text string | url string | crawl_date string | label int64 | id string |
|---|---|---|---|---|
WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) — For a decade, the parents and siblings of people killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting have been tormented and harassed by people who believe the mass shooting was a hoax.
How do you put a price tag on their suffering?
That’s part of the task faced by a Connecticut jury that has been asked to decide how much Infowars host Alex Jones and his company should pay for spreading a conspiracy theory that the massacre never happened.
The six jurors deliberated for less than an hour Thursday before breaking for the evening. Their work was set to resume Friday.
Jones now acknowledges his conspiracy theories about the shooting were wrong, but says he isn’t to blame for the actions of people who harassed the families. His lawyers also say the 15 plaintiffs have exaggerated stories about being subjected to threats and abuse.
Here are some questions and answers about the deliberations.
COULD THE JURY DECIDE THAT WHAT JONES DID IS PROTECTED BY THE FIRST AMENDMENT?
No. A judge has already ruled that Jones is liable for defamation, infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy and violating Connecticut’s unfair trade practices law. The jury’s job is to decide how much he owes for harming the people who sued him over his lies.
HOW MUCH COULD JONES PAY?
Jones, who lives in Austin, Texas, could be ordered to pay as little as $1 to each plaintiff or potentially hundreds of millions of dollars to them. The decision will be based on whether the jury determines the harm to the families was minimal or extensive.
Christopher Mattei, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said the jury should award the plaintiffs at least $550 million. Jones’ lawyer, Norm Pattis, says any damages awarded should be minimal.
HOW DOES THE JURY COME UP WITH THE DOLLAR FIGURES?
In her instructions to the jury, Judge Barbara Bellis said there are no mathematical formulas for determining dollar amounts. Jurors, she said, should use their life experiences and common sense to award damages that are “fair, just and reasonable.”
The jury, however, heard evidence and testimony that Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems, made millions of dollars from selling nutritional supplements, survival gear and other items. A company representative testified it has made at least $100 million in the past decade.
WHAT KIND OF DAMAGES ARE THE JURY CONSIDERING?
Jurors could award both compensatory and punitive damages.
Compensatory damages are often meant to reimburse people for actual costs such as medical bills and income loss, but they also include compensation for emotional distress than can reach into the millions of dollars.
Punitive damages are meant to punish a person for their conduct. If the jury decides Jones should pay punitive damages, the judge would determine the amount.
DOES CONNECTICUT CAP DAMAGES?
No, and yes. The state does not limit compensatory damages, while punitive damages are limited in many cases to attorney’s fees and costs. So if the jury says Jones should pay punitive damages, he would potentially have to shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Sandy Hook families’ lawyers’ costs.
IS THIS THE FIRST TIME JONES HAS FACED A VERDICT LIKE THIS?
No. At a similar trial in Texas in August, a jury ordered Jones to pay nearly $50 million to the parents of one of the children killed in the school shooting for pushing the hoax lie on his Infowars show.
But legal experts say Jones probably won’t pay the full amount. In most civil cases, Texas law limits how much defendants have to pay in “exemplary,” or punitive, damages to twice the “economic damages” plus up to $750,000. But jurors are not told about this cap. Eye-popping verdicts are often hacked down by judges.
A third trial in Texas involving the parents of another child slain at Sandy Hook is expected to begin near the end of the year. | https://www.wivb.com/news/u-s-headlines/ap-explainer-jurors-weigh-cost-of-alex-jones-sandy-hook-lies/ | 2022-10-07 12:20:04 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/u-s-headlines/ap-explainer-jurors-weigh-cost-of-alex-jones-sandy-hook-lies/ |
Some Uber and Lyft drivers are finding that renting or buying a Tesla, the luxury electric car, is a more profitable option now amid soaring gas prices that have upended the economics of gig work.
Last summer, Heidi Barnes, 34, thought about upgrading her beloved 2009 Toyota Camry, which she nicknamed “The Beast,” for a sleek Tesla Model 3 sedan. The Lancaster, California-based driver never imagined that the high-end vehicle would become less of a splurge and more like a last resort until the average price for a gallon of gas in the U.S. surpassed $4 for the first time in March.
Almost overnight, a full tank went from costing Barnes roughly $60 to a day to more than $100, making it harder to make a decent profit from ferrying passengers around Los Angeles County. “It was a huge push to get in a Tesla sooner rather than later,” Barnes said.
Barnes opted to rent a standard Tesla Model 3 for a month through Hertz, which has a deal with Uber offering drivers a weekly rate of $344 that includes insurance, basic maintenance and unlimited miles.
Even after accounting for the cost to charge the car, Barnes was paying roughly $450 a week for “the car of her dreams,” less than the nearly $600 required to fuel her Camry. In her first week, Barnes’ earnings covered the cost of the rental for the month.
Her new ride is also a hit with passengers. “They’re a lot more generous,” Barnes said. “Usually I’m lucky to get $1 to $3 tips but it’s now $10 or $15, sometimes consecutively.” In total, she netted over $2,600 during her 25-day rental, more than double the $800 to $1,000 she typically made from driving the “Beast,” according to screenshots of earnings she provided to Bloomberg.
This month, the national average for a gallon of gas topped $5, an all-time high since the AAA began collecting pricing data in 2000. As prices continue to climb, the difference between gasoline-powered cars versus electric is only becoming more stark.
For drivers who have seen their take-home pay whittled down, the switch isn’t just skimming a few dollars from expenses, it’s a lucrative earnings opportunity. According to Gridwise, an app that helps gig workers manage their trips, the number of ride-share and delivery drivers who opted to hop behind the wheel of a Tesla jumped 186% in May compared with last June.
The Tesla trend also comes at a time when Uber and Lyft are on the hook to show progress toward achieving their goal of switching entirely to EVs in Europe and North America by 2030.
Uber offers an additional $1 per ride to drivers who switch to an EV — which can earn them up to $4,000 a year under the company’s Green Future program. Last month the San Francisco-based company revamped its driver app with an “EV hub” that features a charging map and made rides in EVs a premium option for passengers. Lyft, meanwhile, offers no financial incentives for drivers to switch to EVs.
Since launching its partnership with Hertz in November, Uber has seen more than 15,000 drivers rent a Tesla. “Participation has been really compelling,” Adam Gromis, Uber’s public policy manager for sustainability, said in an interview. “Drivers are smart and they know how to maximize their take-home pay.”
Uber has about 1 million Uber drivers in the U.S., according to The Rideshare Guy, a website dedicated to the ride-share industry. At Lyft, growth of electric vehicles on the platform is at record levels, a spokesman said, and there has been a 27% increase in EV use since the first quarter. While Teslas are the dominant EV used by Lyft drivers, the company is also seeing significant growth from other manufacturers, particularly Kia, he said.
But reaching those EV goals in the U.S. in less than a decade won’t be easy. In 2021, fewer than 1% of ride-hailing vehicles in the country were electric, according to clean-energy research firm BloombergNEF. Uber is doing better in Europe, where government incentives also help spur the switch to EVs.
One big reason behind the reticence is that the cost of a battery-powered car is still too high relative to a driver’s wages. On average, an electric car now costs $61,000. Another hurdle is the availability of charging stations. Barnes mostly drives in Los Angeles, where Tesla superchargers are plentiful, but often crowded.
Without a wait, the process takes about 45 minutes, but when every dock is taken, it can become a much longer ordeal, Barnes said. “In this job, every minute you’re not on the road picking up a passenger is money you’re leaving on the table.”
Renting is a low-risk option for Uber and Lyft drivers like Barnes who can’t afford to purchase one outright, especially after Tesla raised prices by as much as $6,000 per car.
But for other drivers like Luis Martinez, 34, taking out a hefty loan is a risk worth taking instead of waiting for gas prices to come down. Like Barnes, Martinez first started looking to replace his 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid with an electric car at the beginning of March when gas prices spiked.
He had his eyes set on a new Hyundai Ioniq 5, which, listed at roughly $47,000, was in his price range. But at dealerships, the car was going for as much as $62,000, well above the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and the resale market was even worse, Martinez said.
That’s when he settled on the Tesla Model 3 Long Range. “I was throwing $800 at gas every month and I realized instead I could put that money toward a car I could actually own,” he said. With a $58,000 price tag, Martinez took out a loan. In one week, his $900 car payment is covered and he pockets about $1,000 more in take-home pay.
Persistently high gas prices and resurgent demand for ride-hailing has created the ideal conditions for a Tesla — a car considered affordable mostly only for well-off buyers — to be within reach for Uber and Lyft drivers. But the math only makes sense if demand for rides remains elevated.
In May, average transactions per customer at both Uber and Lyft increased 15% compared with last year, according to Bloomberg Second Measure, and the summer travel season typically benefits ride-hailing.
Still, Martinez, who drives in Ventura, California, is acutely aware of the trade-off. “I’ve never taken a loan for that much before and it’s very scary. I’m more stressed because I know I have to drive a minimum to cover the car and doubt creeps in.” he said.
Still, when he pulled the trigger on buying his Tesla, gas had just crossed $5 a gallon. Today, it’s north of $6, according to AAA. “There’s a lot of anxiety but, for me, the math makes sense.” | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/uber-lyft-drivers-switch-to-teslas-as-high-gas-prices-squeeze-profit/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_business | 2022-07-05 13:41:04 | 0 | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/uber-lyft-drivers-switch-to-teslas-as-high-gas-prices-squeeze-profit/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_business |
First, however, let us turn to Merriam-Webster for clarification of a point recently made in this space that left a few of you vexed. It came in a passage that noted the right wing’s attempted takeover of state voting apparatuses and contended that because of it, 2024 could be the last meaningful election we ever have. “Fascism is on our doorstep,” it said. It seemed a self-evident truth, but it didn’t sit well with some on the right.
“You have become more hysterical and hyperbolic,” said “Jack.”
“A great example of why Dems aren’t taken seriously any more,” said “Eric.”
“[Fascism] would be the mask and vaccine mandates,” said “James.”
Hence, the recourse to Merriam-Webster, where we learn that fascism is, in fact, “a political philosophy, movement, or regime … that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader … and forcible suppression of opposition.”
So let’s parse that, shall we? Who do we know who exalts nation (”I am a nationalist, OK?”) and race (”I want [President Obama] to show his birth certificate.”)? Who can we think of who admires centralized, autocratic government (”[Kim Jong Un] is the head of a country, and I mean, he is the strong head. He speaks, and his people sit up at attention. I want my people to do the same.”) What recent president so believes in forcible suppression of the opposition that protesters in Washington were gassed and beaten so he could walk through Lafayette Square, while those in Portland, Oregon, were dumped into unmarked vans for unstated reasons by unidentified federal agents?
The answer, of course, is Donald Trump, to whom much of the right swears fealty above the Constitution itself. Twenty months after Joe Biden won the presidency in an election that was not close, most of them still insist he did not. As noted previously, a number of those election deniers are seeking — or already hold — offices allowing them to oversee voting in battleground states. And Jonathan Swan of Axios recently reported that supporters of the disgraced former president are planning to fire thousands of career civil servants from government posts and replace them with loyalists should he ooze his way back into office.
Friends, these are structures of fascism. The word describes not “mask mandates,” but strongman rule — think Putin, Kim or Castro — in which “Dear Leader” is unbound by such trivialities as the laws, the courts or the ballot. This is what Trump desires to have — and the political right aspires to give him. The rest of us would do well to understand this, given the mortal threat it poses.
And that brings us to the story of the swastika flags — which offers an eloquent rebuke to the denialism so prevalent on the right. It seems Hitler’s banners were carried by demonstrators who turned up outside a conservative gathering last week in Tampa. The Florida Holocaust Museum was, not surprisingly, appalled, and Turning Point USA, sponsor of said gathering, promptly distanced itself. “We have no idea who they are or why they’re here,” said spokesman Andrew Kolvet.
Which was naïve, if not downright disingenuous, for the representative of a convention whose attendees worship Trump like Jesus. But then, he might have choked on the likely truth. Namely, that the Nazis simply sought the company of like-minded people.
And knew just where to find it.
LEONARD PITTS is a columnist for The Miami Herald. Readers may contact him via email at lpitts@miamiherald.com. | https://dentonrc.com/opinion/lets-talk-about-the-nazis/article_0c0ea53e-1ca0-53a7-82a9-37c388464e95.html | 2022-07-28 06:35:44 | 1 | https://dentonrc.com/opinion/lets-talk-about-the-nazis/article_0c0ea53e-1ca0-53a7-82a9-37c388464e95.html |
Michael Harris II Player Prop Bets: Braves vs. Marlins - May 3
Published: May. 3, 2023 at 1:23 PM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
On Wednesday, Michael Harris II (on the back of going 1-for-5 with a double) and the Atlanta Braves play the Miami Marlins, whose starting pitcher will be Braxton Garrett. First pitch is at 6:40 PM ET.
He had a one-hit performance in his last game (1-for-5) against the Marlins.
Michael Harris II Game Info & Props vs. the Marlins
- Game Day: Wednesday, May 3, 2023
- Game Time: 6:40 PM ET
- Stadium: LoanDepot park
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo!
- Marlins Starter: Braxton Garrett
- TV Channel: BSFL
- Hits Prop: Over/under 0.5 hits (Over odds: -208)
- Home Runs Prop: Over/under 0.5 home runs (Over odds: +875)
- RBI Prop: Over/under 0.5 RBI (Over odds: +200)
- Runs Prop: Over/under 0.5 runs (Over odds: +150)
Looking to place a prop bet on Michael Harris II? Check out what's available at BetMGM and sign up with this link!
Read More About This Game
Michael Harris II At The Plate
- Harris II is hitting .206 with two doubles and four walks.
- In seven of 11 games this season, Harris II got a hit, but only one each time.
- In 11 games played this season, he has not hit a long ball.
- Harris II has an RBI in one game this year.
- He has scored at least one run five times this season (45.5%), including one multi-run game.
Ready to play FanDuel Daily Fantasy? Get in the game using our link.
Michael Harris II Home/Away Batting Splits
Marlins Pitching Rankings
- The pitching staff for the Marlins has a collective 8.7 K/9, which ranks 19th in MLB.
- The Marlins have the 20th-ranked team ERA among all league pitching staffs (4.53).
- Marlins pitchers combine to give up 37 total home runs at a rate of 1.2 per game (to rank 20th in the league).
- The Marlins will send Garrett (1-0) to the mound for his fifth start of the season. He is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA and 19 strikeouts through 22 2/3 innings pitched.
- In his most recent appearance on Thursday, the lefty threw three scoreless innings against the Atlanta Braves while surrendering one hit.
- In five games this season, the 25-year-old has a 2.45 ERA and 7.8 strikeouts per nine innings, while giving up a batting average of .284 to opposing hitters.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.wlbt.com/sports/betting/2023/05/03/michael-harris-ii-mlb-player-prop-bets/ | 2023-05-03 19:47:05 | 0 | https://www.wlbt.com/sports/betting/2023/05/03/michael-harris-ii-mlb-player-prop-bets/ |
NEW YORK (AP)UConn welcomed Geno Auriemma back to the bench and Azzi Fudd to its lineup in a rout of St. John’s.
Fudd scored 14 points in her first game in a month after injuring her right knee as the fourth-ranked Huskies routed St. John’s 82-52 on Wednesday night at UBS Arena.
Auriemma had missed the Huskies’ previous two games because he wasn’t feeling well. He also missed two games while sick in December. The 68-year-old coach is also grieving the death of his 91-year-old mother in early December.
”He said he was coming on the trip, that’s when I knew,” said associate head coach Chris Dailey who filled in for Auriemma in the postgame media session. ”I just wanted to make sure he was in a good place and he should come back and he was ready to come back. He assured me he was.”
The Hall of Fame coach had been likely to miss a third game as the Huskies were set to play DePaul last Sunday, but that game was postponed when UConn (14-2, 7-0 Big East) didn’t have enough available players due to injuries. It will be made up on Jan. 23.
Fudd, a sophomore guard who came in averaging 20.6 points, injured her knee against Notre Dame on Dec. 4 and missed the next eight games. She had been cleared to resume playing about two weeks ago.
”It’s been a progression. She’s looked really good and a matter of feeling more comfortable and she’s done that,” Dailey said. ”We thought today was going to be the day.”
Fudd played 20 minutes and said that unlike last year when she came back from a foot injury quickly, she wanted to make sure her knee was fully healthy before playing.
”The knee I feel like it’s a lot more serious than my foot last year,” Fudd said. ”I didn’t have any prep time before I came back (last year). Wanted to make sure I was ready.”
UConn also got back Aaliyah Edwards (foot) but still was without Ayanna Patterson (concussion), Caroline Ducharme (concussion), Paige Bueckers (knee) and Ice Brady (knee).
Lou Lopez Senechal scored 20 points, making eight of her nine shots to lead the Huskies. Dorka Juhasz added 18 points and 10 rebounds. Edwards finished with 15 points.
Kadaja Bailey scored 17 points to lead St. John’s (14-2, 5-2).
”Obviously always a difficult game when you’re playing a team of this nature,” St. John’s coach Joe Tartamella said. ”I was pleased with the way we competed. We had a couple stretches where we played with a lot more energy than we played all year, specifically in the third.”
Fudd checked into the game midway through the first quarter and made an immediate impact as the Huskies built a 17-11 lead by the end of the period. They blew the game open in the second, outscoring the Red Storm 24-9 to go up by 21 at the half.
NEW SPOT
It was the first women’s basketball game played at UBS Arena, home to the NHL’s New York Islanders. There was a men’s basketball game between Notre Dame and Saint Bonaventure in November.
”Great experience to play the first women’s game here,” St. John’s forward Danielle Robinson said. ”Something we’ll all remember.”
SCHEDULE SHIFT
UConn was set to play Seton Hall on Jan. 19, but with the DePaul game’s new date, the Huskies moved up the game at the Pirates by two days. Had they not, UConn would have had a stretch of five games in 10 days.
UP NEXT
UConn: Hosts Georgetown on Sunday.
St. John’s: At Villanova on Saturday.
—
AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25 | https://www.krqe.com/sports/ncaa-womens-basketball/auriemma-fudd-return-in-uconns-82-52-rout-of-st-johns/ | 2023-01-12 13:31:12 | 1 | https://www.krqe.com/sports/ncaa-womens-basketball/auriemma-fudd-return-in-uconns-82-52-rout-of-st-johns/ |
Some Bucksport-area residents are opposing a move that would allow a dormant local landfill to start accepting more waste.
About 40 people gathered Tuesday night at Brown Hall on Elm Street to voice their concerns and to hear from people who live near the Juniper Ridge landfill in Old Town about their experiences as neighbors to an active landfill site.
Don White, a Bucksport resident who helped organize the talk, said that any new activity at the local landfill, which is owned by AIM subsidiary Bucksport Mill LLC, would cause environmental problems and be bad for people who live in the area.
“The cheapest way to handle trash is to dump it in the ground, but it ain’t the best way,” White said. “This would be a moneymaker for AIM. We can’t accept money for poison.”
Susan Lessard, Bucksport’s town manager, said AIM cannot simply start trucking in new waste to dump at the site off Route 15. The state license for operating the landfill allows it to accept only waste generated by its owner and limits the type of waste to construction and demolition debris and to wood waste. She said those restrictions are a holdover from when the landfill was owned and operated by the former local paper mill, which closed down in 2014.
Lessard, who also serves as chair of the state Board of Environmental Protection, said the landfill hasn’t had any activity for the past eight years because AIM does not generate any permitted waste on its own. Municipal solid waste, which includes household waste, can be taken to Juniper Ridge but is not allowed at the Bucksport landfill, she said.
But AIM, which in 2018 sold most of the old mill property to Whole Oceans, is hoping to find a way to bring it back to life. AIM has informally proposed that it transfer ownership of the landfill to the town, which would allow AIM to operate the site and to accept permitted waste from other parties such as construction companies
The town has reservations about the idea, Lessard said, though Bucksport could benefit from receiving a share of the tipping fees and disposing of its own construction and demo debris free of charge.
The landfill has not been well-maintained, she said, citing reports the town has obtained from the state Department of Environmental Protection. Town officials also are concerned that most of the landfill doesn’t have a liner to keep out water infiltration and that there’s a leachate outflow pipe that drains into the Penobscot River — both of which are permitted under the landfill’s state license.
“There are issues,” she said about the landfill’s ongoing environmental impact.
The town has not received a formal proposal from AIM, and though it has no immediate decision to make, she said, “the answer here may be ‘no.’”
But AIM might have other options, she added.
It could sell the landfill and transfer the license to another private owner that does generate its construction and demo debris, but any such transfer would have to be approved by the state and could be appealed, she said. The company also could seek to transfer ownership of landfill to a municipality other than Bucksport, which is not prohibited by state law.
The town also has options, she added, noting that Bucksport doesn’t have any local rules about the operation of landfills. The town cannot adopt an ordinance that would invalidate AIM’s landfill license, she said, but it could adopt operating rules that could minimize some of its potential impacts on neighbors.
“The addition of local controls is not a bad idea,” Lessard said. “We need to do this thoughtfully.”
White said Tuesday night that, even if there is no formal proposal from AIM, landfill opponents need to get organized now to try to keep more waste from being brought to Bucksport.
“We need serious help from our town council. We need help from our state legislators,” he said. “This has to be stopped.” | https://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/03/09/news/hancock/bucksport-mill-landfill-revival-pushback-joam40zk0w/ | 2023-03-09 07:56:36 | 0 | https://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/03/09/news/hancock/bucksport-mill-landfill-revival-pushback-joam40zk0w/ |
NEW YORK, June 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Christophers have named the top prize winners in their annual student contests -- the 32nd Annual Poster Contest for High School Students and the 34th Annual Video Contest for College Students.
The poster contest invited students in grades 9 through 12 to create a poster that interprets the timeless theme, "You Can Make a Difference." Nearly 500 entries from across the United States were received, using a wide range of media from personalized photograph collages to highly detailed paintings.
The first prize winner, a senior at Marjory Stoneman High School in Parkland, FL, Camila Escobar depicts herself as a young toddler in her black and white hand-drawn portrait. In the poster, young Escobar is being helped to walk by a man whose face is hidden, but whom Camila reveals in a note to the Christophers to be her late grandfather. The caption of her submission reads, "No matter how small, you can make a difference."
"My grandfather [was] always very present in my life," Escobar wrote, "from my very first steps to his last. He always told me that I impacted his life, and reminded him of his youth, which is why I wanted to use this for the theme 'anyone can make a difference.' Despite being so young while he was alive, I know I made a difference in his life."
Escobar will be minoring in art and design at the University of Michigan next fall and the prize money will go toward her education."
Second prize winner and Central High School senior Conyae Cherry's poster emphasizes the value of education in a young person's life. A photograph shows Cherry reading to children at a local YMCA in her hometown of Louisville, KY. Written across the top and bottom of the poster are the words, "You can make a difference…starting with the power of knowledge."
Third prize winner John Devereux, a senior at Kennard-Dale High School in Grove, PA, takes a more personal approach in his poster, featuring a photograph of himself and his grandmother, wheelchair bound and glowing with joy as she leans against her smiling grandson. The caption says, "The greatest gift you can give someone is your time. You can make a difference." Devereux said, "Although she was in a nursing with dementia, I realized that sometimes the intangible gifts give to others can make more of an impact. With the older population, time is very important and it is a simple thing to give."
Tony Rossi, The Christophers' Director of Communications, and Sarah E. Holinski, The Christophers' Youth Coordinator, observed, "Our winning poster entries this year continue to run the gamut on making a difference in action, from the blessing of adoption to the importance of giving of our time and talents, whether reaching out in love and friendship to the elderly, or fundraising for a worthy cause. They show how, big or small, in a group or alone, each of us possesses the ability and drive to change our world for the better."
The Christophers also announced the winners of their 34th Annual Video Contest for College Students, for film or video that communicates the belief that one person can make a difference. This year's contest drew nearly 100 entries from throughout the United States.
First prize winner is Ella Stone, of Lewisville, TX and a 16-year-old math major at Southern New Hampshire University. In her film, "One Person Can Make an Exponential Impact," Stone recalled how even as early as second grade, her teachers knew she was advanced academically and would often ask her to assist fellow classmates with their schoolwork. During high school, she earned 88 college credits, and will earn her Bachelor's in Mathematics by 17 and her Master's in Teaching at 19.
"God's love for me compels me to love others," she says in her video. "During the pandemic as many struggled, hit hardest were refugee students. I use translation software to promote tutoring in 12 languages. Tutoring refugee students is a humbling opportunity to use my gifts and I am grateful for the technologies that allow me to connect with my students."
Second prize winner Aidan O'Neill, of Chicopee, MA and a Westfield State University communications major, uses his gifts to help people who face a different kind of barrier in their everyday lives, as he describes in his film, "One Person-Big Difference." His video centers on his involvement with the Special Olympics in his hometown.
"Ever since I was a freshman in high school," Aidan recalls in the video, "I have worked alongside my family and friends in the Greater Springfield Special Olympics, which provides opportunities for children and adults with mental or physical disabilities. I support them as a 'unified athlete' —an athlete who gives support and guidance to others as well as competing alongside them in the same sport. It's helped me realize we are all the same in our hearts, talent and enjoyment of success and accomplishment of victory in sports."
In her third prize-winning video entitled "Kindness Makes a Difference," Noell Komar, of Chandler, AZ, chooses to depict, in a simple but poignant way, just how much even the smallest gesture of goodwill can have a positive impact on someone who truly needs it. A film major at Arizona State University, she opens with black and white footage highlighting different young people struggling during their daily routines at college. From a distance, several different students observe these people in need. As soon as each student makes the decision to help their peers, the video switches to a colorized format, and the instrumental background music subsequently picks up tempo as well. Noell's short video ends with a quote from the Roman philosopher Seneca -- "Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness."
Tony Rossi and Sarah E. Holinski of The Christophers said, "This year's prize-winning films showcase some truly remarkable individuals who have managed to rise above even the most insurmountable obstacles to achieve their goals in life."
To see the winning videos and posters, visit www.Christophers.org and click on "Youth."
Media Contact: David Reich
914 325-9997
reichcomm@earthlink.net
View original content:
SOURCE The Christophers | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/06/27/christophers-announce-winners-youth-poster-video-contests/ | 2022-06-27 14:36:30 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/06/27/christophers-announce-winners-youth-poster-video-contests/ |
PITTSBURGH, Nov. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to create a fun and exciting card game of chance," said an inventor, from La Crosse, Va., "so I invented GET NINE. My design can be enjoyed during leisure time and at get-togethers with family and friends."
The invention provides a fun new card game for adults and children. In doing so, it enhances entertainment. It also could spark friendly competition and it could encourage social interaction. The invention features a simple design that is easy to play. Additionally, it is producible in design variations.
The original design was submitted to the Richmond sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 21-RKH-232, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2022/11/04/inventhelp-inventor-develops-new-card-game-chance-rkh-232/ | 2022-11-04 21:50:38 | 1 | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2022/11/04/inventhelp-inventor-develops-new-card-game-chance-rkh-232/ |
SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 31, WEMADE announced its plan to open a blockchain academy with Code States, a startup engaged in nurturing IT talent.
The curriculum is designed to provide training in blockchain development with the intention of nurturing developers and recruiting them. The program includes 3 hours of online real-time lectures on weekday evenings, and it will be held from December 5, 2022 to January 20, 2023.
There are two curriculums within the program: 3 weeks of backend development course focused on practical learning and 4 weeks of blockchain course consisting of wallet, smart contract, and NFT theory and practice.
The full cost of the program will be covered by WEMADE and those who complete the program with outstanding results will have the opportunity to join WEMADE.
Candidates can apply to the program at the WEMADE Blockchain Academy page on Code State website by November 20, 2022. All candidates must have at least one year of development experience to apply in line with the eligibility for WEMADE recruitment.
CEO Henry Chang noted that "blockchain, as a universal technology that cannot be tempered with, will be applied to all sectors and become the foundation of an immense digital economy" and committed to "launch various educational programs that strengthen Korea's capacity in blockchain technology and business."
The details of WEMADE Blockchain Academy can be found on the Code States website.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Wemade Co., Ltd | https://www.wistv.com/prnewswire/2022/11/02/wemade-partners-with-code-states-open-blockchain-academy/ | 2022-11-02 05:00:48 | 1 | https://www.wistv.com/prnewswire/2022/11/02/wemade-partners-with-code-states-open-blockchain-academy/ |
Next generation: Hakeem Jeffries set to lead House Democrats
WASHINGTON (AP) — Emboldened House Democrats are poised to usher in a new generation of leaders with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries becoming the first Black American to head a major political party in Congress as long-serving Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her team step aside.
Showing rare party unity after their midterm election losses, the House Democrats are expected to move seamlessly Wednesday from one history-making leader to another, uniting around the 52-year-old New Yorker, who has vowed to “get things done,” even after Republicans won control of the chamber.
“It’s a solemn responsibility that we are all inheriting,” Jeffries told reporters on the eve of Wednesday’s vote. “And the best thing that we can do as a result of the seriousness and solemnity of the moment is lean in hard and do the best damn job that we can for the people.”
It’s rare that a party that lost the midterm elections would so easily regroup and stands in stark contrast with the upheaval among Republicans, who are struggling to unite around GOP leader Kevin McCarthy as the new House speaker as they prepare to take control when the new Congress convenes in January.
Wednesday’s internal Democratic caucus votes are being held behind closed doors, and Jeffries and the other top leaders are expected to win by acclamation, without challengers.
The trio led by Jeffries, who is poised to become the Democratic minority leader, includes 59-year-old Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts as the Democratic whip and 43-year-old Rep. Pete Aguilar of California as caucus chairman. The new team of Democratic leaders is expected to slide into the slots held by Pelosi and her top lieutenants — Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland and Democratic Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina — as the 80-something leaders make way for the next generation.
But in many ways, the trio has been transitioning in plain sight, as one aide put it — Jeffries, Clark and Aguilar working with Pelosi’s nod these past several years in lower-rung leadership roles as the first woman to have the speaker’s gavel prepared to step down. Pelosi, of California, has led the House Democrats for the past 20 years, and colleagues late Tuesday granted her the honorific title of “speaker emerita.”
“It an important moment for the caucus — that there’s a new generation of leadership,” said Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., ahead of voting.
While Democrats will be relegated to the House minority in the new year, they will have a certain amount of leverage because the Republican majority is expected to be so slim and McCarthy’s hold on his party fragile.
The House’s two new potential leaders, Jeffries and McCarthy, are of the same generation but have almost no real relationship to speak of — in fact the Democrat is known for leveling political barbs at the Republican from afar, particularly over the GOP’s embrace of former President Donald Trump. Jeffries served as a House manager during Trump’s first impeachment.
“We’re still working through the implications of Trumpism,” Jeffries said, “and what it has meant, as a very destabilizing force for American democracy.”
Jeffries said he hopes to find “common ground when possible” with Republicans but will “oppose their extremism when we must.”
On the other side of the Capitol, Jeffries will have a partner in Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer as two New Yorkers are poised to helm the Democratic leadership in Congress. They live about a mile (1.6 kilometers) apart in Brooklyn.
“There are going to be a group, in my judgment, of mainstream Republicans who are not going to want to go in the MAGA direction, and Hakeem’s the ideal type guy to work with them,” Schumer said in an interview, referencing Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.
Jeffries has sometimes been met with skepticism from party progressives, viewed as a more centrist figure among House Democrats.
But Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., a progressive and part of the “squad” of liberal lawmakers, said she has been heartened by the way Jeffries and his team are reaching out, even though they face no challengers.
“There’s a genuine sense that he wants to develop relationships and working partnerships with many of us,” she said.
Clark, who is seeking the No. 2 spot, is expected to speak to her colleagues Wednesday about the importance of being a unified party, as the Democrats transition to the minority, and confront the Republicans.
She is seen as a coalition builder on the leadership team, while Aguilar, in the No. 3 spot, is known as a behind-the-scenes conduit to centrists and even Republicans.
Clyburn, now the highest-ranking Black American in Congress, will seek to become the assistant democratic leader, helping the new generation to transition.
The election for Clyburn’s post and several others are expected to be held Thursday.
Jeffries’ ascent comes as a milestone for Black Americans, the Capitol built with the labor of enslaved people and its dome later expanded during Abraham Lincoln’s presidency as a symbol the nation would stand during the Civil War.
“The thing about Pete, Katherine and myself is that we embrace what the House represents,” Jeffries said, calling it “the institution closest to the people.”
While the House Democrats are often a big, diverse, “noisy family,” he said, “it’s a good thing. At the end of the day, we’re always committed to finding the highest common denominator in order to get big things done for everyday Americans.”
___
Associated Press writer Michelle L. Price in New York contributed to this report.
___
This story has been corrected to reflect that Jeffries is age 52, not 57.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.weau.com/2022/11/30/next-generation-hakeem-jeffries-set-lead-house-democrats/ | 2022-11-30 13:45:12 | 0 | https://www.weau.com/2022/11/30/next-generation-hakeem-jeffries-set-lead-house-democrats/ |
TUNIS, Tunisia — Tunisians on Saturday voted to elect a new parliament, to the backdrop of a soaring cost-of-living crisis and concerns of democracy backsliding in the North African country — the cradle of Arab Spring protests a decade ago.
Opposition parties — including the Salvation Front coalition that the popular Ennahda party is part of — boycotted the polls because they say the vote is part of President Kais Saied's efforts to consolidate power. The decision to boycott will likely lead to the next legislature being subservient to the president, whom critics accuse of authoritarian drift.
After the polls closed at 6 p.m. (1700 GMT), the voter turnout appeared lower than in previous legislative elections in 2014 and 2019. Associated Press reporters observed deserted polling stations during Saturday's balloting - although they also saw people queuing outside several polling places around the capital, Tunis.
Farouk Bouaskar, president of Tunisia's Election Authority, said Saturday night that the turnout was astonishingly low and stood at 8.8 percent. Of 9 million registered voters, only some 800,000 cast ballots, Bouaskar said.
"It's really a stretch to call what occurred today an election," said Saida Ounissi, a former member of the parliament that the president dissolved in March after years of political deadlock and economic stagnation.
Ounissi, who also served as minister and was elected in two previous elections to the legislature on the Ennahda party list, acknowledged that she was "a bit bitter" at the political situation as the country faced an unprecedent financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and the fallout from the war in Ukraine.
"People were very angry at the parliament because of the deteriorating economy that is due to various crisis, and the president capitalized on that anger to crush the parliament, stifle democracy and seize more power," Ounissi said.
Parliament last met in July 2021. Since then, Saied, who was elected in 2019 and still enjoys the backing of more than half of the electorate, has also curbed the independence of the judiciary and weakened parliament's powers.
In a referendum in July, Tunisians approved a constitution that hands broad executive powers to the president. Saied, who spearheaded the project and wrote the text himself, made full use of the mandate in September, changing the electoral law to diminish the role of political parties.
The new law reduces the number of member of the lower house of parliament from 217 to 161, who are now to be elected directly instead of via a party list. And lawmakers who "do not fulfil their roles" can be removed if 10% of their constituents lodge a formal request.
Critics say the electoral law reforms have hit women particularly hard. Only 127 women are among the 1,055 candidates running in Saturday's election.
Saied's critics accuse him of endangering the democratic process. But many others believe that scrapping the party lists puts individuals ahead of political parties and will improve elected officials' accountability. They are exasperated with political elites, welcome their increasingly autocratic president's political reforms and see the vote for a new parliament as a chance to solve their dire economic crisis.
Saied and his wife, Ichraf Chebil, cast their ballots in Ennasr, an upscale suburb north of Tunis on Saturday morning. He called on citizens to vote "with your hearts and your consciousness to reclaim your legitimate rights to justice and freedom." He also warned against supporting those he claimed had abused power and "depleted the country of valuable resources after bribing people to elect them under the old electoral law."
The Tunisian government is deeply indebted and chronically short of funds to pay for badly needed food and energy. Food prices have soared over the past months and shortages of basic staples like sugar, vegetable oil, rice, milk and even bottled water have threatened to turn simmering discontent into larger turmoil.
Many believe their country's decade-old democratic revolution has failed, a decade after Tunisia was the only nation to emerge from the Arab Spring protests with a democratic government.
Hédia Sekhiri, a retired private sector worker, said she came out to vote to set an example for young people. "It's my duty as a citizen ... to build a better future for our country," Sekhiri said.
Amor Hamad, a 58-year-old engineer in Tunis, said he hopes his vote will "contribute to the evolution of the country in the right direction and put an end to 10 years of disastrous leadership by successive governments since the 2011 revolution."
The vote comes on the 12th anniversary of the event that sparked the Arab Spring — when a Tunisian fruit vendor, Mohamed Bouazizi, set himself on fire because of the dire economic situation under the long-time strongman rule of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Bouazizi died weeks later. His act of desperation prompted protests that led to the dictator's ouster and provoked similar uprisings around the Arab world.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.nprillinois.org/2022-12-18/there-is-pressure-on-the-tunisian-president-after-election-turnout-was-less-than-9 | 2022-12-18 11:29:47 | 1 | https://www.nprillinois.org/2022-12-18/there-is-pressure-on-the-tunisian-president-after-election-turnout-was-less-than-9 |
FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — There’s not much room for middle ground in the testimony thus far from Johnny Depp and Amber Heard in Depp’s libel suit against his ex-wife.
One of them is lying.
Heard has not yet finished telling the jury her side of things. Her testimony will continue May 16 once the trial — which has already stretched on for four weeks — resumes after a one-week break. Then she will face what one can safely assume will be an aggressive cross-examination in a case where both sides have employed scorched-earth tactics going back years to when the suit was first filed.
Depp is suing Heard in Virginia for libel over an op-ed she wrote in December 2018 in The Washington Post describing herself as “a public figure representing domestic abuse.” The article doesn’t mention Depp by name, but his lawyers say the article defames him nevertheless because it’s a clear reference to the highly publicized allegations Heard made when she filed for divorce in 2016 and obtained a temporary restraining order against him.
Depp says he never physically abused Heard, while Heard says she was assaulted on more than a dozen occasions.
Below are synopses of a few incidents and their divergent accounts.
THE FIRST TIME
Heard says the first time Depp ever struck her was in 2013, when she made the mistake of laughing at one of his tattoos. Heard said there was an older tattoo she couldn’t make out, and Depp told her it said “Wino.”
In fact, it used to say “Winona Forever,” a tattoo that Depp got when he was dating actor Winona Ryder. He had it altered to “Wino Forever” when they broke up.
Heard said she laughed, and Depp responded by slapping her. Thinking the slap must be a joke, she laughed. Depp responded by slapping her twice more, with the third slap knocking Heard off balance.
“It was so stupid, so insignificant,” Heard told the jury. “I thought it must be a joke.”
Depp, while he was on the stand, flatly denied it occurred.
“It didn’t happen,” he said. “Why would I take such great offense to someone making fun of a tattoo on my body? That allegation never made any sense to me.”
THE FINGER AND THE BOURBON BOTTLE
Both sides say the worst violence occurred in March 2015 in Australia, when Depp was shooting the fifth “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie.
Heard said Depp sexually assaulted her with a liquor bottle — for the first time Thursday she identified a bottle of Maker’s Mark bourbon as the offending instrument after she said she saw a photo of the distinctively square bottle — as part of an alcohol-fueled rage. Heard came to Australia after shooting her own film and Depp immediately accused her of sleeping with her co-stars, she said.
Depp, for his part, says he was the victim of the violence. He testified that Heard was irate over efforts by Depp’s lawyers to have her sign a post-nuptial agreement, as well as the fact that Depp wasn’t adhering to pledges of sobriety to Heard’s satisfaction.
He said he escaped the argument by pouring himself a drink, at which point Heard threw a vodka bottle at him. Depp said he responded by pouring another drink, and this time Heard threw another vodka bottle at him that smashed against his hand while it rested on a counter and severed the tip of his middle finger.
Photos of the aftermath show Depp wrote vulgar messages to his wife in blood on the walls of the house. Jurors have also seen contemporaneous text messages Depp sent to others in which he said he cut off his own finger. Depp said he made up that story to protect Heard and avoid police involvement.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
While not a specific incident, Depp and Heard painted very different portraits of Depp’s drug and alcohol use.
Heard said drugs and alcohol — along with paranoid jealousy — is what turned him from the man she loved into the “monster” who made her fear for her life. She said he hid his drug and alcohol use from her and from his family but his behavior made it clear he was high or drunk, often to the point of incoherence.
”Johnny on speed is very different from Johnny on opiates. Johnny on opiates is very different from Adderall and cocaine Johnny, which is very different from Quaaludes Johnny, but I had to get good at paying attention to the different versions of him,” Heard said.
Indeed, Heard sys Depp’s denials of physical abuse lack credibility in part because he would black out and forget what he’d done.
Depp, for his part, admitted that he’d become addicted at one point to oxycodone and underwent a detox process in 2014. But he said the allegations of uncontrolled drug and alcohol use are grossly embellished.
“I’ve always had a pretty big tolerance for alcohol,” he testified. “I’ve never had a physical addiction to alcohol.” | https://www.wric.com/news/u-s-world/he-said-she-said-accounts-from-depp-and-heard-rarely-match/ | 2022-05-08 10:29:11 | 0 | https://www.wric.com/news/u-s-world/he-said-she-said-accounts-from-depp-and-heard-rarely-match/ |
- New this year, Target will offer more ways to save with an increased 20% college student discount through Target Circle, the return of tax-free weekends and all-season-long low prices
- Target is extending its popular Teacher Prep Event to run July 17 – Sept. 10 – nearly six weeks longer than last year – giving teachers the opportunity to save 15% on school supplies and more
- An unbeatable mix of only-at-Target and top national brands will provide everything guests need to head back to school in style, with the majority of items under $10 and deals starting under $1 – from school supplies to apparel, backpacks, tech gear, college décor and more
MINNEAPOLIS, July 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) today announced the kickoff to its back-to-school and back-to-college season with an unmatched assortment, all-season-long low prices, more ways for guests to save, and an easy and convenient shopping experience.
Offering guests even more opportunities to make the most of their budgets, new this year, Target has increased its Target Circle offer for college students and extended its popular Teacher Prep Event, giving college students the chance to save 20% and teachers the chance to save 15% on their back-to-school essentials.
"We know the back-to-school season signals an important milestone for millions of families across the country – and we're here to help by introducing even more ways for guests to save and find everything they need all in one convenient location," said Jill Sando, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target. "From supplies and stylish apparel to snacks and the latest electronics, guests can count on Target to make the most of their budgets, with thousands of items under $10."
Even More Ways to Save
With the majority of items under $10 and deals starting under $1, guests will find thousands of back-to-school and college supplies, apparel, snacks and more across only-at-Target brands and sought-after national brands. Target is committed to offering all-season-long low prices and more ways for guests to save this year:
- Target Circle College Student Discount: New this year, Target is offering Target Circle college students the chance to save even more on their back-to-college essentials with 20% off a one-time purchase from July 3 – Sept. 3, an increased discount from 15% last year.
- Extended Teacher Prep Event: Target will kick off an extended Teacher Prep Event through the retailer's free Target Circle loyalty program to help teachers easily get what they need at an incredible value. The program will run July 17 – Sept. 10, nearly six weeks longer than last year, giving teachers the opportunity to save 15% on school supplies and more. All K-12 teachers, homeschool teachers, teachers working at daycare centers and early childhood learning centers, university or college professors and vocational/trade/technical schoolteachers with valid identification are eligible.
- Tax-Free Weekends: All Target stores in states with sales-tax holiday events will not charge sales tax, giving guests in those areas another way to save. Guests can learn more about their state's sales tax holiday here.
- Target Deal Days: Target Deal Days offers the biggest sales event of the summer, with three full days of incredible savings on top tech, apparel, beauty and more, running July 11 – July 13 on Target.com with no membership required.
An Unbeatable Assortment for All Guests
Target's leading assortment of only-at-Target and top national brands offers everything guests need to head back to school in style. Families going back to school will find supplies, apparel, backpacks and tech gear from up & up, Cat & Jack and Mondo Llama and top national brands including Crayola, Five Star, Yoobi and more.
College guests will find dorm décor, household essentials, beauty, tech and food and beverage items across Room Essentials, Brightroom, Wild Fable, Goodfellow & Co, Heyday, Good & Gather and national brands including Apple, JanSport, Nimble and more.
Easy and Convenient Ways to Shop in Stores and Online
Checklist tools like School List Assist and College Registry offer guests a streamlined shopping experience by providing access to their classroom supply lists or college registry on Target.com or the Target app and the ability to order everything with the click of a button.
Target's suite of fulfillment options makes it easy and convenient for guests to shop, save and prepare for the season ahead. To shop their lists, guests can choose between Target's free, fast and contactless Order Pickup and Drive Up services to get everything they need on their own terms, with no designated pickup time or membership required. Guests can also receive same-day delivery through Shipt and get items delivered right to their doorstep by personal shoppers in as soon as an hour.
Guests can begin shopping Target's curated back-to-school and college assortment now at Target stores and online. As always, guests can take advantage of Target's price match guarantee, realize additional savings by signing up for Target Circle for free, or applying for a RedCard for 5% savings on everyday purchases and shopping Target's weekly sales and deals from the Target Weekly Ad.
About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at nearly 2,000 stores and at Target.com, with the purpose of helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. Since 1946, Target has given 5% of its profit to communities, which today equals millions of dollars a week. Additional company information can be found by visiting the corporate website and press center and by following @TargetNews.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Target Corporation | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2022/07/06/target-announces-increased-student-teacher-savings-back-school-essentials/ | 2022-07-06 12:40:28 | 0 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2022/07/06/target-announces-increased-student-teacher-savings-back-school-essentials/ |
Budget is the most cited roadblock, with 36% of tech professionals saying cost concerns negatively impact enterprise integration plans
WESTON, Fla., Nov. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Digibee, an enterprise integration platform as a service (eiPaaS) company that helps organizations build flexible, highly scalable integration architecture, today released survey results focusing on the roadblocks to enterprise integration. The results are from a survey of more than 1,000 U.S.-based CIOs, developers and enterprise architects conducted April 27 to May 5, 2022. The survey focused on the state of enterprise integration, and results are available in the Digibee 2022 State of Enterprise Integration Report.
The survey revealed that business leaders face many challenges on the road to enterprise integration. The top concern is budget (36%), followed by security concerns (31%), complexity and time (28%), lack of skills (27%), and difficulty integrating legacy systems (27%).
The research also indicates that cost overruns with integration projects are common. Based on responses from business leaders who have already implemented an enterprise integration strategy, there are three aspects of a project most likely to impact budget and spend:
- Competing priorities: The majority of eiPaaS use cases were ranked nearly evenly as priorities: B2B integrations (36%); data integrations (35%); system integrations (32%); application integrations (31%); and API management (28%). While this outcome reflects the broad application of eiPaaS technology, lack of clarity in prioritizing the work may complicate integration strategy, resulting in costly false starts and overlap.
- System downtime: Some eiPaaS platforms are configured to minimize downtime, but many are not. Ninety-six percent of respondents reported having downtime during an eiPaaS implementation, 48% indicated downtime was more than anticipated, and 9% stated the downtime was significant and impactful to the business.
- Resources: Although 88% of respondents intend to use internal resources only or internal resources with assistance to manage their integration projects, without a low-code eiPaaS platform, the specialist teams must invest significant time carrying out repetitive and lower-value work. With less bandwidth, project timelines usually extend, and costs increase.
"Successful, cost-effective integrations are achievable, but we were not surprised that so many respondents assume integration is a costly initiative, citing budget, security, time and resources as the top challenges," said Rodrigo Bernardinelli, Digibee CEO and co-founder. "With the right tools, you can easily leverage in-house resources and other efficiencies to complete your project in record time and on budget. Implement an eiPaaS platform that empowers your development resources; rather than centralizing and outsourcing these skills, provide your team with new capabilities and capacity. The adoption curve between vendor selection and delivering a solution to production should take days or weeks instead of months. Rather than stifling your team, the right eiPaaS will empower them."
For more information, download the "Digibee 2022 State of Enterprise Integration Report," read the blog "Why Enterprise Integration Journeys are Failing," or view the on-demand webinar "Examining the 2022 State of Enterprise Integration Report."
The Digibee integration platform allows enterprises to compete and excel in today's rapidly changing digital environment. The technology is cloud native, low code, fully recyclable, and discoverable — connecting applications, processes, and people for faster time to market without a major investment. Ten times faster than other systems, Digibee is the preferred eiPaaS solution for 250-plus corporate customers including Accenture, B3, Carrefour, Payless, Santander, and others. Founded in São Paulo, Brazil, the Digibee team is based throughout the Americas with offices in Florida. For more information or to arrange a demonstration, visit www.digibee.com or connect with us on social media.
Media contact
Sara Black
Bospar
prfordigibee@bospar.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Digibee | https://www.wistv.com/prnewswire/2022/11/03/digibee-survey-reveals-roadblocks-enterprise-integration/ | 2022-11-03 13:07:17 | 0 | https://www.wistv.com/prnewswire/2022/11/03/digibee-survey-reveals-roadblocks-enterprise-integration/ |
Study Reveals Many Renters May be Unprepared in the Event of Fire Emergency and Should Take Key Steps to Help Protect Their Home and Family
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As moving season heats up across the United States, a recent study reveals an ongoing need to educate renters about fire safety in their homes. Resideo Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: REZI) with its First Alert products, the most trusted brand in fire safety*, released the results of a nationwide online survey of adult renters and identified that a significant percentage claim not to have a smoke alarm in their home or test their alarms regularly**.
Results also revealed inconsistencies with recommended safety best practices. Among those renters claiming to have smoke and/or carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in their homes, 47% say they test them one to two times per year, and 23% report never testing their devices. Only 16% of survey respondents test their alarms monthly. Renters who never test their alarms explain the primary reason is that they forget (32%) or were not aware they were supposed to test the devices (27%) at all.
The study also identified some positive trends, as nearly three-quarters (72%) claim fire safety is important to them, and nearly two-thirds (60%) claim they would be able to operate a fire extinguisher in case of need.
Residential rental property owners and their tenants share the responsibility to ensure adequate protection against the threats of smoke and fire. Smoke alarms are widely required across housing types in the United States, and many jurisdictions further require CO alarms. Working together, property owners and tenants may establish regular maintenance like battery replacement and equipment testing schedules to help reduce risk.
"Signing a new lease or renewing a current one is an opportune time for property owners and tenants to take inventory of their alarms and make sure they are working properly," said Ashley Gocken, First Alert fire safety expert, Resideo Technologies. "We encourage property owners and managers and their tenants to take this time to talk about fire safety, align on responsibilities and to refresh their knowledge of what to do in case of an emergency."
First Alert offers the following fire safety tips to help guide discussions between property owners and tenants, ultimately ensuring that both parties are ready for the unexpected:
- Every level, every bedroom. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that smoke alarms be installed on every level of the home, including the basement, and inside each bedroom. It's also important to keep CO, known as the "silent killer," in mind. CO is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that can be potentially poisonous. The only way to detect a CO leak is with working CO alarms, which should be installed on every level and near all sleeping areas.
- Test and maintain: Once alarms are installed, it's important to maintain them by testing them regularly and replacing the batteries at least every six months. For a battery that lasts the life of the alarm and for convenient protection, install 10-year sealed battery alarms, like the First Alert 10-Year Sealed Battery Smoke and CO Alarm. 10-Year sealed battery alarms eliminate the need to replace the batteries for and late-night battery chirps for a decade.
- Alarms don't last forever: Be sure to replace outdated units. If you cannot remember the last time you installed an alarm, chances are, it's time to replace it. Alarms are on duty 24/7 and need to be replaced every 10 years.
- PASS the fire extinguisher: Beyond alarms, having fire extinguishers – and knowing how to use them – is an important part of maintaining a safe residence. When you need to act quickly, a simple way to remember is with the acronym PASS. Simply pull the pin, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, squeeze the trigger and sweep from side to side. Place fire extinguishers in common areas such as the kitchen, the garage and on every level of the home. Once your home is properly equipped, check to make sure that they're in working condition and are not damaged, dented or rusted.
Properly installed and regularly maintained fire safety equipment is key to maintaining a safe household. For more information about whole home safety, visit firstalert.com.
*First Alert Brand Trust Survey, March 2023 – Results are based on the responses of 1,043 adult homeowners, ages 25 and older, living in the United States who completed an online survey.
**First Alert Renters Fire Prevention Survey, March 2022 – Results are based on the responses of 1,012 adult renters, ages 18 and older, living in the United States who completed an online survey.
About Resideo
Resideo is a leading global manufacturer and distributor of technology-driven products and solutions that provide comfort, security, energy efficiency and control to customers worldwide. Building on a 130-year heritage, Resideo has a presence in more than 150 million homes, with 15 million systems installed in homes each year. We continue to serve more than 110,000 professionals through leading distributors, including our ADI Global Distribution business, which exports to more than 100 countries from nearly 200 stocking locations around the world. For more information about Resideo, please visit www.resideo.com.
About First Alert
First Alert®, America's most trusted and recognized safety brand, is owned by Resideo Technologies, Inc., (NYSE: REZI) a leading manufacturer and distributor of smart home solutions that provide comfort, safety, security, energy efficiency and controls to customers worldwide. First Alert offers a comprehensive line of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and escape ladders in more than 30 countries worldwide to help protect what matters most. For more information, visit firstalert.com, resideo.com and brkelectronics.com.
Media Contacts:
Sara Camp
L.C. Williams & Associates
P: 312-565-3900 or 800-837-7123
E: scamp@lcwa.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Resideo Technologies, Inc. | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/06/14/first-alert-study-raises-awareness-fire-safety-code-compliance-among-renters/ | 2023-06-14 19:06:34 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/06/14/first-alert-study-raises-awareness-fire-safety-code-compliance-among-renters/ |
Interstate 4 West is shut down after a multi-vehicle crash in Orange County.
Officials said the crash happened a mile marker 81 near W. Michigan Street.
Traffic is backed up to mile marker 84B at W. Ivanhoe Blvd., according to the @FL511_central account.
The crash happened around 2:30 a.m. Monday, WKMG reported. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/04/17/orange-county-multi-vehicle-crash-shuts-down-i-4/ | 2023-05-12 08:06:11 | 1 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/04/17/orange-county-multi-vehicle-crash-shuts-down-i-4/ |
BEIJING, Dec. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- China Internet Development Foundation and ANT Group have jointly launched "Internet in China" public service advertising series on the topic of mobile payment called "A Symphony of Life", where it looked back at the changes and promotion of innovation of mobile payment technologies in Chinese society over the past 10 years.
Thanks to a solid infrastructure and a sound political environment, as well as a tolerance for scientific and technological innovations, China's mobile payment has achieved the widest coverage in the last decade since the widespread use of QR code payments in 2012: the popularity rate of mobile payment is 86%, ranking the first in the world; the service fee rate is no more than 0.6%, which is much lower than the international average. A large number of small and micro-retailers enjoy free services, which have become one of the highlights of China's digitalization progress.
Mobile payment has also become a new name card for China's economic development. Alipay and WeChat Pay are becoming more and more widely used, so that Chinese can also pay abroad by a "simple scanning". In addition, through technology exchange and localization transformation, Chinese companies are helping many countries around the world to create "local wallets" that provide local people with convenient, efficient and secure new payment methods.
China Internet Development Foundation uses the 30th anniversary of the internet access in China as an opportunity and focuses on China's Internet development history, plans to launch a communication program for public service "Internet in China" and is actively exploring to properly tell a story of Chinese internet development and spread the Chinese experience of internet development.
Contact: Jiang Ying
Tel.: 0086-13810020044
E-Mail: 58268109@qq.com
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7px3W6rOP4E
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1966613/CIDF_Logo.jpg
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE China Internet Development Foundation | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/12/12/internet-china-public-service-advertising-series-china-internet-development-foundation-symphony-life/ | 2022-12-12 16:10:23 | 0 | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/12/12/internet-china-public-service-advertising-series-china-internet-development-foundation-symphony-life/ |
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Attorneys for a Republican prosecutor urged a judge Thursday to toss out a lawsuit seeking to repeal Wisconsin’s 174-year-old abortion ban, arguing that a newer state law permitting pre-viability abortions complements the ban rather than supersedes it, as Democrats maintain.
Wisconsin lawmakers passed a law in 1849 that outlaws abortion except to save the mother’s life. The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Roe vs. Wade decision in 1973 that legalized abortion statewide effectively voided the ban. It was held in abeyance for nearly five decades until the high court struck down Roe vs. Wade last year. The decision reactivated the ban.
State Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, filed the lawsuit in Dane County circuit court last June seeking to repeal the ban. Kaul argues that the 1849 law is so old it was essentially adopted without the people’s consent; or alternately, that more permissive restrictions on abortion enacted in Wisconsin in 1985 to comply with Roe v. Wade supersede the older statute. The 1985 legislation permits terminating pregnancies up until a fetus can survive outside the womb
Kaul has named three district attorneys in counties that were home to abortion clinics as defendants, including Sheboygan County’s Republican prosecutor, Joel Urmanski. He filed a motion to dismiss the case in December.
Dane County Circuit Judge Diane Schlipper listened to more than 90 minutes of oral arguments on the motion Thursday. She didn’t issue a decision from the bench, and it’s unclear when she might release a ruling.
Urmanski’s lead attorney, Matthew Thome, first argued that Kaul lacks the legal standing to challenge the ban because it doesn’t affect his ability to perform his duties as attorney general.
Kaul’s argument that the ban is so old it’s unenforceable is a “stretch,” Thome added. Laws don’t vanish from the books, and the only reason the ban wasn’t enforced was that the original 1973 Roe v. Wade decision blocked it, he said.
He also maintained that legislators never repealed the ban. Modern-day laws restricting abortion, including the 1985 post-viability restriction , co-exist with the ban in “harmony,” he said. The new laws give county prosecutors charging options, he said.
Assistant Attorney General Hannah Jurss maintained that the ban clearly conflicts with modern-day laws that permit abortion in some circumstances, creating confusion that only a judge can clarify. Kaul has legal standing because he’s Wisconsin’s top law enforcement official, and he needs to know what laws apply in the state, she said.
The modern laws don’t mean anything if the ban allows an abortion only to save the mother’s life, she added.
“It can’t be that the law says something is illegal and legal at the same time,” Jurss said.
She acknowledged that the argument that the ban is too old to be enforced has little precedent in Wisconsin. But she said the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was unprecedented as well.
Schlipper offered few hints on which way she is leaning. She did take Thome to task over his contention that prosecutors can pick and choose which abortion laws to enforce.
“So, we’re back to doctors should choose their counties carefully?” the judge said. “People have a right to know which law applies where.”
She also questioned Jurss on whether the doctrine of implied repeal applies in the case. The doctrine is a legal concept that states’ newer laws supersede old ones.
Jurss responded that modern abortion laws address the same issue as the ban so the doctrine applies. Thome urged the judge to “get back to principles,” pointing out again that the Legislature has chosen not to repeal the ban and Schlipper shouldn’t substitute her judgment for that of policymakers.
The case carries so much weight that no matter what happens in Schlipper’s courtroom or at the appellate level, it will almost certainly end up at the state Supreme Court.
That plays to Kaul’s advantage because liberal-leaning justices will hold a 4-3 majority on the court after Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Janet Protasiewicz is sworn in this August. Protasiewicz signaled repeatedly during her campaign that she supports abortion rights, an unprecedented approach in a judicial race. | https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/gop-prosecutor-urges-judge-to-toss-wisconsin-abortion-suit/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all | 2023-05-04 19:55:07 | 1 | https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/gop-prosecutor-urges-judge-to-toss-wisconsin-abortion-suit/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all |
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — New charges were filed Monday against the man who was arrested in connection with the abduction of Eliza Fletcher, the Memphis mother who was kidnapped while running near the University of Memphis on Friday morning.
Charges of identify theft, theft of property $1,000 or less, and fraudlent use/illegal possession of credit/debit card $1,000 or less were added for Cleotha Abston, 38.
According to the affidavit for these latest charges, a woman reported her wallet was stolen Thursday, Sept. 1, while she was at work at the Malco in the 1000 block of Germantown Pkwy. Investigators said video showed an employee of the cleaning service, identified as Cleotha Henderson (aka Abston), taking the wallet. According to the affidavit, the victim got texts about her cards being used, and police determined they had been used at two gas stations for more than $910.
The Memphis Police Department announced Abston was charged this weekend with especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence in Fletcher's kidnapping.
A $500,000 bond was set for the suspect, Abston. He is set to appear next in court on Tuesday, Sept. 6.
Suspect's criminal record
Abston was previously convicted in 2000 of especially aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery in Shelby County, according to the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC). They said his 24-year sentence expired in November 2020 and he was released.
Search continues for Eliza Fletcher
At this time, Fletcher is still considered missing. According to the police affidavit on the original charges filed, Abston declined to provide investigators with the location of the victim.
MPD said that the investigation is ongoing and that they, along with with their local and federal partners, will continue searching for the junior kindergarten teacher.
Previously, Fletcher's family posted an extra $50,000 reward with Crime Stoppers for information that helps authorities arrest those responsible. Anyone with information is asked to call 901-528-CASH.
The abduction and investigation
According to Memphis Police, Fletcher had been jogging in the area of Central and Zach Curlin about 4:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. The affidavit states that surveillance footage from Central showed a black GMC Terrain passing and then waiting for Fletcher to run by. In this footage, a man exited the car and ran aggressively toward Fletcher before struggling to force her into the passenger's side of the car, according to the affidavit.
Police said that car then sat in the parking lot with Fletcher inside for approximately four minutes before it drove away. According to the affidavit, the car had noticeable damage to the back-passenger taillight area.
The affidavit said surveillance footage taken 24 minutes before the abduction was clear enough to provide investigators with a partial view of the license plate.
The UofM police said Fletcher’s cell phone and water bottle were found in front of a home owned by the university in the 3800 block of Central Ave.
The affidavit reports that a citizen riding their bike on Central Avenue near Zach Curlin found that phone and sandals. That citizen turned these items over to Fletcher's family, who gave them to investigators, according to the affidavit.
The sandals were sent to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and investigators said DNA found on the shoes matched the DNA of Abston from their "CODIS" database. According to the affidavit, Abston was then developed as a person of interest, and surveillance footage of Abston wearing the same sandals a day before the abduction was recovered by investigators.
Investigators checked who the utilities for the home that Abston resided in were connected to, according to the affidavit. They then referred to law enforcement databases to reveal that person also had a GMC Terrain with a license plate that matched what investigators could make out from the surveillance footage on Central, according to the affidavit.
Investigators were able to speak with a source who they said could confirm that Abston regularly drives that GMC and could provide Abston's cell phone number, according to the affidavit. Investigators said records and analysis were able to show that cell phone was in the area near Central at the time Fletcher was abducted, according to the affidavit.
On Saturday morning, Sept. 3, 2022, U.S. Marshals located the GMC and were able to confirm a match based on the license plate and noticeable damage to the rear passenger-side tail light, according to the affidavit.
They said a man matching the description of Abston was standing in the doorway of the residence where the car was parked, according to the affidavit. Investigators said when officers approached Abston he tried to flee, but was detained while he occupied the car.
MPD then tweeted to confirm that the vehicle of interest following the disappearance of Fletcher had been located and the man occupying it, detained.
The affidavit also said investigators interviewed a source who said they saw Cleotha Abston after the time of the abduction. This source told police they saw Abston cleaning the interior of the GMC Terrain, said he was "behaving oddly," and also washing clothes in the sink, according to the affidavit.
Fletcher's family have released a public statement. "More than anything, we want to see Liza return home safely," they said.
Fletcher is 5’6” tall and 137 pounds with light brown/blonde hair and green eyes. Her hair was in a bun and she was wearing a pink jogging top and purple running shorts. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/crime/man-arrested-in-connection-with-the-abduction-of-eliza-fletcher/522-30271f44-eb87-4d33-bb13-c489246200ef | 2022-09-06 06:29:40 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/crime/man-arrested-in-connection-with-the-abduction-of-eliza-fletcher/522-30271f44-eb87-4d33-bb13-c489246200ef |
Allentown police are investigating gunfire in the area of a hookah lounge early Sunday morning.
Police said shots were fired in the area of the Synergy Hookah Lounge on Union Boulevard around 5:30 a.m.
Police said --so far -- they're getting very little cooperation from anyone who was there at the time.
Anyone with information is asked to call Allentown police. | https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/lehighvalley/allentown-police-investigate-gunfire-in-area-of-hookah-lounge/article_b85df04a-37b0-11ed-b432-f72d72826f8e.html | 2022-09-19 02:05:45 | 1 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/lehighvalley/allentown-police-investigate-gunfire-in-area-of-hookah-lounge/article_b85df04a-37b0-11ed-b432-f72d72826f8e.html |
JENIN REFUGEE CAMP, West Bank — It is just after midnight. Young men gear up in black shirts and black face masks, tie ribbons with militant group insignia around their foreheads, and parade their weapons through the narrow streets.
In Abbas’s wake, “there will be fauda” — “chaos” in Arabic — said Mohammad Sabbagh, head of the People’s Services Committee of the Jenin refugee camp.
“This is the beginning,” he said.
Thousands of young people in Jenin are on Israel’s terrorism watch list, making them ineligible for work permits in Israel that would allow them to make a living. And they have watched as Israeli raids have killed dozens of noncombatants in recent months, already making 2022 the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank since 2015. Poverty and fury have made the camp a hotbed of militancy.
Abbas’s strategy of lobbying the United Nations to condemn the Israeli occupation — instead of taking up arms against it — has long been dismissed here. Few said they would be paying attention to his speech at the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Friday.
Sabbagh has seen the evolution of the local youth movement firsthand. During the first intifada, or popular Palestinian uprising, from 1987 to 1993, he fatally stabbed an Israeli soldier and later served 23 years in an Israeli prison. After his release, he watched as younger neighbors splintered off into smaller groups and increasingly abandoned the classic weapon of choice — the knife — in favor of the gun.
The new generation, Sabbagh said as he paused to shake hands with camp residents, is trying to ensure that the despised national government is replaced by local militias, which will measure their legitimacy in guns rather than ballots.
“We may soon reach a situation where not one youth will stay at home; they will all be out clashing with soldiers in the streets,” said Nasser al-Sadi, 27, an unemployed camp resident.
Fifty-six percent of Palestinians support armed attacks against Israelis, and the same proportion expect Jenin’s armed resistance to spread throughout the West Bank, according to a June poll by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research.
Abbas’s Palestinian Authority (PA), founded in 1993 as a five-year interim government to usher in the establishment of a Palestinian state, will turn 30 next year. It has not held elections since 2006, and an independent Palestine is nowhere on the horizon. In April 2021, Abbas canceled a highly anticipated round of elections after polling showed his Fatah party could lose out to its Islamist rival, Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip.
As Abbas remains in office and the influence of his government fades, Jenin has emerged as a key flash point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In March, Israel launched the “Break the Wave” military operation in the West Bank after the deadliest string of Palestinian terrorist attacks in years, a number of them originating in Jenin. Young militants here have responded by engaging in gun battles with Israeli soldiers and shooting at civilians near border areas.
Members of Islamic Jihad use M16s or Kalashnikovs, gifted to them in return for joining the group, which fought a three-day battle with Israel in Gaza last month. But Israeli security analysts also report a spike in young people with no militant affiliations using the “Carlo” submachine gun, a cheap imitation of the Carl Gustaf rifle developed in Sweden in the 1940s.
The gun entered the criminal scene during the first intifada in the early 2000s and has since made its way to the West Bank, where it is assembled with spare car parts, scrap metal and other makeshift materials in workshops across the region’s ungoverned areas in the far north and far south. A Carlo can cost less than $1,000 (M16s run about $20,000).
Israel is struggling to keep the arms buildup in check. This year, the Israeli army has seized more than 300 weapons — including pistols, Kalashnikovs and M16s — along the Jordanian and Egyptian borders, nearly double the rate in 2021. It has also confiscated 160 guns within the West Bank, including AK-47s and Tavors — the standard-issue Israeli military weapons — which had mostly been stolen from Israeli soldiers.
A significant number of arms have also been flowing in from Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed group in Lebanon, according to a senior Israeli military official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive security situation. “The PA have the means to deal with these weapons, but not the will,” leaving Israel to pick up the slack, he said.
With the gun market booming, the near-nightly gunfights between Jenin’s young militants and Israeli soldiers have turned increasingly lethal.
Earlier this month, hundreds of young men, carrying guns and explosives, turned out to protest the demolition of the home of Raed Hazem, who fatally shot three Israelis at a Tel Aviv bar in the spring before being killed by security forces. A 29-year-old resident was shot dead by Israeli soldiers while live-streaming the clashes on TikTok; 16 others were injured, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Last Wednesday, two Palestinian gunmen from Kafr Dan, a village northwest of Jenin, used a Carlo and another improvised gun to fatally shoot an Israeli soldier at al-Jalama crossing. The men, one of them a PA security official, were killed in the subsequent shootout. The Israeli military shuttered Jalama for four days, halted work permits for Kafr Dan residents and began debating a wider operation in Jenin.
Retired colonel Miri Eisin, a former senior intelligence officer in the Israeli army, said the phenomenon of “hybrid” militants, inspired by and only partially affiliated with organized groups like Islamic Jihad, poses a challenge for Israel’s army. The members of this new youth movement, she said, “are young, angry, unemployed members of Palestinian gangs, with no hierarchy — somewhere in between lone wolves and terror cells.”
In recent years, the gangs have rebranded themselves as “battalions.” The “Jenin Battalion” saw recruiting momentum after a 2021 prison break by six Palestinian men with family ties to Jenin, and has served as a model for similar “battalions” in Nablus, Tulkarm, Bethlehem and other West Bank towns, Eisin said.
Mansour al-Saadi, the deputy governor of Jenin, said the Palestinian Authority lacks the political will and resources to rein in the violence.
“We see some who call themselves Fatah in the morning and Islamic Jihad in the evening,” Saadi said.
Part of the problem, Saadi said, is that the Palestinian Authority is headquartered 60 miles away, in Ramallah, where residents often have more direct contact with the Israelis living on the other side of the border wall. In Jenin, most young men are isolated, stuck at home with few economic prospects.
Ahmad Qassem, a 24-year-old camp resident, hasn’t been able to find work since finishing ninth grade, his last year of school. He was recently released from an Israeli prison after a two-year administrative detention, during which he was never charged or granted a trial.
Behind bars, Qassem said he had a realization: “Twenty years ago, we made peace with Israel, but they don’t respect any of it.”
“So, we’re done,” he said. “We want destruction.”
Mohammed Najib contributed to this report. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/09/20/israel-palestine-jenin-west-bank/ | 2022-09-20 08:07:54 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/09/20/israel-palestine-jenin-west-bank/ |
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Ferris State University’s Jim Crow Museum is getting a boost in funding to support its new traveling exhibit, which aims to spark important conversations about hateful and racist imagery nationwide.
The Grand Rapids-based Wege Foundation has pledged a $500,000 grant to support the museum’s new “Overcoming Hateful Things” traveling exhibit, Ferris State University recently announced. The grant will allow the exhibit to travel across the nation and then around the world.
“‘Overcoming Hateful Things’ is an exhibit that will help stimulate spaces where intelligent discussions about race, race relations and racism can occur,” said David Pilgrim, Ferris Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Strategic Initiatives and founder and director of the Jim Crow Museum, in a statement.
“The Wege grant makes these much-needed discussions possible. I hope they know how much we appreciate their support.”
The traveling exhibit debuted June 3 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and will tour the country for the next four months. It runs through Sept. 3.
RELATED: Jim Crow exhibit on racist imagery coming to Grand Rapids museum
“Overcoming Hateful Things” includes 151 objects, 21 exhibit crates, 17 exhibits and eight multimedia interactives. The exhibit is designed to fill about 3,000 square feet.
Many of the images and objects show the dehumanization of Black people in pre-1960s America. The exhibit serves as a reminder of America’s past, providing a teaching tool that shows generations of pushback by African Americans through activism, achievement and living their everyday lives with dignity, according to the university.
Laws that legalized the segregation and disenfranchisement of Black people were known as “Jim Crow,” named after a Black minstrel show character, and spanned about 100 years from the post Civil War era until 1968.
Ferris State’s Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia is an anti-racism institution, housing the most extensive collection of publicly accessible racist objects in the United States. The objects, ranging from dolls to advertisements and more, have been used as anti-racism resources for over two decades.
The museum is the nation’s largest publicly accessible collection of artifacts of intolerance, according to its website. The museum encourages collaborative work with high schools, universities, government agencies and human rights organizations to plan tours, produce original research and conduct anti-racism training sessions.
Development of the traveling exhibit started in 2021, according to the university. The exhibit was created with the assistance of Howard+Revis, the design firm behind the exhibits at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.
The Wege Foundation was founded in 1967 by Peter M. Wege and is centered in West Michigan. The foundation supports programs in the arts, environment, education and community health with the mission of enhancing the lives of people in West Michigan and around the world, according to its website.
More on MLive:
Blue Bridge to close weekend nights after large parties, gunshots
Forest Hills to begin contract negotiations with interim superintendent choice, selects search firm
The 15 most popular college destinations for Grand Rapids-area students | https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2023/06/jim-crow-museum-gets-500k-grant-for-traveling-exhibit-from-wege-foundation.html | 2023-06-07 10:36:29 | 0 | https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2023/06/jim-crow-museum-gets-500k-grant-for-traveling-exhibit-from-wege-foundation.html |
Smoke rises from buildings in this aerial view of Bakhmut, the site of the heaviest battles in the Donetsk regionImage: Libkos/AP Photo/picture alliance
Ukraine updates: Kyiv reports gains around Bakhmut
30 minutes ago
Ukraine's Defense Ministry said its foces advanced 2 kilometers near Bakhmut, while Russia denied any Ukrainian breakthroughs in the embattled city. DW has the latest.
https://p.dw.com/p/4RFJy
Advertisement
Ukraine said on Friday that its forces had made significant advances around the embattled city of Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region, which has been the epicenter of fighting with Russia for months.
"The enemy has suffered great losses of manpower. Our defense forces advanced 2 kilometers (around 1 mile) near Bakhmut. We did not lose a single position in Bakhmut this week," Deputy Defense Minister Ganna Malyar said in a statement on social media.
The comments came after another senior Ukrainian military official said this week that Russian forces had dropped back from some areas near Bakhmut after counterattacks by Kyiv's forces.
However, Russia denied late on Thursday that Ukraine had made any breakthroughs in the flashpoint city, saying that reports of territorial losses around Bakhmut did "not correspond to reality."
Moscow reacted after Russian military bloggers, writing on Telegram, reported what they said were Ukrainian advances north and south of the city of Bakhmut, with some suggesting a long-awaited counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces had started.
Bakhmut, which had a pre-war population of around 70,000 people, has been destroyed as Russian forces have posted incremental gains over recent months, amounting to some 80% of the city itself.
Zelenskyy: Ukraine needs more time for counteroffensive
Here are some of the other notable developments concerning Russia's war in Ukraine on Friday, May 12:
US, German ministers discuss efforts to counter Russian sanctions evasion
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen met German Finance Minister Christian Lindner on the sidelines of a G7 summit. The two underscored the importance of working together to counterMoscowäs evasion of Western sanctions imposed over its war in Ukraine.
"Secretary Yellen expressed appreciation for Germany's close coordination on the implementation of Russia sanctions and discussed the importance of aligning efforts to counter sanctions evasion," the Treasury Department said in a statement.
The US and a broad coalition of other countries have provided significant economic, security and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, while using sanctions and export controls to impose heavy economic costs on Russia.
Turkey says extension of Ukraine grain deal near completion
"We are heading toward an agreement on the extension of the grain deal," Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said in a statement. Akar was referring to talks in Istanbul this week between officials from Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and the United Nations.
The US and Britain on Tuesday pressed Russia to extend again the deal, accusing Moscow of exploiting global hunger for advantage in the war.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative, in place since July after diplomacy by the UN and Turkey, has helped ease shortages and the resulting price spikes triggered by Russia's invasion of the breadbasket nation.
The deal is set to expire on May 18, and Russia has not yet committed to a third renewal.
China special envoy to visit Ukraine
China will send a special envoy to Ukraine, Russia and other European nations from Monday, Beijing said, to discuss a "political settlement" to the war in Ukraine.
"From May 15, Ambassador Li Hui, special representative of the Chinese government for Eurasian Affairs, will visit Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany and Russia to communicate with all parties on the political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis," Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular press conference.
China says it is positioned to help mediate the conflict between Russian and Ukraine because it has not taken sides publicly.
Despite rocket fire and power outages, the music scene in Kyiv is active. DW spoke with the Ukrainian artists playing shows at home and accross Europe to raise money for their country. | https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-updates-kyiv-reports-gains-around-bakhmut/a-65599098?maca=en-rss-en-eu-2092-rdf | 2023-05-12 08:53:36 | 0 | https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-updates-kyiv-reports-gains-around-bakhmut/a-65599098?maca=en-rss-en-eu-2092-rdf |
Advanced Work Order Analytics and Sensor Analytics Capabilities Provide Exceptional New Levels of Insight
CHICAGO, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Uptake, a leader in industrial intelligence software-as-a-service (SaaS), today announced the availability of several major new capabilities in Uptake Fleet, its comprehensive predictive maintenance solution for the transportation industry. Leading the additions is an expanded Work Order Analytics capability that enables users to predict vehicle failures down to the component level for more detailed and accurate decision-making.
Also included in Uptake Fleet's enhancements is support for a number of popular sensor analytics endpoints. Through the addition of new Application Programming Interface (API) and Electrical System Rating (ESR) connectors, fleets can leverage data from these endpoints to optimize their maintenance scheduling and further reduce vehicle breakdowns.
"From supply chain disruptions to parts shortages, the transportation industry has been hit hard in recent years. Maintenance and repair costs are up by over 18%." commented Kayne Grau, CEO, Uptake. "The new capabilities of Uptake Fleet are built with our customers' evolving needs in mind to help increase vehicle uptime, save money and maximize efficiency across an entire fleet."
Work Order Analytics
With its new capabilities, Uptake Fleet's Work Order Analytics allows users to move beyond time and odometer-based measurements for their maintenance decision-making. Using up to ten years of existing internal work order data, the tool provides component-level survival curves that indicate where a truck's assets are in the equipment lifecycle, as well as aggregate and individual unit component analytics. It also filters by data fields, allowing users to assess both enterprise-level and vehicle-specific performance.
In its new configuration, Uptake Fleet users can set survival curve thresholds for specific vehicle components. When these thresholds are crossed, Uptake Fleet will create an alert that influences the truck's risk score and flags the potential for component failure. As a result, users are able to plan more accurately for replacements and prepare stock accordingly.
Sensor Analytics
Uptake Fleet's new sensor analytics capabilities support outputs from the Geotab ESR module, giving users of the popular Geotab tracking platform a new way to generate electrical systems insights that can prevent roadside failures. Using Geotab's ESR "score," Uptake Fleet can establish performance thresholds for insights on the health of alternators, batteries and other critical system components.
Through its enhanced support for a wide range of connector APIs from the most prominent fleet and sensor manufacturers, Uptake Fleet now ingests and analyzes a wider range of fault data. Users can leverage this additional information to dramatically expand their level and quality of insights to increase vehicle uptime, minimize maintenance disruptions and improve fleet productivity.
Now Available
Uptake Fleet's new analytics capabilities are now available to all users of the platform. For more information, contact our experts at https://www.uptake.com/fleet-request-info. Uptake will also be sponsoring the American Trucking Association's 2022 Management Conference & Exhibition (MCE) from Oct. 22-25. Attendees can learn more about Uptake Fleet at booth 17039.
About Uptake
Uptake provides industrial intelligence software-as-a-service (SaaS), translating data into smarter operations. Driven by unified data management and industrial data science, Uptake enable and delivers actionable insights that predict asset failure, advance ESG initiatives, mitigate catastrophic risk, optimize maintenance strategy, and protect operator safety, with 48 patents and recognition by Gartner, Verdantix, the World Economic Forum, CNBC, and Forbes. Uptake is based in Chicago, with an office in Mississauga, Ontario, and has a presence around the world. To stay up-to-date on what we're doing, visit us at www.uptake.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Uptake | https://www.wbtv.com/prnewswire/2022/10/20/uptake-unveils-powerful-new-analytics-features-uptake-fleet-predictive-maintenance-platform/ | 2022-10-20 14:17:51 | 0 | https://www.wbtv.com/prnewswire/2022/10/20/uptake-unveils-powerful-new-analytics-features-uptake-fleet-predictive-maintenance-platform/ |
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WHNT) — A homeopathic allergy medicine for kids is being voluntarily recalled over concerns of “elevated levels of yeast and mold,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.
One lot of Allergy Bee Gone for Kids Nasal Swab Remedy, made by Buzzagogo, Inc., is affected by the recall. During FDA testing, the product tested positive for yeast and mold and showed that it possibly contained the bacteria Bacillus cereus.
The FDA says the bacteria could cause life-threatening reactions in immunocompromised people.
According to a recent release, the FDA said the affected products will include the following information:
- Lot #: 2006491
- Expiration Date: 8/2024
- UPC Code: 860002022116
Allergy Bee Gone was shipped nationwide to wholesale distributors, retail stores and has been sold online on the company’s website, as well as on Amazon.com.
According to the FDA, Buzzagogo has been working to notify all of its distributors and customers by email, along with arranging for the return or replacement of all of the recalled products.
If you have the product in your home, the FDA encourages you to stop using it and throw it away. You can also contact the company for a full refund here or call (800) 963-2861 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
For any adverse reactions after using the product, you can fill out a report here, or download a form here to mail or fax at (800) 332-0178. The FDA advises you to contact your primary care doctor for any immediate concerns, or call 911. | https://cbs4indy.com/news/national-world/fda-recalls-childrens-allergy-meds-over-mold-yeast-concerns/ | 2022-06-15 14:22:21 | 1 | https://cbs4indy.com/news/national-world/fda-recalls-childrens-allergy-meds-over-mold-yeast-concerns/ |
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s Parliament sat on Tuesday for the first time since May elections with the new prime minister determined to have a greenhouse gas reduction target enshrined in law.
Legislation that would force Australia to reduce its emissions by 43% below 2005 levels by the end of the decade will be introduced Wednesday into the House of Representatives.
While Prime Minster Anthony Albanese’s center-left Labor Party holds a narrow majority in the House, it will need the support of senators from outside government ranks to get the bill through the upper chamber.
If Labor can persuade all 12 senators from the minor Greens party to support the bill, it will only need one more senator from the remaining six available to achieve a majority.
The Greens want Australia to slash its emissions by 75% by 2030.
The conservative coalition that ruled for nine years until the May 21 election won’t budget from its 2015 Paris commitment to reduce emissions by between 26% and 28%.
Albanese said voters and business groups had endorsed the 43% target.
“Our policy is well thought through,” Albanese said. “It was announced, it was campaigned upon, indeed, it received a mandate.”
Labor has agreed to some of the Greens’ demands including that the bill would state that any target was a floor, not a ceiling and that there would be no reduction in the government‘s ambition.
Greens leader Adam Bandt said his party needed more concessions and negotiations would continue.
Bandt said the government must stop approving new coal and gas projects and adopt a more ambitious target than 43%.
“We have been very concerned that the bill might put that weak target into law in a way that would put a handbrake on future governments that might be willing to act according to the science,” Bandt said.
The new government has already officially notified the United Nations of the 43% target.
It wants the target enshrined in law in case a future administration attempts to reduce the target.
Six new Greens lawmakers were sworn in on Tuesday, three to the House and three to the Senate. Bandt described the election result as the party’s best ever.
The major parties both lost seats to candidates who promised more action on climate change.
The conservative Liberal Party lost six House seats that were considered some of their safest to so-called teal independents: a greener shade than the party’s traditional blue color.
The number of lawmakers in the House unaligned to major parties has burgeoned from seven in the last Parliament to 16 in the new Parliament,
It is the largest number of unaligned lawmakers in the 151-seat House since the Liberal Party was formed in 1944.
Some observers say the trend suggests the years of majority government in Australia are numbered.
Australia has only had one minority government since World War II. A Labor minority government was elected in 2010 and lasted for a single three-year term.
Ian McAllister, an Australian National University political scientist who surveys voters after elections, said a substantial number wanted more action on climate change than the major parties were prepared to take.
“We asked about climate change. These days it’s about the second or third most important issue, whereas 10 or 15 years ago it was maybe fifth or sixth and it's very much associated with younger voters,” McAllister said. | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Australian-leader-wants-legislated-carbon-17328772.php | 2022-07-26 05:26:35 | 0 | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Australian-leader-wants-legislated-carbon-17328772.php |
WASHINGTON — Thousands of Reddit communities have "gone dark" in protest of the social media platform's new API pricing in a mass protest that includes some of the site's most popular subreddits.
The "front page of the internet" reaches an estimated 1.66 billion users each month, but has angered some of its most popular communities, known as subreddits, over changes to how it will charge applications to gather information from the site.
The controversial API changes, which the company announced in April, will effectively kill off third-party apps used to view the site.
In total, more than 6,500 communities on Reddit have chosen to go private (which blocks off all access to the content on them) or read-only to protest the sudden changes, which they view as an attack on developers making the Reddit experience better.
A Twitch stream tracking the protest shows that another 700 subreddits plan to go dark at some point Monday.
Here's what's happening, and how we got here.
What is an API?
An API is short for Application Programming Interface, which is simply a system that allows two apps to talk to each other and give specific information without sharing their own data. For example, there are a number of third-party Reddit apps that communicate with the website using the API, allowing users to access their feeds and post to the website without using the official Reddit app.
For years, Reddit has allowed its API to be used for free, opening up the world to popular apps such as Apollo, which includes features that Reddit doesn't have in the official app, such as tabs and fewer adds.
That last part may be the crux of the matter at hand, as far as Reddit is concerned. Because third-party apps only request specific data from the site, it's harder for the company to show advertisements to users on those apps, hobbling a main source of revenue for Reddit.
So in April, Reddit announced changes to their API's pricing. Under the new guidelines, set to take effect July 1, it will cost $0.24 for every 1,000 API calls (one call is made each time new data is requested). Apps making less than 100 calls per minute will still be able to use the API for free, but the $0.24 pricing can add up quickly for larger apps with thousands of users.
Apollo, for example, said it would shut down operations on June 30 because at its current number of calls, it would cost about $20 million per year to stay in business — an unsustainable cost for an indie developer with a free app.
What is the Reddit protest?
Many of the site's most popular subreddits, such as r/Music and r/todayilearned, have chosen to go dark on June 12 in support of Apollo and other API users.
The moderators of these subreddits are hoping that the widespread drop in content and users on Reddit caused by the changes will force the company to reconsider their API plans, especially as they prepare to go public with an IPO later this year.
Most subreddits have committed to a 48-hour blackout, but some are taking the protest further, saying they will remain dark "indefinitely" until the company walks back the policies.
Many are also calling for users to avoid Reddit completely, setting up Discord servers as alternate forms of communication to encourage their communities to stay off the site.
Christian Sellig, the creator of Apollo, thanked the Reddit communities that were participating in a post on Twitter that, ironically, linked back to a Reddit post he made Sunday.
"It's been so incredibly amazing seeing the whole Reddit community come together over a common frustration for how Reddit handled the announcement around changes to API pricing," Selig wrote.
What's at stake?
For starters, a massive trove of information hangs in the balance. Reddit, with its wide userbase and seemingly endless subreddits about any niche topic imaginable, is where millions go for their information. For many people searching online for a solution to a problem, typing in "reddit" after the question often brings the first clear answer they've been able to find.
Even ChatGPT, the AI model that took the world by storm in November, was trained in part on Reddit data, according to its creators at OpenAI.
With subreddits going dark in protest, much of this catalog of questions, answers and content remains inaccessible for the time being. And if Reddit chooses not to go back on its API changes, some subreddits could remain dark indefinitely. Even if new ones are made to replace them, the original information will still be locked.
Also at stake are a number of accessibility options for users that aren't supported by Reddit. For example, the moderators of r/blind, which is a hub for blind or visually impaired users on Reddit, said in a post announcing the blackout (the only one visible on the subreddit) that they couldn't even take the community private without the help of a person with vision.
"If Reddit was a restaurant third party apps are franchises," the mods wrote. "We can get a burger from Reddit directly or from a franchise. The official Reddit location is at the top of a cliff. Disabled people can't get there. Reddit is charging franchise fees so high nobody else can afford to offer burgers. We, with thousands of other subreddits, have gone dark for 48 hours. We will be back on June 14. Our Discord server remains open. Thank you for understanding; app so bad, vision required to go dark."
Perhaps the most important thing at stake to Reddit is the company's bottom line and how the protests will affect it.
In 2022, Bloomberg reported that Reddit had filed confidential paperwork to begin the process of going public on the stock market. The company valued itself at $15 billion at the time. But in the time since, reports indicate that creditors who are helping Reddit get to the starting line of an initial public offering on Wall Street are growing skeptical, with investment firm Fidelity downgrading the company's prospects numerous times.
The protest, if it is successful in keeping users off of Reddit, could hurt the company even more, as potential investors worry about the power the moderators of individual subreddits have over the platform.
It's unclear if the protest will move Reddit's leaders. In previous threads on the site's AMA (Ask Me Anything) subreddit, CEO Steve Huffman defended the policies. Reddit hasn't commented publicly on the protest since it began. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/nation-world/reddit-protest-api-changes/507-4f357065-6469-4e95-8542-9aa402c4cbe0 | 2023-06-12 15:27:01 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/nation-world/reddit-protest-api-changes/507-4f357065-6469-4e95-8542-9aa402c4cbe0 |
If the U.S. defaults on its debt, the fallout could be huge for Americans.
And not just for retirees who may not get Social Security payments on time, or military veterans who may have trouble accessing benefits, or federal employees and contractors who may see a lag in payments owed to them. The cost of borrowing money would soar, making it harder for everyone to buy homes, cars, or pay off credit card debts.
It could make things worse for families at a time when many are already under financial strain. Inflation remains high, and Americans have racked up almost $1 trillion in credit card debt. That's up 17% from a year ago, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
The Treasury Department says Congress has until June 1 to raise the federal debt limit. With negotiations still going and time running out, here are some ways to prepare your finances for a worst-case debt default scenario.
Tried and true basics
"We're advising people to prepare for a potential default as you would for an impending recession," says Anna Helhoski of NerdWallet.
That means tamping down on excess spending, making a budget, and shoring up emergency savings to cover at least three months of living expenses.
Since a debt default would likely send interest rates soaring, any credit card debt you're saddled with may soon cost you more. Personal finance experts advise paying off those debts with the highest interest rates as quickly as possible.
While tightening finances, you may find that keeping up with car payments or a home mortgage will become a struggle. Helhoski recommends reaching out to lenders early to discuss any options for lowering payments, adding that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has "housing counselors who can also help homeowners explore any alternatives to delinquency and anything that would have long lasting impacts on their credit."
Don't panic
The stock market will certainly take a hit if the U.S. defaults on its debt. At moments, the losses could seem significant to anyone with investments or retirement accounts.
But for those with diversified portfolios who aren't nearing retirement, investment experts advise that you stay the course.
"Fight your worst instinct to act on the news," says Teresa Ghilarducci, labor economist and retirement security expert at The New School. "All the academic research shows that if you buy and hold, you will do so much better than if you try to follow market trends, whether that be responding to an economic crisis or a recession."
Historically, markets have roared back after major declines. Stocks rebounded following the Arab oil embargo in the 1970s, Black Monday in the '80s, the dot-com bubble of the early aughts, and certainly the 2008 financial crisis, according to an analysis by MFS Investment Management of market recoveries dating back to the Great Depression.
Act fast, or postpone big purchases
If you're in the market for a new car or home, what you can afford today may be well beyond reach in a matter of weeks. It may be wise to close that deal on a new car now. And make sure your interest rate is locked in, if you are working towards closing on a home.
Real estate website Zillow estimates mortgage rates could reach 8.4% in the event of a default, which would send a chill through a housing market already on ice thanks to the interest rate hikes of the last year.
"You'll see a dramatic drop in buyers and when that happens, then you're going to see property prices fall, a halt on different construction and home improvement projects," says Artin Babayan, a home loan officer based in Los Angeles.
By some estimates, housing activity accounts for nearly a fifth of the U.S. economy. A stall in the real-estate market would reverberate, Babayan notes.
"I think it'll really screw up the economy," he adds.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.kanw.com/npr-news/npr-news/2023-05-25/3-ways-to-protect-your-money-if-the-u-s-defaults-on-its-debt | 2023-05-25 12:05:19 | 1 | https://www.kanw.com/npr-news/npr-news/2023-05-25/3-ways-to-protect-your-money-if-the-u-s-defaults-on-its-debt |
Name as it appears on the ballot: Nathan Click
Age: 41
Party affiliation: Democrat
Campaign website: nathanclick.com
Occupation & employer: Self
Years lived in North Carolina: Almost all of them
1. What are your primary concerns for the State of North Carolina?
I’m the only candidate that has been consistently knocking doors in this district for over 80 days, and talking to its citizens. I hear many recurring themes. Most people in this district are concerned with the economy working for them, affordable housing, healthcare, the sanctity of democracy and voting rights. To address economic issues, we need to slow inflation before it grabs a hold of our economy. We also need to create a tax code and national budget that supports working families and small business entrepreneurs. Billionaires and corporations should pay their fair share to invest in America and pay down our national debt.
The Affordable Care Act has done wonders to provide health coverage to tens of millions of Americans who would otherwise not be able to afford coverage. We must defend and expand the ACA as well as Medicaid. Congress must bring down the price of prescription drugs by enabling Medicare to negotiate prices with the big pharmaceutical companies. America deserves a public option for health insurance. We should also build more hospitals in growing rural areas, such as Johnston County, so no one has to go far to get emergency care.
Finally, and most importantly, we must secure our democracy by eliminating all forms of voter suppression and strengthening voter rights by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. We need to end the corrupt practice of political gerrymandering by passing the For The People Act! We must ensure that all citizens are represented fairly in state legislatures and the U.S. House of Representatives. Politicians must not be allowed to pick their voters. Politicians also must not be allowed to buy elections; we need comprehensive campaign finance laws and publicly funded elections to make representation more equitable. If I am elected I will make and vote on bills that work for everyone.
2. What in your background qualifies you to represent the people of this state effectively? What would you cite as your biggest career accomplishments?
I was raised in North Carolina. I was educated at one of the epicenters of the Civil Rights struggle - North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, so I have a deep understanding of what is needed for social justice and systemic change. I founded a commercial financing and consulting company which caters to small and medium sized businesses. As a small business owner who helps other small business owners, I understand the struggle that business owners go through, I also know first-hand what it’s like to work hard and struggle to make ends meet. I am a former U.S. Air Force officer with nine years of service and a veteran of Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom. I know what it means to serve, to sacrifice, and to fight for something larger than one’s self. As the North Carolina State Leader for Stand-Up Republic, I volunteered my time to lead efforts to strengthen government accountability. I am qualified to represent the people of this district because I have felt many of the issues that they have felt. From lack of access to health care to unemployment to student loan debt, ect. I’m also qualified because I have the life experience, education, and drive to change things for the better.
My biggest career accomplishment has nothing to do with business or politics. On my first deployment my air control squadron was sent to fly counter drug missions over South America and the Caribbean. While there a large earthquake struck Haiti. The devastation was tremendous. My unit was re-tasked to provide air control for the rescue effort. On one mission, a helicopter crew informed me, over the radio, that because of our air control, they were able to rescue a 9-year-old boy and get him to the hospital ship in time to save his life. That moment was the highlight of my entire career.
3. If elected, what three policies would you prioritize and how would you work across the aisle to enact those initiatives?
My top priority is Racial, Social & Criminal Justice reform; this means working to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, ending for-profit prisons (a modern form of slavery), ending cash bail, “banning the box” which prevents former offenders from finding future opportunities, and addressing the systemic inequality in the judicial system which incarcerates people of color at much higher rates than other races.
Another priority for me is economic reform. For too many, the American dream is just that- a dream. Wages are not keeping up with rising Inflation, gas prices, groceries, mortgage and rents. College is too expensive. Home ownership seems out of reach for too many. And our income and standard of living ARE not keeping up with generations before us. Our economy caters to Wall Street not Main Street as billionaires pay less in taxes than many working families. We must slow inflation before it grabs a hold of our economy. Further, we need a tax code and national budget that supports working families and small business entrepreneurs. Billionaires and corporations should pay their fair share to invest in America and pay down our national debt.
Another priority is building a 21st century clean energy infrastructure. Partisan gridlock and the inability to solve problems has set Americans back in many ways. We are behind other developed nations in areas of transportation, low-cost high-speed internet, and clean energy production. We have the resources to do better! We need to: invest in modernizing U.S. transportation through the development of interstate electric high-speed rail, support the development of a low-cost, high-speed internet network throughout the country; support unconditional net-neutrality; invest in clean energy solutions that include rapid expansion of properly regulated nuclear power plants as well as solar and wind power, with the goal of replacing ALL coal and fossil fuel as quickly as possible; invest in electric vehicle technology and local public transportation with the goal of minimizing fossil fuel use and ending our nation’s dependence on foreign fossil fuel as soon as possible.
It should also be mentioned that none of these things are possible without an investment in education. We need to invest in school infrastructure that modernizes facilities and decreases class sizes. We need to equalize the funding gap between communities so that all schools have access to resources. We also need to invest in community college, trade school, and early college programs.
4. What factors are fueling the country’s growing political polarization and how will you work to mend it?
The political polarization in America is a huge problem. I believe that the three main drivers are media misinformation, lack of political leadership, and shortfalls in public education. Modern media outlets, driven by ratings and profit motives, often have little incentive to focus on factual reporting. In addition, social media channels, motivated by user engagement, are also incentivized to push salacious content. This leads many to live their lives in an “echo chamber.” A friend of mine was recently involved in a serious vehicle accident. She had several broken bones and was stuck at home, mostly alone, for a long period of time. She spent her time watching Fox News, OAN, and Newsmax. During this time, she became more and more bitter, angry, and extreme in her views. This is an example of what misinformation does to people. To combat this, we must do a better job developing and enforcing rules and regulations around false reporting. Freedom of press cannot mean freedom to lie.
Lack of political leadership is another problem. We have elected officials who promote lies for political gain and others who refuse to hold them accountable. If elected I will work to hold elected officials who spread misinformation accountable. This includes those who participated in the Jan 6th insurrection.
The third issue is public education. We need to make sure that civics, media literacy, and critical thinking skills are taught in K-12 schools so that the next generation is better prepared to deal with the digital environment.
5. November’s general election race is expected to be close, regardless of who wins the party primaries. What makes you an attractive choice to centrist voters?
Donald Trump is already working to claim NC13 for the MAGA movement. With this being the only swing district in the State it is an important race. Relying on one’s party label will not be successful in this district. The candidate that can connect with the voters on issues important to them will be the winner here. I’m the only candidate that has been consistently knocking doors and I hear many recurring themes. Most people in this district are concerned with the economy working for them, affordable housing, healthcare, and voting rights. I have a vision for addressing “kitchen table’ issues while defending our democracy. I connect with voters on kitchen table issues because I have been personally affected by them. I understand the struggle of the small business owner, the stress of not being able to pay bills, and the sting of racial discrimination. The issues faced by the voters in this district are real and personal for me. I also believe in applying a common sense approach to legislation rather than simply following Party agendas. I really do believe in the concept of “People over Party”. That’s the kind of candidate that can break through the partisan propaganda and win votes from all sides.
6. With rent, property taxes, and home sale prices all rising, what, if anything, should the federal government do to address this growing affordability crisis?
The cost of housing has been something that people talk to me about when I knock on doors. One thing that can be done is expanding the section 8 program. My mother lived in Section 8 housing when I was younger and she still does. Many of her siblings have also lived on Section 8 vouchers and in project housing (she's one of eight). Having lived in affordable housing myself, I believe this is a program that can work IF we fix its critical flaws AND expand it so that it reaches all the people it needs to. There are currently not enough vouchers (waitlists are too long) we need to expand funding to this program. Also, market rents are not properly calculated and as a result, people are often forced to accept housing in ‘bad neighborhoods’; this concentrates poverty in specific communities, which is functionally a new version of redlining. Market rents need to be calculated so that voucher holders can actually live in quality housing. Finally, landlords must be properly incentivized. Making it easier for landlords will bring more houses into the program and increase the supply of houses available. Once landlords are in the program, we need tough anti-discrimination rules to make sure things are fair. Economic mobility is a core feature of an economy that works for all and affordable safe housing is essential for economic mobility.
7. What specific policies or programs do you endorse or would pursue to combat inflation?
Inflation is part of a larger systemic problem we have in America.
The issue with inflation is systemic. We have allowed our economy to become dominated by large corporations. As a result, there is insufficient competition to put downward pressure on prices. So, when a calamity, such as a pandemic, comes around; corporations can simply pass costs off to consumers. The end result is mega-billionaires increase their wealth while the rest of the nation struggles to keep the lights on. The solution is breaking up large public firms similar to what was done in the early 1900s under the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. In doing this we create more competition; firms will not be able to so easily raise prices because they will lose customers to their many competitors. This type of economy is more resistant to inflation.
8. The U.S. Supreme Court may issue a ruling this summer that guts, or even overturns, Roe v. Wade. What must Congress do to protect abortion rights if that happens?
Pass a law that codifies Roe v. Wade protections into law. Congress has relied on the court to protect women on this issue with judicial interpretations rather than taking action and passing a statute. This is something that must be done.
9. Do you believe Congress should pass the Freedom to Vote Act to guarantee free and fair elections for every American, limit the impact of money on elections, and restrict gerrymandering?
Yes, the Freedom to Vote Act, For the People Act, and John Lewis Voting Rights act should all be law.
10. Please state three specific policies you support to address climate change.
I have more than three. Climate change is real and an existential threat to life as we know it on this planet for our children and grandchildren. We must recognize the red lights and sirens that are blaring from the scientific community. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) July 2021 report, we are running out of time. Our national infrastructure is built on an industrial age foundation, which is outdated and dependent on fossil fuel technology. We need to modernize the whole national infrastructure from the ground up. We need to: 1) drastically and rapidly decrease our carbon emissions by cutting our dependence on fossil fuels; 2) focus on developing and expanding renewable and sustainable energy options such as wind, solar, and nuclear; 3) provided economic business incentives for environmentally friendly innovations; 4) develop a clean energy transportation infrastructure; and 5) provide job transition for individuals in working in displaced industries.
11. Are there any issues this questionnaire has not addressed that you would like to address?
My core Philosophy is “people over party” This is one thing that makes me the best candidate for a swing district. I believe in democracy and equity. Everyone should be treated with equity and have fair representation regardless of race, creed, class, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. I believe in a common sense, evidence-based approach to legislation. I support truly open and competitive elections as opposed to flagrant gerrymandering, which suppresses the true voice of the people. I oppose ALL forms of voter suppression. I believe that when elections are fair and when elected officials listen to their constituency, common sense priorities are set and problems can be solved. I believe in strengthening our education system, ensuring public safety and justice for all, building our state and national infrastructure, and creating a profitable, consumer-friendly economy. | https://indyweek.com/news/elections/candidate-questionnaire-nathan-click-us-house-district-13/ | 2022-04-28 21:00:31 | 0 | https://indyweek.com/news/elections/candidate-questionnaire-nathan-click-us-house-district-13/ |
The mooted sale of Liverpool Football Club confirms an uncomfortable truth: No-one really makes any money owning a soccer club, they only profit from selling it.
Liverpool is a better-run club than most, with tight controls of its costs. But in more than a decade of FSG’s ownership, the team has still only made a cumulative profit of £27 million, representing an annualized return of just 0.8% — pitiful by almost any standards.(1)Assuming the reinvestment of dividends, the S&P 500 has returned 13% a year to investors over the same period.
So in order to generate anything resembling a meaningful return, you have to sell the team. That’s why they change hands with such regularity: Half the current teams in England’s top tier Premier League have different owners than they did a decade ago. Clubs are sold with the promise of better earnings tomorrow rather than on the basis of financial stability today.
Even the Glazer family, long the target of fan opprobrium during its ownership of Manchester United Plc, has averaged cash returns of just 5% a year since taking over in 2005. And more than half of that has come from selling shares.
That’s because earnings are so tightly linked to on-field performance, a point Liverpool demonstrates all too well. Its most profitable years under FSG were 2018 and 2019, when it reached the Champions League final in successive years – winning the second time around. In the years since, albeit impaired by the Covid-19 pandemic, it has struggled to turn a profit and failed to invest as heavily in its squad. Partly as a consequence of that underinvestment, the team is struggling to perform this year, and appears well out of the title race and risks not qualifying for next year’s Champions League.
The short-lived European Super League would have eliminated that sort of boom and bust cycle by adopting a more American model. The same teams would have participated every year in the top pan-European competition, ensuring stable and predictable revenue. There were also plans to introduce a salary cap to restrain ever-spiraling wage costs. It’s a change that appealed to the U.S. owners of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal. Now that idea is off the table, the prospect of stabilizing earnings must have looked pretty bleak.
But then Todd Boehly and Clearlake ponied up £4.3 billion earlier this year to buy Chelsea FC. Suddenly the timing for a Liverpool sale looks propitious. Even as future earnings look more complicated than they did when the super league was still a realistic possibility, valuations have climbed into the stratosphere – Chelsea attracted six other bidders. Between the push effect of the demise of the super league, and the pull effect of Chelsea’s swollen valuation, FSG Chairman John Henry must surely reckon considering a sale makes sense.
There are those in the game that aren’t so financially motivated, such as the state-backed owners of Newcastle United F.C., Manchester City F.C. and Paris-Saint Germain, whose governments benefit from the halo of owning an international team and are deemed to be `sportswashing’ less-than-stellar human rights records at home.
For the rest, the problem is always going to be what happens next. Chelsea’s new owners are a private equity firm that will surely, at some stage, seek an exit too. While the current boom-bust structure persists, European football teams will be at the perennial mercy of owners seeking the next buyer.
More From Bloomberg Opinion:
• Golf Fans Will Be Final Judge in PGA-LIV Spat: Stephen L. Carter
• The Red Bull Billionaire’s Secret Winning Recipe: Chris Bryant
• Athletes Are Pushing Back on Sports Sponsorship: David Fickling
(1) FSG may also have profited from the interest repayments on money it has loaned the club.
This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.
Alex Webb is a correspondent for Bloomberg Quicktake. He previously covered the technology, telecoms and media industries in London, San Francisco and Munich.
More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion
©2022 Bloomberg L.P. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/liverpool-going-on-sale-highlights-soccers-financial-fickleness/2022/11/08/697fe3be-5f2b-11ed-a131-e900e4a6336b_story.html | 2022-11-08 06:25:15 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/liverpool-going-on-sale-highlights-soccers-financial-fickleness/2022/11/08/697fe3be-5f2b-11ed-a131-e900e4a6336b_story.html |
Warnock, Walker advance to runoff for Senate seat in Georgia
By BILL BARROW
Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) — Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker will meet in a Dec. 6 runoff in Georgia after neither reached the general election majority required under state law. That sets up a four-week blitz that again will test whether voters are more concerned about inflation under Democratic control of Washington or the Republican candidate’s rocky past. Warnock styles himself as a pragmatist in a partisan era. Walker has tried to make the choice a referendum on national Democrats, caricaturing Warnock as a rubber-stamp for President Joe Biden amid sustained inflation. | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national/2022/11/09/warnock-walker-advance-to-runoff-for-senate-seat-in-georgia/ | 2022-11-09 20:23:11 | 1 | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national/2022/11/09/warnock-walker-advance-to-runoff-for-senate-seat-in-georgia/ |
Study: Dementia rates differ based on race, ethnicity
(CNN) - A new study suggests older people of color may face higher rates of dementia than their white counterparts.
The medical journal JAMA published the study Tuesday.
Researchers analyzed the records of nearly 2 million people enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration.
They found significant differences in dementia incidences among those 55 years old or older, based on race and ethnicity.
According to researchers, Hispanic participants were nearly two times more likely to develop dementia compared to white participants.
And Black patients were over 1.5 times more at risk.
They also found higher risks with Asian and other minority participants.
Researchers said clinicians should be aware of the risk factors for dementia within certain groups so they can help control those factors when possible.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.kmvt.com/2022/04/19/study-dementia-rates-differ-based-race-ethnicity/ | 2022-04-19 23:37:06 | 1 | https://www.kmvt.com/2022/04/19/study-dementia-rates-differ-based-race-ethnicity/ |
LOS ANGELES, July 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lumary, as a leading brand in the smart lighting industry, has always been committed to the perfect fusion of technology and design to bring users the best quality products. Lumary's revolutionary new product, the Smart Ceiling Fan with Light, will bring you an unprecedented pleasurable experience in your home life.
Lumary Smart Ceiling Fan with Light supports dual connectivity: WiFi and Bluetooth. Users can connect the fan light to their home network via WiFi to realize remote control and intelligent operation, and it also supports Bluetooth connection to provide users with more choices. Compared to most smart fan lights on the market today that only support Bluetooth, Lumary Smart Ceiling Fan with Light can seamlessly connect to Alexa and Google Assistant, eliminating the need for cumbersome operations and allowing for a personalized and intelligent control experience by simply speaking your commands. In addition, Lumary Smart Ceiling Fan with Light also supports mobile APP and remote control, the combination of multiple control methods not only takes into account the operational needs of different age groups, but also adds more fun to your life.
Lumary's mission has always been to bring the best quality lighting experience to its customers, and to that end, Lumary has incorporated a range of amazing lighting effects into this Smart Ceiling Fan with Light . In addition to the traditional 2700-6500K color temperature adjustment and colorful RGB light effects, Lumary is even more proud of its exclusive RGBAI light effects. This technology can present 380 light effect scenarios, allowing your space to instantly change into countless beautiful lights and shadows, adding infinite fun and creativity to your life. Lumary Smart Ceiling Fan with Light equipped with a unique and powerful 35-watt LED light source that boasts up to 2800 lumens, this smart fan light will bring bright, crisp illumination to your space, providing the optimal lighting needed.
The practicality of this Smart Ceiling Fan with Light is also one of the key considerations of Lumary. It has 6 wind speed gears, so you can easily adjust the wind power size, comfort, and practicality at the same time. Moreover, it supports the forward and reverse functions, enabling you to not only enjoy the cool fan effect in the hot summer but also utilize its forward function to evenly distribute the warm air in winter, providing a comfortable indoor environment.
In addition, Lumary pays special attention to the quiet design of the product. The lowest decibel level of this smart fan light is only 35dB, allowing you to rest, study or work in a quiet environment without being disturbed by noise.
Lumary has always been committed to promoting innovation and progress in the smart lighting industry, and this smart fan light is the result of Lumary's continuous efforts. Lumary believes that this smart fan light will add more intelligent and comfortable elements to the user's home life. Lumary will, as always, focus on the user, and continue to introduce innovative products to help users create a smart, convenient and comfortable home environment and comfortable home environment.
Availability
The Lumary Smart Ceiling Fan with Light is now available for purchase on Amazon.com and Lumarysmart.com. We believe that Lumary Smart Ceiling Fan with Light will become a bright landscape of your home decoration, making your life more comfortable, convenient and moody.
About Lumary:
Lumary is a smart lifestyle brand providing high-end smart lighting products. Lumary is a tech-led, people-oriented company. Lumary technology can combine voice assistants and mobile applications to provide high-quality smart products and a more convenient user experience for Lumary customers. Easy and quick installation and the latest technology save your time and make your experience more enjoyable.
Lumary on Amazon.com
Lumarysmart.com
Lumary on Walmart.com
Lumary on Facebook
Join our Facebook group
Email: marketing@lumary.tech
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Lumary | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/prnewswire/2023/07/28/lumary-smart-ceiling-fan-with-light-debuts-integrating-bluetooth-wifi-connectivity-380-lighting-scenario-modes-shocking-launch/ | 2023-07-28 14:23:41 | 1 | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/prnewswire/2023/07/28/lumary-smart-ceiling-fan-with-light-debuts-integrating-bluetooth-wifi-connectivity-380-lighting-scenario-modes-shocking-launch/ |
How 'extraordinary' survivors are still being pulled from rubble 10 days after massive earthquake
More than 10 days after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, people continue to be pulled from the rubble alive, defying expectations for survival after so many hours.
"We, of course, thought this wouldn't be possible, because getting somebody out alive after 10 days would've been a really great surprise for us," rescue worker Özer Aydinli told CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta this week.
Aydinli and his team rescued a 13-year-old boy named Mustafa from the rubble 228 hours -- nearly 10 days -- after the quake.
"When [our friends] said, 'We found a person alive,' we thought, 'No, they must be hallucinating.' We couldn't believe it. But it is a miracle. ... The only thing we can say is that this is a great miracle," he said.
Search and rescue teachings have historically emphasized the "golden 48 hours" after a building collapse in which the chance of live rescues is highest. Some studies say the majority of live rescues happen within the first five or six days.
However, people continue to be rescued alive from the rubble of the Feb. 6 quake, including Mustafa.
"I have no clue how he survived for 228 hours, because as the excavator was in operation, there was more debris falling around, filling the space above and under him, and so we couldn't see any intact residential structure, because it was all rubble," rescue worker Uğur Sevgin told Gupta. "Then, from the rubble, we got him out, digging him out by hand."
Amid the rubble, Aydinli said, there was just a pair of eyes and then the call of "Brother!"
"When we saw it, when we heard it, there were 70, 80 people in the crew, and when we said there was a person alive, all our friends swarmed the area," Aydinli said. "Nobody moved, and we all cried. And even now, we get tears in our eyes from time to time."
Aydinli says Mustafa may have been trapped in the "triangle of life," explained by a theory that when buildings collapse, ceilings fall on objects or furniture inside, leaving a viable space next to the person.
"After seeing Mustafa, I absolutely believe that there will be others. It is a miracle," Sevgin said. "But, of course, it seems scientifically impossible. It has been 10 days and counting."
Video below: A 77-year-old woman was rescued from rubble more than a week after Turkey quake
How long can people survive in the rubble?
Some rescue teams follow a "rule of fours," which assumes that trapped people can survive four minutes without air, four days without water and four weeks without food.
However, research suggests that "rigid, universal timeframes" may be inaccurate, as survival can be extended under rare conditions.
In Turkey, for example, experts say those who were stuck in collapsed residential buildings may have had access to some source of water or food.
"You really only need a little bit of air, oxygen, water and probably a little bit of food to survive, hopefully just enough to get to a point where the rescuers can find you," said Dr. Jarone Lee, an emergency and disaster medicine expert at Massachusetts General Hospital. "But I think it also relates to what kind of injuries happen during the initial sort of collapse and insult, if they only had a minor injury versus a major injury to the internal organs like your liver and such."
Lee said a person's baseline health status is key. Those with pre-existing medical conditions -- who may be unable to access their medication or whose medication includes side effects such as dehydration -- have a lower likelihood of survival.
"I do think that the ones that will continue to be found will be the younger, probably kids and other folks who are more robust. ... Kids are usually smaller too, and there's always a chance that they might be in an area of the collapse that they can survive longer just because they are smaller," Lee said.
Video below: Turkey: Boy rescued from under earthquake rubble after a week
Experts say cold temperatures may prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion among trapped people, but the subfreezing temperatures in Turkey and Syria are doing more harm than good.
"In trauma patients, cold temperature is not a good thing for the physiology in general. After some degree of hypothermia, cardiac arrest can be a problem. Blood clotting factors do not work well, and other serious physiologic derangements happen," said Dr. Girma Tefera, medical director of the American College of Surgeons' Operation Giving Back.
Advances in search and rescue training and technologies, including the use of dogs, drones and on-site IV rehydration, may also account for the extended survival times.
Lee said that although he is hopeful there will be many more survivors, these are "extraordinary or rare circumstances" amid the more than 43,000 deaths after the earthquake. "These are in many ways still a handful of survivors in a massive amount of unfortunate devastation and death."
Recovery after rescue
Rescue is only the beginning of a survivor's road to recovery.
At the Adana City Teaching and Research Hospital, the largest trauma hospital in the region, more than 5,000 patients were treated in the week after the earthquake.
Dr. Suleyman Cetinkunar, chief of staff at the hospital, told Gupta that the majority of injuries include "limb loss, tissue crushes and brain trauma."
In addition to traumatic injuries from the collapse, patients may have "crush syndrome," when compressed muscle tissues are finally freed and broken down, releasing toxins into the blood. These toxins can injure the kidneys and lead to kidney failure, causing seemingly stable patients to rapidly deteriorate after rescue.
During their interview, the team received another call to the helipad to receive a 26-year-old who had crush syndrome and was in need of immediate dialysis.
"Even just getting out of the rubble is a big step to get them stabilized into the hospital. But they are not out of the woods in any way. There's a good chance that they still might not survive in the hospital," said Massachusetts General's Lee.
Video below: Syrian baby born under quake rubble 'doing well'
Makeshift hospitals are life support
Receiving lifesaving medical care becomes even more difficult as hospital buildings, like most other buildings, were not spared by the earthquake.
The government and nonprofit organizations have set up field hospitals, tent hospitals and even hospital ships to continue to care for earthquake victims.
Gupta spoke to doctors who are performing essential orthopedic surgery in tents set up in the parking lot of a ruined hospital in Antakya, Hatay province.
"I've worked in places before where people like this don't have the operation. They lay at home, languish. Some of them would get bedsores, blood clots, pneumonia and maybe die from that," Dr. Greg Hellwarth, an orthopedic surgeon from Indiana, told Gupta.
Dr. Elliott Tenpenny, an ER doctor from North Carolina and director of the International Health Unit for Samaritan's Purse, showed Gupta around the field hospital where, amid 5.0 aftershocks, they continue to manage critical conditions like blood loss and asthma.
Video below: Donation drive at Mass. market to help earthquake survivors in Turkey, Syria
"It's not just about the broken bones and the crush injuries. It's about these patients also," Tenpenny told Gupta.
The floating hospital also provides immediate beds, operating rooms and even a maternity ward. Unlike the field hospitals on the ground, hospital ships are relatively protected from the aftershocks that continue to devastate the land, the captain told Gupta.
Experts say this disaster causes disruptions in the health care system that put people with chronic medical conditions at risk of losing access to lifesaving medications or medical appointments.
"The consequences of that are going to be in weeks to years, months to years," Lee said. "The fallout is going to be, unfortunately, massive from this." | https://www.wmur.com/article/turkey-syria-earthquake-survivors-still-being-pulled-from-rubble-10-days-after/42968887 | 2023-02-18 23:10:02 | 0 | https://www.wmur.com/article/turkey-syria-earthquake-survivors-still-being-pulled-from-rubble-10-days-after/42968887 |
James Abourezk, 1st Arab American US senator, dies at 92
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — James Abourezk, a South Dakota Democrat who grew up on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, became the first Arab American U.S. senator and was known for his quick wit as he advocated for populist causes, died Friday. He was 92.
Abourezk died at his home in Sioux Falls on his birthday after entering hospice care earlier this week, his son Charles Abourezk said. While in hospice, James Abourezk was surrounded by his wife Sanaa Abourezk and other family members.
Abourezk represented South Dakota for single terms in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate during the 1970s, where he exemplified a brand of Democratic politician known as Prairie Populist. He fought passionately — and with humor — for those he felt were the downtrodden: farmers, consumers and Native American people.
Abourezk was the first chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and successfully pressed for the American Indian Policy Review Commission. It produced a comprehensive review of federal policy with American Indian tribes and sparked the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act and the Indian Child Welfare Act — a landmark piece of legislation meant to cut down on the alarming rate at which Native American children were taken from their homes and placed with white families.
When the American Indian Movement seized and occupied Wounded Knee, South Dakota, in 1973 to protest the federal government’s treatment of Native American tribes, Abourezk and fellow South Dakota Democrat Sen. George McGovern traveled to Wounded Knee to negotiate with activists in a standoff with federal law enforcement.
Abourezk also mounted an unsuccessful effort against natural gas de-regulation that raised prices for consumers and became an outspoken critic of U.S. policy in the Middle East. He declined to run for reelection in 1978.
“He was courageous, he was outspoken,” said Tom Daschle, the former Senate Democratic leader who started his political career as an aide to Abourezk. He added: “I give him great credit for his advocacy of human rights, especially of the need to recognize the Arab American community in the United States. He was a lone voice for many years.”
U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican, said on Twitter that Abourezk was a “true public servant” who left his mark as he advocated for tribes in the state.
Abourezk’s causes often ran afoul of Washington’s political establishment. He jabbed back with banter.
“He was a great storyteller; he had great humor; he was quick-witted and people loved to be around him,” Daschle said.
In Abourezk’s 1989 memoir, he wrote of the Senate: “Where else are your doors opened for you, is your travel all over the world provided free of charge, can you meet with world leaders who would otherwise never let you into their countries, have your bad jokes laughed at and your boring speeches applauded? It’s the ultimate place to have one’s ego massaged, over and over.”
The trappings of the Senate were another world from Abourezk’s rough-and-tumble childhood on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, where his Lebanese parents had immigrated and ran a general store.
He told colorful tales in his memoir of adolescent adventure: He learned to shoot pool at a local saloon called the Bloody Bucket; drove his father’s car backward to reverse the mileage put on the odometer from an unauthorized, 17-mile trip to see a girlfriend; and challenged a group of school bullies to a fight to distract them from picking on another student.
He didn’t win the fight, Abourezk wrote in his memoir, “Advise and Dissent.” But the bullies left him and the other student alone: “It turned out no one was anxious to tangle with even a sure loser.”
Abourezk served four years in the U.S. Navy following World War II. Upon returning to South Dakota, he married his first wife, Mary Ann Houlton, and had three children: Charles, Nikki and Paul. He worked a series of jobs, including as a rancher, blackjack dealer and judo instructor, and then earned a degree in civil engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines.
His job as a civil engineer took him to California, then back to South Dakota, where he worked on the Minuteman missile silos in the western part of the state. He attended law school and opened a solo practice in Rapid City.
Abourezk ran for South Dakota attorney general in 1968 and lost. But he remained undeterred from entering politics and narrowly won a U.S. House seat in 1970. Two years later, he jumped to the Senate. During his term there, he was a seatmate to both former Sens. Joe Biden and Edward Kennedy.
He led a delegation from South Dakota, including members of the University of South Dakota basketball team, to Cuba for a game with the Cuban national basketball team. During the trip, he met with Fidel Castro.
Abourezk also became an outspoken critic of Israel and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East after touring the region and visiting his parents’ hometown in Lebanon as a senator. The position lost him many political allies, and he decided to retire from the Senate after a single term.
Abourezk returned to practicing law in Washington and founded the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, where he passionately and colorfully denounced Israeli aggressions in the Middle East. He divorced his first wife in 1980.
Abourezk married Margaret Bethea in 1982. They later divorced.
He set up a law practice in Rapid City where he specialized in American Indian law, but also remained active in advocacy on international policy.
At an embassy event in Washington, he met Sanaa Abourezk, a restauranteur. They were married in 1991, and several years later moved to Sioux Falls where she opened an award-winning restaurant.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Charles Abourezk, Nikki Pipe On Head, Paul Abourezk and Alya Abourezk; step-daughter, Chelsea Machado; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kold.com/2023/02/25/james-abourezk-1st-arab-american-us-senator-dies-92/ | 2023-02-25 00:50:20 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/2023/02/25/james-abourezk-1st-arab-american-us-senator-dies-92/ |
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — No one won an estimated $700 million Powerball jackpot Wednesday night, meaning the big prize will grow to an estimated $800 million for the next drawing.
The numbers drawn were: 19-36-37-46-56-24
No one has matched all six numbers and won the Powerball jackpot since Aug. 3, allowing the prize to grow to the fifth-largest in U.S. history. That amounts to 36 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner. The next drawing is Saturday.
The lack of a winner reflects the long odds of winning the grand prize, which are one in 292.2 million.
The new $800 jackpot amount is for winners who take their winnings through an annuity, paid annually over 29 years. Nearly all winners actually choose the cash option, however, which would be $383.7 million after taxes.
The biggest lottery jackpot to date was a $1.586 billion Powerball prize that three ticket holders won in 2016.
Powerball is played in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. | https://fox59.com/news/national-world/no-one-hits-powerball-jackpot-new-drawing-climbs-to-estimated-800-million/ | 2022-10-27 11:02:05 | 1 | https://fox59.com/news/national-world/no-one-hits-powerball-jackpot-new-drawing-climbs-to-estimated-800-million/ |
As new national data reveals 65% of leaders consider wellbeing integral to their workforce strategy, Kumanu blends focus on personal, organizational, and social determinants of health through a unified and customizable platform
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kumanu, the purpose-centered wellbeing company, today announced capabilities to help center workforce strategy on unaddressed factors driving engagement, retention, and better mental health.
The Business Group on Health's 2023 Large Employer Survey reveals that most leaders now consider wellbeing integral to workforce strategy. Trending needs include Social Determinants of Health, mental health stigma, and rampant burnout.
"The scientific literature overwhelmingly points to personal purpose as a catalyst in creating positive change in these areas. That's exactly what we're seeing," said Dr. Vic Strecher, renowned researcher, Kumanu's founder and chief executive officer, and author of Life On Purpose: How Living for What Matters Most Changes Everything.
By centering experience on individual roles, values, and purpose, Kumanu's platform delivers a uniquely personalized experience. This caught the attention of Randy Oostra, CEO of ProMedica, a leading healthcare delivery system.
"When we learned about Kumanu's purpose-centered approach to wellbeing, we were intrigued. When we saw the potential to integrate a Social Determinants of Health focus, we became inspired by the opportunity to impact peoples' lives in profound ways, through their employers," said Oostra.
Kumanu's innovations for this Fall include:
- AI-supported digital coaching that helps individuals restore energy and build emotional wellbeing into each day through small-step behaviors aligned to purposeful intentions,
- An individually tailored employee resource hub that blends vetted local programs for Social Determinants with employer-sponsored benefits, expert behavioral strategies and inspiring tips curated from the user community,
- Workforce analytics, powered by Kumanu's Purposeful Culture Index™, a predictive model that links workforce strategy to employee experience, engagement, retention, and positive mental health indicators,
- Purposeful Leader workshops designed to build a culture of wellbeing by cultivating individual and shared purpose, and encouraging leadership strategies that reduce workforce burnout.
These elements are now being deployed at ProMedica, and at a growing roster of organizations partnering with Kumanu to reboot their wellbeing strategies.
Kumanu transforms how organizations approach the emotional and social wellbeing of their workforce by addressing root causes missed in traditional programs. For more information, visit www.kumanu.com.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Kumanu | https://www.weau.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/wellbeing-takes-center-stage-workforce-strategy-kumanu-launches-capabilities-combat-burnout-cultivate-purpose/ | 2022-09-08 12:37:38 | 0 | https://www.weau.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/wellbeing-takes-center-stage-workforce-strategy-kumanu-launches-capabilities-combat-burnout-cultivate-purpose/ |
CHANGSHA, CHINA, June 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. ("Zoomlion"; 1157.HK), a leading high-end equipment manufacturing enterprise, has reported a 51.05 percent year-on-year growth of overseas sales in 2021, further expanding its business development in the international market with key emphasis on promoting localization strategy and diversified international logistics solutions.
Zoomlion is committed to provide high-quality machinery products to support infrastructure constructions in the overseas market, and has participated in a series of high-profile projects including the N'Djamena Stadium in Chad with 10 units of cranes, excavators, bulldozers and concrete pumping trucks provided and the Mumbai metro project in India with Zoomlion's ZAT4500H all-terrain cranes featured on site.
Following the localization strategy, Zoomlion has also customized products for the overseas market. On May 24, Zoomlion delivered an order of customized pumping equipments to Singapore that fit the local market demand of energy efficiency and reliable performance . Its ZTR260 tunnel-boring machine has also been deployed to the F4 section of the E60 highway project in Georgia that's improving the working efficiency and safety significantly of one of Georgia's largest and most important infrastructure project.
In the meantime, Zoomlion has joined international trade shows including World of Concrete in Las Vegas, U.S., Build Expo in Kenya, NAMP in South Africa and KOMATEK Exhibition in Turkey to keep in close contact with partners worldwide.
"Zoomlion's success in overseas market is the fruition of our localization development strategy, with the customized products that cater to customers' specific needs as the foundation, we are also setting up our own teams on the ground to achieve end-to-end business model," said Li Bin, Executive Deputy General Manager of Zoomlion Overseas.
Zoomlion has further strengthen its localized strategy to establish 10 comprehensive production bases and 10 spare parts warehouses in the globe wide with local employees to reach 87% of total number of staff, serving with tailored products and solutions that covered over 130 countries and regions.
Zoomlion also actively pursues stable overseas market development through diversified export channels as part of its localization strategy. By taking the Changsha China-Europe freight train, the logistics time from Hunan China to Europe countries is shortened from 40 days to less than 15 days for ocean freight at the cost of one-fifth of air freight, significantly improving international logistics timeliness and diversifying international logistics options between Hunan and Europe.
"In the future, with the continuous advancement of the localization strategy and the diversified international logistics solutions, Zoomlion will better and more deeply connect with overseas markets and support more projects," said Li.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Zoomlion | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2022/06/24/zoomlion-carries-forward-its-international-market-development-with-localization-strategy-diversified-logistics/ | 2022-06-24 08:28:10 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2022/06/24/zoomlion-carries-forward-its-international-market-development-with-localization-strategy-diversified-logistics/ |
Rihanna has got love (and babies) on the brain.
Six months after welcoming her son with A$AP Rocky, the star got sentimental about her first months of motherhood, calling her bundle of joy "the happiest baby."
"He's fun," she told British Vogue, as seen on TikTok, at her Savage x Fenty Vol. 4 runway show when asked her favorite thing about him. "No matter what you're doing or what you're feeling, when he smiles at you, everything else goes away."
The couple welcomed their first child together back in May, four months after confirming the 34-year-old's pregnancy. The baby boy's name has not yet been publicly revealed.
Rihanna—who will be headlining the 2023 Super Bowl—made her post-baby red carpet last month alongside her man at the premiere of Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever premiere. For the big night, the "Diamond" singer wore a light olive green Rick Owens dress with a strapless neckline and blue detailing, pairing the futuristic look with long beige gloves and pointed-toe Giuseppe Zanotti heels. A$AP Rocky, 34, matched in a neutral oversized jacket and trousers, teamed with a black shirt.
Rihanna recently told E! News' that after her pregnancy, she's been working on finding her inner savage once again, admitting "it takes a little bit."
"Once you get to the other side, you're like, 'I gotta get back,'" she told Justin Sylvester at the Savage x Fenty fashion show. "There's something that just happens."
Rihanna also confessed she's becoming exactly like her own mother, Monica Braithwaite.
"Even the little things that annoy me about her, I do it," she shared. "I literally make all of the same faces. I say the same things. I clear my throat the same way. I move my mouth the same way."
The Grammy winner added, "It is weird." | https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1354595/rihanna-shares-her-favorite-thing-about-her-baby-boy | 2022-11-15 02:48:21 | 0 | https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1354595/rihanna-shares-her-favorite-thing-about-her-baby-boy |
No one seems to know how the pasta ended up in Old Bridge Township. Workers there removed the pasta and got rid of the garbage near the creek. One local called the clean up: Mission Impastable.
Copyright 2023 NPR
No one seems to know how the pasta ended up in Old Bridge Township. Workers there removed the pasta and got rid of the garbage near the creek. One local called the clean up: Mission Impastable.
Copyright 2023 NPR | https://www.mainepublic.org/2023-05-05/who-dumped-hundreds-of-pounds-of-cooked-pasta-by-a-n-j-creek-and-why | 2023-05-05 11:00:08 | 1 | https://www.mainepublic.org/2023-05-05/who-dumped-hundreds-of-pounds-of-cooked-pasta-by-a-n-j-creek-and-why |
NPR's Eric Deggans speaks with Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) about Ticketmaster and her efforts to regulate the concert ticket industry.
Copyright 2022 NPR
NPR's Eric Deggans speaks with Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) about Ticketmaster and her efforts to regulate the concert ticket industry.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.nprillinois.org/2022-11-27/democratic-sen-klobuchar-talks-about-tackling-ticketmaster-regulation | 2022-11-27 23:17:59 | 1 | https://www.nprillinois.org/2022-11-27/democratic-sen-klobuchar-talks-about-tackling-ticketmaster-regulation |
GEF delegation confirms announcement at the Season 2022 kick-off of Global Esports Tour in Dubai
SINGAPORE, June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Esports Federation has confirmed Dubai as the host city for the GEF's flagship Global Esports Games 2025, while the GEF delegation, led by CEO, Paul J. Foster, was at the Season 2022 LIVE kick-off of the Global Esports Tour, staged at the Dubai World Trade Centre from June 9-11.
The landmark announcement was made in the presence Abdulla Al Gurg, Vice-President of Emirates Esports, Chair of GEF Digital Transformation Commission and Founder of Esports Management Group (EMG), the Secretary-General, Saeed Al Taher, and Board Members of Emirates Esports, in front of a capacity crowd at the GET Dubai.
The GEF delegation, comprising GEF Vice-President, HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud; GEF Board Members, Adrian Lismore and Hala Ghandour; as well as Alper Afshin Özdemir, President of the Turkish Esports Federation; and Paulo Ribas, President of the Brazil Esports Federation, attended a series of meetings and events in the United Arab Emirates as Dubai was confirmed as the host for the GEG 2025.
"Congratulations Dubai and the people of the United Arab Emirates. The Global Esports Federation is delighted to confirm Dubai as the host of our global flagship property – the Global Esports Games – in December 2025. Once again, the eyes of the world, the energy, and passion of our #worldconnected community will light up Dubai, the UAE, and the region," expressed Chris Chan, President of the GEF.
"We are excited to see the incredible progress since our signing of a Strategic Framework Agreement with Emirates Esports at Expo 2020 Dubai last November, to unlock opportunities and develop esports in the region. The world will once again unite in Dubai with the city confirmed to host the Global Esports Games in 2025," said Paul J. Foster, CEO of the GEF.
"The whole world knows that Dubai is a great host and offers an epic world-class setting. We can't wait to see athletes from across the world – standing on center stage at the GEF Arena in December 2025 – as they compete for the glory of their home country flag, the fans at home and in the stands, and the chance to show the world their many skills, talents, their personal journey and desire to compete," he added.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Global Esports Federation | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/06/13/global-esports-federations-announces-dubai-host-city-global-esports-games-2025/ | 2022-06-13 08:47:54 | 0 | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/06/13/global-esports-federations-announces-dubai-host-city-global-esports-games-2025/ |
BURNABY, British Columbia (AP) — BURNABY, British Columbia (AP) — Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (XENE) on Tuesday reported a loss of $41.7 million in its first quarter.
On a per-share basis, the Burnaby, British Columbia-based company said it had a loss of 63 cents.
The results fell short of Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of nine analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for a loss of 62 cents per share.
_____
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on XENE at https://www.zacks.com/ap/XENE | https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/xenon-pharmaceuticals-q1-earnings-snapshot-18089162.php | 2023-05-09 21:58:42 | 1 | https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/xenon-pharmaceuticals-q1-earnings-snapshot-18089162.php |
NEW YORK (AP) — NFL Coach Brian Flores may get his day in court to press discrimination claims against the league and its teams after a federal judge on Wednesday rejected the argument that his lawsuit must be handled in arbitration, presumably before Commissioner Roger Goodell.
The written decision by Judge Valerie Caproni in Manhattan was issued months after lawyers for the league tried to get the lawsuit moved to arbitration, citing contracts that coaches had signed.
Flores sued the league and three teams a year ago, saying the league was “rife with racism,” particularly in its hiring and promotion of Black coaches.
The judge said Flores can let a jury decide the merits of his discrimination claims against the league, the Denver Broncos, the New York Giants and the Houston Texans, but he must pursue his claims against the Miami Dolphins through arbitration.
“We are pleased that Coach Flores’ class claims of systematic discrimination against the NFL and several teams will proceed in court and ultimately before a jury of his peers,” attorney Douglas Wigdor said in an email.
He added: “We are disappointed the court compelled arbitration of any claims before Mr. Goodell as he is obviously biased and unqualified to rule on these matters. We expect him to delegate those matters to a truly neutral arbitrator as a matter of fundamental fairness.”
The league did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press or say whether Goodell would recuse himself from the process.
Flores brought the lawsuit after he was fired by Miami, where he led the Dolphins to a 24-25 record over three years.
According to the lawsuit, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross told Flores he would pay him $100,000 for every loss during the coach’s first season because he wanted the club to “tank” so it could get the draft’s top pick.
The lawsuit alleged that Ross then pressured Flores to recruit a prominent quarterback in violation of the league’s tampering rules. When Flores refused, he was cast as the “angry Black man” who is difficult to work with and was derided until he was fired, the suit said.
The Dolphins responded to the lawsuit when it was filed by saying it vehemently denied any allegations of racial discrimination and was “proud of the diversity and inclusion throughout our organization.”
When he brought the lawsuit, Flores said he knew he was risking his coaching career that he loves, but he hoped to bring positive change for generations to come by challenging systemic racism in the league.
The judge noted that Flores was announced as the new defense coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings earlier this month.
The judge ruled that the claims brought by Steve Wilks and Ray Horton, two other coaches who joined the lawsuit, must go through arbitration.
The lawsuit said Wilks was discriminated against by the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 when he was hired as a “bridge coach” but was given no meaningful chance to succeed, while Horton was subjected to discriminatory treatment when he was given a sham interview for the Tennessee Titans head coach position in January 2016.
In her opinion, Caproni said the case had shined “an unflattering spotlight on the employment practices of National Football League” teams.
“Although the clear majority of professional football players are Black, only a tiny percentage of coaches are Black,” she wrote.
In deciding what claims in the lawsuit must go to arbitration rather than being litigated in court, the judge cited specifics about individual contracts and whether they were properly signed. | https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/judge-nfl-coach-can-press-discrimination-claims-17813731.php | 2023-03-01 20:21:36 | 0 | https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/judge-nfl-coach-can-press-discrimination-claims-17813731.php |
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania said Thursday that he will undergo surgery for prostate cancer but is expected to make a full recovery.
Casey, 62, said in a statement that he was diagnosed last month.
“While this news came as a shock, I can report that I have an excellent prognosis, as well as the benefit of exceptional medical care and the unwavering support of my family.”
He said he will undergo surgery in the coming months and is confident that treatment will allow him to continue working in the Senate “with minimal disruption.”
Casey, serving his third term, has not said whether he will run for a fourth term in 2024, a year when Democrats face a difficult Senate map.
At 16 years in the Senate, Casey is already the longest-serving Democratic U.S. senator in Pennsylvania history.
Casey is a key ally of labor unions and President Joe Biden. In Congress, Casey has backed all of Biden’s top priorities and forged a close relationship with the president, at least in part because they share the same hometown of Scranton. | https://www.koin.com/news/politics/ap-casey-says-hell-undergo-surgery-for-prostate-cancer/ | 2023-01-06 03:09:03 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/news/politics/ap-casey-says-hell-undergo-surgery-for-prostate-cancer/ |
US commits more lawyers to address Native American disappearances and killings
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday announced it will be funneling more resources toward addressing the alarming rate of disappearances and killings among Native Americans.
As part of a new outreach program, the agency will dispatch five attorneys and five coordinators to several regions around the country to help with investigations of unsolved cases and related crimes.
Their reach will span from New Mexico and Arizona to Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Michigan and Minnesota.
Attorney General Merrick Garland acknowledged that the crisis has shattered the lives of victims, their families and entire tribal communities.
“The Justice Department will continue to accelerate our efforts, in partnership with tribes, to keep their communities safe and pursue justice for American Indian and Alaska Native families,” Garland said in a statement.
The announcement came as a special commission gathered in Albuquerque for one of its final field hearings as it works to develop recommendations on improving the response from law enforcement and coordination within local, state, tribal and federal justice systems.
The commission started its meeting with a prayer and a moment of silence as four colorful skirts were displayed at the front of the room in honor of those who have gone missing or have been trafficked or killed.
Some commission members read the names of victims to be remembered, including Ashlynne Mike, an 11-year-old Navajo girl who was abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered in northwestern New Mexico in 2016.
With seemingly insurmountable jurisdictional challenges, members of the federal commission have a difficult task ahead. Over the next three days, they will be listening to more heartbreaking stories from Native American families who have had loved ones vanish or turn up dead.
The goals of the 37-member commission include tracking and reporting data on missing-person, homicide and human trafficking cases and increasing information sharing with tribal governments on violent crimes investigations and other prosecutions on Indian lands.
Aside from making recommendations to the Interior and Justice departments, the commission also is tasked with boosting resources for survivors and victims’ families, such as providing access to social workers and counselors.
Elizabeth Hidalgo Reese, a member of Nambé Pueblo and senior policy advisor for Native American affairs at the White House, acknowledged the emotional toll that comes from victims and families sharing their stories.
“We need to understand this problem from every angle, we need to explore every possible solution,” she said at the start of Wednesday’s hearing. “So we do need to hear from all of you.”
Leanne Guy, the founding executive director for the Southwest Indigenous Women’s Coalition, was among the commissioners who said they repeatedly hear about frustrations that stem from families not having any communication with law enforcement about the status of their loved ones’ cases.
Guy’s sister-in-law, Laverda Sorrell, vanished more than 20 years ago. Her family has seen federal agents come and go and no new leads despite rewards being offered.
Guy, who is Navajo, said she’s hopeful the recommendations that come from the commission’s painstaking work will transcend politics and presidential administrations.
“How we put this together will be very, very critical,” she said. “We don’t want it to just sit on the shelf. We’re hoping this creates meaningful change because we’ve been dealing with this crisis forever. We need to figure out how to move forward.”
Fellow commissioner Patricia Whitefoot of the Yakama Nation broke down in tears recounting the difficulties she had getting information about her sister’s case over the decades. Daisy Mae Heath disappeared in 1987, and it wasn’t until recently that DNA tests confirmed that remains found in a remote area of the reservation in 2008 were hers.
“It’s difficult to say how angry you are about all of that and the anger that family members may carry,” Whitefoot said.
The state, federal and tribal law enforcement agents and lawmakers who made up the panels talked about challenges with recruiting, retention and funding. They also pointed to a lack of training when peppered with questions by the commission.
Commissioner Amber Kanazbah Crotty, who also serves on the Navajo Nation Council, said it’s not only a law enforcement challenge but one that involves sustainable funding for public health services that could help prevent violence within communities.
“How do we provide those wrap-around services?” she asked the panelists. “These are very complicated questions that I’m asking you. But this is a complicated crisis.”
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2023/06/28/us-commits-more-lawyers-address-native-american-disappearances-killings/ | 2023-06-28 23:44:36 | 0 | https://www.wibw.com/2023/06/28/us-commits-more-lawyers-address-native-american-disappearances-killings/ |
Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, issued a public apology Tuesday to members of a majority Latino immigrant congregation for the pain and trauma they endured after the predominantly white denomination’s first openly transgender bishop unexpectedly fired their pastor.
Speaking during the 2022 Churchwide Assembly being held in Columbus, Ohio, Eaton delivered the apology to members of the Iglesia Luterana Santa Maria Peregrina in Stockton, California, describing the events that transpired as “a sharp assault on your dignity.”
The series of events that led to the apology began on Dec. 12 when the Rev. Megan Rohrer, the denomination’s first transgender bishop who oversaw one of the church’s 65 synods, announced to the congregation that their pastor, the Rev. Nelson Rabell-Gonzalez, had been removed over allegations of verbal harassment and retaliation. Rohrer oversaw nearly 200 congregations in northern California and northern Nevada.
Rohrer’s shocking announcement upended the congregation’s much-anticipated celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The community had planned an elaborate program that day with mariachi singers, traditional dancers and performances by children, all led by their pastor. After the pastor’s firing, the congregation lost the denomination’s financial backing and were forced to vacate their building and worship in the parking lot.
Rohrer resigned in June and the next day became the target of a church disciplinary process.
During Tuesday’s public apology, Eaton addressed how especially egregious it was to have the announcement of their pastor’s termination coincide with the feast day that has elevated significance within the Latino community. Eaton said she is working with church leadership to make amends with the congregation and reviewing Rabell-Gonzalez’s case.
What happened “exposed the depth of systemic racism that we wrestle with as a church and in society,” Eaton said.
“It is not the end, but a critical step on a continuing journey for the goal of being a more faithful church responding to the plague of racism,” Eaton said. “I pray that God’s power enables these words of apology and acknowledgement as a step toward concrete repentance.”
Eaton also committed to listening intently to the voices of those traditionally marginalized. She delivered her remarks in English and they were translated in real time into Spanish.
Jovita Torres Pérez, a congregant from the California church, delivered an emotional address in Spanish, saying it was not easy for her and other church members “to be here.”
“The last nine months have been difficult and painful for our community,” she said, adding that their pastor and the community have been victims of various racist actions on the larger church’s part.
Pérez accepted Eaton’s apology on behalf of her church and said the congregation believes in forgiveness, reconciliation and reparations. She said she viewed this apology as the first step in the process of dismantling systemic racism and white supremacy within the denomination.
Pérez said congregants still support their pastor.
“We believe in his integrity and honesty,” she said.
Another congregant choked up as she translated Pérez’s words into English. Eaton hugged Pérez and the other congregants and the crowd listening rose to their feet in applause.
Eaton invited those in attendance to write on ribbons their laments and prayers for the congregation, the church and the world, and tie them onto a wired crossed that will be on display during the assembly.
Rohrer, who uses “they” pronouns, said they were traveling in Israel. Rohrer responded via direct messaging to The Associated Press on Tuesday expressing support for “all efforts to provide care, healing and reconciliation for all affected from 2019 to the present.”
“At its assembly, our beloved ELCA has the opportunity to prayerfully take legislative actions that will support diversity and the inclusion of more of God’s beautiful creation,” Rohrer said. “I pray they will do so, in intersectional ways.”
Rohrer said they were in Israel “learning more about peacemaking efforts and supporting LGBTQ individuals in Israel and Palestine.”
“I’ll also be discerning God’s call for the next chapter of my life,” Rohrer said.
___
Associated Press 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. | https://www.koin.com/news/national/lutheran-bishop-issues-public-apology-to-latino-congregation/ | 2022-08-10 00:25:58 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/news/national/lutheran-bishop-issues-public-apology-to-latino-congregation/ |
Automotive Aftercare Franchise Promotes 18-Year-Employee Jason Theisen to Lead Franchise Operations
TROY, Mich., Jan. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Preparing for strong growth in 2023, Ziebart, the global leader in vehicle appearance and protection services, has promoted Jason Theisen to Vice President of Franchise Operations.
Spending the last 18 years with the brand, Theisen started with Ziebart as a Technician in 2004 in one of the corporate stores, and from there gained experience in every aspect of the business. He strongly developed his professional background with the company and gained valuable experience through the following roles: Technician, Service Manager, Assistant Store Manager, Sales Pro, Store Manager, Product Sales and Technical Support Manager, Regional Sales Manager, Regional Sales Director, Director of Franchise Operations, and most recently was appointed to Vice President of Franchise Operations.
With vast experience in a variety of departments, Theisen will now be responsible for leading franchise operations and supporting franchisees through their ownership journey. He will lead his team to ensure that operational and technical procedures are efficient and effective. Determined to surpass growth and sales numbers in 2023, Theisen will play a large role in Ziebart's franchise space.
"Jason has demonstrated his capabilities to lead and ensure operations are well-organized and smoothly executed," said Thomas A. Wolfe, CEO and President of Ziebart International Corporation. "We are confident in Jason's leadership style and look forward to national growth in the year ahead."
Ziebart continues to be recognized as a leader in the auto care industry, and has received many accolades to commemorate their success and development. They were ranked No. 1 in the Automotive Appearance Services category, and surpassed their ranking in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 this year to be included in the top 200.
With over 400 locations and 1,300 service centers in 37 countries, the brand has made record sales in the United States and finished out 2022 celebrating prestigious industry recognitions, grand openings and signed franchise agreements in nine different countries.
Backed with more than 60 years of experience in automotive aftermarket franchising, Ziebart is actively seeking qualified franchise prospects to join its growing global network. For more information, visit www.ziebart.com.
About Ziebart
Founded in 1959, Ziebart International Corporation is the worldwide leader in premium automotive appearance and protection services that extend the life of vehicles. Ziebart operates over 400 locations, with 1,300 service centers, in 37 countries. Ziebart continues to grow and offers domestic and international franchising opportunities, a best-in-class investment for qualified prospects. For more information about Ziebart including franchise opportunities, please visit www.ziebart.com.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Ziebart | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/01/19/ziebart-technician-vice-president-franchise-operations/ | 2023-01-19 15:09:33 | 0 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/01/19/ziebart-technician-vice-president-franchise-operations/ |
Takeaways of AP’s report on Chinese loans pushing poor countries to brink of collapse
A dozen poor countries are facing economic instability and even collapse because of a common, undeniable factor: their struggle to pay back hundreds of billions of dollars in foreign loans, much of them from the world’s biggest and most unforgiving government lender, China.
Here are the key takeaways:
TOO MUCH DEBT
An Associated Press analysis of a dozen countries most indebted to China — including Pakistan, Kenya, Zambia and Laos — found the debt is consuming an ever-greater amount of tax revenue needed to keep schools open, provide electricity and pay for food and fuel. And it’s draining the foreign currency reserves such economies depend upon to pay interest on the loans and stave off collapse, leaving some with just months before the money is gone.
Behind the scenes is China’s reluctance to forgive debt and its extreme secrecy about how much money it has actually loaned and on what terms, which has kept other major lenders from stepping in to help. On top of that is the discovery that borrowers have been forced to put cash in hidden escrow accounts that push China to the front of the line of creditors to be paid.
Two of the countries, Zambia and Sri Lanka, have already gone into default, unable to make even interest payments on loans financing ports, mines and power plants.
Experts predict that unless China quickly begins to soften its stance on not taking big losses on its loans, there could be a wave of more defaults and political upheavals.
“In a lot of the world, the clock has hit midnight,” said Harvard economist Ken Rogoff.
POVERTY AND REVOLT
For many highly indebted countries, the future could look a lot like Sri Lanka.
Rioters last year poured into Sri Lanka’s streets, storming the presidential palace and sending the leader tied to onerous deals with China fleeing the country. A half-million industrial jobs have vanished, inflation pierced 50% and more than half the population in many parts of the country has fallen into poverty.
Anger and frustration is palpable in other countries, too.
In Pakistan, millions of textile workers have been laid off because it has too much foreign debt and can’t afford to keep the electricity on and machines running.
In Kenya, the government has held back paychecks to thousands of civil service workers to save cash to pay foreign loans. Tweeted the president’s chief economic adviser last month, “Salaries or default? Take your pick.”
HOW DID IT GET THIS BAD?
Many Chinese loans to poor countries have only come to light recently through the work of researchers, most prominently Brad Parks of AidData at the College of William & Mary. He found billions in Chinese loans never appeared on countries’ books because they were made not to governments directly but to offshore shell companies. Some loans appear as foreign currency swaps. All of it showed many countries were in far worse shape than anyone knew.
These countries were then hit with two unexpected events that helped inch them closer to collapse: the war in Ukraine, which has sent prices of grains and oil soaring, and the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates that has made loans much more expensive.
CHINA’S RESPONSE
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement to the AP, disputed the notion that China is an unforgiving lender and echoed previous statements putting the blame on the Federal Reserve. It said that if it is to accede to IMF and World Bank demands to forgive a portion of its loans, so do those multilateral lenders, which it views as U.S. proxies.
China argues it has offered relief in the form of extended loan maturities and emergency loans, and as the biggest contributor to a program to temporarily suspend interest payments during the coronavirus pandemic. It also says it has forgiven 23 no-interest loans to African countries, though AidData’s Parks said such loans are mostly from two decades ago and amount to less than 5% of the total it has lent.
The demand that the IMF and World Bank also forgive loans would rip up the traditional playbook of dealing with sovereign crises, which generally spares them special treatment because, unlike Chinese banks, they already finance at low rates to help distressed countries get back on their feet.
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/business-news/takeaways-of-aps-report-on-chinese-loans-pushing-poor-countries-to-brink-of-collapse/ | 2023-05-18 11:29:30 | 0 | https://www.kaaltv.com/news/business-news/takeaways-of-aps-report-on-chinese-loans-pushing-poor-countries-to-brink-of-collapse/ |
NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Sept. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) today declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.41 per share.
The cash dividend is payable November 15, 2022, to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 14, 2022.
Since the company's inception in 2013, AbbVie has increased its dividend by more than 250 percent. AbbVie is a member of the S&P Dividend Aristocrats Index, which tracks companies that have annually increased their dividend for at least 25 consecutive years.
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
View original content:
SOURCE AbbVie | https://www.wsaz.com/prnewswire/2022/09/09/abbvie-declares-quarterly-dividend/ | 2022-09-09 14:46:25 | 1 | https://www.wsaz.com/prnewswire/2022/09/09/abbvie-declares-quarterly-dividend/ |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lisa Marie Presley died from complications from bariatric surgery she had several years ago, authorities said Thursday.
The January 12 death at age 54 of the singer, songwriter and heir of Elvis Presley was ruled as being from natural causes due to effects of a small bowel obstruction.
Additional details about what caused Presley’s death were included in an autopsy report released Thursday afternoon by the office of the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.
The report says the complication that Presley experienced is a common complication from bariatric surgery, which is a weight loss procedure. The Mayo Clinic says it is often done when other weight loss methods haven’t worked or if a person has a serious medical condition.
Presley died at a Los Angeles hospital, where she had been rushed by paramedics responding to a 911 call of a woman in cardiac arrest at her home. No indication was made public at the time of what may have caused the medical issue.
The autopsy report said she had been complaining of stomach pain earlier in the day.
She was buried at a Jan. 22 funeral at Graceland, the home where she lived with her father as a child that has become a museum, tourist attraction and shrine for Elvis fans.
Presley left behind three daughters, 34-year-old “Daisy Jones & the Six” actor Riley Keough and 15-year-old twins Harper and Finley Lockwood. A son, Benjamin Keough, died in 2020.
In the immediate aftermath of her death, it appeared that a major legal fight would ensue over Presley’s estate. Four days after her funeral, her mother, Priscilla Presley, filed court documents disputing a 2016 amendment to Lisa Marie Presley’s living trust that removed Priscilla Presley and a former business manager as trustees and replaced them with her two eldest children.
But Priscilla Presley and Riley Keough – who is now acting as sole trustee – agreed to a settlement in May.
Riley Keough was nominated for her first Emmy on Wednesday, for best actress in a limited series or TV movie for “Daisy Jones & the Six.” | https://www.fox16.com/entertainment-news/ap-lisa-marie-presley-died-from-a-the-effects-of-a-small-bowel-obstruction-coroner-says/ | 2023-07-14 21:21:38 | 0 | https://www.fox16.com/entertainment-news/ap-lisa-marie-presley-died-from-a-the-effects-of-a-small-bowel-obstruction-coroner-says/ |
Gallery: It’s an old-fashioned horse show
Published 8:56 pm Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Photos by Bryce Gaudian/for the Tribune
Fairgoers participated in the old-fashioned horse show Wednesday at the Freeborn County Fair.
Published 8:56 pm Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Photos by Bryce Gaudian/for the Tribune
Fairgoers participated in the old-fashioned horse show Wednesday at the Freeborn County Fair. | https://www.albertleatribune.com/2022/08/gallery-its-an-old-fashioned-horse-show/ | 2022-08-04 02:03:14 | 1 | https://www.albertleatribune.com/2022/08/gallery-its-an-old-fashioned-horse-show/ |
The Bears were feeling good about themselves following a surprising, rain-soaked victory over the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field to start coach Matt Eberflus' first season.
Leave it to Aaron Rodgers and the rival Green Bay Packers to bring them down a peg, this time 27-10 at Lambeau Field on Sunday night. The Bears will try to bounce back next Sunday when they host Lovie Smith and the Houston Texans (0-1-1).
Rodgers gave them headaches, as usual, throwing for 234 yards and two touchdowns, and the Packers improved to 24-5 in games he has started against Chicago. The Bears couldn't stop Aaron Jones, who went off for 132 yards and a rushing touchdown. He also caught a scoring pass.
Chicago at least got its ground game going. But when it came to passing, well, it was a different story. Quarterback Justin Fields had another difficult time, and receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Cole Kmet were nonfactors.
People are also reading…
"We need to highlight our skill," Eberflus said Monday. "We know that. We know that. So we're going to try to do a better job of that. We will do a better job. Like I said last night, we got great coaches. Those guys are smart. They know how to get it done and we will get it done."
What's working
The Bears ran for 180 yards and 6.7 per attempt. It was a big improvement coming off Week 1, when Chicago had 99 on 37 carries. David Montgomery finished with 122 yards on 15 attempts, and Khalil Herbert carried four times for 38 yards.
What needs help
The Bears ranked last in the NFL in passing through Sunday. Fields has completed just 15 of 28 passes for 191 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. That reads like one bad game. That it's over two makes it look even worse. Fields was 7 of 11 for 70 yards against the Packers, and the Bears can't blame that on the weather.
Stock up
Coming off a tough opener, Montgomery looked more like the 1,000-yard rusher he was in 2020 than the guy who ran for 849 yards last season and averaged 3.8 per attempt. The 122 yards were the most since he had a career-high 146 in a win at Minnesota on Dec. 20, 2020. Montgomery, who ran for just 26 yards in Week 1, had 38 on a 71-yard touchdown drive in the first quarter that gave Chicago a 7-3 lead over Green Bay. The big question is why the Bears didn't give him the ball on fourth down and less than 1 yard at the goal line with the Packers up 24-10 in the fourth. Fields lined up in the shotgun, and officials ruled that Preston Smith and Jarran Reed stopped him just short of the end zone.
Stock down
Cornerback Kyler Gordon can chalk this up as a learning experience. Rodgers opted to pick on the rookie, as expected, rather than go after star Jaylon Johnson, and it added up to a difficult night. Sammy Watkins beat Gordon on a 55-yard catch and finished with 93 yards receiving.
Injuries
DB Dane Cruikshank hurt his hamstring in the first half. ... Rookie WR Velus Jones Jr. (hamstring) missed his second game.
Key number
2 — Through two games, Mooney has just two receptions for four yards. He has been targeted five times. The Bears clearly need to get Mooney more involved after he had 1,055 yards last season — his second. On the plus side ... he has two more receptions than Kmet.
Next steps
The Bears host Smith and the Texans. Smith, who led the Bears from 2004 to 2012 and guided the 2006 team to the Super Bowl, is 0-2 against his former team. The Bears beat Tampa Bay when he was coaching the Buccaneers in 2014 at Soldier Field and in 2015 at Raymond James Stadium. Smith also coached Illinois to a loss against South Florida on the lakefront in 2018. | https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/football/professional/bears-regroup-after-getting-picked-apart-by-aaron-rodgers-packers/article_9af1e975-8f9a-53f0-bfd1-4150dc8c50b5.html | 2022-09-20 00:49:07 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/football/professional/bears-regroup-after-getting-picked-apart-by-aaron-rodgers-packers/article_9af1e975-8f9a-53f0-bfd1-4150dc8c50b5.html |
TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas lawmakers approved a bill Thursday aimed at helping parents opt their children out of public school lessons with LGBTQ-themed materials, as a Democratic lawmaker whose vote was crucial to banning transgender female athletes from girls’ and women’s sports faced calls to resign.
“If there is one family who are denied their rights, we need to address it,” said Republican state Rep. Susan Estes, of Wichita.
While the measure covers lessons and materials dealing with race and possibly even evolution, it also is in line with the push by Republicans in statehouses across the U.S. to roll back LGBTQ rights, particularly transgender rights. State Rep. Heather Meyer, a Kansas City-area Democrat, called the measure a “perfect vehicle” for anti-LGBTQ discrimination.
“We can see what’s been done in other states across the country where they have used this as a vehicle to attack the LGBTQ community,” said Meyer, who is bisexual and has a 13-year-old transgender son.
The Legislature on Tuesday approved a broad bathroom bill and on Wednesday voted to override Kelly's veto of the measure on transgender athletes. Kansas is the 20th state to enact such a sports ban, and its law applies to club and school sports from kindergarten through college starting July 1.
GOP lawmakers also hoped to pass a bill Thursday that would require Kansas public schools to keep transgender girls from rooming with cisgendered girls and transgender boys, with cisgendered boys, on overnight school trips.
GOP conservatives also hadn’t given up on trying to pass a bill aimed at ending gender affirming care for minors.
Kelly vetoed a bill last year that would have made it easier for parents to try to remove classroom or library materials. Supporters of this year’s bill still were short of the two-thirds majorities in both chambers necessary to override a veto.
“What we heard in committee were parents who not only went to their teacher, they went to their principal and higher up in their school district and did not have their concerns addressed,” Estes said.
Meanwhile, conservative Republicans were able to override Kelly’s third veto of a bill on transgender athletes in three years because of the “yes” vote from a single Democrat, freshman Rep. Marvin Robinson, of Kansas City.
That Kansas vote came a day before President Joe Biden’s administration announced a proposal to bar schools and colleges from enacting outright bans on transgender athletes but allow them to set some limits to preserve fairness.
Robinson represents a heavily Democratic district and replaced a retiring lawmaker who voted against overriding Kelly’s veto in 2022. Kansas Young Democrats and the state Democratic Party’s LGBTQ+ and Progressive caucuses demanded that he step down after Wednesday’s vote.
Robinson also supported the parents’ rights measure. Kansas House Democratic Leader Vic Miller said he would be “pleased” if Robinson resigned.
“Right now, he’s voting more with the other party than he is with ours,” Miller said. “He ran as a Democrat, but he doesn’t seem to be serving as a Democrat.”
Robinson told a conservative Kansas City radio talk show Thursday morning that he thought he was “on the same page” as Kelly because of a television commercial she aired during her reelection campaign. In that ad, Kelly looked into the camera and said: “Of course men should not play girls’ sports. OK, we all agree there.”
At the time, Republicans accused Kelly of lying about her record. LGBTQ-rights advocates interpreted her comment as saying men playing girl’s sports wasn’t an issue because transgender girls and women are female.
Robinson told The Associated Press that no one in the Democratic Party told him last year that he was expected to vote against bills on transgender athletes. He also said a female Democratic colleague that he declined to name “told me I should die.”
He rejected criticism that his vote is “hurting people’s kids.”
“Who could mistreat and look down on anybody?” he said. “You know, everybody is God’s creation.”
He told the radio host that friends told him: “Man, you’re up there with a bunch of demons.”
Meyer said “absolutely none” of Robinson’s fellow Democrats would have told him after the vote that he should die.
“We care about mental health and we care about our colleagues, even if we disagree,” Meyer said.
___
Follow John Hanna on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apjdhanna | https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/04/06/transgender-children-kansas-schools/9498ff38-d4c2-11ed-ac8b-cd7da05168e9_story.html | 2023-04-06 22:39:26 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/04/06/transgender-children-kansas-schools/9498ff38-d4c2-11ed-ac8b-cd7da05168e9_story.html |
Atthaya Thitikul typically isn’t a scoreboard watcher, but she knew exactly where she stood with just one hole to play Sunday at the Chevron Championship.
When she stepped on the tee box at Carlton Woods’ par-5 finishing hole, the 20-year-old Thai was tied with clubhouse leader Lilia Vu at 10 under and just one shot back of Angel Yin, who still had a few holes to play on a major-championship layout. Thitikul’s playing competitor, A Lim Kim, was at 8 under and an eagle away from getting into a potential playoff. Of course, a Thitikul birdie would eliminate both Vu and Kim.
None of that happened.
And what did happen, well, it was difficult to watch.
Both players hit good drives in the fairway and left themselves with chances to go for the green in two shots. Kim was first to hit her second, and she caught mostly hosel. The untimely shank ruined Kim’s eagle bid. She’d settle for par.
Next up was Thitikul. She hit it cleaner than Kim, but the final result was worse. Just failing to clear the large lake guarding the front of the green, her ball was rinsed along with her hopes of victory.
"I know I have a chance to make a birdie, and then I trying to make it happen," Thitikul said afterward. "But just maybe some misunderstanding with the wind, the number that I played, and that's it. I think I hit it pretty good, like not behind the ball. I hit it pretty solid, but it just went like that because maybe misunderstanding with the wind."
Full-field scores from The Chevron Championship
Thitikul ended up carding double bogey to finish T-4 at 8 under. It was her fourth straight top-8 finish in a major.
Though she continues to chase that moment when she sees her name atop a major leaderboard at the end.
"I think I have been doing well with the pressure more and more," Thitikul said. "I think it's a good thing for me. It's nice to be under pressure. Everyone has to go through this when you're going to go for the win or for the trophy." | https://www.golfchannel.com/news/major-pressure-contenders-combine-shank-water-ball-chevrons-final-hole | 2023-04-24 02:47:31 | 0 | https://www.golfchannel.com/news/major-pressure-contenders-combine-shank-water-ball-chevrons-final-hole |
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The city of Lynchburg is in mourning after a child’s life was taken too soon.
6-year-old Kingston Campbell was on his bed playing video games when he was shot and killed by a group of people firing off rounds towards his home Monday night.
On Wednesday evening, the Lynchburg community came out in full force to show support for the family and call for change.
Kingston’s mother, Shay Fowler, released a statement prior to the vigil saying in part “My only son. My youngest child. I will never be the same again.”
Throughout the vigil, various pastors along with local leaders and law enforcement spoke with the family right behind them. Lynchburg Police Chief, Ryan Zuidema was at a loss for words.
[READ: Mother of slain 6-year-old Lynchburg shooting victim speaks out]
“I’m a father, I’ve got two boys and I can’t imagine losing one of my children. I just can’t imagine. To see a young woman, a mother who’s lost a 6-year-old son, it breaks my heart,” Zuidema said.
Zuidema along with Commonwealth Attorney, Bethany Harrison, took part in the vigil as an opportunity to call on the community to help bring justice to the individuals responsible for Kingston’s death.
“If a 6-year-old young man in his own home being shot and killed doesn’t provoke you to take some type of action, there is something wrong with you,” Zuidema said.
Kingston is just the latest child to be killed by gunfire in the Diamond Hill Neighborhood of Lynchburg this year.
“If you’re fed up seeing these headlines, you’re fed up having vigils like this and shedding tears for the loss of young innocent life … I implore you to do something,” Harrison said.
There is a GoFundMe to help the family with funeral costs. It has already raised more than $12,000.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective T. Hall at 434-455-6155 or Crime Stoppers at 888-798-5900. Enter an anonymous tip online or use the P3 app on a mobile device. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/04/lynchburg-begins-to-heal-through-candlelight-vigil-for-6-year-old-boy/ | 2023-05-04 03:18:29 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/04/lynchburg-begins-to-heal-through-candlelight-vigil-for-6-year-old-boy/ |
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. (AP) — The death of a 5-year-old girl last week has been ruled a homicide, police in Maryland announced Tuesday.
Prince George's County police identified the child as Pradeline Delinois in a news release.
Officers with the Capitol Heights Police Department responded to a report of an unresponsive child on Cumberland Street on Thursday. Delinois was taken to a hospital in Washington, D.C., where she was pronounced dead a short time later, county police said.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Washington conducted an autopsy and determined the cause of death to be blunt force trauma and the manner was ruled a homicide, police said.
County police will investigate as the department investigates all homicides in the town of Capitol Heights. | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Police-5-year-old-girl-s-death-ruled-a-homicide-17392772.php | 2022-08-23 21:00:12 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Police-5-year-old-girl-s-death-ruled-a-homicide-17392772.php |
WATCH the Copa Libertadores LIVE on beIN SPORTS | Foxtel, Kayo, Fetch & CONNECT
Every season the Copa Libertadores throws up a few surprise big names who made a name for themselves in Europe before appearing to drop off the radar... only to return in South America's premier club competition. This season is no exception!
Marcos Rojo: Boca Juniors
The former Manchester United defender captains a Boca side with high expectations this season.
Marco Rojas: Colo Colo
Not to be confused with Earlier list entrant Marcos Rojo, this is the New Zealand international who burst onto the scene in the A-League with Wellington Phoenix, before bouncing between Melbourne Victory and Stuttgart; back to Victory then the Netherlands’; back to Victory and now Chile, where he will be compulsory viewing at Colo Colo.
Arturo Vidal: Flamengo
The veteran Chilean midfielder is one of a number of huge names getting around the Flamengo squad, including David Luiz, Felipe Luis and Gabriel Barbosa.
Emiliano Insua: Racing Club
Argentina is the latest stop on a journey around the football world that has taken the veteran defender to Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, Stuttgart and LA Galaxy.
Paolo Guerrero: Racing Club
Socceroos fans need no introduction to the former Bayern Munich, Hamburg and Corinthians (among others) striker, who netted the match-winner for Peru in it’s 2-0 win over Australia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Salomon Rondon: River Plate
The Argentinian giant becomes the eleventh club for the Venezuelan, who’s football resume includes West Brom, Newcastle United, Everton, Malaga, Rubin Kazan and Chinese club Dalian Professional.
Felipe Melo: Fluminense
After stints at Juventus, Fiorentina, Inter, Galatasary and Mallorca to name a few, Melo’s career was given a new lease of life when he linked up with Palmeiras in 2017. The midfielder played 160 games for them before joining Brazilian rival Fluminense. And at 39 years-of-age, he’s not even the oldest player on this list.
Renato Augusto: Corinthians
There are plenty of ‘Renato Augusto’s throughout the football world, but this is probably the one you’re thinking of. Over 100 games for Bayer Leverkusen, more than 30 games for Brazil, the 35 year-old adds plenty of experience to the Corinthians midfield.
Fernandinho: Athletico Paranaense
The metronomic Manchester City midfielder now controls proceedings at the club of his youth, Athletico Paranaense, which he helped guide to the Libertadores final last season. He’ll be hoping to go one better this time around.
Roque Santa Cruz: Libertad
You could be forgiven for thinking the Paraguayan legend was set to hang up the boots when he left Manchester City in 2013, aged 31. A decade later and the striker is still going strong at Libertad, where he’s scored 12 goals in 39 games since joining in 2022.
Hulk: Atletico Mineiro
What’s an Atletico Mineiro match without a star turn from the ubiquitous ‘ulkay’? You won’t need to keep an eye out for the star Brazilian attacker, you simply can’t miss him.
Cristian Zapata: Atletico Nacional
Udinese, Villarreal and AC Milan fans struggling to recall what became of Cristian Zapata? Wonder no more. After a stint at Argentinian club San Lorenzo, the Colombian defender linked up with Atletico Nacional this year. | https://www.beinsports.com/au/conmebol-libertadores/video/the-former-europe-based-stars-to-watch-in-the/2066050 | 2023-04-04 07:16:26 | 1 | https://www.beinsports.com/au/conmebol-libertadores/video/the-former-europe-based-stars-to-watch-in-the/2066050 |
WFO PHOENIX Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Monday, February 6, 2023
_____
WIND ADVISORY
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
1102 PM MST Mon Feb 6 2023
...WIND ADVISORY HAS EXPIRED...
Winds have weakened and are no longer expected to meet Advisory
criteria. However, breezy to windy conditions will continue off
and on overnight and through the day Tuesday.
_____
Copyright 2023 AccuWeather | https://www.ourmidland.com/weather/article/ca-wfo-phoenix-warnings-watches-and-advisories-17768165.php | 2023-02-07 07:40:59 | 0 | https://www.ourmidland.com/weather/article/ca-wfo-phoenix-warnings-watches-and-advisories-17768165.php |
Higginbottom drops 19 pts, Arkansas State women’s basketball beats Grambling
A game-high 19 points from Izzy Higginbottom, as well as a strong fourth quarter, helped the Arkansas State women’s basketball team pick up a 79-66 victory against Grambling State Thursday night inside First National Bank Arena.
The Red Wolves (5-5) held the Lady Tigers (1-9) to just one point over the game’s final two minutes, 45 seconds en route to winning its third straight home contest and halting a two-game skid. A-State out-rebounded Grambling 37-36, but grabbed 16 offensive rebounds that resulted in a season-high 28 second-chance points.
Higginbottom scored in double figures for the 10th game in a row, the longest season-opening streak by an A-State player since Jane Morrill did so in 15 straight to begin the 2012-13 campaign. Her 19 points came on 8-of-18 shooting, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range. The Batesville, Ark., native handed out five assists to just one turnover while also grabbing two steals and three boards.
Three other Red Wolves scored in double figures, with Lauryn Pendleton adding 13 off the bench and Mailyn Wilkerson scoring 12 on four 3-point makes. Melodie Kapinga dropped 10 points, but also provided nine rebounds – eight on the offensive end. All nine players who saw the court both scored and had at least one rebound in the contest.
A-State shot 42.9 percent (30-70) from the floor and 32.1 percent (9-28) from 3-point range, while making 10 of 12 from the free-throw line (83.3 percent). The Scarlet and Black forced the Lady Tigers into 20 turnovers, 10 via steal, scoring 22 points off takeaways.
Grambling shot 47.5 percent (28-59) from the field and had a pair of double-digit scorers. Phylicia Allen scored 15 points off the bench to lead the visitors, with Leah Morrow notching a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Red Wolves started fast, scoring 12 of the game’s first 17 points en route to forcing an early timeout. A long 2-point bucket by Leilani Augmon widened the gap to 18-9 with under two minutes remaining in the first, but Grambling pulled within six on a buzzer-beating trey by Jazmyn Jackson to cut A-State’s lead down to 21-15 after 10 minutes.
Back-to-back Higginbottom scores pushed the Red Wolves’ lead out to 10 early in the second quarter before the Lady Tigers went on a 9-0 run – their largest of the game – to make it a one-point affair (29-28) with 4:25 to go in the half. Jade Upshaw answered with a trey, then Keya Patton added two of her six points to end the half, with A-State holding GSU scoreless for nearly four and a half minutes to lead 34-28 at the break. Patton also grabbed eight rebounds as one of three Red Wolves with eight or more boards.
Grambling kept it close throughout the third quarter, as Arkansas State edged the Lady Tigers 21-20 in the period. Pendleton accounted for seven straight points to move her team’s lead back up to six, but a trey by Colbi Maples once again cut it to one. Higginbottom helped the Red Wolves close the quarter strong, scoring on a midrange jumper, then ending the period on a trey to make it 55-48 after three.
A-State turned up the heat on the offensive end in the fourth, matching the Lady Tigers nearly shot-for-shot. Anna Griffin, who scored eight points and hauled in eight rebounds, laid in a score before a Patton jumper made it an 11-point game with eight minutes to go. The Red Wolves’ largest lead of the night came at the 4:34 mark, when Wilkerson drained a trey to make it 71-56. Grambling clawed back to within eight, but A-State closed on a 6-1 run to claim the win in its final home non-conference game.
NOTABLES
By scoring 19 points, Izzy Higginbottom becomes the first player to score 10 or more points in 10 straight games to open a season since Jane Morrill’s 14 straight in 2012-13.
Arkansas State scored 30 points in the paint, giving the Red Wolves 30-plus points inside for the seventh time in the last eight games.
Melodie Kapinga grabbed a season-high eight offensive rebounds.
Anna Griffin has recorded eight or more rebounds in eight of the last nine games.
Lauryn Pendleton has scored in double figures in six consecutive games, including four times off the bench, and in seven of eight games played this season.
NEXT UP
A familiar foe awaits A-State in its final non-conference game, as the Red Wolves travel to the capital city to square off against in-state rival and former Sun Belt Conference foe Little Rock on Sunday. Tip-off against the Trojans inside the Jack Stephens Center is set for 1 p.m. on ESPN+. The radio broadcast can be heard live via the EAB Red Wolves Sports Network station 95.3 and 96.9 The Ticket Radio Network.
Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved. | https://www.kait8.com/2022/12/16/higginbottom-drops-19-pts-arkansas-state-womens-basketball-beats-grambling/ | 2022-12-16 05:13:05 | 0 | https://www.kait8.com/2022/12/16/higginbottom-drops-19-pts-arkansas-state-womens-basketball-beats-grambling/ |
Tampa Museum of Art is presenting 40-years of groundbreaking photography in their new exhibit by Dawoud Bay and Carrie Mae Weems.
It brings together 140 words that give a unique glimpse into Bey and Weems’ distinct artistic approaches and trajectories, as well as their shared focus on representing communities and histories that have largely been unseen.
This collection of images amplifies the artists’ conversation with history and African American culture, with each exploring similar themes of race, class, representation, and systems of power throughout their careers.
It's on display at the Tampa Museum of Art until October 23, then it goes on a nationwide tour. Learn more at TampaMuseum.org. | https://www.abcactionnews.com/morning-blend/new-photography-exhibit-on-display-at-tampa-museum-of-art | 2022-08-04 17:06:49 | 1 | https://www.abcactionnews.com/morning-blend/new-photography-exhibit-on-display-at-tampa-museum-of-art |
Jennifer Alvarado
Lead Faculty
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Jennifer Alvarado is not only an instructor at various community colleges in the Los Angeles area, but she is also the lead faculty member of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, which gives small business owners a scholarship to attend a business course that helps them create growth opportunity plans for their organizations. Alvarado is the face of the program where she works with business owners day in and day out, educating them on a myriad of subjects while also mentoring them. She is also starting a new STEM program at ELAC called i3: the Invention and Inclusive Innovation. | https://www.latimes.com/b2b/inspirationalwomen/jennifer-alvarado | 2022-11-18 18:50:14 | 1 | https://www.latimes.com/b2b/inspirationalwomen/jennifer-alvarado |
SPARKS, Nev. (AP) — The former fire chief of Sparks is facing a Jan. 31 arraignment on four felony drug charges.
The Reno Gazette Journal reports that the charges against Mark Lawson date back to October 2020.
Court documents show the charges include possession of between 14 and 28 grams of a controlled substance and possession with intent to sell a controlled substance with a gang enhancement.
The Sparks City Council approved Lawson’s hiring to the $200,000 per year job on Nov. 28.
But on Dec. 5, Sparks City Manager Neil Krutz informed fire department staff that serious criminal charges were about to be filed against the new chief.
“I met with Chief Lawson and asked for his resignation and he granted it,” Krutz told the Reno Gazette Journal. “He’s no longer employed by the city of Sparks.”
Two division chiefs are alternating in the position until a new chief is hired.
It was unclear Sunday if Lawson has a lawyer yet.
A Sparks spokesperson said the city would have no further comment about the former fire chief. | https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Ex-fire-chief-of-Sparks-faces-arraignment-on-4-17646580.php | 2022-12-11 18:35:39 | 1 | https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Ex-fire-chief-of-Sparks-faces-arraignment-on-4-17646580.php |
SINGAPORE, July 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- XT.COM, the world's first socially infused trading platform, is thrilled to announce the listing of Queen of Universe on its platform in the Innovation zone and the QUV/USDT trading pair has been opened for trading from 2023-07-08 08:00 (UTC). Users can deposit and withdraw QUV now.
About QUV
The QUV token is a ERC-20 token deployed on the Cofinex blockchain with a total supply of 2 trillion tokens. Queen Of Universe (Initial Of Token: QUV) was intentionally created by two creators from two continents, first one from Australia, and the other from Asia, but both of them were born in the same country. Thailand, A "Land of Smiles" QUV is a brilliant Crypto Currency that shines light throughout the universe. Everyone in the universe who holds QUV will be used as a medium for exchanging goods and services between each other instead of the old financial system according to the intention of bringing Crypto Currency coins instead of using real cash. QUV has been accepted by people all over the universe. Its regarded as the queen of all Crypto currencies that exist in this universe. QUV was launched by a group of Co-Founders. This token was initially used for community members' reward, Buy and sell goods, community management, etc.
"We are thrilled to announce the listing of the Queen Of Universe (QUV) token on XT.com," stated Albin Warin, CEO of XT.com, with evident enthusiasm. "QUV has gained immense popularity as a shining example of a cryptocurrency that transcends borders and fosters the exchange of goods and services in the digital realm," he continued. Born from the creative collaboration between two visionary individuals from different continents, QUV has garnered widespread acceptance as the queen of all cryptocurrencies, symbolizing the limitless potential of the digital economy. Initially designed to reward community members and facilitate commerce, QUV has now found a home on XT.com, ushering in a new era of financial empowerment for crypto enthusiasts worldwide.
Website: quv.info/
About XT.COM
Founded in 2018, XT.COM serves more than 6 million registered users, over 500,000+ monthly active users, 40+ million users in the ecosystem, and 1000+ trading pairs. Since then, XT.COM crypto exchange has expanded its offerings by covering a rich variety of trading categories to provide a secure, trusted, and intuitive trading experience for its large user base. One such addition is crypto futures trading which includes USDT-M Futures and coin-M futures perpetual contracts, as well as prediction markets where users can conduct transactions by predicting the results of future events. Additionally, the Futures Grid allows users to automate the buying and selling of futures contracts to make profits.
Website: www.xt.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/XTexchange
Telegram: t.me/XTsupport_EN
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE XT.COM | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2023/07/17/discover-upcoming-queen-universe-quv-listing-xtcom/ | 2023-07-17 02:48:30 | 0 | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2023/07/17/discover-upcoming-queen-universe-quv-listing-xtcom/ |
The music world has lost a legendary artist.
Christine McVie, who joined Fleetwood Mac in 1970 and performed as a co-vocalist and keyboard player, has died at the age of 79. The band confirmed McVie's passing on Facebook Nov. 30, writing, "There are no word to describe our sadness."
"She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure," the band continued. "She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life."
"We were so lucky to have a life with her," the group added. "Individually and together, we cherished Christine deeply and are thankful for the amazing memories we have. She will be so very missed."
According a statement posted by her family, Christine, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, passed away "peacefully" at a hospital this morning following a "short illness."
"She was in the company of her family," the message continued. "We kindly ask that you respect the family's privacy at this extremely painful time, and we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally. RIP Christine McVie."
In 1998, the same year she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Christine left Fleetwood Mac, dropping a solo album years later in 2004. Nearly a decade later, Christine appeared onstage with the band in London before rejoining the group in 2014. | https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1356449/fleetwood-mac-s-christine-mcvie-dead-at-79 | 2022-11-30 20:46:51 | 0 | https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1356449/fleetwood-mac-s-christine-mcvie-dead-at-79 |
LOS ANGELES, July 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("Verrica" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: VRCA).
Class Period: May 28, 2021 – May 24, 2022
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: August 5, 2022
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Verrica lawsuit, you can submit your contact information at www.glancylaw.com/cases/verrica-pharmaceuticals-inc-1/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at shareholders@glancylaw.com to learn more about your rights.
The complaint filed alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that there were manufacturing deficiencies at the facility where Verrica's contract manufacturer produced bulk solution for VP-102; (2) that these deficiencies were not remediated when Verrica resubmitted its NDA for VP-102 for molluscum; (3) that the foregoing presented significant risks to Verrica obtaining regulatory approval of VP-102 for molluscum; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.
To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Charles Linehan, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to shareholders@glancylaw.com, or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/vrca-investors-have-opportunity-lead-verrica-pharmaceuticals-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit/ | 2022-07-28 16:29:58 | 1 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2022/07/28/vrca-investors-have-opportunity-lead-verrica-pharmaceuticals-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit/ |
___
- Report: Investors buy more than 40% of Midland County homes sold in 2021
- Professionally designed Odessa home on market for $899K
- Greenwood baseball coach Rodriguez reassigned
- Development Wells
- County Judge Terry Johnson: 'Midland deserves a better DA'
- David Wilson’s legal team files petition to remove DA
- The Colorado River is in crisis, and it's getting worse every day
- Doreen: Rare drama-free period ends in Midland
Most Popular
More from MRT
- Where does the lawsuit brought forth by David Wilson to remove Midland County District Attorney...
- Later this month, the 90-day burn ban currently in place in Midland County is scheduled to end.
- Texas RRCD 8 Crane County Blackbeard Operating LLC Waddell TR A #3177 Sand Hills...
- Bridge results from Midland and Odessa from May 3-22.
- More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, including 400,000 in Texas.
- Independent Petroleum Association of America wants to be partner in addressing energy concerns
- Permian Basin companies are taking steps to develop the region’s capacity to capture and store...
- Midland won its third straight and took a 3-1 lead in the six-game series.
- Westlake Ace Hardware in Midland and the Salvation Army are celebrating 10 years of fan drives....
- As seismic activity continues to shake up West Texans, the Railroad Commission is turning to... | https://www.mrt.com/sports/article/Detroit-Team-Stax-17237365.php | 2022-06-13 07:33:12 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/sports/article/Detroit-Team-Stax-17237365.php |
For those battling credit card debt, a call to your credit company could help lower your bills
Typical U.S. household pays $1K per year in credit card interest and fees
InvestigateTV - Americans pay $120 billion in credit card interest and fees each year according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which is roughly $1,000 per year for every American household.
Ted Rossman, Bankrate’s senior industry analyst, said you should look at your statement each month, and see how much interest you are paying. If your APR is 17% or more, call your credit card company and ask for it to be lowered.
”It never hurts to ask for help, the worst they can do is say ‘no’,” said Rossman. “A lot of times lenders will work with you. I think a lot of people are reluctant to ask for help because they think it shows weakness and the card companies are going to be mad at them. They would rather get some of your money than none of it.”
Credit card debt is unsecured debt, meaning there are no assets used as collateral. Rossman said because of this, your credit company might be willing to work with you, especially if you have a history of paying on time.
Some companies may rearrange your due date or let you skip a few payments with or without interest.Another option is hardship programs. While popularized at the start of the pandemic, they have always been available for those in need.
If you need help managing your debt, USA.gov has free resources available to you.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kait8.com/2022/10/25/those-battling-credit-card-debt-call-your-credit-company-could-help-lower-your-bills/ | 2022-10-25 19:48:26 | 0 | https://www.kait8.com/2022/10/25/those-battling-credit-card-debt-call-your-credit-company-could-help-lower-your-bills/ |
Accused drunk driver hits 16 vehicles on Paterson, NJ street
PATERSON – A drunk driver left a trail of destruction on a Paterson street after hitting and damaging approximately 16 cars on Saturday night, police said.
The driver of a pickup truck went eastbound on 16th Avenue between Straight Street and Madison Avenue around 10 p.m. and struck the vehicles parked along the one-way street, Paterson police told NBC 4 New York.
Six pedestrians were also struck but only one went to a hospital. The other five were treated by paramedics.
Smoke and sparks on 16th Avenue
Video appeared to show the pickup smoking and sparking as the driver made his way along the narrow street that passes Eastside High School. The driver doesn't stop even after hitting one parked SUV and spinning it around. It also knocked down an NJ Transit bus stop sign.
The pickup sustained damage on the front passenger's side.
Paterson Police Director Jerry Speziale told NBC New York that the driver was charged with driving while intoxicated and that additional charges are pending. He did not disclose the identity of the driver.
Speziale on Monday morning did not respond to New Jersey 101.5's request for more information.
Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com
Click here to contact an editor about feedback or a correction for this story. | https://nj1015.com/accused-drunk-driver-hits-16-vehicles-on-paterson-nj-street/ | 2022-08-22 23:26:19 | 0 | https://nj1015.com/accused-drunk-driver-hits-16-vehicles-on-paterson-nj-street/ |
An array of new features and improvements include brand-new civilizations, Terror Star Units, improved systems, and much more
PLYMOUTH, Mich., March 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stardock, a leading developer of 4X strategy and simulation games, announced Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova, the latest installment in their acclaimed Galactic Civilizations franchise today.
In this space-based strategy game set in the 24th century, players take on the role of a leader of a spacefaring civilization, tasked with exploring and colonizing the known universe. With an array of new features and improvements, Supernova offers an unparalleled 4X strategy experience for players of all skill levels.
"We are thrilled with the new additions Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova brings to the genre," said Brad Wardell, CEO of Stardock. "From a combat system that features starship classes, to graphics engine improvements, and multiplayer mode, players will be able to immerse themselves in a vast and complex universe unlike anything they've seen before."
Some of the new and improved features of Supernova include an updated combat system, Terror Stars that can destroy entire stars and the surrounding planets and ships with a single shot, new alien civilizations to play as or against, a new culture progression system, and a new research system with breakthrough technologies.
In addition, Supernova also features an improved diplomacy system with more complex negotiations and alliances, a streamlined galaxy setup system, enhanced modding capabilities, and an improved graphics engine for stunning visuals.
Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova is coming soon. To join the mailing list and to learn more, visit the official website at www.galciv4.com/supernova.
Galactic Civilizations IV: Supernova - Announcement Trailer
Screenshots: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9
Media Inquiries: press@stardock.com
About Stardock: Stardock is a developer and publisher of games and desktop software founded in 1991 by nationally recognized technology expert Brad Wardell. Its games include Sins of a Solar Empire, Offworld Trading Company, Galactic Civilizations and Ashes of the Singularity.
View original content:
SOURCE Stardock Entertainment | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2023/03/30/stardock-announces-galactic-civilizations-iv-supernova/ | 2023-03-30 22:19:59 | 0 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2023/03/30/stardock-announces-galactic-civilizations-iv-supernova/ |
ROCKY HILL, Conn. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Saturday evening's drawing of the Connecticut Lottery's "Play3 Night" game were:
9-6-1, WB: 1
(nine, six, one; WB: one)
ROCKY HILL, Conn. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Saturday evening's drawing of the Connecticut Lottery's "Play3 Night" game were:
9-6-1, WB: 1
(nine, six, one; WB: one) | https://www.ourmidland.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Play3-Night-game-17512299.php | 2022-10-16 03:34:00 | 0 | https://www.ourmidland.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Play3-Night-game-17512299.php |
SANTA CLARA, Cuba (AP) — Serious, standing upright and dressed in long gala dresses – despite the midday Cuban heat – Lisset and Liusba quietly walk up the ten steps of the notary office, their hands clenched and shaking.
Less than a few feet ahead walk their two young daughters.
Nearly an hour later, when they walked out of the doors, the tension on their faces was replaced by smiles. From that moment, they were wives.
It became a possibility just three weeks before on the island when Cuba’s new Family Code – opening up everything from equal marriage to surrogate mothers – came into effect.
The couple, which has been together for seven years, is one of the first to make the decision to get legally married in Cuba following the code.
“It’s a big day,” said Liusba Grajales, a manager at the central University of Las Villas, just 250 kilometers from the capital. “Love is love, just the way it is. Without imposition, without prejudice … I don’t know whether I should laugh or cry. It’s a mix of so many strong emotions.”
Just a few meters away, Lisset Díaz, a 34-year-old dancer, shared her joy. “I feel proud,” she added. “I’m amazed.”
The code was approved after heavy campaigning by the Cuban government, and support by the most vocal advocate for gay rights on the island, Mariela Castro, the daughter of former president Raul Castro.
It made Cuba the ninth country in Latin America – following Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Colombia – to legalize gay marriage in recent years.
Cuban elections routinely produce victory margins of more than 90% — as did a referendum on a major constitutional reform in 2019.
Despite that, a third of the country, 33.15%, voted “no”. The text faced a large campaign against it from evangelical groups that reject gay marriage.
Meanwhile, 66.85% of the Cubans who came out, voted “yes.” Nearly 6% left blank or voided ballots.
The code also was rejected by some groups opposed to the government, which called for a “no” vote as a way of rejecting Cuban authorities amid rising discontent with the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.
It was also opposed by some members of the LGBTQ community, which said they were abstaining to vote on something they considered to be a human right in the first place.
“Many people in the community were against voting “yes” because they don’t believe that they need some paper to tell them they have this on paper (to be recognized as a couple). I think we do need the right, that it protects us,” said Liusba.
Though she said she believes the island is still “a decade away” from becoming a “better and more inclusive” society.
The old Family Code, dating back to 1975, established that marriage was between a man and a woman – not between two people – which excluded lifelong partners from things inheriting the belongings of the other when one died.
Together, they live with their two daughters, 11-year-old Laura and three-year-old Ainhoa. The latter was born by insemination at home because at the time they had no access to assisted fertility treatments because they didn’t have male partners.
The new law goes further than equal marriage – which activists tried to include in the Constitution in 2019 without success – or the ability for gay couples to adopt or use surrogates.
The law regulates for the first time visitation rights of grandparents over grandchildren and communication with step parents in situations of divorces, and even custody of minors in latter when it’s necessary for the child’s welfare.
It also allows for separate property regimens for married couples, authorizes parents to choose the order of their children’s surnames, extends protections for the disabled and elderly, among other rights.
The women considered the marriage a way to also protect their children if something were to ever happen to them.
Ainhoa, also dressed in her best dress for the occasion, didn’t quite understand her mother’s marriage ceremony, but walked around introducing her Laura. “She is my sister,” she repeated.
“I’m happy for what the wedding means,” Laura added to The Associated Press very circumspectly, wiping tears away alongside her mothers.
But it came from strong opposition from evangelical churches, which alleged the law was against the “traditional family” established by God, that they claim is the union of a man and a woman meant to procreate. In some rural areas, the code appeared to receive less support.
While the country’s capital of Havana received 70% approval, and Villa Clara – home of Liusba and Lisset – received 66%, in southeastern Holguin it got 53%.
The pushback “indicates that we have to keep working in those areas and deepen and direct educational work,” said Francisco “Paquito” Rodriguez, a blogger and one of the first Cuban activists for the rights of the LGBTQ community.
Though he still called the new code a victory.
Cuban authorities did not disclose how many gay couples were married in these three weeks, although Rodriguez thinks it could be at least dozen based on the information he’s gotten from social media.
“In 2007, we celebrated for the first time the International Day for the Fight Against Homophobia and Transphobia in Cuba. It took 15 years of fighting to make it law,” Rodriguez said. “It seems like a long time in the life of an individual, but it’s an achievement in the course of our history.”
—-
Andrea Rodríguez is on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ARodriguezAP | https://www.kron4.com/news/world/ap-international/ap-gay-couples-in-cuba-marry-under-new-law/ | 2022-10-26 02:03:40 | 0 | https://www.kron4.com/news/world/ap-international/ap-gay-couples-in-cuba-marry-under-new-law/ |
We have a fascinating convo in store with Mat and Carina from Puscifer. They talk about their musical beginnings, how they crossed paths, and the balance between camp and poignance.
Mat and Carina of Puscifer
Ways To Subscribe
We have a fascinating convo in store with Mat and Carina from Puscifer. They talk about their musical beginnings, how they crossed paths, and the balance between camp and poignance. | https://www.kbia.org/podcast/big-muddy-music-hour/2022-11-02/mat-and-carina-of-puscifer | 2022-11-02 23:45:15 | 1 | https://www.kbia.org/podcast/big-muddy-music-hour/2022-11-02/mat-and-carina-of-puscifer |
The Jets will honor three former players throughout this season by adding them to the team’s Ring of Honor.
Nick Mangold, who was the glue of Gang Green’s offensive line for 11 seasons, will be the first player honored.
Mangold, who played for the Jets from 2006 until 2016, will officially be the 19th person to enter the team’s Ring of Honor at halftime of Sunday’s game against the Bengals.
Tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson (Oct. 30 against the Patriots) and cornerback Darrelle Revis (Nov. 27 against the Bears) will also be added later this season.
Mangold said he learned about the honor during the spring, but it didn’t hit home for him until the Jets’ recent kickoff luncheon.
“It’s been a process until now of really coming to grips of what it means to the family,” Mangold said at a press conference Wednesday. “It’s really special and I’m really excited about it.
“There’s emotion in it as there’s a lot of people I want to mention and it is a little tricky leaving those in and out. Just the lead-up, the amount of people I have coming in, it is fantastic.
“It is going to be nerve-racking until halftime and then after halftime, we will enjoy ourselves.”
After he was drafted No. 29 overall out of Ohio State, Mangold was named to seven Pro Bowls, which is the second most of any Jets offensive linemen behind Hall of Fame tackle Winston Hill (8). Mangold was also named All-Pro twice during his Jets career.
Those years were highlighted by Gang Green’s two consecutive runs to the AFC championship game before losing to the Indianapolis Colts (2009) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (’10).
During his first 10 seasons, Mangold started and played in 163 of the team’s 167 games (regular and postseason) from 2006-15. After a lingering ankle injury, Mangold was limited to eight games in 2016 and was placed on season-ending injured reserve.
He officially announced his retirement a year later after spending the 2017 season out of football after being released by the team. He signed a one-day deal in 2018 to formally retire as a Jet.
Not only will Mangold be inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor, but on Tuesday he was announced as one of 129 Modern-Era Nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023.
Even with all his success during his career, Mangold says he doesn’t miss the game of football itself.
“It was the guys that I was with,” Mangold said. “People always asked, do I miss it? Honestly, I don’t miss the physical game of football.
“I do miss the locker room, I do miss hanging out. You can’t replicate that anywhere else. I think that’s a big thing, the guys in the locker room and the ups and downs.
“We had some great highs even though we didn’t finish it the way we wanted to, it was still a lot of fun in those runs. I enjoyed my 11 years here and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Despite ending his career five years ago, he still follows the Jets closely. He still lives down the street from the Jets facility and even watched some of the team’s 31-30 victory against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Mangold was also at the team’s opener against the Baltimore Ravens.
While they’re coming off a 4-13 season, Mangold said he believes what the Jets are trying to build with coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas.
“I like Robert and what he’s doing,” Mangold said. “His message, the way he goes about it. I think in today’s day in age, everyone wants to snap their fingers and everything is fixed.
“But I feel like the way he’s going along with Joe Douglas and the direction they’re trying to build this thing as a culture and as a team long term and not just be able to do it for a year as me excited now as a Jet fan.”
()
Join the Conversation
We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. | https://www.twincities.com/2022/09/21/nick-mangold-excited-about-being-added-to-jets-ring-of-honor-believes-in-what-robert-saleh-is-building/ | 2022-09-21 20:31:29 | 0 | https://www.twincities.com/2022/09/21/nick-mangold-excited-about-being-added-to-jets-ring-of-honor-believes-in-what-robert-saleh-is-building/ |
Cash App issue causes some to be double charged, company says
Cash App said it was investigating a technical issue that has caused duplicate Cash Card transactions in users’ accounts.
The peer-to-peer payment app said in a notice on Monday that the issue was making some customers see a negative account balance.
"We are looking into this matter and will post resolution updates here," Cash App said on its status page.
In a follow-up status update shared Tuesday morning, the company said it planned to "notify customers who were impacted, and we’ll refund any duplicate charges that resulted from this issue."
Cash App’s Cash Card is a free debit card that is connected to a user’s app balance – and not a personal debit card or bank account, according to its website. It can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.
Several Cash App users took to social media to complain about the issue, including some who said the duplicate transactions had indeed resulted in negative account balances.
Earlier this month, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau separately warned that customers of Cash App, Venmo, and PayPal should not store their money with those payment apps for the long term because the funds might not be safe during a crisis.
The alert came several weeks after the failure of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic Bank, which all experienced bank runs after fearful customers with uninsured deposits pulled their money en masse.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insures bank accounts up to $250,000. But money stored in Venmo or CashApp or Apple Cash is not being held in a traditional bank account. So, if there is an event similar to a bank run with those payment apps, those funds may not be protected.
Some of the funds may be eligible for pass-through insurance coverage if customers do certain activities with the apps, the CFPB said, but generally by default the apps are not covered by deposit insurance.
RELATED: Do you think you’re rich? Here’s what Americans say
This story was reported from Cincinnati. The Associated Press contributed. | https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/cash-app-card-double-charge-issue-negative-account-balance | 2023-06-27 17:21:17 | 1 | https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/cash-app-card-double-charge-issue-negative-account-balance |
Damakant Jayshi
The Wausau School Board on Monday approved borrowing about $100 million for facility improvements along with a tentative construction timeline for the project, while discussion over athletic facility changes continues to draw criticism.
Project plans include constructing two new turf fields at Wausau West and Wausau East high schools, building new classrooms at some schools, updating district-wide safety and security features and remodeling at several schools, among other upgrades.
Voters on April 5 approved a referendum for the district to raise roughly $120 million for the improvements. The balance of the debt will be issued later, district officials said. The district is the guarantor of the debt, while the referendum allowed the school district to raise property taxes as a funding source.
Wausau School Chief Finance and Business Services Officer Bob Tess said the bond sale was conducted earlier Monday, with J.P. Morgan emerging as the sole bidder in the end, with 3.89% true interest cost (TIC) as a winning bid.
The Board also approved a project design and construction timeline prepared by Nexus Solutions consulting firm.
According to the timeline, construction at the Wausau School Forest Environmental Learning Center, as well as at Stettin, Hawthorn Hills, Riverview and South Mountain elementary schools, John Muir Middle School and the two athletic fields at Wausau West and East high schools – takes precedence, though construction at John Muir and the fields is slated to begin next year.
Residents in Wausau continued to raise concerns about the potential for adding “synthetic turf” to athletic facilities at the high schools, citing concerns over student safety and the possibility of additional exposure to potentially toxic chemicals. Neither Superintendent Keith Hilts nor communications coordinator Diana White respond to repeated questions about the nature of the surface of the turf fields. In December, the then board president Pat McKee referred to the proposed facilities as artificial turfs.
Carol Lukens, the Wausau alder representing Dist. 1, addressed the WSD Board as a community member. She requested the board form a committee with community input and community memberships and “share the findings of that transparently with the community to ask for their input and approval before moving ahead.” Lukens said three aspects relating to artificial turf should be taken into account: health, safety and sustainability.
One of the risks posed by “artificial turf,” Lukens said, is that such material has been shown to contain micro plastic and PFAS contaminants, also known as forever chemicals. The drinking water wells of City of Wausau and nearby areas have been found to contain Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) above the new threshold suggested by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). The risk of PFAS seeping into groundwater has alarmed the residents and the Wausau leaders have announced several measures to address the concerns.
Others have raised questions about safety amid increasing concerns that athletes are more likely to be injured on synthetic surfaces. A University Hospitals Sports Medicine study found athletes were 58 percent more likely to sustain an injury during athletic activity on artificial turf. Injury rates were significantly higher for football, girls and boys soccer, and rugby athletes. Lower extremity, upper extremity, and torso injuries were also found to occur with a higher incidence on artificial turf.
Previously, the board discussed two proposed multi-million dollar indoor athletics facilities, which in the words of superintendent Hilts were “high impact projects” that could potentially turn around low public opinion of the WSD Board. District administrators stressed in previous formal and informal conversations that the estimated price tag of the proposed athletics facilities (up to $21 million), proposals that ranked among the lowest of previously identified priorities among staff and parents, would not come from the WSD budget.
Instead, they said, the money would be raised through fundraising efforts that would also provide an opportunity to engage with the community. Athletics facilities were ranked at number 11 by school staff and number 22 by parents, according to a survey shared during a June 2021 board meeting.
During community engagement sessions last year, residents demanded transparency over the issue. Emails reviewed by Wausau Pilot & Review show that despite public denial by admin officials, Board members Jon Creisher, McKee, Jim Bouche and Hilts were already discussing the idea nearly a year ago. In a June 19, 2021 email, Bouche wrote to McKee, Hilts and Creisher: “After our conversation last night, I thought I’d send you a couple of things: video (Texas Style), pictures (Not only stadiums, but indoor field facilities at each high school, and if you have Prezi presenter (I’ll share what I had proposed at LUHS, and when they balked, Rhinelander bought into it)… “if you snooze, you loose!”
McKee, in an Oct. 6, 2021 email, suggested starting “setting up meetings with appropriate people.” Creisher, who has publicly pushed for improved athletics facilities, termed the existing fields “sorely out of date to prepare our students for their futures” in a Sept. 14 email to Hilts. Creisher, in an Oct. 7 email, also suggested forming a steering committee that would move the project forward.
“Apparently this is what they did in Marshfield because they had concerns that if board members were running it the project could get derailed by any given election cycle,” he wrote.
Hilts responded by saying the athletics directors and principals and he would be happy to be part of the committee. He also asked if Chris Ghidorzi, of Ghidorzi Construction, or his father could be willing to sit on such a committee. “Do you know other influential folks who should be helping to drive this?” Hilts asked Creisher.
Some board and district officials have defended the idea of artificial turf fields, saying they are less expensive to maintain than grass fields in the long-term.
No third-party assessment, cost unclear
The district is pressing ahead with engaging Nexus Solutions for the project, despite calls for a third party assessment from Creisher and some residents objecting to the price tag. District officials have not confirmed the cost for Nexus, while Creisher and Hilts have argued publicly over the firm’s role.
In April, the then board president, McKee, suggested a meeting between Hilts and Creisher and then share it with the board. In response to Wausau Pilot & Review’s questions, Hilts said the third party assessment was not pursued. He did not cite any reason behind the decision.
“Mr. Creisher, Mr. McKee and I did have a discussion and we have decided not to pursue a third party assessment,” said Dr. Hilts on May 23.
Creisher did not respond to questions. | https://wausaupilotandreview.com/2022/06/15/wausau-school-board-approves-funding-timeline-for-facilities-improvement-projects/ | 2022-06-16 01:17:26 | 1 | https://wausaupilotandreview.com/2022/06/15/wausau-school-board-approves-funding-timeline-for-facilities-improvement-projects/ |
The newly renovated apartment properties are adjacently located in the Palmer Park submarket
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- An affiliate of The Axton Group ("Axton") and The Bascom Group, LLC ("Bascom") announced today they have closed on the sale of two multifamily communities, Park at Penrose and Park at Palmer, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, for $74.1 million. Park at Penrose with 374 units, and Park at Palmer with 112 units, are located at 3802 and 3903 Half Turn Road, in Colorado Springs, situated along N. Academy Boulevard near Austin Bluffs Parkway. These adjacent properties, formerly named Summer Grove and Tanglewood, are located in the Palmer submarket, the fastest rent growth submarket of Colorado Springs.
The Axton / Bascom Partnership purchased the properties for $41.15 million in June 2019 and completed a successful multi-year renovation program to upgrade the apartment units and community amenities, resulting in significant renovation rent premiums. The properties' booming neighborhood is conveniently located near shopping, dining, outdoor recreation, and strong employment opportunities, driving organic rent growth during the Partnership's investment period. Major local employers include Amazon and FedEx, located near the Colorado Springs Airport, which is only a 15-minute drive from the properties. During the investment period, Colorado Springs continued to benefit from a steady influx of employers in the aerospace, military, technology, life science, healthcare and banking sectors who relocated to and expanded in this area. The nearby I-25 provides property residents easy access to many major employment hubs and a direct one-hour commute to Denver.
Park at Penrose and Park at Palmer offer one, two, and three bedroom apartment options. Renovated units include new kitchen appliances and cabinets, updated flooring and lighting fixtures, and bathroom vanities. The properties feature a state-of-the-art fitness center, a dog park, pool, a club house with game rooms and billiards, business centers, and grilling and picnic areas. The Partnership enjoyed several years of strong operating cash flow and successfully re-financed the properties in February 2022. Axton and Bascom are continuing to focus on investments in the multifamily sector across the United States, with a focus on value-add opportunities that arise as pricing resets amid significant global macroeconomic pressures. The Partnership is grateful for the efforts of the entire team involved in stewarding these assets over the past four years, leading to a successful outcome for the Partnership.
The Axton Group is a privately held investment management firm based in San Francisco with a focus on value add and opportunistic real estate and real estate related assets in the U.S and Canada. Axton's management team has extensive sourcing capabilities through its proprietary network and invests opportunistically across asset types, geographies and capital structure as risk/return dynamics shift. The firm invests in direct real estate and real estate related operating companies with the understanding that real estate is subject to cycles, both in terms of its underlying supply and demand fundamentals and its pricing relative to other asset classes. Axton seeks to invest in undervalued assets which can be enhanced with redevelopment, aggressive asset management, and repositioning in fundamentally strong markets. Axton prioritizes opportunities with strong current cash flow and capital appreciation with a focus on capital preservation. For further information, please visit www.axton.com.
Bascom is a private equity firm specializing in value-added multifamily, commercial, and non-performing loans and real estate related investments and operating companies. Bascom sources value-added and distressed properties including many through foreclosure, bankruptcy, or short sales and repositions them by adding extensive capital improvements, improving revenue, and reducing expenses by realizing operational efficiencies through implementation of institutional-quality property management. Bascom, founded by principals Derek Chen, Jerry Fink, and David Kim, is one of the most active and seasoned buyers and operators of apartment communities in the U.S. Since 1996, Bascom has completed over $21.4 billion in multifamily value-added transactions encompassing 357 multifamily properties and over 91,000 units. Bascom's commercial transaction volume is $5.8 billion in total and amounts to over 23.4 million square feet. Bascom has ranked among the top 50 multifamily owners in the U.S. Bascom's subsidiaries and joint ventures include the Bascom Value Added Apartment Investors, Shubin Nadal Associates, Spirit Bascom Ventures, REDA Bascom Ventures, Bascom Northwest Ventures, Bascom Arizona Ventures, Harbor Associates, Village Partners Ventures, and Realm Group. Bascom's subsidiaries also include Premier Workspaces, one of the largest privately held executive suite, coworking and shared workspace companies in the U.S. For additional information, please visit www.bascomgroup.com.
Lambert
Lisa Baker
lbaker@lambert.com
603-868-1967
-Or-
Megan Bowman
mbowman@lambert.com
616-258-5763
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE The Axton Group | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/03/21/axton-group-bascom-group-announce-sale-park-penrose-park-palmer-multifamily-communities-located-colorado-springs-co/ | 2023-03-21 12:56:08 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/03/21/axton-group-bascom-group-announce-sale-park-penrose-park-palmer-multifamily-communities-located-colorado-springs-co/ |
Unlock all articles for $1.99
Already have an account? Login here.
When you click "Sign up", you will receive headlines and breaking news alerts to your inbox. By creating an account, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
We've placed cookies on your device to improve your browsing experience. They're safe and don't contain sensitive information. | https://tj.news/greater-saint-john/102098684 | 2023-04-20 15:46:05 | 0 | https://tj.news/greater-saint-john/102098684 |
Company's commitment to doing the right thing is strong
MONTREAL, Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Alithya Group inc. (TSX: ALYA) (NASDAQ: ALYA) ("Alithya" or the "Company") is pleased to release its inaugural ESG Report, a comprehensive document that details the Company's commitment to environmental, social, and governance excellence. Alithya's ESG Report outlines current best practices put forth by the Company, as well as critical measures identified for future implementation.
"ESG intersects all lines of Alithya's ecosystem, and our business has far-reaching effects on the important economic sectors that we service. Since the Company's founding, we have embraced the responsibility of being an agent of change in our industry, and that responsibility extends to helping our customers transition to more sustainable economies. Alithya believes in a world where the pursuit of excellence in environmental, social, and governance can be perfectly aligned with business goals, and where value can be created through sustainability. This ESG Report is an important step forward in that process, and a commitment that we hope our stakeholders will embrace as a source of pride."
Key highlights from Alithya's inaugural ESG Report include:
- Workforce Talent: Alithya's long-term strategic plan embraces Human Capital at its core, and the Company has endeavored to foster a culture of collaboration and ownership by ensuring that employees have all of the necessary tools for cultivating their well-being and personal growth. In striving to be a best-in-class employer, Alithya invests heavily in the development of its leaders and employees.
- Organizational Culture: For more than 30 years, Alithya's culture has been predicated on core values of trust, respect, integrity, creativity, well-being and passion. Values play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the Company, from the hiring process to the Company's strategic approach to acquisitions, its commitment to workplace excellence, and its support for benevolence.
- Cyber Security & Data Privacy: Alithya's commitment to being a model of cyber security integrity begins at home, with its business model being dependent on the effective management of its own systems and data. Externally, from the control room to the boardroom, Alithya's advanced technology-driven products and services help customers in finance, government, renewable energy, and other highly sensitive sectors to enhance their overall cyber security posture, ensuring that they are equipped with the tools they need to outpace the rapid evolution of cyber threats.
- Governance: Alithya aims to position itself as a trusted advisor offering tailored, digitally based solutions to its customers. Trust and governance are both keys to success that will enable Alithya to stand out in the fragmented, highly competitive technological services market. To achieve this, all stakeholders - from our customers to our employees and our partners - must be confident that Alithya is guided by strong leadership, has a clear strategy for success, and has implemented a plan to protect its future.
- Transitioning to a lower-carbon economy: Alithya recognizes its responsibility to respond to stakeholder expectations by operating responsibly. Externally, Alithya's business engages in complex technology projects that ultimately contribute to our customers' transitions to lower-carbon economies, and the Company takes responsibility for delivering products and services with minimal negative environmental impacts. As a service provider in the digital transformation space, Alithya's internal carbon footprint is relatively low. Nevertheless, the Company understands the importance of clearly establishing the impact of the entirety of its operations, including the associated effects of cloud-hosting hardware. In this regard, Alithya has introduced numerous initiatives aimed at reducing its internal footprint, including measures targeting tele-working, waste reduction, recycling optimization, and the operation of efficient premises in LEED-certified buildings leveraging renewable energy.
Access the full Alithya ESG Report here: https://www.alithya.com/hubfs/ESG_Report_2022_En.pdf
This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable U.S. safe harbours (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Statements that do not exclusively relate to historical facts, as well as statements relating to management's expectations regarding the future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects of Alithya, and other information related to Alithya's business strategy and future plans or which refer to the characterizations of future events or circumstances represent forward-looking statements. Such statements often contain the words "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "could," "would," "will," "may," "can," "continue," "potential," "should," "project," "target," and similar expressions and variations thereof, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.
Forward-looking statements are presented for the sole purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding Alithya's objectives, strategies and business outlook and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Although management believes the expectations reflected in Alithya's forward-looking statements were reasonable as at the date they were made, forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management and, as such, are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond Alithya's control, and which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those discussed in Alithya's annual and interim Management's Discussion and Analysis and other materials made public, including documents filed with Canadian and U.S. securities regulatory authorities from time to time and which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to Alithya or that Alithya currently deems to be immaterial could also have a material adverse effect on its financial position, financial performance, cash flows, business or reputation.
Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and are made only as of the date of this press release. Alithya expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since actual results may vary materially from them.
Alithya is a trusted leader in strategy and digital transformation, employing a dedicated and highly skilled workforce of 3,900 professionals in Canada, the United States and internationally. Alithya's strategy is based on a plan of accelerated organic growth and complementary acquisitions to create a global leader. The Company's integrated offer is based on four pillars of expertise: business strategies, enterprise cloud solutions, application modernisation services, and data and analytics.
View original content:
SOURCE Alithya | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/alithya-releases-inaugural-esg-report/ | 2022-09-14 12:32:31 | 0 | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/alithya-releases-inaugural-esg-report/ |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Country star Chris Young’s latest single, “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” is a vivid love letter to summertime weekends, old trucks, dive bar bands, and crushes. And it might sound immediately familiar: The guitar lick that opens the track is lifted directly from David Bowie’s 1974 hit “Rebel Rebel.”
Bowie is credited posthumously as a songwriter on the track, making it one of the genre-melding icon’s few forays into country music — noteworthy, because Bowie himself was not quite a fan of the genre.
“I think the only music I didn’t listen to was country and western, and that holds to this day,” Bowie told NPR’s Terry Gross in 2002. “It’s much easier for me to say that, the kind of music I didn’t listen to was pretty much that.”
So how did Bowie, who died in 2016, end up on the track?
Warner Chappell Music became the custodian of Bowie’s musical legacy — acquiring the worldwide rights to over 400 of his songs, including “Rebel Rebel” — when the company purchased his extensive music catalog in 2022.
Ben Vaughn, president and chief executive officer of Warner Chappell Music Nashville, says his team asked songwriter Jesse Frasure to “get creative using elements from Bowie’s catalog to write a new country song. He ended up doing an interpolation of ‘Rebel Rebel’ and the demo he turned in was an instant smash.”
“Getting the call from Bowie’s estate and Warner Chappell to creatively explore his catalog was an exciting day,” Frasure said in a statement. “Interpolations to me are a way of tipping a hat to my heroes and maybe even introducing their music to a new audience.”
He added that it is an honor to have Bowie’s music “be heard in the country genre.”
WCM A&R executive Spencer Nohe then pitched the song to Young’s team while their legal counsel, Steve Butler, negotiated the deal.
Young writes many of his own songs, but when he first heard the demo written by Ashley Gorley, Josh Thompson and Frasure, he knew he wanted to record it.
“It tackles universal themes that a lot of people can related to. That’s the end goal of the song: to make you feel like you’re in it,” Young told The Associated Press. “And the fact that David Bowie’s catalog got picked up and they decided to do something special like this, and list him as a songwriter on the song, is a really cool thing.”
But how would Bowie himself feel about the posthumous collaboration?
“Hate is a strong word,” said Tiffany Naiman, UCLA’s director of music industry programs and an expert on Bowie, of the icon’s feelings toward the genre. “I think he had a very difficult relationship with certain parts of America including country music.”
It might have not been his thing, she said, but that didn’t mean he never listened to country music. She urges listeners to consider Bowie’s documented love of Elvis Presley, who began his career as a country star, and Bowie’s cover of the country track “It Ain’t Easy” by Ron Davis, recorded during his 1971 “Hunky Dory” sessions and released on 1972’s “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.”
Young himself told the AP that he doesn’t think his song is “introducing David Bowie to a new genre.”
Bowie might not have leaned into country music, Young says, but “if you asked country fans, ‘Hey, do you know who David Bowie is?’ they’re going to name a song. And even if they don’t, they’re going to recognize the weight of the name.” | https://cw33.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/ap-how-david-bowie-long-thought-ambivalent-to-country-music-became-a-writer-on-a-chris-young-song/ | 2023-07-25 02:20:27 | 0 | https://cw33.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/ap-how-david-bowie-long-thought-ambivalent-to-country-music-became-a-writer-on-a-chris-young-song/ |
Fly Eagles fly.
Philadelphia maintained its spot atop the NFC with a 35-10 win Sunday over the Tennessee Titans.
OPEN THE TITANS-EAGLES PHOTO GALLERY HERE
And while the Eagles didn’t clinch a playoff spot on Sunday, they will have an opportunity to do so in Week 14.
BUY NFL TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETSMARTER, TICKETMASTER
Here are some of the more interesting post-game facts, per Eagles PR:
- Philadelphia, which owns the best record in the NFL this season, has improved to 11-1 for just the fourth time in franchise history, having previously done so in 1949, 1980 and 2004.
- Nick Sirianni (20-9 regular-season record with the Eagles) is the sixth coach since the 1970 merger to start 11-1 or better in their first or second career year as a head coach, joining Sean McVay (2018 Rams), Jim Caldwell (2009 Colts), Steve Mariucci (1997 49ers), George Seifert (1990 49ers) and Red Miller (1977 Broncos).
- Jalen Hurts (24 years, 119 days) is the fourth-youngest QB to start 11-1 or better since the 1970 merger, behind Dan Marino in 1984 (23 years, 64 days), Dak Prescott in 2016 (23 years, 125 days) and Jared Goff in 2018 (24 years, 49 days).
- Hurts completed 29-of-39 (74.4%) attempts for 380 yards (9.7 avg.), 3 TDs, 0 INTs and a 130.3 passer rating while also adding 12 yards with 1 TD on 5 carries (4 total TDs).
- Hurts became the first player in Eagles history to produce 350+ passing yards, 3+ passing TDs, and 1+ rushing TD in a single game. In combining for 4 total TDs, Hurts set a new career high (29 total TDs through 12 games) (previously 26 TDs in 2021).
Want to bet on the NFL?
See the best NJ Sports Betting sites
- A.J. Brown (119 yards, 2 TDs) and DeVonta Smith (102 yards, 1 TD) became the first Eagles duo to post 100+ receiving yards each since Nelson Agholor (116 yards, 1 TD) and Zach Ertz (110 yards, 2 TDs) accomplished the feat on 12/23/18 vs. Houston.
- Brown, who finished the game with multiple 25+ yard receiving TDs (40 and 29 yards), leads the league with 8 receiving TDs dating back to Week 6. Overall, he has registered 950+ receiving yards and 9 TDs through the first 12 games of the season.
MORE NFL:
- NFL Draft 2023: Giants, Jets, Eagles land defensive studs in latest 1st-round mock
- Eagles Hall of Famer Terrell Owens defends actions in fight with ‘aggressor’
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. | https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/philadelphia-eagles/2022/12/eagles-maintain-lead-in-nfc-close-in-on-playoff-spot-photos.html | 2022-12-05 11:03:13 | 1 | https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/philadelphia-eagles/2022/12/eagles-maintain-lead-in-nfc-close-in-on-playoff-spot-photos.html |
STOCKHOLM , May 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- RaySearch Laboratories AB (publ) announces that La Clinique Générale-Beaulieu, a part of Swiss Medical Network in Switzerland, is the first center in the world to treat a patient using the Accuray CyberKnife® radiation treatment delivery system with RaySearch treatment planning system RayStation®* and oncology information system RayCare®*.
The first treatment was successfully carried out on May 4, 2022. The clinic is equipped with RaySearch's RayCare 5A and RayStation 11A and the CyberKnife M6TM Robotic Radiosurgery System is connected to Accuray's iDMS® Data Management System.
La Clinique Générale-Beaulieu has been using RayCare and RayStation for more than a year. Step by step the systems have been implemented and integrated into daily operations and today the clinic manages all aspects of the treatment, for all their machines, through RaySearch software. This gives a comprehensive picture of the patients' treatments while taking advantage of RayCare's efficiency for all patients.
Swiss Medical Network is one of Switzerland's two largest groups of private clinics. Within the network all types of cancers are treated, using cutting-edge technology and complex treatment methods. In 2019, as the first hospital in the world, Swiss Medical Network signed a multi-system, multi-clinic agreement for the purchase of Accuray radiation therapy delivery systems as well as RaySearch's treatment planning system and oncology information system.
Professor Oscar Matzinger, medical director of radiation oncology at Swiss Medical Network, says: "We are happy to announce that we have successfully treated our first patient using RayStation and RayCare with a CyberKnife machine. In partnership with RaySearch and Accuray we are now closing the loop regarding treatment delivery, using only RaySearch software for both CyberKnife and Radixact machines."
Johan Löf, founder and CEO, RaySearch, says: "We are very pleased to hear that the first treatment with CyberKnife and RayCare has been successfully carried out at this world-class center. It is an important proof of concept that a clinic can use RayCare as the sole oncology information system together with Accuray machines. This makes the achievement of significant value not only for our mutual collaboration with Swiss Medical Network but also for potential collaborations with other clinics around the world with a similar machine set-up and, above all, for patients in need of radiotherapy treatment."
About Swiss Medical Network
Swiss Medical Network is one of the two leading Swiss groups of private clinics. Established in the three linguistic regions of Switzerland the clinics offer first-class hospital care to both Swiss and international patients. Swiss Medical Network consists of 23 clinics, 46 ambulatory centers and 15 competence centers spread over 15 Swiss cantons and has highly qualified specialists in all medical fields.
About RaySearch
RaySearch Laboratories AB (publ) is a medical technology company that develops innovative software solutions for improved cancer treatment. RaySearch markets the RayStation®* treatment planning system (TPS) and the oncology information system (OIS) RayCare®*. The most recent additions to the RaySearch product line are RayIntelligence® and RayCommand®. RayIntelligence is an oncology analytics system (OAS) which enables cancer clinics to collect, structure and analyze data. RayCommand, a treatment control system (TCS), is designed to link the treatment machine and the treatment planning and oncology information systems.
RaySearch software is used by over 800 clinics in more than 40 countries. The company was founded in 2000 as a spin-off from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and the share has been listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since 2003. More information is available at raysearchlabs.com.
About RayStation
RayStation®* is a flexible, innovative treatment planning system, chosen by many leading cancer centers worldwide. It combines unique features such as unmatched adaptive therapy capabilities, multi-criteria optimization, market-leading algorithms for treatment plan optimization for HDR brachytherapy and external beam therapy with photons, electrons, and protons, as well as helium and carbon ions. RayStation supports a wide range of treatment machines, providing one control center for all treatment planning needs and ensuring centers get greater value from existing equipment. RayStation also seamlessly integrates with RayCare®*. By harmonizing the treatment planning, the care of cancer patients worldwide is improved.
About RayCare
The RayCare®* oncology information system (OIS) is designed to support the many complex logistical challenges faced by today's oncology clinics. RayCare is closely integrated with RayStation®* and provides seamless access to all the powerful planning tools in RayStation and RayCommand®. The system efficiently coordinates activities in radiation therapy and offers advanced features for clinical workflow automation, and adaptive radiation therapy. RayCare responds to the demand from clinics for a more user-friendly and workflow-oriented information system that can support the cancer care of the future.
* Subject to regulatory clearance in some markets.
CONTACT:
For more information, please contact:
Johan Löf, founder and CEO, RaySearch Laboratories AB (publ)
Telephone: +46 (0)8 510 530 00, johan.lof@raysearchlabs.com
Björn Hårdemark, interim CFO, RaySearch Laboratories AB (publ)
Telephone: +46 (0)709 564 217, bjorn.hardemark@raysearchlabs.com
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
The following files are available for download:
View original content:
SOURCE RaySearch Laboratories | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/raycare-clinical-use-with-cyberknife-swiss-medical-network-switzerland/ | 2022-05-09 00:29:33 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/07/raycare-clinical-use-with-cyberknife-swiss-medical-network-switzerland/ |
TSX.V: DME
U.S. OTC: DMEHF
Frankfurt: QM01
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY CORP. (the "Company") (TSX.V: DME) (OTC: DMEHF) (Frankfurt: QM01) is pleased to announce that it has closed its non-brokered private placement previously announced on September 1, 2022 (the "Offering"), raising gross proceeds of CAD $6,090,400. The Company issued 2,342,461 units (the "Units") at a price of CAD $2.60 per Unit. Each Unit is made up of one common share of the Company and one share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant allowing the subscriber to purchase one additional common share for a period of three years at a price of CAD $3.50 per share. The expiry of the warrants may be accelerated by the Company if the closing price for the common shares shall be equal to or greater than CAD $7.00 for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive trading days. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid aggregate finders fees of $128,128 in cash, 119,477 Finder units and 45,280 Finder warrants.
The Company plans to use the proceeds for exploration, and development of the Company's helium processing facilities, working capital and general corporate expenses.
All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a 4-month plus one day hold expiring January 14, 2022. Any securities referred to herein will not nor has been offered nor registered under the U.S. Securities act of 1933 (The "1933 ACT") and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a person in the absence of such registration or an exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 ACT.
Desert Mountain Energy Corp. is a publicly traded resource company primarily focused on exploration, development and production of helium, hydrogen and noble gases. The Company is primarily looking for elements deemed critical to the renewable energy and high technology industries.
We seek safe harbor
"Robert Rohlfing"
Robert Rohlfing
Exec Chairman & CEO
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in polices of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The statements made in this press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations.
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding the Company's anticipated performance in the future the planned exploration activities, receipt of positive results from drilling, the completion of further drilling and exploration work, and the timing and results of various activities.
Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company and its operations to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, changes in national and local governments, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and the United States; financial risks due to helium prices, operating or technical difficulties in exploration and development activities; risks and hazards and the speculative nature of resource exploration and related development; risks in obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and challenges to the Company's title to properties.
Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the continued operation of the Company's exploration operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not intend to, and nor does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.
View original content:
SOURCE Desert Mountain Energy Corp. | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2022/09/13/desert-mountain-energy-announces-closing-cdn-6-million-private-placement/ | 2022-09-14 00:27:51 | 1 | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2022/09/13/desert-mountain-energy-announces-closing-cdn-6-million-private-placement/ |
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Yum Brands Inc. (YUM) on Wednesday reported first-quarter net income of $300 million.
The parent company of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut posted revenue of $1.65 billion in the period, topping Street forecasts. Six analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $1.63 billion.
_____
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on YUM at https://www.zacks.com/ap/YUM | https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/05/03/earns-yum-brands/b59c442a-e9a2-11ed-869e-986dd5713bc8_story.html | 2023-05-03 12:01:29 | 1 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/05/03/earns-yum-brands/b59c442a-e9a2-11ed-869e-986dd5713bc8_story.html |
Eight-year-old gymnast gains massive following onlineThe Grand Opera House welcomes new executive directorSo is there a Jersey Devil? This Pine Barrens artist keeps an open mindWoman firing gun shot, wounded by police
Raw video: 1 dead, 2 injured in Route 7 crash Friday afternoon3 injured in Wilmington shooting late WednesdayRaw video: Cecil County police investigating 5 killed in Elk Mills home Friday morningChabad Center's new home a welcome work in progress
Technology allows hospital to simulate surgeriesOtter swims at Frankford's Barn Hill PreserveSights & Sounds: Rehoboth Beach marks end of summer seasonVance Funk describes his fall, which put an end to his trash-picking | https://www.delawareonline.com/videos/news/2022/09/15/man-19-killed-east-side-shooting-wednesday/10384655002/ | 2022-09-15 11:04:42 | 0 | https://www.delawareonline.com/videos/news/2022/09/15/man-19-killed-east-side-shooting-wednesday/10384655002/ |
Mike Gorman has been cleared to travel and will call Game 6 of the Celtics-Hawks series Thursday night on NBC Sports Boston alongside analyst Brian Scalabrine.
Gorman, the Hall of Fame play-by-play voice who has called Celtics games for 41 seasons, missed Games 3 and 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series in Atlanta while recovering from eye surgery.
Gorman suffered a detached retina in his left eye in late February while out to dinner in the North End. He had surgery and continued to call Celtics games, but the recovery process is long, and flying can result in complications.
Advertisement
Gorman has called Celtics home games during these playoffs, but for the previous two road games, NBC Sports Boston had Scalabrine and fellow analyst Eddie House on the call without a conventional play-by-play voice.
Chad Finn can be reached at chad.finn@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeChadFinn. | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/04/26/sports/mike-gorman-will-be-back-call-celtics-hawks-game-6/ | 2023-04-26 19:12:59 | 1 | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/04/26/sports/mike-gorman-will-be-back-call-celtics-hawks-game-6/ |
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt Elected First and Second Vice Presidents on Final Day of USCM's 91st Annual Meeting
COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) voted to elect a new leadership team and approved a slate of policy resolutions that will serve as the official platform of the organization and guide its advocacy agenda for the year ahead. The business meeting marked the close of the 91st Annual Meeting of the USCM, with more than 300 mayors from across America gathering here in Columbus, Ohio.
Reno (NV) Mayor Hillary Schieve was elected by her fellow mayors to serve as the next President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. President Schieve, who will serve a one-year term, addressed the Conference and spoke about her commitment to using the shared voice and diverse talents of America's mayors to solve big problems. In particular, Schieve has made America's mental health crisis a priority of her presidency, with the Conference earlier in the Meeting releasing a 117-city survey on how they are responding to the challenge.
"My colleagues are amazing leaders, and I'm deeply grateful for the trust they've placed in me," said President Schieve. "American mayors are driven by remarkable spirit of service, and the Conference of Mayors is a powerful vehicle for doing good. I'm eager to get to work lifting up the leadership of these women and men and collaborating to solve the great challenges facing American cities."
"It's no wonder why her colleagues have chosen Mayor Schieve to lead this powerful organization and drive our fight for stronger American cities," said Tom Cochran, USCM CEO and Executive Director. "She is a dynamic, inclusive leader who cares only about making progress to improve people's lives. Her focus, in particular, on the growing mental health crisis has already inspired her fellow mayors and is leading to change. Cities and the people who call them home are going to be better off thanks to Hillary Schieve's leadership at the U.S. Conference of Mayors."
Alongside Schieve, mayors elected Columbus (OH) Mayor Andrew Ginther to serve as USCM's First Vice President, and Oklahoma City (OK) Mayor David Holt was elected USCM Second Vice President. The Conference also named new Trustees and Advisory Board Members.
New USCM Trustees are as follows:
- Lincoln (NE) Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird
- Fresno (CA) Mayor Jerry Dyer
- New Bedford (MA) Mayor Jon Mitchell
- Cincinnati (OH) Mayor Aftab Pureval
- Montgomery (AL) Mayor Steven Reed
These mayors, in addition to the current elected top leaders and past presidents, make up the USCM Executive Committee.
New USCM Advisory Board Members are as follows:
- Los Angeles (CA) Mayor Karen Bass
- Dearborn (MI) Mayor Abdullah Hammoud
- Waterloo (IA) Mayor Quentin Hart
- Fort Worth (TX) Mayor Mattie Parker
- Long Beach (CA) Mayor Rex Richardson
- Arlington (TX) Mayor Jim Ross
- Lansing (MI) Mayor Andy Schor
- Providence (RI) Mayor Brett Smiley
- Allentown (PA) Mayor Matt Tuerk
A major component of today's meeting was also the consideration and adoption of policy resolutions. Throughout the Annual Meeting, the standing committees of the Conference met to propose and advance resolutions on a wide range of priorities for American mayors. Of particular emphasis today, the full Conference adopted strong policy on combating gun violence, addressing the mental health crisis, and fighting back against state legislatures preempting city authority. Other policies were adopted on issues including climate change, energy, housing, transportation, and the economy. The resolutions adopted today now make up the official policy of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and can be found here.
Finally, Tampa (FL) was announced as the host city for the 2025 Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. As previously announced, next year's Meeting will be in Kansas City (MO).
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.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE U.S. Conference of Mayors | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2023/06/05/reno-mayor-hillary-schieve-elected-new-president-us-conference-mayors-policy-agenda-adopted-year-ahead/ | 2023-06-05 20:11:28 | 1 | https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2023/06/05/reno-mayor-hillary-schieve-elected-new-president-us-conference-mayors-policy-agenda-adopted-year-ahead/ |
Capcom is no stranger to making the same game twice. The publisher has done multiple takes on its “Street Fighter” games and it has revamped past franchises such as “Bionic Commando,” but its most successful remake franchise has been “Resident Evil.”
Its teams have performed magic with a series that began on the PlayStation in 1996. The updates offer more than improved textures and a bumped-up resolution. Capcom has done full-scale rebuilds, where developers have reimagined the series. They’ve added new wrinkles to the design, improved the gameplay and fleshed out story beats.
THE BEST IN THE SERIESThe latest remake is “Resident Evil 4.” The 2005 original rewrote what was possible for the survival-horror genre, and its influence can be seen in games such as “Dead Space” and the latest “God of War” titles. Remaking such a beloved classic presents plenty of challenges and adds plenty of pressure on the developers.
Thankfully, Capcom’s team handled the task with aplomb because of the developers’ reverence for the original’s vision. It follows the exploits of Leon S. Kennedy, a survivor of the Raccoon City zombie outbreak. He’s no longer a rookie officer but a highly trained government agent sent to look for the U.S. president’s kidnapped daughter, Ashley Graham.
His investigation takes him to Spain, where he runs into homicidal villagers, who are part of a mysterious cult. Through a 20-hour campaign, players will have to locate the girl and stop another biohazard incident involving a parasite called Las Plagas.
BUILDING ON OLD INNOVATIONSThe major innovation that “Resident Evil 4” introduced was a new over-the-shoulder camera angle and novel emphasis to the survival-horror genre. The original focused on action and overwhelmed players with crazed villagers. It induced a sense of panic as Leon had to fend off the armed enemies while also running away. The tight camera angle created a more intimate and visceral perspective that brought players closer to the action but also created anxiety-inducing blind spots.
The remake builds on this fantastic system by adding new functionality to the knife. In the past, it was a weapon of last resort when players ran out of bullets, but it now allows Leon to parry attacks with a well-timed button press. Of course, this is balanced by the fact that knives degrade over time.
It adds an element of skill to combat that accentuates the new granularity of gunplay. In the past, players could do things such as shoot dynamite in foes’ hands or knock axes out of the air with bullet. Now, if villagers are swarming Leon, players can shoot foes in the leg to slow them down while also opening them up to a toppling roundhouse kick, or they can shoot oil-filled lamps to rain fire down enemies.
HELPFUL STEALTHThe other improvement is a renewed emphasis on stealth. Sometimes going into a room full of enemies is a bad idea; instead, it’s better to crouch and stalk them to cull the targets. Players can also set up traps or use environmental elements like a chandelier to take out foes. All of this updates the gameplay so that it feels more modern while also staying true to the original.
That’s the line that the developers have been successfully straddling with the remakes. They’ve not only found ways to make the games look modern but they also made the right changes to revamp the gameplay while staying true to the spirit of the original.
BETTER THAN QUICK TIME EVENTSOne of the biggest improvements is how the developers handled the quick time events. The element was a clever way of adding a gameplay element to what was essentially a cut scene, but with technology advancing so far since 2005, such scenes are passé, remnants of a time when hardware couldn’t keep up with developers’ imaginations.
The “Resident Evil 4” remake mostly eschews this relic, opting to craft fuller experiences that flow seamlessly together. Instead of a quick-time knife fight with Jack Krauser, players will engage in an actual boss battle, while other moments, such as one on the lake, feel more epic and fluid without the interruptions. Players will see prompts telling them to evade or break free but they feel much more in the flow of the action.
Leon S. Kennedy tells Ashley Graham to follow him closely during a fight in “Resident Evil 4.” (Capcom)A SMARTER BODY
TO GUARDThe other issue with the original was the escort chapters featuring Ashley Graham. This is where Leon has to protect her while also fending off cultists.
They’re less annoying in the remake, but she does get in the way of fighting cultists at times, and the fact that she can die if hurt after being incapacitated can make certain parts of the game frustrating. Thankfully, players have better control over her actions as Leon tells her to stay close or run away and take cover. Her artificial intelligence is better at positioning the character in unobtrusive areas, but when she’s caught up in a crowd of enemies, it isn’t pretty.
For better or worse, the “Resident Evil 4” remake maintains its hokey dialogue and plot structure. This entry has some cringe-worthy dialogue, but after more than a decade, it just accentuates the project’s campy vibe. The game tones down more of the absurd part of the original and focuses on the tension and atmosphere.
It’s the right decision as the “Resident Evil 4” remake is just as nerve-racking today as it was in 2005. The developers kept the essence of the original alive in the remake so that a whole new generation of players can enjoy one of the best chapters in the series.
‘Resident Evil 4’
3½ stars out of 4
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
Rating: Mature | https://www.mcall.com/2023/03/19/review-resident-evil-4-remake-improves-and-keeps-spirit-of-the-classic/ | 2023-03-21 10:22:33 | 0 | https://www.mcall.com/2023/03/19/review-resident-evil-4-remake-improves-and-keeps-spirit-of-the-classic/ |
WATCH Serie A LIVE on beIN SPORTS | via Foxtel, Kayo, Fetch & beIN SPORTS CONNECT
The France international has yet to make his first appearance for Juventus since returning on a free transfer from Manchester United ahead of the 2022-2023 campaign.
Pogba sustained a knee issue in pre-season and suffered another setback in October that subsequently ruled him out of the World Cup in Qatar.
Speaking on December 18, Allegri said he was still unsure exactly when Pogba would return to action, with the 29-year-old yet to start running in training at that stage.
However, Allegri provided a more positive update at Tuesday's pre-match press conference ahead of Juve's Serie A clash with Cremonese.
"He's running. The most important thing is that at the moment is that the knee isn't bothering him and it hasn't swollen," Allegri told reporters.
"If he proceeds like this, maybe within 15-20 days he will be able to be with the team, but it all depends on his evolution.
"When the pace picks up we'll see how much and if he can train with the team. If everything goes smoothly, we'll see step by step."
Juve has six matches to play before the end of January, starting with Thursday's (AEDT) trip to Cremonese, which is still seeking a first league win of the season.
Leonardo Bonucci and Dusan Vlahovic are among Juve's other absentees, while Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes are doubtful and Federico Chiesa is not fully fit.
Chiesa is on the comeback from a long-term lay-off, while Di Maria and Paredes only returned to Turin on Monday following Argentina's prolonged World Cup celebrations.
Some have questioned whether the pair should have been asked to report back for duty sooner, but Allegri never considered that despite Juve's injury issues.
"No, absolutely not," he said. "We've never had any sort of emergency [with injuries]. The guys who stayed here during the World Cup have worked very well.
"We have to look between now and June 5. Getting them back a day earlier wouldn't have changed anything.
"Over there they followed a one-week programme of work and it was right that they enjoyed the week of winning the World Cup, which doesn't happen every year."
Allegri also confirmed he will make a late call on whether to select Wojciech Szczesny, but Brazil trio Danilo, Alex Sandro and Bremer are all available.
Third-place Juve enter the match with Cremonese on a six-game winning run in Serie A without conceding – their best-such run since March 2018 in Allegri's first spell in charge.
Juve, which has won 10 of its past 12 league games played after a break of more than 50 days, are 10 points adrift of leader Napoli and still fighting on multiple fronts.
"When there are 50 days without playing, only the results will tell if we worked well, if we rested well or not," Allegri said.
"I think it will be a very good second part of the season. Napoli are the clear favourites for the championship, but there are many points to play for.
"We have the goal of getting into the top four and then going there to play in the finals of the Coppa Italia and the Europa League."
The Bianconeri have won 1-0 in each of their past three matches on the road in Serie A, against Torino, Lecce and Verona. | https://www.beinsports.com/au/serie-a/video/pogba-on-course-for-juventus-return-in-januar/2015866 | 2023-01-04 04:23:53 | 1 | https://www.beinsports.com/au/serie-a/video/pogba-on-course-for-juventus-return-in-januar/2015866 |
Next time you look up at the sky at a flock of birds, pay close attention. They might not be what you think they are.
Scientists at New Mexico Tech are using birds preserved by taxidermy and turning them into drones.
“We are trying to develop this technology to help wildlife and to help understand birds, not to hurt them,” said Mostafa Hassanalian, Ph.D., an associate professor of mechanical engineering at New Mexico Tech. He has done research on drones for more than 15 years and had this specific idea for more than a decade.
They never hurt any birds physically and purchase birds and wings through local taxidermy businesses and online.
“We came with this idea, well all right if the bird is dead and taxidermied, we have all the structure, so if we do reverse engineering, we can re-engineer them, and make them as a drone,” he said. “We can develop some nature-friendly drones,” he said.
Hassanalian said this could have three major uses. The first is wildlife monitoring.
“We observed that the current drones that are being used for wildlife monitoring, they have potential dangers to the wildlife,” he said.
The second possible application is formation flight. Studying how birds save energy and the purpose behind their formations could help other industries.
“We want to apply those applications to the aviation industry in order to save more energy and consume less fuel,” Hassanalian said.
The third is bird strike avoidance. He said the bird drones can potentially fly around the airplanes to scare the other birds so they avoid bird strikes.
To put this issue in perspective, the FAA has reported more than 2,000 possible bird strikes so far this year across the U.S.
Right now, most of Hassanalian’s testing has been done in a drone cage or in a field.
“We don’t know how the birds are going to react,” he said. “Once we get the approvals, we might be able to see.”
He has, however, observed how other birds perceive the drones when testing them in the field on campus. “Usually we see other birds that are flying around so, based on our observation, they didn't understand these are bio birds,” Hassanalian said.
Hassanalian has big goals for his flapping-wing drone research, but more research needs to be done before they take to the skies. | https://www.kivitv.com/news/national/researchers-are-turning-taxidermy-birds-into-flapping-wing-drones/ | 2023-04-18 19:10:48 | 0 | https://www.kivitv.com/news/national/researchers-are-turning-taxidermy-birds-into-flapping-wing-drones/ |
Rampaging Phillies finish off Braves, advance to NLCS for first time since 2010 originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Breaking a 10-year postseason drought apparently wasn't enough for these Phillies.
They're sticking around longer than expected in this October baseball tournament. They're riding a wave of special chemistry. They're sending division champions home for the winter. And, of course, they're dreaming big.
On a gorgeous fall Saturday afternoon, the Phils booked their ticket to the National League Championship Series with an emotional 8-3 win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 4 of the NL Division Series.
The Phillies won the series three-games-to-one with the last two wins coming in front of huge crowds at Citizens Bank Park.
After squeaking into the postseason with 87 wins and the sixth and final NL playoff spot, the Phillies have dispatched a pair of division champions in the 93-win St. Louis Cardinals and the 101-win Atlanta Braves.
Sports
The Phillies will open play in their first NLCS since 2010 on Tuesday night, somewhere in Southern California, against the winner of the Los Angeles Dodgers-San Diego Padres division series. The Padres took a two-games-to-one lead into Game 4 Saturday night.
The Phils have never played the Padres in a postseason series. They have played the Dodgers five times in the NLCS and advanced to the World Series three times.
After splitting the first two games of the NLDS in Atlanta, the Phillies came home Friday afternoon and used a six-run third inning, highlighted by homers from Rhys Hoskins and Bryce Harper, to beat the Braves, 9-1, in front of 45,538 wild fans who'd waited too long for postseason baseball to return to Philadelphia.
The momentum of Friday's win carried over to Saturday. Brandon Marsh, who ignited the six-run third inning with a walk Friday, belted a three-run homer against Charlie Morton with one out in the second inning and the Phils were off and running as the crowd of 45,660 waved rally towels in the stands.
An inning after Marsh's homer into the right-field seats, J.T. Realmuto greeted reliever Collin McHugh with a laser beam to center field. The ball hit off the angular outfield wall and bounced away from Braves center fielder Michael Harris II. Right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. did not move to back up Harris as the ball hit the wall. By the time Harris retrieved it, Realmuto was gone, around the bases in a flash. The first inside-the-park home run in Phillies postseason history gave the team a 4-1 lead.
Having already used their top three starting pitchers -- Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Ranger Suarez -- in the series, the Phillies went into the game with a pitching plan that consisted of getting outs from a long list of arms.
The plan worked. Six Phillies pitchers combined on 27 outs and sent the defending World Series champions home on just three runs.
Noah Syndergaard got the start against Atlanta's righty-heavy batting order. He had not started a game in two weeks so the hope was to get nine outs from him. The right-hander delivered those nine outs and allowed just one run on a solo homer by Orlando Arcia.
Next up was Andrew Bellatti. He knocked down three outs while allowing a run on a solo homer by Matt Olson as the Braves cut the Phillies' lead to 4-2.
Brad Hand was next. He got three outs in the fifth to protect the two-run lead.
Jose Alvarado recorded three outs in the sixth and saw his mates score three more runs in the bottom of the inning to go up, 7-2. The lefty stayed on for the seventh, allowed a solo homer, but recorded two outs to get the ball into Zach Eflin's right hand.
Eflin racked up four outs, three via strikeout, before Harper electrified the crowd with a homer in the bottom of the eighth and Seranthony Dominguez came on for the ninth and closed out the win.
When it was over, Phillies players danced on the lawn at Citizens Bank Park and retreated to the clubhouse for their third champagne celebration in less than two weeks. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/sports/phillies-dominate-braves-3-8-head-to-first-nlcs-appearance-in-over-a-decade/3909291/ | 2022-10-15 22:13:04 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/sports/phillies-dominate-braves-3-8-head-to-first-nlcs-appearance-in-over-a-decade/3909291/ |
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Two games into the Stanley Cup Final, the Florida Panthers look like an 8 seed for the first time all playoffs.
Florida was torched for a second consecutive game, losing 7-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday to fall into a 2-0 deficit in the best-of-seven series.
And while the series may be far from over as the scene shifts to Florida for Games 3 and 4, the Panthers will need a much better effort from their contingent of stars that led them past three of the top four seeds in the Eastern Conference and into the Cup Final.
“The parts of our game that we know that we can improve, we’re going to have to get to real fast. There’s no doubt about that,” Florida coach Paul Maurice said. “We’ll have a pretty simple game plan. I don’t think it’s about scoring goals in this series because I think it’s about defending the rush, and we weren’t great at that tonight.”
The Panthers allowed an average of 2.6 goals through their first 16 playoff games, but have been lit up for 12 in the first two of the final. Vegas’ 12 goals match the most by a team through the first two games of the Cup Final since the NHL expansion era began in 1967-68.
Sergei Bobrovsky, the hottest goaltender in hockey going into the final, was pulled midway through Game 2 after allowing four goals on 13 shots to the Golden Knights.
It marked the first time this postseason the 13-year veteran allowed four goals in consecutive games. He also gave up four goals in each of his last two regular-season games.
Jonathan Marchessault and Alec Martinez gave Vegas a 2-0 lead in the first period. Nicolas Roy made it 3-0 just 2:59 into the second, and Brett Howden ended Bobrovsky’s night minutes later when he deked his way across the crease and tapped the puck into a wide-open net.
Alex Lyon, who opened the playoffs as Florida’s starter, replaced Bobrovsky after Howden scored 7:10 into the second.
Bobrovsky coming into the series had won 11 of 12 games and stopped 438 of 465 shots during that span for a 1.95 goals-against average and .942 save percentage.
So far in the final, the two-time Vezina Trophy winner has a 5.52 GAA and .826 save percentage.
Lyon finished the game allowing three goals on 15 shots.
Maurice was non-committal when asked about the team’s goalie status for Game 3.
“We’ll sweat about that for the next two days,” he said. “We can be a little better in front of our goaltender. He’s been unbelievable for us, so I got him out to keep him rested.”
Then there’s MVP finalist and alternate captain Matthew Tkachuk, who has been the offensive leader for the Panthers with nine goals and 12 assists in the first three rounds. He now has more misconducts (3) than he does goals (1) in his first Stanley Cup Final appearance.
Florida was whistled for 14 penalties, including two misconducts by Tkachuk, who insisted the Panthers are simply playing their brand of physical hockey.
“I just think we’re a big, physical team,” Tkachuk said. “That’s how we have played the last second half of the year and been successful. I just don’t think there’s teams that play as physical as we do.”
Maybe not, but the Golden Knights have capitalized on Florida’s 130 penalty minutes, going 4 for 11 (36.4%) on the power play, a major jump from their 18.5% clip through the first three rounds.
What should have the Panthers concerned is they’ve been worse on the penalty kill at home than on the road, giving up six goals on 19 chances. That 68.4% rate ranks 14th of 16 playoff teams.
Tkachuk was confident, however, the Panthers would rediscover the magic that got them past three opponents they weren’t supposed to beat.
“I think that going home and playing in front of our amazing fans and the momentum we’ve had playing there like the last month and honestly since January, we’ve been a solid home team, and we’re going to need them and hope to come out in Game 3 playing our best hockey of the season,” Tkachuk said. “I think if we do that, that’ll be a recipe for success for us, and can make this a series.”
___
AP NHL playoffs: https://apnews.com/hub/stanley-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.koin.com/sports/ap-sports/panthers-goalie-sergei-bobrovsky-pulled-after-allowing-4-goals-in-game-2-of-stanley-cup-final/ | 2023-06-06 19:48:31 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/sports/ap-sports/panthers-goalie-sergei-bobrovsky-pulled-after-allowing-4-goals-in-game-2-of-stanley-cup-final/ |
We all want to tell our own stories — not have them told by people who don't understand us or take our lives seriously. But that is often the fate that Native Americans have had to endure for countless decades. So when Reservation Dogs came out last year, the series was rightly hailed as groundbreaking. With a cast, production crew and primary creator, Sterlin Harjo, who were all Indigenous, it offered a view from the inside of lives that are usually ignored.
As Reservation Dogs begins its strong second season, it's worth emphasizing that the series, co-created by Taika Waititi, is also one of the best and most original shows on TV. Set in Oklahoma's Native American territory, it blends dumb jokes, smart jokes, satire, pathos, social realism, magical realism and tribal lore — not to mention American Indian history — into a series that is fresh, funny and heartfelt.
As you may know, the series centers on a gang of four teenagers, known as Rez Dogs. There's Bear (played by emo-faced D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai), who longs for the father who abandoned his family. There's soulful Elora (Devery Jacobs), who's the group's true center of gravity. There's the foul-mouthed Willie Jack (Paulina Alexis), and the affable one known as Cheese (Lane Factor), who gets along with everyone. They are surrounded by grown-ups who range from Uncle Brownie, a one-time bar fighter who's now a hermit, to a kookily benign cop named Officer Big, played by Zahn McClarnon, the star of AMC+'s terrific Navajo mystery series, Dark Winds.
In Season 1, this gang of four was busy accumulating money — sometimes illegally — in order to leave the reservation and get to California. But their plans got flattened when a tornado hit town, and only Elora headed out, along with one of the gang's enemies, the tough, deadpan Jackie. As Season 2 begins, these young women are trying to get out of Oklahoma in their ramshackle car, while back home, Bear looks for work as Willie Jack and Cheese seek a way to rescind a black-magic curse that backfired.
Now, I always get nervous when a series I love enters Season 2, and I feared the worst when episode one tilted a bit too sharply toward the comic whimsy that is sometimes its failing. But the show quickly regained its balance and began doing what makes it special.
Working in a loose, indie film style, Harjo and company build around moments, not plot points, and avoid the temptation to make a grand statement about the situation of American Indians. They use their young heroes' daily life to offer glimpses — some silly, some profoundly moving — of a modern Native American reality that goes beyond the familiar narrative of victimization and misery.
Although they live with poverty and fractured families, the show's characters are vibrantly alive. And there are episodes — like Cheese doing a ride-around with Officer Big; Willie Jack hunting with her dad; or Bear learning to become a roofer — that glow with a warmth and wisdom rare on television. I can think of no other show that gives a clearer sense of what it means to live in a community that feels like a community.
Reservation Dogs evokes a culture in which age-old tribal curses exist alongside discussions of gender pronouns, and the legacy of Crazy Horse sits side-by-side with hip-hop and references to Star Wars. The show is wised up enough to laugh at classic tropes, like the stoic and taciturn Indian, and to make light of the notion of spirit guides. Yet these are jokes from the inside. Even as the show has fun with Native American tradition, it finds a way of doing it honor, as in this season's beautiful episode when everyone comes together in a death watch for Elora's grandmother.
Back in Season 1, Willie Jack gets to talking about all the seemingly uncontrolled dogs running the streets. "Nobody cares about Rez dogs," she says, referring as much to herself and her friends as to their four-footed namesakes. But she's wrong. This show cares, and I suspect it will make you care too.
Copyright 2022 Fresh Air. To see more, visit Fresh Air. | https://www.knkx.org/2022-08-08/reservation-dogs-now-in-season-2-remains-one-of-the-most-original-shows-on-tv | 2022-08-08 11:06:44 | 1 | https://www.knkx.org/2022-08-08/reservation-dogs-now-in-season-2-remains-one-of-the-most-original-shows-on-tv |
TOKYO, Sept. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kingdomverse, one of the first open 3D metaverses to bridge the metaverse with casual mobile games, will be attending TGS 2022 (Tokyo Game Show 2022) hosted by YGG Japan (Yield Guild Games Japan) this September. TGS has been one of the most prominent and historical game exhibitions in the world since 1996, dedicated to showcasing the best the gaming world has to offer.
YGG is a DAO that promotes blockchain-based games by providing a platform for users to invest in NFTs in virtual worlds. YGG Japan, established by YGG after its expansion into Japan, aims to lead Japanese game users to the world of "Play and Earn". YGG Japan will also support Japanese game companies in launching their blockchain games to the world. With the success of Axie Infinity, YGG enjoys great popularity with gamers and has fostered a strong and dedicated community.
Apart from participating in the event, Kingdomverse is also aiming to introduce its new "Freemium" model that will form the foundation of its metaverse and the mobile game ecosystem.
Kingdomverse is the first metaverse to combine a 3D virtual world with Real-time Strategy (RTS) and casual mobile games, bringing gamers a unique Web3 gaming experience. Its mission is to create a player-centric Web3 game ecosystem with the "Freemium" approach. Players can play Kingdomverse's mobile games for free and unlock fragmented NFTs as they play and win game tokens to mint in-game avatars that can be used in the metaverse.
While many GameFi projects currently on the market are adopting crowdfunding methods to sell NFTs collections before the game is ready to market, this model has been questioned in lieu of the crypto winter and a string of infamous crypto "rug"' projects. Its belief is that a "Freemium" model would attract gaming communities that appreciate the full experience of the game while giving them peace of mind in terms of the security and integrity of the project.
With Kingdomverse's first casual mobile game, "Defend the Kingdom", a key takeaway is that a "Free-to-Play" model has the highest success rate in activating an existing community. During its closed alpha testing period, the daily engagement time averaged 2 hours per player. In addition to the high in-game engagement rate, the closed alpha also lent considerable feedback from the players themselves, allowing the team to refine gameplay mechanics before further releases.
Between Sep 15th to 18th, the cinematic teaser and mobile game demo will be released at TGS 2022. Participants will have their first taste of the Kingdomverse experience. CEO Terence Chow and Community Lead Isaiah will be on the stage to discuss Kingdomverse's "Freemium" approach, and inspire the next generation of gamers.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Kingdomverse | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/09/06/kingdomverse-freemium-metaverse-game-ecosystem-showcase-tgs-2022/ | 2022-09-06 22:09:27 | 1 | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/09/06/kingdomverse-freemium-metaverse-game-ecosystem-showcase-tgs-2022/ |
SOMERVILLE, Mass. (AP) — One passenger jumped into a river and several others climbed out of windows when a Boston-area public transit train caught fire during the Thursday morning commute, officials said. The fire is the latest in a string of dangerous problems with the troubled system.
No injuries were reported, and the person who jumped into the water declined medical attention, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority said in a statement.
The MBTA’s inbound Orange Line train was crossing the Mystic River just north of Boston, approaching Assembly station in Somerville at about 6:45 a.m., when flames and smoke were spotted coming from the lead car, the statement said. About 200 passengers were on board, and most were walked off the train to a nearby station by MBTA personnel.
After the power was turned off, the train was brought to a railyard for an investigation, and infrastructure is being inspected. The MBTA has notified the Federal Transit Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
The train in question was 43 years old, MBTA spokesperson Joe Pesaturo said, and not one of several new Orange Line cars that were temporarily pulled from service recently when one car experienced a failure in its battery compartment. They have since been returned to service.
The Federal Transit Administration launched a review of Boston’s subway system in April following several accidents that led to injuries or death within the past year. The federal agency last month issued a series of directives to immediately address “longstanding issues” with the system’s “overall safety program and safety culture.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/07/21/passengers-climb-out-of-windows-during-boston-train-fire-2/ | 2022-07-21 23:38:38 | 0 | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/07/21/passengers-climb-out-of-windows-during-boston-train-fire-2/ |
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Friday evening's drawing of the New York Lottery's "Numbers Evening" game were:
2-7-7
(two, seven, seven)
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Friday evening's drawing of the New York Lottery's "Numbers Evening" game were:
2-7-7
(two, seven, seven) | https://www.mrt.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Numbers-Evening-game-17386086.php | 2022-08-20 04:03:21 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Numbers-Evening-game-17386086.php |
On Tuesday, Republican Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) expressed his support for the arrest of former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried.
McHenry is the top Republican on the House Financial Services Committee. Bankman-Fried was scheduled to testify in front of the panel, along with the crypto exchange company's current CEO, John Ray III. However, Bankman-Fried was arrested in the Bahamas late Monday.
Federal prosecutors allege he intentionally deceived customers and investors to enrich himself and others, while playing a central role in FTX's multibillion-dollar collapse. The indictment says that beginning in 2019, Bankman-Fried devised "a scheme and artifice to defraud" FTX's customers and investors, diverting their money to pay expenses and debts at his crypto hedge fund, Alameda Research, and to make lavish real estate purchases and large political donations.
Separately, the SEC filed civil charges against Bankman-Fried, alleging he defrauded investors and used proceeds to buy real estate for himself and his family.
"Frankly, I looked forward to getting his lies here on the record under oath," McHenry said in his opening remarks Tuesday. "Nevertheless, the arrest of Sam Bankman-Fried is welcome news. But it still does not get at the bottom of what happened at FTX and why it happened, and who else may be responsible."
McHenry will become the committee's chairman when Republicans take control of the House in January. He used his opening comments to preview hearings under his leadership, including the "early and often" questioning of Gary Gensler, chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
McHenry faulted Gensler for "regulation by enforcement" for cryptocurrencies and exchanges.
"And we'll hear from him and how we can provide clarity on the application of our securities laws to trading platforms, which he has failed to do," McHenry said.
In an interview with Yahoo Finance, Gensler said crypto companies should comply with existing laws.
"They can do that appropriately, working with the SEC, or we can continue on a course with more enforcement actions, and I would have to say that the runway's getting shorter," he said.
McHenry said new laws are needed to ensure other cryptocurrency exchanges do not collapse.
"The Financial Services Committee has an important role to play in this factfinding mission, which we will start today and continue as we work towards a legislative outcome to prevent this from happening again," he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. | https://www.wunc.org/politics/2022-12-13/patrick-mchenry-nc-house-ftx-bankman-fried-scheme | 2022-12-13 20:37:39 | 0 | https://www.wunc.org/politics/2022-12-13/patrick-mchenry-nc-house-ftx-bankman-fried-scheme |
PenFed receives Direct Endorsement authority to originate Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans
TYSONS, Va., June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- PenFed Credit Union, the nation's second-largest federal credit union and the largest credit union mortgage originator, furthered its commitment to bring more of its members home with the offering of Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans. In April, PenFed received Direct Endorsement authority to originate FHA loans from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
"This recent approval from HUD now gives PenFed the ability to make homeownership possible for more of our members who otherwise may not be able to get financing," said PenFed Executive Vice President and President of Mortgages Winston Wilkinson. "Many first-time homebuyers, especially in pricier markets, can use FHA loans as a solution that allows them to enjoy the benefits of home ownership."
An FHA loan increases home affordability for PenFed's members because it offers the ability for a down payment of only 3.5% and can accommodate those with credit scores as low as 620. Additionally, FHA borrowers often enjoy lower interest rates than borrowers for conventional mortgages.
Those looking to learn more are encouraged to visit PenFed's Learning Center, where you can find articles detailing the Benefits of an FHA Mortgage and the Top 10 Advantages of an FHA Loan – Especially with a Credit Union.
About PenFed Credit Union
Established in 1935, Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) is America's second-largest federal credit union, serving over 2.8 million members worldwide with $35 billion in assets. PenFed Credit Union offers market-leading certificates, checking, credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and a wide range of other financial services. Our mission is to empower members of our community to achieve their financial well-being. PenFed Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and is an Equal Housing Lender. To learn more about PenFed Credit Union, visit PenFed.org, like us on Facebook and follow us @PenFed on Twitter. Interested in working for PenFed? Check us out on LinkedIn. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE PenFed Credit Union | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/penfed-credit-union-makes-homeownership-possible-more-members-with-fha-loans/ | 2022-06-01 16:18:29 | 0 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/penfed-credit-union-makes-homeownership-possible-more-members-with-fha-loans/ |
NVTA certification completers can now apply up to three graduate hours toward an ACE master's degree
INDIANAPOLIS, April 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- American College of Education® (ACE) is proud to announce a partnership with the National Virtual Teacher Association (NVTA) that makes its affordable, flexible and high-quality programs accessible to more educators. The agreement allows NVTA certification completers to transcribe and/or apply up to three graduate hours toward several of ACE's fully online master's programs in education.
Recently named the second-best online college in America in 2023 by Newsweek, ACE was founded by educators for educators and is committed to partnering with organizations aligned with its mission to provide accessible degree programs. Similarly, NVTA evolved from educational leaders seeking to meet the professional development needs of both K-12 and post-secondary educators through flexible, virtual course delivery.
"We are thrilled to partner with NVTA to provide transfer opportunities for their students," ACE President and CEO Geordie Hyland said. "At ACE, we're always looking for ways to connect the dots between professional development and degree programs, and partnerships like this create a streamlined pathway for educators to develop and advance their careers."
Many of ACE's master's programs in education can be completed in as little as 12 months at industry-low costs. With NVTA's certification taking an average of three months to complete, the partnership allows educators to potentially finish continuing education programs from both organizations in less than two years.
"Partnering with ACE is a great opportunity for our students to expand their education and meet their career goals," Dr. April Willis, NVTA's Director of Operations and Business Development said. "We take pride in providing a world-class education to our students, and ACE has the same passion and mission. We're excited to see the great things that come from our agreement."
About American College of Education
American College of Education (ACE) is an accredited, 100% online college specializing in high-quality, affordable programs in education, business, leadership, healthcare and nursing. ACE is ranked #2 on Newsweek's 2023 top online colleges list. Headquartered in Indianapolis, ACE offers more than 80 innovative and engaging programs for adult students to pursue a doctorate, specialist, master's or bachelor's degree, along with micro-credentials and graduate-level certificate programs. In addition to being a leader in online education, ACE is a Certified B Corporation. Certified B Corporations are leaders of a global movement to use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.
About National Virtual Teacher Association
NVTA is an organization created specifically to help advance and define the standards of quality virtual teaching and learning. Established as the profession's medium for defining and validating excellence in a virtual teaching environment, the National Virtual Teacher Certification is a voluntary process to certify teachers to meet those virtual teaching standards.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE American College of Education | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/prnewswire/2023/04/19/online-education-leaders-american-college-education-national-virtual-teacher-association-establish-partnership/ | 2023-04-19 12:54:44 | 0 | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/prnewswire/2023/04/19/online-education-leaders-american-college-education-national-virtual-teacher-association-establish-partnership/ |
By MICHAEL PHILLIS
Associated Press
The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday approved a nearly $700 million plan to remove all lead water pipes in the Denver region, saying the local water utility’s approach for reducing lead levels is succeeding and making swift progress. It’s a recognition that cities can effectively address the lead pipe crisis if they try.
Lead water lines are a major source of lead poisoning. The metal causes brain damage and the agency says no amount is safe for children’s bodies.
Denver’s water had high levels of lead a decade ago, testing showed. In response, local officials promised in 2020 to replace between 64,000 and 84,000 lead pipes in 15 years, a comparatively fast pace. To make sure people aren’t getting lead poisoning in the meantime, they also promised to hand out lead-removing filters to residents. So far the utility has dug up 15,000 lead pipes.
“From our perspective, Denver Water has one of the most successful (lead water line) replacement programs in the country,” the environmental group EDF told EPA in official comments.
Federal officials say Denver Water’s approach could be a model for other cities and is unique. In addition to removing all pipes and handing out filters, it also proposed an alternative water treatment method because the standard additive, orthophosphate, can harm waterways. Last they held community meetings to persuade residents to grant officials access to their property to replace lead pipes.
“We have to instill enough trust in our customers that they’ll open their door to us,” said Alexis Woodrow, Denver Water’s lead reduction program manager.
Officials also said they are targeting lead pipe replacements near schools and daycare centers. The Denver Water proposal required special permission from EPA. Now what was a trial can move forward in full.
Lead pipes were installed decades ago and there are millions underground around the country carrying tap water into homes and businesses. Most, but not all, are in the Midwest and Northeast.
President Joe Biden signed an infrastructure bill last year that provides $15 billion for lead pipe work. It will significantly help but won’t be enough to remove all lead pipes. The law will provide $76 million for Denver Water’s replacement efforts. Some of the project’s cost will be paid by customers in the form of water rates.
Flint, Michigan’s lead water problems focused national attention on the danger of lead in water. Other cities like Benton Harbor, Michigan and Newark, New Jersey have faced flat out crisis.
The responses to these crises have varied. In Benton Harbor, filters were not part of the solution, forcing people to go to distribution centers to pick up bottled water for cooking and drinking. In Denver, filters are a key part of the response. With aggressive outreach efforts, most residents who should be using them, are, according to Denver Water.
The city’s latest tests show that lead levels have now dropped below federal limits.
“It is going to have long-term benefits for these communities,” said KC Becker, head of the EPA region that includes Colorado.
___
The Associated Press receives support from the Walton Family Foundation for coverage of water and environmental policy. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For all of AP’s environmental coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/12/01/denver-gets-go-ahead-from-epa-after-progress-on-lead-pipes/ | 2022-12-03 05:01:46 | 1 | https://wtmj.com/national/2022/12/01/denver-gets-go-ahead-from-epa-after-progress-on-lead-pipes/ |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.