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ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Voters in Nigeria will elect a new leader Saturday after President Muhammadu Buhari’s final term ends, with 18 candidates vying to lead a country facing a series of struggles — the newest and most pressing being a shortage of cash.
Three front-runners have emerged, including the ruling party’s Bola Tinubu and the main opposition’s Atiku Abubakar. Peter Obi, a third-party hopeful who has been favored in most polls, has broken the usual cycle of two-candidate races.
Despite a steady decline in voter turnout, political analysts had projected a high level of participation in this election. But standing in the way is the shortage in the supply of cash.
People are forced to wait all day in lines at ATMs in the cash-reliant country, leaving many only able to buy basics like food and stirring violence. It threatens to dampen voter turnout and interfere with independent groups’ ability to oversee the race.
Here are things to know about the cash crisis in Africa’s largest economy and how it could affect the election:
WHY IS THERE A CASH SHORTAGE IN NIGERIA?
Authorities are struggling to replace Nigeria’s old currency with new notes, the first time in nearly 20 years that the naira is being redesigned. As a result, many people have been unable to withdraw their money from banks.
The currency changeover is meant to curb inflation and money laundering, with people holding more than 80% of all money in circulation as of November, when the central bank introduced the policy. Policymakers also said it was supposed to limit the use of cash to buy votes, a common trend in Nigeria’s elections.
But the fast timeline of the currency swap has led to a very limited supply of the new notes.
In the absence of cash, many people have turned to digital payment services that are usually unreliable.
In Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja, trader Felix Okpe said he had not been credited more than 24 hours after someone bought 15,000 naira ($32) worth of items from his hair products shop.
“It is affecting us (because) does anyone still have the cash to buy things? It has put everybody into confusion,” Okpe said.
WHAT HAS BEEN DONE TO EASE THE CRISIS?
The central bank says the state-run company that is printing money has capacity to create enough banknotes but has accused politicians of hoarding the money for their own use and to influence the election.
Analysts disagree, accusing the bank of not adequately planning the currency swap.
Larger-domination 1,000 naira ($2.16), 500 naira ($1.08) and 200 naira (43 U.S. cents) notes are being switched out with redesigned cash. Buhari, the president, has directed that the 200 naira notes can be used until April 10, but they have always been scarce and rarely used.
His order appears to have contradicted a supreme court directive that the old currency notes should remain in use pending its final decision.
Central bank spokesman Osita Nwanisobi insisted Tuesday that only the 200 naira notes will stay in use but didn’t offer details on efforts to ramp up the supply of cash to banks.
HOW WILL THIS AFFECT THE ELECTION?
Nearly 200 local and international observer groups with 145,000 members will monitor the presidential and state elections. Some have complained of not being able to deploy staffers in all 36 Nigerian states and the capital because paying for services has become difficult.
Hassan Idayat, who leads the Center for Democracy and Development, Nigeria’s largest democracy-focused group, said the lack of access to cash has slowed down preparations for election monitoring because workers have been left stranded.
“It is impacting our own planning as an organization. In some parts of the country, we have to pay cash to people we are working with. It becomes really impossible for us to work without cash,” she said. “It is a bad situation.”
The limited capacity of observer groups to monitor the vote could lead to irregularities that often leave Nigeria’s elections deeply contested, she said.
There are concerns the cash crisis could lead to a delay in the vote if the election commission can’t handle logistics like paying workers on time — a possible replay of 2019 when logistical challenges postponed the election. The one before that — in 2015 — also was pushed back.
HOW IS THE CASH SHORTAGE WORSENING NIGERIA’S PROBLEMS?
The currency crisis has led to incessant attacks on banks and forced many businesses to close as more people prioritize buying food with the little money they have.
Security analysts say this brings an extra burden for security forces, who are overstretched as they respond to separatist violence in southeast Nigeria, an extremist insurgency in the northeast and armed groups of former herdsmen fighting communities over access to water and land in the northwest.
The cash crisis has decreased interest in the presidential election, dampening hopes of increased voter participation after years of steady decline.
Many voters in Nigeria don’t participate in elections because they “have lost faith in government and they don’t feel voting would change the quality of leadership,” said Cynthia Mbamalu with YIAGA Africa, a nonprofit promoting electoral reforms in Nigeria.
WHY IS THE ELECTION IMPORTANT?
It is a high-stakes vote not just for Nigeria but also for its West African neighbors in a politically unstable region stemming from an unusual high rate of military coups.
This is Nigeria’s seventh election since 1999, when it left military rule, making this the longest uninterrupted democratic period. But security and economic challenges are growing: Thousands have been killed by armed groups in the last year, while many have been pushed into poverty because of surging inflation and endemic corruption.
The front-runners — 70-year-old Tinubu from the ruling All Progressives Congress, 76-year-old Atiku from the main opposition People’s Democratic Party and 61-year-old Obi from the Labour Party — have forged their campaigns on promises to fix these problems.
“Nigeria needs to get it right this time, both in the presidential and governorship elections,” said Ayisha Osori, a director of the Open Society Initiative for West Africa. “It is a giant that has never been quite stable.” | https://www.wjhl.com/business/ap-business/ap-could-nigerias-cash-shortage-hurt-the-presidential-vote/ | 2023-02-24 00:44:07 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/business/ap-business/ap-could-nigerias-cash-shortage-hurt-the-presidential-vote/ |
AUSTIN, Texas — A hardline Christian activist and an evangelical church in North Texas are arguing that federal employment protections for LGBT workers don’t apply to bisexuals.
In a brief filed with the federal appeals court last week, their lawyers argued the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020 decision barring employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity does not apply to bisexuals — as long as bi men are being discriminated against “on equal terms” as bi women.
“An employer who discriminates on account of an employee or job applicant’s bisexual orientation (or conduct) cannot engage in ‘sex’ discrimination as defined,” the lawyers wrote, “because that employer would have taken the exact same action against an identically situated individual of the opposite biological sex.”
They filed the brief the day it was due, Sept. 21, midway through Bisexuality Awareness Week.
Bisexuals made up the majority, nearly 57%, of Americans who identified as LGBT in a recent Gallup poll. The percentage of Americans identifying as bisexual, or attracted to more than one gender, is highest among those born between the mid-to-late 1990s and the early 2010s; nearly one in six members of Generation Z who were surveyed identified as bisexual.
Former Texas solicitor general Jonathan Mitchell and Gene Hamilton, with the Trump-affiliated American First Legal, are representing the plaintiffs. Their clients are Braidwood Management, a business owned by anti-LGBT activist Steven Hotze, and Bear Creek Bible Church in Keller.
If they win, employers with a sincere religious belief would be carved out of the 2020 ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County that barred sex-based discrimination in the workplace.
Mitchell sued the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2018, arguing that employers with religious objections should be able to hire and fire employees based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. Last year, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor ruled largely in his favor.
But the judge sided with the federal government on two issues — so-called bisexual conduct and certain transgender health care procedures.
In their reply to that ruling with the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, Hamilton and Mitchell argue the Texas judge erred on these issues. The lawyers explained their reasoning like this: The Supreme Court’s decision said that an employer cannot treat two people differently solely based on their sex under federal employment discrimination rules known as Title VII.
This means, according to their argument, an employer cannot fire a gay man for being attracted to men if it would not also fire a woman for being attracted to men. But that same employer is in the clear if it discriminates equally against all bisexuals because it is not treating bi men and bi women differently, the lawyers argued.
“The text of Title VII prohibits sex discrimination only with respect to the sex of the affected employee or job applicant,” they wrote. “There is nothing in Title VII that prohibits employers from discriminating because of the ‘sex’ of an employee or job applicant’s sexual or romantic partners.”
Hamilton and Mitchell also argued that the Bostock ruling gave employers the green light to fire a transgender worker for getting hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgery as long as they would fire a worker of the opposite sex for the same behavior.
“An employer who refuses to employee [sic] biological men who have had breast implants or breast-augmentation surgery has not violated Title VII if he would equally refuse to employ women who obtain these treatments,” they wrote.
The key to determining whether sex discrimination has taken place is determining whether a worker of the opposite sex would be treated the same, the lawyers concluded, as Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in the majority opinion in Bostock.
“An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex,” Gorsuch wrote, not mentioning bisexual workers. “Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision, exactly what Title VII forbids.”
The government is appealing the Texas judge’s ruling that was unfavorable to it. In their brief to the appeals court, the government’s lawyers argue the Christian plaintiffs have no standing and said the Texas judge made a mistake protecting religious employers from workplace discrimination claims.
It also pushed back against the plaintiffs’ arguments about bisexual workers.
“The district court properly recognized that it is impossible to define bisexuality without reference to both the employee’s sex and the sex of the employee’s partners,” the government’s lawyers wrote. | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/bisexuals-not-covered-by-federal-employment-protections-texas-plaintiffs-argue/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all | 2022-09-27 17:30:31 | 1 | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/bisexuals-not-covered-by-federal-employment-protections-texas-plaintiffs-argue/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all |
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JACKSON, Miss (AP) — Officials in Mississippi's most populous county said they were weighing legal options after a federal judge seized control of a local jail that saw the deaths of seven detainees last year.
In a joint news release, the Hinds County Board of Supervisors and Sheriff Tyree Jones bristled at the appointment of a “receiver” to temporarily manage the Raymond Detention Center in Raymond.
“While we respect the Court’s decision, we are disappointed in it,” the officials said. “A receiver is an unelected official who is wholly unaccountable to the people of Hinds County.”
U.S. Southern District of Mississippi Judge Carlton Reeves on July 29 placed the jail into receivership, citing “severely deficient” conditions at the facility. Reeves said that problems with supervision and staffing led to “a stunning array of assaults, as well as deaths.” Seven people died last year while detained at the jail, he said.
Jones and the current board of supervisors said they inherited the facility's issues when they came into office. They also said previous boards had ignored the jail's needs.
The board said it has spent some $3.2 million renovating the facility and cited work underway to build a new jail in the county.
Reeves wrote in his decision that the facility’s staffing levels are “particularly egregious.” The board and Jones said current economic conditions are to blame for their staffing woes.
“The current Board has raised staff salaries twice, but staff numbers have continued to drop,” officials said in the news release. “Hinds County and the State of Mississippi are at record low unemployment numbers and virtually all employers, public and private, are having severe problems hiring sufficient staff.”
Reeves' ruling came after he agreed to scale back the county’s jail 2016 consent decree with the federal government to address “unconstitutional conditions” at Raymond and two other facilities that comprise the Hinds County jail system. The details governing the receivership will be decided by Reeves.
The county officials said they would decide how they would respond to the court’s decision in the upcoming days. | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Mississippi-county-responds-to-federal-seizure-of-17352951.php | 2022-08-05 00:57:16 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Mississippi-county-responds-to-federal-seizure-of-17352951.php |
Net Income of $1.7 Billion and Revenues of $47.8 Billion Exceed Previous Records
Strong Global Demand and Market Volatility Contributed to Increased Earnings
Company Intends to Return $1 Billion Cash to Owners in Fiscal Year 2023
ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CHS Inc., the nation's leading agribusiness cooperative, today reported net income of $1.7 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2022, compared to $554.0 million for fiscal year 2021.
Key financial drivers for fiscal year 2022 results include:
- Consolidated revenues of $47.8 billion for fiscal year 2022 compared to $38.4 billion for fiscal year 2021, a year-over-year increase of 24%.
- Refining margins in our Energy segment were higher and drove improved earnings due to the tightening global supply and demand landscape.
- The CHS global grain and processing and wholesale agronomy businesses within our Ag segment benefited from strong global demand and increased margins.
- Our equity method investments performed well, with increased CF Nitrogen earnings resulting from strong global demand for urea and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), coupled with decreased global supply.
"We appreciate the support of our member cooperatives and farmer-owners, which enabled us to deliver a substantial increase in earnings for the fiscal year, while also helping feed people around the world," said Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS Inc. "Additionally, our employees demonstrated their dedication to helping our owners and customers succeed in a turbulent year for agriculture. As a result of these collective efforts, CHS intends to return $1 billion in cash patronage and equity redemptions to our member cooperatives and farmer-owners in fiscal year 2023, reflecting the company's financial strength and demonstrating the value of cooperative ownership.
"We are proud of our role in the cooperative system. We will continue to make investments that strengthen rural America and help our farmer-owners and customers meet the growing demand for agricultural products. Our investments in infrastructure, supply chain capabilities, people and innovation are driving operational and efficiency gains throughout our expansive network," Debertin added. "Although economic uncertainty, logistical challenges and inflationary pressures remain, CHS is well-positioned to maximize value for our member cooperatives and farmer-owners."
Fiscal Year 2022 Business Segment Results
Fiscal year 2022 segment results are:
Energy
Pretax earnings of $616.6 million represent a $627.1 million increase versus the prior year and reflect:
- Higher refining margins and increased discounts on heavy Canadian crude oil processed by our refineries contributed to a significant increase in our refined fuels business income; these increases were partially offset by higher renewable energy credit costs and higher natural gas costs, as well as lower margins in our propane business.
Ag
Pretax earnings of $657.6 million represent a $359.5 million increase versus the prior year and reflect:
- Increased margins across all our Ag segment product categories, due to strong global market demand and global supply disruptions
- Continued favorable markets for oilseed processing, which were bolstered by robust meal and oil demand
- Increased revenues from feed and farm supplies, despite less favorable weather during spring planting and application season
Nitrogen Production
Pretax earnings of $478.0 million represent a $357.0 million increase versus the prior year and reflect:
- Increased earnings from our strategic investment in CF Nitrogen, primarily due to market conditions and strong demand for urea and UAN, factors that were partially offset by higher natural gas costs
Corporate and Other
Pretax earnings of $57.9 million represent a $48.9 million decrease versus the prior year and reflect:
- Lower earnings primarily from our Ventura Foods joint venture, which experienced less favorable market conditions for edible oils
CHS Inc. (www.chsinc.com) is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States. Diversified in energy, agronomy, grains and foods, CHS is committed to creating connections to empower agriculture, helping its farmer-owners, customers and other stakeholders grow their businesses through its domestic and global operations. CHS supplies energy, crop nutrients, seed, crop protection products, grain marketing services, production and agricultural services, animal nutrition products, foods and food ingredients, and risk management services. The company operates petroleum refineries and pipelines and manufactures, markets and distributes Cenex® brand refined fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products.
This document and other CHS Inc. publicly available documents contain, and CHS officers and representatives may from time to time make, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will" and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on CHS current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of its businesses, financial condition and results of operations, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of CHS control. CHS actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause CHS actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements are discussed or identified in CHS filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the "Risk Factors" discussion in Item 1A of CHS Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022. These factors may include: changes in commodity prices; the impact of government policies, mandates, regulations and trade agreements; global and regional political, economic, legal and other risks of doing business globally; the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine; the impact of inflation; the impact of epidemics, pandemics, outbreaks of disease and other adverse public health developments, including COVID-19; the impact of market acceptance of alternatives to refined petroleum products; consolidation among our suppliers and customers; nonperformance by contractual counterparties; changes in federal income tax laws or our tax status; the impact of compliance or noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations; the impact of any governmental investigations; the impact of environmental liabilities and litigation; actual or perceived quality, safety or health risks associated with our products; the impact of seasonality; the effectiveness of our risk management strategies; business interruptions, casualty losses and supply chain issues; the impact of workforce factors; our funding needs and financing sources; financial institutions' and other capital sources' policies concerning energy-related businesses; uncertainty regarding the transition away from LIBOR and the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative reference rate; technological improvements that decrease the demand for our agronomy and energy products; our ability to complete, integrate and benefit from acquisitions, strategic alliances, joint ventures, divestitures and other nonordinary course-of-business events; security breaches or other disruptions to our information technology systems or assets; the impact of our environmental, social and governance practices, including failures or delays in achieving our strategies or expectations related to climate change or other environmental matters; the impairment of long-lived assets; and other factors affecting our businesses generally. Any forward-looking statements made by CHS in this document are based only on information currently available to CHS and speak only as of the date on which the statement is made. CHS undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise except as required by applicable law.
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SOURCE CHS Inc. | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2022/11/02/chs-reports-strong-fiscal-year-2022-earnings/ | 2022-11-02 16:41:55 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2022/11/02/chs-reports-strong-fiscal-year-2022-earnings/ |
GRAVETTE -- David Henzie was sworn in as the new Gravette city clerk/treasurer on June 23 during the City Council meeting.
Henzie replaces Dani Madison who took the position May 26 but who has since moved outside the city limits and is no longer eligible.
Council members voted unanimously to approve Henzie, who had written a letter expressing interest in the job. He was sworn in by Mayor Kurt Maddox and took his position at the council table.
Henzie is a California native who moved to Hong Kong after college. He married while there, had four children and taught English and art. After living in Hong Kong for 17 years, he and his wife moved to Bella Vista, where his parents lived. Finding no teaching jobs in his field, he bought a property in Gravette and has lived there for a year and a half. He and his wife have operated Henzie's Art Studio for more than three years, and three of their daughters have attended Gravette schools for four years.
At the meeting, council members voted to approve the large-scale development plan for a new Dollar General store to be built in the 1000 block of First Avenue S.E. The 10,640-square-foot building will be very similar to the one built in Hiwasse, according to company officials.
In other business, members voted to approve a tract split for a property at 13483 Jenkins Corner Road owned by Kenneth and Connie Fariss. The Planning Commission had not recommended the split because of questions about the septic system on the property. The owners requested an appeal and provided a letter showing an inspection revealed a functioning septic system in good working order.
Another tract split was approved for a parcel of land owned by Gerry Cradduck at 16194 Smith Road.
Ordinances were passed rezoning 1.84 acres at 509 First Ave. S.W. and .24 acre at 409 First Ave. S.W., both owned by the Mitchael Family Trust, from residential to highway commercial. A third ordinance was approved rezoning 2.04 acres off Arkansas 279, owned by Kyle and Sam Evans, from residential to highway commercial.
Four bids were submitted for reroofing the Civic Center, from CRS (Complete Roofing & Restoration Services), Franklin & Son Roofing, Holland Roofing and State Roofing. Council members voted to accept the low bid of $38,000 from Holland Roofing of Sulphur Springs.
Council members voted to approve the reappointment of Derek Estep and Bill Mattler to the Planning Commission and the appointment of Frankie Stephens to the library advisory board.
Council members passed a resolution affirming the city's commitment to life and designating Gravette as a pro-life city. The only dissenting vote came from Jeff Davis, who had expressed the view at the June Committee of the Whole meeting that such matters were personal issues and should not be a matter of concern to the city.
Two other resolutions were passed, one declaring as surplus a 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 truck and another approving an adjustment to the 2022 budget. | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2022/jul/01/henzie-sworn-in-as-clerktreasurer-in-gravette/ | 2022-07-01 06:20:28 | 0 | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2022/jul/01/henzie-sworn-in-as-clerktreasurer-in-gravette/ |
When burglars tried to break into Jordan Taylor’s home in West Baltimore in November 2019, the beloved youth sports director at the Y in Catonsville thrust his weight against the door to try to stop them.
Determined to get into the residence, armed assailants began shooting into the door of Taylor’s residence, striking him several times.
His wife, Twila, called 911 while the violent break-in was happening. Over her cries and pleas, assailants could be heard yelling demands.
“Where the f------ safe at? Come on! Where the safe at?” a man could be heard yelling, according to a recording of the call played at the trial of one of the alleged intruders. “I’ll blow your f------ brains out — where’s the safe at?”
The couple didn’t have a safe, Assistant State’s Attorney Elizabeth Stock said Monday during closing arguments in the trial of Kahlil Madden, who is charged with murder, conspiracy and several other offenses. “The only thing taken on Nov. 5, 2019 was the life of Jordan Taylor.”
After the intruders fled, Twila Taylor applied pressure to her husband’s wounds. Officers arrived around 9:45 p.m. and medics took Taylor to the hospital, but the 31-year-old died early the next morning.
There was little in the way of physical evidence at the home to help investigators. Twila Taylor had seen three intruders, two of them masked, but none of the assailants left fingerprints or DNA.
The ensuing investigation by Baltimore Police, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives spanned more than a year, seizing on circumstantial evidence to charge Madden and three others.
Aaron Butler, 50, pleaded guilty to first-degree felony murder last week in the case. He faces life in prison at sentencing Sept. 7, where his attorney, Andrea Jaskulsky, said there will be several “mitigating factors for him.”
“He’s a 50-year-old man who was working full time who has a wonderful supportive family who thought this through and just wanted to proceed the way that he chose to,” Jaskulsky said.
Donta Holdclaw died awaiting trial, and prosecutors in March 2021 dropped the charges against Elease Frazier because of “insufficient evidence,” a spokesperson for the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office said.
The trial for Madden, 29, began in earnest last Tuesday. The jury started deliberating around 11:30 a.m. Monday.
“Mr. Madden has proclaimed his innocence from the beginning and continues to today,” his attorney, Staci Pipkin, said in closing arguments.
Twila Taylor, who testified twice at Madden’s trial, remembered an SUV leaving the parking lot outside their residence in the Gwynnbrook Townhomes community after the break-in that left her husband dead.
Investigators scoured for security cameras and came across footage from the townhome community showing a blue Honda CR-V speeding away from the scene. They re-traced the SUV’s likely exit and found speed cameras that showed a clearer image of the car: It had a sunroof, a Chesapeake Bay license plate and the front right wheel was either missing a hubcap or had a spare tire on.
Police queried law-enforcement databases for a vehicle that matched the description and got a hit on a vehicle stolen during a burglary about two months before the fatal shooting, according to court documents. Investigators also learned that Madden pawned an iPhone taken during the September burglary.
After taking the car from a parking lot in Baltimore County, police searched it. Crime lab technicians processed the Honda for DNA, with swabs from the steering wheel, gear shift, the tire iron and jack. Each of those items produced a mixture of genetic matter with at least three contributors. Madden was one.
Madden jumped from a window when police knocked at his door in December 2019. Officers arrested him for the September burglary, and confiscated his cellphone, which proved to be a break in the homicide case.
Records analyzed by the FBI showed Madden’s phone was either dead, turned off or in airplane mode at the time of the homicide. But he had communicated with a phone number six times before and after the fatal break-in. Butler was on federal probation at the time of the homicide and his probation agent confirmed he used the number Madden had been in contact with.
Butler’s and Holdclaw’s cellphones pinged off towers close to the Taylors’ residence around the time of the killing, an FBI analysis of their phone data found.
Those records show Madden’s phone came back around several hours after the shooting. Around 1 a.m. the next morning, he sent several Facebook messages to Frazier, who he’d gotten Butler’s phone number from weeks earlier.
“By the way, I put um, the sandwich inside your uh, grey tote with the mannequin on it,” he said to Frazier, before clarifying, “my bad, your grey suitcase with the little wig thing on it.”
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Stock said in closing arguments she believed Madden was talking about a gun.
But police never found a gun, and Pipkin cited Stock’s statement as an example of the type of “big jump” jurors would have to make to find her client guilty.
“Coincidences are not facts,” Pipkin said. “Coincidences are not proof beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Three days after Jordan was gunned down, Madden sent a woman a screenshot of a post on the MurderInk Instagram account referencing the fatal break-in. He made several other comments that could’ve been interpreted to his admitting involvement in the crime, according to Stock.
Police in Georgia arrested Madden in 2021 on drunk and disorderly charges, but held him on an arrest warrant from Maryland. Homicide detectives in Baltimore traveled south to talk to him.
In that interview, he claimed not to have known Butler. But Stock displayed phone records showing numerous contacts between their phone numbers in the weeks leading up to Taylor’s killing.
“Are their holes? Yes,” Stock said of the investigation. “But when there are a few pieces missing from a 1,000-piece puzzle, you can still see the whole picture.” | https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-ci-cr-kahlil-madden-murder-trial-jordan-taylor-killing-20230417-tg3gjvko75hgrhbjgksbg4s5l4-story.html | 2023-04-17 21:07:06 | 1 | https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-ci-cr-kahlil-madden-murder-trial-jordan-taylor-killing-20230417-tg3gjvko75hgrhbjgksbg4s5l4-story.html |
Doug Ford, the provincial premier, was talking with reporters when he swallowed the bee. He promised to go straight to the hospital, and predicted that the incident would be funny later.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Doug Ford, the provincial premier, was talking with reporters when he swallowed the bee. He promised to go straight to the hospital, and predicted that the incident would be funny later.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.wvpublic.org/2022-08-15/in-canada-the-leader-of-ontario-inadvertently-swallows-a-bee | 2022-08-15 11:38:54 | 0 | https://www.wvpublic.org/2022-08-15/in-canada-the-leader-of-ontario-inadvertently-swallows-a-bee |
(The Hill) — Just over a month after collapsing during an NFL game in Cincinnati, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is now publicly reflecting on his “remarkable” recovery from the cardiac arrest he suffered after making a tackle in early January.
Hamlin, 24, said he was grateful to be able to “live normally” and come out of the situation “without a scratch on me.”
“I’m doing great,” Hamlin said when asked about how he was physically on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” “Every morning, every night, I take 10 deep breaths to myself and it puts everything in perspective for me.”
Hamlin’s interview comes after what doctors said was a “remarkable” recovery from the cardiac arrest he suffered after making a tackle midway through the first quarter of the Buffalo Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game earlier this year.
An assistant athletic trainer for the Bills, Denny Kellington, administered CPR to Hamlin right away. Hamlin said he owes Kellington his life.
“That night, he was literally the savior of my life,” Hamlin said. “That’s something I’m truly thankful for and I don’t take for granted.”
After collapsing, Hamlin was taken to a hospital in Cincinnati, where he spent a number of days in the intensive care unit on a ventilator. He was able to communicate with family and teammates four days after the cardiac arrest.
Hamlin said he remembers the preparation leading up to the game against the Bengals, which was a crucial match-up for both teams ahead of the playoffs. But when asked what he remembers about the moments before he collapsed, Hamlin said it wasn’t something he wanted to get into.
“It’s something I don’t really want to get too deep into the details of,” Hamlin said after a long pause.
He admitted that while physically he felt great in the aftermath of the injury, he was still “working through” the emotional impact.
“I’m still working through things,” Hamlin said. “I’m still trying to process all the emotions and the trauma that comes from dealing with a situation like that.”
Hamlin has used the incident to launch a campaign with the American Heart Association to try and get 3 million people to sign up to learn CPR.
Hamlin said he hopes to get back to playing football “eventually,” but said it was something he was putting in God’s hands. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/damar-hamlin-says-he-is-doing-great-but-emotional-recovery-will-take-time/ | 2023-02-13 17:23:36 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/damar-hamlin-says-he-is-doing-great-but-emotional-recovery-will-take-time/ |
CHICAGO (WGN) — One person is dead from a multi-state listeria outbreak tied to deli meats and cheeses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC says the outbreak has infected at least 16 people across six states – California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York – hospitalizing at least 13. The outbreak is believed to have impacted more people and states than confirmed, officials explain, because some people recover without needing medical care or being tested for listeria.
Samples were collected from the ill individuals between April 2021 and September 2022. They range in age from 38 to 92 years old.
“One person got sick during their pregnancy, resulting in pregnancy loss,” the CDC writes. “Additionally, one death has been reported from Maryland.”
Investigators have linked the cases in this outbreak to meat and cheese from deli counters, which have been found to be contaminated with listeria. They haven’t yet identified any specific products or delis that may be contaminated with the outbreak strain, the CDC explains.
Eleven patients reported eating meat or cheese from a deli counter when interviewed.
Five individuals from New York reported buying sliced deli meat or cheese from at least one location of NetCost Market, a grocery store chain known for selling international foods. Last year, local health officials found the outbreak strain on samples from one of the chain’s delis in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Investigators believe NetCost Market delis aren’t the only source of illnesses.
No recalls have been issued as part of this outbreak.
Listeria, which can be caused by ingesting contaminated deli meats, soft cheeses and raw sprouts (among other contaminated items) can produce flu-like symptoms and confusion. Pregnant people, newborns and the elderly are at the highest risk of complications or death, according to the CDC.
Individuals who are pregnant, 65 years or older, or have a weakened immune system, are at the highest risk of becoming severely ill from listeria.
Even if you are not among those groups, there are still steps you can take to protect yourself, like reheating deli meats and cheeses to 165 degrees and cleaning your refrigerator, containers, and surfaces that may have touched those foods.
Symptoms of listeria illness include fatigue, fever, neck stiffness, or muscle aches.
The CDC is still investigating a listeria outbreak linked to select brie and camembert cheeses impacting six states.
WJBF’s Joey Gill contributed to this report. | https://www.kark.com/news/national-news/cdc-investigating-listeria-outbreak-linked-to-one-death-hospitalizations-in-six-states/ | 2022-11-10 00:22:46 | 0 | https://www.kark.com/news/national-news/cdc-investigating-listeria-outbreak-linked-to-one-death-hospitalizations-in-six-states/ |
BERLIN -- A huge aquarium in Berlin burst Friday, causing glass, water and hundreds of tropical fish to spill out of the Sea Life tourist attraction in the heart of the German capital.
A wave of debris swept out of the building, which also contains a hotel, cafes and a chocolate store, as 1 million liters (264,000 gallons) of water poured from the aquarium shortly before 6 a.m. (0500GMT), police said.
Berlin's fire service said two people were slightly injured. Rescue dogs were searching the building for anyone who might be trapped under debris, they said.
The operators of Sea Life say the 25 meters tall (82 feet tall) AquaDom was the biggest cylindrical tank in the world and held more than a thousand tropical fish before the incident. Among the 80 types of fish it housed were blue tang and clownfish, the species known from the popular animated movie "Finding Nemo."
"We have not yet been able to walk the first floor completely, which is probably where these fish will be," fire service spokesman Adrian Wentzel said. "But the thing is that the water has completely leaked out and these about 1,400 fish that were in this aquarium could not be saved either."
There was speculation freezing temperatures that got down to minus 10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) overnight caused a crack in the tank, which then exploded under the weight of the water. Police said there was no evidence the incident resulted from an attack.
About 300 guests and employees had to be evacuated from the hotel surrounding the aquarium, police said.
Sandra Weeser, a German lawmaker who was staying in the hotel, said she was awoken up by a large bang and thought there might have been an earthquake.
"There are shards (of glass) everywhere. The furniture, everything has been flooded with water," she said. "It looks a bit like a war zone."
The aquarium, which was last modernized in 2020, is a major tourist magnet in Berlin. The 10-minute elevator ride through the tropical tank was one of the highlights of the attraction. | https://abc11.com/berlin-aquarium-explodes-news-fish-bursts/12578162/ | 2022-12-16 11:24:30 | 0 | https://abc11.com/berlin-aquarium-explodes-news-fish-bursts/12578162/ |
US to dock nuclear submarines in South Korea for first time in decades
Presidents Joe Biden and Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday will sign an agreement that includes plans to have U.S. nuclear-armed submarines dock in South Korea for the first time in more than 40 years, a conspicuous show of support to Seoul amid growing concern about nuclear threats by North Korea, according to senior Biden administration officials.
The planned dock visits are a key element of what's being dubbed the "Washington Declaration," aimed at deterring North Korea from carrying out an attack on its neighbor. It is being unveiled as Biden is hosting Yoon for a state visit during a moment of heightened anxiety for both leaders over an increased pace of ballistic missile tests by North Korea over the last several months.
The three senior Biden administration officials, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity ahead of the official announcement, said that Biden and Yoon aides have been working on details of the plan for months and agreed that "occasional" and "very clear demonstrations of the strength" of U.S. extended deterrence capabilities needed to be an essential aspect of the agreement.
The agreement seeks to allay South Korean fears over the North's aggressive nuclear weapons program and to ward off the country from restarting its own nuclear program, which it gave up nearly 50 years ago when it signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The U.S. and South Korea also would coordinate more deeply on nuclear response strategy in the event of the North attacking the South — but operational control of such weapons would remain in U.S. control, and no nuclear weapons are being deployed onto South Korean shores.
The agreement also calls for the U.S. and South Korean militaries to strengthen joint training and better integrate South Korean military assets into the joint strategic deterrence effort. As part of the declaration, South Korea will reaffirm its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, an agreement signed by several major nuclear and non-nuclear powers that pledged their cooperation to stem the spread of nuclear technology, the officials said.
As a candidate for the presidency last year, Yoon said he would call for the increased deployment of U.S. bombers, aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines to South Korea as he looked to offer a firmer response to the North's threats than his predecessor Moon Jae-in.
In the midst of the Cold War in the late 1970s, U.S. nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines made frequent port visits to South Korea, sometimes two to three visits per month, according to the Federation of American Scientists. It was a period when the U.S. had hundreds of nuclear warheads located in South Korea.
But in 1991, the United States withdrew all of its nuclear weapons from the Korean Peninsula, and the following year Seoul and Pyongyang signed a joint declaration pledging that neither would "test, manufacture, produce, receive, possess, store, deploy or use nuclear weapons." But as the North has repeatedly violated the joint declaration over the years, there's been increased support in South Korea for the United States to return nuclear weapons to the country.
One Biden administration official cautioned it is "crystal clear" that there are no plans by the administration for "returning tactical or any other kind of nuclear weapon to the Korean Peninsula." Instead, administration officials said they envision that the visit of ballistic missile submarines will be followed by the U.S. military more regularly deploying assets such as bombers or aircraft carriers to South Korea.
RELATED: North Korea says it tested new solid-fuel long-range missile for first time
North Korea’s increasing nuclear threats, along with concerns about China’s military and economic assertiveness in the region, have pushed the Biden administration to expand its Asian alliance. To that end, Biden has thrown plenty of attention at Yoon as well as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Next week, Biden will host Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for Oval Office talks.
In the past year, North Korea has been steadily expanding its nuclear arsenal, while China and Russia repeatedly block U.S.-led efforts to toughen sanctions on the North over its barrage of banned missile tests.
The stepped-up testing by North Korea includes the flight-testing of a solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time earlier this month. The recent test is seen as a possible breakthrough in the North’s efforts to acquire a more powerful, harder-to-detect weapon targeting the continental United States.
Besides nuclear deterrence, Biden and Yoon, and their aides, also are expected to discuss Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. The Biden administration has praised South Korea for sending some $230 million in humanitarian aid to Kyiv, but Biden would welcome Seoul taking an even bigger role in helping the Ukrainians repel Russia.
RELATED: Biden officially launches 2024 presidential campaign
Yoon's visit comes just weeks after the leaks of scores of highly classified documents that have complicated relations with allies, including South Korea. The papers viewed by The Associated Press indicate that South Korea’s National Security Council "grappled" with the U.S. in early March over an American request to provide artillery ammunition to Ukraine.
The documents, which cited a signals intelligence report, said then-NSC Director Kim Sung-han suggested the possibility of selling the 330,000 rounds of 155 mm munitions to Poland, since getting the ammunition to Ukraine quickly was the United States’ ultimate goal.
One Biden administration official said that Biden planned to talk to Yoon about "what it means for all like-minded allies to continue to support Ukraine" and ask the South Korean leader "what the future of their support might look like."
Besides their talks on Wednesday, Biden and Yoon are scheduled to host a joint news conference. In the evening, Biden and first lady Jill Biden will honor Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, for a state dinner at the White House. | https://www.fox5ny.com/news/us-to-dock-nuclear-submarines-in-south-korea-for-first-time-in-decades | 2023-04-26 15:28:19 | 1 | https://www.fox5ny.com/news/us-to-dock-nuclear-submarines-in-south-korea-for-first-time-in-decades |
AI Coder creates a theme-based codebook and codes responses automatically to improve coding productivity
CINCINNATI, Sept. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascribe announces a new release of AI Coder which creates a theme-based codebook and codes the verbatim responses automatically. AI Coder enables responses to be coded and a summary delivered within an hour, lowering costs and time to completion.
Open-end, text-based comments are some of the most valuable data collected to understand consumer thoughts and behavior yet tabulating them to provide quantitative insights is time consuming and labor intensive. Finding ways to automate verbatim coding while allowing coders to maintain control of the results is at the heart of Coder innovation. AI Coder, a feature within Ascribe's Coder verbatim management system, identifies the top codes with one click and even connects codes to segments. Coders can easily edit the codebook and create nets, as well as leverage other Coder features.
"Our customers are constantly asking us to help improve the productivity of their coding operations. Ascribe's new AI Coder is the closest we have come to fully automated verbatim coding, and I believe this innovation will be a game-changer in the industry," says Rick Kieser, Ascribe CEO. "AI Coder delivers incredible results, and our coding partners are excited about its potential."
In a Product Concept Study test vs manual coding with Coder, AI Coder delivered 95% accuracy in 30% of the time, with 70% labor saving. Coding Experts partner Sandi says, "I am really excited about AI Coder. The new version is a significant step forward. It is very smart and sophisticated. I love that it not only can pick out segments to build codes but it also can build nets as well. It is going to be very helpful when we have large studies." Contact Ascribe to learn more.
Founded in 1999, Ascribe's leading verbatim analytics solutions and services help the world's largest market research firms, corporate researchers and customer experience professionals structure open-ended comments for analysis. Ascribe's comprehensive and flexible SaaS-based technologies enable accurate and fast analysis of verbatim comments regardless of channel or language.
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SOURCE Ascribe | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/20/ascribe-launches-new-release-ai-coder/ | 2022-09-20 17:36:11 | 1 | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/20/ascribe-launches-new-release-ai-coder/ |
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The 2023 NBA Finals will kick off its first recreation on Thursday because the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat face every different. The Heat, who received all 3 earlier sequence openers this postseason, come off a 4-3 sequence win over the Boston Celtics. The Nuggets, recent from a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers, have opened with wins in recreation 1 in every in their playoff sequence. Denver has received 9 out of the 10 earlier conferences with Miami, with a 4-1 report at house. The fit shall be held at Ball Arena at 8:30 p.m.Eastern Time.
During the playoffs, Denver is connecting on 49% of its box objectives, the second-best within the league whilst Miami hits on 47.2%, which is fifth-best. Miami enters the sport because the underdog, with Denver a 9-point favourite, and the over/below for general issues scored is 218.5. Before making any choices, seek the advice of Larry Hartstein’s SportsLine predictions. Hartstein, a SportsLine NBA expert, has an infinite community of Vegas assets mixed with an analytical manner. Over the previous 97 Denver fits, he’s 57-37-3 in opposition to the unfold, returning $1,635 for $100 gamers.
With regard to the group strengths, Denver’s offense has been productive with extra gamers but even so its two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Power ahead Aaron Gordon had an excellent 22-point, six-rebound, and five-assist effort in Game 4 in opposition to the Lakers. Shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is any other important a part of Denver’s offense, particularly after scoring double-figure issues in 3 of 4 video games in opposition to the Lakers and averaging 11.7 issues, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 15 playoff video games.
Meanwhile, Miami has advanced a ahead tandem with small ahead Caleb Martin, who had back-to-back double-doubles and averaged 14.1 issues, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists throughout 18 postseason video games. Point guard Gabe Vincent scored double-digits in every of the previous 4 video games and has 13.1 issues, 3.9 assists and 1.7 rebounds in 17 postseason video games.
According to Hartstein, the sport would possibly finally end up with an below on the purpose general, and he has recognized a a very powerful X-factor that bettors will have to imagine. Whoever wins, it guarantees to be an engrossing recreation between two of the most productive groups within the league. | https://blackchronicle.com/nuggets-vs-heat-odds-prediction-time-2023-nba-finals-game-1-picks-bets-by-denver-expert-on-57-37-roll/ | 2023-06-02 00:53:33 | 0 | https://blackchronicle.com/nuggets-vs-heat-odds-prediction-time-2023-nba-finals-game-1-picks-bets-by-denver-expert-on-57-37-roll/ |
LOS ANGELES, May 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading hair wellness brand, VEGAMOUR, announces strategic partnership with celebrity and wellness enthusiast Nicole Kidman that sees her join the company as both an investor and brand advocate. This unique partnership is the first step in the company's global expansion plans, launching nationally into more than 400 Sephora doors in May, with plans to extend to UK, Europe, China and Australia later this year.
For Kidman, much of VEGAMOUR's appeal lay in the company's focus on formulating its entire line from organically-grown, wild-harvested ingredients, proven to establish a healthy hair and scalp ecosystem. Combined with their comprehensive approach to wellness, she felt it was a perfect alignment. "It wasn't about being the face of the brand or selling products, but being an advocate for a holistically-minded lifestyle that prioritizes self-care." Kidman says.
When it comes to iconic hair, Nicole Kidman's curls rank among the most unforgettable looks in Hollywood history. But over the years, the Academy Award-winner's tight-knit ringlets have withstood significant changes, an outcome she traces back to a number of factors: 15-hour workdays and 4 a.m. call times, harsh effects of constant travel and an active outdoor lifestyle, and — most of all — the near-endless straightening, coloring, and assorted other treatments she undergoes with each new role.
After years of having no control over the products used on set, she began closely studying ingredients and seeking an alternative to those toxic chemicals. In search of a clean and sustainable way to revive her curls, Kidman found a powerful solution in VEGAMOUR's personalized and plant-based approach to hair wellness — a breakthrough that inspired her to partner with the brand and join in their mission to make a truly positive impact on the planet.
Within weeks of trying VEGAMOUR's premium line of vegan, cruelty-free products, Kidman found her hair undeniably transformed: thicker, fuller, and noticeably less frizzy. She soon began recommending VEGAMOUR to friends struggling with their own hair troubles, and also sparked a conversation with CEO Dan Hodgdon regarding their shared belief in taking a holistic approach to all forms of wellness.
The two also connected over the company's deeply ingrained environmental and social values, including a commitment to protecting biodiversity and sourcing ingredients through fair-trade partnerships with women-owned SMEs in disenfranchised communities throughout southern Africa and the world. "Once I learned about where they source ingredients and how they are supporting those communities through ethical harvesting, I knew that I wanted to support that mission" says Kidman.
Likewise, Hodgdon immediately felt a certain kinship in their core principles. "We hadn't set out looking for a partner, but once I met Nicole it just made sense. We're aligned across the board, from the importance of a natural, holistic approach to optimal hair wellness, to our focus on sustainability, biodiversity, social impact, and product efficacy."
As Kidman reveals, her personal experience with VEGAMOUR has led to a new awareness of her own power to preserve the natural curl pattern she now cherishes. "When I was younger, I didn't pay enough attention to my hair, especially considering the demands of my career," she says. "I've realized that our hair deserves as much attention and care as we give to the rest of our bodies."
To that end, Kidman has embraced a more holistic mindset in tending to her hair, infusing her everyday routine with wellness practices designed to nourish hair from the inside out. "My perception of self-care has expanded," says Kidman, who lists the GRO Revitalizing Shampoo, Conditioner, and Hair Serum among her favorites in the VEGAMOUR range. "I am in tune with my hair, and all of the important elements of myself that impact my hair health."
As she progresses in her partnership with VEGAMOUR, Kidman hopes to empower others to take charge of their self-care and hair health. "I'd like to use my personal story and the daily challenges of my professional life to educate, inspire, and help people live their healthiest and happiest life — of which hair wellness plays an integral part."
Beyond the brand's partnership with Kidman, VEGAMOUR is one of the fastest rising new brands at Sephora, thanks to their holistic, clean, high-performance approach. "Over the last two years, we have increasingly seen hair health become a top priority for our clients – with consumers searching for hair care solutions significantly more than years past", says Artemis Patrick, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Merchandising Officer at Sephora. "Vegamour has been a great partner for us, providing a wide assortment of products that prevent and treat hair and scalp concerns. We are elated to continue to partner with Vegamour to expand this category."
Internationally, the brand is rapidly planning to scale, with a UK launch slated for June, followed closely by the EU, China, Australia and UAE. June sees a groundbreaking new category launch for the brand, followed by an expansion into hair maintenance and clean styling categories in late 2022 and 2023.
VEGAMOUR takes a holistic approach to hair wellness that incorporates powerful phyto-actives that work in tandem to address both the symptoms and underlying causes of visible hair damage, thinning and loss. Our inside out approach takes into consideration the health of the entire follicular ecosystem and works to promote a healthy environment for hair to thrive, naturally.
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SOURCE Vegamour | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/31/vegamour-announces-nicole-kidman-hair-wellness-advocate-brand-investor/ | 2022-05-31 17:40:55 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/31/vegamour-announces-nicole-kidman-hair-wellness-advocate-brand-investor/ |
TITUSVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A third candidate for public office has come to forward to say a sheriff on Florida’s Space Coast offered help in getting a job in exchange for leaving a race and backing his favored candidate.
Kimberly Musselman, an assistant state attorney in Brevard County, told Florida Today she was asked by Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey to bow out of her race for county judge and endorse a candidate backed by him. In exchange, the sheriff said he could use his influence to help her become the district’s top prosecutor, she said.
After she refused, Ivey urged some of her biggest donors to drop their support, Musselman told Florida Today.
“My donors dried up real quick,” Musselman said.
In response to an inquiry Wednesday, Tod Goodyear, a spokesperson for the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, said in an email, “We are not commenting at this time.”
Two other candidates for public office have made similar allegations to Florida Today.
Cocoa Beach police officer Chris Hattaway said the Republican sheriff asked him to step aside for former state Rep. Tom Goodson, another candidate in a county commission race. Shawn Overdorf, a former school resource officer, told a similar story about his race for school board. In exchange, both candidates were offered jobs in Goodson’s office if he won, Florida Today reported.
When contacted by Florida Today, Goodson denied involvement with any efforts to pressure candidates out of the election and said he had not spoken with Ivey about hiring anyone.
Ivey has gained national attention in recent years due to his weekly “ Wheel of Fugitive ” videos which feature the sheriff spinning a wheel with photos of 10 of the county’s most wanted.
“Everybody watches it. Even the fugitives watch it” to see who becomes “fugitive of the week,” said Ivey, who was elected sheriff in 2012. | https://pix11.com/news/ap-general/sheriff-accused-of-pressuring-candidates-to-drop-races/ | 2022-08-11 13:54:02 | 1 | https://pix11.com/news/ap-general/sheriff-accused-of-pressuring-candidates-to-drop-races/ |
(iSeeCars) – In the market for a used car? With used car prices at record highs, it’s more important than ever before to be confident in your used car purchase. Used vehicles can be diamonds in the rough, nightmares on wheels, or something in between. Knowing what to look for when buying a used car can go a long way toward understanding a car’s condition, and help you make a smart purchase decision.
Whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private party, here’s our comprehensive guide on what you should look for the next time you’re shopping for a used car.
Look for Accident Damage
We get it – everybody gets in a fender-bender now and then. But that doesn’t mean you want a previous owner’s poorly repaired car that previously doubled as a battering ram. Luckily, there are a few telltale signs of accident repair that can be easy to spot if you know what to look for.
The quality of the paint job is the first thing to inspect and is usually the easiest way to determine whether a car has been in some sort of collision. Look first to see if the coloring on one body panel is different in shading or tone than the rest of the car. If a fender looks lighter or darker than the rest of the car, there are very good odds it was repainted at some point or another.
Panel gaps can also be suggestive of accident repair. The average auto body shop likely won’t reassemble a damaged car to the exacting standards of the factory. This can be for a number of reasons: ill-fitting aftermarket parts, employee skill levels and time constraints, or structural ripple effects from the accident. But the end result will be the same: non-uniform panel gaps.
Look particularly close at the four corners of the car as well as the front and rear fascias – all common places for an accident to occur. Run your hand along the small gaps between the panels. Does it widen or narrow considerably? Is there anywhere you can stick your finger between two body panels? Do panels improperly align when they come to a junction?
Any suspicions of prior accident damage can often be confirmed by getting a vehicle history report. These comprehensive reports use the vehicle identification number (commonly referred to as the VIN) and should disclose any incidents that would have triggered insurance involvement. CARFAX is the best known purveyor of vehicle reports, but there’s plenty of other options as well such as Autocheck. You can learn about the differences between Autocheck Vs. CARFAX with our handy guide.
So how do you obtain a vehicle history report? Used car listings on iSeeCars.com include a free VIN check, which often links to a free CARFAX or Autocheck report when provided by the dealer. The VIN check will also provide you with important information about the car to complement the CARFAX report, such as listing history, pricing analysis, and projected depreciation.
Ask for Service Records
Along with a vehicle history report, ask about service records as well. Many fastidious owners keep receipts of all the maintenance records for services they may have performed on the car. This is the best way to ascertain what sort of mechanical condition the car is in.
Some service history may be found on a vehicle history report, but these reports typically only include work that was performed by a dealership and not by an independent mechanic.
Inspect the Tires
After you’ve taken a good look at the paint job and body, inspect the tires. You ideally want to see four matching tires. If it’s wearing multiple different kinds of tires, the different tread designs and asynchronous treadwear mean handling will be compromised, as will inclement-weather performance. A car drives best when equipped with one type of tire all the way around.
Another thing to look out for with tires is tread depth. Tires wear out as you drive on them. As they wear, the tread recedes. Keep running them long enough and you’ll eventually get bald tires – the term for tires that have no tread left. And when there’s no tread, there’s nothing gripping the road, which can be a severe safety hazard. Be sure to inspect the tires for good tread depth.
Evaluate the Interior
Inside, evaluate the interior. Inspect stitching, door pulls, and the lower plastics on the doors for scuffs, looseness, and general wear. Take a look at the upholstery for excessive cracks and tears. Make sure all the electrical features work – mirrors, windows, reading lamps, and whatever other gadgets the car might be equipped with. Run the air conditioning and make sure it’s cold, and do the same with the heat to verify it’s warm.
Remember that some wear is guaranteed; unless you’ve stumbled on a used car worthy to be a museum specimen, expect to find imperfections. But there’s no need to buy a car that shows signs of excessive wear and tear when there are plenty of other options out there. Find a car that looks like it was treated in the same manner that you intend to treat it.
Beware of Water Damage
Water damaged cars from a flood or even as a result of leaving windows or the sunroof open can pose a significant safety risk because water corrodes mechanical parts and can hinder important safety features like airbags and antilock brakes. While water damage may not be immediately obvious during a visual inspection, there are telltale signs if you know what to look for.
Along with a visual interior inspection, you should also perform an inspection with your nose. If the inside smells moist or like mildew, it could mean that there is water damage or leaks. Also beware of excessive car deodorizer, which can be an attempt to mask the smell.
Another indicator is new interior fabric or upholstery that is in far better condition than the rest of the vehicle. If the interior was replaced, the chances are good that water damage may have been the culprit. Be sure to pull back carpeting and look under floor mats for signs of staining.
Lastly, inspect vehicle lights to see if there are any visible water lines or if they appear foggy.
Check for Rust
Rust under the car can be another indicator of water damage, but it can also appear if a car was regularly exposed to harsh weather. Rust can be a sign of serious bodywork issues down the line. Rust negatively impacts the price of the car and most often appears around the wheel wells, at fastening points (wherever screws or bolts go through the panels), and underneath the vehicle at frame mounting points and around fasteners and connection points on the chassis.
Visually inspect for rust as best you can.
A professional mechanic should look more closely if the car passes your initial inspection. On a car’s body, rust is repairable but can be expensive if you aren’t a do-it-yourself bodywork expert. Rust on the working parts of an automobile can be a sign of serious issues coming soon, and it’s a good reason to pass on the vehicle’s purchase.
Delve Under the Hood
It might not be so important when buying a new car, but when you’re shopping for a used car it’s critical you pop the hood and take a look at the engine. Even if you don’t know an air filter from an air balloon, there are some universal red flags to keep an eye out for – and if you can spot them you’ll be saving yourself from unwanted expense and heartache.
The easiest place to start is with the fluid levels in all the reservoirs. When you’re poking around the engine bay you’ll see power steering fluid, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant. It’s no big deal if the wiper fluid is looking low, but all the others should read between the designated full/add marks clearly labeled on each reservoir, or on the dipstick in the case of engine oil.
Like the oil, the transmission fluid has its own dipstick (on automatic transmission models). Trans fluid can vary in color, but it’s usually red or green. It should be clean and at the correct level, according to the dipstick marks. More importantly, it should not smell burnt or metallic. Transmission fluid with questionable quality (dirty, of mixed color) or smelling burnt is reason to believe that expensive transmission problems are coming. The transmission dipstick is located under the hood in the engine compartment. It’s typically clearly marked with a transmission symbol or with a specific color.
It’s rare when power steering or brake fluid is low or dry, but coolant is a bit more fickle. Coolant keeps the engine operating at the right temperature. Some cars have been known to have coolant issues if the head gasket – an important bit of rubber that ensures a snug fit between the engine block and the cylinder head – begins to deteriorate. This is a common malady in old Subarus, for instance. If you don’t want a potential four-figure repair bill be sure to inspect the coolant. When the engine is cool, you can remove the cap and look at the fluid in the radiator. Vehicles equipped with an overflow can have that fluid inspected as well, but nothing beats looking at the fluid that’s actually circulating in the car. It should be a uniform color that’s clean and oil-free. Dirty coolant is not a reason to walk away from a purchase, but coolant that’s contaminated could indicate other problems, which can be worrisome.
It’s also important to inspect the condition of the coolant, not just how much is in the tank. Unlike the other fluids, coolant has a relatively short shelf life, and should be changed regularly according to the interval in the owner’s manual. Neglecting this can cause trouble down the road. Be sure to look at the coolant and confirm it’s a light, slightly opaque color. It should not look dark, muddy, or thick. That’s a serious sign of potential trouble. Be sure to also look at the condition of belts and hoses. These are rubber pieces; over time they become brittle and dry, especially with the temperature swings that regularly occur under the hood. You want these parts to have a little bit of give when you prod them with a finger, and you don’t want to see any cracks.
Don’t be afraid to pull the dipstick and double check the oil. Good oil has a golden brown color and it should be within the hashes, holes, or crosshatches that all might mark the acceptable range of oil. If you get a dry dipstick, oil that looks milky-white, or a dipstick encased in sludge, don’t walk away – run.
And an easy thing to forget but certainly worth doing is looking under the car for leaks. If you see any puddles that aren’t water from condensation near the air conditioning system, move on.
Are There Any Open Recalls?
While recalls are not that uncommon, it’s important you make sure that any recalls on the vehicle you’re looking at have been handled properly. If the seller doesn’t know, steer clear of this car. It could have untended safety recalls that could put you at risk. The iSeeCars VIN check includes a Free Recall Check that links to the NHTSA database and will identify if there is an open recall for any new or used cars. It also includes information about all past recalls that affected the vehicle. Along with presenting a safety hazard, unresolved recalls can result in a failed vehicle inspection. If a vehicle has an open recall, ask the dealership to address the recall notice, which will likely involve recall repairs.
Take a Test Drive
So you’ve done a thorough walk-around and the car looks good. Now it’s on to the most important aspect of the used-car buying process: the test drive.
It’s tempting to blast the radio and roll the windows down as if you’ve already signed the paperwork, but the test drive process needs to be approached more judiciously if you’re to learn whether the car is hiding any ugly secrets. To that end, there are a few good strategies to use that will help sniff out any trouble lurking behind a pretty paint job.
The first thing you want to do is start the car with the windows up and the climate control and radio turned off. Listen to the idle and look at the tachometer. Is the car idling smooth? Did it start right away? Are they any noises that seem suspect? Unless it’s very cold out, a good car will start quickly and promptly settle into an even idle, indicated by the tachometer needle hovering consistently at an appropriate increment.
You can also ask the seller to start the car for you as you stand outside and look closely at the exhaust pipe as it starts. A quick, small puff or steam or dark brown material isn’t an issue, but if white or blue smoke is emitted for more than a second or two it could indicate unwanted engine wear or other problems. Analyzing a car’s exhaust pipe and overall engine smoothness is particularly telling during a “cold start” (meaning after the car has sat for at least 12 hours without the engine running).
Once it’s idling without issue, double check the instrument cluster for any illuminated warning lights. You don’t want to see any lights on the dash other than the indicators for things like lights and drive modes.
Now get on the road. If the location allows for it you’ll want to drive on a mix of roads, from twisty narrow streets to the straight and open interstates. See how the car handles and reacts at various speeds and conditions. You’ll want to make note of any strange noises or erratic behaviors. Ensure the transmission shifts fine through all gears. If you hear the engine’s RPM get higher, but it doesn’t shift right away, it can be a warning sign for transmission problems. Check that features such as cylinder deactivation and start-stop are working properly, and that the brakes work well at various intensities, from a gentle slowing to a true panic stop. The pedal should provide a firm, linear feel from light to harder breaking, versus a soft or spongy feel.
A mix of road conditions is also important. If the suspension is working properly the ride will be consistent on smooth roads that aren’t speckled with cracks, frost heaves, potholes, or sewer caps. The real test happens on the ugly roads, the ones pockmarked with the ravages of old age and temperature swings. Driving over rough pavement will clearly expose any suspension issues.
Specifically, listen for a loud banging over bumps – that could be bad shocks or struts failing to dampen the impact. Vibrations at certain speeds – felt through either the seat or steering wheel – could be indicative of steering, alignment, or wheel bearing issues. If the steering wheel pulls in one direction or feels loose there could be issues with alignment or some of the steering components.
Pull into an empty parking lot and do some tight figure eights to further evaluate the condition of the steering and suspension systems. Even with the steering wheel cranked all the way to one side there shouldn’t be any noises or thumps – everything should function normally. Be sure to go full lock on the steering wheel in both directions (when idling with the car stationary or at a speed below 5 mph).
Even if it is a used car, you still expect it to handle nimbly, brake confidently, accelerate strongly, shift well, and provide a smooth ride. A thorough test drive across many conditions on different roads can offer insight into all of these factors. It might sound like a lot to look for, but such an evaluation shouldn’t take more than thirty minutes or so.
Remember to do all this with the windows up, the radio silenced, and the climate control off or otherwise programmed for a low, unobtrusive setting. You want to hear nothing but the car itself. Of course you should also put the climate control system through its paces after you’ve kept it off to listen for car noises. Make the fan speeds up and down when you change that control, and ensure the air blows both cold and hot when changing the temperature setting.
Final Thoughts
Buying a used car can be a daunting prospect. It is, after all, one of the most expensive things you’ll ever buy. But if you’re armed with the right information and do your due diligence, there’s no reason to feel pressured or intimidated by an enthusiastic salesperson or pushy car dealership. Read – and reread – all the points listed above. Be smart and objective. And most of all be ready to walk away if you see anything that raises your eyebrows.
If everything checks out, gain further peace of mind by having a trusted mechanic conduct a pre-purchase inspection on any car you’re tempted to pull the trigger on. Paying a professional $50 or $100 to mechanically look over your potential purchase might save you from bringing home a costly money pit.
Keep all these car-buying tips handy the next time you’re car shopping and you’ll be driving home the perfect new-to-you used car in no time at all.
Check out our other handy resources to help you with your used car search:
If you’re in the market for a new or used electric vehicle you can search over 4 million used electric cars, SUVs, and trucks with iSeeCars’ award-winning car search engine that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, like the iSeeCars free VIN check report and Best Cars rankings. Filter by vehicle type, front or all-wheel drive, and other parameters in order to narrow down your car search.
This article, What to Look For When Buying a Used Car, originally appeared on iSeeCars.com. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/national-news/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-car/ | 2022-07-16 21:59:58 | 1 | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/national-news/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-car/ |
MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:
As we've been following the legal battle over the abortion pill mifepristone, we've heard from activists and political leaders with different perspectives on abortion per se. But now we're starting to hear from people in the pharmaceutical industry. Hundreds of executives and investors recently issued an open letter decrying the Texas federal judge's order removing FDA approval from the drug. To hear more about these concerns, we called Ameet Sarpatwari, the assistant director of the program on regulation, therapeutics and law at Harvard Medical School. Good morning.
AMEET SARPATWARI: Good morning.
MARTIN: So what are the concerns you're hearing from the industry about this effort to remove the FDA's approval of mifepristone? And do you share them?
SARPATWARI: So I think that the industry is very concerned about the implications of this ruling because it effectively inserts the judiciary into the drug approval process. And this is a drug that's been on the market and has been safely and effectively used for over 23 years. Industry members are wondering, well, if a judge can do that, what else can't a judge, perhaps with an ax to grind, do?
And so you have executives at over more than 500 pharmaceutical companies calling out the judge for having no scientific training, fundamentally undermining the bipartisan authority granted by Congress to the FDA. You've got another trade organization, BIO, calling out the ruling, saying that the court has badly misapplied governing drug approval laws. And you also have the trade organization PhRMA referring and reinforcing the importance of the FDA as the gold standard for determining whether a drug is safe and effective. And I do share all these concerns. The question is, really, what would be off the table from relitigating?
MARTIN: Can I just jump in here and just ask - you know, one can make an argument that medical care in the United States is already a legal and political issue if you consider which procedures are covered, how care is paid for, what kinds of patient concerns are prioritized. There's always been lobbying and public pressure, you know, applied to different aspects of medical care. How is this different?
SARPATWARI: This is different because it's upstream, and this concerns the regulation of medical product, not so much the practice of medicine. And this is the first time that we've seen a judge take a drug off the market without the backing of FDA or the manufacturer itself. And so the worry here is that even before we get to the downstream sort of political and coverage decisions that you're talking about, we've already taken the drug off the market.
MARTIN: And before we let you go, as briefly as you can, what is next for the industry? Do you envision them taking more aggressive steps here? What might they do?
SARPATWARI: So to ensure stability and certainty of the pharmaceutical market, I think that all cards are on the table in terms of what industry may do. You definitely see them voicing their opinions as this case goes up on appeal. I think behind the scenes, too, you will see aggressive lobbying of Congress. And I think it's important to recognize how powerful this industry is. And it's my hope, and I think the hope of many others, that they will be quite aggressive in terms of trying to preserve the integrity of the FDA approval process.
MARTIN: That's Ameet Sarpatwari of Harvard Medical School. Thank you so much for joining us.
SARPATWARI: It's been a pleasure. Thank you.
(SOUNDBITE OF POPPY ACKROYD'S "THE CALM BEFORE") Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.wboi.org/2023-04-12/the-legal-battle-over-mifepristone-raises-concerns-in-the-the-pharmacetical-industry | 2023-04-18 06:26:31 | 0 | https://www.wboi.org/2023-04-12/the-legal-battle-over-mifepristone-raises-concerns-in-the-the-pharmacetical-industry |
SEATTLE , April 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Air Group Inc. (NYSE: ALK), the parent company of Alaska Airlines Inc. and Horizon Air Industries Inc., will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss 2023 first quarter financial results at 11:30 a.m. EDT/ 8:30 a.m. PDT, Thursday, April 20, 2023. A webcast of the call will be available to the public at www.alaskaair.com/investors. An archive of the call will be posted on the website later that morning.
About Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. We strive to be the most caring airline with award-winning customer service and an industry-leading loyalty program. Alaska is a member of the oneworld global alliance. With the alliance and our additional airline partners, our guests can travel to more than 900 destinations on more than 20 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at news.alaskaair.com and follow @alaskaairnews for news and stories. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group.
View original content:
SOURCE Alaska Air Group | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2023/04/06/alaska-air-group-announces-webcast-first-quarter-2023-financial-results/ | 2023-04-06 12:56:59 | 1 | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2023/04/06/alaska-air-group-announces-webcast-first-quarter-2023-financial-results/ |
ARLINGTON, Texas — Dak Prescott kept his legs churning to turn a quarterback sneak into a 25-yard gain.
Maybe young standout Dallas linebacker Micah Parsons was taking a cue from his leader.
Parsons got up and rumbled to the end zone on a fumble return for his first NFL touchdown after Chicago quarterback Justin Fields failed to touch him down, and the Cowboys beat the Bears 49-29 on Sunday.
“I kind of popped up ready to celebrate with the team and I thought I was down,” the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year said. “And everyone’s like, ‘Go, go, go,’ and I went, went, went.”
Prescott threw for two touchdowns and ran for another score, and Tony Pollard had 131 yards rushing and a career-best three touchdowns with Ezekiel Elliott sidelined by a right knee injury.
Fields rallied the Bears (3-5) within five after trailing 28-7, but they had already given the momentum back when the second-year pro leapt into the wrong kind of Chicago lore.
David Montgomery fumbled in the open field after a catch in the third quarter, and Parsons fell on the loose ball. Instead of touching Parsons down, Fields jumped over him.
Parsons got up, took off when he heard that “go” signal, stumbled toward the goal line and rolled over in the end zone on the 36-yard return.
Officials didn't even stop the game for a review.
“You’re always gonna have ups and downs in the game,” Fields said while acknowledging he should have simply touched Parsons. “You’ve just got to keep fighting.”
The Cowboys (6-2) scored touchdowns on their first four possessions for the first time since 2014, two years before Prescott and Elliott arrived as dynamic rookies leading the team to the top seed in the NFC.
Prescott opened the scoring with a 7-yard run on a nifty play design by offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Prescott's two TD passes, including one to CeeDee Lamb, came on either side of Pollard's first score.
“Obviously we’ve got to do a better job getting off the field,” said first-year Bears coach Matt Eberflus, who was on the Dallas defensive staff for seven seasons before spending the past four as defensive coordinator in Indianapolis. “We didn’t do a very good job really all day on run defense.”
Fields threw for two touchdowns and ran for a score. His 10-yard toss to Cole Kmet got Chicago back within 13 after his gaffe on Parsons put Dallas up 42-23.
Pollard answered with a 54-yard touchdown on his final carry to get the lead back to 20 and keep the Bears from rallying despite their fourth 200-yard rushing game of the season (240).
“The last one was tough,” said Pollard who tied his career high in yards and carries (14) while averaging 9.4 yards per carry. “I was winded. But I got in there.”
Khalil Herbert, who had what appeared to be a third-quarter fumble overturned on review to help Chicago to stay close, finished with 99 yards and a TD. Fields added 60 and Montgomery 53.
Prescott was 21 of 27 for 250 yards with an interception in his second game back after missing five with a fractured right thumb.
The 25-yard sneak, which led to the third Dallas TD, boosted Prescott to 34 yards with just the second rushing score since the start of 2021 for the franchise leader in rushing touchdowns for a QB (26).
Dallas was 30th in the NFL in third down conversions before getting the first six on the four TD drives to start the game. The Cowboys finished 9 of 11 on third down and had by far their best yardage total (442).
After leaning on defense to stay afloat during Prescott's absence, Dallas had its most points in a game this season with 6:48 left in the second quarter.
“It's a huge step ... especially going into the bye week,” Prescott said. “That confidence heading into the bye week that we can win any way that we need to.”
MAYBE NEXT TIME, ROOKIE
Malik Davis appeared to have an 11-yard touchdown catch in the undrafted rookie running back's NFL debut for the Cowboys. It was overturned on review, and Prescott's second TD pass was a 1-yarder to tight end Jake Ferguson instead. Ferguson and Dalton Schultz followed with quite the roping celebration.
INJURIES
Dallas LB Anthony Barr injured his left hamstring pursuing Fields on a first-half run, and rookie fifth-round pick Damone Clark replaced him. Clark was making his NFL debut seven months after spinal fusion surgery.
UP NEXT
Bears: Miami at home next Sunday.
Cowboys: Open week before trip to Green Bay on Nov. 13. | https://www.kens5.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/dallas-cowboys-chicago-bears-score-nfl-2022/287-ac7dfa98-00e9-42d2-9013-4badfa4518fe | 2022-10-30 23:44:14 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/sports/nfl/cowboys/dallas-cowboys-chicago-bears-score-nfl-2022/287-ac7dfa98-00e9-42d2-9013-4badfa4518fe |
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana National Guard welcomed about 100 members of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team home from Kosovo Thursday. The group had been deployed for nine months.
When the soldiers’ plane landed at the Postal Ramp on South Hoffman Road, families and friends were there waiting to greet the group.
The 76th Infantry Brigade was sent to Kosovo as part of Operation Joint Guardian — a NATO initiative aimed at providing a safe, secure and free environment for Kosovans.
— FOX59 photojournalist Jade Birch contributed to this story | https://cbs4indy.com/indiana-news/indiana-national-guard-welcomes-members-of-76th-infantry-brigade-combat-team-home-from-kosovo/ | 2023-07-14 01:40:48 | 0 | https://cbs4indy.com/indiana-news/indiana-national-guard-welcomes-members-of-76th-infantry-brigade-combat-team-home-from-kosovo/ |
(The Hill) — More than 1 million tax returns have been flagged for potential identity fraud with more than $6 billion in refunds requiring additional review, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
An interim report on the 2023 tax filing season that the IRS composed last week and publicly released on Tuesday states that the agency identified almost 1.1 million returns that need to have additional review because of identity theft filters, as of March 2. The IRS confirmed 12,617 returns to be fraudulent, preventing $105.3 million in refunds from being distributed.
The total confirmed to be fraudulent is up about 3,000 from the 9,626 that were confirmed to be fraudulent as of the same time last year.
The report states that the agency is using 236 filters to identify possible fraud in returns during the 2023 season, up from 168 filters used last year. It states that the filters include criteria based on characteristics from tax returns confirmed to be fraudulent, including income and withholding amounts claimed, filing requirements, age, filing history and prisoner status.
If a return is identified by a filter that the agency uses, it is held until the IRS is able to confirm the person’s identity.
The agency announced on Tuesday that it is launching a pilot program for a free direct online tax-filing service for the 2024 tax-filing season following high interest in a program. | https://www.wdtn.com/news/more-than-1m-tax-returns-flagged-for-potential-identity-fraud-irs/ | 2023-05-17 21:32:09 | 1 | https://www.wdtn.com/news/more-than-1m-tax-returns-flagged-for-potential-identity-fraud-irs/ |
16 Uvalde fourth graders waited an hour with injured teacher
UVALDE, Texas (AP) — Elsa Avila slid to her phone, terrified as she held the bleeding side of her abdomen and tried to stay calm for her students. In a text to her family that she meant to send to fellow Uvalde teachers, she wrote: “I’m shot.”
For the first time in 30 years, Avila will not be going back to school as classes resume Tuesday in the small, southeast Texas town. The start of school will look different for her, as for other survivors of the May 24 shooting at Robb Elementary School in which 21 people died, with an emphasis on healing, both physically and mentally. Some have opted for virtual education, others for private school. Many will return to Uvalde school district campuses, though Robb Elementary itself will not ever reopen.
“I’m trying to make sense of everything,” Avila said in an August interview, “but it is never going to make sense.”
A scar down her torso brings her to tears as a permanent reminder of the horror she endured with her 16 students as they waited in their classroom for an hour for help while a gunman slaughtered 19 children and two teachers in two adjoining classrooms nearby.
Minutes before she felt the sharp pain of the bullet piercing her intestine and colon, Avila was motioning students away from the walls and windows and closer to her. A student lined up by the door for recess had just told her something was going on outside: People were running — and screaming. As she slammed the classroom door so the lock would catch, her students took their well-practiced lockdown positions.
Moments later, a gunman stormed into their fourth-grade wing and began spraying bullets before ultimately making his way into rooms 111 and 112.
In room 109, Avila repeatedly texted for help, according to messages reviewed by The Associated Press. First at 11:35 a.m. in the text to her family that she says was meant for the teacher group chat. Then at 11:38 in a message to the school’s vice principal. At 11:45 she responded to a text from the school’s counselor asking if her classroom was in lockdown with: “I’m shot, send help.” And when the principal assured her that help was on the way, she replied simply: “Help.”
“Yes they are coming,” the principal wrote back at 11:48 a.m.
It’s unclear whether her messages were relayed to police. District officials did not respond to requests for comment on actions taken to communicate with law enforcement on May 24, and an attorney for then-Principal Mandy Gutierrez was not available for comment.
According to a legislative committee’s report that described a botched police response, nearly 400 local, state and federal officers stood in the hallway of the fourth-grade wing and outside the building for 77 minutes before finally entering the adjoining classrooms and killing the gunman. Lawmakers also found a relaxed approach to lockdowns — which happened often — and security concerns, including issues with door locks. State and federal investigations into the shooting are continuing.
The district is working to complete new security measures, and the school board in August fired the district’s police chief, Pete Arredondo. Residents say it remains unclear how — or even if — trust between the community and officials can be rebuilt even as some call for more accountability, better police training and stricter gun safety laws.
Avila recalls hearing the ominous bursts of rapid fire, then silence, then the voices of officers in the hallway yelling, “Crossfire!” and later more officers standing nearby.
“But still nobody came to help us,” she said.
As Avila lay motionless, unable to speak loud enough to be heard, some of her students nudged and shook her. She wished for the strength to tell them she was still alive.
A light flashed into their window, but nobody identified themselves. Scared it might be the gunman, the students moved away.
“The little girls closest to me kept patting me and telling me, ‘It’s going to be OK miss. We love you miss,’” Avila said.
Finally, at 12:33 p.m. a window in her classroom broke. Officers arrived to evacuate her students — the last to be let out in the area, according to Avila.
With her remaining strength, Avila pulled herself up and helped usher students onto chairs and tables and through the window. Then, clutching her side, she told an officer she was too weak to jump herself. He came through the window to pull her out.
“I never saw my kids again. I know they climbed out the window and I could just hear them telling them, `Run, run, run!’” Avila said.
She remembers being taken to the airport, where a helicopter flew her to a San Antonio hospital. She was in and out of care until June 18.
Avila later learned that a student in her class was injured by shrapnel to the nose and mouth but had since been released from medical care. She said other students helped their injured classmates until officers arrived.
“I am very proud of them because they were able to stay calm for a whole hour that we were in there terrified,” Avila said.
As her students prepare to return to school for the first time since that traumatic day, Avila is on the way to recovery, walking up to eight minutes at a time on the treadmill in physical therapy and going to counseling. She looks forward to teaching again someday.
Outside of a shuttered Robb Elementary, a memorial for the people killed overflows at the entrance gate. Teachers from across Texas stopped throughout the summer to pay their respects and reflect on what they would do in the same situation.
“If I survive, I have to make sure they survive first,” said Olga Oglin, an educator of 23 years from Dallas, her voice breaking.
“Whatever happens to a student at our school, it just happens to one of my kids,” Olgin said, adding that she as the first person to greet parents, students and staff at the door in the mornings, she likely would be the first person shot.
Ofelia Loyola, who teaches elementary school in San Antonio, visited with her husband, middle school teacher Raul Loyola. She was baffled at the delayed response from law enforcement on May 24, as seen on security and police video.
“They are all kids. It doesn’t matter how old they are, you protect them,” she said.
Last week, Avila and several of her students met for the end-of-year party they were unable to have in May. They played in the pool at a country club and she gave them each a bracelet with a little cross to remind them that “God was with us that day and they are not alone,” she said.
“We always talked about being kind, being respectful, taking care of each other — and they were able to do that on that day,” Avila said.
“They took care of each other. They took care of me.”
___
More on the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas: https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.kmvt.com/2022/09/05/16-uvalde-fourth-graders-waited-an-hour-with-injured-teacher/ | 2022-09-05 15:13:40 | 1 | https://www.kmvt.com/2022/09/05/16-uvalde-fourth-graders-waited-an-hour-with-injured-teacher/ |
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NEW YORK (AP) — A big catch of fish fossils in southern China includes the oldest teeth ever found — and may help scientists learn how our aquatic ancestors got their bite.
The finds offer new clues about a key period of evolution that’s been hard to flesh out because until now scientists haven’t found many fossils from that era. In a series of four studies, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, researchers detail some of their finds, from ancient teeth to never-before-seen species.
The fossils date back to the Silurian period, an important era for life on earth from 443 million years ago to 419 million years ago. Scientists believe our backboned ancestors, who were still swimming around on a watery planet, may have started evolving teeth and jaws around this time.
This let the fish hunt for prey instead of “grubbing around” as bottom feeders, filtering out food from the muck. It also sparked a series of other changes in their anatomy, including different kinds of fins, said Philip Donoghue, a University of Bristol paleontologist and an author on one of the studies.
“It’s just at this interface between the Old World and the New World,” Donoghue said.
But in the past, scientists haven’t found many fossils to show this shift, said Matt Friedman, a University of Michigan paleontologist who was not involved in the research. They’ve been relying on fragments from the time — a chunk of spine here, a bit of scale there.
The fossils from China are expected to fill in some of those gaps as researchers around the world pore over them.
A field team discovered the fossil trove in 2019, Min Zhu, a paleontologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences who led the research, said in an email. On a rainy day, after a frustrating trip that hadn’t revealed any fossils, researchers explored a pile of rocks near a roadside cliff. When they split one rock open, they found fossilized fish heads looking back at them.
After hauling more rocks back to the lab for examination, the research team wound up with a huge range of fossils that were in great condition for their age.
The most common species in the bunch is a little boomerang-shaped fish that likely used its jaws to scoop up worms, said Per Erik Ahlberg of Sweden’s Uppsala University, an author on one of the studies.
Another fossil shows a sharklike creature with bony armor on its front — an unusual combination. A well-preserved jawless fish offers clues to how ancient fins evolved into arms and legs. While fossil heads for these fish are commonly found, this fossil included the whole body, Donoghue said.
And then there are the teeth. The researchers found bones called tooth whorls with multiple teeth growing on them. The fossils are 14 million years older than any other teeth found from any species — and provide the earliest solid evidence of jaws to date, Zhu said.
Alice Clement, an evolutionary biologist at Australia’s Flinders University who was not involved with the research, said the fossil find is “remarkable” and could rewrite our understanding of this period.
The wide range of fossils suggests there were plenty of toothy creatures swimming around at this time, Clement said in an email, even though it’s the next evolutionary era that is considered the “Age of Fishes.” | https://cbs4indy.com/news/national-world/remarkable-fish-fossil-catch-from-china-includes-oldest-teeth-new-species/ | 2022-09-28 19:14:05 | 0 | https://cbs4indy.com/news/national-world/remarkable-fish-fossil-catch-from-china-includes-oldest-teeth-new-species/ |
(The Hill) – The disorder in the House is leaving lawmakers fuming over their inability to stay apprised on national security matters, as it is blocking them from entering classified briefings or meeting with top officials.
Lawmakers say they can’t even go into a special room known as the sensitive compartmented information facility or SCIF where they discuss top-secret information with national security officials.
Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) said he was blocked from entering the SCIF by security as he arrived for a meeting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff on “matters in the Indo-Pacific.”
“I’m informed by House security that technically, I don’t have a clearance. I’m a member of the Intel Committee. I’m on the Armed Services Committee, and I can’t meet in the SCIF to conduct essential business. My point is we have work to do that we can’t do right now,” he said at a press conference alongside other Republicans pleading for a quick resolution to Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s (R-Calif.) quest for the gavel.
McCarthy supporters are largely sounding the alarm on the national security issue as they try to pressure opponents to reach a deal on the Speaker fight. McCarthy lost an eighth straight ballot to become Speaker on Thursday afternoon.
Incoming chairs for the House intelligence, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs committees complained the delay is hindering their oversight of the Biden administration — a top priority for the GOP majority.
“There is no oversight of the White House, State Department, Department of Defense, or the intelligence community. We cannot let personal politics place the safety and security of the United States at risk,” Reps. Michael Turner (Ohio), Mike Rogers (Ala.), and Michael McCaul (Texas) said in a statement.
Lawmakers don’t directly hold security clearances but are deemed trustworthy for receiving such information simply by the office they hold.
Other briefings are restricted by committee membership — and the committees cannot be formally comprised until a Speaker is elected.
“No members have clearances. Our election is supposed to be our vetting process. But the rules only let Intel Committee members view certain materials, the vast majority of the classified materials, and until we’re constituted, members really aren’t able to get those kinds of briefings or accesses,” said Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), who lead the intelligence committee during the prior session.
Talks to reach a deal among Republicans to make McCarthy the Speaker have not been successful so far.
Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), who is among those opposing McCarthy, suggested in comments Thursday that it could take much more work to reach a deal. One of the concessions that has been discussed is a proposal that would allow a single member of Congress to force a vote to oust the Speaker.
“There is a trust issue with the gentleman who wants to be Speaker,” Perry said. “It is hard to restore trust in just a month or two and it’s really hard to betray confidences in a meeting where the details are then leaked out to the press.”
The group has also floated having members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus be appointed as subcommittee chairs, subverting the normal process. The idea has drawn pushback from Rogers, the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, who characterized it as “insane.”
“As if Kevin McCarthy or any Speaker magically gets to tell members, ‘Oh, by the way, I’m giving your seat to somebody else who’s an aggravation to the conference,’” Rogers told The Hill. “It just shows how insane they are.”
The total freeze has also led to an interesting dynamic.
A GOP staffer told The Hill that staff who receive security clearances due to the nature of their work are still able to access the SCIF and receive briefings, even as lawmakers cannot.
“Nobody on our committee can go down and get briefed on things,” Schiff said.
“The committee will need to be reconstituted. And most of the materials are only accessible to members of the committee and until reconstituted there are no members of the committee,” he told The Hill. “So Intel is more impacted really than probably just about any other committee.”
The Intelligence Committee’s formation is more complicated than some other House panels, with members typically seeking waivers to bypass limitations on how many terms a member can sit on the panel — a nod to the importance of institutional knowledge in the constant churn of Congress.
“Every delay here has a compounding impact. Because the first thing that happens, there has to be a Speaker. Then committees are constituted, but Intel is a select committee. So the leader on the minority side and the Speaker have to agree to ratios. Then they have to work out other waivers that have to take place. Who’s the rank[ing member] or who’s the chairman, all these things take time,”Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), who will need a wavier to continue to serve on the panel.
Some see the shutdown of the House over the Speaker fight as embarrassing and worry it could have negative real-world consequences.
McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told The Hill on Thursday that he was worried about missing classified hearings on matters like Syria and the war in Ukraine.
“Classified briefings about things like that Iran bombed our base in Syria,” he said. “You know, what’s going on in China and Taiwan? What’s going on in Ukraine? We don’t have time to get our classified briefings.”
Quigley said it doesn’t take more than just a few days for lawmakers to fall behind on world affairs.
“The world doesn’t stop because one caucus can’t agree. And a couple of days is one thing. Beyond that, it gets complicated and eventually dangerous. You’re flying blind. You don’t know what’s happening,” he said.
Gallagher said the standoff risks hurting the nation’s global standing.
“We’ve seen what happens over the last two years. When deterrence fails, when weakness invites aggression. It’s up to this Congress to restore deterrence, to restore peace through strength, but we aren’t able to do that vital work until we actually get past the Speaker vote, populate our committees and start getting to work,” he said.
In some corners, the ire is only growing at the 20 lawmakers objecting to McCarthy’s leadership.
“We have business, serious business, to do. This is not the place to be frivolous,” Rogers said.
“And we’ve got some people who are being very frivolous right now.” | https://www.cbs42.com/news/speaker-delay-halts-national-security-briefings-for-lawmakers/ | 2023-01-06 14:34:08 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/speaker-delay-halts-national-security-briefings-for-lawmakers/ |
Updated September 5, 2022 at 9:56 AM ET
Chile spent the past two years writing a progressive new constitution, but the document was so soundly spurned by voters on Sunday that the result was clear less than two hours after the polls closed.
Nearly 62% of Chileans rejected the draft Magna Carta that was designed to replace the current one written during the country's military dictatorship while just 38% voted to accept it, according to official returns.
Although nearly every public opinion survey suggested the draft constitution was in trouble, Sunday's results were shockingly lopsided and a huge blow for President Gabriel Boric, a leftist elected last year largely on his pledge to shepherd through passage of a new constitution.
"As president I receive this message with a lot of humility," Boric, who is 36 and is Latin America's youngest president, said in a TV address Sunday night. "You have to listen to the voice of the people."
News that the "rejection" vote had prevailed sparked celebrations in Santiago, the capital, where lines of drivers honked their car horns and people gathered outside to chant and toast victory.
"We're happy because, really, we all want a new constitution, but one that is done right and this one didn't fulfill the expectations of the majority," Lorena Cornejo, 34, told the Associated Press, as she waved a Chilean flag. "Now we have to work for a new one that unites us. This one didn't represent us and that was clear in the vote."
The proposed constitution was considered too liberal for a conservative country
In a traditionally conservative country — married couples couldn't get divorced in Chile until 2004 — many voters considered the new constitution too liberal. It was written by an elected special assembly dominated by leftists and progressives while only about one-third of the 155 delegates were conservatives.
The text called for legalized abortion, gender parity in government offices, the abolition of Chile's senate and the establishment of autonomous Indigenous territories. It included vast new protections for the environment that, according to critics, could have put the brakes on the country's lucrative copper mining industry. It also called for universal health care and the right to decent housing, education and pensions, which would have required steep tax increases.
"We don't have the financial capacity to pay for all of these things," said Mitzi Rojas, an architect in Santiago who voted against the constitution.
The effort to remake Chile's governing guidelines stems from a deep political crisis. For decades the country was viewed as an economic powerhouse and a Latin American success story. But frustration over inequality and the high cost of health care, education and public transportation sparked violent protests in 2019 that nearly brought down Chile's right-wing government.
To address protesters' concerns and convince them to call off their demonstrations, Boric — who was then an opposition congressman — helped cut a deal to begin the long, complicated process of writing a new constitution.
A new constitution is considered long overdue
The current one was written in 1980 under dictator Augusto Pinochet, who ruled Chile for 17 years and calls for private sector involvement in education, pensions and health care. Democracy was restored in 1990. But even though most nations that undergo momentous political transformations write new constitutions to reflect these new realities, Chile never got around to it.
"The original sin of the current constitution is that it was written during the dictatorship," said Rodrigo Espinoza, a political science professor at Diego Portales University in Santiago. "It has gone through reforms but is still seen as illegitimate."
In a 2020 referendum nearly 80% of Chileans voted to draft a new one.
However, experts say the best constitutions are usually short and to the point. By contrast, the document produced by Chile's special assembly was a confusing collection of 388 articles, said Claudio Fuentes, a Santiago political analyst. Another problem, he said, was a vast disinformation campaign that spread lies — including claims that under the new constitution the government would disarm the police and confiscate people's homes.
Boric acknowledged these problems in his TV address but he also vowed to lead a new constitutional rewrite process.
"I commit to put my all my energies into building a new constitutional process alongside congress and civil society," said Boric, who plans to meet with the heads of political parties and both houses of congress on Monday.
Boric added that whoever drafts the next version — whether its Congress or a special assembly — they will have to produce a constitution that unites Chileans rather than divides them.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wbaa.org/2022-09-04/chileans-have-rejected-a-new-progressive-constitution | 2022-09-05 15:36:57 | 0 | https://www.wbaa.org/2022-09-04/chileans-have-rejected-a-new-progressive-constitution |
Days after getting battered with wet weather, the entire Bay Area will be under a flood watch beginning Wednesday.
Another atmospheric river will move through the region this week and it is expected to be worse than the one that pounded The City on New Year's weekend.
According to a meteorologist from the National Weather Service, "The impacts will include widespread flooding, roads washing out, hillside collapsing, trees down (potentially full groves), widespread power outages, immediate disruption to commerce, and the worst of all, likely loss of human life. This is truly a brutal system that we are looking at and needs to be taken seriously."
The brunt of the system arrives Wednesday morning, with heavy rainfall at times. Winds will be blowing out of the southeast at 24 to 29 miles per hour, with gusts as high as 40 miles per hour possible.
Showers and a possible thunderstorm can be expected after 11 p.m. By the end of the day, San Francisco will have accumulated rainfall amounts between one and two inches.
Thursday's forecast will see showers and a possible thunderstorm before 5 p.m. The evening will bring a chance of rain and more thunderstorms, some of which could produce heavy rain.
Winds will blow out of the south from 17 to 24 miles per hour, and gusts could be as high as 28 miles per hour. Rainfall amounts will total anywhere between half an inch and three quarters of an inch.
Some homes and businesses in the Bay Area are still recovering from this past weekend's historic floods, especially as saturated soils in the region struggle to hold additional amounts of water.
The last day of 2022 marked the second-wettest day in San Francisco history since rainfall total records started being kept for The City in 1849.
Jan Null, a meteorologist with Golden Gate Weather Services, reported that San Francisco received 5.46 inches of rain on Dec. 31, falling shy of the all-time record of 5.54 inches set way back in 1994. | https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/bay-area-news/bay-area-on-flood-watch-as-atmospheric-river-approaches/article_7fad9188-8b89-11ed-ba6e-2be6259bb01d.html | 2023-01-03 21:47:08 | 0 | https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/bay-area-news/bay-area-on-flood-watch-as-atmospheric-river-approaches/article_7fad9188-8b89-11ed-ba6e-2be6259bb01d.html |
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The U.S. special envoy for North Korea said Monday that Washington and Seoul agreed on the need for a strong response to North Korea’s recent spate of missile tests, though they remain open to dialogue with the country.
Sung Kim flew to South Korea on Monday for talks two days after North Korea conducted a new type of missile test in its 13th round of weapons firing this year. Experts say North Korea wants to advance its weapons arsenal and wrest concessions such as sanctions relief from its rivals.
Weapons tested include nuclear-capable missiles able to target both the U.S. mainland and its allies such as South Korea and Japan. There are concerns that North Korea may conduct a nuclear test soon to intensify its pressure campaign.
“We agreed on the need for a strong response to the destabilizing behavior we have seen” from North Korea, Kim told reporters after meeting with his South Korean counterpart. “(We) also agreed on the need to maintain the strongest possible joint deterrent capability on the peninsula.”
South Korean nuclear envoy Noh Kyu-duk said he and Kim shared concerns that North Korea will likely continue to engage in acts that raise regional tensions. He urged North Korea to return to talks.
Kim said the allies “have not closed the door on diplomacy” with North Korea and have “no hostile intent” toward the country. He repeated his earlier statement that the United States is ready to meet North Korea “anywhere, without any conditions.”
North Korea has so far rejected Kim’s outreach, saying the United States must first drop its hostile policy before talks can resume. Some experts say North Korea wants the U.S. to relax sanctions or suspend its regular military drills with South Korea, which it views as an invasion rehearsal.
Earlier Monday, the U.S. and South Korean militaries kicked off their springtime computer-simulated command post exercise. North Korea has previously responded to such drills with missile tests and warlike rhetoric.
North Korea said Sunday it tested a new tactical guided weapon a day earlier which would boost its nuclear fighting capability. Some analysts said the weapon is likely a short-range ballistic missile to be mounted with a tactical nuclear warhead capable of targeting South Korea.
Last month, North Korea test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile potentially capable of reaching the U.S. homeland in its first long-range weapons test since November 2017.
U.S.-led diplomacy meant to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions in return for economic and political rewards remain largely stalemated since 2019. | https://www.wane.com/news/us-s-korea-urge-norths-return-to-talks-after-missile-tests/ | 2022-04-18 14:06:25 | 0 | https://www.wane.com/news/us-s-korea-urge-norths-return-to-talks-after-missile-tests/ |
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Nov. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As efforts intensify to attract international investors to Jamaica's shores, the Jamaican Government has redoubled its efforts to attract more Local and Foreign Direct Investments.
The upcoming two-day 'Invest Jamaica – the Nearshore Delivery Hub of the Caribbean' conference, set to be held in Montego Bay on 29-30 November, will continue to position Jamaica as the next global 'investment destination of choice', and is part of a five-year development project, in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), to expand the country's Global Services Sector (GSS).
The event will highlight various innovative, mutually beneficial, and sustainable sector-based investment opportunities to potential investors from all over the world, particularly in the areas of Agribusiness, Global Digital Services, Logistics/Special Economic Zones, Manufacturing, Finance and Tourism.
The continued improvement of Jamaica's economy will encourage a new wave of collaborative and multi-faceted investment in Jamaica which uniquely prioritizes sustainable projects deemed to be in both the national and global interest.
To assist with this bridging of the evolving needs of international investors and the local social development needs in Jamaica itself, a variety of both public and private sector initiatives are being rolled out 'on the ground' in the country. These initiatives include the National Investment Policy, Global Services Sector Project and the Business Environment Reforms Agenda. Importantly, these initiatives will give Jamaicans new career development opportunities and further strengthen the local economy, whilst enabling high-value skills development and offering an unprecedented level of support to investors.
Specifically, for the Global Service Sector (GSS) Project, the skills training and apprenticeship programmes will develop the Jamaican population in higher value-added service capabilities such as Management and Leadership, IT Infrastructure, Communication, Digital Marketing, Software Development and Integration, Critical and Analytical thinking, and human-centered Interaction Design.
Impressively, under the Apprenticeship Programme, close to 3,000 Jamaicans will be trained by the end of the GSS project, while under the High School Immersion Programme, 20,000 local students will be trained in enhanced job readiness and specialized tracks, creating monumental benefits for both Jamaica and its investors.
This type of thought-leading holistic and ethical approach to global business is transforming perceptions of global investment, and Jamaica is leading the charge.
Choose Jamaica. Invest in Jamaica.
More Information:
View original content:
SOURCE Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/prnewswire/2022/11/25/jamaica-socially-responsible-investment-solution/ | 2022-11-25 19:41:31 | 0 | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/prnewswire/2022/11/25/jamaica-socially-responsible-investment-solution/ |
It’s important to keep your dog’s nails short, as too-long nails are prone to cracking and splitting, which can be extremely painful. Dog nail grinders help you keep your canine companion’s nails at an appropriate length and offer some advantages over nail clippers.
If you’re still unsure about whether a nail grinder is right for you and your dog, you might want to learn more about them and how to use them. Once you’re ready to buy, it’s good to know which ones are worth your money.
In this article: Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer, Wahl Professional Animal Pet Nail Grinder and Casfuy Six-Speed Dog Nail Grinder.
What is a dog nail grinder?
A nail grinder for dogs is an alternative to canine nail clippers. It has a rotating grinding head that you touch against your dog’s nails to shorten them. It’s a great choice for anyone who’s nervous about using a nail clipper on their dog or for dogs who don’t like having their nails clipped in the conventional way.
Why use a nail grinder on your dog instead of clippers?
These are some of the benefits of using a nail grinder and why you might want to use one instead of nail clippers.
- Reduced chance of injury: Dog nail grinders are less likely to cause pain or injury to your dog’s nails compared to traditional clippers.
- Avoids over-trimming: It’s easy to accidentally cut through the quick of a dog’s nail using nail clippers, especially if your dog has dark nails. Grinders allow for more precise control over the length of the nails, making it easier to avoid over-trimming.
- Good for nervous dogs: Some dogs are reluctant to have their nails trimmed, but grinders may be less intimidating for them.
- Easier to trim: Grinders are a good option for dogs with thick, dark nails that are difficult to cut with clippers.
- Adjustability: Most dog nail grinders come with different speed options, which allows you to adjust the speed to your dog’s comfort level.
- Less chance of nails splitting: Using a grinder to file the nails can prevent the nails from cracking or splitting, which is painful for dogs.
How to use a dog nail grinder
If you’re new to using a grinder on your dog’s nails, it’s important to learn the process before you get started. You should also check the instruction manual of the grinder you buy for any product-specific advice.
- Introduce the grinder slowly: Get your dog comfortable with the grinder by letting it sniff and investigate it before turning it on. If your dog is particularly nervous, don’t start trimming the nails on the first day you introduce the grinder. Instead, start by touching the grinder to the nails while it’s off, giving lots of treats and praise and gradually work up to turning it on and using it on your dog.
- Prepare to trim: Hold the grinder securely in one hand and place your other hand on your dog’s paw to hold it steady.
- Start with caution: Begin by gently grinding the tip of your dog’s nails, being careful not to grind too much or too quickly and keeping the grinder at a slight angle to avoid the quick.
- Keep checking: As the nail becomes shorter, regularly check to see if the end of the quick is coming into view on the underside of the nail to make sure you aren’t grinding too close.
- Repeat until done: Once you have finished grinding one nail, give your dog plenty of praise. Then, move on to the next one, repeating the process until all nails have been trimmed. While you’re getting your dog used to the grinder, you might want to give a small treat after you’ve finished each nail or each paw.
Best nail grinders for dogs
Dremel PawControl Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer
Thanks to its powerful motor, this tool is strong enough to take on large dogs with dark nails, as well as working effectively for smaller pooches. It has a 45-degree paw guide to help you trim your dog’s nails at the best angle.
Sold by Amazon
Dremel 7350-PET Dog Nail Grinder
You can use this cordless nail grinder anywhere, so you can bring it to where your dog’s most comfortable. It’s quiet with low vibration, which is ideal for nervous dogs. It comes with eight sanding belts, which will last you some time.
Sold by Amazon
The addition of an LED light built into the top of this grinder helps you get a better look at your dog’s nails while trimming them.
Sold by Amazon
Wahl Professional Animal Pet Nail Grinder
With two forward speeds and two reverse speeds, it’s easier to get the results you need. It runs on standard AA batteries, so there’s no need to remember to recharge or deal with a power cord.
Sold by Amazon
Casfuy Two-Speed Dog Nail Grinder
This two-speed grinder is simple yet effective. It has three grinding ports of different sizes to help you safely and comfortably file your dog’s nails, no matter their size. It’s cordless and has a two-hour runtime, giving you more than enough time to work with.
Sold by Amazon
Casfuy Six-Speed Dog Nail Grinder
The choice of six speeds lets you more effectively adjust the settings to work with your dog’s nail size, thickness and hardness. It runs extremely quietly and offers low vibration, so it’s a good choice for skittish pups.
Sold by Amazon
You can choose from two speeds and three ports with this grinder. Although it has ports for small, medium and large dogs, it can struggle with large dog’s nails, especially thick, dark nails, though it does a great job on smaller dogs.
Sold by Amazon
Whisper quiet with low vibrations, this is a good choice for nervous dogs. It has two speed settings and a built-in LED light to get a better look at your dog’s claws to help avoid over-trimming.
Sold by Amazon
With small and large ports, you can grind most dogs’ nails safely or you can remove the cap for the largest of nails, though you must be careful not to grind too far. It has built-in LED lights and low noise and vibration.
Sold by Amazon
This quiet nail grinder has stepless speed adjustment, so you can set it at any speed between 4,500 and 11,000 rpm. It runs for up to 10 hours on a full charge and produces minimal noise and vibration.
Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/reviews/br/pets-br/dog-health-br/10-nail-grinders-to-use-on-your-dog/ | 2023-04-05 21:32:58 | 0 | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/reviews/br/pets-br/dog-health-br/10-nail-grinders-to-use-on-your-dog/ |
HOUSTON — One idea being talked about again in the wake of the mass shooting in Uvalde is allowing teachers to arm themselves in the classroom. But it’s already an option here in our state; an option few districts actually take advantage of.
Teachers armed with their voices protested outside U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s office in Austin Tuesday.
“Teachers absolutely are against being armed or playing the part of the police officer on campus,” said Zeph Capo with American Federation of Teachers.
They sent a message to Sen. Cruz, making sure that after the tragedy in Uvalde that their opinions are heard.
“Frankly, it’s too dangerous of a scenario to expect that our teachers are going to have the time or the energy, or the funds available to get certified,” said Capo.
In Texas, teachers already can arm themselves.
“In response to Sandy Hook, I wanted to do something that would protect public school children,” said former Texas Rep. Jason Villalba.
Villalba authored a bill that created the school marshal program in 2013.
“We looked at what happened after 9/11 and we saw the air marshal program, you had an individual on that plane who was not known to others,” he said.
It focuses, not on arming all teachers, but on arming a designated ‘school marshal,’ a person who would be required to pass a background check and complete law enforcement training.
But almost a decade later, Villalba says it’s only used in 276 districts out of around 1,200 across the state.
“We found there were not enough resources for school districts to get comfortable with this,” he said.
Villalba is now out of office. He says looking at Uvalde, we have to do something.
“There’s no one size fits all,” he said. “Gun control by itself will not end this problem, although I do believe we need some common-sense gun control reforms.”
Villalba’s views have cost him. Villalba was a Republican and member of the NRA. After he opposed constitutional carry, he lost his Republican primary in 2018. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/special-reports/uvalde-school-shooting/texas-law-arming-teachers/285-c8f0440d-e907-4b93-8df7-ca62f2251851 | 2022-06-01 18:06:12 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/special-reports/uvalde-school-shooting/texas-law-arming-teachers/285-c8f0440d-e907-4b93-8df7-ca62f2251851 |
NEW YORK (AP) — There's a moment in Post Malone’s new concert film when its star confesses to how surreal his life has become: “Sometimes I feel like I’m not a real person.”
Fans will get no clarity on that astounding statement after watching Amazon's “Post Malone: Runaway,” a limp, uninspiring 60 minutes of flash with no substance. It's unreal.
Not only does the bestselling, genre-mixing hitmaker himself not come across as a real person, the film never tries to help him. Fans won’t learn anything new, and the curious may even be turned off.
The documentary captures Post Malone's first U.S. arena tour in 2019 — a 37-date tour through North America with stops in Los Angeles, Dallas and New York, among others.
The filmmakers — director Hector Dockrill and writers Sam Bridger and Casey Engelhardt — got backstage access without doing anything meaningful with it, ending up more like hype men than independent observers.
“Post Malone: Runaway” is in many ways like an hourlong music video, with some 10 songs — “Take What You Want,” “Wow” and “Rockstar," among them — captured with shaky, distorted camera angles, interspliced with backstage glad-handing and tons of beer pong. Oh, so much beer pong. It both humanizes Posty but also makes him look like an overage bro holding onto childish things.
There are few moments in the film that show our hero not cradling a cigarette or a Solo cup, a tortured genius who seems perennially tipsy, screaming out his lyrics in a sort of existential crouch onstage and getting angry about beer pong rule violations after shows.
Introspection is not his strong suit. “It’s either you’re with it or you ain’t,” he says. "The songs, I guess, are what they are and I am who I am.” The filmmakers seem happier returning to shots of hysterical fans and seem a little too enamored of the tour's pyrotechnics.
How is Malone able to create such hits like “Sunflower”? Don't look here. “It just has a certain vibe and a certain feeling to it that’s rare to come by,” says songwriter Billy Walsh.
The non-Posty interviews consist of superstar guests who stop by backstage — Alicia Keys and Timbaland, among them, and a truly uncomfortable-looking Billie Joe Armstrong. “That was awesome,” the Green Day songwriter says, not entirely convincingly.
Then there are the voices of Malone's own entourage, including weirdly his bus driver, who are, after all, paid to be excited to be on tour with him. “You can’t deny him any more. He’s real," says Cheryl Paglierani, his agent. He is real, gotcha.
That brings up the mood of the documentary, which is sort of a grievance tour. There's a defensiveness to Malone and his team that's laughably unfounded. He's portrayed as fighting the impression that he's a lightweight and not the youngest artist to have three diamond-certified singles or to have broken the record for most simultaneous top 20 Hot 100 Billboard hits. It's hard to punch up when you've sold out Madison Square Garden.
Poor Posty also has to deal with the public glare. He reveals it's hard going to different cities, getting lit every night and then doing it again the next night. Often he will glare at the very camera trying to capture his greatness: “On tour, you’re surrounded by people every single day. It’s exhausting sometimes,” he says.
His team points out that unlike Elvis or Michael Jackson or Madonna, Malone lives in a time of social media, which sometimes has haters writing that he's not as good as he imagines. He's deep in his 20s now. Is he really discovering Twitter is an awful place?
One of the most awkward moments is the appearance of Ozzy Osbourne for “Take What You Want.” Malone seems unable to integrate one of rock's greatest gods — or even talk to him — and Ozzy is left on stage marooned and manically grinning, just raising his arms up. The torch has not been passed, shall we say.
But there is a figure who does emerge as an intriguing star — and that's not Malone. It's Swae Lee, with an ear for melody that stuns even Malone. As for the documentary about the man of the hour, do as the title suggests: Run away.
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Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits
___
For more AP film reviews, go to https://apnews.com/hub/film-reviews. | https://www.expressnews.com/entertainment/article/Review-Post-Malone-concert-doc-is-all-flash-no-17367052.php | 2022-08-11 16:38:02 | 0 | https://www.expressnews.com/entertainment/article/Review-Post-Malone-concert-doc-is-all-flash-no-17367052.php |
East Baton Rouge officials have said for weeks that the federal government is compelling them to impose a new stormwater fee on residents, but they couldn't talk about those negotiations because of a non-disclosure agreement. But on Tuesday, under pressure from a Louisiana Congressman, the city-parish said the NDA was one it had placed on its own employees — not one required by the feds.
That admission angered Metro Council members, who said Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome’s administration had misled them and the public.
"I feel like the trust is now gone, not only between the public and the city-parish but between the council and the administration," Councilman Aaron Moak said.
The fee cannot go into effect without council approval; a vote is planned for next week.
The fee was first pitched as a solution to flooding and litter problems, but it actually serves as the city-parish's last-ditch attempt to avoid federal enforcement action, officials have said. Baton Rouge's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, or MS4, has been out of compliance with federal Clean Water Act requirements for more than a decade.
For more than a month, city-parish officials have declined to answer questions about why they are so urgently pushing for the Metro Council to approve the fee without a vote by taxpayers, citing the NDA. That sparked outrage and heated questions from parish residents during recent public meetings.
In a Thursday letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, Congressman Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge, called the lack of transparency on the federal action "highly inappropriate" and asked that the agencies abandon any NDA.
Then, on Tuesday morning, Graves said he spoke with officials from the EPA and the U.S. Justice Department who told him that no NDA exists between the city-parish and the EPA or DOJ and that there is no hard deadline imposed by the federal government for Metro Council to approve the fee.
"I was initially very frustrated with EPA and the DOJ, only to have the phone call with them today," Graves told The Advocate Tuesday. "I was shocked when they came right out of the gates and said they have no non-disclosure agreement and have no idea what any of those people are talking about."
The city-parish responded to Graves' comments in a statement Tuesday afternoon, admitting that the NDA was drafted by the city-parish and signed by consultants and staff members of the administration, contrary to past public statements.
"No state or federal governmental agency has required the City-Parish to execute a non-disclosure agreement or confidentiality agreement as it pertains to stormwater compliance," reads the city-parish statement.
The city-parish's NDA from the Parish Attorney's Office blocks those who sign it from making public statements about conversations with the Justice Department regarding a potential settlement, according to a copy of the NDA provided to The Advocate nearly five days after the newspaper requested a copy of it.
The EPA and the DOJ did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday.
At least five members of the 12-member Metro Council said Tuesday they plan to vote against the fee and have serious concerns about the city-parish’s previous statements to them about the NDA. At least seven ‘yes’ votes are needed for the fee to be approved.
Councilman Laurie Adams said the administration misled members of the council and put them in a “terrible position.” Adams plans to vote against the fee, she added.
“I am frustrated, angry and disappointed,” Adams said. “I was led to believe that the EPA and DOJ was requiring our local officials to sign an NDA preventing Parish officials from making any comments regarding a potential enforcement action."
Councilwoman Jennifer Racca replied to Graves' tweet to question the city-parish's statements on the NDA and said she plans to vote against the fee.
"I have questions about where the misinformation fed to Metro Council originated and why we — and the public — have seemingly been misled for weeks," Racca wrote. "East Baton Rouge Parish residents deserve transparent and straightforward answers from the City-Parish."
Council members were told they would have to sign a non-disclosure agreement if they asked questions that probed too deeply into negotiations, Adams said; she said she didn't sign one. She said council members have been told that the NDA is in place between the federal government and the city-parish.
Councilwoman Chauna Banks, a member of the Democratic Party like Broome, said she will vote against the fee. She said the city-parish’s statement does not align with what she was told by the administration.
"I have not been able to determine or find that this administration is forthcoming, knowledgeable or transparent regarding what mandates they are supposedly getting from these federal agencies," Banks said.
City-parish spokesman Mark Armstrong blamed miscommunication on the disconnect about the source of the NDA between the administration and members of the Metro Council.
"It's a matter of confusion," Armstrong said. "I don't think anyone was intentional in that confusion. We all played a role in that confusion, council members included."
The first public mention of the NDA came during a Sept. 14 Metro Council meeting to set up the stormwater utility that would be funded by the fee, if approved. Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Kelvin Hill and Parish Attorney Andy Dotson repeatedly warned council members that failing to approve the district and the fee without delay could lead to "federal enforcement action" but declined to elaborate further, citing a “gag order.”
"We’re on a time frame right now in dealing with a situation and dealing with what we’re dealing with," Dotson told the council Sept. 14. "We’re under a gag order, and we’re under an agreement that we can’t go far into it public-wise."
A gag order refers to an order by a judge prohibiting parties taking part in a pending lawsuit or criminal prosecution from talking about the case to the public. Broome's administration clarified the next week that the gag order was, in fact, an NDA between the federal government and the city-parish.
After multiple inquiries into what information is being concealed by the NDA, Armstrong said Sept. 23 that federal enforcement action is "imminent" and that immediate passage of the fee is the best option for avoiding that action. Armstrong cited the alleged NDA when declining to provide details of that federal action — or if the federal government has given any guarantee that the passage of the fee will allow the city-parish to avoid the federal action.
"The EPA was crystal clear that there is not an explicit deadline date or backstop," Graves said. "They did indicate that this compliance issue dates back several years and that while there’s not an explicit deadline or backstop date, they do believe this needs to be acted on with some degree of urgency. There is zero requirement that it happen this month or next month, but the city-parish does need to demonstrate that they are working." | https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/article_3af3b012-4f30-11ed-af2e-072eb50f0285.html | 2022-10-18 23:58:13 | 0 | https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/article_3af3b012-4f30-11ed-af2e-072eb50f0285.html |
Hell in a Cell 2022 will be remembered for one thing and one thing only: Cody Rhodes torn pec. Going into the show, WWE had revealed that Rhodes tore his pec in the days leading up to the show. That put the main event in question. Not only was Rhodes injury more grotesque than imagined, he worked a full 25 minute Hell in a Cell match against Seth Rollins. He came out victorious, winning their third classic of a match.
The injury may be too gross for some -- it took a few minutes for a stunned Chicago crowd to believe what they were seeing. But if you can stomach it, the main event was incredible.
It had to be too, since this was close to a one-match show. Bianca Belair retained her Raw Women's Championship in the opening bout, defeating Asuka and Becky Lynch. It was a terrific match. Between the opener and the closer, though, was a lot of fluff. The card was mostly filled by feuds that have run their course: Kevin Owens, Bobby Lashley and Madcap Moss can hopefully move on to better things after tonight.
Cody Rhodes beat Seth Rollins
What a doozy this was. WWE announcers told us that Cody Rhodes had injured his pec coming into this match. That's no spin, that injury was very real. We found that out when Cody took his coat off, revealing grotesque bruising up his right shoulder.
Cody Rhodes injury became the story of this match, especially at the beginning. The bruising is disgusting, as you can see. The Chicago crowd at first seemed too disturbed by the injury to be into the action. The opening minutes of the main event were the quietest the crowd had been all night. Seth went straight for the injury too, kicking the shoulder and yanking at Rhodes' arm.
The crowd's silence all changed when Rollins brought out a table. At that moment, they no longer cared for Cody's wellbeing and only wanted to see someone get put through that damn table. They got their wish. Rollins attempted a Frog Splash through the table, but Cody rolled off and Rollins crashed through alone.
Rhodes then brought out a cowbell, a weapon synonymous with his dad Dusty. The cowbell is in the middle of a long rope, with handles on either side for each person to strap around their wrist. Cody put one on, then threw the rope to Seth, daring him to put it on. Rollins did, which began a mini Bull Rope match. Cody got the best of it, clocking Rollins with the cowbell for a near fall. As they skirmished on the outside, Rollins unshackled himself and, to the delight of the crowd, brought out another table.
Rollins set it up in the corner of the ring. He attempted to charge Rhodes into it, but Cody dodged and landed a Cross Rhodes on Rollins for another two count. Rhodes tried to follow up, but Rollins attacked the injured shoulder by jerking the arm. Rollins hit Rhodes with a Superkick and then Powerbombed Rhodes through the table for a two count. The crowd chants "This is awesome!"
With Cody down, Rollins went outside to retrieve a sledgehammer. He took a swing, but Rhodes avoided it. Rollins then kicked Rhodes in the gut and attempted a Pedigree, but Rhodes slipped out and landed a Pedigree of his own for another nearfall. Rhodes picked up the sledgehammer and chased Rollins around the ring with it. Rollins slipped inside the ring and, when Rhodes followed, caught Rhodes with a Curbstomp. Another nearfall, another "This is awesome!" chant.
Rollins went for another Curbstomp, but Rhodes got out of the way. Rollins then managed to land a Cross Rhodes. He tried to roll into a second one, but Cody countered with a Cross Rhodes of his own. Both were laid out in the ring, then both started crawling to the sledgehammer. Cody got there first, but his injured pec stopped him from being able to lift it up. Rollins snatched it and tried to hit Cody with it, but Cody kicked it out of his hand.
Rhodes hit two Cross Rhodes, then managed to pick the sledgehammer up. He hit Rollins with it for the win.
Rating: 4.75 stars. Cody Rhodes injury is pretty gross, there's no getting around that. But this will probably go down as 2022's most memorable performance, for good or ill. You can definitely argue that it was irresponsible for WWE to let Cody go out there. But what's inarguable is that his performance was Herculean. Not only did he do the match, he did a 25 minute main event -- and a classic one at that.
Theory retains US Championship
Theory defeated Mustafa Ali with an A-Town Down to retain his United States Championship. Mustafa Ali was a hometown hero to the Chicago crowd, who was solidly behind him. Anyone who watches WWE knows, however, that hometown heroes typically don't get happy endings.
This was an above-average Raw-level match. Ali did well, but was hamstrung by his booking. He hadn't been built up at all coming into this, and it was hard to buy him as a credible threat to Theory's championship run. Ali and Theory also didn't click particularly well. It's not like there were any major botches, but the action didn't have the smoothest flow to it either.
There were some notable spots, like a sweet modified Spanish Fly that saw Theory leap from the ring to the top ropes in an impressive display of athleticism. Ali countered an A-Town Down attempt into an STF, which the crowd was into. At one point Ali backflipped from the second rope, and tweaked his leg on the landing. That played into the finish, as Theory hit an intense chop block on Theory's leg, then successfully landed the A-Town Down for the win.
Rating: 2.75 stars.
Madcap Moss beat Happy Corbin
Madcap Moss defeated Happy Corbin in a No Holds Barred match after he crushed Corbin's neck with a combination of a steel chair and the steel steps. The match was largely built around a steel chair, which Corbin and Moss whaled on each other with, but didn't give the crowd what they were chanting for the whole match -- tables.
Madcap Moss started with a bang, beating Happy Corbin all around the ring. He hit an explosive clothesline that sent Corbin over the ring ropes, then tossed Corbin back in and did the same on the other side. But Corbin stopped Moss' momentum by chucking a chair straight into Moss' face. From there this was a No Holds Barred version of their match at WrestleMania -- pretty much all Corbin.
Corbin smashed Moss several times with a chair as the crowd chanted "We want tables!" At one point Corbin brought a table out from under the ring, which the crowd popped for, but he quickly pushed it back in to get a round of boos. Moss started a comeback after he dodged a turnbuckle charge from Corbin and Corbin hit a chair that was wedged in between the middle and top rope.
The crowd's chants for tables grew more vociferous, but they got no tables. Moss obliterated Corbin with two chair shots -- they were serious chair shots, with a huge amount of power behind them. But Corbin got the upper hand again after chop blocking Moss on the outside. Corbin then wrapped a chair around Moss' neck and pushing him into the announcer's table.
A decade ago that would write a character off TV for months, but this didn't keep Moss down for more than a few minutes. Corbin setup steel steps in the corner of the ring, but Moss wriggled out of whatever Corbin was trying to do to him and instead chucked Corbin into the steel steps with a Fallaway Slam.
Moss then wrapped the chair around Corbin's neck and crushed it with the steel steps. Pretty gnarly spot, one that got Moss the win.
Rating: 3 stars. Hopefully Madcap Moss can move onto something fresh now.
The Judgement Day beat AJ Styles, Finn Balor and Liv Morgan
The six-person mixed tag started with a big brawl. AJ Styles and Finn Balor took out Damian Priest and Edge, which just left Rhea Ripley from The Judgement Day in the ring. AJ launched Liv Morgan into the air, and she landed a Hurricanrana on Ripley. From then on, Ripley and Morgan started as the legal women.
Morgan tried to build momentum, but was cut off by Ripley when Ripley decked her with a big headbutt. From there it was an extended heat session, with the Judgement Day beating down Liv Morgan and then Finn Balor as the good guys built to a comeback.
Balor tagged in Styles for the hot tag as Damian Priest tagged in Edge. Styles ran wild with great intensity, leading to a Phenomenal Forearm on Edge. The pin was interrupted by Priest, who pulled AJ out of the ring. Styles tagged Morgan back into the ring, who had showdown with Ripley again.
Morgan tagged Balor in, which led to another six-person clash where everyone fought everyone. Styles and Balor both dived outside onto Edge and Priest, and Liv Morgan then did a Suicide Dive onto Ripley -- barely making it after catching her foot on the middle rope.
Inside the ring, Balor hit Priest with an Eziguri kick. He tried a Coup de Grace, but Ripley saved Priest by shaking the ropes, which caused Balor to tumble off. Priest tagged in Edge, who tried to Spear Balor but instead ate a kick. AJ took out Priest with a Phenomenal Forearm, then Edge tossed AJ outside.
Edge tried another Spear on Balor, but Balor countered it into an Inside Crade (which was sick). Balor landed a Slingblade on Edge and attempted another Coup de Grace, but Ripley stood in front of Edge, which prevented Balor from the move since the men can't touch the women in the match. Liv Morgan jumped on Ripley's back, getting her out of the way. Balor tried the Coup de Grace, but Edge moved out of the way and hit a Spear for the win.
Rating: 3.25 stars. The biggest takeaway from this match is that Balor is criminally under utilized, but that's nothing new. Edge's faction continues its winning streak, though it still feels like it hasn't fully developed yet. It's good that WWE is committed to something, forgoing the typical 50/50 booking. At the same time though, the Judgement Day faction feels a little pointless so far.
Kevin Owens pins Ezekiel
Kevin Owens beat Ezekiel with a Stunner. This was much more fun than it had any right to be, mostly thanks to Kevin Owens' conviction.
Ezekiel started with a surprise blitz, catching Owens with a jumping high knee and then landing a great Flying Elbow from the top rope. Owens turned things around for himself by slamming Ezekiel into the turnbuckle, busting him open a little. From there it was the Kevin Owens Show, as he took most of the match.
We got a Senton into a Springboard Moonsault from Owens for a two count, and later he hit a Pop-Up Powerbomb for another nearfall. Ezekiel got another surprise high-knee strike, but Owens got his knees up for the second Flying Elbow attempt. After two failed Stunners, Owens hit it on his third try for the win.
The match was fine, or maybe a little better than that. But this was made fun thanks to Kevin Owens and the Chicago crowd. Owens was fanatical, yelling at every chance "It's ELIAS!", and in general making a spectacle of himself. He did a great job of coming off like someone genuinely frustrated that this guy was pretending to be someone he's not.
Then there was the Chicago crowd. At first they chanted "Zeke! Zeke! Zeke!" but later we got duelling chants of "He's Elias/No he's not!" They were more into the match than most other crowds would be -- Chicago is like that -- and that made things far more entertaining.
Rating: 3.25 stars. It's been a cute storyline. Hopefully this match is the end of it. Also, Kevin Owens is so good.
Bobby Lashley beat Omos and MVP.
After Asuka, Becky Lynch and Belair got the show off the a racing start, this handicap match slowed proceedings down quite a bit.
This was what you'd expect. Omos beat Lashley down, then tagged MVP in for a quick bit of offense. MVP and Omos alternated beating Lashley down. None of it was remarkable in any way, except for one fun spot where Omos shoulder charged Lashley through the barricade on the outside. That was cool. Nothing else was.
The finishing sequence began when Lashley was in the ring with MVP. Lashley knocked Omos off the ring apron, then speared MVP. Lashley went for a pin, but Omos broke it up. As Omos was preparing to give Lashley a double-arm Chokeslam, Cedric Alexander, who's had tension with MVP and Omos, jumped in the ring from the top rope. For some reason the ref didn't call for a disqualification.
Omos caught Alexander, but the distraction allowed Lashley to bump Omos out of the ring. Lashley then put MVP in the Hurt Lock for the win.
Rating: 2 stars. Bleh.
Bianca Belair retains Raw Women's Championship
Bianca Belair, Asuka and Becky Lynch kicked off Hell in a Cell with an outstanding opening match for the Raw Women's Championship. It was a match filled with great action, and each woman got a chance to shine. Belair ended up winning by pinning Asuka.
It was a good-but-standard triple threat match at first. It started with three in the ring, but one would get thrown out which would allow the other two to fight one-on-one. They traded positions, and it was good. The crowd was mega into this from the beginning, with huge "E-S-T" chants.
The match went up a gear when Asuka and Lynch were in the ring. Asuka attempted a rollup, but Lynch kicked out. Asuka rewarded her with a series of blistering strikes: a few spinning backfists and a glarly mid kick. It sounds like not much, but it was an intense flurry that got the crowd super into it. As Lynch and Asuka started grappling for submissions after, we got our first "This is awesome!" chant of the night.
It was Belairs time to shine after that, running wild on both Asuka and Lynch with strikes in the corner and a standing moonsault in the middle.
Asuka laid out both with Codebreakers -- Belair ate a Codebreaker in midair after jumping off the middle rope -- and then laid them out with a double hip attack. She then locked both into an ankle lock at the same time, which was a little preposterous. But it played into the following sequence: After they sent Asuka out of the ring, both Belair and Lynch were hopping around on one leg each, selling their respective ankles.
Lynch almost got Belair in her Disarmer armbar, but in an incredible spot Belair powered out by standing up, Lynch teetering over Belair's shoulder. Belair attempted a KOD, but her leg gave out. As they battled, Lynch managed to plant Belair with a Manhandle Slam, but Asuka interrupted the pin for a great false finish.
With Belair out, Lynch and Asuka had a great sequence where they traded rollup pinfall attempts. One of Lynch's rollups got countered into an Asuka Lock, which the crowd initially bought as a possible finish. It wasn't to be though, as in what appeared to be a botch Belair jumped from the top rope into the ring (but not onto Lynch and Asuka, which appeared to be the goal).
Belair dropped Asuka head-first into the turnbuckle, then Lynch threw Belair out. Lynch then hit a Manhandle Slam on Asuka, but Belair came back in and chucked Lynch out of the ring before pinning Asuka for the win.
Rating: 4.25 stars. Great action that was terrifically paced. The spot at the end where Belair jumped in to break up the Asuka Lock seemed like a botch, and certainly killed a little of the momentum they had been building up. But this was awesome. | https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2022-results-cody-rhodes-injury-full-recap-and-analysis/ | 2022-06-06 04:47:41 | 0 | https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/wwe-hell-in-a-cell-2022-results-cody-rhodes-injury-full-recap-and-analysis/ |
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Legislation considered Wednesday in a Missouri state Senate committee would bolster the state’s abortion ban.
Republican Sen. Mike Moon’s measure would add a line to the Missouri Constitution that says: “Nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to secure or protect a right to abortion.”
“Let the voters weigh in on this,” Moon said. “They will confirm with us that life is precious, and it should not be snuffed out prematurely through abortive actions.”
Abortion is already outlawed in Missouri. A law banning the procedure kicked in last year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.
Since then, abortion-rights advocates have been talking about trying to restore access to abortion via ballot measures, although no proposals have been filed yet.
In Missouri, citizens can amend laws and the Missouri Constitution by going directly to voters through referendums or initiative petitions.
Ballot measures allow voters to sidestep lawmakers, a tool that has previously been used to address policy issues that voters disagree with the Legislature on or politically sticky issues that lawmakers refuse to take up.
Moon’s measure would also need voter approval if it’s passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature by the end of session in mid-May.
Abortion-rights advocates asked lawmakers to vote down the proposal.
“Here we are explaining again that abortion bans have devastating consequences for the patients and communities being denied this essential care,” said Vanessa Wellbery, vice president of policy and advocacy at Advocates of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri. | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/missouri-lawmakers-try-to-strengthen-abortion-ban/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world | 2023-02-22 22:02:04 | 1 | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/missouri-lawmakers-try-to-strengthen-abortion-ban/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world |
Kevin Bacon joins the MCU in ‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’
By Dan Heching, CNN
Kevin Bacon is coming to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as…Kevin Bacon.
In a move that’s sure to make the ‘six degrees of Kevin Bacon’ game even easier, the “Footloose” star is featured in the new trailer for “The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special,” alongside franchise stars Dave Bautista (Drax) and Pom Klementieff (Mantis).
“Guardians” director James Gunn, who on Tuesday was appointed co-chairman and chief executive officer of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran, shared the clip on his Twitter. (DC Studios, like CNN, is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.)
In the preview, the galactic gang is seen trying to figure out how to raise Starlord’s (Chris Pratt) spirits ahead of Christmastime, as their team leader is down in the dumps about Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) being gone after the events of “Avengers: Endgame.”
Soon, Mantis and Drax have the idea to take the Guardians back to Earth for the holiday, in hopes that a terrestrial jaunt back home will be just what the doctor ordered.
Somehow, they decide that Bacon would be the perfect “someone special” to help their friend and appear on the iconic actor’s front doorstep to take him with them.
Seen briefly in the clip are Nebula (Karen Gillan), Kraglin (played by Sean Gunn, the director’s brother), Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper), Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) and others.
“The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” is due on Disney+ on November 25.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. | https://kion546.com/entertainment/cnn-entertainment/2022/10/25/kevin-bacon-joins-the-mcu-in-the-guardians-of-the-galaxy-holiday-special/ | 2022-10-26 00:14:30 | 1 | https://kion546.com/entertainment/cnn-entertainment/2022/10/25/kevin-bacon-joins-the-mcu-in-the-guardians-of-the-galaxy-holiday-special/ |
Two young EKY musicians to be featured on Woodsongs Kids
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WYMT) - 13-year-old Johnathan Moore of Knott County and 11-year-old Adalyn Ramey of Johnson County were recently featured on Michael Johnathan’s Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour.
The two musicians are students of Janean Freeman’s vocal studio at the Mountain Arts Center (MAC). The two have been performing for many years but recently began writing and performing their own original songs.
“Johnathan and Adalyn have songs that are just well-crafted, and I thought they deserved to be heard by more people than what they might have been able to share with people locally,” said Freeman.
Freeman suggested the two musicians send in their work to the Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour and were both featured on the show in late April and early May. Now, they will be headed back to Lexington for a taping of the newest season of Woodsongs Kids.
“It’s now in its second season. It had a very successful first season, and now they’re taping their second season and Adalyn and Johnathan get to be part of those shows too,” said Freeman.
Ramey and Moore say they are excited to be featured on the show and share their music with listeners and watchers across the globe.
“I was really nervous at first because I mean, it’s all over the world, but it was a really great opportunity to get my songs out there, and it was just really fun,” said Ramey.
Moore added that they were thankful for the opportunity.
“I’m really grateful that I got the chance to do this and, I mean, just ever since I started writing songs, stuff has just picked up and it’s been a great journey,” he said.
You can learn more about Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour and Woodsongs Kids by visiting its website.
Copyright 2023 WYMT. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/2023/05/19/two-young-eky-musicians-be-featured-woodsongs-kids/ | 2023-05-19 03:55:55 | 1 | https://www.wymt.com/2023/05/19/two-young-eky-musicians-be-featured-woodsongs-kids/ |
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- JI-Analytics has produced a High Value-Add Analysis (HVA) with powerful hidden insights into southern European governments financial performance.
High Value-Add Analysis #577 (HVA #577) provides powerful hidden insights into the financial performance of five major southern European governments for the past ten and five years (2012-2022 and 2017-2022) by using the Citizens' Wealth framework and its 10 KPIs. The five major southern European countries are: France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain (the peers).
Senior decision-makers should care about government financial performance and position because government financial decisions directly affect the probability of debt, currency, and financial crises, which have a disproportionally large impact on the most disadvantaged.
If you are a senior decision-maker who cares about government financial performance and position of any of the five peers, you may be eligible to receive a complimentary copy of High Value-Add Analysis #577 (HVA #577).
Senior decision-makers seeking a complimentary copy should contact info@jianalytics.com.
To review a one-page summary of HVA #577, visit the JI-Analytics store at:
About JI-Analytics
JI-Analytics is a global high value-add benchmarking and best practices analytics firm. Our mission is to produce the world's best Excel-based global high value-add benchmarking and best practices analytics, for senior decision-makers facing the most important challenges at the intersection of Government, NGOs, and Business.
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SOURCE Charles & Agnes Kazarian Foundation | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/05/25/powerful-hidden-insights-into-southern-european-governments-financial-performance-2012-2022-2017-2022/ | 2023-05-25 17:42:48 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/05/25/powerful-hidden-insights-into-southern-european-governments-financial-performance-2012-2022-2017-2022/ |
Over $3 Million Spent Feeding, 'Fixing,' and Supplying Free Veterinary Care for Animals in Virginia and North Carolina
NORFOLK, Va., Jan. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Many animal shelters and veterinary clinics reduced services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread labor shortages, but PETA's mobile spay/neuter clinics and fieldwork never stopped. PETA spent over $3 million in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina alone, distributing free services—including deliveries of food, doghouses, straw bedding, and supplies; counseling and veterinary care to help people keep animals they were about to give up; and end-of-life assistance for families with seriously ill, aged, or aggressive animals. Glimpse PETA's community work here.
PETA is urgently appealing to government officials and the public to help end the homeless-animal crisis via prevention: spaying or neutering, helping others do the same, adopting instead of buying animals, and reporting neglect. Millions of dogs and cats enter U.S. animal shelters annually—and many others are abandoned to suffer and die on the street, particularly now, when many shelters are at capacity and refusing admissions.
In 2022, PETA's work in impoverished areas included the following:
- "Fixing" more than 13,000 animals at its mobile clinics, preventing millions from being born into homelessness
- Providing more than 7,000 dogs kept chained or penned outside 24/7 with free flea and flystrike prevention, water, food, and affection
- Placing 738 animals in loving homes or transferring them to animal shelter partners for adoption
- Providing more than 3,000 families with free counseling services and veterinary care for their animals
- Delivering almost 200 free sturdy doghouses and straw bedding to dogs tethered or penned outside 24/7
- Transporting for free more than 750 animals to and from its clinics for guardians without transportation
"PETA works hard to ensure that every animal born has a loving home with guardians who cherish, respect, and treat them as individuals, but we need the government and the public's help to stop this problem at its root," says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. "Everyone can save lives by sterilizing their dogs and cats, helping pass anti-chaining laws, and always choosing to adopt, never shop."
PETA is the only open-admission animal shelter in the region that takes in all animals—without restrictions, appointments, waiting lists, or admission fees.
For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or listen to The PETA Podcast.
View original content:
SOURCE People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) | https://www.wbtv.com/prnewswire/2023/01/27/peta-recounts-work-combat-animal-neglect-homelessness-2022/ | 2023-01-27 18:27:17 | 1 | https://www.wbtv.com/prnewswire/2023/01/27/peta-recounts-work-combat-animal-neglect-homelessness-2022/ |
Philly LiveShowcasing the food, fashion, wellness, technology and travel destinations that make the Philadelphia region great. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/entertainment/philly-live/tina-turners-life-story-music-to-rock-stage-in-philly/3432170/ | 2022-11-22 16:47:06 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/entertainment/philly-live/tina-turners-life-story-music-to-rock-stage-in-philly/3432170/ |
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — After three Americans were found dead in an Airbnb in Mexico last month, their families are hoping for answers.
Jordan Marshall and Kandace Florence, who attended high school together in Virginia Beach, had been vacationing in Mexico City with Marshall’s friend from New Orleans, Courtez Hall. The trio was there for the celebrations surrounding “Dia de Muertos,” or Day of the Dead.
Kandace Florence’s boyfriend was on the phone with her on the night of Oct. 30 when Florence started getting sick, the family told Nexstar’s WAVY. She told him something wasn’t right. The two eventually were disconnected and he couldn’t get Florence back on the line. He then called the Airbnb host to do a welfare check, and authorities found Florence, Marshall, and Hall dead.
“To lose your child is one thing, but in a whole other country and having to maneuver language barriers and travel and trying to get his body home, it’s been a lot,” Marshall’s mom, Jennifer Marshall, told WAVY.
Marshall, a teacher in New Orleans, and Florence, who started a candle business — Glo Through It — in 2020, were both 28 years old. Florence would have turned 29 on Nov. 10. Hall was also a teacher in New Orleans.
The families of Marshall and Florence say they have been in contact with the U.S. embassy, working to get their loved ones’ bodies home and find out exactly what happened to them.
Jennifer Marshall says they spent hours in a Mexico City police station waiting for a translator to show up. The U.S. embassy was also closed when they arrived and they were unable to get into the Airbnb to get Jordan’s things.
“His wallet, his laptop, he took all those things with him and we just want them back.”
Airbnb told Marshall’s mom that their belongings had been passed on to the authorities while the incident is under investigation.
Florence’s oldest brother, Chad, and her sister-in-law, Amy Green, say they had a similar experience.
“We thought that going to the embassy first would aid us in that regard, but they didn’t have translators that could accompany us to the various places like the forensics office or police station,” Green said.
WAVY reached out to the U.S. embassy for comment on the investigation but did not receive a response before publication. The embassy did provide New Orleans outlet WDSU with this statement:
“We can confirm the death of three U.S. citizens in Mexico. We are closely monitoring local authorities’ investigation into the cause of death. We stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance. Out of respect for the privacy of the families, we have nothing further to add at this time.”
Both families now say they hope no one else ever has to go through this.
“We should’ve never had to go through that type of leg work to realize that our baby passed away in a foreign country,” said Kelvin Florence, Kandace’s father. “Nobody even took the effort to notify us — a letter, a phone call, nothing.”
“Now it’s just a waiting game and hoping that they reach out to us,” Green said.
They’re seeing the challenge as an opportunity, as Kandace Florence says in one of the affirmations featured in her candle, to fight so others won’t have to go through what they’ve experienced.
“She said don’t go through it, glow through it,” her mother Freida says. “We are just glowing through her candles through it, just knowing that our healing is coming.”
Marshall and Florence’s bodies are expected to be flown to the U.S. in the next few days. The cause of death for all three Americans remains under investigation.
Marshall’s funeral is set for Friday, his family says. | https://www.kxnet.com/news/national-news/3-americans-found-dead-in-mexico-city-airbnb-families-seek-answers/ | 2022-11-08 17:06:52 | 1 | https://www.kxnet.com/news/national-news/3-americans-found-dead-in-mexico-city-airbnb-families-seek-answers/ |
NACOGDOCHES — The North Texas women’s soccer team scored three goals before the 22nd minute Sunday at Stephen F. Austin and held the clean sheet to claim a 4-0 victory when it was all said and done.
Fifth-year senior Olivia Klein scored two of UNT’s four goals Sunday to give her a team-leading five on the year. She scored the third goal of the match as well as the fourth.
“We came out firing and finished our chances,” Klein said. “I’m really excited with how we’re playing right now.”
UNT (4-0-0) scored its first goal in the second minute on its first shot attempt. Junior Taylor Tufts fired the shot from the top of the box to put North Texas up early. Devyn Flannery scored the second goal of the match a few minutes after Tufts’ goal. Flannery one-timed a cross into the box from Rachel Roebuck to put the Mean Green up 2-0.
Klein then scored the third goal in the 21st minute when a Tufts shot was cleaned up and finished.
Her second goal, which came late in the second half, was the most impressive.
Senior Victoria Altieri crossed in a pass into the 6-yard box where Klein soared above the defender, took the contact from the SFA keeper and used her head to score the goal.
“I’m proud of my team today,” UNT coach John Hedlund said. “We asked for a faster start and Taylor put us on the board early and we never looked back. Olivia and Devyn had some great goals as well, and our defense overall was outstanding throughout the match to get the shutout against a very good SFA team. It was a total team effort and now we will start preparing for OU at our place Thursday night.”
Sunday’s shutout over the Ladyjacks (1-2-1) was the Mean Green’s second shutout of the year, coming in their first road test of 2022.
North Texas returns home for a showdown with Oklahoma on Thursday starting at 7 p.m. It will be streamed on ESPN+. | https://dentonrc.com/sports/colleges/mean_green/unt-soccer-team-shuts-out-stephen-f-austin-on-the-road/article_d670f500-371b-5115-b0cf-48d9feabd780.html | 2022-08-29 04:35:50 | 0 | https://dentonrc.com/sports/colleges/mean_green/unt-soccer-team-shuts-out-stephen-f-austin-on-the-road/article_d670f500-371b-5115-b0cf-48d9feabd780.html |
DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. — Chuck E. Cheese is rolling out the purple carpet for a grand reopening in Douglasville, Ga. on Thursday.
The family entertainment fun center is celebrating its 200th remodel nationwide and throwing a party to commemorate the milestone. Chuck E., the center's iconic mouse, is inviting the community to participate in raffles and eat free cake. The company said the first 25 families in line will also enjoy free gameplay during the event.
Chuck E. Cheese has invested in its nine, soon to be 10, Atlanta-area locations to bring new technology -- and of course -- new games. Now when families head to the fun center, they'll find new activities with varying skill levels for players of all ages, an interactive dance floor and a 200-inch LED video wall, a news release said.
Chuck E. is also giving one of his closest friends the best party ever. Between Jan. 26 through Feb. 28, fans can visit chuckecheese.com/wow-sweepstakes to enter for a chance to win a private, 2-hour, ultimate fun party package for up to 200 guests with appearances from the entire Chuck E. cast.
Event details below:
Chuck E. Cheese Grand Reopening Event
Thursday, Jan. 26 | 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
6890 Douglas Blvd, Douglasville, GA 30135 | https://www.11alive.com/article/entertainment/chuck-e-cheese-reopening-party-in-douglasville/85-e726497d-3f7f-48bb-b383-cb3439315b2f | 2023-01-26 00:17:45 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/entertainment/chuck-e-cheese-reopening-party-in-douglasville/85-e726497d-3f7f-48bb-b383-cb3439315b2f |
Jack Teixeira, the suspected leaker of hundreds of Pentagon records, was charged Friday with violating the Espionage Act and another statute that prohibits the unauthorized removal of classified documents.
Teixeira, who appeared in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts in Boston after his Thursday arrest, did not enter a plea.
Espioange Act charges carry up to 10 years in prison.
Teixeira, 21, was arrested in connection with the posting of numerous records on “Thug Shaker Central,” a group on Discord where more than 100 classified documents on topics ranging from Ukraine to intelligence gleaned from spying on allies first appeared.
Documents dealing with intelligence on Ukraine’s battle with Russia from as far back as February had been percolating on the site before spreading to other social media platforms.
The charges for Teixeira under the Espionage Act include those for taking and copying national defense information as well as a provision of the law for willfully transmitting information that “could be used to the injury of the United States or to the advantage of any foreign nation.”
Teixeira was also charged under a law dealing with any improper removal of classified documents.
Though a low-ranking member of the military, he served in the 102nd Intelligence Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard, a position that came with a top secret security clearance and access to the Pentagon’s Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System.
His identity was uncovered in just a matter of days following a New York Times story detailing the existence of the documents, as well as their spread onto mainstream sites.
One detail in Teixeira’s charging documents shows that he attempted to search U.S. intelligence databases the same day the Times story broke to ascertain whether any intelligence agencies had identified the leaker.
“On April 6, 2023, TEIXEIRA used his government computer to search classified intelligence reporting for the word ‘leak,’” the documents state.
“Accordingly, there is reason to believe that TEIXEIRA was searching for classified reporting regarding the U.S. Intelligence Community’s assessment of the identity of the individual who transmitted classified national defense information.”
According to The Washington Post, Teixeira’s father yelled “Love you, Jack!” at the end of the proceedings, with Teixeira responding, “Love you, too, Dad.”
Interviews by various media outlets with members of the Thug Shaker Central group indicate Teixeira shared the information in an online forum for a group that bonded during the pandemic over an interest in guns and military gear.
Though Teixeira managed to print and share information in the closed group of 20 to 30 members since the beginning of the year without detection, some of the classified information was later shared among open groups.
That included information marked “NOFORN,” indicating it should not be shared with foreigners.
The spill of secrets has been an embarrassing revelation for the U.S., which has had to confront the leak of information about allies, including doubts about Ukraine’s air capabilities, amid its battle with Russia.
The documents also show how deeply the U.S. had penetrated Russian intelligence outlets — details the country could use to stem the flow of information the U.S. has been gathering.
—Updated at 11:43 a.m. | https://www.wric.com/hill-politics/alleged-pentagon-leaker-charged-under-espionage-act/ | 2023-04-14 16:43:26 | 1 | https://www.wric.com/hill-politics/alleged-pentagon-leaker-charged-under-espionage-act/ |
The Melting Pot fondue franchise eyes restaurant expansion in Lubbock
A unique fondue dining experience could be coming to Lubbock in 2025, if a franchisee can be found.
The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant franchise that started in Florida in 1975, recently identified Lubbock as one of the cities it would like to expand into by 2027.
More in Lubbock franchise news:California-based Habit Burger Grill announces plans to expand to Lubbock
"Lubbock shows up with our demographics as an area that just makes sense," said Collin Benyo, The Melting Pot Franchise Growth Strategist. "I think it's an area that Melting Pot could do well in, and it checked all of our boxes."
The Melting Pot has 94 locations across 31 states, with six of those locations in Texas. The Florida-based franchise's main experience is a four-course fondue dinner, which includes a Wisconsin made cheese fondue, a salad course, the entrée course, and ending with a chocolate fondue. Everything is made table-side with an array of options in each course.
Benyo's favorite selections include the Alpine Swiss cheese fondue, the Caesar Salad, duck and lobster for the entrée, and the classic milk chocolate and peanut butter fondue.
"As far as franchise opportunities go for fondue, we don't have competition," Benyo said. "Our competition is within the spectrum of where people choose to celebrate their milestones and achievements. Our slogan is to give every quest the perfect night out."
Others are reading:Shaq's Big Chicken franchise hits Lubbock, more West Texas, Oklahoma locations to come
With an average ticket price of $55 per person, the franchise markets itself as a celebratory location. Benyo formerly ran a location in Florida, which hosted a wedding. He mentioned their customers tend to return for birthdays, promotions, date nights, and other highlights of their lives.
"A lot of people don't know that we're a franchise, because we just become a part of the community, where people take their kids for birthdays, their loved ones for anniversaries," Benyo said. "We become a part of their own story."
In order to become part of Lubbock's story, The Melting Pot needs a franchisee who is people-oriented and understand the bigger picture versus the day-to-day. Potential franchisees can also visit meltingpotfranchise.com, or call 813-425-6209.
Others are reading:Milling about: Lubbock couple begins flour business with New Deal grain
"When it comes to franchising opportunities, there's a lot of options," Benyo said. "But when you are picking something to invest money into, the question is, is it something that you trust, that you believe in? Something that has systems in place that have been proven right? We wouldn't have been around for close to 50 years if we didn't."
Franchisees will have help throughout the process, from design to operations, and will continue to receive support with a franchise business consultant. Once a franchisee has signed an agreement, it takes about a year and a half to get the doors open at a new location.
As of May 8, 2023, the franchise's Texas locations include Arlington, Austin, Dallas-Addison, El Paso, Houston and San Antonio. The franchise hopes to add more locations to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Houston, and San Antonio.
People can find The Melting Pot online at meltingpot.com. | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/business/2023/05/09/the-melting-pot-fondue-franchise-eyes-lubbock-seeks-franchisee/70188704007/ | 2023-05-10 02:00:32 | 0 | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/business/2023/05/09/the-melting-pot-fondue-franchise-eyes-lubbock-seeks-franchisee/70188704007/ |
On the heels of a public health emergency declaration from the World Health Organization, epidemiologists and public health experts warn the U.S. is running out of time to contain a monkeypox outbreak that has infected nearly 3,000 Americans.
"We're losing daylight," UCLA epidemiologist Anne Rimoin, who has studied monkeypox for decades, told NPR. "Every day that we aren't continuing to push forward on all fronts, the less likely it is that we will be able to contain it."
U.S. officials have already expanded testing, made tens of thousands of vaccines available and made plans to release another 1.6 million doses in the coming months.
But the limited supplies have not matched demand, some health officials have reported. And despite limited testing, case numbers have grown so rapidly in recent weeks that a larger response may be necessary to contain the outbreak, experts say – if containment is still possible.
"It's going to be tough, but that needs to still be the goal," Dr. Preeti Malani, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Michigan, told NPR. "What we do in the coming days and weeks will really determine where we are a few months from now."
The U.S. is closing in on 3,000 cases of monkeypox
Over the weekend, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency. Biden administration officials have said they are discussing whether to declare an emergency in the U.S.
The discussions represent a change of tone from the beginning of the outbreak in May. Then, there were only a handful of cases outside of Africa, where the disease is endemic, and health officials in the U.S. and around the world expressed confidence that the disease was containable.
As of Friday afternoon, the CDC had reported 2,891 cases of monkeypox in the U.S. – a number more than 10 times higher than a month ago.
The CDC had tests available before this outbreak began – a significant difference from COVID-19 – but experts have complained that the agency is testing cases at too slow a pace. The Biden administration began shipping tests to commercial laboratories in late June, with the expectation that testing capacity would be "ramped up" through the month of July.
"We are way behind in a lot of aspects, including rapid testing and access to treatment for those patients who might need treatment," Malani said.
More robust contact tracing, too, could help combat the virus.
"Ultimately, we cannot vaccinate and treat our way out of monkeypox," Malani said. "Prevention is critical."
Monkeypox has a long incubation period, she said. After an initial exposure, it can be weeks before symptoms develop. An early heads-up from a robust contact tracing effort could help people exposed to monkeypox isolate and seek tests or vaccines before symptoms appear.
The virus most often spreads through prolonged physical contact. It is not a sexually transmitted disease; it can spread through non-sexual physical contact, or by handling clothes or bedding used by an infected person. The disease can also spread via respiratory droplets.
Like in other Western countries, the outbreak in the U.S. has mostly affected men who have sex with other men. But the CDC has also reported infections in a small number of cisgender women. And on Friday, the agency announced the outbreak's first documented cases in children – a toddler in California and an infant whose family was traveling in Washington, D.C.
Lessons from COVID-19
The monkeypox outbreak arrived at a time when public awareness of infectious disease is high, experts pointed out. The COVID pandemic has made Americans familiar with public health concepts like isolation, rapid testing and contact tracing.
But other lessons from COVID have seemingly not stuck – like how early and how forcefully to take action when an outbreak is still constrained to a handful of people.
"I hate to say this, but I feel like 'here we go again,'" Rebecca Fischer, an infectious disease specialist at Texas A&M University, told NPR.
Researchers are quick to point out that the two diseases are very different. They belong to different families of virus and require different levels of contact to spread. Overall, COVID is more transmissible.
Many of COVID's lessons could be applied to any infectious disease, Fischer said.
"Public health thought that we had learned this great thing – that we need to respond aggressively up front, and with a lot of resources and a lot of attention up front, if we hope to curtail and contain," Fischer said. "And I get the sense that sort of aggressive upfront action didn't really happen."
Still, public health officials and epidemiologists alike say that containment could be within reach.
Unlike COVID, monkeypox was already a known quantity to researchers before the current outbreak. The disease was first discovered in humans more than 50 years ago, and its similarity to smallpox means smallpox treatments and vaccines are also effective against monkeypox. The U.S. has millions of doses already stockpiled.
"I absolutely think that it can be contained. But whether it will be depends upon the resources dedicated to doing this and the speed with which we can act," said Rimoin of UCLA. "It really will require a major concerted effort locally, nationally and globally."
Editor's note: The original photo accompanying the story was considered offensive by some and has since been changed.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wdiy.org/npr-news/npr-news/2022-07-25/epidemiologists-warn-the-u-s-reaches-a-critical-moment-to-contain-monkeypox | 2022-07-26 00:23:13 | 1 | https://www.wdiy.org/npr-news/npr-news/2022-07-25/epidemiologists-warn-the-u-s-reaches-a-critical-moment-to-contain-monkeypox |
Minority-owned firm is the most successful small company among the agency's short list of vendors
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Decision Vectors (ADV) is pleased to announce it has won access to the follow-on National Institutes of Health's federal contracting vehicle, Business and Professional Support Services III (NIHBPSS III). The small, minority-owned company joins an exclusive list of 20 U.S.-based management consulting firms whose services can be purchased by all NIH Institutes, Centers, offices, and other federal agencies.
ADV was the most successful small company under the vehicle's previous iteration (NIHBPSS II), earning four times as much as its nearest competitor. Under the current version, ADV's contract holds a total ceiling value of $49 million.
"ADV is proud to continue to leverage our innovative program and financial management capabilities to improve NIH business processes," said Ed Jarrell, ADV IDIQ Program Manager. "Our selection for this vehicle demonstrates our strength and depth of service," he continued.
NIHBPSS III support areas include:
- Financial Analysis, Business Solutions, and Acquisition Lifecycle Support
- Business Process Improvement and Organizational Assessment
- Communication and training
- Program Planning and Management Services
- Policy Development, Implementation, and Administration
- System Integration Work
- Center of Excellence (CoE) Support
- Human Resources (HR) Solutions
Founded in 2009, Advanced Decision Vectors (ADV), LLC, is a Small Business Administration-certified concern located in Alexandria, VA. Its core services are Administrative Support, Enterprise Services, Management Consulting, Operational Psychology, Resource Management, and Security Management.
NIHBPSS III is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, which affords customers the ability to order services after requirements materialize, providing NIH with flexibility in both quantities and delivery scheduling.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Advanced Decision Vectors LLC | https://www.weau.com/prnewswire/2022/09/01/adv-wins-access-latest-national-institutes-health-acquisition-vehicle/ | 2022-09-01 15:12:58 | 0 | https://www.weau.com/prnewswire/2022/09/01/adv-wins-access-latest-national-institutes-health-acquisition-vehicle/ |
NHL draft wraps up with 11 picks for Chicago, dearth of trades ahead of free agency
By TERESA M. WALKER
AP Sports Writer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks acquired their latest generational talent along with a big dose of speed in one of the NHL’s largest draft hauls.
They also made another big move for their future Thursday by adding veteran Corey Perry to help teach No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard how to be the leader the Blackhawks need to contend for a Stanley Cup.
“I couldn’t be happier with how this worked out,” Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson said after wrapping up an 11-player class on a day that included trading a seventh-round pick in next year’s draft to acquire the 38-year-old Perry.
The Anaheim Ducks added a big Swedish center to their young, talented offense in Leo Carlsson at No. 2 overall.
The reigning Presidents’ Trophy champion Boston Bruins made the most of their five selections. They bulked up with each player at least 6 foot or taller, capped by 6-5 Swedish defenseman Kristian Kostadinski at No. 220 overall in the seventh round.
Now comes the very short wait for free agency, which starts Saturday after the two-day draft.
Minnesota general manager Bill Guerin said this was a “pretty boring” draft with a dearth of trades swapping NHL players. A year ago in Montreal, four trades swapping NHL players took place on the second day alone. On Thursday, no player-for-player trades occurred.
“I really don’t have an answer for that,” Guerin said. “I think maybe teams just aren’t prepared to move on yet or to just get anything done. Not motivated yet.”
Chicago followed up taking Bedard and perhaps the fastest skater in this draft in Oliver Moore at No. 19 overall.
On Thursday, Chicago had three picks in the second round, and Davidson made Adam Gajan the first goaltender drafted at No. 35. This was the second straight year and third time in six drafts that the first goalie wasn’t drafted until at least the second round.
Gajan is the highest Slovakian-born goalie in NFL draft history, easily topping Peter Budaj taken at No. 63 overall in 2001. The Blackhawks noticed how Gajan kept Slovakia in big games under pressure at the World Junior Championships — even though he gave up the overtime goal to Bedard.
“We loved his athleticism, ability to play the puck,” Davidson said. “Big game player. He was great for Slovakia in the world juniors, was excellent everywhere he played this year.”
Five of the 26 goalies drafted went in the second round, and the rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers took Carson Bjarnason. Then general manager Danny Briere added a second in the third round in Russian Egor Zavragin among his 10 draft selections.
Briere said Bjarnason was high on their list, and no NHL team can ever have too many goalies — especially with how long it can take some to hit their peak.
“If all these guys start hitting what we’d like to see from them, it’s going to be a nice thing to have,” Briere said.
Columbus continued stocking up on Wolverines despite playing in the home of Michigan’s Big Ten rival.
The Blue Jackets took Michigan captain Gavin Brindley with the second pick Thursday, reuniting him with center Adam Fantilli — the No. 3 overall pick. They join a roster that already features Kent Johnson, Zach Werenski and Nick Blankenburg.
Asked if Fantilli helped lobby for his teammate, Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said they listen to their scouts even as Fantilli helped them pay close attention to Brindley. The center might have gone higher if not for being 5-8.
“It’s just fallen this way now that we’ve gotten a lot of Michigan players,” Kekalainen said. “It’s a great program obviously, and they have a long history of producing first round picks and high picks. In that way it’s not a coincidence, they have good players in that program.”
Fantilli credited Brindley for being a pillar of calmness during a season Michigan overcame hardship — the death of their longtime trainer, a serious illness to another player — and a roster of 12 freshmen to reach the national semifinals at the Frozen Four before losing to eventual champ Quinnipiac.
Now Fantilli is going to need tips about living in the heart of Buckeye country at Ohio State.
“We’re going to have to talk about that later,” Fantilli said.
The Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights made the final trade of the draft, sending the 224th pick to Columbus.
But the best moment Thursday came on the next to last trade.
New Jersey general manager Tom Fitzgerald, the first captain of the then-expansion Predators, traded the 218th selection to Nashville. That allowed David Poile to announce Aiden Fink as the final pick of the general manager’s 40th and final draft for the franchise he built from the ground up.
When Poile finished, his successor Barry Trotz and the rest of the Predators quickly rose for a standing ovation joined by everyone inside Bridgestone Arena for the NHL’s longest-tenured and winningest general manager. ___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://kion546.com/news/2023/06/29/nhl-draft-wraps-up-with-11-picks-for-chicago-dearth-of-trades-ahead-of-free-agency/ | 2023-06-29 23:04:56 | 1 | https://kion546.com/news/2023/06/29/nhl-draft-wraps-up-with-11-picks-for-chicago-dearth-of-trades-ahead-of-free-agency/ |
Welcome to E!'s Tales From the Top, our series on women who are leaders in their fields and masters of their craft. Spanning industries and experiences, these powerhouse women answer all the questions you've ever had about how they got to where they are today—and what they overcame to get there. Read along as they bring their resumés to life.
Rachel Bilson's got big summer plans.
The O.C. star is expanding inner circle to listeners everywhere with her new podcast Broad Ideas. , which she's co-hosting with her best friend of 25 years, Olivia Allen. Guests like Kristen Bell, Mandy Moore and Zooey Deschanel will be stopping by to chat about a range of broad topics, including sex, infidelity, mental health and so much more. Think of it as weekly audio happy hour with your girlfriends, free of filters or fake niceties, as Bilson told E! News she's holding nothing back in the series.
"I'm a little more unhinged, but it's nice to be able to feel free with it," the 40-year-old admitted with a laugh. "Authentic is the better word and I think people are craving it more than ever."
The actress previously reunited with her co-star Melinda Clarke for their popular rewatch podcast, Welcome to the OC, Bitches! But Bilson is ready to get even more personal with Broad Ideas, opening up about her life as a single mom to her 7-year-old daughter, Briar Rose Christensen, with former partner Hayden Christensen.
"Being a 40-year-old woman and a mother, I feel like I've come into my own and these things should be talked about," she explained. "It shouldn't be taboo or we should be able to get detailed and you shouldn't be embarrassed. For me, it took a lot to come into that."
Bilson hopes to provide a "safe space" for others to also experience the support system she has to offer.
"True friends don't judge and it's that safe space that you crave, that you might find in therapy," she said. "It's just having these soul sisters that you can go through everything with that have been there through everything and will never judge you. It just felt like my best friends and I are always having these conversations, why not make that the norm?"
She opened up to E! News about her future plans for Broad Ideas, the lessons she's learned throughout her career and why she's finally done being a people pleaser:
E! News: How did you come up with the name Broad Ideas for the podcast?
Rachel Bilson: I'm a huge fan of puns and plays on words, so a couple of broads with some very broad ideas!
E! News: What is it like to have an open and honest conversation with your friend, but to do it on-mic when you know a lot of people will eventually be listening to it?
RB: I don't get nervous before I start, but definitely after I go through the overthinking, over-obsessing, like, "Oh, gosh, what did I say? Is this going to be out there?" But the beautiful thing about this is I have the power to edit! You know, because there's definitely things where I want this to be as open and candid as possible. It's really amazing to have that authentic approach and being able to talk about anything as women or anyone, for that matter. But there are times where I gotta reel it in a little bit.
E! News: What is your favorite thing about your best friend and co-host Olivia Allen?
RB: We talk on the phone every day and we will get into these conversations where we'll talk about, "What's your favorite Starburst color?" And we'll get into an in-depth conversation about Starburst colors and we know what each other's is gonna be because we've been friends for 25 years. There's nothing left uncovered and so just doing this, I wanted to bring her along on this ride. She also offers a really amazing perspective because she's gone a different route with spiritual psychology—and she's been sober for 11 years and has all these other life things, so bringing us together from both sides of it has been amazing. Like Sex and the City says, your best friends are your soul mates. So what's better than that, to go through it together and to just be that open and create the support system?
E! News: You've had some great guests so far, including Mandy Moore and Kristen Bell. How did you pitch it to them?
RB: Kristen and I have been friends for like 18 years and she's just the best human on the planet. So when I asked her, she didn't even have to know what it was. She was like, "I'm there." She's that kind of person and friend, which is amazing. And Mandy, we've always known each other but I reached out to her and I was like, "Look, my best friend and I are starting this podcast. We look up to you so much as a woman, as a person. We would love for you to sit down and talk with us." There's no one nicer on the planet, so she was like, "Absolutely." It's so nice that people were willing and responded so positively because these are all women that I respect.
E! News: In the second episode, you talk about being a people-pleaser when you were younger. Has that changed for you?
RB: It's for sure evolved because you get older and you're like, "Wait a minute. I know what I want. I know what I'm after. I know that this person might not like this, but you have to be true to yourself." And as a mother, I'm setting an example for a little girl so that comes into play. Because you're like, "No, you have to be true." If she's having an issue with a friend at school, it's like, "No, no, you do what you want to do. You don't have to listen to this other person. You don't have to be doing something that makes you uncomfortable just because you don't want to say no." So all of these things came together at this point in my life and to be able to speak up for yourself and do what you want to do is a huge lesson and something that I will preach till I'm dead.
E! News: Is there a time in your career that you stood your ground and were really proud of yourself?
RB: I've always been hardcore against nudity and I actually stuck to it. I thought it was going to lose this role—and it's probably one of my most favorite projects I ever did—because I wouldn't get naked. But I stuck to it and I still got to do it and there wasn't nudity. I was really proud of myself because it was probably the role I'm most proud of. In the moment when we were shooting the scene, I was like, "Ehhh, you could show my boobs," but no, I stuck to it. (Editor's note: Bilson revealed in a 2020 interview with Playboy that she refused to appear nude in The Last Kiss.)
E! News: Is there a particular quality you've had throughout your career that has carried over into motherhood?
RB: Throughout my career, being a mom always comes first and I will choose jobs or things according to her. It has nothing to do with me because it's what I've wanted my whole life. There's certain projects I've done that she won't see until she's, like, 40. But every decision I make in my life is with her as my first thought. Before that, I just did things that I really wanted to do and felt proud of and that's still to this day, so it feels good.
E! News: Are you envisioning a second season of Broad Ideas?
RB: Well, it's definitely experimental...we're wanting to see how it does, but it would be great if it could live on and grow and be this community where people can come for authenticity and real conversations and real topics. one of our best friends is coming on and the topic is infidelity, so I'm really proud of that one. It's just another experience and it's a really interesting conversation. I hope people enjoy themselves and can relate to things and want to keep coming back. Talking with your best friends, we do it anyway, so to be able to do it on this platform, we would love to continue doing it.
E! News: If you were to pick one thing that you hope you're able to teach or instill in your daughter, what would it be?
RB: Just to be proud of yourself and be happy in life because what else is there? You should enjoy this time on this earth.
E! News: What advice would you give to your younger self?
RB: Oh man, so much. I was so young. It's important to do your job, do it well and it's not your business what other people think of you. You can get caught up in certain things especially at a young age and, luckily, we were before the Instagram era, but you just have to be proud of everything you do.
Broad Ideas is available wherever you listen to podcasts. | https://www.eonline.com/news/1334343/why-rachel-bilson-is-so-done-with-being-a-people-pleaser?cmpid=rss-000000-rssfeed-365-topstories&utm_source=eonline&utm_medium=rssfeeds&utm_campaign=rss_topstories | 2022-06-14 15:13:14 | 0 | https://www.eonline.com/news/1334343/why-rachel-bilson-is-so-done-with-being-a-people-pleaser?cmpid=rss-000000-rssfeed-365-topstories&utm_source=eonline&utm_medium=rssfeeds&utm_campaign=rss_topstories |
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
© 2022 Good Karma Brands Milwaukee, LLC. | https://wtmj.com/ap-news/2022/06/20/ap-top-business-news-at-1257-p-m-edt-19/ | 2022-06-20 20:21:09 | 0 | https://wtmj.com/ap-news/2022/06/20/ap-top-business-news-at-1257-p-m-edt-19/ |
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (KTVX) – A Utah man was arrested after allegedly threatening a woman with a straight-edge razor during a JetBlue flight from New York to Salt Lake City on Monday.
Merrill Darrell Fackrell, 41, has been charged in a District of Utah federal court with one count of carrying a weapon on an aircraft and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.
According to the charging documents, Fackrell was seated in the window seat and talking to the woman seated next to him while her husband was working and watching a movie in the aisle seat. After a reportedly “long and varied” conversation, the woman followed her husband to the restroom area at the back of the plane.
When the woman and husband returned to their seats, she reportedly put on headphones and began to watch a movie. She said could hear Fackrell continue to talk to himself but she wasn’t paying attention to him.
That was when Fackrell placed his hand in front of the woman’s screen and told her to pause the movie, according to charging documents.
“[The woman] took off her headphones and realized that Fackrell had his hand clutched with what appeared to her as a knife, inches from her skin at her throat/neck area near the collar of her shirt,” the charging documents state. “Fackrell then stood up and started yelling ‘She’s going to be OK,” and ‘no one needs to worry.'”
Fackrell allegedly told the woman’s husband to “get the f— out of there,” prompting him to go to the front of the plane for assistance. The woman reportedly lunged for the aisle to escape, breaking free from Fackrell who allegedly then grabbed her shoulder to try and stop her.
A nearby passenger intervened after the woman went to the front of the plane, convincing Fackrell to put the razor down and passed it off for safekeeping, according to charging documents. The nearby passenger then sat next to Fackrell for the remainder of the flight.
Fackrell allegedly drank “several alcoholic beverages” leading into the incident. The Salt Lake City Police Department and an FBI Task Force Officer are both investigating. | https://www.myarklamiss.com/news/national-news/man-allegedly-threatens-woman-with-a-razor-on-jetblue-flight/ | 2022-11-27 18:26:30 | 0 | https://www.myarklamiss.com/news/national-news/man-allegedly-threatens-woman-with-a-razor-on-jetblue-flight/ |
BOISE, Idaho — Why did 2,500 sheep cross the road? Because the grass was greener on the other side.
In Idaho, it's not unusual to see ranchers moving a bleating herd of sheep up to higher elevation at this time of year. But the sight of 2,500 wooly beasts trotting across a highway earlier this week brought a crowd about 300 people.
It was the largest turnout that Steve Stuebner, spokesperson for the Idaho Rangeland Resources Commission, has seen in 15 years.
"It's a novelty. Maybe they've never seen anything like that before, but it's real typical in Idaho," he told KTVB-TV. "When you're out in rural parts of Idaho in the spring and summer, or fall, you could run into a cattle drive or a sheep drive."
Curious onlookers lined the road as the animals sheepishly entered the highway, guided by ranchers and steered by sheepdogs. They traveled up the road a little ways, the fluffy white herd obscuring the yellow-painted centerline amid a chorus of "baas" and the lead ewe's jangling bell.
Leaving the open road behind, they will journey through the sagebrush-dotted foothills for a few weeks to their summer home in the Boise National Forest.
This trip up to higher elevations is a tradition dating back around 100 years, the Boise-area TV station reported, and having the sheep graze in the forest helps prevent fires and invigorates plant growth.
The ovine spectacle will return when the sheep are brought back down again in the fall.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.nprillinois.org/2023-04-29/whats-white-fluffy-and-has-10-000-legs | 2023-04-29 15:54:26 | 0 | https://www.nprillinois.org/2023-04-29/whats-white-fluffy-and-has-10-000-legs |
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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Atlanta Braves closer Kenley Jansen was put on the 15-day injured list Tuesday because of an irregular heartbeat, the latest heart-related issue in the veteran right-hander's career.
The move was made retroactive to Monday when Jansen felt discomfort, manager Brian Snitker said.
In November 2018, Jansen underwent a cardiac ablation, a procedure to restore normal heart rhythm. He was first diagnosed with irregular heartbeat issues in 2011 and had an ablation the next year.
The 34-year-old Jansen signed a one-year, $16 million deal with the Braves in the offseason. He has gone 4-0 with a 3.58 ERA while converting 20 of 24 save opportunities.
“He’s been unbelievable,” Snitker said. “Having him has allowed us to use our bullpen depth.”
A three-time All-Star, Jansen is second among active pitchers with 370 career saves.
Snitker expects to use the combination of left-handers A.J. Minter and Will Smith to close games in Jansen’s absence. They are a combined 2 for 7 in save opportunities this year.
“It’s another injury you have to deal with,” Snitker said. “You can never have enough pitching. We have guys down there who have closed a lot of ballgames.”
The Braves recalled right-hander Jesús Cruz from Triple-A Gwinnett to take Jansen’s spot on the roster. Cruz has allowed one run in six innings for Atlanta this season.
Snitker also said star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. remained in Atlanta for treatment on his bruised left foot. Acuña is day-to-day and could arrive in Philadelphia as early as for Wednesday night's game.
Acuña fouled a ball off his foot in the third inning and later exited Saturday’s 5-3 win over the Dodgers. He sat out Sunday’s 5-3 loss to Los Angeles. X-rays and an MRI showed no fracture.
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.mrt.com/sports/article/Braves-put-closer-Jansen-on-IL-due-to-irregular-17272576.php | 2022-06-28 22:32:38 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/sports/article/Braves-put-closer-Jansen-on-IL-due-to-irregular-17272576.php |
Rachel Recchia isn't giving up on her journey to find love.
While her relationship with former fiancé Tino Franco didn't work out, The Bachelorette star recently revealed she's started dating again.
"Well, obviously taking it slow," Rachel told Becca Kufrin and Michelle Young on the Nov. 8 episode of the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast, "but I actually did go on a date last week."
So how did it go? "It did go well," she continued, "and there is a second date in the future."
And the pilot is looking for love outside of Bachelor Nation, as she noted her date is not from the franchise and that "he slid into the DMs." She said he is "definitely different from my type" but that he's "so cute" and "in the music world."
For the date itself, Rachel said they kept things low-key. "We just went and got coffee," she continued, "just casual."
However, Rachel played coy on whether they kissed, simply replying, "Maybe." She also admitted she felt a little out of practice when it came to dating outside of a TV show. In fact, Rachel said she nearly bailed on the date, noting that Michelle encouraged her to go through with it.
"I was like, 'I can't go. I don't know how to date not on a camera,'" Rachel shared. "She's like, 'You've got this.' Literally, I'm like, how do you date outside of sitting down and being like, 'Tell me everything about your life right now in the next five minutes? Go.' I'm like, 'Do I give him a date card?' Like, do I say, 'Meet me at the coffee shop. XO, Rach?' Like, what do I do?"
During season 19 of The Bachelorette, which Rachel led with Gabby Windey, Rachel got engaged to Tino. However, the two broke up after he kissed another woman, with their split playing out on After the Final Rose.
For his part, Tino recently opened up about the split, calling the kiss the "biggest mistake" of his life.
"I'm definitely not on Team Cheater," he told Nick Viall on The Viall Files podcast in October. "Like, I do not stand by what I did at all. It was not cool. It wasn't fair to Rachel, and it haunts me daily still. It's something I'm ashamed of and certainly wish I could have done it differently like a million times over."
Rachel isn't the only one in Bachelor Nation to recently go through a breakup. Last week, sources confirmed to E! News that that Gabby split from Erich Schwer, who she got engaged to while on the show.
"She felt they weren't aligned and weren't on the same page," one insider from Bachelor Nation said. "Gabby was hoping they could give each other space and work it out but ultimately decided they didn't have a future." | https://www.eonline.com/news/1353920/bachelorette-s-rachel-recchia-dating-again-after-tino-franco-breakup | 2022-11-09 17:52:17 | 0 | https://www.eonline.com/news/1353920/bachelorette-s-rachel-recchia-dating-again-after-tino-franco-breakup |
KIYV, Ukraine (AP) — European leaders have denounced Moscow’s announcement that it will incorporate Ukraine’s occupied four regions following the Kremlin-orchestrated referendums on joining Russia, pledging that they will never recognize the move.
Czech Republic Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky whose country holds the rotating EU presidency rejected as “absolutely unacceptable” what he called the “one-sided annexation” that was the process of a “fully falsified process with no legitimacy.”
Speaking on Czech public television Thursday, Lipansky dismissed the referendums as “a theater play” and that the four regions remain Ukrainian territory.
According to a statement from his office Thursday, Italian Premier Mario Draghi has told President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a phone call that Italy will not recognize the illegal referendums.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen posted on Twitter that his country “will never recognize any annexation attempt.”
___
KEY DEVELOPMENTS:
— Kremlin will annex 4 regions of Ukraine on Friday
— US: Focus new Russia sanctions on oil revenue, arms supplies
— Europe ramps up energy security after suspected sabotage
— Moscow tries to draft fleeing Russian men at the borders
— Ukrainian activist among winners of ‘Alternative Nobel’
— Agency: joining NATO makes Finland target for Russian ops
___
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:
KYIV — Moscow has confirmed it will formally annex parts of Ukraine where occupied areas held Kremlin-orchestrated “referendums” on joining Russia that the Ukrainian government and the West have denounced as illegal and rigged.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend a ceremony in the Kremlin on Friday when four regions of Ukraine will be officially folded into Russia.
The official annexation was widely expected following the votes that wrapped up on Tuesday in the areas under Russian occupation in Ukraine and after Moscow claimed residents overwhelmingly supported for their areas to formally become part of Russia.
___
BERLIN — German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Thursday dismissed the Kremlin-orchestrated referendums in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine as a “sham.”
Baerbock told a news conference in the German capital that people are being taken “under threats and sometimes even (at) gunpoint” to drop their ballots in transparent boxes.
She denounced the vote as a “dictated peace” that’s contrary to free and fair elections and warned that no citizen is either free or safe in Ukraine’s Russian-occupied territories as long as “this Russian diktat” prevails there.
___
KYIV — Ukraine’s presidential office says that at least eight civilians have been killed and 16 others have been wounded by the latest Russian shelling.
The office said Thursday casualties include two adults and a child killed by a missile strike on the city of Dnipro Wednesday.
The attack injured five – including a 12 year-old girl pulled from the rubble – and damaged 60 houses, a street market and power lines.
Russian shelling also hit Nikopol across the Dnieper River from the Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
In the eastern Donetsk region, Russian artillery barrages killed five civilians and wounded four.
Meanwhile, authorities in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk say 11 people have been wounded – one seriously – after four rockets hit the city. Kramatorsk Mayor Oleksandr Honcharenko posted on Facebook that Thursday’s early morning attack damaged high-rise buildings and private homes.
Kramatorsk, a city in the country’s eastern Donetsk region with the pre-war population of 150,000, is not on the front line, but some of the Ukrainian forces are headquartered there.
——
STOCKHOLM — A fourth leak to the Nord Stream pipelines conveying natural gas from Russia to Germany has been reported off southern Sweden.
Earlier, three leaks had been reported on the two underwater pipelines. Seismologists detected two explosions were detected before reports of the leaks which officials believe were “deliberate actions.”
Some experts have said Russia is likely to blame for any sabotage — it directly benefits from higher energy prices and economic anxiety across Europe.
Sweden’s coast guards told Swedish news agency TT on Thursday that the fourth leak was off Sweden. All the leaks are in international waters.
KYIV — Authorities say Russian missile fire targeted the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro overnight, killing at least three people and wounded five others.
Valentyn Reznichenko, the governor of the wider Dnipropetrovsk region, said fire damaged homes, a market, cars, buses and electrical lines.
——
KYIV — Authorities say the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has again been targeted by Russian missile fire.
Ukrainian military officials said Thursday a Russian Kh-59 missile struck Kryvyi Rih on Wednesday night. The Russian fire struck a grain depot while others were shot down.
Kryvyi Rih is some 350 kilometers (215 miles) southeast of Kyiv.
——
KYIV — The Ukrainian military says Russia is sending undertrained fighters to the battle front as it tries to reinforce its positions in the eastern Ukrainian city of Lyman.
The Ukrainian military’s general staff said Thursday that of seven Russian tanks sent to Lyman recently, Russian troops crashed two of them on the way there.
It also said troops manning the tanks did not undergo training on how to use the vehicle’s weapons.
The Ukrainian military did not elaborate on how it knew about the tank unit’s condition. But Ukraine’s intelligence services have played purportedly intercepted phone calls of Russian troops complaining about their conditions on the front line.
——
KYIV — Britain’s military says the number of Russian military-age men fleeing the country likely exceeds the number of forces Moscow used to initially invade Ukraine in February.
The British Defense Ministry made the estimate in its daily intelligence briefing Thursday amid a Russian push to mobilize more troops to replenish losses its forces have suffered in Ukraine.
The ministry said those who are financially better off and better educated are over-represented amongst those attempting to leave Russia.
It added that the economic impact from the call-up as a result of a loss of labor in combination with a ‘brain drain’ “is likely to become increasingly difficult.”
——
KYIV — A Washington-based think tank says Ukrainian soldiers continue to advance around a key northeastern city occupied by Russian forces and may soon encircle it entirely.
The Institute for the Study of War, citing Russian reports, said Thursday that Ukrainian forces have taken more villages around Lyman, a city some 160 kilometers (100 miles) southeast of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.
Lyman had been a key node in Russia’s front-line operations in the region before Ukrainian forces retook vast swathes of territory in the northeast earlier this month.
The institute said a possible collapse of the Lyman pocket would allow Ukrainian troops to “threaten Russian positions along the western Luhansk” region.
The institute suggested additional Russian losses would further erode morale amid a call-up of hundreds of thousands of men — the country’s first since World War II.
— Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | https://pix11.com/ap-international/ap-live-updates-russia-ukraine-war-2/ | 2022-09-29 12:42:57 | 0 | https://pix11.com/ap-international/ap-live-updates-russia-ukraine-war-2/ |
Which cat flea and tick medicine is the best?
IN THIS ARTICLE:
Whether you’ve experienced an infestation before or not, every cat owner understands how difficult it is to get rid of ticks and fleas. While outdoor cats are more prone to getting fleas or ticks, indoor cats aren’t immune since the parasites can come in on other animals or even people’s clothes. Even hairless cats can get fleas and ticks since the parasites feed on blood and don’t require hair or fur.
Luckily, there are several effective oral and topical flea and tick treatments for cats. The strongest medicines are prescription-based, but even over-the-counter flea and tick medicines effectively kill and prevent infestation.
Topical vs. oral flea treatment
For cats, flea and tick medicine comes in oral (medicated capsule) and topical (ointment or liquid drops) forms. There are also collars and shampoos designed to prevent or kill off fleas and ticks.
The capsule works by entering the cat’s bloodstream and reaching the cat’s skin through the capillaries. Not all cats will willingly ingest a pill, so you may need to wrap it in a moldable treat or crush it up into your cat’s wet food.
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When using an ointment or liquid, apply it to the back of your cat’s neck where it can’t lick it off. Over time, the flea medicine will naturally spread along the cat’s skin until it reaches anywhere fleas may be hiding.
FDA and EPA-approved flea and tick medicines are generally considered safe for cats. Whichever type of treatment you use, look for one that kills fleas in all stages of life, from the egg to adulthood.
Chemicals in flea treatment for cats
Many modern oral flea and tick medicines on the market today use isoxazoline. The FDA has determined that isoxazoline treatments are safe and effective for most cats and dogs. However, there is a slight chance that flea medicine with isoxazoline could cause neurological disorders such as seizures or muscle tremors in pets.
Many older flea and tick treatments used either macrocyclic lactones such as ivermectin, milbemycin and selamectin, or spinosyn like Spinosad. Macrocyclic lactones are known for preventing and killing such parasites as fleas and ticks. Spinosyn is most effective at treating fleas, but in higher doses, it may kill off ticks as well.
While macrocyclic lactones and spinosyn have been around for much longer than isoxazolines, all three chemicals are considered effective at treating fleas.
Other common ingredients found in flea medicine include:
- Pyriproxyfen, effective at disrupting fleas’ growth cycle
- Fipronil, treats ticks, chewing lice and fleas
- S-Methoprene, interferes with and stalls the growth and development of pests
Risks and concerns of cat flea and tick treatment
The purpose of flea and tick medicines is to create an environment that’s inhospitable to these parasites. However, using these treatments could result in some health risks to your cat.
- Treatments that are not FDA- or EPA-approved may use harmful pesticides or other ingredients that are toxic to your cat.
- You should never use dog flea and tick medicine on cats. This is because the ingredients in these products are formulated based on a dog’s chemistry. Many topical flea medicines for dogs include ingredients like permethrin. Exposure to concentrated amounts of this chemical could lead to illness or even death.
- If ingested, topical flea medicine could make your cat seriously ill. That’s why you should apply it to an area your cat can’t reach, such as the back of its neck.
- Some cats have an adverse reaction to oral flea and tick treatment, such as nausea or excessive panting. This is usually temporary and wears off.
There are few health and safety concerns when using FDA-approved flea and tick medicine. However, if your cat experiences side effects, change the type of medicine you’re using. When in doubt, or if your over-the-counter flea medicine isn’t working as expected, contact your vet. They may be able to offer you a prescription-based treatment instead.
Best oral flea treatments for cats
Capstar Flea Oral Treatment for Cats
Safe for adult cats and kittens that weigh at least 2 pounds, this flea medicine kills adult fleas and prevents future infestations. It starts working in half an hour and can be used daily for preventative purposes.
CapAction Oral Flea Treatment for Cats
Fast-acting tablets formulated to be safe and effective for cats, even those that are pregnant. It kills adult fleas and prevents reinfestation without the mess of topical treatments.
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Best topical flea treatments for cats
Topical medicine that kills eggs, larvae and adult fleas, ticks and chewing lice. It also prevents future infestations. Safe for kittens older than eight weeks and weighing more than 1.5 pounds.
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Advantage II Flea Prevention and Treatment for Large Cats
Made specifically for larger cats, this flea medicine kills flea eggs, larvae, pupae and adult fleas. It kills on contact and remains effective for a month after the initial application. Easy to apply medicine that comes in pre-measured tubes.
TevraPet Actispot II Flea Prevention for Cats
Vet-formulated topical flea medicine with long-lasting protection against infestations. It kills eggs, larvae, pupae and adult fleas on contact.
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Cheristin for Cats Topical Flea Treatment
Vet-recommended flea medicine formulated to kill and prevent infestations on cats weighing over 1.8 pounds. It starts working within 30 minutes and can kill nearly 100% of adult fleas within the first 12 hours. Plus, it protects your cat for up to six weeks after application.
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Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Treatment for Cats
Highly effective topical medicine kills biting ticks, fleas (including eggs) and lice nearly on contact. It uses fipronil and Methoprene to kill pests and prevent future infestations. Each treatment lasts for 30 days.
PetArmor Plus Flea & Tick Prevention for Cats
Waterproof, fast-acting and long-lasting flea and tick treatment for cats over 8 weeks old. Not only does it kill adult pests, but it also prevents future infestations for 30 days.
Other flea and tick medicine for cats
If you don’t want to use oral or topical flea and tick medicine or want more assurance with preventing future infestations, here are some other options to consider.
- You can use plant-based flea and tick wipes for cats and dogs that work on adult pests, as well as flea eggs and larvae.
- For major infestations, use flea and tick carpet powder to get pests hiding in rugs or furniture.
- If your cat can tolerate a bath, use flea and tick shampoo to treat infestations.
- This collar protects cats for up to eight months.
- Use a flea and tick spray to prevent unwanted pests and get rid of existing ones in the home.
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Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/reviews/what-is-the-best-flea-and-tick-medicine-for-cats/ | 2023-06-04 10:35:03 | 0 | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/reviews/what-is-the-best-flea-and-tick-medicine-for-cats/ |
Which barn toy is best?
Barn toys are a staple for children’s make-believe and play. They encourage creativity and provide insight into the work involved in running a farm. They educate children on different types of animals who might live in a barn as well.
When shopping for a barn toy, you should examine it for the quality of materials and its educational benefits. For example, the Melissa & Doug Latches Barn Toy is a top choice because it’s both durable and supports child development.
What to know before you buy a barn toy
Barn toy size and style
There are a variety of barn toy styles available. A kids’ toy barn may be portable depending upon its weight and size. Alternatively, toy barns may be designed to be built and rebuilt out of blocks or precut pieces during play. Consider the size of a child’s play area when deciding what style barn toy will work best. Small portable barn toys are great for young children with several play area options throughout the home. Older children who have a limited play area may benefit from a barn toy that can be built for play, then stored away once playtime is over.
Sensory play
There are several benefits linked to multisensory learning using objects that stimulate one or more of a child’s senses. Barn toys are a great option for sensory play for young children. To make playing with a barn toy a multisensory experience, simply incorporate a tactile ingredient. Some of the most popular sensory materials that can be used with barn toys include mud, water and straw. Consider placing a barn toy in a sensory bin to cut down on the mess and cleanup time.
Developmentally appropriate toys
There are a number of aspects that make a toy developmentally appropriate:
- Since every child is unique, look for a toy that’s appropriate to the individual child’s developmental milestones. Considering a child’s developmental needs is useful when picking a toy that will be fun and engaging. Types of developmental milestones include physical, cognitive, social-emotional and communication. At different points, children will enjoy playing with toys that foster various developmental milestones.
- Toys that can be used in a variety of ways and don’t limit a child’s imagination are known as open-ended toys. Blocks are a good example of an open-ended toy. Close-ended toys are designed to be used in a limited number of ways. A good example of close-ended toys is a puzzle or game. Both open-ended and close-ended toys have their own benefits and limitations.
- Toys that grow with the child are especially useful. Look for toys that will remain engaging as children age and move through their developmental milestones.
What to look for in a quality barn toy
Barn toys with animals
Several barn toys include animals and other accessories. Purchasing a barn that comes with animals is beneficial because the play accessories will likely be to scale. If a barn toy doesn’t include animals, note the size of the barn and consider purchasing farm animal figurines that are an appropriate size.
Barn toys for toddlers
Toy barns specifically designed for toddlers are durable enough to withstand being dropped or dragged around the child’s play area. The best barn toys for toddlers include toys and accessories that are easy for young children to handle on their own — for instance, doors that are easy to open and click firmly shut. A barn toy for toddlers should also be free from small pieces that pose a choking hazard.
Wooden barn toy
Wooden barn toys come in a variety of styles, including wooden toy barn puzzles, wooden toy barn craft kits and wooden blocks that are used to build a toy barn. Each kids’ toy barn produced from wood is appropriate for different styles of play. Consider the child’s individual interests when deciding which wooden barn toy is best. Note that wood is considered a green toy construction material and is often non-toxic and more environmentally friendly when compared to plastic toys.
How much you can expect to spend on a barn toy
When shopping for a kids’ barn toy, expect to spend $20-$100 depending on the quality of materials and size of the toy.
Barn toy FAQ
What are the benefits of barn toy puzzles?
A. A barn puzzle features common barn animals or structures that challenge children’s problem-solving abilities. Puzzles help children develop fine motor skills and other useful cognitive recognition skills. For instance, barn toy puzzles may require children to match animals, colors, shapes, letters or numbers.
Is it possible to purchase a barn toy for a baby?
A. There are a variety of baby toys that have characteristics of a barn. Some of the most popular options are barn rattles, shaker toys, pacifiers and barn activity gyms. It’s important to note that barn toys for babies are an aesthetic choice and are not considered educational toys.
What’s the best barn toy to buy?
Top barn toy
Melissa & Doug Latches Barn Toy
What you need to know: This wooden barn has a variety of working latch doors designed for the included toy farm animal figurines to walk through.
What you’ll love: The barn was inspired by preschooler pretend play and designed to develop multiple skills, including fine motor, counting and animal recognition.
What you should consider: The latches may loosen over time.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon, Buy Buy Baby and Macy’s
Top barn toy for the money
Schleich Farm World Large Toy Barn With Farm Accessories
What you need to know: This large red barn comes with 27 pieces, including incredibly detailed accessories and animal figures.
What you’ll love: This barn play set is designed to be durable, and is built with materials that exceed safety requirements.
What you should consider: Young children may find this large play set difficult to assemble.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Battat Big Red Barn Animal Farm Playset for Toddlers
What you need to know: A foldable, portable farm play set, it’s designed for toddler sensory play with farm animal figures.
What you’ll love: All the doors are easy to open and click into position when closed, which makes the play set fun and engaging for young children.
What you should consider: This is not an interactive toy with sounds or lights.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Kohl’s
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Elizabeth Foley writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/toys-games-br/pretend-play-br/best-barn-toy/ | 2022-06-04 12:07:41 | 1 | https://fox59.com/reviews/br/toys-games-br/pretend-play-br/best-barn-toy/ |
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Get connected to a healthier life. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/health/fda-proposes-national-ban-on-menthol-products/3197154/ | 2023-02-17 15:43:44 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/health/fda-proposes-national-ban-on-menthol-products/3197154/ |
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against Outset Medical, Inc. ("Outset" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: OM).
Class Period: September 15, 2020 – June 13, 2022
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: September 6, 2022
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Outset lawsuit, you can submit your contact information at www.glancylaw.com/cases/outset-medical-inc/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at shareholders@glancylaw.com to learn more about your rights.
The complaint filed alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Defendants had "continuously made improvements and updates to Tablo over time since its original clearance" that required an additional 510(k) application; (2) as a result, the Company could not conduct a human factors study on a cleared device in accordance with FDA protocols; (3) the Company's inability to conduct the human factors study subjected the Company to the likelihood of the FDA imposing a "shipment hold" and marketing suspension, leaving the Company unable to sell the Tablo for home use; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.
To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Charles Linehan, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to shareholders@glancylaw.com, or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
Contacts
Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP, Los Angeles
Charles Linehan, 310-201-9150 or 888-773-9224
shareholders@glancylaw.com
www.glancylaw.com
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SOURCE Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/om-investors-have-opportunity-lead-outset-medical-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit/ | 2022-08-18 15:25:41 | 1 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/om-investors-have-opportunity-lead-outset-medical-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit/ |
ALEXANDRIA, La., (WNTZ) – CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is excited to unveil the newly renovated and expanded clinic in Alexandria located on Versailles Boulevard. The renovation includes an expanded lobby and reception area, seven added exam rooms, and new office space for four clinicians. The expansion makes providing access to high-quality care for patients in Central Louisiana easier.
“There’s so much growth in this area of our city. We want our community to know CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic is also growing to meet patients’ needs right here at home,” said Daniel Huggins, Vice President of Physician Practice Operations at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic.
An Open House will be held at the Versailles Blvd. Clinic on Thursday, October 20, for anyone
interested in seeing the expanded space. Masks are strongly encouraged.
What: CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Open House, Ribbon Cutting, and Blessing
When: Thursday, October 20, from 12-2 p.m.
Where: CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, 80 Versailles Blvd., Ste. A, Alexandria
Why: An inside look and tour of the expanded space and renovated clinic. | https://www.cenlanow.com/local-news/christus-trinity-clinic-to-host-open-house-at-newly-renovated-versailles-blvd-clinic/ | 2022-10-17 18:38:18 | 1 | https://www.cenlanow.com/local-news/christus-trinity-clinic-to-host-open-house-at-newly-renovated-versailles-blvd-clinic/ |
DeSantis kicks off presidential campaign in Iowa as he steps up criticism of Trump
By THOMAS BEAUMONT
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Ron DeSantis plans to kick off his presidential campaign in Iowa on Tuesday, the start of a busy week that will take him to 12 cities in three states as he tests his pitch as the most formidable Republican challenger to former President Donald Trump.
The Florida governor’s two-day trip to the leadoff caucus state — starting at a suburban Des Moines megachurch and ending at a Cedar Rapids racetrack — comes after a stumbling online announcement last week that formalized his long-anticipated entry into the growing Republican field. It will be followed by stops in early primary states New Hampshire and South Carolina.
DeSantis’ scheduled Tuesday evening stop at Eternity Church in Clive is a conspicuous nod to the evangelical Christians who wield outsize influence in Iowa’s Republican presidential caucuses. His visit will give voters an opportunity to meet the new candidate just as he has been stepping up his criticism of Trump.
“He’s got a big hill to climb — and I think everybody would agree with that — to be able to convince people that he can overcome Trump, that he can do a job as good as, if not better than, Trump,” said Bernie Hayes, the Republican chair in Linn County where DeSantis plans to wrap up his Iowa jaunt Wednesday.
DeSantis, assailed by Trump for months, pivoted from oblique swipes to direct questioning of the former president’s conservative credentials during a round of interviews with friendly media last week, notably his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and record on criminal justice.
DeSantis called a bipartisan bill Trump signed in 2018 that reduced mandatory minimum federal prison sentences and allows a pathway for non-violent offenders to reduce prison time “a jailbreak bill.” As a member of Congress, DeSantis voted for an early version of the measure but had left Congress after he was elected governor and before the final, less strict bill passed.
DeSantis also said Trump wrongly “turned the country over to Fauci,” referring to Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases who helped lead the country’s COVID-19 pandemic response.
DeSantis announced his campaign Wednesday night during an online conversation with Twitter CEO Elon Musk. The audio stream crashed repeatedly, making it difficult for most users to hear the announcement in real time, a stumble campaign officials and others quickly dismissed as a minor setback.
DeSantis was undeterred in laying out his message, that conservative legislative victories this year in Florida, chiefly on cultural topics such as restricting sexual orientation discussion in schools, are the antidote for what he calls a nation controlled increasingly by the extreme left.
“American decline is not inevitable — it is a choice,” DeSantis said during the glitchy audio stream. “And we should choose a new direction — a path that will lead to American revitalization.”
DeSantis has a running start in Iowa and other early voting states, thanks to Never Back Down, a super political action committee that is using money the group can receive in unlimited sums from wealthy contributors to begin organizing support for him. Campaign finance law requires the group to do its work without coordinating with DeSantis.
Iowans should see staff and volunteers for the group working the perimeter of DeSantis’ church event in Clive on Tuesday, as well as events Wednesday in conservative western Iowa’s Sioux City and Council Bluffs and the manufacturing and college city of Pella in east-central Iowa before the finale in Cedar Rapids. By making his bid official, DeSantis gives the group a rallying figure whose events it can attend, even if cannot coordinate with DeSantis’ official campaign group.
The tack, untested and not without risks, is aimed at maximizing super PAC dollars. It’s also a way of helping DeSantis race in Iowa to catch Trump, whose campaign says it has banked thousands of supporters thanks to a more disciplined, data-driven outreach effort than Trump’s seat-of-the-pants 2016 campaign. That operation landed him in second place but with thousands of potential supporters left uncontacted by the campaign.
And Trump, besides his regular social media broadsides attacking DeSantis, has attempted to shadow him in Iowa to demonstrate his own popularity. In March, Trump headlined an event at a Davenport theater three days after DeSantis spoke to an audience and took questions from Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds during the Florida governor’s tour promoting his memoir.
Two weeks ago, Trump scheduled a rally in Des Moines to take place the same day DeSantis was headlining Iowa Republican events in western and eastern Iowa as the guest of Rep. Randy Feenstra and the state GOP. However, Trump scrubbed the outdoor event the day he was to arrive due to threats of severe weather.
Turning the tables on Trump, DeSantis swooped into Des Moines that evening for an impromptu appearance that helped his campaign create the desired impression of him dancing in the ring with the heavyweight.
Trump is scheduled to return to Iowa on Thursday, the day after DeSantis’ tour, and is expected to hold events in the Des Moines area, meet influential conservatives and sit for an interview that evening with Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity. | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national/2023/05/29/desantis-kicks-off-presidential-campaign-in-iowa-as-he-steps-up-criticism-of-trump/ | 2023-05-30 05:49:08 | 0 | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national/2023/05/29/desantis-kicks-off-presidential-campaign-in-iowa-as-he-steps-up-criticism-of-trump/ |
SACRAMENTO (AP) _ The winning numbers in Saturday evening's drawing of the California Lottery's "Daily 3 Evening" game were:
3-9-4
(three, nine, four)
¶ Ticket-holders with all three winning numbers in the order given win the top prize. Lesser amounts are also awarded to ticket-holders with other varying combinations of the winning numbers. | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Daily-3-Evening-game-17580568.php | 2022-11-13 03:37:07 | 0 | https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Daily-3-Evening-game-17580568.php |
DENVER (AP) — Seventeen former Major League Baseball scouts who say they were discriminated against because of their age sued the league, its teams and Commissioner Rob Manfred on Wednesday.
The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Denver. The former scouts allege violations of the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 along with laws in 11 states and New York City.
The scouts, ranging from 55 to 71, allege they were discriminated against from 2020-22. They say MLB and the teams “have acted to prevent the reemployment of older scouts or refused the reemployment of older scouts.”
They also say an MLB provision that offsets scouts’ salaries when they sign with a new team — but are still being paid by a previous team from which they’ve been fired — is discriminatory.
MLB said in a statement it looks “forward to refuting these claims in court,” but it does not comment on pending litigation.
The ex-scouts also allege MLB in 2015 ended a listing of scouts eligible for employment, the decision to end the MLB Scouting Bureau in 2018 was discriminatory and MLB used analytics and the coronavirus pandemic as pretexts to eliminate older scouts.
“This lawsuit is about age discrimination within a sport that supposedly values history, tradition and putting the best possible product on the field,” lawyer Mitchell C. Abeita of Kilgore & Kilgore said in a statement.
The plaintiffs are headed by former Chicago Cubs scout James S. Benedict, who was terminated in 2020. They seek class-action certification.
The former scouts allege violations of laws in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Utah.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/mlb-sued-by-17-ex-scouts-who-say-they-were-discriminated-against-because-of-their-age/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all | 2023-06-21 22:08:04 | 1 | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/mlb-sued-by-17-ex-scouts-who-say-they-were-discriminated-against-because-of-their-age/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all |
Distance runner Ceili McCabe and second baseman JJ Wetherholt were tabbed as West Virginia’s nominees for Big 12 Player of the Year on Friday.
McCabe won Big 12 Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Year in the fall, then she earned her third-straight All-American honor during the spring track and field season. She also earned All-American honors in cross country and indoor track and field.
In WVU history, only 12 runners have earned All-American awards three-straight seasons. Only four primarily competed in individual distance events.
Others primarily competed in distance relay events, but of course, did not run the full race. McCabe, meanwhile, is all on her own for the near-two-mile steeplechase event.
In all, the Vancouver, British Columbia, native has claimed seven All-American awards in her WVU career. Her finish at the NCAAs last weekend completed another three-peat of sorts, as it marked McCabe’s second straight year with three All-American honors (cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track).
Wetherholt is the first West Virginia baseball player to earn more than five All-American nods in one season.
The Mars, Pennsylvania, native led all college baseball players with a .449 batting average this season. He also collected 101 hits, 42 extra-base hits, and 36 steals — the second-most in a single season in program history.
He was named the 2023 Big 12 Player of the Year, and he also received an invitation to play for Team USA Collegiate, where he eventually made the roster.
The winners will be announced Monday, July 31. | https://www.wowktv.com/goldandbluenation/mccabe-wetherholt-nominated-for-big-12-athlete-of-the-year/ | 2023-07-28 22:06:43 | 0 | https://www.wowktv.com/goldandbluenation/mccabe-wetherholt-nominated-for-big-12-athlete-of-the-year/ |
Firm promotes John Tanner, P.E., to Vice President and Director of Land Development and Peter Minegar, AICP, to Vice President and Office Executive for Temecula, California, office
PITTSBURGH, June 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today a pair of new leadership roles within the firm's Western Region. John Tanner, P.E., has been named Vice President and Director of Land Development. In this role, he will support the continued expansion and growth of Michael Baker's Land Development practice in the Western Region. Additionally, Peter Minegar, AICP, has been promoted to Vice President and Office Executive for Michael Baker's Temecula, California, office. He will lead the Temecula team's growth and client engagement efforts while collaborating closely with colleagues across the Inland Empire and Western Region.
"During their time at Michael Baker, John and Peter have exemplified what it means to be a trusted partner to clients and colleagues alike," said Malcolm Dougherty – Western Regional Director at Michael Baker International. "I look forward to their continued success as they work to strengthen our company and revitalize our nation's infrastructure."
Mr. Tanner brings 28 years of experience, including 24 years with Michael Baker, to his new role as Director of Land Development. He previously served as Vice President and Office Executive for Michael Baker's Temecula, California, office, and since joining the firm in 1998, he served in roles of increasing responsibility including Land Development and Civil Engineering Department Manager and Office Manager – Temecula. Mr. Tanner began his engineering career in 1994 as an Assistant Traffic Engineer for the City of Campbell, California. He serves on the Board of Directors for both the Riverside and Baldy View Chapters of the Building Industry Association. Mr. Tanner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from San Jose State University.
Mr. Minegar joined Michael Baker in 2014 and most recently served as Department Manager – Planning, a role in which he was responsible for leading the Planning and Environmental team in the firm's Temecula, Ontario and Palm Desert, California, offices. He also held additional roles including Project Manager – Planning, Assistant Project Manager – Planning and Environmental Associate. Mr. Minegar is a member of the American Planning Association and Association of Environmental Professionals. He holds of Master of Science degree in Environmental Management and Policy from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services with Practices that encompass all facets of infrastructure, including design, civil engineering, planning, architecture, environmental, construction and program management. For more than 80 years, the company has been a trusted partner to commercial clients, all branches of the military and federal, state and municipal governments, providing comprehensive services and solutions. Embracing emerging technologies and the latest innovations – like intelligent transportation and design-build project delivery, Michael Baker is an industry leader that delivers expertise and quality. The firm's more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to Making a Difference for clients and communities through a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement while Reimagining Michael Baker to become a full-service engineering and consulting firm over the next five years. To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.
Contact: Julia Covelli
julia.covelli@mbakerintl.com
(866) 293-4609
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SOURCE Michael Baker International | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/prnewswire/2022/06/09/michael-baker-international-announces-new-leadership-roles-firms-western-region/ | 2022-06-09 15:38:03 | 0 | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/prnewswire/2022/06/09/michael-baker-international-announces-new-leadership-roles-firms-western-region/ |
Updated January 7, 2023 at 2:30 PM ET
RICHMOND, Va. — A Virginia teacher who was critically injured when she was was shot by a 6-year-old student in Newport News is showing signs of improvement as authorities struggle to understand how a child so young could be involved in a school shooting, the city's mayor said Saturday.
Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones said the condition of the teacher, a woman in her 30s, is "trending in a positive direction" as she remains hospitalized.
The boy shot and wounded the teacher in a first-grade classroom on Friday at Richneck Elementary School, according to authorities. Police Chief Steve Drew said the shooting was not accidental and was part of an altercation but didn't elaborate further. No students were injured.
Jones declined to release additional details Saturday about what led to the altercation, citing the ongoing police investigation. He also would not comment on how the boy got access to the gun or who owns the weapon.
"This is a red flag for the country," Jones said.
"I do think that after this event, there is going to be a nationwide discussion on how these sorts of things can be prevented."
It was a rare occurrence, experts say
Experts who study gun violence said the shooting represents an extremely rare occurrence of a young child bringing a gun into school and wounding a teacher.
"It's very rare and it's not something the legal system is really designed or positioned to deal with," said researcher David Riedman, founder of a database that tracks U.S. school shootings dating back to 1970.
He said Saturday that he's only aware of three other shootings caused by 6-year-old students in the time period he's studied. Those include the fatal shooting of a fellow student in 2000 in Michigan and shootings that injured other students in 2011 in Texas and 2021 in Mississippi.
Riedman said he only knows of one other instance of a student younger than that causing gunfire at a school, in which a 5-year-old student brought a gun to a Tennessee school in 2013 and accidentally discharged it. No one was injured in that case.
Daniel W. Webster, a professor at Johns Hopkins University who studies gun violence, agreed that a 6-year-old shooting a teacher at school is extremely unusual. But he said his research shows that instances of young children accessing loaded guns and shooting themselves or others unintentionally in homes or other settings are rising.
"A 6 year old gaining access to a loaded gun and shooting him/herself or someone else, sadly, is not so rare," he said in an email.
In the Newport News case, Police Chief Steve Drew said Friday that the shooting didn't appear to be an accident and that it was isolated to the single victim. He said the student and teacher had known each other in a classroom setting.
"We did not have a situation where someone was going around the school shooting," Drew told reporters.
Police are looking for the source of the gun
He said the boy had a handgun in the classroom, and investigators were trying to figure out where he obtained it.
Parents and students were reunited at a gymnasium, Newport News Public Schools said via Facebook.
The police chief declined to discuss what contact investigators have had with the boy's parents.
"We have been in contact with our commonwealth's attorney (local prosecutor) and some other entities to help us best get services to this young man," Drew said.
Newport News is a city of about 185,000 people in southeastern Virginia known for its shipyard, which builds the nation's aircraft carriers and other U.S. Navy vessels.
Richneck has about 550 students who are in kindergarten through fifth grade, according to the Virginia Department of Education's website. School officials have already said that there will be no classes at the school on Monday.
"Today our students got a lesson in gun violence," said George Parker III, Newport News schools superintendent, "and what guns can do to disrupt, not only an educational environment, but also a family, a community."
Virginia law does not allow 6-year-olds to be tried as adults.
In addition, a 6-year-old is too young to be committed to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice if found guilty.
A juvenile judge would have authority, though, to revoke a parent's custody and place a child under the purview of the Department of Social Services.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.kasu.org/2023-01-06/a-teacher-shot-by-6-year-old-in-virginia-is-showing-signs-of-improvement | 2023-01-07 22:37:18 | 1 | https://www.kasu.org/2023-01-06/a-teacher-shot-by-6-year-old-in-virginia-is-showing-signs-of-improvement |
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) - After Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field of an NFL game on Jan. 2, the work athletic trainers do was put on full display.
Athletic trainers are on the sidelines for all high school and college sporting events and they need to be prepared to respond to all possible injuries that may arise on the field.
"Depending on whether we are out at a softball or football field or indoors at a basketball venue we have got to have a specific plan for that venue all of the different scenarios that could occur. Typically at the university level, we will have a certified athletic trainer and other ancillary support staff on hand to assist with emergencies," said Sheldon Wagner, Associate Professor of Exercise & Sport Science at UW-La Crosse.
Wagner says at minimum trainers will have an athletic training kit that includes things for wound care, an AED, various types of splints, crutches, a cooler full of ice, and the all-important athletic tape. | https://www.wxow.com/news/athletic-trainers-need-to-be-prepared-for-every-possible-injury/article_916bee2a-8c73-11ed-9cf7-ef7af9d82328.html | 2023-01-04 22:41:48 | 0 | https://www.wxow.com/news/athletic-trainers-need-to-be-prepared-for-every-possible-injury/article_916bee2a-8c73-11ed-9cf7-ef7af9d82328.html |
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ventech Solutions, Inc. has promoted Kathrine Dass as chief delivery officer effective August 1, 2022. Dass, who has been with the company for five years, will report to Chief Executive Officer Tonia Bleecher. Dass will lead a team of multi-disciplinary professionals to grow Ventech Solutions' footprint in the federal and commercial health care IT space. With her ability to be an insightful thought leader in this industry, Dass will use her new role to identify emerging trends and seek disruptive solutions to make a big impact.
"Kathy is a visionary leader in the health care IT field, and we are thrilled to welcome her to our executive team," Bleecher said. "As we continue the growth of our federal health care practice, Kathy's leadership and deep understanding of health care technology integration will be integral to the work we're doing to support our nation's health care system."
Dass first joined Ventech Solutions in 2017 to lead efforts focused on client relationships and delivery, manage work portfolios, support business and product development. In her tenure with Ventech Solutions, Dass has spearheaded initiatives that have resulted in millions of dollars of revenue in new awards, the growth of several long-standing projects and AWS Government Competency for the organization.
Prior to joining Ventech Solutions, Dass delivered large-scale technical implementations for state and federal businesses. She helped to bridge the gap between business and technology with expertise in managing complex FISMA programs with PII/PHI data and multiple external user types.
Some of her career highlights include leading technical integration and development efforts for the Maryland Health Information Exchange, major health care and cost improvement initiatives for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation and supporting the design and build of a U.S. Air Force aircraft program.
Dass holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering from Penn State University as well as a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College.
About Ventech Solutions
Ventech Solutions is a technology and health care solutions provider that leverages emerging technologies to deliver a wide range of enterprise services, including cloud modernization, infrastructure, data, security and service integration support. Ventech Solutions leads and manages some of the most critical technology transformation initiatives for the public sector that empower government agencies to achieve their missions. For more information, visit www.ventechsolutions.com.
Media Contact
For more information, contact Media Relations at media@ventechsolutions.com.
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SOURCE Ventech Solutions, Inc. | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2022/08/09/ventech-solutions-promotes-kathrine-dass-chief-delivery-officer/ | 2022-08-09 17:10:39 | 0 | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2022/08/09/ventech-solutions-promotes-kathrine-dass-chief-delivery-officer/ |
The United States Marine Corps commandant responded to criticisms levied by Republican lawmakers that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training are harming military readiness, saying he has seen "zero evidence" that is true.
Gen. David Berger was interviewed at a Defense One conference Thursday, where reporter Caitlin Kenney asked him to respond to lawmakers who have raised concerns that so-called "woke" DEI programs are having a negative impact on preparedness. Berger denied that was the case.
"At the end of the day, the goal is to make sure that the unit is prepared for combat. That's why we have a Marine Corps — to try and prevent a conflict, and if one comes, to make sure that we win it. So, building cohesive teams is part of that," Berger said.
"I have seen zero evidence of any policies that detract from that. Everything — and I travel almost every week, mainly to listen, mainly to ask questions, not to talk but to listen. And I'm looking for anything that distracts them from their warfighting focus, what it takes to fight and win. I don't see any evidence of that," he continued.
AIR FORCE GOES ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION HIRING SPREE: TOP JOB PAYS UP TO $183,500
GOP lawmakers have raised concerns over DEI programs in the military, attributing the recruitment crisis facing the armed forces to left-wing leadership that is pushing critical race theory and gender identity sensitivity. A highly critical report released by Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, and Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., in November documented several instances of military members pushing anti-White views and the government using taxpayer dollars to cover the cost of sex-reassignment surgeries for transgender service members.
"Our military’s singular purpose is to ‘provide for the common defense’ of our nation," the report said. "It cannot be turned into a left-wing social experiment. It cannot be used as a cudgel against America itself. And it cannot be paralyzed by fear of offending the sensibilities of Ivy League faculty lounges or progressive pundits."
BIDEN ARMY SECRETARY RESPONDS TO ‘WOKE’ CRITICISMS, SAYS DEI PROGRAM ‘IMPORTANT’
Military leaders in the Biden administration have dismissed these concerns. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth defended DEI training in October, saying it is "important" to make the wide range of soldiers in the Army "all feel included."
Berger suggested that if DEI training were a problem for the Marine Corps., there would be evidence of Marines leaving the service.
AIR FORCE ACADEMY DIVERSITY TRAINING TELLS CADETS TO USE WORDS THAT ‘INCLUDE ALL GENDERS,’ DROP ‘MOM AND DAD’
"If they sensed that the focus was not in fact on being prepared, being ready, but the focus was on other things and it was distracting … I think they would leave. And that's not the case at all," Berger said Thursday.
He noted that retention last year "exceeded our goals" and that this year's numbers are set to outpace 2022.
"People want to stay in the Marine Corps, so I don't see any evidence of that." | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/national/marine-corps-commandant-gen-david-berger-says-theres-zero-evidence-dei-training-distracts-from-readiness/article_dd09dd11-a3a9-5026-8ccc-40fe428d6ded.html | 2023-03-16 19:13:56 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/national/marine-corps-commandant-gen-david-berger-says-theres-zero-evidence-dei-training-distracts-from-readiness/article_dd09dd11-a3a9-5026-8ccc-40fe428d6ded.html |
MUSCATINE, Iowa, April 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- KENT Pet Group, a global leader in high-performance and sustainable litter products, marked a significant milestone on Thursday by celebrating the launch of construction for its new Muscatine-based manufacturing plant.
The groundbreaking ceremony represents a monumental chapter in the company's history as KENT Pet Group's flagship World's Best Cat Litter® brand celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
Since its inception, the KENT Corporation subsidiary has sold nearly 1.5 billion pounds of litter and is expected to reach its goal of donating over 3 million pounds of litter to cat shelters before the end of year.
"Our corn-based cat litter is in high demand," said KENT Pet Group President Steve Gordon. "Expanding our footprint will allow us to continue to enable the love and boundless joy of pets through innovative products and brands around the world."
The 113,000-square-foot facility will sit on 70 acres adjacent to the KENT Distribution Center. It will feature state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, research, development, and room for future growth plans.
"Today's announcement is an excellent example of a great Iowa business taking a raw commodity like corn and adding even more value to it, which in turn creates new jobs and builds an even stronger future for Iowa agriculture," said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. "KENT Corporation has deep roots here in Muscatine and I'm grateful they chose Iowa as the place to continue to grow their business."
When complete, the facility will create approximately 30 new jobs.
"It is great to see one of the largest employers in Muscatine advancing the local economy," said Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark. "The new facility is truly a 'win-win' for the city, state, and all project stakeholders."
Building on the success of the KENT Nutrition Group Feed Mill Expansion Project in Sheldon, Iowa, KENT Pet Group is partnering with WL Port-Land Systems, Inc. for the design, engineering, and construction of this facility.
Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2025.
About KENT Corporation
With origins in the livestock feed business, today KENT Corporation is a diversified, family-owned company headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa (USA) with operating subsidiaries involved in corn wet milling, the production of animal feeds, and the manufacture of food, beverage, and pet products. KENT is led by third generation family member, Gage A. Kent. KENT serves customers across the world and employs approximately two thousand people in 40 locations across 20 states and seven countries.
Media contact:
Carol Reynolds
Carol.Reynolds@kentww.com
563-264-4532
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SOURCE Kent Corporation; KENT Pet Group | https://www.wlbt.com/prnewswire/2023/04/28/kent-pet-group-celebrates-groundbreaking-its-home-community/ | 2023-04-28 17:07:17 | 0 | https://www.wlbt.com/prnewswire/2023/04/28/kent-pet-group-celebrates-groundbreaking-its-home-community/ |
(The Hill) — The Navy has announced a string of five officer firings in the span of less than a week, the most recent on Tuesday with the commanding officer of USS Preble guided-missile destroyer.
Cmdr. Peter Lesaca was relieved of his role “due to loss of confidence in his ability to command,” according to a Navy statement.
The service did not offer details on his firing, only noting that “Navy commanding officers are held to high standards of personal and professional conduct” and are “expected to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability and leadership, and the Navy holds them accountable when they fall short of those standards.”
Capt. Larry Repass, deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron 23, will assume the duties as commanding officer until the permanent and qualified relief arrives, the Navy noted.
Prior to that, on June 11 the Navy relieved Capt. Jeffry Sandin, the commanding officer of the Recruit Training Command, “due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command.”
The service also did not offer details of Sandin’s firing, and only said he had been reassigned to Naval Service Training Command headquarters.
Capt. Kertreck Brooks, chief of staff of Naval Service Training Command, took over Sandin’s responsibilities.
And on June 10, the USS Bulkeley destroyer commanding officer Cmdr. Devine Johnson and Command Master Chief Earl Sanders were both relieved “due to a loss of confidence in their ability to effectively function as a command leadership team,” according to a separate Navy statement.
Johnson had been the ship’s commanding officer since July 2020, while Sanders served as the command master chief since June 2021.
Capt. William “Mac” Harkin, currently Deputy Commodore, Destroyer Squadron Two was temporarily assigned as commanding officer “until a permanent relief is identified.”
Sanders, meanwhile, was temporarily replaced by Master Chief Petty Officer Christy Reed, also of CDS-2.
Both Johnson and Sanders will be temporarily reassigned to the staff of the commander of Naval Surface Force Atlantic.
“There is no impact to the command’s mission or schedule due to this relief,” the statement noted.
The Navy’s Air Wing was also shaken up by a firing last week, after the commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron 137, Cmdr. Matthew McCormick, was relieved on June 8 due to loss of confidence in his ability to command.
McCormick, who had been commanding officer of VAQ-137 since September 2021, was temporarily reassigned to Electronic Attack Wing Pacific at Naval Station Whidbey Island, Wash.
Cmdr. Scott Maynes, the executive officer of VAQ-137, is currently serving as the acting commanding officer until a permanent replacement is identified. | https://www.pahomepage.com/news/national-news/navy-fires-5-officers-in-less-than-a-week/ | 2022-06-15 14:39:37 | 0 | https://www.pahomepage.com/news/national-news/navy-fires-5-officers-in-less-than-a-week/ |
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LONDON, UK — Queen Elizabeth II’s lying-in-state will be an occasion of regal symbolism, strong emotion — and an extremely long line.
Marshaling the hundreds of thousands of people who want to view the late monarch’s coffin will test Britain’s famous queuing skills to their limit.
Authorities overseeing the mammoth logistical challenge have consulted queue management experts and behavioral scientists to create not so much a line as a temporary community. It features 10 miles (16 kilometers) of “queuing infrastructure,” including moveable barriers and more than 500 portable toilets along a route leading to Parliament's Westminster Hall, where the coffin will rest.
Hundreds of stewards, police officers and first-aid volunteers, 30 multi-faith pastors and two sign language interpreters are assigned to look after the welfare of people waiting in line.
The queen’s coffin was carried in a solemn procession Wednesday from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, where it will lie in state from 5 p.m. (1600 GMT) until 6:30 a.m. (0530 GMT) on Monday, the day of her funeral.
Two hours before opening time, the line of mourners already stretched for 2 miles (3.2 km) from Parliament across nearby Lambeth Bridge and snaked along the south bank of the River Thames. The designated route stretches for 6.9 miles (11 kilometers) past the National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern art gallery and Tower Bridge to Southwark Park in south London, which can accommodate another 3 miles (4.8 km) of zigzagging queues.
Officials say they can’t predict how many people will line up to pay their respects at Westminster Hall, but it is likely to be many more than the 200,000 who visited the Queen Mother Elizabeth’s coffin over three days in 2002. Transit operator Transport for London estimates that more than 1 million people will travel to the city center to be part of commemorations through Monday.
Transport for London Commissioner Andy Byford called it “the biggest event and challenge that TfL has faced in its history.”
The government has warned that navigating the line will be a feat of endurance.
“You will need to stand for many hours, possibly overnight, with very little opportunity to sit down as the queue will be continuously moving,” it said in a set of detailed instructions for those wanting to come. Authorities have warned the wait could be up to 30 hours.
People will be able to check the line’s length and waiting times on the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport's social media accounts. Those joining will be given numbered wristbands so they take food or toilet breaks without losing their place. A separate accessible line has been set up for people unable to stand for long stretches.
As ever in Britain, jumping the queue is a definite no-no. Officials hope mourners’ sense of fairness will make the line largely self-policing. Given the vagaries of British weather, people are advised to carry both an umbrella and sunscreen.
The government is offering other helpful hints: Bring food and drink, but be sure to consume it before reaching the front. Bring a portable power pack to keep phones charged.
When they reach Parliament, people will pass through airport-style security scans. Prohibited items include large bags, liquids, spray paint, knives, fireworks, flowers, candles, stuffed toys and “advertising or marketing messages.”
Those in the queue on Wednesday were convinced all the hassle would be worth it.
“To give up my day queuing is nothing compared to what she’s done for 70 years,” Gina Carver from Tunbridge Wells in southern England said of the late queen. “And she does feel like our grandmother.” | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/nation-world/huge-line-to-view-monarchs-coffin/507-4685924d-cc6f-4d98-9ef2-795d9b29b761 | 2022-09-14 15:41:15 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/nation-world/huge-line-to-view-monarchs-coffin/507-4685924d-cc6f-4d98-9ef2-795d9b29b761 |
NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating the following companies for potential violations of the federal securities laws and/or breaches of fiduciary duties to shareholders relating to:
EVO Payments, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVOP)'s sale to Global Payments Inc. for $34.00 per share. If you are an EVO shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options.
Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida (NASDAQ: SBCF)'s merger with Professional Holding Corp. Under the terms of the agreement, Professional shareholders would receive 0.8909 shares of Seacoast common stock for each share of Professional common stock. If you are a Seacoast shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options.
Professional Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: PFHD)'s sale to Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida for 0.8909 shares of Seacoast common stock for each share of Professional common stock. If you are a Professional shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options.
Hill International, Inc. (NYSE: HIL)'s sale to Global Infrastructure Solutions Inc. for $2.85 per share. If you are a Hill shareholder, click here to learn more about your rights and options.
Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures and information concerning the proposed transaction, or other relief and benefits on behalf of shareholders.
Shareholders are encouraged to contact the firm free of charge to discuss their legal rights and options. Please call Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or email sadeh@halpersadeh.com or zhalper@halpersadeh.com.
Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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SOURCE Halper Sadeh LLP | https://www.wlbt.com/prnewswire/2022/09/12/shareholder-notice-halper-sadeh-llc-investigates-evop-sbcf-pfhd-hil/ | 2022-09-12 05:28:54 | 0 | https://www.wlbt.com/prnewswire/2022/09/12/shareholder-notice-halper-sadeh-llc-investigates-evop-sbcf-pfhd-hil/ |
Nebraska lawmakers are set to take up debate late Tuesday on a plan that would tack on a proposed 12-week abortion ban to a bill that would ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors.
The combination of the two highly contentious measures sets up what could be one of the most volatile debates of the session.
Technically, lawmakers are slated to take up the final round of debate on the trans health bill, which has already advanced from the first two of three rounds it must survive to pass and go to Gov. Jim Pillen's desk. But because legislative rules don't allow amendments to be attached to bills in the final round, lawmakers will debate whether to send the bill back for a second round of debate in order to add the abortion amendment to it.
Opponents of the move plan to filibuster for the entire two hours of debate allowed in the final reading of a bill. Conservatives in the unique single-chamber, officially nonpartisan legislature will need 33 of the body's 49 senators to vote to end debate before the plan to merge the two issues can move forward. If they fail, both the abortion and trans health measures will be shelved for the year.
NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS EYE MERGING ABORTION CRACKDOWN, YOUTH SEX CHANGE BAN INTO SINGLE BILL
Conservatives were stung last month when their bill to ban abortion after cardiac activity can be detected — which happens around six weeks of pregnancy, before most women even know they're pregnant — failed to break a filibuster by a single vote.
Normally, the issue would be considered tabled for the remainder of the session. But last week, anti-abortion lawmakers sought to resurrect it by crafting a proposal to ban abortion at 12 weeks and attaching it to the trans bill.
Conservatives see the 12-week amendment as a compromise they believe could get the 33 votes they need to see it to the finish line. Opposing lawmakers say the amendment is an unprecedented attempt to take another bite at the apple of a measure they were promised by the Legislature’s speaker would not be revived this year.
NEBRASKA LAWMAKERS RESUME DEBATE ON YOUTH TRANS PROCEDURE BAN
Adding to the tumult is the underlying trans health bill, which has been the most contentious of the session. Introduced by freshman Sen. Kathleen Kauth, the bill would ban hormone treatments, puberty blockers and gender reassignment surgery for anyone 18 and younger.
An amended version would make exceptions for minors who were already on hormone treatments before the ban takes effect, but it also would give the state’s chief medical officer wide-ranging authority to set rules for use of hormone treatments for transgender minors. Opponents say that would give a political appointee of a Republican governor the power to block such treatments, even for those minors grandfathered in.
Both restrictions on abortion and transgender people have been consistent targets amid a national push by conservatives in state legislatures this year.
The introduction of the trans health ban led Omaha Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh in late February to vow she would "burn the session to the ground" if it advanced. When the conservative Health and Human Services Committee advanced it anyway, Cavanaugh began an epic filibuster of every single bill before the body — even ones she supports — until the trans health ban was pulled or killed.
She and a supporting cast of lawmakers have done just that for nearly 12 weeks, even as the bill survived by a single vote through the first and second rounds of debate. The filibuster effort has greatly slowed the work of the Legislature this year, forcing lawmakers to package bills together and endure grueling 12-hour and sometimes 15-hour days to pass legislation.
If the plan to merge the abortion and trans health measures gets a go-ahead vote, lawmakers will turn right around Tuesday night and debate again whether to send the merged bill to a final round of debate. If they do, that final round is expected to happen Thursday, when it would likely pass.
Pillen, a Republican elected in November, has said he will sign the amended bill into law if it passes. The bill would include an emergency clause, meaning it will go into effect as soon as the governor signs it. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/national/nebraska-lawmakers-set-to-debate-plan-to-tack-on-12-week-abortion-ban-to-bill/article_62d28563-1e0c-5494-8329-8b50e89d6430.html | 2023-05-16 14:53:58 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/national/nebraska-lawmakers-set-to-debate-plan-to-tack-on-12-week-abortion-ban-to-bill/article_62d28563-1e0c-5494-8329-8b50e89d6430.html |
To further its mission, iN2L + LifeLoop welcomes Rachel Vincion, CFO, and Cambria Jacobs, CMO
DENVER, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- iN2L + LifeLoop, provider of the first and most comprehensive senior living technology platform developed to meaningfully impact staff effectiveness, workforce retention, staffing levels, and resident engagement, today announced the addition of Rachel Vincion as its chief financial officer and Cambria Jacobs as its chief marketing officer. Both Jacobs and Vincion will report directly to Lisa Taylor, CEO of iN2L+ LifeLoop, and will be instrumental in helping drive the organization's continued strategic growth.
"We are beyond thrilled to welcome Rachel and Cambria to our newly-expanded Executive Leadership Team," said Taylor. "Rachel is a versatile and accomplished finance executive and Cambria is a dynamic and proven growth marketing leader. They help build lasting employee, customer, shareholder, and industry relationships, and drive strong return on investment. Both new leaders share our vision for enhancing the lives of hundreds of thousands of seniors through the advanced use of engagement technology. We're lucky to count them as colleagues."
With 25 years of experience and success in leading finance and strategy for high growth healthcare SaaS companies, Rachel Vincion brings with her an extensive operational background that drives long term value for organizations. Most recently, she increased enterprise value by 40% for PlayMaker Health, where she also spearheaded three investment banking processes and oversaw the successful acquisition of a major competitor. Earlier in her career, she led organizations to profitability and helped transform early-stage start-ups to ensure their long-term success. In her new role as iN2L + LifeLoop's CFO, she will be pivotal in helping Lisa Taylor and the Executive Leadership Team define the future direction for continued strategic growth.
"There could not be a more exciting time to join iN2L," said Vincion. "Together with LifeLoop, the organization offers the industry so much value, both for resident engagement and well-being, and for staff satisfaction and retention. I am delighted to be part of such a mission-driven company that will help the industry continue its recovery, both emotionally and financially."
Cambria Jacobs has a more than 25-year track record of developing passionate, mission-driven brands and implementing marketing strategies for fast growth B2B and B2C companies in the health, wellness, and technology sectors. As the Global CMO at EGYM, a health and tech fitness company, Jacobs launched the company's first global brand and go-to-market strategies. Jacobs is also credited with the co-creation of Collaboration In Aging, an innovative new conference, designed to help solve issues faced by the longevity industry. As iN2L + LifeLoop's CMO, Jacobs is charged with developing the expanded organization's go-forward brand strategy, as well as spearheading community-centric marketing programs rooted in impacting staff efficiency, workforce retention, staffing levels, and resident engagement.
"The iN2L + LifeLoop mission is very close to my heart," said Jacobs. "I couldn't be more honored to join an organization dedicated to enhancing the aging experience. I look forward to joining this industry and helping shape the future of senior living with fresh ideas, bright spot discussions, and new technologies that deliver real change for seniors, their families, and community staff and leadership alike."
Click here to view iN2L + LifeLoop's leadership team.
About iN2L + LifeLoop
iN2L + LifeLoop, a Vista Equity Partners portfolio company, is on a mission to enhance the aging experience. Together, they offer the first and most comprehensive senior living technology platform designed to drive measurable impact across strategic priorities such as resident satisfaction, staff retention, workflow efficiencies, and occupancy rates to demonstrate clear value and achieve substantial ROI. Trusted by 4,500+ nursing homes, assisted and independent living communities, memory care settings, and adult day programs across North America, iN2L + LifeLoop's powerful system holistically supports the entire senior living ecosystem. One mission. One solution. For more information, visit iN2L.com.
Media Contact
John Gonda
616-309-4888
jgonda@sage-growth.com
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SOURCE iN2L | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/with-an-eye-growth-in2l-lifeloop-hires-proven-finance-marketing-leaders/ | 2022-06-22 14:04:23 | 1 | https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/with-an-eye-growth-in2l-lifeloop-hires-proven-finance-marketing-leaders/ |
PORTSMOUTH- Scioto County Sheriff ,David Thoroughman, states that his Office was contacted on Monday, May 29, 2023, by the Portsmouth Police Department stating that they had received a call from a concerned citizen. The concerned citizen advised the Portsmouth Police that they had observed several juveniles getting into a vehicle with two adult males and that it looked suspicious. A description of the vehicle, along with the tag number, was given out to the patrol officers.
Officers made a traffic stop on the vehicle, resulted in the Sheriff’s Office being contacted to begin a Special Victims Investigation (S.V.U.).
Thoroughman stated that the Portsmouth Police Department, who are part of the Prosecutor’s Special Victim Unit along with the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, contacted Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel. Sgt. Conkel discovered that the victim, a 13-year-old female from Lucasville, was picked up after having a conversation on snapchat with one of the adult males. The group then drove to Portsmouth and picked up two more juvenile girls.
Evidence was collected, which included the messages between the suspect and victim as well as the exchange of inappropriate photo’s being sent to the victim. The investigation revealed that suspect had drove from Mansfield, Ohio to pick up the victim, along with two other juvenile girls, to have sexual conduct with one or all the juveniles.
Arrested was Robert Lamont Tubbs Jr, age 20, of Mansfield, Ohio. Tubbs has been charged Attempted Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, a felony of the 4th degree, Disseminating Matter Harmful to a Juvenile, a felony of the 4th degree, Importuning, a felony of the 3rd degree, and Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor, a felony of the 5th degree. Tubbs is being held in the Scioto County Jail on a $25,500 bond
Sheriff Thoroughman stated that this investigation showcases the cooperative relationship of all law enforcement within Scioto County and the importance of citizens to call law enforcement when they observe suspicious activity. | https://www.portsmouth-dailytimes.com/2023/06/02/mansfield-man-arrested-on-crimes-involving-juveniles/ | 2023-06-02 11:49:37 | 1 | https://www.portsmouth-dailytimes.com/2023/06/02/mansfield-man-arrested-on-crimes-involving-juveniles/ |
Pakistan: World Bank estimates floods caused $40B in damages
By MUNIR AHMED
Associated Press
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan’s government says the World Bank estimates that this summer’s record-breaking floods have caused $40 billion in damages in this impoverished country. The figure is $10 billion more than the government’s earlier estimate. Pakistan was already facing a serious financial crisis before the heavy monsoon rains hit the cash-strapped Islamic nation in mid-June. The rains triggered unprecedented floods that at one point left a third of the country’s territory submerged, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to move to safer places. The new assessment of damages was announced during a meeting on Wednesday between Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and experts on climate change. | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national-business/2022/10/19/pakistan-world-bank-estimates-floods-caused-40b-in-damages-2/ | 2022-10-19 09:53:34 | 0 | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national-business/2022/10/19/pakistan-world-bank-estimates-floods-caused-40b-in-damages-2/ |
Flamengo's Pedro keeps showing his goal-scoring prowess after netting a brace to secure a 2-0 victory against Chile's Ñublense. The Brazilian star struck in the 15th and 38th minutes, both times receiving assists from his team and countrymate Marinho.
With his two goals of the night, Pedro now sits tied at the top of the scoring charts.
WATCH the full-time highlights here 👀 | https://www.beinsports.com/us/copa-libertadores/video/relive-pedros-magical-night-leading-flamengo-/2073697 | 2023-04-20 14:56:26 | 1 | https://www.beinsports.com/us/copa-libertadores/video/relive-pedros-magical-night-leading-flamengo-/2073697 |
(NerdWallet) – You might want to buy an electric car, but the price gives you a severe case of sticker shock. It leaves you wondering, “Why is the cost so much higher than gas cars?”
For example, the cheapest 2023 gas-engined model vehicle available in the U.S. is the Nissan Versa at $15,730 plus destination. The cheapest EV is the Chevrolet Bolt at $25,600 plus destination.
That price difference is pretty easy to attribute — it’s the large, costly battery that takes the place of an internal combustion engine in an electric car, or EV. A lithium-ion battery that provides ample driving range can cost $10,000 to $20,000 alone, according to Karl Brauer, executive analyst for car search engine site iSeeCars.
But there are other factors driving up the price of EVs, says Liz Najman, a climate scientist and communications and research manager at Recurrent Auto, an EV research and analytics firm focused on the used-vehicle market. She cites continuing supply-chain problems, low inventories and the fact that EVs require 10 times more semiconductors than a gas car.
Also, Najman notes that “there is unprecedented buzz and excitement about EVs,” triggered by California’s plan to phase out the sale of gas cars by 2035 and the increased incentives from the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act — which will promote the sales and use of EVs.
How much more are EVs vs. gas cars?
Looks can be deceiving when it comes to car prices, says Jesse Toprak, chief analyst for Autonomy, an electric car subscription service. The EVs produced up to now have been premium models since “early adopters are generally less price-sensitive.” Therefore, he says, the average EV price versus that of a gas car “is not really apples to apples.”
The average price of a new EV is $64,249, while a new gas car is $48,281, nearly a $16,000 difference, Najman says. This enormous difference reflects the market reality that most available EV models are still higher-end cars.
In the used-car market, there are many “gently used” EVs from 2022 and 2021, which drives up the average price, Najman notes. Recurrent’s data shows the average price of used EVs at $37,597, which is about $10,000 above the average price of used gas cars.
Incentives and maintenance costs
So far, we’ve focused on the purchase price of EVs which, admittedly, seems pretty steep. But if you’re shopping for an EV, there are a number of factors that can level the playing field.
“If you look at the total cost of ownership, even over a few years, EVs are very competitive with gas cars,” Najman says. “And, the higher the price of gas goes, the quicker EVs catch up.”
Here are a few factors to consider when trying to determine the impact of owning an EV and staying within your budget.
Tax credits. There is a federal clean-vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500 when you buy an EV. If you lease, you can indirectly benefit if the dealership or leasing company passes along the credit in the form of a lower monthly payment. Beginning in 2023, for the first time, used vehicles may qualify for a credit of up to $4,000.
Rebates. Some state and local governments offer rebates. For example, the California Air Resources Board offers a rebate ranging from $1,000 to $7,000 to anyone who purchases or leases an EV.
Reduced fuel costs. If an EV is charged at a private residence, the cost can be much cheaper than buying gas. However, commercial fast chargers can nearly rival the cost of gas.
Less maintenance. With fewer moving parts, EVs require fewer trips to the service bay. An EV never needs the oil changed, and brake pads last much longer than in gas cars because of regenerative braking.
Lower cost per mile. Recurrent data shows that EVs cost less than 8 cents a mile to drive compared with 9.6 cents for gas cars.
Are affordable EVs coming?
A stampede of new foreign and domestic EVs is coming in 2023, including pickup trucks and larger SUVs. More competition could bring down the price of EVs.
We could see “EV batteries that are leaps and bounds ahead of what’s available today within the next decade,” Toprak says. “Manufacturers across the globe are now fully committed to the EV revolution, and there is no turning back.”
Brauer was more cautious, noting that prices for lithium, a key component of the battery, have gone up due to the war in Ukraine. It’s unpredictable, and a battery breakthrough could come in five years or 25 years, “which will make selling EVs to mainstream consumers difficult in the near term due to their price.”
Tips for EV shoppers
While researching which EV to get, remember these key points:
- The sticker price is not the real cost. The advertised price will be offset by incentives, rebates, lower fuel and ownership costs and, possibly, your negotiation.
- Determine ahead of time what incentives will apply to the car you want to buy. Yes, it’s complicated, but it’s worth it to find every way to reduce the initial cost.
- Carefully choose between buying and leasing. Each financing method has advantages and can affect the overall cost of the vehicle.
- If you intend to use the federal tax credit, remember that you won’t see that savings until you file your taxes.
- EVs come with nonfinancial advantages that might let you justify the higher cost. Carpool lane access, increased acceleration and handling, and a quieter ride are a few things popular with EV owners.
- Use internet search engines to cast a wide net when looking for the best deal. You can even buy the car out of state and have it shipped to your house. | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/national-news/why-are-there-no-cheap-evs/ | 2022-12-10 19:38:07 | 0 | https://www.binghamtonhomepage.com/news/national-news/why-are-there-no-cheap-evs/ |
EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) — President Joe Biden will visit the border city of El Paso, Texas, on Sunday, his first visit to the border as president, White House senior administration officials tell Nexstar’s Washington, D.C. bureau.
Biden on Wednesday said he intends to visit the U.S.-Mexico border before his meeting in Mexico City with the leaders of Mexico and Canada.
“That’s my intention, we’re working out the details now,” Biden told reporters Wednesday during a trip to Kentucky.
Biden said upon his return to the White House that he hoped to see “what’s going on” at the border and also planned to make remarks about border security on Thursday.
In El Paso, U.S. immigration officials say the permanence of Title 42, cold weather, the holiday season and the arrival of 600 Army National Guard troops led to a substantial drop in unauthorized migrant arrivals.
Border agents in mid-December had their hands full, apprehending an average of 2,150 unauthorized migrants per day and caring for more than 4,000 foreign nationals.
Migrant crossings have dropped at times under 1,000 per day since then, according to the City of El Paso’s migrant dashboard. The Border Patrol closed the month of December with an average of 1,800 daily apprehensions. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/border-report/biden-to-visit-el-paso-on-first-trip-to-border-sunday/ | 2023-01-05 18:11:07 | 0 | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/border-report/biden-to-visit-el-paso-on-first-trip-to-border-sunday/ |
NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Establishment Labs Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ESTA) resulting from allegations that the Company may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Establishment Labs securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=9304 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On October 19, 2022, market analyst Hindenburg Research published a report entitled "Establishment Labs: A Financially Stretched Silicone Safety Charade" which alleged, among other things, that "[d]espite claims of superior safety, we found that almost all key safety studies touted by the company have conflicts of interest, with many undisclosed or under-disclosed." Further, the report alleged that "Establishment claims to have successfully piloted a 'revolutionary' technique to place implants through the armpit using local anesthesia (instead of general), claiming the technique will greatly expand its Total Addressable Market (TAM). This type of insertion has been reported since the 1970s and has been widely available for almost 20 years. It has failed to gain traction due to safety risks."
The report also alleged that "[b]eyond undisclosed safety questions, we have also identified financial risks. Import/export records show that Establishment ships product to entities formerly owned by the CEO and his family, raising questions of conflicts of interest."
On this news, Establishment Labs' stock price fell sharply during intraday trading on October 19, 2022.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
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The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/10/21/esta-investor-notice-rosen-top-ranked-law-firm-encourages-establishment-labs-holdings-inc-investors-with-losses-inquire-about-securities-class-action-investigation-esta/ | 2022-10-21 02:38:23 | 0 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/10/21/esta-investor-notice-rosen-top-ranked-law-firm-encourages-establishment-labs-holdings-inc-investors-with-losses-inquire-about-securities-class-action-investigation-esta/ |
Lawton Police Special Operations Division detectives have been making arrests centered from one address that are hoped to make a large dent in the illicit fentanyl trade in town.
Four arrests resulted from a pair of operations on May 8.
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Lawton Police Special Operations Division detectives have been making arrests centered from one address that are hoped to make a large dent in the illicit fentanyl trade in town.
Four arrests resulted from a pair of operations on May 8.
Two brothers were taken down shortly after noon May 8 following a set up drug buy that turned into a police pursuit.
Detectives arranged a purchase of 200 fentanyl pills from Cameron Woods from a home at 4001 NW Ozmun. He was seen getting into a black Dodge Charger and, according to the probable cause affidavit, police knew he had a suspended license.
Cameron Woods left and drove to Cache Road Square, Northwest 38th Street and Cache Road, and police tried to make a traffic stop. Instead, according to the affidavit, he took off at a high rate of speed through the parking lot before turning back west to go behind Harbor Freight. He and a passenger then got out and took off on foot while the car was still in drive. Cameron Woods was seen throwing a bag while running and he was taken into custody near the Boot Barn. The passenger, his brother Brandon, was taken into custody at the La Quinta Inn parking lot.
The bag was recovered with 200 fentanyl pills and $2,058 recovered from Cameron Woods, the affidavit states. A search warrant of the home was executed.
Police recovered another 298 pills at the home, $15,461 in cash and a stolen handgun, according to the affidavit.
In one, detectives were in contact with a cooperating person who agreed to make a buy with Tyreek Lamon Warrior to buy 4,000 fentanyl pills and was told he’d get the product when Warrior got a ride from his Oklahoma City home, the affidavit states. Warrior told the person to meet at the same home at 4001 NW Ozmun, he’d be in a silver Ford Mustang.
Officers arrived and detained Warrior and the passenger, Taufano Chabert Brown. Four baggies containing 4,033 of the the fentanyl pills were discovered and the men were arrested, the affidavit states.
Written by Scott Rains: scott.rains@swoknews.com. | https://www.swoknews.com/news/four-arrested-from-separate-fentanyl-cases-stemming-from-same-home/article_4cb015d9-01d1-5ec8-bd92-0538e24c7d3d.html | 2023-05-13 08:05:10 | 1 | https://www.swoknews.com/news/four-arrested-from-separate-fentanyl-cases-stemming-from-same-home/article_4cb015d9-01d1-5ec8-bd92-0538e24c7d3d.html |
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- As storm recovery efforts continue across Central California, officials say the clean up could cost millions in Fresno County.
"This type of weather, this type of rain, this type of snowpack is really something that the Valley has not seen in quite a while," said Terri Mejorado from the Fresno County Office of Emergency Services.
With the severe weather the state has seen in recent weeks, come big costs to address the aftermath.
Fresno County leaders hope an emergency declaration will lead to the state paying the county back for more than an estimated $10 million in damage.
"What it really sets us up for is being able to be reimbursed about 75% of the dollars that we spend," said Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig.
He says hundreds of thousands are being spent on labor costs to just assess the damage. Crews have been checking on many of Fresno County's 500 bridges impacted by high water-some were even over-topped.
RELATED: Planada residents get help with housing after losing almost everything in flooding
"Significant surges in many streams that typically just have a trickle of water. Some of them saw 100 times the amount of water going through them," said Magsig. "Many of these bridges, a lot of their footings that are in place could be washed away."
On Auberry Road, work has been underway for weeks to repair erosion caused by a downpour earlier this month. Magsig says the work in that area alone could total up to a million dollars.
Along Hume Lake Road Friday, crews rushed to repair the only road into Hume Lake, which was washed away by the storm. Access was eventually restored to a thousand campers and hundreds of residents.
Levee work is also underway across the county, especially on the southern portion of the San Joaquin.
"So, you have this dirt levee and all of the sudden you have this influx of water rushing through, it's just going to erode the side of that levee," said Mejorado. | https://abc30.com/fresno-county-storm-recovery-estimated-costs-heavy-rain/12716923/ | 2023-01-19 02:07:38 | 1 | https://abc30.com/fresno-county-storm-recovery-estimated-costs-heavy-rain/12716923/ |
The agreement announced Tuesday that will see Hunter Biden plead guilty to two tax charges has scrambled the picture for the 2024 election — a contest that, right now, looks odds-on to be fought between President Biden and former President Trump.
Republicans argue the president’s son got a soft deal. Democrats contend that misdemeanor offenses committed by a private citizen — one who was struggling with addiction at the time — should not have their importance exaggerated.
Outside of those predictable responses, the announcement of the deal first and foremost puts Hunter Biden’s name back in the headlines — a scenario that is never good for his father’s political fortunes.
The president has kept his comments to a minimum.
Asked by a reporter Tuesday while in California whether he had spoken to his son earlier in the day, Biden replied, “I’m very proud of my son.” He did not answer a shouted question about whether he encouraged Hunter Biden to take the guilty plea.
Earlier, a White House statement emphasized the president and first lady “love their son and support him as he continues to rebuild his life” but would have no further comment.
In addition to pleading guilty to the tax charges, Hunter Biden will enter into a pretrial diversion agreement over the allegation that he lied on paperwork— by denying he was a drug user — to obtain a gun in 2018.
The agreement still has to be approved by a judge but, assuming that happens, Biden is unlikely to serve any jail time, and the gun matter will probably be stricken from his record.
The matter will inevitably be intertwined in the political narrative with Trump’s recent indictment — even though Trump’s matter is far more serious, and Hunter Biden is not a candidate for any office.
Trump was charged with 37 criminal counts over sensitive documents discovered at his Florida Mar-a-Lago resort — including related charges of obstruction and concealment. Trump could face significant prison time if convicted.
The former president was also indicted in New York in April in a separate case revolving around a hush-money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
Trump wasted no time in using the Hunter Biden case to advance his argument that he is being unfairly treated by the justice system.
“Wow! The corrupt Biden DOJ just cleared up hundreds of years of criminal liability by giving Hunter Biden a mere ‘traffic ticket.’ Our system is BROKEN!,” Trump wrote on Truth Social soon after details of the deal emerged.
A few hours later, Trump contended that “the Hunter/Joe Biden settlement “is a massive COVERUP & FULL SCALE ELECTION INTERFERENCE ‘SCAM’ THE LIKES OF WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN IN OUR COUNTRY BEFORE.”
One problem with this line of argument is that it is not at all clear that either Trump or Hunter Biden are being treated in ways incongruous with what would happen if other, non-famous Americans engaged in similar conduct.
Referring to the indictment of Trump on the Mar-a-Lago matter, former federal prosecutor Mary McCord told the Washington Post on Monday: “There’s no question in my mind that anyone else — if found guilty of the offenses charged in this indictment, even if not found guilty of all of them, even just a handful of them — would serve time in prison.”
In Hunter Biden’s case, experts say the kind of gun offense he apparently committed rarely results in severe sanctions, unless it is linked to a more serious crime. Lying on the documentation required to obtain a firearm is more often prosecuted aggressively if it is, for example, part of an effort to make a “straw purchase” on behalf of a violent felon.
Still, the tax offenses — pertaining to an initial failure to pay about $100,000 in taxes on more than $1 million in income — will sit uneasily with taxpaying voters who wonder how they would fare if they engaged in the same conduct.
Politically speaking, the Biden matter appears to have further solidified Trump’s hold on the GOP. It has — so far at least — had the effect of further coalescing the party around claims about the “weaponization” of the Justice Department — claims that aid Trump far more than anyone else.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) referred to the agreement as a “sweetheart deal” and contended it “continues to show the two-tier system in America.”
Several of Trump’s rivals for the 2024 GOP nomination sounded similar notes.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis used the same phrase — “sweetheart deal” — and argued that “if Hunter were a Republican, he would have been in jail years ago.”
Former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley contended that the agreement “only raise further questions about Hunter Biden’s crimes and the double standard of justice in our federal government.”
Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.) contended the deal was “another reason Americans have lost faith in Biden’s Justice Department.”
But perhaps the most important voice in the medium term came from Capitol Hill. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has asserted that his panel’s probing of Biden’s business dealings will go on.
That means the president’s son is going to continue to be a political issue for months to come — even as election season heats up.
The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage | https://www.wowktv.com/hill-politics/the-memo-hunter-biden-agreement-deals-wild-card-in-2024-race/ | 2023-06-20 23:35:33 | 1 | https://www.wowktv.com/hill-politics/the-memo-hunter-biden-agreement-deals-wild-card-in-2024-race/ |
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New public-private partnership will deliver data-driven digital platform to help independent news media become financially self-sufficient
WASHINGTON, March 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Internews, Microsoft Corp. and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced a new public-private partnership to develop a Media Viability Accelerator to help independent news outlets become more financially sustainable. The announcement, made in advance of the 2023 Summit for Democracy, illustrates a shared commitment among government, business and civil society to shore up democracy's fourth estate.
"Media around the globe face a dual threat: repression and bankruptcy," said Jeanne Bourgault, president and CEO of Internews, a nonprofit that supports independent media in 100 countries. "Thousands of media outlets have closed around the world in the past decade due to disruption of traditional media business models. In service of democracy, the Media Viability Accelerator will help reverse that trend by assisting media to survive and become more competitive."
The Media Viability Accelerator is a web-based platform that will help news media become more financially sustainable by accessing solutions and market insights to inform effective business strategies. Participating media outlets will, free of charge, learn from a community of peers, access a multilingual tool that visualizes media performance data, and receive actionable daily alerts based on thousands of market and media sources. Media outlets, businesses, governments and nonprofits interested in participating can sign up.
"Independent journalism is essential to a healthy and vibrant democracy, but technology has unfortunately eroded traditional ad-based business models," said Brad Smith, Microsoft's vice chair and president. "Our hope is that this AI-powered data aggregation and visualization tool will offer media outlets the kind of market intelligence they need to be financially successful."
In a three-way memorandum of understanding that underlies the partnership:
- USAID agreed to support the development and growth of the Media Viability Accelerator platform, and set and monitor high-level objectives for the project.
- Microsoft will contribute expertise in data analysis, visualization dashboards, cloud services and AI and agreed to provide in-kind technical support to develop and sustain the Media Viability Accelerator platform.
- Internews, in concert with other media development organizations, agreed to register up to 500 media outlet users within six months, with a focus on media from low-resource countries and emerging democracies.
Other organizations supporting the effort include Free Press Unlimited, Global Forum for Media Development, IREX, SembraMedia and the Thomson Reuters Foundation.https://www.trust.org/
"Independent media is both a public good and a private enterprise, but it has faced significant financial headwinds of late," said Samantha Power, USAID administrator. "The U.S. government will use every tool at our disposal to support independent media, including by drawing on the expertise of our partners in the private sector. The Media Viability Accelerator is a model public-private partnership that will help keep independent media outlets around the world financially sustainable so they can continue their vital work."
About Internews
Internews is a nonprofit that supports independent media in 100 countries. Internews trains journalists and digital rights practitioners, tackles disinformation, and offers business expertise to help media outlets thrive financially. For 40 years, it has helped partners reach millions of people with trustworthy information that saves lives, improves livelihoods, and holds institutions accountable.
About USAID
On behalf of the American people, the U.S. Agency for International Development promotes and demonstrates democratic values abroad, and advances a free, peaceful, and prosperous world. In support of America's foreign policy, USAID leads the U.S. Government's international development and disaster assistance through partnerships and investments that save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from humanitarian crises and progress beyond assistance.
About Microsoft
Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT" @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
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SOURCE Microsoft Corporation | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/03/27/internews-microsoft-usaid-develop-media-viability-accelerator/ | 2023-03-27 12:57:38 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/03/27/internews-microsoft-usaid-develop-media-viability-accelerator/ |
RailPulse Is Leading the Effort to Broaden Use of Telematics Technology in Rail
OMAHA, Neb., June 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Pacific Railroad has joined the RailPulse coalition and its effort to develop, broaden and accelerate the use of GPS and other telematics technologies in North America's freight rail industry.
Union Pacific is RailPulse's seventh member. The other six include GATX Corporation, Genesee & Wyoming, Norfolk Southern, TrinityRail, Watco, and The Greenbrier Companies.
RailPulse was formed in 2020 as a coalition of forward-thinking railcar owners working together to increase safety, efficiency, and visibility in the rail industry by supporting the development and use of GPS and other telematics technologies. Its goal is to provide real-time information and sustained visibility of a railcar's status, location and condition to shippers, railcar owners and railroads.
"The use of technology to increase shipment visibility is critical for ensuring we meet the needs and expectations of our customers who rely upon us for safe and reliable service," said Kenny Rocker, Executive Vice President – Marketing and Sales at Union Pacific. "RailPulse's mission to establish new standards and support GPS and telematics use enhances customer experiences. Ultimately, an improved shipper experience can attract more shipments to the North American rail network."
"The Board of RailPulse is very excited to welcome Union Pacific to RailPulse," said Mike McClellan, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Norfolk Southern. "Interest in RailPulse and the coalition's mission continues to grow. Adding Union Pacific to our ownership ranks demonstrates the strategic appeal of the transformative technology that RailPulse is pursuing for the betterment of all participants in the rail ecosystem: shippers, builders, railcar owners and the railroads."
RailPulse is on track to meet its initial milestone for platform introduction in early 2023. Member companies are currently facilitating trials with remote monitoring equipment from select vendors on their railcars. As the coalition receives and analyzes data from these trials, members plan to share conclusions later this year in preparation of the planned platform launch.
Visit RailPulse's website at www.railpulse.com or follow the coalition on LinkedIn to see the latest updates.
Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com.
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SOURCE Union Pacific Railroad | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/union-pacific-railroad-joins-forces-with-railpulse-coalition-digitally-transform-north-americas-freight-rail-industry/ | 2022-06-07 13:26:40 | 0 | https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/union-pacific-railroad-joins-forces-with-railpulse-coalition-digitally-transform-north-americas-freight-rail-industry/ |
An official Wisconsin state rifle.
Of course, we say sarcastically, that’s just what the state needs. Why didn’t someone think of this before?
We noted with interest last week that Republican lawmakers were circulating a bill to designate a lever-action rifle produced in Rice Lake by the Henry Repeating Arms company as the official state rifle.
Specifically, they’re talking about the Henry All-Weather .45-70, a utilitarian rifle that has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,246 and has no doubt helped keep the ravaging deer herds in the state in check for years. It can also bring down bear, hogs, moose and elk at 100 yards.
The impetus for the legislation comes from state Reps. Dave Armstrong, Treig Pronschinske, James Edming, and Sen. Romaine Quinn, from the Rice Lake area and Mondovi in west central Wisconsin.
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They say the proposed bill is a way to recognize a Wisconsin company as well as honor the state’s hunting traditions. “The nice part about this bill is that it simply honors a longstanding tradition that many Wisconsinites enjoy,” said Rep. Pronschinski. “Something that pays homage to many generations of hunters is in no way political and should not be framed as such.”
State Sen. Chris Larson, a Milwaukee Democrat, scoffed at the bill, saying, “Are you kidding me? Why? Why? You know there are mounting problems in our communities that people are facing. It seems silly we’re trying to go down a path of trying to designate things that are just bumper-sticker signals to a base.”
Whoa. Easy there senator, we’re not talking about Uzis or AR-15s or weapons of choice in mass shootings. This is a well-made lever-action rifle that’s seen a lot on state farms and in the woods during hunting season. Not only that, it won the Wisconsin Manufacturer’s and Commerce’s “Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin” contest in 2019.
But, before the area legislators take up this chance to boost the Henry All-Weather rifle and to chum for points with gun supporters, why couldn’t lawmakers take a broader view and make a few amendments to the proposed bill.
Over the years, the state Legislature has officially recognized a wide variety of state symbols. They include the state tree – the sugar maple; the state fish, the muskellunge; the domestic animal, the dairy cow; the beverage, milk; the dance, the polka; the fruit, the cranberry. Even, Racine has a piece of the action with the official state pastry – the kringle (although Kenosha demands a recount for Paielli’s cyclops doughnut).
But to our knowledge, the Legislature has not, until now, considered honoring a commercial brand like the Henry All-Weather rifle.
To be fair to residents of southeastern Wisconsin, we would urge State Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, and State Sen. Bob Wirch, D-Somers, to add a few plums recognizing products from our area. If we’re going to do this, we should be getting our “piece of the action.”
There could be official state mosquito repellent – DeepWoods Off, from SC Johnson. Maybe even add an official state bug, ant, wasp killer like RAID, also by SCJ. And it would be nice to see the Legislature fete Racine’s much-loved hamburger establishment – Kewpee’s (and no we don’t care what the people of Seymour, WI have to say about their claim to be the birthplace of the hamburger). Why not keep going, with an official state deli by designating Tenuta’s in Kenosha, an official state tool from one of the many lines put out by Snap-on, or even, can you imagine it, an official state underwear from Jockey.
The possibilities are endless.
Not only that, but the Legislature could monetize the state symbols into a new revenue stream to fill state coffers for years to come. The state budget may be flush right now with a $7 billion surplus, but that won’t last forever. If the Milwaukee Brewers can get $4 million a year for naming rights to American Family Field, imagine how much revenue would roll in from an official Wisconsin State pizza, an official Wisconsin State brand name beer or brandy?
Or an official Wisconsin state rifle?
While we’re not encouraging it, if we’re going to sell state symbols, we should at least get a good price for them. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/opinion/editorial/our-perspective-state-symbolism-can-go-a-long-way/article_a97819f2-c74d-11ed-be37-7f7c0c7cd4e2.html | 2023-03-22 14:22:11 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/opinion/editorial/our-perspective-state-symbolism-can-go-a-long-way/article_a97819f2-c74d-11ed-be37-7f7c0c7cd4e2.html |
NEW YORK — As Jessica Chastain orbits the stage, seated on a wooden chair, an audience sees her from all perspectives, much the way you might circle a dollhouse, to glimpse all of the rooms.
Which is important because we want to savor every line. As Nora, Chastain rotates on the stage in that chair often during the performance — she’s even there as the audience enters the Hudson Theatre, where the show had its official opening Thursday night. Dressed as all the characters are, in chic, dark colors by Soutra Gilmour and Enver Chakartash — as if they were guests at a dinner party in a SoHo loft — Nora is, it seems, on eternal display. She is a wife and mother that her domineering husband Torvald, played by Arian Moayed, calls his “songbird.” A stiflingly caged bird, at that.
If you’re expecting Ibsen with petticoats and silver service, you’ve come to the wrong place. What you get instead is an ensemble wrestling exhilaratingly with a text that revolutionized the way people thought more than a century ago about marriage and the constraints it imposed on women. Even now, the play snaps as freshly as a clothesline in a cool wind. One keenly feels the connection, too, between Ibsen’s time and ours. Chastain may not wear a corset, but her Nora is straitjacketed all the same.
“So simple, and spare as a statue,” Norwegian author Alexander Kielland wrote about the script after it was published in December 1879. Lloyd, who last season brought a blazing “Cyrano” with James McAvoy to New York, seems to have taken that commentary to heart. The spareness of the physicality and the statue-like placement of the actors put you in mind, at times, of a production consumed with stylish minimalism. Far more often, though, you’re blown away by the attention that’s been given to elucidating conflict and exploring character.
“A Doll’s House” is concerned almost as much with money as it is with freedom. Nora’s altruistic appeal for a loan from Nils Krogstad (played by Okieriete Onaodowan, of “Hamilton” fame, a revelation here) is made to save her husband’s life. But she has skirted laws restricting what transactions women are permitted, and the consequences are too much for her image-obsessed banker husband. The magnetic Moayed, a stage veteran probably best known as Stewy Hosseini on HBO’s “Succession,” brings to Torvald a terrifying fury, slowly bubbling up like molten lava; he is a civilized volcano, but as we discover, not a dormant one.
Around the artificial wall of decorum that Torvald insists upon, the other characters of “A Doll’s House” tiptoe, especially Nora’s old friend Kristine Linde (Jesmille Darbouze) and Torvald’s ailing pal, Dr. Rank (Michael Patrick Thornton). Darbouze and Thornton turn in outstanding portrayals, as trenchant observers of the tensions in the Helmer household and the domestic pressures eroding Nora’s sense of herself. As Anne-Marie, the nanny who raised Nora and now tends to Nora’s three children, Tasha Lawrence, too, creates a vivid character who has difficulty hiding her grief at having left her own child to work for Nora.
Lloyd makes Chastain the lodestar in this constellation. We come to realize in our extended observation of Nora that Torvald’s infantilizing characterizations had not flattered her at all. The suspicion arises that her famous escape in the drama’s final seconds — here accomplished cleverly — is not an impulsive act at all. In Chastain’s smashingly fine-tuned performance, the march to self-discovery has been gaining momentum, scene by scene, all night.
The role completes an intriguing pairing for Chastain with the only other Broadway part she’s played: that of Catherine Sloper, in a 2012 revival of “The Heiress.” At the end of that play, Catherine shuts the front door on the man who’s after her money. In “A Doll’s House,” Nora walks out the front door, leaving the man who guaranteed her material comfort.
The notion of women understanding their own power and rejecting being controlled (and worse) by men remains remarkably topical. Witness the critical success of “Women Talking,” a film about a community of religious women, long physically brutalized by their men, who vote on whether to gather their children and simply leave. One imagines them attending this play and being fortified by the bravery of their sister Nora.
A Doll’s House, by Henrik Ibsen, in a new version by Amy Herzog. Directed by Jamie Lloyd. Set, Soutra Gilmour; costumes, Gilmour and Enver Chakartash; lighting, Jon Clark; sound, Ben and Max Ringham; music, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Alva Noto. About 1 hour 50 minutes. Through June 10 at Hudson Theatre, 141 W. 44th St., New York. adollshousebroadway.com. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/theater-dance/2023/03/09/jessica-chastain-ibsen-dolls-house/ | 2023-03-10 01:54:51 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/theater-dance/2023/03/09/jessica-chastain-ibsen-dolls-house/ |
Bengals Odds to Make Playoffs and Win Super Bowl
At +900, the Cincinnati Bengals sport the fourth-best odds to win the Super Bowl as of December 31.
Watch the Bengals this season on Fubo!
Bengals Super Bowl Odds
- Odds to Win the AFC North: +150
- Odds to Win the Super Bowl: +900
Looking to place a futures bet on the Bengals to win the Super Bowl this season? Head to BetMGM using our link and enter the bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
Cincinnati Betting Insights
- Cincinnati compiled a 12-2-1 record against the spread last season.
- Bengals games hit the over six out of 16 times last season.
- Cincinnati put up 360.5 yards per game on offense last season (eighth in ), and it allowed 335.7 yards per game (16th) on the other side of the ball.
- The Bengals posted a 6-1 record at home and were 6-3 away last season.
- When underdogs, Cincinnati picked up just one victory (1-1) versus its 11-2 record when favored.
- In the AFC North the Bengals were 3-3, and in the conference as a whole they went 8-3.
Bengals Impact Players
- Joe Burrow threw for 4,475 yards (279.7 per game), completing 68.3% of his passes, with 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 16 games last year.
- Burrow also rushed for 257 yards and five TDs.
- In 14 games, Joe Mixon rushed for 814 yards (58.1 per game) and seven TDs.
- Also, Mixon had 60 catches for 441 yards and two touchdowns.
- In 12 games a season ago, Ja'Marr Chase had 87 receptions for 1,046 yards (87.2 per game) and nine touchdowns.
- Tee Higgins had 74 receptions for 1,029 yards (64.3 per game) and seven touchdowns in 16 games.
- Logan Wilson had one interception to go with 123 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 2.5 sacks, and four passes defended last year.
Bet on Bengals to win the Super Bowl and plenty more with BetMGM. Head to BetMGM using our link and enter the bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
2023-24 Bengals NFL Schedule
Odds are current as of July 25 at 5:22 AM ET. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.wymt.com/sports/betting/2023/07/25/bengals-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ | 2023-07-25 10:58:24 | 0 | https://www.wymt.com/sports/betting/2023/07/25/bengals-nfl-playoffs-super-bowl-odds/ |
‘He was the sweetest man’: Beloved Mesa shoe repair shop owner found killed inside store
MESA, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - Beloved Mesa shoe repair shop owner Jesus De La Rosa, known here as Fabien, was murdered inside his store this week. His neighbors say he was gentle and kind, the last person who deserved this. “I just can’t imagine why anyone would ever hurt him. He’s the sweetest man,” said Angie Smith, who came to pick up her shoes today.
Mesa police say they found the 58-year-old dead inside Lamb’s Shoe Repair near Main and Central streets. Customers of Fabien are in shock over learning their favorite shop owner was found dead. “I was just planning on picking up my stuff before I went on a trip. I called several times, and I checked to see the schedule to see if he was going to be here, and it looked like they were open. So I just came up. I really didn’t expect to find this,” Smith said.
Smith says she came today to Lamb’s Shoe Repair, not knowing anything was wrong. But, upon learning Fabien was murdered, she’s devastated. “Just so sweet and so nice. I just watched him relate with everyone that came into the store,” Smith said.
Smith describes him as funny and lovable, which is why she keeps returning. “I would bring him my red shoes and he would say, oh, well I don’t fix red shoes. Not the red shoes. He fixed a bag for me that I didn’t think was repairable. And he goes, well what did you think? Of course I can fix this,” Smith told Arizona’s Family.
Fabien, was even recognized by the City of Mesa for his outstanding work in the community. “I haven’t heard one bad thing about him. He was the type of guy where you really didn’t have to kill him to get what he had. He would give you anything.” said John Schwary and his daughter Veronica Morgan.
Schwary and Morgan own TLC Treatment Center next door. They’ve known Fabien for years and say there needs to be justice. “I’m not a vengeful person but I hope that they catch this guy. Casue anybody who would kill someone like that would probably kill anybody.”
Now Fabien’s shop neighbors are offering a reward of $1,000 for any information leading to an arrest. So if you know anything, call Mesa police at (480) 644-2211. You can also submit an anonymous tip here.
Copyright 2022 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved. | https://www.azfamily.com/2022/12/10/he-was-sweetest-man-beloved-mesa-shoe-repair-shop-owner-found-killed-inside-store/ | 2022-12-10 01:26:45 | 0 | https://www.azfamily.com/2022/12/10/he-was-sweetest-man-beloved-mesa-shoe-repair-shop-owner-found-killed-inside-store/ |
Greenhouse CPO Donald Knight speaks with innovative leaders at Kickstarter, Uber, WPP and more, to discover how companies should prioritize their people
NEW YORK, June 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A new season of The Greenhouse Podcast: People-first is now available. Hosted by Greenhouse Chief People Officer Donald Knight, the 8-episode season celebrates diversity as the key to fostering creativity and improving business performance, as well as spurring innovation and creating positive social good.
The new podcast series features executives and people leaders from forward-thinking organizations like Kickstarter, Uber, WPP, SoundExchange, Artsy and others which prioritize their people and foster a culture of hiring. People-first companies understand that their employees are their most valuable asset, so they treat all their people practices – especially hiring – as strategic, rather than administrative, functions.
"We're celebrating the work of leaders dedicated to building a people-first culture in their companies. Listen to the interviews in this series to get practical, sustainable strategies you can use to start making your own company more people-first from some of the most forward-thinking business leaders." – Donald Knight, CPO at Greenhouse
It's vital companies pay attention to their culture, starting with hiring. A recent Greenhouse Candidate Interview and Employer Brand Report revealed:
- When considering a role, the large majority of candidates (92%) believe a healthy, diverse and inclusive company culture is integral
- Almost 9 in every 10 respondents mentioned the importance of interviewers highlighting a company's values and culture during the interview process
In this podcast season, Donald and guests dig into the most pressing business and workplace topics of the day. Tune in to hear:
- How to build and sustain a culture of belonging
- Inspiring stories of overcoming hiring and retention challenges
- Ways to create effective feedback loops and improve transparency
- Meaningful ways to support diverse and inclusive business practices
The Greenhouse Podcast: People-first guests include –
- Lars Minns, CHRO at Mercedes-Benz, North America
- Everette Taylor, CEO at Kickstarter
- Elisa Colombani, Chief People Officer at Artsy
- Kenysha Bartee, SVP, People & Culture at SoundExchange
- Paul Saiedi, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Uber
- Jennifer Remling, Global Chief People Officer at WPP
- Robyn Tombacher, Global Chief People Operations Officer at WPP
- Foram Sheth, Chief Coaching Officer at Ama La Vida
- Chris Rainey, CEO & Co-founder at HR Leaders
- Natasha Rainey, Founder & Host All Inclusive Podcast, All Inclusive Media
The Greenhouse Podcast: People-first series includes 8 podcast episodes released weekly through June 29, available everywhere podcasts are shared. Access the entire library of Greenhouse podcasts at greenhouse.io/podcast.
About Greenhouse
Greenhouse is the hiring operating system for people-first companies.
Our industry-leading software brings a structured hiring approach to any company's process, helping to promote more fair and equitable hiring practices and more data-driven decisions so companies can continuously get better at hiring.
We've helped over 7,000 companies turn talent into their competitive advantage, so they can hire for what's next. Some of the smartest and most successful companies like HubSpot, Buzzfeed, J.D. Power, Scout24 and The Knot Worldwide use Greenhouse for data and guidance on the behaviors and capabilities they need to improve their overall hiring performance as they move up the HiringMaturity™curve.
Greenhouse has won numerous awards including Fortune Best Workplaces (2019-2022), Inc. Magazine Best Workplace (2018 – 2022), Glassdoor #1 Best Place to Work, Forbes Cloud 100, Deloitte Technology Fast 500, Inc. 5000, Crain's Best Places to Work NYC and Mogul's Top 100 Workplaces for Diverse Representation (2022).
© 2023, Greenhouse Software, Inc. All rights reserved. "Hire for what's next," "Talent Makers" and the G Logo are trademarks of Greenhouse Software, Inc.
Writing about Greenhouse? We've got everything you need. For access to company logos, images, information and more, contact press@greenhouse.io.
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SOURCE Greenhouse Software, Inc. | https://www.kalb.com/prnewswire/2023/06/29/new-season-greenhouse-podcast-people-first-is-now-live/ | 2023-06-29 16:40:16 | 0 | https://www.kalb.com/prnewswire/2023/06/29/new-season-greenhouse-podcast-people-first-is-now-live/ |
Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley is active and expected to start despite being listed as questionable for Saturday’s home game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Huntley was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday because of shoulder soreness. He said he dealt with the same issue during offseason training activities..
Huntley will be making his third straight start in place of Lamar Jackson, who remains sidelined with a sprained PCL. Jackson has not practiced since leaving Week 13′s win over the Denver Broncos.
Defensive lineman Calais Campbell (knee) and cornerback Marcus Peters (calf) were ruled out on Thursday after suffering injuries in last week’s loss to the Cleveland Browns. Running back Kenyan Drake, offensive lineman Ben Cleveland, tight end Charlie Kolar and outside linebacker David Ojabo, who made his season debut against the Browns, are also inactive.
The Ravens released veteran linebacker Josh Bynes on Saturday while elevating wide receiver Andy Isabella and quarterback Anthony Brown from the practice squad. Isabella, a second-round draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2019, signed with the Ravens’ practice squad in October and is expected to add depth to the wide receivers corps that is without Devin Duvernay, who injured his foot at practice on Tuesday and was placed on injured reserve.
Five Falcons are inactive: safety Jovante Moffat, cornerback Rashad Fenton, outside linebacker David Anenih, offensive lineman Chuma Edoga (knee) and defensive lineman Matt Dickerson. | https://www.capitalgazette.com/sports/bs-sp-ravens-tyler-huntley-falcons-inactives-20221224-kpakisdsevbtzj7sujvw4eutka-story.html | 2022-12-24 18:12:13 | 0 | https://www.capitalgazette.com/sports/bs-sp-ravens-tyler-huntley-falcons-inactives-20221224-kpakisdsevbtzj7sujvw4eutka-story.html |
NEW YORK, May 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of Lilium N.V. f/k/a Qell Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: LILM).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/lilium-n-v-f-k-a-qell-acquisition-corp-loss-submission-form/?id=27159&from=4
The lawsuit seeks to recover losses for shareholders who purchased Lilium N.V. f/k/a Qell Acquisition Corp. between March 30, 2021 and March 14, 2022.
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until June 17, 2022 to petition the court. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
According to a filed complaint, Lilium N.V. f/k/a Qell Acquisition Corp. issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Lilium materially overstates the design and capabilities of the Lilium Jet, an electric vertical take-off-and-landing aircraft for use in a new type of high-speed air transport system for people and goods; (2) Lilium materially overstates the likelihood for the Lilium Jet's timely certification; (3) Lilium misrepresents its ability to obtain or create the necessary batteries for the Lilium Jet; (4) the special purpose acquisition company merger would not and did not generate enough cash to commercially launch the Lilium Jet; (5) Qell Acquisition Corp. did not engage in proper due diligence regarding its merger with Lilium GmbH; and (6) as a result, Defendants' public statements and statements to journalists were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times.
Jakubowitz Law is vigorous in pursuit of justice for shareholders who have been the victim of securities fraud. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
JAKUBOWITZ LAW
1140 Avenue of the Americas
9th Floor
New York, New York 10036
T: (212) 867-4490
F: (212) 537-5887
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SOURCE Jakubowitz Law | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2022/05/13/lilm-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-lilium-nv-fka-qell-acquisition-corp-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-june-17-2022/ | 2022-05-13 10:27:37 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2022/05/13/lilm-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-lilium-nv-fka-qell-acquisition-corp-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-june-17-2022/ |
Former President and CEO of Sun-Maid to Lead Premier Private Label Snack Producer
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Flagstone Foods, one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of private label snacks in North America, announced today that Harry Overly has been named Chief Executive Officer, effective September 15, 2022. Overly joins Flagstone having most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Sun-Maid, a role he's held since 2017.
In addition to his role as CEO, Overly will serve as a member of the Flagstone Foods Board of Directors, which he joined in July 2022. He is an accomplished food industry leader recognized for his commercial leadership and ability to build collaborative teams. Overly's most recent experience at Sun-Maid provides particular insight into many of Flagstone's markets, supply chain and customers via the dried fruit category. Prior to leading Sun-Maid, he held roles across product development and innovation, marketing, and global operations for brands including Deoleo, BestSweet, Wrigley and Kraft. Overly is also intimately familiar with the snacks business, having previously served as Chief Customer Officer of TreeHouse Foods. Atlas Holdings acquired the snacks business from TreeHouse in 2019, establishing Flagstone Foods as a standalone company and category leader.
"Harry brings customer-centric experience to his leadership of Flagstone Foods. Over the course of his career, he has led both iconic brands and private label businesses, always with a focus on product innovation and manufacturing excellence," said Atlas Holdings Partner Michael Sher.
"We are delighted to have Harry at the helm of Flagstone and as an Atlas Operating Partner, further deepening our expertise in food manufacturing and distribution. His unparalleled understanding of the snacks category is critical as retailers consistently turn to Flagstone for continuous product innovation," said Atlas Holdings Partner Ed Fletcher.
"Flagstone Foods is trusted by the nation's premier retailers to provide the highest quality private label snacks and I am looking forward to joining their talented team. With a continued focus on sustainability and customer service, I hope to bring my deep experience in our core markets to lead Flagstone Foods into the future," said Harry Overly.
About Flagstone Foods
Flagstone Foods is a premier manufacturer of private label snack nuts, culinary nuts, trail mixes and other nut-based snacks servicing the nation's top retailers in the club, mass, grocery, drug, limited assortment and convenience channels. The company also manufactures ingredients for commercial use, provides contract manufacturing services to branded food companies and offers a wide array of value-added services including consumer insights, global sourcing and commodity advising and product development.
For more information, visit: flagstonefoods.com.
For Information Contact:
Candace Motzko
candace.motzko@flagstonefoods.com
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SOURCE Flagstone Foods | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2022/08/22/flagstone-foods-announces-harry-overly-chief-executive-officer/ | 2022-08-22 17:45:40 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2022/08/22/flagstone-foods-announces-harry-overly-chief-executive-officer/ |
Twitter has begun adding gray “official” labels to some high-profile accounts to indicate that they are authentic, the latest twist in new owner Elon Musk’s chaotic overhaul of the platform’s verification system.
Media sites like The Associated Press, The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal received an official designation Wednesday, as did companies like Nike, Apple and Coca-Cola.
The site’s current system of using what are known as “blue checks” confirming an account’s authenticity will soon go away for those who don’t pay a monthly fee. The checkmarks will be available at a yet-to-be-announced date for anyone willing to pay a $7.99-a-month subscription, which will also include some bonus features, such as fewer ads and the ability to have tweets given greater visibility than those coming from non-subscribers.
The platform’s current verification system has been in place since 2009 and was created to ensure high-profile and public-facing accounts are who they say they are.
Experts have expressed concern that making the checkmark available to anyone for a fee could lead to impersonations and the spreading of misinformation and scams. The gray label — a color that tends to blend into the background whether you use light or dark mode to scroll Twitter — is an apparent compromise. But it might lead to more confusion, as Twitter users accustomed to the blue check as a mark of authenticity will now have to look for the less obvious “official” designation.
Esther Crawford, a Twitter employee who has been working on the verification overhaul, said Tuesday on Twitter that the “official” label will be added to “select accounts” when the new system launches.
“Not all previously verified accounts will get the ‘Official’ label and the label is not available for purchase,” said Crawford, who recently was the subject of a viral photo showing her sleeping on the floor of a Twitter office while working to meet Musk’s deadlines.
Crawford said those receiving the label include government accounts, commercial companies, business partners, major media outlets, publishers and some public figures.
There are about 423,000 verified accounts under the outgoing system. Many of those belong to celebrities, businesses and politicians, as well as media outlets.
But a large chunk of verified accounts belong to individual journalists, some with tiny followings at local newspapers and news sites around the world. The idea was to verify reporters so their identities couldn’t be used to push false information on Twitter.
Musk had previously floated designating official accounts in a way other than the blue check. | https://www.wivb.com/news/national/twitter-adds-gray-official-mark-to-some-major-verified-accounts/ | 2022-11-09 16:32:19 | 1 | https://www.wivb.com/news/national/twitter-adds-gray-official-mark-to-some-major-verified-accounts/ |
GÖTEBORG, Sweden, Oct. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Volvo Trucks will deliver fully electric heavy-duty trucks to Amazon in Germany by year end. The 20 Volvo FH Electric are expected to drive more than one million road kilometres annually, fuelled with electricity instead of diesel.
Heavy goods vehicles and other commercial vehicles make up around 36% of Germany's domestic transport emissions[1], which makes road transport decarbonization an important issue to address.
"Big actors in the transport business play a key role in leading the industry's efforts to lower its carbon footprint. Therefore I´m glad that Amazon is working with us to help reduce their emissions in longer and heavier transport assignments," says Jessica Sandström, Senior Vice President of Product Management at Volvo Trucks.
Volvo Trucks started the series production of heavy-duty electric trucks in September this year and the availability of electric trucks for inter-city and regional haulage marks an important milestone for decarbonizing road transport.
"Globally we now have six electric truck models ready to order and in series production to meet the increasing demand for decarbonizing goods transports. This is an encouraging step forward for reducing climate change impacts," comments Jessica Sandström.
The electric versions of its most important product range – the heavy-duty Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX trucks – will play a vital role in reaching Volvo Trucks global target that in 2030 50% of all new trucks sold will be battery or fuel cell electric. These electric heavy-duty trucks can operate at a total weight of 44 tonnes and the three models mentioned represent around two thirds of the company's sales.
For Amazon, the trucks will replace their diesel counterparts and play a key role in electrification initiatives through its transportation chain.
"Amazon is committed to decarbonizing its fleet, and the middle mile has been a notoriously hard-to-abate sector," explains Andreas Marschner, Vice President Transportation Services Europe at Amazon. "That's why welcoming these electric heavy goods vehicles from Volvo into our fleet is such a critical milestone. We're operating one of the fastest-growing commercial transportation electrification programs, and we'll continue to invest and innovate to decarbonize and deliver packages to customers with zero emissions."
Facts about the Volvo FH Electric
- Battery capacity: 540 kWh
- Output power: 490 kW continuous power
- The range is up to 300 km, but the Volvo FH Electric can cover up to 500 km during a normal workday if a top-up charge is added, for example during the lunch break
Facts about Volvo's range of electric trucks
- Volvo Trucks have a global range of six all electric trucks designed to cover many different transport assignments.
- The Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric models have a GCW of up to 44 tonnes. Sales are ongoing in Europe and series production started in September 2022.
- Manufacturing of the Volvo FL and FE Electric, for city distribution and refuse handling, started in Europe already in 2019.
- Production of the Volvo VNR Electric for North America began in 2020.
For further information, please contact:
Jan Strandhede
Media Relations Director, Volvo Trucks
jan.strandhede@volvo.com
+46 31 323 3715
Press images and films are available in the Volvo Trucks image and film gallery at http://images.volvotrucks.com.
[1] Bundesministerium für Umwelt und Verkehr, Klimaschutz in Zahlen - Fakten, Trends und Impulse deutscher Klimapolitik, Ausgabe 2021 (bmuv.de), Page 36
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SOURCE AB Volvo | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2022/10/06/volvo-will-supply-20-heavy-duty-electric-trucks-amazon/ | 2022-10-06 09:40:27 | 0 | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2022/10/06/volvo-will-supply-20-heavy-duty-electric-trucks-amazon/ |
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