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Because of excessive abuse, the city of Rawlins is removing the recycling drop-off bins near the intersection of Railroad and Wahsington streets. Unaccepted materials like mechanical parts, construction equipment, mattresses and household trash have cost the city thousands of dollars and much staff time. In the first three months of the year along, 12 tons of trash was left in and around the bins.
A rash of rubbish recklessness from some in Rawlins has prompted a removal of recycling receptacles.
Because of what the city calls “excessive misuse,” the recycling bins near the intersection of Railroad and Washington streets are being removed.
Since installing a the large dumpsters designed to accept recyclables, people instead dump all kinds of trash in and around them to the point of turning the area into an eyesore and taking up excessive staff time dealing with the garbage.
“In the three months of 2022 along, the drop-off bins had 12 tons of trash placed in the recycling bins,” the city says in a statement announcing the removal of the bins. “This more than doubles the workload for our small recycling crew with sorting, bagging and hauling the trash to the landfill.”
The makeshift dump area also has cost local residents thousands of dollars in revenue for the landfill.
“Items that have been found in the recycling bins include diapers, mattresses, dead animals, construction materials and general household trash,” the city reports.
Along with misuse of the recycling bins, the trash left in and around them also causes problems when the wind picks up and blows it around.
Instead of the drop-off areas around the area, the city will expand its drop-off yard near Daley and Knootz, which will remain available 24-hours a day with on-site surveillance.
“The improved drop-off yard will include separate bins for each product, making both drop-off and sorting more efficient,” according to the city. “Any blow-off will be contained within the fenced area and cleaned regularly by city staff.”
The Rawlins Recycling Center remains open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Assistance is available for unloading.
For more information on recycling in Rawlins, visit rawlinswy.org/recycle or call 307-328-4569.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/economy_and_labor/trash-talk-abuse-prompts-removal-of-city-recycling-bins/article_a0f6432c-b9d3-11ec-96e5-83510873f14d.html
| 2022-04-11T23:05:51Z
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CASPER — The sentencing of a wind energy company this week in the deaths of at least 150 eagles has brought renewed focus to the complicated relationship between wind turbines and birds.
A subsidiary of NextEra Energy, the world’s biggest generator of wind and solar power, pleaded guilty to three deaths of bald and golden eagles in Wyoming and New Mexico. It also acknowledged that more than 100 other eagles had been killed across 50 of its 54 wind farms, primarily during collisions with turbine blades, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday.
Killing bald and golden eagles without a federal permit violates the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a 1918 law that prohibits the take — killing, capturing, selling, trading or transport — of protected migratory bird species. The subsidiary, ESI Energy, was ordered by a federal judge in Cheyenne to pay more than $8 million in fines and restitution, spend up to $27 million on mitigation measures during a five-year probationary period and pay an additional $29,623 per bald or golden eagle killed or injured during that time.
It will also be required to apply to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for eagle take permits at every facility where deaths have been documented.
“This agreement holds ESI and its affiliates accountable for years of unwillingness to work cooperatively with the Service and their blatant disregard of wildlife laws,” Edward Grace, assistant director of the agency’s office of law enforcement, said in a statement.
But NextEra President Rebecca Kujawa believes wind farms are being unfairly targeted.
The federal government’s interpretation of the law typically “makes building and operating a wind farm into which certain birds may accidentally fly a violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act,” Kujawa said in a statement, “even when the wind farm was developed and sited in a way that sought to avoid avian wildlife collisions.”
Not everyone agrees.
The Fish and Wildlife Service issues permits to developers of wind farms and other industrial projects for the unintentional take of eagles and other protected species. To secure such permits, companies must conduct extensive site studies, use those findings to minimize impacts and commit to other mitigation and conservation measures.
“You do have good actors out there,” said John Burrows, a conservation advocate at the Wyoming Outdoor Council. “You have some companies that are really doing it right, putting a ton of money in studies and resources that minimize wildlife conflict and site in really responsible locations. And then you have others who, for some reason or another, take what look like shortcuts.”
According to the Department of Justice, ESI “deliberately elected” not to seek eagle take permits for the facilities where eagles were killed, apparently to save money, but “in fact took eagles, without any permits authorizing that take.”
ESI isn’t the first company to be penalized for not securing eagle take permits in Wyoming. A Duke Energy subsidiary pleaded guilty in 2013 to the unpermitted deaths of golden eagles and other protected birds at two of its Wyoming wind farms. In 2014, a subsidiary of PacifiCorp — the parent company of Wyoming’s largest electric utility — did the same.
Technically, eagle take permits are optional. That’s how ESI and other companies managed to build wind farms without them — and why many environmental groups, including the Wyoming Outdoor Council and the National Audubon Society, want permitting to be mandatory.
“A lot of this could have been prevented with a bit more due diligence up front and taking some of the suggested advice seriously,” Burrows said.
To some Wyoming wind developers, however, seeking an eagle take permit ahead of construction — rather than risking a lawsuit and modifying the wind farm retroactively — seemed like the obvious choice.
Power Company of Wyoming has spent millions of dollars on eagle conservation at its Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project, the largest proposed wind power facility in the country, according to Kara Choquette, the company’s communications director.
The company rearranged its planned turbine locations to avoid spots it found to have high eagle activity, even when that meant sacrificing some of the area’s best wind resources. It plans to turn off certain turbines at times when eagles are expected to be most vulnerable, ensure the birds have food sources a safe distance from the turbines and pay for other eagle protections, like safer power lines, outside the project area.
“We will have people whose job it will be to basically look for any instances of avian mortality,” Choquette said. They’ll be trained and tested on their ability to find dead birds on the landscape, she added, “and we hope that they come up empty handed every day.”
While wind farms are a recognized cause of death among bald and golden eagles, they’re not the biggest. And the many precautions taken by Power Company of Wyoming — along with plenty of continued federal oversight to ensure things go as planned — give the Fish and Wildlife Service confidence to allow the occasional eagle death.
For wind farm developers, eagle conservation requires “a significant commitment of time and resources, for sure,” Choquette said.
But when companies involve the Fish and Wildlife service in projects from the start, she said, “it’s possible to do both, and, working together, you can do both.”
This story was published on April 10.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/environment/ruling-on-eagle-deaths-divides-wind-power-industry/article_e4ecf6d4-b9d3-11ec-92c1-032a926fa484.html
| 2022-04-11T23:05:57Z
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HONOLULU (KITV4) -- Mechanics tell KITV4, business is good right now. Prices on car parts, however, are not doing so well.
The owner of A's Automotive, Anwar Allwer, says prices have more than doubled for vital parts needed for your vehicle to operate. He believes the rising prices for metals, such as nickel that's used in batteries, have a large part to play in the inflation.
"A battery that used to cost $80, you can't get that battery for $150 now. Some cars, the cost increase depends on the cast of the engine. It depends on what kind of material is mixed together to create the part. There's aluminum, iron, and steel cast into some parts," Allwer said.
"So it comes depends to the manufacturer and how much nickel they use inside of their material for the price. A lot of people's exhaust is being ripped out because now those parts cost almost double the price. Whoever is stealing the part, is selling it for double the price they used to sell it for," he added.
Allwer says he's not just concerned about how the rising costs are affecting him and his customers. He's also concerned about an increase in the number of specialized crimes that are going on involving precious metals that are in cars.
"Precious metal is inside a catalytic converter and even the oxygen sensor. You can sell the oxygen sensor for $50 now. It doesn't matter if it works or not. They can reuse the metal inside of it. It's a lot of precious metal," Allwer said.
Nickel is bad for the environment, but has some advantages when it comes to car parts.
"It makes the part look nicer, and the part performs better," said Allwer.
With rising prices, you have to wonder if it is worth it to use nickel parts.
As for other repairs, Allwer says drivers will find its worth it getting those done.
"Take care of the car and the car is going to take care of you," said Allwer.
Scarcity of key parts and computer chips for cars is also being attributed to metal price increases and shipping issues.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/business/some-hawaii-mechanics-say-rising-metal-costs-affecting-car-part-prices/article_19e52224-b96d-11ec-b4c1-ebf287e90a56.html
| 2022-04-11T23:12:05Z
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HAWAII COUNTY, Hawaii (KITV4) -- The US Army has released the first draft of their environmental impact statement concerning the 23,000 acres they lease out of the 133,000 they use on the Big Island.
The Army says its needs this leased land to continue training, and make sure it's mission ready. It has leased the land at its Pohakuloa Training Area, since 1964.
In its environmental impact statement draft, the Army says the best decision would be to continue leasing. But not everyone thinks it is the best decision for Hawaii.
"Why the hell should they renew a lease to a unit that has contaminated that land with a wide-range of toxins and endangers the health and safety of people plant and animals, tourists and visitors alike?" said Jim Albertini of the Malu Aina Center for Non-Violent Education and Action.
The Army's own website admits uranium-based weapons were used for training at Pohakuloa Training Area between 1960-1968, but also says there's no risk to human health from depleted uranium.
Albertini disagrees.
"They do artillery fire or bombing out there, which they do constantly. Dust clouds are created and the wind whips those dust particles all over the island. That's the toxic stew of military toxins," Albertini said.
The impact statement draft considers other alternatives, such as renting less land or not renewing the lease. It says, however, benefits from those plans would be minor in most cases.
"Pohakuloa effects people, plants, and animals. It contaminates air, land, and water in my judgment. So, shutting the base down and eliminating the 23,000 acres would be a step forward in my opinion," said Albertini.
In 2018, a court ruling said the state did not do enough to make sure the army maintained the land and cultural interests.
The Army has prepared a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) regarding 23,000 acres of state land it wants to continue leasing at Pohakuloa Training Area.
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to news@kitv.com
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https://www.kitv.com/news/business/us-army-send-out-environmental-impact-statement-draft-on-pohakuloa-training-area/article_79f0dc20-b8a6-11ec-bf2b-bf48f2f488dc.html
| 2022-04-11T23:12:11Z
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HONOLULU (KITV4) -- Business is booming for some island retailers since COVID-19 restrictions dropped. A popular spot to shop for locals and visitors is the Aloha Stadium Swap meet that has been Hawaii's premier outdoor market since 1979.
The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet in Halawa is a weekly flea market that gathers more than 700 stalls and vendors.
Tali Toluta'u from Laie has been coming here since he was a young boy.
"We've been coming over here to the swap meet from Laie for 30 years. [It's the] only place we come to get our surf shorts and aloha shirts, best place for locals, best place for tourists to come. Good to see the swap meet back got choke action here," Toluta'u said.
Anne Marie Smith, who lives on Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, also regularly patronizes the swap meet.
"We like coming to the swap meet a lot. We enjoy shopping as a family, finding a lot of different trinkets, and handmade products. We really enjoy it," Smith said.
Zandrea Hill-Breck comes to the swap meet from Ewa Beach.
"Well, there's a lot of good deals and stuff and some things may be more expensive but you can bargain with people," Hill-Breck said.
Locals have been flocking to the swap meet to get their bargains for generations. Now that the safe travels restrictions have been lifted, more visitors are coming here for those deals.
Cali Mikusek is a visitor from Dallas.
"It's been so great. We already seen things I wanted to buy in Waikiki and found them cheaper here. It's almost overwhelming. So many things to see and so many vendors," Mikusek said.
"I've been selling swap meet for 30 something years. Now, it's back to business. Lots of customers after the COVID. My business getting very good, very busy," said Maile Fan, a long-time swap meet vendor.
The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is open during the weekend and on Wednesday. Admission is $1 per person for anyone who is 12-years-old and older.
Cynthia is an award-winning journalist who returned to Hawaii as an Anchor/Reporter/MMJ from Houston. She is a graduate of the University of Hawaii with a B.A. and M.B.A. DM her on IG @CynthiaYipTV to share stories.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/business/with-no-more-covid-19-restrictions-the-aloha-stadium-swap-meet-is-booming-again/article_e0969e94-b953-11ec-ad40-efb2ce098cf1.html
| 2022-04-11T23:12:17Z
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HONOLULU (KITV4) -- After more than a week's delay, the Hokulea and Hikianalia have officially set sail and are on their way to Hilo as part of the Kealaikahiki Voyage.
The voyage was initially pushed back in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Then the Hokulea and Hikianalia were supposed to set sail back on March 31, 2022. But Mother Nature had other ideas -- with strong winds delaying multiple times over the last week.
Then finally the go ahead came late Sunday night, only for the voyage to be put in limbo once again after a crew member tested positive for COVID-19 Monday morning. But after all other crew members tested negative, everyone kicked into action once again to still take advantage of today's calmer weather.
The canoes are expected to arrive in Hilo on Wednesday where medical personnel tell us crew members will be tested for COVID-19 once again.
As long as everyone remains COVID-free and the weather remains clear, the Hokulea and Hikianalia could set sail for Tahiti as early as Thursday.
After nearly 10-years away, this local girl is home! In November 2021, Lia started at KITV as the weekend GMH anchor and a weekday reporter. The 2011 Kamehameha Kapālama graduate worked all across the country and even overseas before finding her way home.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/local/after-delays-kealaikahiki-voyage-finally-sets-out-from-sand-island-en-route-to-hilo-tahiti/article_2375cbb8-b9e5-11ec-85d2-efe4588c7654.html
| 2022-04-11T23:12:23Z
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HONOLULU (KITV4) -- A Hawaii man who to many lived Aloha every day, is being remembered by friends and students.
Pono Shim was also the CEO of the Oahu Economic Development Board. He recently passed away from cancer. Pono was also a living kidney donor and teacher of aloha. Just like his name, his friends and students remember him as a righteous leader.
In 2013, Pono Shim donated a kidney to Malcolm Lutu -- giving the former police officer a second chance at life.
Lanai Tabura remembers Pono as a friend and mentor.
"He really touched people I think on the aloha side of it and bringing back aloha. I think nowadays we’re going through so many different things, turmoils and hurdles and people have mental illness you name it, the list goes on. He really was someone who taught you how to look at things different and use the word aloha and do things with good intent," Tabura said.
Cara Dote is at the Hear Hawaii Workshop at Iolani Palace learning about the Hawaiian culture. She also took a class with Pono Shim learning lessons that are still with her today.
“The most important lesson is to live aloha every day, breathe aloha, live aloha, speak aloha and remember aloha in all your actions," Dote said.
Tabura says he learned from Pono to live with positive energy for growth and change.
“Pono was the guy who turned things around for me and taught me what aloha meant and how to live it," Tabura said.
Cynthia is an award-winning journalist who returned to Hawaii as an Anchor/Reporter/MMJ from Houston. She is a graduate of the University of Hawaii with a B.A. and M.B.A. DM her on IG @CynthiaYipTV to share stories.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/local/beloved-kumu-kahu-pono-shim-remembered-in-hawaii/article_ca381ebe-b888-11ec-818f-d32596f56a1f.html
| 2022-04-11T23:12:29Z
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https://www.kitv.com/news/local/oahus-summer-fun-keiki-day-camp-returns-to-full-capacity-in-2022-hiring-seasonal-staff/article_33d3cdbe-b9dd-11ec-8890-93940ea7c3d4.html
| 2022-04-11T23:12:35Z
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Britney Spears says she is pregnant By Lisa Respers France, CNN Apr 11, 2022 3 hrs ago 0 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Singer Britney Spears, seen here at the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Beverly Hilton in 2018, has announced she's expecting. Valerie Macon/AFP/Getty Images Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Britney Spears has shared that she and partner Sam Asghari are expecting a baby.On Monday, Spears posted on her verified Instagram account that she had lost weight to go on her recent Maui vacation, only to gain it back.She wrote that Asghari told her she was "food pregnant.""So I got a pregnancy test ... and uhhhhh well ... I am having a baby," Spears wrote.The singer said she "won't be going out as much" to prevent paparazzi from getting photos of her pregnant, which they sell to make money.She is the mother of two teen sons, Sean and Jayden, with ex husband Kevin Federline.CNN has reached out to a representative for Spears for comment.The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save More From KITV 4 Island News Local Harris' deputy press secretary leaving her office in latest high-profile departure Mar 16, 2022 COVID-19 A highly changed coronavirus variant was found in deer after nearly a year in hiding, researchers suggest Mar 2, 2022 Top Stories DHS bulletin warns of 'diverse and challenging' terrorism threats ahead of holidays Updated Nov 15, 2021 Business Why Taco Bell will stop selling its wings Jan 12, 2022 Local Prince Andrew and Virginia Giuffre agree to settle sex abuse lawsuit Feb 15, 2022 Local Official: Army football player hospitalized after 6 overdose Mar 11, 2022 Recommended for you
Local Harris' deputy press secretary leaving her office in latest high-profile departure Mar 16, 2022
COVID-19 A highly changed coronavirus variant was found in deer after nearly a year in hiding, researchers suggest Mar 2, 2022
Top Stories DHS bulletin warns of 'diverse and challenging' terrorism threats ahead of holidays Updated Nov 15, 2021
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https://www.kitv.com/news/national/britney-spears-says-she-is-pregnant/article_f827f572-da00-5b2c-89fe-d82466273c9b.html
| 2022-04-11T23:12:42Z
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https://www.kitv.com/news/national/climbing-mount-everest-teen-aims-to-be-youngest-american-woman-to-ascend-mountain/article_bb2baa45-c197-5fc7-b272-e4198da08c5c.html
| 2022-04-11T23:12:48Z
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The most distant planet in our solar system has presented a new mystery.
Astronomers observing Neptune for the past 17 years with multiple ground-based telescopes tracked a surprising drop in the ice giant's global temperatures, which was then followed by a dramatic warming trend at the planet's south pole.
Neptune, which orbits the sun at a distance of 2.8 billion miles (4.5 billion kilometers), experiences seasons like Earth does -- they just last much longer. One year on Neptune lasts for about 165 Earth years, so a single season can last around 40 years. It's been summertime in Neptune's southern hemisphere since 2005.
Astronomers decided to track the planet's atmospheric temperatures once the southern summer solstice occurred that year.
Nearly 100 thermal images of Neptune taken since then showed that much of Neptune gradually cooled, dropping by 14 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) between 2003 and 2018.
A study on the phenomenon published Monday in the Planetary Science Journal.
"This change was unexpected," said lead study author Michael Roman, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Leicester, in a statement. "Since we have been observing Neptune during its early southern summer, we expected temperatures to be slowly growing warmer, not colder."
Then, a dramatic warming event occurred at Neptune's south pole between 2018 and 2020 and temperatures rose by 20 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius). This warm polar vortex completely reversed any cooling that occurred before.
This kind of polar warming has never been seen on Neptune until now.
"Our data cover less than half of a Neptune season, so no one was expecting to see large and rapid changes," said study coauthor Glenn Orton, senior research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in a statement.
Images were taken using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope and Gemini South telescope in Chile, along with Hawaii's Subaru Telescope, Keck Telescope and the Gemini North telescope, as well as data from NASA's now-retired Spitzer Space Telescope. The infrared light emitted by Neptune's stratosphere, or the atmospheric band above the active weather layer, helped astronomers detect the temperature fluctuations.
Frosty Neptune has an average of negative 340 degrees Fahrenheit (negative 220 degrees Celsius), and astronomers still don't know what caused these temperature shifts.
For now, they have considered that the unexpected changes could be due to a number of factors.
"Temperature variations may be related to seasonal changes in Neptune's atmospheric chemistry, which can alter how effectively the atmosphere cools," Roman said. "But random variability in weather patterns or even a response to the 11-year solar activity cycle may also have an effect."
More observations will be needed to truly explore these possibilities. The James Webb Space Telescope will observe Uranus and Neptune later this year. The space observatory's mid-infrared instrument can map the chemistry and temperatures in Neptune's atmosphere and could identify what caused the shift.
Neptune is more than 30 times as far from the sun as Earth, and it's the only planet in our solar system that isn't visible to the naked eye from Earth. So far, only NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft has flown by Neptune up close, which occurred in 1989.
"I think Neptune is itself very intriguing to many of us because we still know so little about it," Roman said. "This all points towards a more complicated picture of Neptune's atmosphere and how it changes with time."
The-CNN-Wire
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https://www.kitv.com/news/national/neptune-just-experienced-an-unexplained-temperature-shift/article_6a703361-1c97-5fe6-ab25-ff94b74a8300.html
| 2022-04-11T23:12:54Z
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A farm cat from Pennsylvania, Willow made quite an impression on Dr. Biden in 2020 when she jumped up on the stage and interrupted her remarks during a campaign stop.
A farm cat from Pennsylvania, Willow made quite an impression on Dr. Biden in 2020 when she jumped up on the stage and interrupted her remarks during a campaign stop.
White House Photo
Willow, the Biden family's new pet cat, wanders around the White House on Wednesday in Washington.
The White House is putting the first pets on display for National Pets Day.
The Biden's family cat, Willow, was captured doing "work" around the White House in a video posted to The Dodo's social media on Monday.
The video, which was shot in coordination with the East Wing, outlines the short-haired gray tabby's three jobs, which include testing the "nap capacity of every single desk," keeping a "very close eye on the White House birds" through a window and searching "every room for treats."
"Willow has made herself right at home at the White House," the caption reads. The video also shows the first lady playing with Willow in the East Colonnade and it includes footage from the first time they met.
Willow first caught Biden's eye at a campaign stop in 2020, according to information provided by the first lady's press secretary Michael LaRosa, when the cat jumped on stage and the owners of the farm where the event was being held noticed the "immediate bond" they shared.
She officially moved into the White House in January and her name was inspired by the first lady's hometown of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.
The Bidens' also have a puppy named Commander that they added to their family in December after their beloved German Shepherd, Champ, died in June at the age of 13.
Their other German Shepherd, a rescue named Major, has been living away from the White House after a handful of aggressive incidents involving staff at the White House.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/national/white-house-spotlights-first-pets-on-national-pet-day/article_51057e23-0edf-588d-a3c1-13c6900a3097.html
| 2022-04-11T23:13:00Z
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Alabama woman says she found Apple Airtag tracking device on her car
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA/Gray News) - An Alabama woman said someone might be stalking her after she said she found a tracking device on her car.
Her father, John Price, said his daughter informed him that she got a notification on her cell phone saying she was being tracked while on her way home from work.
Price said the notification popped up on his 23-year-old daughter’s cell phone Thursday.
Frantic, he said, she called her family to figure out what to do next. While on the phone with her, Price said his daughter found an Apple Airtag on her tire’s wheel well.
Airtags are quarter-sized devices created to help users keep track of personal items like their keys, purse, or luggage through the “Find My App.”
But if it gets into the wrong hands, it can be used to track someone.
“It was just one of those really scary moments for any parent to find out that your 23-year-old daughter is being tracked,” Price said.
Price said they contacted police in Mobile, Alabama, about it, but it’s unclear at this time who the device belongs to or who put it on his daughter’s car.
According to Fox News, similar incidents have been reported across the nation. A Sports Illustrated model even claimed an Airtag was placed in her coat while she was out with friends in New York City.
Price said he put pictures from his daughter about the tracking on Facebook to warn others to check their vehicle. The post was shared more than 3,000 times in less than 24 hours.
“You never really think it’s going to pertain to you or your family until it does, and then you’re like, ‘Holy cow!’ This is my daughter,” Price said. “Hopefully it helps somebody down the road find something that’s not supposed to be there.”
Apple has some advice on its website so you can be notified if someone is stalking you with an Airtag.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/11/alabama-woman-says-she-found-apple-airtag-tracking-device-her-car/
| 2022-04-11T23:43:43Z
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Spring-like temps to stick around for a while; occasional rain possible
Showers move in late Monday night
A weak frontal system moving in will bring increasing clouds through sundown and the chance for scattered rain overnight. Ater 7-8 PM, we can expect a few spotty showers, and wider-spread rain looks likely for a while after midnight and into early Tuesday AM. While no severe weather is expected, a few rumbles of thunder will be possible. We’ll otherwise be mild and breezy overnight, with lows in the upper 40s-mid 40s.
Tuesday will bring scattered showers to start, but we should gradually dry out and see more sunshine by the afternoon. Highs will still be mild, in the 60s for most, if not the 70s for some. We’ll remain breezy still, with 9-12 MPH sustained winds and gusts periodically over 20 MPH. Tuesday night, we’ll be mainly clear and cool with lows in the upper 40s-mid 50s.
Wednesday looks mainly dry and WARM, with highs in the 70s and 80s!
Another stronger frontal system will move in on Thursday, bringing on and off showers and thunderstorms. As of now, severe weather is looking unlikely, but that could still change. Easter weekend looks a tad cooler, but not as cold as the weekend we just experienced. We could see a few more rain showers into Saturday and Sunday...STAY TUNED!
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) -
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/11/spring-like-temps-stick-around-while-occasional-rain-possible/
| 2022-04-11T23:43:50Z
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Britt lineup Apr 11, 2022 3 hrs ago Comments Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save The lineupSunday, June 12: Sarah McLachlanMonday, June 20: She & Him Thursday, July 7: Jason Mraz & Raining Jane LalalalivesongsWednesday, July 13: CAAMPSunday, July 17: Nate BargatzeSaturday, July 23: LeAnn Rimes: the story… so far tourSunday, July 31: Dark Star OrchestraMonday, August 1: KALEOWednesday, August 3: American Acoustic: Punch Brothers and Watchhouse featuring Sarah JaroszThursday, August 4: Lindsey StirlingWednesday, August 10: Psychedelic Furs: Made of Rain 2022 Tour with Special Guests XThursday, August 11: Jim Gaffigan: The Fun TourTuesday, August 16: Jordan DavisFriday, August 19: IrationThursday, August 25: Gipsy KingsSaturday, August 27: Bonnie RaittSunday, September 4: ChicagoSunday, September 11: Celebrating Billy Joel *A World Class Tribute to America's Piano Man Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Tags Tour World Class Sport Billy Joel Kaleo Orchestra Man Bonnie Raitt Recommended for you Trending Now Real estate, cars seized from alleged Oregon drug ring Dramatic arrest along river after gunfire at park Cops raid homes used for illegal marijuana grows Klamath Falls gives Bird scooters the go-ahead Mom’s tip helps police bust alleged national Facebook predator targeting young girls Latest e-Edition Klamath Falls Herald and News Read the latest edition of the Klamath Falls Herald and News. Local Survey As mask mandates come to an end in Oregon, how will you use them in future? You voted: Will never wear one again Will wear masks in busy places, like airports and stadiums Will wear if experiencing symptoms Will wear if requested by friend/store/municipality Vote View Results Back
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/britt-lineup/article_288b449d-ce4d-5e7d-9a15-3d6d7f2cbb61.html
| 2022-04-12T01:11:17Z
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A second round of concerts at this summer’s Britt Music & Arts Festival 60th anniversary season has been announced and includes more music and comedy performances to the previously announced lineup.
A wide range of styles of entertainers will perform at the Britt Festival Gardens in Jacksonville, ranging from popular blues guitarist and singer Bonnie Raitt to comedian Jim Gaffigan. Other groups and individuals include Britt fan favorite Chicago, pop sensation Jason Mraz, Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan, and country stars LeAnn Rimes and Jordan Davis. For bluegrass and folk fans entertainers will enjoy CAAMP, the American Acoustic tour featuring Punch Brothers, Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange), and Sarah Jarosz. Comedian Nate Bargatze will provide fun while tribute groups will feature the music of the Grateful Dead and Billy Joel. Rounding out the mix are Psychedelic Furs and X, KALEO, Iration, Gipsy Kings, Lindsey Stirling, and She & Him with Zooey Deschanel.
“We think this is one of the best Britt Presents lineups ever,” says President and CEO Donna Briggs. “The full Britt experience is back for our 60th Anniversary celebration, allowing everyone to share the joy of music with friends and community on the Britt hill once again!”
Members of the Britt Clef Club, who have donated $600, can make orders through April 20: Clef Donors and Patrons ($250 and $100), orders will be processed April 25 and 27 online with general public sales beginning 10 a.m. April 29.
Tickets and more information can be found at Brittfest.org, by calling or emailing the Britt Box Office at 541-773-6077 or boxoffice@brittfest.org, or at the Medford Box Office between 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 216 W. Main St, Medford.
Tickets are currently on sale for previously announced concerts, including: Sunday, June 5: ZZ Top.
Wednesday, June 22: Norah Jones.
Tuesday, July 12: Happy Together Tour 2022.
Saturday, July 16: Old Crow Medicine Show.
Friday, July 22: One Night of Queen starring Gary Mullen and the Works.
Sunday, July 24: Michael Franti & Spearhead.
Monday, August 8: Mt. Joy.
Wednesday, August 17: Collective Soul / SWITCHFOOT.
Sunday, August 28: Rebelution: Good Vibes Summer Tour 2022.
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/klamath/britt-concerts-for-60th-anniversary-season/article_c37dfe1a-48b2-518c-97cf-8b6f69fe05c8.html
| 2022-04-12T01:11:23Z
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The Klamath Basin Pickleball Association (KBPA) held a membership mashup Saturday, with more than 115 members of all playing levels participating in the event at Mike’s Fieldhouse.
“We wanted to have a membership social event where members can come and share a lot of laughs,” KPBA president Bill Kuerz said.
Kuerz said pickleball has become very popular in the Klamath Basin. He said he believes it’s because pickleball is a friendly sport catering to all age ranges and can be as competitive as you would like.
“It is mentally and physically good,” Kuerz said. “It is a social sport that can be played all year-round.”
Older members said they find it’s a great way to stay active and that pickleball is not as hard on their joints, compared to sports like tennis and racquetball. Besides getting to stay active, many members find the organization is a great way to socialize and make new friends.
Newer members, such as Judy Maddox, are excited to learn the game and find the KBPA is a perfect way to have fun doing it.
“I think pickleball is huge because anyone can play,” Maddox said.
Judy Brimmer, the KBPA’s vice president of growth and development and event organizer, said the relationships are what matter most.
“That is why this has grown so much,” Brimmer said.
For more information about upcoming events or to learn how to sign up as a member and get lessons, go to kbpickleball.com or contact kbpickleball@gmail.com.
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/klamath/klamath-basin-pickleball-hosts-membership-mashup/article_aba839a4-0bd0-5972-9e37-069f894a2d72.html
| 2022-04-12T01:11:30Z
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Country
United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary
People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/klamath/klamath-chamber-to-host-county-commissioners-forum/article_32b69eac-df4f-5a75-aace-db08812de227.html
| 2022-04-12T01:11:36Z
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A pair of come-from-behind victories helped Oregon Tech complete a four-game weekend sweep of Bushnell University, as the Owls earned 6-1 and 8-4 wins Sunday at Steen Sports Park.
The Owls (29-14 overall, 8-4 Cascade Collegiate Conference) ran their win streak to six games and their home win streak to 10 with the victories, improving to 15-2 this season at home.
Three OIT pitchers combined on a two-hitter in the Game 1 victory, while a five-run eighth inning erased a late defict in the nightcap.
“This was an outstanding weekend for us,” OIT coach Jacob Garsez said. “Timely hits in key situations and playing great defense throughout the series was so important. We talked about our focus and playing consistent baseball during the week heading into the series and we did that.”
Playing in intermittent snow showers in the opener, the Beacons (9-30, 7-9) grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first on a Kyle Casperson RBI single – but the visitors were limited to just one hit the rest of the way.
Tech took advantage of a big Beacon mistake in the fourth to take the lead. Kaleb Keelean walked and scored on a Dalton Daily single that eluded BU right fielder Brendan Frazier. Daily scored the go-ahead run on a double-play ball to give the Owls the lead for good.
Mitchel Swanson made it 3-1 in the sixth with an RBI single, with the Owls adding three insurance runs in the seventh – two on a Daily double and a third on a Brodie Marino RBI single.
Cody Dubray got the win, striking out five in six innings, and Alex Bratton retired the final eight batters for his third save. Daily, Marino and Matthew Ortiz each had two hits for OIT, with Casperson recording both hits for BU.
OIT played catch-up again in Game 2, as Beacons starter Jahshua Yacapin limited the Owls to just five hits through seven innings, striking out seven. The BU offense gave the right-hander a 4-1 lead in the second, taking advantage of an Owls error, with Reece Carganilla roping a two-run single in the rally.
Trailing 4-3 in the eighth, Tech got to the Beacons bullpen. Keelean walked and advanced to third on a wild throw on a ground ball by Daily. Marino blooped an RBI single over a drawn-in infield to tie the score, with Ian Peters delivering an RBI single to give the Owls the lead. Ka’ala Tam added a two-run single to provide insurance.
Reliever Cade Sheets did the rest, holding Bushnell without a hit over his four innings to notch his second win, with Marino and Tyler Horner posting two-hit games for the victors.
Tech hits the road this weekend for a Friday-Saturday four-game series at Corban.
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/klamath/oregon-tech-baseball-team-sweeps-four-game-series-with-bushnell/article_ba5e61a2-e785-5b61-bd04-ce73d24920ce.html
| 2022-04-12T01:11:42Z
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By GENE WARNICK
The Klamath Project will receive water from the Bureau of Reclamation this year, after being shut out in 2021.
But the amount is barely a drop in the bucket for a region experiencing one of the driest years in a century.
Reclamation announced Monday the project will receive approximately 50,000 acre-feet of water to allow for limited irrigation beginning April 15. That’s approximately one-seventh of what’s available in Upper Klamath Lake.
The bureau also announced a total of $20 million in immediate aid through the Klamath Project Drought Response Agency for this year’s irrigation season. An additional $5 million in technical assistance is being made available to Klamath Basin tribes for their projects.
“The Klamath Basin is experiencing prolonged and extreme drought conditions that we have not seen since the 1930s,” said Reclamation acting commissioner David Palumbo in a news release. “We will continue to monitor the hydrology and adaptively manage conditions in close coordination with project water users, tribes and state and federal agency partners. Reclamation is dedicated to collaborating with all stakeholders to get through another difficult year and keep working toward long-term solutions for the basin.”
The announcement brought a critical response from the Klamath Water Users Association, which estimated the total is about 15% of what farmers and ranchers need.
“We have 170,000 acres that could be irrigated this year and we’re ready to get to work,” KWUA President Ben DuVal, who farms with his wife and daughters on land served by the project in Tulelake, said in a news release. “On a single acre, we can produce over 50,000 pounds of potatoes, or 6,000 pounds of wheat. This year, most of that land will not produce any food because the government is denying water for irrigation. We’ll just be trying to keep the weeds and dust under control.”
Ernest Conant, the regional director of reclamation’s California-Great Basin Region was empathetic in a conference call with media members Monday.
“I wish we had better news,” Conant said. “Obviously there are no winners in this critical year as all interests are suffering — fisheries, farmers tribes and waterfowl alike — but given the current hydrology that we have to work with, we did the best job we could.”
{p dir=”ltr”}Gene Souza, the executive director of the Klamath Irrigation District (KID), said the “bright side” is that there will be some water available this year.
{p dir=”ltr”}”I was thankful it was not zero and I locked out of my gate” Souza said in a phone interview. “But we’re still talking about numbers that are not enough to provide the economic stability of this community. ... The farmers are the spigot that continually gets turned on and off.”
{p dir=”ltr”}Farmers in the basin are restricted from using water stored in Upper Klamath Lake, which is home to several species of endangered sucker fish that are important to the tribes. Water is also sent down the Klamath River for threatened Coho salmon.
{p dir=”ltr”}
{p dir=”ltr”}The 50,000 acre-feet is subject to meeting an Upper Klamath Lake elevation of no less than 4,138.15 feet by the end of the water year, with the objective of no less than 4,139.2 feet through July 15, to protect spawning sucker fish.
{p dir=”ltr”}Conant was asked whether inflation and food shortages were considered in Reclamation’s decision.
{p dir=”ltr”}{span}”That’s in the back of everyone’s mind, but we have to comply with federal law, including the Endangered Species Act,” he said. “That was the driving force. We all understand and appreciate the need for food safety and security, but ... all we can hope for is for hydrology to improve.”{/span}
{p dir=”ltr”}That might not come soon enough for farmers and ranchers in the basin.
{p dir=”ltr”}Last week, KID held a ballot in which 319 of the 377 members who voted said they’d be willing to risk their federal drought funding for more water.
{p dir=”ltr”}Conant stressed unauthorized diversions of water will result in reductions to the project’s water allocation, and appropriate legal action will be pursued.
“We certainly hope that’s not the case now that we do have an allocation, even though it’s nominal,” Conant said of unauthorized diversions. “”We’re hoping irrigators will cooperate with us and manage the supply that we have.”
{p dir=”ltr”}The Klamath Tribes sent out a news release decrying the KID vote.
{p dir=”ltr”}”The only conclusion we can draw from it is that KID plans to increase its ongoing, illegal diversions from Upper Klamath Lake,” the release said. “We have heard much talk from the project irrigators about ‘the need for responsible behavior’ and ‘cooperation so that we can keep the peace.’ Was it only talk? KID’s leadership should think carefully about the consequences of further theft, further treaty violations, and the escalation of tensions. Be responsible neighbors.”
Vice Chairman Frankie Myers of the Yurok Tribe told the Associated Press the fact salmon, sucker fish and waterfowl are competing for the region’s water was a “direct sign of the ecological collapse brought by water withdrawals.”
“Although we are gratified that the river is afforded minimal protections under this plan, it is no time for celebration. Salmon runs will continue to suffer under these conditions, and as climate change intensifies, such protections will become increasingly important,” Myers said.
The Klamath Tribes accused KID of illegally charging the A Canal, the 9-mile route from the Upper Klamath Lake to KID’s hydro facility, in recent weeks, but both Conant and Souza said that was scheduled maintenance to get ready for this year’s water flow.
“While reclamation has provided us some opportunities to work with them, the farmers and ranchers of this basin and our community all depend on agriculture. About one in three jobs in the basin can be tied to agriculture,” Souza said. “The loss is going to be felt in restaurants and grocery stores and potentially in food market across the nation.
{p dir=”ltr”} “It’s just a shame we’ve got 350,000 acre-feet of water in Upper Klamath and we’re only (getting) a small piece.”
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/klamath/reclamation-to-release-50-000-acre-feet-of-water-to-klamath-project-provide-20m-in/article_13ef09e3-bf23-542b-879e-e425ba2978b0.html
| 2022-04-12T01:11:48Z
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SAGUARO LAKE, ARIZ. — This is the country of the far horizon. Even with all the growth Arizona has experienced — this was the fastest-growing state in the last decade — the desert seems to reach on forever, the mesas and buttes turning red and blue and, reflecting the state’s new political profile, purple.
But right now, the state — and a nation that understands the impact Arizona has on modern American politics — is concentrating on nearer horizons: the Aug. 2 primary, the Nov. 8 general election and the 2024 presidential election.
But for all the drama in the state’s gubernatorial, congressional and legislative contests, Arizona — a hothouse even when vast political implications aren’t at stake — the struggle that may matter most is for the lowly position of secretary of state, in most places an afterthought, in Arizona perhaps the key to the nation’s political future.
“This is probably the most important race we face,” said Pinny Sheoran, president-elect of the Arizona League of Women Voters. “Whoever is elected to this must be committed to the idea that all voters can vote, that the state doesn’t make it hard for people to register and that there should be no effort to purge voting rolls. We will hold the secretary of state accountable.”
For generations, the public paid little mind to elections for secretary of state, a position generally more clerical than political.
“For years hardly anyone spent a moment thinking about secretaries of state,” said retired New Hampshire Secretary of State William Gardner, whose 45 years in the office made him the longest-serving person holding that title. “This controversy is part of where the country is now. No one ever raised much money for this job. I never raised a cent. But we are at the center of how elections are conducted and how votes are counted. That was never a big deal until recently. Everything now is trying to make sure your party wins.”
The office in Arizona is unusually powerful because the state has no lieutenant governor, and the secretary of state ascends to that office if, as has happened before, the governor is impeached (as Evan Mecham was in 1988) or is forced from office after being convicted of a crime (as J. Fife Symington was in 1997).
“The job all of a sudden became a steppingstone to become governor,” said Brooks Simpson, an Arizona State University historian. “Republicans are divided, but the party has moved to the right and three of the Republican candidates were involved in trying to overturn the 2020 result. Meanwhile, Democrats are petrified by the thought of a Republican managing the 2024 election.”
That is the real prize here — the chance to manage, or to mangle, the next presidential election.
The result: Voter mechanics has emerged as an important element of American politics.
“Only people involved in elections paid much attention to these races in the old days,” said Benjamin Ginsberg, who was involved in Republican legal efforts during the Florida recount in the deadlocked 2000 election. “Since the accuracy of elections was called into question in 2000, the people who count and certify the votes have become more important. Having honest people in these jobs — umpires calling balls and strikes — is essential to the peaceful transfer of power that is a part of our democracy.”
In his 1947 classic “Inside USA,” John Gunther noted that “the two great forces pulling on Arizona are California and Texas,” meaning that California regarded this state as its “hinterland,” while Texas regarded it as a friendly colony seeded with Texan exiles. The notion still stands: California (Democratic blue in every presidential election since 1992) and Texas (Republican red in every presidential election since 1980) remain poles that pull on Arizona, which as a consequence, has become purple, falling into Joe Biden’s column in 2020 after voting for a Republican presidential candidate in every election since 1948.
Arizona once was regarded as “just like hell” because, according to a member of Congress in 1860, “all it lacks is water and good society.” For generations the common view of the state, in the characterization of Arizona State University political scientist David Berman, was as “a dry and barren land populated by a few rough-and-tumble misfits who had left the more civilized East because they were not wanted or, if so, only by law enforcement officers.” Today some of the rough-and-tumble figures here are natives and there remains a touch of what he called “a land of lawlessness, moral laxity and instability.”
Whether as part of the Wild West or as a bustling hub that redeemed local promoters’ 1889 vision of Phoenix as a “future metropolis,” this state has always been the setting for intrigue.
In 1877, for example, work on a bridge across the Colorado River was completed only to have the federal government refuse permission for a Southern Pacific train to traverse the new structure. So when the garrison was asleep, the engineers steered the train across the bridge. “The awakened soldiery soon chased the trespassers back into California,” according to the 1940 Works Projects Administration Guide to the state, “but Arizona had seen its first train.”
Now the intrigue is focused on who will count the ballots in the 2024 presidential election, and a political position — appointed in 15 states, elected in 35 — once on the periphery now occupies center stage.
“Now that there are so many efforts around the country to make voting more cumbersome, this job is more important than ever,” said Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin, the senior non-appointed Democratic election official in the country.
The iconoclast Barry Goldwater, the Republicans’ 1964 presidential nominee, died in 1998, but the new conservatism he spawned took root here and has come to full flower in the Donald Trump years. Mr. Trump has endorsed Mark Finchem, Arizona state representative, one of the signatories to a legislative initiative calling on Congress to accept “the alternative 11 electoral votes” for the president rather than the certified electoral votes for Mr. Biden — for secretary of state. Across the country, nearly two dozen people who disputed the election are running for the position.
“People never thought about election administration before,” said Mindy Romero, director of the University of Southern California’s Center for Inclusive Democracy. “Now people are thinking about how elections are conducted, and a lot of people are concerned and suspicious.”
David M. Shribman is the former executive editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/klamath/top-election-official-is-arizonas-priority/article_9d8e4e4e-fa51-5009-9761-f208be797c1e.html
| 2022-04-12T01:11:55Z
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Two trail clearing work days are planned Saturday by the Klamath Trails Alliance.
Both will be Moore Park. Set for 9 a.m. is a weed whacking event that will run until 1 p.m. hosted by Kevin Jones. Weed whackers will meet at the Gingerbread House parking lot. The crew plans to cut brush, whack weeds and rake trail. Participants should wear work clothes, bring water, snacks and wear gloves.
The KTA is also holding a Spring Plantapalooza beginning at 10 a.m., again meeting at the Gingerbread House parking lot. All tools will be provided. Kevin and Alicia Jones are hosting the event, which is expected to last about two hours. Participants will plant wildflowers and native grass in and around the Moore Park Bicycle Skills Park.
More information about both events is available at the Klamath Trails Alliance Facebook page and the website at www.klamathtrails.org.
KTA members are also invited to the group’s Spring Barbie, set for Saturday, May 21, at Spence Mountain’s Shoalwater Bay Trailhead. Trail work will be done from about 8 a.m. until the barbecue at 1 p.m.
KTA is a 120-member group that helps to expand and improve local trail systems, including those at Spence Mountain, Moore Park, Brown Mountain, Lake of the Woods, Link River, Rye Spur and elsewhere. In 2021, KTA members worked 795 hours over 97 days. Major projects include funding the construction of three miles of new trails at Spence Mountain and partnering with the city of Klamath Falls for the Bike Skills Park.
Plans for later this year include two trails starting at the top of the Captain Jack Trail climbing road at Spence. Tentative names for the trails are Shark and Shag with one being designed for intermediate mountain bikers and the other for expert riders.
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/klamath/two-trail-clearing-events-this-weekend/article_b3af9086-b2ef-5645-983c-627eea2f9b60.html
| 2022-04-12T01:11:57Z
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U.S. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, wants to make more young school students into “climate defenders” and create more summer camps and residential education programs focused on the environment.
Merkley along with U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine and Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island, want $150 million annually from the federal government to expand environmental programs in public schools.
That includes funding for a federal pilot project providing grants and other money for summer camps and residential programs.
They are calling the measure the No Child Left Inside Act — a play on the No Child Left Behind program pushed by former President George W. Bush.
The new proposal looks to fund K-12 teachers’ efforts to integrate environmental literacy and outdoor activities into lesson plans. They also hope to foster more partnerships between schools, colleges and nonprofits on helping for more outdoor education.
Merkley hopes the programs help more students become interested in the outdoors and environmental stewardship.
“Just as Oregon’s shores, forests and deserts have long been woven into the spirit of our state, America’s incredible public lands have made invaluable contributions to every region of our country,” Merkley said in a statement. “It is our responsibility to be good stewards of those treasures— and to make sure our kids have the knowledge and resources to continue that stewardship—so these treasures can be enjoyed by future generations of hikers, hunters, fishermen, and other outdoor recreationists. I look forward to working with Senators Reed and Collins in ensuring our kids and future climate defenders have the education, experience, and knowledge of the world around them to protect Oregon’s—and America’s—great outdoor spaces for years to come.”
Some environmental and conservation groups, such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Sierra Club and Nature Conservancy, have education programs geared toward K-12 schools. A number of major environmental groups as well as teachers unions back the new bill.
The effort comes as conservatives press against public school curriculums delving into sexual orientation, gender identity, climate change and critical race theory. The latter looks at the historical and contemporary impact of racism, slavery and segregation on American institutions.
Merkley and his senatorial cohorts also tout the benefits of getting school kids outside more. A study by the American Institutes for Research shows that kids who participated in outdoor education programs significantly raised their science test scores by 27%, according to the senators.
“Our bipartisan bill will help more kids get outside and ensure they are learning about the world around them so they can take better care of it and each other. Environmental awareness should be second nature for our young people and protecting the environment is crucial to future economic growth,” Reed said.
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local_news/environment/150m-environmental-education-push-looks-to-create-more-climate-defenders/article_70804eda-d5c6-5d54-8567-294246a57111.html
| 2022-04-12T01:12:04Z
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/oregon/man-gets-10-years-in-prison-after-apartment-threat/article_354961c5-ea9e-5ad3-a729-9a8740d66f78.html
| 2022-04-12T01:12:10Z
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GoFundMe raises thousands for slain mother
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) - A GoFundMe page established by the family of Summer Robinette had raised more than $6,700 as of Monday evening.
Police said the 20-year-old was found murdered in a home on Steward Street in Welch last week.
The GoFundMe page was created to help the family pay for funeral expenses, according to Robinette’s sister, Savannah.
“Her whole entire family appreciates it,” Savannah Robinette said of the outpouring of support from the community. “Everything is going to go to her. Her tombstone, her funeral expenses.”
Savannah Robinette said any money left after funeral expenses are paid for would be given to Summer Robinette’s three-year-old son.
You can access the GoFundMe page by clicking here.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/11/gofundme-raises-thousands-slain-mother/
| 2022-04-12T01:15:38Z
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Bluefield State College freshman selected for prestigious internship
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) - An international Bluefield State College freshman will be one of 100 students nationwide to take part in the prestigious “New Technologists in Innovation Academy.”
The 7-week remote internship operates through a partnership with Microsoft and technology solutions company Cyborg Mobile, set to begin June 21st. More than 2,000 applications were submitted in total.
Sterling was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. She said she hadn’t left her home country until coming to the Mountain State to further her education.
“I’ve been told a lot, ‘you know freshmen, we don’t have internships for freshmen,’” said Sterling. “Or ‘they don’t normally go out on an edge to get all these opportunities,’ however I think that has also been a driving factor.”
Sterling is also a Passport to College Scholar and BSC Honors Scholar.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/bluefield-state-college-freshman-selected-prestigious-internship/
| 2022-04-12T01:15:44Z
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South Carolina park ‘consistently’ being used for illegal sexual activity, police say
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) - Authorities said they are investigating illegal sexual activity that is occurring “consistently” at a park in South Carolina.
Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis said his agency has received numerous complaints about people having sex at Pelham Mill Park in Greer, South Carolina.
The incidents have occurred in the parking lot, in the woods and even out in the open, according to the sheriff. Despite arrests, the activity has continued, WHNS reports.
Innocent bystanders including children have witnessed the activity, according to the sheriff.
“Under no circumstance should a young child or community member who is trying to enjoy a peaceful day at a park have to be exposed to this sort of activity,” Lewis said. “We are continuing our efforts to patrol the area and to identify those who are blatantly exposing themselves and engaging in illegal sexual activity, but we also need the community’s help with reporting this suspicious behavior.”
Anyone who witnesses this activity is asked to call the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office at 864-271-5210.
“More importantly, I want to speak to the people who are committing these acts and simply let them know that we are familiar with the apps you use to engage in this activity, we know your intentions, and to stop,” Lewis said. “There are appropriate places to engage in adult activities, and a public place is not that area. We must think about others when we act, and I ask the community to be considerate of one another and especially our youth.”
Copyright 2022 WHNS via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/south-carolina-park-consistently-being-used-illegal-sexual-activity-police-say/
| 2022-04-12T01:15:51Z
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CHEYENNE – A New Zealand-based fencing and wire machinery manufacturer has decided its North American hub will be located in Cheyenne.
UMC Technology Ltd. specializes in the manufacturing of wire fence fabrication machinery. The company recently released a patented new product: the Fence Lokk Machine, or FLM, series.
"Their FLM machine is the only fabricated fence machine in the world capable of producing two different types of fence knot with the same machine," a news release from economic development organization Cheyenne LEADS explained. "Combining decades of experience and innovation, UMC has been able to deliver a high-speed, versatile, state-of-the-art machine with integrated safety and wide-ranging functionality."
This new machine was the "result of widespread consultation with the fencing industry," and created a fencing machine that saves time and money for manufacturers, the news release said.
The company's Cheyenne location – its first in the U.S. – will create 10 jobs, with more planned in the future, according to the release.
The announcement was made Friday by Gov. Mark Gordon at the Cheyenne LEADS annual meeting and banquet, held at Little America Hotel & Resort.
The facility will be located in the Cheyenne LEADS-owned North Range Business Park just west of Cheyenne. UMC plans to begin construction of the 20,000-square-foot facility this summer.
"After the decision was made to set up a North America location, and careful consideration was given, UMC made the decision to choose the state of Wyoming for its manufacturing and sales facility," the release said.
The company's leadership apparently identified many similarities between New Zealand and Wyoming.
"The people are very friendly and hardworking, and the geography similar," UMC CEO Mark Ullrich said in the release. "We felt right at home from the first visit to Cheyenne last year."
Company leaders met with LEADS on their first visit to Cheyenne in late 2021, according to the release.
"It wasn’t long after that initial meeting we committed to Cheyenne," Ullrich said. "There was a lot of support from the LEADS staff, along with the LEADS board to make our move to Cheyenne a reality."
The manufacturing company "intends to be an American company, and fully immerse themselves in the community and commit to the people in the area," the release said.
"UMC Technology Ltd. is a perfect fit for Cheyenne and the state of Wyoming," Cheyenne LEADS CEO Betsey Hale said in the release. "UMC is a family-owned company that provides quality jobs, great benefits and will be an active member of the community."
Mayor Patrick Collins told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle on Monday that the company's move "validates" the city's efforts to become an attractive location for business and for manufacturing. He emphasized LEADS' role in attracting and working with businesses looking to expand or relocate, calling the economic development entity the city's "biggest cheerleader."
Collins also mentioned the announcement last November that sporting goods manufacturer Wright & McGill, producer of Eagle Claw fishing tackle, would open a plant in Cheyenne in the coming years. LEADS was also instrumental in that arrangement.
"When (CEO Mark Ullrich) articulated the reasons he wanted to come to Cheyenne, to me, that's just such an important victory for us," the mayor said. "What I think is going to happen is, the more of these (businesses) we get, the more the story gets out there that people need to look at Cheyenne."
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/new-zealand-machinery-manufacturer-coming-to-cheyenne/article_81948dc8-67ec-5b04-a090-b1919192f0f4.html
| 2022-04-12T01:46:09Z
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Jury convicts former Virginia police officer in Jan. 6 case
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Monday, a jury in Washington, D.C. found Thomas Robertson guilty on all of the six charges brought against him by the U.S. Department of Justice.
- Count 1 – Obstruction of an Official Proceeding and Aiding and Abetting
- Count 2 – Civil Disorder and Aiding and Abetting
- Count 3 – Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds
- Count 4 – Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building or Ground
- Count 5 – Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building
- Count 6 – Obstruction of an Official Proceeding
Thomas Robertson disputed the government’s charges against him and is just the third January 6th defendant to go to trail rather than take a plea deal.
Prosecutors relied heavily on video and Robertson’s social media posts. Robertson’s former co-defendant, and also former Rocky Mount police officer, Jacob Fracker testified against Robertson. Fracker took a plea deal last month.
Fracker provided key testimony supporting the sixth count, obstruction of an official proceeding. He testified that after the pair learned that they were under investigation for trespassing at the Capitol, Robertson asked him for his cell phone. Fracker said he was terrified that investigators would see other pictures and videos that he took on January 6th.
Text messages showed Robertson speaking with another acquaintance about whether he turned over a phone to investigators. Prosecutors say this text exchange on January 15th, 2021 shows Robertson admitting to destroying a phone.
Robertson: “Anything that may have been problematic is destroyed”
Unknown acquaintance: “So they didn’t seize your phone and search your house and interrogate your wife and dogs and neighbors who don’t have….”
Robertson: “Including my old phone”
Robertson: “Took a lake swim”
Robertson: “No. They asked for my phone but I’m not a re***d”
A sentencing date has not been set.
Copyright 2022 Gray DC. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/11/former-virginia-police-offer-convicted-by-jury-jan-6th-case/
| 2022-04-12T02:46:52Z
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Beckley to serve as location for job fair on Apr. 23
BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA) - A local woman has made it her goal to see people hired.
Tina Pannell, the CEO and owner of Diversity Exchance in Beckley, is coordinating a job fair. The event will be held at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center on Saturday, April 23, 2022.
Having grown up in the area before moving West, Pannell said she was devastated to see a high unemployment rate when she returned to the Mountain State. She knew she had to make a change.
“The goal for me is to see people flourish and, of course, the company will flourish if they have great people,” she shared. “It’s just an opportunity for the local people to come out with a smile on their face, bring their resume and get hired. With all the employers needing people and people needing jobs, I felt it was my obligation and opportunity to do something great in the community and just coordinate this job fair for the community.”
According to Pannell, fair participants will have the oppurtunity to speak with local, state and federal employers. Some may even get hired!
The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Individuals with questions or businesses wishing to participate are asked to email diversityexchange2022@gmail.com or call Pannell directly at 480-313-0610.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/beckley-serve-location-job-fair-apr-23/
| 2022-04-12T02:46:59Z
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Concord students participate in Alchohol Awarness Month
ATHENS, W.Va. (WVVA) - Monay evening, local college students found a way to spread the word about Alchohol Awarness Month.
Students with Concord University identified the Athens Deli-Mart- the only convenience store in the area- as a “hot spot.” To help stop underage drinking, the students placed stickers on all the store’s alchoholic beverages to serve as not only a reminder but also as a warning.
Candace Harless with Community Connections says the message to stop underage drinking can be more impactful when delivered by younger individuals.
“It’s very important for youth to be involved with prevention, especially with alchohol use, tobacco use and any other substance use,” she said. “They’re just kind of a voice for thier peers. You know, youth are more likely to listen to other peers and we have a great group of Concord students that are ready to go out and be that voice.”
Alchohol Awarness Month will last until the end of April. All month long, entities and organizations nationwide will work to increase awarness and understanding of the nation’s number one public health problem.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/concord-students-participate-alchohol-awarness-month/
| 2022-04-12T02:47:06Z
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Judge: Lori Vallow, charged with killing her children, now fit for trial
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho judge ruled Monday that a mother accused of conspiring to kill her children, her estranged husband and a lover’s wife is now mentally competent to stand trial on some of the charges in Idaho.
Daybell and her new husband, Chad Daybell, face numerous charges in the complicated case involving allegations of bizarre spiritual beliefs involving “zombies” and doomsday predictions.
Prosecutors have said that Lori and Chad Daybell espoused the religious beliefs in an effort to encourage or justify the murders.
The case against her had been hold for months after Judge Steven Boyce ordered her committed to a mental facility so she could undergo treatment in an effort to make her mentally fit enough to assist in her own defense.
Boyce’s new order said Lori Vallow Daybell “is restored to competency and is fit to proceed” in the Idaho murder case. He did not provide other details about her treatment or mental condition.
She is scheduled to be formally arraigned in court next week and both Lori and Chad Daybell are set to stand trial together early next year.
Tare charged withconspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Lori Daybell’s children 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, as well as Chad Daybell’s first wife, Tammy Daybell.
Lori Daybell is also charged in Arizona with conspiring to kill her former estranged husband, Charles Vallow, with the help of her now-deceased brother, Alex Cox.
Chad Daybell has pleaded not guilty to the charges and Lori Daybell has not yet had an opportunity to enter a plea. Chad Daybell’s attorney, John Prior, declined to comment on the case. Lori Daybell’s attorney, Jim Archibald, did not immediately respond to voice and email messages requesting comment.
An indictment said Chad and Lori Daybell in 2018 while still married to other people began espousing an apocalyptical system of religious belief.
Lori Daybell’s brother Alex Cox shot and killed her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, in suburban Phoenix, according to an indictment in Arizona.
Cox asserted the shooting was in self-defense, and he was never charged. At the time, Charles Vallow was seeking a divorce, saying his wife believed she had become a god-like figure responsible for ushering in the biblical end of times. Cox later died of an apparent blood clot in his lung.
Shortly after Charles Vallow’s death, Lori Daybell — who then had the last name Vallow — and her children moved to the rural eastern Idaho community of Rexburg, near where Chad Daybell lived. At the time, Chad Daybell was married to Tammy Daybell. She died in October of 2019, and her obituary said the death was from natural causes.
Authorities grew suspicious, however, when Chad and Lori Daybell got married just two weeks later, and investigators had Tammy Daybell’s body exhumed for an autopsy. Authorities have not released her cause of death.
Police began searching for Lori Daybell’s youngest two children in November after relatives raised concerns. The Daybells quickly left town, and were found months later in Hawaii without the children.
Investigators later found the bodies of JJ and Tylee buried in Chad Daybell’s yard back in Idaho. They have not disclosed causes of death but court documents said Tylee’s body was partially burned.
Friends of the Daybells told investigators that the couple believed people could become “zombies” if they were possessed by evil spirits, a state in which their soul was trapped in limbo, according to police reports. The couple reportedly believed that the only way to rid a person of a zombie was for their body to die, according to police reports.
A friend of the couple, Melanie Gibb, told investigators that Lori Daybell referred to her youngest children as “zombies,” and police in Arizona said the couple exchanged text messages saying that Tammy Daybell had been possessed by a dark spirit.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/judge-lori-vallow-charged-with-killing-her-children-now-fit-trial/
| 2022-04-12T02:47:12Z
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EPA Investigating Louisiana Agencies Over Industrial Permits
BATON ROUGE (The Center Square) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched an investigation into allegations the Louisiana departments of Environmental Quality and Health discriminated against black residents in assessing permits for large industrial plants.
The move stems from complaints from environmental groups that allege violations of the Civil Rights Act and EPA regulations that prohibit discrimination from entities that receive federal assistance.
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law filed a complaint on behalf of Concerned Citizens of St. John and the Sierra Club in January that alleges the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) failed to protect black residents from pollution emitted from the Denka Performance Elastomers plant in St. John the Baptist Parish.
The complaint also alleges the Louisiana Department of Health failed to notify black residents about health risks associated with emissions from the Denka plant, the only U.S. facility that makes chloroprene, The Associated Press reports.
“It is beyond time for the EPA to step in to protect the residents of St. John the Baptist Parish from environmental racism,” Dorian Spence, attorney with Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said when filing the complaint in January. “The Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality have abandoned their duty to protect this majority Black community. Intervention from the EPA is critical to protect the health and wellness of the residents of St. John.”
A separate complaint from the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic highlighted the disproportionate burden of air pollution suffered by black communities in a stretch of industrial development between New Orleans and Baton Rouge commonly known as “Cancer Alley.”
The Tulane complaint is tied to the first peer-reviewed study of Louisiana’s cancer burden that found higher levels of cancer in poor neighborhoods versus affluent neighborhoods.
In total, the complaints target at least seven existing plants and two planned projects in two parishes: a $9.4 billion Formosa Plastics complex in St. James Parish and a $400 million grain terminal in St. John the Baptist Parish, according to the news wire.
EPA Director of Civil Rights Lilian Dorka recently sent notice to environmental groups and state agencies about the EPA’s environmental justice investigation. The review will examine whether the way the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality administers pollution control measures has the effect of racial discrimination, and whether the Department of Health provides adequate information about the health threats from pollution, according to The Times-Picayune.
Gregory Langley, spokesman for the Department of Environmental Quality, told the news site “LDEQ’s permit process, prescribed by state law, is impartial and unbiased.”
“LDEQ handles all issues with a fair and equitable approach,” he said. “LDEQ will work with EPA to resolve this matter.”
Steven Russo, general counsel for the Louisiana Department of Health, told The Times-Picayune the department takes the complaints seriously and is reviewing them closely.
A spokesperson for Formosa Plastics’ “Sunshine Project” in St. James Parish, Janile Parks, defended the project in an email to the AP.
“The Sunshine Project has been thoroughly vetted and approved by parish and state bodies because it relied on sound science in design and met all regulatory criteria,” Parks wrote.
Jim Harris, a spokesman for Denka, issued a statement to The Times-Picayune that alleges the Louisiana Tumor Registry shows there are “no widespread elevated cancer rates in St. John the Baptist Parish compared to the state average.”
“The complaint claims local, state and federal officials have turned a blind eye to health impacts in the area, but in fact these agencies have been studying the situation long before these groups got involved — and choose to consider real science rather than sensational pseudo-studies,” Harris wrote.
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https://www.bizneworleans.com/epa-investigating-louisiana-agencies-over-industrial-permits/
| 2022-04-12T04:05:22Z
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Fishman Haygood’s Mike Dodson Selected for Leadership Louisiana
NEW ORLEANS (press release) — Fishman Haygood announced that Mike Dodson, a partner in the firm’s litigation section, has been selected for the 2022 Leadership Louisiana class.
The program, an initiative of the Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL), was established in 1989 to offer civic-minded citizens a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our state and the solutions that can help move us forward. Participants demonstrate a willingness to lead, maintain high levels of personal and professional excellence, and feel responsible for and committed to making Louisiana a better place.
Dodson is a member of The Pro Bono Project’s board of directors, a group with a mission to ensure equal access to justice for Louisiana’s most economically disadvantaged citizens. He is active in firm outreach, including by helping to organize the firm’s participation in community-centered events like the New Orleans Bar Association Bar & Grille Cooking Competition, which raises funds for the Veterans Justice Fellowship, a Southeast Louisiana Legal Services initiative that helps provide life-changing civil legal help to address the needs of low-income veterans in our community.
Dodson is also a member of and assists with planning programming for the Louisiana Council of the Urban Land Institute, an organization focused on highlighting and encouraging economic development throughout the state, and he serves as chair of the Real Property Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution committee of the American Bar Association.
Since its inception, Leadership Louisiana has trained more than 1,400 leaders from civic, business, professional, governmental, education, cultural, and nonprofit sectors. Dodson joins 52 other participants in making a one-year commitment to six, two-day sessions at sites across the state. Discussion topics include workforce training, economic strategies for growth, politics, criminal justice, and healthcare, among others.
“My goal is to graduate from Leadership Louisiana with a better understanding both of our state’s unique needs as well as potential ways to effect positive change,” Dodson said.
“As a past Leadership Louisiana participant, it is an honor not only to have another Fishman Haygood attorney reap the rewards of this outstanding program but also to have someone of Mike’s character and caliber join the ranks of alumni,” said firm managing partner John D. Werner.
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https://www.bizneworleans.com/fishman-haygoods-mike-dodson-selected-for-leadership-louisiana/
| 2022-04-12T04:05:28Z
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Louisiana’s Unclaimed Property Program Wins National Award
BATON ROUGE, La. (press release) – During the Unclaimed Property Professionals Organization (UPPO) Annual Conference, Louisiana’s Unclaimed Property Program was awarded the prestigious UPPO Members’ Choice Unclaimed Property State of the Year Award.
“I am incredibly proud of our Louisiana Treasury Unclaimed Property Program and staff who work hard returning unclaimed property to its rightful owners,” said Louisiana State Treasurer John M. Schroder. “Over the last four years, our Unclaimed Property Program has gone from being ranked 38th in the nation to being among the top for outcomes. In addition, we have seen a 632% increase in the number of checks issued.” Louisiana’s Unclaimed Property Program went from issuing 77,000 checks to more than 564,000 checks over the last four years.
The UPPO Members’ Choice Unclaimed Property State of the Year award honors a state with a business-friendly approach including a user-friendly website, accessibility to pertinent compliance information, and a commitment to engaging the holder community. Louisiana’s Unclaimed Property Program was recognized for being professional, courteous, and supportive in assisting companies in complying with the law. Additionally, they were acknowledged for their new website that allows companies to access, upload, and pay online.
“We strive to provide excellent customer service and assistance to companies on the compliance side of Unclaimed Property, just like we do to individuals on the claims side,” said
UPPO director Kathleen Lobell. “Our holder reporting team is led by Gayle Horton, who does a great job of assisting holders with questions and problems.”
The award is voted by UPPO membership, comprised of businesses and corporations required by law to report unclaimed property to states and the consultants who work on their behalf.
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https://www.bizneworleans.com/louisianas-unclaimed-property-program-wins-national-award/
| 2022-04-12T04:05:34Z
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Ochsner Surgeon Elected VP of State’s Orthopaedic Association
NEW ORLEANS, La. (press release) — Leslie Sisco-Wise, MD was elected first vice president of the Louisiana Orthopaedic Association (LOA) at the 2022 LOA Annual Meeting in New Orleans on March 19. Next year, Dr. Sisco-Wise will ascend to the leadership role of president making her the first woman to serve as president of the Louisiana Orthopaedic Association.
Sisco-Wise is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and serves as the section head of hand surgery for Ochsner Health. She is the director of the Hand and Upper Extremity Center for Ochsner Baptist in New Orleans.
Sisco-Wise earned her medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. She then completed her five-year orthopedic residency program at LSU Health Sciences Center, then completed a one-year fellowship in hand and upper extremities at the University of California at San Francisco.
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https://www.bizneworleans.com/ochsner-surgeon-elected-vp-of-states-orthopaedic-association/
| 2022-04-12T04:05:40Z
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St. Bernard Business Expo, Job Fair To Be Held April 26
CHALMETTE, La. (press release) —The St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce with St. Bernard Parish Government & Tri-Parish Works announced the annual Spotlight St. Bernard: Business Expo & Job Fair will take place on Tuesday, April 26, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Val Riess Gym in Chalmette.
“We are excited at the response we have received from employers who want to participate in our business expo and job fair,” said Mindy Nunez Airhart, chairwoman for Spotlight St. Bernard. “This event provides a great opportunity to connect face-to-face with employers, network, get industry exposure and it is also a wonderful event to help increase your business exposure.”
Representatives from a wide range of industries, including shipping, food service, refineries & more will be present. Attendees will be able to network with employers, establish professional relationships and discuss career opportunities. There will also be a raffle for a 65” flat screen TV. The business expo and job fair is open to the entire community.
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https://www.bizneworleans.com/st-bernard-business-expo-job-fair-to-be-held-april-26/
| 2022-04-12T04:05:46Z
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St. Bernard Parish Hospital Names AVP of Nursing
CHALMETTE, La. (press release) – St. Bernard Parish Hospital (SBPH) has named Brian Swaim its assistant vice president of nursing (AVP). Swaim brings 22 years of medical experience to SBPH, previously serving in leadership roles in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Most recently, Swaim was the nursing director for the observation, controlled access and infusion units at University Medical Center in New Orleans. During his time in Alabama at Infirmary West Hospital, Swaim initiated the development of the first online emergency department scheduling program in the city of Mobile.
Additionally, Swaim was an instructor at Bishop State Community College, teaching fundamentals of nursing, adult health, transition to nursing and pediatrics.
“We are excited to welcome Brian and utilize his nursing leadership and expertise at SBPH. His experience includes serving as manager and director of the emergency department, intensive care, medical surgical, and oncology units. As AVP of SBPH, Brian will oversee all facets of nursing, including the strategic vision of patient care,” said Kim Keene, chief executive officer of St. Bernard Parish Hospital.
Swaim is a United States Air Force veteran serving in the Gulf War in Operation Desert Storm. Beginning his nursing career with an associate degree, Swaim went on to earn a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama and a master of science degree in executive nurse leadership from Chamberlain University.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to work alongside the medical staff, physicians and employees at St. Bernard Parish Hospital,” Swaim said. “I am excited to serve St. Bernard Parish and provide quality care to enhance the vitality of our community.”
For more information about St. Bernard Parish Hospital, visit www.ochsner.org/sbph.
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https://www.bizneworleans.com/st-bernard-parish-hospital-names-avp-of-nursing/
| 2022-04-12T04:05:53Z
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State Environmental Justice Advocate Receives Catholic Award
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A retired special education teacher turned environmental justice advocate will receive what the University of Notre Dame describes as the oldest and most prestigious honor for American Catholics.
The university will present its Laetare Medal to Rise St. James founder Sharon Lavigne on May 15, during commencement ceremonies in South Bend, Indiana.
“Through her tireless activism, Sharon Lavigne has heeded God’s call to advocate for the health of her community and the planet — and to help put an end to environmental degradation which so often disproportionately victimizes communities of color,” Notre Dame president Rev. John I. Jenkins said in a news release. “In awarding her the Laetare Medal, Notre Dame recognizes her leadership and her courage as a champion of the environment, a voice for the marginalized and a steadfast servant of our creator.”
Lavigne created Rise St. James in 2018, a year that plastics companies in China and Taiwan announced plans to build in St. James Parish, between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Wanhua Plastics planned a $1.25 billion complex in Convent and Formosa Plastics got permits for a $9.4 billion complex.
Wanhua canceled its application in 2019, saying it had scaled back its plans and was looking at another site.
Last year, a Pentagon official ordered the Army Corps of Engineers to make a full environmental study of Formosa Plastics Group member FG LA LLC’s plans for 10 chemical plants and four other major facilities. And Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan made the parish one of the stops in his “Journey to Justice” tour.
In January, EPA announced a pilot project combining high-tech air pollution monitoring with additional inspectors in three parishes, including St. James and neighboring St. John the Baptist Parish.
The Laetare Medal has been awarded annually since 1883 to a Catholic “whose genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the Church and enriched the heritage of humanity.”
Other Louisiana recipients have included It was given in 2019 to retired Xavier University of Louisiana president Norman L. Francis in 2019, singer Aaron Neville in 2015 and Sister Helen Prejean in 1996.
Lavigne said many people in her area thought it wouldn’t do any good to fight the chemical giants.
“Why would they put the plant over here? Because they knew that people weren’t going to speak up,” Lavigne told Notre Dame. “And they were right. The people weren’t going to speak up. That’s when God touched me and told me to fight — and that’s what I did.”
Her parish holds 32 of the 150-plus petrochemical plants and refineries along an 85 mile (140 kilometer) stretch of the Mississippi River. Many are in areas where the majority of residents are both Black and lower income.
“The Civil Rights Act and the Louisiana Constitution are supposed to protect Black communities from this type of environmental racism,” Lavigne said. “Our agencies are rubber stamping every permit that comes across their desks.”
A lifelong member of St. James Catholic Church, Lavigne said that her faith has buoyed her throughout her journey — and that her advocacy work has brought her closer to God.
“I know he has me here for a reason, so I want to do his will,” Lavigne said. “I want to do the work that he wants me to do. He put a fight in me that I can’t even explain. I’ve gotten closer to him. And I’m so glad I’m closer to him because now we can fight anything.”
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https://www.bizneworleans.com/state-environmental-justice-advocate-receives-catholic-award/
| 2022-04-12T04:05:59Z
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https://www.kitv.com/news/business/rooftop-bakery-cafe-coming-soon-to-location-at-piikoi-south-king-street-in-honolulu/article_adf3fe80-ba09-11ec-a732-7bab739a0259.html
| 2022-04-12T04:45:07Z
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HONOLULU (KITV4) -- The prosecution in the federal drug trafficking trial for the brother of former Honolulu Deputy Prosecutor Katherine Keaoha is in the final stages of presenting its case.
On Monday, the prosecution called a key witness to the stand, Joshua Derego another close friend of Dr. Puana.
Derego testified that Puana helped him sell pain pills on the black market that Puana had prescribed to him.
Derego told the court Puana was "like family to him" and that he went to the Puana Pain Clinic back in 2013 for a shoulder injury.
Derego also told the court Puana told him he knew people Derego could sell the drugs to in order to help pay for his children's tuition.
Derego said Puana took him to one buyer who paid $2,000 to $3,000 a month for his monthly supply of pain pills.
Derego testified that Puana took a $1,000 split for cash for 3-6 months.
The prosecution also showed medical records for Derego when he was a patient at the Puana Pain clinic. Derego testified on the stand that some of those medical records contained false information.
The defense didn't finish its cross examination of Derego on Monday but one thing lawyers asked Derego is if he lied to a grand jury in 2018. He confirmed he did.
The prosecution is expected to finish with their witness in the next few days. One of those witness still expected is Puana's sister Kathrine Kealoha.
As someone who grew up in foster care, the only thing that mattered to me was finding love and belonging. Being able to connect with the community as a reporter in Hawaii is why I do what I do.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/crime/brother-of-kathrine-kealoha-tied-to-illegal-drug-dealing-in-day-5-of-criminal-trial/article_d79935e6-ba01-11ec-85f5-bf13097de88e.html
| 2022-04-12T04:45:13Z
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https://www.kitv.com/news/local/aarp-hawaii-offers-kupuna-online-technology-classes/article_10d668fc-ba0b-11ec-98ef-5f9e4cc6f708.html
| 2022-04-12T04:45:19Z
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Duke’s Waikiki restaurant has partnered with the City and County of Honolulu’s Ocean Safety Division in support of the return of their Junior Lifeguard Program. From left to right: Duane DeSoto, Founder & CEO, Nā Kama Kai; Ralph Goto, former Ocean Safety Administrator, Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services, City & County of Honolulu; Shannon Clancey Tuinei, Honolulu City and County Lifeguard; Matt Kauwe, COO, Nā Kama Kai; Andrew Crocker, General Manager, Duke's Waikiki
HONOLULU (KITV4) – Duke’s Waikiki restaurant has partnered with the City and County of Honolulu’s Ocean Safety Division in support of the return of their Junior Lifeguard Program.
Those who enroll in the Junior Lifeguard program which begins June 6, can enjoy food, perks, and gifts from Duke’s, a popular Waikiki restaurant and historic seaside establishment. Applications for the program, open to ages 13 to 17, can be completed here.
The program is open to children ages 13 to 17. Each participant will attend a week-long course at a specified beach park on Oahu. Registration is limited to 25 participants per week. Upon program completion, participants will receive a shirt and bento featuring a few favorites from Duke’s Waikiki.
“This is such an exciting opportunity for us as we’re always looking for new ways to engage with the community,” said Drew Crocker, general manager of Duke’s Waikiki.
“The restaurant’s partnership with the City and County will help to perpetuate Duke Kahanamoku’s legacy, by giving keiki the tools and abilities they need to share their love for the ocean with others in a safe way,” read a statement from Duke’s restaurant.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/local/duke-s-waikiki-restaurant-partners-with-upcoming-junior-lifeguard-training-program-to-educate-and-inspire/article_1c9f0718-ba09-11ec-9c6f-c7e0ae7124a0.html
| 2022-04-12T04:45:25Z
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https://www.kitv.com/news/local/honolulu-recognizes-oahus-headset-heroes-in-honor-of-telecommunications-week/article_f2899522-ba05-11ec-a45c-9b5d45f52b05.html
| 2022-04-12T04:45:31Z
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Red-tagged Port Huron home damaged in fire Monday morning
A fire damaged a Port Huron home early Monday morning.
Rescue crews responded to the home in the 600 block of 11th Street shortly after 6:45 a.m. for a report of a fire in a dwelling, said Port Huron Fire Chief Corey Nicholson.
Firefighters arrived to heavy fire on the backside of the home but were able to knock down the majority of the fire.
The home sustained fire, water and smoke damage.
Nicholson said a person in the basement of the home was able to escape. No injuries were reported.
He said the home was red-tagged by the building department last Friday.
"There was not supposed to be anybody inside the home," Nicholson said.
The cause of the fire and why a person was inside the building at the time of the fire remains under investigation.
Marysville, Fort Gratiot, and Port Huron Township fire departments also assisted at the scene, along with Tri-County EMS.
Contact Sergio Montanez at Spoveda@gannett.com.
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https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/2022/04/11/fire-damaged-port-huron-home-early-monday-morning/7277298001/
| 2022-04-12T05:23:00Z
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'Makes it all worth it': Local entrepreneur hosts lunch giveaway with donated supplies
Dozens of packed paper bags had been organized in rows along a countertop in a side room of the old Atrium Café early Monday.
That’s where Daysha Woodley had prepared them — each one of the 115 bags with donated items, including a tuna sandwich, a bag of chips, and bottled water — and awaited the first individual to appear and take one for free.
The building now hosts food-based entrepreneurs needing commercial kitchen space through Thumb Coast Kitchens, and the owner of Daylicious Drinks and Treats, Woodley moved in a few months ago.
But Monday, she said, was her first time hosting such a giveaway.
“Hopefully, it goes well,” Woodley said. “The soup kitchen had some extra supplies, and they got in touch with the C4Yourself Church, and (Pastor) Kevin Totty reached out to me to see how we could utilize extra supplies that Alice had.”
Alice Rieves, executive director of Mid City Nutrition, said it’s common for the soup kitchen to not only receive donations but also find new uses for supplies they can’t use with daily free meals.
So much so that, when asked how often, she said it happens five days a week.
Rieves pointed to a business outside of St. Clair County that may have multiple buckets of salad they’ve prepared too much off, adding, “We’ll pick it up. We will keep what we can use, and what we can’t use, we will spread around the community to different nonprofits.”
Totty was also just one on a list of regular contacts, Rieves said, that help get food out to the community in that manner.
“The food donations that we receive, they’ll be things like one or two odd items that we can’t use, so we may call SOS or we’ll call the Huron House, or we’ll call the Community Food Depot,' Rieves said. "I have a contact at Dorchester Court Apartments. I’ll call that individual, and she’ll get stuff and put it out in their dining room.”
Woodley had shared the news about the lunch giveaway on Facebook a few days before and it had gotten a few dozen shares. After posting again, she was hopeful it would circulate and that she’d quickly be handing things out.
“If not, I mean, I’ll just ride around and I’ll find people who might be in need and hand it out to them,” she said.
Now, that she’s been in business for a while — hosting her own Taco Tuesdays and Fish Fry Fridays — Woodley said she’d like to continue giving back.
“Any time I have the opportunity to give back to my community, I like to do that. And so, (Rieves and Totty) presented the opportunity with me to put something together,” she said. “… It’s good to receive things, but I feel a lot better when you give it back. Makes it all worth it.”
Contact Jackie Smith at (810) 989-6270 or jssmith@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @Jackie20Smith.
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https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/2022/04/11/makes-all-worth-it-local-entrepreneur-hosts-lunch-giveaway-donated-supplies/7275698001/
| 2022-04-12T05:23:06Z
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Marine City softball remains calm and outlasts rival St. Clair, 6-5
ST. CLAIR — It wasn't so much a conversation as it was a reassurance.
After its lead was cut to one run in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Marine City softball team called time to convene on the mound. The message was clear and brief.
"It was just, 'Focus up. You got it. You know you can do it. So get after it,' " Marine City infielder Mia Pellegata said.
The Mariners got the memo and held on to upset rival St. Clair, 6-5, on the road Monday afternoon.
Starting pitcher Mackenzie LaBuhn (six hits, four strikeouts, five earned runs) got the win for Marine City, which improved to 1-1. Claire Borg (seven hits, seven strikeouts, five earned runs) had the loss for the Saints, who fell to 1-1.
"We have a lot of seniors out there and a lot of leadership," Marine City coach Courtney LaBuhn said. "The biggest thing is staying calm and finishing. Obviously, you're always running high on a game like this. It's always tough with St. Clair-Marine City. It seems to bring out the best in both sides, which is always fun to watch."
"(Our girls) fought back and didn't give up," St. Clair coach Libby Cody said. "They had a lot of energy to make that comeback. I felt like they believed that they could do it. And that's the biggest battle early in the season — to have that confidence."
Marine City jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first. Pellegata (single, double, 2 RBI) opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly to right field that drove in a run. Josalyn Dietlin (two singles, one walk, 3 RBI) then added an RBI single.
The Saints responded in the bottom half of the inning as Borg hit an RBI single. Neither team scored in the second, but Dietlin belted a 2 RBI single in the third to extend the Mariners' edge.
The score would hold until the bottom of the fourth when St. Clair's Savanna Clark hit a 2 RBI single with the bases loaded. That brought the Saints to within one again.
Marine City distanced itself with an RBI double from Mia Simons in the sixth and an RBI single from Pellegata in the seventh.
"I was (seeing the ball well)," Pellegata said. "I was a little late on it but everything was clean. It was a lot of inside (stuff), but I like that."
The Saints trailed 6-3 and were down to their final three outs. But that's when their bats came alive.
Avery Paul (two hits, one run) grounded to the third baseman but beat the throw at first base. Borg reached safely on an infield fly that dropped just in time. Then Erin Seros singled to center field. All of a sudden, St. Clair had the bases loaded with nobody out.
Paul scored from third on a wild pitch to bring the Saints within two. Madison Cole grounded to second but was able to send Borg home. That made it a one-run game with only one out.
The Mariners quickly gathered on the mound to regroup. That short break paid off as they locked in and retired the next two batters to clinch the victory.
"I think that says a lot about where they stand as far as playing together and being a team," LaBuhn said. "They support each other and it makes a big difference when it comes down to the wire like that."
"We have a lot of girls this year," Pellegata said. "It's good to see improvement, grit and enthusiasm out of everybody."
"We're looking at all these non-conference games as a chance to get to know each other, work together and gel as a team," Cody said. "So there are things we're gonna work on for sure ... but I'm excited. I think the girls will do great when we face (Marine City) again. I'm looking forward to it."
Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.
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https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/sports/2022/04/11/marine-city-softball-remains-calm-outlasts-rival-st-clair/7284011001/
| 2022-04-12T05:23:12Z
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Vote for the Blue Water Area Athlete of the Week
After a three-week hiatus, the Blue Water Area Athlete of the Week poll is back. Now we need you to determine a winner.
Remember: Voting ends at noon on Thursday.
The most recent winner was Marysville girls basketball's Kara Miller, who scored 12 points and hit two clutch 3-pointers in a span of 20.4 seconds during a Division 2 state quarterfinal against Detroit Country Day on March 15.
Want to nominate an athlete for a future poll? Email Times Herald sports reporter Brenden Welper (bwelper@gannett.com) and let him know who had a stellar week.
Listed below are this week’s candidates in alphabetical order:
Gabriela Gashaj — Cardinal Mooney girls track & field: The junior set a school record with a 14-foot long jump at the Algonac Quad on April 5.
Josh Kasner — Algonac baseball: Kasner pitched four scoreless innings and struck out six batters in the Muskrats' 6-3 victory over Marine City on April 7.
Blake Lutzky — Cardinal Mooney baseball: The junior threw five scoreless innings and 11 strikeouts while allowing just one hit in the Cardinals' 10-0 win over Allen Park Cabrini on April 9.
Avery Paul — St. Clair softball: Paul pitched a 1-hitter with 10 strikeouts in five innings of work during the Saints' 10-0 triumph over Port Huron Northern on April 7.
Ella Stephenson — Algonac softball: The junior went 2-for-2 (double, home run) at the plate with 2 RBIs in the Muskrats' 6-5 win over Warren Regina on April 7.
Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper.
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https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/sports/2022/04/11/vote-for-blue-water-area-athlete-week/7249754001/
| 2022-04-12T05:23:18Z
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Coppinger Tournament: Monday highlights & scores from Bowen
Published: Apr. 12, 2022 at 1:03 AM EDT|Updated: 44 minutes ago
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) - Coppinger Tournament play got underway on Monday. Games were played at Bowen Field, Hunnicutt Field, PikeView High School and Tazewell Middle School. Twelve school are participating in the tournament: Bluefield, Richlands, Summers County, Shady Spring, Honaker, Marion, Chilhowie, Princeton, Graham, Woodrow Wilson, Tazewell and PikeView.
SCORES FROM BOWEN:
Richlands 10 - Summers County 0
Bluefield 14 - Summers County 0
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/coppinger-tournament-monday-highlights-scores-bowen/
| 2022-04-12T05:48:20Z
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GRAPHIC: Mayor: More than 10,000 civilians dead in Ukraine port city
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Six weeks of brutal Russian siege have left more than 10,000 civilians dead in the southern port city of Mariupol and corpses “carpeted through the streets,” the mayor of that cut-off city said, as the West warned that a Russian convoy and other troops and weapons were on the move for a suspected planned Russian assault in Ukraine’s east.
Mariupol has been the site of some of the heaviest attacks and civilian suffering in the 6-week-old war, but the land, sea and air assaults by Russian forces fighting to capture it have increasingly limited information on circumstances inside the city.
Speaking by phone Monday with The Associated Press, Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko accused Russian forces of having blocked weeks of attempted humanitarian convoys into the city in part to conceal the carnage there from the outside world. Boychenko said the death toll there could surpass 20,000.
WARNING: Images and videos used could be graphic to some audiences. Viewers discretion advised.
Boychenko also gave new details of allegations by Ukrainian officials in recent weeks that Russian forces have brought mobile cremation equipment to Mariupol to dispose of the corpses of victims of the siege.
Russian forces have taken many bodies to a huge shopping center where there are storage facilities and refrigerators, Boychenko said.
“Mobile crematoriums have arrived in the form of trucks: You open it, and there is a pipe inside and these bodies are burned,” he said.
Boychenko spoke from a location in Ukrainian-controlled territory but outside Mariupol. The mayor said he had several sources for his description of the alleged methodical burning of bodies by Russian forces in the city, but did not further detail the sources of his information.
The discovery of large numbers of apparently executed civilians after Russian forces retreated from cities and towns around the capital, Kyiv, this month already has prompted widespread condemnation and charges from Ukrainians and from Western leaders that Russia is committing war crimes in Ukraine.
Elsewhere, U.S. officials point to new signs that Russia’s military is gearing up for a major offensive in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, switching its focus after Russian forces failed in their initial drive to capture Kyiv.
Donbas has been torn by fighting between Russian-allied separatists and Ukrainian forces since 2014, and separatists there have declared independent states. Military strategists say Russian leaders appear to hope for more local support and logistics and terrain in Donbas that favor Russia’s larger and better-armed military, potentially allowing Russian troops to gain more territory and weaken Ukraine’s fighting forces.
Russia has appointed a seasoned general to lead its renewed push in the eastern Donbas region.
A senior U.S. defense official on Monday described a long Russian convoy now rolling toward the eastern city of Izyum with artillery, aviation and infantry support, as part of redeployment for what appears to be the looming Russian campaign.
More artillery is being deployed near the city of Donetsk, while ground combat units that withdrew from around the Kyiv and Chernihiv areas appear destined for refitting and resupplying before they position in Donbas, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal U.S. military assessments.
With their offensive in many parts of the country thwarted, Russian forces have relied increasingly on bombarding cities — a strategy that has flattened many urban areas and killed thousands of people.
The U.N. children’s agency said nearly two-thirds of all Ukrainian children have fled their homes in the six weeks since Russia’s invasion began. The United Nations has verified that 142 children have been killed and 229 injured, though the actual numbers are likely much higher.
Ukrainian authorities accuse Russian forces of committing atrocities, including a massacre in the town of Bucha, outside Kyiv, airstrikes on hospitals and a missile attack that killed at least 57 people last week at a train station.
In Bucha, the work of exhuming bodies from a mass grave in a churchyard resumed.
Galyna Feoktistova waited for hours in the cold and rain in hopes of identifying her 50-year-old son, who was shot and killed more than a month ago, but eventually she went home for some warmth. “He’s still there,” her surviving son, Andriy, said.
In Mariupol, about 120,000 civilians are in dire need of food, water, warmth and communications, the mayor said.
Only those residents who have passed the Russian “filtration camps” are released from the city, Boychenko said.
Ukrainian officials say Russian troops are confiscating passports from Ukrainian citizens, then moving them to “filtration camps” in Ukraine’s separatist-controlled east before sending them to distant, economically depressed areas in Russia.
Boychenko said Monday that those who did not pass the “filtering” have been moved to improvised prisons. He put the number of people taken to Russia or separatist territory in Ukraine at 33,000 or more.
Russian has denied moving people against their will.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Ukrainians that Russia might use chemical weapons in Mariupol. “We take this as seriously as possible,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly address Monday.
Western leaders warned even before Russian troops moved into Ukraine that Russia could resort to unconventional weapons there, particularly chemical agents.
A Russia-allied separatist official, Eduard Basurin, appeared to urge their use Monday, telling Russian state TV that Russian-backed forces should seize a giant metals plant in Mariupol from Ukrainian forces by first blocking all the exits out of the factory. “And then we’ll use chemical troops to smoke them out of there,” he said.
A Ukrainian regiment, without evidence, also claimed Monday that a drone had dropped a poisonous substance in Mariupol. It indicated there were no serious injuries.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement that the U.S. could not confirm the drone report out of Mariupol. But Kirby noted the administration’s persistent concerns “about Russia’s potential to use a variety of riot control agents, including tear gas mixed with chemical agents, in Ukraine.”
Russian forces will likely try to encircle the Donbas region from the north and the south as well as the east, said retired British Gen. Richard Barrons, co-chair of the U.K.-based strategic consulting firm Universal Defence & Security Solutions.
The ground in that part of Ukraine is flatter, more open and less wooded — so the Ukrainian ambush tactics used around Kiev may be less successful, Barrons said.
“As to the outcome, it’s finely balanced right now,” Barrons said. If the Russians learned from their previous failures, concentrated more force, connected their air force to ground forces better and improved their logistics, he said, “then they might start to overwhelm the Ukrainian positions eventually, although I still think it would be a battle of enormous attrition.”
Questions remain about the ability of depleted and demoralized Russian forces to conquer much ground, after determined Ukrainian defenders repelled their advance on Kyiv.
Britain’s Defense Ministry said Monday that Ukraine has already beaten back several assaults by Russian forces in the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions — they make up the Donbas — resulting in the destruction of Russian tanks, vehicles and artillery.
Western military analysts say Russia’s assault increasingly is focusing on an arc of territory stretching from Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, in the north, to Kherson in the south.
A residential area in Kharkiv was struck by incoming fire on Monday afternoon. Associated Press journalists saw firefighters putting out the fire and checking for victims following the attack, and saw that at least five people had been killed, including a child.
Oleh Synyehubov, the regional governor of Kharkiv, said earlier Monday that Russian shelling had killed 11 people over the last 24 hours.
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Karmanau reported from Lviv, Ukraine. Anna reported from Bucha, Ukraine. Associated Press writer Robert Burns in Washington, and AP journalists around the world contributed to this report.
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Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/graphic-mayor-more-than-10000-civilians-dead-ukraine-port-city/
| 2022-04-12T05:48:27Z
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Iowa rejected Biden, but president back to sell rural plan
WASHINGTON (AP) — Iowa has never been fertile ground for Joe Biden.
His 1988 presidential bid imploded in a plagiarism scandal sparked by comments he made at a debate there. He abandoned his 2008 White House run after a fifth-place Iowa caucus finish. And his 2020 campaign limped to a fourth-place finish in the state’s technologically glitchy caucus.
After bouncing back to win the Democratic nomination, Biden returned for a rally at the Iowa state fairgrounds four days before Election Day 2020, only to see Donald Trump win the state by 8 percentage points.
Biden heads back to Iowa for the first time as president on Tuesday at a moment when he’s facing yet more political peril. He’s saddled with sagging approval ratings and inflation at a 40-year high while his party faces the prospect of big midterm election losses that could cost it control of Congress.
The president is set to promote his economic plans to help rural families struggling with higher costs at the gas pump and elsewhere, while highlighting the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law enacted last fall. It includes money to improve internet access, as well for modernizing wastewater systems, reducing flooding threats and improving roads and bridges, drinking water and electric grids in sparsely populated areas.
Proponents of an emergency waiver that would allow year-round sales of gasoline mixed with 15% ethanol are hopeful Biden will use his trip to announce the move, which they say would help ease rising gas prices.
Biden will be visiting a biofuel company in Menlo, a farming community west of Des Moines, Iowa’s capital. It is in Guthrie County, which backed Trump over Biden by 35 percentage points in 2020.
“Part of it is showing up in communities of all sizes, regardless of the results of the last election,” said Jesse Harris, who was a senior adviser to Biden’s 2020 campaign in Iowa and directed get-out-the-vote and early voting efforts for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008.
Harris said most presidents who come to Iowa typically visit the state’s largest cities. Hitting an area like Menlo “does speak to the importance the administration places on infrastructure broadly, but also infrastructure in rural and smaller communities.”
The Biden administration plans to spend coming weeks pushing billions in funding for rural areas. Cabinet members and other senior officials will travel the country to help communities get access to money available as part of the infrastructure package.
“The president is not making this trip through a political prism,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. “He’s making this trip because Iowa is a rural state in the country that would benefit greatly from the president’s policies.”
Iowa State University political science professor Steffen Schmidt said part of Biden’s trouble is that key social issues that are driving the national Democratic agenda — including gay rights and combating institutional racism — can turn off moderate voters in the heartland.
“Iowa’s a traditional, rural state, and even Democrats are middle-of-the-roaders,” he said.
To win over voters more focused on pocketbook issues, administration officials have long suggested that Biden travel more to promote an economy that is rebounding from the setbacks of the coronavirus pandemic. The number of Americans collecting unemployment has fallen to the lowest levels since 1970, for example.
But much of the positive jobs news nationally has been overshadowed by surging gas, food and housing prices that have pushed consumer inflation to 7.9% over the year ending in February. That’s the sharpest spike since 1982. Inflation figures for March, due out Tuesday, are likely to bring more bad news for the Biden administration.
“Maybe a trip back to Iowa will be just what Joe Biden needs to understand what his reckless spending, big government policies are doing to our country,” Iowa Republican Party Chairman Jeff Kaufmann said in a statement.
After Iowa, Biden will visit Greensboro, North Carolina, on Thursday.
Psaki blamed Russia’s war in Ukraine for helping to drive up gas prices, and said the administration expects the consumer price index for March to be “extremely elevated” in large part because of it.
Members of Congress from both parties have urged Biden to issue the ethanol waiver.
“Homegrown Iowa biofuels provide a quick and clean solution for lowering prices at the pump and bolstering production would help us become energy independent once again,″ said Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley. He and eight Republican and seven Democratic senators from Midwestern states sent Biden a letter last month urging him to allow year-round E15 sales.
Most gasoline sold in the U.S. is blended with 10% ethanol. Farmers in corn-rich Iowa have pushed for widespread sale of a 15% ethanol blend. That product is banned in the summer because of concerns that it adds to smog in high temperatures.
The Environmental Protection Agency has lifted seasonal restrictions on E15 in the past, including after Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The Trump administration allowed for selling E15 in the summer months two years later, but saw the rule struck down by a federal appeals court.
The price of ethanol peaked in December but has been falling more recently. Wholesale ethanol has traded about $1.20 per gallon cheaper than gasoline, though not all savings are passed on to drivers.
___
Associated Press writer Matthew Daly contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/iowa-rejected-biden-president-back-sell-rural-plan/
| 2022-04-12T05:48:34Z
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Shooting challenges downtown Sacramento’s rebuilding efforts
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The mass shooting that police say was a gun battle between rival gangs that left six dead and 12 wounded earlier this month shook the downtown core of California’s capital — and created another challenge for a city trying to redefine itself as a destination for more than just government workers.
In recent years, downtown Sacramento has benefited from billions of dollars of development but has been rattled by rising crime, protests resulting in property damage and an economic drubbing caused by the pandemic. Now, the city is reeling from the aftermath of the April 3 shooting, when at least five gunmen fired 100 shots as people left bars and nightclubs.
The violence just blocks from the Capitol highlights the successes and challenges many U.S. urban centers are facing as struggles with crime and homelessness persist despite revitalization efforts.
Though Sacramento is home to more than 500,000 people, it’s considered sleepy by California standards. The derisive nickname “Cowtown” grew out of its agricultural roots.
Today, downtown is at the center of the city’s efforts to become an entertainment and food destination. Local officials have worked to rebrand the city as “America’s Farm to Fork Capital,” a nod to a large number of well-regarded restaurants that get ingredients from the region’s many farms.
A major part of the revitalization is a six-block strip of K Street anchored by a renovated convention center and the Golden 1 Center, home to the NBA’s Sacramento Kings and a regular stop for major concert tours. The shooting happened on a block that’s home to high-end nightclubs but also dotted by vacant buildings that once housed coffee shops and restaurants.
Police have made two arrests connected to the shootings, but no one has been charged with homicide. The violence “came at a really pivotal moment for downtown,” said Sacramento City Councilwoman Katie Valenzuela, who represents the area.
“It’s causing me to sort of reflect on where we go from here — and as a city, not just as downtown,” she said.
A century ago, K Street was a bustling, diverse center of activity. But the strip struggled as people moved into the suburbs — giving way to decades of failed revival efforts, including the construction of a mall in the late 1960s and the launch of a light rail commuter line in the 1980s.
A fresh wave of investment came to the area about a decade ago, with new businesses opening on K Street as part of an effort to revive downtown after the financial crisis. The Golden 1 Center’s 2016 opening sought to build on that, helping generate $6.7 billion in nearby investment and spurring the opening of 150 new businesses, according to the Downtown Sacramento Partnership business group.
Then the pandemic hit, sending many of downtown’s 100,000 workers home and forcing some businesses closed. Now about 45,000 people work downtown daily, according to the partnership.
As employment fell, crime rose. Aggravated assaults, burglaries and vandalism were up in 2020 and 2021 compared to the five previous years for a roughly 100-square block area that includes the Capitol and the arena, according to Sacramento police crime data.
The city’s central hub has also served as the epicenter for protests focusing on racial justice and police misconduct. Protesters in 2018 shut down a downtown freeway entrance and blocked fans from entering the arena after Sacramento police shot and killed a young Black man. Then demonstrations in 2020 over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis swept the city. Many downtown properties were vandalized and some were ransacked.
“We’ve had a lot of different realities kind of hit downtown in different waves,” said Dion Dwyer, director of public space services for business partnership.
Now Sacramento is among the ranks of cities recovering from recent mass shootings. Since 2017, there have been 133 mass shootings in the U.S., according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University.
Dayton, Ohio, in 2019 was shaken when a gunman killed nine people and wounded 17 just after midnight at a bar in the main entertainment district for the city of 140,000. Sandy Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership, said officials mounted an “intentional strategy to reclaim the district” after the shooting.
Within three weeks of the violence, there was a free performance by Dave Chappelle, who lives outside the city. The community rallied to support local businesses, but it took time for people to feel comfortable returning to nightlife. The pandemic hit just as that activity was rebounding, Gudorf said.
“In people’s minds and hearts they knew that this did not define who we are. It was an incident, it was a tragic incident where we lost lives and people were inured,” she said. “I think it just took time to process all of that.”
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg repeatedly said people should continue to feel comfortable going downtown.
“It’s not one or the other” when it comes to enjoying the city’s entertainment offerings and feeling safe,” he said last week.
Rachel Muro, a manager at the locally owned Capital Books several storefronts away from the shooting, said downtown has problems like any city but that people should not avoid it. The bookstore’s owners recently opened a board game cafe just around the corner.
“We believe in this part of town enough to continue to help make it thrive,” Muro said.
Elsewhere on the block, the area’s troubles are obvious, with many office and restaurant spaces vacant. Homelessness downtown and elsewhere in Sacramento has been a vexing problem.
Last week the City Council voted to place a measure on the November ballot requiring the city build to more shelter beds and ban encampments on public land. Valenzuela, the councilwoman, opposed the plan and said it was inappropriate to debate that proposal so soon after the tragedy.
Crystal Sanchez, president of the Sacramento Homeless Union, said homeless people live downtown because the area has street lighting and lots of activity and plenty of alcoves near businesses where they can shelter.
“People are here because there are coves for protection,” Sanchez said.
At a brewery a few blocks from the shooting site, co-workers enjoying a drink reflected on whether the shooting changed their view of the city.
Braden Kolb, who was at a downtown bar for a friend’s 30th birthday the night before the shooting, said he patronizes downtown about once a month and that the shooting “is not going to change my behavior.”
But his friend Jason Slieter said the incident made him wonder if Sacramento is the right place to raise his family, saying he felt a sense of heaviness downtown when coming to work after the six people were killed.
“It definitely felt like something had changed,” he said.
__
Associated Press journalists Adam Beam in Sacramento and Camille Fassett in Oakland contributed.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/shooting-challenges-downtown-sacramentos-rebuilding-efforts/
| 2022-04-12T05:48:41Z
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/april-snow-showers-bring-may-flowers/article_a27639d6-05cc-5177-bec7-6a4eb6490d58.html
| 2022-04-12T06:31:47Z
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U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, wants to make more young school students into “climate defenders” and create more summer camps and residential education programs focused on the environment.
Merkley, along with U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island, want $150 million annually from the federal government to expand environmental programs in public schools.
That includes funding for a federal pilot project providing grants and other money for summer camps and residential programs.
They are calling the measure the No Child Left Inside Act — a play on the No Child Left Behind program pushed by former President George W. Bush.
The new proposal looks to fund K-12 teachers’ efforts to integrate environmental literacy and outdoor activities into lesson plans. They also hope to foster more partnerships between schools, colleges and nonprofits on helping for more outdoor education.
Merkley hopes the programs help more students become interested in the outdoors and environmental stewardship.
“Just as Oregon’s shores, forests and deserts have long been woven into the spirit of our state, America’s incredible public lands have made invaluable contributions to every region of our country,” Merkley said in a statement. “It is our responsibility to be good stewards of those treasures — and to make sure our kids have the knowledge and resources to continue that stewardship — so these treasures can be enjoyed by future generations of hikers, hunters, fishermen and other outdoor recreationists. I look forward to working with Sens. Reed and Collins in ensuring our kids and future climate defenders have the education, experience and knowledge of the world around them to protect Oregon’s — and America’s — great outdoor spaces for years to come.”
Some environmental and conservation groups, such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Sierra Club and Nature Conservancy, have education programs geared toward K-12 schools. A number of major environmental groups as well as teachers unions back the new bill.
The effort comes as conservatives press against public school curriculums delving into sexual orientation, gender identity, climate change and critical race theory. The latter looks at the historical and contemporary impact of racism, slavery and segregation on American institutions.
Merkley and his senatorial cohorts also tout the benefits of getting school kids outside more. A study by the American Institutes for Research shows that kids who participated in outdoor education programs significantly raised their science test scores by 27%, according to the senators.
“Our bipartisan bill will help more kids get outside and ensure they are learning about the world around them so they can take better care of it and each other. Environmental awareness should be second nature for our young people and protecting the environment is crucial to future economic growth,” Reed said.
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local_news/environment/150m-environmental-education-pushes-for-more-climate-defenders/article_70804eda-d5c6-5d54-8567-294246a57111.html
| 2022-04-12T06:31:53Z
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Today marks the first time in almost two years there are zero COVID-19 patients in intensive care units statewide.
"The fact that the ICU numbers are going down despite having more freedoms, if you will, and less restrictions is really a good news," said Jim Ireland, director of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department. "Still a lot of tragedy that COVID brought, but the more we get behind us, the better I think really for everybody."
When health officials first began tracking COVID ICU admissions in August 2020, there were 40 patients in critical condition.
The state hit an ICU peak of more than 100 coronavirus patients during the Delta surge on Sept. 2, according to the Healthcare Association of Hawaii.
"At least for Hawaii we seem to have a lot of protection in the community," said Hilton Raethel, president and CEO at the Healthcare Association of Hawaii. "There are still people wearing the masks observing public health measures."
But in other parts of the nation, COVID-19's now surging. Philadelphia reinstated its indoor mask rule Monday to curb rising cases.
And there are at least 19 people in Oahu hospitals with COVID.
"There's none at least today in danger of dying," Ireland added.
The low level of COVID-19 infections is expected to last for a while in the community.
"The evidence is telling us right now Hawaii's in good shape," Raethel said.
The state lifted the indoor mask mandate at the end of March. And Governor David Ige said today he's not planning to reinstate the rule -- but may consider it in the future if necessary.
Kristen joined KITV4 in March 2021 after working for the past two decades as a newspaper reporter. Kristen's goal is to produce meaningful journalism that educates, enlightens and inspires to affect positive change in society.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/hawaii-reaches-pandemic-milestone----no-covid-19-cases-in-the-icu-for/article_b47baa6c-ba15-11ec-899c-470d2221d870.html
| 2022-04-12T07:08:46Z
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EWA BEACH (KITV4) - Hoakalei Country Club is gearing up for its first ever televised professional event.
The 2022 LOTTE Championship marks the 10th anniversary of the LPGA event and will be open to spectators in alignment under local COVID-19 guidelines. Club Staff and visitors are excited about this big event coming to the Country Club in Ewa Beach.
10-year-old Junior Golfer, Callie Barrett is a big fan of Canadian Pro Golfer, Brooke Henderson. Callie and her parents flew 16 hours from Canada to Hawaii, just to watch the the 24-Year-old pro tee it up. Rob Barrett ,Canadian Visitor , “We found she’s playing in Hawaii, and we always wanted to come to Hawaii, so we decided to make the trip out she’s always a big fan so we always wanted to see her play, So, it’s a long way to come but it’s worth it I’m sure it will be a lot of fun!.” Callie Barrett is a 10 year old Canadian Junior Golfer, “I like her because she hits the ball really far, and she wins a lot.”
This is the first professional event at Hoakalei Country Club which has been rated as the toughest golf course on Oahu. The LOTTE Championship means a lot for the Club and the community. Ken Terao, Executive Director Hoakalei Country Club says, “ I think it’s wonderful for the state for this type of event coming out of the pandemic. Hotels, restaurants all the spectators who are coming. Additional tourist business, it’s great for our members, as it raises the prestige of the course."
Vohn Hewlen is a bartender at Hoakalei Country Club, “It’s great to recharge the economy, back again as far as, what happened with the pandemic, now, I think we are moving forward, now there’s no place but up. What better place then here in Hawaii at Hoakalei Country Club”
Official LPGA competition rounds are scheduled to tee off on Wednesday and run through Saturday. The Lotte purse is 2-Million-Dollars.
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to Cyip@kitv.com
Cynthia is an award-winning journalist who returned to Hawaii as an Anchor/Reporter/MMJ from Houston. She is a graduate of the University of Hawaii with a B.A. and M.B.A. DM her on IG @CynthiaYipTV to share stories.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/local/lotte-championship-economic-boost-to-hoakalei-country-club-community-in-ewa-beach/article_47127082-ba1a-11ec-b3e4-eb2a79bb332e.html
| 2022-04-12T07:08:52Z
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Now through May 1, researchers aboard the E/V Nautilus will explore Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument to investigate seamounts on expedition Luʻuaeaahikiikekumu (Luʻu-a-ea-a-hiki-i-ke-kumu). Anyone can follow along, interact with scientists, and watch livestreams of undersea footage from the expedition on NautilusLive.org.
Photo courtesy of NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
Now through May 1, researchers aboard the E/V Nautilus will explore Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument to investigate seamounts on expedition Luʻuaeaahikiikekumu. Anyone can follow along, interact with scientists, and watch livestreams of undersea footage from the expedition on NautilusLive.org.
NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Ocean Exploration Trust
Now through May 1, researchers aboard the E/V Nautilus will explore Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument to investigate seamounts on expedition Luʻuaeaahikiikekumu (Luʻu-a-ea-a-hiki-i-ke-kumu). Anyone can follow along, interact with scientists, and watch livestreams of undersea footage from the expedition on NautilusLive.org.
Now through May 1, a special underwater expedition hundreds of miles away from the Hawaiian islands will be free and open to the public - digitally, of course.
Researchers aboard the E/V Nautilus will explore Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM), to investigate seamounts on an expedition called Luuaeaahikiikekumu. Viewers can interact with scientists, and watch livestreams of the undersea footage from the expedition on NautilusLive.org.
Ocean Exploration Trust’s E/V Nautilus returns to Papahanaumokuakea to build on the findings of the 2021 Luuaeaahikiikalipolipo expedition, which mapped the Liliuokalani Ridge Seamounts. The team will be conducting the first visual exploratory surveys of the seamount chain and gathering samples to determine the geologic origin and age of the seamounts.
Scientists are expecting to find rich coral and sponge communities, which can be found thousands of feet deep on seamounts throughout PMNM.
Ocean Exploration Trust is working closely with Monument collaborators to inform research priorities at sea and from shore, ensure culturally-grounded collection protocols, and connect with local communities through ship-to-shore connections and development of education resources in ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language).
For more information, visit NautilusLive.org Expeditions page, or NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Ocean Exploration Trust 2022 Expedition page.
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to news@kitv.com
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https://www.kitv.com/news/local/undersea-exploration-of-the-papah-naumoku-kea-marine-national-monument-to-stream-live-interactive/article_8b0e655c-ba10-11ec-897c-df71984b1cc7.html
| 2022-04-12T07:08:58Z
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Jury to hear opening statements in Johnny Depp libel case
FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — A jury in Virginia is scheduled to hear opening statements Tuesday in a defamation lawsuit filed by Johnny Depp against his ex-wife, Amber Heard.
Depp says Heard libeled him when she wrote an op-ed piece in The Washington Post in 2018 referring to herself as a “public figure representing domestic abuse.”
Depp is never mentioned by name, but he says the article implicates him nonetheless because it refers to past accusations Heard made when she sought a restraining order against him. Depp denies the abuse allegations.
A civil jury of seven members, plus four alternates, was selected Monday to hear the case in Fairfax County Circuit Court. Heard’s lawyers had sought to have the case tried in California, where the actors reside. But a judge ruled that Depp was within his rights to bring the case in Virginia because The Washington Post’s computer servers for its online edition are located in the county.
The trial is expected to last for more than a month. A lengthy witness list includes actors Paul Bettany and James Franco, and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. Some witnesses are slated to appear in person, while others are scheduled to appear via video link.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/jury-hear-opening-statements-johnny-depp-libel-case/
| 2022-04-12T08:54:09Z
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The White House is seeking to help lessen Americans' medical debt burden, Vice President Kamala Harris announced Monday.
In its latest effort to help people deal with increased costs amid skyrocketing inflation, the White House laid out a four-point plan to help protect consumers. It builds on President Joe Biden's recent executive order on increasing access to affordable health care coverage.
Plagued by low approval ratings, particularly on economic matters, the Biden administration has been rolling out measures aimed at lowering Americans' bills.
Harris began her remarks by noting that some people are contending with the rising cost of living at the same time as they are still trying to pay off hospital bills that resulted from a burst appendix or nasty fall years ago.
"No one in our nation should have to go bankrupt just to get the health care they need," she said.
Officials from several federal agencies spoke of the problems of medical debt, which plagues about one-third of American adults and is the largest source of debt in collections. Black and Hispanic families typically hold more medical debt than White ones, while women and younger folks are also more likely to rack up health care bills. Being behind in bills also prompts some people to avoid seeking additional health care and can affect consumers' ability to buy homes or start small businesses.
"Having medical debt because you were sick or injured should not lower your credit score and make it more difficult to secure the help you need to get out of debt," Harris said. "It's not logical."
White House effort
The administration's actions include having the Department of Health and Human Services evaluate how providers' billing practices impact access and affordability of care and the accrual of medical debt. It will request data from 2,000 providers on their collection efforts, lawsuits against patients, financial assistance offerings and other practices.
For the first time, the agency will weigh this information in its grant-making decisions, publish top-line data and policy recommendations for the public and share potential violations with relevant enforcement agencies.
The No Surprises Act, which bans most unexpected medical charges from out-of-network providers, went into effect in January, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said. It protects patients when they receive emergency care or scheduled treatment from doctors and hospitals that are not in their insurance networks and that they did not choose. Consumers would be responsible only for their in-network cost-sharing in these situations.
Also under the White House plan, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will investigate credit reporting companies and debt collectors that violate patients' and families' rights. It will bolster its consumer education tools aimed at helping Americans navigate medical billing and accessing financial assistance.
The bureau issued a bulletin in January aimed at preventing unlawful medical debt collection and credit reporting. Recent research from the CFPB shows that Americans had racked up $88 billion in medical debt on consumer credit records as of June 2021.
In addition, the White House is providing guidance to federal agencies to eliminate medical debt as an underwriting factor in credit programs, where possible. The US Department of Agriculture will no longer include any recurring medical debts in borrower repayment calculations.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has taken several steps, including finalizing a rule to virtually cease reporting of medical debt for veterans with VA Care bills, according to the White House. And the agency will now make it easier for lower-income veterans to get their VA medical debt forgiven, including streamlining the request process, offering an online application and setting a simple qualifying income threshold.
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the department has refunded or canceled about $1 billion in medical copayments for more than 1.5 million veterans. The updated process could help more than half a million additional veterans get relief.
Attorneys at the National Consumer Law Center applauded the measures but also advised the administration to do more.
The advocacy group highlighted HHS' review of whether providers are offering adequate financial aid to struggling uninsured or underinsured patients.
"We have seen too many patients face lawsuits and debt collection from non-profit hospitals when they should have received hospital financial assistance instead," said Jenifer Bosco, staff attorney at the center.
The center also urged the CFPB to require debt collectors to inform consumers about the availability of financial aid and to clarify that medical debt must be treated as disputed if the patient reports that the bill should be covered by insurance. Also, the bureau should bring enforcement actions against debt collectors engaging in abusive practices, said April Kuehnhoff, a center staff attorney.
Credit agencies ease reporting
The White House actions follow a decision last month by the three largest credit reporting agencies -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion -- to remove nearly 70% of medical debt from consumer credit reports.
Starting July 1, the agencies will no longer include medical debt that went to collections on consumer credit reports once it has been paid off. That will eliminate billions of dollars of debt on consumer records.
In addition, unpaid medical collection debt won't appear on credit reports for the first year, whereas the previous grace period was six months, the three companies said. That will give people more time to work with their health insurers or providers to address the bills.
And starting in the first half of 2023, medical collection debt of less than $500 will no longer be included on credit reports.
This story has been updated with additional information.
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https://www.kitv.com/harris-says-white-house-will-seek-to-ease-americans-medical-debt-burden/article_b566d12e-1153-5950-9f12-e2c9296b0c72.html
| 2022-04-12T09:17:22Z
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A coalition of thousands of Etsy sellers signaled support for a one-week strike starting on Monday — the same day the online marketplace known for its unique handicrafts will start hiking the fees it charges those who use its platform to earn a living.
An online petition started by Etsy shop owner Kristi Cassidy urging the company to cancel the fee increases — which tick up from 5% to 6.5% starting Monday — has garnered nearly 50,000 signatures. Of those signatories, some 18,500 come from people who have identified as Etsy sellers who support the strike, according to Etsy shop operator and strike participant Mattie Boyd.
"We feel like we deserve a seat at the table," Boyd told CNN Business. "And we hope these demands are met, that's our immediate goal. But, generally, there's got to be some kind of change, where there's some kind of dialogue, or Etsy sellers have some kind of representation where these decisions are being made."
Sellers participating in the strike are putting their shops on "vacation mode" for a week starting Monday, according to Cassidy's petition, a temporary setting that lets users essentially put their Etsy shop on hold for a designated period of time.
Etsy CEO Josh Silverman announced the fee increases in a memo to sellers in late February.
The letter touted Etsy's massive growth over the past two years, boasting how active sellers last year increased their sales by "23% on average compared to 2019, and in 2021 alone, we showed more than 90 million active buyers worldwide that there's an alternative to big-box, automated shopping."
Silverman then announced plans to "make significant investments in marketing, seller tools, and creating a world-class customer experience so we can continue this tremendous growth."
"To support this goal, on April 11 we will increase our current 5% transaction fee to 6.5%," Silverman wrote.
Etsy is the main source of income for Boyd, who operates a shop via the online retailer featuring homemade graphic T-shirts and other "niche" items that Boyd says are "geared towards people who are members of the queer and trans community, and who are also into punk rock and metal."
Demands listed in the petition include canceling the fee increases passed onto sellers; creating a comprehensive plan to crack down on "reseller" shops (people selling mass-produced goods that they have not designed themselves); improve and expedite the support systems for sellers who have had their business disrupted by Etsy's automated tools; end the "Star Seller" program that Etsy uses to rate sellers; and to let sellers opt out of offsite ads for their products.
Boyd said many sellers felt like they weren't given a fair way to give feedback on the sudden fee-hike announcement, which marks the first increase since 2018. While the other demands in the petition are issues Boyd said have been brewing for a while, "I think for a lot of us it was that 30% increase [to fees] that really lit the match," Boyd added.
"The strike officially is meant to go from April 11, today, through April 18," Boyd told CNN Business. "But people are being encouraged to participate for as much time as they feel like they can, and no one's being shamed if they can't do the whole week."
With sellers spread out across the country, Boyd said organizers are using a slew of tech tools to rally together and support each other — including Reddit channels, Discord chats, and Instagram.
Raina Moskowitz, the chief operating officer for Etsy, told CNN Business in a statement via email on Monday that "sellers' success is a top priority for Etsy."
"We are always receptive to seller feedback and, in fact, the new fee structure will enable us to increase our investments in areas outlined in the petition, including marketing, customer support, and removing listings that don't meet our policies," the statement added. "We are committed to providing great value for our 5.3 million sellers so they are able to grow their businesses while keeping Etsy a beloved, trusted, and thriving marketplace."
The seller strike on Etsy notably comes amid a wave of workplace activism seen at a slew of major companies over the past year -- from Starbucks to Amazon. Earlier this month, Amazon workers in Staten Island, New York, voted to form the e-commerce giant's first-ever US labor union in a landmark election. Amazon has since filed an appeal, calling for a do-over of the entire vote.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/national/some-etsy-sellers-to-strike-as-online-marketplace-hikes-transaction-fees/article_46e3cab7-a9cc-5a4a-ae30-c558c98bccc0.html
| 2022-04-12T09:17:28Z
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Boy bitten by shark in shallow water in Florida
Published: Apr. 12, 2022 at 5:30 AM EDT|Updated: 56 minutes ago
(CNN) - A young boy was bitten by a shark in south Florida.
It happened in shallow water in Palm Beach County on Monday, officials said.
He said he saw the shark before it bit his foot and estimates it was about 4 feet long.
Paramedics bandaged the wound and took him to the hospital.
Sharks are not uncommon in shallow water, but unprovoked attacks are rare.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/boy-bitten-by-shark-shallow-water-florida/
| 2022-04-12T10:27:25Z
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Sticker shock: March inflation likely set new 40-year high
WASHINGTON (AP) — With ever-rising costs for food, gasoline, housing and other necessities squeezing consumers and threatening the economy, inflation in the United States likely set yet another four-decade high in March.
The government’s consumer price index being released Tuesday is expected to show that prices shot up 8.4% from 12 months earlier, according to economists surveyed by the data firm FactSet. That would mark the fastest year-over-year inflation since December 1981. And it would surpass the 7.9% 12-month increase in February, which itself set a 40-year high.
Economists have also forecast that from February to March, consumer prices jumped 1.1%. That would be the sharpest month-to-month jump since 2005.
The March numbers will be the first the capture the full surge in gasoline prices that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. Moscow’s brutal attacks have triggered far-reaching Western sanctions against the Russian economy and have disrupted global food and energy markets. According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of gasoline — $4.11 — is up 44% from a year ago, though it has fallen back in the past couple of weeks.
The escalation of energy prices has led to higher transportation costs for the shipment of goods and components across the economy, which, in turn, has contributed to higher prices for consumers.
“The war in Ukraine has complicated the inflation outlook,’’ noted Luke Tilley, chief economist at Wilmington Trust.
Economists point out that since the economy emerged from the depths of the pandemic, consumers have been gradually broadening their spending beyond goods to include more services. A result is that high inflation, which at first had reflected mainly a shortage of goods — from cars and furniture to electronics and sports equipment — has been gradually emerging in services, too, like travel, health care and entertainment.
If the March price figures come in as expected, they will solidify expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise rates aggressively in the coming months to try to slow borrowing and spending and tame high inflation. The financial markets, in fact, now foresee much steeper rate hikes this year than Fed officials had signaled as recently as last month.
The central bank’s rate increases will make loans sharply more expensive for consumers and businesses. Mortgage rates, in particular, though not directly influenced by the Fed, have rocketed higher in recent weeks, making home buying more expensive. Many economists say they worry that the Fed has waited too long to begin raising rates and might end up acting so aggressively as to trigger a recession.
For now, the economy as a whole remains solid, with unemployment near 50-year lows and job openings near record highs. Still, rocketing inflation, with its impact on Americans’ daily lives, is posing a political threat to President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies as they seek to keep control of Congress in November’s midterm elections.
Economists generally express doubt that even the sharp rate hikes that are expected from the Fed will manage to reduce inflation anywhere near the central bank’s 2% annual target by the end of this year. Tilley, Wilmington Trust economist, said he expects year-over-year consumer inflation to still be 4.5% by the end of 2020. Before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he had forecast a much lower 3% rate.
In Tuesday’s government report, even excluding volatile food and energy prices, so-called core inflation for the past 12 months is expected to have hit 6.6%, according to the FactSet survey. That would be the biggest such year-over-year jump since August 1982.
Inflation, which had been largely under control for four decades, began to accelerate last spring as the U.S. and global economies rebounded with unexpected speed and strength from the brief but devastating coronavirus recession that began in the spring of 2020.
The recovery, fueled by huge infusions of government spending and super-low interest rates, caught businesses by surprise, forcing them to scramble to meet surging customer demand. Factories, ports and freight yards struggled to keep up, leading to chronic shipping delays and price spikes.
Critics also blame, in part, the Biden administration’s $1.9 trillion March 2021 stimulus program, which included $1,400 relief checks for most households, for helping overheat an already sizzling economy.
Many Americans have been receiving pay increases, but the pace of inflation has more than wiped out those gains for most people. In February, after accounting for inflation, average hourly wages fell 2.5% from a year earlier. It was the 11th straight monthly drop in inflation-adjusted wages.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/sticker-shock-march-inflation-likely-set-new-40-year-high/
| 2022-04-12T10:27:32Z
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Cecil Ortiz Jasso Cecil Ortiz Jasso of Klamath Falls, Oregon passed away April 5, 2022. He was one day shy of celebrating his 102nd birthday. Born on April 6, 1920, in Visalia, California, to the late Tirso and Petra Jasso, Cecil was their last surviving child. During the Great Depression, Cecil was employed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and later worked as a farm hand. In October 1942, Cecil enlisted in the United States Army as a soldier in the 91st Infantry Division, 347th Field Artillery Battalion during the second World War. Cecil fought in North Africa and for the liberation of Italy in the Rome-Arno, the North Apennines/Gothic Line, and the Po Valley Campaigns. Like most men of his generation, Cecil rarely discussed his wartime service, but he fought honorably for his country, earning the Good Conduct medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Cecil was discharged in November 1945. After the war, Cecil returned home to Visalia. In 1953, Cecil moved his family to Klamath Falls, where he went to work for the Great Northern Railroad and later the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. Cecil retired in 1980. Cecil Married the late Eduarda Morales, with whom he raised 14 children and stepchildren. Cecil is survived by 11 of those children and stepchildren, dozens of grandchildren (he lost count after 60), and countless great and great-great grandchildren. Public viewing will take place on Thursday, April 14th, at O'hair-Wards Funeral Chapel, 515 Pine St., Klamath Falls, OR, from 11:00 AM to 1:00PM, with a service following viewing. Entombment will follow at 2:00PM at Eternal Hills Memorial Gardens mausoleum.
The Herald and News also publishes its obituaries and death notices with Legacy.com, a leading online obituary database that partners with more than 1,500 newspapers.
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/obituaries/jasso-cecil-ortiz/article_8836a1c6-e9cc-52d7-a418-21f2bdeb73fa.html
| 2022-04-12T11:06:31Z
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https://www.kitv.com/news/local/hiker-rescued-from-the-manana-trail-in-pearl-city/article_6474afe8-ba36-11ec-957c-c326f3474385.html
| 2022-04-12T11:27:22Z
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The White House is seeking to help lessen Americans' medical debt burden, Vice President Kamala Harris announced Monday.
In its latest effort to help people deal with increased costs amid skyrocketing inflation, the White House laid out a four-point plan to help protect consumers. It builds on President Joe Biden's recent executive order on increasing access to affordable health care coverage.
Plagued by low approval ratings, particularly on economic matters, the Biden administration has been rolling out measures aimed at lowering Americans' bills.
Harris began her remarks by noting that some people are contending with the rising cost of living at the same time as they are still trying to pay off hospital bills that resulted from a burst appendix or nasty fall years ago.
"No one in our nation should have to go bankrupt just to get the health care they need," she said.
Officials from several federal agencies spoke of the problems of medical debt, which plagues about one-third of American adults and is the largest source of debt in collections. Black and Hispanic families typically hold more medical debt than White ones, while women and younger folks are also more likely to rack up health care bills. Being behind in bills also prompts some people to avoid seeking additional health care and can affect consumers' ability to buy homes or start small businesses.
"Having medical debt because you were sick or injured should not lower your credit score and make it more difficult to secure the help you need to get out of debt," Harris said. "It's not logical."
White House effort
The administration's actions include having the Department of Health and Human Services evaluate how providers' billing practices impact access and affordability of care and the accrual of medical debt. It will request data from 2,000 providers on their collection efforts, lawsuits against patients, financial assistance offerings and other practices.
For the first time, the agency will weigh this information in its grant-making decisions, publish top-line data and policy recommendations for the public and share potential violations with relevant enforcement agencies.
The No Surprises Act, which bans most unexpected medical charges from out-of-network providers, went into effect in January, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said. It protects patients when they receive emergency care or scheduled treatment from doctors and hospitals that are not in their insurance networks and that they did not choose. Consumers would be responsible only for their in-network cost-sharing in these situations.
Also under the White House plan, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will investigate credit reporting companies and debt collectors that violate patients' and families' rights. It will bolster its consumer education tools aimed at helping Americans navigate medical billing and accessing financial assistance.
The bureau issued a bulletin in January aimed at preventing unlawful medical debt collection and credit reporting. Recent research from the CFPB shows that Americans had racked up $88 billion in medical debt on consumer credit records as of June 2021.
In addition, the White House is providing guidance to federal agencies to eliminate medical debt as an underwriting factor in credit programs, where possible. The US Department of Agriculture will no longer include any recurring medical debts in borrower repayment calculations.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has taken several steps, including finalizing a rule to virtually cease reporting of medical debt for veterans with VA Care bills, according to the White House. And the agency will now make it easier for lower-income veterans to get their VA medical debt forgiven, including streamlining the request process, offering an online application and setting a simple qualifying income threshold.
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the department has refunded or canceled about $1 billion in medical copayments for more than 1.5 million veterans. The updated process could help more than half a million additional veterans get relief.
Attorneys at the National Consumer Law Center applauded the measures but also advised the administration to do more.
The advocacy group highlighted HHS' review of whether providers are offering adequate financial aid to struggling uninsured or underinsured patients.
"We have seen too many patients face lawsuits and debt collection from non-profit hospitals when they should have received hospital financial assistance instead," said Jenifer Bosco, staff attorney at the center.
The center also urged the CFPB to require debt collectors to inform consumers about the availability of financial aid and to clarify that medical debt must be treated as disputed if the patient reports that the bill should be covered by insurance. Also, the bureau should bring enforcement actions against debt collectors engaging in abusive practices, said April Kuehnhoff, a center staff attorney.
Credit agencies ease reporting
The White House actions follow a decision last month by the three largest credit reporting agencies -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion -- to remove nearly 70% of medical debt from consumer credit reports.
Starting July 1, the agencies will no longer include medical debt that went to collections on consumer credit reports once it has been paid off. That will eliminate billions of dollars of debt on consumer records.
In addition, unpaid medical collection debt won't appear on credit reports for the first year, whereas the previous grace period was six months, the three companies said. That will give people more time to work with their health insurers or providers to address the bills.
And starting in the first half of 2023, medical collection debt of less than $500 will no longer be included on credit reports.
This story has been updated with additional information.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/national/harris-says-white-house-will-seek-to-ease-americans-medical-debt-burden/article_b566d12e-1153-5950-9f12-e2c9296b0c72.html
| 2022-04-12T11:27:25Z
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Tuesday weather forecast Paul Drewes Apr 11, 2022 1 hr ago 0 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save We will have another day of typical trade wind weather.That means a few showers carried in by the trade winds for windward and mauka sections, especially overnight and in the morning.Expect easterly trade winds of 10-20 mph.Leeward sides will be mostly dry, and see sunny skies. While windward sections will be partly cloudy.But it will be a warm one for those sunnier spots. Leeward sides will have afternoon high temperatures into the mid to even upper 80s.Afternoon temperatures will warm up into the low 80s for windward spots. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save More From KITV 4 Island News Video High Surf Advisory NW Shores Updated Jan 12, 2022 Local Tuesday Evening Weather: March 29, 2022 Updated Mar 29, 2022 Video Thursday Forecast Updated Mar 2, 2022 Local Friday Weather: Trade winds and sun to end to the week. Updated Dec 9, 2021 Local Christmas Eve: Trade winds with mostly sunny skies. Updated Dec 23, 2021 Video High Surf Warning Updated Feb 25, 2022 Recommended for you
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https://www.kitv.com/weather/forecast/tuesday-weather-forecast/article_bdd86002-ba40-11ec-b435-6b9849cf94d4.html
| 2022-04-12T11:27:28Z
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United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyosports/high_school/cheyenne_east/prep-softball-lady-thunderbirds-defeat-south/article_a855ddf2-dbe1-5463-a602-8b8f359da87c.html
| 2022-04-12T11:33:43Z
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CHEYENNE – Three Cheyenne American Legion Post 6 seniors signed letters of intent to continue their careers in college Monday night.
First baseman Zack Costopoulos inked with Howard College, which is a two-year school in Big Spring, Texas. Outfielder Dominic Lopez signed with Luna Community College of Las Vegas, New Mexico. Outfielder and pitcher Julian Romero signed with the University of Jamestown, which is a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics member in Jamestown, North Dakota.
Costopoulos had no shortage of suitors after a season in which he led the Sixers in batting average (.410), hits (111), doubles (31), home runs (10) and RBI (110). His RBIs total is a program record.
“(Howard has) a really good record of sending kids off to (NCAA Division I) schools and pro ball,” Costopoulos said. “I have a really good connection with head coach Jack Giese and assistant Scottie Barnum were really welcoming and made me feel like I was already a Hawk when I was down there.
“I went to watch them play a couple games, and they were squeeze bunting with runners on first and third. It was really intense, high-level stuff. They were throwing behind runners, getting into plus-counts and being aggressive. I really liked that.”
Costopoulos has posted a .335 batting averaged (173 for 517) with 44 doubles, 10 triples, 15 home runs and 170 RBI in 183 career games over three seasons.
“He made a big jump from his sophomore year to his junior year, and he’s made another big jump going into this year,” Cheyenne manager Ty Lain said. “He’s the best hitter in American Legion baseball in the country. I really think he’ll step into the middle of Howard’s order and be a double-digit home run guy.
“He’s had five home runs in five spring games so far. He’s a force to be reckoned with at the plate, and Howard is going to be happy they’ve got him.”
Lopez and Luna’s coaches got an up close look at each other when Lopez and WYCO Select squared off with Luna during a fall tournament. Lopez later visited Luna’s campus.
“You can tell they’re all like brothers. I saw their pitchers down in the bullpen really getting on each other like brothers, and I liked that,” Lopez said. “It really reminded me of how Post 6 is. That’s the kind of program I want to be a part of.
“They’re really hard-nosed players, and they don’t take plays off. They’re always worried about the pitch that’s right in front of them.”
Lopez has posted a .302 (177 for 578) career batting average with 33 doubles, 11 triples, one home run and 116 RBI in 191 games across three seasons. Last summer, Lopez batted .342 (90 for 263) with 18 doubles, two triples, a home run and 53 RBI.
“He’s a big, physical athlete with the ability to hit the ball gap-to-gap,” Lain said. “He’s an interesting combination of size, speed and power. He throws the ball really well, and is about as tough as you’re going to get when it comes to competing and handling big moments.”
Romero was a solid role player, who came on strong late in the season as a sophomore. He became a regular in the lineup last summer, and produced as such, batting .314 (74 for 236) with 15 doubles and 58 RBI in 75 games. For his career, Romero has batted .317 (105 for 331) with 18 doubles and 80 RBI in 113 games.
He also has posted a 4-3 record on the pitcher’s mound, with a 3.14 earned-run average and 1.44 WHIP across 55-2/3 innings. The left-hander also has two saves and 71 strikeouts against just 30 career walks.
Romero expects to primarily play outfield at Jamestown, but his coaches haven’t ruled out pitching.
“The coaches have a good structure that helps all their kids be successful,” Romero said. “Their facilities are pretty nice. I liked it there and I know the coaches are going to push me to be the best player I can be.
“They didn’t talk to me about pitching, but said I’d have the chance to earn that spot.”
The speedy Romero has yet to hit a triple in his Post 6 career, but there’s a good reason for that, Lain said.
“He really excels at hitting the ball to left field, so a lot of balls he hits would be triples if he pulled them to right field,” the skipper said. “He puts together tough, quality at-bats every at-bat. He’s able to find a lot of barrels, and he’s a smooth, athletic with good range and a sneaky-good arm.
“He’s a complete player and a great competitor.”
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyosports/other_sports/baseball/cheyenne_post_6/three-sixers-will-play-college-baseball/article_165e9577-9c7b-57cb-b6ce-19f8f9d98bfc.html
| 2022-04-12T11:33:49Z
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Murder charge over self-induced abortion dismissed in Texas
DALLAS (AP) — A Texas judge formally dismissing a murder charge Monday against a 26-year-old woman over a self-induced abortion did not quiet outrage or questions surrounding the case, including why prosecutors ever brought it to a grand jury.
A woman who ends her own pregnancy cannot be charged with a crime under Texas law. Officials in rural Starr County, along the U.S.-Mexico border, have not released details about why they decided to pursue a case against Lizelle Herrera after being contacted by a hospital.
“There should have been no reason for a report to have been made. There should have been no reason for a criminal investigation to take place,” said Farah Diaz-Tello, senior counsel and legal director at If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice.
News of Herrera’s arrest on Thursday raised alarms for abortion rights advocates, and sparked people to gather in protest outside the jail where she was being held on $500,000 bond. Her March 30 indictment alleges she “intentionally and knowingly” caused the death of “an individual ... by a self-induced abortion” in early January.
Authorities have not described what exactly Herrera allegedly did, and it wasn’t clear if she was accused of giving herself an abortion or assisting in someone else’s self-induced abortion.
An attorney for Herrera, who was released from jail Saturday after posting bond, did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press.
Starr County District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez said in a Sunday statement that he would file the motion to dismiss the charge, saying, “it is clear that Ms. Herrera cannot and should not be prosecuted for the allegation against her.”
But he did not explain why the case was presented to a grand jury, nor did he reply Monday to an email from AP seeking additional information. A woman who answered the phone at his office said Sunday’s statement was “the only thing he’s going to say on the subject” and hung up before identifying herself.
“These were choices that did not have to be made because losing a pregnancy or ending a pregnancy or self-managing an abortion is not a crime in the state of Texas,” Diaz-Tello said.
Texas last year passed a law known as Senate Bill 8, or SB8, that bans abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy. The law leaves enforcement to private citizens who can sue doctors or anyone who helps a woman get an abortion.
Another new Texas law prohibits doctors and clinics from prescribing abortion-inducing medications after seven weeks and prohibits the delivery of the pills by mail.
Neither law authorizes any action against the woman who ends her pregnancy, Diaz-Tello said.
“The problem is, though, when you have this heightened situation of suspicion and fear and the chilling effect that this all creates, that is going to make it much more likely that health care providers are going to improperly err on the side of reporting — err on the side of violating their patient’s confidentiality and bringing in law enforcement,” Diaz-Tello said.
Diaz-Tello said actions taken by the hospital and law enforcement in this case could lead women to be fearful of seeking health care after an abortion.
Joanna Grossman, professor at Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law in Dallas, said SB8 could be “indirectly playing a lot of roles here.” For one, there has been an increase since SB8 in women going online to get abortion pills, she said.
Also, she said, the law sends a message “that there’s just a war on abortion.”
“It certainly changed access but it’s also I think just changed the whole context in which people evaluate abortion care,” Grossman said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/murder-charge-over-self-induced-abortion-dismissed-texas/
| 2022-04-12T11:58:41Z
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Showers this morning; drier conditions for the afternoon
Showers taper off around lunchtime
Some rain showers are falling across the region this morning. Off-and-on showers will continue throughout the morning hours and move out of the area around lunchtime. Most should dry up with mainly cloudy skies this afternoon. Temperatures will be mild once again with highs topping off in the 60s and possibly the low 70s for some.
Mainly cloudy skies are expected overnight and temperatures will stay mild with lows only getting down into the 50s once again.
Most should stay dry with mainly cloudy skies throughout the day tomorrow. A few stay showers are possible as a warm front lifts through the area. That warm front will bring a rise in temperatures with highs in the 70s and possibly the low 80s for some.
Some more rain moves in late Wednesday night and into Thursday as a cold front passes by. Some thunderstorms are possible but as of now, the threat of severe weather looks to stay off to our west.
Some isolated showers are possible over Easter weekend but a washout is not expected. Temperatures will be seasonable with highs in the 60s. Make sure to stay tuned and catch the latest on WVVA.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/showers-this-morning-drier-conditions-afternoon/
| 2022-04-12T11:58:51Z
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Bus driver charged in student’s death
WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. (WXYZ) - A Michigan bus driver is facing charges following the death of a 13-year-old boy last week.
Zyiar Harris was being dropped off on Wednesday when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle.
“It’s the bus driver’s fault,” his mother Cassandra Jones said.
Investigations revealed that the incident unfolded when 65-year-old bus driver Deborah White allegedly did not activate the bus’s stop sign and lights.
“My son was autistic,” Jones said. “When he got hit, she pulled off. She seen him get hit, and she pulled off.”
Zyiar later died in the hospital due to complications.
White, who worked for ABC Student Transportation, has been charged with second-degree child abuse and failure to stop at the scene, resulting in death.
White is being held on a $50,000 bond.
Copyright 2022 WXYZ via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/bus-driver-charged-students-death/
| 2022-04-12T13:28:58Z
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Hungry javelina gets stuck in car, goes for ride in Arizona
CORNVILLE, Ariz. (AP) — A hungry javelina in Arizona ended up going for a drive when it became trapped inside an empty car and bumped it into neutral.
Deputies in Yavapai County responded to a call last week in Cornville, a community 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Sedona, about a javelina stuck in a Subaru station wagon. Javelinas are pig-like animals that are native to desert environments.
After speaking with the car’s owner and other residents, they determined the car’s hatchback had been left open overnight.
The javelina jumped in to get to a bag of Cheetos. The hatch then closed, trapping the animal inside.
Authorities say the javelina ripped off a portion of the dashboard and the inside of a door in an attempt to escape.
The animal then managed to knock the car into neutral, causing it to roll down the driveway and across the street. The Subaru came to a rest, and the javelina was not injured.
A deputy opened the hatch, and the javelina was able to run back into the wilderness.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/hungry-javelina-gets-stuck-car-goes-ride-arizona/
| 2022-04-12T13:29:07Z
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Russia’s war worsens fertilizer crunch, risking food supplies
KIAMBU COUNTY, Kenya (AP) — Monica Kariuki is about ready to give up on farming. What is driving her off her 10 acres of land outside Nairobi isn’t bad weather, pests or blight — the traditional agricultural curses — but fertilizer: It costs too much.
Despite thousands of miles separating her from the battlefields of Ukraine, Kariuki and her cabbage, corn and spinach farm are indirect victims of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion. The war has pushed up the price of natural gas, a key ingredient in fertilizer, and has led to severe sanctions against Russia, a major exporter of fertilizer.
Kariuki used to spend 20,000 Kenyan shillings, or about $175, to fertilize her entire farm. Now, she would need to spend five times as much. Continuing to work the land, she said, would yield nothing but losses.
“I cannot continue with the farming business. I am quitting farming to try something else,’’ she said.
Higher fertilizer prices are making the world’s food supply more expensive and less abundant, as farmers skimp on nutrients for their crops and get lower yields. While the ripples will be felt by grocery shoppers in wealthy countries, the squeeze on food supplies will land hardest on families in poorer countries. It could hardly come at a worse time: The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said last week that its world food-price index in March reached the highest level since it started in 1990.
The fertilizer crunch threatens to further limit worldwide food supplies, already constrained by the disruption of crucial grain shipments from Ukraine and Russia. The loss of those affordable supplies of wheat, barley and other grains raises the prospect of food shortages and political instability in Middle Eastern, African and some Asian countries where millions rely on subsidized bread and cheap noodles.
“Food prices will skyrocket because farmers will have to make profit, so what happens to consumers?’’ said Uche Anyanwu, an agricultural expert at the University of Nigeria.
The aid group Action Aid warns that families in the Horn of Africa are already being driven “to the brink of survival.’’
The U.N. says Russia is the world’s No. 1 exporter of nitrogen fertilizer and No. 2 in phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Its ally Belarus, also contending with Western sanctions, is another major fertilizer producer.
Many developing countries — including Mongolia, Honduras, Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal, Mexico and Guatemala — rely on Russia for at least a fifth of their imports.
The conflict also has driven up the already-exorbitant price of natural gas, used to make nitrogen fertilizer. The result: European energy prices so high that some fertilizer companies “have closed their businesses and stopped operating their plants,’’ said David Laborde, a researcher at the International Food Policy Research Institute.
For corn and cabbage farmer Jackson Koeth, 55, of Eldoret in western Kenya, the conflict in Ukraine was distant and puzzling until he had to decide whether to go ahead with the planting season. Fertilizer prices had doubled from last year.
Koeth said he decided to keep planting but only on half the acreage of years past. Yet he doubts he can make a profit with fertilizer so costly.
Greek farmer Dimitris Filis, who grows olives, oranges and lemons, said “you have to search to find’' ammonia nitrate and that the cost of fertilizing a 10-hectare (25-acre) olive grove has doubled to 560 euros ($310). While selling his wares at an Athens farm market, he said most farmers plan to skip fertilizing their olive and orange groves this year.
“Many people will not use fertilizers at all, and this as a result, lowers the quality of the production and the production itself, and slowly, slowly at one point, they won’t be able to farm their land because there will be no income,’’ Filis said.
In China, the price of potash — potassium-rich salt used as fertilizer — is up 86% from a year earlier. Nitrogen fertilizer prices have climbed 39% and phosphorus fertilizer is up 10%.
In the eastern Chinese city of Tai’an, the manager of a 35-family cooperative that raises wheat and corn said fertilizer prices have jumped 40% since the start of the year.
“We can hardly make any money,” said the manager, who would give only his surname, Zhao.
Terry Farms, which grows produce on 2,100 acres largely in Ventura, California, has seen prices of some fertilizer formulations double; others are up 20%. Shifting fertilizers is risky, vice president William Terry said, because cheaper versions might not give “the crop what it needs as a food source.’’
As the growing season approaches in Maine, potato farmers are grappling with a 70% to 100% increase in fertilizer prices from last year, depending on the blend.
“I think it’s going to be a pretty expensive crop, no matter what you’re putting in the ground, from fertilizer to fuel, labor, electrical and everything else,” said Donald Flannery, executive director of the Maine Potato Board.
In Prudentopolis, a town in Brazil’s Parana state, farmer Edimilson Rickli showed off a warehouse that would normally be packed with fertilizer bags but has only enough to last a few more weeks. He’s worried that, with the war in Ukraine showing no sign of letting up, he’ll have to go without fertilizer when he plants wheat, barley and oats next month.
“The question is: Where Brazil is going to buy more fertilizer from?” he said. “We have to find other markets.’’
Other countries are hoping to help fill the gaps. Nigeria, for example, opened Africa’s largest fertilizer factory last month, and the $2.5 billion plant has already shipped fertilizer to the United States, Brazil, India and Mexico.
India, meanwhile, is seeking more fertilizer imports from Israel, Oman, Canada and Saudi Arabia to make up for lost shipments from Russia and Belarus.
“If the supply shortage gets worse, we will produce less,” said Kishor Rungta of the nonprofit Fertiliser Association of India. “That’s why we need to look for options to get more fertilizers in the country.”
Agricultural firms are providing support for farmers, especially in Africa where poverty often limits access to vital farm inputs. In Kenya, Apollo Agriculture is helping farmers get fertilizer and access to finance.
“Some farmers are skipping the planting season and others are going into some other ventures such as buying goats to cope,” said Benjamin Njenga, co-founder of the firm. “So these support services go a long way for them.”
Governments are helping, too. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last month that it was issuing $250 million in grants to support U.S. fertilizer production. The Swiss government has released part of its nitrogen fertilizer reserves.
Still, there’s no easy answer to the double whammy of higher fertilizer prices and limited supplies. The next 12 to 18 months, food researcher LaBorde said, “will be difficult.’’
The market already was “super, super tight” before the war, said Kathy Mathers of the Fertilizer Institute trade group.
“Unfortunately, in many cases, growers are just happy to get fertilizer at all,’’ she said.
___
Asadu reported from Lagos, Nigeria, and Wiseman from Washington. Contributing to this story were: Tatiana Pollastri in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Debora Alvares in Brasilia, Brazil; Sheikh Saaliq in New Delhi; Lefteris Pitarakis in Athens; Jamey Keaten in Geneva; Joe McDonald and Yu Bing in Beijing; Lisa Rathke in Marshfield, Vermont; Dave Kolpack in Fargo, North Dakota; Kathia Martínez in Panama City; Christoph Noelting in Frankfurt; Fabiola Sánchez in Mexico City; Veselin Toshkov in Sofia, Bulgaria; Tarik El-Barakah in Rabat, Morocco; Tassanee Vejpongsa and Elaine Kurtenbach in Bangkok; Ilan Ben Zion in Jerusalem; Edie Lederer at the United Nations; and Aya Batrawy in Dubai.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/russias-war-worsens-fertilizer-crunch-risking-food-supplies/
| 2022-04-12T13:29:16Z
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Which industries get the most (and least) time off?
(Timetastic/Stacker) - Most private industry workers in the United States receive paid time off, but it is not required under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Timetastic used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated in September 2021, to illustrate which industries offer the best access to paid vacation time. We’ve ranked industries according to the percentage of workers who have access to paid vacations, with ties broken by the number of days off a person receives after working in the industry for a year.
Data is available for workers who have consolidated leave plans (CLP), which are blanket time-off policies that do not distinguish between vacation, illness, or personal business days, and those who do not.
Nationwide, about three-quarters of all private industry workers receive paid time off, or PTO. Two weeks is the average offering for companies with CLP. More full-time workers get paid-time-off than part-time workers: 46% and 35%, respectively.
Larger companies tend to be more generous. At companies with 500 workers or more, 92% of workers have access to paid vacations. That compares to 71% at smaller companies of up to 49 employees.
Union members were also found to get 26.6% more vacation time than nonunion workers as more PTO is typically negotiated when settling union contracts.
Companies such as Netflix have even turned to an entirely different model: unlimited PTO. This gives employees the opportunity to take time off at will within reason.
But with U.S. workers already leaving 4.6 vacation days unused in 2021 on average, unlimited PTO may result in employees taking even less time off than average.
#10. Leisure and hospitality
- Workers with access to PTO: 43%
- Average PTO after 1 year: 9 days (CLP) 6 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 5 years: 13 days (CLP), 9 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 10 years: 15 days (CLP), 12 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 20 years: 16 days (CLP), 12 days (no consolidated leave)
The leisure and hospitality industry—made up of hotel clerks, restaurant cooks, casino workers, and a host of other positions—was hit exceptionally hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Hotel and Lodging Association found it lost as many jobs as government, health services, construction, retail, manufacturing, and education combined.
While workers in this industry tend to accrue more PTO after being with a company for more than a year, the turnover rate works against employees here: BLS data shows turnover in the hospitality industry hovers as high as 80% annually. versus 10%-15% across all industries.
The unemployment rate for this industry in February 2022 was 6.6%, compared to the national jobless rate of 3.8%.
#9. Trade, transportation, and utilities
- Workers with access to PTO: 81%
- Average PTO after 1 year: 11 days (CLP), 7 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 5 years: 16 days (CLP), 12 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 10 years: 19 days (CLP), 15 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 20 years: 23 days (CLP), 18 days (no consolidated leave)
The trade, transportation, and utilities industry is large and varied, from jobs in lumber yards to hauling cargo. Paid leave—which includes vacation time, holidays, sick leave, and personal leave—can cost employers up to 8.5% of a workers’ total compensation.
In Texas, these jobs contributed nearly 20% of the state’s GDP in 2016, at $317.3 billion; making trade, transportation, and utilities among the highest-grossing in the state.
#8. Professional and business services
- Workers with access to PTO: 81%
- Average PTO after 1 year: 14 days (CLP), 10 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 5 years: 18 days (CLP), 13 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 10 years: 20 days (CLP), 16 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 20 years: 22 days (CLP), 18 days (no consolidated leave)
Paid vacations are available to the vast number of employees in this field, which include advertising, law, accounting firms, architecture companies, management consulting companies, and others.
Americans often don’t always take the time they are entitled to. Some 70% of owners of small businesses, in particular, do not view holidays as a time to take away from work. According to the U.S. Travel Association, U.S. workers left 4.6 days unused in 2021, and 5.6 days unused in 2020, which contributed largely to burnout.
A 2016 Harvard Business Review article cited a study finding that for the first time more than half of Americans did not take all of their vacations. The article also noted workers who used more than 10 of their days off had a 65.4% chance of getting a raise or a bonus.
#7. Construction
- Workers with access to PTO: 82%
- Average PTO after 1 year: 8 days (CLP), 7 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 5 years: 11 days (CLP), 10 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 10 years: 13 days (CLP), 12 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 20 years: 14 days (CLP), 13 days (no consolidated leave)
Some construction companies have over the last decade moved away from the traditional way they allot time off, with separate categories for paid vacation, personal days and sick leave. They have instead adopted what is known as a PTO benefit. Vacation time, personal days, and sick leave are rolled into one plan for a consolidated-leave plan model.
Construction officials have largely been against other changes in paid leave. When former President Barack Obama signed an executive order in 2015 requiring federal contractors and subcontractors to provide up to seven days for sickness or other uses, the Associated General Contractors of America objected, citing long periods of layoffs because of weather and other variables in the industry.
#6. Education and health services
- Workers with access to PTO: 82%
- Average PTO after 1 year: 16 days (CLP), 10 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 5 years: 20 days (CLP), 14 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 10 years: 23 days (CLP), 16 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 20 years: 25 days (CLP), 17 days (no consolidated leave)
On average, teachers have about 12 days for sick time or personal leave during the school year. Amid COVID-19, however, teachers across the country are running out of sick days and a federal requirement that schools offer paid time off for COVID-19 illness or exposure has expired.
Similarly, many nurses, doctors, and other health professionals across the country have been under enormous stress during the pandemic. Adding to the pressure for some, they have recently been told to take sick leave or personal days if they test positive for COVID-19.
#5. Real estate and rental and leasing
- Workers with access to PTO: 86%
- Average PTO after 1 year: 12 days (CLP), 10 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 5 years: 15 days (CLP), 14 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 10 years: 17 days (CLP), 16 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 20 years: 18 days (CLP), 17 days (no consolidated leave)
With about 106,500 real estate brokerage firms in the country, a competitive benefits package with paid time off can help companies recruit and retain employees.
Brokers can classify their real estate salespeople as either employees or independent contractors, and those independent contractors have far more flexibility to take time away from the office. Independent contractors, not bound to rules and regulations of the company or companies they’re signed onto, are able to more freely create their own hours and schedules. Other companies in this category are primarily in the business of renting or leasing properties or goods or in related services.
#4. Information
- Workers with access to PTO: 90%
- Average PTO after 1 year: 17 days (CLP), 11 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 5 years: 22 days (CLP), 15 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 10 years: 25 days (CLP), 17 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 20 years: 27 days (CLP), 20 days (no consolidated leave)
Netflix, Oracle, LinkedIn, and Twitter are all companies in the information business sector—and all offer unlimited vacation days. The open vacation policy was originated by Netflix, whose CEO Reed Hastings says he takes at least six weeks each year. He attributes employee loyalty at the company in large part to Netflix’s generous vacation and parental leave policies.
Workplace management software company Kronos (now merged with Ultimate Software to become UKG) began an unlimited or open vacation policy in 2016. In a Harvard Business Review article, its CEO Aron Ain said changes in technology led professionals at every level to work after business hours. He added that vacation policies clearly delineating between time off and vacation seemed antiquated.
#3. Manufacturing
- Workers with access to PTO: 95%
- Average PTO after 1 year: 11 days (CLP), 8 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 5 years: 15 days (CLP), 12 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 10 years: 18 days (CLP), 15 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 20 years: 21 days (CLP), 18 days (no consolidated leave)
Among all non-agricultural workers, manufacturing’s share of U.S. employment peaked during World War II to 38% but cratered from 32% in 1955 to 8% in 2019 just prior to the advent of COVID-19. The sheer number of manufacturing employees hit an all-time high in the 1970s with around 20 million workers. Many of these jobs have since become automated or been shipped overseas.
The Congressional Research Service in 2017 warned the industry’s wages and benefits were under pressure from cost-cutting, plant closures, and the loss of jobs to other countries. The manufacturing industry was not spared from the Great Resignation, leading employers to rethink hiring incentives in a post-COVID-19 employment landscape.
#2. Financial activities
- Workers with access to PTO: 95%
- Average PTO after 1 year: 17 days (CLP), 12 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 5 years: 21 days (CLP), 15 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 10 years: 24 days (CLP), 17 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 20 years: 26 days (CLP), 19 days (no consolidated leave)
The financial services sector is key to the country’s security, but it faces a number of risks, including cyberattacks, says the federal Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.
Professional services network Deloitte predicted a pivotal opportunity for financial services in 2022, pointing to banking, capital markets, financial services firms, and others to lead the industry’s future. Deloitte urged the industry to invest in talent while rethinking the workplace, and paid time off plans may be a place to begin.
#1. Insurance carriers
- Workers with access to PTO: 97%
- Average PTO after 1 year: 17 days (CLP), 11 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 5 years: 22 days (CLP), 15 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 10 years: 24 days (CLP), 17 days (no consolidated leave)
- Average PTO after 20 years: 27 days (CLP), 19 days (no consolidated leave)
Some 2.9 million people worked in the U.S. insurance industry in 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The largest number of those, 1.7 million, worked for insurance companies.
Research from Deloitte found that despite concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry expects rapid growth in 2022 as the demand for insurance increases. With 97% of these workers having access to PTO, competitive benefits packages will need to be more comprehensive than in other industries.
This story originally appeared on Timetastic and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
Copyright 2022 Stacker via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/which-industries-get-most-least-time-off/
| 2022-04-12T13:29:23Z
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Local trucking company seeks to train new drivers as part of Biden’s 90-Day Trucking program
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) -It’s not everyday that you get invited to the White House. And, even if that does happen, your odds of meeting the commander in chief are even less.
However, a Southern West Virginia woman did both!
Last December, when Donica Shaw, Marketing Director for BPM Enterprises, a trucking company operating out of Mount Hope, heard about the Biden Administration’s 90-Day Challenge to help truckers, she applied, hoping it would help her employer train and hire new drivers. She never dreamed she would not only be accepted into the program, but also receive an presedential invitation.
Last Monday, Shaw spent the day in Washington, D.C. and even met the president.
“So they invited us to come up there and listen to his speech and then I shook his hand and got a selfie,” she exclaimed.
As for the apprenticeship program, it is a group effort between the U.S. Department of Labor, the White House and the U.S. Department of Transportation. It aims to help trucking companies nationwide address worker shortages. One of the ways it does this it by creating new apprentiship programs, while expanding on existing ones.
Here in West Virginia, Shaw says the challenge is helping her company fill a major hole.
“It’s really an amazing program and we are very happy that he’s helping truckers,” she said of Biden’s efforts. “They need the help. We need more drivers more than anything and this will help get us more drivers for sure.”
Through the program, BPM Enterprises is looking to train a plethora of new drivers. Shaw says this oppurtunity is preferably for individuals with their Class A Commercial Driver’s License and two years of experience; however, she says her company will work with those who have little-to-no experience and wish to take the next step in this industry.
BPM Enterprises will be looking for potential employees out of the pool of trainees. The company is largely responsible for hauling loads of lumber and other materials. Those hoping to learn more can call BPM at 304-877-7925 or email donica@bpmtrucks.com.
Click here to learn more about the Biden Administration’s 90-Day Trucking Apprentiship Program.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/local-trucking-company-seeks-train-new-drivers-part-bidens-90-day-trucking-program/
| 2022-04-12T14:59:32Z
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LIVE: At least 5 people shot at New York subway station
NEW YORK (AP) — At least five people were shot and injured Tuesday at a New York City subway station during a morning rush hour attack that left wounded commuters bleeding on a train platform and police searching for the shooter.
Fire personnel responding to reports of smoke at the 36th Street station in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood at around 8:30 a.m. found at least 13 people were hurt, but — aside from the five shot — there were no details on what those injuries entailed.
According to multiple law enforcement sources briefed on the investigation, preliminary information indicated that the suspect who fled was a man wearing a construction vest and a gas mask.
Photos and video from the scene showed people tending to bloodied passengers lying on the floor of the station and the air filled with smoke. Fire and police officials were investigating reports that there had been an explosion, but the police department tweeted that there were “no active explosive devices at this time.” Multiple smoke devices were found on the scene, said mayoral spokesperson Fabien Levy, who confirmed the initial shooting injury count.
At least 11 people were being treated at two local hospitals.
“My subway door opened into calamity. It was smoke and blood and people screaming,” eyewitness Sam Carcamo told radio station 1010 WINS, saying he saw a gigantic billow of smoke pouring out of the N train once the door opened.
A bystander video shows people lying on the subway platform amid what appeared to be small puddles of blood, as a loudspeaker announcement told everyone on the smoke-hazy platform to get on a train. Inside a subway car, a person lay on the floor, encircled by others. Outside the station, a police officer yelled, “Let’s go! Get out of the way!”
Trains servicing that station were delayed during the morning rush hour.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ office did not immediately have more details. Adams was at the mayor’s residence Tuesday morning and was being briefed.
The incident happened on a subway line that runs through south Brooklyn in a neighborhood about a 15-minute train ride to Manhattan. Local schools, including Sunset Park High School across the street, were locked down.
Danny Mastrogiorgio of Brooklyn had just dropped his son off at school when he saw a crush of passengers, included multiple wounded, running up the subway stairway at the 25th Street station in panic. At least two had visible leg injuries, he said.
“It was insane,” he told The Associated Press. “No one knew exactly what was going on.”
Allan Lee was running his business, Cafe Nube, when a half-dozen police cars and fire vehicles suddenly converged on the block.
“Then they started ushering people that were on the block to the adjacent block and then closed off the subway entrance” near the cafe’s door, he told the AP. When he noticed bomb squad officers and dogs, he was certain it was no everyday subway problem.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement she had been briefed on the situation and said her office would work with the transit authority and police department as the investigation continued. President Joe Biden had also been briefed on the latest developments and White House senior staff were in touch with Adams and NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell.
Police officers were canvassing 4th Avenue, the station’s cross-street, asking witnesses whether they were on the train. A sea of emergency lights was visible from at least a dozen blocks away, where a police cordon was set up.
The shootings come as New York City has faced a spate a shootings and high-profile incidents in recent months, including on the city’s subways. One of the most shocking was in January when a woman was pushed to her death in front of a train by a stranger.
Adams, a Democrat a little over 100 days into his term, has made cracking down on crime — especially on the subways — a focus of his early administration, pledging to send more police officers into stations and platforms for regular patrols. It wasn’t immediately clear whether officers had already been inside the station when the shootings occurred.
___
Associated Press reporters Michael Balsamo in Washington and Michelle L. Price, Jennifer Peltz and Jim Mustian in New York contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/multiple-people-shot-new-york-city-subway-station/
| 2022-04-12T14:59:39Z
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Oklahoma governor signs bill to make abortion illegal
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill into law on Tuesday that makes it a felony to perform an abortion, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, as part of an aggressive push in Republican-led states across the country to scale back abortion rights.
The bill, which takes effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns next month, makes an exception only for an abortion performed to save the life of the mother. Abortion rights advocates say the bill signed by the GOP governor is likely to face a legal challenge.
Its passage comes as the conservative U.S. Supreme Court considers ratcheting back abortion rights that have been in place for nearly 50 years.
Under the bill, anyone convicted of performing an abortion would face up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. It does not authorize criminal charges against a woman for receiving an abortion.
Sen. Nathan Dahm, a Broken Arrow Republican now running for Congress who wrote the bill, called it the “strongest pro-life legislation in the country right now, which effectively eliminates abortion in Oklahoma.”
Abortion rights advocates say the bill is clearly unconstitutional.
“It has never been more obvious that politicians are using tricks and games to pass these harmful laws,” Dr. Ghazaleh Moayedi, an obstetrician and gynecologist in Texas and Oklahoma and a board member at Physicians for Reproductive Health, said in a statement. “Oklahoma legislators are trying to ban abortion from all sides and merely seeing which of these dangerous, shameful bills they can get their governor to sign.”
Similar anti-abortion bills approved by the Oklahoma Legislature and in other conservative states in recent years have been stopped by the courts as unconstitutional, but anti-abortion lawmakers have been buoyed by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to allow new Texas abortion restrictions to remain in place.
The new Texas law, the most restrictive anti-abortion law in the U.S. in decades, leaves enforcement up to private citizens, who are entitled to collect what critics call a “bounty” of $10,000 if they bring a successful lawsuit against a provider or anyone who helps a patient obtain an abortion.
Several states, including Oklahoma, are pursuing similar legislation this year.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/oklahoma-governor-signs-bill-make-abortion-illegal/
| 2022-04-12T14:59:47Z
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Target announces dates for its car seat trade-in recycling program
(Gray News) - Target has announced when people can trade in their old, expired or damaged car seats for a discount on new items.
The retailer announced its next car seat trade-in promotion will take place from April 18-30.
People can bring the car seats to a Target location, and in return, they can claim a 20% discount online or on the Target app toward a car seat, stroller or other baby items.
The coupon is valid through May 14.
The materials from the car seats traded in are recycled, and Target has received 1.7 million of them since 2016.
Target works with Waste Management to recycle the items. The retail giant said it has recycled 25.4 million pounds of car seat materials since the promotion began.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/target-announces-dates-its-car-seat-trade-in-recycling-program/
| 2022-04-12T14:59:54Z
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U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, wants to make more young school students into “climate defenders” and create more summer camps and residential education programs focused on the environment.
Merkley, along with U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island, want $150 million annually from the federal government to expand environmental programs in public schools.
That includes funding for a federal pilot project providing grants and other money for summer camps and residential programs.
They are calling the measure the No Child Left Inside Act — a play on the No Child Left Behind program pushed by former President George W. Bush.
The new proposal looks to fund K-12 teachers’ efforts to integrate environmental literacy and outdoor activities into lesson plans. They also hope to foster more partnerships between schools, colleges and nonprofits on helping for more outdoor education.
Merkley hopes the programs help more students become interested in the outdoors and environmental stewardship.
“Just as Oregon’s shores, forests and deserts have long been woven into the spirit of our state, America’s incredible public lands have made invaluable contributions to every region of our country,” Merkley said in a statement. “It is our responsibility to be good stewards of those treasures — and to make sure our kids have the knowledge and resources to continue that stewardship — so these treasures can be enjoyed by future generations of hikers, hunters, fishermen and other outdoor recreationists. I look forward to working with Sens. Reed and Collins in ensuring our kids and future climate defenders have the education, experience and knowledge of the world around them to protect Oregon’s — and America’s — great outdoor spaces for years to come.”
Some environmental and conservation groups, such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Sierra Club and Nature Conservancy, have education programs geared toward K-12 schools. A number of major environmental groups as well as teachers unions back the new bill.
The effort comes as conservatives press against public school curriculums delving into sexual orientation, gender identity, climate change and critical race theory. The latter looks at the historical and contemporary impact of racism, slavery and segregation on American institutions.
Merkley and his senatorial cohorts also tout the benefits of getting school kids outside more. A study by the American Institutes for Research shows that kids who participated in outdoor education programs significantly raised their science test scores by 27%, according to the senators.
“Our bipartisan bill will help more kids get outside and ensure they are learning about the world around them so they can take better care of it and each other. Environmental awareness should be second nature for our young people and protecting the environment is crucial to future economic growth,” Reed said.
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/local_news/environment/150m-environmental-education-push-wants-more-climate-defenders/article_70804eda-d5c6-5d54-8567-294246a57111.html
| 2022-04-12T15:03:53Z
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10-year-old boy saves little cousin from dog attack
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/Gray News) – Family members are calling 10-year-old Miloe Burgess a hero after he protected his 3-year-old cousin, Rylee Foreman, during a dog attack.
Rylee, Miloe and their other cousins were playing outside at their grandparents’ house in Florida when a dog started attacking Rylee.
“I don’t know what happened, but I know she was screaming,” Miloe told WJHG.
“He laid on top of me,” Rylee said of her cousin.
Miloe called for help as he protected his cousin, and his grandma was able to get the kids inside and away from the dog.
Rylee needed 24 stitches in her arms, legs and feet, but family members said they believe things could have been much worse.
“I don’t know if she’d be here today,” Miloe’s mom Doria Andersen said.
Officials said they don’t see kids as young as Miloe doing things this brave very often: “Just to show that they were brave,” animal control officer Cary Miller said. “Being their age, as young as they were, to step up and take those steps.”
Miloe, who loves to fish, was honored Monday for his actions. A business in the area and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office gave the 10-year-old a new fishing pole, tackle box and lures.
Copyright 2022 WJHG via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/10-year-old-boy-saves-little-cousin-dog-attack/
| 2022-04-12T16:30:47Z
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4-year-old found dead in pond after wandering off from apartments, police say
Published: Apr. 12, 2022 at 11:02 AM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. (WGCL/Gray News) - A frantic search for a 4-year-old Georgia boy ended early Tuesday morning after his body was recovered from a pond, police confirm.
The DeKalb County Police Department said Kyuss Williams wandered away from an apartment complex and was reported missing Monday evening. A search led investigators to discover the young boy’s body in a pond just behind the residence around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Police say they do not suspect foul play at this time and believe Kyuss may have drowned.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Copyright 2022 WGCL via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/4-year-old-found-dead-pond-after-wandering-off-apartments-police-say/
| 2022-04-12T16:30:54Z
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Krispy Kreme is matching its price of a dozen doughnuts to a gallon of gas
Published: Apr. 12, 2022 at 11:38 AM EDT|Updated: 52 minutes ago
(CNN) - The price of gas may be hitting you hard, but Krispy Kreme wants to sweeten things a little.
For the next four weeks, the restaurant chain will sell a dozen of its glazed doughnuts for the same price as a gallon of gas.
The promotion will only be available on Wednesdays, and Krispy Kreme will use the national average gas price on the previous Monday to determine the price.
That means this Wednesday, a dozen glazed doughnuts should cost $4.11. That’s a pretty good deal, considering they usually set you back at least $10.
The promotion ends May 4.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/krispy-kreme-is-matching-its-price-dozen-doughnuts-gallon-gas/
| 2022-04-12T16:31:01Z
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School resource officer saves choking student
IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) - A school resource officer jumped into action last week when a student began choking on a piece of candy, WBTV reports.
A video obtained by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office shows Deputy Alan Josey attending to a student at North Iredell Middle School after she showed signs of respiratory distress.
“Deputy Josey acted quickly, determined the student was choking, and performed the lifesaving Heimlich maneuver, thus dislodging a piece of candy,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post.
Another student also attempted to help the girl before Josey arrived on the scene.
Before becoming a police officer, Josey spent eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve as a combat medic.
“Deputy Josey’s quick actions certainly abated a tragedy and allowed a young girl the opportunity to return home to her family,” the sheriff’s office said.
Copyright 2022 WBTV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/school-resource-officer-saves-choking-student/
| 2022-04-12T16:31:11Z
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Police: Student stabbed at Kansas City school by another student
Published: Apr. 12, 2022 at 11:17 AM EDT|Updated: 53 minutes ago
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) - Police said one student has been injured after he was stabbed by another at Northeast Middle School.
The Kansas City Police Department said the two students were boys in either seventh or eighth grade, KCTV reported.
The stabbing resulted from some confrontation and occurred in a bathroom, department spokesperson Donna Drake said.
The victim received life-threatening injuries, and the student of interest in the stabbing has been detained.
There is no ongoing threat, police said.
Copyright 2022 KCTV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/stabbing-kansas-city-middle-school-leaves-1-with-life-threatening-injuries/
| 2022-04-12T16:31:18Z
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Umpire recovering after being punched in the face at kids’ softball game
LAUREL, Miss. (WLBT/Gray News) – An umpire in Mississippi is recovering after being punched in the face following a softball game for 12-year-old children.
According to WLBT, Kristie Moore was filling in for an umpire who got sick. She has been calling games for 10 years.
During the game, the coach asked one of the athlete’s mothers to leave the game for excessive cursing. Instead of going home, the woman is accused of waiting to confront Moore after the game, punching her and then running away.
The mother, Kiara Thomas, was arrested and charged with simple assault.
Moore said some parents are out of control and make it harder and harder for umpires to do their jobs.
“It’s ridiculous,” she said. “The verbal abuse. And even now, the physical abuse now, at this point, and enough is enough.”
Moore, who finds umpires for tournaments in Mississippi, said it is difficult to find people willing to officiate the games.
“No one wants to listen to the verbal abuse and run the risk of what happened to me happening to them,” Moore explained.
Moore said most umpires do the job because they love the game and the kids, not for the money as they get paid $40 a game at most.
A bill was introduced in the legislature earlier this year that would make assaulting a referee or umpire a felony as aggravated assault. That bill, however, died on the calendar.
Moore said she hopes that, after this, lawmakers will take a second look.
Copyright 2022 WLBT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/umpire-recovering-after-being-punched-face-kids-softball-game/
| 2022-04-12T16:31:25Z
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Use Venmo? Tax changes are coming
Tennessee senator aims to reverse filing requirement
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Filing taxes can be confusing. If you use apps like Venmo, Cash App or PayPal, it could soon get even more complicated.
Until now, Venmo users didn’t have to report income they received through the app, if it was under $20,000.
As a part of the American Rescue Plan, Congress lowered that requirement to just $600.
“I feel like that’s really the thing that’s burdensome. For many, they don’t declare their income, and now, they have to [declare],” said Michael Harlen, a touring musician, who is primarily paid through Venmo.
The new requirement didn’t add up for Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) either.
“Think about all the small businesses, even individuals that, you know, basically have transactions back and forth. They’re now going to have to file new IRS forms,” said Hagerty.
Hagerty is now introducing the ‘SNOOP’ Act, short for Stop Nosy Obsessions with Online Payments. It would re-establish $20,000 as the minimum reporting requirement for those paid through apps.
“This is the process of trying to fix what should have never happened,” said Hagerty.
Hagerty faces an uphill battle. Right now, his bill only has support from Republicans.
The $600 threshold will go into effect for the 2023 tax season. According to Venmo’s tax experts, it only applies to earned taxable income, not reimbursements.
Copyright 2022 Gray DC. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/use-venmo-tax-changes-coming/
| 2022-04-12T16:31:36Z
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St. Clair County gets 7 applicants for listed health officer job, 4 for medical director
More than a month after posting St. Clair County’s split chief health positions, applications for both the public health officer and medical director roles are under review.
But it’s still too soon to say when or how they’ll be filled.
In February, the county’s board of commissioners voted to split and advertise the roles still held simultaneously by Dr. Annette Mercatante, as she has in the health department for more than a decade. Soon after, the county began taking steps to list them as separate openings.
As of the end of last week, seven applications had been received for the health officer role and four for the medical director position. This week, County Administrator Karry Helping said those numbers hadn’t changed.
While the officer role is no longer posted, Hepting said, “The medical director position remains open due to receiving so few applicants, and not all the applicants we have received meet the minimum qualifications.”
The medical director role is part-time at 16 hours and requires a doctorate or medical degree, according to its job description, and they must be a licensed physician. A master’s degree in public health is also preferred. Meanwhile, the officer role has the master’s requirement and is full-time.
Candidates for both jobs require a greenlight from the state due to qualifications overall. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the minimum for review is two weeks with an average turnaround of 30 days.
Mercatante, who has said she did not plan to apply for either posting, has a contract that ends in June.
“There have been no discussions to extend Dr. Mercatante’s contract, at this time,” Hepting said via email. “The county will work with the state to ensure we have individuals in the required positions, interim if necessary, to avoid a shutdown of services.”
Hepting said the state is aware of the county’s changeover timeline, aiding in the process.
The formal credentialing process does not start until candidates are selected, which she said has not happened with either position.
“I have been in communication with the state regarding potential candidates and whether or not they meet the requirements. They have been very responsive, so despite their document indicating they need 30 days for a formal review, I have been receiving a much faster response.”
Previously, officials said positions could be reposted depending on the number of applicants. As of Tuesday, the current listing for the medical director position was to end in two days.
Contact Jackie Smith at (810) 989-6270 or jssmith@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @Jackie20Smith.
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https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/2022/04/12/county-gets-7-applicants-listed-health-officer-job-4-medical-director/9500733002/
| 2022-04-12T17:02:43Z
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How hot is the real estate market near Port Huron? Home prices stable at $170K
The median sales price for a single-family home in St. Clair County during January was $170,000. That's unchanged from January 2021, according to a USA TODAY Network localized analysis generated with data from Realtor.com.
On a year-over-year basis, single-family home prices just flattened out. January prices are down from $199,000 the previous month.
The number of houses sold rose by 14.3% from a year earlier. A total of 176 houses were sold countywide during the month of January. During the same period a year earlier, 154 single-family homes were sold.
Real estate sales can take weeks or months to be recorded and collected. This is the latest data made available through Realtor.com to the USA TODAY Network.
St. Clair County condominiums and townhomes sold in January had a median sales price of $206,686. That figure represents a 37.8% increase year over year. Some 15 were sold, similar to a year earlier.
How hot is St. Clair County's real estate market in Michigan?
Information on your local housing markets is available through the USA TODAY Network, with more data from Realtor.com.
In St. Clair County the top 10% of the properties sold had prices of at least $368,713, up 10.1% from a year before.
In January, one property sold for at least $1 million, consisting of one single-family home.
The median home sale price — the midway point of all the houses or units sold over a period of time — is used in this report instead of the average home sale price because experts say the median offers a more accurate view of what's happening in a market. In finding the average price, all prices of homes sold are added and then divided by the number of homes sold. This measure can be skewed by one low or high price.
The USA TODAY Network is publishing localized versions of this story on its news sites across the country, generated with data from Realtor.com. Localized versions are generated for communities where the data quality and transaction volume meets Realtor.com and USA TODAY Network standards. The story was written by Sean Lahman.
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https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/2022/04/12/gda-average-home-prices-port-huron/65349726007/
| 2022-04-12T17:02:53Z
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Port Huron man given $1 million bond for allegedly assaulting ex-girlfriend with knife, hammer
A Port Huron man was given a $1 million bond after being arraigned on two felonies for allegedly assaulting a woman with a hammer and knife.
Booker T. Brown, 53, was arraigned on assault with intent to murder and unlawful imprisonment Sunday.
He is scheduled for a probable cause hearing at 9 a.m. April 19 and an examination hearing at 1:30 p.m. April 26 in front of St. Clair County District Court Judge John Monaghan.
Port Huron Police officers first responded to the 1500 block of 11th Street shortly before 2 a.m. Thursday for a report of a woman who appeared to have been assaulted, police have said.
The 49-year-old Port Huron woman told officers Brown had assaulted her at a residence in the 1400 block of 13th Street. She was allegedly physically beaten, assaulted with a hammer and knife and held against her will until she escaped the residence, police said.
Port Huron Police Chief Joe Platzer said Brown is the ex-boyfriend of the victim.
She was transported to McLaren Port Huron hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Platzer said she was later released.
Brown, whose address is listed in the city in court records, was located and arrested shortly before 5:30 p.m. that same day inside a residence in the 800 block of Minnie Street, according to police.
Contact Laura Fitzgerald at (810) 941-7072 at lfitzgeral@gannett.com.
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https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/2022/04/12/port-huron-man-given-1-million-bond-allegedly-assaulting-ex-girlfriend/7289618001/
| 2022-04-12T17:03:00Z
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Advocacy group hangs teal ribbons in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month
BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA) - An advocacy group covering several counties across Southern W.Va. is working to draw attention to Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The AWAY Center, formerly known as the Women’s Resource Center, is hanging teal ribbons to honor victims. They were joined in that effort on Tuesday by staff from the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and officers with the Beckley Police Dept.
Through their campaign, the center’s staff also hope to educate people in the area about some of the resources the AWAY Center has available, including Sexual Assault Advocates who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“We’re always here to help. We’re advocates for those who have been sexually assaulted. We’re here to help them from the beginning to the end. We also have a great prosecution team that works with the victims and police officers who are awesome as well,” said McKenzie Simpson.
Anyone interested in helping victims may donate to the organization’s ‘Close to Home’ campaign, which provides clothes and other necessary items for men and women who have had to leave their homes in search of help.
To learn more, visit: Contact Us | AWAY (awaywv.org)
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/advocacy-group-hangs-teal-ribbons-honor-sexual-assault-awareness-month/
| 2022-04-12T18:02:02Z
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Alabama elementary school principal accused of ‘excessive paddling’ of student
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF/Gray News) - An Alabama elementary school principal is on leave for paddling a child too much according to authorities.
In a letter obtained by WAFF from the district’s attorney, the principal of Hazelwood Elementary in Lawrence County, Alabama, is accused of using a wooden paddle on a child ten times in a row.
Corporal punishment is legal in the state of Alabama, meaning using paddling as a form of punishment is allowed. But there is a line, which Lawrence County Schools Superintendent Jon Bret Smith says was crossed.
A letter sent to Hazelwood Principal Dr. Datie Priest accuses her of paddling a third-grade student ten times in a row one time and five times in a row during a separate incident.
According to WAFF’s news partners at the Decatur Daily, Smith has said no more than three licks at a time is allowed.
The letter goes on to say Priest told Lawrence County School board members about the paddling on March 11.
She was then placed on detached duty.
Smith says Priest later told him and another supervisor that the child was given a choice of “two licks by his teacher or ten by me and it’s my personal belief that he would not take a paddling from a white teacher.”
Vice president for the Alabama NAACP Bobby Diggs said the organization recommended Priest for the principal position and stands by her, despite the accusations.
“The NAACP remains perplexed that the accusations against Priest were in her personnel file but accusations against Ron Rikard (principal at East Lawrence High School) were not in his file at the central office,” said Diggs. “It is in our opinion that the superintendent is being bias{ed} and discriminatory in the treatment of the two principals.”
Smith said he cannot comment on personnel issues.
State law also requires a student receive a written slip after a paddling. Smith said the student was not given one. The letter includes a few other accusations including leaving work early and mismanaging funds.
Priest is currently on paid administrative leave. However, the school district may not renew her contract, according to the Decatur Daily.
Copyright 2022 WAFF via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/alabama-elementary-school-principal-accused-excessive-paddling-student/
| 2022-04-12T18:02:09Z
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Appeals court: Johnson & Johnson must pay $302 million in pelvic mesh case
SAN DIEGO (AP) — A California appeals court has upheld a lower court ruling that Johnson & Johnson must pay penalties to the state for deceptively marketing pelvic mesh implants for women, but reduced the amount by $42 million to $302 million.
Johnson & Johnson had appealed in 2020 after Superior Court Judge Eddie Sturgeon assessed the $344 million in penalties against Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Ethicon.
Sturgeon found after a non-jury trial that the company made misleading and potentially harmful statements in hundreds of thousands of advertisements and instructional brochures for nearly two decades.
California’s Fourth District Court of Appeal issued a ruling Monday that $42 million in penalties assessed for the company’s sales pitches to doctors were unjustified because there was no evidence of what the sales representatives actually said.
But the appeals court said Sturgeon received ample evidence that Ethicon knowingly deceived both physicians and patients about the risks posed by its products, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Ryan Carbain, a Johnson & Johnson spokesperson, told the Chronicle that the company would appeal the appeals court ruling to the state Supreme Court.
The instructions for use in all of the company’s pelvic mesh implant packages “falsified or omitted the full range, severity, duration, and cause of complications associated with Ethicon’s pelvic mesh products, as well as the potential irreversibility and catastrophic consequences,” Presiding Justice Judith McConnell of the appeals court said in a 3-0 ruling upholding the $302 million in penalties.
She rejected the company’s claim that the fine was excessive, saying it amounted to less than 1% of Johnson & Johnson’s net worth of $70.4 billion.
The products, also called transvaginal mesh, are synthetic and surgically implanted through the vagina of women whose pelvic organs have sagged or who suffered from stress urinary incontinence when they cough, sneeze or lift heavy objects.
Many women have sued the New Jersey-based company alleging that the mesh caused severe pain, bleeding, infections, discomfort during intercourse and the need for removal surgery.
The condition is estimated to affect 3% to 17% of women, and it sometimes becomes severe after age 70.
Johnson & Johnson, the world’s biggest maker of health care products, is contesting other lawsuits over drug side effects, its role in the U.S. opioid epidemic and allegations its baby powder caused cancer in some users.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/johnson-johnson-ordered-pay-302-million-pelvic-mesh-case/
| 2022-04-12T18:02:16Z
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NFL’s Washington Commanders may have broken financial laws, House panel says
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. House Oversight Committee sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission saying it found evidence the NFL’s Washington Commanders engaged in potentially unlawful financial conduct for more than a decade by withholding ticket revenue from visiting teams and refundable deposits from fans.
In the letter obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday, the committee outlined through the testimony of former employees and access to emails and documents a pattern of financial impropriety by owner Dan Snyder and team executives. At one point in 2016, the committee said the team retained up to $5 million from 2,000 season-ticket holders while also concealing sharable revenue from the league.
One former employee testified before Congress saying the team had two separate financial books — one with underreported ticket revenue that went to the NFL — and the full, complete picture. According to testimony, Snyder was aware of the numbers shared with the league while also being privy to the actual data.
The business practice was known as “juice” inside Washington’s front office. And, if correct, it could spell significant trouble for Snyder and the Commanders.
Ticket revenue is shared among all 32 NFL teams, with 40% of it deposited in a visiting team fund. Such money is among the pillars of the league’s revenue-sharing commitment.
A team spokeswoman said there was no new comment and referred to the statement from March 31: “The team categorically denies any suggestion of financial impropriety of any kind at any time.”
“We adhere to strict internal processes that are consistent with industry and accounting standards, are audited annually by a globally respected independent auditing firm, and are also subject to regular audits by the NFL. We continue to cooperate fully with the Committee’s work.”
The league did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
The committee is sharing documents with the FTC while requesting the commission take any action necessary to make sure the money is returned to its rightful owners.
Congress launched an investigation into the team’s workplace misconduct after the league did not release a report detailing the findings of an independent probe into the matter. After testimony from former employees, that investigation expanded to the organization’s finances.
Lawyers Lisa Banks and Debra Katz, who represent more than 40 former employees, including some who testified, called the letter “damning.”
“It’s clear that the team’s misconduct goes well beyond the sexual harassment and abuse of employees already documented and has also impacted the bottom line of the NFL, other NFL owners, and the team’s fans,” they said in a statement. “We are proud of our many clients who have come forward at great personal risk to reveal the truth and bring us closer to total transparency about the full extent of the dysfunction at the Washington Commanders.”
___
Associated Press reporter Farnoush Amiri contributed.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://apnews.com/hub/pro-32 and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/nfls-washington-commanders-may-have-broken-financial-laws-house-panel-says/
| 2022-04-12T18:02:23Z
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NY lieutenant governor arrested in federal corruption investigation
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin was arrested Tuesday in a federal corruption investigation, creating a political crisis for Gov. Kathy Hochul seven months after she selected Benjamin as a partner to make a fresh start in an office already rocked by scandal.
Benjamin, a Democrat, was accused in an indictment of participating in a scheme to obtain campaign contributions from a real estate developer in exchange for Benjamin’s agreement to use his influence as a state senator to get a $50,000 grant of state funds for a nonprofit organization the developer controlled.
Facing charges including bribery, fraud, conspiracy and falsification of records, Benjamin pleaded not guilty Tuesday at an initial appearance in Manhattan federal court. He was released and bail was set at $250,000.
Two lawyers representing Benjamin did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.
Hochul in September plucked Benjamin, then a state lawmaker, to serve as second-in-command when she became governor, taking over for Democrat Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo resigned amid allegations he sexually harassed 11 women, which he denied.
Hochul, also a Democrat, was Cuomo’s lieutenant governor. She is now running for governor in this year’s election, with Benjamin as a running mate.
Hochul, who appeared at a New York City news conference Tuesday regarding a shooting on the subway, said she would speak about Benjamin later in the day.
“We’ll have a statement out there. I have not had a chance to speak to him. I was doing media interviews this morning. But this is not the place but I will be addressing it very shortly,” Hochul said.
Two months after Benjamin became lieutenant governor, a real estate developer who steered campaign contributions toward Benjamin’s failed bid for New York City comptroller was indicted. Federal authorities accused Gerald Migdol of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft in illegally giving donations to Benjamin’s campaign.
The indictment said Benjamin, formerly a state senator from Harlem, and others acting at his direction or on his behalf also engaged in a series of lies and deceptions to cover up the scheme that stretched from 2019 to 2021.
They falsified campaign donor forms, misled municipal regulators and provided false information in vetting forms Benjamin submitted while he was being considered to be appointed as lieutenant governor, the indictment said.
Prosecutors had previously not made any accusations against Benjamin, and his campaign said at the time of Migdol’s arrest that it had forfeited any improper donations as soon as they were discovered.
More recently, reports came out saying subpoenas had been issued to Benjamin regarding the financial issues even before Hochul picked him as lieutenant governor.
Republican chairman Nick Langworthy said in a prepared statement that “Hochul chose a dirty politician to serve as her partner in government and running mate.”
“Brian Benjamin’s shady dealings and corruption were well-documented, but Hochul turned a blind eye and put him a heartbeat away from the governorship,” Langworthy said.
Hochul said Monday at a press conference she didn’t know of the subpoenas when she tapped Benjamin to be her No. 2.
She said last week she had the “utmost confidence” in Benjamin.
“This is an independent investigation related to other people and he’s fully cooperating. He is my running mate,” Hocuhl said Thursday at a press conference.
Republican minority legislative leaders — Senate Leader Rob Ortt and Assembly Leader Will Barclay — called on Benjamin to resign.
“Kathy Hochul and Senate Democrats might tolerate this corruption, but New Yorkers don’t and neither do I,” Ortt said. “I’m calling on Gov. Hochul and Senate Democrats to stop hiding from the truth and join me in demanding Brian Benjamin’s resignation.”
Spokespeople for Hochul, Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie didn’t immediately provide comment Tuesday when asked if Benjamin should resign.
If Benjamin resigns, he would still likely appear on the ballot for the 2022 gubernatorial Democratic primary even if Hochul picks a new lieutenant governor, according to state elections law.
“There are only three ways to get off the ballot: death, declination or disqualification,” State board of elections spokesperson John Conklin said in an email.
Benjamin was the state’s second Black lieutenant governor. During his state Legislature career, he emphasized criminal justice reform and affordable housing. His district included most of central Harlem, where he was born and raised by Caribbean immigrant parents.
He has a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Brown University and a master’s of business administration from Harvard Business School, and worked as a developer of affordable housing.
___
Hays reported from New York. Associated Press writers Deepti Hajela and Larry Neumeister contributed from New York and Michael Hill contributed from Albany.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/ny-lieutenant-governor-arrested-federal-corruption-investigation/
| 2022-04-12T18:02:30Z
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VIDEO: Man arrested after child escapes attempted kidnapping, police say
ORLANDO, Fla. (Gray News) – A man in Florida was arrested Tuesday after attempting to kidnap a child, police said.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post that 37-year-old Vinh Nguyen approached and grabbed a child Monday morning in the Azalea Park neighborhood in Orlando and tried to lure the child into his vehicle.
The sheriff’s office said the child was able to get away and Nguyen took off. Following a tip from the public, detectives arrested Nguyen on Tuesday morning.
Nguyen has been charged with false imprisonment, luring or enticing of a child, and battery.
Detectives are continuing to investigate and want to know if there may be other victims of Nguyen. If you have any information, please call the Central Florida Crime Line at 1-800-423-8477.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/12/video-man-arrested-after-child-escapes-attempted-kidnapping-police-say/
| 2022-04-12T18:02:39Z
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Interstate 80 from the junction with Interstate 25, shown, to the Happy Jack exit ner Laramie is closed because of winter conditions, the Wyoming Department of Transportation reports. The estimated re-opening time is sometime between noon and 2 p.m. Along with the closure of this stretch of interstate, I-80 also is closed to light, high-profile vehilces from Laramie to Rawlins.
A blast of winter closed Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Laramie for about six hours Tuesday morning, the Wyoming Department of Transportation reports.
Freezing temperatures and blowing snow created slick and dangerous winter driving conditions on I-80, prompting its closure from the junction with Interstate 25 in Cheyenne to the Happy Jack exit near Laramie, according to the WYDOT.
As of 11:30 a.m., WYDOT shows I-80 is open again between Cheyenne and Laramie.
In addition, I-80 between Laramie and Rawlins remains closed to light, high-profile vehicles.
The National Weather Service reports a 30% chance of snow showers mainly after 11 a.m. with a high near 35 degrees in Laramie. It also will be breezy with westerly winds blowing 20-25 mph with gusts as high as 35 mph. The overnight low will dip to about 12 degrees.
Wednesday also is expected to be cold with a high near 30 and a 40% chance of snow showers after noon.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/i-80-between-laramie-and-cheyenne-re-opens/article_f7bf6f48-2da5-527c-8207-fa9126b5da62.html
| 2022-04-12T18:31:00Z
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...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT THIS
EVENING...
* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of up to one inch.
Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
* WHERE...South Lincoln County, Rock Springs and Green River,
Flaming Gorge and East Sweetwater County.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions and areas of
blowing snow.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The combination of snow and blowing snow
could reduce visibility to around a tenth of a mile.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
&&
ROCK SPRIINGS — The affirmation of the intent to move forward with the construction of an addition on the Rock Springs campus for the health sciences and nursing programs was approved at the Western Wyoming Community College Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, April 11.
“The board is aware that Western’s health sciences program facilities have been a topic of discussion for the past few years. Western commissioned an abbreviated level I study in late 2018 to explore consolidating the nursing program instructional spaces into one facility, and in September of 2020, the board authorized administration to conduct a level II feasibility study for the health sciences/nursing programs.
“The board reviewed the level II study draft during the workshop on Jan. 14, 2021, and approved the study for submission to the Wyoming Community College Commission on Feb. 11, 2021.”
According to the agenda, the study “explored” three options for the facility: construction of an addition on the Rock Springs campus; renovation of the Green River Center; use of the old Memorial Hospital building in Rock Springs.
Also included in the agenda are the results from the level II study that was conducted.
“As explained in the level II study, ‘the professional analysis of the three locations, in concert with the discussions of the executive committee, resulted in the decision to locate the facility on the Rock Springs campus. This option allows those enrolled in the program to take advantage of the adjacencies to existing student programs and amenities on campus, and allows for more convenient access to other educational programs that are required for the health science students.’”
Through the study, the conclusion was made that the renovation of the old hospital building, which has an estimated cost of $8.44 million, “would not be an optimal solution because ‘the existing structural grid is not conducive to the larger skills labs required and a portion of the program would have to be located in the basement, which is not ideal for access or daylighting.’”
It was also found through the study that due to the age of the building, several of the spaces and systems would need to be brought up to current code.
According to the agenda, the estimated cost of an addition on the Rock Springs campus is $7.6 million.
“Administration is asking that the board affirm the intent to move forward with constructing an addition on the Rock Springs campus for the health sciences and nursing programs.”
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/rocketminer/intent-to-move-forward-with-construction-approved-by-western-s-board-of-trustees/article_cd7033bc-7cd9-59ec-aedb-8bfd254648b7.html
| 2022-04-12T18:31:06Z
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...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT THIS
EVENING...
* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of up to one inch.
Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.
* WHERE...South Lincoln County, Rock Springs and Green River,
Flaming Gorge and East Sweetwater County.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions and areas of
blowing snow.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The combination of snow and blowing snow
could reduce visibility to around a tenth of a mile.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Slow down and use caution while traveling.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
&&
Observed each year in the United States on April 12th, National Big Wind Day commemorates the recording of the highest natural wind gust measured on the Earth’s surface. On the afternoon of April 12, 1934, the Mount Washington Observatory recorded winds at 231 miles per hour.
Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 ft, and it is the most prominent mountain east of the Mississippi River.
Observers Wendell Stephenson, Alexander McKenzie and Salvadore Pagliuca reported the wind gusts in 1934 from the Mount Washington Observatory. The record even held for several decades. In 1984, the observers returned to the observatory to celebrate the record-breaking wind’s 50th anniversary. Then in 1996, the big wind award from atop Mount Washington fell. A typhoon struck a small island off of Australia with wind gusts of 256 mph.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalBigWindDay
Hold on to your hat and share stories of windy day events.
Visit an observatory near you to find out more about how they study atmosphere changes, weather, and wind changes.
Try flying a kite into the wind.
Take a windblown selfie.
Use this day to learn more and use #NationalBigWindDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL BIG WIND DAY HISTORY
While the day celebrates the anniversary of the record-breaking wind at Mount Washington’s Observatory, we have not identified the founder of the day.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/rocketminer/today-is-national-big-wind-day/article_fb433c78-c21d-5d01-9109-c174efc2fcf9.html
| 2022-04-12T18:31:13Z
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Ten years ago, Nate Storey was completing a Ph.D. in agronomy from the University of Wyoming while working to develop a new company with a bold objective of revolutionizing the way produce is cultivated and sold.
He and a partner had just won the UW College of Business entrepreneurship competition, receiving $12,500 to help start their company and one year of free business counseling services and space at UW’s business incubator.
Today, Storey is chief science officer for Silicon Valley startup Plenty Inc., which acquired his company, Bright Agrotech, in 2017. Plenty soon will open the world’s highest-output, vertical, indoor farm in Compton, Calif. It’s a major step for a new industry that is gaining increasing attention for its ability to supply high-quality produce year-round using relatively small amounts of water and land, and without the use of pesticides.
Walmart recently announced it has taken a stake in Plenty, becoming the first large U.S. retailer to significantly invest in indoor vertical farming as a way to deliver fresher produce to its stores.
It has been an eventful decade-long journey for Storey, who still lives with his family in Laramie while traveling frequently to California for his job. He says his success shows that a good idea, early stage support, intense effort, persistence and a willingness to learn and adapt make it possible for UW graduates to achieve their ambitions.
“When we competed in the first $10K (competition), we didn’t even really have a business at that point, just a concept with some work behind it,” Storey said. “Over the next couple of years, we built a business and got a crash course in how businesses work, how you set things up, how you manage people, taxes, overhead and compliance — all of the work that comes with starting a business. Since then, a lot has happened.”
Off the ground
Bright Agrotech emerged from UW’s business incubator in 2015 and established an indoor farm in Laramie, using vertical towers and other technology Storey developed and patented under license with the university.
The company grew quickly, generating several million dollars in annual revenue and employing dozens of people.
“I started to realize that Bright Agrotech was incapable of having the impact I’d hoped for on the food supply,” Storey said. “I was thinking about that problem when I ran into some guys from California who said they had the same idea for a food production business and liked our technology. They said, ‘Why not join us?’”
So, Storey joined Matt Barnard and Jack Oslan to co-found Plenty, handing off Bright Agrotech to partner Chris Michael. Subsequently, Plenty’s acquisition of Bright Agrotech folded in Storey’s patents and original equipment “to consolidate that technology.”
The Laramie operation remains and serves as Plenty’s research and development farm, employing about 80 people. Michael is now Plenty’s senior internal communications manager.
It has taken much more work in Laramie and at Plenty’s flagship farm in South San Francisco to take Bright Agrotech’s technology and develop it for large-scale application.
“We’ve gotten great traction with Plenty, but we have had hard technical problems to solve, and it’s complex from a business standpoint also,” Storey said. “No one in the world had a vision for these things. Developing that vision has required contact with the laws of physics, markets and customers.”
Steep learning curve
Storey describes the last 10 years as exhausting, “a decade of no sleep, of 100-hour work weeks, of selling and pitching.”
Plenty has raised nearly $1 billion for its next steps, and the first is monumental: opening its 95,000-square-foot indoor farm in Compton, which is expected to deliver its first produce in October to Walmart stores in California.
“This is the largest, most automated indoor farm in the world, by a long shot,” Storey said. “It contains a lot of the technology that we’ve worked really hard to develop at Plenty, a lot of the technology that represents the first steps to creating an entirely new form of agriculture.
“It’s something we’re all very excited about, even as we’re still in the rush and chaos of building it. It represents a lot of incredible work by a lot of incredible people.”
Plenty says its vertical farming towers are designed to grow multiple crops on one platform in a building the size of a big-box retail store.
Its systems feature vertical plant towers, LED lighting and robots to plant, feed and harvest crops using 1% of the land an outdoor farm requires while delivering anywhere from 150 to 350 times more food per acre.
The vertical farms are intended to supplement, but not replace, traditional farming practices while helping increase the food supply in a sustainable way.
“Plenty is going to be building many of these farms. These farms are very sophisticated assets that bring jobs to communities,” Storey said. “We are going to grow pretty meaningfully over the next few years to become a global ag production and technology business. As we grow, add new crops and invest in improving technology, we will see growth in our science team in Laramie as well.”
Storey’s success is exactly what UW had in mind when it launched the Wyoming Technology Business Center, now IMPACT 307, said Fred Schmechel, the incubator program’s interim director.
The university is augmenting its efforts to boost business startups with the launch of the Wyoming Innovation Partnership and the Wyoming Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, in conjunction with the state’s community colleges, the Wyoming Business Council and others.
Plans call for establishment of IMPACT 307 incubators in communities around the state, in addition to the existing ones in Laramie, Casper, Cheyenne and Sheridan.
“Nate’s story is a great example of how the university helps students and faculty develop ideas and then take them to the marketplace,” Schmechel said. “His story is particularly impressive, but a number of our incubator clients have gone on to become successful businesses in the state and beyond as well.”
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/economy_and_labor/laramie-man-living-a-true-success-storey/article_7a5f60c6-ba88-11ec-a726-83b9290f9369.html
| 2022-04-12T18:31:19Z
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/economy_and_labor/students-tidy-up-highway-and-shooting-range/article_8e3e19fc-ba88-11ec-87f3-c707353bb7ad.html
| 2022-04-12T18:31:25Z
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