history. James — the leading overall vote-getter — will be the captain of one of the teams for the Feb. 19 All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, while Eastern Conference voting leader Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks will captain the other side.
This is the sixth year the NBA has used the captain format for the All-Star Game; James has been a captain every time and has never lost, taking a 5-0 record into this year. Antetokounmpo is a captain for the third time, after also earning that right in 2019 and 2020.
James and Antetokounmpo will pick their teams shortly before the game in Salt Lake City, a newly announced twist and a departure from past years in which the captains picked a week or two in advance of All-Star weekend.
The other eight starters they’ll be choosing from, barring any changes because of injury beforehand, are: Denver's two-time reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, NBA scoring leader Luka Doncic of Dallas, Golden State's Stephen Curry, Boston's Jayson Tatum, Brooklyn teammates Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell and New Orleans' Zion Williamson.
“I’m definitely blessed and humbled to be a part of this,” Mitchell said during the televised starters’ announcement on TNT. “To be a part of my fourth All-Star and now to be a starter, I couldn’t be happier.”
The big intrigue was the third East frontcourt spot, where Philadelphia's Joel Embiid — No. 2 in the NBA's scoring race entering Thursday at 33.4 points per game — was the odd man out after Antetokounmpo, Durant and Tatum were the top three in the balloting.
Starters — three frontcourt players and two guards from each conference — were selected by a combination of three different votes: fan balloting counted for 50%, media balloting was worth 25% and voting by the NBA's players made up the final 25%.
The reserves, which are chosen by votes from the league’s coaches, will be announced Feb. 2. Among the players certain to merit strong consideration: Portland's Damian Lillard, Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Boston's Jaylen Brown and Miami's Bam Adebayo.
James is 157 points away from Abdul-Jabbar’s career scoring total of 38,387 points. At his current average of 29.9 points per game, James will need just over five games to break the record – and, if he doesn’t miss any games in the interim, would be on pace to pass Abdul-Jabbar in a Feb. 7 home game against Oklahoma City.
And that means the All-Star weekend, if James passes the record beforehand, could be a celebration of his breaking a record that Abdul-Jabbar has held for nearly 40 years.
“Calculating out when it might happen, it seems at this point it’s likely to happen before our All-Star break,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said last week in Paris. “If it were to happen before our All-Star break, it seems like the All-Star Game this year, which is in Salt Lake City, may be the perfect opportunity to honor him.”
James is now tied with Abdul-Jabbar for most All-Star selections, and if James plays in Salt Lake City he will become the first player in NBA history to actually appear in 19 All-Star games. Abdul-Jabbar was selected to the 1973 game but did not play.
That’ll be just another entry on a long list of All-Star records for James. He’s the first player to be selected to 19 consecutive All-Star games — until Thursday, he shared that record with 18-time-selection Kobe Bryant, the Lakers legend who died Jan. 26, 2020, exactly three years to the date from Thursday.
If he actually starts, it’ll be James’ 19th time doing so, four more anyone else in league history; Bryant made 15 starts. The 19 starts in a row extends another All-Star record; Bob Cousy has the second-longest such streak, having started 13 straight.
James also is the career All-Star leader in minutes, points, field goals made and field goals attempted.
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.ourmidland.com/sports/article/lebron-giannis-chosen-as-captains-for-all-star-17744965.php | 2023-01-27 01:29:46 | 0 | https://www.ourmidland.com/sports/article/lebron-giannis-chosen-as-captains-for-all-star-17744965.php |
EAST AURORA, N.Y., July 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Demand for carbon offsets — from both consumers and companies — is higher than ever. Consumers like buying them to offset their own carbon footprints, and corporations rely heavily on them to achieve carbon neutrality goals until their supply chains can truly decarbonize. But the voluntary carbon offsets market is complicated and can be difficult to navigate without expertise.
Linda Kelly, Senior Vice President of Programs & Partnerships at Carbonfund.org Foundation, was honored to serve as a panelist at the Aspen Ideas Festival, hosted by The Aspen Institute to discuss the importance of carbon offsets and how they are a critical part of meeting sustainability goals for both individuals and businesses of all sizes. Also joining the discussion are Greg Gershuny, Executive Director of The Aspen Institute's Energy and Environment Program, Kristina Friedman, Head of ESG Strategy at PayPal, and Bill Leslie, CEO of Soli Solutions.
When deliberating the resources that people should be considering when entering into the carbon offset market, Linda Kelly pointed out, "There are a lot of organizations, like Carbonfund.org, that can assist with carbon emissions calculations through fairly simple tools for individuals and smaller companies that might not have their hands on the data that they need." Kelly continued, "Along the way you'll have opportunities to understand your carbon footprint and look for ways to reduce it."
To learn more about individual carbon offsets or how businesses of all sizes can calculate and neutralize their carbon footprint please watch the full Aspen Ideas Festival discussion or visit Carbonfund.org.
Carbonfund.org is leading the fight against climate change, making it easy and affordable for any individual, business or organization to reduce & offset their climate impact. Carbonfund.org has America's first carbon neutral product label, Carbonfree® Certified. The Carbonfree® Certified Products Program is proud to be part of Amazon's Climate Pledge Friendly Program.
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. The Aspen Ideas Festival explores significant ideas and issues that touch all parts of our society.
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SOURCE Carbonfund.org | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/07/06/carbonfundorg-featured-aspen-ideas-festival-discussion-carbon-offsets/ | 2022-07-06 15:59:43 | 0 | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/07/06/carbonfundorg-featured-aspen-ideas-festival-discussion-carbon-offsets/ |
‘Seinfeld,’ Bean Box debut coffee collection based on sitcom’s characters
Published: May. 18, 2022 at 7:07 PM CDT|Updated: 13 minutes ago
(CNN) - Attention “Seinfeld” fans: You can now match your favorite coffee flavor with your favorite character from the TV show.
Coffee roaster Bean Box has partnered with the popular ‘90s show to create four curated, artisan blends that embody the show’s characters.
There’s a medium roast called Elaine’s Little Kicks, a dark roast called George’s Serenity Now, and an Ethiopian blend called Kramer’s Giddy Up.
And, of course, there’s the show’s namesake coffee, a Brazilian blend called Jerry’s Diner Blend.
The “Seinfeld” coffee collection is available for a limited time on Bean Box’s website in varying sizes.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wlbt.com/2022/05/19/seinfeld-bean-box-debut-coffee-collection-based-sitcoms-characters/ | 2022-05-19 00:48:52 | 0 | https://www.wlbt.com/2022/05/19/seinfeld-bean-box-debut-coffee-collection-based-sitcoms-characters/ |
How to Watch the UConn vs. Baylor Game: Women's Basketball Streaming & TV Channel Info for the NCAA Tournament Second Round
Published: Mar. 20, 2023 at 3:11 PM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
The No. 2 seed UConn Huskies (30-5) take to the court against the No. 7 seed Baylor Bears (20-12) with a Sweet 16 spot in the N/A Region of the bracket up for grabs on Monday at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion.
Use our link to get a free trial of fuboTV, where you can watch women's and men's college hoops and tons of other live sports without cable!
UConn Women's Basketball Game Live Stream & TV Channel Info
- When: Monday, March 20, 2023 at 9:00 PM ET
- Where: Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut
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UConn vs. Baylor Scoring Comparison
- The Bears average 13.8 more points per game (72.2) than the Huskies allow (58.4).
- Baylor is 18-7 when it scores more than 58.4 points.
- UConn has a 22-2 record when its opponents score fewer than 72.2 points.
- The Huskies put up 13.2 more points per game (76.3) than the Bears give up (63.1).
- UConn has a 21-3 record when putting up more than 63.1 points.
- Baylor is 19-6 when giving up fewer than 76.3 points.
- The Huskies are making 49.5% of their shots from the field, 11.1% higher than the Bears concede to opponents (38.4%).
- The Bears' 43.1 shooting percentage from the field is 8.4 higher than the Huskies have given up.
UConn Schedule
Baylor Schedule
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.wbtv.com/sports/betting/2023/03/20/uconn-baylor/womens-college-basketball-live-stream-tv-ncaa-tournament-second-round/ | 2023-03-20 20:21:27 | 0 | https://www.wbtv.com/sports/betting/2023/03/20/uconn-baylor/womens-college-basketball-live-stream-tv-ncaa-tournament-second-round/ |
Pick your own doomscape: The future looks bleak on TV
TV viewers who enjoy mass disaster scenarios have had plenty of opportunities recently to picture the end of the world as we know it. Last year, “Station Eleven” followed survivors making their way through a world that nearly froze to death. This summer, “Silo” imagines 10,000 people living underground to avoid contact with a lethally toxic environment while “Black Mirror” reflects a profusion of tech-gone-bad hellscapes. These exemplars of television’s new apocalypse represent a departure from traditional big-screen spectacles that blamed asteroids or alien attacks on planetary collapse. Disaster movies of yore now seem almost quaint, as if external forces would be required to bring planet Earth to its knees.
This Emmy season, four series offer thoughtful variations on the theme of global doom. Here’s a look at shows that fictionalize ways in which brain-infecting viruses, unchecked carbon dioxide and hucksterism could determine whether the world ends with a bang or a whimper.
‘The Last of Us’
HBO
What went wrong: A (fictional) mutation of the (actual) poisonous cordyceps fungus goes viral.
When: On “Breakout Day” in 2003, the fungal virus infects millions of human brains and turns people into killing machines. By 2023 the “infected” have ravaged the land, taken out the power grid and forced survivors into hiding.
Premise: Joel (Pedro Pascal) and the virus-immune 14-year-old Ellie (Bella Ramsey) trek cross-country on a quest to see if Ellie’s blood can help the Fireflies resistance group find a cure for virus.
Pedigree: Video game of the same name was created in 2013 by Neil Druckmann, then adapted for television by Druckmann and “Chernobyl” creator Craig Mazin.
Landscape: Filmed primarily in Alberta amid the pristine Canadian wilderness. Production designer John Paino teamed with CGI artists to render the city of Calgary as a devastated stand-in for the ruins of Boston and Kansas City.
Aesthetic: “There’s a lot of things in ‘The Last of Us’ having to do with nature taking back the earth without mankind getting in the way,” says director of photography Eben Bolter. “If you look at a shopping mall right now, it’s probably going to be pretty ugly but if you go for 20 years [without humanity] and nature creeps back into that mall, you really appreciate the natural beauty.”
Upside: Noting that the show’s young hero was raised in a blighted “quarantine zone,” Bolter says, “Ellie’s seeing sunsets for the first time.”
‘The Walking Dead’
AMC
What went wrong: Zombies
When: Now
Pedigree: Based on the 2003 comic book by Robert Kirkman and artist Tony Moore.
Why: The zombification backstory is never explained. Scott M. Gimple, AMC’s chief content officer of “The Walking Dead” universe, says “It isn’t definitively a virus or fungus or bacteria or a space spore, as Mr. Kirkman joked. It might be any of those things or all those things. The fog of it all is a big part of the show. But it seems to have happened much more quickly than COVID.”
Landscape: Rural Georgia backdrops most of the action pitting survivors against zombie “walkers.” “Georgia has a wonderful amount of crumbling places that we shot some beautiful decay in,” Gimple says. On the urban front, CGI-manipulated images depict downtown Atlanta after it’s been napalm-bombed by government forces in a failed effort to eradicate the undead flesh eaters.
Aesthetic: Mundane monsters. Gimple says, “One image that comes to mind, going more towards the dread [end of the] spectrum was a single [zombie] walker striding through a field, alone. This everyday, atmospheric idea that it’s as normal as birds flying across the sky [confirms] that this is now a world that belongs to the dead.”
Upside: In the series finale, one year after zombie hordes die in a giant fire, survivors thrive in a commune-like settlement complete with a rainbow-painted windmill, optimistic children and a virtuous new governor Ezekiel (Khary Payton) replacing 11 seasons’ worth of corrupt politicians. Rogue hero Daryl (Norman Reedus) rides off into the sunset on an ethanol-powered motorcycle. “Love wins over fear, at least in the long term,” Gimple says. “In the short term, fear and horror definitely get their shots in.”
‘Extrapolations’
Apple TV +
What went wrong: Global warming
When: From 2037 through 2070 as temperatures rise 2.59 degrees caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide.
Premise: Unchecked human consumption and unchecked profit motives undermine efforts to protect an incrementally devolving environment. Producer Dorothy Fortenberry told the L.A. Times’ Boiling Point newsletter, “The guiding principle behind the timeline was, what if we just keep muddling forward as we are?”
Pedigree: Created by Scott Z. Burns, producer of Al Gore’s now prophetic “An Inconvenient Truth” documentary and writer of 2008’s “Contagion” movie, which anticipated with eerie accuracy the COVID-19 pandemic.
Landscape: Flooded coastal regions in 2047 Miami, where worshipers wear galoshes at the local synagogue, and skies are tinged a sickly yellow with pollution in 2057 India, where smugglers go out only at night when the atmosphere is less poisonous.
Aesthetic: Production designer Sam Lisenco says, “As much as we’d like the future to be sleek, clean and bold, in actuality you accrue more junk in your kitchen drawer over time. Those sorts of layers help imply the past and allow the audience to make assumptions about what that would mean for the future. From there, it was natural to punctuate moments with hyper-futurist aesthetics, like cars and devices that would be inherently more of the moment.”
Upside: In the future, humans invent audio avatars that transform whale vocalizations into human voices. Cue Meryl Streep’s voice as the last surviving whale on Earth.
Secret weapon: All-star cast includes Streep, Sienna Miller, Kit Harington, Edward Norton, Diane Lane, Daveed Diggs, David Schwimmer, Tahar Rahim, Yara Shahidi, Matthew Rhys, Gemma Chan and Indira Varma.
‘Hello Tomorrow!’
Apple TV+
What went wrong: The timeless plagues of loneliness and quiet desperation
When: The late 1950s reconfigured as a retro-futuristic parallel universe
Premise: A slick salesman (Billy Crudup) optimistically pitches “Brightside” condos on the moon to the unhappy citizens of suburban Vistaville.
Pedigree: Original idea from showrunners Amit Bhalla (“Bloodline”) and Lucas Jansen (“This Is Not a Robbery” documentary)
Central irony: The very design features associated with the future in 1958 now scream “vintage.”
Landscape: The show was filmed in New York state, including the suburbs of Long Island, where “Vistaville” exteriors were shot.
Aesthetic: In addition to the ravaged landscape of the human soul, production designer Maya Sigel says, “I tried to take off my 2023 glasses and think about what people in the 1950s thought the future would look like. I sorted the world into the past/traditional style and the futuristic/moon style. The Vistaville architectural lines are all straight, the houses are traditional and boxy. For everything that’s futuristic or has to do with the moon, I used curves and circles. For example, Jack sells the Brightside homes with the aid of our miniature model which is a circular residence under a dome. This principle continues with the technology and all of our gadgets, which are streamlined and aerodynamic, drawing inspiration from the most cutting-edge space age design of the time.”
Upside: A moon-bound rocket ship filled with hopeful passengers achieves liftoff.
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You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. | https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2023-05-31/doomsday-scenarios-play-out-on-tv | 2023-05-31 13:39:42 | 0 | https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2023-05-31/doomsday-scenarios-play-out-on-tv |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Elon Musk said Saturday he will reinstate Donald Trump’s account on Twitter, reversing a ban that has kept the former president off the social media site since a pro-Trump mob attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as Congress was poised to certify Joe Biden’s election victory.
Musk made the announcement in the evening after holding a poll that asked Twitter users to click “yes” or “no” on whether Trump’s account should be restored. The “yes” vote won, with 51.8%.
“The people have spoken. Trump will be reinstated. Vox Populi, Vox Dei,” Musk tweeted, using a Latin phrase meaning “the voice of the people, the voice of God.”
It is not clear whether Trump would actually return to Twitter. An irrepressible tweeter before he was banned, Trump has said in the past that he would not rejoin Twitter even if his account was reinstated. He has been relying on his own, much smaller social media site, Truth Social, which he launched after being blocked from Twitter.
And on Saturday, during a video speech to a Republican Jewish group meeting in Las Vegas, Trump said that he was aware of Musk’s poll but that he saw “a lot of problems at Twitter,” according to Bloomberg.
“I hear we’re getting a big vote to also go back on Twitter. I don’t see it because I don’t see any reason for it,” Trump was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. “It may make it, it may not make it,” he added, apparently referring to Twitter’s recent internal upheavals.
The prospect of restoring Trump’s presence to the platform follows Musk’s purchase last month of Twitter — an acquisition that has fanned widespread concern that the billionaire owner will allow purveyors of lies and misinformation to flourish on the site. Musk has frequently expressed his belief that Twitter had become too restrictive of freewheeling speech.
His efforts to reshape the site have been both swift and chaotic. Musk has fired many of the company’s 7,500 full-time workers and an untold number of contractors who are responsible for content moderation and other crucial responsibilities. His demand that remaining employees pledge to “extremely hardcore” work triggered a wave of resignations, including hundreds of software engineers.
Users have reported seeing increased spam and scams on their feeds and in their direct messages, among other glitches, in the aftermath of the mass layoffs and worker exodus. Some programmers who were fired or resigned this week warned that Twitter may soon fray so badly it could actually crash.
Musk’s online survey, which ran for 24 hours before ending Saturday evening, concluded with 51.8% of more than 15 million votes favoring the restoration of Trump’s Twitter’ account. It comes four days after Trump announced his candidacy for the presidency in 2024.
Trump lost his access to Twitter two days after his supporters stormed the Capitol, soon after the former president had exhorted them to “fight like hell.” Twitter dropped his account after Trump wrote a pair of tweets that the company said cast further doubts on the legitimacy of the presidential election and raised risks for the Biden presidential inauguration.
After the Jan. 6 attack, Trump was also kicked off Facebook and Instagram, which are owned by Meta Platforms, and Snapchat. His ability to post videos to his YouTube channel was also suspended. Facebook is set to reconsider Trump’s account suspension in January.
Throughout his tenure as president, Trump’s use of social media posed a significant challenge to major social media platforms that sought to balance the public’s interest in hearing from public officials with worries about misinformation, bigotry, harassment and incitement of violence.
But in a speech at an auto conference in May, Musk asserted that Twitter’s ban of Trump was a “morally bad decision” and “foolish in the extreme.”
Earlier this month, Musk, who completed the $44 billion takeover of Twitter in late October, declared that the company wouldn’t let anyone who had been kicked off the site return until Twitter had established procedures on how to do so, including forming a “content moderation council.”
On Friday, Musk tweeted that the suspended Twitter accounts for the comedian Kathy Griffin, the Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson and the conservative Christian news satire website Babylon Bee had been reinstated. He added that a decision on Trump had not yet been made. He also responded “no” when someone on Twitter asked him to reinstate the conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ account.
In a tweet Friday, the Tesla CEO described the company’s new content policy as “freedom of speech, but not freedom of reach.”
He explained that a tweet deemed to be “negative” or to include “hate” would be allowed on the site but would be visible only to users who specifically searched for it. Such tweets also would be “demonetized, so no ads or other revenue to Twitter,” Musk said. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/national/musk-to-restore-former-president-trumps-twitter-account-after-online-poll/ | 2022-11-20 02:00:57 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/national/musk-to-restore-former-president-trumps-twitter-account-after-online-poll/ |
DALLAS, Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Burgher-Ray Ranch Group, part of Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty and led by ranch experts David Burgher and Harlan Ray, is thrilled to bring to market the uncommonly luxurious Prairie Oaks Ranch in Bowie, Texas.
Sited amidst the rolling hills of Montague County, in the Cross Timbers region of North Central Texas, the ranch boasts sweeping views, abundant surface water and pristine improvements, including a nine-hole golf course, multiple lakes teeming with fish (the largest lake being 29+/- acres), swimming pool, shooting ranges, five-bedroom home, water wells, equipment barns, working pens and fencing for livestock.
This historic ranch was once home to American bison, Comanche hunting parties and a way station along the famed Chisholm Trail. Today, Blackjack oak forests, blackberry thickets and native grasses thrive, with white-tailed deer, bobcats, coyotes, migratory fowl and bald eagles — among many other species of birds, fish and game — making their home here.
The ranch features more than 4,000 feet of frontage on both sides of Denton Creek, which feeds the main lake. There are nine other lakes, most of them stocked with a variety of fish, many with docks and piers. The ranch's terrain is rolling, with superb views over the lakes, pastures and golf course.
The three-story main home is a textbook example of clean-lined Texas architecture. Built of wood and stone, and wrapped in porches that have magnificent views, it features a grand great room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace; open-plan gourmet kitchen with island; five comfortable bedrooms (including the first-floor owner's retreat with fireplace and large bath); and a rooftop viewing cupola with 360-degree views. The area around the house includes two outdoor fireplaces and a kitchen.
There are more than five miles of concrete-paved walks and cart paths throughout the ranch, with nearly 20 sculptures along them. For recreational pursuits, there are hiking trails, biking trails, rifle and sporting-clay ranges, boating and waterskiing on the main lake, fossil-hunting in the deep ravines (where the ranch was once roamed by those prehistoric dinosaurs) and golf on the private course, with its elevation changes, doglegs and challenging waterside greens.
All of this is just 10 minutes from Bowie, Texas, with its shops, restaurants and wineries. Prairie Oaks Ranch is the very best of both worlds: country pursuits mixed with contemporary luxuries. It is offered for $12,500,000.
For more information, contact the Burgher-Ray Ranch Group at 214-353-6601; burgherray.com; briggsfreeman.com.
LINK TO PROPERTY VIDEO
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SOURCE Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/02/01/when-contemporary-meets-country-texas-ranch-uncommon-luxuries-private-golf-course-included-comes-market-by-leading-team-top-brokerage-north-texas/ | 2023-02-01 18:54:55 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/02/01/when-contemporary-meets-country-texas-ranch-uncommon-luxuries-private-golf-course-included-comes-market-by-leading-team-top-brokerage-north-texas/ |
When the Cleveland Cavaliers and Charlotte Hornets meet in a rematch, both teams would like to see some changes.
They’re set to play Tuesday night at Charlotte, N.C., where the Cavaliers continue to have quite a bit at stake and the Hornets are simply trying to end a two-game losing streak.
Cleveland, which sits in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, has won four of its last five games and Charlotte resides in 14th place.
Tuesday will mark the second meeting between the teams in three days in the same building after the Cavaliers rallied to win 114-108 on Sunday.
“Starting the game off strong, not waiting until the second half,” Cavaliers guard Darius Garland said of a needed adjustment. “We knew they were going to come in and try to fight.”
The health of players is a top concern.
Garland missed Friday night’s loss at Miami with a sore quad before scoring a game-high 28 points Sunday. Teammate Jarrett Allen, who missed Sunday’s game because of an eye injury sustained late in Friday night’s contest, joins Donovan Mitchell (sprained finger) in being ruled out for Tuesday’s game.
Allen is important for the Cavaliers because he averages 33 minutes per game when he plays.
Kelly Oubre Jr. was the top scorer for the Hornets in six consecutive games, but after playing Saturday night in a loss to Utah, he sat out Sunday’s game with a sore back. His status was unclear until close to game time, so it might not be a long-term absence.
Charlotte was hurt by 19 turnovers on Sunday, yet the Hornets distributed 25 assists on their 41 field goals.
“We got a couple of turnovers, got some easy (baskets) going,” Garland said. “That really set the tone for us. (Forcing) turnovers and defense, that’s what we pride ourselves on, so that’s what we’re going to try to keep doing.”
Caris LeVert was back in a reserve role with Garland in the starting lineup. Yet LaVert’s contributions included 15 points and four assists.
“Caris always impacts the game somehow,” Garland said.
That production helped Cleveland’s reserves outscore Charlotte’s 31-17. But already without injured point guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) for the rest of the season, the Hornets lack depth. Center Mark Williams has missed two games with a thumb injury.
“It’s hard to get to 48 minutes sometimes when you’ve got that many guys out,” coach Steve Clifford said.
Charlotte guard Terry Rozier has at least 20 points in seven of his last eight games.
The Hornets failed to protect a lead that grew as large as 14 points in the first half Sunday.
Part of that comes from recurring issues with turnovers on offense and racking up too many fouls on defense. The Cavaliers had a significant advantage at the free-throw line by the second half, even while they still trailed.
“Turnovers and fouls, that’s just what it boiled down to,” Hornets guard Dennis Smith Jr. said. “I don’t think it’s anything more complex than that. It was just turnovers and fouls. A lot of them were unforced, just bad plays, and we still fouled a lot, too.”
For Cleveland, Tuesday’s game will conclude a four-game trip — two games in both Miami and Charlotte.
–Field Level Media | https://www.kxnet.com/scoreboard/cavaliers-hornets-aim-to-make-adjustments-2/ | 2023-03-15 16:37:32 | 1 | https://www.kxnet.com/scoreboard/cavaliers-hornets-aim-to-make-adjustments-2/ |
FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The death sentence for a Minnesota man who killed a North Dakota college student 20 years ago has been officially changed to life in prison.
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Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Ralph Erickson signed the sentence amendment for Alfonso Rodriguez Jr. last week, according to court records.
Rodriguez, a sex offender, was convicted in 2007 of kidnapping 22-year-old Dru Sjodin on Nov. 22, 2003, from a Grand Forks shopping mall. He then sexually assaulted her, cut her throat and left her to die in a ravine near Crookston, Minnesota.
The body of Sjodin, who was a University of North Dakota student, was found five months later.
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U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider in North Dakota filed a notice in federal court in March withdrawing his effort to seek the death penalty. He said he did so at the direction of U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland.
That left life in prison without parole as the only possible sentenced for Rodriguez.
Rodriguez's death sentence was overturned in September 2021 by Erikson, who found that Rodriguez's constitutional rights were violated during the trial by misleading testimony from the coroner, the failure of lawyers to outline the possibility of an insanity defense, and evidence of severe post-traumatic stress disorder.
Rodriguez was still listed as a death row inmate at a maximum security penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, on Tuesday. A message was sent to the prison to find out if he had been moved and where he might be held.
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In 2021, Garland announced a moratorium on federal executions after the Justice Department was criticized by death penalty opponents for pursuing the sentence despite President Joe’s Biden’s opposition to capital punishment. | https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/death-sentence-reduced-to-life-in-prison-for-man-18115426.php | 2023-05-23 22:05:35 | 0 | https://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/death-sentence-reduced-to-life-in-prison-for-man-18115426.php |
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell Named Chair
WASHINGTON, July 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) President Miami Mayor Francis Suarez named Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell as the first chair of the organization's new Standing Committee on Technology and Innovation. The new committee will examine broadband deployment, cybersecurity, and city digital services, as well as promote best practices and help set the Conference's policy on these and other related issues.
The Committee's initial work in the coming months will prioritize a focus on broadband, especially accessing funding included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for infrastructure deployment and digital equity. Additionally, it will concentrate on the threat of cybersecurity attacks that continue to plague cities across the country. The Committee's purview will also include issues such as government procurement, the gig economy, disinformation on the internet, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, the metaverse, consumer privacy, smart cities, and data governance.
"With Mayor Harrell's leadership, this new standing committee will keep mayors and cities at the cutting-edge of what's possible in the market and in government," said Mayor Suarez. "Technology changes rapidly, and we want to ensure mayors and cities stay nimble and are the drivers of digital progress."
"I'm honored to lead this effort and committee at the U.S. Conference of Mayors," said Mayor Harrell. "Seattle is known for big, progress-driving ideas and an unyielding commitment to innovation. My goal is to bring forward that same spirit and work together with my fellow mayors to expand our embrace of technology and big ideas, delivering new opportunities and positive change from inside city hall to residents all across our communities."
The Conference has long been involved with the evolving impacts of technology and innovation on cities. A task force on technology and innovation was established in 2012 as an initial venue for discussion. However, given the increasing need for the organization to adopt policy on these issues, Task Force Chair Austin Mayor Steve Adler proposed the creation of the Technology and Innovation Standing Committee. Mayor Suarez and the Executive Committee unanimously agreed to establish the committee at USCM's Annual Meeting in Reno this past June. It joins the Conference's twelve other standing committees on topics such as health, housing, energy, and transportation.
"We thank Mayor Suarez and Mayor Adler for proposing, and the Executive Committee for establishing, this needed standing committee on technology and innovation," said Tom Cochran, USCM CEO and executive director. "The Conference is so pleased to have Mayor Harrell guide its work on new and emerging technologies. Broadband and cybersecurity are pressing issues for cities, especially as new federal dollars become available from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. With this standing committee, the Conference can help mayors continue to make cities hubs for innovation."
About the United States Conference of Mayors -- The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are more than 1,400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
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SOURCE U.S. Conference of Mayors | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/07/22/nations-mayors-launch-standing-committee-technology-innovation-strengthen-city-broadband-deployment-cybersecurity-defenses-digital-services/ | 2022-07-22 21:05:03 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/07/22/nations-mayors-launch-standing-committee-technology-innovation-strengthen-city-broadband-deployment-cybersecurity-defenses-digital-services/ |
BLOOMINGTON — A "Sunday Funday" can mean several things at the McLean County Fair.
It could mean going on a carnival ride, enjoying a lemon shake-up, or getting up close to Highland cattle and alpacas at the fair petting zoo. Or, it could mean showing off your favorite goat.
But for young cowboys and cowgirls, tying up a solid weekend at the fair meant strutting stylishly on horseback.
Landon Paucar was one of those cowboys. The Bloomington 6-year-old placed second in the leadline horsemanship 7-and-under class in the Premiere Livestock Classic horse show, sponsored by the McLean County Farm Bureau.
Sunday was Landon’s first time at a horse show, so the award came as a surprise to his father, Wilson Paucar. He said he can tell Landon, who started riding this summer, has built up a relationship with his horse to feel more comfortable and closer to animals.
Taking the lead on a spare set of reins was Emily Embry, mentor and babysitter of Landon’s. She said Landon did so well, and has a natural talent.
“He really cares about animals,” Embry said.
Shannon Killion took over as the fair’s horse director this year. She said around 30 riders entered for the Premier Livestock Classic horse shows, which wasn’t bad for their opening year.
Sunday’s horse, dairy cattle and goat shows of the Premier Livestock Classic followed the McLean County 4-H animal shows, which began Wednesday and continued through Friday. Killion said they had a lot of 4-H kids stay over for the Premier Livestock Classic shows, and then more. She said one lady came to the Sunday horse show from Tennessee.
“I’m very happy with the preparation of our kids here at the fair and at the open show," she said. "Everyone jumps in and helps everyone out.
“The parents are wonderful. They help their kid, they help other kids.”
Since there were so many, Killion couldn’t pick out one favorite memory from this year’s fair. She said she was humbled by the way everyone helped her in her first year as horse director.
After his class was done showing, Landon told The Pantagraph he wanted to have won first place. To get a victory next year, he said he’s going to practice more.
When asked what his horse, named Chief, is like, he spelled out: “L-A-Z-Y.”
Stabled
Spectating the show were Ryan Ritter and his daughter, Caitlan Ritter, 13, of the Colfax-Saybrook area.
Caitlan said she had planned to show her older horse, Anita, but decided against it because of the weekend’s hot temperatures.
She has been riding horses for about 10 years, and currently rides three: Anita, William and Josey. Caitlan said Anita is “just grumpy,” and will follow directions when she feels like it. She said William is a very laid-back horse until food comes into the picture.
Even though she wasn’t on the arena Sunday, Caitlan said she was still happy to be around horses and cheer on her three friends in Sunday’s show.
Learning to ride horseback has taught her how to be nice to all animals, she said.
“They’re really smart — if you train them correctly, they’ll catch on fast,” said Caitlan.
A doe has her day
The fairgrounds goat barn was humming with “maahs” during the Premier Livestock Classic goat show. Boasting his best bucks and does was Beau Steinberg, of Clinton.
Beau, 9, joined his 3-year-old sister Bonnie to show their goat named Snow White, which placed Reserve Grand Champion in the Market Doe class.
Beau told The Pantagraph he’s learned to care for chickens, cows, goats, rabbits, donkeys, horses and ponies. He said he likes working with goats the most.
While Snow White is jumpy and rowdy and takes a lot to handle, he said his buck named Tonto is more chill.
His father, Shane Steinberg, said showing animals at the fair is a great way for kids to learn responsibility.
Bonnie-go-round
Not long after noon Sunday, lines had started to form at the fairgrounds entrance as the fair carnival opened. The carnival is open until 8 p.m. Sunday, with $25 wristband passes going on sale at 5 p.m. during "last blast hours." Full-day passes were $30.
Fair director Mike Swartz said he expected a large crowd of up to 3,000 for the carnival’s “last blast” to help close out the final fair day.
He said overall attendance for the weekend was anticipated to be 10% lower than the previous year. Opening hours at the carnival Friday were delayed until 5 p.m. because of the extremely hot weather.
Guests were able to cool off in three air-conditioned buildings, Swartz noted.
While Friday started off as a warm weekend at the fair, Swartz said the YaBud Music Festival was well attended, and country music star Dylan Scott performed as planned.
With their children’s goat shows all wrapped up Sunday, the Steinberg family was ready to have some fun at the carnival.
Shane Steinberg’s wife, Echo Steinberg, said Bonnie was most excited for the merry-go-round.
“She’s a classic girl,” Echo said. | https://pantagraph.com/life-entertainment/local/events/horses-goats-and-cows-get-hoofing-at-final-mclean-county-fair-day/article_61434098-2f09-11ee-9244-2b00fb01db1f.html | 2023-07-30 22:21:10 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/life-entertainment/local/events/horses-goats-and-cows-get-hoofing-at-final-mclean-county-fair-day/article_61434098-2f09-11ee-9244-2b00fb01db1f.html |
BOSTON (AP) — With three giant World Series banners laid across the outfield grass, three championship trophies on a table and his Hall of Fame plaque hanging behind him, David Ortiz basked in the welcome of the Fenway fans on Tuesday, two days after he was inducted in Cooperstown.
Thanking those who helped him throughout his career — many of them seated in folding chairs along the first- and third-base lines — Ortiz took the field to chants of “Papi!” and told the crowd before the slumping Red Sox played the Cleveland Guardians: “The good luck charm just arrived.”
Ortiz took his spot near the pitcher’s mound where, nine years ago, he rallied the residents after the Boston Marathon bombing by proclaiming, “This is our (expletive) city!” Red Sox Hall of Famers Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice joined him for this celebration, as did Pedro Martinez and Vladimir Guerrero — fellow Cooperstown inductees from the Dominican Republic.
“It’s amazing everything that happened this past week,” Ortiz said from a podium festooned with his No. 34. “Thank you very much, Boston. Here’s your son. I love you forever.”
Ex-Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein took a seat on the first-base side, with former managers Terry Francona, who managed the 2004 and ‘07 World Series championship teams, and John Farrell, who was in the dugout for the ’13 championship.
Teammates Tim Wakefield, Xander Bogaerts, Trot Nixon, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Alex Cora came out for the honorary first pitch, and Jason Varitek was behind the plate to catch it. After the ceremony, Francona headed over to the visitor’s dugout to manage the Guardians, and Cora went back to the home dugout to take his place with the Red Sox.
“Just to be watching him, you know, be so proud of him, of what he’s accomplished,” Francona said before the game. “That’s a pretty cool thing.”
Ortiz stopped to take a selfie of himself with his Hall of Fame plaque, which called him a “Powerhouse left-handed slugger who was at his best in the clutch, with legendary postseason performances that took the Red Sox from championship drought to three World Series titles in 10-year stretch.” He also got a ride in the dugout laundry cart from the current players.
The scoreboard then went into a highlight reel that recapped Ortiz’s rise from an offseason afterthought to the most important player in Red Sox history, helping the sad-sack franchise end an 86-year title drought and win two more championships. In the 2013 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, he batted .688 and was the World Series MVP.
A 10-time All-Star who was the 58th first-ballot Hall of Famer, Ortiz batted .286 with 541 home runs and 1,768 RBIs in a 20-year career with the Red Sox and Twins. He also had a .289 average with 17 homers and 61 RBIs in nine postseasons.
The Red Sox wore their special edition blue and yellow jerseys on Tuesday that they also have worn on marathon day the past two seasons. Survivors of the attacks helped unfurl the ’13 World Series pennant; Jimmy Fund kids and patients from the David Ortiz Children’s Foundation held the ’07 banner and longtime season-ticket holders handled the ’04 one.
Cora, a player on the 2007 team, said Ortiz gave the clubhouse a jolt of energy — as usual — when he visited.
“This is the first time he’s going to walk into Fenway as a Hall of Famer,” Cora said before the game. “I’m very proud of him. I think we all are.”
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.kxnet.com/sports/big-night-for-big-papi-red-sox-honor-hall-of-famer-ortiz/ | 2022-07-27 14:01:40 | 1 | https://www.kxnet.com/sports/big-night-for-big-papi-red-sox-honor-hall-of-famer-ortiz/ |
TEXAS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION'S MUST-TASTE LIST REFLECTS THE DIVERSITY OF HISPANIC HERITAGE
AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America during Hispanic Heritage Month with the release of a mouthwatering list of standout Hispanic Heritage eateries nestled throughout Texas.
The TRA Hispanic Heritage Month Must-Taste List underscores the strength and diversity of Texas' restaurants, whose menus range from Cuban, Guatemalan, and Venezuelan to Mexican, Tex-Mex and Latin Fusion and more. No matter how well-known and appreciated Hispanic cuisine is, there are many authentic Hispanic dishes you may not be familiar with and a quick glance at the list immediately affirms that Hispanic Heritage restaurants have been and will continue to play a critical role propelling Texas' storied culinary richness and leadership within the global food and beverage industry.
September 15 is set as the starting date for the month as it is important for many reasons. It's the independence anniversary for Latin American countries El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. From here onwards, the independence days of Mexico and Chile fall on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Dia de la Raza or Columbus Day also falls within this month, on October 12.
"Hispanic Heritage Month demonstrates how Hispanic food and Hispanic restaurant owners have become integrated into the cuisine of America. These TRA member restaurants are gems that should be on every food lover's radar all year long––not just during the month," said Dr. Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., President and CEO of the TRA. "And of course, this list isn't exhaustive; we encourage you to seek out many other incredible Hispanic eateries throughout the state. We hope these highlights encourage folks to try new restaurants and flavors but also return to an old favorite. We're so proud of the fact that here in the Texas restaurant industry, our diversity and rich culture is our strength."
To view the list please visit txrestaurant.org//TXHispanicOwnedRestaurants.
Formed in 1937, the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) serves as the advocate and indispensable resource for the foodservice industry in Texas. As a leading business association, the TRA represents the state's $70 billion restaurant industry, which comprises approximately 50,000 locations and a workforce of 1.3 million employees. Along with the Texas Restaurant Foundation, the workforce development arm of the TRA, the association proudly continues to protect, advance, and educate a growing industry as the TRA enters its 85th anniversary year. For more information, please visit www.txrestaurant.org.
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SOURCE Texas Restaurant Association | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/19/celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month-by-heading-some-texas-most-savory-hispanic-restaurants/ | 2022-09-19 16:46:28 | 0 | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/19/celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month-by-heading-some-texas-most-savory-hispanic-restaurants/ |
PGE announces major clean energy storage project in Portland
By ISABELLA O’MALLEY
Associated Press
Portland General Electric, the utility serving Portland, Oregon, plans to announce Friday it is putting in the second-largest battery storage installation in the United States, at 400 MW of power. The significance of such projects is they diminish the need for power plants that burn fossil fuels that warm the planet.
The only larger standalone project in the country is Vistra Moss Landing in California, currently at 400 MW, but it will soon add an additional 350.
The Portland project will generate enough electricity for around 260,000 homes, roughly the size of the city, for four hours at full power.
“Although we are a small utility, I like to think we punch above our weight,” said Brett Greene, PGE’s senior director, calling it an important step towards reducing carbon emissions 80% by 2030.
Batteries are playing a critical role in the clean energy transition because they supply electricity during times of low sunlight and wind, and can also prevent blackouts when demand for electricity surges, such as heat waves. The battery power during peak periods also helps avoid the need to buy “extremely expensive” energy from other utility providers, Greene explained.
“Batteries are like a huge refrigerator for electrons,” said Shirley Meng, a professor at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering.
Batteries let us capture electrons created when sunlight strikes solar panels or the wind spins a turbine, which is how we can use solar power at night after the sun has set, for example, Meng explained.
Batteries also help the grid cope with “rush hour,” when energy usage spikes around 5 p.m. as people come home from work and turn on lights, start cooking and run their air conditioning, explained Jiangbiao He, an assistant professor of engineering at the University of Kentucky.
Renewable energy projects are now being added to the grid faster than battery storage, and that concerns him, He said.
“Solar and wind came to the markets decades ago, but utility-scale energy storage really only came onto the scene after 2010,” He explained. “We definitely have more renewable energy integrated into our grid every year than we do energy storage. There is a major market demand for utility-scale batteries.”
He said the current utility-scale battery capacity in the U.S. is around 8 GW but by 2030 that will more than double.
“Once you start getting north of 30% of electricity being produced by renewables, you’re going to need battery storage,” said University of Virginia professor Michael Lenox.
California gets about 60% of electricity from clean sources, according to the Energy Information Administration, if you count nuclear power, which does not contribute to climate change.
Batteries are becoming cheaper and the U.S. is making more of them, which is why Lenox believes “batteries in the short run, and maybe even in the long run, are going to be the primary sort of solution to the storage problem.”
The new PGE battery project was made possible partially by the new Inflation Reduction Act, which offers investment tax credits for battery storage projects.
PGE refers to the new installations as a single project although they are located at separate sites across town, one in North Portland and one in Troutdale. Eolian L.P., the developer, recently brought similar battery projects online in Texas and plans to begin construction in Portland later this year.
In addition to government support, Greene noted that many states along the West Coast are “the most progressive when it comes to decarbonization,” which helped build support for this initiative.
“This is something our customer base and the population of Oregon want,” Greene said.
___
Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://kion546.com/news/2023/04/28/pge-announces-major-clean-energy-storage-project-in-portland/ | 2023-04-28 10:41:36 | 0 | https://kion546.com/news/2023/04/28/pge-announces-major-clean-energy-storage-project-in-portland/ |
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon has been suspended five games and fined an undisclosed amount following his altercation with an Oakland Athletics fan on Thursday.
Unless Rendon appeals, his suspension will begin on Monday night when the Angels open a road series vs. the Seattle Mariners. If he does appeal, his suspension will be postponed until the case is resolved.
The altercation came after Rendon went hitless in Thursday's Opening Day loss. He left the Angels' dugout on his way to the tunnel leading to the clubhouse when he stopped and confronted a fan sitting near the railing.
In a 12-second video posted on social media, Rendon grabs the fan by the shirt through the guardrails and accuses the fan of calling him a "b----." Rendon continues to challenge the fan as he denies the claim. Rendon then calls the fan a "motherf---er" and takes a swipe, which does not connect, as he lets go of the shirt and proceeds to leave the area.
Rendon said he couldn't comment when asked about the altercation on Saturday.
The Associated Press contributed to this story. | https://6abc.com/anthony-rendon-suspended-los-angeles-angels-altercation-with-fan/13080091/ | 2023-04-03 23:26:32 | 0 | https://6abc.com/anthony-rendon-suspended-los-angeles-angels-altercation-with-fan/13080091/ |
From No. 13 seed Furman beating fourth-seeded Virginia to No. 15 Princeton defeating second-seeded Arizona, most NCAA Tournament brackets were busted Thursday before the sun went down.
The NCAA March Madness Twitter account posted midway through the first round that only .065% of brackets remained perfect.
Numbers were similar elsewhere.
In ESPN’s Tournament Challenge bracket game, 18,078 perfect brackets remained — and more than 20 million had suffered at least one loss.
Furman received a decent amount of support. The Paladins were picked to win their opener on 18.2% of brackets. Only 6.6% picked Princeton to beat Arizona, and the Wildcats going down did tremendous damage to many brackets. They were picked in 4.9% of brackets to cut down the nets at the national championship game.
Arizona was a popular pick at CBS Sports, too, appearing on 96.9% of brackets win its opener, 84.9% to make the Sweet 16, 55.2% to make the Elite Eight, 21.5% to reach the Final Four and 5% to win it all.
___
AP March Madness coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness and bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 | https://wgntv.com/sports/ap-sports/most-march-madness-brackets-bust-before-sundown-on-day-1/ | 2023-03-17 02:16:29 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/sports/ap-sports/most-march-madness-brackets-bust-before-sundown-on-day-1/ |
A $1.7 trillion spending bill financing federal agencies through September and providing more aid to a devastated Ukraine cleared the House on Friday as lawmakers race to finish their work for the year and avoid a partial government shutdown.
The bill passed mostly along party lines, 225-201. It now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.
Passage of the bill represented a closing act for Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s second stint as House speaker, and for the Democratic majority she led back to power in the 2018 election. Republicans will take control of the House next year and Rep. Kevin McCarthy is campaigning to replace her.
He is appealing for support from staunch conservatives in his caucus who have largely trashed the size of the bill and many of the priorities it contains. He spoke with a raised voice for about 25 minutes, assailing the bill for spending too much and doing too little to curb illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl across the U.S.-Mexico border.
“This is a monstrosity that is one of the most shameful acts I’ve ever seen in this body,” McCarthy said of the legislation.
The speech prompted a quick quip from Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., who said “after listening to that, it’s clear he doesn’t have the votes yet,” a reference to McCarthy’s campaign to become speaker.
Pelosi said “we have a big bill here because we had big needs for the country,” then turned her focus to McCarthy:
“It was sad to hear the minority leader say that this legislation is the most shameful thing to be seen on the House floor in this Congress,” Pelosi said. “I can’t help but wonder, had he forgotten January 6th?”
The Senate passed the defense-heavy measure with significant bipartisan support on Thursday, but the vote was much more split in the House. Some 30 GOP lawmakers promised to block any legislative priority that comes from those Republican senators who voted for the bill and leadership urged a no vote.
The bill runs for 4,155 pages, not including amendments the Senate added. It contains about a 6% percent increase in spending for domestic initiatives, to $772.5 billion. Spending on defense programs will increase by about 10% to $858 billion.
The bill’s passage came only hours before financing for federal agencies expires. Lawmakers have passed two stopgap spending measures to keep the government operating so far for this budget year and a third was set to pass Friday as well to ensure services continue until Biden could sign the full-year measure, called an omnibus, into law.
The massive bill wraps together 12 appropriations bills, aid to Ukraine and disaster relief for communities recovering from hurricanes, flooding and wildfires. It also contains scores of policy changes that lawmakers worked to include in the final major bill being considered by the current Congress.
Lawmakers provided roughly $45 billion for Ukraine and NATO allies, more than even Biden requested, an acknowledgment that future rounds of funding are not guaranteed with a new GOP-led House.
In a dramatic address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told lawmakers that the aid was not charity, but an investment in global security and democracy.
Though Ukraine aid has largely had bipartisan support, some House Republicans have been critical of the effort, arguing the money is better spent on priorities in the U.S.
“How can we send an additional $47 BILLION to Ukraine for security while terrorists, drugs, and criminals flood our southern border?” tweeted Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont.
“$100 billion to Ukraine. Let’s put that in perspective,” tweeted Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who included past rounds of aid in his count. “That’s more than $200 million this year from each Congressional district. What could your congressman have done for your district with $200 million?”
McCarthy has warned that Republicans would not write a “blank check” for Ukraine in the next Congress. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said after Thursday’s vote he’s having trouble understanding the concerns.
“I’m just befuddled by some of these right-wing Republicans who don’t want to help Ukraine,” Schumer said. “It’s always been, the more hard right you were, the more anti-Soviet you were, but all of a sudden, they’re pro. I hope it’s not a residue of Trump.”
The Senate passed the funding package Thursday by a vote of 68-29 but it takes time for the Senate clerk’s office to review the bill and include amendments that were added that day. As a result, the bill ended up passing with a half-empty House chamber. More than 220 lawmakers sought the option to vote by proxy, and many raced to get out of town before risking canceled flights and spending Christmas in Washington.
Republicans have vowed that abolishing the practice of remote voting will be among their first acts in the majority next year.
The funding bill also contains roughly $40 billion in emergency spending in the U.S., mostly to assist communities across the country recovering from drought, hurricanes and other natural disasters.
And it has scores of policy changes largely unrelated to spending that lawmakers worked furiously behind the scenes to include, else they start from scratch next year in a divided Congress where Republicans will be returning to the majority in the House.
One of the most notable examples was a historic revision to federal election law that aims to prevent any future presidents or presidential candidates from trying to overturn an election.
The bipartisan overhaul of the Electoral Count Act is in direct response to former President Donald Trump’s efforts to persuade Republican lawmakers and then-Vice President Mike Pence to object to the certification of Biden’s victory on Jan. 6, 2021.
Among the spending increases Democrats emphasized: a $500 increase in the maximum size of Pell grants for low-income college students, a $100 million increase in block grants to states for substance abuse prevention and treatment programs, a 22% increase in spending on VA medical care and $3.7 billion to provide emergency relief to farmers and ranchers hit by natural disasters, just to name a few.
The bill also provides roughly $15.3 billion for more than 7,200 projects that lawmakers sought for their home states and districts. Under revamped rules for community project funding, also referred to as earmarks, lawmakers must post their requests online and attest they have no financial interest in the projects. Still, many fiscal conservatives criticize the earmarking as leading to unnecessary spending. | https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/nation-world/house-spending-bill-20221223-66ijaxvunjgylhxkxkahzebsta-story.html | 2022-12-23 19:52:07 | 1 | https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/nation-world/house-spending-bill-20221223-66ijaxvunjgylhxkxkahzebsta-story.html |
Blake Shelton celebrated Gwen Stefani’s big milestone. On Saturday, the “Sweet Escape” songstress took the stage for her first performance at the Grand Ole Opry and her husband was there to celebrate the moments when she got not one, but two, standing ovations from the crowd.
“I am absolutely beside myself right now… Congratulations @gwenstefani on not one but TWO standing ovations for your Grand Ole @Opry stage debut!!!! That was an incredible moment to witness,” the 46-year-old wrote.
Shelton’s message came with a video of him joining his wife on the stage at the iconic music venue and asking the audience to give her a warm welcome. Following his introduction of his wife, the couple share a quick kiss.
The fellow The Voice coaches – who tied the knot in 2021 – have no problem supporting each other when it comes to their careers. However, it’s all about them putting their love first.
Last month, Shelton spoke to ET about how his priorities have changed since marrying Stefani.
"Look, I love music and I love The Voice. I love all the cool things I get to do with my job, but those things all take a backseat now to Gwen and the kids and it’s just a new phase of my life," he said, referencing Stefani's three sons with ex Gavin Rossdale.
As a result, Shelton said, he's not in the same rat race with his career and has the freedom of releasing singles. "I’m having fun putting out songs when I feel like it and luckily the record label allows me to do that," he shares. "They always support it when I do it and my stupid ideas of doing a '90s country video -- they're always on board and because of that, we have a 'God's Country' once in a while or a 'Happy Anywhere.'"
RELATED CONTENT: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-tonight/blake-shelton-celebrates-gwen-stefanis-milestone-performance-at-the-grand-ole-opry/603-a3601cbd-223e-4b2e-9c7f-38c4349b800e | 2022-09-12 02:12:00 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-tonight/blake-shelton-celebrates-gwen-stefanis-milestone-performance-at-the-grand-ole-opry/603-a3601cbd-223e-4b2e-9c7f-38c4349b800e |
“004Daisy,” Dixson (Roc Nation)
Dixson embraces modernity and forges a sweet new R&B sound on his third album, “004Daisy.”
The Atlanta native is a seasoned producer and songwriter with a decorated catalog working with artists like Chance the Rapper, Justin Bieber, Pharrell and Yebba.
Most recently, Dixson, also known as Darius Scott, co-wrote the Oscar-nominated song “Be Alive” from the “King Richard” original soundtrack with Beyoncé. He also made two songwriting appearances on Beyoncé’s summer smash hit album “Renaissance."
His work with Beyoncé shows the sound he is cultivating for himself in “OO4Daisy" — an inventive new form of alternative R&B. It is meant to be genre-bending, purposefully challenging people to rethink that they've heard everything from the well-established and now expansive genre.
The album features another alternative R&B, singer-producer, Tinashe, in a certified groovy summer hit, “Heat," which is also exclusively produced by Dixson and co-written by Tinashe. He opens the sensual lively jam, “I heard she tryna get away for the summer/Can I take you there?”
Transitions are seamless from "Moviestar" to “La Nocturne,” which allows the multifaceted musician to show his range from the darker, intense Michael Jackson-influenced “Moviestar" to “La Nocturne,” a dreamy fantasy.
The confident album closes with two of the strongest songs showcased in the set. Standout “Cherry Sorbet,” featuring R&B songstress and co-writer Sevyn Streeter, is a cherry-charged euphemism that samples The Beatles. The song is inspired by old school R&B love songs —- perfect for a night out with a group of friends or a potential love interest.
Finally, Dixson swings big with a closer and makes it connect with “Sweeter." The closing song is co-produced by emerging artist Steve Lacy, known for his summer hit, “Bad Habit," sweeping the internet and music charts by storm.
“Sweeter” serves its purpose — heavy with a bass guitar, a chorus, beats that sound like heels clicking and people snapping and most of all Dixson's silky voice ready to comfort his listeners. He sings optimistically while closing the album, "See, I’m just a dreamer/ Looking for sweeter/And I know life ain’t always peaches and cream."
___
For more AP Music reviews, go to: https://apnews.com/hub/music-reviews | https://www.expressnews.com/entertainment/article/Review-Dixson-forges-a-sweet-R-B-sound-on-album-17476079.php | 2022-09-29 19:58:37 | 1 | https://www.expressnews.com/entertainment/article/Review-Dixson-forges-a-sweet-R-B-sound-on-album-17476079.php |
DUBLIN, June 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Aptiv PLC (NYSE: APTV), a global technology company focused on making mobility safer, greener, and more connected, announced that Aptiv's Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President, Business Operations, Joseph Massaro, will present at the Deutsche Bank Global Auto Industry Conference, June 15 at 11:10 a.m. EDT.
A simultaneous webcast will be available on the Aptiv Investor Relations website at ir.aptiv.com. For additional information, please contact Aptiv Investor Relations at ir@aptiv.com, or Jessica Kourakos at +1.917.994.2735.
About Aptiv
Aptiv is a global technology company that develops safer, greener and more connected solutions enabling a more sustainable future of mobility. Visit aptiv.com.
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SOURCE Aptiv PLC | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2022/06/03/aptiv-present-deutsche-bank-global-auto-industry-conference/ | 2022-06-03 21:00:08 | 0 | https://www.kswo.com/prnewswire/2022/06/03/aptiv-present-deutsche-bank-global-auto-industry-conference/ |
Federal effort to boost election worker protections fizzles
By CHRISTINA A. CASSIDY
Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) — Federal proposals that would have significantly boosted security funding for election offices and heightened penalties for threatening their staff failed to advance this year, leaving state officials looking to their legislatures for support.
The massive budget bill that passed Congress on Friday will send $75 million in election security grants to states, an amount that falls far short of what many officials had sought as state and local election workers have been targeted with harassment and even death threats since the 2020 presidential election. They also were disappointed that proposals to make such threats a federal crime with more severe penalties fizzled.
Absent federal action, several state election officials — many of whom have faced an unrelenting wave of attacks for two years — say they plan to push their lawmakers to increase protections for themselves, their staffs and those who run elections at the local level. Some of them were confronted by angry protesters in public and even outside their homes who were motivated by former President Donald Trump’s false claims that his reelection had been stolen.
“We need to take care of the people that work in elections,” said Cisco Aguilar, shortly after he won his midterms race to be Nevada’s next secretary of state. “They shouldn’t feel intimidated or harassed going to the car at the end of the day.” He added: “We have to have their back.”
Aguilar, a Democrat, said he plans to work with Nevada lawmakers to pass a bill making it a felony to harass or intimidate an election worker or volunteer. While Democrats kept control of the state Legislature, Republican Joe Lombardo was elected governor and his office declined to say whether he would support such an effort.
In Georgia, Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who faced an onslaught of threats as he withstood pressure from Trump to “find” enough votes to cancel President Joe Biden’s win in the state, said he also would like to see penalties increased on those who threaten election workers. It’s not clear whether that will be a priority for the Legislature, where Republicans control both chambers.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, has said she plans to call on the newly elected Democratic majority in the Legislature to allocate $100 million annually to local election offices after clerks complained about being underfunded. She also wants to make it a felony to threaten election workers and heighten penalties for those who spread misinformation, especially related to voting rights.
She said tactics used in the 2020 election could be attempted again during the next presidential election unless lawmakers enact tougher countermeasures.
“We are looking to turn back the tide on misinformation and the violence that’s come into our political discourse,” said Jake Rollow, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of State. “We need that era to be put behind us, both in Michigan and as a country, because it’s not safe. It’s not what America’s about.”
Conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election prompted a surge in threats and harassment of state and local election officials that persists two years later. The threats have contributed to an exodus of election officials across the country, particularly at the local level, raising concerns about a loss of expertise in running elections heading into the 2024 presidential cycle.
The threats have drawn the attention of federal law enforcement, which established a task force in mid-2021 to review cases for possible prosecution. Last October, one of the cases resulted in an 18-month prison sentence for a Nebraska man who made online threats against Colorado’s top state election official. A federal grand jury on Dec. 14 indicted an Ohio man for making recent threats against an official in the Arizona secretary of state’s office.
But the number of prosecutions remains small overall as federal authorities must meet a legal standard of proving a “serious expression of intent to commit an act of unlawful violence,” which can be a challenge.
Experts say it’s critical that those making threats are held accountable and that strong protections are in place to deter future attacks. A survey of local election officials commissioned by the Brennan Center for Justice in 2021 found one in three felt unsafe because of their job and one in six said they had been threatened.
“Many have cited this as an important contributor to why they are leaving office,” said Liz Howard, a former Virginia state election official now with the Brennan Center. “We don’t have to guess why — they are telling us.”
Various proposals introduced by Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Jon Ossoff and Republican Sen. Susan Collins to boost protections did not gain enough support to pass the chamber and were not in the $1.7 trillion government spending bill. Klobuchar said she would continue to seek money for election offices and noted that she and Republican Sen. Roy Blunt had pushed to allow election officials to use previous federal funding for security upgrades.
Sen. Alex Padilla, a Democrat who previously served as California’s secretary of state, called election workers the “backbone of our democracy” and said more must be done to ensure their safety.
“In the wake of escalating attacks on our electoral institutions, I’m disappointed that my Republican colleagues did not come to the table this year to protect the thousands of election workers who safeguard our democracy,” he said in a statement.
Some states have acted on their own. Since 2020, California, Colorado and Maine have passed legislation increasing protections for election workers. In California, this meant allowing them to keep their home addresses confidential.
In Colorado, Secretary of State Jena Griswold worked with state lawmakers on legislation known as the Election Official Protection Act, which establishes election workers as a protected class against doxing — the release online of someone’s personal information. It makes the practice a misdemeanor and allows election workers to remove their personal information from online records. It also makes threatening an election official a misdemeanor under state law.
“Congress must act to protect election officials and workers who are critical to administering free and fair elections,” Griswold said. “But in the absence of federal action, states should pass laws like the Election Official Protection Act.”
___
Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick in Washington and Gabe Stern in Reno, Nevada, contributed to this report. | https://kion546.com/news/2022/12/24/federal-effort-to-boost-election-worker-protections-fizzles/ | 2022-12-24 15:15:00 | 0 | https://kion546.com/news/2022/12/24/federal-effort-to-boost-election-worker-protections-fizzles/ |
ROCHESTER, Minn. - “We care about every part of your healthcare and your life. We do our best for that. We do more than medication. We really do,” says Eric Slindee, a retired Harmony pharmacist. More than medicine— that’s what small, independent pharmacies say they offer, but the current business model is driving those pharmacies out of business. Some Minnesota lawmakers believe they have a fix for one of the issues causing the problem.
“The pharmacies that are still in business and are desperate to stay in business say they need this bill,” says State Rep. Tina Liebling of Rochester. The author of HF1752 tells KIMT 1.5 million low income Minnesotans get their insurance through the Medical Assistance Program. The state runs 15% of the program and pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, run the rest. “Pharmacies who fill these prescriptions are being way underpaid… So that in many parts of the state where you have a small pharmacy on the corner, and that pharmacist has relationships with the community and the people there count on the pharmacist to get their prescriptions filled and for advice and other support, these pharmacies are being driven out of business,” the democrat comments.
According to Rep. Liebling, the state currently pays pharmacies about $10.17 per prescription, while the PBMs pay as low as $0.10. HF1752 would take out the middle man and make the program solely state-run, which Liebling believes would save the state money, while also giving pharmacists the cash they need to keep their stores running.
The bill had a hearing in a house committee and it’s expected to have one in the senate. It has bipartisan support, with State Rep. Greg Davids of Preston among the republicans who are now co-authors. Rep. Liebling says the goal is to get the bill into the healthcare package and the omnibus bill to increase its chances of being signed into law.
“This bill is key to us surviving and to be able to fight another day and continue on,” says Deborah Keaveny of Keaveny Drug in Winsted. “It’s frightening. In discussions that I have with my MNIndys group, we are all at a tipping point right now. We’ve all figured out how to reinvent ourselves and find profits in other avenues. We have tried to do some cash programs. We try to sell more greeting cards. We try to sell more toilet paper. It just doesn’t make it up.” Keaveny tells KIMT 90% of her sales come from prescriptions, and 42% of her patients would be impacted by this bill.
Keaveny founded a group of independent pharmacies called MNIndys. The group helps each other and pushes legislation benefiting their businesses and patients. She calls the reimbursement practices of the PBMs abusive and unsustainable. She says all independent pharmacies are asking for, is a level playing field. “Let us compete on our merits. Let us compete on our service. We’ll never be able to buy drugs as cheap as the Walmarts, the Walgreens, things like that, and that’s fine. That’s the market. That’s how a free market’s supposed to work. But on a level playing field, if I get to compete with the big boxes on service and taking care of my patients, I will beat them every day. And that’s all we’re asking for, is the opportunity.”
In Southeastern Minnesota alone, 7 cities had a pharmacy in 2006, but don’t have one today. Those cities are Kenyon, Byron, Adams, St. Charles, Harmony, Houston, and Spring Grove. Statewide, the list expands to Arlington, Ashby, Babbitt, Belgrade, Browns Valley, Clara City, Comfrey, Dassel, Hallock, Howard Lake, Lamberton, Le Center, Littlefork, Long Lake, Lonsdale, Maple Plain, Mapleton, Nashwauk, Osakis, Osseo, Renville, Spicer, and Waterville. This is according to data compiled by pharmacist Luke Slindee, who testified in the House’s committee hearing on HF1752.
The storefront of Harmony’s pharmacy sits closed up and empty after decades of business. In the early 1980s, Eric Slindee’s family became involved in the pharmacy, becoming full owners a few years later. By the 2000s, PBMs were created and the reimbursements kept changing. This led to Slindee selling the business 13 years premature of his retirement. “We sold the pharmacy to a small chain when we still had something to sell,” explains Slindee. That chain later sold to another chain, then Sterling Pharmacy closed it permanently last year. The Spring Grove location closed around the same time.
Slindee muses on his time serving up to 6 generations of Harmony families during his career. He’s concerned about towns who have lost pharmacies and the relationship with their community pharmacist, now forced to drive to other towns and forge new relations. Slindee has hope this bill could turn the tides for independently owned pharmacies and bring one back to his small community. “It won’t come back until the reimbursement model gets better so that a newer, younger person can manage to come in and serve Harmony again.”
On Wednesday, Kemper Drug and Gift in Elk River became the latest Southeastern Minnesota pharmacy to close. It announced on Facebook Tuesday that all prescriptions would be transferred to Walgreens. “That drug store had been in town for over 70 years,” says Keaveny. “They ran diabetic clinics for their patients. They knew everybody by name. It’s just very sad. When you see a store like that that has to close because of economic reasons and what the pharmacy benefit managers are doing as middle men in the whole transaction, it’s scary.”
As pharmacies find themselves at a tipping point, crunching the numbers, they believe HF1752 is the best hope to keep your neighborhood pharmacy open. But Rep. Liebling and pharmacists agree, this bill is just one piece of the puzzle. “The drug industry is one of the wealthiest industries in this country. They are making money hand over first. A lot of the fix has to come from the federal government, because these are national things. But as state legislators, we are working as hard as we can to try to find solutions,” says Liebling. The representative points out that although the goal is to sign the bill into law this year, its impacts wouldn’t be felt for a couple of years. | https://www.kimt.com/news/minnesota/minnesota-pharmacies-in-crisis-pharmacists-push-for-bill-to-change-prescription-payment-business-model/article_d73e422a-c4c9-11ed-9f15-73be6cd5e1f5.html | 2023-03-17 16:25:47 | 1 | https://www.kimt.com/news/minnesota/minnesota-pharmacies-in-crisis-pharmacists-push-for-bill-to-change-prescription-payment-business-model/article_d73e422a-c4c9-11ed-9f15-73be6cd5e1f5.html |
Patrick O'Connell's recusal from a controversial Public Regulation Commission case has raised questions about whether more recusals may come and what the implications could be for the commission in deciding cases.
O'Connell, who was appointed to the newly reshaped commission a month ago, recently recused himself from any involvement in the matter of the proposed merger of Public Service Company of New Mexico and Avangrid, Inc. — a case the commission denied in December 2021 that's now under appeal at the state Supreme Court.
Since there are only three members of the commission now — as opposed to five before it was changed from an elected to an appointed body — one recusal means there are only two commissioners left to decide a case, so they would both have to agree to take any action.
Documentation of O'Connell's voluntary recusal, signed and filed Jan. 27, states he did so "due to having filed testimony in this matter on behalf of intervenor Western Resource Advocates."
O'Connell told TheNew Mexican on Tuesday he would recuse himself from any case before the commission in which he has given testimony.
"The thing that led me to recuse on that one docket is that I filed testimony in that case, so if that case comes back in that docket with the testimony I filed, I have to be recused," O'Connell said. "Everything else is just hypothetical, and I’m not entertaining discussions around hypotheticals."
On Thursday, the commission is scheduled to discuss four ongoing state Supreme Court cases — including the merger appeal — during a closed meeting.
O'Connell cited the state law on PRC recusals that requires a commissioner or hearing examiner to recuse himself in certain "adjudicatory proceedings" and said the discussion of Supreme Court cases does not require it.
O'Connell has provided testimony in many cases before the commission over the years, either for the electric utility PNM or for the advocacy group Western Resource Advocates, where he worked from 2019 to 2022.
In the event of PNM and Avangrid filing, once again, for a merger with the commission, the body would have only two commissioners to decide the case, James Ellison and Gabriel Aguilera. Both would have to vote in favor in order for approval.
"The result of a 1-1 tie vote is that the motion fails," PRC spokesman Patrick Rodriguez wrote in an email Wednesday. "The failure of a commissioner’s oral motion, whether due to a tie vote or the vote of a majority of the commissioners against the oral motion, results in no action by the commission upon the underlying filed motion."
Cydney Beadles, who served on the nominating committee that interviewed PRC applicants and recommended names to the governor, said the committee did take potential recusals into consideration when speaking to candidates.
"Candidates who we knew to have worked for or before the PRC were asked questions about matters in which they may have to recuse themselves," Beadles said. "If there was an individual who may have been involved in so many cases still pending that it would have been a block to getting work done, that would have been a factor."
Beadles said the committee didn't hear anything from the applicants it submitted to the governor that represented an issue to the commission getting its work done. | https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/oconnell-recusal-from-controversial-prc-case-raises-fears-of-tie-votes/article_3fac6644-a1ba-11ed-bd34-b7a49b40c420.html | 2023-02-02 04:18:46 | 1 | https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/oconnell-recusal-from-controversial-prc-case-raises-fears-of-tie-votes/article_3fac6644-a1ba-11ed-bd34-b7a49b40c420.html |
The debate over immigration and crossings at the southern U.S. border has put a spotlight on our immigration system and how immigrants are perceived — which has also been on the mind of Jon Hilsenrath. He’s a senior writer for the Wall Street Journal.
His father, Joseph, came to the U.S. as a child, smuggled out of Nazi Germany with one of his sisters.
Here & Now‘s Scott Tong speaks with Hilsenrath about his family’s story and how he views today’s debate over immigration.
This article was originally published on WBUR.org.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.kasu.org/2023-02-02/wsjs-jon-hilsenrath-shares-personal-family-immigration-story | 2023-02-02 20:02:28 | 1 | https://www.kasu.org/2023-02-02/wsjs-jon-hilsenrath-shares-personal-family-immigration-story |
Company to Provide Preliminary 2022 Financial Results and 2023 Guidance Pre-Market on January 9
CHANHASSEN, Minn., Jan. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Time Group Holdings, Inc. ("Life Time" or the "Company") (NYSE: LTH) today announced that the Company plans to provide select preliminary unaudited 2022 fourth quarter and full year results and introduce 2023 guidance before the market opens on January 9, 2023, in advance of its participation that day at the ICR Conference.
Life Time Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Bahram Akradi, and Chief Financial Officer, Bob Houghton, will participate on behalf of the Company, including in a fireside chat discussion at the conference on January 9 at 4:30pm ET.
The fireside chat will be webcast at: LTH Fireside Chat at ICR.
The fireside chat may also be accessed, along with any related presentation material, on the Company's Investor Relations website at ir.lifetime.life, where it will be archived for approximately 90 days.
About Life Time®
Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of more than 160 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. The company's healthy way of life communities and ecosystem address all aspects of healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment for people 90 days to 90+ years old. Supported by a team of more than 30,000 dedicated professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences through its clubs, iconic athletic events and comprehensive digital platform.
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SOURCE Life Time Group Holdings, Inc. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/01/03/life-time-participate-2023-icr-conference-january-9-2023/ | 2023-01-03 13:03:00 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/01/03/life-time-participate-2023-icr-conference-january-9-2023/ |
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A group of 30 agencies that supply water to homes and businesses throughout the western United States has pledged to rip up lots of decorative grass to help keep water in the over-tapped Colorado River.
The agreement signed Tuesday by water agencies in Southern California, Phoenix and Salt Lake City and elsewhere illustrates an accelerating shift in the American West away from well-manicured grass that has long been a totem of suburban life, having taken root alongside streets, around fountains and between office park walkways.
The grass-removal pledge targets turf that people don’t work on, like in front of strip malls, in street medians or at the entrance to neighborhoods. It doesn’t mean cities plan to rip up grass at golf courses, parks or in backyards, though some may pay homeowners to voluntarily replace their lawns with more drought-resistance landscaping.
Beyond reducing ornamental grass by 30%, the agencies say they’ll boost water efficiency, add more water recycling and consider actions like changing how people pay for water to encourage savings.
“Recognizing that a clean, reliable water supply is critical to our communities, we can and must do more to reduce water consumption and increase reuse and recycling within our service areas,” read the memo.
The agreement did not include details about the amount of water the agencies were collectively committing to save, but cities account for about one-fifth of Colorado River water use. The rest goes to agriculture.
“Cities — the 20% — can’t solve the math problem. But we can certainly contribute to solving the problem,” said John Entsminger, the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s General Manager.
The commitments, light on details, could spur agencies to offer payment for property owners to tear out grass and replace it with drought-tolerant desert landscaping.
The commitment to tear out 30% marks the first time water agencies throughout the region have collectively committed to a numerical benchmark targeting one specific kind of water use. It comes as the states scramble to reduce their consumption to meet demands from federal officials who say cuts are needed to maintain river levels and protect public health, food systems and hydropower.
The letter adds additional signatories to an earlier agreement five large water districts reached in August. Water agencies in Albuquerque, Las Vegas and Denver are among those who signed.
Denver Water spokesperson Todd Hartman said the city hoped to replace roughly 75 million square feet (7 million square meters) of non-functional turf but didn’t share how much water that would conserve. He said the agency hopes to roll out programs by 2024.
No matter the savings, the new commitments will amount to far less conservation than is needed to keep water flowing through the Colorado River and prevent its largest reservoirs from shrinking to dangerously low levels.
Phoenix wants its program up and running by the spring; it will be the city’s first time offering payment for people to rip up grass, said Cynthia Campbell, the city’s water resources management adviser. Even without a program, lots of people have removed grass anyway. In the 1970s, about 80% of homes had grass covering most of their property; today, it’s 9%, but that doesn’t include the sprawling suburbs outside of city boundaries, she said.
Like others, she stressed that water savings from cities won’t solve the river’s problems.
“There is no level of municipal conservation in the entire western United States that could make up for the water that’s going to be needed to be” conserved, she said. But, “we are giving till it hurts, as much as we possibly can.”
The letter doesn’t include any commitments from agriculture, which uses about 80% of the allocated water in the seven states that rely on the river — Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the river’s two main reservoirs, are each about a quarter full.
In June, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Touton warned the states needed to dramatically cut their use, but amid squabbles over who would shoulder what burden, officials failed to answer her call. The bureau has since offered varying levels of payment for water districts to reduce their use, through things like leaving farm fields unplanted or asking urban residents to use less at home.
Proposals for some of that money are due Nov. 21.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which supplies water for about half of California’s residents, in October urged cities and water agencies in its territory to ban the addition of any new decorative grass in business parks, public spaces and neighborhoods. Its board also urged agencies to stop watering and consider removing such grass that’s already planted.
Southern Nevada has for decades used a mixture of cash incentives and fines to discourage grass watering and limit both functional and non-functional turf. The agreement has little effect on the area because a state law passed last year requires 100% of the non-functional turf be torn out in the Las Vegas area by 2026.
Utah passed a statewide conservation program last year that included $5 million to incentivize turf removal and has targeted decorative grass on public property. Yet some municipalities maintain ordinances passed for aesthetic reasons that prohibit residents from replacing grass with drought-tolerant landscaping.
__
Ronayne reported from Sacramento, California. AP writer Thomas Peipert contributed reporting from Denver. | https://fox59.com/news/ap-top-headlines/ap-western-us-cities-to-remove-decorative-grass-amid-drought/ | 2022-11-18 04:27:37 | 1 | https://fox59.com/news/ap-top-headlines/ap-western-us-cities-to-remove-decorative-grass-amid-drought/ |
The president of a liberal arts college in Minnesota announced she is retiring next year following calls from faculty leaders for her resignation over her handling of an incident where an art history instructor showed depictions of the Prophet Muhammad during an "Islamic art" class.
Hamline University President Dr. Fayneese Miller announced she will retire on June 30, 2024, according to a Monday statement from the university. Miller has made headlines in recent months over criticism for the way she handled the situation regarding the art history lesson.
In October, Erika López Prater, a former adjunct art history professor at the university, was fired after a student complained that she showed images of the founder of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, in her art history course.
Miller went viral on Twitter in December for her letter to the campus apologizing for the incident.
COLLEGES ONLY GETTING WORSE BY ‘MANIFESTING AUTHORITARIANISM’ WITH ‘WORD POLICING,' PROFESSOR WARNS
"It is not our intent to place blame," Miller said. "[R]ather, it is our intent to note that in the classroom incident—where an image forbidden for Muslims to look upon was projected on a screen and left for many minutes—respect for the observant Muslim students in that classroom should have superseded academic freedom."
The incident sparked a debate about the balance of academic freedom and respect for religion. The university called the professor's actions "undeniably islamophobic" and Miller conceded in her message to students that even though academic subjects may contain controversial subject material, kindness for others is more important than academics.
"Academic freedom is very important, but it does not have to come at the expense of care and decency toward others," she said.
"Our response to the classroom event does not disregard or minimize the importance of academic freedom," Miller added. "It does state that respect, decency, and appreciation of religious and other differences should supersede when we know that what we teach will cause harm."
The professor who showed the images said she knew that visual depictions of the prophet violated many Muslims' faith, so she warned the class ahead of time in the course syllabus, letting them know that the class would involve images of religious figures like Muhammad and Buddha. Students were told they could contact her with any concerns regarding course material and leave the room if they didn't want to see the images.
She later sued when the private liberal arts school declined to renew her contract, claiming the university subjected her to religious discrimination and defamation, which she said damaged her professional and personal reputation.
At a January meeting, 71 of 92 Hamline University faculty members voted in favor of Miller's resignation, stating they didn't believe she was up for the job due to her handling of the situation.
REDDIT OUTRAGED AFTER PROFESSOR FIRED FOR SHOWING IMAGES OF MUHAMMAD: ‘SHE DID NOTHING WRONG’
Jim Scheibel, president of the Hamline University Faculty Council, told the Star Tribune of Minneapolis in January that "It became clear that the harm that’s been done and the repair that has to be done, that new leadership is needed to move that forward."
"As we no longer have faith in President Miller’s ability to lead the university forward, we call upon her to immediately tender her resignation to the Hamline University Board of Trustees," the Faculty Council statement read.
Miller said in a joint statement with the chair of the school’s trustees that "Like all organizations, sometimes we misstep."
"In the interest of hearing from and supporting our Muslim students, language was used that does not reflect our sentiments on academic freedom," the statement said. "Based on all that we have learned, we have determined that our usage of the term ‘Islamophobic’ was therefore flawed."
The university said in its statement that they will begin the process of conducting a national search for a successor.
"Over the past 8 years, Dr. Miller has been an exceptional, dynamic, and inclusive leader for Hamline with a strong commitment to academic program development, diversity, and fundraising," the university said in its statement.
MUSLIM GROUP DEMANDS HAMLINE UNIVERSITY REINSTATE PROFESSOR FIRED FOR SHOWING IMAGE OF MUHAMMAD
Miller, the statement said, "created a reputation for Hamline as an institution that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, including students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and one of the higher percentages of first generation students of any university in the region."
Miller described it as an "honor and privilege to lead Hamline University" which "values social justice, equity, inclusion, and civic engagement through its service-learning opportunities for students and curriculum offerings."
"It has been a pleasure working together with board members, students, faculty, staff, and the community in enhancing Hamline University's strong commitment to maintaining high academic standards, creating a sense of belonging for all on campus, and developing students who understand and appreciate their role as members of a civil society," she said. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/national/minnesota-university-president-announces-retirement-following-criticism-over-muhammad-image-scandal/article_4cdf8469-f728-5075-8c42-c3ca4aace14e.html | 2023-04-04 00:23:26 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/national/minnesota-university-president-announces-retirement-following-criticism-over-muhammad-image-scandal/article_4cdf8469-f728-5075-8c42-c3ca4aace14e.html |
D.C. United has fired a member of its training staff for allegedly using a discriminatory hand gesture in a photograph published across social media platforms on July 20.
The MLS team has not said who the training staffer was, but the Washington Post identified the staffer as Reade Whitney. He is listed as the team's head athletic trainer.
The Washington Post said that Whitney allegedly used an "OK" hand symbol in a social media post. The Anti-Defamation League says the gesture can be used as a hate symbol, but adds,"Because of the traditional meaning of the 'okay' hand gesture, as well as other usages unrelated to white supremacy, particular care must be taken not to jump to conclusions about the intent behind someone who has used the gesture."
SEE MORE: WTA decries racism as Chinese pro Shuai Zhang leaves match
The club decried the use of the hand signal.
"There is no place for racism, homophobia, misogyny, or discrimination of any kind in our sport and world and D.C. United do not tolerate any acts of this nature," the team said in a statement.
The firing came as D.C. United also announced the suspensions of two players. The team did not state why the players were suspended.
The Athletic reported that players Taxi Fountas and Nigel Robertha were suspended for allegedly using a racial slur during a recent training session.
Fountas was the subject of an MLS investigation last year after Inter Miami coach Phil Neville accused him of using a racial slur during a match. He sat out two games.
"MLS was unable to confirm independently, through additional eyewitness accounts, video footage or audio recordings, what Fountas said in that moment, as has been the league’s long-standing practice in determining player discipline for these types of allegations," the MLS said following its investigation.
Last year, the MLS also said that D.C. United violated league rules by not including two or more candidates from underrepresented groups in its search for a head coach. The team ultimately hired Wayne Rooney. The team was fined $25,000.
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com | https://www.wtvr.com/mls-trainer-fired-for-allegedly-flashing-ok-symbol | 2023-07-25 15:03:52 | 0 | https://www.wtvr.com/mls-trainer-fired-for-allegedly-flashing-ok-symbol |
BUIES CREEK, N.C. (AP) — Hajj-Malik Williams threw for a touchdown, Caleb Dowden kicked three field goals and Campbell rolled to a 29-10 victory over The Citadel in a season opener on Thursday night.
Williams gave the Fighting Camels the lead for good on the first possession of the game. His 14-yard scoring toss to Ezeriah Anderson capped a six-play, 74-yard drive. Dowden missed the extra-point.
Lamagea McDowell ran for a 7-yard touchdown 42 seconds into the second quarter and Dowden connected from 36 yards out to put Campbell up 16-3 at halftime.
Dowden added two field goals in the third quarter and Bryant Barr scored on a 2-yard run in the fourth to cap the scoring for Campbell.
The Citadel found the end zone on Peyton Derrick's 19-yard scoring pass to Tyler Cherry with 2:53 left in the game. Derrick completed 3 of 5 passes for 35 yards with two interceptions.
Williams finished 12-of-21 passing for 175 yards. Barr rushed for 107 yards on 19 carries.
__
More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/ap_top25. Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://bit.ly/3pqZVaF | https://www.mrt.com/sports/article/Campbell-cruises-past-The-Citadel-29-10-in-season-17414230.php | 2022-09-02 03:27:20 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/sports/article/Campbell-cruises-past-The-Citadel-29-10-in-season-17414230.php |
Vice President Kamala Harris hires Stephanie Young to be new senior adviser
By Jasmine Wright, CNN
Stephanie Young, a veteran Democratic aide, has been tapped to be Vice President Kamala Harris’ new senior adviser to focus on messaging and outreach.
Young’s role is a new position for the vice president’s office, meant to take a birds-eye approach to manage Harris’ overall communications platform and political engagement but not fill the role of a day-to-day communications director. Her second communications director in two years, Jamal Simmons, departed the office around New Year’s for family reasons. The role still has not been filled.
Harris’ image has been under intense scrutiny since taking office. The vice president has been the target of snubs from both Democrats and Republicans, who’ve criticized her performance in various rounds of negative stories. It’s led to an often defensive messaging strategy from the office, with aides focused on protecting the vice president and the White House sharing social media posts depicting how in lockstep she is with President Joe Biden. Allies of Harris have complained that she’s under the spotlight more than any other modern day vice president, a reality that often appeared to catch the administration off guard in the beginning of its tenure.
A White House official said Young’s role would mirror that of an inner circle senior counselor meant to be at the nexus of political engagement and messaging. CNN previously reported that a possible restructuring has remained underway for months to give Harris what several involved feel is a much needed role of senior counselor, in absence of a communications director.
The vice president’s chief of staff Lorraine Voles announced Young’s new position in an email to staff Friday afternoon.
“In her new role, she will advise the Vice President on messaging and manage communications. Having previously served in the public engagement team of the Obama Administration, Stephanie will also leverage her previous experience to inform the outreach strategy and efforts of the office,” Voles wrote in the email obtained by CNN.
Young’s new role will likely prove useful as Biden is expected to launch a bid for reelection in the coming months, with Harris at his side. Young will join the office after serving as the Executive Director of When We All Vote, a voting initiate launched by former first lady Michelle Obama. Obama praised Young in a press release that announced her departure Friday, crediting her for helping build the organization up from the ground.
“Over the past five years, I’ve seen Stephanie become a strategic, creative, and passionate leader who has left a lasting mark on the way Americans engage with their democracy. Her work at When We All Vote has helped to truly shift our culture of voting—and I know that her work in the months and years ahead will continue to make our country even stronger,” the former first lady wrote.
Those same skills, the official said, would help the office streamline communication needs to help the vice president and make the case for the Biden administration on the road. Young also worked for the Obama White House, House Democratic Leadership and the Congressional Black Caucus.
This story has been updated with additional developments.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. | https://kion546.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2023/03/24/vice-president-kamala-harris-hires-stephanie-young-to-be-new-senior-adviser/ | 2023-03-24 22:16:24 | 1 | https://kion546.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2023/03/24/vice-president-kamala-harris-hires-stephanie-young-to-be-new-senior-adviser/ |
LONDON (AP) — Portuguese-British artist Paula Rego, who created bold, visceral works inspired by fairy tales, her homeland and her own life, has died at age 87.
The Victoria Miro Gallery, which represents Rego, said Wednesday that she died “peacefully this morning, after a short illness, at home in north London, surrounded by her family.”
Rego’s work spanned styles from naturalism to the abstract, and often included vivid, unnerving depictions of people, animals or both. Among her best-known works are the “Dog Woman” pastel drawings portraying women in a series of canine poses.
Born in Lisbon in 1935, Rego was sent to school in England and went on to study art at the Slade School in London. At the time, Portugal was governed by Antonio Salazar’s dictatorship and women were second-class citizens without the vote.
Rego said her father had told her: “Leave Portugal. This is no country for a woman.”
In the 1960s Rego exhibited alongside rising young artists such as David Hockney as part of the London Group collective. One early painting, the semi-abstract “Salazar Vomiting the Homeland,” excoriated the dictatorship. Producing it in Portugal at the time would have landed her in jail.
Though she lived in Britain for decades, Rego’s work was infused with the colors and stories of her homeland, and drew on her childhood in conservative Portugal under the Salazar regime.
“Our infancy is always with us, isn’t it?” Rego told The Associated Press in a 2014 interview.
On the Portugal of her childhood, she said: “It was a fascist state for everyone, but it was especially hard for women. They got a raw deal.”
A feminist who helped change the way women are depicted in art, Rego challenged expectations of beauty and explored subtexts of sex and violence in Portuguese folk tales and nursery rhymes.
A staunch champion of human rights, she memorably produced a series of paintings entitled “Abortion,” shortly after Portugal had rejected pregnancy termination on demand in a 1998 referendum. In 2008-2009 she created another series, “Female Genital Mutilation.”
After Portugal’s transition to democracy in the 1970s, Rego became one of the country’s most famous artists. A museum of her work opened in the seaside town of Cascais in 2009.
The Portuguese government decreed a day of national mourning, when flags on government buildings will fly at half-mast in the artist’s honor.
“Her paintings, drawings and engravings contain powerful images that will stay with us and with generations to come,” the government said in a statement. It added that Rego “was an artist who was acutely alive to the reality of our society.”
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said Rego was the country’s greatest modern artist of the past three decades. He recalled that on a visit to Rego’s London studio in 2016 he “witnessed the enchanting and disturbing power” of her work.
Rego also was renowned in Britain, where she was the first artist-in-residence at the National Gallery in London. Tate Britain held a major retrospective of her work last year.
Tate director Maria Balshaw called Rego “an uncompromising artist of extraordinary imaginative power, who uniquely revolutionized the way in which women’s lives and stories are represented.”
Rego’s work is in the collections of the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Yale Center for British Art.
In 2010, Queen Elizabeth II made Rego a dame, the female equivalent of a knight.
Rego was married for 29 years to British artist Victor Willing, who died in 1988. She is survived by their children Nick, Caroline and Victoria, and by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. ___
Hatton reported from Lisbon. | https://phl17.com/national-news/renowned-portuguese-british-artist-paula-rego-dies-at-87/ | 2022-06-09 12:36:14 | 1 | https://phl17.com/national-news/renowned-portuguese-british-artist-paula-rego-dies-at-87/ |
(The Hill) – More than half of U.S. voters say former President Trump should face criminal charges for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, according to a new Harvard CAPS-Harris poll released exclusively to The Hill on Monday.
Just a couple weeks after the last congressional hearing probing the Jan. 6 attack wrapped up for the summer, voters are split on how the country should move on from the attempted insurrection and how much Trump should be held responsible.
The Harvard-Caps-Harris poll shows 53 percent of voters agree Trump should face a criminal indictment for Jan. 6, but 54 percent of voters also say he should be allowed to run for president again.
Mark Penn, the co-director of the Harvard CAPS-Harris poll, said the polling indicates that “indicting Trump over Jan. 6 would be an explosively divisive issue in the country.”
“Despite a majority that would indict him, most questions on January 6th split down the middle along partisan lines and it’s not clear they would convict him,” Penn said. “There is far greater support for healing the country over indicting politicians — but Trump is seem as bearing a good share of personal responsibility. “
The House panel investigating the Capitol attack held a series of hearings from June through July that argued Trump was directly responsible for the attack.
Lawmakers presented evidence that Trump attempted to pressure state electors, former Vice President Mike Pence and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to swing the 2020 election in his favor.
The panel also said he inspired the mob that stormed the federal building in a bid to stop certification of the 2020 election and fanned the flames of the attack when he sent out an incendiary tweet about Pence in the middle of the siege.
But 55 percent of voters say the Jan. 6 hearings were not conducted fairly, according to the Harvard CAPS-Harris poll.
After the hearings concluded, the DOJ announced it was probing Trump’s actions in connection to Jan. 6, an announcement that is proving unpopular for Americans.
Most voters, or 61 percent, see the DOJ investigation and other related probes as politically motivated, the poll shows.
Ultimately, 69 percent of voters say the nation should move on from the Capitol attack, according to the Harvard CAPS-Harris poll. And Trump remains one of the most popular political figures, with 44 percent of voters having a favorable view of him. About 37 percent of voters see President Biden as favorable.
The Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll survey of 1,885 registered voters was conducted June 27-28. It is a collaboration of the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard University and the Harris Poll.
The survey is an online sample drawn from the Harris Panel and weighted to reflect known demographics. As a representative online sample, it does not report a probability confidence interval. | https://www.wfla.com/nextstar-news-wire/more-than-half-of-voters-think-trump-should-face-indictment-over-jan-6-poll/ | 2022-08-01 21:59:30 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/nextstar-news-wire/more-than-half-of-voters-think-trump-should-face-indictment-over-jan-6-poll/ |
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York on Thursday became the latest state to ban the sale of cats, dogs and rabbits in pet stores in an attempt to target commercial breeding operations decried by critics as “puppy mills.”
The new law, which was signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul and takes effect in 2024, lets pet shops work instead with shelters to offer rescued or abandoned animals up for adoption. It will also ban breeders from selling more than nine animals a year.
“This is a very big deal. New York tends to be a big purchaser and profiteer of these mills, and we are trying to cut off the demand at a retail level,” said Sen. Michael Gianaris, a Democrat.
He added that the puppy mill industry treats animals “like commodities” and said “there is no pet store not affected.”
Pet shops have argued that the law will do nothing to shut down out-of-state breeders or increase their standards of care and said it would result in the closures of the dozens of pet stores remaining in New York.
California enacted a similar law in 2017, becoming the first state to ban such sales. While that law requires pet stores to work with animal shelters or rescue operations, like New York is doing now, it does not regulate sales by private breeders.
A handful of states followed. In 2020, Maryland banned the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores, triggering pushback from shop owners and breeders who challenged the measure in court. A year later Illinois barred pet shops from selling commercially raised puppies and kittens.
In New York, pet advocacy groups have long called for a full shutdown of facilities that raise and sell animals for profit, saying animals are raised in inhumane conditions before they are shipped off to stores.
Emilio Ortiz, a manager at Citipups pet shop in New York City, said the new law could serve as a death sentence for the business he’s worked at for more than a decade.
“Ninety percent of our business is selling dogs. We’re not going to survive this,” said Ortiz, who considers the ban unfair to stores that work with responsible breeders. “They’re closing the good actors along with the bad actors.”
Jessica Selmer, president of People United to Protect Pet Integrity, a New York coalition of pet store owners, called the law “careless” and “counterproductive” and said she hopes the governor will “consider legislative remedies to some of the pitfalls of the bill.”
The new law will not affect at-home breeders who sell animals born and raised on their property.
Lisa Haney, who breeds dogs at her Buffalo home alongside her husband, said she supports the law.
“One pet store near me, they get dogs from all over the Midwest and different large facilities, and you have no idea where they come from and who the breeder is. People are really clueless and take the puppy,” Haney said.
Her business, Cavapoo Kennels, partly focuses on breeding hypoallergenic dogs for people who have allergies, and her business model operates on a need basis. The waitlist runs from six to 12 months, ensuring each dog ends up in a home.
Gianaris said the law will allow buyers to be more conscious of where their pets come from.
“If a consumer went to a mill and saw the awful conditions, they wouldn’t buy these animals,” he said. “Dealing with a breeder allows people to see where their dog comes from, and it cuts off the middlemen that serve as a way to wash off the awful activities that take place at the mill.”
___
Maysoon Khan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Maysoon Khan on Twitter at: twitter.com/MaysoonKhan. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/ap-health/ap-new-york-bans-pet-stores-from-selling-cats-dogs-rabbits/ | 2022-12-16 15:03:15 | 1 | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/ap-health/ap-new-york-bans-pet-stores-from-selling-cats-dogs-rabbits/ |
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April 27 2023 07:00 pm | https://phl17.com/liv-golf/ | 2023-04-04 18:00:09 | 0 | https://phl17.com/liv-golf/ |
WFO SEATTLE Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Monday, November 28, 2022
_____
WINTER STORM WATCH
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Seattle WA
557 PM PST Thu Nov 24 2022
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING ABOVE 1500 FEET...
* WHAT...Heavy snow possible above 1500 feet. Total snow
accumulations of 8 and 15 inches possible.
* WHERE...Cascade mountains and valleys of Snohomish and King
Counties, including Darrington, Index, Skykomish, Stevens
Pass, and Snoqualmie Pass.
* WHEN...From Saturday evening through Monday morning.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow will create travel impacts along
Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass and along Highway 2 over
Stevens Pass. Travelers should ensure vehicles are equipped for
heavy snow and may consider alternate plans.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.expressnews.com/weather/article/WA-WFO-SEATTLE-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17609450.php | 2022-11-25 03:33:00 | 1 | https://www.expressnews.com/weather/article/WA-WFO-SEATTLE-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17609450.php |
Atlanta right-hander Kyle Wright will try to become the second pitcher in the National League to reach 10 wins on Monday when the Braves open a 10-game homestand with four games against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Wright (9-4, 3.03 ERA) will be opposed by St. Louis right-hander Dakota Hudson (6-4, 3.83) in the first meeting between the two clubs this season.
The Braves are coming off a 4-2 road trip, losing a 4-3 decision to Cincinnati on Sunday. The Cardinals lost to Philadelphia 4-0 on Sunday night and have dropped six of their past 10 games.
Wright went 5-1 in June and has won two straight starts. Opponents are batting only .224 against him.
Wright was sharp in his most recent outing against Philadelphia on Wednesday when he pitched seven innings and gave up one run on three hits, three walks and four strikeouts.
“We’re playing good baseball,” Wright said. “Pitching, hitting, defense … we’re going it all. I feel like this is what we’re capable of. Just keep it rolling.”
Wright will be facing St. Louis for the first time in his career.
Hudson is coming off a 5-3 win over Miami on Tuesday when he pitched five innings and gave up three runs on six hits, one walk and three strikeouts.
Hudson benefited from additional work with pitching coach Mike Maddux, who had him watch video of teammates Adam Wainwright and Miles Mikolas, who consistently throw strikes. Hudson took that education, along with some metrics, and worked things out.
“I think that’s what it looks like when I’m at my best,” Hudson said. “Spreading that out over seven innings, seven-plus innings, is the goal of it all. I have had to look at this as a process, right? Or else I’m just going to beat myself up over how it’s been going.”
Hudson will be facing the Braves for the first time since Game 4 of the 2019 National League Division Series, which the Cardinals won in 10 innings. In two career regular-season games, one start, against Atlanta he has posted a 3.38 ERA in eight innings.
St. Louis first baseman Paul Goldschmidt needs one home run to become the sixth player to hit his 300th career homer while wearing a Cardinals uniform. He will become the 153rd player with 300-plus home runs, but just the 40th major leaguer with 300-plus homers and 140-plus stolen bases. He is also closing in on 1,000 career runs (999) and 1,000 career RBI (992).
Atlanta left fielder Adam Duvall was out of the lineup after being hit on the hand by a pitch in Saturday’s game. An MRI was negative and Duvall returned to Atlanta a day early. His absence forced the team to use Marcell Ozuna in left field.
–Field Level Media | https://www.kark.com/mlb/braves-p-kyle-wright-faces-cardinals-in-search-of-10th-win-of-season/ | 2022-07-04 18:18:12 | 1 | https://www.kark.com/mlb/braves-p-kyle-wright-faces-cardinals-in-search-of-10th-win-of-season/ |
WFO BUFFALO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, December 14, 2022
_____
WINTER STORM WATCH
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Buffalo NY
333 PM EST Wed Dec 14 2022
...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THURSDAY TO 10 PM
EST FRIDAY...
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING...
* WHAT...For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total
snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches, the greatest accumulations
across the Tug Hill Plateau and western Adirondacks. Winds
gusting as high as 35 mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy
lake effect snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 9 inches
or more possible in the most persistent lake snows.
* WHERE...The Eastern Lake Ontario Region.
* WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, from 10 AM Thursday to 10
PM EST Friday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from late Friday
night through Tuesday evening.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Widespread accumulating snow will create dangerous travel
conditions.
Submit snow reports through our website or social media.
Narrow bands of heavy snow could impact portions of the region.
Localized travel problems will be possible this weekend and early
next week.
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 7 PM
EST THURSDAY...
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH
* WHAT...For the Winter Weather Advisory, mixed precipitation
expected. Total snow accumulations of an inch or less and ice
accumulations of around one tenth of an inch. Winds gusting as
high as 55 mph near the Lake Erie shoreline. For the Winter
Storm Watch, heavy lake effect snow possible. Total snow
accumulations of 9 inches or more possible in the most
persistent lake snows.
* WHERE...Chautauqua and Southern Erie counties.
* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 1 AM to 7 PM EST
Thursday. For the Winter Storm Watch, from Friday evening
through Tuesday evening.
* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions during the Thursday
morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches,
cause some possible power outages, and make travel difficult,
especially for high profile vehicles.
Periods of snow, sleet or freezing rain will result in slippery
roads and limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while
driving.
Submit snow and ice reports through our website or social media.
Narrow bands of heavy snow could impact portions of the region
this weekend and early next week. Localized travel problems will
be possible.
expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 2 inches and ice
high as 45 mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy lake effect
snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 9 inches or more
possible in the most persistent lake snows.
* WHERE...Wyoming and Cattaraugus counties.
* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions could impact the Thursday morning commute.
* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations
of 1 to 3 inches and ice accumulations of around one tenth of
an inch. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.
* WHERE...Livingston, Ontario, and Allegany counties.
* WHEN...From 1 AM to 7 PM EST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 4 PM EST
THURSDAY...
SUNDAY MORNING...
high as 40 mph. For the Winter Storm Watch, heavy lake effect
* WHERE...Northern Erie and Genesee counties.
* WHEN...For the Winter Weather Advisory, from 4 AM to 4 PM EST
through Sunday morning.
Localized travel problems will be possible this weekend.
of an inch or less and ice accumulations of a few hundredths
of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.
* WHERE...Niagara and Orleans counties.
* WHEN...From 4 AM to 4 PM EST Thursday.
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THURSDAY TO 1 AM
of 2 to 5 inches and ice accumulations of a few hundredths of
an inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.
* WHERE...Monroe, Wayne, and Northern Cayuga counties.
* WHEN...From 7 AM Thursday to 1 AM EST Friday.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.expressnews.com/weather/article/NY-WFO-BUFFALO-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17654406.php | 2022-12-14 21:25:42 | 1 | https://www.expressnews.com/weather/article/NY-WFO-BUFFALO-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17654406.php |
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SEATTLE (AP) — At this point of the season with a possible first playoff berth on the horizon, the Seattle Kraken know they must avoid faltering when the schedule turns in their favor.
Case in point came Tuesday night when the Kraken managed their way through a 5-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks on a night Seattle wasn't at its best but still picked up its fifth straight victory.
“I liked the intelligence of our team,” Seattle coach Dave Hakstol said. “We had some recognition that we maybe weren’t gonna be at our best in terms of energy. As we got through the second half of the game, we managed it pretty well and managed especially the third period very well.”
Jared McCann scored his fifth goal in the past five games and Daniel Sprong scored for the first time since Jan. 17, and the Kraken posted their fourth win streak of at least five games this season. Seattle's longest win streak last year in its inaugural season was three games, accomplished once.
McCann stayed hot as his 31st goal of the season gave Seattle a 2-0 first-period lead. Sprong’s 16th goal late in the second period pushed Seattle’s lead to 3-1 after Anaheim’s Trevor Zegras scored a spectacular between-the-legs goal in the opening seconds of the period.
Jamie Oleksiak also scored his career-best ninth of the season for Seattle, Eeli Tolvanen scored on a power play midway through the third period off an assist from McCann, and Jaden Schwartz added an empty-net goal with 17 seconds left.
Matty Beniers had two assists and extended his lead as the top scoring rookie in the league. and the Kraken inched closer to Vegas for the top spot in the Pacific Division.
“We’re gonna have to play well every single night,” McCann said. “Obviously we’re going to be playing some divisional games here soon and those are going to matter a lot more.”
Seattle goaltender Philipp Grubauer made 20 saves, including a pair of key stops on Max Jones early in the first period, and won his fourth straight decision. But the one shot he couldn’t stop was a stunning finish by Zegras that’ll be added to his career highlight reel.
Zegras slipped behind Seattle’s defense in the opening moments of the second period, pulled the puck between his legs and flipped it over Grubauer’s shoulder for his 21st goal of the season. Max Comtois scored with 1:27 left, but Anaheim saw its streak of points in five straight games come to an end.
“I thought we had more ‘A’ chances than them. We just couldn't bury them. Their goaltender played very, very well.” Anaheim coach Dallas Eakins said. “I think the thing that hurt us tonight was our power play. We didn't get many good looks there, especially when we needed it.”
Anaheim goalie John Gibson made 26 saves.
DUNN DONE
Seattle's Vince Dunn was given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty late in the third period after screaming at an official from the bench and slamming his stick against the glass. Dunn took a big hit from Comtois near the head that went uncalled and left Dunn's nose bloodied. Dunn was later pulled from the penalty box and sent into the locker room after medical spotters stopped the game.
“I don't have a reason for concern right now, but I have not talked to our medical people,” Hakstol said.
NOTES: Seattle F Ryan Donato was scratched as Sprong rejoined the lineup after sitting four of the previous six games. Donato had played 23 straight games and the last time he was scratched was Jan. 10 at Buffalo. ... F Brock McGinn made his debut with the Ducks after being claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh last week. ... Seattle D Adam Larsson had his 21st assist of the season on McCann’s first-period goal. Larsson now has a career-high 26 points.
UP NEXT
Ducks: At Vancouver on Wednesday.
Kraken: Host Ottawa on Thursday.
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.ourmidland.com/sports/article/mccann-scores-31st-kraken-win-fifth-straight-5-2-17826174.php | 2023-03-08 06:44:56 | 1 | https://www.ourmidland.com/sports/article/mccann-scores-31st-kraken-win-fifth-straight-5-2-17826174.php |
– Results support universal genetic testing in all diagnosed patients with epilepsy to potentially improve health outcomes –
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Invitae (NYSE: NVTA), a leading medical genetics company, today announced the findings of a study that documents the actions clinicians take upon receiving a positive diagnostic genetic testing result for patients with epilepsy. The findings, in JAMA Neurology, demonstrate that a positive genetic diagnosis leads to clinical management changes in approximately half of patients and that changes implemented by clinicians based on genetic testing improve health outcomes in as many as three quarters of patients. When a change in management is made based on the results of a positive genetic test result, outcomes for patients with epilepsy generally improve, including reduction, and even complete elimination of seizures.
"Precision medicine is increasingly becoming an important reality in the clinical care of children and adults with epilepsy. The observations from this study, derived from clinical practices in multiple countries and clinical settings, underscore the urgency of adopting a genetics-informed approach to managing the care of those suffering from epilepsy," said Swaroop Aradhya, PhD, FACMG, senior study author and head of global medical affairs at Invitae.
This study addresses a longstanding gap in understanding clinician action once positive genetic results are found for patients with epilepsy. A definitive molecular diagnosis obtained from epilepsy genetic testing led to important changes in clinical management that ultimately improved outcomes for patients. These changes included initiating medication, adding a new medication, or stopping a medication, and were made for half of the patients in the study within three months of testing. For patients with treatment changes, 75% were reported to have positive health outcomes including 65% who had reduction in seizure frequency and in some cases elimination of seizures.
"This information is vital to Invitae's mission to bring genetics into mainstream medicine to improve healthcare," said Dee McKnight, PhD, FACMG, lead author and medical affairs director for rare disease at Invitae. "This study provides further evidence that genetic testing results can benefit the provider and the patient by guiding clinical management and improving health outcomes."
Epilepsy affects over 3 million patients in the U.S. and 50 million patients worldwide. This study supports the recently published National Society of Genetic Counselors guideline, stating, "Genetic testing is strongly recommended for all individuals with unexplained epilepsy…" reinforcing the critical need to use genetic testing in the clinical evaluation of all patients with epilepsy to inform clinical decision making, improve outcomes for almost 30% of patients with a positive test result and potentially save healthcare dollars.
This unique real-world international study involves a diverse group of clinical practices and clinicians, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of genetic testing-informed clinical practice regardless of patient demographics. It builds on previous Invitae clinical studies demonstrating the precision medicine implications of genetic testing in patients with epilepsy and clinical utility of genetic testing in adult patients with epilepsy. This study expands to show that genetic testing definitively improves the clinical outcomes of some patients with epilepsy, through gene-based personalized therapy and management, and should be standard of care for all patients with epilepsy.
To learn more about epilepsy genetic testing, Invitae.
About Invitae
Invitae Corporation (NYSE: NVTA) is a leading medical genetics company, whose mission is to bring comprehensive genetic information into mainstream medicine to improve healthcare for billions of people. Invitae's goal is to aggregate the world's genetic tests into a single service with higher quality, faster turnaround time and lower prices. For more information, visit the company's website at invitae.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the implications of the company's study results; and that genetic testing can guide clinical management and has the potential to improve health outcomes for patients with epilepsy. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the company's history of losses; the company's ability to compete; the company's failure to manage growth effectively; the company's need to scale its infrastructure in advance of demand for its tests and to increase demand for its tests; the company's ability to use rapidly changing genetic data to interpret test results accurately and consistently; security breaches, loss of data and other disruptions; laws and regulations applicable to the company's business; and the other risks set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and Invitae Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Contact:
Renee Kelley
pr@invitae.com
(628) 213-3283
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Invitae Corporation | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/10/31/invitae-study-shows-therapy-informed-by-genetic-testing-reduces-seizures-some-patients-with-epilepsy/ | 2022-10-31 22:37:38 | 1 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/10/31/invitae-study-shows-therapy-informed-by-genetic-testing-reduces-seizures-some-patients-with-epilepsy/ |
Deputy, K-9 escape from washed-out road
MAPLE VALLEY, Wis. (WBAY/Gray News) - Oconto County Sheriff Todd Skarban recounted a frightening situation for a sheriff’s deputy and K-9 during Thursday night’s storms when heavy rain washed out a county highway.
The sheriff said the deputy was driving along County Highway A in Maple Valley when the pavement collapsed under the vehicle.
Heavy rain had undermined a section of the roadway where there was a culvert.
The SUV dropped into the rushing water. The impact with the ditch triggered the air bags.
The deputy was able to get out quickly with his K-9 and was helped by a member of the highway department.
The sheriff writes, “We thank God there were no injuries or loss of life.”
The deputy was responding to a tree falling on a vehicle when the highway gave way.
Copyright 2022 WBAY via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kait8.com/2022/05/13/deputy-k-9-escape-washed-out-road/ | 2022-05-13 21:27:08 | 1 | https://www.kait8.com/2022/05/13/deputy-k-9-escape-washed-out-road/ |
(KTLA) – Roseanne Barr is under fire for comments she made while speaking to comedian Theo Von.
The disgraced actress and comedian appeared on Von’s podcast “This Past Weekend” about a week ago.
In an over two-minute clip posted to Twitter, Barr and Von are seen talking about former President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.
“That’s all a lie, the election was not rigged,” Barr explained.
When Von asked if the election was rigged, Barr exclaimed “Of course not! Thirty-six counties have 81 million people in them. That’s the truth and don’t you dare say anything against it or you’ll be off YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and all the other ones. Because there’s such a thing as the truth and facts and we have to stick to it.”
Then the “She-Devil” actress seemingly compared claims of election fraud to those that deny the Holocaust happened.
“Nobody died in the Holocaust, either. That’s the truth. It should happen. Six million Jews should die right now, because they cause all the problems in the world,” Barr told Von in the clip posted to Twitter. “It never happened, it never happened.”
Barr then explained she is Jewish herself when inquired about her religion.
“I’m all Jewish,” she stated.
When Von mentioned that “Hollywood is a Jewish business,” Barr seemed to defend that.
“People should be glad that it’s Jewish too because if Jews were not controlling Hollywood all you’d have was f—–g fishing shows,” she continued.
Hours after the clip of her comments hit Twitter, Von then posted a longer clip of the interview.
“Here is the full clip of Roseanne Barr obviously using sarcasm and satire. She is a mensch and one of the funniest people I’ve ever met,” he tweeted.
However, many didn’t feel it was a joke and are calling for her to be canceled, once again.
“I don’t often call for the canceling of anyone. I think it rarely serves a purpose, but when she got in front of an audience and said that ‘6 million Jews should die,’ I will happily call for Roseanne Barr to be canceled,” one person said on Twitter.
“Roseanne Barr was famous for what? Being funny on TV. This is not ‘funny’ at all. She is an idiot,” tweeted another.
However, some felt she wasn’t being serious.
“Roseanne Barr is NOT a Holocaust denier. It’s just her deadpan delivery that made antisemitic people & her haters think she meant it,” tweeted another.
So far, Barr hasn’t said anything publicly about the interview with Von.
Back in 2018, Barr posted racist and bizarre tweets against former White House adviser Valerie Jarrett.
Barr apologized to Jarrett on Twitter and faced intense backlash for her comments.
Barr’s rhetoric led to the cancellation of a “Roseanne” reboot in 2018.
In a statement announcing the cancellation of her sitcom, ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey said, “Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values.”
ABC then created a spinoff without her called “The Conners.” | https://cbs4indy.com/news/national-world/roseanne-barr-slammed-for-holocaust-comments-on-podcast-host-says-it-was-sarcasm-and-satire/ | 2023-06-27 22:52:28 | 1 | https://cbs4indy.com/news/national-world/roseanne-barr-slammed-for-holocaust-comments-on-podcast-host-says-it-was-sarcasm-and-satire/ |
By ELENA BECATOROS, OLEKSANDR STASHEVSKYI and CIARAN McQUILLAN
Associated Press
POKROVSK, Ukraine (AP) — Russia’s defense chief says the country’s forces have taken full control of the steel plant in Mariupol that was the last stronghold of Ukrainian resistance in the city.
That would mark the end of a nearly three-month siege that reduced much of Mariupol to ruins and left over 20,000 people feared dead.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported to President Vladimir Putin on Friday that the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol has been “completely liberated” from Ukrainian fighters.
There is no immediate confirmation from Ukraine.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
POKROVSK, Ukraine (AP) — The West moved to pour billions more in aid into Ukraine on Friday, as Russia shifted troops freed up by the imminent fall of the pulverized city of Mariupol and fighting raged in the country’s industrial heartland in the east.
Russian forces shelled a vital highway and kept up attacks on a key city in the Luhansk region, hitting a school among other sites, Ukrainian authorities said. Luhansk is part of the Donbas, the mostly Russian-speaking eastern expanse of coal mines and factories that Russian President Vladimir Putin is bent on capturing.
“The liberation of the Luhansk People’s Republic is nearing completion,” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu declared, referring to the breakaway state proclaimed by pro-Moscow separatists in 2014 and recognized by the Kremlin.
In Mariupol, the strategic port in the southern corner of the Donbas, Russian troops worn down by their nearly three-month siege of the city may not get the time they need to regroup, Britain’s Defense Ministry said.
With the battle winding down for the Azovstal steel plant that represented the last bastion of Ukrainian resistance in Mariupol, Russia is continuing to pull back forces there, and their commanders are under pressure to quickly send them elsewhere in the Donbas, according to the British.
“That means that Russia will probably redistribute their forces swiftly without adequate preparation, which risks further force attrition,” the ministry said.
An undisclosed number of Ukrainian soldiers remained at the Azovstal steel plant. Russia said more than 1,900 had surrendered in recent days. Also remaining at the plant were the bodies of soldiers who defended it while tying down Russian forces.
Denis Prokopenko, commander of the Azov Regiment, which led the defense of the plant, called them “fallen heroes.”
“I hope soon relatives and the whole of Ukraine will be able to bury the fighters with honors,” he said.
Wives of fighters who held out at the steelworks spoke emotionally about what may have been their last contact with their husbands.
Olga Boiko, wife of a marine, wiped away tears as she said that her husband had written her on Thursday: “Hello. We surrender, I don’t know when I will get in touch with you and if I will at all. Love you. Kiss you. Bye.”
Natalia Zaritskaya, wife of another fighter at Azovstal, said that based on the messages she had seen over the past two days, “Now they are on the path from hell to hell. Every inch of this path is deadly.”
She said that two days ago, her husband reported that of the 32 soldiers with whom he had served, only eight survived, most of them seriously wounded.
In other developments:
— The Group of Seven major economies and global financial institutions agreed to provide more money to bolster Ukraine’s finances, bringing the total to $19.8 billion. In the U.S., President Joe Biden was expected to sign a $40 billion package of military and economic aid to Ukraine and its allies.
— Russia will cut off natural gas to Finland on Saturday, the Finnish state energy company said, just days after Finland applied to join NATO. Finland had refused Moscow’s demand that it pay for gas in rubles. The cutoff is not expected to have any major immediate effect. Natural gas accounted for just 6% of Finland’s total energy consumption in 2020, Finnish broadcaster YLE said.
— A captured Russian soldier accused of killing a civilian awaited his fate in Ukraine’s first war crimes trial. Sgt. Vadim Shishimarin, 21, could get life in prison.
Meanwhile, fighting intensified deeper in the Donbas.
Serhiy Haidai, the governor of Luhansk, said Russian forces were especially focused on the Lysychansk-Bakhmut highway, the only road for evacuating people and delivering humanitarian supplies.
“The road is extremely important because it’s the only connection to other regions of the country,” he said via email. “The Russians are trying to cut us off from it, to encircle the Luhansk region.”
Russian forces shelled the road constantly from multiple directions, but Ukrainian armored transports were still able to get through, Haidai added.
Moscow’s troops have been trying for weeks to seize Severodonetsk, a key city in the Donbas. One of Friday’s attacks was on a school in Severodonetsk that was sheltering more than 200 people, many of them children, Haidai said. Three adults were killed, he said on Telegram.
Twelve people were killed in Severodonetsk, Haidai said. It was not immediately clear if that included the three at the school. In addition, more than 60 houses were destroyed across the region, he added.
Russian forces now control 90 percent of Luhansk, but the attack on Severodonetsk failed — “the Russians suffered personnel losses and retreated,” Haidai said. His account could not be independently verified.
Another city, Rubizhne, has been “completely destroyed,” Haidai said. “Its fate can be compared to that of Mariupol.”
Pro-Moscow separatists have fought Ukrainian forces in the Donbas for the past eight years and held a considerable swath of it before Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion. But the effort by Putin’s troops to take more territory there has been slow-going.
In a sign of Russia’s frustration with the war, some senior commanders have been fired in recent weeks, Britain’s Defense Ministry said.
Russian forces elsewhere in Ukraine continued to blast away at targets, some of them civilian.
In the village of Velyka Kostromka, west of the Donbas, explosions in the middle of the night Thursday shook Iryna Martsyniuk’s house to its foundations. Roof timbers splintered and windows shattered, sending shards of glass into a wall near three sleeping children.
“There were flashes everywhere,” she said. “There was smoke everywhere.” She grabbed the children and ran toward the home’s entrance, “but the corridor wasn’t there anymore. Instead, we saw the starry night.”
They ran down the road to a neighbor’s home, where they hid in the basement.
Around 20 other houses were damaged and two people were lightly wounded, said Olha Shaytanova, head of the village.
___
McQuillan reported from Lviv. Stashevskyi reported from Kyiv. Associated Press journalists Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Andrea Rosa in Kharkiv, Jamey Keaten in Geneva and other AP staffers around the world contributed.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/05/20/russia-claims-to-have-taken-full-control-of-mariupol/ | 2022-05-20 21:54:39 | 1 | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/05/20/russia-claims-to-have-taken-full-control-of-mariupol/ |
Nebraska lawmakers advance bill to vastly restrict abortion
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers advanced a bill Wednesday that would ban abortion once cardiac activity can be detected in an embryo, which is generally around the sixth week of pregnancy and before most women even know they are pregnant.
Thirty-three lawmakers voted to end debate on the bill — just enough needed to set up an identical 33-16 vote to advance the bill. If just one other lawmaker had voted not to end debate, the bill would likely have been declared dead for the year. It must survive two more rounds of debate before the end of the 90-day session to pass.
The effort to pass the so-called heartbeat bill in the Republican-controlled state remains in question. An amendment floated by a Republican co-signer of the bill that would push the ban out to 12 weeks of pregnancy has yet to be considered. The amendment — and concerns expressed by at least one lawmaker who voted to advance the bill — could signal that a ban set very early in pregnancy may face pushback even from those who want further abortion restrictions.
Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner is also a co-sponsor of the bill, which includes exceptions for cases of rape, incest and medical emergencies that threaten the life of the mother. But she said during debate Wednesday that concerns shared with her by a couple of Nebraska doctors have given her pause on the current bill. She’s concerned, she said, that it doesn’t make allowances for fetal anomalies.
“I think we have to listen to both sides,” she said. “I do think the 12 week proposal would be a compromise.”
Ibach said she voted to advance the bill to allow for more debate on it this session.
The bill makes specific exceptions for ectopic pregnancies, IVF procedures, and allows for the removal of a fetus that has died in the womb. It also does not ascribe criminal penalties to either women who receive or doctors who perform abortions. Instead, it would subject doctors who perform abortions in violation of the measure to professional discipline, which could include losing their medical licenses.
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, a Republican, has been a vocal proponent of the bill and has said he will sign it if it passes.
Debate grew contentious at times Wednesday, with lawmakers for and against the bill accusing each other of spreading misinformation and using inflammatory rhetoric.
Supporters of the bill quoted Bible verses and extolled personal and religious beliefs that life begins at conception. Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings who is white, claimed that the legalization of abortion in the U.S. had its roots not in choice for women, but in a racist plot to “kill off the Black race.”
Opponents of the bill said it would strip women of their right to bodily autonomy, put them at financial and medical risk, and drive medical professionals and others concerned about abortion access out of the state. While the bill doesn’t list any criminal penalties for women who get abortions and doctors who perform them, some lament that there is no specific language guaranteeing they won’t face charges.
“To be honest, a lot of doctors have their resignation letters ready to go,” said Omaha Sen. Megan Hunt, who introduced a failed amendment to indefinitely postpone the bill.
Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln referred to news reports in the past year of women and girls who were unable to get immediate abortion care following rapes or in the face of life-threatening complications because of their states’ abortion bans.
“Those are real things, and you’re bringing them to Nebraska,” she said.
Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, who introduced the bill, said she understood there are strong opinions centered on abortion access.
“This bill is about babies with beating hearts, and they deserve to be protected,” she said.
The debate drew hundreds of people both for and against the bill to the Capitol, where dueling rallies by abortion rights and anti-abortion groups were held.
Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston introduced the amendment to push the ban to 12 weeks last month, saying he was concerned that the current proposal might not give women enough time to know that they’re pregnant. But he also voted Wednesday to advance the bill.
Nebraska has the only single-chamber, officially nonpartisan legislature in the United States. But each of its 49 lawmakers identify as Republican or Democrat and tend to propose and vote for legislation along party lines. Republicans hold 32 seats, while Democrats hold 17 seats. Although bills can advance with a simple majority, it takes a supermajority — 33 votes — to end debate to overcome a filibuster. So a single lawmaker breaking from the party line could decide whether a bill advances or dies for the year.
Omaha Sen. Mike McDonnell, a Democrat, voted Wednesday with Republicans to advance the bill. His reason, he said, is that he is a devout Roman Catholic who has always campaigned as an anti-abortion candidate.
The close divide in the Legislature played heavily in the defeat last year of a so-called trigger bill that would have automatically banned nearly all abortions in the state, even those resulting from rape and incest, as soon as the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. That bill fell two votes short.
That failure came as a surprise in a state that had a history as a leader in abortion restrictions. In 2010, Nebraska enacted the country’s first law banning abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, based on the disputed theory that a fetus at that point can feel pain.
But Nebraska anti-abortion advocates have watched in frustration as other GOP-controlled states have moved quickly to ban or restrict abortion access since the fall of Roe. Abortion is already effectively banned at all stages of pregnancy in more than a dozen states. That number would be higher, except that courts have blocked bans in another six states.
Dueling federal court decisions handed down last week have also thrown into question access to abortion pills.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.kaaltv.com/news/political-news/nebraska-lawmakers-advance-bill-to-vastly-restrict-abortion/ | 2023-04-13 02:32:31 | 0 | https://www.kaaltv.com/news/political-news/nebraska-lawmakers-advance-bill-to-vastly-restrict-abortion/ |
Knoxville company recalls beef jerky products due to possible listeria concerns
(Gray News) - The United States Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday that the Magnolia Provision Company, Inc. issued a recall regarding its beef jerky products, due to possible contamination of listeria monocytogenes.
The Knoxville company recalled all beef jerky items that were produced on Aug. 25.
The company advises avoiding consumption of the Beef Jerky Experience Chop House Style Prime Rib flavored beef jerky that displays an expiration date of Aug. 25, 2023.
The products recalled have an establishment number of “8091″ inside the USDA mark of inspection.
USDA says the items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.
The problem was discovered when the establishment reported that it received confirmation from its third-party lab that a product contact surface sample returned positive for listeria.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.weau.com/2022/09/06/knoxville-company-recalls-beef-jerky-products-due-possible-listeria-concerns/ | 2022-09-06 23:56:15 | 0 | https://www.weau.com/2022/09/06/knoxville-company-recalls-beef-jerky-products-due-possible-listeria-concerns/ |
Law enforcement deaths decline, but firearm line-of-duty deaths remain high
The report by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund details line-of-duty-deaths in 2022.
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Line-of-duty deaths were dramatically down in 2022. But, firearms deaths remain high, according to a just-released report by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF).
The report shows the number of law enforcement professionals who died in the line of duty in 2022 decreased by 61% over the previous year. NLEOMF notes, that decrease is driven by substantial reductions in Covid-19 related deaths.
Read the full report here
“When you’re talking about a fatality report, you’re never going to talk about good news because if there’s one officer on that report, it’s not good news. I would say that the trend is that we’re trending down, 61% right now, but most of that is due to COVID. If you take out COVID, we’re trending down 14% year over year,” said Marcia Ferranto, CEO Of NLEOMF.
The organization notes what it calls a “troubling trend of higher-than-average firearms fatalities” in both 2021 and 2022. It said, “firearms-related fatalities have claimed the lives of 64 officers in 2022, which mirrors the number of firearms-related fatalities in 2021. Both years represent a 21% increase in firearms-related deaths when compared to the average of 53 firearms-related fatalities from 2010-2020.”
“I think the significance around that is as we dove into the data, it’s a 21% increase decade over decade. So what is happening now compared to what was happening ten years ago? And I think it’s important for us, for all law enforcement agencies to take a look at that data, see where our country is, see if any of this is having an impact on the fatalities due to firearms with our law enforcement. And, put together the programs necessary to educate, to help keep our law enforcement officers safe,” said Ferranto.
Meanwhile, traffic-related fatalities decreased 3% with 56 deaths in 2022 compared to 58 deaths in 2021. The organization adds, “while overall traffic-related fatalities are down, the 40 fatal crashes in 2022 (automobile/motorcycle) represent an increase of 29% compared to fatal crashes in 2021. Struck-by fatalities, defined as an officer struck outside of their patrol vehicle, dropped 41% from 27 in 2021 to 16 in 2022.”
The state of Texas had the largest number of law enforcement fatalities in 2022 with 33 deaths. New York was the second highest, followed by California, Georgia, and Tennessee.
“The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a leading authority on official line of duty deaths. So when we come out with this fatality report, you can be assured that every case we’ve examined and put through a very stringent review process,” said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Currently in Washington D.C., 23,229 names are on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and 226 more names will be added this spring. In May, the nation will mark National Police Week. This year will also mark the 35th year a candlelight vigil will be held to honor the fallen in Washington D.C. on May 13th. The newly engraved names of fallen officers will be read aloud during that ceremony.
“It’s unthinkable what these survivors families and friends and colleagues go through, because some of these fatalities are avoidable and they don’t need to happen. To watch during police week, the families come through here and stand at the wall, you can’t even get close to the wall. It is four and five deep, people standing on these hallowed grounds, honoring the men and women who gave their lives,” said Ferranto.
Copyright 2023 Gray DC. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/2023/01/12/law-enforcement-deaths-decline-firearm-line-of-duty-deaths-remain-high/ | 2023-01-12 00:56:30 | 0 | https://www.wymt.com/2023/01/12/law-enforcement-deaths-decline-firearm-line-of-duty-deaths-remain-high/ |
READING, Pa. – The Antietam Middle Senior High School flooded more than a week ago — and it was the focus of the board meeting inside the Mount Penn Elementary Center on Monday.
"This was devastating for our community, for our school district," said Antietam School District Superintendent Heidi Rochlin.
She said holding classes at the Middle Senior High School is not an option this school year.
She said there are two options. The first would be to hold classes elsewhere in the district. K-6 classrooms would need to be reconfigured at the Elementary Center. Local churches would become elective centers.
"Grades 9-12 would attend those courses in the morning and then come over to the Elementary Center for their core classes in the afternoon, and then essentially would switch with seventh and eighth grade," said Rochlin.
Antietam is already partnering with other districts for Advanced Placement classes. She said third grade classes would move to the Primary Center.
The second option would involve the district finding a building to transplant the Middle Senior High School for the year. Rochlin said it would be an office building or corporate center since no other school buildings are available.
"There may be noise factors, using temporary walls," she cautioned.
For seventh to 12th graders, the school year would be delayed two to four weeks to get the space ready. Rochlin said classes during that time frame could be virtual.
"Which is what we're trying to stay away from, but that's the reality of moving into a space," she said.
The total cost of that second option is estimated at $1.15 million to $1.89 million.
"Option 1 — the fact that they would stay inside the building and inside the district sounded better than spending a lot of money and finding an outsourced building to go to," said Heather Gajewski, who attended the meeting.
"I'm not particularly thrilled with either one, but I think of the two, number one is probably the best choice," said Brian Degler, who has children in the district.
Rochlin said the district is planning on having all sports running. Games would be held at the Primary Center and in Exeter.
She said a date would need to be scheduled for when to vote on the options presented. A community Q&A meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Mount Penn Primary Center.
As far as the Middle Senior High School, Rochlin said the next step is a preliminary damage assessment, for which she said the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be on site this week. | https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/flooding-closes-antietam-middle-senior-hs-for-year-superintendent-presents-2-alternatives/article_e0cf9f08-2524-11ee-80e2-3749de7b1fda.html | 2023-07-18 05:14:46 | 0 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/flooding-closes-antietam-middle-senior-hs-for-year-superintendent-presents-2-alternatives/article_e0cf9f08-2524-11ee-80e2-3749de7b1fda.html |
BEIRUT (AP) — The leader of Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah group issued a warning Tuesday to archenemy Israel over the two countries’ maritime border dispute, saying that “any arm” that reaches to steal Lebanon’s wealth “will be cut off.”
Hassan Nasrallah’s remarks came amid intensified U.S. efforts to resolve a more than a decade-old maritime border dispute between Israel and Lebanon, which have officially been at war since Israel’s creation in 1948.
Both countries claim some 860 square kilometers (330 square miles) of the Mediterranean Sea. Lebanon also claims that the Karish gas field is in disputed territory under ongoing maritime border negotiations while Israel says it lies within its internationally recognized economic waters.
Amos Hochstein, a senior adviser for energy security at the U.S. State Department who has been mediating in the dispute, met with top Lebanese officials last week. After the talks, he said the two countries are getting closer to reaching a deal in the dispute.
Hochstein was later reported to have visited Israel and is expected back in Beirut in the coming weeks with Israeli responses to Lebanese requests.
Israel and Hezbollah are bitter enemies that fought a monthlong war in the summer of 2006. Israel considers the Iran-backed Shiite militant group its most serious immediate threat, estimating that Hezbollah has some 150,000 rockets and missiles aimed at Israel.
In his speech during a rally south of Beirut, attended by tens of thousands to mark Ashoura, Nasrallah said Lebanon “should be ready to all possibilities.”
“We will not tolerate the idea that our wealth be stolen,” Nasrallah said.
Ashoura is one of the most important days on the Shiites religious calendar, commemorating the 7th century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Hussein.
Lebanon badly needs an agreement over the maritime border in the Mediterranean as it hopes to exploit offshore gas reserves to try and alleviate what has become the worst economic crisis in its modern history.
Last month, the Israeli military shot down three unarmed Hezbollah drones flying over the Karish field. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the time criticized Hezbollah, saying the move could pose risks to the country. Hezbollah later aired drone footage showing Israeli ships in the area.
“Don’t make mistakes with Lebanon nor with the people of Lebanon,” Nasrallah said. “Any arm that tries to reach for any of this (Lebanese) wealth will be cut off.”
Nasrallah also warned Israel not to target any Palestinian officials in Lebanon amid a cease-fire that ended three days of deadly fighting between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group in the Gaza Strip. The Islamic Jihad group, along with the much larger Hamas militant group that runs Gaza, is a Hezbollah ally. | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/hezbollah-warns-israel-over-border-dispute-with-lebanon/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_business | 2022-08-09 12:26:41 | 0 | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/hezbollah-warns-israel-over-border-dispute-with-lebanon/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_business |
Find Out in New Cape Cod-Based Murder Mystery and Legal Thriller
BOSTON, Nov. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jonathan Kaledin is a lawyer from New England who has decided to bring his career in environmental law—and his passion for defending often-misunderstood apex predators such as the great white shark—into his fictional detective book series.
"I wrote it for the pleasure of murder mystery and legal thriller readers," Kaledin says of his debut novel, Dissonance, "and to make certain social commentary—about climate change, our misunderstanding of other species, the propensity for greed to dominate relationships in America, and flaws in our criminal justice system, including the sometimes horrible consequence of the felony murder rule." The felony murder rule has been receiving lots of press in Massachusetts ever since the state's high court struck down an existing murder law in 2017, leaving some serving sentences for crimes they did not directly commit.
Kaledin brings many of his personal experiences and passions into the novel, which is set on Cape Cod and follows Detective Tim Hennessey as he investigates a series of bizarre, gruesome murders that involve body parts showing up in great whites, which is a topic that has been on the minds of many on the Cape as shark activity in the area remains unusually high. In Kaledin's novel, the big question is: is the shark truly the murderer?
Hoping to dispel any anti-shark mongering still lingering from the effects of other popular media such as Jaws, Kaledin brings his years as an environmental lawyer and his stint as the Massachusetts General Counsel for Environmental Affairs to bear. As he explains in his recent article from LitHub's CrimeReads, "We have recklessly and inhumanely hunted many shark species to the verge of extinction."
Also apparent in Kaledin's novel is his love for the orchestra and classical music, which he weaves into the narrative in various ways. Kaledin himself is a classically trained cellist and has, at times, played in the Boston Philharmonic and Albany Symphony Orchestras.
If you would like to feature the novel or are interested in interviewing Jon Kaledin about his environmental work, love of music, and how he marries it all together (along with gruesome deaths) in Dissonance, please contact his publicity team at Mindbuck Media, jess@mindbuckmedia.com.
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SOURCE Jonathan Kaledin | https://www.weau.com/prnewswire/2022/11/04/did-great-white-shark-do-it/ | 2022-11-04 12:51:32 | 0 | https://www.weau.com/prnewswire/2022/11/04/did-great-white-shark-do-it/ |
The Athletics will be heavily represented in two weeks at the All-Star Game in Seattle.
Or as longtime followers of the A’s may call it, the John Fisher Garage Sale Game.
Among those A’s who were shipped out in recent years who not only could surface in Seattle for the July 11 game but are currently in the mix to be voted as starters are catchers Sean Murphy (Atlanta) and Jonah Heim (Texas), as well as first baseman Matt Olson (Atlanta), third baseman Matt Chapman (Toronto) and second baseman Marcus Semien (Texas).
That doesn’t even include pitchers Sonny Gray (Minnesota), Chris Bassitt (Toronto) and Jesus Luzardo (Miami).
With a record of 20-60 and losers of nine of their last 10 games, the A’s will have a player named by virtue of the MLB requirement that each team be represented. Oakland’s lone representative last season was right-handed starter Paul Blackburn, who pitched a scoreless inning for the American League at Dodger Stadium.
At the time of his selection, Blackburn was 6-4 with a 3.36 earned run average, which made him the best candidate on his team.
This year’s most likely candidates to be this year’s Blackburn are a pair of rookies — center fielder Esteury Ruiz and first baseman Ryan Noda. Designated hitter Brent Rooker could be in the mix, but has cooled off significantly, compiling the bulk of 13 home runs and team-leading 38 RBIs in the month of April (9 homers, 22 RBIs).
A look at the credentials of each:
The case for Ruiz
Acquired from Milwaukee in the three-way trade that sent Murphy to Atlanta, Ruiz, 24, is a full-time center fielder after playing both infield and outfield in the minor leagues.
Ruiz has a .259/.315./334 slash line (batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage) which is impacted negatively because he walks infrequently (13 times in 338 plate appearances) and he has just one home run.
The batting average has seen a decline (.282 in May, .239 in June), but Ruiz is one of the fastest players in the American League and leads the league in stolen bases with 39. He’s also proven to be a surprisingly good hitter with runners in scoring position (.406) and his RBI total of 31 ties him with Noda and Shea Langeliers for second behind Rooker.
As a defender, Ruiz has had mixed results but his speed has enabled him to outrun some mistakes in judgment. The AL outfield is loaded, but Ruiz could benefit with the Yankees’ Aaron Judge and the Astros’ Yordan Alvarez likely missing the game because of injuries.
The competition
Mike Trout, LA Angels (.255/.365.486, 17 HR, 41 RBI), Aaron Judge, NY Yankees (.291/.404.674, 19 HR, 40 RBI), Randy Arozarena, Tampa Bay (.292/.405/.485, 14 HR, 54 RBI), Yordan Alvarez, Houston (.277/.388/.589, 17 HR, 55 RBIs), Luis Robert Jr. Chicago WS (.269/.326./.559, 21 HR, 42 RBI), Alex Verdugo, Boston (.303/.374/.468, 5 HR, 31 RBI), Adolis Garcia, Texas (.258/.328/.485, 17 HR, 60 RBI), Julio Rodriguez, Seattle (.240/.301/.419, 13 HR, 41 RBI), Masataka Yoshida, Boston (.299/.372/.466, 8 HR, 39 RBI), Leody Taveras, Texas (.298/.351/.476, 8 HR, 33 RBI)
The case for Noda
A Rule 5 selection from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Noda had to make the major league roster or be returned to the Dodgers. He became the full-time first baseman when veteran Jesus Aguilar was released and has settled in behind the No. 2 hitter behind Ruiz because of his patience at the plate.
Noda has seen his slash line fall to .238/.387/.417 during a 2-for-15 slump on the current road trip. But he has eight homers, 31 RBIs and leads major league rookies in on-base percentage (.387) and walks (50).
At first base, Noda has shown himself to be athletic and fluid, able to navigate the generous foul lines at the Coliseum and capable of the spectacular play and has made just two errors in 68 games at first base.
The competition
Vladimir Guerrero, Toronto (.284/.357.453, 11 HR, 49 RBI), Yandy Diaz, Tampa Bay (.316/.404./518, 12 HR, 38 RBI, Josh Naylor, Cleveland (.291/.332/.469) 10 HR, 57 RBI), Anthony Rizzo, NY Yankees (.270/.353/.433, 11 HR, 37 RBI), Nathaniel Lowe, Texas (.273./.366/.427, 8 HR, 41 RBIs), Ty France, Seattle (.276/.346/.418, 7 HR, 34 RBI).
Read it and weep
The following former A’s players are among the top two vote-getters at their positions with balloting to determine the starter concluding Thursday. Go to mlb.com if you want to cast your vote.
American League: Jonah Heim, Texas, catcher (.283/.332./.482, 11 HR, 55 RBI); Marcus Semien, Texas, second base (.278/.339/.453, 10 HR, 54 RBI), Matt Chapman, Toronto, third base (.265/.346/.459, 10 HR, 36 RBI).
National League: Sean Murphy, Atlanta, catcher (.290/.308./531, 12 HR, 43 RBI), Matt Olson, Atlanta, first base (.236/.350/.541, 25 HR, 60 RBI).
Potential pitching selections: Sonny Gray, Minnesota (4-1, 2.56 ERA), Chris Bassitt, Toronto (7-5, 4.32 ERA), Jesus Luzardo, Miami (6-5, 3.77 ERA), A.J. Puk, Miami (3-2, 11 saves, 2.80 ERA). | https://www.chicoer.com/2023/06/27/who-will-be-the-athletics-lone-all-star-alongside-several-who-were-traded-away/ | 2023-06-27 16:18:54 | 0 | https://www.chicoer.com/2023/06/27/who-will-be-the-athletics-lone-all-star-alongside-several-who-were-traded-away/ |
Data-Driven Solution Anticipates and Solves Employee Payroll, Time, HR and Benefits Challenges, Reducing Time-Intensive Case Management
ROSELAND, N.J., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognized for the eighth consecutive year as an innovative provider of cloud-based human capital management solutions, ADP will be honored with a "Top HR Product" award at the 2022 HR Technology Conference for its new Intelligent Self-Service. The award-winning, data-driven Intelligent Self-Service solution uses predictive analytics and machine learning to proactively address common employee HR challenges before the need to contact their HR departments arises.
ADP Intelligent Self-Service draws on data from across the vast ADP ecosystem, solving an estimated one-third of the case volume for HR practitioners. Time-consuming pain points, such as common employee HR tasks, payroll, benefits, missed punches and time challenges are all addressed proactively in the flow of work. This new solution takes real-time data and turns it into action items, alleviating practitioners' workloads and giving managers more time to focus on elevating the employee experience.
Each year, Human Resource Executive recognizes groundbreaking new solutions based on product innovation, the value added to the HR function, intuitiveness for users and the product's ability to deliver as promised.
"The use of ADP's deep data across our product experiences allows us to focus on the most common pain points for managers, HR practitioners and employees," said Don Weinstein, corporate vice president of Global Product and Technology, ADP. "Intelligent Self-Service is designed to answer questions and quickly resolve issues within seconds vs. days or weeks. It eliminates the unnecessary back and forth nature of interactions with their HR support teams and a source of unnecessary frustration. The result is a better work experience, and HR practitioners can spend more time on higher value initiatives like talent planning and development."
Four key foundational elements comprise the complete Intelligent Self-Service offering:
Action Cards: Bite-size proactive nudges for employees that appear in the flow of work, at the time they need to be addressed. This helps eliminate the risk of an issue occurring, such as an inaccurate or incomplete timecard or new employee document completion reminders.
ADP Virtual Assistant (A.V.A.): Conversational, transactional, and predictive assistance to guide employees as needed with issue resolution.
Policy Personalization: Allows for tailoring of action cards, virtual assistant and case management experiences based on a company's policies and local regulations.
Case Management: For the few remaining complex problems that require HR assistance, Intelligent Self-Service gives employees a streamlined way to create, manage, and track interactions with their HR experts. Providing transparency into status and streamlining communications, the solution routes interactions to the right practitioner based on the employee's specific need.
"Intelligent Self-Service delivers on what we look for in groundbreaking HR tech. By creating a pre-emptive approach to HR case management, ADP has delivered a solution that frees HR practitioners to focus on higher value requirements of their function," said Steve Boese, co-chair of the HR Technology Conference. "With eight consecutive "Top HR Product" awards, ADP continues to prove its unique understanding of what employees and HR practitioners need to improve the work experience."
For more information visit the ADP booth at the HR Technology Conference to demo Intelligent Self-Service and ADP's extensive suite of innovative solutions and products or visit: https://adp.com/intelligent
About ADP (NASDAQ: ADP)
Designing better ways to work through cutting-edge products, premium services and exceptional experiences that enable people to reach their full potential. HR, Talent, Time Management, Benefits and Payroll. Informed by data and designed for people. Learn more at ADP.com
ADP, the ADP logo, and Always Designing for People, are trademarks of ADP, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
Copyright © 2022 ADP, Inc. All rights reserved.
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SOURCE ADP, Inc. | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/adps-intelligent-self-service-reimagines-hr-service-landscape-earns-2022-top-hr-product-honor-human-resource-executive/ | 2022-08-23 12:21:12 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/adps-intelligent-self-service-reimagines-hr-service-landscape-earns-2022-top-hr-product-honor-human-resource-executive/ |
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The Latest on COP27, this year's annual UN summit on climate change.
SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt — More than 100 world leaders are preparing to discuss a worsening problem that scientists’ call Earth’s biggest challenge — greenhouse gas emissions, which leads to global warming. However, observers say it will be hard to make progress given all the other things happening in the world. Dozens of heads of states or governments Monday take the stage in the first day of “high-level” international climate talks in Egypt with more to come in following days. Much of the focus will be on national leaders telling their stories of being devastated by climate disasters.
___
KEY DEVELOPMENTS:
— World leaders gather to talk climate amid many distractions
— Loss and damage: Fight over human harm, huge climate costs
— Amnesty: Egypt has days to save jailed activist’s life
Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/Live-updates-Climate-Summit-17563630.php | 2022-11-07 09:31:45 | 1 | https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/Live-updates-Climate-Summit-17563630.php |
Michigan State president: Post-game melee ‘unacceptable’
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan State President Samuel Stanley has apologized and says the actions of the football players who were involved in a postgame melee with Michigan players are “unacceptable.” He also says the players involved would be held responsible by coach Mel Tucker. The scuffle broke out in the Michigan Stadium tunnel out after the fourth-ranked Wolverines beat the Spartans 29-7 on Saturday. Social media posts showed at least three Michigan State players pushing, punching and kicking Michigan’s Ja’Den McBurrows in and near a hallway that does not lead to locker rooms. | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/10/30/michigan-state-president-post-game-melee-unacceptable/ | 2022-10-30 15:38:07 | 1 | https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/10/30/michigan-state-president-post-game-melee-unacceptable/ |
By LISA MASCARO
AP Congressional Correspondent
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is in the fight of his political life, grinding through the promises and proposals, cajoling and deal-making necessary to win over reluctant colleagues whose support he needs to become House speaker.
Every new commitment from McCarthy can be seen as a potentially strategic move, intended to quell skeptics on his right flank as he reaches for the speaker’s gavel. With a slim House majority in the midterm elections, the GOP leader must solidify his ranks in a sprint for the 218 votes he’ll need when the new Congress convenes — each coming at a cost and with no room for error.
“We’ll get there,” McCarthy said in accepting his party’s nomination to run for speaker.
The overtures McCarthy is making, some symbolic, others substantive, provide a snapshot of the speaker hopeful’s emerging leadership style. While McCarthy is expected to prevail in his quest for the speaker’s gavel, it is destined to come at a political price, setting the tone and tenor of new Congress.
To start, McCarthy has promised to restore committee assignments for far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., after she and another right-flank lawmaker were booted by Democrats over incendiary remarks.
And he has vowed to oust Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and other high-profile Democrats from their committees in a form of political payback, setting up a divisive House action early in the new Congress.
McCarthy has assured that under his leadership, the House will remove the metal detectors that were installed to prevent firearms in the House chamber; end COVID-era protocols that allowed lawmakers to vote by proxy; and fully reopen the Capitol’s limited visitor access since the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection by supporters of the former president, Donald Trump.
And in a dramatic nod to the far-right, McCarthy has threatened an impeachment investigation against Homeland Security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas unless he resigns over the department’s handling of the U.S.’s southern border with Mexico.
“McCarthy’s problem is, he can’t get to 218 without Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar and Matt Gaetz,” Schiff said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union,” referring to the House GOP’s most outspoken far-right members. “And so he will do whatever they ask.”
The challenge ahead for McCarthy is not unique, as he races to shore up support before the new Congress convenes in January. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., faced detractors during her own pursuit of the gavel, forced to skillfully pick off the naysayers one by one until she had secured backing.
But the problem McCarthy faces is distinctly Republican, one that almost doomed his most recent predecessors. Paul Ryan and John Boehner both suffered politically as they were pushed and prodded by the GOP’s increasingly far-right flank to make concessions for their support. Eventually both men won the speaker’s gavel, but ultimately retired early.
After pushing his party to victory in the midterm elections, McCarthy won the nod from a majority of his colleagues nominating him to run for speaker. But the 188-31 vote among Republicans showed the shortfall he must overcome. When the new Congress convenes in January, the whole House, Republicans and Democrats, will vote on speaker and McCarthy’s party will need to stick together with their slim majority for him to prevail. Otherwise, a different Republican could emerge as a compromise candidate.
“It’s a tall order,” said Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., a past chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, who waged a long-shot challenge to McCarthy for the nomination.
“I know he thinks he’s going to get there,” Biggs said. “I don’t know that he can.”
Even though McCarthy defeated Biggs, 188-31, in the closed-door voting, with another five Republicans casting ballots for other candidates, that’s a pool of some three dozen votes the GOP leader needs to claw back if he hopes to win the speaker’s job.
“They know they’ve got a problem,” said Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., another Freedom Caucus member. “In other words, 36 no votes is a problem.”
As the party leader, McCarthy has countless tools at his disposal, including favors he can dole out to win support — from prime committee assignments or newly created leadership roles to commitments to elevate lawmakers’ own priorities, including investigations of President Joe Biden, his family and his administration.
The influential Freedom Caucus has long wanted more say in the legislative process — rather than a top-down approach — and its members are pushing McCarthy with more specific demands that would give them more power even at McCarthy’s expense.
”I’m hopeful at the end of the day that we will come together as a conference and elect Kevin,” Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the incoming chairman of the Oversight Committee, said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Comer said there are “certainly five to eight members that have said they’re leaning towards voting no against Kevin McCarthy.” Opposition of that magnitude would derail McCarthy’s bid to become speaker.
The California Republican has been here before, having withdrawn from the speaker’s race in 2015 when it became clear he did not have enough support.
To win over skeptics, McCarthy has been meeting with Republicans as they hammer out their internal party rules for the new Congress. While such rules generally don’t have much relevance for the public, they play an important role behind the scenes.
For example, some conservatives want McCarthy to impose a ban on earmarks, which allow lawmakers to direct federal dollars to local projects and programs in their home states, a legislative perk long derided as wasteful.
Others want McCarthy to enforce a balanced federal budget in future years, which would require vast spending cuts.
Some of the more conservative members of the House want to restore a rule that allows any member at any time to submit a motion to remove the speaker, which had been used by then-Rep. Mark Meadows as a pressure point during Boehner’s tenure. Instead, they adopted a provision stating that submitting such a “motion to vacate the chair” should only be done with party agreement.
McCarthy exited one private meeting calling it “a great discussion.” He indicated it’s the beginning of a long process over the next weeks.
“I don’t know if this is winning them over,” he said. “I think it’s discussing and listening to them.”
___
Associated Press writers Kevin Freking and Farnoush Amiri contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/11/27/mccarthys-pursuit-of-speakers-gavel-comes-at-a-high-cost/ | 2022-11-28 06:46:41 | 0 | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/11/27/mccarthys-pursuit-of-speakers-gavel-comes-at-a-high-cost/ |
ELMAU, Germany (AP) — Biden: Group of Seven nations to announce ban on Russian gold imports in latest round of sanctions over Ukraine war.
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LAS VEGAS (AP)March Madness isn’t just about filling out – and later trashing – brackets. There are more ways to bet the field in the NCAA Tournament, an event that will consume basketball fans over the next three weeks. Here’s a look at the favorites, underdogs and long shots.
WHO’S FAVORED TO REACH THE FINAL FOUR?
Second-ranked Houston is the plus-135 favorite to emerge as the Midwest Region representative and play in Houston, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. That means a $100 bet pays $135. The next top team in the region is No. 5 Texas at plus-350.
No. 1 Alabama, also the No. 1 overall seed, is plus-150 to come out of the South. Next is No. 8 Arizona at plus-350.
The most competitive region appears to be the West. No. 4 Kansas opened as a slight favorite but now shares that spot with No. 7 UCLA at plus-330. No. 9 Gonzaga isn’t far behind at plus-400.
No. 3 Purdue is at plus-300 to come out of the East, with No. 6 Marquette next at plus-370.
WHO’S FAVORED TO WIN THE TITLE?
Oddsmakers agree with the NCAA selection committee that the No. 1 seeds are the favorites – Houston at plus-500, Alabama at plus-750 and Kansas and Purdue at plus-1,200 each. UCLA also is listed at plus-1,200.
After that, oddsmakers favor Gonzaga, Arizona and Texas at plus-1,500 each and Marquette at plus-1,800.
WHO IS THE BIGGEST UNDERDOG?
If you’re looking for the next Saint Peter’s or Loyola-Chicago, check out these options.
Nineteen teams are listed at plus-50,000: Arizona State, Charleston, Colgate, Furman, Grand Canyon, Howard, Iona, Kennesaw State, Kent State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Montana State, Nevada, Northern Kentucky, Oral Roberts, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Texas Southern, UC Santa Barbara, UNC Asheville and Vermont.
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST SPREAD DIFFERENCE?
Alabama is a 23 1/2-point favorite over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, and Kansas is favored by 22 1/2-over Howard in their first-round matchup. Beyond that, Houston is favored by 19 1/2 points over Northern Kentucky and UCLA by 17 1/2 over UNC Asheville.
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST OVER/UNDER?
The old saying is that life is too short to bet the under, but it’s often the wise play. Some of these totals may give bettors second thoughts before taking the over, but that doesn’t mean it’s the wrong move. The highest totals are Gonzaga-Grand Canyon, Missouri-Utah State and Texas A&M Corpus Christi-Southeast Missouri State at 155 1/2 each, Xavier-Kennesaw State at 153 1/2, Auburn-Iowa at 151 1/2 and Florida Atlantic-Memphis and Colgate-Texas at 150 1/2 each.
NOT REAL UNDERDOGS
Just because the committee seeds one team over another doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the better team in the minds of the oddsmakers. Here are the games where the lower seed is the favorite on the early line: Tenth-seeded Utah State by 1 1/2 points over seventh-seeded Missouri, ninth-seeded West Virginia by 2 1/2 over eighth-seeded Maryland and ninth-seeded Auburn by 1 1/2 over eighth-seeded Iowa.
PROPS
Circa Sports in Las Vegas likes the chances of the 5-12 opening-round upset trend continuing, posting the odds of a No. 12 seed winning at minus-510. Odds also are in the favor of a No. 13 beating a four-seed at minus-250. A victory by a No. 14 (plus-110), No. 15 (plus-195) and No. 16 (plus-745) aren’t as likely. The Big 12 has the highest total for number of tournament wins by a conference at 11.
BRACKETS
Alabama has been the most-picked team in every round of ESPN’s Tournament Challenge bracket game, appearing in 96.9% of brackets to win the first round, 87.9% to get out of the weekend, 74.8% to win its Sweet 16 matchup, 53.6% to make the Final Four, 36.5% to appear in the championship game and 19.7% to win it all. All four No. 1 seeds take up the top four spots on brackets picking the winner. The fifth spot goes to West Region second-seed UCLA at 6.3%.
—
AP March Madness coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness and bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25 | https://www.kxnet.com/scoreboard/march-madness-betting-guide-not-just-about-brackets-3/ | 2023-03-15 21:44:08 | 0 | https://www.kxnet.com/scoreboard/march-madness-betting-guide-not-just-about-brackets-3/ |
The Massachusetts School Building Authority has moved Canton’s Galvin Middle School project a step closer to getting built.
The authority, which helps finance public school construction across the state, voted unanimously on Oct. 26 to ask Canton to start the feasibility phase of the proposal, which includes choosing an architect and developing and evaluating alternative designs. The process usually takes about two years.
“We are thrilled to continue to move forward in the MSBA process,” Canton Superintendent Derek Folan said in a statement. “This is great news for Canton and the school community. Funding for these projects is highly competitive, and to be chosen to enter this next phase reflects not only the great need that exists for this project, but also the hard work of so many individuals whose passion and dedication for (Canton Public Schools) is unwavering.”
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The Galvin Middle School, which serves about 700 students in grades 6 through 8, opened in 1971 and was last renovated in 2002. It is the only middle school in the community.
Johanna Seltz can be reached at seltzjohanna@gmail.com | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/11/01/metro/middle-school-project-moves-next-phase-state-process/ | 2022-11-01 07:23:25 | 1 | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/11/01/metro/middle-school-project-moves-next-phase-state-process/ |
FIRST, THE WEATHER HEADLINES
–Friday becomes the first day of the past 11 to produce an above normal average temperature. Highs for the day are likely to hit 86-deg at O’Hare. If this occurs, that makes this the warmest day of the past 13.
–We’re on the precipice of some thundery downpours this weekend–the first could arrive in the city and metro area between 11pm and 2am tonight & Saturday morning.
–Weekend humidities are to surge after a week in a comfortable range. Dew points reach the mid to upper 60s Saturday and Sunday—a moderately humid range, but a good deal higher than the 40s and 50s we’ve seen most of the past work week.
–A cold, unstable pool of air is settling over the Chicago area aloft. This is to “destabilize” the atmosphere—–a fancy way of saying the new atmospheric set up is to encourage the warm, increasingly humid air which is on the way to ascend and cool–producing t-storms in the process. They’ll come in waves starting later tonight but picking up Saturday– with soaking downpours when the heaviest of them pass across the area.
–Current modeling suggests while a few t-storms are to roam the area later Friday night into Sat morning—but the period to be on the lookout for more widespread and heavier thundery downpours appears to be in the 1pm to 10 pm Saturday time frame. This could present some issues at times for the Air and Water show.
–While rainfalls vary widely in warm weather months, it appears general rainfalls over the weekend may fall in the 0.3″ to 1.3″ range. With thunderstorms involved, a few heavier downpours topping 2″ can’t be ruled out.
–More scattered and less frequent showers are possible on Sunday.
–Temps move into the ABOVE NORMAL territory beginning mid and late next week through the following weekend. Day to day above normal temps could occur from Wednesday next week through Monday the following week—a marked change from the below normal temps we’ve recorded in Chicago the past 11 days.
HERE’S MY LATEST CHICAGO METRO FORECAST:
TONIGHT: Clouding over with scattered 40% coverage showers and thunderstorms which may first reach Chicago and many of its close-in suburbs in the 11 pm to 2am time range. Warm and becoming more humid. Low 69.
SATURDAY: Frequently cloudy, warm and moderately humid with several clusters of showers, some possibly thundery in the morning. More numerous and heavier thunderstorms, some with downpours sweep the area from time to time in the afternoon and evening. High Saturday 80.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Mainly cloudy, humid. Showers and thunderstorms, some capable of downpours, decrease in frequency late. Low 65.
SUNDAY: Some breaks for mixed sun, not quite as warm but remaining fairly humid. Scattered 40 to 50% coverage showers and possible thunderstorms–but with rain-free intervals between. High 77–lower 70s lakeshore.
MONDAY: Partly sunny, seasonably warm. Lake breezes reduce temps a bit along Lake Michigan. Only a slight chance of an isolated shower. High 79.
TUESDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny days, scattered clouds at night with possible patchy ground fog in cooler locations. High Tuesday and Wed 85–but mid to upper 70s beaches.
THURSDAY and FRIDAY: Mixed sun and clouds, becoming more humid. Chance for scattered t-storms–most numerous Friday. Highs both days 84. | https://wgntv.com/weather/tom-skilling/heavy-t-storms-downpours-to-roll-in-for-the-weekend/ | 2022-08-20 00:13:39 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/weather/tom-skilling/heavy-t-storms-downpours-to-roll-in-for-the-weekend/ |
Stephen Smith’s death now being considered a homicide, attorneys say
HAMPTON COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - Attorneys for the family of Stephen Smith said his death is now being investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division as a homicide.
Smith’s body was found along a rural Hampton County road more than seven years ago.
His mysterious death was initially ruled a hit-and-run, but the SLED reopened his case based on information gathered while investigating the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh.
Earlier this week, Sandy Smith, Stephen’s mother, said she will seek to have his body exhumed as part of an independent investigation as she seeks to find closure in her son’s death.
“SLED officials have revealed that they did not need to exhume Stephen Smith’s body to convince them that his death was a homicide. However, they will be present and participate in any exhumation of Stephen’s body to gather more evidence. We are committed to finding out what really happened, and getting the peace and justice the Smith family deserves” Eric Bland and Ronnie Richter said in a joint statement on Tuesday night.
SLED Chief Mark Keel called Bland to disclose the revelation.
Keel also said that the agency was waiting until the conclusion of the Murdaugh murder trial to make the announcement out of concern that it could influence potential witnesses.
More SLED resources will be devoted to Smith’s case moving forward, according to Bland.
This announcement was what Sandy Smith had said for years, and what her newly-attained attorneys said in a press conference on Monday.
They said they believed a “fresh set of eyes” would reveal the truth about what happened to Stephen.
“I just love my son, and since I couldn’t protect him, I’m going to fight for him,” Smith said.
WIS will keep you updated on developments as they become available.
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Copyright 2023 WIS. All rights reserved. | https://www.wistv.com/2023/03/22/stephen-smiths-death-now-being-considered-homicide-attorneys-say/ | 2023-03-22 01:25:37 | 0 | https://www.wistv.com/2023/03/22/stephen-smiths-death-now-being-considered-homicide-attorneys-say/ |
Comparing JBL soundbars
The technology in smart televisions has improved tremendously over the last five years, but they often lack one crucial element. The TV’s display might use the best organic light-emitting diode components, but the sound quality doesn’t match.
Unless you buy the largest television available, the chances are good that the built-in speakers can’t accurately produce the needed audio. This can leave you frustrated with your purchase, but there are ways to improve the sound quality. You could go the whole nine yards and install a home theater system, but that will probably cost more than your television. Or you can look into getting one of JBL’s five soundbars.
What is a soundbar?
Instead of having an expensive audio setup for your television, a soundbar is more cost-effective, portable, and delivers the same quality. It is a long, rectangular, external speaker you place in front of your television.
Depending on the model, it can produce sound through a 2.1 channel system or 360-degree surround sound.
The 2.1 channel setup is the more basic, as the soundbar has a left and a right channel speaker and a subwoofer for bass. More complex soundbars can simulate surround sound with technology such as Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, JBL Surround Sound and MultiBeam. Since the soundbar is the primary piece and often doesn’t have additional speakers, the Dolby technology imitates the experience you would get from going to a movie theater.
You might also see speaker systems using 3D surround, which is another term for projecting the audio to sound like it is coming from around you. While the main component is still the central bar, some packages include smaller satellite speakers to achieve this better.
Connecting a soundbar
Although most soundbars require a wall socket for power, some have a built-in battery, which is convenient for using them with different TVs. In most cases, the batteries can recharge through a power bank or be connected to a power source with a USB cable.
Adding to the soundbar’s portability, you can connect it to the TV through a single optical wire, HDMI cable or Bluetooth (if the TV supports it). Less common is connecting a mobile device to the soundbar through a 3.5-millimeter jack or a USB cable.
Best JBL soundbars
JBL BAR 9.1 True Wireless Surround With Dolby Atmos
For the best audio experience from a JBL soundbar, this bundle includes a 300-watt, 10-inch subwoofer, the main soundbar and two detachable wireless surround speakers powered through a rechargeable battery. The total output of the soundbar system is 820 watts, loud and clear enough for most living rooms. Connectivity is supplied through an optical cable, a Doby Vision 4K HDMI port and Wi-Fi. The bundle includes wall-mounting brackets and screws for all the speakers to make mounting easy. Sold by Amazon
Producing a total of 540 watts of power, this soundbar bundle consists of the main central bar, two detachable surround-sound speakers and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer. The entire system is wireless, powered through rechargeable batteries. The main soundbar has three HDMI-in ports and one HDMI-out port. Wireless connectivity is provided through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so you don’t necessarily need to connect it to a TV. In addition, the Bluetooth functionality is compatible with all mobile devices. Sold by Amazon
The Bar 5.0 is an easy solution if you are looking for better-quality sound. The single bar doesn’t have any smaller satellite speakers to worry about, and the Bluetooth connectivity is set up in seconds. This soundbar uses Dolby Atmos and JBL Multibeam Decoding to produce clear sounds and deep bass so you don’t need an additional subwoofer. It can also connect to 4K devices with Dolby Vision, simulating 3D surround sound. But you don’t have to use it with only a TV, as Bluetooth lets you connect it to mobile devices to stream audio. In addition, it integrates with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Sold by Amazon
JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass Soundbar With 6.5-Inch Wireless Subwoofer
As the name implies, this soundbar comes with a 6.5-inch subwoofer that connects to the main bar through Bluetooth. This makes it convenient to move the bar or the subwoofer around for the best audio. The system has a maximum power output of 300 watts and can connect to audio sources through an HDMI or optical audio cable. The main bar has volume and source control buttons on the top but doesn’t have a remote control. Sold by Amazon
This soundbar is incredibly easy to set up as it connects to your TV through a single optical cable, HDMI or Bluetooth. It has a total power output of 80 watts and comes with a minimalistic remote control. It doesn’t have any additional speakers, so it is easy to move it around or connect it to mobile devices. However, it doesn’t have a built-in battery, so it is not portable and must be connected to a wall socket. Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/which-jbl-soundbar-should-i-buy/ | 2022-05-06 18:15:16 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/reviews/which-jbl-soundbar-should-i-buy/ |
The Phillies are getting one step closer to hosting fans for a bright spring at Citizens Bank Park. Literally, it will be brighter thanks to a new scoreboard in left field.
On Friday, crews could be seen preparing to install the letters that make up the Phillies wordmark high up on the new massive "PhanaVision" scoreboard that fans can check out at home games in 2023 and beyond.
The new script logo for the revamped scoreboard should be installed over the next several days, a Phillies spokesperson said. It was being assembled in lot R and then would be lifted into place.
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The new scoreboard will be about 77% larger than the old one, reported the Philadelphia Business Journal last year.
$7 Tickets for Early Season Phillies Games
Fans wanting to get an early season look at the new scoreboard can do so for cheap. On Friday, the Phillies announced a St. Patrick's Day promotion with tickets for as little as $7 to several games in April and May.
Fans need to click on the Flash Sale link and then put "LUCK" into the offer code. The offer ends at on Sunday, March 19, at 11:59. p.m. Supplies are limited, the Phillies said.
As of midday Friday, $7 tickets were still available for April games against the Miami Marlins, Seattle Mariners and Colorado Rockies and May games against the Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/sports/phillies/phillies-scoreboard-letters/3525642/ | 2023-03-17 19:22:52 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/sports/phillies/phillies-scoreboard-letters/3525642/ |
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana is poised to become the latest state to enact laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community, after the Republican-controlled Legislature on Tuesday sent a package to the Democratic governor that includes a ban on gender-affirming care for minors.
The Legislature also overwhelming passed Louisiana’s version of a “Don’t Say Gay” bill and a measure outlining pronoun usage for students.
Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards opposes the legislation, but has not said whether he would veto the bills. Republicans hold a veto-proof majority in the Legislature, and the bills passed largely along party lines. Last year, Edwards chose not to block a Louisiana law banning transgender athletes from participating in women and girls sports competitions, saying it was clear a veto would be overridden.
Debate in the Legislature over the transgender care measure was marked by misinformation, religious arguments, hours of emotional testimony from the LGBTQ+ community, and a dramatic resurrection of a bill once presumed dead. It echoed what is happening in many statehouses across the country, as bills targeting the transgender community have topped conservative agendas. Louisiana’s measure would take effect Jan. 1.
This year alone, more than 525 anti-LGBTQ+ bill have been introduced in 41 states, according to data collected by the Human Rights Campaign. Among that legislation, more than 220 measures specifically target transgender youths, the organization found. On Tuesday, HRC declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S., releasing a guidebook containing resources to help people relocate to states with stronger LGBTQ+ protections.
Republicans maintain that they are trying to protect children by banning care that can include puberty blockers, hormone treatment and surgery. Opponents argue it would do the opposite, leading to heightened risks of stress, depression and suicidal thoughts among an already vulnerable group.
Gender-affirming care for transgender children has been available in the United States for more than a decade and is endorsed by major medical associations.
Yet at least 19 states have now enacted laws restricting or banning it for transgender minors: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, South Dakota and West Virginia. A federal judge temporarily blocked portions of Florida’s new law Tuesday in a ruling narrowly focused on three children whose parents sued.
Federal judges have blocked enforcement of laws in Alabama and Arkansas, and Oklahoma has agreed to not enforce its ban while opponents seek a temporary court order blocking it. Several other states are considering bills this year to restrict or ban care. A proposed ban is pending before Missouri’s governor.
Opponents of a Louisiana ban, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana, are urging Edwards to veto it.
“Our state should be a safe place to raise a child, and this law threatens to deny transgender youth the safety and dignity they deserve,” the organization said in a written statement Monday. “This extreme government overreach harms everyone in our state, especially transgender Louisianans, and we all deserve better.”
Another bill passed by the Legislature would broadly ban K-12 public school employees in Louisiana from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity in the classroom. It is similar to a law enacted in Florida last year that critics dubbed, “Don’t Say Gay.” So far, three other states — Alabama, Arkansas and Iowa — have enated similar similar “Don’t Say Gay” laws, according to HRC.
Additionally, Louisiana lawmakers passed legislation requiring public school teachers to use the pronouns and name that align with a student’s sex assigned at birth. Under the bill, a parent can give written consent for pronouns, not consistent with the student’s sex assigned at birth, to be used. However a teacher can override the parent’s request “if doing so would violate the employee’s sincerely held religious beliefs.”
Other statehouses across the U.S. are considering similar legislation, which would formally allow or require schools to deadname transgender students or could out them to their parents without consent. Deadnaming refers to using the name a transgender person used prior to transitioning. | https://fox59.com/news/national-world/ap-us-news/louisiana-lawmakers-approve-anti-lgbtq-bills-that-include-ban-on-trans-care-for-minors/ | 2023-06-07 04:09:35 | 1 | https://fox59.com/news/national-world/ap-us-news/louisiana-lawmakers-approve-anti-lgbtq-bills-that-include-ban-on-trans-care-for-minors/ |
The new David Geffen Hall in Lincoln Center opens this week, and while the travertine marble exterior of the hall remains the same, everything inside has changed, said Deborah Borda, president and CEO of the New York Philharmonic.
"It's not a renovation," she said, "it's a transformation. It's an entirely new hall. We stripped to the bones."
The New York Philharmonic left its home in the acoustically perfect Carnegie Hall for the Lincoln Center complex in 1962. But its new concert hall was ... acoustically imperfect. And too large.
"The hall was originally designed acoustically for the envelope to be for 2,200 people," said Borda. "When the hall opened, the boards of directors of both the Philharmonic and Lincoln Center decided they wanted to have it the same size as Carnegie Hall. So, they put in 2,800 seats when it was designed for 2,200 seats."
And that turned out to be the hall's Achilles' heel. Over the decades, as the name changed from Philharmonic Hall to Avery Fisher Hall to David Geffen Hall, various renovations tried and failed to fix the inherent problems. In recent years, the Philharmonic and Lincoln Center finally agreed to do a gut rehab, making the space more intimate by reducing seating capacity to the original 2,200.
When the pandemic hit, those plans accelerated. The $600 million project employed over 6,000 people, many of whom came from minority- and women-owned businesses.
But the goal wasn't just to make a beautiful concert hall, said Henry Timms, Lincoln Center's president and CEO.
"I think the great hope with this project is that more people feel more welcome at Lincoln Center," he said. "We have been so committed to the heights of performance, to that kind of ambition and that dedication, which makes the greatest art. We have not been as dedicated to how do we reach more people on their terms, not on ours. That's an important shift."
So, there are many outward facing aspects to the new Geffen Hall — people can watch concerts for free on both an enormous screen in the expanded lobby and outside a studio next to the street; there will be visual art on display; and some concerts will be pay-what-you-can.
The hall is like an instrument
But, of course, the centerpiece is the interior of the hall itself. In August and September, the Philharmonic played several "tune-up" sessions in the hall to get used to the new acoustics. Music director Jaap van Zweden said the orchestra immediately realized they didn't need to push to be heard.
"We need to be very careful that it is not too loud and that we don't need to create too much our own acoustic anymore," he says. "The hall gives us back. This is completely new for the orchestra."
Concertmaster Frank Huang agreed. "In the old David Geffen, I feel like especially for the strings, we had to really make sure we were singing small notes," he said. "Making sure they were ringing, that they had enough projection to get to the back of the hall."
Now, he said, they need to learn how to play softly and trust that the hall will take care of the sound.
"There's an analogy that I think explains it very well," said the Philharmonic's Borda, "which is the hall is like an instrument, and the New York Philharmonic is learning to play its new instrument."
Paul Scarbrough, the lead acoustician, was on hand for the tuneup sessions to make any changes needed to improve the sound.
"We sat onstage as well as in the hall," he said, "and then we would get feedback from Jaap and from the musicians that would help us to begin to make some subtle adjustments to the attitude of the various canopy panels over the stage, some tuning elements that are hidden in the doors on either side of the stage, and some other elements that are hidden around the stage. They're available to us to kind of fine-tune the sound quality on the stage."
Music director van Zweden said he was impressed with the tuning process. At one rehearsal, "they changed one panel and it changed completely the orchestra sound," he marveled. "So that was an important moment."
Scarbrough said that where the old Geffen Hall sometimes sounded muddy, the new hall offers much more clarity. "What we're hearing is the timbres of the different instruments are very true, very pure," he said. "A clarinet really sounds like a rich clarinet. The double basses have a wonderful warmth to them."
The warmth of honey-colored wood — and psychology
There is a warmth to the new hall itself. The interior is made up of honey-colored wood — the side panels on the walls are milled to look like sound waves — and the seats are a colorful pattern that invokes blossom petals. "It's meant to be a joyous space," says Borda.
But most important, the seats are 30% closer to the stage and they envelop the orchestra — there are even seats behind it, said principal architect Gary McCluskie.
"Performance is experienced by audience members in the round, in a surround, where we and the artists who are making the music are in one room together," McCluskie said. "And that sense of connection between the audience and the musicians, I think is really important."
McCluskie said the space was designed to create psycho-acoustics. "It's got something to do with your mind and how you perceive sound being made," he said. The warm wood colors and the intimacy "somehow architecturally helps set up the emotional experience of music."
The stage itself is flexible. Twenty elevators allow sections to move up and down and create various risers for the orchestra. Now, the audience can see the brass and wind players in the back, as well as the string players in the front.
But also, it's good for the musicians. "Practicality-wise, it's nice to be able to see the conductor and not have to dodge other musicians' heads in between," said Alison Fierst, associate principal flute. "But also, acoustic-wise, it's so much easier to hear, like, the principal row of players in the strings. Just to be able to see very clearly and lock in. It's just so much easier. It's a dream."
For the Philharmonic's Borda, seeing David Geffen Hall go from architectural renderings to a working venue is a dream fulfilled. "It's more than I hoped for, honestly," she said. "I think sometimes we dare to hope too much. We'll let people come in and judge for themselves. But I'm pretty thrilled."
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.iowapublicradio.org/news-from-npr/2022-10-07/stripped-to-the-bones-why-a-new-nyc-concert-hall-sounds-so-much-better | 2022-10-07 09:21:40 | 1 | https://www.iowapublicradio.org/news-from-npr/2022-10-07/stripped-to-the-bones-why-a-new-nyc-concert-hall-sounds-so-much-better |
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TORONTO (AP) — Yusei Kikuchi allowed one hit over six shutout innings to beat his former team, Bo Bichette and Matt Chapman backed the left-hander with home runs and the Toronto Blue Jays topped the Seattle Mariners 6-2 on Monday night.
Bichette went 3 for 5 with two RBIs and scored twice as the Blue Jays returned home from a 2-7 trip.
Raimel Tapia hit an RBI single in the sixth and pinch-hitter Alejandro Kirk added a two-run single in the seventh as the Blue Jays scored more than five runs for the first time since May 7 at Cleveland. Toronto mustered seven runs over three games at Tampa Bay this past weekend.
“It was good to see our offense score that many runs today,” manager Charlie Montoyo said. “The timely hitting was big.”
The Mariners have not won back-to-back games since victories over Kansas City on April 24 and Tampa Bay on April 26. Seattle is 7-13 on the road.
Kikuchi (2-1) walked three and struck out six to win for the second time in three starts.
“The biggest thing was establishing the fastball and really commanding that pitch in the zone,” he said through a translator.
Kikuchi didn’t pitch past the fifth in any of his first four appearances with Toronto but has worked into the sixth in each of his last three outings. He’s 2-0 with a 1.56 ERA during that span, striking out 20 in 17 1/3 innings.
“He looks awesome,” Bichette said. “He’s one of the nastier lefties that I’ve faced. To see him being aggressive, going after hitters, I think that’s huge for him.”
Seattle didn’t get a hit until Jesse Winker grounded a double down the first-base line to begin the fifth. Luis Torrens drew a one-out walk, but Kikuchi struck out Steven Souza Jr. and got Dylan Moore to fly out.
Kikuchi went 15-24 with a 4.97 ERA in 70 starts for the Mariners over the previous three seasons before signing with Toronto in March.
“He did a really good job commanding the fastball and mixing it with the slider,” Seattle's Eugenio Suárez said.
Suárez hit a solo home run for the Mariners, the 200th of his career, off Trevor Richards in the seventh. Richards left after walking Torrens and pinch-hitter Mike Ford, and pinch-hitter Adam Frazier loaded the bases with a single off Yimi Garcia. Toronto escaped when Garcia got Abraham Toro to fly out and retired Ty France on a grounder.
“That was really the only big pressure we had,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said.
Adam Cimber got two outs with two runners on for his fourth major league save and second this season.
Bichette homered in the first, his fourth, and Chapman added a two-out drive in the second, his sixth. Both came off right-hander Chris Flexen (1-6), who lost his fourth straight decision.
“Obviously, he made a couple of mistakes on the home run balls,” Servais said. “Other than that, I thought he threw the ball really well. We didn’t do anything offensively for him.”
Flexen allowed three runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out a season-high seven.
RAY ABSENT
Mariners LHP Robbie Ray, who won the 2021 AL Cy Young Award with Toronto, didn’t make the trip to Canada with his teammates after pitching six innings Sunday against the Mets. Servais said Ray will rejoin the team Thursday in Boston. To enter the country, the Canadian government requires a person to have received a second COVID-19 vaccine dose — or one dose of Johnson & Johnson — at least 14 days before entry.
ROSTER MOVES
Mariners: Placed reliever Drew Steckenrider on the restricted list and selected LHP Roenis Elías from Triple-A Tacoma.
Blue Jays: Reinstated INF Cavan Biggio from the COVID-19 injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Buffalo. … Pittsburgh claimed C Tyler Heineman on waivers. Toronto sent Heineman to Triple-A last week.
TRAINER’S ROOM
The Blue Jays put LHP Tim Mayza (forearm) on the 10-day injured list and recalled LHP Andrew Vasquez from Triple-A.
RAMIREZ TRADED
Seattle traded RHP Yohan Ramirez to Cleveland for cash. The 27-year-old Ramirez went 1-0 with a 7.56 ERA before he was designated for assignment May 13.
OPEN SEASON
The retractable roof at Rogers Centre was open for the first time this season. Temperature at first pitch was 63 degrees.
SHORT-STAFFED
Second base umpire Jeremie Rehak was not part of the crew, leaving three umpires working the game. Third base ump Ryan Wills covered second when necessary.
UP NEXT
Mariners RHP Logan Gilbert (4-1, 2.13 ERA) starts Tuesday against Blue Jays RHP José Berríos (2-2, 5.82). Gilbert has a 4.60 ERA in three May starts after allowing one earned run in four April outings. Berríos has permitted five earned runs or more in back-to-back starts, both losses.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Kikuchi-beats-former-team-Blue-Jays-top-Mariners-17177662.php | 2022-05-17 04:26:38 | 0 | https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Kikuchi-beats-former-team-Blue-Jays-top-Mariners-17177662.php |
NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of Veru Inc. (NASDAQ: VERU) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws.
This lawsuit is on behalf of all investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Veru Inc. common stock between May 11, 2022 and November 9, 2022, inclusive.
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: February 6, 2023
No obligation or cost to you.
Learn more about your recoverable losses in VERU:
https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/veru-class-action-loss-submission-form?id=35637&from=4
Veru Inc. NEWS - VERU NEWS
CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that Veru Inc. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: 1) the Company had withheld material adverse facts about the data from the sabizabulin Phase 3 trial and the Company's interactions with the United States Food and Drug Administration; 2) defendants misled Veru's shareholders to believe that the data from the sabizabulin Phase 3 trial was sufficient to support Emergency Use Authorization ("EUA") and even the submission of a New Drug Application without any further studies; and 3) the Company's filings concealed the true risks faced by Veru in gaining approval for its EUA request.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in Veru you have until February 6, 2023 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased Veru securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the VERU lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/veru-class-action-loss-submission-form?id=35637&from=4.
J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
J. Klein, Esq.
535 Fifth Avenue
4th Floor
New York City, NY 10017
jk@kleinstocklaw.com
Telephone: (212) 616-4899
www.kleinstocklaw.com
View original content:
SOURCE The Klein Law Firm | https://www.kalb.com/prnewswire/2023/01/17/veru-alert-klein-law-firm-announces-lead-plaintiff-deadline-february-6-2023-class-action-filed-behalf-veru-inc-shareholders/ | 2023-01-17 11:43:16 | 1 | https://www.kalb.com/prnewswire/2023/01/17/veru-alert-klein-law-firm-announces-lead-plaintiff-deadline-february-6-2023-class-action-filed-behalf-veru-inc-shareholders/ |
TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Air conditioning is a necessity during the Arizona heat and summer. But when Judith Mires was released from the hospital, she came back home to a broken air conditioner.
Mires says, “this place is like it is now, really hot and I can't take the heat and I couldn’t get it to cool down.”
So her daughter called Intelligent Design in the middle of the night and they sent some temporary relief.
Owner Andrew Dobbins took on this call firsthand.
Dobbins says, “I came out first thing the next morning to see what was going on. The diagnosis for everything was so many repairs that we recommended not to throw good money after bad.”
But Judith wasn’t expecting this news both mentally and financially.
Mires says, “I didn’t have any money for a new air conditioner or a cosigner or anything like that, I didn’t know what I was going to do.”
So Dobbins did the unexpected. “We just made the decision, “hey we’re going to get this one taken care of,”” says Dobbins.
Mires was left emotional, saying, “after he left, I was crying because after he told me no charge to me.”
Dobbins and his Intelligent Design team followed through with their promise and installed a brand-new ac unit for Mires.
Mires says, “I started praying and I told him thank you for sending me an angel. Andrew definitely is an angel.”
——-
Heidi Alagha is an anchor and reporter for KGUN 9. Heidi spent 5 years as the morning anchor in Waco where she was named the best anchor team by the Texas Associated Press. Share your story ideas and important issues with Heidi by emailing heidi.alagha@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. | https://www.kgun9.com/spiritofsoaz/air-conditioner-company-steps-up-to-help-woman-in-need | 2022-06-28 15:03:01 | 0 | https://www.kgun9.com/spiritofsoaz/air-conditioner-company-steps-up-to-help-woman-in-need |
Gas prices decrease for month straight, drop 6 cents since last week
Gas prices are down again — 6 cents since a week ago — in Michigan, continuing a month-long downward trend, according to AAA.
The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.51,11 cents lessthan this time last month. Motorists are paying an average of $52 for a full 15-gallon tank of gasoline.
"While it’s still too early to know exactly what drivers will pay at the pump this Independence Day, it’s likely to be well below what drivers paid during last year’s holiday period. So far this summer, gas prices have been somewhat erratic, but the state average has remained below $3.65 per gallon, thanks to the lower cost of oil," said Adrienne Woodland, AAA's spokesperson, in a release Monday morning.
According to the auto group, Michigan's average was $4.94 per gallon on July 4th, 2022.
"Michigan motorists are seeing lower gas prices ahead of what is expected to be a record-breaking number of travelers this Independence Day," Woodland said in the release. "Pump prices will likely face upward pressure as demand increases heading into the holiday weekend."
Metro Detroit’s current average is $3.60 per gallon, or 9 cents above the state's average, but Detroiters can still find prices closer to $3 a gallon, according to GasBuddy.
According to GasBuddy, a Shell station on Livernois Avenue in Detroit has gas for $2.90; a BP station on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn has a pump price of $3.17; and a Sunoco on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn has regular unleaded gas for $3.19.
AAA report the most expensive gas price averages in Marquette ($3.60), Metro Detroit ($3.60) and Ann Arbor ($3.57). The least expensive gas price averages: Flint ($3.41), Saginaw ($3.42) and Grand Rapids ($3.42). | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/26/gas-prices-decrease-for-month-straight-drop-6-cents-since-last-week/70356493007/ | 2023-06-26 17:04:31 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/26/gas-prices-decrease-for-month-straight-drop-6-cents-since-last-week/70356493007/ |
By DAVE COLLINS and JENNIFER PELTZ
Associated Press
BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — Two police officers who were shot dead in Connecticut had apparently been drawn into an ambush by an emergency call about possible domestic violence, authorities said Thursday. A third officer was wounded in the gunfire.
State police said in a release that the 911 call Wednesday night about a dispute between two siblings appears to have been “a deliberate act to lure law enforcement to the scene” in Bristol.
Bristol Police Sgt. Dustin Demonte and Officer Alex Hamzy were killed. Officer Alec Iurato was injured.
Police said the suspect, Nicholas Brutcher, 35, was shot dead, and his brother Nathan Brutcher was wounded. The surviving brother, 32, was hospitalized, and it wasn’t immediately clear whether he or his family have an attorney or someone else who can speak for them.
Neighbor Danny Rodriguez said he was outside his home across the street when the gunfire rang out.
“I heard a whole war going on behind me,” he said. “It was so loud and crazy.”
At one point, he said, a woman screamed, “You … killed them!”
The deadly encounter came during a week when at least 11 police officers have been shot around the country.
Nationwide, 54 officers have died by gunfire on the job so far this year, compared to 62 throughout 2021, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page, a nonprofit organization that tracks U.S. police officer deaths. (This year’s overall number is far behind last year’s pace, largely due to declining deaths from COVID-19.)
Connecticut state police said they were still working to answer many questions that remained about the confrontation. No video of it has emerged publicly.
State Police Sgt. Christine Jeltema said that when officers answered the call at roughly 10:30 p.m., they encountered someone outside the house, and shots were fired.
Neighbors said they heard two or three sets of gunshots, about 30 in all.
Schalitda Strong, who lives diagonally across the street from the shooting, said she ducked into her room “because it sounded so close.” Strong said she called 911, but police were already on their way.
Police haven’t yet said who opened fire, who fired the fatal shots, or how many guns were fired in all.
“They thought they were going somewhere to give help, and their lives were needlessly taken, and another seriously injured,” Bristol Police Chief Brian Gould said at a vigil Thursday evening. Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz joined the crowd that packed a local high school auditorium to pay respects.
Demonte, 35, was a 10-year veteran officer and co-recipient of his department’s 2019 Officer of the Year award.
He was “very focused on his career and furthering his career and education,” the chief said. Demonte, who earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology, had worked as a school resource officer. He and his wife were expecting their third child, Gould said.
Philip Demonte Jr. called his brother “an all-around good guy” with a great sense of humor.
“No one had anything bad to say” about him, his brother said. “Terrible loss, someone who died for no reason.”
Hamzy, 34, had gotten many letters of commendation during his eight years on his hometown police force, the chief said. Like Demonte, Hamzy was an advisor to a police cadet program.
“The outpouring of love, support and prayers from so many is deeply appreciated,” Hamzy’s family said in a statement.
Scores of officers lined a street and followed a vehicle carrying Hamzy’s body from the shooting scene late Thursday morning. Demonte died at a hospital.
Iurato, 26, joined the Bristol department in 2018 and has a bachelor’s degree in government, law and national security, the chief said. Iurato was released from a hospital Thursday morning.
Bristol, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) southwest of the state capital of Hartford, is home to about 60,000 people and to the sports network ESPN.
The governor called the shooting “a senseless tragedy,” ordering flags to be lowered to half-staff in the officers’ honor.
It followed shootings of police officers this week in Greenville, Mississippi; Decatur, Illinois; Philadelphia,Las Vegas and central Florida. Two of those officers, one in Greenville and one Las Vegas, were killed. And in North Carolina on Thursday evening, a police officer was among five people killed in a shooting in a residential area.
The last fatal shooting of a Connecticut officer was in 1918, when Preston Constable William Kinney was gunned down while serving an eviction notice, according to the Connecticut Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation.
___
This story has been updated to correct the spelling of the name of the wounded officer. His name is Alec Iurato, not Alex Iarato. This story also corrects the date of the last fatal shooting of a Connecticut officer, which occurred in 1918, not 2018.
___
Peltz reported from New York. Associated Press writers Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut, and Karen Matthews in New York contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/10/13/police-officers-may-have-been-lured-into-deadly-ambush-3/ | 2022-10-14 07:29:54 | 0 | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/10/13/police-officers-may-have-been-lured-into-deadly-ambush-3/ |
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lone Star Beer has partnered up with Duck Camp to kick off hunting season with limited edition packaging in Duck Camp camo, a capsule merch collection and a tailgate event series at select Duck Camp retail locations.
Inspired by the nostalgia of the post hunt hangs, the brands leaned into an 80's themed "time capsule" campaign: Lone Star Beer in Duck Camp Camo - So Doves Don't Try To Drink Your Beer While You're Hunting Them. The campaign, in partnership with creative agency Easy Pete's, follows an unsuspecting dove hunter, Braxton, and his friends as they frolic through the brush with their Duck Camp camo laced Lone Star packaging.
"As two brands rooted in camaraderie, we really wanted to lean into the nostalgia that the return of the season brings - memories of post-hunt hangs with friends and family," said Duck Camp Vice President of Marketing Grant Watson.
The co-branded merch collection includes 80's Texas Outdoors inspired hats, t-shirts and custom beer koozies so the Lone Star is cold and accessible after the hunt. The limited merchandise is available starting Thursday, September 1 at DuckCamp.com and LoneStarBeer.com. To sign-up for alerts about merchandise availability, click HERE.
Merchandise will also be available at "Popperville" events, a tailgating event series taking place at Duck Camp's retail locations in Austin and Houston on Saturday, September 3. The Austin event starts at 3:00 p.m. and will feature live music from Jonathan Terrell supported by Raccoon Brothers and The Shinglers, with free BBQ provided by Robert Alvarado. The Houston event starts at 2:00 p.m. and will feature live music from Chris Seymore and Friends and complimentary bites and tapas from Patrick Feges.
"Being the National Beer of Texas, we love working with brands that fit our consumer's lifestyle, that are rooted locally, and share our love for the land of Texas," said Lone Star Beer Brand Director Daniel Crawford. "After an exciting year of using their Midland Camo on our packaging during hunting season, we wanted to go bigger this year with a campaign rooted in the lore of 80's Texas Outdoors."
The Lone Star x Duck Camp camo 12-packs can be found in stores all over Texas where beer is sold until they sell out.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Lone Star Brewing | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/30/duck-camp-amp-lone-star-beer-celebrate-fall-season-with-80s-themed-collaboration-amp-campaign/ | 2022-08-30 17:23:48 | 1 | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/30/duck-camp-amp-lone-star-beer-celebrate-fall-season-with-80s-themed-collaboration-amp-campaign/ |
By HOLLY MEYER (Associated Press)
In 1992, Sinéad O’Connor destroyed a photo of Pope John Paul II on U.S. national television. The pushback was swift, turning the late Irish singer-songwriter’s protest of sex abuse in the Catholic Church into a career-altering flashpoint.
More than 30 years later, her “Saturday Night Live” performance and its stark collision of popular culture and religious statement is remembered by some as an offensive act of desecration. But for others — including survivors of clergy sex abuse — O’Connor’s protest was prophetic, forecasting the global denomination’s public reckoning that was, at that point, yet to come. O’Connor, 56, died Wednesday.
The SNL moment stunned David Clohessy, a key early member of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. In his 30s at the time, he had only recently recalled the repressed memories of the abuse he suffered. He found O’Connor’s act deeply moving. It was something he and other survivors never thought possible.
That night O’Connor, head shaved and looking straight into the camera, stood alone singing Bob Marley’s song “War” a capella. She finished the final lines, “We know we will win/ We have confidence in the victory/of good over evil,” and then moved an off-screen photo of Pope John Paul II in front of the camera.
Then O’Connor ripped it to pieces. She called out, “Fight the real enemy,” before she threw the scraps to the ground. Clohessy remembers it well.
“We were all just deeply convinced that we would go to our graves without ever seeing any public acknowledgment of the horror and without any kind of validation whatsoever,” Clohessy said. “That’s what made her words so very powerful.”
Reaction at the time was fierce from many corners. Later that month she was booed at an all-star tribute to Bob Dylan at Madison Square Garden. One group destroyed more than 200 of her albums, cassettes and CDs with a steamroller lumbering down New York’s Sixth Avenue.
The SNL performance also appalled Thomas Plante, a Catholic psychology professor at California’s Santa Clara University, and his wife who is Jewish. Plante was well aware of the issue since he was researching, evaluating and treating clerical sex offenders at the time.
“It is understandable that people would want to make strong statements about their issues with the Catholic Church, but tearing up a picture of the Pope on live TV was way over the top,” Plante said in an email. “Many people feel free to ‘throw the baby out with the bathwater’ when it comes to criticism of the Catholic Church.”
He also noted the prevalence of anti-Catholic hate, especially following the Boston Globe’s 2002 report revealing widespread abuse and cover-up by the church. Plante said the clergy abuse crisis was horrible, but people often fail to recognize that it is a problem of the 20th century and earlier — cases are extremely rare in this century, he said.
“Much progress has been made and current policies and procedures are actually working,” he said.
The quarter-century legacy of John Paul II — then pope, now a saint — has been badly tarnished by evidence he turned a blind eye to abuse even when the Vatican had copiously well-documented cases and even when bishops in the U.S., facing mounting legal liability, begged the Vatican for fast-track ways to defrock abusers in the 1980s.
Vatican officials have long excused John Paul’s attitude by arguing that he had seen first-hand how priests in his native Poland were intentionally discredited with false accusations by Communist authorities, and thus believed any accusations against clerics were mere “calumnies” intended to harm the church.
O’Connor was found unresponsive Wednesday at her home in southeast London. Saddened by her passing, Brenna Moore, a theology professor at Fordham University in New York and a big fan of O’Connor, described her as “a kind of prophetic truth-teller.”
Society, especially in the English-speaking world, is used to men taking on this role, Moore said, but when a woman does it, she’s accused of being crazy and angry. Moore, referencing O’Connor’s memoir, said the singer was more than a rebel with a shaved head.
“She sort of stands in a long line of artists and poets who have a kind of rebellious punk ability to speak truth to power in a very performative way,” Moore said. “She was a profoundly spiritual person, a profound seeker of transcendence and the truth.”
Jamie Manson, president of Catholics for Choice, was a teen living on Long Island with her traditional Catholic Italian family in 1992; she recalled just how horrified they were by O’Connor’s protest. But for Manson, who was feeling a call to the priesthood at the time, looked at it more with curiosity.
Manson called O’Connor a visionary, especially given that neither the Irish or U.S. Catholic hierarchy had yet publicly reckoned with the pervasiveness of clergy sex abuse.
“Not many people that we would call prophetic are willing to risk everything, and she was. … And she lost almost everything as a result,” Manson said. “It is very, very scary to challenge the church in a very public way. And it takes enormous bravery and a willingness to be able to let go of everything.”
Clohessy also depicted the 1992 protest as courageous: “I think young people can’t know — and older people to some extent have forgotten — just how extraordinarily powerful the Catholic hierarchy was in those days.”
Invoking the famous Martin Luther King Jr. quote, Clohessy said that “the moral arc of the universe bends toward justice. She’s proof of that. And it bends so slowly — and it bends backwards along the way.”
Attorney Jeff Anderson, who has represented victims of Catholic clergy sex abuse in numerous cases across the U.S., connected with O’Connor around the time of her SNL appearance. In a statement, Anderson called her wise and ahead of her time.
“Sinéad saw predator priests not as a ‘couple bad apples’ but as signs and proof of a deeply corrupt and almost untouchable clerical system,” Anderson said. “It took tremendous courage for her to be one of those early, lonely voices for the voiceless.”
Michael McDonnell, interim executive director of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said O’Connor “wore the anguish of victims of clergy abuse and it seems as though she knew in 1992 the horrors that hadn’t yet been revealed.
“Ultimately,” he said, “she relieved the pain for tens of thousands of victims with rebellion.”
___
Associated Press correspondent Nicole Winfield contributed from Rome. AP religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Follow AP’s Holly Meyer at http://twitter.com/HollyAMeyer | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/07/27/for-clergy-abuse-survivors-sinead-oconnors-protest-that-offended-so-many-was-brave-and-prophetic/ | 2023-07-27 23:57:38 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/07/27/for-clergy-abuse-survivors-sinead-oconnors-protest-that-offended-so-many-was-brave-and-prophetic/ |
Golden Alert issued for missing Madison County man
RICHMOND, Ky. (WTVQ) — A Golden Alert was issued Friday morning by Kentucky State Police for a missing Madison County man.
According to KSP, Gerald Williams, of Richmond, has an intellectual disability and was last seen in the area of Pleasure Drive in Madison County before 6:30 p.m. Thursday. It’s believed Williams left the area on foot.
He’s described as 5’4″ and 160 pounds with gray hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark green zip-up jacket and Texas Roadhouse hat.
Anyone with information is asked to call 859-623-2404 or 1-800-222-5555. | https://www.wtvq.com/golden-alert-issued-for-missing-madison-county-man/ | 2023-02-10 15:56:53 | 1 | https://www.wtvq.com/golden-alert-issued-for-missing-madison-county-man/ |
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