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The Department of Justice is preparing to sue Google as soon as next month, according to people familiar with the matter, capping years of work to build a case that the Alphabet unit illegally dominates the digital advertising market.
Lawyers with the DOJ’s antitrust division are questioning publishers in another round of interviews to refresh facts and glean additional details for the complaint, said three people familiar with the conversations who asked not to be named discussing an ongoing investigation.
Some of the interviews have already taken place and others are scheduled in the coming weeks, two of the people said. They build on previous interrogations conducted during an earlier stage of the long-running investigation, the people said.
An ad tech complaint, which Bloomberg reported was in the works last year, would mark the DOJ’s second case against Google following the government’s 2020 lawsuit alleging the tech titan dominates the online search market in violation of antitrust laws.
Still undecided is whether prosecutors will file the case in federal court in Washington, D.C., where the search case is pending, or in New York, where state attorneys general have their own antitrust case related to Google’s ad tech business, the people said.
The Justice Department declined to comment.
“Our advertising technologies help websites and apps fund their content, and enable small businesses to reach customers around the world,” said Google spokesperson Peter Schottenfels. “The enormous competition in online advertising has made online ads more relevant, reduced ad tech fees, and expanded options for publishers and advertisers.”
The DOJ’s ad tech probe is an example of the federal government’s push to rein in the largest technology platforms after nearly a decade during which regulators took little to no action. The Federal Trade Commission has sued Meta Platforms seeking to force it to sell off Instagram and WhatsApp and is investigating Amazon over its control of online retail.
Apple is also under investigation by the Justice Department related to its tight control over the App Store. These types of probes are difficult, taking years to prepare and resolve as they wend their way from investigation to litigation and appeals.
Federal scrutiny of Google’s digital advertising operations goes back to the Trump administration. Then-Attorney General William Barr sued the California-based company over its search business instead, alleging the company used exclusive distribution deals with wireless carriers and phone makers to lock out competition.
In December 2020, attorneys general for 16 states and Puerto Rico also sued Google for allegedly monopolizing the online digital advertising market. The suit alleges Google reached an illegal deal with Meta to manipulate the online auctions where advertisers and website publishers buy and sell ad space. Meta isn’t accused of wrongdoing in the states’ lawsuit, though regulators in the U.K. and Europe have opened a probe into both companies over the agreement, nicknamed Jedi Blue.
Google denies the allegations and has asked a federal judge to dismiss the states’ complaint. A hearing on that request is scheduled for this month.
The search giant is the biggest player in the market for online display ads, which help fund news, sports and entertainment websites. The company owns tools that help websites sell ads, others that help advertisers buy space and is the most widely used platform where online ad auctions take place.
Google controlled about 28.6% of the $211.2 billion in U.S. digital ad spending last year, according to eMarketer, while Facebook made up 23.8% and Amazon 11.6%. | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/doj-preparing-to-sue-google-over-ad-market/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all | 2022-08-15 13:50:03 | 0 | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/doj-preparing-to-sue-google-over-ad-market/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all |
St. Lucie County School Board to decide on millage tax
St. Lucie Public Schools board members will meet Tuesday night to decide whether to put a new millage tax on the November ballot.
The decision comes at a time when inflation costs have hit record highs.
If added to the ballot and then passed by county voters in November, the cost of the tax would remain the same.
In 2018, more than 60% of St. Lucie County voters passed the millage that has been in place for the last four years.
On average, the current millage brings in about $25 million to the school district, according to David Freeland, president of the Education Association St. Lucie.
Freeland said 70% of the millage is used to recruit and retain teachers.
"If the referendum did not pass, teachers would lose up to $6,000 of income," said Freeland. "As I tell members, members say, 'Well, what's the plan if the referendum doesn't pass?' Honestly, there is not a plan. If we had $26 million laying around, we would not need the referendum."
The remaining 30% is used to fund school operations such as enhancing school security and improving mental health programs for students.
Freeland said right now there is a national teacher shortage and that in Florida alone, there are over 4,000 teacher openings.
"That income is important," said Freeland. "It does help keep our salaries competitive, and remember, we're not competing just across the state for quality educators. We're competing nationwide."
All St. Lucie County educators received a $900 profit sharing bonus on May 2.
Freeland said that money was given to teachers by the district after insurance claims remained low despite a surcharge from Florida Blue during the pandemic.
Scripps Only Content 2022 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/05/10/st-lucie-school-board-decide-millage-tax-november-ballot/ | 2022-05-10 12:39:52 | 0 | https://www.wflx.com/2022/05/10/st-lucie-school-board-decide-millage-tax-november-ballot/ |
TAMPA, Fla., July 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the American Thyroid Association, July is Graves' Disease Awareness Month. Graves' Disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland and is the most common cause of overproduction of thyroid hormone within the body (hyperthyroidism).
In Graves' Disease, the body's immune system for some reason turns against a part or parts of the thyroid. Graves' Disease symptoms include unexplained weight loss, heat intolerance or excessive sweating, anxiety, tremors, restlessness, difficulty sleeping at night, rapid or irregular heart rate, palpitations or chest pain, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, goiter or thyroid mass, prominent bulging eyes, blurred vision, double vision, muscle weakness, change in menstrual periods, increased frequency of bowel movements and more.
There are several different approaches in the management of Graves' Disease. These include medical management with anti-thyroid medication, radioactive iodine therapy, and thyroid surgery.
Surgery for Graves' Disease is the only 100% effective therapy. Surgery for Grave's Disease requires total removal of the thyroid gland. When the Graves' thyroid gland is very large, thyroid surgery is widely considered the preferred treatment. It is also the best treatment option when other treatments have been ineffective or if a patient cannot tolerate another form of treatment. This surgery should only be performed by expert thyroid surgeons and managed by an expert thyroid surgery team.
"Many patients don't do well with medical therapies for Graves' Disease," said Dr. Gary Clayman of the Clayman Thyroid Center. "Often their disease becomes difficult to consistently control and they can experience roller coaster symptoms of very high thyroid hormone levels followed by periods of very low thyroid hormone production. After a period of treatment, many patients get exhausted by these roller coaster hormone rides and seek surgery for Graves' Disease."
What is most important in the treatment of Graves' Disease is choosing the right treatment that best suits each individual patient. Surgery for Graves' Disease may be the best treatment for many patients and can be accomplished through several different approaches. Surgery for Graves' Disease may include minimally invasive thyroid surgery, robotic thyroid surgery which does not produce a neck incision as well as transoral thyroid surgery which uses an incision within the mouth. The best surgery for Graves' Disease requires the safe removal of the entire thyroid gland no matter which approach is chosen.
"Just this week I saw a patient who was diagnosed with Graves' Disease several years ago," said Dr. Rashmi Roy of the Clayman Thyroid Center. "She was trying to manage her disease with several medications, none of which were working for her. While trying these medications, her thyroid grew substantially, and she developed a large Graves' goiter in her neck as well as Graves' eye disease. Because her goiter was so large, she was suffering with significant symptoms including difficulty breathing, swallowing and speaking. I removed her thyroid gland with an operation that lasted about an hour. She spent some time in recovery and was discharged the following day without any complications. If you have Graves' Disease and medical management is failing you, please consider surgery. It's the best option for your recovery."
Founded by Dr. Clayman, the Clayman Thyroid Center is widely recognized as America's leading thyroid surgery center, performing nearly 2,000 thyroid operations annually. Patients from all over the world travel to Tampa to have their operation performed by the Clayman Thyroid Center's surgeons at the brand-new Hospital for Endocrine Surgery. The Clayman Thyroid Center is a full-service thyroid surgery center, offering the most advanced forms of thyroid surgery for all types of thyroid tumors, from small thyroid nodules to large Graves' goiters and complex thyroid cancer.
The Clayman Thyroid Center's philosophy centers on a customized surgery plan for every single patient which includes:
- Complete and extensive ultrasound examination
- Ability to biopsy even the smallest nodules or lymph nodes
- Consultation regarding every option for your specific thyroid disease
- Expertise in complex thyroid diseases
- Expertise in robotic thyroid surgery that leaves no neck scar
- Surgeons work as a team to assure highest cure rates and best outcomes
- Highest volume, most experienced thyroid surgeons in America
"I am not one to fully trust testimonials, but I have to tell my story," said Carol, a recent patient at the Clayman Thyroid Center. "I was diagnosed with Graves' disease and had a long-distance phone consultation with Drs Clayman and Roy regarding my thyroid surgery. On the way to Tampa, I told my husband I was prepared to "just be a number" in the surgery process. Wow, I couldn't have been more wrong. It is amazing how individualized this treatment made me feel during this trying time. I cannot say enough amazing things about how I was made to feel and the level of treatment I was given. These people and this place are absolutely amazing. Not that I would wish this surgery on anyone, but if you need thyroid surgery, there is only one place to go."
Founded by one of the nation's best-known thyroid surgeons, the Clayman Thyroid Center is the highest volume thyroid cancer referral center in the United States. The Center boasts the most experienced thyroid surgeons in the US who provide personalized care allowing the greatest opportunity for cancer cure, wellness, and cosmetic and functional outcomes via all types of thyroid surgery from minimal incision to scarless thyroid surgery to advanced cancer care.
www.thyroidcancer.com | (813) 940-3130
Media Contact: Julie Canan, juliec@parathyroid.com
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SOURCE Clayman Thyroid Center | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/08/when-medical-management-fails-graves-disease-patients-surgery-is-only-option/ | 2022-07-08 14:18:00 | 0 | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/08/when-medical-management-fails-graves-disease-patients-surgery-is-only-option/ |
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A grand jury has indicted a man who was already charged in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students, allowing prosecutors to skip a planned week-long preliminary hearing that was set for late June.
Bryan Kohberger was arrested late last year and charged with burglary and four counts of first-degree murder in connection with the Nov. 13, 2022, killings of Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves at a rental home near the University of Idaho campus. At the time, Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at nearby Washington State University, and the killings left the close-knit communities of Moscow, Idaho, and Pullman, Washington, reeling.
A preliminary hearing — where prosecutors must show a judge that there is enough evidence to justify moving forward with felony charges — had been scheduled to begin June 26. But on Tuesday, a grand jury indicted Kohberger on the same criminal charges, effectively rerouting the case directly to the state’s felony court level and allowing prosecutors to skip the preliminary hearing process.
Court documents have already detailed much of the investigation that prosecutors say ties Kohberger to the slayings. A white sedan allegedly matching one owned by Kohberger was caught on surveillance footage repeatedly cruising past the rental home on a dead-end street around the time of the killings. Police say traces of DNA found on a knife sheath inside the home where the students were killed matches that of the 28-year-old Kohberger. Investigators also contend that a cellphone belonging to Kohberger was near the victims’ home on a dozen occasions prior to the killings, though it was apparently turned off around the time of the early-morning attack.
Kohberger was arrested Dec. 30, 2022, at his parents’ home in eastern Pennsylvania, and law enforcement officials seized dark clothing, medical gloves, a flashlight and other items from the home, according to court documents. In Pullman, investigators seized stained bedding, strands of what appeared to be hair, and a single glove from his WSU campus apartment, according to another search warrant.
Still, the unsealed court documents do not appear to suggest a motive, nor whether the killer had specifically targeted any of the victims. It’s also not clear if prosecutors believe Kohberger had met any of the victims before the night they died.
Kernodle, Chapin, Mogen and Goncalves were friends and members of the university’s Greek system, and the three women lived together in the rental home just across the street from campus. Chapin — Kernodle’s boyfriend — was there visiting on the night of the attack. The killings left many of their classmates and residents of Moscow reeling with grief and fear. | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/ap-us-news/ap-grand-jury-indicts-man-in-4-university-of-idaho-stabbing-deaths-eliminating-need-for-hearing/ | 2023-05-18 18:37:33 | 1 | https://www.wfla.com/news/national/ap-us-news/ap-grand-jury-indicts-man-in-4-university-of-idaho-stabbing-deaths-eliminating-need-for-hearing/ |
PLANSPONSOR magazine recognizes Paychex as the top 401(k) Recordkeeper by number of plans, total number of DC plans added in 2021, and number of 401(k) plans with less than $10MM in assets
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For the twelfth year in a row, Paychex, Inc. has earned PLANSPONSOR magazine's distinction of being the nation's largest 401(k) recordkeeper by total number of plans. Paychex, a leading provider of integrated human capital management software solutions for human resources, payroll, benefits, and insurance services, serves over 100,000 plans.
Paychex also earned recognition as the industry leader in the number of plans added in 2021, with 20,290 new plans. The company was also recognized as the leading provider of 401(k) plans with less than $10 million in assets.
"The SECURE Act and other federal and state initiatives are helping to expand retirement savings access across the U.S.," said Michael Majors, vice president of HR Services Sales at Paychex. "With the introduction of our Pooled Employer Plan and other retirement offerings, Paychex is doing our part to ensure business owners and their employees have the opportunity to save for a secure retirement. This recognition speaks to the innovative tools, intuitive technology, and expert service that are at the heart of everything Paychex does."
Paychex offers affordable, comprehensive 401(k) plans for businesses of any size. Customers and participants enjoy:
- Full integration with Paychex Flex®. Users can integrate their 401(k) plans with the company's SaaS-based HR suite Paychex Flex, including payroll, HR, insurance, and other services, to reduce administrative time and cost, improve reporting, and meet fiduciary obligations.
- Pooled Employer Plan option. Paychex's Pooled Employer 401(k) Plan (PEP) gives business owners a simpler, more cost-effective way to offer comprehensive retirement benefits to employees. Paychex acts as both plan sponsor and plan administrator of the PEP, reducing employers' fiduciary and administrative burdens. The PEP is especially well-suited for small to mid-sized businesses that may have been unable to offer a retirement plan due to the lack of affordable plan options, time, or resources needed to manage complex plan administration. PEPs also offer a feature-rich alternative to the growing number of state-mandated retirement plan programs and can be a beneficial option for employers with an existing plan looking to reduce fiduciary and administrative responsibilities. Since its launch in January 2021, the Paychex PEP has added more than 10,000 clients.
- Accessible investment management and self-service tools. Paychex's tools allow participants to take control of their experiences. Users can enroll in, view, and adjust their plans in just a few clicks on any device. Paychex's mobile-first technology lets participants view and manage retirement plans from their smartphone, tablet, or desktop. Other tools—like savings calculators and automatic contribution increases—help participants maximize their retirement savings, and personalized investment advice from third-party experts helps them make more informed decisions for their futures.
- Fee transparency. Paychex plans make visibility a top priority. Participants and employers get clear explanations of any fees they pay related to the account. With a return of concessions feature, most 401(k) plans with Paychex return revenue sharing payments to the plan, ensuring fee equalization, share class neutrality and fee transparency.
- Investment flexibility and fiduciary solutions. Plan sponsors can choose from thousands of plan investment choices, with no proprietary requirements, or get help managing investments from third-party 3(38) and 3(21) investment service providers which help plan sponsors select investment choices and help alleviate fiduciary risk.
For more information, visit Paychex's 401(k) and Retirement Services website. Financial services professionals seeking to offer flexible retirement plans to their clients can learn more at Financial Advisor Partnerships with Paychex.
To view the complete results of the 2022 Recordkeeping survey, visit PLANSPONSOR's website.
About the Survey
The annual PLANSPONSOR Recordkeeping Survey was conducted this June via an online questionnaire. Recordkeepers of defined contribution (DC) plans participated in the survey and provided the information within the report. All data from this survey are reported as of December 31, 2021.
About Paychex
Paychex, Inc. (Nasdaq: PAYX) is a leading provider of integrated human capital management solutions for human resources, payroll, benefits, and insurance services. By combining innovative software-as-a-service technology and mobility platform with dedicated, personal service, Paychex empowers business owners to focus on the growth and management of their business. Backed by 50 years of industry expertise, Paychex serves more than 730,000 payroll clients as of May 31, 2022, in the U.S. and Europe, and pays one out of every 12 American private sector employees. Learn more about Paychex by visiting www.paychex.com and stay connected on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts
Samantha Jean
PR Program Manager II
Paychex, Inc.
(585) 218-6086
skjean@paychex.com
@Paychex
Colleen Bennis
Account Director
Matter
PaychexPR@matternow.com
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SOURCE Paychex, Inc. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/paychex-named-largest-401k-recordkeeper-us-12th-consecutive-year/ | 2022-08-23 15:25:46 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/paychex-named-largest-401k-recordkeeper-us-12th-consecutive-year/ |
Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) — The Monroe Police Department is currently searching for three suspects who are wanted for a homicide that occurred on July 30, 2022, at the Oak Manor Apartments in Monroe, La.
If anyone knows the whereabouts of the individuals in the pictures above, contact Monroe Police at 318-329-2600. | https://www.myarklamiss.com/news/top-stories/monroe-police-searching-for-july-2022-homicide-suspects/ | 2022-12-01 17:07:24 | 0 | https://www.myarklamiss.com/news/top-stories/monroe-police-searching-for-july-2022-homicide-suspects/ |
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ The winning numbers in Sunday afternoon's drawing of the Indiana Lottery's "Quick Draw Midday" game were:
04-05-06-07-08-09-10-13-14-17-22-24-26-28-38-47-49-52-65-69, BE: 26
(four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, thirteen, fourteen, seventeen, twenty-two, twenty-four, twenty-six, twenty-eight, thirty-eight, forty-seven, forty-nine, fifty-two, sixty-five, sixty-nine; BE: twenty-six) | https://www.sfgate.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Quick-Draw-Midday-game-17646660.php | 2022-12-11 19:05:42 | 1 | https://www.sfgate.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Quick-Draw-Midday-game-17646660.php |
As the Biden administration tries to put an end to an infant formula shortage around the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration said it could soon allow foreign-made products to enter the market.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra told CNN that certain products are not allowed to be sold in the U.S. He said that the FDA could allow in products as long as they meet safety requirements.
“What we are looking to do is make available that supply from abroad that we can assure people will be safe and make it more readily available,” he told CNN. “There are certain requirements that some manufacturers don't meet that don't have so much to do with nutrition or safety that prohibit us being able to allow to import it. We're going to do what we can to increase supply, work with importers so that supply, so long as it is safe, will make it to the U.S."
Another issue slowing supply was a February recall that subsequently caused a Michigan plant operated by Abbott to shut down. Abbott officials and the FDA have said they have been working together to reopen the plant.
The recall was prompted after two infants died and two others were hospitalized after consuming Abbott-made infant formula. Abbott said in a statement last week that it could not find any evidence that the infants were sickened by Abbott-made products.
“We conduct microbiological testing on products prior to distribution and no Abbott formula distributed to consumers tested positive for Cronobacter or Salmonella,” Abbott said. “All retained product tested by Abbott and the FDA during the inspection of the facility came back negative for Cronobacter and/or Salmonella. No Salmonella was found at the Sturgis facility. The Cronobacter sakazakii that was found in environmental testing during the investigation was in non-product contact areas of the facility and has not been linked to any known infant illness.”
Becerra said getting the Abbott plant fully operational is important for getting shelves restocked with formula.
"We have to count on Abbott putting its production lines back in place. If they don't move quickly to address safety concerns that even they acknowledge because they shut down the plant and recalled some of their product, then it becomes difficult because they are a big manufacture - 40 percent - that comes from Abbott. So they have to get back online,” Becerra told CNN. | https://www.wtvr.com/news/national/fda-could-allow-foreign-made-infant-formula-to-be-shipped-to-us | 2022-05-16 18:07:26 | 1 | https://www.wtvr.com/news/national/fda-could-allow-foreign-made-infant-formula-to-be-shipped-to-us |
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A government minister in Poland was forced to resign after demanding the dismissal of local post office chief whom he accused of being aggressive when she complained to him about high prices.
Michal Cieslak, the minister in charge of developing local governments, said on Twitter late Wednesday that he was resigning in the interest of Poland's right-wing governing coalition.
Hours earlier, the leader of the country's main ruling party had said Cieslak would be fired if he did not resign. Law and Justice party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski condemned Cieslak’s behavior, saying a minister “must not” act the way he did even if confronted with aggression.
Cieslak demanded earlier this month that Polish Post authorities fire the head of a post office in Pacanow, in southern Poland. He claimed she was aggressive and used inappropriate language when Cieslak was at the post office to collect some mail and was recognized as a government member.
The postmaster, who had been informed of her dismissal, told the media that she was emotional about the high prices she saw in local shops and gas stations, but she did not acknowledge using profanity. Her dismissal has been revoked.
The governing coalition is trying to improve its image among voters and to protect its parliamentary majority. Its ratings have fallen somewhat amid inflation. Poland's parliamentary election is scheduled for fall 2023. | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Polish-minister-forced-to-resign-over-17229855.php | 2022-06-09 10:04:18 | 0 | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Polish-minister-forced-to-resign-over-17229855.php |
NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- InvestorsObserver issues critical PriceWatch Alerts for BAC, TSLA, DIS, AMD, and WMT.
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- BAC: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-options-lp-2/?symbol=BAC&prnumber=090220225
- TSLA: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-options-lp-2/?symbol=TSLA&prnumber=090220225
- DIS: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-options-lp-2/?symbol=DIS&prnumber=090220225
- AMD: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-options-lp-2/?symbol=AMD&prnumber=090220225
- WMT: https://www.investorsobserver.com/lp/pr-options-lp-2/?symbol=WMT&prnumber=090220225
(Note: You may have to copy this link into your browser then press the [ENTER] key.)
InvestorsObserver provides patented technology to some of the biggest names on Wall Street and creates world-class investing tools for the self-directed investor on Main Street. We have a wide range of tools to help investors make smarter decisions when investing in stocks or options.
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SOURCE InvestorsObserver | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2022/09/02/thinking-about-trading-options-or-stock-bank-america-tesla-walt-disney-advanced-micro-devices-or-walmart/ | 2022-09-02 14:54:46 | 0 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2022/09/02/thinking-about-trading-options-or-stock-bank-america-tesla-walt-disney-advanced-micro-devices-or-walmart/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams is such an enemy of rats that he once called a press conference to demonstrate a contraption for drowning them in poison. Now Adams finds himself contesting a $300 fine issued by his own administration over a rat infestation at a building he owns in Brooklyn.
Adams was issued a summons by the city health department on May 10 after a health inspector spotted “fresh rat droppings” at his townhouse on Lafayette Avenue in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.
The New York Times reports that Adams dialed into a city administrative court hearing on Tuesday to contest the $300 fine, which he was issued after first ignoring the summons.
Adams told the hearing officer that he had spent nearly $7,000 battling rats at the property and had even used the rat-drowning device that he promoted in 2019 when he was Brooklyn borough president, the Times said.
Adams noted that city laws are designed to penalize homeowners for failing to take steps to prevent and control rodents, according to the Times. “I took those steps,” he said, “and will continue to do so.”
The hearing officer with the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, known as OATH, said he would render a verdict within 30 days.
After Adams failed to respond to the initial rat summons, he was found in violation by default.
The Times reported that Adams had Rahul Agarwal, a deputy chief counsel in the mayor’s office, file a motion to vacate on the mayor’s behalf on Sept. 8. In the motion, Agarwal said Adams had not learned of the summons until Sept. 1 because he now lives in Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s residence in Manhattan.
This week's administrative hearing was scheduled after Agarwal requested an adjournment of an earlier meeting date on behalf of Adams, according to the Times.
The leader of a government watchdog group criticized the involvement of a city lawyer in the matter.
“City resources should be used for city business, not the personal affairs of the mayor or any other elected official,” said Betsy Gotbaum, executive director of the Citizens Union. "The mayor should not be tasking any City Hall employee with helping him resolve what is clearly a private legal manner.”
A spokesperson for Adams said the mayor had done nothing improper. “He spent thousands of dollars to remediate an infestation at his residence in Brooklyn earlier this year, and was happy to appear before OATH today to state as much,” the mayor's press secretary, Fabien Levy, said in a statement Tuesday.
The administrative hearing took place a week after Adams, a Democrat who has been mayor since the start of this year, posted a job listing for a director of rodent mitigation — AKA rat czar. The ideal candidate is “highly motivated and somewhat bloodthirsty, determined to look at all solutions from various angles, including improving operational efficiency, data collection, technology innovation, trash management, and wholesale slaughter,” according to the ad.
Levy said Adams “has made no secret of the fact that he hates rats — whether scurrying around on the streets or terrorizing building tenants.” | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/NYC-s-rat-fighting-mayor-fined-over-infestation-17638395.php | 2022-12-07 22:07:44 | 1 | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/NYC-s-rat-fighting-mayor-fined-over-infestation-17638395.php |
Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones finalists for top NFL awards
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - To the surprise of no one, Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones have found themselves as finalists for some of the NFL’s highest individual awards.
Mahomes, who won NFL MVP in 2018, is once again a finalist for the award given to the top player in the sport. He is joined by quarterbacks Josh Allen, Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts, along with wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
The Chiefs signal-caller is also a finalist for the AP Offensive Player of the Year award, joined by former teammate Tyreek Hill, Jefferson and Hurts. Mahomes led the league in passing yards and touchdowns: 5,250 and 41, respectively.
Jones was selected as a finalist for the AP Defensive Player of the Year award for the first time. He will go up against fellow finalists Micah Parsons and Nick Bosa. The former Mississippi State star accounted for 15.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in the 2022 regular season.
The winners will be announced Feb. 9 during the NFL Honors ceremony.
ALSO READ: Cookies on a canvas: KC artist creates Chiefs coach Andy Reid out of Oreos
ALSO READ: Kelce pledges loyalty to Reid in ‘Pat McAfee Show’ appearance
Copyright 2023 KCTV. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2023/01/25/patrick-mahomes-chris-jones-finalists-top-nfl-awards/ | 2023-01-25 17:30:02 | 1 | https://www.wibw.com/2023/01/25/patrick-mahomes-chris-jones-finalists-top-nfl-awards/ |
Array Technologies, Nextracker, and GameChange Solar Trackers are Fully Compatible with Ojjo's Innovative Foundation Technology
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., May 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ojjo, the leading provider of next-generation solar foundations, has expanded the compatibility of its patented Earth Truss™ System across top-tier tracker manufacturers: Array Technologies, Nextracker, and now including GameChange Solar. Ojjo's novel design typically requires significantly less steel volume and labor as compared to conventional piles—delivering millions in value to utility-scale projects that contain subsurface risk, predrill requirements, or significant grading. Explicitly engineered with mating hardware designed for each tracker manufacturer's bearing componentry, Ojjo foundations seamlessly integrate for a supplier-agnostic approach with no modifications to any tracker systems required.
Ojjo foundations have been successfully deployed on nearly two gigawatts (GW) of large-scale projects utilizing both Nextracker and Array Technologies systems. Nextracker took early adopter advantage and was first-to-market with an Ojjo UL 2703 listed solution, selected for initial projects including 105 megawatts (MW) of the Titan and Aragorn Solar Projects in Texas, as well as 175 MW Yellow Pine 1 solar project in Nevada. Following the release of Ojjo's compatible solution with Array Technologies, both companies were chosen for the 967 MW Gemini Solar Project, the nation's largest standalone solar and storage project. Ojjo has several additional projects underway with both Array Technologies and Nextracker, and is seeing strong demand for GameChange Solar trackers across anticipated projects.
"Since our inception, we have worked closely with the innovative leaders at Nextracker and Array Technologies to provide a cost-effective and streamlined offering, and we are grateful for their respective teams' ongoing support and collaboration," said Mike Miskovsky, Chairman and CEO of Ojjo. "We are proud today to also announce our compatibility with GameChange Solar, and appreciate the continuing efforts of all these industry leaders to help Ojjo execute across our 10-Gigawatt active project pipeline."
"We firmly believe that purpose-built solar foundations are a crucial step forward for the solar industry, enabling more efficient and cost-effective installations. The Earth Truss System harnesses advanced automation for precise truss placement and torque-tube-ready alignment to simplify tracker installation," said Helena Kimball, President of Ojjo. "In expanding our tracker compatibility today, we are pleased to offer customers even greater flexibility of choice to leverage value-engineering benefits."
About Ojjo
Ojjo is the industry leader in the development and manufacture of next-generation utility-scale solar foundations. Ojjo's patented approach combines novel hardware, the Earth Truss, with an innovative drilling machine, the Truss Driver. The Earth Truss is one of the fastest-to-install solar foundations in the industry, typically requiring significantly less steel volume and labor than a conventional pile system. Founded in 2018 by solar innovation veterans from Zep Solar and Tesla, Ojjo holds more than 300 domestic and international patents related to its system. Rapidly becoming a preferred solution for leading utility-scale projects, Ojjo has been chosen in over 2 Gigawatts of solar projects to date and has 40+ Gigawatts of opportunities across its overall North American pipeline. For more information, visit: www.ojjo.com
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SOURCE Ojjo | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/05/18/ojjos-earth-truss-foundation-achieves-compatibility-across-solar-industrys-largest-trackers/ | 2023-05-18 17:23:47 | 0 | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/05/18/ojjos-earth-truss-foundation-achieves-compatibility-across-solar-industrys-largest-trackers/ |
Court Will Hear the Full Case, Including Evidence About Plaintiffs' Scheme to Exert Improper Control over UpHealth
All Current Directors to Remain in Office
Shareholders Do Not Need to Take Any Action at This Time
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., June 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- UpHealth, Inc. (NYSE: UPH) ("UpHealth" or the "Company") today issued the following statement regarding the Delaware Court of Chancery's ruling in advance of the Company's Annual Stockholders Meeting (the "Annual Meeting"):
"We welcome last week's Delaware Court of Chancery ruling, which delays the current Annual Meeting to a later date to allow the Court to review all relevant materials and proceed with the trial on the limited issue of the change in quorum announced on May 31, 2022. We note that, in its ruling preliminarily enjoining the Annual Meeting, the Court stated that it "do[es] not doubt the defendants' good faith."
We believe the actions by the plaintiffs, Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria and Jeffery Bray, and by their group of aligned supporters, including Dr. Mariya Pylypiv, (the "Conflicted Group"), are a self-serving attempt to wield outsized influence over the future direction of UpHealth by inhibiting the Company's proper governance. We note that plaintiff, Mr. Bray, is a creditor of UpHealth and has been seeking to be paid more than $17 million, and that co-plaintiff Dr. Kathuria appears to be trying to gain control of UpHealth without paying a premium to shareholders. Dr. Kathuria and Dr. Pylypiv, among others, organized the Conflicted Group, and it further appears, failed to make appropriate public disclosures of their intentions.
The plaintiffs sought an order affirming Dr. Kathuria's unilateral right as Co-Chairman of the Board to call a Special Meeting of Shareholders to further his own agenda. Noting that there was no "pattern of behavior … that one co-chair can unilaterally override the other," the Court determined that the plaintiffs were not reasonably likely to prevail on this point. To ensure the proper functioning of the Board, as previously announced, the Board has now appointed a single Non-Executive Chairman and removed Dr. Kathuria from the role of Co-Chairman.
The Company is confident that the defendant directors will demonstrate at trial the propriety of all of their actions, including in modifying the quorum requirements for the Company's Annual Meeting to enfranchise all shareholders. The defendant directors are committed to continuing to act vigorously to protect the interests of all shareholders. Furthermore, the Company reserves all of its rights to pursue claims against any member of the Conflicted Group for not acting in the best interests of the Company, inappropriate disclosure of confidential materials, and violation of their fiduciary duties as Directors and as Executives in the company.
Despite the Conflicted Group's repeated attempts to discourage voting at the Annual Meeting, more than 75% of the shares that were not owned by members of the Conflicted Group had submitted proxies as of the close of business on Friday, June 24. The Company sincerely thanks the shareholders for demonstrating overwhelming support for the Board's recommendations. The Company is confident that in due course UpHealth shareholders will have the opportunity to meaningfully influence the direction of the Company and that the voice of all shareholders will be heard.
The Company's 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, previously scheduled for June 28, has been delayed to a later date to allow the Delaware Court of Chancery the opportunity to hear the full evidence regarding plaintiffs' challenge to the Company's quorum change.
Shareholders do not need to take any action at this time, and there will be no immediate change to the composition of the Company's Board of Directors. The Company intends to provide further updates to shareholders as developments warrant.
UpHealth is a global digital health company that delivers digital-first technology, infrastructure, and services to dramatically improve how healthcare is delivered and managed. UpHealth's solutions holistically enable clients to deliver on their affordability, access, quality, outcomes, and patient experience goals. UpHealth's technology platform helps its clients improve access, coordinate care teams, and achieve better patient outcomes at lower cost, with care management solutions, analytics, and telehealth tools that serve patients wherever they are, in their native language. Additionally, UpHealth's technology-enabled virtual care infrastructure and services improves access to quality primary and acute care, behavioral health, and pharmacy services. UpHealth's clients include health plans, global governments, healthcare providers and community-based organizations.
For more information, please visit https://uphealthinc.com and follow us at @UpHealthInc on Twitter and UpHealth Inc on LinkedIn.
In connection with the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders and the matters noticed for the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders in the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on May 31, 2022 (the "Proxy Statement"), the Company has filed with the SEC and mailed the Proxy Statement to its stockholders. This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered in respect of the matters noticed for the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders in the Proxy Statement, and additional information is described in the Proxy Statement. The Proxy Statement and other relevant materials for the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders has been mailed to stockholders of the Company as of a record date established for voting at the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders.
Stockholders may also obtain a copy of the Proxy Statement, as well as other documents filed by the Company with the SEC without charge, at the SEC's website located at www.sec.gov.
The Company and its respective directors and executive officers and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitations of proxies from the Company's stockholders in respect of the matters noticed for the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders in the Company's Proxy Statement. Information regarding the Company's directors and executive officers is available in the Proxy Statement.
This communication shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the matters noticed for the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders in the Proxy Statement.
This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders and ongoing litigation involving the directors. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intends," "may," "might," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "would" and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained in this communication are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the management of UpHealth in light of their respective experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments and their potential effects on UpHealth as well as other factors they believe are appropriate in the circumstances. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting UpHealth will be those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond the control of the parties), or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including uncertainty regarding the outcome of litigation. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should any of the assumptions being made prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
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SOURCE UpHealth, Inc. | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/06/27/uphealth-annual-meeting-delayed-allow-delaware-court-chancery-hear-full-case-brought-by-creditor-dissident-director/ | 2022-06-27 12:43:36 | 1 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/06/27/uphealth-annual-meeting-delayed-allow-delaware-court-chancery-hear-full-case-brought-by-creditor-dissident-director/ |
Pope Francis Easter message: Pray for 'trust among individuals, peoples and nations'
VATICAN CITY - In an Easter message highlighting hope, Pope Francis on Sunday invoked prayers for both the Ukrainian and Russian people, praised nations which welcome refugees, and called on Israelis and Palestinians wracked by the latest surge in deadly violence to forge a "climate of trust."
Francis, along with dozens of prelates and tens of thousands of faithful, marked Christianity’s most joyful day with Mass in a flower-adorned St. Peter’s Square. Easter proclaims the Christian belief that Jesus rose from the dead after crucifixion.
The 86-year-old pontiff topped the celebration with a traditional speech about troubled places in the world. Encouraging "trust among individuals, peoples and nations," Francis said the joyful expression of Easter "illumines the darkness and gloom in which, all too often, our world finds itself enveloped."
READ MORE: Notre Dame Cathedral set to reopen in December 2024, Paris officials say
The pope's Easter message is known by its Latin name, "Urbi et Orbi," which means "to the city and the world."
Since Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine in February 2022, Francis has repeatedly called for the fighting to end and sought prayers for the "martyred" Ukrainian people.
Ukrainian diplomats have complained that he hasn't come down hard enough in his statements on Russia and particularly Russian President Vladimir Putin as the Vatican tries to avoid alienating Russia.
"Help the beloved Ukrainian people on their journey towards peace, and shed the light of Easter upon the people of Russia,'' Francis implored God in his Easter speech, which he delivered while sitting in a chair on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica facing the square. "Comfort the wounded and all those who have lost loved ones because of the war, and grant that prisoners may return safe and sound to their families."
He urged the international community to work to end the war in Ukraine and "all conflict and bloodshed in the world, beginning with Syria, which still awaits peace." Francis also prayed for those who lost loved ones in an earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey two months ago, claiming tens of thousands of lives.
Pope Francis presides the Easter Mass at St. Peter's Square on April 09, 2023 in Vatican City, Vatican. Following the liturgy, the Holy Father gave the traditional 'Blessing Urbi et Orbi'- to the city of Rome, and to the world. (Photo by Franco Origl
With a renewal in deadly violence affecting both Israelis and Palestinians in recent days, Francis called for a "resumption of dialogue, in a climate of trust and reciprocal respect, between Israelis and Palestinians, so that peace may reign in the Holy City and in the entire region,'' a reference to Jerusalem.
But Francis also noted progress on some fronts.
"Let us rejoice at the concrete signs of hope that reach us from so many countries, beginning with those that offers assistance and welcome to all fleeing war and poverty," he said, without naming any particular nations.
How to care for asylum-seekers, migrants and refugees, and whether to allow them entrance, is a raging political and social debate in much of Europe, as well in the United States and elsewhere.
READ MORE: Pope Francis says homosexuality is a ‘sin,’ but ‘not a crime’
The bloody conflicts cited by Francis contrasted with a riot of bright colors lent by orange-red tulips, yellow sprays of forsythia and daffodils, hyacinths and other colorful seasonal flowers that decorated St. Peter's Square. The blooms were trucked in trucks from the Netherlands and set up in planters to decorate the Vatican square.
Some 45,000 people had gathered by the start of the mid-morning Mass, according to Vatican security services, but the crowd swelled to some 100,00 ahead of the noon appointment for the pontiff's speech from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica overlooking the square.
A canopy on the edge of steps on the square sheltered the pontiff, who was back in the public eye 12 hours after a 2.25-hour long Easter vigil ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica the night before.
Still recovering from bronchitis, Francis, 86, skipped the traditional Good Friday procession at Rome’s Colosseum due to unseasonably cold nighttime temperatures.
Francis has generally rebounded following a three-day stay last week at a Rome hospital where he was administered antibiotics intravenously for bronchitis. He was discharged on April 1.
But near the end of the more than two-hour-long Easter Sunday appearance, Francis seemed to start running out of steam. His voice grew hoarse and he interrupted his speech at one point to cough. | https://www.fox5ny.com/news/pope-francis-easter-message-2023 | 2023-04-09 16:01:04 | 1 | https://www.fox5ny.com/news/pope-francis-easter-message-2023 |
NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until January 3, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Freshworks Inc. (NasdaqGS: FRSH), if they purchased or acquired the Company's shares pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's September 2021 initial public offering (the "IPO"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
If you purchased or acquired shares of Freshworks as above and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nasdaqgs-frsh/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by January 3, 2023.
Freshworks and certain of its executives and others are charged with failing to disclose material information in its IPO Registration Statement and Prospectus (collectively, the "Offering Documents"), violating federal securities laws.
The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) at the time of the IPO, the Company possessed information showing that its revenue growth and billings were decelerating (ii) at the time of the IPO, the Company's net dollar retention rate had stalled; and (iii) as a result of the foregoing, the Company's Offering Documents were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
The case is Sundaram v. Freshworks Inc. et al., Case No. 3:22-cv-6750.
KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients – including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors – in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.
To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.
Contact:
Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner
lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com
1-877-515-1850
1100 Poydras St., Suite 3200
New Orleans, LA 70163
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SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC | https://www.wsaz.com/prnewswire/2022/12/10/freshworks-shareholder-alert-by-former-louisiana-attorney-general-kahn-swick-amp-foti-llc-reminds-investors-with-losses-excess-100000-lead-plaintiff-deadline-class-action-lawsuit-against-freshworks-inc-frsh/ | 2022-12-10 11:31:39 | 0 | https://www.wsaz.com/prnewswire/2022/12/10/freshworks-shareholder-alert-by-former-louisiana-attorney-general-kahn-swick-amp-foti-llc-reminds-investors-with-losses-excess-100000-lead-plaintiff-deadline-class-action-lawsuit-against-freshworks-inc-frsh/ |
Christina Hall and Ant Anstead have settled their custody case. After a contentious back-and-forth, the exes, who were married from 2018 to 2021, came to a joint legal and physical custody agreement for their 3-year-old son, Hudson, last month, according to court docs obtained by ET.
On even-numbered years, Hall will have Hudson from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving until school drop off the Monday after the holiday, according to the docs. Anstead will have Hudson on the same schedule on odd-numbered years, the docs show.
For Christmas, Anstead will have Hudson from Dec. 23 at 5:00 p.m. until Dec. 25 at 11:00 a.m. on even-numbered years and Hall will have the child for the same time on odd-numbered years, per the docs.
Every year, Anstead and Hall will each have a seven-day vacation time during Hudson's three-week winter break, so long as they communicate their plan by Dec. 1, the docs show. If a conflict arises, Anstead will get priority in odd-numbered years and Hall will have first pick in even-numbered years, according to the docs.
When it comes to Easter, a period that the docs define as from 9 a.m. on Easter Sunday to 10 a.m. the next morning, Anstead will have Hudson on even-numbered years and Hall will have him on odd-numbered years.
As for July 4, a period that the docs define as from 9 a.m. on the holiday to 10 a.m. the next morning, Anstead will have Hudson on odd-numbered years and Hall will have him on even-numbered years.
And then there's Halloween, a period that the docs define as from 9 a.m. on Oct. 31 to 10 a.m. the next morning, Anstead will have Hudson on even-numbered years and Hall will have him on odd-numbered years.
The docs also show that the exes agreed on where to send Hudson to preschool, but have yet to come to a decision on where he'll attend kindergarten.
Now that an agreement has been reached, the scheduled trial for March 2023 has been taken off the calendar, per the docs.
Watch the video below for more on Anstead and Hall.
RELATED CONTENT: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-tonight/christina-hall-and-ant-anstead-settle-custody-battle-over-son-hudson/603-7304c4a3-84d2-40a7-bb66-baee3736ee90 | 2022-12-08 11:15:24 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-tonight/christina-hall-and-ant-anstead-settle-custody-battle-over-son-hudson/603-7304c4a3-84d2-40a7-bb66-baee3736ee90 |
WILLEMSTAD, Curacao, May 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Retail Holdings N.V. now known as Retail Holdings N.V. – In Liquidation released the summary first quarter report including financial statements as at and for the period ended March 31, 2023. The report is available in the Corporate/Investor section at www.retailholdings.com.
For additional information or questions, please reach out to liquidator@retailholdings.com
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SOURCE Retail Holdings N.V. | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/05/08/retail-holdings-nv-now-known-retail-holdings-nv-liquidation-releases-final-summary-report/ | 2023-05-08 20:27:53 | 1 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/05/08/retail-holdings-nv-now-known-retail-holdings-nv-liquidation-releases-final-summary-report/ |
SHREVEPORT, La., Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Radiance Technologies (Radiance), a national leader in defense technologies and solutions, commits to expanding the economic development of the Shreveport-Bossier City region. Radiance recently partnered with BRF, a North Louisiana economic development organization, to expand its office in Shreveport.
"We welcome Radiance's expansion in Shreveport at BRF's InterTech 1 facility located on Kings Highway near downtown," said John F. George Jr., M.D., BRF President and CEO. "Radiance and its CEO Bill Bailey have been supporters of the region since his time here at Barksdale Air Force Base. His title sponsorship of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl is another example of his commitment to the area. The new positions coming with Radiance's planned expansion are high quality jobs for our region."
To support efforts at both Air Force Global Strike Command and all mission areas across the company, Radiance plans to hire up to 150 high-tech research and development professionals in Shreveport-Bossier City in the next three to five years.
"Growing our presence in North Louisiana pleases me to no end. Barksdale AFB, Shreveport-Bossier, and Louisiana Tech were foundational and transformational for me," said Radiance CEO Bill Bailey. "Being postured to better support Global Strike will ensure that Radiance continues to do what's important to us - support our warfighters. The business case for growing in North Louisiana is solid. The BRF, Shreveport-Bossier, and LED have made it known that they want us in Louisiana."
In addition to its role as the title sponsor of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, Radiance is looking forward to expanding its strong connections to the Shreveport-Bossier City region and being a strong community partner as it continues the economic development of the area.
"Radiance Technologies' planned expansion is a terrific economic development win. These positions will be good-paying jobs for Northwest Louisiana residents and will support the mission of our defense community," said Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins.
Radiance Technologies is an employee-owned small business prime contractor founded in 1999. Radiance has over 1000 employee-owners across the United States serving the Department of Defense, national intelligence community and other government agencies. From concepts to capabilities, Radiance leads the way in developing customer-focused solutions in the areas of cyber security, systems engineering, prototyping and integration as well as operational and strategic intelligence including scientific and technical intelligence.
BRF, headquartered in Shreveport, is an economic development organization establishing North Louisiana as a preferred destination for high growth initiatives. Diversifying the region's economy is its mission. It fulfills this mission through initiatives that start new businesses, recruit new businesses and retain current businesses in the region, and through supporting the development of a science and technology-based workforce.
Contact:
Julia Parrish (256) 929-7969 | julia.parrish@radiancetech.com
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SOURCE Radiance Technologies | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/radiance-technologies-plans-expansion-into-shreveport-la/ | 2022-09-15 01:27:11 | 1 | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/radiance-technologies-plans-expansion-into-shreveport-la/ |
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, known for housing a rich collection of paintings, ceramics, and sculptures belonging to American art collector Isabella Stewart Gardner, began 2023 by installing its first courtyard display of the new year — a vibrant tropical and subtropical exhibit called Midwinter Tropics.
The annual exhibit features lush plant life that offers a vivid counterpoint to Boston’s stark winter landscape. The courtyard displays delicate orchids, Norfolk Island pine, tree ferns, large fishtail palms, and smaller fan and Areca palms, according to the museum’s website.
“Midwinter Tropics is one of the really most celebrated of our courtyard installations,” said Robin DeBlosi, director of marketing and communications at the Gardner Museum. “No matter what is happening on the most dramatic of cold winter days here in Boston, there’s always green, verdant, beautiful pops of color happening in the courtyard of the Gardner.”
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The museum employs a team of horticulturists who work in offsite greenhouses to maintain and change the collection of plants throughout the year.
“The courtyard is an always blooming courtyard, meaning that the courtyard has plant life that is grown and changed out every week,” DeBlosi said. “We find a lot of folks who … like to come in throughout the cycles of the season and to see the courtyard year round so that they can experience all the different types of displays that come through and all the different plant life.”
The Gardner’s horticulture staff make deliberate decisions regarding the types of plants on display, DeBlosi said.
“Our team really is very thoughtful about connections to other things that are happening thematically in the museum and seasonal exhibitions,” DeBlosi said. “They’ve been doing a lot of research into the botanical roots of various plant forms, how they came to the Americas, [and] why they became popular when they did.”
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Midwinter Tropics, one of the Gardner’s nine seasonal displays, will run through February, followed by an orchid display.
“The Midwinter Tropics is an installation of … really gorgeous, very delicate and really special flowers and plants that sort of remind us that the joys of spring are on their way,” Deblosi said.
Sonel Cutler can be reached at sonel.cutler@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @cutler_sonel. | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/17/metro/depths-winter-gardner-museum-goes-tropical/ | 2023-01-18 02:48:50 | 0 | https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/17/metro/depths-winter-gardner-museum-goes-tropical/ |
Are you ready for Evil Dead Rise?
Horror movie lovers are buzzing over long-awaited reboot Evil Dead Rise that builds upon the freakishly fiendish foolery that elevated the beloved franchise to classic status nearly 40 years ago.
“My introduction to that world was when my father showed me The Evil Dead and Evil
Dead II on VHS, back-to-back,” said Director Lee Cronin.
I was nine years old at the time. There was a storm and the power went out, so it was a very particular experience, watching those movies. They left an indelible mark on me. Later, I revisited them in my teenage years, so they stuck in my brain.”
Moving the action out of the woods and into the city, Evil Dead Rise tells a twisted tale of two estranged sisters whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable.
Peep the terrifying trailer below:
Directed by Lee Cronin, Evil Dead Rise stars Lily Sullivan, Alyssa Sutherland, Morgan Davies, Gabrielle Echols, and Nell Fisher.
“Lee has been able to take everything that has come before, synthesize it, concentrate it, and add his own spin to it,” said Executive Producer/legendary Director of the original Evil Dead films, Sam Raimi.
He’s rejected the bad parts, improved the good parts, and put real characters you care about at the center. I think what’s unique about the Evil Dead universe is that these spirits that possess the living have a nasty sense of humor about themselves.
That’s a great playground for filmmakers and actors alike. Working with Lee has been a wonderful experience. You would think these horror filmmakers are going to be really depraved or sick people in person. But no, they’re usually pretty funny people who want to provide thrills for the audience. Working with Lee is a pleasure.”
To talk everything Evil Dead Rise, we caught up with Alyssa and Lily who opened up about the film’s deliciously deranged demon mommy, ALL of the blood, and more in our interview below:
And, as an added bonus, we chatted with Lee Cronin about the scariest movie of the summer. Check out the internet below:
Evil Dead Rise scares its way into theaters April 21, 2023.
Exclusive: Alyssa Sutherland & Lily Sullivan Talk ‘Evil Dead Rise,’ The Deliciously Devious Demon Mommy, Blood-Splattered Scenes & More was originally published on globalgrind.com | https://wzakcleveland.com/4551066/exclusive-alyssa-sutherland-lily-sullivan-talk-evil-dead-rise-the-deliciously-devious-demon-mommy-blood-splattered-scenes-more/ | 2023-04-21 01:51:58 | 1 | https://wzakcleveland.com/4551066/exclusive-alyssa-sutherland-lily-sullivan-talk-evil-dead-rise-the-deliciously-devious-demon-mommy-blood-splattered-scenes-more/ |
Angels first. David Fletcher flies out to shallow right field to Ramon Laureano. Taylor Ward strikes out swinging. Luis Rengifo homers to left field. Jo Adell strikes out swinging.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Angels 1, Athletics 0.
Angels first. David Fletcher flies out to shallow right field to Ramon Laureano. Taylor Ward strikes out swinging. Luis Rengifo homers to left field. Jo Adell strikes out swinging.
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Angels 1, Athletics 0. | https://www.expressnews.com/sports/article/L-A-Angels-Oakland-Runs-17360751.php | 2022-08-09 07:35:36 | 1 | https://www.expressnews.com/sports/article/L-A-Angels-Oakland-Runs-17360751.php |
Which hanging shower caddy is best?
Shower caddies are designed to be mounted in your bathing area and provide storage space for toiletries and shower essentials. They come in various sizes and finishes to complement both traditional and contemporary bathroom designs.
Choosing the right hanging shower caddy for your bathroom depends on the look you’re trying to achieve and the amount of storage space you require. The Simplehuman Adjustable Stainless Steel Shower Caddy is a modern example with three adjustable-height shelves that also can slide to the left or right. There are plenty of designs to choose from to suit your needs.
What to know before you buy a hanging shower caddy
Location
First and foremost, you need to decide where exactly to install a shower caddy, since different models use different hanging methods. The most common type of caddy uses a single hook that hangs over the showerhead and has rubber suction cups to secure the bottom.
Other designs use S hooks that allow the caddy to be hung over a shower door or from a shower curtain rod. This style has lots of versatility and can enable the caddy to be mounted on the back of the bathroom door or inside a cabinet. For those whose bathrooms lack a suitable hanging point, yet other caddies can be attached to any tiled surface using suction cups.
Material
The material of the caddy affects its overall durability and can be matched to your existing fixtures and faucets. Plastic caddies are generally lightweight and durable, but they tend to look cheap. Metal caddies are usually plated with a metallic finish, such as chrome, brushed nickel or bronze. The most durable are made from stainless steel or aluminum, which are corrosion-resistant.
What to look for in a quality hanging shower caddy
Size
Once you’ve decided on the design and material, you can think about the size of the caddy. Some are ultra-compact at around 10 inches in height, whereas others can stretch from floor to ceiling. Think about how much storage space you need; the larger the caddy and the more items it holds, the heavier it will be.
Shelves
Caddies can be found with any number of shelves or storage compartments. If you intend for your caddy to hold large items like shampoo bottles, check the dimensions to make sure these items can be removed easily. Some versatile caddies have adjustable shelves that can be set to the optimal height for your specific toiletries.
Extra features
Look for a caddy with different-sized shelves and baskets to ensure that both small and large items have their place. Some caddies have additional hooks or bars for hanging things such as washcloths, razors or loofahs, while others are sturdy enough to hold bath towels and robes.
How much you can expect to spend on a hanging shower caddy
The material of the caddy is the main factor affecting price. Plastic or fabric caddies are usually the cheapest and can be found for less than $10. A high-quality, stainless steel caddy with adjustable shelves can cost up to $100.
Hanging shower caddy FAQ
How much weight can a hanging shower caddy hold?
A. This depends on the design of the caddy. Models that affix to the wall using only suction cups have a low weight capacity and may disengage if overloaded. Caddies that mount using hooks tend to be stronger and can hold multiple bottles, soaps and toiletries.
What’s the best height for a hanging shower caddy?
A. There is no correct height for a shower caddy. If the caddy hangs from the showerhead or shower door, then this governs the height. If the caddy mounts to the wall, it should be within easy reach of the user to avoid overreaching and potential accidents.
Are fabric shower caddies effective?
A. A fabric shower caddy is lightweight and can be taken along on trips or easily packed away when not in use. However, such caddies may not hang evenly when loaded with heavy toiletries. Additionally, fabric caddies tend to be prone to mold or mildew, so they require more frequent cleaning.
What’s the best hanging shower caddy to buy?
Top hanging shower caddy
Simplehuman Adjustable Stainless Steel Shower Caddy
What you need to know: This versatile caddy has a modern design with a high-quality, brushed aluminum finish.
What you’ll love: It features three adjustable shelves that can slide left or right and be set at the desired height. It has a sturdy mounting clip that attaches to the showerhead and twin suction cups for stability.
What you should consider: Although made from stainless steel, this caddy isn’t completely corrosion-resistant.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top hanging shower caddy for the money
Misslo Hanging Mesh Shower Organizer
What you need to know: This budget-friendly caddy is made from waterproof nylon mesh and has eight different-sized storage pouches.
What you’ll love: It includes three metal hooks for hanging on the shower curtain rod or over the shower door. It’s lightweight and breathable and dries quickly.
What you should consider: It needs regular cleaning to prevent mold and mildew.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This caddy has three tiers that are elegant in both traditional and modern bathrooms.
What you’ll love: It has a large basket at the top with a slightly smaller one and a wire soap dish underneath, and several hooks for hanging items such as washcloths or razors.
What you should consider: There is only one suction cup that secures the bottom.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cbs4indy.com/reviews/br/bed-bath-br/bath-accessories-br/best-hanging-shower-caddy/ | 2023-02-19 04:05:55 | 1 | https://cbs4indy.com/reviews/br/bed-bath-br/bath-accessories-br/best-hanging-shower-caddy/ |
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CGI will continue to support Canada's national passenger railway in its modernization goals
MONTRÉAL, Nov. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB) and VIA Rail Canada Inc. (VIA Rail) have entered into a long-term agreement to provide managed services for the Corporation's new online reservation system, designed to build the foundation for tomorrow's customer journey. Under this new agreement, CGI will manage critical business applications—a continuation of the partnership with VIA Rail which began in 2020 when CGI was selected to help build the company's cloud-based reservation system as part of their modernization journey.
"This new reservation system is an integral part of the customer journey and another important milestone in VIA Rail's modernization. CGI is a trusted and valued partner to help VIA Rail achieve this goal," said Martin R. Landry, President and Chief Executive Officer of VIA Rail. "We are confident that CGI will continue to support us as we successfully advance our modernization plans by engaging CGI's end-to-end capabilities, in depth technology, railway expertise, and commitment to service excellence."
"We are proud of this long-term agreement with VIA Rail," said Guy Vigeant, President of CGI's operations in Canada. "Supporting VIA Rail in delivering an enhanced passenger experience is an important responsibility for us. We look forward to working with VIA Rail, helping the company do what it does best—provide passengers across Canada with rich travel experiences."
CGI delivers innovative rail services and solutions to help railways across the globe optimize existing assets, run better operations and improve the passenger experience. For more information on CGI's end-to-end transportation capabilities and offerings, visit cgi.com.
Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 90,000 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2022 reported revenue is $12.87 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.
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SOURCE CGI Inc. | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/11/30/via-rail-canada-engages-cgi-long-term-partnership-its-new-reservation-system-be-launched-2023/ | 2022-11-30 12:10:59 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/11/30/via-rail-canada-engages-cgi-long-term-partnership-its-new-reservation-system-be-launched-2023/ |
SAN ANGELO, Texas — On December 21, 2022, the San Angelo Craving Crab social media page caught traction after an employee posted on their page claiming the entire wait staff from the restaurant had been fired. Our team went to talk to the owner and employees directly affected by the incident to discover what really happened.
The owner, Hui Ye, was not in San Angelo during the time of the incident and was left in a state of shock upon seeing the post on the page. By the time he was able to properly respond, the damage had already been done.
To protect the identity of those involved, no names were provided in this interview
The employee our CVHP reporter spoke to claimed that Person A, who had posted the message, had done so through an open unlocked computer in which the Facebook page had remained signed in to.
“She took it upon herself to get on that computer, write the post, and then sign out so no one else could get back in there,” said the employee. Craving Crab has fired Person A.
The Facebook post said:
“attention craving crab customers , due to us losing our last manager the owners brought in someone from oklahoma to run the store and her firing all the servers it will just be her she doesnt know what she is doing and barely speaks any english and has already got into arguments with the servers ending in firing all of us . so after today no one will be in to work shifts . aplogize for the inconvenience your fellow servers at craving crab we enjoyed all the regulars and nice peopl for coming in and enjoying the food and service but i hope everyone has a merry christmas and happy new year . ~staff “
Disclaimer: This was copied directly from the Craving Crab Facebook page and the owner told CVHP this is inaccurate information
The employee standing in as a translator also told our reporter Person A had disappeared, leaving town overnight.
The environment of the workplace prior to the incident had been tense. The owner’s translator said people were fighting and so the all workers left except for one person.
The translator also told our reporter according to the owner, the servers walked out after Person B “fired” them. Person B was originally hired as a server and go-between for the kitchen because they were bilingual and it is unclear how they took over a managing position as they were never given the position.
Person B, who the restaurant told our reporter is fully responsible for the incident, has been fired and the restaurant, while having not currently pressed charges, told CVHP they intend to do so in the future.
According to one of the restaurant’s employees who was there during the incident, the trouble began after one of the restaurant managers left for personal reasons. Without the proper management, it created a chaotic environment among staff.
The entire incident occurred right before Christmas, leaving several employees with no way to pay their bills or afford Christmas.
The employee CVHP talked to said, “I have a daughter in college and I have a young son. The tips that we make is what pay my rent and my bills. I ended up having no presents for my kids. Someone else bought them stuff like that and now I am $300 behind on rent.”
Craving Crab has reached out to the servers to inform them that their jobs are still available and to ask them to come back. Only three employees have returned to the restaurant at this time.
Craving Crabs translator said, “We care about all the workers and ever since the incident happened we have been contacting the workers and trying to make things right.”
According to Craving Crab staff, the best way to assist the restaurant and the individuals directly affected by this incident is to bring business back to the establishment. There is also a Go Fund Me to help them cover rent, food and monthly bills for the servers. The $2000 goal was made intending to cover what these employees should have made during the five days they were left without a job over Christmas.
Craving Crab is hiring between four to five serving positions (The number of positions is subject to change) and is currently open for business.
To see Craving Crabs menu and order online, go here.
Address: 4509 Sherwood Way
Hours:
Thursday:11AM–10PM
Friday: 11AM–11PM
Saturday: (New Year’s Eve)11AM–11PM *Hours might differ*
Sunday: (New Year’s Day)11PM–12AM *Hours might differ*
Monday: (New Year’s Day (Observed)) 12AM–10:30PM *Hours might differ*
Tuesday: 11AM–10PM
Wednesday: 11AM–10PM | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/local-news/what-really-happened-at-craving-crab-and-what-are-the-restaurants-next-steps/ | 2022-12-29 22:08:51 | 1 | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/local-news/what-really-happened-at-craving-crab-and-what-are-the-restaurants-next-steps/ |
Most of the world’s population has been affected in some way by climate change — 85% of the world, in fact. But the effects of climate change haven’t been equally felt by all. Some communities have seen a slight rise in temperature here and there, but others have had their entire communities wiped out.
As the rise of global temperatures and sea level continues to affect the world with increasing frequency and intensity, who are the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change?
The answer is clear, according to climate scientists, climate and environmental justice experts and international research efforts on the question. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found in a 2022 report that vulnerability to climate change is “exacerbated by inequity and marginalization linked to gender, ethnicity, low income or combinations thereof.”
“(The) poor, ethnic minorities, and women are very clearly the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change that we are already seeing today: heat waves; displacement and smoke due to fires; and price shocks due to supply chain interruptions, higher energy prices,” Daniel Kammen, a professor of energy at the University of California, Berkeley and a coordinating lead author on IPCC reports, told The Associated Press.
These populations are the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change because of racism, sexism and pursuit of profits over protection of people, according to Bineshi Albert, co-executive director of the Climate Justice Alliance.
“Due to the continued search for profits by our current economic system and (by) the fossil fuel industry in particular, there are entire neighborhoods that are deemed worthy of becoming sacrifice zones, and this breaks down every time around race, class, and national lines,” she said.
Research also shows that disabled people are more vulnerable to effects of climate change than abled bodied people.
The increased vulnerability to climate change experienced by these populations and who is to blame for causing these inequities have become increasing topics of conversation at the international level. Debate about loss and damage — the climate harm caused by some nations to others, how much and what should be done about it — has waged on since at least COP23.
A study published in July 2022 found that richer nations like the U.S. caused climate harm to poorer countries.
In terms of repairing damage already caused to vulnerable populations and countries and helping them become less vulnerable, experts told the AP that it starts with including them in developing policies.
“A natural start is to develop policies to target these underserved communities with enhanced attention and support,” Kammen said.
Albert said it should go a step further with direct economic investments in communities most vulnerable to climate change.
“Economic resources should go directly to those on the frontlines of the climate crisis to develop and implement their own community-led solutions,” she said. “Communities rather than profits must be the motive if we are truly going to solve the climate crisis.” | https://wgntv.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/who-is-most-vulnerable-to-impacts-of-climate-change/ | 2022-10-18 15:03:25 | 1 | https://wgntv.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/who-is-most-vulnerable-to-impacts-of-climate-change/ |
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second consecutive year, Realty Trust Group has been named one of Modern Healthcare's Best Places to Work.
This award program recognizes outstanding healthcare employers who are continuously striving to improve their work environment and increase employee engagement, satisfaction and retention through innovative changes in the workplace.
"At RTG, we believe our success is attributed to the embodiment of our core values," says Greg Gheen, President for Realty Trust Group, "and the best measure of our success, is the success of our clients. Having a positive culture is key in recruiting and retaining top talent to develop innovative solutions so our clients can focus on what matters most, care of the patients. We are proud to be recognized for fostering a healthy work environment and culture providing opportunities for employee learning and career growth."
This win is the latest of many honors for RTG, which recently accepted two TOBY Awards from BOMA Georgia, accolades at the most recent DOC Management Summit, and top scores in the annual tenant survey for all health system clients. RTG has experienced substantial growth in 2022 with the opening of a southwest regional office in Texas and the onboarding of significant new client relationships including Saint Francis Healthcare in Missouri.
"RTG has always been known for our people," says Chad Simpson, Executive Vice President of Realty Trust Group. "During these unprecedented times for the healthcare industry, it is more important than ever to promote an employee-focused culture to navigate new challenges and always look to take the next best step together. Our core values support the notion that 'what is right is more important than who is right' which can only be epitomized when employees feel they are respected and have a voice. We are proud to be recognized as a Best Place to Work and remain dedicated to maintaining a thriving work environment to retain top talent, empower our team to flourish, and deliver results for our clients."
All selected companies will be celebrated at the 2022 Best Places to Work in Healthcare awards gala taking place on September 29 at the Hilton Nashville Downtown. Information on the award gala and conference is available at ModernHealthcare.com/BestPlacesGala.
Modern Healthcare will publish a special supplement featuring a ranked list of all the winners along with its October 3 issue.
Realty Trust Group, LLC ("RTG") is a healthcare and life science real estate advisory and services firm offering a full spectrum of real estate services including advisory, development, transactions, operations and compliance.
Since 1998, RTG has helped hospitals, physician groups, and property owners navigate the rapidly changing industry with growth strategies that gain market leadership as well as enhance patient and physician experiences for better delivery of care. Our philosophy is to provide innovative solutions to the complex and challenging issues found in today's healthcare real estate market.
These solutions include strategic campus and facility planning, portfolio optimization, portfolio monetization, project development, leasing, acquisition and disposition services, portfolio management, regulatory compliance, and many other ideas and services. For more information about RTG and our innovative healthcare real estate services, visit www.realtytrustgroup.com, Facebook, LinkedIn, or call 865-521-0630.
Modern Healthcare is the most trusted business news and information brand in the healthcare industry. Modern Healthcare empowers healthcare leaders and influencers to make timely and informed business decisions. To learn more or subscribe, go to http://www.modernhealthcare.com/subscriptions.
Contact: Angie Surface
Realty Trust Group
Phone: 865-684-2891
Email: asurface@realtytrustgroup.com
Website: www.realtytrustgroup.com
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SOURCE Realty Trust Group LLC | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2022/07/26/realty-trust-group-ranks-among-modern-healthcares-2022-best-places-work/ | 2022-07-26 18:50:33 | 1 | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2022/07/26/realty-trust-group-ranks-among-modern-healthcares-2022-best-places-work/ |
The season is going by in a flash.
There are only a couple of weeks left before the 2022-23 girls basketball state tournament is seeded, and we continue to see eye-opening performances across the state.
Nominate your game changer now in one of 18 categories decided by fans.
• Learn more and make a nomination! | https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2023/02/girls-basketball-players-of-the-week-in-the-bcsl-jan-27-feb-2.html | 2023-02-03 20:31:59 | 1 | https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2023/02/girls-basketball-players-of-the-week-in-the-bcsl-jan-27-feb-2.html |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Grammy Awards are returning to Los Angeles on the first Sunday in February.
The Recording Academy announced several key dates ahead of its 66th annual show honoring the best in music. CBS will air the main ceremony starting at 8 p.m. Eastern on Feb. 4 from Crypto.com Arena, and it will be livestreamed on Paramount+.
The ceremony will feature several new changes.
Earlier this month, the Recording Academy announced that three new categories will be added to the Grammys in 2024: best pop dance recording, best African music performance, and best alternative jazz album.
They also shared a few new voting rules, including new protocols regarding AI technology. “A work that contains no human authorship is not eligible in any category,” the requirements read in part, specifying that while songs that utilize AI technology are eligible for inclusion, “the human authorship component of the work submitted must be meaningful.”
In addition, to win a nomination for the album of the year category, a music creator now has to account for at least 20% of the work. That’s a reversal of 2021 rule change that allowed anyone who worked on the album to receive a nomination.
The number of those eligible in the “Big Four” categories — best new artists as well as album, song, and record of the year — has been decreased from 10 to eight nominees.
Nominations will be announced on Nov. 10. | https://www.wjhl.com/entertainment/ap-entertainment/ap-2024-grammys-will-be-held-feb-4-in-los-angeles/ | 2023-06-29 18:04:49 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/entertainment/ap-entertainment/ap-2024-grammys-will-be-held-feb-4-in-los-angeles/ |
DRESHER, Pa., Aug. 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- FuturePlan by Ascensus—a leading national retirement third-party administrator (TPA) that specializes in the delivery of customized retirement plan consulting and administration services—announced a major expansion of the firm's national footprint with four new sales territories and ten strategic new hires across the country. Both expansion moves significantly strengthen the consultative, expertise-driven sales model that delivers a competitive advantage to advisors.
The following new FuturePlan sales territories were developed and staffed to serve high-demand areas with notable small to mid-size business growth trends:
- Central/Northern New York and Metro NYC, led by regional vice president Ed Meade
- Michigan, led by regional vice president Tricia Bailey
- Southeastern New York and Northern New Jersey, led by regional vice president Charles Rosenberg
- Southern Florida, led by regional vice president Jacki Betz
"FuturePlan is a national brain trust, bringing together a wide range of specialized expertise. We needed an expanded sales model to deliver all the advantages to our advisor partners," said Kasey Price, President of FuturePlan. "We also added eight new internal sales partners to support our rapid growth and enhance our advisor-centric strategy. Every member of our sales organization has a high level of technical and plan design knowledge."
Price, who was promoted to the role of President earlier this month after previously holding the role of Head of Sales, will continue guiding growth of the overall sales organization while recruitment is ongoing. The organization's fast-growing network of institutional partnerships is another driving factor behind the expanded sales territories and staffing model—the organization doubled the size of the Institutional Sales Team this year.
In the past year, FuturePlan launched three major institutional partnership products and expanded internal teams dedicated to 3(16) and Cash Balance Centers of Excellence. "FuturePlan is in a unique position for developing institutional product and service offerings," said Carlo Guerrera, Head of Institutional Sales. "Our industry-leading size, scope and scale are well matched to serve major recordkeeping and distribution partners alike." Both Price and Guerrera said they're anticipating even more growth in institutional partnership opportunities following the Newport merger with Ascensus earlier this year, as unification expands organization-wide capabilities in many key service areas.
Other specialty practice areas driving growth include Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans and Prevailing Wage Plans, both of which have experienced unprecedented market interest in response to legislative changes and the challenging labor market.
With more product and service innovation in the 2022 pipeline and a new advisor portal under development, the firm is anticipating new sales territories and an increased focus on talent acquisition and retention in the year ahead. "With the backing of Ascensus and the caliber of acquired TPA firms, we now have a tremendous opportunity to revolutionize the TPA sales and service model on a national level," Price commented, "We're just getting started—our team is incredibly motivated.
FuturePlan is a leading national TPA for America's advisors and recordkeepers, empowering them to deliver better outcomes for savers. We combine highly responsive, personalized service with the unmatched strength and security of a national leader. FuturePlan's experienced team of experts supports more than 45,000 plan sponsors with more than 1.9 million participants and more than $104 billion in assets under administration. For more information, visit futureplan.com.
Ascensus is a market-leading enabler of tax-advantaged savings—providing technology, services, and expertise that help more than 15 million people save for retirement, education, and healthcare.
We are a premier savings program service provider, third-party administrator, and government savings facilitator. Our platforms, industry knowledge, and data-based insights enhance the growth and success of our partners, their clients, and savers through co-branded, private-labeled, and governmental partnerships.
Ascensus offers comprehensive qualified and non-qualified retirement plan solutions, third-party retirement plan administration, 529 education and ABLE savings program administration, health savings and COBRA administration, corporate- and bank-owned life insurance solutions, and fiduciary and total rewards services.
The company's brands include Ascensus; Newport, an Ascensus company; PAi, an Ascensus company; and FuturePlan by Ascensus. Ascensus has more than $706 billion in assets under administration and employs more than 5,600 associates as of June 30, 2022.
For more information, visit ascensus.com and newportgroup.com.
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SOURCE FuturePlan by Ascensus | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/futureplan-marks-major-2022-growth-with-four-expanded-sales-territories-ten-strategic-new-hires/ | 2022-08-24 15:47:43 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/24/futureplan-marks-major-2022-growth-with-four-expanded-sales-territories-ten-strategic-new-hires/ |
3 baby chimps abducted from animal sanctuary; abductors demanding ransom money
(CNN) - Three baby chimpanzees were abducted from an animal sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The sanctuary said it is facing ransom demands for money after the animals were stolen.
The incident reportedly happened on Sept. 9 around 3 a.m. when kidnappers broke into the sanctuary and took the animals.
Hours later, the abductors reportedly sent the owners messages and videos demanding money for the chimpanzees’ return.
The sanctuary said they would not pay any ransom because it would set a bad precedent.
Authorities are investigating the incident and said they are trying to identify the kidnappers.
Representatives with the sanctuary said this is the first time something like this has happened involving their animals.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.kxii.com/2022/09/24/3-baby-chimps-abducted-animal-sanctuary-abductors-demanding-ransom-money/ | 2022-09-24 16:56:41 | 0 | https://www.kxii.com/2022/09/24/3-baby-chimps-abducted-animal-sanctuary-abductors-demanding-ransom-money/ |
WACO, Texas – A Baylor football player has inked a “sweet” sponsorship with a major candy maker.
Bears running back Richard Reese joins 11 other players signing NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) deals with Reese’s.
The Hershey company will give the players a gold chain and pendant, custom game day blazer, cuff-links shaped by Reese’s cups – and a custom mini-fridge.
All 12 players share the last name Reese – with the company calling this the “sweetest deal” in college football. | https://www.kxxv.com/news/baylor-football-player-joins-11-others-in-inking-sweet-nil-deal | 2022-10-11 18:10:15 | 0 | https://www.kxxv.com/news/baylor-football-player-joins-11-others-in-inking-sweet-nil-deal |
COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For anyone who has a budget line item dedicated to Jeni's. Who stalks the ice cream company's social accounts for news of upcoming flavors. Who mildly panics when there are less than three pints of Gooey Butter Cake in their freezer. Whose favorite question is, "Anyone up for a Jeni's run?"
This, dear Jeni's VIP and super stan. This is the news you need to know about.
Because your favorite, can't-live-without ice cream company has just launched a rewards program. Full stop.
On the surface, Jeni's Splendid Rewards looks like a pretty straightforward program. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent; receive $5 in rewards for every 100 points. Get a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday. Refer friends for bonus points. And so on (all incentives that make it worthwhile to join). But Jeni's has teased that more perks are in the pipeline — including early access to new flavors, members-only giveaways and events, and more to come.
Jeni's wasted no time revealing their first perk — a free scoop for all members on the First Day of Summer, Tuesday, 6/21 from 7 p.m. to close at scoop shops nationwide (excluding Jeni's market shops).
It's a glimpse into hopefully more exciting things to come. And an incentive to sign up so as not to miss out on any future happenings.
Worth noting that, for now, points can be earned and redeemed only at Jeni's scoop shops nationwide. But never fear — the program will expand to include nationwide shipping at jenis.com in the coming weeks.
A few more nuts and bolts: Jeni's recommends downloading their new app to sign up and get the best overall experience — including access to the aforementioned perks, plus online ordering for pickup and delivery from Jeni's scoop shops. To sign up for and learn more about Jeni's Splendid Rewards, visit jenis.com/rewards.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is an American ice cream company devoted to making the finest ice creams the world has ever known. Founded in 2002 by James Beard Award-winning ice cream maker Jeni Britton, Jeni's has emerged over the past 20 years as the new standard by which all other ice creams are judged. With Jeni in charge of all creative output—from the ice cream itself to all of the supporting details that enhance the experience of eating it—Jeni's continues to make one-of-a-kind flavors with Direct and Fair Trade ingredients and super fresh milk from family dairy farms. Today, Jeni's is a Certified B Corporation known for its social, environmental and business leadership with more than 60 scoop shops, an online shop at jenis.com and distribution in top grocery stores across the country.
The Brand Guild
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SOURCE Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_food_beverages/jenis-launches-rewards-program-promptly-invites-members-to-a-nationwide-free-ice-cream-party/article_9b6e86f3-3f02-5808-8283-cfbf06564fb8.html | 2022-06-08 17:28:40 | 0 | https://www.wfmz.com/news/pr_newswire/pr_newswire_food_beverages/jenis-launches-rewards-program-promptly-invites-members-to-a-nationwide-free-ice-cream-party/article_9b6e86f3-3f02-5808-8283-cfbf06564fb8.html |
State education officials are working on a plan to overhaul how North Carolina teachers are paid and licensed, and they're seeking feedback from teachers on the proposal.
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is holding virtual feedback sessions this month with about 300 teachers or teacher-candidates from across the state who were invited by their districts or schools of education.
Two former classroom teachers, Julie Pittman and Maureen Stover, are part of the team at DPI working on this effort. Pittman, who is the assistant to the state superintendent for teacher engagement, is leading the feedback sessions. Stover is the 2020 North Carolina Teacher of the Year and serves on a commission reviewing the plan. They helped answer the following questions.
What are the major features of the plan?
The proposal is an overhaul of the teacher licensing system in North Carolina. Here are a few key changes:
- The model would eliminate the current pay scale for teachers based on years of experience and instead pay teachers based on their license level.
- It would create new licenses for teachers starting through alternative routes and paid positions for experienced teachers who mentor other teachers.
- In order to renew their license or achieve a higher level license, teachers would have to demonstrate their effectiveness through a variety of options. Currently, teachers renew their licenses based on the completion of professional development classes.
"What stands out as a major change is the amount of support that the licensure proposal will give mostly early career teachers, beginning teachers," said Julie Pittman.
Teachers at lower license levels would receive mentoring and support from teachers at the highest levels, who would apply for those roles. Pittman said it would also streamline alternative routes for people to become teachers and remove testing requirements that have been barriers for some.
The proposal calls for seven different roles and four licenses. Someone interested in teaching who does not have a degree in education would start at the lowest levels. A beginning teacher with a bachelor's degree in education would start at License 3. Teachers with several years of experience and who demonstrate their effectiveness would be at License 4; most teachers would fall into this category.
What's the overarching goal?
"The overarching goal in in the new licensure model is to help us as teachers grow our profession from within," Pittman said.
"It allows teachers who are veteran teachers who are highly effective teachers be able to help mentor and support, in a more robust way, our early career teachers or even some of our struggling teachers," Pittman said.
"We lose most teachers from the profession between years three and five," Stover said. "That's really where we kind of started with this model, is how do we keep those beginning teachers past year five?"
What does the proposal mean for teacher pay?
State education officials say if the current form of the model passes and is fully funded, it would significantly raise pay for most teachers, and no one would lose salary supplements they currently receive.
The proposed salary for fourth-year teachers who have demonstrated their effectiveness is $56,000. The current base salary for a fourth-year teacher is $38,000.
"That's a significant raise for a teacher in their fourth year of teaching," Pittman said.
The proposed salary for teachers who take on the most advanced roles is $72,000. The state's 2020-2021 pay scale for teachers tops out at $58,240 for teachers with 25 years of experience who have a National Board certification.
Pittman said she's been asked if the new model would continue to give a 12-percent pay increase to teachers who attain that certification and master's degree pay for teachers who are grandfathered into that former state policy. She said the chairs of the compensation committee considering the plan "are adamant that that stay intact."
What questions are teachers asking about this proposal?
"A lot of the questions that we're fielding are around the confusion of what would be used to define effectiveness or growth of a teacher," Pittman said.
While details are still in progress, she said planners are considering a range of options for how teachers can choose to demonstrate their effectiveness.
"It's not just about a test score or evaluation scores, but [rather] there is choice for teachers to be able to make to have the autonomy to show how they are best meeting the needs of their students from year to year," Pittman said.
"Another question I get too is, is this going to ask teachers to do a lot of extra work?" Stover said. "And the answer is no, we're going to ask teachers ... to submit things that they already are doing."
Let's say I'm a veteran teacher up for license renewal and I don't want to apply for an advanced role. How would I renew my license?
"Every teacher is going to demonstrate their ability to teach in a different way, just as the kids in our classrooms demonstrate their mastery of the content in a different way," Stover said.
"We'll build the programs out so that if it's a diagnostic test, they could use that. If it is a portfolio of student work, they could use that," Stover said. "If it's an example from a video, they could use that. If they're working on their National Board certification, and they've already passed it, they could use that."
The plan includes a $5,000 raise every time a teacher successfully completes their Level 4 license renewal every five years.
What about the criticism that this is merit pay?
"It's not merit pay based on the performance of your students. It's merit paid based on your teaching merit," Stover said.
"This will be merit pay, but it's not merit pay, in the way that we've seen it in the past where the merit pay was tied directly to students' standardized test scores," Stover said. "This is pay being compensated for doing a lot of additional work and your merit as an educator and being able to assist other educators."
After all the current planning, couldn't state lawmakers change this proposal before putting it into law?
"I think for anyone who's working on that project, that obviously is a concern for everyone that's kind of in the back of our heads," Stover said.
"While there is that fear that that will happen, I think that our General Assembly understands how important this is for the kids in North Carolina," Stover said.
"What I hope is that we can get enough feedback and input and change and additions made as a direct result of that feedback and input from teachers, that teachers could then get behind parts of this or all of this, and then be able to advocate for it," Pittman said.
Stover said the plan will undergo votes by the Professional Educator Preparation and Standards Commission — on which she serves — and the State Board of Education before it might be presented to the legislature in the 2023 long session. | https://www.wunc.org/education/2022-05-23/qa-whats-proposal-change-how-north-carolina-teachers-paid-licensed | 2022-05-24 14:30:15 | 0 | https://www.wunc.org/education/2022-05-23/qa-whats-proposal-change-how-north-carolina-teachers-paid-licensed |
Washington State Ferries has some good news and some bad.
The good news is that its route between Edmonds and Kingston is now considered fully restored, meaning passengers can expect two-boat service at least 95% of the time after staffing shortages meant years of getting by with a single boat.
The bad news is that boats traveling to Sidney, B.C., will not return until at least 2030, according to an update to the ferry system’s service restoration plan published Tuesday.
Meanwhile, full service on the Vashon, Southworth, Fauntleroy triangle is expected to return this April. The Bremerton-Seattle route will continue to sail just one boat most of the time until at least October. The Port Townsend-Coupeville route won’t run a second boat until sometime in 2024.
There are now four passages with full service: Kingston-Edmonds, Seattle-Bainbridge, Mukilteo-Clinton and Anacortes-San Juan Islands.
The ferry system was hobbled early in the pandemic as ridership tanked and staff left in droves due to retirements, transfers and firings. Without adequate crew to run the boats, the ferry system cut sailings at every dock, grinding travel to and from water-oriented communities to a slog.
Hiring picked up in 2022, with the system picking up a net gain of 61 fleet employees. But the ferries are still well below ideal staffing levels. Many of the retirees held senior positions, which are harder to replace.
As of last month, the ferry system was still short 35 captains and mates, 44 deck staff, 15 engineers, and eight oilers, according to the restoration plan. Retirements are likely to continue: 81 additional captains and mates are expected to reach retirement age by 2027.
Washington State Ferries triaged the issue by ranking routes in order of importance — some combination of total ridership and significance to the community. The Anacortes-to-San Juan Islands boats were the first to fully return, followed by Seattle to Bainbridge then Mukilteo to Clinton.
Edmonds to Kingston has run two boats most of the time since the beginning of the year, when WSF launched its trial period for the crossing. The trial went well, except for when the Puyallup ferry suffered a damaged propeller. With the dual sailings consistent enough through February, the route is now officially labeled restored.
For the rest of the routes, the latest update to the restoration plan is the most specific timeline offered by WSF.
Full weekday service on the three-stop triangle of Fauntleroy, Vashon Island and Southworth is expected to begin on a trial basis in mid-April, with hopes of declaring the route fully restored during the week by the end of March. The crossing isn’t expected to return to three boats every day until this fall.
Bremerton isn’t expected to return to two boats until at least October.
The Sidney sailing hasn’t run at all since the border between the two countries closed in 2020. The border has since reopened, but the ferry has not returned.
“The route’s been out of service for two to three years now and unfortunately it’s going to remain that way for the foreseeable future,” spokesperson Ian Sterling said. He noted that this is the 100th anniversary of that route, making the delayed return bitter.
The ferry system received $1.6 billion in new money over the next 16 years during the 2022 legislative session, which will go toward growing the labor force and adding four new hybrid-electric ferries.
Still, the fleet is likely to be stretched in coming years. There are currently 21 boats in service, 19 of which are needed at any one time during the summer. Two boats are generally held out at a time for maintenance, which means if any are damaged, service is likely to suffer. Half of the boats are more than 40 years old, and three are slated to be retired before 2027 — before any of the new boats are completed.
Rep. Jake Fey, D-Olympia, chair of the House Transportation Committee, said he’ll be looking closely at the budget this year for new investments, both for staffing and maintenance of existing boats to avoid future significant service disruptions. | https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-ferries-restores-service-to-some-routes-delays-others/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all | 2023-03-01 16:10:21 | 0 | https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-ferries-restores-service-to-some-routes-delays-others/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all |
CHICAGO (NewsNation) — From the grocery store to the gas pump, inflation is nearly impossible to escape. Yet, as it continues to climb, some states are faring a little bit better than others.
The states that are managing inflation the best are the states where it is least expensive to live because historically, inflation has been the cheapest in those states. That’s due to a combination of factors, including regional inflation rates from the federal government to the cost of living index.
Here are the top 10 cheapest states to live in as inflation surges, according to CNBC’s exclusive America’s Top States for Business study, which ranks the states based on an index price for a broad range of goods and services.
- Mississippi
- Kansas
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Tennessee
- Missouri
- Iowa
- West Virginia
- Indiana
- Arkansas
NewsNation compared the cost of living in two cities that have the same name but little else in common — Manhattan, Kansas, and Manhattan, New York.
The cost of an average home in Manhattan, Kansas, is $176,000, while the average rent is $860. Compare that to Manhattan, New York, where the average home price is $1.4 million, and if you’re lucky, you can find an apartment for $4,200.
Meanwhile, inflation is hitting these 10 states the hardest:
- Hawaii
- New York
- California
- Massachusetts
- Oregon
- Alaska
- Maryland
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- Vermont | https://phl17.com/nmw/best-and-worst-us-states-to-live-in-as-inflation-keeps-rising/ | 2022-07-14 18:18:02 | 0 | https://phl17.com/nmw/best-and-worst-us-states-to-live-in-as-inflation-keeps-rising/ |
PHOENIX — While he's an expert on the football field, Arizona Cardinals defensive end, J.J. Watt wasn't sure what to do when he found a snake in his home Saturday morning.
The football star took to Twitter asking locals for advice after finding a "baby rattlesnake" in his bathroom.
Responses ranged from a phone number for the Phoenix Herpetological Society to suggestions for Watt to request a trade.
JJ tweeted out an update a few hours later, saying he called an expert to step in. JJ said the man picked up the snake with his hands and said the critter was NOT a rattlesnake, but a long-nosed snake which is completely harmless.
"If you ever want to feel like a wimp, that's how to do it," JJ joked.
There's a huge number of venomous creatures that call Arizona home. If you find a rattlesnake in your home or yard, you can call 602-550-1090 to have it humanely removed.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
While it's not as extreme as the recent 'Donutgate' feud, it's always fun to hear about Watt's experience in our state since he signed on with the Cardinals in 2021.
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12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/j-j-watt-rattlesnake-in-the-bathroom/75-1548c2bb-a2a4-4515-adfc-8c5b8b94b1a8 | 2022-08-14 12:10:59 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/j-j-watt-rattlesnake-in-the-bathroom/75-1548c2bb-a2a4-4515-adfc-8c5b8b94b1a8 |
NEW YORK (AP) — Soon enough, a bedside Amazon device might know whether you’re sleeping — or not.
The e-commerce and tech giant said Wednesday it will start selling a device later this year that can track sleeping patterns without a wristband.
The device, called Halo Rise, will use no-contact sensors and artificial intelligence to measure a user’s movement and breathing patterns, allowing the device to track sleep stages during the night, the Seattle-based company said. Amazon said the device “does not include cameras or microphones,” and will go for $139.99.
The Halo Rise would be the latest device in Amazon’s Halo line, which includes a fitness tracker that can track physical activity and sleeping patterns. Amazon noted the device can connect with its virtual assistant, Alexa, and allow users to wake up to their favorite songs, and a light that “simulates the colors and gradual brightening of a sunrise.”
The new device highlights the company's ever-growing move to integrate its technology in consumers’ lives, and broaden its reach into wellness. Its healthcare ambitions have grown over the years, seen most recently in its planned $3.9 billion acquisition of the primary care organization One Medical. The deal is currently under review by the Federal Trade Commission.
Amazon, which has faced scrutiny over its handling of consumer data, quickly offered assurances on Wednesday that the information in the Halo Rise device will be kept safe — saying the “health data is encrypted in transit and at rest in the cloud.”
“Amazon Halo health data is not used for marketing, product recommendations, or advertising, and never sold,” the company said.
Separately, Amazon said it will release a new Kindle Scribe, the first Kindle consumers can write on. It will also add more features to its Ring doorbell cameras, home robot Astro, and release new Echo devices. | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Amazon-to-release-bedside-sleep-tracker-later-17473013.php | 2022-09-28 19:25:41 | 0 | https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Amazon-to-release-bedside-sleep-tracker-later-17473013.php |
Charlotte Clymer is terrified. The 36-year-old activist and writer has been preparing for the Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 case that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, ever since a member of the high court questioned its validity in an opinion in the Dobbs decision that ended a federal right to an abortion. Democratic lawmakers found the votes to pass the Respect for Marriage Act to protect same-sex marriage rights at the federal level. But rather than take hope from that, Clymer sees it as an omen.
“This bill is the equivalent of getting the lifeboats prepared for the ship to go down,” said Clymer.
The Respect for Marriage Act, which passed the Senate in a 61-36 vote, with 12 Republicans joining Democrats to vote for it (and three senators not voting), would require that states recognize marriages as long as they are valid in the state where they were performed. (The bill now goes to the House for another vote before it goes to President Biden to be signed.) In doing so, it would repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which defined marriage for federal purposes as the union between one man and one woman and allowed states the power to refuse same-sex marriages granted in other states. Supreme Court rulings in United States v. Windsor and Obergefell voided the law, but many LGBTQ advocates worry those protections may be at risk under the current court.
In his opinion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the court “should reconsider” cases such as Griswold v. Connecticut, Lawrence v. Texas and Obergefell to be consistent with its ruling that the right to abortion is not provided in the Constitution.
Clymer, a transgender woman, called the Respect for Marriage Act “imperfect” while stipulating that it was still “necessary to protect millions of families who otherwise wouldn’t have those protections.”
Her sentiments were echoed by other advocates whose reactions to the bill’s passage in the Senate toggled between a sense of relief and dismayed resignation.
Clymer and others believe the Equality Act, which would prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation and gender identity, would provide much better protections for LGBTQ individuals. But few are optimistic it would get the support it needs in the incoming Congress.
The Human Rights Campaign has been a vocal supporter of the Respect for Marriage Act, which it argues is an important step forward in having the federal government proclaim that it will no longer discriminate against interracial or same-sex couples.
“A big tenet of what is happening in the Respect for Marriage Act is a total repudiation of the Defense of Marriage Act,” said Kelley Robinson, incoming HRC president.
But Robinson shared Clymer’s concerns about the legislation’s limitations.
“We’re living in a moment in the post-Dobbs world,” Robinson said. “Every day, so many Americans are waking up wondering if their civil rights will be under attack next.”
Currently, 35 states have bans on same-sex marriages on the books, with 15 states and the District having no statutes or constitutional amendments prohibiting same-sex marriage.
Mo Zebdi, a 27-year-old engineer and gay man living in Washington state, believes that the Respect for Marriage Act is a much-needed stopgap but also feels that it marks something of a retreat for queer rights.
“Yes, this is a win. But it’s not the unalloyed, pure win that people are pitching it as. As a community, we can do better than this,” said Zebdi.
Zebdi has also taken the Dobbs decision as another sign of civil rights protections backsliding and sees the recent wave of anti-trans legislation as a predictor of the future for queer people in the United States. “When push comes to shove, it feels like the LGBTQ community is one of the first that gets hung out to dry.”
Other LGBTQ community members are frustrated with the concessions that Democrats in Congress made while same-sex marriage is still the law of the land. An amendment to the Respect for Marriage Act clarifies that the bill would not allow the federal government to recognize polygamous marriage and confirms that nonprofit religious organizations would not have to provide “any services, facilities, or goods for the solemnization or celebration of a marriage.”
“Obergefell has not been overruled yet, and Congress acted as if it had,” said Diana Adams, executive director of the LGBTQ legal nonprofit Chosen Family Law Center, based in New York. “I wish that there had been some way to push harder to not make quite as many concessions here for religious exemptions and for other states.”
Adams, a 43-year-old who identifies as bisexual and polyamorous, was concerned with the act’s wording around religious exemptions. “It really enumerated, for a page, different religious exemptions in language that was quite vague and, I thought, could really open the door to even an expansion of Religious Freedom Restoration Act protections, which I found really alarming,” Adams said, referring to the 1993 federal law that “ensures that interests in religious freedom are protected.”
The religious exemptions were one of the reasons that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which previously supported the Defense of Marriage Act, came out in support of the Respect for Marriage Act.
Other concessions also troubled Adams, who as an attorney has assisted many LGBTQ individuals who must travel to get married or become parents. They said, “It is a tremendous amount of indignity when you have to leave your hometown to get married or have your parental rights recognized.”
David Roth, a former Senate candidate from Idaho and gay single father, understands that indignity and is fearful of what could happen to his family in the future.
“I actually do worry at some point, with the direction that we’re going, someone might come by and say, ‘We’re actually going to invalidate all of [the gay parental guardian] adoptions,’ ” he said.
The Respect for Marriage Act gives Roth more comfort that his family will be protected if the Supreme Court cases that allowed him to foster and adopt his children are overturned. “Is it perfect? No. Does it accomplish everything we want it to? No. Is it a step in the right direction? Yes. Does it provide some safeguards for families like mine? Absolutely, it does.”
Roth pointed to the recent election as evidence that the act might be the best supporters of LGBTQ rights can hope for right now. “We just lost the House,” he said. “We’re not going to get any better than this.” | https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/11/30/lgbtq-reaction-same-sex-marriage-bill/ | 2022-11-30 13:53:50 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/11/30/lgbtq-reaction-same-sex-marriage-bill/ |
West Virginia's Mooney runs for Congress but aims at Manchin
West Virginia Rep. Alex Mooney has raised almost $4.4 million this election cycle
West Virginia Republican U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney is a Trump-backed Christian conservative who is anti-abortion, pro-coal and thinks marriage should be " between a man and a woman." Democrat Barry Wendell, his opponent in next week's election, is an openly gay Jewish man who supports abortion rights and replacing fossil fuels with clean energy.
You'd think the candidates — who couldn't be more different — would have a lot to talk about. But Mooney hasn't shown much interest in debating or even engaging with Wendell. The sitting congressman is more interested in talking about the last Democrat holding statewide office in West Virginia, Sen. Joe Manchin.
Mooney is expected to breeze to victory in deep-red West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, and he's all but completely ignored Wendell. Instead, he's spending much of his energy on Manchin, who endorsed Mooney's opponent, outgoing Rep. David McKinley, during the state's May primary. The two GOP congressmen were pitted against each other after population losses cost West Virginia a U.S. House seat, and Mooney won handily.
Manchin has not yet officially announced whether he'll run for reelection in 2024, and Mooney vows that his primary concern is seeing himself and other conservatives get elected and take back the majority in the U.S. House.
REPUBLICANS MORE ENTHUSIASTIC TO VOTE IN MIDTERMS THAN DEMOCRATS, POLLS SHOW
But the Republican congressman’s focus on Manchin is fueling speculation that he might run against him in 2024, which he’s doing nothing to tamp down. In an interview with the AP, Mooney said a Senate race is something to consider. He said the Democratic Party in West Virginia is "nearly obliterated," calling Manchin "out-of-touch."
"It’s something I’m certainly going to look at," he said. "I don’t know how arrogant you have to be to think that as a Democrat U.S. senator, you can instruct Republicans who vote in primaries how to vote."
Less than three months ago, he released a "Mooney for Congress" television advertisement solely targeting Manchin, whose profile has been raised nationally by his role as a swing vote on several major spending packages in the divided U.S. Senate. The ad asserts the Democrat "sold out West Virginia" when he voted to support Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
"Suddenly, Joe Manchin is backing Joe Biden's liberal agenda. Manchin is supporting legislation that will raise our taxes, tax our coal industry and devastate West Virginia communities," the ad states. "Alex Mooney won’t let Joe Manchin and Joe Biden destroy our coal industry and devastaFILE te West Virginia."
Manchin played a key role in the drafting of the Inflation Reduction Act, which invests nearly $375 billion to fight climate change, caps prescription drug costs for Medicare recipients and extended health insurance by extending subsidies provided during the coronavirus pandemic.
But Manchin, who has received more campaign contributions this election cycle from natural gas pipeline companies than any other lawmaker, won concessions on the climate front. The bill includes money to encourage alternative energy and to bolster fossil fuels with steps such as subsidies for technology that reduces carbon emissions.
TOP TEACHERS UNIONS SPENT AT LEAST $2.25 MILLION TO RE-ELECT WHITMER IN MICHIGAN
West Virginia's coal industry is a shell of what it once was — coal production has declined more than 50% in the last decade.
Meanwhile, Wendell says Mooney agreed to do a virtual candidates forum with a local newspaper but the congressman hasn't made himself available for a debate or to participate in any in-person events in the district alongside Wendell. He said he feels like both Republicans and Democrats, including Manchin, are ignoring his challenge.
"They don't think there's a chance," he said.
Wendell, a 73-year-old retired substitute teacher and Social Security Administration claims representative, said he decided to run for Congress as a Democrat in West Virginia because nobody had entered the race with more political experience.
"I kept hoping somebody else would run. I just thought, "‘Well, if nobody else is going to do this, I guess I have to do it,’" said Wendell, whose political experience consists of a four-year stint on city council in Morgantown, the state’s third-largest city. "My primary motivation was not to let the Republicans walk away with this election without having to put up a fight."
BIDEN TO DELIVER UNSCHEDULED DNC SPEECH AT UNION STATION NEAR CAPITOL
Throughout his campaign, Mooney has hammered away at the need to reduce U.S. inflation and protect gun laws. He feels no need to talk much about the ongoing ethics inquiries he's facing.
The nonpartisan Office of Congressional Ethics referred Mooney to the House Committee on Ethics last year based on allegations that he used campaign money for personal expenses, including trips to resorts and to Chick-fil-A.
Shortly after Mooney’s primary win, a report was released by the congressional watchdog group confirming that he likely broke House rules when he accepted a trip to Aruba in March 2021 allegedly paid for by a campaign client and family friend. The report also said two former Mooney staff members told the OCE that he "tampered with or withheld documents" and that Mooney refused to cooperate when the office tried to investigate the claims.
Mooney has insisted that he’s reimbursed campaign client HSP Direct and that no taxpayer funds were used to pay for the trip. He says his office is fully cooperating with the Committee on Ethics. But he has not seemed too concerned.
"I think voters are just focused on whether or not (candidates) are going to fight for their freedoms in this country, which are under serious attack right now with the current Congress and administration," he said. "That’s what I’m focused on."
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Wendell, who moved to West Virginia from California a decade ago, said he has tried unsuccessfully to ask the national Democratic party for more funding and support, to no avail.
Mooney has raised almost $4.4 million this election cycle on the race in West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional district — with the most sizeable donations coming from conservative super PACS, according to federal election commission records. Much of that money was used to bolster his primary campaign. Wendell has spent just under $25,000. | https://www.foxnews.com/politics/west-virginia-mooney-runs-congress-aims-manchin | 2022-11-02 18:42:38 | 0 | https://www.foxnews.com/politics/west-virginia-mooney-runs-congress-aims-manchin |
Tribe seeks to adapt as climate change alters ancestral home
By TAMMY WEBBER and MARTHA IRVINE
Associated Press
SANTA CLARA PUEBLO, N.M. (AP) — Raymond Naranjo sings for rain, his voice rising and falling as he softly strikes his rawhide-covered drum.
The 99-year-old invites the cloud spirits, rain children, mist, thunder and lightning to join him at Santa Clara Pueblo, where Tewa people have lived for thousands of years on land they call Kha’p’o Owingeh, the Valley of the Wild Roses.
“Without water, you don’t live,” says Naranjo’s son Gilbert, explaining the rain dance song his father, a World War II veteran, has sung for decades — and with increasing urgency as the tribe fights for the survival of its ancestral home.
With unsettling speed, climate change has taken a toll on the the pueblo’s 89 square miles (230 square kilometers) that climb from the gently rolling Rio Grande Valley to Santa Clara Canyon in the rugged Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico.
Hotter temperatures and drier conditions, exacerbated by global warming, have made their forests a tinderbox, shrunk waterways and parched pastures and gardens, threatening a way of life tied to land, water and animals they pray for daily and celebrate through stories, songs and dances passed down through the ages.
Elders in the tribe of about 1,350 remember dense forests of fir, pine, spruce and aspen. A creek cascading through a series of ponds in the canyon. A valley of sage and juniper with shady cottonwood galleries and gardens along a creek and river.
They hunted deer and elk, gathered firewood and medicinal and ceremonial plants and dug clay to make the shiny black and redware pottery pueblo artisans are renowned for. Fields irrigated by the creek and the Rio Grande River bore a bounty of corn, beans, squash and chiles.
But three large wildfires in 13 years burned more than 80% of the tribe’s forested land. The last one, the 2011 Las Conchas fire — then the largest in New Mexico history — burned so hot it hardened the ground like concrete.
And in a cruel twist two months later, it took just a quarter-inch of rain to unleash the first of several devastating flash floods, scouring charred slopes and sending tree trunks, boulders and vast quantities of sediment surging through the pueblo. It buried sections of a Santa Clara Canyon road 50 feet (15 meters) deep, blew out earthen dams and drained ponds where the tribe planned to reintroduce native trout. It decimated habitat for beavers, bears, elk, mule deer and eagles.
In the valley, flash floods still fill irrigation ditches with sediment and ruin crops planted near the creek. And now tribal farmers who for centuries freely diverted water from the Rio Grande can only do so on designated days because the river has been critically low. Hotter temperatures and stronger winds dry the soil quickly, rain is unpredictable, snowfall is scarce.
People here in the high desert are familiar with drought. About 500 years ago, the tribe moved from the pueblo’s cliff dwellings — called Puye, or “where the rabbits gather” — to the Rio Grande Valley after drought dried up a stream and made dryland farming difficult.
But the megadrought now gripping the West and Southwest, the worst in 1,200 years, makes the future less certain.
“How do you prepare … with so many unknowns?” says Santa Clara Pueblo Gov. J. Michael Chavarria. “Where do we go? We have nowhere else to go.”
So the people are trying to adapt by returning to their roots: embracing natural methods to restore their watershed and make the forests more resilient, growing trees and crops from native seeds that evolved to withstand drought. But they’re also willing to embrace new ways if that helps them stay.
Their connection to this place and the future of their people is too important to do otherwise, Chavarria says. “We can’t just pack up our bags and leave.”
ROAD TO RESTORATION
Garrett Altmann peers into the woody debris, looking for conifer seedlings planted last fall along Santa Clara Creek. Only a third have survived.
But as he keeps walking, Altmann is surprised to find fir and spruce seedlings sprouting naturally in a previously burned area. Though just an inch high, they represent an ecological victory, says Altmann, a geographic information systems coordinator and project manager with the tribe’s forestry department.
About 60% of the more than 2 million trees planted in the past 20 years, from seeds collected on the pueblo, have died. And some areas, especially unshaded south-facing slopes, may never again support trees in a hotter, drier world.
So to see some sprouting on their own is “like the apex of restoration,” says Altmann, who has crews place logs and scatter tree branches to stop erosion and build up soil. “Knowing that you’re doing something that nature will be able to propagate from, it just makes me happy.”
The tribe hopes to restore and even reengineer the canyon by combining scientific and native knowledge and using natural materials: rocks to slow water, bend waterways and create ponds and floodwater diversions; tree roots and debris to create habitats, enrich the soil and shade seedlings and Santa Clara Creek.
“My goal for this watershed is to build it back better than it was before,” says Altmann, who is not a tribal member.
That’s a difficult but important target, tribal officials say — not just to protect the canyon and prevent runoff that could threaten the village, but also to ease the tribe’s collective grief and restore some of what’s been lost: family hunting and camping trips, pilgrimages to ancient sites so sacred they’re kept secret from outsiders.
Some elders weep when they see treeless slopes, deeply eroded stream banks and burned out cabins, says Daniel Denipah, the tribe’s forestry director.
“They say, ‘This just doesn’t look like the same place,’” he says. “It breaks your heart.”
They also worry a generation of children — many who’ve never seen the canyon — will lose an important connection to their culture, including songs that identify special places and give thanks to the animals, plants and life itself.
So the forestry department enlists schoolkids to help plant trees and grass plugs and build rock dams to forge a bond with the land. That’s what motivates Denipah, who says it could take more than 100 years for the tribe’s beloved forests to regrow.
“I’m going to … try my hardest to put things back the way they were and to keep this culture alive,” says Denipah. “That’s what’s important to me – trying to give that back to the people.”
HOPE AND FEAR
Signs of renewal are everywhere.
A carpet of green, including wild onions and currants, spreads beneath blackened trees. Bulrushes hug the streambanks. Young aspens are coloring an area where conifers burned. Bluebirds flit about a meadow of mullein and wild roses.
A bear and two cubs wade in Santa Clara Creek, disappearing into a thicket when Altmann stops his truck. A pair of eagles soars overhead as squirrels dart between logs. Deer, turkey and bobcats also are returning.
But there still is much to do — and much uncertainty — even after about $100 million in federal disaster aid and other funding was spent for emergency response and to rebuild a temporary canyon road, widen bridges, erect steel mesh barriers to catch debris sliding from ravines, and to dig ash and sediment from ponds and the creek.
It could cost almost $200 million more to rebuild a permanent road in the canyon and build dams to restore the ponds, where the tribe wants to reintroduce a pure strain of native cuthroat trout, pueblo officials say.
But they believe they can spend less and accomplish more with their nature-based approach to restoration, while recognizing limitations in a warmer climate.
For example, the tribe will be strategic about where it replants trees, choosing the most promising sites and leaving space between future forest stands. They’ll revive prescribed burns — an ancient practice long discouraged by state and federal agencies — to keep forests from again becoming overgrown, which made them susceptible to drought, insects and disease.
Still, people here fear climate change could outpace recovery, that another large wildfire could undo years of progress.
“I want to be hopeful. But the way things are going now, I don’t know,” says Eugene “Hutch” Naranjo, 63, who had hoped to share his childhood experiences — hunting, fishing, camping — with his grandchildren.
He recalls his grandfather’s advice from more than a half century ago: Remember how the canyon looks so you can tell your kids and grandkids, “because things are changing and I don’t know if (they) will ever see things the way you see them now.”
FEAST OR FAMINE
Hutch and Norma Naranjo bend over rows of chiles tucked among drying corn stalks, filling baskets to roast and preserve or mill into powder.
Normally they’d be harvesting the corn, but it ripened a month earlier, in August, after a long dry spell was quenched by unexpectedly heavy and prolonged rains. They scrambled to get the crop in before it rotted or became too hard, then roasted and dried the kernels, a staple of the Tewa diet.
Farming is now “a guessing game,” says Hutch, lifting a load of chiles into his pickup truck. He and Norma also grow alfalfa, beans, squash, sweet peas and watermelon, raise cattle and pasture horses on Santa Clara land inherited from Hutch’s grandfather.
Dozens of families once farmed on ancestral plots, enabling the pueblo to be so self-sufficient, they say, that they barely noticed the Great Depression, didn’t worry about grocery shopping.
But sustaining that life is increasingly difficult.
“Fields just aren’t producing like they used to,” says Gilbert Naranjo — no relation to Hutch — who’s in charge of plowing farmers’ fields. He says some people now buy starter plants because it can be difficult to get seeds to germinate.
This year, many farmers — including him — didn’t bother planting after losing much of last year’s crop to winds and a late-summer frost. Of the 15 or so who did, some lost crops again when it didn’t rain for more than 2 1/2 months, after unusually heavy monsoon rains in July and August, or when elk that used to stay in the canyon raided their fields.
“Man, this weather is strange,” says Naranjo, who had someone else grow chiles for him this summer. “It has really changed.”
Farmers say there are more days when the temperature surpasses 90 and 100 degrees (32 and 38 Celsius), including in typically mild autumn. The wind blows harder, drying soil and flattening crops. And mountain snowpack that once melted in spring, filling waterways and recharging aquifers, is increasingly scarce.
Norma Naranjo says their grandfathers used to tell them not to plant until the snow disappeared from the peaks. She tries to recall the last time it stayed all winter.
“Years. It’s been years,” Hutch says.
A recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration assessment for New Mexico projects there will be even less mountain snowpack in the future, along with more intense heat waves and droughts that could lead to more wildfires and dust storms.
The changes over the past 30 years already contribute to both drought and extreme weather events, says hydrologist Andrew Mangham, from the National Weather Service in Albuquerque.
The summer monsoons, for example, are more erratic. “It’s becoming very, very feast or famine,” Mangham says. “We either have no rain or we get 5 inches at once or 8 inches at once.”
WATER WORRIES
Tribal members say rainfall can be bittersweet — they need it for their crops but it also can wreak havoc.
Former Santa Clara Gov. Walter Dasheno was hoping for a decent corn harvest after rains started. But in late July, sediment from the canyon destroyed his irrigation system, which connects to Santa Clara Creek, during a flash flood, then weeds grew so high and thick that he couldn’t get to surviving crops.
But that same rain helped boost Hutch and Norma Naranjo’s crops. They irrigate from the Rio Grande and had worried they might lose some crops because the river was low and irrigation sporadic.
Irrigation ditches now are only about a quarter full. The forestry department cuts down elm trees and invasive salt cedar and Russian olive trees because they compete for water. Meanwhile, stands of native cottonwoods that thrived along the Rio Grande are dying because they require periodic floods.
Still, water security feels precarious, and they worry whether groundwater, which supplies pueblo homes, will continue to recharge quickly enough amid drought and lack of snowfall.
Denipah, the forestry director, says the tribe is hoping to lower the banks of the Rio Grande in some places to recreate historical wetlands and help recharge surface and groundwater.
Dasheno, who’s on a pueblo water rights committee, says he wants to make irrigation more reliable to encourage people to resume farming, perhaps by drilling a solar-powered well, rerouting a ditch to improve access to the creek or finding a way to store water from Santa Clara Creek.
All ideas are on the table, Gov. Chavarria says, because water “is going to be more valuable than gold.”
“If you don’t have good water to irrigate your crops … what happens to them? They die off,” he says. “So if we don’t have a good water source, good quality of water, we may die off as well.”
NATIVE WAYS
Hutch Naranjo believes he has another answer to drought. He pulls back a tarp to show wire racks of drying corn — a native variety passed down to him by his grandfather, who got the seeds from his own father.
This is one key, Naranjo believes, to his successful harvest when so many others failed.
“The seed over the years has learned how to grow even in times when we don’t have any water; it still grows and it still produces,” he says. “I think a lot has to do with the prayers that we have … for our crops.”
But Naranjo worries store-bought hybrid corn planted by others will cross pollinate with his, making it more difficult to pass on the native, hardy strains to his grandchildren.
He shares his seeds and harvest with others from the pueblo because his grandfather instilled in him, “Corn is life.”
The dried kernels — chicos — are the used in stews and puddings. It’s ground into meal for bread. It’s used in songs and dances, and is the basis of many Tewa prayers.
“One of the things that he would say (is) ‘Don’t be stingy with what you grow. Give it away so that people will be nourished,’” Naranjo says.
He also credits his success to other native growing traditions: rotating crops, planting sweet peas to restore soil nitrogen and putting cattle into his corn fields after harvest to help with fertilization.
He and Norma also are teaching their grandchildren to farm, and they’re involved from sowing to roasting.
Pueblo elders say ancestral knowledge is key for future generations to develop a strong cultural and spiritual sense of self, a connection to this ancient place so they have a fighting chance to preserve their way of life.
“As caretakers of this world, of … Mother Earth, we need to learn how to preserve, how to cherish, how to respect the mother, the water, the land, the mountains, the trees, the animals, everything in it,” says Gilbert Naranjo, who calls his jar of native seeds “my wealth,” and is teaching his 5-year-old grandson traditional Tewa customs and songs centered on nature.
“That’s our mission. To take care of it, not to destroy it.”
___
Freelance photographer Andres Leighton contributed to this story.
___
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://localnews8.com/news/ap-utah/2022/11/01/tribe-seeks-to-adapt-as-climate-change-alters-ancestral-home/ | 2022-11-01 16:07:04 | 1 | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-utah/2022/11/01/tribe-seeks-to-adapt-as-climate-change-alters-ancestral-home/ |
CNN — Paramount Studios is being sued for copyright infringement over “Top Gun” by the family of the author whose article inspired the 1986 film.
In a complaint filed in California federal court Monday, the heirs to Ehud Yonay’s 1983 article, “Top Guns,” state the film distribution company did not reacquire the rights for the recently released sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Shosh and Yuval Yonay claim that they sent a notice of termination to Paramount and that the rights reverted back to them in January 2020, the complaint obtained by CNN states.
Production on “Top Gun: Maverick” did not finish until May 2021, more than a year after the studio knew it no longer had the rights to the source material, according to the Yonays.
“These claims are without merit, and we will defend ourselves vigorously,” Paramount Studios told CNN in a statement.
The movie, starring Tom Cruise, was initially set for a July 2019 release but faced numerous delays and is currently sitting atop the domestic box office for the second week in a row.
CNN has reached out to attorneys for Shosh and Yuval Yonay for comment.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://nbc-2.com/news/entertainment/2022/06/07/paramount-studios-sued-over-top-gun-copyright/ | 2022-06-07 14:10:19 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/entertainment/2022/06/07/paramount-studios-sued-over-top-gun-copyright/ |
LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., Oct. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (NYSE: GBX) invites shareholders and other interested parties to listen to its financial results conference call for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, live, either over the Internet or via dial in.
What: The Greenbrier Companies Q4 2022 Financial Results Conference Call
When: Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. PDT
Listeners can access the webcast at the Greenbrier website at www.gbrx.com. To register for or access the webcast, click on the announcement shown on the home page of the Greenbrier website. The webcast will be archived for 30 days.
Alternatively, dial-in numbers for the Conference Call are 1-888-317-6003 and 1-412-317-6061 for international callers; the entry number is "0909841". Please call in 10-15 minutes ahead of time to ensure proper connection.
Greenbrier, headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is a leading international supplier of equipment and services to global freight transportation markets. Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures, Greenbrier designs, builds and markets freight railcars and marine barges in North America, Europe and Brazil. We are a leading provider of freight railcar wheel services, parts, maintenance and retrofitting services in North America through our rail services business unit. Greenbrier manages 421,000 railcars and offers railcar management, regulatory compliance services and leasing services to railroads and other railcars owners in North America. GBX Leasing (GBXL) is a special purpose subsidiary that owns and manages a portfolio of leased railcars that originate primarily from Greenbrier's manufacturing operations. GBXL and Greenbrier own a lease fleet of 11,800 railcars. Learn more about Greenbrier at www.gbrx.com.
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SOURCE The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. | https://www.wbtv.com/prnewswire/2022/10/17/greenbrier-announces-webcast-conference-call-quarterly-financial-results/ | 2022-10-17 23:18:21 | 1 | https://www.wbtv.com/prnewswire/2022/10/17/greenbrier-announces-webcast-conference-call-quarterly-financial-results/ |
Missing horse returns home after running with wild mustangs for 8 years, owner says
FIELDING, Utah (KUTV) - A Utah man says he has been reunited with his horse after missing his animal for the last eight years.
Shane Adams said his horse Mongo wandered away years ago while camping in the desert. He thought he would never see his four-legged companion again.
That was until Bureau of Land Management agents recently found Mongo running with a herd of wild mustangs.
“I mean, it’s crazy. Even after being wild for eight years, he still acts like the same horse. He acts like nothing ever happened,” Adams said.
Mongo was ready to saddle up once returning home and has reportedly shown no signs of the wild and free years he spent running with the herd.
Mongo is now about 18 years old and perhaps a few hundred pounds underweight. But Adams said he would feed him extra hay and oats to get him back to a healthy weight.
Copyright 2022 KUTV via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.kait8.com/2022/10/08/missing-horse-returns-home-after-running-with-wild-mustangs-8-years-owner-says/ | 2022-10-08 23:16:43 | 1 | https://www.kait8.com/2022/10/08/missing-horse-returns-home-after-running-with-wild-mustangs-8-years-owner-says/ |
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By ELAINE KURTENBACH
BANGKOK (AP) — Top financial officials from the Group of 20 leading rich and developing nations met on the Indonesian island of Bali on Friday seeking strategies to counter the economic fallout from the war in Ukraine, inflation and other global crises.
Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati opened the two-day meeting by urging fellow finance ministers, central bank chiefs and other leaders to find ways to “build bridges, not walls.” She said the consequences of failure, especially for less wealthy nations, would be “catastrophic.”
“Millions and millions if not billions of people are depending on us,” Indrawati said.
The meetings in Bali’s Nusa Dua resort town follow a gathering there of earlier this month that failed to find common ground over Russia’s war in Ukraine and its global impacts.
A G-20 finance meeting in Washington, D.C. in April saw officials from the U.S., Britain, France, Canada and Ukraine the attendance of Russian envoys. That meeting ended without the release of a joint statement.
Still, the G-20 financial meetings have the advantage of being less political in nature, Indrawati said.
Indonesia, as host, has tried to act as an “honest broker,” she said, uniting a divided East and West within the G-20, a schism that has sharpened since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February.
There’s no “playbook” for how to find agreement given the unprecedented tensions over the war, Indrawati said.
The financial leaders are searching for ways to coordinate how they shepherd their economies through inflation that is running at 40-year highs, unsnarling supply chains and bottlenecks due to the coronavirus pandemic and fortifying financial systems against future risks.
The G-20 managed to bridge differences in coping with the 2008 global financial crisis and the pandemic, said Indrawati.
“The actions we take will have a very important effect for the world,” she said.
One key goal of U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and some other Western financial officials is gaining agreement on setting a that might help bring energy costs under control and alleviate the decades-high inflation seen in many countries while also limiting Moscow’s access to revenues to fund its war effort.
“A price cap on Russian oil is one of our most powerful tools to address the pain Americans and families across the world are feeling at the gas pump and the grocery store right now, a limit on the price of Russian oil,” Yellen said at news briefing Thursday in Bali that was shown online.
Yellen said no price had yet been determined for such a cap, but the level would have to be one “that clearly gives Russia an incentive to continue to produce, that would make production profitable for Russia.”
She said she was “hopeful” that countries such as China and India that recently boosted imports of Russian crude oil, sold at steep discounts, would see it as being in their own self-interest to observe the price cap.
Without a price cap, a European Union and probably a U.S. ban on providing insurance and other financial services would take effect. “So, we’re proposing an exception that would allow Russia to export as long as the price doesn’t exceed a yet-to-be-determined level,” Yellen said.
Yellen did not say if she would walk out of the closed door meeting Friday during a speech by Russia’s representative to the talks. But she said it could not be “business as usual with respect to Russia’s participation at these meetings.”
At last week’s meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov were present in the same room at the same time for the first time since the Ukraine war began but they pointedly ignored each other.
Lavrov walked out of the proceedings at least twice: once when his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock spoke at the opening session and again just before Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba was to speak by video at the second session, according to a Western diplomat present.
Indonesia has urged officials from all sides to overcome mistrust for the sake of a planet confronting multiple challenges from the coronavirus to climate change to Ukraine.
Indonesia is among the developing countries contending with shortages and and grain due to the war and it says the G-20 has a responsibility to step up and ensure the rules-based global order remains relevant. | https://www.timesleader.com/wire/nation-world/1565472/g20-finance-leaders-in-bali-to-tackle-ukraine-inflation | 2022-07-15 08:25:39 | 0 | https://www.timesleader.com/wire/nation-world/1565472/g20-finance-leaders-in-bali-to-tackle-ukraine-inflation |
TGH CEO and CFO recognized for leadership and driving innovation to boost quality and lower the cost of care
TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital (TGH), and Mark Runyon, executive vice president and CFO of TGH, are among the seven CEO and CFO pairs from hospitals and health systems across the country recognized by Becker's Hospital Review 2022 "Highly Successful CEO-CFO Duos" list.
Couris, a nationally recognized leader in health care, took the helm of TGH in 2017 and during his tenure has championed health care innovation and transformation for both the academic medical center's team and its patients and community. Together with Runyon, who joined TGH in 2020, they drive TGH's fundamental mission of providing excellent, comprehensive and innovative care to patients.
"The relationship between a hospital's CEO and CFO is instrumental to an organization's growth and success, and Mark has proven over the last two and a half years that providing high quality care in a safe environment – and doing that in a financially sustainable way – is his primary concern. We are grateful for that," said Couris. "Every day Mark encourages and empowers his team to think strategically and identify opportunities to innovate and improve processes and lower the cost of providing high quality health care."
Couris' and Runyon's approaches to leading TGH balance each other. Couris focuses on big and bold ideas and Runyon's grounded thinking and rationale help to make those ideas a reality. As noted by Becker's Hospital Review, "they push boundaries together and are always challenging each other and holding each other accountable."
"John is always on the hunt for a way to shake things up to drive a more positive experience for healthcare consumers and our TGH team members," said Runyon. "John places a strong importance on collaboration and inclusivity, especially within his teams, to ensure that all team members are empowered to innovate, and all stakeholders are heard. We are a stronger organization because of that."
This inclusion in the "Highly Successful CEO-CFO Duos" list by Becker's Hospital Review comes on the heels of several recent accolades for Couris and TGH. Earlier this year, Couris was named to Becker's list of 113 "Great Leaders in Healthcare 2022" as well as Modern Healthcare's Top 25 Innovators list, City & State Florida's "Health Care Power 100" (#4 in 2022) and INFLUENCE Magazine's INFLUENCE 150: the 150 most influential people in Florida politics. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2022-23 Best Hospitals, and is tied as the third highest-ranked hospital in Florida, with seven specialties ranking among the best programs in the United States. Tampa General has also been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list.
Tampa General Hospital, a 1,040-bed, not-for-profit, academic medical center, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2022-23 Best Hospitals, and is tied as the third highest-ranked hospital in Florida, with seven specialties ranking among the best programs in the United States. Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic medical center's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious Forbes magazine rankings – first nationally in the 2022 America's Best Employers for Women and sixth out of 100 Florida companies in the 2022 America's Best Employers by State. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2021, provided a net community benefit worth more than $224.5 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It is one of the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant centers and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With six medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It also is home to the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, TGH Brandon Healthplex, TGH Virtual Health, and 21 TGH Imaging powered by Tower outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track network of clinics, and they can even receive home visits in select areas through TGH Urgent Care at Home, powered by Fast Track. As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to www.tgh.org.
Media Contact: Karen Barrera
Assistant Director of Communications & Partnerships
(813) 844-8725 (direct)
(813) 928-1603 (cell)
kbarrera@tgh.org
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SOURCE Tampa General Hospital | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/11/10/tampa-general-hospitals-john-couris-mark-runyon-named-highly-successful-ceo-cfo-duo-by-beckers-hospital-review/ | 2022-11-10 23:50:42 | 1 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/11/10/tampa-general-hospitals-john-couris-mark-runyon-named-highly-successful-ceo-cfo-duo-by-beckers-hospital-review/ |
Jaume Munar 2023 Swiss Open Gstaad Odds
The Swiss Open Gstaad is nearing its end in Gstaad, Switzerland, as Jaume Munar plays in a quarterfinal against Pedro Cachin. Munar's odds are the fourth-best among the field at +600 to win this tournament at Roy Emerson Arena.
Find all the latest odds for the 2023 Swiss Open Gstaad and place your bets with a new user bonus from BetMGM.
Munar at the 2023 Swiss Open Gstaad
- Next Round: Quarterfinals
- Tournament Dates: July 14-23
- Venue: Roy Emerson Arena
- Location: Gstaad, Switzerland
- Court Surface: Clay
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Munar's Next Match
Munar has advanced to the quarterfinals, where he will meet Cachin on Friday, July 21 at 8:30 AM ET (after beating Stan Wawrinka 7-6, 6-1).
Munar has current moneyline odds of -120 to win his next matchup versus Cachin. Check out the latest odds for the entire field at BetMGM.
Want to bet on Munar? Head to BetMGM using our link for a bonus bet special offer for new players!
Munar Stats
- Munar is coming off a 7-6, 6-1 win over No. 74-ranked Wawrinka in the Round of 16 on Thursday.
- Munar has not won any of his 28 tournaments over the past 12 months, with an overall match record of 20-27.
- In 12 tournaments on clay over the past 12 months, Munar has gone 12-11.
- In his 47 matches over the past year, across all court types, Munar has averaged 23.4 games.
- Over the past 12 months, Munar has played 23 matches on clay, and 23.0 games per match.
- Munar, over the past year, has won 66.7% of his service games and 26.1% of his return games.
- When it comes to serve/return winning percentages on clay over the past 12 months, Munar has won 65.9% of his games on serve, and 33.3% on return.
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/sports/betting/2023/07/14/jaume-munar-swiss-open-gstaad-betting-odds/ | 2023-07-21 04:17:57 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/sports/betting/2023/07/14/jaume-munar-swiss-open-gstaad-betting-odds/ |
WFO AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Tuesday, August 30, 2022
_____
AREAL FLOOD ADVISORY
Flood Advisory
National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio TX
1127 AM CDT Tue Aug 30 2022
...FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 230 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON...
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.
* WHERE...A portion of south central Texas, including the following
counties, Bastrop and Caldwell.
* WHEN...Until 230 PM CDT.
* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
Ponding of water in urban or other areas is occurring or is
imminent.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- At 1127 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to
thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin
shortly in the advisory area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain
have fallen.
- Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected
over the area. This additional rain will result in minor
flooding.
- Some locations that will experience flooding include...
Lockhart, Bastrop, Luling, Uhland, Mustang Ridge, Niederwald,
Cedar Creek, Wyldwood, Rosanky, Camp Swift, Fentress, Upton,
Brownsboro, Bateman, Taylorsville, Dale, St John Colony, Red
Rock, Lytton Springs and McMahan.
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood
deaths occur in vehicles.
Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.sfchronicle.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-AUSTIN-SAN-ANTONIO-Warnings-Watches-and-17407529.php | 2022-08-30 17:49:56 | 0 | https://www.sfchronicle.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-AUSTIN-SAN-ANTONIO-Warnings-Watches-and-17407529.php |
Oklahoma couldn't have asked for a better start.
Tanner Tredaway kicked off the scoring in the first inning by stealing home, and Jimmy Crooks followed it with a single to left field that scored Blake Robertson. Diego Muniz hit a double that scored Crooks a few players later to round out the frame, giving the Sooners a 3-1 lead heading into the second inning.
It was a lead the Sooners held through the top of the fifth inning, as neither offense scored. But in the bottom of the fifth, TCU exploded for seven runs to completely change momentum.
After the Horned Frogs added a run in the sixth, the Sooners did their best to rally with two runs in the seventh, courtesy of Kendall Pettis and Jackson Nicklaus, and one run in the eighth to cut the lead to 9-6.
With the Sooners batting the top of the frame, they needed at least three runs to extend the game. Peyton Graham did his part by scoring on a fielding error, but it was the only run the Sooners recorded.
The result was a 9-7 road defeat for the Sooners and their third straight loss.
Muniz led the team with two hits, one run and a RBI. Tredaway and Pettis each recorded two hits and a run. Crooks added a hit, a RBI and a run.
Jake Bennett recorded the loss on the mound, pitching 4.2 innings while recording five strikeouts but surrendering eight hits and seven earned runs.
The loss drops the Sooners to 27-17 and 9-7 in Big 12 play. Despite the loss, the Sooners could take sole position of fourth place in the conference standings with wins against TCU Saturday and Sunday.
The Sooners will look to bounce back at 2 p.m. Saturday against TCU. | https://www.normantranscript.com/sports/ou-baseball-sooners-fall-to-tcu-drop-third-straight-game/article_d0810402-cdb9-11ec-a978-87f49c79f70e.html | 2022-05-07 04:44:21 | 1 | https://www.normantranscript.com/sports/ou-baseball-sooners-fall-to-tcu-drop-third-straight-game/article_d0810402-cdb9-11ec-a978-87f49c79f70e.html |
April Jeppson: Music: One of best tactics to fight negativity
Published 8:45 pm Friday, June 9, 2023
Every Little Thing by April Jeppson
Every once in a while I find a song, and I need to feast on it. Listening to it once or twice doesn’t do the trick. I need to memorize every beat and note. I need to become best friends with it. I’m currently on day two of listening to “White Winter Hymnal” by Pentatonix. I’ve been aware of the song for awhile, but when I heard it the other day, it got stuck in my head. I’m not sure if overdosing on the song will help release its hold on me, I just know that I must listen to it until the craving is gone.
During a conversation with a co-worker this morning, my current musical preference came up. She gave me a very confused look and said, “all day? Like eight hours of the same song?” I giggled and said, “Yes.” I explained that I will listen to this song for as long as I need until I no longer have the desire. She said she could listen to the same song maybe twice before she’d be sick of it. So I’m going to guess that if you’re reading this, you can either relate to me, or you absolutely cannot.
As I’ve continued to learn more about my ADHD, I’ve discovered that many of my quirks, (like needing to listen to the same song on repeat for days) are actually symptoms. So instead of trying to fight this odd urge, I recognize that there is no harm in allowing myself to succumb, and I simply let it happen. If I shared a cubicle with someone I would need to wear headphones. Otherwise my co-worker would probably cause harm to my speakers.
On a separate but similar note, I love listening to acapella music. I think it’s so fascinating how everyone can hear which note they are supposed to hit. As hard as I try and for as much as I want to be able to harmonize, I’m just not that great at it. My ear hears the lead, and my voice follows. I’ve sung harmony a few times, but I had to practice those songs for hours in order to train my brain. So to see and hear people that naturally have that gift, I’m always in awe.
The song that I’m listening to is a beautiful acapella rendition. It allows me to play around with which singer I’d like to pair my voice with. I guess I’ve been unknowingly practicing harmony for the last day and half. Now I’m suddenly aware that perhaps I’ve been practicing too loud and people outside of my office may have heard these jam sessions. However, as quickly as I typed that sentence, I got over my stage fright and no longer care. No one has complained to me yet, so I’ll just carry on.
There is so much negativity and darkness in the world. I try my hardest to rise above and not let it get me down. Listening to my favorite music is one of my most utilized battle tactics in the fight against negativity. Singing loud to those songs amplifies the effectiveness and makes my bubble of good energy almost impenetrable.
If my calculations are correct, by tomorrow, I should be high-fiving strangers and skipping everywhere I go.
Albert Lean April Jeppson is a wife, mom, coach and encourager of dreams. Her column appears every Saturday. | https://www.albertleatribune.com/2023/06/april-jeppson-music-one-of-best-tactics-to-fight-negativity/ | 2023-06-10 04:39:26 | 0 | https://www.albertleatribune.com/2023/06/april-jeppson-music-one-of-best-tactics-to-fight-negativity/ |
A member of the Oath Keepers extremist group from New Jersey who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and bragged about it in text messages pleaded guilty on Tuesday to obstructing Congress.
James Breheny, who is also known as Seamus Evers, of Little Ferry, pleaded guilty in Washington’s federal court to a felony charge of obstructing Congress’ certification of President Joe Biden’s electoral victory over former President Donald Trump.
Breheny’s attorney said his client, a Navy veteran, entered the guilty plea to “make amends for a lack of good judgement on Jan. 6, 2021.”
“His history as a veteran and a law-abiding citizen is clearly more indicative of who he is then his entering the Capitol and taking a photo of himself and leaving,” defense attorney Harley Breite said.
Breheny was not charged with conspiring with other members of the far-right group, including its founder Stewart Rhodes.
In one of the most serious cases brought by the Justice Department, Rhodes and five other Oath Keepers were convicted of seditious conspiracy for what prosecutors say was a weekslong plot to stop the transfer of presidential power. Additional Oath Keepers were separately convicted of conspiring to obstruct the certification of Biden’s victory.
Rhodes, of Granbury, Texas, was sentenced last month to 18 years behind bars — the longest sentence handed down so far in the hundreds of Jan. 6 cases.
Court papers say that on the morning of Jan. 6, Rhodes invited Breheny — who was the Bergen County coordinator for the Oath Keepers’ New Jersey chapter — to a signal chat with other members titled “DC OP: Jan 6 21.” Breheny didn’t send any messages in the chat, his attorney said.
Breheny entered the Capitol shortly after a group of Oath Keepers breached the building in military-style “stack” formation, according to statement of offense Breheny agreed to as part of his plea deal. After the riot, he sent several messages to others bragging about going inside the Capitol. In one message he wrote: “We breached the door Baby.”
Two days after the riot, someone warned him to delete all his pictures and messages and get a new phone. He deleted photos showing himself inside the Capitol and deleted his Facebook account, prosecutors said. | https://www.koin.com/news/politics/new-jersey-oath-keeper-who-stormed-the-capitol-on-jan-6-pleads-guilty-to-felony-charge/ | 2023-06-07 07:22:23 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/news/politics/new-jersey-oath-keeper-who-stormed-the-capitol-on-jan-6-pleads-guilty-to-felony-charge/ |
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The tournament wraps Tuesday night with what should be a riveting game between defending champion U.S. and two-time winners Japan. The WBC has been a big hit, with record attendance and viewership.
Copyright 2023 NPR
The tournament wraps Tuesday night with what should be a riveting game between defending champion U.S. and two-time winners Japan. The WBC has been a big hit, with record attendance and viewership.
Copyright 2023 NPR | https://www.mainepublic.org/2023-03-21/the-world-baseball-classic-has-provided-some-thrilling-moments-and-record-numbers | 2023-03-21 20:41:06 | 0 | https://www.mainepublic.org/2023-03-21/the-world-baseball-classic-has-provided-some-thrilling-moments-and-record-numbers |
More manufacturing capacity, new retail products, celebrity recipes and a documentary video series highlight a year of announcements and celebrations
COLUMBUS, Ohio , June 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In 1987, White Castle launched its retail division, becoming the first fast-food restaurant to offer its food in grocery stores for preparation at home. Some industry experts scoffed at the idea, saying a fast-food restaurant couldn't succeed as a consumer packaged-goods company. But White Castle proved them wrong. Its retail division has grown steadily over the years, becoming an integral part of the family-owned business' success and giving the brand a national presence.
"When my dad, Bill Ingram, was president and CEO, he wanted to make sure everyone had access to White Castle Sliders, including people who didn't live in a White Castle market," said Lisa Ingram, White Castle's current president and CEO. "That's how he came up with the idea of selling our Sliders in grocery and convenience stores. It was a strategic decision that has made a significant difference for White Castle."
Now observing its 35th birthday, White Castle's retail division has several reasons to celebrate.
The division sold its 6 billionth retail Slider at the end of 2021 and achieved record sales last year. In fact, 20% of its total sales since 1987 have come in the past three years alone, and the division is poised for continued growth.
To keep up with the increasing demand for its frozen Sliders, White Castle is expanding the manufacturing capacity at its plant in Vandalia, Ohio, near Dayton. The company has invested $27 million in the project, which will be finished this summer. The expansion doubles the size of the plant from approximately 75,000 square feet to 150,000 square feet.
During the groundbreaking ceremony last summer, White Castle officials named the plant "The House That Bill Built" in honor of Bill Ingram, the third-generation family member who was responsible for creating and expanding the retail division during his tenure as president and CEO. Today, The House That Bill Built, along with other dedicated manufacturing facilities in Covington and Louisville, Kentucky, supply packaged Sliders to retailers, large and small, in all 50 states.
As part of White Castle's commitment to bring even more craveable snacking solutions to consumers, White Castle on June 1 announced a partnership with Bellisio Foods, one of the nation's largest, most trusted frozen-food companies, to bring White Castle's Chicken Rings to retail outlets across the U.S.
One of the most popular menu items in Castles, Chicken Rings will debut this summer, making a welcome addition to White Castle's retail selection. These lightly breaded, tender, juicy white meat chicken rings will come in two flavors — original and spicy. Packaged in a stand-up, resealable pouch, they're ready to satisfy every crave anytime.
Look for another product announcement at the end of July.
"Our retail division continues to perform well and exceed our sales goals," said Tiffany Carreker, general manager and vice president of sales for White Castle's retail division. "These new products are going to enhance our existing line-up and make our retail offerings even more attractive to customers. It's a perfect way to celebrate our 35 years as a CPG business."
In late 2021, White Castle added the Chicken & Cheese Slider, White Castle's top-selling non-beef Slider sold in Castles, to its retail lineup. The rollout of the popular Slider, which is made with all white meat topped with American cheese, continues with wide acceptance among major food retailers nationwide. The Chicken & Cheese Slider joins five other craveable varieties of White Castle Sliders available in grocers' freezers: Original Sliders, Classic Cheese Sliders, Jalapeño Cheese Sliders, Chicken Breast Sliders and the Sausage, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Slider.
White Castle will be celebrating the 35th anniversary of its retail division in other ways, too.
Celebrity food enthusiast Adam Richman, the former host of Man v Food, recreated three of his favorite recipes using White Castle Sliders. This tasty trio of dishes — Slider Lasagna, Slider Scallion Pancakes and Afternoon Tea with Sliders — are very easy to make but result in surprisingly delicious flavor combinations.
And later this year, White Castle will release a documentary-style video series on social media. Called "The Crave Chronicles," these 30- to 45-second vignettes will go behind the scenes to show how Sliders are made, how they ended up in grocery stores nationwide, and how team members work to satisfy customers' cravings every single day.
"We've come a long way since retail's launch in 1987, not just in years, but in everything we've been able to accomplish, as well," Carreker said. "We make the great taste of Sliders available to Cravers all across the country, and that's always reason to celebrate."
About White Castle®
White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders as a family-owned business for 101 years. Based in Columbus, Ohio, White Castle started serving The Original Slider® in 1921. Today White Castle owns and operates more than 350 restaurants dedicated to satisfying customers' cravings morning, noon and night and sells its famous fare in retail stores nationwide. The Original Slider, named in 2014 as Time magazine's "Most Influential Burger of All Time," is served alongside a menu of creatively crafted Sliders and other mouthwatering food options, including White Castle's Impossible™ Slider, named by Thrillist in 2019 as the "Best Plant-Based Fast Food Burger." White Castle's commitment to maintaining the highest quality products extends to the company owning and operating its own meat processing plants, bakeries and frozen-food processing plants. In 2021, 100 years after the first Slider was sold, Fast Company named the fast-food pioneer one of the "10 Most Innovative Dining Companies." White Castle is known for the legendary loyalty of its team members, more than 1 in 4 of whom have worked for White Castle for at least 10 years, and also for its faithful fans ("Cravers"), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app, available at iTunes App Store or Google Play, makes it easy for Cravers to access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. They can also have their orders delivered using one of White Castle's delivery partners. For more information on White Castle, visit whitecastle.com.
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SOURCE White Castle | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/white-castle-celebrates-35th-birthday-its-highly-successful-retail-division/ | 2022-06-07 12:14:33 | 1 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/white-castle-celebrates-35th-birthday-its-highly-successful-retail-division/ |
Superstars Beyoncé, Adele and Kendrick Lamar top nominees for 65th Grammy Awards
Beyoncé and Adele won’t be the only superstars vying for music’s most highly coveted trophies at the 65th annual Grammy Awards.
As predicted by many music-industry insiders, the two A-list pop divas turned up numerous times in nominations announced Tuesday by the Recording Academy, including in the top categories of album, record and song of the year. Beyoncé, who leads all nominees with nine nods in total, was recognized for her LP “Renaissance” and its No. 1 hit, “Break My Soul,” while Adele, who received seven nominations overall, was honored for her album “30” and its chart-topping lead single, “Easy on Me.”
But Grammy voters — not a group reliably known to align with a given year’s commercial and critical favorites — gave the singers lots of high-powered competition for those major prizes: Other LPs up for album of the year include 2022’s most-consumed full-length, “Un Verano Sin Ti” by the Puerto Rican singer and rapper Bad Bunny; Compton-born MC Kendrick Lamar’s “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers”; and former boy-band heartthrob Harry Styles’ “Harry’s House,” all of which dominated streaming services like Spotify on their way to the top of the Billboard 200. Lamar’s “The Heart Part 5” and Styles’ “As It Was” both made the cut in the record and song categories, where their competition includes inescapable singles such as Steve Lacy’s psychedelic-soul hit “Bad Habit,” Lizzo’s disco-funk “About Damn Time” and the gleefully profane “ABCDEFU” by 18-year-old Gayle.
The 2023 Grammy nominations were revealed today, in 91 categories. Beyoncé leads the field with 9 nominations.
Among artists with multiple nominations, Lamar follows Beyoncé with eight in all, while folk-rock singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile received seven to tie with Adele; Styles, veteran R&B vocalist Mary J. Blige, DJ Khaled, rapper Future, songwriter-producer The-Dream and mastering engineer Randy Merrill each got six.
Still, Beyoncé vs. Adele — “a heavyweight battle,” as Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. described it to The Times, between two “once-in-a-lifetime voices” — is likely to be the marquee attraction at the ceremony, set for Feb. 5 at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. The showdown will echo the 59th Grammys in 2017, when the two went head to head in the same categories — and Adele’s sweep led the English singer to tearfully proclaim from the stage that she couldn’t rightfully accept the album award for her solidly built “25” over Beyoncé’s groundbreaking “Lemonade.”
Their rivalry captures a key tension of the academy, which seeks to celebrate innovation at the same time that it upholds tradition. Adele’s characteristically ballad-heavy “30” is classic Grammy bait, while “Renaissance” — a kaleidoscopic love letter from Beyoncé to the Black and queer pioneers of dance music — represents an edgier choice for voters who at April’s Grammys went for the old-fashioned musicianly comforts of Bruno Mars’ Silk Sonic (which won record and song of the year with its retro-soul “Leave the Door Open”) and Jon Batiste (who took album of the year with his jazzy “We Are”).
The match-up also evokes the Grammys’ fraught racial dynamics. Beyoncé’s defeat in 2017 followed an earlier loss to Beck, whose “Morning Phase” won album of the year in 2015 over Beyoncé’s self-titled effort — evidence of a system, according to many, that routinely undervalues work by Black artists steeped in hip-hop. Indeed, beyond Taylor Swift — whose re-recording of her decade-old “Red” wasn’t nominated for album of the year (and whose blockbuster “Midnights” came out too late for the 65th Grammys) — the only true superstars with eligible LPs missing from the show’s flagship category are Drake and the Weeknd, both of whom declined to submit their work in apparent protest. Eligible recordings had to be released between Oct. 1, 2021, and Sept. 30, 2022.
The academy says it’s making efforts to diversify its electorate of more than 11,000 music professionals; nearly half of its latest member class comes from “traditionally underrepresented communities,” the group reports. Added Mason: “The diversity and range of genres in these nominations is a sign of where our membership is and where it’s going.”
To wit: Bad Bunny’s “Un Verano Sin Ti” is the first Spanish-language album to receive a nod for album of the year. Lamar’s nomination makes him the first rapper to compete for that prize with four consecutive studio albums. Sam Smith and Kim Petras, whose “Unholy” is up for pop duo/group performance, are the first openly nonbinary and transgender artists, respectively, to make that category. And Beyoncé’s nine nominations bring her career total to 88 — tied for the most in history, with her husband, rapper Jay-Z.
Yet the vast majority of Beyoncé’s nods (as well as Jay-Z’s, for that matter) have come in the Grammys’ various genre categories, which critics say demonstrates the academy’s tendency to marginalize Black creativity.
Husband and wife Jay-Z and Beyoncé have each collected 88 Grammy nominations throughout their careers.
Album of the year also includes “In These Silent Days” by Carlile, an established Grammy darling especially visible this year thanks to her repeated collaborations with Joni Mitchell; Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres”; Lizzo’s “Special”; and “Good Morning Gorgeous” by Blige, who also scored a record nod with the LP’s title track — one benefit, perhaps, of her appearance in this year’s celebrated Super Bowl halftime show.
Other nominees for record of the year (which recognizes performers and producers) include Carlile’s “You and Me on the Rock” and “Woman” by singer and rapper Doja Cat; song of the year (which goes to songwriters) has DJ Khaled’s all-star hip-hop team-up “God Did” and Swift’s 10-minute version of the fan-fave “Red” cut “All Too Well,” which became a pop-culture sensation last fall when she released it along with a cinematic music video.
The proliferation of stars promises to be a boon for the Grammys telecast, which like all awards shows has seen its ratings plummet in recent years. (This year’s edition registered a slight uptick from 2021’s worst-of-all-time viewership.) “Seeing the names on the list definitely made me think, Wow — this could potentially be one of our best shows,” Mason said. “We want to make sure we have a show that a lot of people watch.”
Because it’s the Grammys, the major categories include some surprising choices, among them ABBA’s nomination for album of the year with the little-heard “Voyage” and record of the year with “Don’t Shut Me Down.” Few predicted a song of the year nod for Bonnie Raitt’s “Just Like That,” though Grammy voters have had a soft spot for Raitt since 1990, when her “Nick of Time” was named album of the year.
Mary J. Blige’s 6 nominations are a pleasant surprise; Nicki Minaj’s zero won’t sit well with the Barbz.
In a shift from the 64th Grammys, when Olivia Rodrigo was the undisputed front-runner, the best new artist category feels wide open, with a mix of rappers (Latto and Tobe Nwigwe), rockers (Wet Leg and Måneskin), jazz artists (Samara Joy and Domi & JD Beck) and Latin pop up-and-comers (Anitta and Omar Apollo), along with R&B singer Muni Long and bluegrass performer Molly Tuttle. About the only thing that connects these disparate acts? An emphasis on musical virtuosity.
One conspicuous omission from best new artist is Zach Bryan, the young roots-rock singer-songwriter whose “American Heartbreak” album has been a streaming goliath this year. Another notable snub: the smash soundtrack to Disney’s “Encanto,” which was expected by many to compete for major prizes, thanks in part to its chart-topping single “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” but which scored nominations only in the music for visual media categories.
Bryan did pick up a nod for country solo performance for his song “Something in the Orange.” Elsewhere in the country categories, voters showed no reservations about Maren Morris’ outspoken political comments this year — she’s up for country solo performance and country song with “Circles Around This Town” and country album with “Humble Quest” — while making clear they’re not quite ready to re-embrace Morgan Wallen after he was caught on video last year drunkenly using the N-word. Though he was nominated for Nashville’s highest honor, entertainer of the year, at this month’s Country Music Assn. Awards, Wallen received no Grammy nominations for the second year in a row.
In the rap album category, Lamar’s “Mr. Morale” is up against DJ Khaled’s “God Did,” Future’s “I Never Liked You,” Jack Harlow’s “Come Home the Kids Miss You” and Pusha T’s “It’s Almost Dry.” Rock performance is among the Grammys’ more all-over-the-place awards this year, with nominees including Carlile, Ozzy Osbourne, Bryan Adams and the mosh-pit-inducing hardcore band Turnstile.
A newly created prize for songwriter of the year recognizes The-Dream, who worked closely with Beyoncé on “Renaissance,” and Tobias Jesso Jr., one of Adele’s collaborators on “30,” along with Amy Allen, Nija Charles and Laura Veltz. The academy plans to give out another new award, song for social change, though Mason said that will be decided by a “blue-ribbon committee” of academy insiders rather than voted on by members.
Asked if he planned to screen his calls on Tuesday to avoid any complaints — either from specifically aggrieved artists or more generally about the Grammys as an institution — Mason laughed. “Heck no,” he said. “I pick up every call. I want people to understand what’s going on — why this happened, why that happened. These are the people we represent.”
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You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. | https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-11-15/beyonce-adele-kendrick-lamar-harry-styles-top-nominees-2023-grammy-awards | 2022-11-15 18:21:10 | 1 | https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-11-15/beyonce-adele-kendrick-lamar-harry-styles-top-nominees-2023-grammy-awards |
Russell Westbrook NBA Playoffs Player Prop Bets: Clippers vs. Suns - April 16
The Los Angeles Clippers, Russell Westbrook included, will be in action at 8:00 PM on Sunday versus the Phoenix Suns in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
If you'd like to place a wager on Westbrook's props, we break down his available ones, providing some stats and trends, below.
Russell Westbrook Prop Bets vs. the Suns
Looking to bet on one or more of Russell Westbrook's player prop bets? Sign up at DraftKings with our link to get a first deposit bonus today!
Russell Westbrook Insights vs. the Suns
- Westbrook's opponents, the Suns, have a middling offensive tempo, ranking 19th in the NBA with 101.4 possessions per game, while his Clippers rank 22nd in possessions per game with 101.0.
- The Suns are the sixth-best defensive team in the league, allowing 111.6 points per game.
- Allowing 42.9 rebounds per game, the Suns are the 11th-ranked squad in the league.
- The Suns are the third-ranked squad in the NBA, giving up 23.4 assists per contest.
- In terms of 3-pointers, the Suns have allowed 11.4 makes per game, third in the NBA.
Russell Westbrook vs. the Suns
Want another way to try to win cash prizes? Add Westbrook or any of his Clippers teammates to your lineup in FanDuel Daily Fantasy NBA contests. Use our link to sign up and get a great offer for new users. (See website for offer details, not available in all areas.)
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SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 800 charter school students from across Utah are traveling to the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City to host a rally that will send an important message: that school choice is making a positive difference in their lives and is preparing them for bright futures.
The event, which will feature remarks from Gov. Spencer Cox, will be held on Monday, January 23, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Rotunda of the Utah Capitol (350 State Street in Salt Lake City).
Hosted by Utah Association of Public Charter Schools, the event will include remarks and musical and artistic performances by students attending public charter schools from across the state. The celebration is open to the press and the public.
Organizers hope that as a result of the event, additional parents from across the Beehive State will discover and explore the education options available for their children.
"Every single day, public charter schools in Utah provide students with new opportunities to learn, excel, and pursue their dreams," said Royce Van Tassell, executive director of Utah Association of Public Charter Schools. "At this rally, these successes will be on full display, so that everyone across our great state can learn more about the education our schools provide, and so that parents can explore the school choice options available for their children."
The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a 501c3 nonprofit organization focused on promoting excellence in public charter schools throughout the state through advocacy, training, and technical support.
The January 23 event is timed to coincide with National School Choice Week (NSCW), which will feature more than 26,000 school choice events across all 50 states to raise equal and positive awareness of the traditional public, public charter, public magnet, private, online, and home education options available for families.
In addition to this event, 202 public and private schools in Utah will host independent events and activities during NSCW. These schools enroll an estimated 97,965 students across all grade levels. To help raise awareness of the education options available for Utah families, Gov. Spencer Cox recently issued a ceremonial proclamation recognizing January 22-28, 2023, as "Utah School Choice Week."
For more information, visit utahcharters.org or schoolchoiceweek.com.
National School Choice Week (NSCW) informs, inspires, and empowers parents to discover the K-12 education options available for their children, including traditional public, public charter, public magnet, online, private, and home schooling. Every January, tens of thousands of schools, organizations, and individuals plan unique events and activities to shine a positive spotlight on effective education options in their communities. The Week is a project of the nonpartisan, nonpolitical National School Choice Awareness Foundation.
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SOURCE National School Choice Week | https://www.wbtv.com/prnewswire/2023/01/16/more-than-800-utah-charter-school-students-celebrate-school-choice-capitol-rally-january-23-gov-spencer-cox-speak-event/ | 2023-01-16 13:24:10 | 1 | https://www.wbtv.com/prnewswire/2023/01/16/more-than-800-utah-charter-school-students-celebrate-school-choice-capitol-rally-january-23-gov-spencer-cox-speak-event/ |
TUCSON, Ariz. , June 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- However the U.S. Supreme Court rules in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, current trends may result in more abortion complications, writes Ingrid Skop, M.D., in the summer issue of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons.
Chemical abortions, which now constitute 54 percent of all abortions, will likely increase further if Roe v. Wade is overturned and states pass laws making surgical abortion less accessible. Additionally, the FDA has lifted the in-person requirement for dispensing abortion pills, making unsupervised ("self-managed") abortion available through telemedicine and on-line ordering.
Chemical abortion is more likely than surgical abortion to be complicated by hemorrhage or retention of fetal parts, Dr. Skop notes. In addition, mifepristone, the drug that blocks progesterone and thus causes fetal death, may itself increase infection and mental health issues.
Lack of in-person supervision may cause a number of avoidable problems. Dr. Skop lists: failure due to underestimation of gestational age; failure to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy; failure to give Rh D immunoglobulin to Rh-negative mothers; failure to recognize coercion; and poor quality of mail-order drugs.
Abortion complications are greatly under-reported in the U.S., Dr. Skop states. A study from Finland documented four times as many complications after chemical (20 percent) as surgical abortions (5.6 percent).
Failure to recognize complications in self-managed abortions is especially dangerous, as women are told to expect pain and bleeding as signs that "the pills are working."
In striving to increase access to abortion, "safety" is apparently not a high priority in the industry, Dr. Skop suggests.
The Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons is published by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), a national organization representing physicians in all specialties since 1943.
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SOURCE Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/abortions-may-become-riskier-according-journal-american-physicians-surgeons/ | 2022-06-06 18:44:15 | 1 | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/06/abortions-may-become-riskier-according-journal-american-physicians-surgeons/ |
Alec Baldwin will face involuntary manslaughter charges in the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of his movie “Rust.”
Baldwin and “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will each be charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said in a Thursday statement.
The announcement from the Santa Fe district attorney came more than a year after the October 2021 fatal shooting of Hutchins, caused by a live round fired from a prop gun by Baldwin, the film’s producer and star, while rehearsing a scene on the New Mexico production.
The film’s director, Joel Souza, was also wounded in the shooting. Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed will not be charged in relation to Souza’s injury.
“Rust” assistant director David Halls signed a plea agreement for a charge of negligent use of a deadly weapon, according to the district attorney’s office.
“If any one of these three people — Alec Baldwin, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed or David Halls — had done their job, Halyna Hutchins would be alive today. It’s that simple,” Andrea Reeb, the special prosecutor appointed by the district attorney, said in a statement on Thursday. “The evidence clearly shows a pattern of criminal disregard for safety on the ‘Rust’ film set.”
Each involuntary manslaughter charge carries a potential sentence of up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine.
In a statement to ITK, Baldwin’s attorney called the district attorney’s decision a “terrible miscarriage of justice” that “distorts Halyna Hutchins’ tragic death.”
Baldwin “had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun — or anywhere on the movie set,” lawyer Luke Nikas said. “We will fight these charges, and we will win.”
Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney, Jason Bowles, called the charges “the result of a very flawed investigation, and an inaccurate understanding of the full facts.”
“We intend to bring the full truth to light,” Bowles told ITK in a statement, “and believe Hannah will be exonerated of wrongdoing by a jury.”
The FBI said in a forensic report following its investigation that the gun that killed Hutchins could not have been fired without someone pulling the trigger.
Baldwin and other “Rust” producers settled a lawsuit with Hutchins’s family — which had accused the team behind the film of “reckless conduct and cost-cutting measures” — last October.
“All of us believe Halyna’s death was a terrible accident. I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work,” Matthew Hutchins, the 42-year-old cinematographer’s husband, said in a statement following the settlement.
Following the shooting, Baldwin vowed to never work with real guns on a TV or movie set again.
In a TV interview just weeks after the incident, he claimed “someone else” was “responsible” for Hutchins’s death.
“I feel that someone is responsible for what happened,” the 64-year-old actor said at the time, “and I can’t say who that is, but I know it’s not me.”
Filming on the movie had been poised to resume this month. It wasn’t immediately clear if the charges against Baldwin would affect the production schedule.
—Updated at 11:57 a.m. | https://www.kron4.com/hill-politics/alec-baldwin-to-face-involuntary-manslaughter-charges-over-rust-shooting/ | 2023-01-19 17:04:01 | 1 | https://www.kron4.com/hill-politics/alec-baldwin-to-face-involuntary-manslaughter-charges-over-rust-shooting/ |
Nearly half of retirees think they will outlive their savings, survey finds
37% surveyed said they have nothing saved for retirement
InvestigateTV - The average retiree has $21,000 less in savings than they had at the start of 2022, a recent survey of 1,000 retired Americans by Clever Real Estate found.
“Some retirees are in really dire straits,” Matt Brannon, a data writer at Clever, said. “37% of retirees said they have no retirement savings, and many are making difficult sacrifices, with one in five saying they’ve skipped meals to preserve their savings and one in four saying that skipped medical appointments or treatments to save money.”
Brannon said that unlike working Americans, retirees have fewer opportunities to increase their income. The survey found 30% rely solely on social security for income.
“That might explain why one in three retirees told us that they’re considering returning to work in some form, whether that’s freelancing part time work or even looking for a full-time job,” Brannon explained.
- Brannon had several tips to help save for retirement:
- Start saving for retirement as early as you can – no age is too young to begin
- Invest as much as you can in a 401K or Roth IRA
- If you are nearing retirement, try to increase your savings
- Research and read everything you can on retirement planning
- Use online retirement calculators to help you understand how much to save
- Consider using a certified financial planner
Copyright 2023 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wistv.com/2023/04/04/nearly-half-retirees-think-they-will-outlive-their-savings-survey-finds/ | 2023-04-04 20:21:43 | 0 | https://www.wistv.com/2023/04/04/nearly-half-retirees-think-they-will-outlive-their-savings-survey-finds/ |
Discussions focus on how China will realize economic growth both quantitatively and qualitatively given the new global landscape
GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Experts and researchers discussed China's challenges and policy recommendations at IFF roundtable during the IFF Annual Meeting.
Policies including expanding social welfare to migrant workers, deepening reform, and adjusting Covid measures are key to boost economic growth in China.
Liu Shijin, Vice Director of the Committee on Economic Affairs of the CPPCC National Committee ,said social welfare should include migrant workers to boost domestic consumption.
"China should quicken reform in social welfare so that migrant workers can enjoy the same benefits in cities, which will in turn boost consumption and investment in the service sector," said Liu.
Han Seung-soo, IFF Co-chairman and Chair of the Council of the Presidents of the UN General Assembly (UNCPGA), said China needs to accelerate market-based reform to achieve sustainable and high-quality development in the medium to long term. The country has made steady progress in structural reforms over the past decade. He thinks China needs to play an important role in the global response to climate change.
Qu Hongbin, former Chief Economist for Greater China at HSBC, said that despite the impact of the global pandemic, China's exports have far exceeded almost everyone's expectations. The country must fine tune its Covid-19 measures and boost domestic consumption and investment.
Shen Minggao, Global Chief Economist and Head of Global Institute for Supply Chains of Guangfa Securities, said that forecasts made by major global institutions on future long-term global growth show that emerging market economies will be the biggest drivers of regional growth. What lies ahead for China is figuring out how to maintain quantitative growth given that the country can no longer count on exports to do so.
The relationship between China and the US has become a top priority, said Hu Weixing, IFF Academic Committee Member and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Macau. He emphasized the importance of placing China-US relations first in responding to the massive challenges posed by the new global landscape. The relations between the two countries have a significant effect on the world.
He added that leaders from both countries have found some common ground in head-of-state diplomacy during their recent summit in Bali.
About International Finance Forum (IFF)
The International Finance Forum (IFF) is a non-profit, non-official independent international organization founded in October 2003 by by leaders from China, the US, the EU and the other G20 countries, in concert with emerging economies and the leaders of multiple international organizations, including the UN, the World Bank and the IMF. Also known as the Finance 20 (F20), the IFF is also a high-level permanent dialogue mechanism and multilateral cooperation organization within the world of finance.
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SOURCE International Finance Forum (IFF) | https://www.weau.com/prnewswire/2022/12/04/iff-annual-meeting-boosting-consumption-deepening-reforms-are-key-chinas-economic-growth/ | 2022-12-04 16:51:34 | 0 | https://www.weau.com/prnewswire/2022/12/04/iff-annual-meeting-boosting-consumption-deepening-reforms-are-key-chinas-economic-growth/ |
Dear Car Talk:
With gas prices on the rise, what are some suggestions on how to extend gas mileage on a van? —Alyson
Cut it in half? If you want marginally better gas mileage, here are the most useful things you can do:
Drive more slowly. Wind resistance is what kills your highway mileage. Wind resistance increases by the square of your speed. So, it more than doubles between 55 mph and 80 mph. So, driving at 55 or 60 — or even 65 instead of 75 — will save you fuel.
Accelerate gently. Accelerating takes much more fuel than maintaining your speed. And accelerating hard is the most fuel guzzling activity of all. What’s the rush? Accelerate gently and smoothly, and you’ll save fuel.
Finally, be sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase drag, and you have to use more fuel to overcome that drag. So check your recommended tire pressure (not to be confused with maximum allowable tire pressure on the sidewall). Keep your tires inflated to at least the recommended tire pressure.
People are also reading…
If you’re not bothered by a slightly firmer ride, you can even overinflate your tires by a few pounds. A tire that’s recommended to be filled to 30 psi will do fine at 32 psi or even 35 psi and will save you a bit more gas. Just don’t overdo it. Be sure to stay well below the maximum allowable tire pressure. And if you start getting welts on your head from hitting the dome light, back off by a few pounds, Alyson.
* * *
Dear Car Talk:
I love your show and even stopped by your garage in Cambridge when my daughter was in school at Harvard.
She has a 2008 VW Jetta Wolfsburg Edition with 53,000 miles. We bought it used in 2012 with 4,500 miles on it. She commutes seven miles round trip.
Lately, it’s having minor repair issues that have been costing us $500-$1,500 dollars every six to 12 months. She would like a hybrid but can’t afford $35,000 for a new car. When do we bite the bullet on a new car? — Chris
She went to Harvard? I’d say you tell her that “we” bite the bullet on a new car as soon as she gets her signing bonus from Goldman Sachs.
With the average new car payment now well over $500 a month, you can do the math, Chris, and see that even at the high end — with a couple of thousand dollars a year in repairs — you’re still coming out way head.
And with a seven-mile round-trip commute, reliability isn’t a life-or-death matter for your daughter. If she commuted through Death Valley five days a week, it’d be a different story.
So, with only 53,000 miles on the odometer, I don’t see any urgency in dumping this VW.
If the car still works well and still meets her needs, I’d tell her to hang onto it for a few more years, and hope she lands a six-figure job in the meantime and lets you off the hook, Chris. | https://richmond.com/richmond-drives/car-talk/making-wise-choices-in-the-age-of-rising-gas-and-car-prices/article_7617f484-1e5f-11ed-a71e-175318572fd0.html | 2022-08-20 08:48:38 | 1 | https://richmond.com/richmond-drives/car-talk/making-wise-choices-in-the-age-of-rising-gas-and-car-prices/article_7617f484-1e5f-11ed-a71e-175318572fd0.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Since 2014, Deborah Kafoury has been the chair of the Multnomah County Commission — the CEO of the state’s largest and most populous county.
But the term-limited Kafoury will be replaced by one of the current commissioners, Jessica Vega Pederson or Sharon Meieran.
Pederson and Meieran came in 1-2 in the May primary, besting a crowded field of candidates. Pederson more than doubled Meieran’s vote total in the primary but did not net 50% of the total vote.
The winner will serve a 4-year term as the new Multnomah County chair.
Complete KOIN Coverage: Your Local Election Headquarters
Stay with KOIN 6 News for complete election results beginning at 8 p.m. | https://www.koin.com/news/elections/general-election-multnomah-county-chair-pederson-meieran-11082022/ | 2022-11-08 17:55:20 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/news/elections/general-election-multnomah-county-chair-pederson-meieran-11082022/ |
NBC5 has teamed up with Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center to bring you Better Health, a weekly report on staying healthy. In this Better Health report, Asante Health Expert Beth Coker gives tips on staying safe this Halloween. She also shares safety tips for both younger children and older ones, too. She also talks about making trick-or-treating a positive experience for children with autism. Watch to learn more.
Find more information here: https://health.asante.org/
(This is sponsored content.) | https://kobi5.com/features/better-health/halloween-safety-197912/ | 2022-10-24 22:22:52 | 1 | https://kobi5.com/features/better-health/halloween-safety-197912/ |
There we were — a bunch of fat women hanging out at a pool, unashamed and splashing around freely. We swam happily: diving, giggling and playing. Our bodies — of every size and shape, with beautiful curves and rolls — were on full display. "You know what the good thing about being fat is?" counselor Molly Brubaker asked. "You f***ing float."
Growing up, I remember seeing other fat women at public pools. Even in the hottest weather — and despite their proximity to the pool — they would always keep their coverup or a towel on, making sure that their bodies were constantly covered, avoiding the gaze of others. I'd watch as they would inch themselves into the pool, bit by bit, careful to not draw attention or make a splash.
Here at Camp Roundup, though, these women walked freely to the pool — uncovered and unafraid that someone might see their body jiggle or their bathing suit move slightly out of place. Without the fear of judgment, the women ran into the pool, the water erupting followed by the sounds of cheering.
Camp Roundup, a summer camp experience for fat women that was conceived of by a pair of friends, Alison Rampa and Erica Chiseck, was held for the first time this year in Newark, Ohio. The duo was inspired to create the camp after listening to an episode of the "Maintenance Phase" podcast that tackled the twisted history of fat camps. In the episode, hosts Michael Hobbs and Aubrey Gordon spoke about how, for decades, fat camps have shamed children for their bodies, resulting in eating disorders and the spread of beliefs that diets are effective and being fat is inherently bad. Though weight loss camps are marketed as solutions to childhood obesity, they actually spread unhealthy calorie restrictions, fad diets and intense workout sessions. As of 2019, roughly two dozen fat camps were still operating across the United States. After learning about the history of these camps, Rampa and Chiseck wondered how different their lives might have been — and how different life might be for their own children one day — if there had been a camp for fat celebration.
Within six months, their idea for a more pro-fat camp experience came to fruition and Camp Roundup was born. At this camp, adult women could come as they for a positive experience. As a fat woman myself, I immediately wanted to go.
As a visual storyteller, I have seen time and time again the lack of fat representation in the media. I wanted not only to attend this camp, but to capture the under-documented experiences of fat joy and liberation.
As a child, I didn't have a great camp experience. When I was 11 years old, an adult counselor called me "butterball" for an entire summer. At the time, I thought the nickname was funny and endearing. When my older sister heard the name, she clued me in. Only then did I realize the counselor was actually calling me fat — and making fun of me. Suddenly, all the memories of making bracelets, eating s'mores and laughing with friends were overshadowed by learning that the adult who was helping to care for me was actually bullying me. I was a child being fat-shamed before I even knew what it meant.
There is a lot of weight a fat person carries — not only physically, but emotionally. The constant reminders from strangers, friends and even loved ones that we are larger than them — and larger than society deems okay — is devastating. One of the Camp Roundup campers, Alicia Buda, reflected, "You don't realize the weight of [those 'reminders'] on a day-to-day basis ... how much stress it is, and how much it takes away from your day-to-day life." If you're wondering what is the best way to tell someone who is fatter than you that you're concerned about them and their health, the answer is to do nothing and say nothing. They know they're fat and they know your concerns because society tells them every single day.
Society places so much focus on weight and, as a fat person, it takes so much mental strength to combat this fat-phobic focus. At camp, we spent hours diving into some of these topics and had compassionate, honest conversations about them. We talked about body mass index and how it was made by mathematician Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetele in the 1830s using a completely arbitrary formula — not science — and yet somehow it is still used in modern medicine. Campers shared how it felt to have their health judged by their weight because, as a fat person, people tend to presume that we are unhealthy due to our size. We discussed how people believe we owe them our "health" when, in reality, that's up to each individual and how they choose to live. We also spoke of familial trauma around diets and intentional weight loss.
An important topic discussed was the difference between body acceptance and body positivity. It was clear that all of the campers were on different paths, all having achieved different levels of self-acceptance in a world that continually tears them down. Linda O'Donnell shared her feelings of body neutrality and how hard it is for her to promote "loving your body at every size" when she isn't there yet, mentally. "I worry that I am not setting a body-positive experience for my child. It's difficult being in that neutral zone and working toward it with glimpses of positivity. I want to set them up to be on the positive end, but I can't be a role model right now."
The camp drew around 30 women from six different states, ranging in age from 21 to 64 years old. It didn't seem to matter what age anyone was: despite the generational gap, we all bonded over our experiences of being fat and the freedom that the camp allowed for just a few days. We shared meals together on '70s-style school lunch trays, we made hemp bracelets and did a scavenger hunt — the yellow cabin won. An instructor named Cat Ruehlman led mindful yoga and talked to campers about the importance of reflection and self-awareness. "We are taught a lot [about] how to look as a body, but we aren't taught how to feel as a body," she explained as she walked around with a Tibetan singing bowl, letting the tones resonate and sink into each of us.
At night, we huddled around a campfire and made s'mores. We also shared our own version of ghost stories: tales of the horrors of not being listened to by our doctors, and the blatant medical fat phobia we'd each experienced. Poet Rachel Wiley read a poem from her book, Nothing is Okay, titled "Fat Joke."
"Fat Girl walks into the doctor's office and says 'Doctor, it hurts when I move my arm like this, what should I do?' and the doctor says 'Have you considered weight loss surgery?'
"Fat Girl walks into the doctor's office for a flu shot / and gets a lecture about BMI."
The poem goes on to explain the girl is tired of only being diagnosed as fat, so she stops going to the doctor's office. It concludes with the Fat Girl saying, "I am deserving of existence, I am deserving of care, I am deserving of 'First, no harm done.'
"World says, 'That is the best joke we've heard all day.' "
The words struck a chord in each of us, our eyes welling up with tears as we exchanged nods of understanding. The discussions continued with women speaking about the lack of options in clothes for plus-size bodies, including inconsistent sizing and not being able to try anything on in-person due to larger sizes not being properly stocked in stores. We'd all had experiences with crazy fad diets and growing up knowing statistics like the number of weight watcher points in a cheese stick. Our parents packed us hard-boiled eggs for school lunch while other kids ate pizza. Many of us struggled with disordered eating as a result of toxic diet culture.
It rained nearly all weekend, mother nature joining us in shedding a few tears for all we'd been through — and all we would continue to go through once we returned to reality. On our last full day together, as we gathered in the pool under the cloud-filled sky that drizzled down on us, the sun made an appearance for just for a few moments, and campers remarked how they could have stayed there forever, floating freely, surrounded by nature, with calm encompassing us all.
My fellow red cabin mate Teri Collins spoke to me about how validating it felt to be seen and acknowledged at camp for the weekend. "To have a place where women can go and be themselves and show all of themselves and not be afraid of judgment or laughter, humiliation, embarrassment — I mean, that's huge."
I bonded with these women, a majority of my lived experience recognized by the campers in a way I don't think my straight-sized friends back home could ever possibly comprehend. There was no need to justify feelings or explain them — there was a unilateral understanding of the lived experience of being fat.
On our last night together, the campgrounds echoed with laughter and singing. The women got ready in their cabins, pulling on stockings, gluing on sparkles, and swigging back shots. We cheered each other on as we flocked to the dance floor in space-disco outfits. The energy was high and the sisterhood was felt as we all screamed along to Abba. The night ended with us around picnic tables eating snacks and taking pictures with new friends. The party reverberated the joyful feelings of the weekend. I remember looking around me in awe: Never before had I been surrounded by so many fat women, and never had I seen fat women so free.
Jackie Molloy is a freelance photojournalist and writer based in New York City.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wlrn.org/news/2022-10-24/a-pro-fat-camp-for-women-sign-me-up | 2022-10-24 18:19:08 | 0 | https://www.wlrn.org/news/2022-10-24/a-pro-fat-camp-for-women-sign-me-up |
- eCommerce remains a key driver for digital economies in the region, fueled by the acceleration of digitalization throughout the COVID-19 pandemic
- Greater collaboration and cooperation across industries including public and private sectors crucial for building a robust and inclusive eCommerce ecosystem in Southeast Asia
BANGKOK, Oct. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lazada announced it has joined hands with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2022 economic forum, a partnership that aligns with the eCommerce platform's initiatives to drive and support inclusive and sustainable growth initiatives in Southeast Asia.
The collaboration will see Lazada working closely with APEC and Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on awareness-building and knowledge-sharing of the summit's priorities and values. The partnership also recognizes Lazada's commitment in building a robust eCommerce ecosystem within the region, as the user penetration of eCommerce in Southeast Asia is expected to reach more than 400 million users by 2025[1].
"As our world grows increasingly digitalized and connected by technology, greater collaboration and cooperation across industries, as well as between the public and private sectors is crucial to drive sustainable progress. Lazada has been working closely with governments and businesses in the six markets where we operate to build a high-quality digital ecosystem that is set up for long-term growth," said James Dong, Chief Executive Officer of Lazada Group. "That is why Lazada continues to invest in core infrastructure across technology, payments and logistics to create value for local communities of sellers and consumers. We are confident that our expertise and technology can help drive the region's trade and economy in support of APEC 2022 initiatives."
Southeast Asia's digital economy is projected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2030, with eCommerce as the biggest growth driver[2]. Micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) account for 97% of all businesses in the region and employ 67% of the working population. MSMEs are not only essential to post-pandemic economic recovery, but are also an important contributor to a more inclusive and diverse economy[3]. This indicates that digitalization is an effective approach for MSMEs to mitigate business risks, and ensure resilience and continuity in the local ecosystem.
APEC 2022's priorities—Open. Connect. Balance.—align with Lazada's vision of accelerating progress in the region's digital economies through eCommerce and technology.
Open to all Opportunities
Digitalizing business to improve resiliency remains critical, and eCommerce remains a key lifeline for many businesses across the region as they are facing new uncertainties and headwinds such as rising interest rates and inflationary pressures. Lazada remains committed to enabling businesses to transform digitally and for long-term growth, through investments in developing infrastructure in technology, payments and logistics.
By offering MSMEs innovative digital solutions and fostering their growth through incubation programmes, Lazada helps grow their capabilities so that they can sustain and scale their operations online. In the last 12 months, close to 800,000 unique visitors from around the region accessed Lazada University to upskill themselves and accelerate the growth of their businesses. Lazada is confident that the universal trend of digital transformation spanning industries and markets will contribute to the uplifting of social economies.
Connect in all Dimensions
Lazada Logistics empowers MSMEs with logistics capabilities through its integrated platform designed for the future, providing hassle-free end-to-end services for businesses, from first-mile pickup, storage, and packing to last-mile delivery and returns. Lazada's logistics network has reshaped the eCommerce landscape, empowering sellers to achieve greater cost efficiency and delivery capacity.
Lazada remains to this day the only eCommerce platform in Southeast Asia to own an end-to-end proprietary logistics network in the region. Lazada Logistics' facilities includes warehouse facilities, sortation centers and hubs, powered by data and technology—and supplemented by an extended network of third-party logistics partners. More than 80% of total first-mile parcels are handled at Lazada's own facilities, allowing the eCommerce leader to process over 5 million parcels daily across the region, and to reduce the variable cost per parcel by almost 30%.
Balance in all Aspects
Lazada has always been focused on building a high-quality eCommerce ecosystem that supports local communities and livelihoods. Lazada not only believes in investing in technology and innovation, but also investing in developing the core capabilities of its talent and its sellers. Through eCommerce, Lazada has enabled tens of thousands to pursue their entrepreneurial pursuits, and provided employment and learning opportunities to young people entering the workforce while contributing to Southeast Asian economies.
Lazada is also championing the empowerment of its women sellers, as well as women in the workplace, and offering equal access to opportunities. Women make up 43% of Lazada's workforce, a higher percentage than that of the overall technology industry in Southeast Asia at 32%[4]. This is in line with the company's mission to create financially viable, inclusive, and long-term growth, by laying the foundation for healthy and sustainable development to serve high-quality consumers, building high-quality infrastructure for digital commerce and driving high-quality technology innovations.
-ENDS-
About Lazada Group Lazada Group is Southeast Asia's pioneer eCommerce platform. For the last 10 years, Lazada has been accelerating progress in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam through commerce and technology. Today, a thriving local ecosystem links about 160 million active users to more than one million actively-selling sellers every month, who are transacting safely and securely via trusted payments channels and Lazada Wallet, receiving parcels through a homegrown logistics network that has become the largest in the region.
With a vision to achieve USD100 billion annual GMV, Lazada aims to serve 300 million shoppers by 2030, and be the best at enabling brands and sellers in digitalizing their businesses.
In 2022, the Lazada Foundation was set up to empower youths and women for the digital future, close the gender digital divide and uplifting communities by creating positive impact. More information can be found here https://group.lazada.com/en/foundation/.
Contact Information:
For more information, please contact:
Lazada Communications Team
press@lazada.com
[1] Transforming Southeast Asia: From Discovery to Delivery
[2] Google, Temasek and Bain e-Conomy SEA Report 2021
[3] Challenges, Responses, and Transformation of MSMEs in the Post-Pandemic Era
[4] Boston Consulting Group, Boosting Women in Technology in Southeast Asia (2020)
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SOURCE Lazada Group | https://www.wlbt.com/prnewswire/2022/10/27/lazada-partners-apec-2022-drive-inclusive-sustainable-economic-growth-southeast-asia-through-ecommerce/ | 2022-10-27 01:45:20 | 0 | https://www.wlbt.com/prnewswire/2022/10/27/lazada-partners-apec-2022-drive-inclusive-sustainable-economic-growth-southeast-asia-through-ecommerce/ |
UCLA surges past Arizona State to keep stranglehold on first place
Defense has propelled the Arizona State basketball team to 15 wins in its first 18 outings. But the Sun Devils met their match in that department and that opponent also happened to be one whose experience proved pivotal when it mattered most.
It was No. 5 UCLA surging past ASU 74-62 Thursday night in Pac-12 play in front of a raucous crowd of 13,363 at Desert Financial Arena. The win featured the top two teams in the conference but it was the Bruins (17-2, 8-0) ending the game on a 16-2 run that proved to be the difference.
It was the 14th straight win for UCLA, which last loss to Baylor 80-75 in Nov. 20.
The Sun Devils have relied on upon that defense and team chemistry but they don't have athletes that have played in a lot of pressure games in big time atmospheres such as the postseason.
Meanwhile UCLA is coming off a season in which it advanced to the Sweet 16 where it lost to North Carolina. In 2021 the Bruins marched all the way to the Final Four where it lost a semifinal thriller to Gonzaga. This year's version had a handful of holdovers from those battles.
"They turned their level up and they fed off the fact they were hitting some shots too," ASU coach Bobby Hurley said. "You play teams like this that have been in Final Four's, have those guys that have won so many games. They know how to turn it up a little bit when they need too down the stretch."
ASU (15-4, 6-2) led 60-58 on a 3-pointer by Frankie Collins with 6:40 left but the Sun Devils got just one more basket after that.
UCLA senior Jaime Jaquez had a miserable shooting game, going just 4-for-12 from the field but he had a couple of key buckets in crunch time. most notably a 3-pointer with 2:26 left that gave the visitors a 68-62 lead. Then came a put back with 1:25 left hat made it 70-62, pretty much sealing ASU's fate.
Other veteran players delivered too. Senior point guard Tyger Campbell tallied 22, on 7-for-11 shooting from the field while another veteran, David Singleton, had 21, punctuated by a 4-for-6 effort from long distance.
ASU held UCLA to 38% (9-for-24) shooting in the first half but the Bruins hit for 61% (17-for-28) in the second.
ASU had an uncharacteristic 18 turnovers while UCLA had 13. The Bruins finished with a decisive 24-9 advantage in points off turnovers.
"They’re second in the country at creating turnovers and turnover margin. But we've shown that we can take care of the ball at a better clip. And I think some of the turnovers early can be attributed to just being excited to play, kind of anxious and maybe playing too quick and all those things, but we still reverted back to it," Hurley said. "(David) Singleton, leaving him a couple of times where you're helping him that was not our plan. So we’ve got to do a better job understanding personnel and not leaving a guy like that, that could knock down three point shots.”
ASU shot 44.9% (22-for-49) for the game, led by Desmond Cambridge Jr with 15, among those a shot from half court at the first half buzzer. D.J. Horne with 14, all of his coming in the first half. True freshman Austin Nunez had 10 off the bench.
“I’m sure it probably helped a lot. That school is rich in tradition. I’m sure they have a lot of guys that come there and have experience in games like this," Horne said, of the seasoned opponent's ability to make plays down the stretch. "I think they just knew what to do at the end of the game.”
The crowd included a 5,500 student section showing, a record for the arena.
"I got chills coming out for that game and seeing what the crowd looked like, the energy," Hurley said.
Now it's up to the Sun Devils to regroup in time for Saturday's 8 p.m. showdown against USC (13-6, 5-3), which is coming off an 81-66 loss at Arizona Thursday night.
“We can’t hang our heads, they’re the No. 5 team in the nation," Horne said. "They’re a good team and to play a good team like that and taking it down to the wire. We have a lot of positives to look back on in this game to use for the next game against USC.”
Hurley likes the effort he saw from his team and acknowledged it's one of those games that was more competitive than the score might indicate.
"There’s a reason why this building was filled and there was so much buzz about the game and we won a lot of games. There’s still a lot of work to be done, we can’t afford to lose at home, I don’t care who you play," he said. "We have a quick turnaround. We have to prepare for a team that is on the rise and has played better lately in USC and they’re going to be desperate probably after that result in Tucson. You just don’t know as a coach the damage that gets done, these guys today went to the well. They played their butt off today, so you go do that and now it’s about damage control and building them back up and getting them ready to come out again on Saturday night.” | https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/asu/2023/01/20/asu-cant-find-offense-late-falls-to-ucla-in-tight-battle/69816464007/ | 2023-01-20 08:32:50 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/asu/2023/01/20/asu-cant-find-offense-late-falls-to-ucla-in-tight-battle/69816464007/ |
Partnership Essential in Investigating and Prosecuting Offenders in San Diego County
SAN DIEGO, March 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the insurance industry's association dedicated to predicting, preventing, and prosecuting insurance crime, continues to focus on strengthening its longstanding relationship with the San Diego County District Attorney's Office to enhance investigative efforts in the county.
NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe and San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan met at the Insurance Fraud Management (IFM) Conference in Carlsbad on Monday to discuss current insurance fraud and crime trends plaguing San Diego County and how similar trends are impacting the United States. Additionally, they talked about their continued partnership and future collaborations as they work to investigate and prosecute offenders.
"I have tremendous respect for District Attorney Stephan, and NICB is grateful for our partnership with her office," said NICB President and CEO David J. Glawe. "One of NICB's core strengths is our ability to maintain robust relationships, which is why NICB is proud to be working hand in hand with District Attorney Stephan and the men and women at the San Diego District Attorney's Office."
"We remain committed to working in collaboration with NICB to prevent and prosecute criminals who perpetrate insurance fraud, one of the top fraud schemes in the U.S.," said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. "San Diego County is known for obtaining justice through its unique partnership with law enforcement agencies and organizations dedicated to preventing crime and supporting victims."
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, call the NICB at 1-800-TEL-NICB. For additional information, visit NICB's website, www.NICB.org.
REPORT FRAUD: Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422) or submitting a form on our website.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL INSURANCE CRIME BUREAU: Headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill., the NICB is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime through Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations; Education and Crime Prevention; and Strategy, Policy, and Advocacy. The NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. NICB member companies wrote over $582 billion in insurance premiums in 2021, or more than 82% of the nation's property-casualty insurance. That includes more than 96% of the nation's personal auto insurance. To learn more, visit www.nicb.org.
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SOURCE National Insurance Crime Bureau | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/03/21/nicb-president-san-diego-county-district-attorney-discuss-current-crime-trends-joint-efforts-fight-fraud/ | 2023-03-21 23:06:56 | 1 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/03/21/nicb-president-san-diego-county-district-attorney-discuss-current-crime-trends-joint-efforts-fight-fraud/ |
Transgender Missouri inmate scheduled to be executed Tuesday
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Nearly 1,600 death row inmates have been put to death in the U.S. since 1977, but an execution scheduled for Tuesday in Missouri would be the first of an openly transgender woman.
Amber McLaughlin, 49, is set to die for stalking a former girlfriend and stabbing her to death nearly 20 years ago. With no legal appeals planned, McLaughlin’s fate rests with Republican Gov. Mike Parson, who is weighing a clemency request.
A database for the anti-execution Death Penalty Information Center shows 1,558 people have been executed since the death penalty was reinstated in the mid-1970s. All but 17 of them were men, and the center said there are no known previous cases in which an openly transgender inmate was executed.
A clemency petition cited McLaughlin’s traumatic childhood and mental health issues, which the jury never heard at her trial. A foster parent rubbed feces in her face when she was a toddler and her adoptive father used a stun gun on her, according to the petition, which also cited severe depression resulting in multiple suicide attempts, both as a child and as an adult.
The petition also included reports citing a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, a condition causing anguish and other symptoms as a result of a disparity between a person’s gender identity and their assigned sex at birth. But McLaughlin’s sexual identity is “not the main focus” of the clemency request, said her attorney, Larry Komp.
In 2003, long before transitioning, McLaughlin was in a relationship with Beverly Guenther. After they stopped dating, McLaughlin would appear at the suburban St. Louis office where Guenther worked, sometimes hiding inside the building, according to court records. Guenther obtained a restraining order and police officers occasionally escorted her to her car after work.
Guenther’s neighbors called police on the night of Nov. 20, 2003, when she failed to return home. Officers went to the office building, where they found a broken knife handle near her car and a trail of blood. A day later, McLaughlin led police to a location near the Mississippi River in St. Louis where the body had been dumped.
McLaughlin was convicted of first-degree murder in 2006. A judge sentenced McLaughlin to death after a jury deadlocked on the sentence. Komp said Missouri and Indiana are the only states that allow a judge, rather than a jury, to sentence someone to death.
A court in 2016 ordered a new sentencing hearing, but a federal appeals court panel reinstated the death penalty in 2021.
McLaughlin began transitioning about three years ago, recalled Jessica Hicklin. Hicklin, 43, sued the Missouri Department of Corrections, challenging a policy that prohibited hormone therapy for inmates who weren’t receiving it before being incarcerated. She won the lawsuit in 2018 and became a mentor to other transgender inmates, including McLaughlin.
Hicklin, who spent 26 years in prison for a drug-related killing before being released a year ago, described McLaughlin as a painfully shy person who came out of her shell after deciding to transition.
“She always had a smile and a dad joke,” Hicklin said. “If you ever talked to her, it was always with the dad jokes.”
The Bureau of Justice Statistics has estimated there are 3,200 transgender inmates in the nation’s prisons and jails.
Perhaps the best-known case of a transgender prisoner seeking hormone therapy was that of Chelsea Manning, the former Army intelligence analyst who served seven years in federal prison for leaking government documents to Wikileaks until President Barack Obama commuted the sentence in 2017. The Army agreed to pay for hormone treatments for Manning in 2015.
McLaughlin has not had hormone treatments, Komp said.
The U.S. Department of Justice wrote in a 2015 court filing that state prison officials must treat an inmate’s gender identity condition just as they would treat other medical or mental health conditions, regardless of when the diagnosis occurred.
The only woman ever executed in Missouri was Bonnie B. Heady, who was put to death on Dec. 18, 1953, for kidnapping and killing a 6-year-old boy. Heady was executed in the gas chamber alongside the other kidnapper and killer, Carl Austin Hall.
Nationally, 18 people were executed in 2022, including two in Missouri. Kevin Johnson was put to death in November for the ambush killing of a Kirkwood, Missouri, police officer. Carman Deck was executed in May for killing James and Zelma Long during a robbery at their home in De Soto, Missouri.
Another Missouri inmate, Leonard Taylor, is scheduled to die Feb. 7. He was convicted of killing his girlfriend and her three young children.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wafb.com/2023/01/03/transgender-missouri-inmate-scheduled-be-executed-tuesday/ | 2023-01-03 12:17:18 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/2023/01/03/transgender-missouri-inmate-scheduled-be-executed-tuesday/ |
HOUSTON, July 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Flotek Industries, Inc. ("Flotek" or the "Company") (NYSE: FTK) today announced the Company's schedule for releasing its second quarter results for the period ended June 30, 2023.
The Company plans to release its second quarter 2023 financial and operating results press release after market close on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. The Company plans to host its earnings conference call on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. CST (10:00 a.m. EST).
To participate in the earnings conference call, participants should access the webcast on www.flotekind.com under the Investor Relations section under "Webcasts'' or dial toll free at 1-844-835-9986 (international toll: 1-412-317-5270) approximately five minutes prior to the start of the call. Following the conclusion of the conference call, a recording of the call will be available on the Company's website.
About Flotek Industries, Inc.
Flotek Industries, Inc. is an advanced technology-driven, green chemical and data analytics company providing unique and innovative completion solutions that have a proven, positive impact on sustainability and reducing the overall environmental impact of energy on air, land, water and people. Flotek has an intellectual property portfolio of over 170 patents and a global presence in more than 15 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa. Flotek has established collaborative partnerships focused on sustainable and optimized chemistry and data solutions which improve well performance and allow its customers to generate higher returns on invested capital.
Flotek is based in Houston, Texas and its common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "FTK". For additional information, please visit www.flotekind.com.
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SOURCE Flotek Industries, Inc. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2023/07/10/flotek-announces-timing-release-second-quarter-2023-earnings-results-conference-call/ | 2023-07-10 20:52:38 | 1 | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2023/07/10/flotek-announces-timing-release-second-quarter-2023-earnings-results-conference-call/ |
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto had surgery Friday to repair his left rotator cuff and bicep.
The team said Votto should be able to participate in spring training and be ready for the 2023 season.
Votto, who turns 39 next month, said Wednesday he got hurt when he got tangled up with a baserunner in 2015. He played through the injury, but it has gotten worse this year.
Votto, a six-time All-Star and 2010 NL MVP, hit just .205 this season with 11 homers and 41 RBIs. He has one year left on his contract that includes a club option for 2024.
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More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
In Other News
1
New Springfield tire store to feature adoptable dogs at grand opening...
2
Butler County for Trump Facebook page unpublished by social media...
3
Springfield Jazz and Blues Festival today and Saturday features 15 acts...
4
2022 Champaign County Fair brought animals, fun to the fairgrounds
5
Clark County Common Pleas Court cases | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/ohio/reds-1b-joey-votto-expected-to-be-ready-for-next-season/H3DZW44KURHHNG5GSEWQL745BY/ | 2022-08-19 20:34:57 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/ohio/reds-1b-joey-votto-expected-to-be-ready-for-next-season/H3DZW44KURHHNG5GSEWQL745BY/ |
A News Tribune article on Dec. 10 described the trend of warming lakes and less ice due to climate change and its economic fallout on Minnesota communities that depend on tourism related to winter activities, including ice fishing. Skating and skiing are also impacted by warming temperatures and fewer days of ice and cold.
How do we feel about the loss of these activities and the economic damage to communities?
Climate anxiety includes worry, insecurity, feelings of helplessness, and anger caused by the awareness of a warming planet. It is a condition affecting more and more of us, no matter our political leanings. It’s uncomfortable to think about and talk about the predicted changes our warming planet portends. In addition to the loss of winter ice, we are witnessing increasing droughts, wildfires, floods, and tornadoes.
It’s frightening, so understandably there can be an urge to turn away from the whole issue. While this response may help us feel better temporarily, the next loss or disaster rekindles our fear for the future.
How can you and I reduce our climate anxiety? We can connect with others who are being constructive about climate change, to increase our hopefulness and decrease our helplessness. We can learn about climate solutions, encourage our legislators to support strong climate action and vote for those who do.
ADVERTISEMENT
There are many wonderful local climate organizations to get involved with; and one of them, Citizens Climate Lobby, is nonpartisan and provides resources and tools to easily address climate change. For the good of yourself and the environment we want to preserve, take a step toward connection!
The writer is a member of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby (citizensclimatelobby.org).
Claudia French
Duluth
Readers' View and Local Views
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Include a full name, address and daytime phone number. Only names and hometowns will be published. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/letters/readers-view-connect-to-ease-climate-anxiety | 2023-03-26 05:54:21 | 0 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/letters/readers-view-connect-to-ease-climate-anxiety |
The prosecution spent three weeks telling jurors how Nikolas Cruz murdered 14 students and three staff members at a Florida high school four years ago. Now his attorneys will get their chance to present why they believe he did it, hoping to get him sentenced to life without parole instead of death.
Melisa McNeill, Cruz's lead public defender, is expected to give her opening statement Monday, having deferred its presentation from the start of the trial a month ago.
She and her team will then begin laying out their 23-year-old client's life history: his birth mother's abuse of alcohol and cocaine during her pregnancy, leading to possible fetal alcohol syndrome; his severe mental and emotional problems; his alleged sexual abuse by a “trusted peer;” the bullying he endured; and his adoptive father's death when he was 5 and his adoptive mother's four months before his Feb. 14, 2018, attack at Parkland's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
McNeill's decision to delay her opening statement appeared part of a broader strategy to not deny or lessen anything prosecutors told jurors about Cruz's massacre — he pleaded guilty in October to 17 counts of first-degree murder. This trial is only to decide his sentence; the seven-man, five woman jury will consider whether the prosecution's aggravating circumstances “outweigh” the defense's mitigating factors.
The defense is “going to say, ‘Look, you saw what happened — we are not going to argue that. It was horrible, that was awful, that was horrific, whatever adjectives you want to use,” said David S. Weinstein, a Miami defense attorney and former prosecutor. But then the defense will add: "He never had a chance and, because of that, his poor victims never had a chance.’”
This is the deadliest U.S. mass shooting to ever reach trial. Nine other gunmen who killed at least 17 people died during or immediately after their shootings, either by suicide or police gunfire. The suspect in the 2019 slaying of 23 people at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, is awaiting trial.
During the prosecution's case, McNeill's team never cross-examined any teacher or student who witnessed the slayings and only had brief, mild exchanges with a few other witnesses.
They asked one teacher from a classroom where no one was shot about the lack of a security monitor in the three-story building where the slayings happened. When the gun store owner who sold Cruz the AR-15-style semiautomatic rifleused in the killings testified, they asked what Florida's minimum age was in 2017 to buy a rifle — 18 — and today — 21.
Neither they nor the prosecutors then asked the store owner why the law was changed: Cruz was 19 when the shooting happened and the Republican-led Legislature raised the age limit as part of a larger package of gun laws enacted in response to the shootings.
Cruz's youth will be part of his defense and while Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer has barred the defense from presenting testimony that directly casts blame on third parties like school administrators for not preventing the shooting, McNeill and her team will likely try to indirectly make such points.
To get Cruz a life sentence, the defense will only have to persuade one of the 12 jurors, but they will have to do it on all 17 counts, one for each victim. It is possible, for example, a reluctant juror might be pushed to vote for death on victims who surveillance video showed Cruz shot multiple times as they lay wounded and helpless.
The defense will be trying to overcome the horrendous evidence that was laid out by the prosecution, capped by the jurors’ Aug. 4 visit to the fenced-off building that Cruz stalked for seven minutes, firing about 150 shots down halls and into classrooms. The jurors saw dried blood on floors and walls, bullet holes in doors and windows and remnants of Valentine’s Day balloons, flowers and cards.
Prosecutors also presented graphic surveillance videos of the massacre; gruesome crime scene and autopsy photos from its aftermath; emotional testimony from teachers and students who witnessed others die; and four days of tearful and angry statements from parents, spouses and other family members about the victims and how their loved one’s death affected their lives. Jurors also watched video of Cruz calmly ordering a cherry and blue raspberry Icee minutes after the shooting and, nine months later, attacking a jail guard.
It is unknown how long the defense presentation will take, but they said in court recently that it will last past Labor Day in two weeks. The prosecution will then get to present a rebuttal case before it goes to the jury. | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/defense-in-school-shooter-nikolas-cruzs-trial-set-to-present-its-case | 2022-08-22 13:10:16 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/news/national/defense-in-school-shooter-nikolas-cruzs-trial-set-to-present-its-case |
Democrats released six years of former President Trump’s tax return information last week as part of reports into the presidential audit program, revealing that the former president wasn’t receiving regular audits from the IRS and that he was reporting big business losses every year.
On Friday, Trump’s actual tax returns from 2015 to 2020 are set to be released, after Democrats said they needed additional time to redact the documents and remove personal information.
Tax experts aren’t expecting huge revelations from the raw returns, which were summarized in reports from both the Democratic-controlled Ways and Means Committee and the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT). But the more detailed documents could provide additional information on key areas of interest regarding Trump’s businesses and his professional associations.
Were Trump’s losses refreshed in 2020?
The JCT report on Trump’s taxes revealed that Trump was reporting large losses every year, usually in the tens of millions of dollars, offsetting his gains and reducing what he owed in taxes — and sometimes wiping out his tax liability altogether, as in 2020.
The losses from 2015 to 2018 were actually just pieces of a larger $105 million loss, which was itself part of a $700 million loss that was broken up and reported over different years.
These broken-up losses are common accounting strategies for people in the real estate development world, who are allowed to report regular depreciation expenses as losses.
In 2019, Trump reported positive income and paid taxes, but then reported he was again in the red in 2020, leading some experts to think that Trump’s losses in that year go beyond strategic accounting and represent genuinely ailing businesses.
“Trump’s 2020 losses were not from net operating losses carried over. Rather, I think Trump’s 2020 losses were real, largely resulting from business losses he suffered at the start of the COVID pandemic. And that is why he paid zero taxes in 2020,” Steve Rosenthal of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center wrote in an email to The Hill.
“Yes, Trump generated a lot of losses in 2009, including a $700 million loss from his ‘abandonment’ of a partnership interest, some of which he carried over to future years. And Trump, apparently, continued to carryover these losses through 2018. But, by 2019, Trump had used all his carryover losses — and Trump reported positive income,” he wrote.
More information on Trump’s 2020 tax return could be a window into whether he got out of paying taxes that year due to common accounting practices or failing businesses.
Information on foreign entities and bank accounts
Trump’s foreign entanglements were one of the dominant narratives of his presidency, particularly the FBI investigation into his relationship with Russia.
Any foreign bank accounts cited in Trump’s tax returns or payments made to foreign entities are sure to receive scrutiny and could provide further insight into Trump’s relationships abroad.
“I’m going to be looking for things like foreign ownership, foreign accounts, foreign ownership of Trump businesses, payments to foreigners,” Rosenthal said. “There’s bound to be some items that may yet pop out to external reviewers that [the JCT] missed.”
“Those of us who are interested in his relationship with Russia will be looking for any kind of confirmation of what Don [Trump] Jr. said in 2008 that Trump interests had received much of their money from Russian sources,” former CIA officer and journalist Frank Snepp said in an interview.
“Obviously we’re not going to see in the tax returns a line that says ‘Russian Assets,’ but a forensic analyst would be well advised to look for anything related to the emoluments clause,” he said.
Trump also oversaw some major changes of the status quo in the Middle East, including the Abraham Accords, whereby Israel normalized relations with several Arab nations.
“Everybody who is interested in whether or not he received any money from Saudi Arabia will be looking for indications of that kind of foreign input,” Snepp said.
The profitability breakdown of Trump’s companies
In addition to Trump’s individual tax returns, Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee also obtained the returns for eight of Trump’s businesses. While that’s only a small subset of Trump’s nearly 500 commercial entities, seeing which companies were most responsible for Trump’s losses will provide a clearer picture of his tax avoidance and general business practices.
The eight business returns fall into three categories, encompassing trademark LLCs, golf club businesses and two high-level holding companies.
“Those two upper-tier entities sit at the top of Trump’s LLC empire. The numbers all roll into those, and I’d like to see some aggregate numbers there,” Rosenthal said.
According to the JCT report, an IRS agent assigned to Trump’s 2018 business returns noted numerous suspicious losses claimed by Trump on his tax returns.
“With respect to 2018, the agent noted several ‘Large unusual questionable items’ (‘LUQs’) including a $12.1 million loss from the Trump Corporation … [and] $55.2 million loss for DJT Holdings,” The JCT report said.
The report also mentioned a “history of difficult negotiations between Mr. Trump’s counsel and IRS personnel.”
Unlike his real estate businesses, Trump’s trademark LLCs are expected to be profitable enterprises, bolstered by the publicity he gained during his reality television career on NBC’s “The Apprentice.” | https://www.wric.com/hill-politics/what-to-look-for-in-trumps-tax-returns/ | 2022-12-29 22:22:26 | 1 | https://www.wric.com/hill-politics/what-to-look-for-in-trumps-tax-returns/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Conservative justices holding the Supreme Court’s majority seem ready to sink President Joe Biden’s plan to wipe away or reduce student loans held by millions of Americans.
In arguments lasting more than three hours Tuesday, Chief Justice John Roberts led his conservative colleagues in questioning the administration’s authority to broadly cancel federal student loans because of the COVID-19 emergency.
Loan payments that have been on hold since the start of the coronavirus pandemic three years ago are supposed to resume no later than this summer. Without the loan relief promised by the Biden plan, the administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer said, “delinquencies and defaults will surge.”
The plan has so far been blocked by Republican-appointed judges on lower courts. It did not appear to fare any better with the six justices appointed by Republican presidents.
Biden’s only hope for being allowed to move forward appeared to be the slim possibility, based on the arguments, that the court would find that Republican-led states and individuals challenging the plan lacked the legal right to sue.
That would allow the court to dismiss the lawsuits at a threshold stage, without ruling on the basic idea of the loan forgiveness program that appeared to trouble the justices on the court’s right side.
Roberts was among the justices who grilled Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar and suggested that the administration had exceeded its authority.
Three times, the chief justice said the program would cost a half-trillion dollars, pointing to its wide impact and hefty expense as reasons the administration should have gotten explicit approval from Congress. The program, which the administration says is grounded in a 2003 law that was enacted in response to the military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. is estimated to cost $400 billion over 30 years.
“If you’re talking about this in the abstract, I think most casual observers would say if you’re going to give up that much … money, if you’re going to affect the obligations of that many Americans on a subject that’s of great controversy, they would think that’s something for Congress to act on,” Roberts said.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh suggested he agreed, saying it “seems problematic” for the administration to use an “old law” to unilaterally implement a debt relief program that Congress had declined to adopt.
Neither justice seemed swayed by Prelogar’s explanation that the administration was citing the national emergency created by the pandemic as authority for the debt relief program under a law commonly known as the HEROES Act.
“Some of the biggest mistakes in the court’s history were deferring to assertions of executive emergency power,” Kavanaugh said. “Some of the finest moments in the court’s history were pushing back against presidential assertions of emergency power.”
At another point, though, Kavanaugh suggested the program might be on firmer legal ground than other pandemic-related programs that were ended by the court’s conservative majority, including an eviction moratorium and a requirement for vaccines or frequent testing in large workplaces.
Those earlier programs halted by the court were billed largely as public health measures intended to slow the spread of COVID-19. The loan forgiveness plan, by contrast, is aimed at countering the economic effects of the pandemic.
Prelogar and some of the liberal justices sought several times to turn the arguments back to the people who would benefit from the program. The administration says that 26 million people have applied to have up to $20,000 in federal student loans forgiven under the plan.
“The states ask this court to deny this vital relief to millions of Americans,” she said.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor said her fellow justices will be making a mistake if they take for themselves, instead of leaving it to education experts, “the right to decide how much aid to give” people who will struggle if the program is struck down.
“Their financial situation will be even worse because once you default, the hardship on you is exponentially greater. You can’t get credit. You’re going to pay higher prices for things,” Sotomayor said.
But Roberts pointed to evident favoritism.
He offered a hypothetical example of a person who passes up college to start a lawn service with borrowed money. “Nobody’s telling the person who is trying to set up the lawn service business that he doesn’t have to pay his loan,” Roberts said.
Republican-led states and lawmakers in Congress, as well as conservative legal interests, are lined up against the plan as a violation of Biden’s executive authority. Democratic-led states and liberal interest groups are backing the administration in urging the court to allow the plan to take effect.
The justices’ questions mirrored the partisan political divide over the issue, with conservatives arguing that non-college workers should not be penalized and liberals arguing for the break for the college educated.
Speaking on the eve of the arguments, Biden had said, “I’m confident the legal authority to carry that plan is there.”
The president, who once doubted his own authority to broadly cancel student debt, first announced the program in August. Legal challenges quickly followed.
The administration says the HEROES Act allows the secretary of education to waive or modify the terms of federal student loans in connection with a national emergency. The law was primarily intended to keep service members from being hurt financially while they fought in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Nebraska and other states that sued say the 20 million borrowers who would have their entire loans erased would get a “windfall” leaving them better off than before the pandemic.
“This is the creation of a brand new program, far beyond what Congress intended,” Nebraska Solicitor General James Campbell said in court Tuesday.
The national emergency is expected to end May 11, but the administration says the economic consequences will persist, despite historically low unemployment and other signs of economic strength.
In addition to the debate over the authority to forgive student debt, the court is confronting whether the states and two individuals whose challenge also is before the justices have the legal right, or standing, to sue.
Parties generally have to show that they would suffer financial harm in order to have standing in cases such as this. A federal judge initially found that the states would not be harmed and dismissed their lawsuit before an appellate panel said the case could proceed.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the three liberal justices in repeatedly questioning Nebraska’s Campbell on that issue. But it would take at least one other conservative vote to form a majority.
Of the two individuals who sued in Texas, one has student loans that are commercially held and the other is eligible for $10,000 in debt relief, not the $20,000 maximum. They would get nothing if they win their case.
Among those in the courtroom Tuesday was Kayla Smith, a recent graduate of the University of Georgia, who camped out near the court the night before in order to get a seat. Biden’s plan would lift a burden for her mother, who borrowed more than $20,000 in federal student loans to help Smith attend college.
“It just seems kind of messed up that college is the expectation, higher education is the expectation, but then at the same time, people’s lives are being ruined,” said Smith, 22, who lives in Atlanta.
The arguments are available on the AP YouTube channel or on the court’s website.
A decision is expected by late June.
___
Associated Press writer Collin Binkley contributed to this report. | https://www.wowktv.com/news/u-s-world/ap-supreme-court-weighs-biden-student-loan-plan-worth-billions/ | 2023-03-01 02:35:37 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/news/u-s-world/ap-supreme-court-weighs-biden-student-loan-plan-worth-billions/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s employers stepped up their hiring in May, adding a robust 339,000 jobs, well above expectations and evidence of enduring strength in an economy that the Federal Reserve is desperately trying to cool.
Friday's report from the government reflected the job market's resilience after more than a year of rapid interest rate increases by the Fed. Many industries, from construction to restaurants to health care, are still adding jobs to keep up with consumer demand and restore their workforces to pre-pandemic levels.
Yet there were some mixed messages in the jobs figures, which also showed that the unemployment rate rose to 3.7%, from a five-decade low of 3.4% in April. The government compiles the unemployment data with a different survey than the one used to calculate job gains. The two surveys can sometimes conflict.
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The length of the average work week also declined, and wage growth cooled, resulting in a jobs report that economists said painted an unusually complicated picture of the employment market. Still, the overall picture was an encouraging one.
“Job growth remain robust in what is undeniably a historically tight labor market,” said Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at consulting firm RSM. “As long as the economy continues to produce above 200,000 jobs per month this economy simply is not going to slip into recession.”
In Friday’s report, the government sharply revised up its estimate of job growth in March and April by an additional 93,000 jobs, underscoring the labor market’s durability.
Average hourly pay rose 11 cents to $33.44, up 4.3% from a year ago. Wages continue to grow faster than the 3% annual pace before the pandemic but are down from a nearly 6% rate last year.
Even with the huge job gain, the slowdown in wages and shorter work week are likely enough to keep the Fed from raising its key interest rate at its next meeting later this month, economists said. Having imposed 10 straight rate hikes since March 2022, the Fed is widely expected to skip a rate increase when it meets later this month, though it may resume its increases after that.
Last months' increase in the unemployment rate partly reflected higher layoffs, suggesting that not all those who lost jobs in recent cuts by tech companies, banks and media companies have found new work.
The hiring data, though, is typically considered more reliable over time because it is based on a larger survey of companies. The unemployment rate is derived from a smaller survey of households.
Drew Matus, chief economist at MetLife Investment Management, cautioned that underneath the big headline job gain, there were signs that companies were turning more cautious about hiring. He noted that joblessness rose last month for teenagers, the disabled and people with less education. That was a sign that companies were cutting workers with fewer skills and less experience.
“Before it was a rising tide lifts all boats, and now it seems like the boats have gotten smaller and firms are deciding who gets to sit in them,” Matus said.
In May, construction companies added 25,000 jobs, mostly in commercial construction and engineering. Health care providers gained 75,000 jobs. And in professional and business services, a category that includes white-collar jobs such as accountants, engineers, and architects, 64,000 positions were added.
Chair Jerome Powell and other Fed officials have made clear that they regard strong hiring as likely to keep inflation persistently high because employers tend to raise pay in a tight job market. Many of these companies then pass on their higher wage costs to customers in the form of higher prices.
The May jobs report adds to other recent evidence that the economy is still managing to chug ahead despite long-standing predictions that a recession was near. Consumers ramped up their spending in April, even after adjusting for inflation, and sales of new homes rose despite higher mortgage rates.
Some cracks in the economy’s foundations, though, have begun to emerge. Home sales have tumbled. A measure of factory activity indicated that it has contracted for seven straight months.
And consumers are showing signs of straining to keep up with higher prices. The proportion of Americans who are struggling to stay current on their credit card and auto loan debt rose in the first three months of this year, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Fed officials are expected to forgo a rate increase at their June 13-14 meeting to allow time to assess how their previous rate hikes have affected the inflation pressures underlying the economy. Higher rates typically take time to affect growth and hiring. The Fed wants to avoid raising its key rate to the point where it would slow borrowing and spending so much as to cause a deep recession.
The U.S. economy as a whole has been gradually weakening. It grew at a lackluster 1.3% annual rate from January through March, after 2.6% annual growth from October through December and 3.2% from July through September.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/us-employers-added-a-surprisingly-strong-339-000-jobs-in-may-in-a-sign-of/article_ac87d032-60b3-54df-80e8-2579ff7a5b7f.html | 2023-06-02 14:47:09 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/us-employers-added-a-surprisingly-strong-339-000-jobs-in-may-in-a-sign-of/article_ac87d032-60b3-54df-80e8-2579ff7a5b7f.html |
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Authorities in Philadelphia stopped six gallons of an industrial chemical solvent known on the streets as “coma in a bottle,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers said Wednesday.
CBP authorities said the combined six gallons of gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), also known as liquid ecstasy, arrived from France in two shipments, both of which were seized Saturday as they headed to an address in Hillsborough County, Florida.
In each shipment, officers found a plastic container filled with an “opaque liquid” identified as GBL, which the Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Administration classifies as a Schedule 1 controlled substance.
That means “it has a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision,” the DEA says.
GBL, the DEA says, is a chemical compound of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a highly addictive depressant that affects the central nervous system and can cause respiratory distress, coma or even death.
Officers said GBL is meant to be used as a solvent to strip paint and rust, but GHB is used by bodybuilders to increase the growth hormone and by sexual predators as a date-rape drug.
While no arrests have been made, the CBP said it “will continue to use our border security authority to search suspect international parcels and intercept dangerous products that could seriously harm American citizens.”
“CBP officers and agents seized an average of 2,895 pounds of dangerous drugs every day at our nation’s air, land and sea ports of entry” in 2022, it said. | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national-news/6-gallons-of-coma-in-a-bottle-stopped-before-arriving-in-florida-county/ | 2023-04-28 18:07:10 | 1 | https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/national-news/6-gallons-of-coma-in-a-bottle-stopped-before-arriving-in-florida-county/ |
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Sunday evening's drawing of the New Mexico Lottery's "Pick 4 Evening" game were:
4-2-6-6
(four, two, six, six)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Sunday evening's drawing of the New Mexico Lottery's "Pick 4 Evening" game were:
4-2-6-6
(four, two, six, six) | https://www.ourmidland.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Evening-game-17663328.php | 2022-12-19 05:54:44 | 1 | https://www.ourmidland.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Pick-4-Evening-game-17663328.php |
PHOENIX — For the first time, young aspiring football players all over the world will get to watch two Black quarterbacks face each other in the Super Bowl.
AP NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes leads Kansas City against the MVP runner-up, Jalen Hurts. The significance isn’t lost on Mahomes.
“I think about it a lot,” Mahomes said. “The quarterbacks that came before me — Shack Harris, Doug Williams — that laid the foundation for me to be in this position. It goes across all sports. If you think about Jackie Robinson and the people who broke the color barrier in baseball, I wouldn’t be standing here today if it wasn’t for them.
It's also the first time in history that a pair of siblings will play each other on the NFL’s grandest stage.
Travis Kelce helped the Kansas City Chiefs return to their third championship game in four seasons, while brother Jason has the Eagles back for the second time in six years.
“Cool scenario to be in, you know?” Travis Kelce said. “My mom can’t lose.”
Donna Kelce said on Thursday before the “NFL Honors” show that she did her best to keep up with her two sons’ voracious appetites, but it was easier said than done.
“The refrigerator was always packed, but it didn’t last more than a day or so,” she said. “Whole chickens, they would eat lots of pork, ribs. I’d have leftovers in the refrigerator and it never lasted past the day.
“When they left for college, I got a raise.”
Meanwhile, Rihanna has put in the work ahead of her Super Bowl halftime show, focusing so hard on what she promises will be “a jam-packed show” that her upcoming birthday and Valentine’s Day almost slipped her mind.
“The setlist was the biggest challenge. That was the hardest, hardest part. Deciding how to maximize 13 minutes but also celebrate — that’s what this show is going to be. It’s going to be a celebration of my catalog in the best way that we could have put it together,” Rihanna said.
It’ll be her first live performance in seven years.
Jill Biden is expected to be among the fans at State Farm Stadium cheering on her beloved Philadelphia Eagles.
The first lady grew up in suburban Philadelphia and has never been shy about her allegiance to the hometown team. She and her grandson, Hunter, were at the stadium in Philadelphia on Jan. 29 when the Eagles won the NFC championship.
The 16-year-old will join her again on Sunday.
No sitting president has attended a Super Bowl, mainly because of the strict security requirements authorities would need to impose upon the tens of thousands of fans. President Biden will be at the White House on Sunday.
President Biden says he’s a Philadelphia sports fan, too, out of necessity, and often jokes that “I’d be sleeping alone” otherwise. | https://www.abc10.com/article/sports/nfl/superbowl/super-bowl-2023-kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-face-off/507-8b08bdad-5e96-464d-bfcf-cfbb6141ac20 | 2023-02-12 23:23:12 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/sports/nfl/superbowl/super-bowl-2023-kansas-city-chiefs-philadelphia-eagles-face-off/507-8b08bdad-5e96-464d-bfcf-cfbb6141ac20 |
Allison Feldman Murder Case: Judge throws out DNA evidence that led to suspect's arrest
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - A judge in Maricopa County has thrown out the DNA sample that led to the arrest of a man accused of killing a Scottsdale woman in 2015.
The murder of Allison Feldman confounded investigators for three years, until the suspect was found.
The suspect, identified as Ian Mitcham, was reportedly found via Forensic Genetic Genealogy.
Feldman found dead in her home
Allison Feldman
Allison Feldman was found dead in February 2015. Her boyfriend reportedly found Allison dead inside her home.
"This case was one of the worst scenes that I've been to," said Scottsdale Police Detective John Heinzelman.
Court documents revealed graphic details about the case. Her killer allegedly strangled her, beat her, and sexually assaulted her with a beer bottle. The suspect used bleach or chlorine to clean up the gruesome scene, but a large pool of blood remained.
Mitcham, according to our previous reports, was arrested at the Phoenix deli he worked at in April 2018.
Read More: Family continues to wait for justice following daughter’s 2015 murder in Scottsdale
Blood collected from Mitcham in 2015
Ian Mitcham (From Archive)
Mitcham's blood, according to the ruling issued by Judger Roy C. Whitehead, was reportedly on file from a DUI arrest made by Scottsdale Police in 2015.
"One vial was meant to be tested by the State in the course of its investigation, while the other vial was meant to be independently tested on Defendant’s behalf if he so elected," read a portion of the ruling.
Mitcham, according to the ruling, signed a DUI Blood/Urine Results Destruction Notice, which stated that the second vial of blood would be destroyed after 90 days if a request for testing was not made.
"Defendant’s blood, however, was never destroyed. Instead, Scottsdale Police retained custody of the vials until late 2017, when Defendant became a suspect in the 2015 killing and sexual assault of Allison Feldman," read a portion of the ruling. "A subsequent analysis of the blood vials generated a DNA profile that matched the profile found at the scene of the crime. Police later obtained a search warrant to collect a buccal swap from Defendant, and the evidence collected pursuant to that warrant matched as well."
Judge Whitehead, in his ruling, wrote that a police sergeant (now a lieutenant) testified during an evidentiary hearing that he requested an analysis of Mitcham's blood without getting a warrant because "he did not think he needed to get one, and that Defendant did not have a reasonable expectation of privacy in the two blood vials."
DNA test on blood "exceeded scope of consent," judge wrote
Judge Whitehead, in his ruling, wrote that since Mitchem agreed to the taking and analysis of his blood for drug and alcohol testing, the subsequent DNA analysis of his blood exceeded the scope of his consent.
"This Court finds that, under these facts, [Mitcham] had an objectively reasonable expectation of privacy in his blood, and that the State did not have a compelling interest to search his blood through a DNA analysis without first obtaining a warrant," read a portion of the ruling.
For their part, prosecutors reportedly argued that a legal doctrine known as "inevitable discovery" would have applied, since prosecutors believe they would ultimately obtain a DNA example from the defendant via surveillance, ruse, or disposition of Mitcham's DUI or drug possession cases.
However, Judge Whitehead disagreed, stating that prosecutors "did not provide evidence concerning lawful efforts to obtain Defendant’s DNA through surveillance or ruse, or how successful law enforcement is in obtaining DNA through those methods," and that prosecutors "cannot demonstrate that it would have been able to obtain [Mitcham's] DNA sample through the disposition of his pending cases without assuming that Defendant was guilty of those offenses."
"This is all to say that application of the inevitable discovery doctrine in this relies solely on speculation, and such speculation alone cannot sustain the State’s burden," read a portion of the ruling.
In his ruling, the judge ruled that the extraction of the DNA profile, along with the DNA analysis and the DNA swabs collected from Mitchem are all suppressed as evidence, with the DNA analysis and DNA swabs being deemed as collected due to improper DNA extraction.
Read More Arizona Crime Stories
- Arizona father shares story of caution after son is imprisoned in Mexico over a gun
- Javelina killed with a baseball bat in Surprise; student accused of animal cruelty
- Idaho 'Cult Mom' Lori Vallow wants case dismissed over 'speedy trial' concerns after 1,169 days in jail | https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/allison-feldman-murder-case-judge-throws-out-dna-evidence-that-led-to-suspects-arrest | 2023-01-27 05:30:53 | 1 | https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/allison-feldman-murder-case-judge-throws-out-dna-evidence-that-led-to-suspects-arrest |
Aaron Rodgers plans to play for Jets in 2023, awaits Packers’ move
(AP) - Aaron Rodgers said Wednesday he intends to play for the New York Jets in 2023 after 18 seasons in Green Bay and the four-time NFL MVP quarterback is waiting for the Packers to trade him.
The 39-year-old Rodgers, speaking during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on YouTube and Sirius XM, said he believes the Packers want to move on and make 2020 first-round draft pick Jordan Love their starting quarterback.
“At this point, as I sit here, I think since Friday I’ve made it clear that my intention was to play and my intention was to play for the New York Jets,” Rodgers said. “I haven’t been holding anything up at this point. It’s been compensation the Packers are trying to get for me, kind of digging their heels in.”
Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy has acknowledged the team granted the Jets permission to talk to Rodgers, the face of the franchise since Hall of Famer Brett Favre was traded to the Jets in 2008. The Jets sent a contingent that reportedly included owner Woody Johnson, coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas to Rodgers’ home in Southern California last week.
Rodgers expressed his appreciation for his 18 seasons in Green Bay but added that it’s time for the Packers “to do the right thing.”
“I have nothing but love in my heart for every Packer fan and everybody who works in the organization,” Rodgers said. “My life is better because of my time in Green Bay. But we’ve just got to look at the reality. They want to move on. They don’t want me to come back and that’s fine. They’re ready to move on with Jordan. That’s awesome. Jordan’s going to be a great player.”
Rodgers’ comments follow days of speculation that his time in Green Bay might be done.
Murphy spoke of Rodgers in the past tense while discussing the quarterback’s future with Green Bay TV station WBAY last week during an appearance at the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association girls basketball championships.
“Very few players play for only one team,” Murphy told WBAY. “Obviously Brett had a great career. Aaron had a great career here. Regardless of what happens, Aaron will be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He’ll be in our Hall of Fame. We’ll bring him back, retire his number. This is just one of the things that we go through as a team. We want to try to achieve something that’s good for both Aaron and us.”
Rodgers had said at the end of the 2022 season that he would need time to decide whether to return to the Packers, request a trade or retire. He said Friday he had discussions with Packers officials regarding his future shortly after the team wrapped up a 8-9 season that ended a string of three straight NFC North titles.
“Everything that I was told in the week that I was in Green Bay was: ‘Take as long as you want and we want you to retire a Packer. If you want to come back and play, obviously the door is wide open,’” Rodgers said. “That was the information I was going on.”
As he pondered his future, Rodgers spent multiple days last month on a isolation retreat in Oregon, where he said he stayed alone in a room in total darkness.
Rodgers said he was 90% leaning toward retirement at the time of the retreat. When he was done with the retreat, he said, he noticed a difference in the Packers’ approach toward his future with the franchise.
“Now when I came out of the darkness, something changed,” Rodgers said. “I’m not exactly sure what that was, but something changed. ... I realized there had been a little bit of a shift. I heard from multiple people that I trust around the league — players mostly –— that there was some shopping going on, that they were interested in actually moving me.”
Rodgers said that made him realize the Packers probably didn’t want him back.
“It was clear to me at that point, that although the Packers were going to say the right thing publicly, that they were ready to move on,” he said. “I don’t know what changed that or what moved that — if they just said, ‘Hey, we need to make a decision here because he hasn’t made a decision here yet.’ Again, there’s no victims here. I’m not sitting here as a victim.”
The Jets’ interest in Rodgers has been apparent as they seek to end the NFL’s longest active playoff drought. They lost their final six games while going 7-10 last season and haven’t reached the postseason since 2010.
Their new offensive coordinator is Nathaniel Hackett, who earned raves from Rodgers while coordinating Green Bay’s offense from 2019-21. Saleh and Johnson have both expressed their interest in adding a veteran quarterback to a roster that already features one of the league’s best defenses.
If Rodgers ends up with the Jets, it would be a case of history repeating itself.
The Packers sent a 39-year-old Favre to the Jets in 2008, a move that ushered in Rodgers’ arrival as Green Bay’s starting quarterback. Favre won three MVPs with Green Bay during his Hall of Fame career.
Rodgers backed up Favre for three seasons after the Packers selected him out of California with the 24th overall pick in the 2005 draft. Love has backed up Rodgers for three seasons since the Packers traded up to take the former Utah State quarterback with the 26th overall pick in 2020.
Rodgers’ future has been the subject of speculation ever since the Packers selected Love. Rodgers acknowledged the selection caught him by surprise. One year later, he skipped the Packers’ mandatory minicamp in a standoff with Packers management.
But the two sides eventually patched things up.
Rodgers signed a contract extension with the Packers last year after producing a second straight MVP season.
When he was asked last June at the Packers’ mandatory minicamp whether he expected to finish his career in Green Bay, Rodgers replied, “Yes. Definitely.”
Those plans apparently changed after a 2022 season in which he had his lowest passer rating as a starter (91.1) and threw 12 interceptions, his highest total since 2008. Now Rodgers believes his time in Green Bay is done.
“Coming to this reality has been really bittersweet,” Rodgers said. “I was drafted by Green Bay. I … love that city, love that organization. Always going to have love for that organization. But the facts are right now they want to move on, and now so do I.”
___
AP Pro Football Writer Dennis Waszak contributed to this report.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.weau.com/2023/03/15/rodgers-says-he-intends-play-jets-this-coming-season/ | 2023-03-15 19:01:08 | 1 | https://www.weau.com/2023/03/15/rodgers-says-he-intends-play-jets-this-coming-season/ |
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Sara Duterte, the daughter of the outgoing populist president of the Philippines, took her oath Sunday as vice president following a landslide electoral victory she clinched despite her father’s human rights record that saw thousands of drug suspects gunned down.
The inauguration in their southern hometown of Davao, where she’s the outgoing mayor, comes two weeks before she assumes office on June 30 as specified in the Philippine Constitution. President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Duterte’s running mate, will take his oath in Manila on June 30.
President Rodrigo Duterte, 77, led the VIPs in the heavily guarded ceremony at a public square in the port city of Davao, where he had also served as a longtime mayor starting in the late 1980s. His family, hailing from modest middle-class background, built a formidable political dynasty in the restive southern region long troubled by communist and Muslim insurgencies and violent political rivalries.
Duterte’s presidency has been marked by a brutal anti-drugs campaign that has left thousands of mostly petty drug runners shot dead by police or vigilantes. He is being investigated for crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court.
The electoral triumph of Sara Duterte and Marcos Jr. has alarmed left-wing and human rights groups because of their failure to acknowledge the massive human rights atrocities that took place under their fathers, including late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte campaigned on a vague platform of national unity, without clearly addressing activists’ calls for them to take steps to prosecute the elder Duterte when he retires from politics.
One of the president’s son, Sebastian Duterte, will succeed his sister as Davao mayor, and another son, Paolo Duterte, won a seat in the House of Representatives in the May 9 elections. The outgoing president’s late father was a former Davao governor.
Philippine elections have long been dominated by politicians belonging to the same bloodlines. At least 250 political families have monopolized power across the country, although such dynasties are prohibited under the constitution. Congress — long controlled by members of powerful clans targeted by the constitutional ban — has failed to pass the law needed to define and enforce the provision.
While Sara Duterte, 44, refused calls by her father and supporters to seek the presidency, she has not ruled out a future run. She topped pre-elections surveys for the president last year and won with a huge margin like Marcos Jr.
Aside from the vice president, she has agreed to serve as education secretary, although there were talks that her initial preference was to head the Department of National Defense, a traditional springboard to the presidency.
Still, the education portfolio would provide her first often-problematic national political platform, especially with plans to resume physical classes soon after the country was hit hard by two years of coronavirus pandemic outbreaks and lockdowns.
“Our constitution does not specify any particular job for the vice president except to be a president in waiting and except when he or she is assigned a Cabinet position,” she told reporters.
She thanked her Davao supporters and said she decided to hold her inauguration in one of the country's most developed cities to show her pride as a southern provincial politician who rose to a top national post.
A mother of three, Duterte finished a medical course and originally wanted to become a doctor but later took up law and was prevailed upon to enter politics starting in 2007, when she was elected as Davao vice mayor and mayor three years later.
In 2011, she drew national attention when she was caught on video punching and assaulting a court sheriff who was helping lead a police demolition of a shanty community despite her plea for a brief deferment. The court official sustained a black eye and face injuries and was taken by her bodyguards to a hospital.
Despite her public feuds with her father, Sara Duterte had her hair shaved a year before the 2016 elections as a show of support for his campaign. | https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Duterte-s-daughter-takes-oath-as-Philippine-vice-17251730.php | 2022-06-19 09:46:59 | 0 | https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Duterte-s-daughter-takes-oath-as-Philippine-vice-17251730.php |
The search for a Jersey City-contracted ferry operator at Port Liberte will take a while longer, with the city council prepared to reject bids by two operators for being too expensive.
The city council is expected to vote Thursday to nix bids from New York Waterway (NYWW) and New York Cruise Line (NYCL) to operate ferry services out of Port Liberte, located on Chapel Avenue south of Liberty State Park and east of the Liberty National Golf Course.
The bids, $8 million from New York Waterway and $11 million from New York Cruise Line for three years of service, far more than the $4 million in state grants the city plans to spend on the service.
“The request-for-proposal will be released again in the upcoming weeks with language added to make the service requirements more comprehensive and emphasize (Mayor Steve Fulop’s) priority of ensuring the ferry service is accessible to low/moderate-income neighborhoods throughout Jersey City,” Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said.
It could not be determined how much of its own money the city planned to kick in, if need be.
Last year, the city acquired the terminal from developer Ironstate so it could engage directly in contract negotiations for operations, increase ridership among low- and moderate-income communities and open faster, more direct routes to and from New York City, officials said at the time.
New York Waterway (NYWW), the current operator at Port Liberte, runs services to Paulus Hook and Wall Street. NYWW spokesman Chris Policano said that its most recent bid “reflects the service characteristics laid out in the city’s RFP” and that the company will bid again should another request-for-proposal occur.
NYWW operated out of Port Liberte on a trial basis between August and October, but it was unable to sustain the service because of low ridership, Policano said.
New York Cruise Line officials did not respond for comment on its rejected bid. | https://www.nj.com/hudson/2023/02/jersey-city-set-to-reject-bids-for-port-liberte-ferry-operator-as-to-costly.html | 2023-02-21 22:36:38 | 0 | https://www.nj.com/hudson/2023/02/jersey-city-set-to-reject-bids-for-port-liberte-ferry-operator-as-to-costly.html |
NEW YORK, July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of 17 Education & Technology Group Inc. ("17 E&T" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: YQ). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether 17 E&T and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
On or around December 4, 2020, 17 E&T conducted its initial public offering, selling 27.4 million American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") priced at $10.50 per ADS. Then, on June 10, 2022, 17 E&T announced its first quarter financial results, reporting a net loss of $3.9 million alongside a nearly 50% fall in revenue from the prior year to $36.82 million.
On this news, 17 E&T's stock price fell $1.65 per share, or 21.31%, to close at $2.40 per share on June 10, 2022.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com
CONTACT:
Robert S. Willoughby
Pomerantz LLP
rswilloughby@pomlaw.com
888-476-6529 ext. 7980
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Pomerantz LLP | https://www.weau.com/prnewswire/2022/07/13/shareholder-alert-pomerantz-law-firm-investigates-claims-behalf-investors-17-education-amp-technology-group-inc-yq/ | 2022-07-14 00:58:51 | 0 | https://www.weau.com/prnewswire/2022/07/13/shareholder-alert-pomerantz-law-firm-investigates-claims-behalf-investors-17-education-amp-technology-group-inc-yq/ |
HOUSTON (AP) — Jose Altuve was more than happy to oblige when a fan ran onto the field and asked Houston’s star second baseman to take a selfie with him during Game 2 of the AL Championship Series against the New York Yankees on Thursday night.
Security at Minute Maid Park had other plans, wrestling the man away from Altuve before he could click off the shot with his cell phone as the ninth inning was set to begin.
“He kind of hugged me and said something like: ‘OK, we better win today, because I spent all my money on the ticket,’” Altuve said. “He pulled his phone from his pocket and tried to take a selfie, and I was ready to take it, but then security guys got there and did their job.”
A group of six security guards and police officers pulled the man away before wrestling him to the ground, handcuffing him and escorting him off the field. An Astros spokesperson confirmed to The Associated Press that the man was arrested.
Altuve, who has had a tough time this postseason and is 0 for 23, said he wasn’t alarmed when he spied the fan heading his way because he was wearing the proper gear.
“I saw someone running and I said: ‘Astros jersey; I’m fine,’” Altuve said of the man’s white Craig Biggio shirt.
Altuve added that the man kept repeating that Houston needed to win Thursday. Altuve told him, “we will.”
And a few minutes after the man was led off the field, they wrapped up a 3-2 victory that gave them a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Astros manager Dusty Baker said he didn’t notice the fan on the field “until the crowd started going crazy.”
“I mean, what he did was wrong, but he looked harmless. It looked like he was doing it out of love and respect for Altuve. And I think Altuve handled it very well.”
Houston reliever Ryan Pressly had just had entered the game to begin the ninth when the interruption occurred.
“You hate to see that happen because Pressly was ready and he had to back off and had to regroup himself, because when you’re coming out of the bullpen and they’re playing that song, his song, you sort of get into a flow of things, you take your warmup pitches, and then you’re ready to go,” Baker said.
“So that kind of broke that. But he’s been around a long time and he handled it well,” he said.
Pressly struck out three, working around a two-out walk to earn his second save of the series.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://pix11.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-altuve-engages-with-fan-who-rushed-field-for-selfie-in-alcs/ | 2022-10-21 11:44:05 | 0 | https://pix11.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-altuve-engages-with-fan-who-rushed-field-for-selfie-in-alcs/ |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A Little Rock police officer has been relieved of duty and placed on paid administrative leave as a part of an investigation following a domestic violence call.
Cristian Gallegos, 29, is expected to face a 3rd degree domestic battery charge.
Police were called to an address in the 6500 block of Brookview Drive around 2:30 a.m. Sunday.
Family members reported to police that a woman had been struck by Gallegos.
The officer was taken to the Major Crimes Division for a review of facts by detectives and supervisors.
He was then booked into the Pulaski County Detention Center on the charge.
Gallegos has been with the Little Rock Police Department since February of 2019.
The Little Rock Police Department’s Professional Standards Division is also investigating this incident. | https://www.fox16.com/crime/little-rock-police-officer-arrested-and-relieved-of-duty/ | 2022-09-26 13:40:31 | 0 | https://www.fox16.com/crime/little-rock-police-officer-arrested-and-relieved-of-duty/ |
The July Fourth holiday weekend is off to a booming start with airport crowds crushing the numbers seen in 2019, before the pandemic.
Travelers across the United States experienced hundreds of canceled flights and a few thousand delays on Friday, much as they did earlier this week.
Patricia Carreno arrived with friends at Los Angeles International Airport only to learn that their Alaska Airlines flight to Mazatlan, Mexico, had been canceled.
“We’re probably going to drive down to Mexico — to Tijuana, the border — and just fly from there,” she said.
The Transportation Security Administration screened more than 2.4 million travelers at airport checkpoints on Thursday, 17% more than on the same Friday before July Fourth in 2019. U.S. air travel is likely to set a pandemic-era record at least once over the weekend.
Traffic on the highway could be heavy too.
AAA predicts that nearly 48 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home over the weekend, slightly fewer than in 2019. AAA says car travel will set a record even with the national average price for gasoline hovering near $5.
Leisure travel has bounced back this year, and that means particularly big crowds over three-day holiday weekends.
With many flights sold out over the July Fourth weekend, airlines will struggle to find seats for passengers like Carreno whose flights are canceled. Airlines told customers to check their flight’s status before going to the airport.
If you’re already at the airport when your flight is canceled, “it’s time to flex your multitasking skills,” said Sebastian Modak, editor-at-large of travel guide publisher Lonely Planet.
Modak advised heading straight to the airline’s help desk, checking its app on your phone, and calling the airline’s customer-service line — an international number might be answered sooner than a U.S. one for airlines that have both. He said driving or taking the bus or train will be a better option for shorter trips.
“There’s no getting around the fact that this is going to be a summer of travel delays, cancelations, and frustrations,” he said.
By early evening Friday on the East Coast, airlines had canceled about 500 U.S. flights and another 5,100 were delayed, according to FlightAware. Scattered thunderstorms in the New York City area made it likely the numbers would climb. From June 22 through Wednesday at least 600 flights were canceled, and between 4,000 and 7,000 were delayed per day, the tracking service said.
Airline executives blame the recent surge of canceled flights on the Federal Aviation Administration, which runs the nation’s air traffic control system, but Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg disputes that claim.
Passengers are caught in the middle.
Mari Ismail, who flew to Atlanta on Friday, said it took a long time to check in and get through security before her flight from Baltimore.
“I got to my gate right as they started boarding, so it was a very lengthy process,” she said.
Jordane Jeffrey said she booked a return trip from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for Monday, the holiday.
“I’m hoping there are no delays because I work that night,” she said.
Airlines sometimes overbook flights with the expectation that some passengers won’t show up. When there are more passengers than seats, airlines will offer cash or travel vouchers to people willing to take the next flight.
Earlier this week, a columnist for Inc. magazine wrote that Delta flight attendants offered $10,000 cash to people who would leave a plane waiting to take off from Grand Rapids, Mich.
Delta spokesman Anthony Black would neither confirm nor deny the journalist’s account, but he noted that the airline raised the compensation agents can offer in such cases to $9,950 in 2017. That move followed a public-relations nightmare at United Airlines, when airport officers bloodied and dragged a 69-year-old doctor off a sold-out plane — a case that resulted in a lawsuit, confidential settlement, and jokes on late-night TV about United customer service.
Even with vacationers crowding into airports and on planes, the total number of people flying has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels because of a decline in business and international travel. TSA screened 11% fewer people in June than it did in the same month of 2019.
Thursday marked only the 11th time since the pandemic started that TSA checked more people than it did on the same day in 2019, and just the second time since February.
Airlines could almost surely be carrying more passengers if they had enough staffing. Many U.S. airlines have trimmed their summer schedules after bad weather, air-traffic delays and a lack of enough employees caused widespread cancellations over the Memorial Day weekend.
Airlines paid thousands of workers to quit during the early days of the pandemic, when air travel plummeted and airline revenue dried up. They have been hiring recently, but it takes time to train pilots, who are in particularly short supply.
Now airlines competing for key employees are offering double-digit raises to pilots, who find themselves with leverage in negotiations over new contracts.
___
Associated Press video journalists Eugene Garcia in Los Angeles and Sharon Johnson in Atlanta contributed to this report. | https://www.myarklamiss.com/news/business/ap-business/as-holiday-weekend-starts-airport-crowds-top-2019-numbers/ | 2022-07-01 23:19:36 | 1 | https://www.myarklamiss.com/news/business/ap-business/as-holiday-weekend-starts-airport-crowds-top-2019-numbers/ |
SHANGHAI, May 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Molecular Data, Inc. ("Molecular Data" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: MKD), a technology-driven platform in China, announced today that on May 25, 2021, it had received a letter from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("Nasdaq"), notifying the Company that its minimum closing bid price per share for its ordinary shares had fallen below $1.00 for a period of 30 consecutive business days and that the Company did not meet the minimum bid price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). On November 29, 2021, the Company was provided with an additional 180 calendar day compliance period, or until May 23, 2022, to demonstrate compliance.
On May 24, 2022, the Company received notice from Nasdaq that it has not regained compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) and that its American Depository Shares ("ADS") would be delisted from the Capital Markets and a Form 25- NSE filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") to remove the Company's securities from listing and registration on The Nasdaq Stock Market unless the Company requests a hearing for an appeal.
On May 26, 2022, the Company submitted a hearing request to a Hearings Panel (the "Panel") for an appeal pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Nasdaq Listing Rule 5800 Series. The hearing request will stay the suspension and delisting action pending the issuance of a written Panel decision.
Molecular Data Inc. is a technology-driven platform in China's chemical industry, connecting participants along the chemical value chain through integrated solutions. The Company delivers e-commerce solutions, financial solutions, warehousing and logistics solutions, and SaaS suite that are intended to solve pain points for participants in the traditional chemical industry. Built upon a comprehensive knowledge engine and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, the Company's e-commerce solutions are mainly offered through its online platform, consisting of molbase.com, molbase.cn, Moku Data WeChat account, Chemical Community APP and other ancillary platforms.
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including the potential impact of COVID-19 on our business within and outside of China. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results.
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SOURCE Molecular Data Inc. | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/05/28/molecular-data-inc-receives-nasdaq-notification-regarding-minimum-bid-requirements/ | 2022-05-28 21:38:18 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/05/28/molecular-data-inc-receives-nasdaq-notification-regarding-minimum-bid-requirements/ |
One person killed in Pulaski Co. house fire
Published: May. 10, 2022 at 5:38 AM EDT|Updated: 52 minutes ago
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - One person is dead after a house fire in Pulaski County.
According to officials with the Woodstock Fire Department, it happened overnight Tuesday at a home on Liberty Road, off Highway 70.
At least one person died at the scene, another person was flown to a hospital to be treated at a burn unit.
The Woodstock Fire Department was assisted by Western Rockcastle Fire, along with rescue crews out of Somerset, and members of the Eubank Fire Department, among others.
Copyright 2022 WKYT. All rights reserved. | https://www.wkyt.com/2022/05/10/one-person-killed-pulaski-co-house-fire/ | 2022-05-10 10:31:47 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/2022/05/10/one-person-killed-pulaski-co-house-fire/ |
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — A radiologist showed X-rays and brain scans on Wednesday morning as attorneys for a man suing Gwyneth Paltrow tried to persuade the jury that a 2016 ski collision at an upscale Utah ski resort inflicted lasting damage.
“After his accident, he deteriorated abruptly. And many of the activities that he used to do, he stopped doing,” Dr. Wendell Gibby said of 76-year-old Terry Sanderson, the man suing Paltrow, in court in Park City.
Though Sanderson is a retired doctor who skis at posh resorts and frequently travels internationally, according to court filings, his attorneys tried to frame the celebrity trial as a David-versus-Goliath struggle.
Gibby said brain images suggested it was unlikely that Sanderson crashed into Paltrow. The head trauma was likely caused by a skier crashing into Sanderson, he said, and the lasting effects on Sanderson’s overall health were consistent with the severity of the collision. “The rib fractures certainly corroborate that there was enough force to cause a head injury,” Gibby added.
Another doctor and family members are also expected to testify on Wednesday in a trial about a 2016 ski crash between Paltrow and Sanderson, who claims her recklessness left him with lasting injuries and brain damage. After a judge threw out Sanderson’s earlier $3.1 million lawsuit and ruled that he wasn’t entitled to punitive damages, Sanderson amended his claims and now alleges damages of “more than $300,000.”
The amount of money sought pales in comparison to the typical legal costs of a multiyear lawsuit and expert witness-heavy trial. More than a dozen are expected to testify throughout the eight-day trial in Park City — a posh ski town known for welcoming celebrities each year for the Sundance Film Festival.
In a counterclaim to Sanderson’s amended lawsuit, Paltrow is seeking $1 and attorney fees — a familiar, symbolic action that highlights how reputation, not money, is often what’s at stake for celebrities at trial like Paltrow. Taylor Swift similarly countersued a radio host for the same, symbolic amount in 2017.
Though the court is not publishing a witness list for the celebrity trial, attorneys said after Gibby, a neuropsychologist, and at least one of Sanderson’s daughters would likely be called to testify Wednesday.
Sanderson’s lawyers on Tuesday left the possibility open that they may call Paltrow to the stand depending on when others expected to testify arrive in Park City. Paltrow will likely testify Friday, and her children Moses and Apple are also expected to testify, her attorney said.
Both parties blame the other for the collision and claim they were crashed into from behind, relying on a little-known Utah law stipulating that whoever is downhill has the right of way when skiing and snowboarding.
Paltrow’s attorneys have pled with Judge Kent Holmberg to grant special restrictions throughout the actor-turned-wellness tycoon’s trial, including limiting photography both in the courtroom and in the public parking lot outside — where a rope cordons off Paltrow’s entrance and exit paths.
On the opening day of the trial, Paltrow used a blue notebook to shield her face from view when entering and exiting the courtroom. She and Sanderson appeared across the courtroom from each other, looking nonplussed to hear arguments that have become familiar over the seven years since they crashed.
The trial is expected to hinge on how the 10 jurors — six women and four men — interpret evidence from medical experts, and whether they see Sanderson’s injuries as directly related to the accident or a normal progression of an aging man. The jurors are all residents of wealthy Summit County, where the median home last month sold for $1.3 million, according to Redfin.
Paltrow’s attorneys cautioned the jury on Tuesday not to be biased by feeling pity for Sanderson. They called his story “utter B.S.” building off earlier claims from court filings and previous depositions where they accused him of suing to exploit the Oscar-winning star of “Shakespeare in Love’s” wealth and celebrity.
Sanderson’s attorneys have attempted to paint her as a negligent celebrity with little care for the injuries inflicted upon the 76-year-old military veteran. They called Sanderson’s ex-girlfriend and a ski companion who was nearby during the crash to testify on Tuesday. Karlene Davidson said the crash had “changed” Sanderson and contributed to the demise of their romance. Craig Ramon testified that Paltrow hit Sanderson. Despite that, he said afterward that one of her family’s ski instructors came up to him and said “Your buddy just took out Gwyneth Paltrow.”
The trial underway in Park City has begun with Sanderson’s team’s witnesses. Paltrow’s attorneys have said that her witnesses, including her two children, will speak later.
__
Associated Press writer Anna Furman contributed reporting from Los Angeles. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/entertainment-news/doctors-expected-to-testify-in-gwyneth-paltrows-ski-trial/ | 2023-03-22 19:44:45 | 0 | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/entertainment-news/doctors-expected-to-testify-in-gwyneth-paltrows-ski-trial/ |
Rare pink diamond sold at auction breaks world record price
HONG KONG (AP) — A pink diamond was sold for $49.9 million in Hong Kong on Friday, setting a world record for the highest price per carat for a diamond sold at auction.
The 11.15-carat Williamson Pink Star diamond, auctioned by Sotheby’s Hong Kong, sold for $392 million Hong Kong dollars ($49.9 million). It was originally estimated at $21 million.
The Williamson Pink Star draws its name from two legendary pink diamonds. The first is the 23.60-carat Williamson diamond which was presented to the late Queen Elizabeth II as a wedding gift in 1947, while the second is the 59.60-carat Pink Star diamond that sold for a record $71.2 million at auction in 2017.
The Williamson Pink Star is the second-largest pink diamond to appear at auction. Pink diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable of the colored diamonds.
“This is an astounding result, proving the resilience of top diamonds in a shaky economy,” said Tobias Kormind, managing director of 77 Diamonds.
“Hard assets such as world-class diamonds have a history of performing well even in times of instability,” he said. “Some of the world’s highest quality diamonds have seen prices double over the last 10 years.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2022/10/07/rare-pink-diamond-sold-auction-breaks-world-record-price/ | 2022-10-07 17:06:10 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/2022/10/07/rare-pink-diamond-sold-auction-breaks-world-record-price/ |
Two tourists in Venice, Italy, infuriated the city's mayor by riding motorized surfboards through the famed Grand Canal this week, prompting Mayor Luigi Brugnaro to call them "imbeciles" who were making a mockery of Venice.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro posted video of the pair on Facebook and Twitter, asking everyone in his city to help find the surfers. As extra motivation, he offered a free dinner for anyone who could identify the two and bring them to justice.
Ecco due imbecilli prepotenti che si fanno beffa della Città… chiedo a tutti di aiutarci a individuarli per punirli anche se le nostre armi sono davvero spuntate… servono urgentemente più poteri ai Sindaci in tema di sicurezza pubblica!
— Luigi Brugnaro (@LuigiBrugnaro) August 17, 2022
A chi li individua offro una cena! pic.twitter.com/DV2ONO3hUs
"Venice is NOT Disneyland," the mayor wrote as he posted a second video showing the pair skimming their boards under an arched bridge in the city widely known for its serene beauty. Passersby gaped and filmed the spectacle.
Brugnaro got his wish: the pair were tracked down and their boards were seized in short order, he said in an update on social media.
The surfing scofflaws are visitors from Australia who have now been hit with fines of 1,500 euros (about $1,509), according to local newspaper La Nuova di Venezia e Mestre. The mayor also wants to see them prosecuted for harming Venice's image.
The incident comes four years after Venice banned personal watercraft such as paddleboards and kayaks from its main waterways, due to overcrowding that snarled the flow of gondolas and vaporetti (water buses). The law allows some exceptions, but they're mainly for residents.
Venice is a UNESCO world heritage site — but it has been at risk of being classified as "in danger." In an attempt to lessen tourism's harmful effects, large cruise ships were barred from the city's center in recent years.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wbaa.org/2022-08-19/venice-mayor-calls-out-imbeciles-surfing-italian-citys-historic-canals | 2022-08-19 14:27:14 | 0 | https://www.wbaa.org/2022-08-19/venice-mayor-calls-out-imbeciles-surfing-italian-citys-historic-canals |
17-year-old Ukrainian refugee on how music unites
Published: Feb. 24, 2023 at 12:43 PM CST|Updated: 37 minutes ago
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Friday marks the one-year anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. When missiles started raining down, millions of Ukrainians fled, leaving behind their homes and families. National Correspondent Debra Alfarone speaks with a teen who came to the U.S. with his little brother. 17-year-old Ivan Dmytriiev shares his incredible story of survival and explains how music bridges both his worlds.
Copyright 2023 Gray DC. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2023/02/24/17-year-old-ukrainian-refugee-how-music-unites/ | 2023-02-24 19:23:31 | 0 | https://www.wibw.com/2023/02/24/17-year-old-ukrainian-refugee-how-music-unites/ |
Comedian Tommy Bayer created a video spoof of The Bear that has pulled in about 4.8 million views on Twitter. For a little background, The Bear is a TV series about a young chef, Camen "Carmy" Berzatto, played by Jeremy Allen White. Carmy had trained in fine dining before returning home to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop after a family death. He deals with a stubborn and unruly, yet mostly funny, kitchen staff who tells him things like, "You cut vegetables like a bitch." He wants to make the restaurant better, but they all think he's overzealous at best, more likely insane.
The Bear has been widely lauded for its accurate description of the intensity and daily grind of the back-of-house kitchen staff. The pace of the show is chaotic at times, focusing on the chef losing his mind over small things, screaming "chef ... heard ... corner," all things that would have been first-nature in a fine-dining restaurant.
The spoof brings the drama of The Bear and lays it over the most unpretentious of all foods, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which is the only thing served at this imaginary restaurant. Along with water. It's intense: they run out of peanut butter at one point, can't keep up with the continuous stream of orders (22 all at once) and certainly can't smoke enough ciggies.
The real heartbreak scene here is when the chef smashes a sandwich on a window in frustration and it slides down, oozing peanut butter and jelly like a snail. Ooph. We get that. Been there.
Enjoy:
@uservnv1w5py50 The show “The Bear” but the restaurant only serves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and water https://t.co/NDtSG6jYwS
♬ original sound - uservnv1w5py50 | https://www.dallasobserver.com/restaurants/the-bear-parody-set-in-a-pbandj-restaurant-goes-viral-14737816 | 2022-09-04 11:07:27 | 1 | https://www.dallasobserver.com/restaurants/the-bear-parody-set-in-a-pbandj-restaurant-goes-viral-14737816 |
by Henry Redman, Wisconsin Examiner
July y, 2023
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced Thursday that it had reached a voluntary settlement with the Rhinelander School District after an investigation into how the district responded to the harassment of a nonbinary student during the 2021-22 school year.
In its agreement with OCR, the district said it would provide training to administrators and staff about its obligation to respond to complaints of sex-based harassment under Title IX — the federal law that guarantees all Americans the right to equal educational opportunities regardless of sex.
The district also agreed to conduct a climate survey on the prevalence of harassment in the district and provide “age-appropriate” information programs to students to address sex-based harassment and what students should do if they witness or experience such harassment.
According to a news release from OCR, the nonbinary high school student and their parent reported that students “repeatedly mocked and targeted” the student during classes; teachers repeatedly used incorrect pronouns to refer to the student and one teacher removed the student from class because the teacher “could not protect the student from harassment.”
OCR stated it also reviewed evidence that the student was bumped in school hallways and called a derogatory slur for LGBTQ people.
In its release, OCR said it was “concerned” about several of the district’s responses to the harassment, which included changing the student’s schedule to have in-person instruction for only three classes. OCR said this action limited the student’s ability to participate in school activities.
The review also found that the district had been improperly coding sex-based harassment, including the use of slurs, as “peer mistreatment;” did not document multiple complaints brought by the student and their parent and didn’t document the district’s responses to those complaints. The district’s Title IX coordinator reported to OCR that she was unaware of the sex-based harassment reports.
“Congress promises every student a right to fully participate in educational programs without harassment based on sex,” DOE Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon said in a statement. “Rhinelander School District has now committed to take steps to ensure that promise of equal access to education for all its students.”
Wisconsin Examiner is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Wisconsin Examiner maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Ruth Conniff for questions: info@wisconsinexaminer.com. Follow Wisconsin Examiner on Facebook and Twitter. | https://wausaupilotandreview.com/2023/07/07/us-department-of-education-finds-rhinelander-school-district-improperly-responded-to-harassment-of-nonbinary-student/ | 2023-07-08 05:13:36 | 0 | https://wausaupilotandreview.com/2023/07/07/us-department-of-education-finds-rhinelander-school-district-improperly-responded-to-harassment-of-nonbinary-student/ |
The state's active covid-19 cases and hospitalizations declined Sunday, according to data from the Arkansas Department of Health.
As of Sunday, 910,808 cases have been reported since the start of the pandemic. That number increased by 486 Sunday.
The new daily cases rolling seven-day average was 982, which is up from Saturday's rolling average of 967.
Saturday was the first time since July 5 that the state reported fewer than 1,000 daily average cases over a seven-day period. Sunday also marked the first time since June that the rolling seven-day average was below 1,000 for two consecutive days.
There's been 885,261 covid-19 recoveries in the state since the start of the pandemic. The number increased by 743 on Saturday. There have been 9,049 recoveries reported in the past week.
Active cases decreased by 257 Sunday for a total of 13,554. According to data, active cases are down 2,216 from last Sunday's 15,770 -- the lowest number of active cases since July 7 at 13,270.
Hospitalizations dropped by three from Saturday bringing the total number to 393. This is the fourth consecutive daily decline since the week's high of 412 on Wednesday. Hospitalizations increased by seven since last Sunday.
There are 69 patients in intensive care units, which is up one from Saturday and below the summer high of 88 on July 28.
There are 17 people on ventilators, unchanged from Saturday.
No new deaths were reported Sunday. There have been 11,763 since the start of the covid-19 pandemic in Arkansas since March 2020.
The number of Arkansans fully vaccinated since last Sunday rose by 2,173, bringing the total number to 1,653,224.
There have been 808, 422 boosters administered in the state. The number increased by 6,833 since last Sunday.
Pulaski County was leading the state with 69 covid-19 cases Sunday. Washington followed with 39 and Benton with 26. | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2022/aug/08/covid-19-active-cases-see-decline/ | 2022-08-08 10:33:05 | 0 | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2022/aug/08/covid-19-active-cases-see-decline/ |
Alaska school bus strike ends with new agreement ratified
AK bus strike lasted over a month, centered on pay, safety concerns
A strike that disrupted school bus service for Alaska's second largest district for more than a month has ended, with union members ratifying a new contract.
Most school bus service for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District resumed Monday, a day after members of the Teamsters Local 959 voted to ratify a three-year contract negotiated with Durham School Services, Alaska Public Media reported. The district is roughly the size of West Virginia.
The local union in a statement said the contract "includes strong job protections and overall economic improvements, and tools to address safety issues at the workplace."
ALASKA GOVERNOR SAYS BIDEN TREATS VENEZUELA BETTER THAN HIS STATE: '2024 CAN'T COME SOON ENOUGH'
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Union members went on strike Jan. 31, citing pay and safety issues as concerns. Both sides announced a tentative agreement had been reached last week.
Durham’s parent company, Illinois-based National Express, in a statement Monday confirmed the strike had ended.
"We are looking forward to continuing to transport our students to and from school safely each day," the statement said. | https://www.foxnews.com/us/alaska-school-bus-strike-ends-new-agreement-ratified | 2023-03-06 23:04:31 | 1 | https://www.foxnews.com/us/alaska-school-bus-strike-ends-new-agreement-ratified |
Side dishes are just as important to a holiday meal as the main course. It’s perfectly acceptable to offer a few new and unique dishes on your holiday table, but guests likely will be expecting some tried-and-true classics as well.
Green bean casserole is a staple of many holiday dining tables. Alongside mashed potatoes and candied sweet potatoes, green bean casserole is a beloved holiday recipe – and it’s easy to make as well. This recipe for traditional “Green Bean Casserole,” courtesy of Campbell’s¨, can hit the right tone for guests who want a taste of holidays past this year.
Green Bean Casserole
INGREDIENTS
1 can (10 1/2 ounces) Campbell’s¨ Condensed Cream of Mushroom soup or 98% Fat Free Cream of Mushroom soup or Condensed Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon soy sauce
4 cups cooked cut green beans
1 1/3 cups French’s¨ Fried Onions (divided)
DIRECTIONS
Heat the oven to 350 F. Stir the soup, milk, soy sauce, beans and 2/3 cup onions in a 1 1/2-quart casserole. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Bake for 25 minutes or until hot.
Stir the bean mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining 2/3 cup onions. Bake for another 5 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.
Variations: This recipe can be customized as one sees fit. Double up the amount of condensed soup if you desire a wetter casserole, or change the flavor by selecting a different flavor soup variety, such as Cream of Asparagus. You can add grated Parmesan cheese or shredded cheddar if you want a cheesy option. Some people prefer to use French-style green beans instead of the thicker cut variety.
Alternate cooking method: The traditional recipe has you cooking the casserole in the oven. However, if you have a large enough toaster oven, you can cook it in there to free up oven space; otherwise, prepare the casserole as directed in a slow cooker and cook on low for around 3 to 4 hours, until tender. Then add the remaining onions and transfer the casserole to the oven to crisp up for 5 minutes. (Check that the slow cooker crock is oven-safe; otherwise, spoon the mixture into an oven-safe dish for the final baking and serving.) Serves six.
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KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine's president on Thursday made his third visit in two days to areas that have felt the brunt of Russia's war, with a trip to the southern Kherson region that was retaken from the Kremlin's forces, and as a senior Kyiv commander hinted that a brewing Ukrainian counteroffensive could come "very soon."
Ukraine took back control of the Kherson region’s capital, also called Kherson, at the end of last year, pushing out the Russian occupiers who had captured the city in the weeks following the start of Moscow full-scale invasion more than a year ago. The Dnieper River now marks the front line in the region, which is still partially occupied.
While in Kherson on Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with local security officials and inspected infrastructure damaged by Russian strikes, his office said.
On Wednesday, Zelenskyy visited Kharkiv, the country’s second-largest city in northeastern Ukraine. Kyiv's troops recaptured Kharkiv from the Russians last September as part of the same monthslong counteroffensive that won back Kherson.
Also Wednesday, Zelenskyy met with troops in the eastern Donetsk region, stopping by a hospital to see wounded soldiers and giving state awards to the defenders of Bakhmut, a wrecked city that is now a symbol of Ukraine's dogged resistance against Russian President Vladimir Putin's ambitions.
Zelenskyy’s 48 hours of visits far from Kyiv — and close to the front line — came as improving weather sets the stage for possible new offensives by both sides. The biting winter weather, followed by mud as the ground thawed out, have prevented major changes on the battlefield, and the war has largely been deadlocked in recent months.
Ukraine is now starting to receive modern weapons, including tanks, from its Western allies, who are also training Ukrainian troops to use them.
Russian forces have been digging in where they hold territory in the four provinces that Moscow illegally annexed in September — Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia. Putin has made it clear he wants to have control there.
Ukraine’s ground forces commander said Thursday that Russian forces are “exhausting themselves” in their grinding push to take Bakhmut, giving Kyiv a window of opportunity for a counterstrike.
Col. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said in a Telegram post that the Russian assault on Bakhmut was causing Russian forces to “lose considerable strength.”
“Very soon, we will take advantage of this opportunity, as we once did near Kyiv, Kharkiv, Balakliia and Kupiansk,” Syrskyi added, referencing Ukraine’s counteroffensive last year that pushed Russia back from the country’s capital and large swathes of the northeast.
Russia has kept up its long-range attacks using artillery, missiles and drones, meanwhile.
The death toll from a Russian drone attack Wednesday on a high school and dormitories south of Kyiv rose to nine, Ukrainian emergency services reported.
Russia on Wednesday also struck a nine-story apartment building in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia where at least one person was killed.
___
Follow AP's coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Credit: AP
Credit: AP | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/ukraine-president-visits-front-line-areas-as-new-phase-nears/I7OFYH62VNCOVPEK6UQJGNC4QA/ | 2023-03-23 14:19:22 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/ukraine-president-visits-front-line-areas-as-new-phase-nears/I7OFYH62VNCOVPEK6UQJGNC4QA/ |
Nebraska Legislature advances Voter ID bill to final reading
Published: May. 30, 2023 at 5:30 PM CDT|Updated: 4 hours ago
LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) - Nebraska is one step closer to enacting Voter ID requirements.
LB514 passed as-is in its second-round debate in the Unicameral on Tuesday. State Sen. Julie Slama of Sterling had made several attempts to amend the bill, filed by State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon but was ultimately unsuccessful.
Nebraskans voted on the matter in last year’s election, passing the initiative to require a valid ID in order to cast a ballot despite concerns about how it might affect mail-in voting throughout the state, particularly in rural counties.
On Tuesday, the bill — previously AM1801, also referred to as the Evnen Amendment — passed 42-3 with four state senators not voting.
Copyright 2023 WOWT. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2023/05/30/nebraska-legislature-advances-voter-id-bill-final-reading/ | 2023-05-31 02:42:22 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/2023/05/30/nebraska-legislature-advances-voter-id-bill-final-reading/ |
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