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The 2021 Ford F-150 pickup truck is being recalled for windshield wiper arms that could break, obstruct outward vision, and increase the risk of a crash, the NHTSA disclosed on Monday.
The wiper arm spline might not have the correct tooth height, which could lead to the arm stripping from the spline and detaching from the truck. Drivers and passengers might notice erratic or slow wiper speeds before it detaches.
The recall encompasses 222,454 F-150 pickup trucks. It is an expansion of a recall announced April 14, 2022, encompassing 652,996 units from the 2020-2021 F-150 model years, as well as heavy duty iterations and Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator full-size SUVs. The older recall was labeled 22S26 by Ford, whereas the expanded recall is 23S10.
The difference in the recalls was the current population of trucks had a smart wiper motor that sensed precipitation and would apply less torque to the wiper arms based on the circumstances. Originally, Ford thought the lower maximum torque of that type of wiper precluded it from the original recall. Further investigation found that the rate of windshield arm failures matched that of the high torque wiper motor.
Ford acknowledged 576 reports of inoperative or detached windshield wiper arms related to this condition globally.
Redesigned for 2021, the 2021 Ford F-150 has been recalled 15 times for an array of safety issues.
To complicate matters, another windshield wiper recall on America’s bestselling vehicle was announced Nov. 15, 2022, for a windshield wiper motor that can become inoperative and lead to the wipers failing. That recall was labeled 22S71, and covered 474,561 trucks from the 2021-2022 model years. That recall fix required a new windshield wiper motor.
This expanded recall may require new windshield wiper arms. Ford advises owners to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for inspection, and to have the wiper arms replaced if necessary at no cost to owners. Reimbursement will be available through Sept. 13, 2023, for owners who have already paid for the fix out of pocket.
Owners can expect notification by mail as early as March 27. For more info, contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or visit Ford’s recall website.
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- 2021-2023 Kia K5 mid-size sedans recalled for faulty airbags
- Dodge Durango recalled for rear spoiler that can detach | https://www.krqe.com/automotive/internet-brands/ford-expands-2021-f-150-recall-for-faulty-windshield-wiper/ | 2023-03-21 04:04:07 | 1 | https://www.krqe.com/automotive/internet-brands/ford-expands-2021-f-150-recall-for-faulty-windshield-wiper/ |
BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Monday that he will call an urgent meeting in the coming days to try to overcome Turkish objections to Sweden joining the military organization. It’s a last-ditch effort to have the Nordic country standing alongside the allies at a major summit next month.
NATO requires the unanimous approval of all members to expand. Turkey accuses Sweden of being too lenient toward groups that Ankara says pose a security threat, including militant Kurdish groups and people associated with a 2016 coup attempt.
Stoltenberg said he has held fresh talks on Sweden’s candidacy with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as well as senior officials from Sweden and neighboring Finland, which became the 31st member of the world’s biggest security organization in April.
“We agreed to convene a high-level meeting in Brussels before the summit” in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius beginning July 11, Stoltenberg told reporters. “The aim is to make progress in completing Sweden’s accession to NATO.”
He provided no date for the meeting, but said that it would involve foreign ministers, intelligence chiefs and national security advisors.
Fearing they might be targeted by Moscow after Russia invaded Ukraine last year, Sweden and Finland abandoned their traditional positions of military nonalignment to seek protection under NATO’s security umbrella.
Hungary is also delaying its approval of Sweden’s candidacy but has never clearly stated publicly what its concerns are. NATO officials expect that it will follow suit once Turkey lifts its objections. | https://www.wane.com/news/national-world/ap-international/nato-chief-makes-last-ditch-bid-to-bring-sweden-into-the-fold-before-next-months-summit/ | 2023-06-26 14:26:15 | 1 | https://www.wane.com/news/national-world/ap-international/nato-chief-makes-last-ditch-bid-to-bring-sweden-into-the-fold-before-next-months-summit/ |
TEMPLE, Texas, June 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Good Vibes Homeopathic Healing is excited to announce the launch of the world's first-ever plant identifier app that goes beyond simply identifying plants to exploring their potential medicinal benefits. Developed by renowned expert in homeopathic healing, Tony C. Nora, the Herb Nerd Pro app is set to revolutionize the world of natural remedies and plant-based healthcare.
Herb Nerd Pro is not just a plant identifier app, it's a comprehensive tool for exploring the world of natural remedies. With its extensive database of plants and their medicinal properties, the app provides users with a wealth of information on how plants can be used to address specific health concerns. Herb Nerd Pro also uses cutting-edge AI technology to create custom tea and formula recommendations based on users' specific needs.
"We're thrilled to bring Herb Nerd Pro to the market," said Tony C. Nora, the creator of the app. "Our goal was to create an app that not only helps users identify plants, but also delves into their medicinal properties and how they can be used to promote wellness. With the use of GPT AI technology, Herb Nerd Pro takes it one step further and creates custom tea and formula recommendations based on users' specific needs."
The Herb Nerd Pro app is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it accessible to everyone interested in natural remedies and plant-based healthcare. The app will be available for download on both iOS and Android devices starting the first week of June 2023.
With the launch of Herb Nerd Pro, users can now have access to a safe, natural, and effective way to take control of their health and wellbeing. Join the Herb Nerd revolution and experience the power of nature like never before!
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SOURCE Good Vibes Homeopathic Healing LLC | https://www.kwch.com/prnewswire/2023/06/05/new-plant-identifier-app-uses-scanning-technology-gpt-ai-identify-medicinal-benefits-plants-herbs-creating-custom-formulations-personalized-healthcare/ | 2023-06-05 14:26:24 | 0 | https://www.kwch.com/prnewswire/2023/06/05/new-plant-identifier-app-uses-scanning-technology-gpt-ai-identify-medicinal-benefits-plants-herbs-creating-custom-formulations-personalized-healthcare/ |
SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A waiting and vetting period would be baked into gun purchases in Oregon if a measure on the November statewide ballot passes.
If voters approve the measure Nov. 8, buying a gun would first involve the potential purchaser obtaining a permit, which requires a number of steps supporters of the initiative say would save lives. The measure also bans large capacity gun magazines.
The ballot measure is aimed at saving lives from suicide — in Oregon, 82% of gun deaths are suicides — mass shootings and other gun violence.
The gun safety initiative gained momentum after mass shootings in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York, with more volunteers joining the effort, which was led by interfaith leaders.
People are also reading…
“We're making a strong, strong push and the coalition is just growing by the day,” the Rev. Mark Knutson, one of the chief petitioners, said over the phone last week. “Everybody’s working hard in the next three weeks.”
He said volunteers are canvassing door-to-door, erecting lawn signs and reaching out to voters by phone.
Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head in a mass shooting in 2011 that killed six people, said bringing gun safety initiatives straight to voters is important because “our political leaders fail to act.”
“Mass shootings have become increasingly frequent,” Giffords wrote in the Oregon voters’ pamphlet. “We can choose to vote and make a difference.”
She leads Giffords, an organization dedicated to saving lives from gun violence. The group donated $100,000 to the Oregon effort, according to Ballotpedia.
Opponents say the measure would infringe on Constitutionally protected gun rights.
It would create "a costly bureaucratic nightmare to make firearms ownership difficult for some, and nearly impossible for many,” said Kerry Spurgin, president of the Oregon State Shooting Association.
The measure would require a permit to purchase any gun. To qualify for a permit, valid for five years, an applicant would need to complete an approved firearm safety course, pay a fee, provide personal information, submit to fingerprinting and photographing and pass a criminal background check. It would also ban large capacity magazines over 10 rounds, except for current owners, law enforcement and the military.
The state police would create a firearms database. Applicants would apply for the permit from the local police chief, county sheriff or their designees.
Among those opposing the measure is the Portland chapter of the Socialist Rifle Association, a left-wing gun group that aims “to combat the toxic, right-wing, and exclusionary firearm culture in place today.”
“Law enforcement should not be responsible for deciding who is allowed to be armed, especially when they have a long and recent history of oppressing marginalized groups,” the chapter wrote in the voters' pamphlet.
Miles Pendleton, president of the Eugene-Springfield branch of the NAACP, told Oregon Public Broadcasting he appreciates that concern but believes the measure would ultimately increase safety for people of color who are disproportionately affected by gun violence.
Also among those in support were the state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, the Oregon Medical Association and the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon.
Two of the three chief petitioners are clergy — Knutson and Rabbi Michael Cahana, who respectively head a Lutheran church and a synagogue in Portland.
Knutson compared the broad-based effort to address gun violence to the civil rights movements in the 1960s that were led by church figures like the Rev. Martin Luther King.
When Knutson and Cahana and volunteers delivered boxes containing more than 160,000 voter signatures to election officials in Salem in July, they sang “We Shall Overcome” and other liberation songs.
There were more than enough verified signatures to put the initiative on the ballot. Oregon is the only state in America with a gun safety initiative in the 2022 elections, according to Sean Holihan, state legislative director for Giffords.
The Oregon State Sheriffs' Association opposes the measure and predicted that if it is approved, it would be litigated as unconstitutional.
The U.S. Supreme Court last June told federal appeals courts to revisit cases involving laws in California and New Jersey that limit the number of bullets a gun magazine can hold. That came days after the court ruled that Americans have a right to carry firearms in public for self-defense.
The measure does not require a certain number of days to elapse between the purchase of a firearm and when the buyer can take possession of that gun, which Giffords says is required in California, Rhode island and Washington DC. But Knutson noted that under the measure, there’s a delay in between deciding to get a gun and obtaining one, which would reduce the risk of suicides, which can be an impulsive act. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/national/waiting-period-is-baked-into-gun-ballot-measure-in-oregon/article_719f6d7a-d44b-5fa5-a305-56bd2d12d5fb.html | 2022-10-26 19:24:58 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/national/waiting-period-is-baked-into-gun-ballot-measure-in-oregon/article_719f6d7a-d44b-5fa5-a305-56bd2d12d5fb.html |
Don’t talk numbers.
Among the many threads connecting the Rolls-Royce of the past to the Rolls-Royce of the electric future, one of the most important is the fact that the company’s first production electric car, the Spectre, softens its focus away from the numerical.
In a world of acceleration times, lateral grip, and top-speed bragging rights, not to mention fast-charging specs and range ratings, that may take a bit of adjustment. But it might just lower the blood pressure of the alpha types.
That part is nothing new from a brand that for decades referred to its horsepower as “sufficient.” Luxury buyers entrust this global benchmark for all luxury brands to provide a splendid driving experience, while they find aesthetic satisfaction in their own custom creations, as the word “bespoke” applies to nearly everything else, from options to trim to cabin materials, and more.
Going electric also doesn’t complicate things. As Rolls executives said countless times at an introduction and first drive opportunity this past week in California’s Napa wine country, the Spectre is a Rolls first and an EV second. Yes, it’s a long overdue shift; Charles Stewart Rolls saw the future of the brand as electric back in 1900.
If you really must know those numbers, here they are. The Spectre has 190-kw front and 360-kw rear excited synchronous motors, making a combined peak of 584 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. The rear motor can twist out all that torque on its own, while the front motor can contribute up to 524 lb-ft of it.
The battery pack carries 120 kwh of gross capacity, but the Spectre taps into 102 kwh of that as its net (usable) capacity. It’s good for CCS-format DC fast-charging at a peak 195 kw, enabling a 10-80% charge in 34 minutes. That seemingly modest capacity—in a world of 200+ kwh electric pickups—brings an EPA range rating of 260 miles. A massive 22-kw onboard charger means that, given the Level 2 setup to support it, the Spectre can get a full charge in one’s own garage in about five and a half hours.
Rolls-Royce Spectre performance: No drama
During my drive, I learned quickly that this is an electric car that calms, soothes, and satisfies. It doesn’t produce the gasp-inducing launch experience that generates TikTok reaction videos from the likes of Tesla Performance or Plaid models or other performance-oriented EVs. The Spectre takes off assertively but with an uncanny lack of drama.
Because you expect the front end to lift and the body to shift back, it’s almost as if the Spectre leans into its launch.
There’s a bit of a trick behind that. To avoid the jarring body motions that can accompany high-power EVs, Rolls-Royce intentionally dialed in a delay of a fraction of a second to foot-to-the-floor launches—partly because the nearly instantaneous response of electric propulsion can get ahead of its chassis systems, which act to keep the car level and pleasant-riding.
“Wafting” is the other term that Rolls mentions frequently, and going fully electric maximizes the brand’s signature impression. The combination of a level body, a stoically soft ride, and a super-hushed interior mean that it’s possible to easily blast past the speed limit without feeling like you’ve blasted in any sense. Acceleration and velocity are almost non-events. You also don’t hear sounds outside or the vehicle (with an asterisk I’ll get to). The superbly supportive front seats, with pillowy head support and firm backing where it counts, do their best to limit drama with comfort.
As with other new Rolls-Royce models, the Spectre rides on a “magic carpet ride” suspension, here with both active damping and a four-corner air suspension. Components work in harmony with sensors for nearly 20 different parameters for suspension behavior, including decoupling the anti-roll bars to prevent undulation on choppy surfaces.
The Spectre takes on choppy, narrow backroads surprisingly well—aided by the light touch of its four-wheel steering—but you can’t expect to defy the realities of the tape measure. Excluding the mirrors, the Spectre is five inches longer than a standard-length Lincoln Navigator and about as wide as that plus-sized SUV. The Spectre rides on gigantic 23-inch wheels shod with low-profile Pirelli P Zero rubber—a key to getting the proportions and ride height all dialed in.
The Spectre follows the same extruded-aluminum space-frame construction as other current Rolls-Royce models, but there are no carryover pieces, and what underpins this massive electric coupe is unique to it—outside of the battery pack, which is mostly shared with the BMW i7. Rolls-Royce built a structure aimed at keeping the center of mass low and around the battery pack, while providing the floor height needed for a spacious cabin. The space-frame is 30% stiffer than that of other Rolls-Royce vehicles, and each motor is mounted on its own subframe.
Rolls-Royce Spectre range and charging
Based on what I saw over about 140 miles that included a range of speeds and some mountainous topography, trip-computer results suggested a real-world driving range of more than 300 miles in gentle real-world touring in mild temperatures (70s). My drive partner and I averaged 3.0 miles per kwh, so its 260-mile EPA rating appears easy to achieve in less-than-ideal conditions.
The battery pack and range were chosen to optimize packaging with the needs of those who might actually take their Spectre on a longer road trip, Rolls-Royce director of engineering Mihiar Ayoubi explained to Motor Authority. According to the brand, its owners drive their Rolls-Royces about 3,200 miles a year and have an average of “more than seven cars to choose from for any occasion.”
Tech such as bidirectional charging isn’t on the menu, either. Owners are likely to have multiple properties, with different vehicles at each one, and their own energy master plan for each, so thinking of the car as a hub for daily life is something of a moot point.
That leads directly to one of two elements that stood out to me as great engineering achievements in the Spectre. To put it simply, Rolls-Royce managed to make this coupe feel like you’re sitting in it, not on it. That’s a challenge with any electric vehicle that’s not an SUV, and here some careful work with the car’s seating and overall packaging yielded a lower, more carlike feel—even relative to other gasoline Rolls-Royce models.
Only after driving the Spectre, when I immediately hopped into a Black Badge Ghost, did that difference stand out so starkly. While it may involve some trickery in shifting the cowl up a bit relative to the seats’ hip point, it feels like you sit lower in the Spectre.
Rolls Spectre interior: A packaging triumph
That packaging triumph extends to the back seat, where I managed to fit comfortably behind several different 6-footers—and I’m 6-foot-6. There are places to put your toes beneath the front seat, and getting in and out doesn’t require bracing on the seat or door thanks to the rear-hinged door. It’s smartly laid out.
The other breathtaking engineering achievement is how Rolls-Royce managed to imbue stunning silence and quiet within the cabin without the use of electronic means such as active noise cancellation. It took lots of methodical engineering work, Ayoubi admitted, including thick glass and extra pounds of sound-deadening materials, but the end result is you hear no motor whine or reduction gear hum, let alone road or wind noise.
That’s not bad at all for a vehicle that, in following Rolls-Royce tradition, is shaped like a brick. Looks are a bit deceiving as is its coefficient of drag of just 0.25, despite the blocky frontal area.
Taking a final walk around this beauty and sizing it all up, it’s far more practical than I had expected. It has the requisite bins and cupholders front and rear. Trunk space is good for a couple large suitcases as well as several more bags, with extra room in a rearmost well. Oddly, there’s no frunk space. Rolls execs said owners won’t miss it, but why not take advantage of the EV layout to add every bit more space?
Rolls-Royce interface: Simplicity is very posh
The Spectre’s control interface points feel charmingly simple, in everything from the gauge cluster layout to the climate controls, and to the real metal vents you aim yourself with mechanical pulls. The infotainment system is managed via a controller or by touch, and an owner-exclusive app called Whispers can remotely manage many functions.
In stark contrast to the vehicles from Rolls’ cousins at BMW, there are no driving modes here. Buying a Rolls-Royce means entrusting its engineers to calibrate the car for the most enjoyable experience. There are just two things you can do to modify the driving behavior: Hit the “Low” toggle on the shifter to engage stronger regenerative braking, or engage brake hold, which means the car no longer creeps ahead when you lift off the brake pedal. The car is at its best in its default setting, where it scrubs off just a little more velocity in coasting than a gasoline model might.
However, I did have an issue with the power-opening feature of the massive doors, which simply stopped when partly open on a few occasions. It was unclear if the culprit was uneven ground, the tilt of the vehicle, or the wind. Conversely, a hold of the brake pedal from the driver seat or the toggle of a switch from the front passenger seat always consistently closed the doors.
The cabin isn’t always so quiet if you don’t want it to be. The Spectre allows a cabin-based supplemental sound. As design director Anders Warming described, it’s based on a mix of sounds and isn’t meant to sound like the V-12 of a Rolls’ other vehicles, or to replace it, but rather to provide a different experience. I found it a bit ominous and unnecessary—think Gregorian monastery hum, with a growl mixed in—and I suggest you just celebrate the quiet.
Likewise, if you need to think too much about the price of the Spectre, you probably can’t afford it (it starts at $422,750 in the U.S., including a destination fee of $2,750, and my test vehicle likely added up to more than a half-million).
Rolls-Royce Spectre takeaways
In terms of driving and the overall experience, the Spectre is one of the more delightfully simple EVs on the market (trick doors aside). But who said simple was cheap?
Much like the transcendence that Rolls’ gasoline vehicles accomplish in and of themselves, the Spectre takes you to a mental space that allows you to forget about the numbers, and simply take in the experience.
Whether you’re so fortunate to be able to afford a Rolls-Royce or not, isn’t that what life’s about?
Rolls-Royce paid for travel and lodging for Motor Authority to bring you this firsthand report.
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- Jay Leno samples a Ferrari 296 GTB | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/automotive/internet-brands/review-2024-rolls-royce-spectre-ev-charms-with-effortless-extravagance/ | 2023-07-06 23:40:53 | 0 | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/automotive/internet-brands/review-2024-rolls-royce-spectre-ev-charms-with-effortless-extravagance/ |
NEW YORK, July 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 5WPR, one of the largest independently-owned PR firms in the U.S., announced today the creation of a dedicated computer hardware PR division as an expansion of their continuously growing B2B practice area.
The computer hardware industry is working to advance the technology and capabilities across a variety of high-level technologies including IoT device manufacturers, semiconductor companies, additive manufacturing, and data analytics to name a few.
"Computer hardware continues to receive mainstream media attention as conversations surrounding the supply chain take the forefront of both business and consumer concerns," said 5WPR CEO, Matthew Caiola. "Working alongside the hardware industry requires an incredibly knowledgeable team of experts who are able to amplify the advancements, and communicate the intricacies of an incredibly competitive, billion-dollar industry."
PR services offered to computer hardware PR clients include messaging and positioning, media relations, initial public offering media strategy, new market expansion campaigns, visibility programs, content creation, sponsorships/partnerships, digital media campaigns, event planning, thought leadership and speaking opportunities.
About 5WPR
5W Public Relations is a full-service PR agency in NYC known for cutting-edge programs that engage with businesses, issues and ideas. With more than 275 professionals serving clients in B2C (Beauty & Fashion, Consumer Brands, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Health & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Technology, Nonprofit), B2B (Corporate Communications and Reputation Management), Public Affairs, Crisis Communications and Digital Marketing (Social Media, Influencer, Paid Media, SEO). 5W was named to Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces 2022 list, awarded 2020 PR Agency of The Year, and brings leading businesses a resourceful, bold and results-driven approach to communication.
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SOURCE 5W Public Relations | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/07/12/5wpr-announces-creation-dedicated-computer-hardware-pr-division/ | 2022-07-12 13:34:32 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/07/12/5wpr-announces-creation-dedicated-computer-hardware-pr-division/ |
Watch a Deer Hide from a Coyote in a Yellowstone Bison Herd
Imagine what you would do in this situation. You're a deer (I realize that's a reach) and you're being chased by a coyote. What do you do? If you're in Yellowstone National Park, you hide in a nearby bison herd which is exactly what just happened as a new video shows.
This video was just shared today from a moment that happened in Yellowstone National Park on Saturday, October 15, 2022 based on the video description which included this backstory:
Up Slough Creek, in Yellowstone National Park, on Saturday, October 15, 2022 (the day the East Entrance Road reopened after June flood damage) the bison were stampeding off and on, so I was taking some phone video when a mule deer sprinted into the frame, pursued by a coyote. Genius-level survival strategy on the part of the deer - run into a bison herd. Coyote abandoned the pursuit.
This Yellowstone deer is clever.
Pretty slick move and fast thinking by the deer. Not many predators really want to mess with bison especially during the rut when the males are especially extra aggressive. This coyote was wise to just peel off and try another day. There's no word from the person who captured the video if this particular coyote might have been riding an ACME rocket. Hey, it's been done before. Don't ask me how I know. | https://k2radio.com/watch-a-deer-hide-from-a-coyote-in-a-yellowstone-bison-herd/ | 2022-10-19 22:44:53 | 0 | https://k2radio.com/watch-a-deer-hide-from-a-coyote-in-a-yellowstone-bison-herd/ |
SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (AP) — Big emitters of the heat-trapping gas methane can expect a call from the United Nations starting next year, when the global body launches a new platform to combine existing systems for tracking the potent greenhouse gas from space.
The U.N. Environment Programme said Friday that the new Methane Alert and Response System — MARS for short — is intended to help companies act on major emissions sources but also provide data in a transparent and independent way.
It draws on satellite measurements performed by NASA and the European, German and Italian space agencies. Data from private satellite operators will also be incorporated in future.
“Each of these instruments give us a correct answer to a question that is slightly different, because each of them see different things,” said Manfredi Caltagirone, head of the International Methane Emissions Observatory at UNEP. “So the only way you can have a correct picture is to connect them all together.”
The data will be released 45 to 75 days after it is gathered, meaning companies will have sufficient time to fix the leaks by the time they become public.
“We think it is important not to just create a shaming tool, but to engage the operators and governments so they can act on the specific event,” said Caltagirone.
Releasing the measurements on a U.N.-backed platform would also ensure that it is considered neutral and reliable, providing a standard that prevents companies from “shopping around” for data that makes them look best, he said.
There will be no way to force any emitters to take action though.
“We are realistic that certain companies and certain countries will be more cooperative than others,” said Caltagirone. “But we can make sure this information is available to those who are interested in it.”
The first data will be published in the second half of next year, focusing on large methane leaks. As it matures, the platform will incorporate less dramatic but equally significant sources of emissions such as livestock and rice farms.
Cutting methane emissions worldwide is key to the Paris climate accord’s ambitious goal of capping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) by the end of the century compared to pre-industrial times. The United States, European Union and others last year launched a pledge to cut overall methane emissions worldwide by 30% by 2030.
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Follow AP’s climate and environment coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment
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Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://fox59.com/news/ap-top-headlines/ap-un-to-seek-out-methane-emitters-with-data-from-space/ | 2022-11-12 05:06:54 | 1 | https://fox59.com/news/ap-top-headlines/ap-un-to-seek-out-methane-emitters-with-data-from-space/ |
DETROIT (AP) — A federal grand jury in Los Angeles is gathering evidence in a criminal investigation of Goodyear recreational vehicle tires that the government blames for crashes that killed eight people and injured dozens of others.
The grand jury has subpoenaed Arizona lawyer David Kurtz seeking all documents and deposition transcripts in a lawsuit he filed against the Akron, Ohio, tire maker.
A letter accompanying the Jan. 4 subpoena says it was issued in an “official criminal investigation being conducted by the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General.” It also says the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch in Washington is involved, as well as the U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles.
Documents from Kurtz’s lawsuit touched off a 2017 investigation of the tires by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that resulted in a recall last year. The documents also revealed Goodyear knew the G159 RV tire could fail and cause severe crashes, yet it didn’t recall them for as many as 20 years.
The Justice Department and the DOT Inspector General wouldn’t comment on the probe.
In a statement, Goodyear didn’t address the federal investigation, but maintained there’s no safety defect with the tires. The company said it recalled the tires to address risks that happen when they are underinflated or overloaded.
“This tire hasn’t been made since 2003,” the statement said, adding that “it consistently met Goodyear’s demanding safety standards.”
Kurtz confirmed that he received the subpoena and provided copies of it and the accompanying letter. He said Thursday he intends to comply and produce about 200,000 documents he gathered from suing Goodyear.
The DOT Inspector General says on its website its agents have federal law enforcement authority to conduct criminal investigations, including the ability to make arrests, execute search warrants and carry firearms. “Where appropriate, we make referrals for prosecution to the Department of Justice or state and local prosecuting authorities,” the office said in a statement.
It’s not clear exactly what the grand jury is investigating. But in a letter to Goodyear seeking the recall last year, NHTSA said the company should have recalled the tires within five working days of becoming aware of a defect, which it apparently knew of as early as 2002.
“The safety-related defect is a clear, identified failure that leads to a loss of vehicle control, causing crashes and potentially catastrophic consequences such as death and serious injury,” NHTSA wrote in the letter.
Documents from the safety agency say the tire tread can separate from the body, causing drivers to lose control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Goodyear wouldn’t recall the tires even as late as March of last year, despite investigators finding that their failure caused crashes that killed eight people and injured 69 others from 1998 through 2009.
NHTSA made the allegations against Goodyear in a February 2022 letter sent to the company seeking a recall of 22.5-inch-diameter G159 tires.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. responded to the agency in a March 8 letter refusing to do a recall, but later it decided to conduct one, according to NHTSA documents.
NHTSA had threatened a public hearing and court action if the tires weren’t recalled. Goodyear then agreed to recall about 173,000 tires.
In its response letter, Goodyear maintained that the tires were rigorously tested and fully qualified to operate at highway speeds. “No subject tire inspected by Goodyear engineers ever revealed or even suggested a defect of any kind,” the company wrote.
NHTSA presented a detailed timeline of what Goodyear knew when, based on an investigation into the tires that began in 2017. It also said the company routinely settled lawsuits and got judges to seal the information, keeping it from NHTSA and other plaintiffs’ lawyers.
“NHTSA was not alerted to the extraordinary failure rate of the subject tires” until documents were released in an Arizona case in 2017, the letter said.
After the recall was announced, NHTSA, which is part of the Transportation Department, said it was closing its investigation but reserved the right to take further action as warranted.
Goodyear has said few if any of the tires are still in use. As of Jan. 13, the company had replaced only 13 of the tires, according to NHTSA documents.
News of the investigation was reported Wednesday by The Wall Street Journal.
Kurtz said he’s happy that the government seems to be moving on the investigation.
“Better late than never,” he said. | https://www.yourbasin.com/business/ap-grand-jury-probes-faulty-goodyear-recreational-vehicle-tires/ | 2023-01-27 14:06:55 | 1 | https://www.yourbasin.com/business/ap-grand-jury-probes-faulty-goodyear-recreational-vehicle-tires/ |
DETROIT, April 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share of the company's common stock, payable on May 15, 2023, to stockholders of record on May 1, 2023, as well as quarterly dividend payments for the company's Series B and Series C preferred stock securities, payable on May 15, 2023.
A quarterly dividend payment was declared on Ally's 4.700% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B, of approximately $15.9 million, or $11.75 per share, and is payable to shareholders of record as of April 30, 2023. Additionally, a dividend payment was declared on Ally's 4.700% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series C, of approximately $11.8 million, or $11.75 per share, and is payable to shareholders of record as of April 30, 2023.
About Ally Financial
Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a financial services company with the nation's largest all-digital bank and an industry-leading auto financing business, driven by a mission to "Do It Right" and be a relentless ally for customers and communities. The company serves more than 11 million customers through a full range of online banking services (including deposits, mortgage, point-of-sale personal lending, and credit card products) and securities brokerage and investment advisory services. The company also includes a robust corporate finance business that offers capital for equity sponsors and middle-market companies, as well as auto financing and insurance offerings through more than 23,000 dealers nationwide. For more information, please visit www.ally.com and follow @allyfinancial.
For more information and disclosures about Ally, visit https://www.ally.com/#disclosures.
For further images and news on Ally, please visit http://media.ally.com.
Contacts:
Sean Leary
Ally Investor Relations
704-444-4830
sean.leary@ally.com
Peter Gilchrist
Ally Communications (Media)
704-644-6299
peter.gilchrist@ally.com
View original content:
SOURCE Ally Financial | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2023/04/17/ally-financial-declares-dividend-common-stock-series-b-series-c-preferred-stock/ | 2023-04-17 21:32:03 | 1 | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2023/04/17/ally-financial-declares-dividend-common-stock-series-b-series-c-preferred-stock/ |
Delta Air Lines, which has narrowly fought off several attempts to unionize its flights attendants, will begin paying cabin crews during boarding, a first for a major U.S. airline and a change that is expected to increase their wages by several thousand dollars a year.
It is a notable change for U.S. airlines, where pay for flight attendants starts when all the passengers are seated and the plane’s doors close.
Delta said the change will start June 2 on all flights. In a memo to flight attendants, the airline said the new pay “further recognizes how important your role is on board to ensuring a welcoming, safe and on-time start to each flight.”
The change comes as Delta plans to increase the boarding time for single-aisle or “narrow-body” planes from 35 minutes to 40 minutes, which the airline expects will increase the percentage of flights that depart on time.
Delta’s pilots are represented by a union, but several attempts to organize the flight attendants have failed in the face of fierce opposition by the Atlanta-based company. The Association of Flight Attendants, which has been gearing up an organizing campaign at Delta for more than two years, took credit for the boarding pay.
“This new policy is the direct result of our organizing,” the union said. “As we get closer to filing for our union vote, management is getting nervous.”
The union said Delta was also responding to employee anger over the longer boarding times, during which flight attendants currently don’t get paid.
Delta said the new boarding pay would be on top of 4% raises that it granted to flight attendants last month.
Unions represent upwards of 80% of workers at American, United and Southwest, but a far lower percentage at Delta. | https://www.wric.com/business/us-world-business/delta-to-begin-paying-flight-attendants-during-boarding/ | 2022-04-26 19:03:46 | 0 | https://www.wric.com/business/us-world-business/delta-to-begin-paying-flight-attendants-during-boarding/ |
Updated May 19, 2023 at 6:54 AM ET
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a previously unannounced visit to this year's Arab League Summit as his host, Saudi Arabia, flexes its diplomatic muscle.
The annual summit — normally considered a staid, dysfunctional and toothless affairs — has been given boost this year not just by the Ukrainian leader's presence but by the attendance — for the first time in 12 years — of Syria's leader Bashar Assad.
Zelenskyy says he intends to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and hold other bilateral talks as he tries to firm up support in the region for his country's war with Russia.
Saudi Arabia has mediated prisoner swaps in the war, but has resisted pressure to pick sides in the larger competition for power between the United States and Russia. Likewise, the kingdom has all but ignored U.S. calls for Arab states not to normalize ties with Assad, who's backed by Russia.
But in a region gripped by diverging interests and multiple conflicts, there's significance and promise in seeing Arab leaders sitting in a circle — literally — and listening to one another.
Yet, more important than what's said is sometimes who said it.
Years ago, Syria's Arab League seat was given to a figure from the country's opposition. This Friday, Assad's return to the Arab League represents a bigger regional shift. Syria was suspended from the league 12 years ago for a devastating civil war that killed hundreds of thousands of people, displaced millions and tore apart a founding member state of the Arab League.
His attendance marks the culmination of steady efforts to bring Syria back into the Arab fold, ending the country's regional isolation and turning a page on past Arab efforts to topple him.
Syria's return to the Arab League this year reflects a much larger realignment shaping the region after Saudi Arabia and Iran restored diplomatic ties in a deal brokered by China.
Here's a look at this year's summit and why it matters:
What's the Arab League anyway?
The Cairo-headquartered bloc was formed 78 years ago by a common, if imagined identity of what it means to be "Arabic-speaking" peoples. Its founding members included Egypt and Syria, before expanding to its current membership of 22 countries.
Although several of its members over the years have normalized relations with Israel, the Arab League continues to uphold the Palestinian cause as one of its most important missions. Palestinians have full membership in the bloc, despite not having an independent state.
The organization's members frequently share common policy goals, with deep military and trade links among the neighbors. But there are also deep divisions and competing interests among and within member states.
Sudan's military leader is not expected to attend, though one of his Cabinet officials will. Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan is leading the army in a fight against his former deputy, Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who leads a band of militia forces.
Also absent this year will be United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, who instead is dispatching his brother, Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed. Although Sheikh Mohammed's absence from the Jeddah summit is apparently due to prior commitments, it comes amid a backdrop of increased tensions and rivalry with Saudi Arabia's crown prince.
The bloc's membership spans across the Levante region, the Gulf and Africa with countries like Cameroon and Djibouti among its members. Its most influential countries have traditionally been Egypt and Saudi Arabia, as well as Jordan, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
Why is Syria allowed back into the Arab League?
The earthquakes that devastated parts of Syria and Turkey earlier this year sped up efforts to rebuild ties with Syria's government as Arab states rushed to provide emergency aid. The United States even eased its crippling sanctions on Syria for six months to alleviate barriers to aid reaching people there.
Countries like Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon, which are each facing economic challenges, want the Syrian regime to ensure the safe return of huge numbers of Syrian refugees being hosted in these countries.
Arab Gulf states, like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, want Syria to end its lucrative drug-smuggling trade into their borders. They also want to help rebuild Syria and restart investments in the country.
Still, there are countries like Qatar and Kuwait that are not normalizing ties with Syria just yet and are demanding greater political concessions from the Syrian regime first.
Syria was suspended from the Arab League in 2011 at a time when countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar were seeking to punish the regime for its suppression of protesters. These countries supported the mostly Sunni Muslim fighters seeking to topple Assad, who was backed by Iranian Shiite militias.
Russia and Iran's support for Assad's government ultimately helped him stay in power. The conflict also later drew extremist groups like al-Qaida and the Islamic State, which the U.S. and its Mideast allies, as well as Iran, fought in air raids and on the ground.
The U.S., which maintains several hundred counterterrorism forces in Syria's northwest, has refused to restore ties with the Assad regime and publicly opposes Arab states doing so.
What's the impact of Saudi leadership of the Arab League at this year's summit?
Saudi Arabia holds the rotating presidency of the Arab League at a time when the kingdom's ascendancy as an economic and political powerhouse, combined with its religious significance as the birthplace of Islam, is unmatched in the region.
It also marks the first high-level summit for the Arab League since Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to resume diplomatic ties. That deal, brokered by China, laid the ground for Saudi Arabia's resumption of ties with Syria. It also renewed efforts to end the war in Yemen, including the release of hundreds of prisoners of war in recent weeks.
These major policy shifts by Saudi Arabia affect the tone and significance of this year's Arab League summit in Jeddah.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, once shunned by Western business leaders and politicians for the kingdom's human rights record after the killing of Saudi critic and writer Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, is now emerging as mediator in multiple conflicts.
Currently, Saudi Arabia is hosting U.S.-backed talks between Sudan's warring sides and led the evacuation effort of thousands of foreigners from the country.
The kingdom has helped mediate prisoner swaps in the war in Ukraine, including a high-profile release between Russia and the U.S.
Saudi Arabia has refused to picks sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, despite pressure and criticism from Washington of its energy pact with Russia that's helped keep oil prices higher. Saudi Arabia has also maintained close economic ties with China while still heavily relying on the U.S. for its defense capabilities.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.nepm.org/national-world-news/national-world-news/2023-05-18/zelenskyy-arrives-at-arab-league-summit-as-saudi-arabia-flexes-diplomatic-muscle | 2023-05-19 11:07:18 | 0 | https://www.nepm.org/national-world-news/national-world-news/2023-05-18/zelenskyy-arrives-at-arab-league-summit-as-saudi-arabia-flexes-diplomatic-muscle |
First Black-Owned Streetwear Company to Combine Tools, Technology, and Apparel for Rising Businesses
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Black-owned, Goals Ventures LLC launches the first streetwear apparel collection to offer digital and social tools and technology to individuals looking to scale their business, all accessible through custom QR codes on the clothing tags. This launch serves to promote the work-life balance seamlessly with an assortment of everyday, ready to wear garments to help business creators, content creators, and/or influencers achieve their business goals.
This collection of streetwear staples embraces the elements of street culture while keeping the active lifestyle of the everyday person in mind. These good-for-the-environment pieces are meant to be a staple in everyone's closet, with sustainable garments crafted from organic materials, recycled materials, or made in the USA. With the goal to bring these tools, technology, and training to underserved entrepreneurs and those interested in overall entrepreneurship, the launch of the apparel line allows for easy accessibility to help creators and businesses grow their audiences.
Goals Media Group, founded by Aubrey Flynn to "Get Over All Limits Successfully," is the first black-owned company to combine software and apparel, and provide access to technology, digital tools and training for brand building. Flynn is a digital strategist and marketing expert with over 15 years of experience working with influencers and generating significant revenue for their brands, including Ciroc by Diddy, Indoggo by Snoop Dogg, and Redmont Vodka by Charles Barkley. His experience spans digital strategy, branded entertainment, strategic partnerships, brand positioning, entertainment marketing, storytelling, big data management, client services and more.
"Our company is divided into services, software, training, and apparel with the goal to bring this accessible technology to underserved entrepreneurs, such women, college students, people of color, veterans, reentering citizens, immigrants, and people interested in entrepreneurship" said Goals Supply CEO Aubrey Flynn.
Goals Media Group can be hired for the creation and running of digital advertising campaigns or used for training purposes to scale your company. When users scan the QR code on the clothing tag, the mobile Goals app will open, which grants access to the business toolkit, setup, and business audits. The toolkit allows users to schedule social media posts, send SMS messages and emails to customers, revamp their website with WordPress, and have their data distributed on search engines such as Google.
The streetwear apparel encourages the work-life balance seamlessly with a line of everyday, ready to wear clothing. Compiled of headwear, hoodies, sweatshirts, t-shirts, joggers, shorts, and footwear, this collection features relaxed fit, moisture-wicking pieces that are great staples for everyday wear. Pricing ranges from $30-$105. Get exclusive access to tech, tools and training for business on demand when you scan the QR codes on the tags of the clothing.
The GOALS Supply apparel is available for purchase exclusively at goalssupply.com and on the Goals Supply app available in the App Store and Google Play store.
Media Contact:
Jessica Meisels – Fingerprint Communications
Email: jessica@fingerprintcom.net
Office: 310-276-7500
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE GOALS Venture LLC | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/12/16/goals-ventures-llc-launches-streetwear-apparel-collection-everyday-entrepreneur/ | 2022-12-16 15:37:21 | 1 | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/12/16/goals-ventures-llc-launches-streetwear-apparel-collection-everyday-entrepreneur/ |
DALLAS (AP) _ CSW Industrials Inc. (CSWI) on Thursday reported fiscal third-quarter net income of $15.6 million.
The Dallas-based company said it had profit of $1.01 per share.
The industrial products and coatings maker posted revenue of $171.1 million in the period.
_____
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on CSWI at https://www.zacks.com/ap/CSWI | https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/csw-industrials-fiscal-q3-earnings-snapshot-17758901.php | 2023-02-02 13:17:23 | 1 | https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/csw-industrials-fiscal-q3-earnings-snapshot-17758901.php |
Tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets as the government's contentious judicial overhaul plans near a crucial vote. Opponents of the changes are gathering outside Israel's parliament, the Knesset, in Jerusalem to call for them to be scrapped. Lawmakers are expected to vote on a bill curbing the Supreme Court's powers on Monday. | https://www.dw.com/en/israel-protesters-gather-in-jerusalem-ahead-of-key-judicial-vote/video-66325028 | 2023-07-23 22:10:42 | 0 | https://www.dw.com/en/israel-protesters-gather-in-jerusalem-ahead-of-key-judicial-vote/video-66325028 |
NEW YORK (WPIX) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled a new plan Sunday to give away Apple AirTags with the hope of catching car thieves.
The Big Apple is giving away 500 Apple AirTags across the New York Police Department’s 43rd Precinct, which covers the southeast Bronx. The area has recorded 207 car thefts since the start of 2023. Most of the thefts involve Kias, Hyundais and Hondas.
Carmen Parrilla lives in Castle Hill and said on Sunday that her neighbor’s car was stolen three days before. She is hoping to receive a free AirTag.
“They come into our neighborhoods, it’s like homes at night and everybody’s sleeping,” said Parrilla. “They just do what they do and they’re very professional about it.”
The Association for Better New York is donating the AirTags, which allow a user to track their whereabouts in real-time on an iPhone.
Adams said he is trying out the technology as a new way to tackle car thefts.
“The number of grand larceny autos continues to drive up our crime in the city,” said Adams. “It gives the false sense that we’re not moving in the right direction when we are.”
“The GPS devices, thanks to ABNY, will give New Yorkers another layer of protection by first locating and tracking stolen cars that may act as a deterrent for auto thieves,” said NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell. “It also allows our officers to be more strategic while mitigating pursuits, keeping us safe and keeping the community safe.”
The NYPD said it would not be able to track the AirTags themselves.
“Once the owner realizes that their car is missing for whatever reason, they call us, and we’ll use their phone to track the vehicle,” said NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey.
Business owner Robert Cox said he has tracking devices in all his work trucks for safety reasons, but he doesn’t think AirTags are the appropriate solution for the problem.
“The city needs to do something a little bit better,” said Cox. “Start giving out stiffer jail sentences. Start getting stiff on parole. Stop letting people walk away because the crime is terrible. It’s terrible.”
The NYPD asked drivers to tuck away AirTags, keys, and valuables so they are not in plain sight in a vehicle. Drivers are also reminded to keep their cars locked with the windows up and to always park in well-lit areas. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/mayor-encouraging-new-yorkers-to-put-airtags-in-cars-to-fight-auto-theft/ | 2023-05-01 18:03:19 | 0 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/mayor-encouraging-new-yorkers-to-put-airtags-in-cars-to-fight-auto-theft/ |
MADRID (AP) — Spain’s government committed Tuesday to amend a new sexual consent law that while intended to increase the protection of women has inadvertently allowed hundreds of sex offenders to get their prison sentences significantly reduced.
The law, known as “only yes means yes," made verbal consent, or the lack thereof, the key component in cases of alleged sexual assault. But it also revised the minimum and maximum prison terms for sexual assault convictions, a move which has opened the door to judges shaving months or even years off convictions for rapists and abusers on appeal.
For the first time since the controversial law entered into force almost four months ago, the coalition government's Cabinet spokesperson, Territory Minister Isabel Rodríguez, conceded that these are unwanted effects that need to be adjusted.
“It’s obvious there is concern, there is a social alarm," she said at the weekly Cabinet briefing. “We need to be aware of the feelings of victims ... And therefore, we understand that today the best possible way to defend the ‘only yes is yes’ law is to carry out the necessary technical adjustments.”
Since the law took effect, over 300 convicted sex offenders have had their sentences shortened and at least 30 who had been near the end of their sentences have been released from prison.
That has led to an outcry by women's groups and consternation among the general public, putting pressure on Spain's left-wing government — which plays up its feminist credentials and whose Cabinet has a majority of women ministers — to act.
The law had been voted by 205 of the 350 parliament members in August, after a nearly two-year-long process of drafting.
“I am convinced that ... none of the people that took part in the drafting process wanted the undesired effects that ... have generated a social concern shared by the government," Spain's Minister of the Presidency Felix Bolaños said Tuesday.
Changing the law, however, could produce tensions during an election year between the ruling Socialists of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and their junior partner, the anti-austerity “United We Can” party.
Equality Minister Irene Montero, of United We Can, championed the sexual consent law and has blamed judges for misinterpreting it due to what she considers endemic sexism in the courts. Spain's judiciary, along with politicians from various parties, has responded that the law was poorly crafted.
Cabinet spokesperson Rodríguez referred to technical adjustments but refused to give more details on how to match the interests of both political parties.
___
Wilson reported from Barcelona. | https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/spanish-government-to-close-loophole-in-sexual-17753625.php | 2023-01-31 15:24:54 | 0 | https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/spanish-government-to-close-loophole-in-sexual-17753625.php |
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BERLIN (AP) — Germany's main opposition party has called on Chancellor Olaf Scholz to explain his role in a large-scale tax evasion scam while he was mayor of Hamburg.
Scholz has been dogged by questions about meetings he had with private bank M.M. Warburg in 2016 and 2017. Hamburg officials later dropped demands for the bank to repay millions of euros in tax refunds it had wrongly claimed for share trades.
Dozens of bankers are being investigated in connection with so-called cum-ex share transactions that are said to have cost the German state billions.
Scholz has denied wrongdoing and claimed not to recall details of his meetings with Warburg. But Thorsten Frei, a leading lawmaker with the center-right Christian Democrats, said recent revelations about 200,000 euros in cash being found in a safe belonging to a close party associate of Scholz raise further questions about the cum-ex affair.
“Olaf Scholz needs to explain himself," Frei said in an interview published Thursday by German media group RND.
The chancellor is holding his first annual summer news conference in Berlin on Thursday, during which the issue is likely to feature prominently.
Scholz, who was finance minister under Angela Merkel from 2018 to 2021 and became chancellor last December, will also face questions over Germany's support for Ukraine, his government's efforts to tackle inflation and a looming energy crisis and the coronavirus pandemic. | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Germany-Pressure-grows-on-Scholz-over-tax-scam-17366272.php | 2022-08-11 09:58:35 | 0 | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Germany-Pressure-grows-on-Scholz-over-tax-scam-17366272.php |
Updated July 4, 2022 at 9:25 PM ET
Officials say a person of interest in the July Fourth mass shooting has been taken into custody.
Robert E. Crimo III was spotted driving a silver Honda Fit in north Chicago hours after the attack. When an officer tried to "initiate a traffic stop," the 22-year-old attempted to flee, Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen said in a briefing Monday evening.
"A brief pursuit went on," but ultimately Crimo gave himself up, Jogmen said, adding that he was "taken into custody without incident."
Jogmen said the investigation is moving quickly and noted that Crimo will be questioned by investigators at the department "to make sure or see if, in fact, he is connected to this incident."
When pressed, Jogmen declined to call Crimo a suspect at this stage in the investigation. The police chief said more information was needed to connect him to the shooting that left six dead and dozens of others injured.
Five of the six victims in the attack were adults who died at the scene, Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek said at an earlier briefing. All five have been identified, and families are now being notified.
The sixth victim died at a local hospital. No additional information was provided.
Highland Park Fire Chief Joe Schrage said a child who had been critically injured is among the roughly two dozen people taken to local hospitals. Some of the injuries include gunshot wounds to the abdomen and limbs.
NPR member station WBEZ reported the "vast majority" of the wounded are being treated for gunshot wounds. Some also "sustained injuries as a result of the ensuing chaos at the parade."
Schrage said crews on scene responded quickly as did witnesses who helped tie tourniquets.
The shooter fired on the crowd from a rooftop
Authorities currently have no reason to believe there was more than one shooter, according to Sgt. Christopher Covelli of the Lake County Major Crime Task Force.
The shooter used a high-powered rifle, which is now being investigated by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was on the roof of a business. They allegedly accessed the roof via an alley using a ladder that was attached to the building and was unsecured.
Cmdr. Chris O'Neill from the Highland Park Police said the crime scene is still active, and officials are clearing buildings in the area. People who sheltered in place are being evacuated to safety.
Witnesses describe chaos, panic and disbelief
Miles Zaremski told NPR that when he first heard the gunshots he mistook them for a car backfiring or fireworks.
"And then all of a sudden, the crowd ... started running in a stampede fashion," he said.
"And then I gingerly went a little bit forward, and all of a sudden I see blood on the cement. And I see individuals in pools of blood ... and I knew there was a mass shooting."
Zaremski said he rushed to help but was quickly moved away by police and emergency services who descended on the scene within moments.
"I saw the carnage, and I almost broke down," he said, shaken by the events.
Zaremski has lived in Highland Park since 1976 and described it as a loving and peaceful community at odds with the chaos he experienced.
"It's surreal. It must have been a science fiction film I just saw, but unfortunately it wasn't," he said. "Our country is a scary place."
The shooting was quick and vicious
O'Neill said the shooter began firing at about 10:14 a.m. local time. It's unclear how many shots were fired, but several witnesses reported hearing about 20 or more rounds.
The incident happened very quickly, and police and fire units were already on scene because of the parade. O'Neill added that the department has trained in rapid deployment, rapid response and rendering aid.
President Biden says he and the first lady are 'shocked'
President Joe Biden, who less than 10 days ago signed a bipartisan gun safety bill, issued a statement hours after the attack.
"Jill and I are shocked by the senseless gun violence that has yet again brought grief to an American community on this Independence Day."
He noted that the new law "includes actions that will save lives."
The measure is the first gun reform legislation passed by Congress in nearly 30 years and was signed about a month after two other mass shootings rocked the nation.
Illinois governor calls the shooter a 'monster'
Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker called for prayer in the wake of the "the evil unleashed this morning" but added that prayers alone would not address the problem of gun violence in the country.
"There are no words for the kind of monster who lies in wait and fires into a crowd of families with children celebrating a holiday with their community. There are no words for the kind of evil that robs our neighbors of their hopes, their dreams, their futures," Pritzker said in a statement.
"We must — and we will — end this plague of gun violence."
Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said: "Our hearts go out to the families of the victims at this devastating time. On a day that we came together to celebrate community and freedom, we are instead mourning the tragic loss of life and struggling with the terror that was brought upon us."
This is a breaking news story. Some things reported by the media will later turn out to be wrong. We will focus on reports from officials and other authorities, credible news outlets and reporters who are at the scene. We will update as the situation develops.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wunc.org/2022-07-04/highland-park-police-take-a-man-into-custody-over-the-july-4th-parade-shooting | 2022-07-05 04:24:10 | 0 | https://www.wunc.org/2022-07-04/highland-park-police-take-a-man-into-custody-over-the-july-4th-parade-shooting |
Married couple identified as 2 dead in plane crash near Las Vegas
NV police did not report any injuries on the ground
A pilot and his wife were identified Thursday as the two people killed earlier this week when a small private plane crashed south of Las Vegas.
The Clark County coroner's office said the victims were Glen Robert McKenna, 72, and Bonnie Jean McKenna, 70, of Cal-Nev-Ari, a rural town near Nevada's southern tip.
The plane crashed around 5 a.m. Tuesday north of the town's Kidwell Airport. The McKennas were the only people on board, authorities have said, and there were no reports of injuries on the ground.
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Federal aviation records list Glen McKenna as the owner of the single-engine GlaStar, which was built in 2006.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.
Cal-Nev-Ari, which is home to about 200 people, is roughly 70 miles from Las Vegas. | https://www.foxnews.com/us/married-couple-identified-2-dead-plane-crash-near-las-vegas | 2023-04-14 18:25:29 | 0 | https://www.foxnews.com/us/married-couple-identified-2-dead-plane-crash-near-las-vegas |
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SHENZHEN, June 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Taoping Inc. (NASDAQ: TAOP, the "Company" or "Taoping"), today announced the Company is expanding into the Jiangxi Province and has entered into a new strategic cooperation agreement with Anyuan County to provide customized AI-aided Smart City solutions, which will leverage the Company's powerful new Cloud Nest AI system and intelligent Cloud platform to significantly help local digital transformation and development and ecological civilization construction.
Anyuan County is located in Jiangxi Province, China, with 18 towns under its jurisdiction and a population of about 400,000. The city is renowned for its cultural heritage, valuable tourism resources and ecological protection.
The strategic agreement is part of Anyuan County's Smart City transformation, with a dedicated economic and digital transformation. The parties will work together to implement a variety of Smart City programs and solutions, while also implementing tailored environmental enrichment solutions to protect the source water of the Dongjiang River, which supplies water to Hong Kong, and plays an important role to support the development of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Under the agreement, the two parties will carry out comprehensive cooperation in the fields of industrial investment, human intelligence, low-carbon environmental protection, Smart City renewal and rural ecological revitalization. The integrated solutions are 5G, AI-aided, Cloud-based and underpinned by Taoping's proprietary operating software. Taoping will provide its innovative Smart Rest Stations, lower cost, portable off-grid wastewater treatment solutions, and other related products and services, while Anyuan County provides market resources, policy support and fully assists the operation and development of the Company's projects in Anyuan County and surrounding counties and cities.
Mr. Lin Jianghuai, Chairman and CEO of Taoping, said: "This is another big win for us with high strategic value. We continue to drive expansion into new geographies as we sell our customized Smart City solutions. We are benefitting from increased interest as municipalities seek to modernize for the benefit of residents and tourists, while driving operating and maintenance costs lower through increased efficiencies that come with our Cloud-based platform. We expect this deal to serve as an example for other municipalities. Smart City investments are also smart for business and an important factor when people decide where they want to work, live and play."
Under the initial phase of the cooperation, Taoping will help implement its new lower cost, portable off-grid wastewater treatment product across five townships. Taoping will gradually roll out the application in the entire county of Anyuan County, and contribute scientific and technological strength to the ecological environment protection at the source of the Dongjiang River. Taoping's AI-aided products and solutions will help to further improve the independent decision-making and processing capabilities of Anyuan County's evolving Smart City ecosystem and infrastructure, while allowing for greater scalability in the implementation and operation of ongoing development, more efficient operation and maintenance, and overall environmental protection capabilities.
About Taoping Inc.
Taoping Inc. (Nasdaq: TAOP) has a long history of successfully leveraging technology in the development of innovative solutions to help customers in both the private and public sectors to more effectively communicate and market to their desired targets. The Company has built a far-reaching city partner ecosystem and comprehensive portfolio of high-value, high-traffic areas for its products, which are aligned together with Taoping's smart cloud platform, cloud services and solutions, new media and artificial intelligence. For more information about Taoping, please visit www.taop.com. You can also follow us via LinkedIn, Twitter or YouTube.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, such as statements regarding our estimated future results of operations and financial position, our strategy and plans, and our objectives or goals, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including "anticipates," "believes," "can," "continue," "could," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "should," or "will" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Our actual results may differ materially or perhaps significantly from those discussed herein, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from statements made in this press release, including: our potential inability to achieve or sustain profitability or reasonably predict our future results due to our limited operating history of providing smart cloud services, the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the emergence of additional competing technologies, changes in domestic and foreign laws, regulations and taxes, uncertainties related to China's legal system and economic, political and social events in China, the volatility of the securities markets; and other risks including, but not limited to, those that we discussed or referred to in the Company's disclosure documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, including the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F as well as in our other reports filed or furnished from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and TAOP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.
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SOURCE Taoping Inc. | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2023/06/26/taoping-expands-jiangxi-province-with-ai-aided-smart-city-strategic-cooperation/ | 2023-06-26 13:55:00 | 1 | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2023/06/26/taoping-expands-jiangxi-province-with-ai-aided-smart-city-strategic-cooperation/ |
The mental-health crisis facing America's teenagers is motivating an unusual group of senators — two progressive Democrats and a pair of conservative Republicans — to join forces.
The Democrats — Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut — and the Republicans — Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama — are all parents of young kids or teenagers. They unveiled legislation recently that limits access to social media platforms and restricts the kind of content pushed out to kids.
Britt, a freshman who has two teens, said she's alarmed how viral moments on social media can have negative impacts.
"As I talk to other moms who are trying to deal with this, it tells you the troubling uncertainty that social media brings into children's lives," she said, adding: "Parents wanted tools to be able to talk to their children — and to keep their children safe."
The lawmakers don't agree on much, but they said it was easy to team up on a bill that would help shield kids from harmful content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Murphy conceded there are several proposals on Capitol Hill focused on online safety, but maintained their approach puts parents in the game to make sure their kids' data isn't accessed for dangerous content.
"If the four of us can agree on this ... I think there's real hope that this approach can get to the Senate floor," he said.
Murphy, a father of two sons, said he saw benefits for his own kids connecting online during the pandemic. But he added, "I've also seen the flip side: I've seen amongst my kids' peers how very quickly these algorithms can drive you to dangerous content. ... It doesn't take more than, you know, a few swipes, a lingering eyeball on a harmful video to get more and more and more of that."
Cotton said these platforms make money off of keeping kids addicted.
"Social media is designed to feed exploitative content and stuff that's going to attract their eyeballs continuously, and in many cases is age inappropriate," he said.
And the Arkansas Republican said this legislation focuses on helping parents gain more control.
"They just want the same same power they have in the real world to extend the digital world," he said.
Schatz said it was surprisingly easy for the four to agree on a bill once they zeroed in on how severe the problem is. He cited statistics showing that more than half of teen girls feel persistent despair, and the spike in mental-health challenges is growing across the board.
What the measure would do
The legislation requires users to be 13 to be able to create accounts on social media platforms. It requires parental consent for kids 13-17, and it bars social media companies from distributing content generated by their algorithms to those under 18.
Schatz stressed "these algorithms are probably more powerful than an adult's brain, but certainly more powerful than a developing child's brain."
He said their business model was to make kids linger: "And they have determined that the way you get a kid to linger on a post or on a social media platform is to upset them, and so their business model is to systematically upset a generation of children for profit."
Some senators pushing other online safety bills raised questions about whether this approach puts more of the onus on parents and less on the tech companies. But Britt argued the numbers speak for themselves.
"The data's data doesn't lie," she said, noting that from 2011 to 2019, the number of teens who felt depression more than doubled, and that 1 in 3 young women in high school has said that she's considered suicide.
"And when you think about that inaction is not an option," she said.
Murphy stressed the ban on the algorithm — the driver of the content — is the fundamental way to attack the problem of harmful images and videos impacting vulnerable teens.
"What's most dangerous is that these algorithms are so powerful, that literally within minutes of logging onto your device and starting to swipe or look at content that is a little bit out of the mainstream, you get deluged with it," he said.
Another key provision of the bill is requiring age verification before kids can create accounts — and setting up a system for parents to approve their kids signing up.
Cotton stresses it's flexible and uses technology that companies already use online for other applications. He said tech companies "can use third-party contractors of the kind that, say, the VA currently uses or states as politically diverse as Wyoming and California use," he said, adding, "the important part is they cannot simply continue to use simple check the box attestations or the entry of the birth date, which of course are easily evaded."
Privacy concerns
Some civil liberties groups argue collecting more data from parents about their kids could add to privacy concerns. But Cotton called those arguments "completely specious."
"The data we're talking about here is your birthday, and your parent-child relationship — your birthday stuff many people put online voluntarily or that government agencies at your local, state and federal level all have access to and know and your parent child relationship," he said. "That's it."
Tech companies stress they already have tools in place to police dangerous content for kids.
A spokesperson for Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, told NPR they have over 30 online tools to support efforts to boost parental control and block inappropriate content.
"We refer to research, feedback from parents, teens, experts, and academics to inform our approach, and we'll continue evaluating proposed legislation and working with policymakers on these important issues," the spokesperson told NPR.
Britt noted that having her colleagues at the table was the way to make change happen. "I'm super proud to be sitting together as concerned parents hoping to find solutions," she said.
Congress doesn't have much of a track record passing legislation that regulates or restricts tech companies. Schatz predicted "an army of lobbyists" was poised to oppose their bill. But he also said he thinks the country is at a tipping point.
"I do think this time is different," he said, "because parents and even children are standing up and saying enough is enough."
In the last weeks, two additional bipartisan bills have been introduced in the Senate to boost safety measures for kids online. They take aim at making the social media companies more accountable — through new regulations on data collection, oversight by federal agencies and a ban on advertising. Competing proposals could make it harder for Congress to agree on an approach, and easier for tech companies to block action.
For now these four senators say the more the merrier. With a mounting numbers of lawmakers across the political spectrum involved, they have hope new guardrails can ultimately be put in place.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wunc.org/2023-05-05/bipartisan-senators-predict-parents-will-overcome-tech-lobby-to-protect-kids-online | 2023-05-05 14:11:52 | 0 | https://www.wunc.org/2023-05-05/bipartisan-senators-predict-parents-will-overcome-tech-lobby-to-protect-kids-online |
LIVE: Colts vs. Vikings score updates, highlights in NFL Week 15
The Indianapolis Colts travel to play the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday in NFL Week 15 action.
The Colts (4-8-1) are technically alive in the AFC South, but they are more likely to end up in the top 10 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Indianapolis has lost three in a row after winning interim coach Jeff Saturday's debut, and it is coming off its bye week.
The Vikings (10-3) are trying to bounce back from a loss to the Detroit Lions, and they can clinch the NFC North title this weekend.
Follow Joel A. Erickson and Nate Atkins for Colts news all season (and offseason). We'll have game updates here, so please remember to refresh.
9:11 left 1Q: Colts score on their opening drive
The Colts stall after reaching the 1 and settle for Chase McLaughlin's 26-yard field goal. The Colts entered the game with an NFL-low 10 points on opening drives this season. Colts 3, Vikings 0
Zach Moss is corralled for a 7-yard loss from the 1 on 3rd down.
Colts run two jet sweeps on their opening drive: Michael Pittman Jr. gains 19 yards and Ashton Dulin 5 to convert a 3rd-down play.
Dallis Flowers starts the game with a 49-yard kickoff return, setting up the Colts at their 48-yard line.
Colts, Vikings inactives
Colts: CB Brandon Facyson (illness), CB Kenny Moore II (ankle), WR Mike Strachan (concussion), QB Sam Ehlinger, DE Ben Banogu, C Wesley French, DT Chris Williams
Vikings: CB Kalon Barnes, C Garrett Bradbury, DL Ross Blacklock, LB Patrick Jones II, CB Parry Nickerson.
Colts coverage from IndyStar
Insider: 18 things to watch in Colts-Vikings matchup on Saturday
NFL predictions, picks, betting odds:Are the Colts favored vs. the Vikings?
More:Colts will be down a key defender in trying to stop Justin Jefferson | https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2022/12/17/colts-vs-vikings-score-updates-highlights-analysis-in-nfl-week-15/69734898007/ | 2022-12-17 18:22:32 | 1 | https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2022/12/17/colts-vs-vikings-score-updates-highlights-analysis-in-nfl-week-15/69734898007/ |
Lawton man accused of stealing large tub of marijuana from dispensary
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - A Lawton man is accused of burglarizing a dispensary in town early last week.
18-year-old Nickolas Johnson faces charges of 2nd-degree burglary and the unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Court documents say a large tub of marijuana was stolen from a dispensary early Tuesday morning.
Just hours later, officers caught up with Johnson and an unidentified male, following calls of two suspicious people wearing all-black sweatshirts and pants despite the hot and humid temperatures.
According to court documents, investigators arrested both of them for burglary, after identifying them using surveillance video from the dispensary.
Johnson faces up to nine years in prison, he’s in jail on a $15,000 bond.
Copyright 2023 KSWO. All rights reserved. | https://www.kswo.com/2023/06/26/lawton-man-accused-stealing-large-tub-marijuana-dispensary/ | 2023-06-26 21:10:21 | 1 | https://www.kswo.com/2023/06/26/lawton-man-accused-stealing-large-tub-marijuana-dispensary/ |
Some Chevy Bolt EV models are once again being recalled over a potential issue that can lead to a vehicle fire. This time it has nothing to do with the battery pack or electric propulsion.
“GM is voluntarily recalling certain 2017-2023 model year Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles due to rare instances of front seat belt pretensioner exhaust gases coming in contact with floor carpeting fibers, after a vehicle crash,” explained GM in a statement provided to Green Car Reports.
The recall doesn’t apply to Bolt EUV models, nor does it apply to Bolt EVs put to use by GM’s Cruise autonomous-driving venture. The Bolt EV remains one of the most affordable new EVs available in the U.S.
Seat belt pretensioners essentially cinch the belt tight just before or during an impact, allowing seat belts to function as tested, and to keep passengers in position for other safety systems such as airbags.
The issue could result in a vehicle fire if the carpet ignites. According to GM, that’s resulted in three “potentially relevant field incidents.”
The recall, posted Monday by Transport Canada, has not yet been posted by its U.S. NHTSA counterpart. In Canada, the recall affects 19,898 vehicles from those model years. GM says that the recall will involve 119,950 vehicles in the U.S., adding up to 139,848 affected vehicles in North America.
GM explained that, as a solution, dealers will install metal foil at the carpet near the pretensioner exhaust.
Chevy Bolt EV owners—and dealerships—are all too familiar with large-scale recalls. In 2021, GM tackled a battery-fire-related recall of the Bolt EV that applied to every Bolt EV made, leading to a full battery-pack replacement for a large portion of the older vehicle population from the 2017-2019 model years. GM lost many months of Bolt EV and EUV production as it struggled to procure enough battery packs for new vehicles and recall replacements, and ultimately LG agreed to pay GM $1.9 billion for the manufacturing defects behind the issue.
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- Rivian R1T crash-tested by IIHS, earns top safety distinction | https://phl17.com/automotive/internet-brands/2017-2023-chevy-bolt-ev-recalled-over-fire-concern-again/ | 2022-12-21 21:56:07 | 1 | https://phl17.com/automotive/internet-brands/2017-2023-chevy-bolt-ev-recalled-over-fire-concern-again/ |
The Former Honey COO Will Bring a People-First Approach to Successfully Scale the Tech Platform
CHICAGO, Sept. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cameo, the leading marketplace connecting the world's talent with fans and brands, today announced the appointment of Glen Allison to Chief Operating Officer. Allison brings diverse work experience from a decades-long career working with big technology companies including AOL, Microsoft and Twitter. He also most recently served as the first and only COO of online coupon code aggregator Honey, where he guided the company through four years of explosive growth culminating in an acquisition by PayPal for $4 billion in 2020.
Allison joins Cameo as the platform continues expanding beyond the original video shout-out product to offer a range of news ways for the thousands of talent on its platform to connect with consumers and brands.
Newer fan experiences include the just-launched Cameo Live product, which offers video calls for up to 10 fans at a time, Cameo Pass, the company's exclusive Web3 community, and celebrity merch from the acquisition of Represent. The growing B2B arm, Cameo for Business, offers brands of all sizes the opportunity to work with celebrities on everything from events to bespoke marketing campaigns, including those made possible by the new Snapchat x Cameo Advertiser Program.
Allison will use his experience to optimize Cameo's operations during this growth phase, motivating the company's more than 200 employees to do their best work, and freeing up Cameo CEO and co-founder, Steven Galanis, to spend more time with external stakeholders including talent, brand clients, partners and investors.
"I met Steven two years ago, and the more I got to know him and understand his vision, the more excited I became about what Cameo can be," Allison said. "Joining the company gives me the opportunity to help him realize his vision for multiple product lines, while continuing to grow a culture of high-performing employees. Transforming an industry in the way that Cameo has done so far is only scratching the surface."
"Glen has been involved in every aspect of the technology business from software engineering and program management to corporate partnership development and even managing a rapidly growing team of more than 400 people at Honey," Galanis said. "This background and particularly his skilled approach to fostering a culture that keeps employees happy and challenged, will be invaluable in helping us succeed in our next phase of growth."
Allison's appointment is effective immediately.
Cameo is the leading marketplace connecting fans and brands directly with tens of thousands of pop culture personalities in the form of personalized video messages, engaging fan experiences, and marketing and events partnerships. Founded in March 2017, Cameo's mission is to create the most personalized and authentic fan experiences on Earth. In just over five years, Cameo has fulfilled more than 4 million magical moments ranging from birthday and good luck messages to prom invitations, marriage proposals and direct fan interactions on every continent in the world. The platform has also raised more than $1.5 million for a wide range of charities through its Cameo Cares program. For more information, visit https://www.cameo.com/
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SOURCE Cameo | https://www.kwch.com/prnewswire/2022/09/15/cameo-appoints-seasoned-tech-veteran-glen-allison-chief-operating-officer/ | 2022-09-15 16:31:38 | 1 | https://www.kwch.com/prnewswire/2022/09/15/cameo-appoints-seasoned-tech-veteran-glen-allison-chief-operating-officer/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — Former FBI Director James Comey is on a career path both new and familiar — crime fiction.
Comey has a deal to write two novels for The Mysterious Press, an imprint of Penzler Publishers. The first is called “Central Park West,” and it features an assistant U.S. Attorney looking into ties between the Mafia and the murder of a local politician. The book is scheduled for next spring.
“I’m excited to take readers inside fascinating worlds I’ve come to know from my time in government and the private sector,” Comey, who served an assistant U.S. Attorney from 1996-2001, said in a statement. “These stories are fiction, but, inspired by real work I’ve done, they will offer a rarely-seen view of interesting people and institutions.”
Comey is best known for his brief time as FBI director, from 2013-2017, that ended when he was fired by President Donald Trump amid the bureau’s probe into allegations of ties between Russian officials and Trump’s presidential campaign. Comey wrote about his career in the best-selling memoir “A Higher Loyalty.” | https://www.yourbasin.com/entertainment-news/ap-former-fbi-head-james-comey-has-deal-for-two-crime-novels/ | 2022-09-20 23:18:55 | 0 | https://www.yourbasin.com/entertainment-news/ap-former-fbi-head-james-comey-has-deal-for-two-crime-novels/ |
Top Player Prop Bets for Rangers vs. Tigers on May 30, 2023
Player props can be found for Marcus Semien and Riley Greene, among others, when the Texas Rangers visit the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Tuesday at 6:40 PM ET.
Bet on this matchup or its props with DraftKings!
Rangers vs. Tigers Game Info
- When: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 6:40 PM ET
- Where: Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan
- How to Watch on TV: BSDET
- Live Stream: Watch the MLB on Fubo!
Explore More About This Game
MLB Props Today: Texas Rangers
Martín Pérez Props
- Strikeouts Prop: Over/Under 4.5 (Over Odds: +115)
Pérez Stats
- The Rangers' Martin Perez (6-1) will make his 11th start of the season.
- He's looking to extend his two-game quality start streak.
- Perez will look to finish five or more innings for the fourth start in a row.
- Among qualified pitchers this season, the 32-year-old's 3.83 ERA ranks 41st, 1.473 WHIP ranks 65th, and 6.6 K/9 ranks 59th.
Pérez Recent Games
Check out the latest odds and place your bets on any of Martín Pérez's player props with DraftKings Sportsbook.
Marcus Semien Props
- Hits Prop: Over/Under 1.5 (Over Odds: +170)
- Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: -125)
- Home Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +450)
- RBI Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +160)
Semien Stats
- Semien has 13 doubles, two triples, eight home runs, 25 walks and 44 RBI (65 total hits). He's also swiped seven bases.
- He's slashing .298/.368/.486 so far this season.
- Semien will look for his 19th straight game with a hit in this contest. During his last 10 outings he is batting .318 with four doubles, a triple, a home run, two walks and nine RBI.
Semien Recent Games
Adolis García Props
- Hits Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: -278)
- Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +100)
- Home Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +390)
- RBI Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +140)
Garcia Stats
- Adolis Garcia has 48 hits with eight doubles, 14 home runs, 19 walks and 49 RBI. He's also stolen three bases.
- He's slashing .244/.309/.497 so far this year.
Garcia Recent Games
Bet on player props for Marcus Semien, Adolis García or other Rangers players with DraftKings Sportsbook.
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MLB Props Today: Detroit Tigers
Riley Greene Props
- Hits Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: -278)
- Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +800)
- Home Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +800)
- RBI Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +180)
Greene Stats
- Greene has nine doubles, three triples, five home runs, 21 walks and 18 RBI (60 total hits). He's also stolen six bases.
- He has a slash line of .297/.363/.446 so far this season.
- Greene will look for his ninth straight game with a hit in this contest. In his last 10 outings he is batting .300 with three doubles, a triple, a home run, eight walks and two RBI.
Greene Recent Games
Bet on player props for Riley Greene or other Tigers players with DraftKings Sportsbook.
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.ktre.com/sports/betting/2023/05/30/rangers-vs-tigers-mlb-player-prop-bets/ | 2023-05-30 15:57:08 | 1 | https://www.ktre.com/sports/betting/2023/05/30/rangers-vs-tigers-mlb-player-prop-bets/ |
Redesigned SUV is Recognized for its Versatility and Available Electrified Powertrains
- 2023 Kia Sportage named among Autotrader's 11 Best New Cars of 2023
- Fifth-generation compact SUV was redesigned this year, inside, outside, and under the hood
IRVINE, Calif., April 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2023 Kia Sportage was recently named among Autotrader's Best New Cars of 2023. The redesigned fifth generation of the iconic SUV – available with internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrains – was honored alongside 10 other top vehicles.
"We are proud to receive Autotrader's Best New Car of 2023 recognition for the Kia Sportage," said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. "The redesigned Sportage continues to impress adventure seekers and tech-savvy drivers, alike, with its versatility and multi-faceted appeal."
Autotrader's Best New Cars of 2023 list is comprised of 11 vehicles selected by a team of expert editors who collectively tested and scored new models using a range of criteria. Each chosen vehicle has unique features specific to various lifestyle needs, including interior comfort, build quality, tech features, driving experience and more, with the editors giving particular focus to vehicles that are groundbreaking or offer significant value in its category. Because there are many new or redesigned vehicles for 2023, the editors only considered models available for purchase within the next nine months. To qualify, the base model of a vehicle must start below $110,000, with most winners priced well below that price.
"The latest Sportage is a significant improvement versus the past model and yet another Kia SUV that is best in class," said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. "What was once a competent compact SUV has been recast as a stylish, tech-laden, and very attractive competitor in the red-hot compact SUV segment."
For model year 2023, the Sportage underwent a significant redesign. Developed as part of Kia's new global brand transformation, "Movement that Inspires," the 2023 Sportage subcompact SUV delivers for today's savvy and adventurous consumers with a capable and rugged trim level (X-Pro), as well as Sportage HEV and Sportage PHEV powertrains.
Kia America – about us
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.
For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.
* The K5, Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride (excludes HEV and PHEV models) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
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SOURCE Kia America | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/04/06/kia-sportage-named-among-autotraders-best-new-cars-2023/ | 2023-04-06 18:40:51 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/04/06/kia-sportage-named-among-autotraders-best-new-cars-2023/ |
Sunday morning car crash leaves one dead, another injured
LEXINGTON, Ky (WTVQ)- A woman has died and another woman has been injured after a car accident early Sunday morning.
Lexington police say they responded with the Lexington Fire Department just after 2 a.m. to a single car accident on Tates Creek Road, near Garden Grove Walk, where a car had hit a tree in the median.
First responders found and removed the two women. The coroner says 46-year old Jessica Elaine Patterson of Lexington died in the crash.
The other woman was taken to the hospital with reported non-life threatening injuries.
The Collision Restruction Unit responded and is investigating. | https://www.wtvq.com/sunday-morning-car-crash-leaves-one-dead-another-injured/ | 2023-03-19 19:06:31 | 0 | https://www.wtvq.com/sunday-morning-car-crash-leaves-one-dead-another-injured/ |
JACKSON, Miss. — The air-conditioning gave out as students returned from summer break last year to Jim Hill High School in Jackson, Mississippi, forcing them to learn in sweltering heat. By Thanksgiving, students were huddling under blankets because the heat wasn’t working.
“There’s been times we’ve been cold, there’s been times we’ve been hot,” said Mentia Trippeter, a 17-year-old senior. “There’s been times where it rained and it poured, we’ve been drowning. We go through it — we go through it, man.”
Like other schools serving low-income communities across the country, Jim Hill has long dealt with neglected infrastructure that has made it harder for students to learn. So when Jackson Public Schools received tens of millions of dollars in federal COVID relief money, it decided to put much of the windfall toward repairing heating and plumbing problems, some of which temporarily caused the school to switch to remote learning.
For poorer school districts, deciding what to do with that money has involved a tough tradeoff: work on long-term academic recovery or fix long-standing infrastructure needs.
All told, the federal government has allocated $190 billion in pandemic relief aid to help schools recover — more than four times the amount the U.S. Education Department spends on K-12 schools in a typical year, and with few strings attached.
An Associated Press analysis of school district spending plans from across the country found that the poorest districts in each state are far more likely than the richest districts to spend emergency relief funds on upgrading their buildings or transportation systems.
Jackson’s academic needs are no less pressing. The majority of students in the district learned virtually for a year and a half during the pandemic and math test scores plummeted by the equivalent of over a full year’s worth of learning, according to Harvard and Stanford’s Education Recovery Scorecard. But school officials didn’t want to miss a rare opportunity to fix infrastructure issues — some of which date back decades.
William Merritt, the school district’s chief of staff, said the funds gave the district the ability to “provide our students with tools that other students in well-to-do districts have.”
The data in AP’s analysis came from education market research firm Burbio, which reviewed how more than 6,000 districts across the country, representing over 75% of the nation’s public school students, planned to spend their federal relief money. The data covered the final and largest round of federal aid to schools, totaling $122 billion.
The AP found that school districts with the highest percentage of children living in poverty — the poorest 20% of districts in each state — were more than three times as likely as the wealthiest school districts to dedicate money to the construction of new buildings or classrooms. School districts with high levels of poverty were also more than twice as likely to include money for facilities repairs.
“The poor districts are doing it because they’re chasing after emergencies,” said Mary Filardo, executive director of the 21st Century School Fund.
Infrastructure is a prime example of long-standing inequities in school funding. While affluent districts can rely on local tax revenue to pay for major improvement projects such as installing state-of-the-art heating and ventilation systems, poorer districts that cannot often spend more money over time on short-term fixes.
In Texas, the Victoria Independent School District is also grappling with competing infrastructure needs and pandemic recovery. It plans to spend half of the $28.4 million it received in the last round of relief funds on academics, teacher retention and student supports that include social-emotional behavior specialists.
But the other 50% of the money is devoted to improving air quality, such as updating ventilation systems. Superintendent Quintin Shepherd says he’d love to spend more on counselors and less on fixing broken air conditioners, but there’s no way kids can learn safely in a classroom that’s 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
“We got into education to improve educational outcomes and life expectations. It’s a hard position to have to make these impossible decisions,” Shepherd said.
Some have argued the money shouldn’t be spent on infrastructure projects, which can take years to complete and often with with no immediate benefit to students. But the government only required 20% of the emergency relief funds to be spent addressing learning loss.
U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a recent speech that the relief funding was “intended to accelerate reopening and recovery, not to fill decades of underinvestment in education funding and support for students.”
Marguerite Roza, director of the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University, said it was right for the government to allow a high degree of flexibility in how to spend the relief funds, rather than bogging districts down in red tape.
In Jackson, officials chose to spend over half of the $109 million the district received in the last round of federal funding on fixing the facilities in schools like Jim Hill.
Students at the school generally agreed that it needed infrastructure upgrades. Still, when asked what they would do if they were put in charge of spending that money for the district, some had bigger wishes.
“I believe we could hire more teachers to teach different types of subjects,” said Elijah Fisher, a 17-year-old junior. But, he admitted, first he would use the money to fix the drainage system around the school.
Overall, officials in Jackson are confident that they’re making the right investment.
Though much of the funding went toward infrastructure needs, the school district also bought laptops for every student and invested in after-school programming. Jim Hill now offers near year-round school with the summer term devoted to field trips and “learn by doing” experiences.
The school’s principal, Bobby Brown, said the money spent on infrastructure needs is very necessary — although not enough to address decades of inequity in the majority Black school system.
“As you listen to the students, and them having generations of families that have similar experiences,” Brown said, “this also sheds light on the types of investment that we have — or the lack of investment that we have in communities where people look like us.”
___
The Associated Press education team receives support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/for-poor-schools-building-repairs-zap-covid-relief-money/2023/02/20/84eda448-b128-11ed-94a0-512954d75716_story.html | 2023-02-20 15:16:53 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/for-poor-schools-building-repairs-zap-covid-relief-money/2023/02/20/84eda448-b128-11ed-94a0-512954d75716_story.html |
TORONTO, Aug. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A revolutionary PFP NFT called Throwing Dude Space Camp (TDSC) is launching in the Fall. 10,000 NFTs will be available. TDSC features next level art, astonishing rarity, and a ground-breaking road map. Click here to join the waitlist.
Gyro Plasmic (pseudonym), Founder of TDSC says; "we thought it was important that our Dudes have the full array of gender opportunities, so we experimented quite a bit in development until we found a way to make this happen as a value add to our Dudes. We feel strongly that removing these limitations makes the generative art process even more random, surprising, and magical. We can hardly wait to see our 10,000 Throwing Dudes." https://throwingdudespacecamp.com/
Achieving The Different Genders of he/him, she/her, they/them
We discovered how to create different gender identities within our universe of 10,000 Dudes. Our Throwing Dudes will be he/him, she/her, and they/them. We will also achieve greater rarity through the processes of constraining and information is randomly included with our Dudes. With over 75 throwing objects, rarity is deeper versus the other PFP NFT projects. Join our waitlist.
Innovating Sports with Sci-Fi and Vice Versa
TDSC is about living the creative inspired life. TDSC will push the boundaries of what is possible for a PFP NFT and will have a lot of fun doing it.
Bringing The Representation of Action to PFP NFTs
We believe quarterbacks have the best throwing motion and we integrated that into all our Dudes. Since our Dudes are from across our Universe, some of their capabilities go way beyond just throwing mere earthly objects and include galactic and even mythical throwing. Click for TDSC waitlist.
Long Term Orientation Towards Roadmap
We are in it for the long haul and as TDSC gets resourced through revenue, we plan to introduce many benefits to the Throwing Dude Space Camp membership, which may potentially include: our 57 planets art reveal, exclusive member merchandise, space camping festival under our aurora borealis, release of space camp song anthem and more.
PFP NFT Dudes Arriving Fall 2022
Click here to join the Throwing Dude's waitlist.
Throwing Dude Space Camp (TDSC) is owned and operated by QaQaQ Inc.
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SOURCE Throwing Dude Space Camp | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/08/20/throwing-dude-space-camp-different-genders-an-avatar-profile-nft-join-tdsc-waitlist/ | 2022-08-20 19:42:52 | 0 | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/08/20/throwing-dude-space-camp-different-genders-an-avatar-profile-nft-join-tdsc-waitlist/ |
Hong Kong police have placed bounties on eight prominent pro-democracy activists.
The eight are wanted as part of the stringent national security law passed following the mass protests in Hong Kong in 2019.
The bounties and accusations have been widely criticized in the West and by human rights groups.
One of the most prominent activists on the bounty list is Nathan Law, a former lawmaker in Hong Kong, now in exile and hiding his location for his safety.
He joins Scott Tong to talk about the bounty list, the current state of Hong Kong and his hopes for its people and himself.
This article was originally published on WBUR.org.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.kasu.org/2023-07-06/hong-kong-police-put-bounties-out-for-overseas-democracy-activists | 2023-07-06 17:36:34 | 1 | https://www.kasu.org/2023-07-06/hong-kong-police-put-bounties-out-for-overseas-democracy-activists |
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A 71-year-old widower from Indiana has been chosen as the first-ever “Golden Bachelor” on ABC’s new “Bachelor” spin-off of the same name.
The show, which is scheduled to air in the fall, will follow Gerry Turner (pronounced GAIR-ee) on his journey to find a romantic partner after the death of his wife Toni. All of the female contestants will be 65 and over, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“Six years after Toni’s passing and with the support of his family, Turner is ready to put himself out there and find a love that will stand the test of time in his golden years,” according to an ABC press release.
ABC hasn’t been too forthcoming with details of the new show, though they have revealed that Turner “lives in a dream house on a beautiful lake in Indiana” and enjoys spending time with his two daughters and two granddaughters.
He’s also a fan of pickleball, four-wheeling and Chicago-area sports teams, according to ABC.
In an interview with Good Morning America, Turner mentioned that he’s seeking a high-energy partner who shares his interests.
Speaking on his late wife’s perspective, Turner said he believes she would be cheering him on.
“I have her picture on a dresser in my closet. Every morning I give her the nod, ‘So what do you think about this?’ … She’s saying, ‘Yeah Gerry, do this.'”
ABC has not yet announced the premiere date for “The Golden Bachelor.” Episodes will be available to stream on demand and Hulu the day after their original air dates. | https://fox59.com/news/national-world/the-first-ever-golden-bachelor-has-been-revealed-who-is-gerry-turner/ | 2023-07-18 18:26:57 | 1 | https://fox59.com/news/national-world/the-first-ever-golden-bachelor-has-been-revealed-who-is-gerry-turner/ |
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. , June 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Haig Partners LLC, the leading buy-sell advisory firm to auto, heavy truck and RV dealers in the U.S., served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Miami-based Lehman Auto World on the sale of its nine dealerships to Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE: LAD). Lehman Auto World consists of Largo Honda, Doral Hyundai, Doral Kia, Doral Genesis, Lehman Subaru, Lehman Hyundai, Lehman Buick-GMC, Lehman Genesis and Lehman Mitsubishi. As a part of this transaction, Lithia also acquired Esserman International which consists of Esserman Acura and Esserman VW in Doral, FL. This acquisition of eleven dealerships represents the most ever in Florida history. Lithia expects the dealerships to add over $850M in annualized revenue.
William "Bill" Lehman, Jr., the principal owner, explained his rationale for the sale, "On a personal level, I asked my wife, when do I retire? When do I smell the roses? I've had one job my whole career running these dealerships. I've had a great run. I'm 81 and I think it's time. From a corporate perspective, there is continued consolidation in the automotive retail space, so when Lithia expressed interest in starting initial conversations with us, I felt that this was not only the right time but the right company. I thank Alan Haig and the team at Haig Partners for introducing us to Lithia and advising us on the sale process. This was a complicated transaction and they were integral to helping it to come off smoothly. Jonathan Awner at Akerman LLP was also impressive in his ability to negotiate the legal agreements and close a large transaction like this."
Bill Lehman, Jr. has been making significant contributions to the economic, political and cultural life in South Florida for over 50 years. Mr. Lehman took over management of the family business, a Buick dealership in North Miami, in 1967 when his father, Bill Lehman, Sr., became a US Congressman. Mr. Lehman, Jr. has since grown the organization into one of the largest auto groups in Florida. In addition to being a highly respected auto dealer, Mr. Lehman has other impressive accomplishments. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and has an MBA from Harvard Business School. Mr. Lehman served two years in the United States Army and has been a major supporter of local charities, serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Museum of Contemporary Art of North Miami, President of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Executive Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Florida International University, President of the South Florida Auto Dealers Association and President of the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center.
Lithia Motors is a publicly traded auto retailer that ranks second on the 2021 Automotive News Top 150 Dealership Groups. In 2021, Lithia generated $22.8B in revenue and retailed 536,200 vehicles. With the purchase of these eleven dealerships, Lithia has become one of the largest dealers in Florida and likely the largest dealer in the US. "We are thrilled to welcome these teams to our Lithia & Driveway family," said Bryan DeBoer, Lithia & Driveway President and CEO. "The Lehman family has deep roots in south Florida, serving the community for over 86 years. Under the Lehman family leadership, the stores achieved a reputation for earning lifelong customers with their impeccable level of service."
Alan Haig, President of Haig Partners which represented the seller, said, "We congratulate Bill Lehman, Jr. on the sale of his dealerships to Lithia Motors. He built Lehman Auto World into one of the largest groups in the state. They operate high volume stores, including Hyundai in Doral which consistently ranks as a Top 5 dealership in terms of sales. Also, we tip our hats to Bryan DeBoer and the Lithia team with this significant investment in one of the most desirable auto retail markets anywhere in the world. South Florida is growing rapidly and we believe Lithia will do very well with these eleven dealerships. Welcome to South Florida! This transaction demonstrates that buyers remain confident about the future profitability of auto dealerships and want to continue to grow."
The team at Haig Partners has been involved in the purchase or sale of 100 dealerships in Florida, more than any other team, by far. Lehman Auto World is the 22nd client that Haig Partners has represented that qualifies as one of Automotive News Top 150 Dealership Groups, also more than any other firm. Haig Partners has advised on the sale of 26 dealerships nationwide so far in 2022.
Haig Partners LLC helps dealers to maximize the value of their businesses when they are ready to sell. The team at Haig Partners has unmatched experience with executives from leading retail dealer groups and financial institutions. They have advised on the purchase or sale of more than 575 dealerships for over $9.0 billion, more than any other firm. Haig Partners leverages its expertise and relationships to lead clients through a confidential and customizable sales process that also maximizes the value of their businesses. They author the Haig Report, the leading industry quarterly report that tracks trends in auto retail and their impact on dealership values, and are co-author of NADA's Guide, "Buying and Selling a Dealership." For more information, visit www.haigpartners.com.
Transaction Contact:
Alan Haig, Founder and President
Haig Partners
alan@haigpartners.com
(954) 646-8921
Media Contact:
Aimee Allen, Director of Marketing and Business Development
Haig Partners
aimee@haigpartners.com
(603) 933-2194
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SOURCE Haig Partners | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/28/haig-partners-serves-exclusive-advisor-sale-lehman-auto-world-lithia-motors-inc-nyse-lad/ | 2022-06-28 15:09:20 | 0 | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/28/haig-partners-serves-exclusive-advisor-sale-lehman-auto-world-lithia-motors-inc-nyse-lad/ |
NPR's A Martinez speaks with Jocelyn Wyatt, CEO of Alight, one of several organizations supporting ordinary Americans in helping refugees to resettle via the newly launched Welcome Corps.
Copyright 2023 NPR
NPR's A Martinez speaks with Jocelyn Wyatt, CEO of Alight, one of several organizations supporting ordinary Americans in helping refugees to resettle via the newly launched Welcome Corps.
Copyright 2023 NPR | https://www.mainepublic.org/2023-01-24/americans-are-invited-to-play-a-direct-role-in-helping-stem-the-refugee-crisis | 2023-01-24 11:21:16 | 0 | https://www.mainepublic.org/2023-01-24/americans-are-invited-to-play-a-direct-role-in-helping-stem-the-refugee-crisis |
- Third quarter 2022 Total Revenue increased 29% year-over-year to $216.8 million, and year-to-date 2022 Total Revenue increased 27% year-over-year to $590.6 million
- Total Members as of September 30, 2022 increased 7% year-over-year to 2.6 million
- Third quarter 2022 Written Premium increased 16% year-over-year to $222.1 million, and year-to-date 2022 Written Premium increased 15% year-over-year to $614.6 million
- Net exposure of $10.0 million from Hurricane Ian demonstrates successful risk management
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Nov. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE: HGTY), an automotive lifestyle brand and a leading specialty insurance provider focused on the global automotive enthusiast market, today announced financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022.
"We delivered accelerated revenue growth of 29% during the third quarter despite a weakening macroeconomic environment," said McKeel Hagerty, Chief Executive Officer of Hagerty. "These impressive results were powered by 16% written premium growth, higher quota share in Hagerty Reinsurance, as well as solid revenue contribution from the recently acquired Broad Arrow Group."
Mr. Hagerty continued, "The collector car transaction market is a large and growing opportunity for our Marketplace platform. The team transacted over $55.3 million in total vehicle sales at Motorlux in Monterey during the third quarter, validating the synergies across the Hagerty ecosystem and we expect to leverage our many owned and operated events in 2023 to build on this success. We also recently launched our online auction platform, which should enable us to leverage Hagerty's hard earned position as the trusted brand for auto enthusiasts to capitalize on the opportunity."
"We are also investing methodically in value-added and best-in-class services for our members, which we believe will allow us to grow our loyal base of car lovers and provide them with the necessary resources to enjoy their passion. Excellent customer service drives our industry leading net promoter scores and high retention rates which are the foundation for future growth. We expect our strong top-line momentum to continue, and we are focused on prudently managing our cost structure to drive enhanced profitability and cash flow generation in 2023."
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Third quarter Total Revenue increased 29% to $216.8 million compared to $168.1 million in the prior year period, and year-to-date Total Revenue increased 27% to $590.6 million compared to $464.7 million in the prior year period.
- Third quarter Written Premium increased 16% to $222.1 million compared to $192.1 million in the prior year period, and year-to-date Written Premium increased 15% to $614.6 million compared to $533.9 million in the prior year period.
- Hagerty's year-to-date loss ratio of 46.8% includes the $10.0 million impact from Hurricane Ian (3.4%) as well as the Company's decision to increase accident year 2022 loss reserves by $6.5 million (2.2%) due to higher liability claims within Hagerty Re. These higher reserves are being being managed by rate filings taking effect now and over the coming months.
- Net losses from Hurricane Ian were limited to $10.0 million due to successful risk and reinsurance management.
- Third quarter Net Income was $24.3 million compared to $(0.5) million of loss in the prior year period, and year-to-date Net Income was $34.6 million compared to $5.1 million of income in the prior year period.
- Third quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $(10.0) million compared to $7.6 million in the prior year period, and year-to-date Adjusted EBITDA was $0.1 million compared to $28.0 million in the prior year period.
- Third quarter Operating Income was a loss of $21.2 million compared to $1.8 million of income in the prior year period, and year-to-date Operating Income was a loss of $31.8 million compared to $10.9 million of income in the prior year period.
- Third quarter Basic Earnings per Share was $0.18 and Diluted Earnings per Share was $0.07, and year-to-date Basic Earnings per Share was $0.44 and Diluted Earnings per Share was $0.03.
- Third quarter Adjusted EPS was $(0.06), and year-to-date Adjusted EPS was $(0.10).
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS
- Reached 2.6 million total members and 1.3 million paid members as of September 30, 2022.
- Digital and technology teams are progressing through the testing phase and regulatory approval process for the State Farm partnership.
- U.S. and U.K. reinsurance quota share increased to 70%, further increasing our share of profit.
- Acquired the Broad Arrow Group and executed our first live auction at Motorlux in Monterey with $55 million in total vehicle sales, helping drive year-to-date Marketplace revenue of $8 million. This acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings in 2022 and the Company has identified significant adjacent market opportunity that has been demonstrated by over 300,000 vehicles transacting for approximately $12.5 billion through Hagerty's insurance book over the twelve months ended September 30, 2022.
- Acquired Speed Digital, which establishes relationships with their dealer partners and facilitate growth in Hagerty's Marketplace products; augments our automotive intelligence data; and allows Motorious.com to drive audience engagement, content distribution and advertising revenues.
- Developed Classifieds and enhanced HDC Membership offerings with the ultimate platform for car enthusiasts to buy and sell the things they love, creating the backbone for our recently launched online auction platform.
- Acquired RADwood and hosted multiple events serving 12,000 attendees, including at the Detroit Concours.
- Hagerty announced a new partnership with Hendrick Motorsports focused on integrated content development, event access, facility use, and the inclusion of top Hendrick Motorsports personalities.
- Environmental, Social and Governance program assessment completed and prioritized Impact initiatives.
The definitions and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures are provided under the heading Key Performance Indicators and Certain Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this press release.
The Company has excellent business momentum in 2022, with year-to-date revenue growth of 27%, and is excited about and focused on our ongoing efforts to position the Company for strong and sustainable long-term organic growth and profitability over the coming years. We are confident that the opportunities we have identified to monetize our significant addressable market will expand our share and position us to grow. We plan to invest further in our capabilities in 2022 to capitalize on these opportunities to drive future growth, and are thoughtfully prioritizing growth initiatives into 2023 to profitably grow our business.
Hagerty Marketplace. Earlier this year, we launched Hagerty Marketplace, completed the acquisition of Broad Arrow Group, and announced the development of a proprietary digital platform to support our Marketplace activities. We believe auto enthusiasts will find our new services extremely valuable, including new trust-based platforms for buying, selling and financing collector vehicles.
MGA Insurance. We expect to continue to launch strategic partnerships with major carriers longer-term. We also plan to deepen our penetration into services and data analytics in order to support our existing partnership customer base.
Reinsurance. We continue to benefit from our contractual quota share arrangements with the U.S. and U.K. 2022 share increasing to 70%. We also will look to continue to methodically grow our international share of underwriting profit over the coming years.
Membership. We look forward to increasing our paid member penetration through an enhanced value proposition for our customers. We also expect to increase conversion of our legacy insurance book to HDC and to integrate our multiple digital platforms.
Media & Entertainment. These efforts build our brand and drive network effects that fuel our businesses. We will continue to push forward with our strategy to expand our digital audience and focus on owned and operated events including Concours and Touring events, as well as RADwood and Concours d'Lemons to reach growing and new auto segments.
State Farm Update. Our digital and technology team is nearing completion of the development work and have moved into the testing phase of the project. There are currently over 460,000 eligible policies, and based on recent adoption rates, we are anticipating up to 75% HDC adoption on new insurance policies over time and an average annual revenue per customer of $85-$110. We expect to begin activating State Farm's 19,200 agents to sell classic car policies during the first half of 2023 on a state by state basis.
Hagerty will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results today at 10:00 am Eastern Time. A webcast of the conference call, including the Company's Investor presentation highlighting third quarter and year-to-date 2022 financial results, will be available on Hagerty's investor relations website at investor.hagerty.com. The dial-in for the conference call is (877) 423-9813 (toll-free) or (201) 689-8573 (international). Please dial the number 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
A webcast replay of the call will be available at investor.hagerty.com for 90 days following the call.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements reflect Hagerty's current expectations and projections with respect to its expected future business and financial performance, including, among other things: (i) expected operating results, such as revenue growth and increases in earned premium; (ii) changes in the market for Hagerty's products and services, (iii) Hagerty's plans to expand market share, including planned investments and partnerships; (iv) anticipated business objectives; and (v) the strength of Hagerty's business model. These statements may be preceded by, followed by or include the words "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "goal," "intend," "likely," "outlook," "plan," "potential," "project," "seek," "target," "can," "could," "may," "should," "would," "will," the negatives thereof and other words and terms of similar meaning.
A number of factors could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: (i) Hagerty's ability to compete effectively within its industry and attract and retain members; (ii) its dependence on a limited number of insurance distribution and underwriting carrier partners; (iii) Hagerty's ability to prevent, monitor and detect fraudulent activity, including its reliance on a limited number of payment processing services; (iv) disruptions, interruptions, outages with its technology platforms or third-party services; (v) the limited operating history of some of Hagerty's membership products and the success of any new insurance programs and products; (vi) adverse impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and current and future variants of the virus; (vii) the cyclical nature of the insurance business including through any periods of recession, economic downturn or inflation; (viii) unexpected increases in the frequency or severity of claims; (ix) compliance with the numerous laws and regulations applicable to Hagerty's business, including state, federal and foreign laws relating to insurance and rate increases, privacy, the internet and accounting matters; (x) whether investors or securities analysts view Hagerty's stock structure unfavorably, particularly its dual-class structure; (xi) the fact that Hagerty is a controlled company; and (xii) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in documents filed or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") by Hagerty.
The forward-looking statements herein represent the judgment of Hagerty as of the date of this release and Hagerty disclaims any intent or obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise. This press release should be read in conjunction with the information included in the Company's other press releases, reports and other filings with the SEC. Understanding the information contained in these filings is important in order to fully understand Hagerty's reported financial results and our business outlook for future periods.
Based in Traverse City, Michigan, Hagerty's purpose is to save driving and car culture for future generations and its mission is to build a global business to fund that purpose. Hagerty is an automotive enthusiast brand offering integrated membership products and programs as well as a specialty insurance provider focused on the global automotive enthusiast market. Hagerty is home to Hagerty Marketplace, Broad Arrow Group, Hagerty Drivers Club, Hagerty Drivers Club magazine, Hagerty Drivers Foundation, Hagerty DriveShare, Hagerty Valuation Tools, Hagerty Media, MotorsportReg, Hagerty Garage + Social, The Amelia, the Concours d'Elegance of America, the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, the California Mille, Motorlux and more. For more information on Hagerty, please visit www.hagerty.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
More information can be found at newsroom.hagerty.com.
Hagerty, Inc.
Key Performance Indicators and Certain Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Key Performance Indicators
In addition to the measures presented in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, we use the following key performance indicators and certain non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends in our business against planned initiatives, prepare financial projections and make strategic decisions. We believe these financial and operational measures are useful in evaluating our performance when read together with our financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following tables present these metrics as of and for the periods presented:
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Contribution Margin and Contribution Margin Ratio
We define Contribution Margin as total revenue less operating expenses adding back our fixed operating expenses such as depreciation and amortization, general and administrative costs and shared service salaries and benefits expenses. We define Contribution Margin Ratio as Contribution Margin divided by total revenue.
We present Contribution Margin and Contribution Margin Ratio because we consider them to be important supplemental measures of our performance and believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors for period-to-period comparisons of our business and in understanding and evaluating our operating results.
We caution investors that Contribution Margin and Contribution Margin Ratio are not recognized measures under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, and that Contribution Margin and Contribution Margin Ratio, as we define them, may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. In addition, both Contribution Margin and Contribution Margin Ratio have limitations as analytical tools because they exclude certain significant recurring expenses of our business.
Our management uses Contribution Margin and Contribution Margin Ratio to:
- analyze the relationship between cost, volume and profit as revenue grows;
- measure how much profit is earned for any product or service sold; and
- measure how different management actions could affect the Company's total revenue and related cost levels.
The following table reconciles Contribution Margin and Contribution Margin Ratio to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, which are Operating income (loss) and Operating income (loss) margin (Operating income (loss) divided by Total revenue), respectively:
Adjusted EBITDA
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) (the most directly comparable GAAP measure) before interest, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), adjusted to exclude changes in fair value of warrant liabilities, stock-based compensation expense, gains and losses from asset disposals and certain other non-recurring gains and losses. We present Adjusted EBITDA because we consider it to be an important supplemental measure of our performance and believe it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry.
Our management uses Adjusted EBITDA:
- as a measure of operating performance of our business on a consistent basis, as it removes the impact of items not directly resulting from our core operations;
- for planning purposes, including the preparation of our internal annual operating budget and financial projections;
- to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of our operational strategies;
- to evaluate our capacity to expand our business;
- as a performance factor in measuring performance under our executive compensation plan; and
- as a preferred predictor of core operating performance, comparisons to prior periods and competitive positioning.
By providing this non-GAAP financial measure, together with a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, we believe we are enhancing investors' understanding of our business and our results of operations, as well as assisting investors in evaluating how well we are executing our strategic initiatives. However, Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation, or as an alternative to, or a substitute for net income (loss) or other financial statement data presented in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as indicators of financial performance. Some of these limitations include:
- Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements for capital expenditures, or contractual commitments;
- Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;
- Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt;
- Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our tax expense or the cash requirements to pay our taxes; and
- although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future and such measures does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and
- other companies in our industry may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.
The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, which is Net income (loss):
Net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA include $10.0 million of estimated net losses related to Hurricane Ian. Additionally, we strengthened reserves for U.S. auto liability by $6.5 million for the 2022 accident year. Both of these events adversely impacted the 2022 results compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.
We incurred $6.0 million and $7.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $24.1 million and $23.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, for certain pre-revenue costs related to scaling our infrastructure, newly-developed digital platforms and legacy systems, human resources and occupancy to accommodate our alliance with State Farm and other potential distribution partnerships as well as to further develop our Hagerty Marketplace initiatives. These costs were not included in the Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation above.
Pursuant to a defined set of activities and objectives, these expenses are adding entirely new capabilities for us, integrating our new and legacy policyholder, membership and Hagerty Marketplace systems with State Farm's legacy policy and agent management systems and other third-party platforms. In addition to onboarding a third-party project management system related to these initiatives, we leased a new member service center in Dublin, Ohio and added several hundred new employees as of September 30, 2022 to meet the expected transactional volume from these initiatives. These costs commenced in 2020 and will reduce our operating profitability until we start to produce adequate revenue to cover the ongoing costs, primarily associated with serving State Farm customers.
Adjusted EPS
We define Adjusted Earnings (Loss) Per Share ("Adjusted EPS") as consolidated Net income (loss) attributable to both our controlling and non-controlling interest, less the change in fair value of our warrants and the revaluation gain on previously held equity method investment, divided by our outstanding and total potentially dilutive securities. The total potentially dilutive securities includes (1) the weighted-average issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, (2) all issued and outstanding non-controlling interest Hagerty Group Units, (3) all unexercised warrants and (4) all unvested stock-based compensation awards.
In the third quarter of 2022, we began removing (1) the change in fair value of our warrants and (2) the revaluation gain on previously held equity method investment from consolidated Net income (loss) attributable to both our controlling and non-controlling interest for purposes of calculating Adjusted EPS. While this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q does not include references to prior periods' non-GAAP measures, as revised, our Adjusted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 are $(0.06) and $(0.10), respectively, as compared to $0.07 and $0.10, respectively, under the prior formulation of Adjusted EPS. We believe this updated presentation of Adjusted EPS enhances investors' understanding of our financial performance from activities occurring in the ordinary course of our business.
The most directly comparable GAAP measure is basic earnings per share ("Basic EPS"), which is calculated as Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest divided by the weighted average of Class A Common Stock outstanding during the period.
We present Adjusted EPS because we consider it to be an important supplemental measure of our operating performance and believe it is used by investors and securities analysts in evaluating the consolidated performance of other companies in our industry. We also believe that Adjusted EPS, which compares our consolidated Net income (loss) (which includes our controlling and non-controlling interest) with our outstanding and potentially dilutive shares, provides useful information to investors regarding our performance on a fully consolidated basis.
Our management uses Adjusted EPS:
- as a measure of operating performance of our business on a fully consolidated basis;
- to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of our operational strategies;
- to evaluate our capacity to expand our business; and
- as a preferred predictor of core operating performance, comparisons to prior periods and competitive positioning.
We caution investors that Adjusted EPS is not a recognized measure under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, including Basic EPS, and that Adjusted EPS, as we define it, may be defined or calculated differently by other companies. In addition, Adjusted EPS has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered as a measure of profit or loss per share.
The following table reconciles Adjusted EPS to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, which is Basic EPS:
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SOURCE Hagerty | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/11/10/hagerty-reports-third-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-11-10 13:01:45 | 1 | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/11/10/hagerty-reports-third-quarter-2022-results/ |
DENVER, June 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, June 10, 2023, the University of Denver celebrated the graduation of over 1,150 undergraduate students. For the Class of 2023, this moment may have seemed unimaginable three years earlier as the then-freshmen were confronted with the challenges of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Delivering this year's commencement address was Pat Hamill, chairman and CEO of Oakwood Homes, a Berkshire Hathaway company. He shared with the graduates and their families the importance of philanthropy, the joy of giving and the impact of paying it forward. Hamill gifted to each graduate in attendance $500 and delivered this message:
"Keep it if you really need it. Give it to someone who really needs it if you don't. Or combine it with your friends and do something together. Keep it real and do something that matters for someone who needs it," Hamill said.
Hamill has been a longtime supporter and philanthropist in the Denver community by donating both his time and resources to the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver and the Early Childhood Commission. In 1997 he launched BuildStrong Education, an Oakwood Homes Foundation, with a focus on educational programs and initiatives. BuildStrong has invested millions of dollars since its inception. Hamill is also the founder of the STEAD School and the Colorado Homebuilding Academy.
University of Denver Chancellor Jeremy Haefner thanked Hamill for his generous gift and reinforced the message to the graduates.
"I hope your minds are spinning on what good each of you can do to "pay it forward"—in ways big and small—that improve communities," Haefner said. "Each act toward serving the public good compounding on itself, gaining momentum and changing lives. And it can all start today."
Video of the surprise gift announcement is on the University of Denver YouTube page.
About the University of Denver:
Founded in 1864, the University of Denver is a private university that empowers students who want to make a difference. Recognized as one of the top research universities in the country, DU has more than 300 academic programs serving about 12,000 graduate and undergraduate students. DU students benefit from an experience that channels passion to serve the public good. Visit the University's Newsroom or follow the University on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
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SOURCE University of Denver | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/06/10/university-denver-graduates-receive-surprise-500-gift-commencement-ceremony/ | 2023-06-10 23:25:10 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/06/10/university-denver-graduates-receive-surprise-500-gift-commencement-ceremony/ |
JERUSALEM (AP) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies on Thursday denounced protesters as “anarchists” after they massed outside a Tel Aviv salon where his wife was getting her hair done — a chaotic end to a day of demonstrations against the government’s plan to overhaul the judiciary.
Sara Netanyahu has long been a polarizing figure in Israel, and the incident late Wednesday in a posh neighborhood in Tel Aviv reflected Israel’s emotionally charged divide over the overhaul, seen by opponents as an existential threat to the country. Demonstrators outside the salon chanted, “shame, shame” — but did not try to force their way inside. Hundreds of police were sent to the scene and eventually escorted her into a limousine.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu and his political partners showed no signs of easing up on a push to pass a series of bills to overhaul Israel’s judiciary. These moves have further inflamed an already deeply riven country and drawn the largest protests in over a decade.
Protest organizers planned more demonstrations Thursday, a day after their self-proclaimed “day of disruption” turned violent when police used a heavy hand against participants at a Tel Aviv rally.
Thursday’s demonstrations in Jerusalem are expected to include speeches by former government ministers and senior security officials. Former top economists, including two former Bank of Israel heads and a Nobel Prize laureate, were set to speak at a conference in Tel Aviv about the economic fallout from the overhaul.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin, one of the architects of the judicial overhaul, said Wednesday night that despite the mounting public outcry, Netanyahu’s government “will not stop the legislation.”
The proposed bills would give politicians and parliament control over judicial appointments, the power to overrule the Supreme Court and the ability to pass laws impervious to judicial review.
Critics of the plan include a growing number of former military brass, academics, economists and business leaders. They say the changes will erode the country’s delicate system of checks and balances and erode democratic institutions. Netanyahu and his ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox allies say the changes are necessary to rein in the power of unelected judges.
The battle over the judiciary overhaul comes as Netanyahu’s trial for charges of accepting bribes, fraud and breach of trust drags on. The longtime leader has dismissed the charges against him as part of a “witch hunt” by a biased law-enforcement, judiciary and press.
On Wednesday, tens of thousands of Israelis took part in demonstrations across the country against what they saw as an attempt by Netanyahu’s new government to weaken the Supreme Court and concentrate power in the hands of the ruling coalition.
Protesters blocked highways and major intersections in Tel Aviv and massed outside the prime minister’s official residence in Jerusalem. For the first time since protests began two months ago, the scene on the streets turned violent after Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a hardline nationalist settler, ordered police to take tougher action against demonstrators he claimed were “anarchists.” At least 11 people were hospitalized and police arrested dozens.
Wednesday’s events reached a crescendo outside a ritzy north Tel Aviv salon where the prime minister’s wife was getting her hair done.
Moshe Butbul, a hair stylist from the salon, told the Israeli news site Ynet that another client posted a selfie with Sara Netanyahu. He claimed that “within minutes thousands arrived,” though the actual number of protesters may have been smaller, judging by videos posted online.
Reporters at the scene said the crowd kept its distance and did not attempt to break into the salon. Ben-Gvir then dispatched large numbers of security forces to the salon, saying on Twitter that he had ordered police to “save her life” from the demonstrators “besieging” the salon.
Hundreds of police officers, including mounted police, broke a path through the demonstration to let an SUV approach. Protected by a phalanx of police, Sara Netanyahu was escorted out of the salon and into the vehicle, which drove off under heavy police escort.
“The anarchy has to stop,” Netanyahu said in a Facebook post accompanied by a picture of him embracing his wife. “This can lead to the loss of life.”
Netanyahu’s allies came to Sara Netanyahu’s defense Thursday morning.
Galit Distel Atbaryan, Israel’s public diplomacy minister, called the incident “three hours of terror in which one woman was besieged by an incited mob.” Another Likud lawmaker wrote on Twitter that the prime minister’s wife “was rescued from a lynch” by a mob of “anarchists.”
Yair Golan, a former general and one-time Meretz party lawmaker, told Kan radio that “with all due respect, Sara Netanyahu is a political figure.”
Referring to what critics consider her outsized political influence in the prime minister’s office, Golan alleged that “she is involved in decision making on a national level and approves senior appointments left and right.”
The Netanyahus have been criticized for being out of touch with regular Israelis and living a lavish lifestyle at taxpayer expense. Last week, an Israeli parliamentary committee approved new funding for Netanyahu and his family. | https://www.fox16.com/news/world-news/ap-international/ap-netanyahu-denounces-protesters-after-salon-siege-of-his-wife/ | 2023-03-03 00:04:44 | 0 | https://www.fox16.com/news/world-news/ap-international/ap-netanyahu-denounces-protesters-after-salon-siege-of-his-wife/ |
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OCEAN CITY, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey utility regulators used a controversial law Friday enabling them to bypass local authorities and grant approvals needed for an offshore wind project to proceed.
The state Board of Public Utilities granted Orsted, the Danish wind energy developer, approvals toward several easements and permits that authorities in Cape May County had refused to grant the company.
They used an amendment to New Jersey’s offshore wind law passed in 2021 and signed into law by Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy removing most local control over where offshore wind projects come ashore. The law enables an offshore wind developer to apply to the utilities board for an order superseding local control over such projects.
“I just want to assure the public that we don’t take these kinds of actions lightly,” said Joseph Fiordaliso, the board’s president. “There has to be a definite public need for the board to even consider this kind of action. This is something that the majority of us believes will benefit the citizens of New Jersey.”
Fiordaliso said the route of the proposed transmission line will not harm Ocean City or Cape May County aesthetically or economically. The power cable will run from wind turbines that the company says will be located 15 miles offshore and come ashore in Ocean City, where it will run underground along existing roadways and connect to the electrical grid at the site of the former B.L. England power plant in Upper Township.
The vote marked the second time the board acted under the amended law to grant approvals to Orsted when local officials had refused to do so. In September 2022, the board granted the company an order superseding the authority of Ocean City in granting numerous wetlands and other environmental approvals for the same project.
Commissioner Dianne Solomon voted against the measure Friday, calling it “clearly a contentious matter,” adding she believes the board erred in overriding Ocean City’s authority in September.
“We should be seeking more information, not less,” she said.
In its petition to the board, Ocean Wind said it had tried numerous times to obtain approvals directly from Cape May County officials.
“After all the discussions, meetings, and letters exchanged by Ocean Wind and Cape May County, there has been no indication that the county will voluntarily provide Ocean Wind with any of the necessary approvals or consents for environmental permitting, or the required easements,” the applicants wrote.
The project, one of three approved so far for the waters off southern New Jersey, still needs numerous additional state and federal approvals.
The law angered many Jersey Shore communities and residents who objected to their leverage over offshore wind projects being taken away. But state lawmakers defended the law as necessary to ensure that such projects can be completed and help New Jersey move away from the burning of fossil fuels to generate energy.
Cape May County officials said they are reviewing the ruling.
Orsted’s head of government affairs and market strategy in New Jersey, Maddy Urbish, said in an emailed statement that the Board of Public Utilities’ decision allows the project to take another step forward.
Using the petition process to seek that decision “does not limit our continued conversations with Cape May County, and we remain committed to that community partnership while providing both environmental and economic benefits to its residents,” Urbish said.
The most commonly voiced objections from opponents include the unknown effect hundreds or even thousands of wind turbines might have on the ocean, fears of higher electric bills as costs are passed on to consumers, and a sense that the entire undertaking is being rushed through with little understanding of what the consequences might be.
Recently, offshore wind opponents have seized on the deaths of 10 whales that have washed ashore in New Jersey and New York since December to demand investigations into whether ocean floor preparation work for offshore wind projects caused the animals’ deaths. The most recent death came Friday in New York’s Rockaway Beach.
Two Republican Congressmen from New Jersey said Friday they are introducing legislation to pause work on all current offshore wind projects, prohibit future ones, and investigate the environmental approval process for such projects.
But the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said last month there is no evidence that offshore wind projects have had anything to do with the whale deaths.
“I want to be unambiguous: There is no information supporting that any of the equipment used in support of offshore wind development could directly lead to the death of a whale,” Benjamin Laws, deputy chief for permits and conservation with NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources, said during a Jan. 18 media briefing. “There are no known connections between any offshore wind activities and any whale strandings.”
___
Follow Wayne Parry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC | https://www.fox16.com/news/business/ap-nj-uses-new-law-to-bypass-local-ok-for-offshore-wind-project/ | 2023-02-18 16:57:23 | 1 | https://www.fox16.com/news/business/ap-nj-uses-new-law-to-bypass-local-ok-for-offshore-wind-project/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — Officials are investigating a close call at a New York airport Friday night between a plane that was crossing a runway and another that was preparing for takeoff.
“(Expletive)! Delta 1943, cancel takeoff clearance! Delta 1943, cancel takeoff clearance!” an air controller said in an audio recording of Air Traffic Control communications when he noticed the other plane, operated by American Airlines, crossing in front. The recording was made by LiveATC, a website that monitors and posts flight communications.
Delta Air Lines’ departing Boeing 737 plane then came to a “safe stop” on the John F. Kennedy International Airport runway as the other crossed in front, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.
“I think the controller made a good call to reject the takeoff,” said John Cox, a retired pilot and professor of aviation safety at the University of Southern California.
He said the rejected takeoff safety maneuver, which is when pilots stop the aircraft and discontinue the takeoff, is one they are “very, very familiar with.”
“Pilots practice rejected takeoff almost every time they get to the simulator,” he said.
The Delta plane stopped about 1,000 feet (about 0.3 kilometers) from where the American Airlines plane had crossed from an adjacent taxiway, according to the FAA statement.
The agency said Saturday that it will investigate the incident, which happened around 8:45 p.m.
The National Transportation Safety Board also said it was looking into the close call.
“They’ll go back and listen to every transmission between the American jet and air traffic control to see who misunderstood what,” Cox said. | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/cancel-takeoff-clearance-faa-investigating-close-call-between-two-planes-at-ny-airport/ | 2023-01-15 22:22:07 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/cancel-takeoff-clearance-faa-investigating-close-call-between-two-planes-at-ny-airport/ |
After a successful implementation in New York, the Japanese banking giant continues its phased roll-out of Oracle's banking solutions
TOKYO and AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mizuho Bank, Ltd., the integrated retail and corporate banking unit of Mizuho Financial Group and one of Japan's largest financial services institutions, is modernizing its legacy banking system for international operations with Oracle. Over the coming years, Mizuho will implement Oracle's banking solutions to support critical functions, including direct deposit accounts and liquidity management, at its operations in major overseas offices. The roll-out began with the successful replacement of Mizuho's legacy banking system at its New York offices.
"When considering replacing our legacy banking system, we sought a partner with proven solutions and expertise in our market, to help us deliver greater value, faster," said Takafumi Kawamura, General Manager of IT & Systems Control Department No2, Mizuho Bank. "We knew Oracle could deliver the security, scalability, and resilience required. Its functionally rich offering will enable us to quickly adapt to changes in the market and capitalize on new opportunities now and into the future."
Oracle's solutions are allowing Mizuho to enjoy the benefits of real-time processing support, a high level of STP for deposit operations and cash management services, and integrated postings between branches and subsidiaries for core banking operations.
"Mizuho prides itself on building lasting customer relationships by leveraging its global reach to act faster, see further, and adapt better in every decision, every day," said Sonny Singh, executive vice president and general manager of Oracle Financial Services. "We have long been recognized for our ability to help the world's largest banks standardize on a modern set of technologies to significantly improve how business gets done across multiple geographies. With Oracle, Mizuho can deliver on its customer-centric mission by gaining agility, flexibility, and speed across the systems that matter most. With this Oracle foundation, the bank will be able to continue to evolve its products and services to best meet the needs of both its customers and stakeholders around the globe."
In addition to its use of Oracle FLEXCUBE and Oracle Banking Liquidity Management, Mizuho Bank also recently went live on Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) to support financial processes in its NY accounting department. The bank will expand the deployment to include the bank's operations in Singapore and additional global business centers.
Learn more about Oracle Financial Services at: www.oracle.com/financial-services
Oracle Financial Services
Oracle Financial Services provides solutions for retail banking, corporate banking, payments, asset management, life insurance, annuities, and healthcare payers. With our comprehensive set of integrated digital and data platforms, banks and insurers are empowered to deliver next generation financial services. We enable customer-centric transformation, support collaborative innovation and drive efficiency. Our data and analytical platforms help financial institutions drive customer insight, integrate risk and finance, fight financial crime, and comply with regulations. To learn more visit our website at https://www.oracle.com /financial-services.
About Oracle
Oracle offers integrated suites of applications plus secure, autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at www.oracle.com.
Trademarks
Oracle, Java, and MySQL are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation.
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SOURCE Oracle | https://www.wbtv.com/prnewswire/2023/02/02/mizuho-bank-modernizes-core-banking-operations-with-oracle/ | 2023-02-02 13:33:10 | 1 | https://www.wbtv.com/prnewswire/2023/02/02/mizuho-bank-modernizes-core-banking-operations-with-oracle/ |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Tropicana Field was lit up Thursday in rainbow colors for the first day of Pride Month.
The team shared an image of the lights on Twitter.
“Because baseball is for everyone,” the tweet reads.
St. Petersburg’s Pride month events culminate in the St. Pete Pride Parade and Festival on June 24, one of the largest Pride events in the South.
This year’s Pride month comes amid a controversial Florida legislative session, where lawmakers passed several anti-LGBTQ bills. These include legislation that curtails access to gender-affirming medical care, restricts the use of public restrooms, and expands what critics call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. | https://www.wfla.com/news/pinellas-county/tropicana-field-lights-up-rainbow-for-pride-month/ | 2023-06-02 17:23:31 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/news/pinellas-county/tropicana-field-lights-up-rainbow-for-pride-month/ |
DOVER, Del. – Attorneys for the U.S. bankruptcy trustee in Delaware and several major media outlets are challenging an effort by cryptocurrency exchange FTX to withhold names of the company’s customers and creditors from the public.
At a brief hearing Friday, the judge presiding over the FTX bankruptcy granted a motion by media outlets to intervene for the purpose of objecting to the sealing of creditor information.
A separate objection by the U.S. trustee, the government watchdog that oversees Chapter 11 reorganizations, also was on the agenda for Friday’s hearing but was postponed by Judge John Dorsey until Jan. 11, when he likely will also hear arguments from the media.
In a court filing earlier this week, an attorney for Delaware’s acting U.S. trustee noted that “disclosure is a basic premise of bankruptcy law.”
“The debtors simply cannot seek bankruptcy protection and then do business behind a shield of secrecy” Juliet Sarkessian wrote.
Sarkessian warned that allowing FTX to shield creditor lists and financial schedules would be a “slippery slope” and create an unfavorable precedent for bankruptcies in which creditors are also customers.
Last month, Dorsey temporarily granted a request by FTX to redact the names and addresses of clients and creditors from court filings, even though such information is typically public. The judge did direct FTX to file an unredacted creditor matrix under seal with the court, but the company has yet to do so.
Lawyers for FTX have argued that its customer list is both a valuable asset and confidential commercial information. They contend that secrecy is needed to protect FTX accounts from potential theft and to ensure that potential competitors do not “poach” FTX customers.
FTX also has sought to withhold the names and addresses of non-customer individual creditors who are citizens of the United Kingdom or European Union nations, citing a consumer protection program known as the General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR.
“Debtors have been accused of lack of transparency in their business. That mindset appears to have carried over to this bankruptcy,” wrote attorney David Finger, who is representing Bloomberg L.P., Dow Jones & Co., The New York Times and the Financial Times. The media companies argue that FTX is trying to hide information “that historically has been quintessentially public in nature.”
The trustee and media companies argue that FTX’s statements in favor of secrecy are conclusory, and that company has failed to overcome the presumption of public access to court records.
While the trustee and media companies have not objected to the withholding of addresses and contact information for customers and creditors who are individuals, they argue that the names must be revealed. They reject arguments that FTX is prohibited from releasing certain information under the GDPR, saying it does not supersede U.S. bankruptcy law.
“The court should not treat foreign citizens differently than the United States citizens implicated in this case,” Finger wrote in a court filing last week.
Sarkessian, meanwhile, noted that FTX has not explained how it would determine which customers are citizens of the EU or the UK, given that the only contact information for some is an email address.
In other bankruptcy developments, an official committee of unsecured creditors was appointed by the U.S. trustee this week. The committee includes units of crypto lending platform Genesis and crypto market maker Wintermute.
Also Thursday, FTX attorneys sought court permission to sell two affiliated debtor holding companies, FTX Japan Holdings and FTX Europe AG, and two non-debtor businesses, Embed Financial Technologies Inc., and LedgerX LLC.
FTX says each of the recently acquired businesses has experienced “significant customer and employee attrition pressures,” and that selling them could allow them to continue or restart operations, while maximizing the value of the bankruptcy estate. | https://www.clickorlando.com/business/2022/12/16/us-trustee-media-challenging-secrecy-in-ftx-bankruptcy/ | 2022-12-16 18:47:42 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/business/2022/12/16/us-trustee-media-challenging-secrecy-in-ftx-bankruptcy/ |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — John Thorrington confirmed Sunday that Gareth Bale is joining Los Angeles FC. The timing of when that will happen remains a bit unsettled.
Thorrington, LAFC’s co-president and general manager, said after Sunday’s match against the New York Red Bulls he is hopeful Bale can arrive stateside in the next week to 10 days once all the immigration paperwork is completed.
Bale will be eligible to make his LAFC debut after the secondary transfer window opens July 7. The club’s first match after the window opens is against archrival LA Galaxy on July 8.
Thorrington left open the possibility of Bale making his debut in the rivalry game commonly known as El Trafico, but that they want to assess his fitness and match readiness first.
“With our sport science team and coaches understanding how to manage a player, like Gareth, who, whether you call them a thoroughbred racehorse or Ferrari, whatever your analogy is, they do need extra attention and, care and management in order to put them in a position to succeed,” Thorrington said. “That is certainly our intention here, and we’re confident that we will be able to do that.”
While most people are wondering if Bale’s arrival in Major League Soccer is primarily to help him prepare to lead Wales in the World Cup later this year, Thorrington sees Bale’s addition as another piece to help LAFC win its first MLS Cup.
LAFC has been one of MLS’ top clubs since starting play in 2018. It won the Supporters Shield as the league’s top team in the regular-season in 2019, but has not had postseason success. It missed the playoffs for the first time last year.
With Sunday’s 2-0 win over the Red Bulls, LAFC is 10-3-3 and leads the league with 33 points.
The regular season ends Oct. 9, with the MLS Cup Final scheduled for Nov. 5. Wales’ first World Cup game in Qatar is Nov. 21 against the United States.
“The benefit of him joining a group like we already have is we’ll play him as much as we can. We expect him to be a top, top player for us and in this league, but we will do so sensibly,” Thorrington said. “I think when Gareth is looking at what he needs to do, his priority will be at LAFC. But we’re not naïve to the fact that he like some other players of ours have a World Cup on the horizon. How we manage his preparation ahead of that will be important to Gareth and for the success of LAFC.”
Bale’s contract with Real Madrid expires at the end of the month. He scored 106 goals in 258 appearances for Real Madrid, which won five Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns during his nine-year tenure.
Bale isn’t the only addition for LAFC. Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini is likely to be the first to arrive after agreeing to a contract a couple weeks ago. Chiellini played 17 seasons at Juventus and also played internationally for Italy, which did not qualify for the World Cup.
Thorrington also confirmed that former MLS MVP Carlos Vela has agreed to an extension. The Mexican striker’s deal was supposed to expire after Wednesday’s match against FC Dallas. Vela has six goals this season.
“I think somatically it speaks to the interest of these players who still have a lot to give to a club,” Thorrington said. “This is a unique opportunity for a player like them at this stage in their career to do something a little bit different. But their priority is to come to win.”
___
More AP MLS: https://apnews.com/hub/major-league-soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/lafc-hopeful-bale-can-join-club-within-a-couple-weeks/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all | 2022-06-27 01:54:30 | 1 | https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/lafc-hopeful-bale-can-join-club-within-a-couple-weeks/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all |
This Groundbreaking Documentary Offers Viewers a Unique Opportunity to Experience the Ins and Outs of the Prison System and of a Project Within the Prison Walls That Has Helped Many Lives
NEW YORK, July 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Living Faith Network (LFN) on July 16 launched UNIVERSAL BEYOND BARS, a documentary comprising five chapters that transports viewers into the US prison system, into the mindset of a person with criminal behavior, and the opportunity to experience jaw-dropping stories of inmates and ex-offenders who experienced not only crime and confinement but also the power of love, faith, and redemption.
UNIVERSAL BEYOND BARS will bring awareness to a trailblazing project, the Universal Beyond Bars Group (UBB), which since its beginnings in 2017, has positively impacted the lives of inmates through courses and continuous spiritual and emotional support. The results are seen and felt and have dismantled general misconceptions about inmates and ex-offenders. UBB originated from and receives full support from The Universal Church, a worldwide ministry active in over 180 countries.
UNIVERSAL BEYOND BARS introduces viewers to the team of UBB Volunteers dedicated to providing emotional support, unconditional acceptance, and spiritual guidance to prison inmates tormented by their past, unsure of the future, and searching for peace.
UNIVERSAL BEYOND BARS has five episodes, each 45 minutes long:
Episode 1: "What Makes a Criminal" – Sunday, July 16th
Episode 2: "Patrick Russo's Case" – Sunday, July 23rd
Episode 3: "Life in Prison" – Sunday, July 30th
Episode 4: "Drugs: A Shortcut to Prison" – Sunday, August 6th
Episode 5: "The Path to Redemption" – Sunday, August 13th
Debuting Sunday, July 16th at 7 PM CT / 8 PM ET, on LFN the first chapter of UNIVERSAL BEYOND BARS, "What Makes a Criminal," explains crime and our society's various forms of punishment. It sheds light on the functioning of the US prison system and the different types of facilities. It will feature insights from psychologists about criminal behavior and the human mind, and it will conclude by introducing Patrick Russo, a convict charged with capital murder, whose exclusive interview will be revealed in the upcoming chapter.
UNIVERSAL BEYOND BARS is available on over-the-air TV channels across the USA. Residents of NYC can tune-in on Channel 42.2, residents of Chicago, IL, on Channel 24.2, and residents of Philadelphia, PA, on Channel 8.3. For a list of more channels, please visit ulfn.org/listings.
ABOUT UBB: The Universal Beyond Bars Group (UBB) is one of the many outreach projects supported by The Universal Church (TUC). The UBB project was introduced to USA prisons in 2017 following proven success in other countries. It is established in 12 US states and is active in over 50 countries around the globe. It aims to help correctional facilities and prison staff promote positive change in offender behavior, reintegrating offenders into society and reducing recidivism rates. UBB's mission is to address the underlying factors that lead people to crime in the first place.
Website: universalbeyondbars.org
Instagram: @ubb_usa
Facebook: @universalbeyondbars Email: ubb@universal.org
ABOUT LFN: The LFN was launched on February 4th, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to positively impact the lives of its viewers by providing wholesome entertainment, inspiring storytelling, and motivational content that promotes communication, respect, community, and awareness. Today with over 15 channels across the USA and expanding to Canada and the Caribbean Islands, LFN was entirely founded with the help of donations from everyday community members who cherish the Gospels and the message of love, faith, and hope it shares.
Website: ulfn.org
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Vimeo: @unilivingfaith
ABOUT THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH: The Universal Church was established over four decades ago in Brazil to express faith in the living God. As a Bible-based church, it aims to reveal the power of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that can transform and save lives. It celebrated its 46th anniversary on July 9th, 2023. Today, it is active in over 140 countries and has over 360 locations in the USA open daily. The Universal Church is a worldwide ministry that holds deep love and respect for people from different cultures and backgrounds, promoting respect, understanding, faith, and love through spiritual counseling, prayer, and outreach projects. Only in the first semester of 2023, the 17 social programs sponsored by The Universal Church have benefited 5.4 million people in the countries where the ministry is involved in the community.
Website: universalchurchusa.org
Instagram and Facebook: @theuniversalchurch
YouTube: @TheUniversalChurchUSA
MEDIA CONTACT
Name: Bobby Hall
Email: bobbyhall@ripleymedia.co
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SOURCE Living Faith Network | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2023/07/17/universal-beyond-bars-prison-life-documentary-extraordinary-series-launched-lfn/ | 2023-07-17 12:00:05 | 1 | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2023/07/17/universal-beyond-bars-prison-life-documentary-extraordinary-series-launched-lfn/ |
IDEMIA, the global leader in identity technologies, has once again proven its leadership, offering the most accurate algorithms on both fingerprint and palm datasets in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)'s latest Evaluation of Latent Fingerprint Technologies (ELFT) complementary tests.
RESTON, Va., June 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NIST ELFT is the world reference benchmark for latent fingerprint and palm print identification. The benchmarked technology is used to identify latent fingerprints and latent palm prints found on crime scenes. Initial tests, carried out in October, showed that IDEMIA's algorithms are the best to deliver accurate performance for fingerprint and palm print datasets.
The original tests evaluated the ability to match fingerprints using latent images, with or without forensic expert features such as minutiae¹. Complementary tests show the results using expert features only. They confirm that IDEMIA's technology is the most effective and reliable for both fingerprint image-based and feature-based matches.
While crime scene latent fingerprint features are the most challenging as they are often incomplete or poor quality, IDEMIA confirms its significant outperformance in these tests, with 2 to 5 times less errors than the competitive algorithms, on most of the datasets. This cements IDEMIA as the leader in fingerprint technology while amplifying its fingerprint recognition expertise, even for the hardest fingerprints, and its world-class fingerprint technology research.
"We are particularly proud of the results of these complementary tests. They illustrate IDEMIA's ability to be consistently a leader offering the most accurate algorithms on both fingerprint and palm datasets. This is in line with our long-standing and ongoing pledge to provide law enforcement agencies with the very best systems on the market in their critical mission", said Jean-Christophe Fondeur, IDEMIA Chief Technology Officer.
IDEMIA is truly committed to the highest level of technology to provide fast, accurate, and fair solutions. These ELFT results come on the heels of other high-ranking NIST benchmarks already achieved recently, further demonstrating IDEMIA's technology leadership. The following awards speak to IDEMIA's innovation and best-in-class solutions in security and public safety.
- FINGERPRINT: #1 in mFIT Challenge
- FINGERPRINT: #1 on most of the data sets in the latest PFT III benchmark (Proprietary Fingerprint Template) for our AFIS-class algorithms
- FACE: #1 in Fairness the latest NIST Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT).
IDEMIA is proud to be the leader across all biometric technologies and to integrate these top technologies into its products and solutions.
¹ Refers to specific plot points on a fingerprint that includes characteristics such as ridge bifurcation or ridge ending.
About IDEMIA
As the leader in identity technologies, IDEMIA is on a mission to unlock the world and make it safer. Backed by cutting-edge R&D, IDEMIA provides unique technologies, underpinned by long-standing expertise in biometrics, cryptography, data analytics, systems and smart devices.
IDEMIA offers its public and private customers payment, connectivity, access control, travel, identity and public security solutions. Every day, around the world, IDEMIA secures billions of interactions in the physical and digital worlds. With nearly 15,000 employees, IDEMIA is trusted by over 600 governmental organizations and more than 2,300 enterprises spread over 180 countries, with an impactful, ethical and socially responsible approach. For more information, visit www.idemia.com and follow @IDEMIAGroup on Twitter.
For more information, visit www.idemia.com and follow @IDEMIAGroup on Twitter.
Media contacts:
Genevieve de Vera
IDEMIA
(978) 808-7047
genevieve.devera@us.idemia.com
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SOURCE IDEMIA | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2023/06/08/idemia-confirms-its-leadership-latest-nist-latent-fingerprint-benchmark-forensic-application-all-test-categories/ | 2023-06-08 19:13:49 | 1 | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2023/06/08/idemia-confirms-its-leadership-latest-nist-latent-fingerprint-benchmark-forensic-application-all-test-categories/ |
WASHINGTON – When Esmita Spudes Bidari was a young girl in Nepal, she dreamed of being in the military, but that wasn't a real option in her country.
Last week, she raised her right hand and took the oath to join the U.S. Army Reserves, thanks in part to a recruiter in Dallas who also is Nepalese and reached out to her through an online group.
Bidari, who heads to basic training in August, is just the latest in a growing number of legal migrants enlisting in the U.S. military as it more aggressively seeks out immigrants, offering a fast track to citizenship to those who sign up.
Struggling to overcome recruiting shortfalls, the Army and the Air Force have bolstered their marketing to entice legal residents to enlist, putting out pamphlets, working social media and broadening their outreach, particularly in inner cities. One key element is the use of recruiters with similar backgrounds to these potential recruits.
“It is one thing to hear about the military from locals here, but it is something else when it's from your fellow brother, from the country you’re from,” said Bidari, who was contacted by Army Staff Sgt. Kalden Lama, the Dallas recruiter, on a Facebook group that helps Nepalese people in America connect with one another. “That brother was in the group and he was recruiting and he told me about the military.”
The military has had success in recruiting legal immigrants, particularly among those seeking a job, education benefits and training as well as a quick route to becoming an American citizen. But they also require additional security screening and more help filling out forms, particularly those who are less proficient in English.
Both the Army and the Air Force say they will not meet their recruiting goals this year, and the Navy also expects to fall short. Pulling more from the legal immigrant population may not provide large numbers, but any small boosts will help. The Marine Corp is the only service on pace to meet its goal.
The shortfalls have led to a wide range of new recruiting programs, ad campaigns and other incentives to help the services compete with often higher-paying, less risky jobs in the private sector. Defense leaders say young people are less familiar with the military, are drawn more to corporate jobs that provide similar education and other benefits, and want to avoid the risk of injury and death that service in defense of the United States could bring. In addition, they say that little more than 20% meet the physical, mental and character requirements to join.
“We have large populations of legal U.S. residents who are exceptionally patriotic, they’re exceptionally grateful for the opportunities that this country has provided,” said Air Force Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas, head of the service’s recruiting command.
The biggest challenges have been identifying geographic pockets of immigrant populations, finding ways to reach them and helping any of those interested navigate the complex military recruiting applications and procedures.
Last October, the Army reestablished a program for legal permanent residents to apply for accelerated naturalization once they get to basic training. Recruiters began to reach out on social media, using short videos in various languages to target the top 10 countries that recruits had come from during the previous year.
The Air Force effort began this year, and the first group of 14 graduated from basic training and were sworn in as new citizens in April. They included recruits from Cameroon, Jamaica, Kenya, the Philippines, Russia and South Africa. As of mid-May there were about 100 in basic training who had begun the citizenship process and about 40 who had completed it.
Thomas said the program required changes to Air Force policy, coordination with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and a careful screening process to ensure there are no security risks.
“We have to take exceptional measures to be able to thoroughly vet and go through the security clearance investigation,” he said, adding that in many cases the immigrants are not immediately put in jobs that require top secret clearance.
Under the new program, recruits are quickly enrolled in the citizenship system and when they start basic training, an expedited process kicks off, including all required paperwork and testing. By the time Air Force recruits finish their seven weeks of training, the process is complete and they are sworn in as American citizens.
The first group of 14 included several who are seeking various medical jobs, while another wants to be an air transportation specialist. Thomas said Airman 1st Class Natalia Laziuk, 31, emigrated from Russia nine years ago, has dreamed of being a U.S. citizen since she was 11, and learned about the military by watching American movies and television.
“Talking to this young airman, she essentially said, ‘I just wanted to be useful to my country,’” he said. “And that’s a story that we see played over and over and over again. I’ve talked to a number of these folks around the country. They’re hungry to serve."
For Bidari, who arrived in the U.S. in 2016 to attend college, the fast track to citizenship was important because it will make it easier for her to travel and bring her parents to the United States to visit. Speaking in a call from Chicago just a day after she was sworn in, she said she enlisted for six years and hopes that her future citizenship will help her become an officer.
In Chicago earlier this year, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth heard from a number of recruiters about the increased outreach to immigrant communities and how it helped them meet their numbers. In the 2022 budget year, they said, the Chicago recruiting battalion enlisted 70 legal permanent residents and already this year they have enlisted 62.
More broadly across the Army, close to 2,900 enlisted during the first half of this budget year, compared with about 2,200 during the same period the previous year. The largest numbers are from Jamaica, with 384, followed by Mexico, the Philippines and Haiti, but many are from Nepal, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Colombia and the Dominican Republic.
“As a little girl, looking at the soldiers, I always had admiration for them,” said Bidari, recalling British troops in Nepal. “Yesterday, when I was able to take that oath ... I don't think I have words to really explain how I was feeling. When they said, ‘Welcome future soldier,’ I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, this is happening.’” | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/politics/2023/06/11/join-the-military-become-a-us-citizen-uncle-sam-wants-you-and-vous-and-tu/ | 2023-06-11 11:48:05 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/politics/2023/06/11/join-the-military-become-a-us-citizen-uncle-sam-wants-you-and-vous-and-tu/ |
Milliman 100 PFI plans experience 78 basis-point monthly increase
SEATTLE, May 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, today released the results of its latest Milliman 100 Pension Funding Index (PFI), which analyzes the 100 largest U.S. corporate pension plans.
As of April 30, the funded status for these plans improved by $48 billion, despite a monthly investment loss of 4.66%. A 78 basis-point increase in discount rates – from 3.62% to 4.30% during April – drove the improvement. This is the highest the PFI monthly discount rate has been since November 2018.
The Milliman 100 PFI projected benefit obligation (PBO) decreased by $133 billion during April, but this improvement was offset by an $85 billion drop in the market value of assets. As of April 30, the funded ratio shot upward to 106.7%, from 103.2% at the end of March, while the funded status surplus increased to $99 billion.
"Despite the value of assets dropping by over 4% for the month, rising interest rates continue to propel pension funding higher," said Zorast Wadia, co-author of the PFI. "The last time the funding surplus was this close to $100 billion was in 2007, prior to the Great Recession."
Looking forward, under an optimistic forecast with rising interest rates (reaching 4.70% by the end of 2022 and 5.30% by the end of 2023) and asset gains (9.9% annual returns), the funded ratio would climb to 116% by the end of 2022 and 132% by the end of 2023. Under a pessimistic forecast (3.90% discount rate at the end of 2022 and 3.30% by the end of 2023 and 1.9% annual returns), the funded ratio would decline to 100% by the end of 2022 and 91% by the end of 2023.
To view the complete Pension Funding Index, go to www.milliman.com/pfi. To see Milliman's full range of annual Pension Funding Studies, go to https://www.milliman.com/en/retirement-and-benefits/pension-funding-studies. To receive regular updates of Milliman's pension funding analysis, contact us at pensionfunding@milliman.com.
About Milliman
Milliman is among the world's largest providers of actuarial and related products and services. The firm has consulting practices in healthcare, property & casualty insurance, life insurance and financial services, and employee benefits. Founded in 1947, Milliman is an independent firm with offices in major cities around the globe. For further information, visit milliman.com.
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SOURCE Milliman, Inc. | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2022/05/09/milliman-analysis-corporate-pension-funded-ratio-climbs-1067-april/ | 2022-05-09 18:52:33 | 1 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2022/05/09/milliman-analysis-corporate-pension-funded-ratio-climbs-1067-april/ |
WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Sunday, September 4, 2022
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SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
444 PM CDT Sun Sep 4 2022
...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHWESTERN KAUFMAN...
NORTHEASTERN JOHNSON AND ELLIS COUNTIES WILL EXPIRE AT 445 PM CDT...
The storms which prompted the warning have weakened below severe
limits, and have exited the warned area. Therefore the warning will
be allowed to expire. However gusty winds are still possible with
these thunderstorms.
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Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.seattlepi.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17419228.php | 2022-09-04 22:03:00 | 0 | https://www.seattlepi.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17419228.php |
The NFL season just wrapped with Sunday's Super Bowl LVII in Arizona, and while the weather didn't come into play with the game played in a domed stadium, our guest this week talks about what it's like covering sporting events and the challenges of weather.
Kris Budden is a reporter for ESPN and covered San Diego Padres games before moving to her current role covering college football and basketball. She shares several stories, including the problems that rain brings for teams and broadcasters, how lightning factors into coverage, and some travel challenges getting to and from games.
The meteorologists also share their most memorable weather stories from sporting events they attended. This episode was recorded three days before the Super Bowl, so the team wraps things up by sharing their predictions. You as listeners can now hear how well those have aged...
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Sneak preview
About the Across the Sky podcast
The weekly weather podcast is hosted on a rotation by the Lee Weather team:
Matt Holiner of Lee Enterprises' Midwest group in Chicago, Kirsten Lang of the Tulsa World in Oklahoma, Joe Martucci of the Press of Atlantic City, N.J., and Sean Sublette of the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Virginia. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/national/football-weather-stories-with-espns-kris-budden-across-the-sky-podcast/article_8ab5eae6-36a2-57e2-8c30-000ed8daba8e.html | 2023-02-14 00:37:30 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/national/football-weather-stories-with-espns-kris-budden-across-the-sky-podcast/article_8ab5eae6-36a2-57e2-8c30-000ed8daba8e.html |
A Roxbury man was sentenced to eight years in prison for kidnapping and raping a woman in his home on July 2021, the Suffolk District Attorney’s office announced Wednesday.
Ahmad Maiden, 44, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Suffolk Superior Court. He was additionally sentenced to three years of probation for multiple assault and battery charges, a kidnapping with sexual assault charge, and a strangulation charge, the statement said.
His eight-year sentence will be served after he completes a previous three-to-four-year sentence for attacking a Suffolk County jail caseworker in September 2022, the statement said.
“Our neighborhoods are safer today with this dangerous man in a prison cell,” Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in statement. The “sentence is a just disposition for such a brutal, sadistic attack.”
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According to the DA’s office, Maiden and the woman went to his house to do drugs after they met near Boston Medical Center at Massachusetts Avenue. Inside Maiden’s apartment, the two were having consensual sex until Maiden choked, punched, and slapped the woman, threatening her with a knife, the statement said. He also burned the victim’s neck and groin area with a hot crack pipe.
Maiden barricaded his bedroom with a table and TV and told the victim he had a gun in the house, which she never saw, but made her fear for her life. The woman escaped after she grabbed a knife and stabbed Maiden twice, officials said. Still holding the knife, which she later surrendered to police, the woman ran down Warren Street, where she used a passerby’s cellphone to call 911.
Maiden went to a neighbor’s apartment minutes later, where he was arrested by police that same day, the statement said.
According to court records, Maiden has previously served time for a number of drug-related charges, including possession to distribute cocaine.
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Isabela Rocha can be reached at isabela.rocha@globe.com. | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/19/metro/roxbury-man-sentenced-eight-years-prison-rape/ | 2023-07-20 00:47:07 | 1 | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/19/metro/roxbury-man-sentenced-eight-years-prison-rape/ |
SANDERS, AZ — An Arizona trooper used his patrol car to stop a wrong-way driver along Interstate 40 early Wednesday morning.
According to Arizona Department of Public Safety officials, the incident occurred near the town of Sanders, located east of Flagstaff near the New Mexico border.
CLOSED: The westbound lanes of Interstate 40 are closed at milepost 340 near US 191 in Sanders, The closure is due to a crash. There is no estimated reopening time. #AZTRAFFIC pic.twitter.com/mh5TwwqVYP
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) September 21, 2022
DPS says the trooper intentionally collided with the wrong-way vehicle to prevent further crashes.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
The wrong-way driver is in custody and is being investigated for possible impairment. | https://www.abc15.com/traffic/dps-trooper-uses-patrol-car-to-stop-wrong-way-driver-on-i-40-near-sanders | 2022-09-21 16:36:57 | 0 | https://www.abc15.com/traffic/dps-trooper-uses-patrol-car-to-stop-wrong-way-driver-on-i-40-near-sanders |
Ablaye Ndiaye made the long journey from Dakar, Senegal, to the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany to play basketball. But the 35-year-old's personal highlight during the week-long Games didn't happen on a basketball court. It was on the track of Berlin's Olympic stadium, where Ndiaye carried the blazing Olympic torch during the opening ceremony on June 17. A rapturous crowd of 50,000 cheered him on.
"Holding the torch at the opening ceremony was a great moment," Ndiaye told NPR on Friday, two days before the end of the games. It's little surprise that he was selected as one of a handful of athletes to participate in the final relay leg of the torch run. The captain of Senegal's 34-athlete delegation, Ndiaye has an affectionate ease with his teammates and coaches, and his celebratory dances during basketball games have become iconic enough to make the World Games highlight reels. His charisma is evident at the end of this video about Senegal's performance at a recent tournament.
"Ablaye provides the team with energy, he brings joy. He's basically the face of the team," said Yoro Ndiaye, team Senegal's basketball coach.
While many of the Senegalese athletes have intellectual disabilities – including Ndiaye, who has Down syndrome – the basketball team is "unified," an inclusive mix of athletes with and without disabilities. The Special Olympics features unified competitions and supports unified sports locally to help build social inclusion.
According to Yoro Ndiaye, this mix is indicative of the Senegalese delegation's wider dynamic. "[Here at the Games,] we don't see a difference between athletes and coaches. The whole delegation is one team. Not even just the basketball team. We do everything together," he said.
Intellectual disability in Senegal
Unfortunately, the Senegalese delegation's cohesive, tightly-interwoven nature doesn't reflect the reality for many living with intellectual disabilities in the country.
"It's very difficult in Senegal for people with intellectual disabilities," said Rajah Diouri Sy, national director of Special Olympics Senegal. Sy argues that this is especially true when it comes to educational opportunities. Inclusive education, which puts all students – both with and without disabilities – together in classes is a rarity. Research has shown that students with disabilities benefit from being integrated into mainstream schools rather than segregated.
"Most of our (inclusive) schools are private. And they are expensive. It is difficult for families to take their children to private schools. In both Dakar and other regions, we lack schools for people with intellectual disabilities," she continued. According to the nonprofit group Humanity & Inclusion, children with disabilities in Senegal are nearly twice as likely to be out of school than those without disabilities.
Sy's first involvement with the Special Olympics came through her daughter Khadija, who has Down syndrome and became a track and field athlete in 2004. Now Rajah has run the organization's Senegalese outlet for more than a decade, overseeing growth from just six athletes to roughly 3,000 today.
"There's a stigma in Senegal for children with intellectual disabilities, which we are trying to fight. Most of the time, people will blame mothers if a child has an intellectual disability. This often leads to people hiding children with intellectual disabilities. But things are starting to change now," said Sy.
A victory at the Special Olympics
Special Olympics Senegal aims to break that stigma down as well as connect young people with intellectual disabilities to broader networks of care. In addition to organizing teams in eight different sports, it partners with health-care providers, government agencies and NGOs to facilitate services like free health screenings, subsidized follow-up care, educational referrals and support for parents. For Sy, it's especially important that this effort isn't limited to Dakar, the capital.
"We are trying to engage more athletes and be present in their communities. We say that athletes don't come to us, we have to go to them," she said. According to the World Bank, Sub-Saharan African disability rates are higher in rural areas.
Special Olympics Senegal's primary focus remains sports, which Ndiaye's coach argues is strategic. "Sports can help develop both intellectual and physical abilities and capacities. It also gives our athletes an opportunity to interact with others and have a place in society," Yoro Ndiaye said.
Building confidence in athletes is just as important to the organization as connecting young people to more traditional services. Thanks to the organization, athletes in Senegal have become assistant coaches and found jobs. According to Rajah, two athletes recently got married.
Ndiaye, who works in construction and lives with family members, says he has built the confidence to expand his social circles and fit in.
"I've made friends in the Special Olympics, and I also have new friends in my community. People are more engaged, I interact with more people. I feel like I don't face as much discrimination because I am really part of my community," he told NPR.
His warm, humor-infused relationship with his teammates and coaches illustrates his point and puts Sy credo into practice. Ndiaye ensured that even down periods in an exciting, if long week for the team were filled with laughs, quick to crack jokes with teammates and coaches.
"We must continue to work to fight discrimination and isolation. That's the main aim of the Special Olympics. It's always inclusion," said Sy.
There's much work to do until the fight is won in Senegal and beyond. But it's definitely a victory to see Ndiaye and his teammates laughing together between games in Berlin's sprawling, ordinarily-drab exhibition grounds, a Special Olympics venue that has been given a jolt of life by the masses of colorfully-uniformed athletes, volunteers and spectators.
Ndiaye and his teammates weren't without their victories on the court, either. Senegal bested France on Saturday to win the bronze medal in 5-on-5 unified basketball. "My family is very proud that I'm part of the Special Olympics and have come [to Berlin] for the World Games," he said prior to the pivotal game. And now there's a medal to boast about as well.
Dave Braneck is a journalist in Berlin covering sports, politics and labor. His Twitter handle is @braneck
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.mainepublic.org/npr-news/npr-news/2023-06-24/hoop-dreams-of-a-senegalese-b-baller-come-true-at-special-olympics | 2023-06-26 17:19:44 | 0 | https://www.mainepublic.org/npr-news/npr-news/2023-06-24/hoop-dreams-of-a-senegalese-b-baller-come-true-at-special-olympics |
One month into his recovery from a torn ligament in his right toe, Aaron Judge has started hitting off a tee but said Tuesday he is still unable to run.
“I got to be able to run,” Judge said before the Yankees continued a four-game series with the Orioles. “If I can run then I can play. Me running at 10 percent ain’t going to help anybody out there.”
Judge said being able to put weight on his backfoot is the biggest factor in how fast he can return from an injury that is unusual for a baseball player.
“Besides running it’s me being able to put 270 pounds on one leg when I’m hitting,” Judge said. “Once we build up that strength and get the pain and all that all out of there, we’re going to be in a good spot. I understand you’re going to deal with some pain coming back so it’s just about getting to a point where it’s tolerable and we’re not setting ourselves back here.”
Monday marked one month since Judge got hurt when he crashed into the right-field wall at Dodger Stadium while making a catch on a drive by J.D. Martinez. Judge had hoped to start baseball activities shortly after receiving a second platelet-rich plasma injection June 20, but he only recently has started playing catch and taking light swings.
“When it’s right and when he’s able to go, he’ll be able to go,” manager Aaron Boone said. “I’m confident he’ll be able to do it at the level we’re accustomed to seeing. So I do feel like he’s making really good progress in that regard but from a time standpoint it will take as long as it needs to where he’s able to go out there and be Aaron Judge.”
Judge was elected in the fan vote as a starter to the All-Star Game, but said he is unsure if he will head to Seattle next week.
“We’re close to coming back and maybe it’s best not to go and maybe we’ll focus on doing some rehab stuff if we’re not close,” Judge said. “Probably best to stay back and get some work in, so I don’t know.
“Just have a couple of more people to talk to about that, talk to the trainers and doctors and see where we’re at.”
Judge set an American League record with 62 home runs last year. He is hitting .291 with 19 homers and 40 RBIs in the first season of a $360 million, nine-year contract he agreed to during the offseason.
The Yankees are 12-13 since losing Judge to a second injured list stint. New York is 30-19 with the 2022 AL MVP, who also missed 10 games earlier this season with a right hip strain sustained trying to steal third base in Minnesota on his 31st birthday on April 26.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-one-month-into-toe-injury-aaron-judge-begins-hitting-off-a-tee-but-says-hes-unable-to-run/ | 2023-07-05 11:29:55 | 0 | https://www.qcnews.com/sports/ap-one-month-into-toe-injury-aaron-judge-begins-hitting-off-a-tee-but-says-hes-unable-to-run/ |
Longstanding Finance Executive Joins IMAX to Oversee Global Investor Relations Strategy
NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) has named Jennifer Horsley as Senior Vice President of Investor Relations for IMAX. In her role, Horsley will oversee the Company's worldwide investor relations strategy and serve as its leader with the investment community, as IMAX seeks to evolve and grow its global entertainment technology platform. She joins IMAX from leading adtech firm Taboola, where she was part of the core executive team that took the company public in June 2021. Horsley will report directly to IMAX Chief Financial Officer Natasha Fernandes and be based in the Company's New York office.
"Jennifer has excellent experience in helping guide technology companies at critical points in their evolution; she is a strategic thinker and effective communicator with a track record of building strong, lasting investor relationships," said Fernandes. "Her leadership will be invaluable to IMAX as we continue to build on the strength of our unique model, capitalize on a remarkable multi-year blockbuster slate, and expand our global platform through new growth opportunities."
"I am excited to join IMAX, one of the most innovative global entertainment technology companies, and to work with Rich, Natasha and the team in communicating our compelling investment proposition," said Horsley. "IMAX is uniquely positioned at the nexus of top creators and consumers and differentiated through its proprietary technology platform, global reach and asset-lite business model. I cannot wait to share that story and the power of the IMAX Experience."
Horsley has more than twenty years of experience across investor relations, financial management, strategic planning, and communications. Prior to Taboola, Horsley spent the first two decades of her career at Fortune 500 firm Xerox Corporation, where she held various roles across financial operations, FP&A and accounting before ultimately rising to the role of Vice President of Investor Relations.
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture, and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you've never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theaters to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and, as such, IMAX's network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.
IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo, and Shanghai. As of June 30, 2022, there were 1,694 IMAX theater systems (1,610 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, 72 institutional) operating in 87 countries and territories. Shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code "1970."
IMAX®, IMAX® Dome, IMAX® 3D, IMAX® 3D Dome, Experience It In IMAX®, The IMAX Experience®, An IMAX Experience®, An IMAX 3D Experience®, IMAX DMR®, DMR®, Filmed For IMAX™, IMAX LIVE™, IMAX Enhanced™, IMAX nXos® and Films to the Fullest®, are trademarks and trade names of the Company or its subsidiaries that are registered or otherwise protected under laws of various jurisdictions. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/imax), Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imax) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).
CONTACT:
Media:
Mark Jafar
mjafar@imax.com
Investors:
Jennifer Horsley
jhorsley@imax.com
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SOURCE IMAX Corporation | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2022/09/06/imax-names-jennifer-horsley-senior-vice-president-investor-relations/ | 2022-09-06 17:09:25 | 0 | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2022/09/06/imax-names-jennifer-horsley-senior-vice-president-investor-relations/ |
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)– Pennsylvania’s political history is chock full of interesting characters and former state Lieutenant Governor Mike Stack is certainly one of them.
The Philly Democrat is a Former State Senator and Lieutenant Governor, who was unceremoniously bounced from former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s second-term ticket.
Since then, he’s done standup comedy and on Thursday, said he is considering another run for office.
“I feel really good. I, I got a lot of balls up in the air, and I’m excited about a lot of different things,” Stack said.
One of those things is becoming a CEO of a medical start-up.
“It’s a mobile clinic on your phone, that measures all your health systems so that, you know, if you’re well or if you’re getting sick and you need to go to the doctor, it’s going to save billions,” Stack said.
In 2018 Stack’s political career flatlined amid accusations that he treated employees and a taxpayer-funded state police detail poorly. Voters treated him poorly. He finished fourth in a primary won by John Fetterman and became the first Lieutenant Governor to lose renomination.
“That’s all in the past anyways,” Stack said. “And nobody cares about the past. They care about the future.”
“I’ve had some great times and I’ve had some downtimes,” Stack added. “And the bottom line is, it is made me a better person and I’m like more open to what the plan is for me.”
Stack says threatened political opponents engineered his fall from grace and his split with Wolf, and there’s no love lost for his former boss.
“All due respect to the former governor, I don’t think you’re going to hear much more from him in the future,” Stack said.
After being kicked off the political stage, Stack gravitated to the comedy stage. He has done several gigs in Hollywood.
“I didn’t think I was necessarily the best, but I thought I could perform in front of an audience and make people laugh and, and I can sell a joke like I could sell a policy,” Stack said.
And Stack wants a return to policy-making, even considered a run for Philly mayor.
“Can Mike Stack win another election in Pennsylvania? There’s no question,” Stack said.
Stack added that “I’ve learned and I’m tougher and I’m a survivor. And there’s nothing people like better in politics than a survivor and a comeback story.” | https://phl17.com/national-news/former-pennsylvania-lt-governor-looking-to-return-to-office/ | 2023-07-14 16:19:09 | 1 | https://phl17.com/national-news/former-pennsylvania-lt-governor-looking-to-return-to-office/ |
Warmer days ahead of an increasing storm threat Tuesday
A cooler night tonight and a nice start to the week, but more active weather is on the horizon. Check the video forecast for the latest.
DRY START TO THE WEEK
Clouds will increase tonight, especially for areas north of I-20. It turns a bit cooler overnight with lows in the 40's. We should see sunshine return for Monday. It will be a beautiful day with lighter winds than Sunday. Look for a high temperature in the lower to mid 60's.
SEVEN DAY FORECAST
Clouds begin to increase Tuesday as moisture gradually arrives ahead of a strong storm system to our northwest. A severe weather outbreak is likely for areas of Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night.
Central Alabama will be right on the dividing line of rich, tropical air to the west and more stable air to our east. This translates into a marginal severe risk late Tuesday evening through Tuesday night as storms move east across the state. Damaging winds and an isolated tornado will be possible. Heavy rainfall may also result in localized flooding.
Behind this stormy weather midweek, we see colder weather build south. This will result in a couple nights down below freezing for the end of the week.
A stuck front to our north increase clouds and rain chances next weekend, especially as you travel closer to the Tennessee River.
—
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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/101963746 | 2022-09-15 18:39:00 | 0 | https://tj.news/greater-saint-john/101963746 |
After a late start to the season, the heat finally woke the Yakima Valley’s asparagus crop out of its slumber. Now, growers have begun the 2023 harvest season as they pick, cut, wash, pack and ship the crop across the country.
A relatively cool spring kept the valley’s asparagus crop in the ground for nearly three weeks longer than usual. Recent temperatures in the 70s and 80s broke the season’s cold snap and shifted the harvest into high gear.
Alan Schrieber, executive director of the Washington Asparagus Commission, said he’s looking forward to a big harvest this year. If the warm temperatures stick around, asparagus will continue growing, leaving plenty of work for growers and produce for consumers.
“One year ago we had the latest start to the season we’ve seen,” Schrieber said. “This year we had almost as late of a start because the cold weather delayed the harvest. Then it got really warm really fast and so much asparagus came out. It was incredible and it looks like it’s really high quality. The asparagus just exploded from the ground.”
While fluctuations in weather could change the estimate, Schrieber said the Washington Asparagus Commission is expecting growers across the state to harvest 18 million pounds of the vegetable in 2023.
“That’s up from 15 million last year,” Schrieber said. “That would be a good number to hit.”
At Imperial’s Garden in Wapato, Manuel Imperial was taking advantage of the warm weather and explosive growth before temperatures cool down.
“We’ll have some cold next week and that’ll slow down the production,” Imperial said. “These first 10 days have put out a lot of product compared to last year.”
Imperial said he expects this year’s yield will be much better than last year’s.
Last year, each of the grower’s 260 acres dedicated to farming asparagus yielded around 5,000 pounds for a total yield of 1.3 million pounds. He expects this year’s yield to be about 20% larger.
Though he expects this year’s harvest to be successful, Imperial said he worries about the state of the industry. At its peak in the early 1990s, Washington produced more than 100 million pounds of asparagus yearly.
“The one thing about asparagus growers in Washington and in the valley is that we’re almost a dying breed,” Imperial said. “We’ve got about a good 20 or so growers farming about 3,000 to 3,500 acres. Twenty-five years ago it used to be about 30,000 acres.”
Imperial said asparagus coming in from Mexico and Peru costs much less to grow and process. He said higher labor and material costs in the U.S. keep states such as Washington from being able to compete.
“Overtime is OK, raising the minimum wage is OK,” Imperial said. “The problem that a lot of people don’t get is that we can’t make the money back from the produce we grow when the market dictates what we sell. With Mexican and Peruvian asparagus being so cheap, we can’t compete.”
On a busy morning near the start of the season, Imperial said as many as 300 workers split between the fields and packing lines will take part in harvesting.
Lon Inaba, general manager of Yakama Nation Farms, has spent most of his life working with fresh produce.
He said the harvest started off slow, with workers mostly just cleaning and prepping the crop. Now that the heat is here, he said the harvest is in full swing. He expects the harvest season to end in the last weeks of June.
Inaba said he’s worried about temperatures staying too warm for too long early in the season. While heat is good for growth, he said, too much heat can cause asparagus heads to start flowering, leading to thinner asparagus spears.
For asparagus to grow, the soil temperature has to stay above 50 degrees.
“It all just depends on how hot it gets,” Inaba said. “If we start getting 90 degrees days, what happens is it (asparagus) grows too fast and the head just blows out and it starts to flower. Cool mornings, cool days, that keep the head tight. That’s where your quality is at.”
If it gets too hot, Inaba said Yakama Nation Farm might have to start using sprinklers to keep the asparagus cool. If the temperature stays high, but below 90, two harvests per day may do the trick in keeping asparagus from flowering.
“If you cool the soil, it pretty much prevents growth,” Inaba said. “If we have some 80-degree days, we might have to cut twice, once in the morning and once in the evening. If it gets too hot, well that’s when you blow the head and the quality goes to heck and the harvest is done.”
Inaba said residents should take advantage of the fresh asparagus as it starts hitting store and market shelves.
“Eat it when it’s fresh, eat local and eat it in season. That’s always going to be best.”
Santiago Ochoa’s reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and community members through the Yakima Valley Community Fund. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com. | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/heat-kick-starts-asparagus-harvest-in-yakima-valley/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_business | 2023-05-09 14:37:27 | 0 | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/heat-kick-starts-asparagus-harvest-in-yakima-valley/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_business |
7 injured in turbulence on Hawaiian Airlines flight to Australia
HONOLULU (AP) — A Hawaiian Airlines flight from Honolulu to Sydney hit severe turbulence, injuring seven people on board.
The plane was carrying 163 passengers and 12 crew members on Thursday when it “encountered unexpected severe turbulence approximately five hours into the flight,” said a statement from the airline.
“The plane just dropped,” passenger Sultan Baskonyali told ABC News. “We weren’t prepared.”
She described one man going upward, hitting his head on the ceiling and dropping back down.
Airport medics assessed and released three injured passengers when the flight landed in Sydney, the airline said. One passenger and three flight attendants were referred to hospitals for evaluation. The flight attendants have since been released, the airline said Monday, but added that it was waiting to hear from the passenger.
“I haven’t heard from the airline at all even though both my children who were on the flight sustained minor injuries,” another passenger, Tara Goodall, told The Associated Press Monday.
They were returning home to Sydney after visiting Hawaii — the first overseas trip for her two sons. It was difficult, she said in text messages, “seeing your kids being thrown around the plane cabin” and being unable to make them feel safe.
She said she wasn’t yet ready to discuss the turbulence in more detail because she was still upset and emotional about it.
“Our immediate priority is to continue to care for our passengers and crew affected by this turbulence event, and we thank Sydney airport first responders for their swift assistance,” the airline said.
Last year, severe turbulence injured 25 people on board a Hawaiian Airlines flight. Four passengers and two crew members were seriously hurt. The plane sustained minor damage.
The captain of the Dec. 18 flight from Phoenix to Honolulu told investigators that conditions were smooth with clear skies when a cloud shot up in front of the plane, and that there was no time to change course, according to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Hawaiian Airlines Chief Operating Officer Jon Snook said at the time that such turbulence is unusual, noting that the airline had not experienced anything like it in recent history. The sign to fasten seatbelts was on at the time, though some of the people injured were not wearing them, he said.
It happened about 40 minutes before landing in Honolulu, according to the NTSB report.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.ktre.com/2023/07/04/7-injured-turbulence-hawaiian-airlines-flight-australia/ | 2023-07-04 11:39:23 | 1 | https://www.ktre.com/2023/07/04/7-injured-turbulence-hawaiian-airlines-flight-australia/ |
Diana Taurasi has re-signed with the Phoenix Mercury, agreeing to a multiyear contract, the team announced Saturday.
The WNBA's all-time leading scorer has only played with the Mercury since being drafted No. 1 by the team in 2004.
“Diana Taurasi belongs in a Mercury uniform, and we are grateful for the continued faith she demonstrates in our organization by returning year after year," Mercury general manager Jim Pitman said. "The way she prepares her body, how much she cares about winning, and how much she cares about our franchise — on and off the court — are just a few of the things that make her a transcendent athlete and quite literally the greatest of all time. We look forward to more accolades, more historic moments, and more wins.”
By signing a multiyear contract it keeps the door open for Taurasi to play in the 2024 Olympics. Taurasi told The Associated Press earlier this month while participating in a USA Basketball training camp that she had her eyes on the Paris Games, which she'd be 42 years old at.
“I’m still competitive, still driven, still want to play, I still love being a part of USA Basketball,” she said. "If the opportunity comes to play and be a part of it, it’s something I’ve always taken a lot of pride in. When you get to my age at this point in my career, you just try to win every day. Right now this is a good opportunity to be part of this team moving forward we’ll see what happens.”
If she were to play in those Olympics she could potentially win a sixth gold medal, breaking a tie with former U.S. teammate Sue Bird for most all-time in the sport.
The 40-year-old Taurasi has won three WNBA titles in Phoenix and been honored as the league's MVP in 2009. She's averaged 16.2 points, 3.9 assists and 3.4 rebounds in her career. Last season she was averaging 23.2 points after the All-Star break before having her season cut short by a quad injury.
She holds the franchise record in 16 categories and with 9,693 points in her career should go over the 10,000-point mark next season if she stays healthy.
Taurasi was an unrestricted free agent, but it was expected that she'd go back to Phoenix. The Mercury still need to re-sign Brittney Griner, who is also a free agent. The 6-foot-9 center announced in December when she returned home from her 10-month ordeal in Russia that she planned to remain with Phoenix and play with the Mercury.
___
AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/sports/article/diana-taurasi-re-signs-with-mercury-in-multiyear-17792643.php | 2023-02-18 17:30:35 | 0 | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/sports/article/diana-taurasi-re-signs-with-mercury-in-multiyear-17792643.php |
JERUSALEM (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday shrugged off Disney’s lawsuit against him as politically motivated, and that it was time for the iconic company to stop enjoying favorable treatment in his state.
Disney sued DeSantis on Wednesday over the Republican’s appointment of a board of supervisors in its self-governed theme park district, alleging the governor waged a “targeted campaign of government retaliation” after the company opposed a law critics call, “Don’t Say Gay.”
The legal filing is the latest salvo in a more than year-old feud between Disney and DeSantis that has engulfed the governor in criticism as he prepares to launch an expected 2024 presidential bid.
“They’re upset because they’re having to live by the same rules as everybody else. They don’t want to pay the same taxes as everybody else and they want to be able to control things without proper oversight,” DeSantis said during a visit to Israel. “The days of putting one company on a pedestal with no accountability are over in the state of Florida.”
DeSantis was speaking on the third leg of an international trip meant to burnish his foreign policy credentials ahead of a potential campaign for the Republican presidential nomination as a key rival to former President Donald Trump.
DeSantis has dived headlong into the fray with Disney, a major driver of tourism and a font for employment in Florida, as business leaders and White House rivals have bashed his stance as a rejection of the small-government tenets of conservatism.
The fight began last year after Disney, in the face of significant pressure, publicly opposed a state law that bans classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades, a policy critics call “Don’t Say Gay.”
DeSantis then took over Disney World’s self-governing district and appointed a new board of supervisors to oversee municipal services in the sprawling theme parks. But before the new board came in, the company pushed though an 11th-hour agreement that stripped the new supervisors of much of their authority.
The Disney lawsuit asks a federal judge to void the governor’s takeover of the theme park district, as well as the DeSantis oversight board’s actions, on the grounds that they were violations of the company’s free speech rights.
In a speech to a conference at Jerusalem’s Museum of Tolerance, DeSantis spelled out his Middle East policy, speaking of the importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance. He said Israel was the only authority that could protect freedom of worship for all in combustible Jerusalem and that the U.S. embassy was rightfully moved to the city by the Trump administration, despite opposition from Palestinians.
He repeated his opposition to the deal that aimed to rein in Iran’s nuclear program, saying it empowered that country’s rulers rather than held them back. The Iran nuclear deal passed under Obama. His sucessor, Trump, revoked the U.S. agreement to it.
DeSantis also said the U.S. shouldn’t interfere in the way Israel chooses to be governed, a direct critique of President Joe Biden, who has voiced concerns about a contentious Israeli government plan to overhaul the country’s judiciary.
DeSantis began his multi-country trip in Japan and then traveled to South Korea. After Israel, he heads to Britain.
___
Goldenberg reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. | https://cbs4indy.com/news/national-world/ap-international/florida-gov-desantis-says-disney-lawsuit-is-political/ | 2023-04-27 13:41:03 | 0 | https://cbs4indy.com/news/national-world/ap-international/florida-gov-desantis-says-disney-lawsuit-is-political/ |
Biden turns 80: A look at age and politics
The say age is just a number – but more and more, it’s becoming a factor voters have to consider when picking a candidate.
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - When the founding fathers inked the Declaration of Independence in 1776 - the average life expectancy for an American was 35. Now, according to the CDC, that number is closer to 77.
On Capitol Hill - age is a touchy subject. Rutgers University Professor Dr. Richard Lau who specializes in gerontology explains.
“I think the ability of the brain to make connections declines,” said Lau.
Right now, the oldest sitting senators are Diane Feinstein and Chuck Grassley, who are both 89. Grassley just won another six-year term as senator. At the end of it he’ll be 95.
Both he and Feinstein have already filed paperwork to run again.
The reluctance to relinquish power doesn’t go unnoticed.
“There’s a certain stage in life where I think it’s time to hand the hand the baton to the next generation,” said Senator John Thune (R-SD)
82 year old house speaker Nancy Pelosi announced this week she’s doing just that – stepping down from her leadership role
“For me, the hours come for a new generation to lead the Democratic Caucus that I so deeply respect,” Pelosi said in her farewell speech.
Pelosi’s move might prove to be the exception, not the rule. While there is a minimum age hold public office - Dr. Law explains it’s unlikely we’ll see a maximum any time soon.
“Let’s face it, in practical terms, we’re not going to get a bunch of old senators and congressmen to serve to say you can’t be an old senator and congressman,” said Lau
Before Biden, Ronald Regan held the record for oldest president. He was 77 when he left office.
Copyright 2022 Gray DC. All rights reserved. | https://www.kalb.com/2022/11/21/biden-turns-80-look-age-politics/ | 2022-11-21 15:38:40 | 1 | https://www.kalb.com/2022/11/21/biden-turns-80-look-age-politics/ |
Sleep tourism appears to be growing in popularity. Hotels and resorts are adding new features in rooms or specific packages focused on sleep. There are also sleep spa hotels and sleep retreats.
"All these hotels come up with the packages, saying that they are able to do some kind of exercises, relaxation, techniques, and stuff that are all part of what we call the cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia," said Dr. Punithavathy Vijayakumar.
Up to 50% of adults suffer from insomnia, so Vijayakumar isn't surprised that there's a market to address sleep.
However, she notes that much of what resorts and retreats ar offering can be done at home.
"Keep your sleep week schedule regular regardless of whether you're working weekends, weekdays, or vacation," she said.
Vijayakumar said it's also important to clear your mind before going to bed.
"Don't carry your worries and thinking about what you're going to do tomorrow," she said.
Vijayakumar also recommends sleeping in a dark room and practicing relaxation and meditation techniques.
If those things don't improve your sleep, she recommends seeing a doctor. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/getting-a-good-nights-rest-can-be-difficult-heres-how-you-can-improve-your-sleep | 2022-12-23 21:41:00 | 1 | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/getting-a-good-nights-rest-can-be-difficult-heres-how-you-can-improve-your-sleep |
SAN ANTONIO — On this episode of Locked On Spurs, host Jeff Garcia welcomes San Antonio Sports Star's Brandon Medina to wrap up the 2022 Summer San Antonio Spurs team at the NBA Summer League.
How did Blake Wesley do? Is Malaki Branham a rising star?
Subscribe to Locked On Spurs wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
YouTube https://youtu.be/kL32QaohpAI
Apple buff.ly/3axIY84
Spotify buff.ly/36NvW12
Twitter: @KENS5, @JeffGSpursKENS5 | https://www.kens5.com/article/sports/locked-on/lo-san-antonio/spurs-show/wrapping-up-summer-spurs-play-at-summer-league-locked-on-spurs-nba-san-antonio/273-d02c7c2e-0e98-43bf-9f19-d8ec236d2b7b | 2022-07-19 19:50:47 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/sports/locked-on/lo-san-antonio/spurs-show/wrapping-up-summer-spurs-play-at-summer-league-locked-on-spurs-nba-san-antonio/273-d02c7c2e-0e98-43bf-9f19-d8ec236d2b7b |
It’s the time of year to sit out games. We have the tankers and relaxers.
The Knicks fit in the latter category after clinching the fifth seed, which prompted them to sit three regular starters Friday night — Jalen Brunson, Mitchell Robinson and RJ Barrett — while Julius Randle remained inactive because of a sprained ankle.
But their opponent in New Orleans, the Pelicans, had everything to play for. And with a familiar name on their DNP list.
Zion Williamson, once touted as the next generation’s NBA megastar, was ruled out for the play-in tournament by Pelicans vice president David Griffin, who still hasn’t provided anything concrete about a possible return date.
Even if the Pelicans, who entered Friday night as the eighth seed, advance to the playoffs, it sounds iffy, at best, for Williamson’s availability.
“Our best possible outcome would be if everything lined up perfectly, maybe you’re in a position to practice prior to a first-round series,” Griffin told reporters. “Or maybe practice during a first round. But it’s going to take more than one practice, right? It’s really hard. We may never get to that point either. If it’s not a situation where those things align and he feels the way he needs to feel, we’re not going to let him go to the next phase.”
Williamson hasn’t played since early January because of a hamstring strain, the latest setback in a career that still hasn’t gotten off the ground.
Over his first four seasons, the 22-year-old has played in just 112 of a possible 307 games. He missed all of last season with a foot injury. His career is teetering on collapse.
“I know it’s very disappointing for everyone. It’s disappointing for him, and it’s disappointing for his teammates,” Griffin said. “I think it’s just a matter of all of the objective metrics we can have on where he’s at and how he feels lining up. To this point, they haven’t. If they had, we certainly would have said, ‘OK, he’s cleared for 5-on-5.’ And they don’t. So it’s complicated, and yet it’s really not. When these things converge, he can advance to the next step. They haven’t converged for him to do that.”
On the rare occasion when he’s on the court, Williamson is an All-NBA caliber talent. He remains uniquely explosive for his size and strength, a better version of Blake Griffin on the Clippers. But the weight is probably contributing to the injuries.
The Knicks once tanked away a season in hopes of drafting Williamson, but they finished third in the lottery and picked Barrett. Nearly four years later, Williamson remains the greater talent but is lagging significantly in an important stat:
Total Games Played: 269 for Barrett, 112 for Williamson.
The circumstances beg the question of who will be the next great American star once LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant fade out. Williamson used to be a prime candidate but it’s impossible to say that anymore.
() | https://www.bostonherald.com/2023/04/07/david-griffin-on-zion-williamsons-potential-playoff-availability-we-may-never-get-to-that-point-either/ | 2023-04-08 00:12:09 | 1 | https://www.bostonherald.com/2023/04/07/david-griffin-on-zion-williamsons-potential-playoff-availability-we-may-never-get-to-that-point-either/ |
BERLIN (AP) — A techno parade whose initiators include the founder of the Love Parade, once a popular annual party in Berlin, took to the streets of the German capital Saturday with calls for the city’s electronic music culture to be added to a World Heritage list.
The “Rave the Planet” parade set out from the Kurfuerstendamm shopping boulevard to the Victory Column in the middle of Berlin’s Tiergarten park.
Police estimated 20,000 people turned out for the parade in cool, rainy weather, the German news agency dpa reported. They deployed 600 officers but no disturbances were reported.
One of the parade’s organizers, a DJ known professionally as Dr. Motte, called for an unconditional basic income for artists and for Berlin’s club culture to be listed as intangible heritage by UNESCO, the U.N.’s cultural agency.
Dr. Motte, 62, is best known for founding the Love Parade — which grew from a small procession of 150 ravers in 1989 to a huge music festival and street party with 1.5 million participants a decade later. The event’s popularity later waned; it was last held in Berlin in 2006.
Parties with the Love Parade brand were held under different organizers after that in Germany’s industrial Ruhr region, but ended after a mass panic at the 2010 event in Duisburg resulted in 21 deaths. | https://pix11.com/entertainment/ap-entertainment/techno-party-with-love-parade-founder-back-on-berlin-streets/ | 2022-07-10 13:20:14 | 0 | https://pix11.com/entertainment/ap-entertainment/techno-party-with-love-parade-founder-back-on-berlin-streets/ |
Q. I fell in love with someone I shouldn’t have — outside of my marriage — and it led me to get divorced. I haven’t pursued a relationship with the man I fell for, despite having an open marriage prior to the divorce.
We work together and he’s married. However, he has treated me far better than my ex ever did, and it opened my eyes to how toxic my marriage was. He is kind and supportive. He is protective of me and helps me set appropriate boundaries surrounding work. We have great banter and flirt. I also flirt with his wife when I see her, as she and I are both bisexual.
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I’m certain he has feelings for me as well, but I’m wary of the situation, as he has expressed discomfort with the concept of polyamory in the past (though that was several months ago, and I’m under the impression that may be changing).
We work together, so getting involved could be messy. Also, I really do need his support as I navigate the aftermath of my marriage. That said, it’s getting harder for me to hold back. I’ve had feelings for him for well over a year now, and it’s been a very long time since I’ve felt this safe with someone.
I feel as if I’m at a standstill where I want nothing more than to be with him (and while I haven’t talked much about his wife here, I would be more than open to a relationship with her, as well). I can’t move forward with or meet anyone new because I am so emotionally unavailable as a result. My logical and emotional sides are at war, and I don’t know where to go from here.
Do you have any advice for a confused soul?
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OPEN TO MR. (AND MRS.) RIGHT
A. It sounds like you need a better post-divorce support system. Figure that out before taking any next steps with this man.
You say you need him to help you navigate life after marriage, but I’m not sure he’s the best person for the job. You require a network of platonic connections to help you adjust to this new chapter. If he’s your first call, find someone else — someone you’re not hoping to kiss.
After you know you have others to lean on, you can consider what’s appropriate, and what you really desire. It’s all too blurry right now because he’s so important. After all, he’s the man who inspired you to think about a new kind of life. Even if he initiates the conversation and wants to try a relationship, I’m not sure you could begin something good with him (or his wife) just yet. Not until he’s less powerful in your mind.
Remember that polyamory has come up in his presence, and he wasn’t thrilled about the idea. You say you’re under the impression that his opinions are changing, but you don’t know for sure. Also, there is no reason to believe his wife is on board, and she is a huge part of this.
You say you can’t date others right now, but maybe that’s a good thing. Again, this seems like a moment to focus on everything that isn’t romantic love.
Maybe in a year you’ll be in an incredible relationship with these two people, but it’s also possible you’ll change your mind about what you want. Give yourself time to find clarity. No big steps until you’ve found ways to make your world feel safe with or without him.
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MEREDITH
READERS RESPOND:
The cure for a divorce is not jumping out of the pan and into the fire.
WIZEN
You need some space, perspective, and time. As awful as it may be, you need to distance from your crush. Seeing him every workday is keeping you stuck. Also, you are rationalizing that you have a chance because his wife is bi. He said he was not comfortable with polyamory. He told the truth and will not change.
NANOSECO
If you are open to all types of coupling/throupling, your dating pool is vast and it makes no sense to put your employment/career in jeopardy. The circumstances surrounding this potential blowup at work will follow you, in a negative way, for a very long time. Although it appears you’ve already crossed some lines, you can choose NOT to pursue this further. Fish elsewhere.
COMMENTOR2
If polyamory works for you fine, but that doesn’t mean making where you work a messy place. That doesn’t sound professional to me. I’m sure others notice these flirtations and it just doesn’t bode well for office etiquette.
BKLYNMOM
You “fell in love” with someone outside of marriage, and got divorced — check. You’re pursuing a relationship with a married co-worker — check. You’re trying to get said co-worker and his wife into bed with you without even considering how the wife would feel about your predatory nature — check. You’re fixating on these people to the extent that you won’t even consider another relationship — check. Step back, dear letter writer. Step back and away from a minefield here. This has the potential to blow up in all of your faces and the one who will be most hurt by this is the wife. You don’t indicate any willingness on her part to share her husband with you.
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HIKERGALNH128
^Bullseye.
JIM501
Send your own relationship and dating questions to loveletters@globe.com or fill out this form. Catch new episodes of Meredith Goldstein’s “Love Letters” podcast at loveletters.show or wherever you listen to podcasts. Column and comments are edited and reprinted from boston.com/loveletters. | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/06/lifestyle/i-want-him-consider-polyamory/ | 2023-01-06 19:10:38 | 1 | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/06/lifestyle/i-want-him-consider-polyamory/ |
'God put me in the right spot': GPD lieutenant snares child from Rainbow Drive traffic
A potential tragedy was averted on Friday, thanks to the efforts of two people who insist divine intervention placed them in the right spots at the right time.
Lt. Josh Russell of the Gadsden Police Department was traveling south on Rainbow Drive, in the 2100 block, when he saw a young child (he estimated the age at 2 or 3) in a toy car in the roadway, heading in the opposite direction.
“It was 1 p.m., and traffic was insane,” Russell recalled.
Jeff Martin of Gadsden had just turned north onto Rainbow Drive from Hollywood Road when he encountered the same jarring scene.
Fortunately, Martin hadn’t had time to get his Ford F-150 truck up to speed, so he stationed himself behind the toy car, trying to protect the child from traffic. “But (the child) was so small that people couldn’t see around them,” Russell said. “They just kept going around them.”
The lieutenant noted that the child was so small that his in-car camera didn’t pick up the scene.
Fortunately, though, he quickly stopped his police vehicle, got out and carried the child — who he said seemed to be trying to go faster after seeing the police cruiser and its lights — to safety.
“God put me in the right spot,” Russell said. “My body just reacted.”
No charges were filed in the incident; Russell said it was simply a case of a child getting away from a parent who was working at a nearby business and was “very upset” at what transpired.
Martin said he saw the child as soon as he turned onto Rainbow Drive, and was getting ready to jump out himself until Russell came on the scene, calling him “the true hero.”
“If I’d gone down to Country Club (Drive) to turn onto Rainbow Drive instead of Hollywood,” he said, “I’d have been doing 50 mph by that point and probably would have hit (the child). It was an act of God all the way.”
A photo of Russell rescuing the child taken by Conner Paulson of Southside was posted to Facebook soon after the incident and was shared repeatedly and drew much conversation as well as comments from city officials.
“A precious life was saved today thanks to Lt. Russell,” Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford said on Friday. “We commend him for his swift action, and thank all Gadsden police officers for their heroic actions every day.”
Capt. Wayne Keener of the Gadsden Police Department’s professional standards division described Russell as “one of the many officers we have who does not enjoy the limelight but does his job well every day and does it for the right reasons. I am grateful and blessed to be able to work with officers like this one daily.”
Russell stressed Martin’s involvement, calling what happened an example of a “combined effort with the community."
He added, “I’ve had to work scenes where children have died. This was a tragedy averted and I’m glad all of us were in the right spot.” | https://www.gadsdentimes.com/story/news/2023/02/06/gadsden-officer-says-god-put-him-in-right-place-to-save-child/69877679007/ | 2023-02-06 22:12:52 | 1 | https://www.gadsdentimes.com/story/news/2023/02/06/gadsden-officer-says-god-put-him-in-right-place-to-save-child/69877679007/ |
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A man who spent nearly four decades behind bars for a 1983 killing won his freedom Thursday after New Orleans prosecutors joined defense lawyers in asking to have his murder conviction overturned.
Attorneys on both sides said evidence of inconsistencies in the only eyewitness’s testimony was kept from the jury that convicted Raymond Flanks. Their joint motion to vacate his conviction was approved Thursday morning by a state judge.
Flanks, 59, who is identified in some court records as Raymond Flank, was convicted in the December 1983 shooting death of Martin Carnesi during an armed robbery outside the home he shared with his wife.
Carnesi’s wife had identified Flanks as the killer. But her description of the suspect and the car he used differed at trial from her earlier statements to police and a grand jury.
The motion seeking to have the conviction thrown out said that Faye Carnesi, who is now deceased, had described the killer as having a white blotch on his cheek, that he was in his late 20s and that he drove an old car.
“Given that Mr. Flank was 20-years old, had no white blotches on his face, and drove a new car, these were important discrepancies,” the motion said. The information might have affected the jury's decision, it said.
According to the motion, Flanks had been arrested for the armed robbery of a grocery store — he was later convicted and has not contested that verdict — when he was implicated in the Carnesi death.
Flanks was tried twice for the Carnesi killing. The first jury, in 1984, deadlocked even after being told the gun Flanks had when he was arrested for the grocery robbery was the murder weapon. That later turned out to be false, based on a 1985 examination of the weapon by a federal laboratory.
Prosecutors tried him again later in 1985, winning a first-degree murder conviction and life sentence.
“The parties agree that, in this case which relied on a single eyewitness, competent counsel armed with the favorable evidence would have been able to present a compelling case that Mrs. Carnesi was innocently mistaken when presented with the wrong suspect,” the motion said.
The Innocence Project New Orleans, which advocated for Flanks’ release, noted that the case involved “cross-racial identification” -- the eyewitness was white, the victim was Black — and said most wrongful convictions in New Orleans that involve withheld evidence involve Black defendants.
Flanks' case was the latest in a series of conviction reversals sought jointly by District Attorney Jason Williams, who ran on a reform platform before taking office in January 2021, and criminal justice advocates. Williams has touted his office's efforts to review longstanding convictions that resulted from nonunanimous jury verdicts, which are now illegal in Louisiana, and other dubious convictions from decades ago. | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Prosecutors-defense-win-freedom-for-man-in-1983-17592397.php | 2022-11-17 18:16:40 | 1 | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Prosecutors-defense-win-freedom-for-man-in-1983-17592397.php |
The federal government has launched a website to help people searching for baby formula as shortages continue.
The Department of Health and Human Services site, HHS.gov/formula, includes information a variety of resources that could help parents locate the products. The latest figures show out-of-stock percentages of baby formula reached 31% in April amid supply chain issues and a recall from Abbott Labs, maker of popular formula brands Alimentum, Similac and EleCare formulas after five infants fed the formula contracted a Cronobacter sakazakii infection. Two of the infants died.
Supply issues have promoted major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Walgreens and CVS to limit formula purchases. Walmart has capped formula purchases at 5 per person; Target at 4. Both Walgreens and CVS have limited people to three infant or toddler products per transaction.
Website information
Link to Gerber’s MyGerber Baby Expert to reach a certified nutrition or lactation consultant by phone, text, Facebook Messenger, web chat, or video call.
Abbott’s Consumer Hotline at 1-800-986-8540
Abbott’s urgent product request line: ask your OBGYN or your infant’s pediatrician to submit an urgent product request by downloading and completing the form - PDF
Reckitt’s Customer Service line is 1-800 BABY-123 (222-9123)
United Way’s 2-1-1 to be connected to a community resource specialist affiliated with United Way who may be able to help you identify food pantries and other charitable sources of local infant formula and baby food.
Feeding America. Call your local food bank to ask whether they have infant formula and other supplies in stock.
Human Milk Banking Association of North America. Certain HMBANA-accredited milk banks are distributing donated breast milk to mothers in need; note that some may require a prescription from a medical professional. Find an HMBANA-accredited milk bank .
WIC (Women Infant Children) recipients should contact their local WIC office to identify or obtain additional sources of infant formula nearby.
Still in search of formula?
More advice from HHS:
- Call your OBGYN or pediatrician to see if they have in-office samples or can suggest a similar formula that may be more readily available in stores and is nutritionally similar to your infant’s typical formula.
- You should not water down formula, try to make formula at home, or use toddler formula to feed infants. Don’t discard formula unless it is expired or is part of the recall. Check your formula’s lot code to see whether or not it was affected by the recall.
- You can find more guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics . | https://www.al.com/news/2022/05/where-can-i-find-baby-formula-new-website-has-helpline-urgent-product-request-info.html | 2022-05-16 13:16:04 | 0 | https://www.al.com/news/2022/05/where-can-i-find-baby-formula-new-website-has-helpline-urgent-product-request-info.html |
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Authorities in Serbia on Thursday detained 85 migrants near the border with Hungary where a clash earlier this month apparently involving people smugglers left one person dead and several injured.
A police task force found automatic weapons, guns, knives and other weapons and ammunition during the sweep in the northern town of Subotica, police said in a statement.
Criminal charges have been filed against two migrants and six have been arrested, while the rest are suspected of less serious offenses, the statement said.
“No criminal gang will be exist without being uncovered and dismantled and its members punished according to law,” said Interior Minister Aleksandar Vulin. “No one can carry guns in Serbia and no one can traffic in people.”
Vulin added that police have stepped up their operations in areas where smuggling gangs are active.
“Serbia won’t allow our way of life to be jeopardized in any way by criminals who profit on human misery and hardship,” he said.
Police described the operation as an “action designed to curb criminal acts and offenses committed by migrants.”
The raid followed a major clash by groups of migrants in the border area in early July that left one person dead and several injured. Migrants gather by the Hungarian border hoping to cross from the Balkan country and move further west.
Sneaking over Serbia’s northern border with the European Union neighbor often takes months because Hungary has put up two rows of barbed wire fence and deployed heavy security to stop migration. Migrants therefore often turn to people smugglers in order to continue their journey toward the EU’s more prosperous nations.
The Serbian police statement said that special police and counterterrorism unit members, along with state security agents took part in the task force that carried out the operation early Thursday.
Police photos from the scene showed fully equipped officers wearing bulletproof vests and helmets standing guard over a group of migrants kneeling in a field with their hands over their heads.
Migrants fleeing wars, violence or poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia routinely face perils on their long journeys toward better lives. From Serbia, migrants also cross into Croatia, Bosnia or Romania.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of migration issues at https://apnews.com/hub/migration | https://who13.com/news/international-news/ap-international/serbia-police-round-up-85-migrants-say-they-found-weapons/ | 2022-07-14 18:05:24 | 1 | https://who13.com/news/international-news/ap-international/serbia-police-round-up-85-migrants-say-they-found-weapons/ |
Don't call it a comeback!
Britney Spears is set to make her musical return by collaborating with Elton John for a remake of his 1971 song, "Tiny Dancer," according to multiple outlets. The song will be produced by Andrew Watt and is slated to be released next month under Universal Music.
"This was Elton's idea, and Britney is a huge fan," a source told Page Six. "They have recorded a remix of ‘Tiny Dancer' as a full duet—and it is incredible."
The insider also told the outlet that the "Womanizer" singer was in the studio with Elton in Beverly Hills last week.
"They've already played it for people at their record label, and everybody is freaking out," the source told Page Six. "It is so good. They are saying this is going to be the song of the summer. Britney is officially back. She's back to work, and she's super excited."
E! News has reached out to Britney and Elton's reps and has not heard back yet.
Since Britney's 13-year conservatorship was terminated in November 2021, the "Stronger" singer has been hinting at wanting to get back to making music.
On July 15, she treated her fans to a rare rendition of her 1998 hit "…Baby One More Time" on Instagram, which she recorded while doing laundry.
"This is me yesterday doing laundry and separating clothes…I haven't shared my voice in an extremely long time…maybe too long," she captioned the post. "Here's me playing at my house with a different version of 'Baby'…the WORD as in WORDS…Show me how you want it to be…tell me baby cause I need to know…give me a f--king sign…HIT ME BABY ONE MORE TIME!!!"
Britney added that she has wanted to share this rendition of her song for a long time, however, it was handed to her younger sister Jamie Lynn Spears, who sang the song on stage at the 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards alongside Kelsea Ballerini, Hailee Steinfeld and Sofia Carson.
Though Britney wasn't happy about the performance, it never stopped her love of music. "I share this because I am aware of my love and passion to sing," she wrote, "and my own family made a fool of me…I'm not going to be a victim !!!" | https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1339420/britney-spears-making-her-return-to-music-with-elton-john-all-the-details?cmpid=rss-000000-rssfeed-365-topstories&utm_source=eonline&utm_medium=rssfeeds&utm_campaign=rss_topstories | 2022-07-26 16:22:10 | 1 | https://www.eonline.com/ca/news/1339420/britney-spears-making-her-return-to-music-with-elton-john-all-the-details?cmpid=rss-000000-rssfeed-365-topstories&utm_source=eonline&utm_medium=rssfeeds&utm_campaign=rss_topstories |
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s parliament on Wednesday backed a major plan to protect nature and fight climate change in a cliffhanger vote that had the 27-nation bloc’s global green credentials at stake.
After weeks of intense lobbying against the plan, the legislature still supported the general outlines of a European Commission bill in a razor-thin 324-312 vote with 12 abstentions to send it onward to negotiations with the member states.
The plan is a key part of the EU’s vaunted European Green Deal that seeks to establish the world’s most ambitious climate and biodiversity targets and make the bloc the global point of reference on all climate issues.
The vote “marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fulfilling the Green Deal,” said MEP Mohammed Chahim of the center-left Socialists and Democrats group.
The plans proposed by the European Commission, the EU’s executive branch, set binding restoration targets for specific habitats and species, with the aim to cover at least 20% of the region’s land and sea areas by 2030.
Despite the staunch opposition of the legislature’s biggest group, the European People’s Party, the plan survived in the highly anticipated vote at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
The Christian Democrats’ EPP opposition also highlighted the fundamental struggle in Europe on how to deal with climate issues. Despite the succession of droughts, floods and heat waves increasingly hitting countless areas in Europe, the EPP wanted to hit the pause button on such environmental action and concentrate on economic competitiveness first over the next five years.
Together with other conservatives and the far right, it said the plans would undermine food security, fuel inflation and hurt farmers. Thousands of scientists and even multinational companies argued instead to back the proposed plans.
“The disinformation campaign and attempts to derail the Nature Restoration Law from the EPP leadership and their far-right friends has failed,” said Greens leader Terry Reintke. “Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and return to constructive and consensus-based politics.”
David Nemecek, a senior associate for sustainable finance at climate think tank E3G, said that “although nature has triumphed, the tight margin that led to its victory is worrisome” and saw it as a lack of urgency on nature and climate.
The law implements a landmark agreement reached at the United Nations biodiversity conference in December, where member countries — including the EU — agreed to protect 30% of the world’s lands and oceans that are considered especially important for nature.
But the EU’s law does not show “additional ambition,” Nemecek said.
Hannah Mowat, of the environmental organization Fern, sounded a similar note. She contrasted what she called a “weak” nature law and the bloc’s more stringent regulations on deforestation-free products.
“The EU’s double standards could be detrimental to its international credibility on climate and biodiversity action,” Mowat said in a written statement.
Legislators also voted on more than 100 amendments to make the plan more flexible. The approved amendments will be taken into negotiations with the member states that will take months before a final law can be approved. Nemecek said the amendments aren’t expected to greatly affect the “overall objectives” of the law.
The EU’s climate czar Frans Timmermans said he was willing to look beyond the disinformation “nonsense” that marred the campaigning against the nature restoration law and was open to find compromises that would also seek to appease the EPP.
Timmermans wants the nature restoration law to be a key part of the Green Deal since it’s necessary for maximum impact. Others say that if the EU fails on the nature restoration law, it would indicate an overall fatigue on climate issues.
___
Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://wgntv.com/science/ap-science/ap-european-union-lawmakers-back-a-major-bill-to-protect-nature-and-fight-climate-change/ | 2023-07-13 06:44:17 | 0 | https://wgntv.com/science/ap-science/ap-european-union-lawmakers-back-a-major-bill-to-protect-nature-and-fight-climate-change/ |
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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration should create a new position at the White House National Security Council to focus on cases of Americans who are wrongfully detained in foreign countries, and fund an interagency office tasked with helping free hostages, according to a report Wednesday from a leading advocacy group.
The report from the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation also recommends that Congress authorize funding to pay for hostage families to visit Washington to meet with U.S. government officials, as well as to provide support — whether clothing, temporarily housing or medical care — for returning hostages.
The annual research report is based on interviews with 60 people, including former hostages and wrongful detainees and their relatives as well as former government officials.
It was released amid heightened public attention on the plight of American hostages and detainees, thanks in part to the continued imprisonment in Russia of WNBA star Brittney Griner on drug-related charges. The U.S. has been trying to bring home Griner another American jailed in Russia, Paul Whelan, but those efforts have so far not been successful.
There have been some high-profile releases in the last six months, including an April prisoner swap with Russia that secured the release of Marine veteran Trevor Reed and a deal with the Taliban that freed an American contractor, Mark Frerichs, who had been abducted in Afghanistan more than two years ago. Two Americans, including an oil executive, were released from Venezuelan government custody in March, though Caracas is continuing to hold numerous other Americans.
In addition, family members of detainees have demonstrated in recent months outside the White House and in New York, and a mural unveiled this summer in Washington depicting faces of Americans jailed abroad added to the publicity.
Yet more than 60 Americans are still being held hostage or wrongfully detained, and the report's authors say such cases appear tougher to resolve than they were a decade ago. Nearly half of the U.S. nationals who are still detained have been held for five years or longer, the report says.
The report also says the number of countries holding Americans captives has grown over the last decade, totaling 19 in 2022. Seventy-five percent of currently detained Americans are being held by China, Russia, Iran and Venezuela, the report says.
The Biden administration has said publicly that it regards the release of hostages as a top priority, though officials have also noted that such resolutions can involve difficult decisions — particularly in the case of prisoner swaps involving lawfully convicted felons in the U.S. — and that the U.S. is not the only country with a say in the matter.
In the case of Griner and Whelan, for instance, the administration says it has not received a productive response from Russia to a substantial offer it made several months ago for their release.
The report makes 10 recommendations, including empowering and funding the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, a unit based at FBI headquarters but comprised of representatives from different agencies.
Because the interagency cell is led by the FBI, the report says, it creates the perception that the unit operates on the FBI's behalf rather than the whole of government. It recommends that the cell be supervised by rotating leaders from across different agencies, “so it can remain neutral, impactful, and influential across the interagency,” and that the Biden administration consider relocating it away from the FBI and elevating the position of director to a more senior role.
The report also recommends the creation of a new position at the National Security Council who would serve as a deputy assistant to the president and special coordinator for detentions. The person would also engage with the regional directorates with the regional directorates.
“In addition,” the report says, “having direct access to the president is critical to ensure that wrongful detainee issues are better prioritized and understood.”
The foundation was named after James Foley, a freelance journalist who was among a group of Westerners brutally murdered in Islamic State captivity in Syria in 2014. Two British IS militants, El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey have either pleaded guilty or been found guilty by a jury in connection with those deaths and are serving life sentences.
The murders of Foley and other Americans at the hands of IS operatives reshaped the U.S. government's approach to hostage-taking, spurring the creation of the fusion cell as well as a new office within the State Department known as the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs.
_____
Follow Eric Tucker at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Advocacy-group-seeks-new-White-House-post-on-17472803.php | 2022-09-28 16:21:17 | 1 | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Advocacy-group-seeks-new-White-House-post-on-17472803.php |
Pay raise approved for Ward County detention officers amid turnover, population increase
MINOT, N.D (KMOT) -- Leadership with the Ward County Jail is attempting to mitigate their higher-than-average turnover from last year.
Paul Olthoff, major at the jail, proposed a 3% raise for Ward County detention officers Tuesday morning. Juvenile detention officers are included.
Olthoff said they normally lose 12 people a year, but last year they lost 16. He said this year so far, they’ve lost thirteen.
“A lot of it is the stress of the job and what’s going on there. Our average population was 181 in June. We’re built for 150 on our staffing,” said Olthoff.
In addition to increased turnover, he said this past weekend, their inmate population peaked at 200 for the first time ever.
Commissioner Shelly Weppler, along with the rest of the commissioners, approved the pay raise.
“That’s a big impact on your staff, because I didn’t realize we were near that 200,” said Weppler.
Olthoff mentioned that part of the population increase includes housing more than thirty inmates from federal and other agencies.
Copyright 2023 KFYR. All rights reserved. | https://www.kfyrtv.com/2023/07/18/pay-raise-approved-ward-county-detention-officers-amid-turnover-population-increase/ | 2023-07-18 22:02:13 | 1 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/2023/07/18/pay-raise-approved-ward-county-detention-officers-amid-turnover-population-increase/ |
(NEXSTAR) – In case you feel like feeling old today, here’s a look back at some of the biggest hits from 2002 that are turning 20 years old this year. Remember these?
“Lose Yourself” – Eminem
Rapper Eminem’s No. 1 hit “Lose Yourself” may be 20 years old this year, but the lead single from the artist’s semi-biographical film “8 Mile” continues to reign among some of popular rap’s most admired tracks.
The Grammy-winning track from 2002 frequently appears on “greatest” lists, including a No. 29 spot on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All-Time. It also became one of few ’00s (pre-streaming) songs to hit 1 billion streams on Spotify just last year.
Despite taking home the 2003 Academy Award for Best Original Song — becoming the first hip-hop song to do so — the rapper didn’t attend or perform the song that year.
Eminem did perform the song for the first time at the Academy Awards just two years ago. In a surprise appearance, “Lose Yourself” was included to highlight the “impact of music” in film, Oscars producer Lynette Howell told USA Today in 2020. The performance, which was 17 years in the making, received a standing ovation. Eminem also performed the song during February’s Super Bowl LVI Half Time Show.
“A Thousand Miles” – Vanessa Carlton
You know those opening piano keys when you hear them. The song’s instantly recognizable music video — featuring Carlton and her piano sailing across city streets and highways — is probably burned in your brain.
Released in February 2002, singer/songwriter Vanessa Carlton’s debut single “A Thousand Miles” ended the year at No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart, and made it to the top 10 in dozens of other countries.
“A Thousand Miles” was also featured in a few of the most memorable scenes from the 2004 comedy hit “White Chicks,” in which the lead characters — two Black men, pretending to be white women — attempt to sing along to the song.
But creators of the film said in a recent interview that the song is far from a punchline — it was chosen for the movie because it’s a song everyone seems to like. As The Guardian‘s Ellen E. Jones wrote in 2019, “Liking what you like is nothing to be ashamed of … We wouldn’t still be humming it 17 years later if it wasn’t actually a pretty decent pop song, would we?”
Meanwhile, in a recent 20-year retrospective, Rolling Stone‘s Amit Vaidya writes of the song: “Arguably the most easily identifiable first three seconds to a song of the last two decades, and quite possibly the most instantaneously recognizable piano riff ever.”
“Family Affair” – Mary J. Blige
The lead single from Blige’s fifth album “No More Drama” gave the world the much-debated lyric, “Don’t need no hateration, holleration in this dancery,” and became one of Blige’s biggest hits.
The song hit No. 1 not only on U.S. Billboard’s Hot 100 chart but several of its other charts. It was also the
No. 12 song on Billboard’s end-of-decade chart. Rolling Stone considered it among the 100 best of the ’00s, ranking it 95th overall.
Blige performed “Family Affair” at 2022’s Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show.
“Hot in Herre” – Nelly
Released just in time for summer 2002, “Hot in Herre” took control of the Billboard charts: five in total, including the top spot on the Hot 100.
The song almost didn’t happen, with the St. Louis rapper telling The Fader he’d already turned in his sophomore album “Nellyville” before realizing “something was missing.” Nelly enlisted mega music-maker Pharrell Williams, then of the production team The Neptunes, and the two worked out the song from a sample of Chuck Brown’s 1979 R&B hit “Bustin Loose.”
With “Hot in Herre,” Nelly became one of only two winners of the Best Male Rap Solo Performance Grammy, as the award was combined into a genderless rap category the next year. The other was Eminem, for “Lose Yourself.”
The song received a new spin this past December, when Chance the Rapper appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s “That’s My Jam” and gave the song an impromptu country remix.
“Complicated” – Avril Lavigne
Canadian pop star Avril Lavigne arrived on radio in March with the bratty “Complicated” from her debut album “Let Go.” If you were in middle school, high school or college, the tune was likely playing somewhere by someone you knew at any hour of the day.
“Complicated” was nominated for Song of Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the Grammys. In 2009, Rolling Stone readers ranked the song eighth on its list of Readers’ Top Singles of the Decade.
In a Facebook post last month, Lavigne wrote: “Holy f—! #Complicated was released 20 years ago today. I could have never imagined the places this song would take me. I am so grateful to you guys always and 4-ever for embracing my music and showing me so much love then, and still now, 20 years later.”
The song’s teen-angst legacy continues, as recent Grammy winner Olivia Rodrigo covered “Complicated” at the opening night of her “Sour” Tour on Tuesday.
“Hero” – Chad Kroeger featuring Josey Scott
Sung by Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger — former husband of Avril Lavigne — and Josey Scott, formerly of the rock band Saliva, “Hero” swung onto radio as the lead single from 2002’s massive blockbuster “Spider-Man.”
The song hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on two others, earning two Grammy nominations along the way. “Hero” was also released prior to widespread anti-Nickelback sentiment that almost eclipsed the band in the mid-2000s. But despite becoming an easy punchline for rock critics, the band has continued selling records, and even got in on the joke.
Meanwhile, other “Spider-Man” movie songs have fared less successfully, including Dashboard Confessional’s “Vindicated” for “Spider-Man 2” in 2004, Snow Patrol’s “Signal Fire” for “Spider-Man 3” in 2007, and Alicia Keys and Kendrick Lamar’s “It’s On Again” for “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” in 2014.
If you enjoyed this trip back into your adolescence, we hope you’ve booked your annual physical check-ups! | https://www.wfla.com/entertainment-news/feel-old-these-hit-songs-turn-20-years-old-in-2022/ | 2022-04-10 19:22:55 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/entertainment-news/feel-old-these-hit-songs-turn-20-years-old-in-2022/ |
What the new EU legislation on chargers means
Yesterday, the European Parliament moved legislation forward that would mandate that all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the European Union have a USB-C charging port by the end of 2024. Before this ruling becomes law, it must be approved by the European Council. If this happens, it would mean all of your mobile devices would use the same type of charger.
Why move to a common charger?
There are two main reasons why moving to a common charger has been deemed the best path to the future: less clutter/waste and universal use.
Less clutter/waste
When this law goes into effect, you’ll only need one type of cable to power all of your devices. This means you’ll no longer have to purchase a different cable for each device you own. It also means you won’t have to dedicate entire drawers to housing a dozen varieties of charging cables, many of which are rarely used. This will not only reduce the clutter in your home, it means fewer cables will wind up in the trash (because they can be reused for any new device you buy). It also means fewer resources will be required in the manufacturing of charging cables.
Universal use
Think of how frustrating life would be if every outlet in your home was a different shape and every electrical device had a different plug. Now, imagine buying a Canon camera, a Samsung smartphone and an iPad and being able to use the same charging cable for all three devices. This would simplify your life, and it would mean you only need to take one charging cable with you on vacation.
Why is USB-C a good solution?
A USB-C charging cable has a small connector that allows for a large power delivery, making it possible to charge power-hungry devices, such as tablets and laptops. It also doesn’t have a top or bottom, so it will fit and work no matter how you plug it in.
Bestselling chargers
If you’re a fan of Apple products, this 20W charger is for you. It offers fast charging for an iPhone, AirPods, iPad or Apple Watch but is best with the iPad Pro or iPad Air.
Sold by Amazon
This potent charger has 65W of power and three ports: two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. It’s only the size of an AirPods Pro case but has enough power to charge a MacBook Pro.
Sold by Amazon
Belkin Boost Charge USB-C 30W GaN Wall Charger
The Belkin is a compact charger that features next-gen Gallium Nitride technology. It can charge an iPhone up to 50% in only about 30 minutes or a Google Pixel up to 50% in about 37 minutes.
Dell’s 65W adapter comes with a 3.3-foot USB-C power cable. The unit has a rubber strap for cable management and an LED on the DC connector for convenience.
Sold by Dell
If you have a MacBook, this charger is a solid option. With 100W of power, it can charge most laptops in a little over 90 minutes. It has over-current, overheating, short-circuit protection and more.
Sold by Amazon
For people who like to stretch their dollar, this charging set comes with two 25W chargers and two 5-foot charging cables.
Sold by Amazon
NXT Technologies 6-Foot Braided USB-C Cable
If all you need is a charging cable, it’s best to get a durable one. This 6-foot braided cable is tangle-resistant and snag-resistant. It was tested to withstand up to 2,000 bends and comes with a five-year limited warranty.
For people who don’t want to worry about cables, this wireless charger is a great option. It has a built-in cooling system and an LED charging light indicator for convenience.
Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://who13.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/charging-power-br/as-eu-lawmakers-push-for-all-electronics-to-use-a-common-charger-these-bestsellers-are-worth-buying-now/ | 2022-10-05 15:37:50 | 0 | https://who13.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/charging-power-br/as-eu-lawmakers-push-for-all-electronics-to-use-a-common-charger-these-bestsellers-are-worth-buying-now/ |
(The Hill) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced Monday that she will end the state’s COVID-19 state of emergency amid falling case numbers and rising criticism.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has faded as a major concern for much of the American public, there are still 10 states across the U.S. with emergency orders in place.
States first declared public emergencies in March 2020, and governors kept renewing them until around the spring of 2022, when the pandemic eased after a brutal winter surge driven by the omicron variant.
Unless renewed, nearly all of the emergency declarations in the remaining 10 states will expire by the beginning of 2023.
Here are the 10 states with orders still in effect as of Sept. 12.
California
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) extended the COVID-19 state of emergency in June. But he has also been “responsibly winding down” pandemic executive orders, leaving 5 percent of COVID-related provisions in place, according to a June 17 statement from Newsom’s office.
“As California navigates the evolving pandemic, the state remains laser-focused on keeping Californians safe while advancing our ongoing recovery,” Newsom said. “We’re continuing to deploy proven strategies and programs that allow us to swiftly and effectively respond to changing pandemic conditions, take on equity gaps, and keep us moving forward.”
Connecticut
The state has an emergency declaration in place for COVID-19 until Dec. 28, 2022, or until the federal government’s public health emergency ends, whichever comes first.
Gov. Ned Lamont (D) said in a letter to the state legislature that it was beneficial for the state to keep the emergency, primarily to assist with food insecurity.
During the emergency, the federal government is authorized to distribute more assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Delaware
Gov. John Carney (D) last renewed the public health emergency for COVID-19 on Aug. 19. It will expire on Sept. 18 unless renewed.
Washington
With the state experiencing declining COVID-19 death rates, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced he would end the public health emergency on Oct. 31.
“We’ve come a long way the past two years in developing the tools that allow us to adapt and live with COVID-19,” Inslee said in a statement.
“Ending this order does not mean we take it less seriously or will lose focus on how this virus has changed the way we live. We will continue our commitments to the public’s well-being, but simply through different tools that are now more appropriate for the era we’ve entered.”
New Mexico
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) extended the state’s public health emergency for a month starting on Aug. 17. It will expire on Sept. 15 unless renewed.
Upon renewing the order, she wrote: “Due to the continued spread of COVID-19, it is necessary for all branches of State government to continue taking actions to minimize transmission of COVID-19 and reduce its attendant physical and economic harms.”
Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) last renewed the state’s public health emergency in August and will have to decide whether to renew it again later this month.
Abbott said the COVID-19 pandemic still presents an “imminent threat of disaster for all counties in the State of Texas.”
Illinois
Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) extended the public health emergency in August, and it will remain in effect until at least Sept. 17.
Pritzker said more than 34,500 Illinoisans have died in the pandemic and added that “predicting what will happen in the future in this pandemic continues to be a difficult task.”
Kansas
The Kansas legislature passed a law this year extending emergency powers through January 2023, primarily to assist overburdened healthcare workers.
West Virginia
Gov. Jim Justice (R) first declared a public health emergency in March 2020 and has yet to lift the order. He continues to give regular updates to the public about the state’s pandemic response.
Rhode Island
Gov. Daniel McKee (D) extended the public health emergency earlier this month, citing “the dangers to health and life posed by SARS-CoV-2.” It will expire after Sept. 30 unless renewed. | https://www.koin.com/news/these-10-states-still-have-covid-emergency-orders-in-place/ | 2022-09-12 18:57:51 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/news/these-10-states-still-have-covid-emergency-orders-in-place/ |
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay ace Tyler Glasnow reached 97 mph while throwing his second live batting practice on Tuesday and hasn't ruled out returning this season.
Glasnow threw 21 pitches to a pair of minor leaguers before the Rays played the Los Angeles Angels. Glasnow had Tommy John surgery on Aug, 4, 2021. The 6-foot-8 right-hander made his last appearance on June 14 2021, at the Chicago White Sox.
“I think it's like easy to be very optimistic,” Glasnow said. “I felt really good, my velo was good, execution was good but again if I'm not comfortable and I don't feel like 100% and ready to go then I'm not. I'm not going to push it.”
The regular season ends on Oct. 5.
“It's going to be the hardest thing for me to come to the decision,” Glasnow added. “I really do want to come back. I want to help the team, especially the position we're in, but I'm not going to jeopardize the rest of my career.”
Glasnow, the 2021 opening day starter, went 5-2 with a 2.66 ERA in 14 starts last year. He will have one or two more BP outings before the team will decide if it time for a minor league rehab assignment.
“He looked certainly healthy,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “I, myself, as much as anybody, probably have to temper the expectations and the excitement around it but I’m glad he’s throwing BPs."
Tampa Bay started Tuesday holding the top AL wild card spot.
Rays shortstop Wander Franco hit in an indoor cage and took grounders. Franco was removed from his rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Sunday due to ongoing hand soreness.
The 21-year old Franco went on the injured list July 10 with a right hamate bone injury that required surgery. He played part of just one game a week ago with Durham.
Franco took on-field batting practice on Sunday for the first time since surgery on Aug. 14. After the session, he said he felt great except when taking right-handed swings.
Third last year in the American League Rookie of the Year voting, Franco signed an $182 million, 11-year contract in November that includes a club option for 2033. The deal could be worth up to $223 million with incentives if the club option is exercised.
As part of a series of roster moves, RHP Kevin Herget was designated for assignment. Herget spent a decade in the minors before being selected from Triple-A Durham Friday but didn’t get a chance to make his major league debut.
RHP JT Chargois (left oblique tightness) was reinstated from the 60-day IL. LHP Brendan McKay (thoracic outlet syndrome decompression surgery) was reinstated from the 60-day IL and optioned to Triple-A Durham. RHP Tommy Romero was designated for assignment.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.expressnews.com/sports/article/Rays-ace-Glasnow-throws-BP-hasn-t-ruled-out-17393443.php | 2022-08-24 00:06:23 | 1 | https://www.expressnews.com/sports/article/Rays-ace-Glasnow-throws-BP-hasn-t-ruled-out-17393443.php |
Young naturalists teach visitors about Western North Carolina Nature Center exhibits
By Tammy Watford
Click here for updates on this story
ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — Many animal exhibits are set up throughout the grounds of Western North Carolina Nature Center.
Young naturalists teach visitors about the different animals and insects that can be found at the nature center and some that can be found in your own back yards.
“We have three stations where we rotate to and we interact with the kids there,” Young Naturalist Gracie King said. “We have millipedes, and we have nature play that actually changes a lot.”
“The Young Naturalist program actually won the Association of Zoos and Aquariums award last year for education because of the long-term success with it and all of the folks who’ve gone through the program who’ve gone on to environmental careers,” center director Chris Gentile said.
The center even has puppet theaters where kids can create their own stories about animals.
The nature center is a 42-acre zoological park in Asheville.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform. | https://kion546.com/cnn-regional/2022/08/10/young-naturalists-teach-visitors-about-western-north-carolina-nature-center-exhibits/ | 2022-08-10 14:52:04 | 1 | https://kion546.com/cnn-regional/2022/08/10/young-naturalists-teach-visitors-about-western-north-carolina-nature-center-exhibits/ |
Lawmakers, governors and members of the Biden administration celebrated two very different holidays on Monday, with Democrats tending to favor Indigenous People’s Day while Republicans mostly stuck with the older Columbus Day.
Political figures took to Twitter on Monday, pushing different reasons for the day’s significance.
Many Democrats, including Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Sens. Dick Durbin (Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) and Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) expressed support for the newer holiday.
“On #IndigenousPeoplesDay, we celebrate the contributions, the extraordinary resilience, and the rich cultures of tribal nations and Native communities. Today and every day, the federal government must recommit itself to honoring its promises to Native peoples,” Warren said.
Vice President Harris and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American Cabinet secretary, honored the occasion as a day of respect for indigenous communities.
“Today and every day, let us continue to celebrate and uplift the rich contributions of Indigenous peoples—their leadership has made our country stronger,” Harris wrote in a tweet.
In a video posted to Twitter, Haaland cited the Biden administration’s work as a promise of a better future for indigenous communities.
Democrats also sought to bring awareness to the dark side of colonialism and its disregard for the trauma suffered by native peoples.
“On #IndigenousPeoplesDay, let us pause to remember the exploitation and genocide of Native and Indigenous communities borne out of our nation’s ‘discovery,'” tweeted Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).
“We must learn from this dark chapter of our history—and never stop working to right this wrong that is still felt today,” she added.
Members of the GOP, including Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) and Reps. Jim Jordan (Ohio) and Lauren Boebert (Colo.), mostly shared messages of holiday greetings hailing explorer Christopher Columbus.
“Thank you Christopher Columbus for dreaming big and helping discover the Americas,” tweeted Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).
Rep. Lee Zeldin, the Republican nominee for New York governor, praised the holiday as a “source of great pride for the Italian American community to honor one of their own.”
Some, including House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (N.Y.), shared more pointed messages condemning the “woke” left on Twitter.
“I am proud to stand up against the Far Left woke mob attempting to cancel history! #SaveColumbusDay,” she wrote. | https://www.yourbasin.com/hill-politics/partisan-split-highlighted-in-celebrations-of-indigenous-peoples-day-columbus-day/ | 2022-10-11 00:38:46 | 1 | https://www.yourbasin.com/hill-politics/partisan-split-highlighted-in-celebrations-of-indigenous-peoples-day-columbus-day/ |
Another nationally watched campaign is coming down to a painstaking vote count in Pennsylvania.
But this time, there are some key differences.
Neither of the Republicans in the Pennsylvania Senate primary are decrying the vote count, or the mail ballots involved, as fraudulent, a sharp contrast to the way former President Donald Trump and his allies smeared the process in 2020 with a string of lies and unfounded claims (votes shipped in from Camden!).
Facing the same process and the same election system, Senate candidates David McCormick and Mehmet Oz are mostly quietly waiting out the excruciating tally, which has edged McCormick ever closer to Oz as they await a complete count — and an almost certain recount — that will decide who represents the GOP in one of the country’s most crucial Senate races.
And while Trump specifically attacked Philadelphia’s vote in 2020, his endorsed candidate, Oz, now stands to benefit from votes counted after election day in the city, since Oz has run stronger there than McCormick. (A batch reported around 10:20 p.m. Thursday added 68 to Oz’s tally, and 64 to McCormick’s).
The race is close enough that both Oz and McCormick have plausible paths to victory, so each is projecting confidence. By midday Friday, Oz’s lead was about 1,120 votes out of more than 1.3 million cast, though it had been cut by more than half since the count on election night.
“We’re moving in the right direction, and we’re pretty confident that we’re going to end with me in the win column,” McCormick, an Army veteran and former hedge fund CEO, told conservative radio host Rich Zeoli on Thursday.
Trump has urged Oz to simply claim victory now, as the former president falsely and prematurely did in 2020. That hasn’t happened, but Oz’s camp argues that the math is in his favor. And while one top surrogate, U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R., Pa.), suggested they’ll wait for the final initial tally, he hinted Friday that Oz might declare victory before the recount.
“I think that his lead is not going to be diminished by the 1,200 votes that McCormick needs. Then I think we take a look to see if Dr. Oz wants to declare victory ahead of the recount or not,” Reschenthaler said in an interview, noting that recounts rarely change the initial outcome.
Reschenthaler also compared McCormick’s emphasis on mail ballots to close his deficit to the pushes usually made by Democrats, who have used mail ballots more extensively. He said Republicans can’t wait to turn their attention to the Democratic nominee, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman.
“I think Dr. Oz ultimately beats Fetterman, but we can’t waste time. We can’t cede time to the Fetterman campaign,” Reschenthaler said.
At the same time, Reschenthaler, who cast doubts on the outcome of the 2020 presidential election and voted in Congress to throw out Pennsylvania’s results, didn’t raise concerns about the legitimacy of the vote this time, saying that there are real logistical reasons for why it takes time to count mail ballots and determine a winner in such a close race. He noted that state law prevents officials from even beginning to count mail ballots until the day of the election, an issue that also slowed the 2020 count.
“There is this assumption by people outside Pennsylvania that we should have the results by 11 p.m. on election night. With our system that’s just not realistic,” he said.
At another point, he added, “the election was truly close, and it’s irrefutable that there’s outstanding ballots to count.”
This count, unlike the one during the chaotic 2020 presidential election, has happened relatively quickly, as predicted. Nearly all the votes were tallied on primary day or the day after. The the pace of the count isn’t stopping news outlets from projecting a winner, it’s the closeness of the race.
By 3 a.m. Wednesday, five hours after polls closed, a little more than 1.3 million votes had been counted in the GOP Senate primary. By 7:30 p.m. Thursday, the number of votes counted had only grown by about 2%. Only a small handful of votes remain to be tallied as of Friday afternoon.
That’s typical. Some votes are always counted after election day, it’s just that they are so few, they usually can’t affect the outcome. That’s true this year, too, in the Democratic primaries for Senate and governor and the GOP primary for governor.
» READ MORE: The Pennsylvania Republican Senate primary is probably headed for a recount
Rather than question the mail vote, McCormick is relying on it to help him overtake Oz, the celebrity surgeon widely known as “Dr. Oz.”
“We invested a lot in making sure we reached out to people who were absentee voters, and we also invested a lot of money in the ground game,” McCormick said Thursday. Around 32% of the GOP mail vote has gone to McCormick, compared to about 23% for Oz.
Reschenthaler said, given McCormick’s reliance on mail ballots, their push to have as many counted as legally possible “could very possibly start to reinforce and champion what up to date has been the Democratic position, the liberal position.”
At the same time as McCormick relies on votes counted after primary day to win, however, he has hired an attorney, Mike Roman, who led Trump’s efforts to undermine the extended vote count in Philadelphia in 2020 and who spread unproven conspiracy theories about fraud.
Roman is part of extensive teams both campaigns are gathering for what could be a grueling recount, in which each campaign tries to get certain votes thrown out or counted. One former GOP Senate candidate, Philadelphia attorney George Bochetto, is now advising Oz on a potential recount in the city. Leading the Oz team will be the Jones Day law firm, which played a major role in Trumps legal efforts after the 2020 election. McCormick hired Chuck Cooper, a prominent Republican election law attorney who recently won a Supreme Court case while representing Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas).
Why 2022 isn’t 2020, even though it sort of feels like it
In the first hours after polls closed, it seemed like McCormick had a major lead over Oz. But those initial results are often misleading because they are just a small number of votes, coming from a few specific counties.
As more votes were tallied, it quickly became clear that McCormick and Oz were locked in a tight contest.
Very little has changed since — in part because there haven’t actually been that many additional votes counted.
The reason why 2020 saw a more dramatic shift was that only one party — Democrats — voted heavily by mail, thanks in large part to Trump casting doubts on that voting method. That meant a significant portion of votes, primarily for one candidate, had to be counted after Election Day.
This time, in a Republican-only contest, far fewer people voted by mail, so the vast majority of the vote was already counted on election night.
Neither campaign is complaining about mail ballots as a recount looms
Whoever leads once the initial counting is done will almost certainly still face a recount, which is triggered if the final margin is within 0.5% of the vote. Recounts rarely change the final outcome, but one last November in Commonwealth Court races found thousands of additional votes for each candidate, a number that, if repeated, could swing a McCormick-Oz race that looks extremely close.
Still, both campaigns hoped to cement public perception by taking the lead before the recount begins.
Oz campaign officials told reporters Thursday that they believed the data is in their favor and that his lead would hold.
Oz and McCormick, like most Republicans, have cast aspersions on the 2020 presidential vote in Pennsylvania, though Oz has focused more specifically on mail voting and Act 77, the bipartisan law that allowed anyone to vote by mail for any reason.
“As we look at this fraud, how much of it was caused by decisions made by us, do we give rise to the opportunity for fraud?” Oz told conservative radio host Chris Stigall in March. “Act 77 is a good example, [it] gave absentee ballots to people who didn’t even know they were getting them.”
In fact, voters still had to request absentee ballots to vote by mail.
McCormick’s criticisms have ranged from complaints about ballots arriving after election day (which weren’t counted in Biden’s 80,000-vote victory) and security at drop-boxes, though there’s no evidence of significant problems there, either.
Adam Bonin, a Democratic election lawyer from Philadelphia who worked on Biden’s legal team in 2020, said Act 77 did extend the vote count, by allowing mail ballots to be counted if they arrive by Election Day, instead of the Friday before; by allowing more people to vote by mail, which creates more volume to process; and by moving the counting to the county level, instead of at polling places.
» READ MORE: 5 takeaways from the Pennsylvania primary election
But he said the vote count is legitimate and transparent.
“It’s only when you start from an ideological basis where you take things and twist them in circles as to their validity that there’s any question about what you do from here,” Bonin said.
Ned Foley, an election law expert at Ohio State University, hoped that the GOP Senate count restores some of the trust that was lost after Trump attacked the 2020 vote count.
“Let’s hope that the closeness of this Oz-McCormick race can help to dispel some of the Big Lie hysteria,” Foley wrote on the Election Law Blog. “Because this is an intra-party race, it can’t be the case that the Democrats are ‘stealing’ the election in the vote-counting process.”
Bonin was skeptical.
“If Oz wins this primary by 2,000 votes, Donald Trump is not going to become a believer in the process,” he said. “He’s going to say that he should have won by 10,000.” | https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/oz-mccormick-vote-count-pa-2022-senate-20220520.html | 2022-05-20 20:03:43 | 1 | https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/oz-mccormick-vote-count-pa-2022-senate-20220520.html |
Authorities investigate double homicide at Farmington salvage yard
FARMINGTON, N.M. — The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after two people were found dead at a local salvage yard.
According to SJCSO, deputies were dispatched to Highway 64 Auto Salvage Tuesday evening after two bodies were found. The victims were identified as Anthony McCants, 26, and Candrick Begay, 31.
Officials with the sheriff’s office said McCants and Begay were assigned to be out in the yard pulling parts.
Later that evening, employees began to look for the two when family members were concerned that they hadn’t heard from them. Employees began to search the large area and found their bodies on the property.
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division is actively investigating this case as a double homicide and asks that anyone with any information call their tipline at (505) 333-7878.
Statement regarding the fatal Farmington police shooting:
“We are aware that the decedent in FPD’s OIS worked for Highway 64 Auto Salvage, and we believe that they are completely separate events with no correlation to one another.” | https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/authorities-investigate-double-homicide-at-farmington-salvage-yard/ | 2023-04-07 22:06:19 | 0 | https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/authorities-investigate-double-homicide-at-farmington-salvage-yard/ |
REPORT: Power outage impacts SU basketball game
Published: Mar. 4, 2023 at 6:05 PM CST|Updated: 40 minutes ago
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - A power outage at Southern University’s campus has reportedly impacted the men’s basketball game for Senior Night on Saturday, March 4.
According to WAFB’s Jacques Doucet, fans are sitting in the dark waiting for the men’s game to begin.
Power has apparently gone out across Southern’s campus. Fans are currently sitting in the dark, awaiting the men’s basketball game. @WAFB9Sports @WAFB @SouthernU_BR pic.twitter.com/seL2mVqqLE
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) March 4, 2023
The Southern Jags were set to take on the Alabama A&M Hornets today at 5:30 p.m.
More details to come.
Click here to report a typo.
Copyright 2022 WAFB. All rights reserved. | https://www.wafb.com/2023/03/05/report-power-outage-impacts-su-basketball-game/ | 2023-03-05 00:46:47 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/2023/03/05/report-power-outage-impacts-su-basketball-game/ |
US drops case against NYC cop accused of spying for China
NEW YORK (AP) — Charges against a New York City police officer accused of spying on behalf of China were formally dropped Thursday after U.S. prosecutors said they uncovered new information that warranted the dismissal.
It ended a two-year ordeal for Baimadajie Angwang, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Tibet, who spent about six months in custody before being granted bail.
Outside the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Angwang thanked his family and his supporters, including those on the city’s police force and the U.S. Marine Corps, where he formerly served.
During a brief appearance in U.S. District Court, prosecutors said they were dropping charges “in the interest of justice” but declined to reveal what new information prompted them to do so.
Federal authorities had earlier accused Angwang of spying on expatriate Tibetans in New York on behalf of the Chinese consulate.
The U.S. attorney’s office in Brooklyn asserted that Angwang had been working as an agent for China since 2018 and was secretly supplying information on Tibetans pushing for their homeland’s independence from the communist government.
Angwang initially traveled to the United States on a cultural exchange visa. He overstayed a second visa and eventually sought asylum in the United States, alleging he had been arrested and tortured in China partly because of his Tibetan ethnicity.
There was no allegation that Angwang compromised national security or New York Police Department operations. When prosecutors filed their case in 2020, they deemed him “the definition of an insider threat.”
In court filings, Angwang’s attorney said any discussions with the Chinese consulate were meant to curry favor so he could obtain a visa to visit relatives in Tibet.
Beijing had called the case “pure fabrication” meant to smear its diplomats in the United States.
Angwang has worked at an NYPD precinct in Queens as a community liaison, authorities said.
After gaining asylum, Angwang became a Marine and served in Afghanistan before being honorably discharged, according to court papers filed by his attorney, John Carman. Angwang went on to join the Army Reserve and the NYPD, earning a “Cop of the Month” award in his Queens precinct in September 2018, according to the court filing.
He is currently suspended, with pay from the NYPD, the department said. Information on his status with the Army Reserve was not immediately available.
Tibet has been an especially sensitive issue for communist China.
China says Tibet has historically been part of its territory since the mid-13th century, and China’s ruling Communist Party has governed the Himalayan region since 1951. But many Tibetans say they were effectively independent for most of their history and that Beijing wants to exploit their resource-rich region while crushing their cultural identity.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kttc.com/2023/01/19/us-drops-case-against-nyc-cop-accused-spying-china/ | 2023-01-19 18:37:36 | 0 | https://www.kttc.com/2023/01/19/us-drops-case-against-nyc-cop-accused-spying-china/ |
Lowest yield in 30 years creates industry-wide challenges; Global network, legacy of master blending ensure quality still wins
LYNDHURST, N.J., March 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Filippo Berio, one of the nation's top-selling olive oil brands, has assessed the 2022/23 olive harvest as the most challenging on record, with the lowest crop yields in 30 years. While final yield numbers have yet to be confirmed, Filippo Berio estimates that the global harvest will deliver approximately 20% to 25% less final product to consumers, only about 2.7 million metric tons of product — 400,000 metric tons less than a typical good harvest. While the lackluster results present difficulties, including industry-wide price increases, Filippo Berio has the benefit of sourcing its olives from five of the largest and premier Mediterranean olive-oil producing countries, ensuring greater access to high-quality olives.
"At Filippo Berio, we have a reliable network of producers across Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal and Tunisia, which means continued access to product that meets our quality standards, despite the crop shortages across Europe," said Dusan Kaljevic, CEO of Filippo Berio USA. "Additionally, there are signs of easing in certain supply chain costs, and our focus on sustainability offers some hope for future harvest seasons."
Recapping a difficult harvest
After a poor flowering in April and May 2022, growers hoped to see potential yields increase with summer rainfall. But Europe, where a majority of the world's olive oil is produced and where the climate is warming at a much faster rate than the global average, instead suffered heatwaves, drought and wildfires. Ill-timed rainfall late in the fall further exacerbated supply issues, as the rains created an environment conducive to olive fruit fly attacks that compromised ripening fruit.
The challenging conditions have led to record-low yields across the Mediterranean region. Spain, for example, which has the longest harvest season and is the largest producer, usually sees a harvest of more than 1.4 million metric tons (and up to 1.8 million in an exceptional year); this year, it is unlikely to exceed 750 thousand metric tons.
"The low yield was expected, based on the conditions we saw developing throughout the year. At Filippo Berio, we took steps early in the harvest period to secure high-quality oils," said Kaljevic. "Nonetheless, the price impact will be significant. With less final product available to the industry, we are anticipating 30%–50% price increases, depending on the type of oil."
Showing some optimism for future harvests
It remains too soon to make predictions for the upcoming 2023/24 olive season. Producers will be monitoring weather conditions during the critical blossoming period in spring, while considering the direction of other costs along the supply chain. "Fortunately, we are starting to see a decrease in pricing for transport — especially ocean freight, as new capacity comes online — and we have reason to hope that packaging material costs will begin to trend downward as well," explained Kaljevic. "However, these decreases will not be enough to mitigate price rises due to the most recent poor harvest."
Kaljevic noted that another positive development to emerge is Filippo Berio's growing network of third-party-certified olive growers for its recently launched Sustainable Select line. Sustainable Select extra virgin olive oils are produced from olives grown using certified integrated farming methods and processed in accordance with rigorous quality control and environmental standards. These oils offer a fully traceable farm-to-bottle experience for consumers, via a QR code that provides information on the bottle's origins, flavor map and other details. Growers for the Sustainable Select line are approved by SGS, a global leader in inspection and certification.
"This year, supply from certified sustainable agriculture is limited, but our ability to certify additional growers shows that quality is still winning," Kaljevic said. "We also have something of an advantage in our global distribution that our buying capacity, financial solidity and extensive networks of relationships with farmers allow us to obtain more supply — though it's still less than we would like."
Filippo Berio's master blenders are specially trained to identify and select the highest quality olive oils from the brand's various producers. Every oil has a distinctive organoleptic profile, and the master blenders combine oils with different characteristics and flavors to create perfect, balanced blends. Because the brand sources from multiple Mediterranean regions, Filippo Berio can compensate for quality and quantity issues and still blend in accordance with its strict standards for ensuring consistency in quality and flavor.
Although the pace and impact of climate change has made commitment to high quality a more challenging prospect in recent years, Filippo Berio has taken a proactive approach to ensuring a reliable supply of oils that meet its stringent standards. It is investing in and integrating various sustainable initiatives, from expanding access to certified growers for its Sustainable Select line to participating in industry research to hone cultivation methods and identify resilient olive varieties. According to Kaljevic, "We cultivate multiple varieties, including ancient and underutilized ones, to uncover productive cultivars that better tolerate climate extremes and exhibit resilience to pathogens." Filippo Berio has helped identify 18 promising cultivars thus far. Additionally, it continues to evaluate other steps along its production chain to identify areas that can be more environmentally friendly; for instance, new and improved olive oil bottles are produced with 50% recycled plastics (rPET).
For more information about Filippo Berio's products and sustainability initiatives, please visit www.filippoberio.com.
About Filippo Berio:
The Filippo Berio brand has been committed to creating high-quality olive oil for more than 155 years. Founder Filippo Berio set forth exceptional standards of olive oil production that are still rigorously followed today, with each bottle sold bearing his signature as a seal of the finest olive oil and the brand's promise of quality. From distinctive olive oils to a selection of specialty pestos, vinegars, balsamics and glazes, all featuring the finest ingredients and high production standards, the Italian brand focuses on creating great-tasting and accessible products to elevate the at-home cooking and eating experience. The brand is currently sold in more than 75 countries. In the United States, Filippo Berio is marketed by Filippo Berio USA, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Salov Group, based in Lucca, Italy. For additional information, please visit www.filippoberio.com.
Filippo Berio Media Contact:
Hannah Castle, 510-590-0195
FilippoBerio@finnpartners.com
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SOURCE Filippo Berio | https://www.kwch.com/prnewswire/2023/03/02/filippo-berio-reports-202223-olive-harvest/ | 2023-03-02 11:14:07 | 1 | https://www.kwch.com/prnewswire/2023/03/02/filippo-berio-reports-202223-olive-harvest/ |
WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The CPSC announces today the following recalls are posted in cooperation with the firms listed below. Recalls can be viewed at www.cpsc.gov.
E-Bikes Recalled Due to Fire, Explosion and Burn Hazards; Distributed by Ancheer
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/E-Bikes-Recalled-Due-to-Fire-Explosion-and-Burn-Hazards-Distributed-by-Ancheer
Early Learning Centre Little Senses Lights & Sounds Shape Sorter Toys Due to Choking Hazard; Manufactured by Addo Play; Sold Exclusively at Amazon.com
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Early-Learning-Centre-Little-Senses-Lights-and-Sounds-Shape-Sorter-Toys-Due-to-Choking-Hazard-Manufactured-by-Addo-Play-Sold-Exclusively-at-Amazon-com
Children's Sleepwear Recalled Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standards and Burn Hazard; Imported by Ekouaer; Sold Exclusively at Amazon.com
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Childrens-Sleepwear-Recalled-Due-to-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Standards-and-Burn-Hazard-Imported-by-Ekouaer-Sold-Exclusively-at-Amazon-com
Cressi-Sub USA Recalls Scuba Diver Buoyancy Compensator Devices Due to Drowning Hazard
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Cressi-Sub-USA-Recalls-Scuba-Diver-Buoyancy-Compensator-Devices-Due-to-Drowning-Hazard
Newair Recalls Magic Chef Air Fryers Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Newair-Recalls-Magic-Chef-Air-Fryers-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards
U.P. Fashion Recalls Children's Rings Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/U-P-Fashion-Recalls-Childrens-Rings-Due-to-Violation-of-Federal-Lead-Content-Ban
Children's Sleepwear Recalled Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standards and Burn Hazard; Imported by Jammers Apparel Group; Sold Exclusively at JCPenney
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Childrens-Sleepwear-Recalled-Due-to-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Standards-and-Burn-Hazard-Imported-by-Jammers-Apparel-Group-Sold-Exclusively-at-JCPenney
U-Line Recalls Outdoor Freezers Due to Fire Hazard
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/U-Line-Recalls-Outdoor-Freezers-Due-to-Fire-Hazard
About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.
Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.
For lifesaving information:
- Visit CPSC.gov.
- Sign up to receive our e-mail alerts.
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter @USCPSC.
- Report a dangerous product or a product-related injury on www.SaferProducts.gov.
- Call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).
- Contact a media specialist.
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SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/10/13/new-product-safety-recalls/ | 2022-10-13 15:15:16 | 0 | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/10/13/new-product-safety-recalls/ |
The Kohn clan, which spawned Florida’s only known father-son-son trio of boys basketball state championship coaches, will be out in full force at Saturday’s Kalyn High Master’s Classic basketball event.
No fewer than six Kohns will be playing or coaching and everybody else in the extended family figures to be in the bleachers.
The championship coaches are Reggie Kohn, who directed four Orlando Christian Prep title teams over six seasons (2008-14) before becoming head coach at Master’s Academy, which hosts the Classic; big brother Josh Kohn, who coached Hagerty to a 2013 state championship; and patriarch Steve Kohn, who coached his boys and many others in a 300-plus wins stint at Lake Howell — including a legendary 2007 title team.
[ Lake Howell's "Three Amigos" led 2007 All-State boys basketball list ]
Steve now assists Reggie. It’s very likely that grandson Wyatt, age 9, will also be sitting at his dad’s side as an unpaid assistant coach on Saturday.
Josh, Hagerty’s boys coach since the school opened in 2005, added the girls varsity team to his workday this season — which means he coaches a son and daughter. Hannah, a senior, is a star player for Hagerty’s girls team, which is 18-1 heading into a Saturday matchup with Central Florida Christian Academy (16-4). Asa, a ninth grader, plays for the Huskies boys varsity squad, which is 14-4.
Master’s (15-3), ranked No. 15 in a rugged 3A classification, is coming off a 67-59 road win against No. 10 7A Colonial (15-4). Zion Mitchell led the Eagles with 17 points and 5 assists.
Hagerty’s boys are 7-1 in the New Year after winning 57-54 at home Wednesday against Lake Brantley (14-4). The Huskies’ only loss in that streak was 48-47 at Oviedo. The rematch is Friday night with the Lions (11-7) making the short trip to Hagerty for a girls/boys doubleheader.
Kalyn High Master’s Classic
At The Master’s Academy, Oviedo
Saturday
Hagerty vs. Master’s (girls JV), 8:30 a.m.
Hagerty vs. Master’s (boys JV), 10
Oviedo vs. Trinity Prep, 11:30
Hagerty vs. CFCA (girls), 1
Winter Park vs. Master’s (girls), 2:30
Hagerty vs. Kissimmee Osceola, 4
Edgewater vs. Master’s, 5:30
CFCA vs. Lakeland Victory Christian, 7
Dr. Phillips vs. Lake Highland Prep, 8:30
Admission: $10
Jizzle hits 2K
Dynamic Olympia guard E.J. “Jizzle” James scored 22 points in a 58-43 win against Apopka on Wednesday to break the school career scoring record set by Dexter Fields (2,001 points). James, a four-year starter (as was Fields) is up to 2,008.
Fields, a star guard for Olympia’s 2008-09 state runner-up team, played two college seasons at UAB and as a junior and senior at Murray State. He is scheduled to take part in a pre-game ceremony recognizing James’ achievement when the Titans (19-1) host West Orange (6-13) on Friday night.
[ Jizzle James sets career-high for Olympia against Oak Ridge in MLK Classic ]
National notice
Olympia entered the BallisLife Fab 50 national rankings at No. 49 this week. Montverde Academy (14-2) is No. 2 on that roster behind Paul VI (16-1) of Virginia.
Other ranked Florida teams are: Miami Columbus at No. 6, No. 16 IMG Academy, No. 30 DME Academy of Daytona Beach, and No. 33 The Rock.
Columbus and Olympia, No. 1 and 2 in the state power rankings as 7A state title contenders, are the only FHSAA playoff system teams among those five ranked teams.
Columbus (16-3) gained clearance from the FHSAA to travel out of state multiple times. The Explorers played in the HoopHall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts, last weekend and sophomore sensation Cam Boozer had 33 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals in a 74-67 win against San Ysidro of California.
Montverde is home for its next five games. The Eagles host two other Florida independents, Central Pointe Christian Academy (25-10) of Kissimmee, on Saturday night at 6:30; and Calvary Christian (6-10) of Fort Lauderdale on Monday at 6:10; before hosting the Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament, Jan. 26-28.
Rankings ripples
Ocoee (9-9) upset 7A No. 6 Windermere 71-70 Wednesday on a buzzer-beating basket by Ahlston Ware. Ware had 14 points and Justynn Thomas scored 22, including 6 3-pointers.
Oak Ridge (12-7), ranked fifth in 7A, dropped to 12-7 with a 68-65 road loss at tough Tampa Catholic (10-8). The Pioneers travel to Georgia to face McEachern (11-6), a Georgia state champ three times since 2015, on Saturday.
No. 2 2A Orlando Christian Prep (16-1), which throttled Bishop Moore 77-47 on Tuesday, plays host Punta Gorda Charlotte (8-10) on Friday and Tampa Catholic on Saturday in the Wally Keller Classic. That Saturday slate includes 7A No. 3 Winter Haven vs. 2A No. 1 Sagemont and Columbus vs. Illinois power Sacred Heart-Griffin (18-1).
OCP plays at Winter Haven (15-4) in what should be a doozy on Tuesday night.
Jones (10-9), No. 5 in 5A despite its misleading record, won 71-61 at 6A Lake Minneola (12-8).
Legends remembered
Next week’s FCA Honoring Legends Invitational at Boone again pays tribute to former coaches and players.
Here are Wednesday’s quarterfinal matchups (play continues Friday leading to a 4:30 Saturday, Jan. 28, championship game):
CFCA vs. Lake Howell, 3:30
Colonial vs. Lake Brantley, 5
Boone vs. Oviedo, 6:30
Winter Park vs. Seminole, 8
Former players and coaches to be recognized before their former teams play will be Josh Kohn (Lake Howell), Frank Gooch (Lake Brantley), Bill Payne (Colonial and Seminole), Jake Pickett (Oviedo) and the recently deceased David Shaw (Winter Park). The 40th anniversary of Boone’s 1983 state title team will be applauded on Friday.
Extra points
- South Lake (10-9) freshman Isaiah Pina scored a school record with 40 points and added 20 rebounds in a 72-67 win against Umatilla (16-3) on Tuesday.
- Julian Anderson, a 6-4 junior, had 23 points and 18 rebounds for The First Academy (14-5) in a 65-62 win at Faith Christian (12-7). He was 10-of-13 on field goal tries.
- Cooper Claycomb, an All-Area golfer, had 25 points, 13 rebounds and 8 steals for Circle Christian (4-6) in a 72-45 win against Geneva School.
- Deltona (14-5) has won seven of its past eight, including an overtime win against Father Lopez and a 65-63 victory vs. crosstown rival Pine Ridge.
Watch list
Other noteworthy games coming up:
Friday
Eustis at Leesburg, 7
TFA at Bishop Moore, 7:30
Tuesday
Oldsmar Christian at West Oaks, 7
Windermere Prep at Lake Nona, 7:30
Wednesday
Edgewater at Olympia, 7
This report was first published at Orlandosentinel.com. Varsity Content Editor Buddy Collings can be reached by email at bcollings@orlandosentinel.com. | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/highschool/boys-basketball/os-sp-hs-boys-basketball-notebook-20230119-qddvqiji3ndkzf6wgkgrw7rumu-story.html | 2023-01-19 20:03:31 | 0 | https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/highschool/boys-basketball/os-sp-hs-boys-basketball-notebook-20230119-qddvqiji3ndkzf6wgkgrw7rumu-story.html |
Pixar Animation Studios has a well-earned reputation as a movie innovator. Since the 1995 debut of “Toy Story,” Pixar has pushed the envelope with its animation technology and how it integrates art with multi-layered storytelling.
Now, the studio has made history by including its first nonbinary character in its newest film, “Elemental,” which opened on June 16.
Voice actor Kai Ava Hauser confirmed the news on their Twitter account with an introduction to the new character.
“BIG ANNOUNCEMENT,” they said in the tweet. “I got to play Pixar’s first nonbinary character! Meet Lake!”
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT I got to play Pixar's first nonbinary character! Meet Lake!
I voice Lake in the new movie #Elemental! I'm seeing it in theaters tonight with my friends, so you can catch it in theaters too if you wanna see them. pic.twitter.com/6kBPGvCATE— Kai Ava Hauser (@JustAVoiceActor) June 16, 2023
The newest Pixar film is set in Element City, where all the residents represent one of the four elements: earth, water, fire and air.
The movie “introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in,” according to Pixar’s official description.
Lake Ripple, a water-based character in the world of “Elemental,” is the younger sibling of Wade Ripple, one of the leading characters in the film.
In their Twitter thread, Hauser discussed the importance of including LGBTQ characters in films.
“It’s so hard for us to be treated in media as something non-political vs. just being people,” they wrote. “But to me getting to voice a nonbinary character — and one in such a big movie — it was an honor. I count that as a win in my book. Still more is needed and we’re working to get there!”
Previous Pixar projects, including “Onward” and the short film “Out,” include openly gay characters. However, international markets have banned them for even mentioning same-sex relationships.
Pixar has pushed for more inclusion in its movies with its corporate owner The Walt Disney Company. In 2022, Pixar employees called out Disney executives for censoring numerous storylines and character interactions based on sexuality or gender.
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Check out Simplemost for additional stories. | https://www.wptv.com/meet-lake-pixars-first-official-nonbinary-character | 2023-06-20 13:11:19 | 0 | https://www.wptv.com/meet-lake-pixars-first-official-nonbinary-character |
- Helps to improve quality of services while providing on-time results
- Reduces operating and maintenance costs
- Includes experienced technology implementation support
LONDON and SAN RAMON, Calif., Aug. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) and GE Digital today announce an alliance to help organizations transform their manufacturing operations. The alliance combines the proven sector excellence and technology consulting services of EY US with the more than 100 years of manufacturing experience and rich digital technology of GE.
With the rapidly growing demand for modernized manufacturing systems, companies are seeking to gain a competitive advantage by expediting their digital transformation journey. As critical key performance indicators (KPIs) for the industry include the need for operational efficiency, quality management improvement, loss reduction and energy efficiency, the EY−GE Digital Alliance will provide solutions and guidance on ways to increase productivity while lowering costs.
GE Digital is an industry leader in developing software for manufacturing. The business helps foster deeper integration between the enterprise resource planning layer of an organization's technology landscape with its equipment on the shop floor. GE Digital's software tools can be fit to meet the various challenges accompanying the growing manufacturing system market, including improving quality, uptime and operations performance.
The manufacturing technology service of EY US, which has been growing over the last 20 years, has proven experience implementing GE Digital software tools for more than 40 different clients spanning various industrial sectors.
Through this alliance, manufacturers can also leverage support from EY US teams to implement and integrate GE Digital software to develop more data-driven manufacturing operations.
Scott Dixon, Digital Manufacturing Leader, Ernst & Young LLP, says:
"I am excited to see EY US and GE Digital joining forces to help manufacturers achieve their business outcomes building a fit-for-purpose enterprise manufacturing technology landscape. The EY−GE Digital Alliance will harness the combined power of technology, services and solutions, industry insights, system integration and consulting experience of the two organizations to optimize the value chain for companies throughout the industry."
Richard Kenedi, GE Digital General Manager, Manufacturing and Digital Plant, says:
"Software is mission-critical to accelerating transformation in industry today. The alliance brings together leaders in software solutions and technology services to help industrial companies solve their toughest challenges. Software supports corporate initiatives including continuous improvement, compliance, sustainability and global competitiveness. Companies want those solutions to be working quickly and efficiently so they can see fast time to value. Working with EY US creates that synergy needed to pursue business opportunities."
For more information, visit ey.com/alliances.
EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets.
Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.
Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.
This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients.
This news release reflects information from the date of initial publication and is not further updated.
About GE Digital
GE Digital transforms how our customers solve their toughest challenges by putting industrial data to work. Our mission is to bring simplicity, speed, and scale to digital transformation activities, with industrial software that delivers breakthrough business outcomes. GE Digital's product portfolio – including grid optimization and analytics, asset and operations performance management, and manufacturing operations and automation – helps industrial companies in the utility, power generation, oil & gas, aviation, and manufacturing sectors change the way industry works. For more information, visit www.ge.com/digital.
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SOURCE EY | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/prnewswire/2022/08/04/ey-ge-digital-announce-alliance-help-organizations-improve-productivity-through-data-driven-manufacturing/ | 2022-08-04 14:49:54 | 1 | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/prnewswire/2022/08/04/ey-ge-digital-announce-alliance-help-organizations-improve-productivity-through-data-driven-manufacturing/ |
DICKINSON, ND (KXNET) — Dickinson police Friday morning arrested a man wanted in connection with a May 4 shooting in the community.
Acting on an anonymous tip, authorities located Jorge Villazana around 7:00 a.m. in the parking lot of a Dickinson business in the 1400 block of South Main.
He was taken into custody without incident.
Villazana faces charges of attempted murder, terrorizing and reckless endangerment stemming from the shooting of a 31-year-old Killdeer woman. He is being held at the Southwest Multi-County Correctional Center awaiting an initial court appearance. | https://www.kxnet.com/news/top-stories/suspect-arrested-in-connection-with-dickinson-shooting/ | 2022-05-06 18:15:09 | 1 | https://www.kxnet.com/news/top-stories/suspect-arrested-in-connection-with-dickinson-shooting/ |
The new constellation is planned to be launched as a collection of four satellites in total, each capable of under 1-meter resolution imaging.
HELSINKI, Finland , Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ICEYE, the owner of the world's largest synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation and SATLANTIS, a leading New Space optical imaging company, today announced preliminary plans to develop and manufacture a proposed Tandem for Earth Observation (Tandem4EO) constellation consisting of two radar and two VHR optical satellites. The announced program is planned to support the New Space strategy of several European Union nations, with a focus on Spain.
Current ICEYE manufacturing and R&D facilities in Jumilla, Spain, and the headquarters of SATLANTIS in Bilbao, Spain, will be at the heart of the development, manufacturing and planned cooperation. Both companies will continue to increase their investments in their local operations, supporting Earth observation downstream applications in the European Union, and the growth of the local New Space ecosystem.
The Tandem4EO constellation is planned to be launched as a collection of four satellites in total, each capable of under 1-meter resolution imaging. The satellites are to be flown in a sun-synchronous orbit, with two ICEYE SAR imaging spacecraft flying in a bistatic formation, and two SATLANTIS very high-resolution optical imaging spacecraft trailing behind. With closely coordinated operations, the constellation intends to serve solutions related to natural catastrophes, security, environmental monitoring at land and sea, infrastructure development, precise SAR Interferometry (InSAR) based change detection and more.
"Earth observation is ultimately about truly understanding what is happening in a selected location - with confidence," says Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE. "To achieve robust and fast analysis, combining the strengths of optical and SAR satellites in a single constellation yields incredibly useful insights for stakeholders in Spain and Europe."
"Spain is in a remarkable position in Europe, with two leading New Space companies established in its territory opening new and unique opportunities in Earth observation," says Juan Tomás Hernani, CEO of SATLANTIS. "This proposed initiative is the type of aerospace collaboration that would not have been feasible before. We're in the golden age of New Space, and now is the right time to act on it."
What makes the development of the Tandem4EO constellation unique, is that the combination of SAR and optical imaging with video capability will enable a new level of effectiveness for assessing in detail what is happening in a location of interest right now and over time. With this dual-instrument approach, data users will gain the benefits of versatility, reliability, and ease of use. In addition, the bi-static nature of the ICEYE SAR satellites allows for simultaneous radar acquisitions to produce InSAR data.
About ICEYE
ICEYE delivers unmatched persistent monitoring capabilities for any location on earth. Owning the world's largest synthetic-aperture radar constellation, the company enables objective, data-driven decisions for its customers in sectors such as insurance, natural catastrophe response and recovery, security, maritime monitoring and finance. ICEYE's data can be collected day or night, and even through cloud cover. For more information, please visit www.iceye.com
Media Contact:
press@iceye.fi
About SATLANTIS
SATLANTIS is a medium-sized company, profitable leader in Optical Earth Observation Technologies, that uses its own infrared and visible technology to lead 6 space missions, covering applications ranging from methane emissions to security, among others. One of those missions has recently been acquired as an End-to-End solution by another country's governmental subsidiary company. SATLANTIS headquarters are in Bilbao, and it has a subsidiary company in Gainesville, Florida, run by US investors from the Oil & Gas sector.
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SOURCE ICEYE | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/iceye-satlantis-propose-new-tandem4eo-constellation-combining-radar-optical-imaging-europe/ | 2022-09-14 16:10:22 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/iceye-satlantis-propose-new-tandem4eo-constellation-combining-radar-optical-imaging-europe/ |
Creative lighting to give your porch, patio or deck a summer glow up
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Pure Garden LED Outdoor Floor Lamp
- O’Bright Portable LED Table Lamp
- Elo Baby Battery-Powered LED Outdoor Table Lamp
Portable lamps can be used to dramatically change the ambiance and vibe of outdoor dining spaces. Soft, warm lighting can create the perfect atmosphere for winding down and enjoying a family meal after a long summer day. Lamps that let you change their color can be tailored to celebrate a football victory with the home team colors, or just give your gathering a holiday-hued theme.
Best of all, portable lamps don’t require any electrical work or modifications to your existing space. After dinner is over, you can bring them indoors or simply leave them out until the next occasion.
Battery-powered lamps vs. solar-powered lamps
The biggest difference you’ll find from one portable lamp to the next is whether it runs on solar power or batteries. While either can deliver mood-setting illumination, one type of patio lighting may be more appropriate for your intended purposes than the other.
- Battery-powered lamps are the most common type of portable light. Depending on the one you select, they can be powered by rechargeable or disposable batteries. These kinds of lamps often include features like brightness and color settings. Lamps that use rechargeable batteries can usually also run on USB power if you leave them plugged in. While battery-powered lamps are easy to take anywhere, not all of them are resistant to water and sunshine, so choose carefully if you intend to leave them outside all season long.
- Solar-powered lamps have panels on them that absorb the sun’s energy throughout the day and glow at night. The benefit of using solar-powered lamps is that you can generally leave them out all day and they’ll start to glow just in time for the evening’s activities. However, overcast days might leave you in the dark. Most solar-powered portable lamps lack on/off switches and brightness settings as well, although there are some exceptions. Because solar-powered lamps are built specifically for outdoor use, they’re usually more resistant to the elements than those with batteries.
Best portable lamps
Pure Garden LED Outdoor Floor Lamp
These lamps look great placed on deck railings, tabletops, patio floors and even hung like lanterns from their rope handles. Their weather-resistant plastic and rope construction is neutral in color and designed to fit almost any theme, from nautical lakeside dining to Asian-inspired garden picnics. A flickering LED candle provides a warm, natural-looking glow and it can be run on solar power or a AA battery.
Sold by Wayfair
O’Bright Portable LED Table Lamp
This metal lamp’s battery can run for up to 48 hours on a charge. Three touch-selectable brightness settings and a frosted shade keep the lighting gentle and warm. Available in five finishes and reasonably priced, you can use a number of these lamps to create an outdoor wonderland without going over budget.
Sold by Amazon
Solar-Powered LED Outdoor Lantern with Electric Candle
This solar-powered lamp makes a great outdoor centerpiece. It’s waterproof and resistant to the elements, so you can leave it outdoors no matter the weather. At 20 inches tall on a thin stem, the lamp provides enough clearance below it to still leave room on the table for decorations and won’t become an obstacle while passing dishes or toasting the end of another productive day.
Sold by AllModern
Spirit Outdoor LED Rechargeable Lamp
For those who can’t resist bringing a little technology outdoors, this lamp features a battery that can run its LED light for 6-12 hours on a single charge. It includes a charging cable and features two brightness settings so you can customize the intimacy of your space.
Sold by Saks Fifth Avenue
These modern-looking table lamps let you select from three color temperatures and adjust their brightness to suit your mood. Available in nine colors with a satin aluminum finish, these rechargeable, battery-powered lamps offer gentle illumination and bring a sleek, minimal design to your porch or patio.
Sold by Amazon
Elo Baby Battery-Powered LED Outdoor Table Lamp
Offered in six soothing colors, this bottle-shaped lamp can be placed on surfaces around your space or hung like a lantern using its built-in removable ring handle. Dimmable, weatherproof and rechargeable via USB-C, the lamp can also be held like a flashlight, which can come in handy when it’s time to bring in the dishes.
Sold by Wayfair
Ballard Designs Solar LED Lantern
This beehive-shaped lantern is available in two generous sizes and looks great sitting beside outdoor furniture or on a tabletop. They can be charged via solar power or a USB charging cable and glow warmly for 6-8 hours. Faux leather carrying handles make them easy to move around with you.
Sold by Ballard Designs
Battery-Powered RGB Touch Lamp
This USB-chargeable lamp lets you adjust its brightness and select its color with a touch. A faux wood base keeps the lamp classy, but its low price and small size make it easy to purchase as many of them as you need to fulfill your vision of the perfect outdoor dining space.
Sold by Amazon
Tubicen Portable LED Table Lamp
With its generous carrying handle and four stages of customizable brightness, this minimalist lamp offers a rustic glow in an otherwise modern design. Its USB-chargeable battery can last for an amazing 110 hours on its dimmest setting, while its brightest gives off enough light for reading and table games.
Sold by Amazon
Zafferano Pina Pro LED Table Lamp
Those after a sophisticated look will find that this elegantly designed lamp brings a touch of class to any outdoor occasion. It provides nine hours of light after being set on its USB charging base and comes in three understated colors. It has touch-controlled dimming and remembers your last setting.
Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
- This Thausdas Touch Lamp can be used outdoors and then brought inside to work just as well as a night light.
- Bring a splash of color to the outdoors with this Rootro RGB Table Lamp.
- The Philips Hue Go lamp features a unique, bowl-shaped design and includes smart features.
- This Moon Lamp brings our planet’s nearest neighbor to the picnic table, craters and all.
- This battery-powered Star Lamp is perfect for late-night Fourth of July porch parties.
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Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/reviews/br/home-br/lighting-br/portable-lamps-that-make-outdoor-dining-so-cozy/ | 2023-05-13 09:52:59 | 1 | https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/reviews/br/home-br/lighting-br/portable-lamps-that-make-outdoor-dining-so-cozy/ |
CHICAGO , Dec. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the leading organization that oversees the standards for physician Board Certification in the United States, has named John H. Sudduth, CISSP, PMP as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO).
In his role as CIO, Mr. Sudduth will oversee all aspects of the operations of the Information Services department. He will also support ABMS' strategic initiatives and provide guidance to Member Boards on their technology needs.
Mr. Sudduth previously served as CIO for a public utility, where he had oversight of the utility's information technology as it related to strategy, policy, support, and operations. In addition, he served on the Executive Team, which was responsible for developing and executing the organization's information technology strategic plan.
Mr. Sudduth also served as CIO for the Illinois Department of Public Health, where he was also responsible for developing and implementing the agency's information technology strategic plan. He leveraged modern technology to drive efficient health care outcomes by coordinating with public health agencies across Illinois. Mr. Sudduth utilized best practice Business Process Mapping methodologies to lead efforts to document and re-engineer business processes throughout the Agency.
Mr. Sudduth holds several technical and professional certifications, including Project Management Professional Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), and (Certified in Risk and Information Security Control).
Mr. Sudduth holds a Master of Science in Information System Security and a Bachelor of Science in Organization Behavior, both from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.
Established in 1933, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is responsible for the creation of standards overseeing physician certification in the United States. Dedicated to improving the quality of care to the patients, families and communities they serve, the 24 ABMS Member Boards develop educational and professional standards and programs of assessment to certify physicians and medical specialists. More than 940,000 physicians and medical specialists are certified by one or more of the ABMS Member Boards in one or more of 40 specialties and 88 subspecialties. For more information about ABMS, visit abms.org or call (312) 436-2600.
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SOURCE American Board of Medical Specialties | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2022/12/12/abms-names-john-h-sudduth-its-new-chief-information-officer/ | 2022-12-12 17:43:53 | 1 | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2022/12/12/abms-names-john-h-sudduth-its-new-chief-information-officer/ |
STARKVILLE — It’s hard to miss Mississippi State sophomore receiver Zavion Thomas on social media.
One of the more outspoken voices for the Bulldogs, he and senior Lideatrick “Tulu” Griffin haven’t been shy about showcasing and sharing their personalities.
The same is true on the football field as they’ve created one of the best special teams tandems in college football.
“Tulu is really my big brother,” Thomas said. “He guided me on special teams because he was doing it when he first got here. He let me know about the small things and how to get better.”
Thomas got limited time as a receiver last season, but shined as a punt returner, earning Freshman All-American first-team honors as he was second in the Southeastern Conference and fifth in the nation with 13.5 return yards on average.
“It was just taking advantage of my opportunity,” Thomas said. “That’s all it really was. I had guys in front of me last year. Getting into special teams, just making plays for my team to win.”
Thomas has seen time this spring on the offensive side of the ball, getting involved in offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay’s new schemes for the Bulldogs.
Barbay has put an added emphasis on the run game, and that’s included receivers like Thomas, getting the ball on a sweep to the outside.
The initial adjustments have been welcomed from him and the wide receiver committee.
“It’s a lot more deep shots,” Thomas said. “Coach Barbay, Coach Bumphis, they’re giving us a lot of opportunities to go get the ball. … Coach Barbay wants to add a little sauce to it, keep the defense honest.”
Being used in a number of different offensive sets, the coaching staff has been key toward Thomas’s development during the spring as he looks to be used not just on special teams, but to be a consistent offensive contributor.
“They’re just letting me know that I can do anything on the field,” Thomas said. “Just having confidence that they’re instilling in my head that I can do it.”
In talking about the defense, Thomas wasn’t quick to give any kudos to individual players on the other side of the ball.
Like on social media, he is unapologetically himself, and it’s played out the same on the football field.
“I mean, hats to the defense, but I’m Zavion, ain’t nobody giving me trouble,” Thomas said.
Last year was the appetizer, and for Thomas, he’s gearing up for the 2023 season to be the main entree, especially reprising that special teams role for the Bulldogs.
“It’s going to be exciting,” Thomas said. “It’s going to be better this year, trust me.”
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Error! There was an error processing your request. | https://www.djournal.com/sports/college/mississippi-state/zavion-thomas-ready-to-run-it-back-on-special-teams/article_b618b891-aca7-5b1e-a11d-a9206cd0d9ee.html | 2023-04-05 22:06:34 | 1 | https://www.djournal.com/sports/college/mississippi-state/zavion-thomas-ready-to-run-it-back-on-special-teams/article_b618b891-aca7-5b1e-a11d-a9206cd0d9ee.html |
NEW YORK — Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B resolved a yearslong criminal case stemming from a pair of brawls at New York City strip clubs by pleading guilty Thursday in a deal that requires her to perform 15 days of community service.
The 29-year-old "WAP" singer agreed to a conditional discharge just as her case was about to go to trial, saying in a statement: "Part of growing up and maturing is being accountable for your actions."
Cardi B, a New York City native whose real name is Belcalis Almanzar, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges stemming from the August 2018 fights. Ten other counts, including two felonies, were dismissed. Two co-defendants also pleaded guilty.
According to prosecutors, Cardi B and her entourage were targeting employees of Angels Strip Club in Flushing, Queens, over an apparent personal dispute.
In one fight, chairs, bottles and hookah pipes were thrown as the group argued with a bartender. She and another employee had minor injuries.
"No one is above the law," Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. "In pleading guilty today, Ms. Belcalis Almanzar and two co-defendants have accepted responsibility for their actions. This Office is satisfied with the resolution, which includes appropriate community service."
In 2019, Cardi B rejected a plea deal that would have given her a conditional discharge. Prosecutors then presented the case to a grand jury and obtained an indictment that included the two felony charges.
"I've made some bad decisions in my past that I am not afraid to face and own up to," said Cardi B, adding that she wanted to set a good example for her two children.
"These moments don't define me and they are not reflective of who I am now," she added. "I'm looking forward to moving past this situation with my family and friends and getting back to the things I love the most—the music and my fans."
Cardi B's chart-topping hits include "I Like It" and the Maroon 5 collaboration "Girls Like You."
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.apr.org/2022-09-15/cardi-bs-guilty-plea-resolves-a-2018-case-over-nyc-club-brawls | 2022-09-15 21:31:02 | 1 | https://www.apr.org/2022-09-15/cardi-bs-guilty-plea-resolves-a-2018-case-over-nyc-club-brawls |
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