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Propeller automates bond underwriting, simplifying how retail agents purchase surety bonds
PHILADELPHIA, April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Propeller, Inc., a high-growth insurtech MGA specializing in surety bonds, has signed an agreement with Amwins, the largest specialty insurance distributor in the U.S., to serve as a preferred surety partner to their network of over 25,000 retail agencies.
Joe Perschy, the Chief Executive Officer at Propeller, stated, "Amwins and Propeller are a natural fit. Amwins is a premier distribution partner, while Propeller is the most forward-thinking surety solution empowering retail agents to extend services to their clients. This solution truly provides retailers a bolt-on surety department overnight, equipping them with surety technology, market access, and expertise."
The partnership focuses on delivering Propeller's proprietary, white-labeled (URL) technology to agents and brokers, allowing the surety bond process to become fully automated from application to billing and issuance. Propeller onboards agents in minutes for free, with no premium requirements. Amwins retail agents can expect to write transactional surety bonds instantly with no friction and leverage the Propeller markets and team to place more complex risks.
"We are thrilled to partner with Propeller and bring this automated end-to-end underwriting platform for surety bonds to our retail clients," said Tom Parsons, head of digital at Amwins. "Our continued focus is creating the best placement experiences for our clients and Propeller's leading technology and product expertise provides this best experience within the surety market."
Aaron Steffey, Propeller's Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer, quoted, "I met Amwins almost exactly one year ago during our participation in the Brokertech Ventures Accelerator. The immediate synergies were obvious, and we knew this could be an incredible partnership as we continue to transform the way surety is viewed, distributed and underwritten. We are excited for this next chapter."
The Amwins and Propeller Bonds rollout will commence immediately with continued efforts throughout the year.
About Propeller, Inc.
Propeller Inc. is an insurtech MGA/MGU equipped with a proprietary instant issue surety bond platform. The platform currently houses more than 6,000 instant issue surety bonds, with thousands more to be added by the end of 2022. Propeller private labels the platform for agencies, allowing agents to either purchase bonds for clients or by empowering clients to self-service. Agents are compensated for all purchases via their unique site link. The company partners with highly respected "A" rated carriers. Click here to book a demo today.
About Amwins
Amwins is the largest independent wholesale distributor of specialty insurance products in the United States, dedicated to serving retail insurance agents by providing property and casualty products, specialty group benefit products, and administrative services. Based in Charlotte, N.C., the company operates through more than 155 offices globally and handles premium placements in excess of $26 billion annually.
Media Contact:
Jamie Bercik
jamie@propellerbonds.com
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SOURCE Propeller, Inc.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/propeller-inc-partners-with-amwins-surety-bond-distribution/
| 2022-04-05T15:26:10Z
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Victory at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage also marks Kupcho's first Major Championship win
MENLO PARK, Calif., April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global consulting firm Protiviti is proud to announce that brand ambassador and professional golfer Jennifer Kupcho won the 2022 Chevron Championship in Rancho Mirage, California last Sunday. The win took place the same week that Kupcho had her previous biggest win at the inaugural Augusta National Women's Amateur Championship in 2019.
Kupcho opened the Chevron tournament, which ran March 31 through April 3, with a 66 (-6) and posted an impressive third round 64 (-8) to put herself in position to close out play on Sunday. She solidified the win by finishing 14 strokes under, ahead of the field by two strokes.
Kupcho is 24 years old and playing in her fourth season on the LPGA. She turned professional in 2019 and is currently ranked 16th in the world.
"We are extremely proud of Jen's outstanding performance at The Chevron Championship and congratulate her on the first LPGA tour and major championship victories of her career," said Joseph Tarantino, president and CEO of Protiviti. "We are also excited that she made 25 birdies during the tournament for which Protiviti will donate 25,000 meals to fight world hunger as part of our 'Birdies for Meals' program."
The 'Birdies for Meals' program is part of a larger Protiviti initiative to help alleviate hunger around the world, called 'i on Hunger.' Protiviti has pledged to donate 1,000 meals to the non-profit organization U.S. Hunger each time Kupcho and fellow Protiviti golf ambassador Matt Fitzpatrick make a birdie in the Major Championships in 2022.
Commenting on her win, Kupcho said, "I'm so excited to share this victory with everyone at Protiviti ‑ their support throughout the past three years has been incredible. Knowing this week kicked off the 'Birdies for Meals' campaign with 25,000 meals is such a great feeling."
Kupcho competes next in the LOTTE Championship in Hawaii, April 13-16. Follow her on Twitter: @JenniferKupcho.
Kupcho has been a brand ambassador for Protiviti since February 2020. For more information about Protiviti's golf brand ambassador program, the firm's sponsorship of Jennifer Kupcho (LPGA) and Matt Fitzpatrick (PGA) and for photos and video interviews with the players, please visit www.protiviti.com/golf.
About Protiviti
Protiviti (www.protiviti.com) is a global consulting firm that delivers deep expertise, objective insights, a tailored approach and unparalleled collaboration to help leaders confidently face the future. Protiviti and its independent and locally owned Member Firms provide clients with consulting and managed solutions in finance, technology, operations, data, analytics, digital, governance, risk and internal audit through its network of more than 85 offices in over 25 countries.
Named to the 2021 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list, Protiviti has served more than 80 percent of Fortune 100 and nearly 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies. The firm also works with smaller, growing companies, including those looking to go public, as well as with government agencies. Protiviti is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half (NYSE: RHI). Founded in 1948, Robert Half is a member of the S&P 500 index.
Protiviti is not licensed or registered as a public accounting firm and does not issue opinions on financial statements or offer attestation services.
Editor's note: photos available upon request.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/protiviti-brand-ambassador-pro-golfer-jennifer-kupcho-wins-her-first-lpga-tournament-chevron-championship/
| 2022-04-05T15:26:17Z
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Da gracias a Dios todos los días por tus bendiciones. Translated into English that's: Give thanks to God every day for your blessings.
Those are the words written on the wall of the bedroom shared by a mother, a father and their two children in their small mountainside home in Nuevo Cuscatlán, El Salvador. Each day, the family's disabled 16-year-old daughter has to be pushed up eight flights of stairs in her wheelchair and raised and lowered by her mother into a chest-high cement basin for her daily bath because their house has limited running water.
Despite the struggles of their current living arrangements, the family is grateful for their blessings, as evidenced by the literal writing on the wall.
Fortunately, for this family and others in Nuevo Cuscatlán, those living arrangements are changing. With a donation from Jacksonville's Providence Homes to New Story, 131 families are in the process of moving into their new, safe homes. New Story is a social housing nonprofit that pioneers solutions to end global homelessness. The organization builds homes in Haiti, El Salvador, Mexico and Bolivia.
The team from Providence Homes recently traveled to El Salvador to see the community they funded and the consensus from the group is it was a life-changing trip.
"We were able to give a family the keys to their new homes on move-in day," said Peyton Davidson, Providence Homes marketing manager. "Seeing the joy and pride in their faces is something I will never forget as long as I live."
According to Davidson, the families have input into how the home is laid out to best suit the needs of their family and get to pick the interior paint colors. The family whose old home the group visited will be equipped with an accessible first-floor bedroom and bathroom for their daughter.
After visiting El Salvador and seeing firsthand the work New Story was doing, Providence Homes founder and CEO Bill Cellar wanted to partner with New Story in celebration of the homebuilder's 30th anniversary.
"For the past three decades, we have worked with clients in the Jacksonville area to make their homeownership dreams come true," said Cellar. "We have been very fortunate to grow our business and it is truly a blessing to partner with New Story to provide the gift of homeownership to the wonderful, hard-working people of Nuevo Cuscatlán."
About New Story | newstorycharity.org
New Story is a non-profit working to create a world where no human being lives in survival mode. The organization currently works in Mexico, Haiti, El Salvador and Bolivia, where they have funded more than 2,500 homes for families in need. Their 100% model ensures every penny of each donation goes to building homes while their organization overhead is covered by private donors. Learn more at newstorycharity.org.
About Providence Homes | providencehomesinc.com
Headquartered in Jacksonville, Providence Homes is committed to providing the highest standards of residential construction in northeast Florida. As one of Jacksonville's only 100-percent ENERGY STAR® Certified home builders, Providence Homes pledges to make a difference in the industry by building every home with the same detail and commitment to excellence as they would with their own. Since becoming an ENERGY STAR® partner, Providence Homes has built more than 1,800 ENERGY STAR® homes helping Jacksonville families save more than $7 million in energy bills.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/providence-homes-partners-with-new-story-provide-houses-131-families/
| 2022-04-05T15:26:24Z
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LENEXA, Kan., April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For the sixth time in school history, the University of Kansas Jayhawks Men's Basketball team are National Champions! Last night, Bill Self and the Jayhawks defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 72 – 69 to bring another national title to Lawrence. Rally House celebrated alongside all KU fans after the win with Officially Licensed Kansas Jayhawks National Champions gear and opened all Kansas City, Topeka and Lawrence locations early this morning, providing the best selection of KU National Champions merchandise to fans.
The relationship between Rally House and KU fans goes back for over 30 years when Rally House was starting out as Kansas Sampler. KU has grown from the first team Kansas Sampler carried to a cornerstone of Rally House. Now with 14 locations throughout the KC metro and three stores in Lawrence, Rally House is the Official Gameday Store of Kansas Athletics and is known as the premier destination to shop Jayhawks gear. Shop over 5,000 Kansas Jayhawks styles in-store and online at https://rallyhouse.com/b/kansas-jayhawks.
Rally House was ready with National Championship product and eager to open their doors to fans this morning following the victory. "It's all just so exciting! When fans walk into a Rally House it's a party, and with our selection of diverse product every fan can find what they're looking for," said Owner and Founder Peg Liebert. "We are fans just like our customers which makes the experience that much better," Liebert added.
When shopping the Jayhawks National Champions assortment with Rally House, customers will find the most popular styles such as the Official Locker Room tee seen on players and coaches cutting down the nets, sweatshirts, jackets, hats, drinkware and much more. Also, exclusive styles from Rally House's private label RALLY Brand™ will be available.
Shop Kansas Jayhawks National Champion gear online now at https://www.rallyhouse.com/b/kansas-jayhawks/o/national-champions. For updates follow Rally House KC on Instagram and Twitter.
About Rally House
Rally House and Sampler Stores Inc. is a family-owned specialty boutique that offers a large selection of apparel, hats, gifts and home décor representing local NCAA, NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS teams in addition to locally inspired apparel, gifts and food. Proudly based in Lenexa, Kansas, Rally House operates 100+ locations across 12 states.
CONTACT:
Aaron Johnson, VP of Marketing
ajohnson@rallyhouse.com
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/rally-house-celebrates-ku-jayhawks-national-championship/
| 2022-04-05T15:26:31Z
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LONDON, April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, TEAM LEWIS Foundation released further research from its global survey conducted with HeForShe, UN Women's solidarity movement engaging men and boys in support of gender equality and empowerment of women. The global study revealed that Gen Z prioritizes gender equality alongside enterprise and environmental issues more than any other age group.
The study revealed that gender equality is seen as the 4th most pressing societal issue for Gen Z. In comparison, the global average across all ages places it as the 7th most important issue when asked which issue is most important to people in their age group. When surveyed, Gen Z ranked economic opportunity, LGBTQ+ issues, and climate change ahead of gender equality.
While 66% of Gen Zers believe that gender equality is a serious issue, only 51% of those aged 65+ share the same view. Gen Z is also more aware that women are disproportionately affected by climate change with almost a quarter (24%) understanding that this is an issue. In comparison, just 17% of those 65 and older recognize the intersection between climate change and gender equality.
However, when it comes to climate change, all generations seemingly acknowledge the seriousness of this issue. It was ranked in the top 3 most pressing issues for all generations. Similarly, the research revealed all generations think that the issue of gender inequality and climate change is more important after learning more about it.
"Gen Z recognize the stark challenge the world faces when it comes to Enterprise, Environment and Equality," said Samuel Dean, CEO of TEAM LEWIS Foundation. "Leaders must listen to the concerns of younger generations. Gen Z is speaking up and must be heard if we are going to have a more equal and, therefore, environmentally and economically sustainable future."
"Gen Z are passionate about social justice." said Edward Wageni, global head of HeForShe. "This research demonstrates that Gen Zers of all genders understand the importance of many critical issues. By acting now, working together, and listening to younger voices, it is possible that we create a better tomorrow for everyone."
To read the full report, please visit: https://www.teamlewis.com/heforshe/
Note to editors
TEAM LEWIS
TEAM LEWIS is a global marketing agency built to help and inspire brands to grow. It provides a full spectrum of marketing, communications and digital services to deliver tangible business impact for clients. The company has over 650 staff across 24 offices throughout Asia, Europe and North America.
HeForShe
Created by UN Women, the United Nations entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women, HeForShe is a solidarity movement for gender equality that invites men and boys as allies for a more equal world. HeForShe provides a systematic approach and targeted platform where a global audience can engage and become change agents for the achievement of gender equality in our lifetime. The movement invites people around the world to stand together as equal partners to craft a shared vision of a gender-equal world and implement specific, locally relevant solutions for the good of all of humanity. For more information, visit: www.HeForShe.org/en.
Research Methodology
The survey was conducted by TEAM LEWIS Foundation to understand people's perceptions on the disproportionate impact climate change has on women. TEAM LEWIS Foundation surveyed the general population aged 18 and above across a balanced and diverse group of ages, races, and gender. A total number 8,002 respondents were surveyed across numerous countries including, the US, UK, China, Germany, India, Mexico, Brazil, UAE, Israel, and Singapore. The survey was fielded from February 11th until March 2nd, 2022. Respondents were independently sourced from two vendors, OpinionRoute and Dynata.
Media Contact: Shazia Amin, shazia.amin@teamlewis.com
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/research-reveals-gen-zs-priorities-enterprise-environment-equality/
| 2022-04-05T15:26:38Z
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NEW YORK, April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Resulticks today announced that it has joined the Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program to collaborate on transforming the landscape of real-time customer engagement and communications. Together with the best of Qualcomm Technologies' IoT solutions and services, Resulticks' customer engagement solution will add new dimensions to end-consumer experiences, while also accelerating top-line growth for brands.
As one of the fastest growing AI-powered customer engagement solutions, Resulticks has always been ahead of the curve in enabling seamless journeys across the offline and online worlds through the handling of streams of data, events, and digital signals at scale. With the ever-increasing demand for context-based targeting and hyper-personalization, there are infinite ways in which these signals, communications, and analytics can come together at every juncture of the customer lifecycle from lead acquisition to conversion resulting in loyalty.
As part of the Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program, Resulticks can now facilitate brands to go beyond the usual touchpoints in this journey to leverage the signals from a gamut of sensors, wearables, smart devices, and digital screens that has remained largely untouched today.
"We are pleased to have Resulticks join the Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program ecosystem where we can together accelerate digital transformation and make it easier for businesses and entities looking to deliver smart AI-powered solutions for enhanced customer engagement," said Ashok Tipirneni, director and head of platform product management, Smart Cities, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
"Our aspiration has always been to be at the forefront of digital evolution, transformation and customer engagement," said Mani Gopalaratnam, CEO, Resulticks. "For example, we are one of the first solutions of our kind to leverage edge and serverless technology and WebAssembly technologies to deliver what is really real-time engagement. But, it is also not about technology for technology's sake. With Qualcomm Technologies, we believe we have all the right ingredients in the right place and at the right time to deliver smart solutions across verticals like retail, telecom, and banking that will deliver tangible outcomes to businesses, consumers, and the entire ecosystem. We are delighted and looking forward to making a difference with Qualcomm Technologies."
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm is the world's leading wireless technology innovator and the driving force behind the development, launch, and expansion of 5G. When we connected the phone to the internet, the mobile revolution was born. Today, our foundational technologies enable the mobile ecosystem and are found in every 3G, 4G and 5G smartphone. We bring the benefits of mobile to new industries, including automotive, the internet of things, and computing, and are leading the way to a world where everything and everyone can communicate and interact seamlessly.
Qualcomm Incorporated includes our licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of our patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, substantially all of our engineering, research and development functions, and substantially all of our products and services businesses, including our QCT semiconductor business.
About Resulticks
Resulticks is a real-time, big-data-driven customer engagement solution built from the ground up by experts in marketing, technology, and business strategy to deliver topline growth. Outcomes-focused and enabled by the world's first customer data blockchain, Resulticks equips brands to make a transformational leap to true omnichannel engagement. With its AI-powered, customer-centric approach and attribution at the segment-of-one level, Resulticks is changing how brands worldwide reach, acquire, and retain satisfied customers. For more information, please log on to www.resulticks.com. Follow Resulticks on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
Qualcomm is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.
Qualcomm Smart Cities Accelerator Program is a program of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/resulticks-brings-real-time-smart-customer-engagement-solutions-verticals-qualcomm-smart-cities-accelerator-program/
| 2022-04-05T15:26:45Z
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The agreement will further enable the exponential growth of The SaltFacial system due to high consumer demand for non-invasive aesthetic procedures.
CARDIFF, Calif., April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SaltMED™, a medical device company focused on innovative medical aesthetic technology, is pleased to announce the manufacturing agreement with Jabil (NYSE: JBL), to become the company's manufacturer and supplier of SaltMED's current and future products.
The SaltFacial device is paramount to medical aesthetic practices and providers around the world who are seeking a patented and true medical facial technology made in the USA. Current SaltFacial providers are seeing over 70% of their patients schedule their next appointment within 4-6 weeks for a SaltFacial treatment immediately after their first treatment, leading to tremendous practice growth on other services as well such as skincare and injectables. "The SaltFacial is the most utilized device in both of my practices. It can be used on every patient, every day, with 100% satisfaction. I would invest in this technology again and again," Dr. Gregory Chernoff, Triple Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.
"We truly appreciate Jabil for entrusting and choosing to partner with SaltMED to deliver world class technology in the medical aesthetic industry," said Allan Danto, President and CEO of SaltMED. "Due to the high level of demand with both providers seeking to offer The SaltFacial's unique and innovative technology, and consumers seeking The SaltFacial treatments, we have set immediate action plans and schedule to scale The SaltFacial distribution in the early second half of 2022.
"Jabil chose to manufacture The SaltFacial because it is a market disruptor in the medical aesthetic industry and has tremendous opportunity to scale. As the industry's largest provider of design, engineering and manufacturing solutions to the medical field, The SaltFacial meets Jabil's high standards of delivering the best technology, while expanding into the medical aesthetic space," said Jim Warren, Director of Business Development, Jabil.
The manufacturing agreement allows for Jabil and SaltMED to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible well into the future of the medical aesthetic market. For more information about SaltMED, visit www.SaltMED.com.
Media Contact:
Erika Sheyn
Chief Marketing Officer
erika@saltmed.com
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SOURCE SaltMED
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/saltmed-announces-manufacturing-agreement-with-jabil-following-record-year-sales-saltfacial-skin-renewal-system/
| 2022-04-05T15:26:52Z
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NEW YORK, April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP, a class action law firm dedicated to representing shareholders nationwide, is investigating a potential breach of fiduciary duty claim involving the board of directors of McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE: MKC).
If you are a shareholder of McCormick & Company, Incorporated and are interested in obtaining additional information regarding this investigation, free of charge, please visit us at:
You may also contact Robert H. Lefkowitz, Esq. either via email at rl@pjlfirm.com or by telephone at 212-725-1000. One of our attorneys will personally speak with you about the case at no cost or obligation.
Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP is a law firm exclusively committed to representing shareholders nationwide who are victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and other types of corporate misconduct. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit http://pjlfirm.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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SOURCE Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/shareholder-alert-purcell-amp-lefkowitz-llp-is-investigating-mccormick-amp-company-incorporated-potential-breaches-fiduciary-duty-by-its-board-directors/
| 2022-04-05T15:26:59Z
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Global Independent Omnichannel Ad Exchange Taps Former OpenX Executive Richard Ottoy to Expand Global Footprint
MONTREAL, April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharethrough, one of the top global independent omnichannel ad exchanges, today announced the opening of its new office in London and the appointment of Richard Ottoy as General Manager, EMEA. Ottoy will lead the company's efforts to expand its global footprint and accelerate business development across Europe. He will report directly to JF Cote, CEO & President of Sharethrough.
Ottoy brings more than 18 years of experience to Sharethrough, having held leadership positions at both adtech companies and publishers. Prior to joining Sharethrough, Ottoy was Vice President of Business Development, EMEA at OpenX, where he led the publisher development team, managed various teams across Europe and developed relationships with top level publishers. Ottoy has worked with some of the largest brands in the world throughout his seven years at OpenX, helping publishers better manage and monetize their ad inventory.
"Richard Ottoy brings a wealth of invaluable experience to Sharethrough's global expansion plans," said JF Cote, CEO & President of Sharethrough. "With Richard at the helm of our EMEA team, Sharethrough will continue to provide seamless service to our clients with European interests while opening the door to new partnerships throughout the region".
Ottoy will be responsible for overseeing the EMEA region, utilizing his key leadership and business acumen to lead all departments as a cultural leader and head administrator. This expansion lays the groundwork for Sharethrough to increase the company's overall global footprint, as the UK is projected to increase programmatic ad spending for a third successive quarter at 5.2%, according to the IPA Bellwether Report.
"The opportunity to work for a company that is investing so heavily in its product roadmap is very exciting, and I jumped at the chance to lead Sharethrough's EMEA expansion efforts," Ottoy said. "It's thrilling to be part of such a growth-driven team, and I look forward to having the EMEA office serve as the blueprint for additional Sharethrough offices around the globe."
Sharethrough is one of the top global independent omnichannel ad exchanges. Driven by our conviction that advertising should be underpinned by respect & care, we believe taking a human-centric approach to advertising and monetization is the key to a sustainable path forward for the independent and accessible internet to thrive. Advertisers & publishers leverage Sharethrough's unique technology to enhance every impression by rendering a higher-performing banner, video, CTV or native ad that dynamically fits into any placement on any site. Our publisher partners benefit from directly-sourced demand, scale, and quality, prioritizing their monetization efforts while elevating performance. With its headquarters in Montreal, Sharethrough has several offices across North America including San Francisco on the west coast & New York City in the east.
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SOURCE Sharethrough
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/sharethrough-opens-london-office-hires-emea-general-manager-fuel-european-expansion/
| 2022-04-05T15:27:06Z
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IRVINE, Calif., April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Shopoff Realty Investments ("Shopoff"), a national manager of opportunistic and value-add real estate investments, announced today that Mark Schultz has joined the company as chief financial officer, bringing more than 35 years of experience in commercial real estate finance to his new role at Shopoff.
As a key member of the executive management team, Schultz will assume a strategic role in the overall management of the company. In this position he will be accountable for the administrative, financial, and risk management operations of the company.
"Mark will make a wonderful addition to our firm, bringing his extensive experience, and unique perspective as a previous owner and mortgage banker," explained Shopoff Realty Investments President and CEO William Shopoff. "Our accounting department is a vital component to the success of our firm and its dynamic investments, and we are confident Mark's leadership will only further elevate our stellar team of professionals."
Previously, Schultz was CFO of the Picerne Group, Hopkins Real Estate Group in Orange County, as well as The Broe Group in Denver. He also acted as COO/CFO for Sower Capital in Omaha, NE. Throughout his career he has closed over $4 billion in debt and equity and has been involved in the discounted note business, real estate syndication and development, as well as leadership roles of accounting, finance, information technology and mergers and acquisitions teams. Schultz's vast experience covers national platforms in multifamily, senior housing, affordable housing, office, retail and master planned land developments (including construction, management and operations). He graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor's degree in accounting, DePaul University with an MBA in finance and is also a CPA.
Schultz added, "I am thrilled to join Shopoff and lend my expertise and experience to such a successful and unique company."
Former CFO, Ed Morrell, will remain with Shopoff, but in a new position with the company as its Senior Financial Advisor.
Morrell added, "Working at Shopoff for the past 6 years has been an exciting journey, and I am pleased to be moving into this new position and pursuing an area of finance that I have always been passionate about, while continuing to be a part of this amazing team. Mark will make a fantastic CFO and I look forward to collaborating with him in my new role."
About Shopoff Realty Investments
Shopoff Realty Investments is an Irvine, California-based real estate firm with a 30-year history of value-add and opportunistic investing across the United States. The company primarily focuses on proactively generating appreciation through the repositioning of commercial income-producing properties and the entitlement of land assets. The 30-year history includes operating as Asset Recovery Fund, Eastbridge Partners and Shopoff Realty Investments (formerly known as The Shopoff Group). Performance has varied in this time frame, with certain offerings generating losses. For additional information, please visit www.shopoff.com or call (844) 4-SHOPOFF.
Disclosures
This is not an offering to buy or sell any securities. Such offer may only be made through the offerings memorandum to qualified purchasers. Any investment in Shopoff Realty Investments programs involves substantial risks and is suitable only for investors who have no need for liquidity and who can bear the loss of their entire investment. There is no assurance that any strategy will succeed to meet its investment objectives. The performance of this asset is not indicative of future results of other assets. Securities offered through Shopoff Securities, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC, 18565 Jamboree Road, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92612, (844) 4-SHOPOFF.
Contact: Jill Swartz
Spotlight Marketing Communications
949.427.1389
jill@spotlightmarcom.com
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/shopoff-realty-investments-names-mark-schultz-chief-financial-officer/
| 2022-04-05T15:27:13Z
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Company veteran to oversee world's largest pork processing operation
SMITHFIELD, Va., April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Smithfield Foods, Inc. has promoted Andrea Tucker to plant manager of the company's Tar Heel facility in North Carolina, effective April 4. The company's largest facility, Smithfield's Tar Heel plant is also the largest pork processing operation in the world.
Tucker, who has more than 20 years of experience with the company, will oversee the complex's planning, organization, cost and continual improvements, focusing on employer of choice cultural enhancements and ensuring the location's continued leadership in product quality.
"Andrea is a true servant leader who has achieved record levels of operational excellence, employee morale and engagement by instilling a culture of teamwork wherever she goes," said Brady Stewart, chief operating officer for Smithfield Foods. "We are tremendously proud to have her as part of our Smithfield Family and look forward to watching her career with Smithfield continue to unfold."
After joining Smithfield as an accountant more than two decades ago, Tucker became the company's first female plant manager in 2019 when she was appointed to oversee its largest bacon processing facility in Wilson, N.C. Earlier that year, Tucker received a STEP Ahead Award from The Manufacturing Institute through a program honoring women leaders in manufacturing who make an impact through their advocacy, mentorship, engagement and leadership.
"I'm grateful Smithfield believes in me and for the opportunity to continue to give back to this company," said Tucker. "My journey to becoming a plant manager didn't happen overnight. It's my goal to uphold our culture at Smithfield where anyone can access the same opportunities I have had through hard work and dedication. Though I will miss my Wilson team, I'm excited for this next chapter in Tar Heel."
Donovan Owens, Tar Heel plant manager since 2018, is being promoted to a new corporate role within Smithfield.
"We thank Donovan for his many contributions at our Tar Heel facility over the last four years," said Stewart. "Providing new opportunities for our team members to contribute and grow is an essential element of our vertically integrated business strategy and the future of our company. We are confident that Andrea and Donovan will continue to excel in their new roles."
Smithfield is committed to providing good jobs and taking good care of its people through investing in a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture and the health and safety of its workforce. Good career opportunities in the company's manufacturing, farm and distribution operations are available at smithfieldfoods.com/careers.
Headquartered in Smithfield, Va. since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with agricultural roots and a global reach. With more than 60,000 jobs globally, we are dedicated to producing "Good food. Responsibly®" and serve as one of the world's leading vertically integrated protein companies. We have pioneered sustainability standards for more than two decades, including our industry-leading commitments to become carbon negative in our U.S. company-owned operations and reduce GHG emissions 30 percent across our entire U.S. value chain by 2030. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/smithfield-foods-promotes-andrea-tucker-plant-manager-its-tar-heel-nc-facility/
| 2022-04-05T15:27:21Z
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This marks the third consecutive year the multi-location marketing platform has been honored for its growth
SAN DIEGO, April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SOCi, the marketing platform for multi-location brands, is proud to announce it has been recognized as part of The Financial Times (FT) list of The Americas' Fastest Growing Companies 2022. The award is presented by FT and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. This is the third consecutive year SOCi has received this prestigious honor.
"I am extremely proud of the dedicated team we've built at SOCi in the last several years, one that consistently goes above and beyond to improve our business and ultimately, increase our customers' bottom lines," said Afif Khoury, Co-Founder and CEO of SOCi. "Our growth is tied to our push for innovation, and we are nowhere near being done innovating solutions to help multi-location businesses optimize their digital footprint and drive more business."
The Americas' Fastest Growing Companies list is comprised of the enterprises that contribute most heavily to economic growth. From thousands of entrants, only 500 companies are featured on the list, which can currently be viewed on the FT website. The FT, in collaboration with Statista, ranks companies from across the Americas by compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue between 2017 and 2020.
To learn more about how SOCi helps businesses scale marketing that's brand directed, locally perfected, and data connected, visit www.meetsoci.com.
About SOCi
SOCi is the marketing platform for multi-location brands. We empower businesses like Ace Hardware, Sport Clips, and Anytime Fitness to scale marketing efforts across all digital channels in a way that's brand directed, locally perfected, and data connected. As one central place to scale marketing, SOCi makes the impossible possible by enabling top brands and their locations to strengthen and scale their digital presence across limitless local search and social pages while protecting what matters most, their reputation. For more information on how SOCi can help fuel your localized marketing success - visit us at www.meetsoci.com or message us at hello@meetsoci.com.
Media Contacts
Avery Nunez
BLASTmedia for SOCi
soci@blastmedia.com
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/soci-recognized-financial-times-list-americas-fastest-growing-companies-2022/
| 2022-04-05T15:27:28Z
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CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Trazia Rae, 27 (@traziarae) with over 2 million followers, one of the largest food creators on TikTok, Instagram and other social platforms is taking her home country comfort cooking style to race tracks all over the country. Trazia's husband Josh Williams, 28 drives in several of the NASCAR racing series. This dynamic duo of speed and food have decided the best way to stay together is to be together. Trazia and Josh have purchased an RV and now will get an opportunity to share some of Trazia's finest cooking tips and recipes at your local short tracks to the big stage at select NASCAR events in 2022.
Trazia 's unique social media accounts (@traziarae) tie in comfort food cooking, DIY and her personal love for such hobbies as gardening and thrifting. Trazia has always wanted to be on the road with Josh but because of her large number of pets and busy schedule creating content for brands such as Shark Ninja, Keurig and many others, it's been a struggle, "We love being with each other. We have dated since Junior High School so I knew him before he started running in NASCAR. I am excited post pandemic to get out and meet my fans and Josh's so we can create some incredible memories and content around food, family and racing!" said Trazia.
Being on the road also comes with some really unique business opportunities as well. Evan Morgenstein CEO of Trazia's talent agency The Digital Renegades ( www.thedigitalrenegades.com ) agrees, "Having Trazia at some of the most historic tracks coupled with many local and small market tracks for legends and truck racing really allow her to extend her audience to new followers. Brands are getting excited as we have several upcoming announcements for Trackside with Trazia!" Morgenstein went on to say, "We are marrying traditional on-site activation with social media and influencer marketing. The content will hit millions of interested fans old and new. With a demographic of 24-45 year old women (90+%) and over 1.8 million followers on TikTok alone, this is really unique in this space!"
For more information on the locations Trazia and Josh are going, stay tuned to her TikTok and Instagram (@traziarae) and to engage in a conversation about being part of the amazing brands coming along for the ride, contact Evan Morgenstein evan@celebexperts.com P 919/332-0584.
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SOURCE CelebExperts
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/social-media-star-trazia-rae-will-travel-multiple-race-tracks-with-husband-racer-josh-williams/
| 2022-04-05T15:27:34Z
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TORONTO, April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Minimally invasive image-guided therapy start-up, SpinaFX Medical Inc. (SpinaFX), is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kieran Murphy as Chief Medical Officer and member of the Board of Directors of SpinaFX Medical.
"Dr. Murphy has been a pioneer in the field of intradiscal ozone for the treatment of herniated lumbar discs since 2004," said SpinaFX Medical CEO Jeff Cambra. "We look forward to drawing on Dr. Murphy's expertise and leadership in the field as we develop minimally-invasive, image guided solutions designed to address the unmet needs of patients, physicians and health systems."
A leading interventional neuroradiologist, Dr. Murphy brings extensive experience to the role, including training at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, residency and fellowship at Albany Medical Center NY, and the University of Michigan. While in his Interventional neuroradiology fellowship at University of Geneva in 1996 he became one of the first physicians to perform vertebroplasty. From 1998 to 2008 he was Director of Interventional Neuroradiology at Johns Hopkins University. He is now Professor of interventional Neuroradiology and researcher at the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto, the largest Academic center in Canada and ranked as the 4th best hospital in the world by Newsweek. He treats over 300 patients a year at Toronto Western Hospital
In addition to his clinical and investigatory work at UHN, Dr. Murphy is a prolific inventor who holds 72 patents, particularly in the area of spine intervention, vertebroplasty and Ozone technology. His vertebroplasty devices are used in over 4500 hospitals worldwide. He has also created and led medical education programs in Ireland, the United States, the Middle East and elsewhere.
Dr. Murphy is the author of 178 peer-reviewed articles (over 6500 citations) and the co-author and editor of the bestselling textbook Image-Guided Interventions, published by Elsevier. He is a Fellow of the Society of Interventional Radiology and a senior member of ASSR and ASNR. He is an advisor to TVM capital, Shore capital and Generation Capital. He works closely with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in their Global surgery training program.
"I'm thrilled to be part of this exciting venture representing a new frontier in the treatment of herniated discs," said Murphy. "I have worked hard to understand the mechanism of action of ozone on the nucleus pulposus, to build robust devices, and to study the patient benefit in well-structured clinical trials. "I believe that SpinaFX will bring effective minimally invasive technologies to market that have the potential to relieve the suffering of millions of patients suffering with symptomatic herniated lumbar discs around the world.
"Dr. Murphy is on the leading edge of research in intradiscal ozone for the treatment of herniated discs, and he is a tremendous asset to our team," said SpinaFX Executive Chair Igor Keselman. "We look forward to driving innovation in the industry together."
About the Company
Headquartered in Ontario, Canada, SpinaFX is a medical device company bringing innovative, minimally invasive image-guided treatments to patients with back pain due to herniated discs.
Forward-Looking Statement
This news release contains predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", which are made as of the date of this news release or as of the effective date of information described in this release, as applicable. The forward-looking statements address such anticipated events or occurrences which may include economic factors, industry trends, market demand, and corporate performance and profitability. Forward-looking statements are often identified through words or expressions including "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "envisages", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "objectives" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "can", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions).
All forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by, and information currently available to SpinaFX's management team. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections, and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. We caution any person reviewing this news release not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements.
Neither SpinaFX nor its representatives undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by SpinaFX or its representatives or on behalf of either of them, except as may be required by law.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/spinafx-medical-announces-dr-kieran-murphy-chief-medical-officer/
| 2022-04-05T15:27:41Z
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Winner's Logo Will Be Provided to All Safe Spaces Certified Organizations and Spaces
Mast-Jägermeister US Will Become One of the First Certified Safe Spaces
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) and Jägermeister are launching a nationwide search for the first SIGBI Safe Spaces logo. The winning logo will be provided for use to all certified Safe Spaces across the country.
A survey conducted by SIGBI uncovered that 89% of the LGBTQ+ community believe that most spaces are not aware that LGBTQ+ people feel unsafe, and 97% believe the LGBTQ+ community would benefit from more safe spaces. Through a 10-step process, entertainment venues, food and beverage locations, stores, businesses and other public venues, can become certified as a Safe Space for LGBTQ+ members of the community.
"Safe Spaces uplift LGBTQ+ people by providing a place to celebrate, educate, thrive, work, shop, relax and live freely," said Stacy Lentz, CEO, SIGBI. "We are excited to open the visual representation of Safe Spaces to the community and look forward to seeing the incredible submissions we receive."
The logo contest is open from April 4-30, 2022. Entrants 21+ from across the country can visit https://www.jagermeister.com/en-US/safespaces to submit their logo design, which will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges from the LGBTQ+ community:
- Alex Weems: Member of the Mississippi Gulf Equality Council, and award-winning graphic designer
- Brenda Risch: Executive Director of Borderland Rainbow Center
- Dr. Marisa Richmond: Professor of History and Women's and Gender studies at Middle Tennessee University, and SIGBI Board Member
- Rachel Smallman: LGBTQ+ Nightlife Pioneer in Alabama
Judges will be looking for a logo that is creative, representative of the SIGBI Safe Spaces initiative and easily adaptable to become a sticker for a certified Safe Spaces door, email signature, event signage and more.
In addition to gaining recognition in certified Safe Spaces across the country, the winner will receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City in June to celebrate Pride. More details on the prize included on the contest entry page.
"We are proud that Mast-Jägermeister US is committed to becoming one of the first certified SIGBI Safe Spaces," said Chris Peddy, Chief Marketing Officer, Mast-Jägermeister US. "As a strong supporter of both the LGBTQ+ and creative communities, including our recent partnership and fundraising efforts with The Lesbian Bar Project, we are thrilled to provide one lucky winner with the opportunity to showcase their meaningful work."
To learn more about becoming a SIGBI Safe Space, please visit www.stonewallinitiative.org.
Introduced over 80 years ago, Jägermeister, German for "Master Hunter," is one of the world's most successful liqueurs and available in 150 countries. The iconic taste of Jägermeister is not left to chance but is due to decades of experience, a safely guarded secret recipe consisting of 56 natural herbs, blossoms, roots and fruits including star anise, cardamom, cinnamon and ginger roots, and 383 quality checks. The botanical ingredients are extracted in their raw, unprocessed form through a gentle, weeks-long process of cold maceration to create Jägermeister's base. The base, housed in more than 400 oak casks, then "breathes" for one full year, which is key to creating the complex and balanced flavor of Jägermeister's legendary taste profile. Jägermeister is 35% Alc./Vol. and imported exclusively by Mast-Jägermeister US, White Plains, NY. Visit www.jagermeister.com and follow @JagermeisterUSA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) is the official non-profit of the Stonewall Inn which is one of the original LGBTQ+ communities safe spaces and is widely considered the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The SIGBI Safe Spaces certification identifies entertainment venues, food and beverage locations, stores, businesses and other public venues, as safe spaces for LGBTQ+ members of the community.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/stonewall-inn-gives-back-initiative-jgermeister-announce-nationwide-search-create-safe-spaces-logo/
| 2022-04-05T15:27:48Z
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MEXICO CITY, April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tangelo, a leading financial technology company in Latin America specializing in alternative credit, announced the closing of its credit facility for $3 billion Mexican pesos (around $150 million US dollars) with HSBC. This credit facility aims to support Tangelo's Mexican asset-based lending portfolio growth, optimizing cash and leverage levels, allowing Tangelo to continue diversifying its debt profile, promoting funding in local currency, and supporting increasing demand for its SME credit solutions.
This new facility will allow Tangelo to maintain an efficient capital structure, improve its profitability profile and continue reporting strong financial indicators.
Tangelo's co-CEO, Alejandro Monzó, commented: "The signing of this facility provides us with sufficient liquidity to keep expanding our asset-based lending portfolio, supporting more Mexican small and medium enterprises, and consolidate our strong position in the market".
Tangelo is a Latin American financial technology company specializing in alternative credit with over 25 years of experience developing bespoke credit solutions for underserved consumers and SMEs. The versatility of its proprietary technology platform enables product customization and the ability to quickly build and scale different credit products, ranging from point-of-sale financing, supply chain financing, asset-based lending, credit-scoring-as-a-service, and end-to-end white label digital credit solutions for multiple industries and regions.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/tangelo-announces-new-usd150-million-warehouse-credit-facility-with-hsbc/
| 2022-04-05T15:27:54Z
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The healthcare software company is recognized for its marketing leadership built on a branding and digital marketing foundation
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Therapy Brands was awarded 'Best Marketing Team' by Comparably, a highly-regarded workplace culture and career site that bases these coveted awards on anonymous employee feedback from reputable U.S. based companies. Therapy Brands was also awarded the Best Outlook award earlier this month.
The marketing team at Therapy Brands is a champion for mental and behavioral health providers, facilitating numerous educational sessions and content, including webinars, podcasts, whitepapers, and speaking engagements. Pairing a thought leadership approach with a strong digital marketing foundation has fueled the company's growth and recognition as a valued partner in the therapy markets.
The Therapy Brands marketing team has also played a pivotal role in the company's upcoming large-scale rebrand. This effort is designed to enable customers and stakeholders to easily navigate educational information and identify solutions that help them advance their therapy practice. The new Therapy Brands website will feature the company's flagship EMR and data solutions including TheraNest, WebABA, DataCatalyst, Fusion, Procentive, and TenEleven.
"We are grateful for the recognition of our dynamic marketing team," said Maria Perrin, Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer for Therapy Brands. "Our entire Therapy Brands team is dedicated to helping expand access to quality mental health and therapy solutions. We will continue to leverage our marketing and communications capabilities to advocate for advances in therapy practice management."
About Therapy Brands: Therapy Brands is the leading healthcare technology partner for mental, behavioral, and rehabilitative therapy. Our purpose-built practice management, data, and billing solutions drive exceptional clinical and financial outcomes. Thousands of therapy practices rely on us as a trusted partner to make their lives simpler and more efficient, improve revenue, and enable them to focus on patient care. (www.therapybrands.com)
About Comparably, in their own words: Comparably is a leading workplace culture and compensation monitoring site that provides the most comprehensive and accurate representation of what it is like to work at companies. Employees can anonymously rate their employers in 20 workplace culture categories, providing the public a transparent and in-depth look at the experiences different segments of workers have based on gender, ethnicity, age, department, tenure, location, education, and company size. Since launching in 2016, Comparably has accumulated 10 million ratings on 60,000 U.S. companies. The platform has become one of the fastest-growing SaaS solutions for employer branding and a trusted third-party site for workplace and salary data, most notably for its annual Best Places to Work series. (www.comparably.com)
Media Contact:
Maxanna Bennett
Maxanna.Bennett@therapybrands.com
Related Links:
https://www.therapybrands.com
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/therapy-brands-wins-award-best-marketing-team-comparably/
| 2022-04-05T15:28:01Z
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SAN FRANCISCO, April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- THX Ltd., a world-class audio and video certification and technology company and maker of the new highly acclaimed portable DAC/Amp THX™ Onyx, today announced that Jason Fiber has been promoted to the post of Chief Executive Officer of THX Ltd. Fiber succeeds Min-Liang Tan, who has served as THX's CEO since 2016. Fiber assumes the role of CEO, effective immediately.
"THX has evolved significantly since Jason Fiber joined the company six years ago continuing its mission to empower great entertainment experiences when and where consumers want to enjoy their movies, music, streaming, and games," said Tan. "THX continues to expand globally, has entered new product segments, and secured partnerships intended to benefit both the creative artist communities and the manufacturers of consumer electronics products. Jason is a seasoned business leader who has been central to this THX evolution: identifying go-to-market opportunities, bringing his entrepreneurial approach to daily operations and providing steady leadership. Under Jason's leadership, THX is well-positioned for its next phase of growth." Tan will remain involved with THX Ltd. serving as chairperson of the board.
Fiber has held various leadership positions during his tenure with the company, including head of mobile device enterprises. Most recently, he served as the company's Chief Operating Officer, working closely with Tan. His contributions include leading the development of such innovative offerings as THX® Spatial Audio and THX® AAA technologies, and under his leadership, the company has launched award-winning products into the market with such organizations such Cinionic, FiiO, Gateway, M&K Sound, Onkyo, Perlisten, Razer, TCL, VAIO, and others.
"Since its inception, THX has delivered the best in entertainment. I look forward to expanding this legacy, guiding the talented THX team, and collaborating with our world-class partner brands as we redefine excellence for a new era," Fiber said. "Technology through which artists deliver their creations must continue to reinvent and redefine itself, and I'm excited to focus on innovations and strategic business development."
Prior to THX, Fiber has worked for 30 years at the convergence of technology and entertainment, having served in executive leadership positions in the music and creative industries. His work has included overseeing record labels for Warner Music Group and EMI Music, leading Wherehouse Music's digital transformation, and founding artist management firm Superfecta Entertainment. Through these roles, Fiber became known for a fierce commitment to artists and creators, bringing legacy businesses into the online world, establishing a business balance between creative and analytics, and monetizing various creative innovations to maximize reach and stakeholder value.
About THX Ltd.
Founded in 1983 by filmmaker George Lucas, THX Ltd. today continues to excel at empowering great entertainment experiences. The company provides innovative modern technologies and the assurance of superior audio and visual fidelity that truthfully delivers the artist's vision. THX offerings go beyond studios and cinemas to consumer electronics, content, automotive systems, and live entertainment. Its THX® Spatial Audio and patent-rich THX AAA™ audio technologies, and world-class THX® Certification standards, help THX partners bring premium entertainment enjoyment to market in the cinema, home, and mobile lifestyle electronics. For more information, visit THX.com, find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and follow us on Twitter.
THX and all THX logos are registered trademarks of THX Ltd. THX Certified, THX Spatial Audio, and THX AAA are registered trademarks of THX Ltd. All other product names, logos, brands, trademarks, and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.
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| 2022-04-05T15:28:07Z
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PLANO, Texas, April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TMGcore is excited to announce the launch of its immersion cooled mining solution, CryptoCore. CryptoCore is now the world's most advanced commercial hardware plus software solution for single-phase immersion digital asset mining. TMGcore's solution stands apart due to its ability to improve and sustain hash rates in contrast to air-cooled solutions – all while supporting long-term viability and substantially decreasing common failure rates.
TMGcore engineered CryptoCore to enhance performance up to 80% above stock OEM hash rates. The company's state-of-the-art lab tracked these excess performance rates, which can be calibrated to the preferred rate of the end-user. Additionally, CryptoCore is both miner and fluid agnostic, thus providing ultimate flexibility for any deployment.
CryptoCore provides users the ability to harvest digital asset while being conscious of environmental impacts. The innovative mining solution of CryptoCore will reduce energy usage, noise pollution, and long-term taxation of energy grids, as compared to other devices on the market. Several patents are pending on the technology.
TMGcore is also launching a turn-key hosted mining offering eliminating the burden of large capital infrastructure costs, facility management, and both geographical and real estate size constraints. "Bring us your miners and we'll do the rest! promotes JD Enright, Sr.,CEO of TMGcore, Inc.
CryptoCore is a single-phase liquid immersion solution where each tank holds 28 miners of any type and delivers up to 200kw of power. By utilizing state-of-the-art design and patented technology, the CryptoCore solution allows for dramatic hash rate improvement, minimal square footage, environmentally sustainable operations, unparalleled electrical efficiencies, and ease-of-use. CryptoCore represents the future of the digital asset market, demonstrating the leading technology for sustainability and accelerated harvesting growth.
Come see the world unveiling of TMGcore's CryptoCoreTM system at Bitcoin 2022 in Miami, FL.
About TMGcore®
TMGcore is an award-winning U.S based provider of High-Performance Computing and Mining solutions. Utilizing liquid immersion technology, TMGcore provides the most evolutionary commercial grade hardware and software solutions enabling higher densities, better efficiencies, and lights out operations wherever compute or mining are needed. In addition, TMGcore is partnered with global leaders to design, develop, and commercialize the next generation of compute and mining technologies. For more information, visit www.tmgcore.com.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/tmgcore-inc-home-immersion-announces-launch-its-single-phase-immersion-mining-tank-cryptocore/
| 2022-04-05T15:28:14Z
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Parents should watch for pain, subtle signs of foot and ankle problems in children.
BETHESDA, Md., April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- America's podiatrists want parents to know that foot and ankle pain is never normal for kids. If a child experiences pain or a change in the condition of their feet and ankles, it's time to check in with the expert in kids' foot health—today's podiatrist.
"Many people think podiatry is a specialty that sees mostly older patients," said APMA President Laura J. Pickard, DPM. "But children experience a wide range of developmental conditions, as well as injuries in their feet and ankles, and podiatrists treat them every day."
The Today's Podiatrist Keeps Kids Active campaign is designed to educate parents about how to keep their children's feet and ankles healthy and when to seek care from a podiatrist to ensure children can stay active.
"I'm seeing so many children in my practice," said Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, chair of the APMA Communications Committee. Dr. Parthasarathy said many kids are returning to sports and other physical activities after a long hiatus during the COVID-19 public health crisis. "Some are experiencing overuse injuries, some are wearing cleats, skates, and shoes from two years ago that are now too small. As a parent myself, I keep an eye on my kids' feet and watch for unusual behavior. Sometimes children don't articulate pain the way adults do, but they might be avoiding activities or complaining of fatigue."
Podiatrists say some of the most common conditions to watch for in kids are:
- Apophysitis—If a young athlete complains of persistent heel pain, it's time to see a podiatrist. Calcaneal apophysitis, or Sever's Disease, is the most common cause of heel pain in children, especially preteens. The growth plate in the heel bone can become inflamed due to overuse in kids who play sports such as basketball and soccer.
- Fractures/Injuries—If a child has suffered a foot or ankle injury, a podiatrist is a great alternative to crowded ERs and urgent care facilities. Most offices hold spots for emergencies, and a podiatrist is specifically trained to treat the foot and ankle, from fractures to sprains.
- Ingrown toenails—Usually, toenails grow straight out. Sometimes, however, one or both corners or sides curve and grow into the flesh, causing redness and irritation. Shoe pressure can contribute to this problem, so parents should be sure children are wearing properly fitted shoes. Ingrown nails can become seriously infected if left untreated, and antibiotics alone are not a cure. A podiatrist can correct the problem with a minor procedure.
- Warts—Kids are susceptible to all sorts of viruses—including the highly contagious virus that causes warts. This virus thrives in warm, moist environments, like pool decks at camp or inside sweaty shoes. Warts are not serious but can become uncomfortable or even painful for kids. Parents should avoid home treatments that may contain harmful ingredients and schedule a visit with a podiatric physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Podiatrists treat these and many other conditions in children and can often provide quick relief of pain. Podiatrists provide conservative care and perform surgery to help get kids back in their game. To learn more, visit www.apma.org/keepkidsactive.
The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation's leading professional organization for today's podiatrist. Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are qualified by their education, training, and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and structures of the leg. APMA has 53 component organizations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of more than 12,500 podiatrists. All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice. For more information, visit www.apma.org.
Contact:
Peggy Tresky
ptresky@apma.org
301-581-9225
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SOURCE American Podiatric Medical Association
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/04/05/todays-podiatrist-keeps-kids-active/
| 2022-04-05T15:28:21Z
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The upgraded platform will roll out to all members by June 2022
SAN ANTONIO, April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today USAA announced the upgrade of its award-winning mobile app to provide a faster, more personalized user experience and advanced search functionality that leverages predictive text and natural language features. The upgrade, which requires no action from existing users, provides members with immediate benefits and serves as a foundation for further innovation across USAA offerings.
"Our members are stationed all over the world and we know they need a smart, simple, safe and reliable way to manage their insurance and banking needs in the palm of their hand," said Ameesh Vakharia, chief strategy and brand officer at USAA. "Amid the pandemic, we're seeing that mobile options continue to be the preference for members to interact with USAA, with an increase in our mobile app traffic of nearly 12% over the last year and nearly 10 million unique users."
USAA's mobile app is one of the only apps within the financial services industry that provides the all-in-one, fully integrated consumer experience for banking and insurance, including property, auto, and life. The new app leverages the power of machine learning to provide integrated, personal insights and actions with visual upgrades, faster speeds on delivery and performance as well as simplified, engaging messaging. Specifically, the upgraded app is:
- Smarter – Using the app's personal assistant, EVA, it understands individual member needs and automatically customizes to prominently display personalization solutions (e.g., letting members know their bill is past due, providing travel alerts, location-based catastrophe alerts and proactive, relevant life-event advice.) Reduction of 6.5 seconds off load time across the app.
- Simpler – The new predictive search function leverages natural language, allowing members to type or talk normally; reduced number of taps to get to key transactions – 98% of transactions on the app are accessible within 1-2 taps.
- Safer – Utilizes state-of-the-art, real-time automated behavior analysis to help protect members from fraudulent activity.
"We are looking forward to further personalizing for individual member needs within the leading financial services app that combines a turnkey banking experience with insurance serviceability," said Ryan Barth, vice president of enterprise digital at USAA. "This upgrade sets the stage for future implementations such as enabling artificial intelligence and machine learning integrations for digital offerings."
To learn more about the upgraded mobile app, visit www.usaa.com/mobile.
About USAA
Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking and investment and retirement solutions to nearly 13 million members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA has offices in seven U.S. cities and three overseas locations and employs more than 38,000 people worldwide. Each year, the company contributes to national and local nonprofits in support of military families and communities where employees live and work. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com.
Contact: USAA Media Relations
External_communications@usaa.com
210-498-0940
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| 2022-04-05T15:28:27Z
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LONDON and AUSTIN, Texas, April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vereigen Media, a leader in full-stack solutions for B2B demand generation, today announced the next phase of its global expansion with the addition of US-based Dave Steinmeyer as Managing Partner and Steve Collins as Senior Vice President of Global Revenue. Vereigen, in its 4th year of success, now serves a growing base of digitally savvy customers from offices in the US, UK, UAE, and India.
Dave Steinmeyer brings Vereigen an extensive background in helping B2B technology organizations expand their strategic efforts by focusing on customer and prospect engagement. As Managing Partner, Dave leverages his expertise in developing strategic growth models and customer-centric revenue teams. With his proven track record in driving measurable results for clients, Dave will help propel Vereigen to a market leader position as it expands operations globally.
"I have had the pleasure of working with Dave for many years. He consistently delivers on his commitments and follows through on his promises. Dave is the person I know I can rely on when I have tough business challenges to solve. His experience, candor, and dedication to ensuring his clients have the tools and resources to succeed have made Dave a partner I know I can turn to for all of my demand generation needs," said Alison Harris, Chief Digital Strategist at Addison Marketing.
Steve Collins brings Vereigen his solid background in B2B marketing and operations emphasizing Tech and SaaS companies. As SVP of Global Revenue, Steve will lead Vereigen's global expansion efforts and help deliver results to its growing network of clients and partners. Steve continues to leverage his B2B marketing expertise to help drive revenue growth for top global B2B brands.
"I am confident the values and input Dave and Steve bring to Vereigen Media will strengthen the company's result and customer-focused culture," said Anuj Pakhare, Founder and CEO of Vereigen Media. "Both have years of experience in our market sector that will help shape our position in the market and scale our growth. Vereigen Media's existing and future customers will benefit greatly from their commitment, determination, and customer-centricity."
Vereigen Media is a full-stack solution provider for B2B demand generation. It provides digital content methodology and processes to deliver relevant content to targeted decision-makers, at scale, with tangible results optimized for ROI and outcome. Vereigen offers a suite of Account-Based Management (ABM), Intent Data, Performance Media, and Content Syndication solutions. With an extreme focus on data quality, bespoke digital processes, and RevOps enablement, Vereigen helps sales and marketing teams increase conversion in their go-to-market strategies. Its flagship solution, VMintent, allows partners to hyper-target by tracking content engagement and funnel progression at both the account and contact level, ensuring that marketers can target the right contacts at the right time.
"We are eager for the opportunity to bring transparency and accountability to an otherwise convoluted B2B demand market," said Dave Steinmeyer. "Our focus is squarely on helping our colleagues and customers address their digital and demand marketing challenges as they work to find scalable options in driving growth and revenue for the organizations they work tirelessly to support."
Anuj Pakhare, founder and CEO of Vereigen, is an industry leader driven to change the B2B marketing landscape. Anuj has an extensive career working with marketing, PR, and research firms. He offers a wealth of experience and knowledge while focusing directly on customer experience and maximizing results. Anuj aims to make Vereigen Media a global leader of full-stack solutions for B2B marketing, ABM, and Intent Data programs. Vereigen Media is poised to bring revolutionary support for marketers through understanding their unique challenges while minimizing the costs typically associated with comprehensive marketing programs.
"We believe in studying and deeply understanding how businesses purchase products, then leveraging that knowledge into the core of our leading-edge B2B solutions. We bring the best experience and measurable results to our clients and strive every day to implement solutions that positively impact marketers' lives," Anuj concluded.
Vereigen Media is a full-stack solution provider for B2B demand generation. Its solutions provide digital content methodology and processes to deliver relevant content to targeted decision makers, at scale, with tangible results optimized for ROI and outcome. With offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and India, Vereigen Media offers solutions and support to customers around the globe. For more information, visit us at www.VereigenMedia.com
Media Contact: Dave Steinmeyer, Managing Partner, dave@vereigenmedia.com
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| 2022-04-05T15:28:34Z
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Investments in machine learning, omnichannel platform, universal coupons and more
SAN ANTONIO, April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cementing its position as a marketing solutions leader, Vericast is investing in advanced technologies, while also hiring for more than 250 new positions across the organization this year. Over half of the jobs are engineering, data science, and product development roles created to support the company's digital marketing technology growth. This significant investment in proprietary marketing innovations and people is the largest to date since the launch of Vericast in 2020.
"When we launched Vericast in early 2020, we did so with the intent to further develop new offerings and evolve our best-in-class technology, data, and services to address immediate client and market needs, changing consumer buying behavior and engagement preferences," said John O'Malley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vericast. "This investment underscores our commitment to bringing new innovations to market, positioning Vericast for the next phase of our growth. With a combined portfolio of new offerings coupled with our existing set of proven solutions which have been driving success for organizations for many years, we will be able to serve clients in ways that no other partner can."
Vericast's technology investment includes several new and enhanced digital marketing innovations available this year aimed at helping clients improve performance, extend their reach, and retain their customers:
- Machine Learning Omnichannel Platform: A next-generation machine-learning omnichannel marketing platform designed to help mid-market clients better manage their customer data and continuously improve multi-channel media programs. This industry-first digital platform will be available to clients later this year.
- Partner API: A newly engineered set of application programming interface services built to give clients and partners more direct control and access to Vericast's demand-side advertising platform. This proprietary service enables third-party entities to execute media campaigns, retrieve campaign performance, manage invoicing and more. Partner API will be available to clients in Q2.
- Enhanced Consumer Graph: Vericast has further strengthened the performance of its award-winning Consumer Graph predictive intelligence technology to include contextual targeting, taking advantage of signals and learnings based on real-time context of a consumer's path to purchase. With contextual targeting capabilities, Vericast clients can now reach consumers in the moment by appearing next to relevant, brand-safe content delivered through a proprietary categorization engine that processes over five million web pages daily. With this technology, clients can message consumers as they consume content such as sports scores, news articles, blog posts and more. Consumer Graph's contextual targeting capability is available to clients now.
- Universal Digital Coupons: Vericast is the first marketing solutions company to launch a Universal Coupon solution with store-level redemption insights, precise consumer targeting, and scalable reach. This unmatched combination of capabilities creates new, diverse promotional strategies and distribution opportunities for brands and retailers. Vericast's Universal Coupon solution integrates proprietary consumer behavior data with targeting technology and leverages a digital format designed to offer consumers more freedom of choice to use coupons on their mobile devices at any participating retailer. It is also a more secure, traceable digital coupon format. Vericast will begin test campaigns in Q2 in alignment with retailer acceptance of Universal Coupons.
The more than 250 new positions the company seeks to fill this year include on-site and remote jobs throughout the U.S. in data science, engineering, marketing, finance, manufacturing, and sales, among other functions. The company has a workforce of more than 5,000 employees with thousands of clients across many industries.
To learn more about Vericast, visit Vericast.com. For all employment opportunities, visit the Vericast careers page.
About Vericast
Vericast is reimagining marketing solutions one business-to-human connection at a time. By influencing how over 120 million households eat, shop, buy, save and borrow, Vericast fuels commerce, drives economic growth and directly accelerates revenue potential for thousands of brands and businesses. While its award-winning portfolio of products, technology and solutions are a part of the Vericast story, its people are the true differentiators; trailblazers in data intelligence, marketing services, transaction solutions, campaign management and media delivery.
Media Contacts
Mary Broaddus
Dave Darovitz
press@vericast.com
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| 2022-04-05T15:28:40Z
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VRNA™ offers users a portable and captivating virtual environment to practice patient care skills, traditionally done in a laboratory setting.
EAST HARTFORD, Conn., April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- VRSim is pleased to introduce VRNA™, an advanced and fully immersive virtual reality training system that prepares users for both in-person clinical training and the Certified Nursing Assistant ("CNA") state exam. VRNA offers users a portable and captivating virtual environment to practice patient care skills, traditionally done in a laboratory setting. VRNA helps instructors be more efficient during the lab by supplementing their instruction and alleviating split attention during small group activities. It keeps students engaged in lab content while giving them an independent and active learning experience to practice patient care skills in a zero-risk environment.
VRNA enhances CNA programs and supports blended career pathways for entry-level healthcare careers. With VRNA, education and workforce development programs will pioneer CNA training incorporating virtual reality labs; a component supportive of diverse student enrollment and is inclusive of varying learning styles. An added benefit of this enhanced instruction is exploring remote virtual CNA classes in rural areas. Equitable learning opportunities for entry-level healthcare careers are at the forefront of our vision.
VRSim has been a champion for work-based learning since the early 2000s, when its technology was first introduced as part of career and technical education. A long-standing and ongoing goal our organization has been to foster successful development of and facilitate more work-based learning opportunities across the globe, harnessing the power of virtual reality technology.
Click here to read more about our early pilot program at the Career Academy of Pella in partnership with WorkSMART Connector in Pella, Iowa.
VRNA is available for pre-order and will be fully deployed for program use in Fall 2022. Learn more at https://vrsim.com/vrna.
About VRSim:
VRSim is a high-demand developer of interactive VR training solutions for skilled trades. VRSim, headquartered in East Hartford, CT, has reimagined industry tradition and developed next-gen training systems for welding, spray painting, construction, manufacturing, and robotics. Their training solutions have been used in programs for high schools, technical colleges, vocational training, and workforce development initiatives. VRSim has partnered with a number of global leaders, including the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, the National Truck Equipment Association, The Boeing Company, Caterpillar, Saint Gobain, and the U.S. Navy. For more information, please visit: https://vrsim.com/.
VRSim Contacts:
Sales:
VRSim, Inc.
860-893-0080
info@vrsim.net
Media:
Maggie Volz
VRSim, Inc.
860-893-0080
maggie.volz@vrsim.net
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| 2022-04-05T15:28:47Z
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Virtual event takes place May 3-4, 2022, Features Strong Lineup of Speakers from Federal and State Agencies, Utility, Transportation and Insurance Industries
CLAYTON, Mo., April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the success of the first event, the Second Annual Wildfire Prevention Summit hosted by the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) will expand and take place over two days, May 3-4, 2022. This year's Summit will include presentations from federal and state government agency officials, as well as fire safety experts from the private sector, including representatives from the utility, transportation, and insurance industries. The virtual event remains complimentary to attend courtesy of Perimeter Solutions, the Platinum Sponsor of the Wildfire Prevention Summit, and it will be available to stream at the event website, https://www.wildfirepreventionsummit.com.
"We were tremendously impressed with the results from last year's Wildfire Prevention Summit. The event was highly attended, and it led to year-round dialogue about how to address the challenges presented by longer, more intense wildfire seasons," says Chief Bob Roper, Policy Advisor for the WFCA. "We want to build on that success, and this year we have gathered a distinguished group of speakers to provide their perspective on how we can improve current wildfire safety efforts and explain the critical need for us to collectively place more emphasis on preventing wildfires."
The 2022 Wildfire Prevention Summit is separated into six different units, which will be presented in two 3-hour segments from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Pacific Time on May 3 and 4. WFCA President Scott Miller and Perimeter Solutions CEO Edward Goldberg will kick-off the event with a quick introduction on wildfire safety. Some of the featured presentations over the two days include:
- Addressing the Growing Challenge of Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation, presented by U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ)
- National Perspective on the Current Wildfire Situation, presented by Chief Randy Moore, USDA Forest Service Chief
- Innovation in Washington Wildfire Prevention, presented by Hillary Franz, Washington Commissioner of Public Lands
- Climate Change and Resiliency, presented by Kate Dargan Marquis, Former Assistant Director for Preparedness and Response in the White House Office of Science and Technology
- OCFA – Quick Reaction Force and MRB Night Retardant, presented by Chief Brian Fennessy, Orange County Fire Authority
- The Marshall Fire – Challenges and Recovery, presented by Dan Dallas, Forest Supervisor for the Rio Grande National Forest
"May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and the timing of this year's Summit couldn't be more appropriate. With the Western United States currently experiencing historic drought conditions, the 2022 wildfire season is expected to be highly active. There is a critical need to uncover innovative strategies that help improve our wildfire prevention efforts, and the insight that our speakers will provide is invaluable to everyone involved in wildland fire safety," says Wes Bolsen, Business Director, Wildfire Prevention and Protection and Perimeter Solutions.
To register to attend the Wildfire Prevention Summit and for updated information on our full list of speakers and presentations, visit the event website at https://www.wildfirepreventionsummit.com.
About the Western Fire Chiefs Association
The Western Fire Chiefs Association serves as a representative for leaders of fire related emergency service organizations throughout the WFCA member states and the Pacific Islands. WFCA develops and supports those leaders in order that they may best provide for the protection of people and the environment from the occurrence and outcomes of fires and other natural, technological and human-behavior-caused emergencies. Find out more about WFCA at wfca.com
About Perimeter Solutions
Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Perimeter Solutions is a premier global solutions provider, producing high-quality firefighting products and lubricant additives. The company develops products that impact critically important issues of life – issues where there often is no room for error and the job doesn't offer second chances. At Perimeter, we characterize the solutions we develop as 'Trusted Solutions that Save' – because it underscores what we are trying to accomplish for our customers and the world at large. Perimeter Solutions produces major brands known throughout the world like PHOS-CHEK® and FIRE-TROL® retardant, foam concentrates and gel products; AUXQUIMIA® and SOLBERG® firefighting foam concentrates; and BIOGEMA® extinguishing agents and retardants. For more info on how we use our experience, responsibility, and integrity to deliver trusted solutions that help improve firefighting performance, visit: www.perimeter-solutions.com.
Media Contact
Resource Advantage
Dan Green
dgreen@resourceadvantage.com
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| 2022-04-05T15:28:54Z
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NEW YORK, April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Inc. Magazine revealed that GoSaaS, Inc. is No. 96 on its third annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: Pacific list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies based in Alaska, Hawaii, California, Oregon, and Washington. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful private companies within the Pacific region economy generating sustainable growth and jobs.
"We are so pleased to once again be a part of the prestigious Inc. 5000 list. It's incredible to see how we've continued to progress as a company over the last few years. This achievement wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering commitment of the entire GoSaaS team and the trust of our partners and clients. We take this recognition as a welcome challenge to keep delivering on our mission and to continue this upward trajectory in 2022 and beyond.'' said Hassan Ramay, Managing Partner at GoSaaS.
The companies on this list show a remarkable rate of growth across all industries in the Pacific. Between 2018 and 2020, these 150 private companies had an average growth rate of 195% percent and, in 2020 alone, they added 10,252 jobs and $5.1 billion to the Pacific region's economy. Companies based in the Irvine, Santa Monica, and Venice, California, areas had the highest growth rate overall.
Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals Pacific, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria, can be found at inc.com/pacific starting March 15, 2022.
"This year's Inc. 5000 Regional winners represent one of the most exceptional and exciting lists of America's off-the-charts growth companies. They're disrupters and job creators, and all delivered an outsize impact on the economy. Remember their names and follow their lead. These are the companies you'll be hearing about for years to come," says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc.
About GoSaaS
GoSaaS helps product manufacturers modernize business applications used to design, engineer, manufacture and support products. GoSaaS has helped companies in high-tech manufacturing, life sciences and CPG industries, including many fortune 100 companies, in improving their product value chain. As a leading Oracle partner for Industry 4.0, GoSaaS specializes in on-premise to cloud migration.
More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Regionals
Methodology
The 2022 Inc. 5000 Regionals are ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2018 and 2020. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2018. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2019. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2018 is $100,000; the minimum for 2020 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.
About Inc. Media
The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent.
The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
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| 2022-04-05T15:29:00Z
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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., April 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- WPBeginner Growth Fund, the leading investment fund focused on WordPress businesses, is pleased to announce that it has acquired an investment stake in India-based WooFunnels, a popular sales funnel builder & marketing automation platform for WooCommerce.
Over 18,000+ eCommerce website owners use WooFunnels to capture more leads, increase average order value, do timely follow-ups with customers, and add other eCommerce automation features that are proven to boost revenue.
"The decision to invest in WooFunnels was a no-brainer. It's a must have tool for all eCommerce websites because it helps you increase profits without increasing traffic or ad spending," said Syed Balkhi, Founder and CEO of WPBeginner & Awesome Motive.
Over 19 million websites use Awesome Motive growth tools including OptinMonster, WPForms, MonsterInsights, AIOSEO, and others. WPBeginner Growth Fund's investment in WooFunnels will help unlock strategic synergy across the portfolio and further Balkhi's mission of helping small businesses grow & compete with the big guys through superior growth tools and training.
"We're excited to be a part of WPBeginner Growth Fund family and to work with Syed as he joins our board," said Daman Jeet Singh, co-founder and CEO of WooFunnels. "WPBeginner has a strong history of helping top-tier WordPress product companies accelerate their business to achieve their full potential. We believe this is a huge opportunity, and we're very pleased to add a partner that can go the distance with us."
WooFunnels has other products including the marketing automation software, Autonami, and a suite of conversion tools on XLPlugins, all of which are part of the investment deal.
About WPBeginner Growth Fund
WPBeginner Growth Fund is a leading investment fund focused on WordPress businesses. Created by Syed Balkhi, founder & chief blogger at WPBeginner, the fund's portfolio boasts an impressive list of WordPress companies including MemberPress, Pretty Links, Formidable Forms, Uncanny Automator, Wholesale Suite, and more. WPBeginner is one of the largest free WordPress resource sites for beginners. Learn more about WPBeginner Growth Fund at wpbeginner.com
About WooFunnels
WooFunnels was launched in 2018 to help store owners easily create high-converting checkouts, add order bumps, and one-click upsells. Today it has become a powerful sales funnel builder & marketing automation tool used by 18,000+ smart eCommerce website owners to capture more leads, increase order value, do timely follow-ups with customers, and add other eCommerce automation features that are proven to boost your revenue. Learn more about WooFunnels at buildwoofunnels.com
About Awesome Motive
Awesome Motive is a technology holding company behind popular web apps and growth tools like AIOSEO, OptinMonster, MonsterInsights, WPForms, and over a dozen others. Over 19 million websites use Awesome Motive tools to get more traffic, subscribers, and sales. Learn more about Awesome Motive at awesomemotive.com.
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| 2022-04-05T15:29:07Z
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Bluefield State College invites local employers to participate in their 33rd annual Spring Employment, Recruitment & Resource Fair
Published: Apr. 5, 2022 at 11:04 AM EDT|Updated: 40 minutes ago
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) - Bluefield State College is asking local employers to participate in their 33rd annual Spring Employment, Recruitment & Resource Fair.
The job fair is a partnership between Workforce West Virginia, Bluefield State College, and Senator Joe Manchin.
The fair will take place on Wednesday, April 6th, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and you can attend virtually or in person.
For more information, you can go to workforcewv.com or call 1-800-252-JOBS
If your interested in registering your business for the event, please click here.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/bluefield-state-college-invites-local-employers-participate-their-33rd-annual-spring-employment-recruitment-resource-fair/
| 2022-04-05T15:44:56Z
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Family gives update on woman mauled by dogs, says ‘prayers are working’
ABBEVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WHNS/Gray news) – A South Carolina woman continues to fight for her life at a local hospital after being attacked by three dogs, including two pit bulls, last month.
The Abbeville County Sheriff’s Office said Kyleen Waltman was viciously attacked outside of a home in Abbeville County on March 21.
WHNS reports she was walking from a friend’s home to her mother’s house when the attack happened.
She had to be airlifted to a medical facility. Both arms were amputated and part of her colon was removed after the attack. She may have to have her esophagus removed as well, her family said.
Waltman has been sedated so she doesn’t aggravate her spinal cord by trying to move, but family members said she was fully awake Monday and was told about the injuries to her arms.
Family members said the news gave her a lot of anxiety, so she was sedated again.
“The Lord has brought her this far for a reason. Her story is not done... She’s still fighting. Prayers are working and she’s healing slowly,” Waltman’s sister, Shenna Green, wrote in an update on GoFundMe.
Waltman was scheduled to get a prosthetic on her right arm. However, according to her family, doctors had to remove her arm to her shoulder due to an infection detected.
The woman’s sister said Waltman is a mother of three and recently became a grandmother.
“She just found out she’s a grandma and she can’t even hold the grandbaby,” Green said. “That’s going to be devastating.”
The dogs in the attack were seized by Abbeville County Animal Control, and police said their investigation remains ongoing.
Copyright 2022 WHNS via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/family-gives-update-woman-mauled-by-dogs-says-prayers-are-working/
| 2022-04-05T15:45:02Z
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Ivanka Trump set to testify before Jan. 6 panel, AP sources say
WASHINGTON (AP) — Ivanka Trump, former President Donald Trump’s daughter and among those closest to him during the insurrection at the Capitol, is set to testify Tuesday before the Jan. 6 committee, according to three people familiar with the situation.
Ivanka Trump is expected to testify virtually as the panel works to compile a record of the attack, the worst on the Capitol in more than 200 years, when the former president’s supporters interrupted the Electoral College count and tried to halt the certification of the 2020 election for Joe Biden.
Ivanka Trump was with her father much of that day, and the panel has focused much of its time on Trump’s actions in the White House as his supporters were breaking into the Capitol.
Ivanka’s decision to cooperate is significant for the committee, which has been trying to secure an interview with her since late January. The panel has conducted some 800 interviews, but the one Tuesday with the former president’s daughter, a trusted aid, is among the most high profile as the committee races to complete its work.
Her testimony, like others before the committee, will be private. Public hearings are expected to begin this summer. The people who spoke about her interview were granted anonymity to discuss it.
Lawmakers have said they want to discuss what Ivanka Trump knew about her father’s efforts, including a telephone call they say she witnessed, to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence to reject those results, as well as concerns she may have heard from Pence’s staff, members of Congress and the White House counsel’s office about those efforts.
Her appearance comes less than a week after her husband, Jared Kushner, testified to the nine-member panel in a virtual meeting that lasted more than six hours. Members of the committee said his testimony was helpful and are hoping to further fill in the gaps with Ivanka Trump’s help.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/ivanka-trump-set-testify-before-jan-6-panel-ap-sources-say/
| 2022-04-05T15:45:09Z
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Jury selection resumes for ex-officer’s Capitol riot trial
WASHINGTON (AP) — Jury selection resumed on Tuesday in the trial of a former Virginia police officer charged with storming the U.S. Capitol with a fellow officer who could be a key witness for federal prosecutors.
The federal judge presiding over former Rocky Mount police officer Thomas Robertson’s trial in Washington, D.C., questioned prospective jurors for several hours on Monday, the first day of jury selection.
Two other Capitol riot defendants already have been tried on federal charges arising from the Jan. 6, 2021, siege. The first two trials both ended with convictions, although a judge acquitted one of those defendants of a disorderly conduct charge.
One of Robertson’s former colleagues, Jacob Fracker, also was arrested on riot-relate charges. Fracker pleaded guilty last month to conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding, the joint session of Congress to certify President Joe Biden’s electoral victory. Fracker agreed to cooperate with authorities and is listed as a potential trial witness.
Robertson is charged with six counts, including obstruction of an official proceeding, civil disorder, entering and remaining in a restricted building and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building.
Robertson and Fracker both served as police officers in Rocky Mount. The town, which is about 25 miles south of Roanoke and has roughly 5,000 residents, fired both of them after their arrests.
Robertson and Fracker drove with a neighbor to Washington on the morning of Jan. 6. Robertson brought three gas masks for them to use, according to prosecutors. After listening to speeches near the Washington Monument, Fracker, Robertson and the neighbor walked toward the Capitol, donned the gas masks and joined the growing mob, prosecutors said. Robertson used a large wooden stick to impede police officers who were trying to hold off the mob, according to prosecutors.
Defense attorney Mark Rollins has said Robertson was inside the Capitol for only 10 minutes and didn’t assault anybody or break anything.
Robertson has been jailed since U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled in July that he violated the terms of his pretrial release by possessing firearms.
Robertson’s trial will be the first for somebody accused of entering the Capitol building during the riot.
On March 8, a jury decided the first Capitol riot trial by convicting a Texas man, Guy Reffitt, of storming the Capitol with a holstered handgun. In the second trial, a judge who heard testimony without a jury convicted New Mexico county official Couy Griffin of illegally entering restricted U.S. Capitol grounds but acquitted him of engaging in disorderly conduct.
Reffitt and Griffin entered restricted areas outside the Capitol but not the building itself.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/jury-selection-resumes-ex-officers-capitol-riot-trial/
| 2022-04-05T15:45:15Z
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New York launches ad campaign in Florida against ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill
NEW YORK (CNN) – A Florida law is getting pushback in New York, and a new ad campaign is targeting residents in the Sunshine State.
The word “gay” is written in different colors on the ad with the message, “Come to the city where you can say whatever you want – New York City loves you,” in the middle.
This is part of the Big Apple’s ad campaign that kicked off Monday in five Florida cities, completely funded by donations.
It’s the city’s way of denouncing the law dubbed by opponents as the “Don’t Say Gay” law, which bans comments about sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida classrooms with kids in kindergarten through third grade.
New York Mayor Eric Adams said this movement is an effort to show support and welcome those living in Florida to New York.
“It’s also standing up and aligning ourselves with the men and women of the LGBTQ+ community. And stating that we are in unison with you and your right to have self-identification, your right to live the lifestyle, the lives that you choose to live, without any form of harassment,” Adams said.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/new-york-launches-ad-campaign-florida-against-dont-say-gay-bill/
| 2022-04-05T15:45:23Z
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NY mobster who escaped federal custody rearrested in Florida
Published: Apr. 5, 2022 at 11:01 AM EDT|Updated: 43 minutes ago
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) — A New York mobster who escaped federal custody in Florida has been rearrested.
The U.S. Marshals Service says 64-year-old Dominic Taddeo was apprehended “without incident” in Hialeah on Monday.
Taddeo was in the final year of his sentence when he escaped from a federal halfway house in Orlando on March 28.
The federal Bureau of Prisons said he failed to return from an authorized appointment and “was placed on escape status.”
Taddeo pleaded guilty in 1992 to racketeering charges that included the killings of three other mobsters.
A federal judge denied Taddeo’s request for compassionate release last year.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/ny-mobster-who-escaped-federal-custody-rearrested-florida/
| 2022-04-05T15:45:30Z
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Police respond to “school yard fight” at Bluefield High School
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) - Early Tuesday morning, an altercation occurred at Bluefield High School between three students.
Bluefield Police Chief Dennis Dillow stated that, “Two juveniles jumped on another one, the one that got jumped pulled out a knife and cut one of the others that jumped him.”
Chief Dillow also said that the juvenile who was cut is going to require stitches and that the altercation has been characterized as a “school yard fight.”
The incident is going to be turned over to the Mercer County juvenile court system
The Mercer County Board of Education also released a statement regarding the incident.
“An altercation occurred at Bluefield High School this morning. Appropriate law enforcement was contacted and immediately arrived at the school to assist and conduct an investigation. As a result of federal and state law, the school system is prohibited from discussing student disciplinary matters further. However, administration is deeply concerned with these patterns of inappropriate and unacceptable behaviors occurring this school year. Administration will continue to work towards finding ways to ensure that teaching and learning are not distracted, and both occur in a safe learning environment for all.”
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/police-respond-school-yard-fight-bluefield-high-school/
| 2022-04-05T15:45:38Z
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Treasury bars Russia payments in dollars from US accounts
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Treasury Department will not allow any Russian government debt payments from accounts at U.S. financial institutions to be made in U.S. dollars, restricting one of the strategies President Vladimir Putin is employing to stave off default, an agency official said Tuesday.
Russia faced an April 4 deadline to make another debt payment. The Kremlin must now choose between draining remaining valuable dollar reserves, new revenue coming in or default, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the official wasn’t authorized to speak on the record.
The Treasury decision comes after the agency previously said sanctions levied on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine still permit Russia to continue to make debt payments. The debt is owed to foreign investors, among others, and comes from government investments to presumably spur economic growth in Russia.
Russia is currently facing skyrocketing inflation, shortages in essential goods and disrupted trade with the rest of the world as it continues its invasion of Ukraine.
While the ruble has bounced back from the fall it took after the U.S. and European allies moved to bury the Russian economy, Putin has resorted to extreme financial measures to blunt the West’s penalties and inflate his currency.
Western sanctions from the war have placed severe restrictions on banks and their financial transactions with Russia, and also have frozen much of the government’s reserves of foreign currency.
The West has cut key Russian banks out of a financial messaging system known as SWIFT, which is used every day to route billions of dollars among more than 11,000 banks and other financial institutions around the world. Sanctions have been issued on Russian leadership, oligarchs, trade and natural resources, and the country’s central bank.
The U.S., EU and United Kingdom have limited the ability of Russia’s central bank to draw on more than $600 billion in foreign currency reserves and have frozen its gold reserves. That has left the central bank with few tools to prop up the ruble and prevent it from crumbling in value.
The decision to stop bond payments will further deplete the resources Putin is using to continue his war against Ukraine and will cause more uncertainty and challenges for Russia’s financial system, the Treasury official said.
Once a country defaults, it can be cut off from bond-market borrowing until the default is sorted out and investors regain confidence in the government’s ability and willingness to pay. Additionally, holders of the bonds could take serious losses.
Russia’s government can still borrow rubles at home, where it mostly relies on Russian banks to buy its bonds.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/treasury-bars-russia-payments-dollars-us-accounts/
| 2022-04-05T15:45:44Z
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Ye no longer performing at Coachella
(CNN) - Ye, who changed his name from Kanye West, will no longer be performing at Coachella this month.
Ye had been set to be one of the headliners at the upcoming music festival, along with Billie Eilish and Harry Styles.
A source close to the rapper said Ye did not want to take the stage amid his divorce from Kim Kardashian.
Ye has also been in a feud with “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah. He was suspended from Instagram for 24 hours after posting a racial slur aimed at Noah, who is South African.
According to multiple sources, Ye’s performance at Sunday’s Grammy Awards was canceled. He did not attend the event, but he did win two Grammys.
Coachella is held over two weekends at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. This year, it’s set to take place April 15-17 and April 22-24.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/ye-no-longer-performing-coachella/
| 2022-04-05T15:45:51Z
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https://www.kitv.com/news/local/tuesday-weather-mostly-cloudy-conditions-with-scattered-windward-and-mauka-showers/article_f9e577d6-b4ed-11ec-8c39-6ff9c7b2bf3c.html
| 2022-04-05T16:11:46Z
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Bodycam shows rescue of baby, family from sinking car in Maryland
Published: Apr. 5, 2022 at 1:01 PM EDT|Updated: 14 minutes ago
ANNE ARUNDEL CO., Md. (CNN) - A daring rescue was caught on police bodycam video in Maryland, as a family of four including a baby were pulled out of a sinking car.
The newly released bodycam video shows officers rushing to rescue the family members.
Anne Arundel County police say the dad lost control of the car, crashed through a wooded area and ended up in a pond.
An officer was patrolling the area when he heard the crash.
He and another officer rushed to the area and found the car taking on water.
The two worked together to rescue the entire family, including a 9-month-old baby and a 3-year-old.
Everyone is reportedly doing OK.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/bodycam-shows-rescue-baby-family-sinking-car-maryland/
| 2022-04-05T17:16:11Z
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Dad, daughter survive lightning strike at Yankees spring training game
(WFTS) - A father and daughter are miraculously OK after being struck by lightning Saturday at a baseball game in Florida.
Ashley Moberg, 19, and her father John Moberg were attending a New York Yankees spring training game at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. They were visiting from their hometown of Chicago.
When the game was canceled early due to a thunderstorm and sent fans running for their cars, the Mobergs found themselves standing under a tree in a parking lot, unable to find their vehicle.
“And there was a bright flash and the loud boom that I heard,” Ashley Moberg said. “The next thing I knew, I was flying out of my shoes and my ears were ringing, and my dad hit his head on the ground and then I hit the ground. I thought my dad was dead for about 10 seconds while I was lying on the pavement trying to figure out whether I had died.”
John Moberg was knocked unconscious and broke his cheekbone when he hit the ground. The necklace Ashley was wearing burned her neck.
A bystander called 911 for help. Both Ashley and John Moberg were taken to the hospital. They were discharged Monday morning, just in time to catch their flight back home to Chicago.
Before heading to the airport, they went back to the spot where they were struck by lightning to commemorate their visit with a photo, walking away with smiles and a sense of humor.
“For everyone who is asking, yes, we got superpowers, and no, we are not allowed to talk about them,” Ashley Moberg said.
Copyright 2022 WFTS via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/dad-daughter-survive-lightning-strike-yankees-spring-training-game/
| 2022-04-05T17:16:17Z
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Man facing felony charges for masturbating on Southwest flight, FBI says
PHOENIX (AZFamily/Gray News) – A man is facing felony charges for masturbating on a Southwest Airlines flight from Seattle to Phoenix on Saturday, according to the FBI.
According to investigators, shortly after takeoff, the man pulled down his pants and exposed himself to the woman sitting next to him. He then touched himself four separate times during the flight.
When the man finally fell asleep, the woman sitting next to him got up and told the flight crew about what happened, federal documents say.
The FBI says when the flight landed in Phoenix, the man was interviewed by federal agents and admitted to what happened, but he said he “didn’t think what he was doing made the woman next to him uncomfortable.”
The man faces felony charges for violating obscenity laws. He faces up to 90 days in prison and a $500 fine.
Copyright 2022 AZFamily via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/man-facing-felony-charges-masturbating-southwest-flight-fbi-says/
| 2022-04-05T17:16:25Z
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Now-deceased man IDed in 1980s slayings of 3 motel clerks
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana State Police have identified a now-deceased man as the suspect who raped and killed three women in Indiana and Kentucky in the late 1980s who worked as motel clerks.
Sgt. Glenn Fifield of Indiana State Police says Tuesday a laboratory analysis of crime scene samples positively identified Harry Edward Greenwell, who died in January 2013, as “the I-65 killer.”
Fifield says evidence linked Greenwell to the Feb. 21, 1987, killing of Vicki Heath and the March 3, 1989, killings of Mary “Peggy” Gill and Jeanne Gilbert.
Fifield says Greenwell was also linked by crime scene evidence to a Jan. 2, 1990, attack on a woman who was a clerk at a Days Inn in Columbus, Indiana.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/now-deceased-man-ided-1980s-slayings-3-motel-clerks/
| 2022-04-05T17:16:31Z
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Tiger Woods says he’s planning to play the Masters
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Tiger Woods says, for now anyway, he’s planning to play this week in the Masters, a little more than a year after nearly losing a leg in a car crash.
The five-time champion at Augusta National made the announcement Tuesday morning. He will play nine more practice holes on Wednesday before making a final decision, but will be doing so with the intention of playing Thursday.
“As of right now,” Woods said, “I feel like I’m going to play.”
Woods was asked if he believes he can win this week. “I do,” he said.
“I can hit it just fine,” Woods added. “I don’t have any qualms about what I can do physically from a golf standpoint. It’s now, walking’s the hard part. This is not an easy walk to begin with. Now given the condition that my leg is in, it gets a little more difficult. And 72 holes is a long road. It’s going to be a tough challenge and a challenge that I’m up for.”
There had been plenty of signals in recent days that Woods was on the cusp of deciding it was time to play again. He came to Augusta National for a practice round last week, then returned Sunday — saying he’d be “a game-time decision” — and Monday for more. On Tuesday morning, with bad weather in the forecast, he spent plenty of time in the practice areas.
“It’s great to be back,” Woods said.
He’s scheduled to tee off Thursday at 10:34 a.m. with Louis Oosthuizen and Joaquin Niemann. That threesome plays again Friday starting at 1:41 p.m.
Woods played in December at the PNC Challenge, a 36-hole scramble on a flat Florida course where he and his son Charlie finished second to John Daly and his son. Woods was allowed to use a cart in that event, and when those rounds were over he flatly dismissed any notion that his game was tour-ready again.
“I can’t compete against these guys right now, no,” Woods said on Dec. 19. “It’s going to take a lot of work to get to where I feel like I can compete at these guys and be at a high level.”
About 3-1/2 months later, Woods apparently feels differently. If he plays, he’ll be in the Masters for the 24th time; he’s finished in the top five 12 times in his previous 23 appearances.
“I love competing,” Woods said. “I feel like if I can still compete at the highest level, I’m going to. And if I feel like I can still win, I’m going to play. But if I feel like I can’t, then you won’t see me out here.”
Thursday’s opening round would mark the first time Woods competes against the world’s best players since Nov. 15, 2020, which was the final round of that year’s pandemic-delayed Masters.
He had his fifth back surgery two months later and was still recovering from that on Feb. 23, 2021 when he crashed his SUV over a median on a suburban coastal road in Los Angeles and down the side of a hill.
Woods’ injuries from that crash were so severe that doctors considered right leg amputation, before reassembling the limb by placing a rod in the tibia and using screws and pins to stabilize additional injuries in the ankle and foot.
“It’s been a tough, tough year ... but here we are,” Woods said.
___
More AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/tiger-woods-says-hes-planning-play-masters/
| 2022-04-05T17:16:38Z
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Top general urges more US troops in eastern Europe
WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States should look at the development of more bases in Eastern Europe to protect against Russian aggression, but rotate forces through them rather than make permanent deployments, the top U.S military officer told Congress on Tuesday.
Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the basing could be funded by other countries such as Poland and the Baltics that want more U.S. troops. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said any effort to expand security in Eastern Europe is a “work in progress” that probably will be discussed at the NATO summit in June.
Milley and Austin were testifying before the House Armed Services Committee on the 2023 budget proposal, but the early focus of the hearing was the Russian war against Ukraine and what the U.S. can do to better help Ukraine and strengthen security across Europe.
Milley was asked about the need to reallocate forces to Europe’s eastern flank, where NATO allies are worried that they may be Russia’s next target.
“My advice would be to create permanent bases but don’t permanently station (forces), so you get the effect of permanence by rotational forces cycling through permanent bases,” he said. “I believe that a lot of our European allies, especially those such as the Baltics or Poland and Romania, and elsewhere — they’re very, very willing to establish permanent bases. They’ll build them, they’ll pay for them.”
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced last month that NATO is creating four new battlegroups, which usually number between 1,000 troops and 1,500 troops, to send to Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria. NATO allies are set to discuss additional security measures at the upcoming summit.
GRAPHIC WARNING: The following video may contain disturbing content. Viewer discretion is advised.
Milley has advocated using rotational forces more around the globe to defray the costs of permanently stationing troops and their families in allied countries at risk of war, such as South Korea and in the Persian Gulf. He said using this would eliminate some of the costs associated with schools, housing and other such services.
Rotational forces deploy for shorter periods of time. Permanent forces are often deployed for two years to three years.
Milley and Austin told the committee that the U.S. has learned a number of things as it has watched Russia struggle to fight against an unexpectedly fierce Ukrainian defense over the past month. They said Russia has significant military capabilities but has been unable to use them effectively.
Austin said Russian forces lack training among their noncommissioned officers and the Kremlin has been unable to get the supplies and logistics needed to ground troops
Austin said Ukraine has used Stinger and Javelin missiles effectively against Russian troops and weapons. Milley said that Ukraine’s junior officers, many trained by the U.S., have shown initiative and good command and control abilities.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/top-general-urges-more-us-troops-eastern-europe/
| 2022-04-05T17:16:45Z
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...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM MDT WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...West winds 40 to 55 mph with gusts up to 80 mph
expected. Winds may locally exceed 90 MPH near the Sierra
Madre Range in the Upper North Platte River Valley.
* WHERE...Lower elevations of Carbon and Albany Counties
including Muddy Gap, Shirley Basin, Baggs, Rawlins, Saratoga,
and Laramie.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Mainly to transportation. Strong cross winds will be
hazardous to light weight and high profile vehicles, including
campers and tractor trailers. There will be an extreme risk for
vehicle blowovers! Winds of this magnitude may also lead to
tree, power line, and property damage. Secure loose items.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected
or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts
of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage.
&&
Looking east on Interstate 80 at mile marker 280 between Laramie and Rawlins, this screenshot of a Wyoming Department of Transportation webcam shows wet and slick roads at about 8:30 Tuesday morning. The interstate was closed to light, high-profile vehicles between exits 279 and 235 between Laramie and Rawlins because of an extreme blowover risk from high winds. Some sections also report being slick in spots with slush and blowing snow.
High winds, slick pavement and blowing snow have prompted the Wyoming Department of Transportation to close more than 100 miles of Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Rawlins to some vehicles.
As of 11:20 a.m., the interstate was closed to light, high-profile vehicles from exits 359 (junction with I-25) and 235 (Walcott Junction) because of "extreme blow-over risk," according to the WYDOT online travel information tracker.
Conditions along the stretch of interstate include dangerous winds with some spots reportedly slick with snowfall, slush and blowing snow. The views from WYDOT webcams placed along I-80 show little snowfall, but enough to cause dangerous conditions.
A high wind watch for southern Wyoming remains in effect at least through 6 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service reports. As of the time of this report, it was 35 degrees in Laramie with winds blowing steady at 58 mph with gusts as high as 70 mph.
The forecast is for the temperature to top out at about 35 with winds continuing throughout the day, decreasing to about 25-30 mph after midnight with gusts as high as 60 mph. For Wednesday, expect a high near 37 with winds gusting to about 45 mph.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/update-winds-slick-conditions-close-section-of-i-80-between-cheyenne-and-rawlins/article_0c1c242b-0ca9-592c-9b83-efb62f314f11.html
| 2022-04-05T18:04:40Z
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...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM MDT WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...West winds 40 to 55 mph with gusts up to 80 mph
expected. Winds may locally exceed 90 MPH near the Sierra
Madre Range in the Upper North Platte River Valley.
* WHERE...Lower elevations of Carbon and Albany Counties
including Muddy Gap, Shirley Basin, Baggs, Rawlins, Saratoga,
and Laramie.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Mainly to transportation. Strong cross winds will be
hazardous to light weight and high profile vehicles, including
campers and tractor trailers. There will be an extreme risk for
vehicle blowovers! Winds of this magnitude may also lead to
tree, power line, and property damage. Secure loose items.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected
or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts
of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage.
&&
Looking east on Interstate 80 at mile marker 280 between Laramie and Rawlins, this screenshot of a Wyoming Department of Transportation webcam shows wet and slick roads at about 8:30 Tuesday morning. The interstate was closed to light, high-profile vehicles between exits 279 and 235 between Laramie and Rawlins because of an extreme blowover risk from high winds. Some sections also report being slick in spots with slush and blowing snow.
High winds, slick pavement and blowing snow have prompted the Wyoming Department of Transportation to close more than 100 miles of Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Rawlins to some vehicles.
As of 11:20 a.m., the interstate was closed to light, high-profile vehicles from exits 359 (junction with I-25) and 235 (Walcott Junction) because of "extreme blow-over risk," according to the WYDOT online travel information tracker.
Conditions along the stretch of interstate include dangerous winds with some spots reportedly slick with snowfall, slush and blowing snow. The views from WYDOT webcams placed along I-80 show little snowfall, but enough to cause dangerous conditions.
A high wind watch for southern Wyoming remains in effect at least through 6 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service reports. As of the time of this report, it was 35 degrees in Laramie with winds blowing steady at 58 mph with gusts as high as 70 mph.
The forecast is for the temperature to top out at about 35 with winds continuing throughout the day, decreasing to about 25-30 mph after midnight with gusts as high as 60 mph. For Wednesday, expect a high near 37 with winds gusting to about 45 mph.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/rawlinstimes/news/update-winds-slick-conditions-close-section-of-i-80-between-rawlins-and-cheyenne/article_f6f701aa-0b97-5b61-8078-31246ebd237b.html
| 2022-04-05T18:04:46Z
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Democratic, GOP Senate bargainers agree on $10B to fight COVID
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate bargainers have reached an agreement on a slimmed-down $10 billion package for countering COVID-19 with treatments, vaccines and other steps, but both parties’ bargainers ended up dropping all funding to help nations abroad combat the pandemic.
Yet a day after lawmakers announced the bipartisan accord, it was possible the measure could get entangled with an election-year battle over immigration, and it was unclear Tuesday how quickly the bill might move through Congress.
The compromise drew quick support Monday from President Joe Biden, who initially pushed for a $22.5 billion package. In a setback, he ended up settling for much less despite administration warnings that the government was running out of money to keep pace with the disease’s continued — though diminished — spread in the U.S.
“Every dollar we requested is essential and we will continue to work with Congress to get all of the funding we need,” said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. “But time is of the essence. We urge Congress to move promptly on this $10 billion package.”
Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., his party’s lead bargainer, abandoned Biden’s request to include $5 billion to help countries — especially poorer ones — where the disease is still running rampant.
The inability of Biden and top Democrats to protect the additional spending they wanted came after the two parties gridlocked over GOP demands to pay for it by pulling back unspent aid from earlier pandemic measures. It also reflected the diminished political force that battling COVID-19 has this election year, two years into a pandemic that began with bipartisan support for throwing trillions of dollars at it.
Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, the lead GOP bargainer, hailed the accord as one that would address “urgent COVID needs.” He also trumpeted the measure’s savings, which he said meant it “will not cost the American people a single additional dollar.”
Still uncertain was whether objections by some Republicans might prevent the Senate from considering the bill this week, as Biden and Schumer want, before Congress begins a two-week recess.
As their price for letting the bill move quickly, Republicans were considering demanding a vote on an amendment barring Biden from lifting immigration restrictions. At least 10 GOP votes will ultimately be needed for the legislation to get the 60 votes it will need to clear the 50-50 Senate.
“We have an agreement,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said in a brief interview. “The question is when will we be able to process the bill, and honestly that’s just not clear yet.”
Some Republicans want an election-year vote on retaining curbs imposed by then-President Donald Trump during the height of the pandemic in 2020 that’s let authorities immediately expel migrants crossing the border from Mexico for public health reasons.
The ban is due to end May 23. And while Democrats largely favor immigration, the lifting of the restrictions could cause political problems for moderates due to the massive increase in migrants that its lapse would prompt.
In the House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and many liberals have criticized the ejection of global assistance. But leaders signaled they were ready to accept compromise.
While short of Biden’s agreement full request, “this package will fulfill immediate needs to secure more vaccines, boosters, testing and therapeutics to keep the pandemic at bay – and it must be enacted as quickly as possible,” Pelosi set in a statement released overnight.
Schumer said members of both parties want to craft a second spending measure this spring that could include funds to battle COVID-19 and hunger overseas and more assistance for Ukraine as it continues battling the Russian invasion. The fate of such a measure is uncertain.
Romney also suggested an openness to considering future money. “While this agreement does not include funding for the U.S. global vaccination program, I am willing to explore a fiscally responsible solution to support global efforts in the weeks ahead,” he said.
The agreement comes with BA.2, the new omicron variant, expected to spark a fresh increase in U.S. cases. Around 980,000 Americans and over 6 million people worldwide have died from COVID-19.
At least half the agreement’s $10 billion would be used to research and produce therapeutics to treat the disease, according to fact sheets from Schumer and Romney.
The money would also be used to buy vaccines and tests. At least $750 million would be used to research new COVID-19 variants and to expand vaccine production, the descriptions said.
Administration officials have said the government has run out of money to finance COVID-19 testing and treatments for people without insurance. They’ve also said funds are running low for boosters, vaccines focused on specific variants, free monoclonal antibody treatments and care for people with immune system weaknesses.
The deal is also a reduction from a $15 billion version that both parties’ leaders negotiated last month. Pelosi abandoned that plan after Democratic lawmakers rejected proposed cuts in state pandemic aid to help pay for the package.
The measure is fully paid for by pulling back unspent funds from previous pandemic relief bills that have been enacted, bargainers said.
Fact sheets said that includes savings from funds protecting aviation manufacturing jobs, assisting entertainment venues shuttered by the pandemic, helping states extend credit to small businesses and aiding agriculture.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/democratic-gop-senate-bargainers-agree-10b-fight-covid/
| 2022-04-05T18:47:25Z
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EPA rule would finally ban asbestos, carcinogen still in use
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday proposed a rule to finally ban asbestos, a carcinogen that is still used in some chlorine bleach, brake pads and other products and kills thousands of Americans every year.
The proposal marks a major expansion of EPA regulation under a landmark 2016 law that overhauled rules governing tens of thousands of toxic chemicals in everyday products, from household cleaners to clothing and furniture.
The proposed rule would ban chrysotile asbestos, the only ongoing use of asbestos in the United States. The substance is found in products such as brake linings and gaskets, and is used to manufacture chlorine bleach and sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan called the rule an important step to protect public health and “finally put an end to the use of dangerous asbestos in the United States.’’
The proposed ban “demonstrates significant progress in our work to implement the (2016) law and take bold, long-overdue actions to protect those most vulnerable among us,” Regan said.
The 2016 law authorized new rules for tens of thousands of toxic chemicals found in everyday products, including substances such as asbestos and trichloroethylene that for decades have been known to cause cancer yet were largely unregulated under federal law. Known as the Frank Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act, the law was intended to clear up a hodgepodge of state rules governing chemicals and update the Toxic Substances Control Act, a 1976 law that had remained unchanged for 40 years.
The EPA banned asbestos in 1989, but the rule was largely overturned by a 1991 court decision that weakened EPA’s authority under TSCA to address risks to human health from asbestos or other existing chemicals. The 2016 law required the EPA to evaluate chemicals and put in place protections against unreasonable risks.
At the signing ceremony for the new law, then-President Barack Obama said the U.S. chemical system under TSCA was “so complex, so burdensome that our country hasn’t even been able to uphold a ban on asbestos. I think a lot of Americans would be shocked by all that.”
Asbestos, which was once common in home insulation and other products, is banned in more than 50 countries and its use in the U.S. has been declining for decades. The only form of asbestos known to be currently imported, processed or distributed for use in the U.S. is chrysotile asbestos, which is imported primarily from Brazil and Russia. It is used by the chlor-alkali industry, which produces bleach, caustic soda and other products.
Most consumer products that historically contained chrysotile asbestos have been discontinued.
While chlorine is a commonly used disinfectant in water treatment, there are only 10 chlor-alkali plants in the U.S. that still use asbestos diaphragms to produce chlorine and sodium hydroxide. The plants are mostly located in Louisiana and Texas.
The use of asbestos diaphragms has been declining and now accounts for about one-third of the chlor-alkali production in the U.S., EPA said.
The American Chemistry Council, a lobbying group for the chemical industry, slammed the EPA proposal, saying it could cause substantial harm to America’s drinking water supply by reducing the domestic supply of chlorine.
About 98% of public drinking water treatment facilities use some form of chlorine-based disinfectant, the group said, adding that supply chain disruptions experienced by water utilities over the last couple of years “have highlighted the vital importance of chlorine to water disinfection.’’
Chlorine also is used in production of batteries, windmills and solar panels, the group said.
The proposed ban would take effect two years after the effective date of the final rule.
In addition to addressing the significant human health effects of chrysotile asbestos exposure, the proposed rule is also expected to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions associated with chlor-alkali production, an energy-intensive industrial operation.
In a 2019 op-ed, former EPA administrators Gina McCarthy and William K. Reilly called for Congress to “do what this (Trump-era) EPA has failed to do: consider all the science and ban asbestos once and for all.’’
A bill known as the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act would “save tens of thousands of lives and close the book on asbestos use for good,’’ they wrote in The New York Times. McCarthy, who led the EPA in Obama’s second term, is now White House climate adviser to President Joe Biden.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/epa-rule-would-finally-ban-asbestos-carcinogen-still-use/
| 2022-04-05T18:47:32Z
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‘It caught me totally off guard’: Oklahoma restaurant staff gets $4,500 tip from couple
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO/Gray News) - The staff at an Oklahoma restaurant is counting their blessings after a mysterious couple left them a few thousand dollars as a tip.
Mitchell Rhoades, the owner of Leo and Ken’s Truck Stop and Restaurant, told KSWO a couple came in to eat breakfast Sunday morning.
Before they left, they paid for everyone’s meal and gave the cashier about $4,500 to split between the on-duty servers.
“They dropped off the money, and I, of course, tried to refuse it at first, you know that was way too much money,” he said. “But they weren’t hearing it, and they said, ‘Man, we’re just trying to bless people the way we’ve been blessed.’ So, they handed me the money and walked out the door. It was the first time it’s ever happened like that. I mean, it’s a cool deal, and it caught me totally off guard.”
Rhoades said before the couple left, they told him it was only fair that they pay their blessing forward.
Rhoades said he hopes the next time he or his staff sees someone in need of a helping hand, they also rise to the occasion.
“This world would be a whole lot of a better place if we tried to help each other out rather than stepping on or stepping over somebody else to get what we need or what we want,” he said. “There’s always plenty enough to go around, and we can always help somebody out that’s maybe in need or less fortunate; it’d make the world a better place. Put out good in the world, and the good will come back to you.”
The couple left without telling them who they were, but Rhoades said he wants them to know they are all very thankful, and “God bless.”
Copyright 2022 KSWO via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/it-caught-me-totally-off-guard-oklahoma-restaurant-staff-gets-4500-tip-couple/
| 2022-04-05T18:47:39Z
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Man arrested after running wife over, killing her in airport parking deck, police say
SALT LAKE CITY (Gray News) - Police have arrested a man accused of killing his wife by running her over in a vehicle while driving under the influence in an airport parking deck.
Salt Lake City police responded to the Salt Lake City International Airport Monday afternoon after learning a woman was seriously hurt in a collision.
When officers arrived, they found Charlotte Sturgeon, 29, with serious injuries. Paramedics transported her to the hospital where she died.
Investigators believe her husband, Shawn Christopher Sturgeon, 38, ran over his wife while driving the SUV on the second level of the short-term airport parking garage soon after the couple returned from a vacation.
Police said the husband drove to the payment booths to ask for help after the collision, and he never left airport property before his arrest.
Detectives booked Sturgeon and placed him in the Salt Lake County Metro Jail, where he faces a charge of automobile homicide - criminal negligence DUI of alcohol/drugs.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/man-arrested-after-running-wife-over-killing-her-airport-parking-deck-police-say/
| 2022-04-05T18:47:46Z
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Teen shot 7 times in a case of mistaken identity, police say
RACINE, Wis. (WTMJ) - A 16-year-old who police believe was shot last month as a result of mistaken identity is still in the hospital recovering.
Police say Tamarion Moss, 16, and his young cousins were walking back from the store when a car pulled up by them. At least two people got out of the car and started shooting.
Moss was shot at least seven times in what prosecutors call an attempted execution, but court records indicate Moss was not the intended target.
Instead, investigators believe 18-year-old Xavier Jackson shot Moss in retaliation for the death of Eugene Henderson, a 14-year-old shot and killed in the area last month.
The complaint states, “It is believed Jackson and the other shooter(s) mistakenly identified T.M. as an NFL gang member and believed he was involved in E.H.’s death. However, T.M. had nothing to do with E.H.’s death and is NOT a gang member.”
Court documents state the car shown in a video of the dramatic shooting captured on a security camera was stolen. Jackson crashed it nearly a week after the shooting in Zion, Illinois, where he was caught.
Moss will be at the children’s hospital for a few more weeks as he recovers from his injuries. His grandmother said she’s relieved a suspect has been caught but is also at a loss for words.
“Just to know that people are out here on the streets, young people, with these guns and things going around doing what they do. When they find out it’s not who they intended it to be for, that’s when you start worrying,” Cokitha Moss said.
Copyright 2022 WTMJ via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/teen-shot-7-times-case-mistaken-identity-police-say/
| 2022-04-05T18:47:52Z
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US official: US, allies to ban new investments in Russia
WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States, in coordination with the EU and Group of 7 nations, will roll out new sanctions against Russia on Wednesday — including an investment freeze — in response to evidence of war crimes in Ukraine, according to a senior administration official.
Among the measures being taken against Russia are a ban on all new investment in that country, greater sanctions on its financial institutions and state-owned enterprises, and sanctions on government officials and their family members. The official insisted on anonymity to discuss the forthcoming announcement.
GRAPHIC WARNING: Videos may contain disturbing content.
President Joe Biden and U.S. allies have worked together to levy crippling economic penalties against Russia for invading Ukraine more than a month ago, including the freezing of central bank assets, export controls and the seizing of property, including yachts, that belong to Russia’s wealthy elite. But calls for increased sanctions intensified this week in response to the attacks, killings and destruction in the Ukrainian city of Bucha.
The official said the sanctions would further Russia’s economic, financial and technological “isolation” from the rest of the world as a penalty for its attacks on civilians in Ukraine. That isolation is a key aspect of the U.S. strategy, which is premised on the idea that Russia will ultimately lack the resources and equipment to keep fighting a prolonged war in Ukraine.
An increasingly desperate Russia has engaged in military tactics that have outraged much of the wider global community, leading to charges that is committing war crimes and causing other sanctions.
Still, almost all of the EU has refrained from an outright ban on Russian oil and natural gas that would likely crush the Russian economy. The U.S. has banned fossil fuels from Russia, while Lithuania blocked natural gas from that country on Saturday, becoming the first of the 27-member EU to do so. The EU executive branch on Tuesday proposed a ban on Russian coal, while Germany’s government intends to end its use of Russian natural gas over the next two years.
On Monday, President Joe Biden called for his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to be tried for war crimes because of the atrocities and abuses seen around Kyiv after Russian forces pulled back from the Ukrainian capital. The corpses of what appeared to be civilians were seen strewn in yards, many of them likely killed at close range.
Biden said Monday that the U.S. and its allies would gather details for a war crimes trial, stressing that Putin has been “brutal” and his actions “outrageous.”
Associated Press journalists saw dozens of bodies in Bucha on the outskirts of Kyiv. There were at least 13 bodies in and around a building that local people said Russian troops used as a base. Three other bodies were found in a stairwell, and a group of six were burned together.
Many victims seen by AP appeared to have been shot at close range. Some were shot in the head. At least two had their hands tied. A bag of spilled groceries lay near one victim.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/us-official-us-allies-ban-new-investments-russia/
| 2022-04-05T18:47:59Z
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White House to extend student loan pause through August
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration plans to freeze federal student loan payments through Aug. 31, extending a moratorium that has allowed millions of Americans to postpone payments during the coronavirus pandemic, according to an administration official familiar with the White House’s decision-making.
Student loan payments were scheduled to resume May 1 after being halted since early in the pandemic. But following calls from Democrats in Congress, the White House plans to give borrowers additional time to prepare for payments.
The action applies to more than 43 million Americans who owe a combined $1.6 trillion in student debt held by the federal government, according to the latest data from the Education Department. That includes more than 7 million borrowers who have defaulted on student loans, meaning they are at least 270 days late on payments.
Borrowers will not be asked to make payments until after Aug. 31, and interest rates are expected to remain at 0% during that period.
The extension was first reported Tuesday by Bloomberg.
Democrats on education panels in the House and Senate recently urged President Joe Biden to extend the moratorium through the end of the year, citing continued economic upheaval.
Sen. Patty Murray said more time is needed to help Americans prepare for repayment and to rethink the government’s existing system for repaying student debt.
“It is ruining lives and holding people back,” she said in a statement last month. “Borrowers are struggling with rising costs, struggling to get their feet back under them after public health and economic crises, and struggling with a broken student loan system — and all this is felt especially hard by borrowers of color.”
Murray called on the Biden administration to lift all borrowers out of default to provide a “fresh start” following the pandemic.
The decision is being made amid rising concern that large numbers of Americans would quickly fall behind if payments restarted in May.
In March, the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank warned that resuming loan payments could place a heavy burden on borrowers who faced financial hardship during the pandemic. It said the impact would be hardest on Black families, who are more likely to rely on student loans to pay for college.
“Serious delinquency rates for student debt could snap back from historic lows to their previous highs in which 10% or more of the debt was past due,” the bank said.
The Trump administration initially gave Americans the option to suspend loan payments in March 2020, and Congress made it automatic soon after. The pause was extended twice by the Trump administration and twice more under Biden.
It remains in question whether Biden will pursue widespread debt forgiveness to reduce the nation’s student debt. Some Democrats in Congress have pressed Biden to use executive action to cancel $50,000 for all student loan borrowers, saying it would jumpstart the economy and help Black Americans who on average face higher levels of student debt.
Last year, Biden asked the Education and Justice departments to review the legality of widespread debt cancellation, but no decision has been announced. Biden previously said he supports canceling up to $10,000, but he argued it should be done through congressional action.
___
Binkley reported from Boston.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/white-house-extend-pause-student-loan-repayments-through-aug-31-us-official-says/
| 2022-04-05T18:48:06Z
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81 Marysville homes expected to face planned power outages Tuesday afternoon
More than 80 Marysville homes were expected to face a power outage Tuesday afternoon following a single-vehicle crash at Busha Highway and Cuttle Road.
Rescue crews responded to the intersection shortly after 10 p.m. Monday when a vehicle left the road, struck a utility pole and continued into a ditch. A transformer was also blown in the crash, Marysville Deputy Chief of Public Safety Ed Gerrow said.
A DTE Energy representative informed the department that 81 Marysville homes will be affected by a planned power outage that began between 11:30 a.m. and noon Tuesday and would last between four and eight hours so that workers could repair lines damaged in the crash, Gerrow said.
Busha Highway at 18th Street and Cuttle Road is closed. Kirk Weston, managing director for St. Clair County Road Commission, said the road is expected to open sometime between 5 and 6 p.m. Tuesday.
There were minor injuries in the single-vehicle crash, Gerrow said.
Gerrow said alcohol and/or drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
A request for comment to DTE Energy was not immediately returned Tuesday.
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https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/2022/04/05/81-marysville-homes-expected-face-planned-power-outages-tuesday/9472026002/
| 2022-04-05T19:54:23Z
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Here is how you can help a family who lost everything in an Avoca house fire
When Jessica Marsh woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing Friday morning, she rolled over and saw a notification that her mother's Avoca home was on fire. She rushed out her door in her pajamas, not knowing if her family was safe.
"It was a very sickening feeling," she said.
When she arrived at the home in the 8900 block of Avoca Road, she was relieved to learn her family had made it out. Now, she and the community are helping her family rebuild their lives after the fire leveled their home.
Marsh organized a GoFundMe to help the family buy lost items, such as clothing, and raise the money to move into a new apartment. While the family is doing everything in their power to help them, they appreciate the outpouring of emotional and financial support from the community as well.
"I don't know what we would do if we didn’t have support from the community and surrounding areas," Marsh said. "They’re all like family at this point."
To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/marshfamilyfire. As of Tuesday, the fund raised $470 of its $2,000 goal.
Three adults, including her parents, and a child lived in the home at the time of the fire, Marsh said. Marsh's mother was transported to the hospital following the fire for treatment for burns. She was released Monday, and is recovering.
"She's a tough woman," Marsh said. "She's doing alright."
The child was taken to the hospital following the fire and treated for minor smoke inhalation. She was later released and is doing fine, Marsh said.
Kenockee Assistant Fire Chief Jimmy Vincent said Tuesday the cause of the fire, which occurred around 6 a.m., remains under investigation.
Contact Laura Fitzgerald at (810) 941-7072 of lfitzgeral@gannett.com.
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https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/2022/04/05/here-how-you-can-help-family-who-lost-everything-avoca-house-fire/9468950002/
| 2022-04-05T19:54:29Z
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Kimball Twp. family flees vacation rental in Tennessee wildfire
Kimball Township resident Callie Mehlberg was on her family vacation in Sevierville, Tennessee Wednesday when the power in their cabin went out and smoke appeared about 150 yards away from their vacation rental. At first, she thought a transformer had blown.
Then she saw the flames come over the ridge and head straight for their cabin.
Mehlberg, her husband and their six children escaped the Hatcher Mountain/Indigo Lane fire in the Great Smokey Mountains in Sevier County, Tennessee.
"It was very surreal to see something you were just staying in enjoying the views turn into a complete wildfire," she said.
The fire was the first to light Wednesday morning in a rash of fires that have raged across Sevier County last week, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.
Read more:
- With fire nearly contained, homeowners begin to take stock of damage
- Live updates: Fire mop up continues on Smokies fires in Wears Valley, Millstone Gap
The fire was nearly contained as of Sunday, and homeowners continue to take stock of the damage. At least 300 structures were affected by several fires in the region, with damage that could range from a burnt porch step to the entire home being leveled by fire. The cause of the fire is unknown and remains under investigation.
Mehlberg said they first called the company that rented them the cabin on Indigo Lane when the power went out and they saw the smoke. The rental company advised them to call 911, so they placed the call just before 11 a.m.
Shortly after, they heard, then saw the flames come over the ridge. Mehlberg screamed at her children to grab whatever they could and get into their two vehicles. The family raced from their cabin and got on the road, maneuvering around fire trucks on the narrow mountain road.
"Then we gathered at the base of the mountain with everybody who was coming out of the mountain and just watched it burn," Mehlberg said. "It was awful."
Mehlberg said she was crying hysterically and shaking uncontrollably through the ordeal.
"The first few days afterwards, I didn't sleep and when I tend to fall asleep I feel like I just hear fire trucks or I smell smoke and there's nothing there," she said. "It's I guess just the way your mind is playing tricks on you."
Gathering at the base of the mountain, she saw others who lived on the mountain and lost their home in the fire. Most of them were older retirees.
Mehlberg said her heart broke for an elderly woman who lived alone and couldn't reach her son, who was in the military. Her children tried to help by buying groceries and snacks from a nearby store and distributing them to others.
"We lost just some odds and ends and groceries, like they lost everything," Mehlberg said. "They didn't have a shirt to change into."
While the experience was harrowing, Mehlberg said she is grateful her family was unharmed. The family continued their vacation for another couple days, relocating to a second cabin on another mountain that they had to also evacuate for a night out of precaution. Her children proved most resilient, helping her cope through her stress in the days after the initial evacuation.
Still, she knows the situation could have been much worse.
"I feel like that's been a big weight on my shoulder since it happened, is just knowing that, had we not been in our cabin that morning, had we not seen the smoke, had we not called when we did what could have happened? How much worse could it have been?" she said.
The Mountain Tough nonprofit, which was founded to distribute aid to victims of the 2016 Sevier County wildfires, is being reactivated after shutting down in 2018. Visit their website at mountaintough.org/ and click on "monetary donation info" for donation options.
Contact Laura Fitzgerald at (810) 941-7072 or lfitzgeral@gannett.com. The Knoxville News Sentinel also contributed to this report.
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https://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/2022/04/05/kimball-twp-family-flees-vacation-rental-tennessee-wildfire/7270654001/
| 2022-04-05T19:54:35Z
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https://www.thetimesherald.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thetimesherald.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2F2022%2F04%2F05%2F10-softball-players-watch-blue-water-area-season%2F7187502001%2F&gnt-tng-s=1
| 2022-04-05T19:58:24Z
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Retirement is a time when most people are enjoying life- perhaps swimming in the ocean, instead of working every day to protect it. But not Bob Gratz. The Kailua retiree just started a nonprofit to fight climate change.
"My emphasis right now is getting the weather station up," says the 78 year old Gratz as he surveys the Hamakua Makai Wetland. This is the section of Hamakua Marsh behind the stores in Kailua town.
He's working on ways to protect it from pollution, storm drain runoff, and even animal waste. "Some people have plans to turn that into a dog park," he sneers.
A chemistry and ecology major, Gratz cares deeply about the environment. "That property is, over the years, going to be filled in due to sea level rise- as early as the end of this decade," he worries.
He started creating a nonprofit after retiring from Straub Medical Center as an anesthesia nurse. That nonprofit, The Hamakua Group, just launched in February. It's so important to him, he says, "because people aren't paying attention to what's happening in the world in terms of climate change."
We caught him on a day when he was approaching businesses near the marsh for support. Here, he got the OK from a yoga studio to host his web cam so he can collect data "that people can go to to get current information about what's happening with the marsh and the near shore waters for water quality. The more data I can collect and get it into the public's hands, the public will be more informed to make decisions based on science."
The marsh is just one element of his ultimate goal to keep the stream, wetlands, nearshore waters, and reefs pollution-free. "This is very big picture stuff," I note.
"Yeah but it seems like it's not being done," he says.
Diane is KITV4’s weekend evening anchor and weekday reporter. She hosts the Aging Well series on Tuesday evenings at 5, 6, and 10 p.m. She is a mother, a cat owner, and a yogi.
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https://www.kitv.com/kakou/aging-well-kailua-retiree-starts-nonprofit-to-protect-hamakua-marsh/article_73e33b16-a8e8-11ec-969b-fbe6f9fbf62c.html
| 2022-04-05T19:59:34Z
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US Education Secretary Miguel Cardona testifies before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearings to examine school reopening during Covid-19, focusing on supporting students, educators, and families, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, September 30, 2021. The Biden administration is planning to extend a pause on federal student loan repayments through August 31, according to an administration official familiar with the matter.
The Biden administration is planning to extend a pause on federal student loan repayments through August 31, according to an administration official familiar with the matter.
The administration is expected to announce the extension on Wednesday, the official said.
Borrower balances have effectively been frozen for more than two years, with no payments required on most federal student loans since March 2020. During this time, interest has stopped adding up and collections on defaulted debt have been on hold.
Both Biden and former President Donald Trump have taken actions to extend the pause. Biden had previously moved the payment restart date on multiple occasions, but the administration has said at the time that this would be the final extension.
Direct Loans as well as PLUS loans, which are available to graduate school students and parents on behalf of their children, are eligible for the benefit. Some federal loans that are guaranteed by the government but not technically held by it, known as Federal Family Education Loans, or FFEL, did not qualify. Generally, those were disbursed prior to 2010.
The relief is even more significant for those who work in the public sector and may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness after 10 years. They are still receiving credit toward those 10 years of required payments as if they had continued to make them during the pandemic, as long as they are still working full time for qualifying employers.
Borrowers will receive a billing statement or other notice at least 21 days before their payment is due, according to the Department of Education. Those who had set up auto payments may need to notify their loan servicing company they want those to continue.
If federal student loan borrowers can no longer afford their monthly payment, they may be eligible for an income-driven repayment plan. Under those plans, which are based on income and family size, a monthly payment can be as low as $0 a month.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/business/biden-administration-to-extend-student-loan-repayment-pause-until-the-end-of-august/article_b66bd852-83b1-5728-9449-5979f635aa1e.html
| 2022-04-05T19:59:41Z
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KANEOHE, Hawaii (KITV4) -- After 15 months and $160 million, the Hawaii State Hospital's psychiatric facility is scheduled to open on April 13.
"It's just taken way too long, none of the excuses really make any sense," said Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, who represents Kaneohe.
That's after fixing building defects -- including showers that were not constructed properly and door handles and other fixtures that administrators feared patients could use to hurt themselves.
"The cost to the taxpayers right now are there are 144 beds for the most acute patients that are, you know, potentially out on the street in our community, or who are wasting away in jails when they really should be getting treatment," he said.
The Department of Health oversees the hospital that's been criticized for security and safety issues over the years. DOH officials told lawmakers today they've been dealing with preventing a COVID outbreak, staff shortages and having to take care of daily operations.
"We need to take responsibility for that over at DOH as I indicated to you before there were a number of things that we should have started while the building was still being built -- like an operating plan, start drafting out some policies and procedures and we didn't," said Marian Tsuji, deputy director for behavioral health at the DOH.
The delays have frustrated lawmakers scrambling to find solutions to the growing number of homeless people and help for those people suffering from mental illness.
"This facility is important to make sure that the dangerous ones are in a secured facility so they won't harm the staff, they won't harm other people or themselves," Keohokalole said. "But this building is going to open up space and capacity for us to get the homeless off the street. And that's why we want them to hurry up and open this place up and do it the right way."
The 144-bed facility will be opening in phases starting with 48 patients moving into the third floor in mid-April, two weeks later another 48 will move into the second floor and two weeks after that on the first floor.
The Hawai'i State Hospital is also starting other renovations in May to improve safety and security throughout the campus. Those projects are expected to be finished in 2023.
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/business/hawaii-state-hospitals-new-facility-opening-after-more-than-a-year-of-delays/article_dbefe25c-b4c0-11ec-9625-433e819d8029.html
| 2022-04-05T19:59:47Z
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McDonald's is bringing back Spicy Chicken McNuggets, but not everyone can buy them.
The fast food chain said that the spicy nuggets are now available at about half of its US locations, or roughly 6,900 locations, for a limited time. McDonald's regularly releases menu items on a regional basis to generate buzz and excitement among its fans.
McDonald's first unveiled the spicy chicken nuggets in 2020, making them the first new McNugget flavor in the United States since the item was introduced in 1983. The nuggets have have a a breaded tempura coating of cayenne and chili peppers, packing a more flavorful punch compared to its regular chicken nuggets.
The chain credits the nuggets for boosting sales two years ago during the initial onset of the pandemic. McDonald's US sales jumped 7.5% in the fourth quarter of 2021 thanks in part to menu price increases, powerful digital sales and popular items like its crispy chicken sandwiches and the limited-time McRib sandwiches.
Limited-time items are an important marketing tool for the food industry to draw foot traffic and interest. These items offer consumers some variety — a key for fast food, as it's a notoriously thin-margin business with little customer loyalty. Offering something new gives people a reason to come back.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/business/mcdonalds-is-bringing-back-a-fan-favorite-menu-item/article_31df2cae-e9e7-5e6c-80be-0a04cf38c66b.html
| 2022-04-05T19:59:53Z
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EWA BEACH, Hawaii (KTIV4) -- Three people were shot inside a game room in an Ewa Beach neighborhood, early Tuesday morning.
The shooting happened at a home in a neighborhood on Hanakahi Street around 1:45 a.m., Honolulu Police (HPD) investigators said. HPD says it has opened an attempted murder investigation due to this incident.
Honolulu Emergency Medical Services (EMS) says its paramedics were sent out on an “unknown” call with a “questionable life status.” EMS said that when they arrived they found two men both suffering from gunshot wounds.
One of the victims, only identified as a man in his mid-30s, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, EMS said. The second victim, a 25-year-old man, was taken to the hospital in serious condition. EMS did not mention a third victim.
Police are still investigating. So far, there has been no word about what led up to the shooting, or if any arrests have been made.
This is a developing story. Check back with KITV4 for more information.
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.
Matthew has been the digital content manager for KITV4 since September 2021. Matthew is a prolific writer, editor, and self-described "newsie" who's worked in television markets in Oklahoma, California, and Hawaii.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/crime/3-shot-inside-ewa-beach-game-room-honolulu-police-say/article_dda2cf72-b512-11ec-a97a-ab34ea1a8f4c.html
| 2022-04-05T19:59:59Z
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HONOLULU (KITV4) -- A Hawaiian musician is thanking the community, and a social media tip for helping her find a valuable instrument that was stolen in Waikiki.
Krystal Mokuahi of music group Ke'olu said her bass was stolen from her car sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning at the Waikiki Banyan Hotel.
Mokuahi said the five-string bass holds special meaning to her family, as it was passed down from her grandfather, to her father, to her.
"It means so much because it's such a priceless item within our family," Mokuahi explained. 'It holds so much stories, and so much mana within it."
After realizing it was gone, Mokuahi put out a post on social media.
She said the response was overwhelming.
"It started circling and everyone started reposting it," she explained. "It was amazing how much eyes was able to see it and how much people was helping me and trying to get the word out."
Mokuahi said she received an anonymous message from someone who believed they spotted the bass near a Makiki apartment.
With the help of police, she was able to recover the special instrument.
"They opened up the unit and it was indeed in there. They allowed me to come down and pick it up," she said. "I got to identify it and had pictures showing that this is mine, and I was able to bring it back home this morning."
Mokuahi said whoever lived at the apartment had moved out the day before, but regardless, she's happy they left the bass behind.
She said her main take away from all of this is not to leave valuables inside your car, and thanks the community for all of their support.
Mika is the co-anchor for KITV4 Island News at 5, 6, and 10 p.m.
Since joining KITV4 in 2016, Mika has also served as a multimedia journalist, weather, and traffic anchor.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/hawaiian-musician-uses-social-media-to-track-down-stolen-family-heirloom/article_59ce6fee-b4ae-11ec-a2be-bbc14836e294.html
| 2022-04-05T20:00:05Z
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https://www.kitv.com/news/local/filipino-americans-well-represented-at-2022-grammy-awards/article_e0be8842-b4bb-11ec-8d35-0f00c8556f8b.html
| 2022-04-05T20:00:11Z
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Air travel volume is expected to near pre-pandemic levels over Thanksgiving. This photo was taken over the holiday period last year at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
HONOLULU (KITV) -- If you have traveled through the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport during the pandemic, you probably took notice of the thermal scanners and tracing cameras.
The State of Hawai'i spent about $27-million on the equipment intended to keep Hawai'i residents safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But with the end of the Safe Travels Hawai'i program as well as all other statewide pandemic mandates coming to an end on March 25, 2022, the future of all of that equipment remains up in the air.
According to Senator Sharon Moriwaki, at this time there is no plan to maintain, store, or re-purpose the equipment.
She says she asked the airport, the Department of Transportation, and HI-EMA about plans, and so far has not been able to get a satisfactory response.
This led her to introduce Senate Resolution 193.
"That’s a lot of money to have a white elephant sitting at the airport," said Moriwaki. "The resolution is forcing them to come up with a plan so they have talk to the agencies involved, whoever that may be by June 30th."
The Senate voted to adopt the resolution on Monday, April 4. It now crosses over to the House.
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/future-of-27-million-in-covid-19-related-airport-equipment-up-in-the-air/article_0f438816-b516-11ec-b50b-1fb5323818ca.html
| 2022-04-05T20:00:17Z
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When former President Barack Obama walked into the White House on Tuesday, it was his first time in the building since he welcomed then-President-elect Donald Trump for coffee on the morning of Trump's inauguration.
That friendly greeting at the North Portico -- including the awkward handoff of a blue Tiffany's box the Trumps had brought as a gift -- couldn't foretell the acrimony that would lie ahead, as Trump shattered the relative amity that had once existed between former and current presidents.
Obama's return to the White House didn't include any of that ugliness. Instead, he was celebrating one of his signature achievements, the Affordable Care Act, alongside the man who served with him in the building for eight years.
"It feels like the good old days," President Joe Biden said alongside his onetime boss, whose return to the East Room resembled a reunion of his top allies, many of whom are now serving in Biden's Cabinet or in Congress.
"It is good to be back in the White House. It's been a while," Obama said when he began his remarks. "I confess I heard some changes have been made by the current President since I was last here. Apparently Secret Service agents have to wear aviator sunglasses now. The Navy Mess has been replaced by a Baskin-Robbins. And there's a cat running around."
Obama began his speech by addressing his host as "Vice President Biden" before quickly correcting himself. "That was a joke!" he exclaimed, walking over to give Biden a hug. "That was all set up. My President, Joe Biden."
Biden and Obama were announcing steps the White House says will make health care more affordable, including closing a loophole that prevents millions of Americans from qualifying for subsidies.
Still, that it took more than a year for Biden to welcome his former boss to the White House reflects his desire to stake out a presidency of his own, even as the timing of the visit makes clear he is not opposed to seeking help as Democrats brace for a bruising midterm election season.
With many of Biden's legislative priorities stalled, Obama on Tuesday seemed to offer a preview of Democrats' midterm message.
"Progress feels way too slow sometimes. Victories are often incomplete," he said, citing the health law as an example of persistence in governing.
After two terms working in Obama's shadow, Biden has strived at moments to differentiate himself from his predecessor, most noticeably on foreign policy. And Obama has been cognizant of allowing Biden room to govern as his own man.
While Obama has occasionally spoken to Biden over the last year, their telephone conversations have been infrequent, according to people close to both men, and they have seen each other only a few times over the last 15 months -- despite Obama residing only 10 minutes away from the White House in Washington.
In public, each likes to play up a warm friendship that developed over Obama's presidency. Biden often slips a reference to "Barack" in his remarks, harkening back to a piece of advice or an inside joke they shared. Sometimes the results are somewhat pained: On "Best Friends Day" in 2019, Biden shared an image of friendship bracelets with "Joe" and "Barack" written in beads.
"They are real friends, not just Washington friends," press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday. "I'm sure they will talk about events in the world as well as their families and personal lives."
She said it was "exactly the right time" for Obama to return to the White House after more than five years away.
When Obama visited the White House on Tuesday, he joined Biden for lunch in addition to attending the health care event in the Rose Garden. Obama and Biden had lunch together every week when they served in the White House.
"We weren't sure who was supposed to sit where," Biden said during the East Room event afterward.
Still, there have been limits to their friendship. Biden revealed last year that he had been invited into Obama's private residence only once over their eight years together in the White House. They have vastly different personalities and working styles. And their relationship has been colored by various slights, real or perceived, that still linger.
Obama declined to endorse Biden over other Democrats in the 2020 primary, a step both men insisted was necessary to allow a true contest within the party. Four years earlier, Obama had viewed Hillary Clinton as his Democratic successor instead of Biden, who decided not to run as he grappled with his son's death.
All that makes Tuesday's event a significant moment for each man. For Obama, it also marks the beginning of a string of public events, including a keynote speech on disinformation that he'll deliver at Stanford later this month.
A popular surrogate emerges
His return to the White House is the first sign of what many Democrats hope will be his increased involvement in the 2022 midterm elections. The former President and former first lady Michelle Obama are two of the most sought-after party leaders -- expected to be in high demand by Senate and House candidates this year.
That could potentially stand in contrast to Biden, whose approval ratings remain near historic lows heading into campaign season. Biden is eager to campaign for Democrats in the coming year, but has also made known he is open to any role his party sees as helpful.
Obama is no stranger to uphill midterm battles; he endured losses in both 2010 and 2014. Yet he left office with an approval rating among the highest for any departing president, and remains popular among Democrats.
The Obamas have not yet determined how visible they intend to be in the fall campaign, but aides say they will both devote time to Democratic efforts to maintain control of the House and Senate.
The decision to have Obama appear alongside Biden at the White House this week was designed to shine a brighter light on one of the often-overlooked achievements of the Biden administration: strengthening the Affordable Care Act.
It's reminiscent of former President Bill Clinton coming to the White House to help explain the economic efforts employed by Obama during the fiscal crisis in the early years of his tenure. That appearance, in 2010, was remembered principally for Clinton holding court from the briefing room podium for half an hour -- long after Obama had exited the room.
The health care law remains one of the lasting legacies of the Obama administration. When it passed, Biden made one of his most infamous asides when he whispered to Obama that it was a "big f**king deal."
It's no small irony that the messy health care fight -- one of the central reasons Democrats lost control of Congress on Obama's watch more than a decade ago -- ended in a law now seen as broadly popular with Americans. Republicans have all but dropped their efforts to repeal and replace it after failing to do so for years.
"Given all the noise and the controversy and the skepticism, it took a while for the American people to understand what we had done, but, lo and behold -- a little later than I'd expected -- a lot of folks, including many who had initially opposed health care reform, came around," Obama said during his remarks Tuesday. "And today, the ACA hasn't just survived, it's pretty darn popular."
Obama has remained engaged on the law since leaving office, taping videos encouraging Americans to enroll and breaking a near-silence on political issues to criticize Republicans for attempting to undermine it. He and Biden appeared in a video together last August encouraging Americans to sign up, one of their only joint appearances since Biden took office.
"We're going to get even more people covered in the years to come under your guidance," Obama told Biden in the video. "Love you, man."
Signing off, as Obama told Biden he was proud of him, the sitting President said to expect him to stay in touch.
"I'm still going to call you for advice," Biden said.
Obama's visit to the White House on Tuesday will not be his last.
Plans have been underway for months for the formal unveiling of his portrait -- a presidential rite of passage that was disrupted during the Trump administration and delayed during the first year of the Biden administration, when the Covid-19 pandemic limited such events at the White House.
This story has been updated with additional developments on Tuesday.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/national/like-the-good-old-days-obama-returns-to-the-white-house-for-the-first-time/article_15347ea1-2f09-55f8-8396-52c1f451ac8e.html
| 2022-04-05T20:00:23Z
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Biden orders push on long COVID, pandemic’s shadowy mystery
WASHINGTON (AP) — Confronting the pandemic’s lasting shadow, President Joe Biden on Tuesday is ordering a new national research push on long COVID, while also directing federal agencies to support patients dealing with the mysterious and debilitating condition.
The White House said Biden is assigning the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate an urgent new initiative across federal agencies, building on research already under way at the National Institutes of Health.
Biden also directed federal agencies to support patients and doctors by providing science-based best practices for treating long COVID, maintaining access to insurance coverage, and protecting the rights of workers as they try to return to jobs while coping with the uncertainties of the malaise.
Long COVID is the catch-all term for a hydra-headed condition whose symptoms can include brain fog, recurring shortness of breath, pain and fatigue. It is roughly estimated to affect as many as 1 in 3 people who recover from COVID-19, although the severity and duration of symptoms vary. Despite intense investigation, the causes of long COVID are not yet well understood and treatment largely focuses on helping patients cope with their symptoms as they try to rebalance daily routines.
The White House also acknowledged that long COVID appears to be a disability, meaning that patients could be entitled to the protection of federal laws that prohibit discrimination on account of health conditions and seek to create pathways for leading productive lives.
“The administration recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in new members of the disability community and has had a tremendous impact on people with disabilities,” said a White House statement.
Some independent experts praised the Biden administration for a comprehensive plan to meet an emerging need but noted the lack of timeline for delivering results.
“This is a very important move on the part of the Biden administration to acknowledge that long COVID is real, that it is a significant threat, and that much more needs to be done,” said Dr. Leana Wen, a former Baltimore health commissioner and commentator on the pandemic. “The emphasis on treatment for long COVID and the recognizing this could be a source of ongoing disability are long overdue.”
A prominent advocate for COVID patients sensed a breakthrough.
“This is the first effort that truly comports with the needs of people who are suffering,’’ said Diana Berrent, founder of Survivor Corps, a support group that connects patients with government and private researchers.
Advocates have been clamoring “for the government to create a command center for long COVID,” she added. “Up until now, that hasn’t existed.’’
“I see this as a global, comprehensive approach to an extremely thorny issue that has previously received a scattershot approach,” Berrent said.
Medical research thus far has led to theories about what causes long COVID, but no single root. One theory revolves around lingering infection or virus remnants that may trigger inflammation in the body. Another possibility involves autoimmune system responses that mistakenly attack normal cells. Researchers are also investigating the role of tiny clots.
The White House said Biden’s order will expand and build on a $1 billion research study already underway at NIH, called the RECOVER Initiative. One goal is to speed signing up 40,000 people with and without long COVID into the study. Around that effort, Health and Human Services will coordinate a government-wide research plan on long COVID.
Treatment is another major focus. An HHS unit called the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality will investigate best practices and get useful guidance to doctors, hospitals and patients. The Department of Veterans Affairs, which already has 18 facilities running long COVID programs, will serve as an incubator of ideas and strategies for dealing with the condition.
Finally, the administration said its plan will provide direct support for patients by safeguarding access to insurance coverage and extending the umbrella of civil rights protections to people with long COVID. In keeping with Biden’s focus on reducing racial and ethnic disparities in health care, part of the emphasis will be on minority communities that have borne a high toll from COVID-19.
Federal health programs, which can serve as a model for private insurance, will look for ways to make sure that treatments for long COVID are covered and paid for. “The administration is working to make long COVID care as accessible as possible,” said a White House overview of Biden’s plan.
___
AP Medical Writer Lindsey Tanner contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/biden-orders-push-long-covid-pandemics-shadowy-mystery/
| 2022-04-05T20:18:40Z
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LIVE: Damaging storms tear across South; 1 killed in Texas
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Violent storms killed one person in Texas on Tuesday as hail pelted communities and high winds knocked trees into power poles elsewhere in the South. Authorities issued a flurry of tornado warnings at the start of what could be two days of violent weather in the region.
In eastern Texas, W. M. Soloman, 71, died when storm winds toppled a tree onto Solomon’s home in Whitehouse, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) southeast of Dallas, Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley said. Officials said at least four homes in the area had trees fall on them.
More than 43,000 homes and businesses were without power Tuesday afternoon from eastern Texas to Georgia. No injuries were reported, but the National Weather Service said it was sending survey teams to examine potential tornado damage in Wetumpka, Alabama. Lightning struck a flea market in the north Alabama community of Lacey’s Spring, causing a fire that gutted the building, news outlets reported, and rising water in Mobile Bay covered part of a ramp on Interstate 10.
Fallen trees and limbs closed a stretch of highway for several hours in Newton County, Mississippi. As the line of storms pushed into Georgia, a large tree fell and crashed through the roof of Marie Jordan’s home in metro Atlanta, coming down in the living room, kitchen and garage.
“It just took everything,” Jordan told WSB-TV. “For years and years, I have watched that tree.”
Elsewhere in Texas, one person was injured when the storms swept through Johnson County, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) southwest of Dallas. Brittaney Deaton said she became trapped in an RV trailer behind her family’s home after the trailer flipped over. She said her stepfather got injured trying to free her.
“I was screaming on the phone. I couldn’t get out. I was terrified,” Deaton told KDFW-TV. “And I felt like I was just trapped, like it was going to roll with me in it. And I just thank God that I got out.”
Her mother, Amber Zeleny, said her husband suffered injuries to his nose, leg and ribs but that he was expected to recover.
Severe storms with powerful tornados are possible across a broad area stretching from southern Mississippi to the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina, the Storm Prediction Center said. The area most at risk includes more than 8 million people in the Alabama cities of Mobile and Montgomery; Tallahassee, Florida; and Columbus and Savannah in Georgia.
Isolated areas could receive as much as 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain during the day Tuesday, increasing the risk of flash flooding and softening the ground so that even more trees could blow down, forecasters said.
The threat of damaging weather will move to the north on Wednesday, forecasters said, with severe storms possible across an area stretching from western Alabama to the western tip of the Carolinas. More than 10 million people in metro areas including Atlanta; Birmingham; and Chattanooga, Tennessee, will be at risk, the Storm Prediction Center said.
Springtime often brings strong storms to the Southeast, and the region has faced a barrage of weather recently that included a tornado last month in metro New Orleans, where one person died, and storms that killed at least two people in the Florida Panhandle last week.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/live-damaging-storms-tear-across-south-1-killed-texas/
| 2022-04-05T20:18:48Z
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Study: Record number of road rage shootings happening in U.S., peaking during pandemic
(CNN) - A recent study found road rage shootings are on the rise in the U.S.
Everytown for Gun Safety and Support Fund, a gun-control advocacy group, found 44 people a month were killed or injured in road rage shootings last year, double the average reported in 2019.
And over the last three years, the numbers have increased, according to the advocacy group.
Overall, 728 road rage shootings happened in 2021, the highest number in the six years the group said it has recorded such incidents. And it amounts to someone getting injured or killed every 17 hours.
The group said it doesn’t know what’s causing the increase in road rage shootings, but the pandemic and its effects have brought all kinds of new stressors into people’s lives and worsened existing ones.
The study reports it gathered information from the gun violence archives database, a nonprofit database that gathers and verifies data from law enforcement and government, along with other sources.
Copyright 2022 via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/study-record-number-road-rage-shootings-happening-us-peaking-during-pandemic/
| 2022-04-05T20:18:54Z
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Teen facing murder charges after woman dies in hit and run involving stolen vehicle
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE/Gray News) - An Indiana teenager is in jail after a deadly hit and run incident Sunday night.
Officers in Evansville, Indiana, were called to an intersection near a gas station where they found the victim of the hit and run lying on the parking lot with severe injuries from being run over by a car.
Authorities told WFIE she was taken to the hospital, where she died.
The Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Officer identified her as 33-year-old Megan Schaefer. Her cause of death was listed as blunt force trauma to the head.
According to an affidavit, she was hit by a white Honda Civic that was stolen while parked at the gas station.
Authorities say video footage showed two people standing outside of the gas station when the woman with the Civic pulled in, parked and left the car running to go inside the store.
Officers say the suspect then backed into another vehicle with Schaefer inside.
The affidavit states she got out of her car to block the white Honda Civic from leaving.
That’s when Evansville police say the car accelerated and hit Schaefer and ran over her.
“As she was walking over to the vehicle that just hit her vehicle, the suspect put the car in drive, accelerated and deliberately hit her,” Sgt. Anna Gray said.
By examining surveillance footage, investigators were able to match the suspect’s description with 16-year-old Mateo Rodriguez.
An investigation led officers to Rodriguez’s home where he was taken into custody. He faces several charges, including murder.
“A 16-year-old, when you see someone in front of your car and you deliberately accelerate, you know what you’re doing,” Gray said. “And the fact that once he struck her with the vehicle, he didn’t stop. He just kept going.”
Officials with the Evansville Police Department says Rodriguez is being charged as an adult.
At this time, police say the stolen Honda Civic has been found at a home.
The second male seen in the surveillance video has not been found. Authorities say he is a person of interest in this case.
If you have any information you are urged to call EPD at 812-436-7979.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/teen-facing-murder-charges-after-woman-dies-hit-run-involving-stolen-vehicle/
| 2022-04-05T20:19:02Z
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Two arrests made in connection to larcenies at homes affected by flooding
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) - Arrests have been made in connection with the larcenies that have been occurring at homes affected by the flooding in the Guesses Fork area last summer.
The two suspects have been identified from Kentucky. One of the suspects has been arrested by West Virginia officials.
Brandon Estep, 40, of McCarr, KY, was arrested in West Virginia. Estep, faces felony charges, including grand larceny. Authorities connect him to thefts at homes in Guesses Fork damaged by last summer’s floods.
Christopher Harrison, 28, of McCarr, KY, is still on the run and, according to authorities, is considered armed and dangerous.
In a separate case, Nathan Jewel, 27, of Hurley, is charged with felony breaking and entering. He is accused of entering homes in Hurley affected by flooding.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/two-arrests-made-connection-larcenies-homes-affected-by-flooding/
| 2022-04-05T20:19:09Z
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...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM MDT WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...West winds 40 to 55 mph with gusts up to 80 mph
expected. Winds may locally exceed 90 MPH near the Sierra
Madre Range in the Upper North Platte River Valley.
* WHERE...Lower elevations of Carbon and Albany Counties
including Muddy Gap, Shirley Basin, Baggs, Rawlins, Saratoga,
and Laramie.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Mainly to transportation. Strong cross winds will be
hazardous to light weight and high profile vehicles, including
campers and tractor trailers. There will be an extreme risk for
vehicle blowovers! Winds of this magnitude may also lead to
tree, power line, and property damage. Secure loose items.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected
or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts
of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage.
&&
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A strong wind gust blew the heavy glass globe off this city of Laramie lamppost on South 4th Street just south of Grand Avenue on Tuesday afternoon. A strong wind warning that began Monday continues through at least 6 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service reports.
Looking east on Interstate 80 at mile marker 280 between Laramie and Rawlins, this screenshot of a Wyoming Department of Transportation webcam shows wet and slick roads at about 8:30 Tuesday morning. The interstate was closed to light, high-profile vehicles between exits 279 and 235 between Laramie and Rawlins because of an extreme blowover risk from high winds. Some sections also report being slick in spots with slush and blowing snow.
A strong wind gust blew the heavy glass globe off this city of Laramie lamppost on South 4th Street just south of Grand Avenue on Tuesday afternoon. A strong wind warning that began Monday continues through at least 6 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service reports.
Greg Johnson/Boomerang
Looking east on Interstate 80 at mile marker 280 between Laramie and Rawlins, this screenshot of a Wyoming Department of Transportation webcam shows wet and slick roads at about 8:30 Tuesday morning. The interstate was closed to light, high-profile vehicles between exits 279 and 235 between Laramie and Rawlins because of an extreme blowover risk from high winds. Some sections also report being slick in spots with slush and blowing snow.
High winds, slick pavement and blowing snow have prompted the Wyoming Department of Transportation to close more than 100 miles of Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Rawlins to some vehicles.
As of 1:30 p.m., the interstate was closed to light, high-profile vehicles from exits 359 (junction with I-25) and 235 (Walcott Junction) because of "extreme blow-over risk," according to the WYDOT online travel information tracker.
Conditions along the stretch of interstate include dangerous winds with some spots reportedly slick with snowfall, slush and blowing snow. The views from WYDOT webcams placed along I-80 show little snowfall, but enough to cause dangerous conditions.
A high wind watch for southern Wyoming remains in effect at least through 6 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service reports. As of the time of this report, it was 40 degrees in Laramie with winds blowing steady at 59 mph with gusts as high as 70 mph.
The forecast is for the temperature to top out at about 35 with winds continuing throughout the day, decreasing to about 25-30 mph after midnight with gusts as high as 60 mph. For Wednesday, expect a high near 37 with winds gusting to about 45 mph.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/wind-closes-section-of-i-80-to-some-vehicles/article_0c1c242b-0ca9-592c-9b83-efb62f314f11.html
| 2022-04-05T20:32:50Z
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5 Tips to Help Manage Office Stress
NEW ORLEANS — For the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to work stress. Learning to work from home and dealing with an unpredictable situation left many feeling anxious. Now, for those who are returning to work in an office setting, that transition can also bring stress. Some are wondering if they still know how to manage day-to-day interactions with colleagues at the office, but it’s helpful to know that others at their company may also be feeling the same way.
In a survey by the American Psychological Association, roughly half of adults reported being uneasy about returning to in-person interactions. If managing these stressors is turning into a daily issue, it may be something more that requires help. Addressing stress is important, because left unresolved, it may lead to physical and mental health issues.
Here are five tips that may help with reducing stress in your transition back to the workplace:
- Manage your time – When the pandemic began, your day-to-day schedule may have shifted. Before things shift back, think about making a list of all you’ll need to do to be ready for each day. A detailed schedule may help you feel less overwhelmed.
- Focus on lifestyle choices – Is how you lived during the pandemic playing a role in the stress you’re feeling? Things like prioritizing sleep, eating healthy meals, drinking plenty of water and limiting alcohol may all help with managing your anxiety around a return to the workplace.
- Get moving – Exercise and the feel-good endorphins it creates can be an important part of stress reduction and overall health. Consider adding regular workouts to your schedule. Also, look for easy ways to add movement to your day, such as standing for phone calls or using the stairs instead of the elevators.
- Try meditation – Focused meditation and deep breathing may help ease your bouts with stress and can have lasting health benefits. Think about taking time in the morning or scheduling breaks during the day to practice meditation and other mindfulness techniques.
- Consider an app – You may have access to digital health tools that can be useful for managing worry or stress. For example, eligible UnitedHealthcare members can download the Sanvello app for on-demand help with mental health issues. The app includes daily mood tracking, a variety of coping tools, weekly check-ins to track personalized progress and peer community support.
There are things workers can do to help protect themselves and others if they’re stressed about going back to the office due to the risk of contracting COVID-19. Consider talking with your manager about your concerns and some possible solutions, including staggering your work hours to avoid high-traffic entry and exit points or increasing space between your workspace and others.
Dr. Kevin U. Stephens is the chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare-Louisiana
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https://www.bizneworleans.com/5-tips-to-help-manage-office-stress/
| 2022-04-05T21:42:04Z
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Episode 97: The Rise of Intralox with President and CEO Edel Blanks
Intralox is a global manufacturer of conveyor belts that is headquartered in Jefferson Parish with additional facilities located around the world. The company has grown dramatically in the last several years thanks to the rise of e-commerce and now employs more than 3,000 people worldwide. In this week’s episode, we talk to Intralox CEO and President Edel Blanks about the company’s inception, why business is booming and how the company has built and maintained its reputation as a great place to work.
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https://www.bizneworleans.com/episode-97-the-rise-of-intralox-with-president-and-ceo-edel-blanks/
| 2022-04-05T21:42:05Z
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New BuildStrong Academy Opens in Kenner
KENNER, La. (press release) — The BuildStrong Academy of Greater New Orleans opened on April 4, 2022, at 2506 Williams Boulevard in Kenner.
Brittany and Drew Brees launched this academy through The Brees Dream Foundation, making it the second location in the country for BuildStrong. Corporate Realty’s Richard Weber, and Emily Kramer partnered with Matthew DeBartolomeis and John Rooney of the Denver branch of national commercial real estate firm CBRE Group to represent the foundation on site selection throughout Louisiana.
BuildStrong Academy began approximately 20 years ago in Colorado as a construction industry-driven academy formed through the merger of two existing institutions that focused on education and non-profit training programs in Colorado.
During a time of industry expansion, companies had trouble finding skilled employees, and this program aimed to solve that problem with providing highly trained graduates. Following on this proven record of success in the Denver area, the program looked for other metropolitan areas in which to expand and organizations with which to partner. New Orleans provided an ideal environment, with record construction projects, from redevelopments to new construction, said Weber.
“New Orleans is experiencing a period of growth and expansion, especially on the heels of the pandemic,” Weber said. “However, there just aren’t enough skilled people to handle the quantity of work. This will be a great asset, helping train workers for well-paying jobs in the community.”
“We are proud to have been able to match the foundation with the best location to achieve its goals,” Kramer added.
The Brees Dream Foundation was founded by Brittany and Drew Brees to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and provide opportunities for children and families in need. Over the past two years, the Foundation has contributed toward state efforts for pandemic relief and supported other endeavors. BuildStrong provided a way to contribute to development in the city while creating job opportunities.
The training program consists of three levels developed by the Home Builders Institute. Through free programs and hands-on training, BuildStrong provides a direct career path in twelve weeks or less for students of all ages and experience. Students also earn industry-recognized certificates. This invaluable training results in an efficiently skilled workforce that is available to fill voids in the industry while contributing to economic stability and growth of New Orleans.
The Kenner location is easily accessed by public transportation, a critical requirement by BuildStrong so that students are easily able to attend classes. The new, state-of-the-art facility features workshops, labs, and classrooms. It was developed on the site of a former retail center.
For more information, contact Emily at ekramer@corp-realty.com and Richard at rweber@corp-realty.com.
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https://www.bizneworleans.com/new-buildstrong-academy-opens-in-kenner/
| 2022-04-05T21:42:07Z
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New Orleans Chefs Auction Private Meal to Benefit Ukraine
NEW ORLEANS (press release) — James Beard finalist, Isaac Toups, owner of Toups Meatery in New Orleans, is teaming up with award-winning Chef Nina Compton of Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro and Chef Mason Hereford, owner of Bon Appetit’s “Best New Restaurants in America 2017” Turkey and the Wolf and Molly’s Rise and Shine, to host a one-of-a-kind curated private in-home dinner for ten to benefit World Central Kitchen’s (WCK) Chefs for Ukraine.
“We’re devastated by the tragic events happening in Ukraine. Having worked with WCK throughout the pandemic to feed the New Orleans community, we know the incredible work they do and want to support their efforts on the front lines in Ukraine,” Toups said.
The auction winner will enjoy an extravagant culinary experience, tailored to their preference, from this trio of renowned award-winning Chefs. It will include multiple courses with wine and/or cocktail pairings, as well as the opportunity to engage and socialize with some of New Orleans’ culinary greats.
Opening bids start at $10,000 and can be made at Rally Up. Bidding is open now and will close on April 20, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.
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https://www.bizneworleans.com/new-orleans-chefs-auction-private-meal-to-benefit-ukraine/
| 2022-04-05T21:42:14Z
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Treasure Chest Contributes $1 Million to Visit Kenner
KENNER, La. (press release) — Treasure Chest Casino announced a pledge of $1 million to Visit Kenner, the city’s travel and tourism agency.
The donation will provide direct support to Visit Kenner’s efforts to promote Kenner and the Laketown district as a tourist destination. The announcement follows Treasure Chest’s recent unveiling of an expansion project.
“Our pledge to Visit Kenner further demonstrates the strength of our commitment to the prosperity and well-being of the Kenner community,” said Kim Etland, vice president and general manager of Treasure Chest. “As we bring our vision of an all-new Treasure Chest to life, we look forward to working closely with Visit Kenner and our community partners to promote the Laketown area as an attractive tourist destination—helping create more jobs, more business and more tax revenue for the entire Kenner community.”
The Treasure Chest expansion project is scheduled to open in late 2023. The single-level facility will feature a 47,000-square-foot casino, several new restaurants and bars, nearly 10,000 square feet of convention and meeting space, a FanDuel-branded sports book, and parking directly adjacent to the casino entrance.
For a preview of the new Treasure Chest Casino, visit treasurechest.com.
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https://www.bizneworleans.com/treasure-chest-to-contribute-1-million-to-visit-kenner/
| 2022-04-05T21:42:20Z
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https://www.kitv.com/news/crime/police-release-sketch-of-suspect-in-attempted-kidnapping-in-ewa-beach/article_e18b480a-b51f-11ec-b52c-5bff69f72de7.html
| 2022-04-05T21:47:09Z
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HONOLULU (KITV4) - Xander Cabales was announced as the 2022 Children's Miracle Network Champion for Hawaii for overcoming a life-threatening skin disease.
At only 7-years-old, he was diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome and later Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, a severe form of SJS that affects only one in a million people each year.
Xander lost 60% of his skin. He spent four weeks on life support in the Kapiolani Pediatric Intensive Care Unit before he became responsive.
As a Children's Miracle Network champion, Xander plans to share his courageous story throughout this year. He says it's important to talk about the things that Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children did for him, to get him where he is now.
“I am nervous and excited about what’s to come from all this. My parents and I learned so much from our experiences in the hospital and it’s worth sharing it with the community, especially right now with COVID,” said Cabales.
“Given the rarity of this disease and how severe it can be for children, this was the place to be,” said Dr. David Young, pediatric ophthalmologist at Kapiolani Medical Center. “Xander represents how difficult some of these medical problems can be, and the special person to be able to come out of this as well as he did.”
Xander's family credits the success of his miraculous recovery to the specialists at the medical center.
“We want families to know there is faith. The medical staff instilled hope in us. We believe sharing our story helps children and families in hospitals, the way we were [there] for so long,” said Laura Cabales, Xander's mother.
At the ceremony, Xander was surprised with several gifts from the Kapiolani Medical Center, including a trip to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
Xander says his mission in life is to inspire others and share his message of positivity, kindness, and resilience.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/local/childrens-miracle-network-champion-xander-cabales-overcomes-1-in-a-million-skin-disease/article_5a6e30a8-b4a2-11ec-9f0b-676e2fc0a154.html
| 2022-04-05T21:47:16Z
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63-year-old dies after roommate pours hot cooking oil on her at assisted living center, police say
Published: Apr. 5, 2022 at 5:13 PM EDT|Updated: 36 minutes ago
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOV/Gray News) - A 65-year-old woman was taken into custody after pouring hot cooking oil over her roommate at an assisted living center, police said.
According to police, officers found 63-year-old Doren Davis severely burned inside the Smiley House in St. Louis on March 7.
Davis’ roommate poured hot cooking oil on her after a dispute over a personal matter, investigators said.
The 65-year-old was arrested and is being held at the Missouri Department of Corrections. Davis was hospitalized for her burns but later died.
Copyright 2022 KMOV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/63-year-old-dies-after-roommate-pours-hot-cooking-oil-her-assisted-living-center-police-say/
| 2022-04-05T21:50:54Z
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Adidas releases limited-edition Waffle House shoes
(Gray News) - Adidas is teaming up with Waffle House for a limited-edition golf shoe.
Waffle House, which has its headquarters in Georgia, is celebrating the kickoff of the 86th Masters Tournament in Augusta this Thursday with the release of the TOUR360 22 x Waffle House shoes.
The shoes are an off-white color similar to waffle batter and have a waffle pattern. The shoes have the Waffle House logo on the back of the ankle.
“Across our signature 3-Stripes, we included a checkered waffle pattern in dark brown as a nod to the legendary waffles being cooked just right,” an Adidas news release reads.
The shoes cost $200 for women’s sizes and $210 to men’s sizes. You can order them here on Adidas’ website starting April 7.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/adidas-releases-limited-edition-waffle-house-shoes/
| 2022-04-05T21:51:00Z
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Amber Alert issued for Ohio girl reportedly abducted by stepbrother
(Gray News) - An Amber Alert has been issued for a missing 12-year-old child reportedly abducted by her stepbrother.
The incident took place in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, on State Route 82 and Deer Creek Drive in the city of North Royalton.
Police say Tessa Kozelka left with her “boyfriend” Micey Stiver on Monday, April 4, at 2 a.m.
Tessa is described as a white female, standing 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing about 100 pounds. She has hazel eyes and black hair.
She was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt with black writing on it. She has a 50-cent piece size birthmark on her right leg.
Police say Micey Stiver, also her stepbrother, is a 23-year-old white male, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds. He has blue eyes and black hair.
They are reportedly driving in a gray 2012 Ford Focus with Ohio registration N697141.
Anyone with information should call 911 or 1-877-262-3764.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/amber-alert-issued-ohio-girl-reportedly-abducted-by-stepbrother/
| 2022-04-05T21:51:12Z
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CEO of rental giant Hertz vows to fix false theft reports
NEW YORK (AP) — The new CEO of Hertz says he’s working to fix a glitch in the rental-car giant’s systems that has led to some of its customers being wrongly accused of stealing cars they had rented.
Stephen Scherr, who took over as CEO on Feb. 28, said the company has changed its practices to fix problems that have occurred when cars were reported stolen but the transaction was improperly recorded in Hertz’s system.
“This is among the first things that I have started to look to take care of and deal with in the first 30 days I’ve been at the company,” Scherr told CNBC on Monday. “It is not acceptable to Hertz to have any customer ... caught up in some of what has happened.”
Some Hertz customers have said they were arrested and jailed because the company accused them of stealing cars that they had paid to rent and in some cases had returned long before their arrest.
It’s not clear how many people are affected. More than 200 customers asked a federal judge in Delaware to Hertz to disclose records about erroneous theft reports, and the judge ruled in the renters’ favor in February.
Scherr said the false reports involve several hundred customers out of Hertz’s 15 million annual transactions, but lawyers for the customers say the number is more like 8,000.
“We have changed our policies to avoid the possibility of this happening again,” Scherr said. “No one customer should be put through that.”
Scherr said that in some cases, vehicles have been reported as stolen, the report was withdrawn when the vehicle was found, “but that rescission wasn’t recognized.”
The CEO of Hertz Global Holdings Inc. appeared on CNBC to tout a plan to buy up to 65,000 electric vehicles over five years. The Estero, Florida-based company filed for bankruptcy protection in 2020, as it struggled under heavy debt and a drop in travel caused by the pandemic. It operates Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty car-rental brands.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/ceo-rental-giant-hertz-vows-fix-false-theft-reports/
| 2022-04-05T21:51:26Z
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Higher risk of heart issues found after COVID compared to 2nd vaccine dose, CDC reports
(Gray News) - Researchers continue to look into life after COVID when it comes to heart issues following infection and recovery.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a report on the increased risk for cardiac complications after SARS-CoV-2 infection and mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.
The report focuses on the ongoing risks and adverse health outcomes after a patient has gotten COVID. Findings also touched on the potential risk of heart issues after receiving an mRNA vaccine for the virus from Pfizer and Moderna.
According to the report, cardiac complications, “particularly myocarditis and pericarditis,” have been tied to the coronavirus and mRNA COVID vaccination.
However, findings from 40 health care systems that participated in the report from January 2021 to January 2022 showed that the risk for cardiac complications was significantly higher after the SARS-CoV-2 infection than after an mRNA COVID vaccination.
The report also states that male patients 12-17 years old had the highest risk of developing cardiac conditions after vaccination and infection:
“The incidence of cardiac outcomes after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination was highest for males aged 12–17 years after the second vaccine dose. However, within this demographic group, the risk for cardiac outcomes was 1.8–5.6 times as high after SARS-CoV-2 infection than after the second vaccine dose.”
According to the report, studies from Israel and the United Kingdom have found a higher risk for myocarditis after SARS-CoV-2 infection than after an mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.
Therefore, the CDC noted that the findings support the continued use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines among all eligible persons.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/higher-risk-heart-issues-found-after-covid-compared-2nd-vaccine-dose-cdc-reports/
| 2022-04-05T21:51:41Z
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Study: Lack of sleep may increase abdominal fat
(CNN) – If you’re losing sleep at night, you may be gaining belly fat.
That’s according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Naima Covassin, a Mayo Clinic cardiovascular medicine researcher who led the study, said lack of sleep makes people snack more frequently, especially in the evenings.
“Insufficient sleep can influence our eating behavior, making us eat more and consume especially foods rich in carbohydrates and fat,” Covassin said.
The excess calorie intake can lead to weight gain.
Covassin said short sleep also seems to alter the hormones that regulate appetite, increasing the levels of the ones that make us hungry and decreasing the ones that make us feel full.
After two weeks of short sleep, the study’s participants noticed a difference, showing “not only an increase in body weight, but specifically an increase in belly fat,” Covassin said.
The increases were in both types of fat, subcutaneous and visceral. The latter is more dangerous.
Even a small increase in visceral fat over time can have a big impact on your health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it can increase the risk for heart disease, stroke and other serious health conditions like diabetes.
For adults, at least seven hours of sleep each night is recommended.
“We hope that people will recognize the implications of insufficient sleep for weight management and for obesity risk, even for young, healthy, lean people,” Covassin said.
The researchers said they want to further study what may cause fat when there’s sleep loss, and whether those who have pre-existing risk factors, like those with diabetes, are at a higher risk of weight gain if they’re sleep deprived.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/study-lack-sleep-may-increase-abdominal-fat/
| 2022-04-05T21:51:47Z
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VIDEO: Robbers get away with car and wedding dress in violent carjacking
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) – A violent robbery and carjacking was caught on camera in California.
The attack happened in Oakland in late March. The victim is fortunately ok, but very upset over what the thieves took.
The woman, who only wanted to be identified as Ms. Yu, says advocating for safety is practically part of her DNA.
“I have been volunteering in Oakland’s Chinatown since high school,” she said. “A lot of things we promote include safety.”
Yu’s dedication to safety makes what happened to her on March 27 even more terrifying.
After she parked and saw no one was around, Yu said she walked around to the passenger side of her car to get her purse.
That’s when she noticed something was wrong.
“I immediately closed the door and turned around and four or five guys approached me,” she said. “I immediately started running.”
Surveillance video from a nearby business shows one suspect catching up to her.
Yu said at least one person in the group had a gun.
“One guy grabbed my arms,” she said. “He took my keys from my hand and pushed me to the ground, and I hit my head.”
Within seconds, her black Honda Civic was gone.
“At that moment I was really scared and didn’t have time to react,” she said.
While Yu’s physical wounds were not serious, her heart was broken over the things she lost that were inside the trunk.
“Out of everything, the wedding dress was the one that I was sad about the most,” she said. “Because it does not belong to me.”
Just one day before the carjacking, Yu picked up her best friend’s dream wedding gown they had searched for months to find.
“It was really beautiful,” Yu said. “The perfect dress for her. The moment she tried it on, we all said ‘that’s the one.’”
Yu planned to store it at her home until her friend’s fall wedding, which had already been postponed because of the pandemic.
“She was like ‘Are you joking?,” Yu said.
While Yu takes some time off from work to mentally heal, she is speaking out on behalf of the community she calls home.
“Within the Asian community, a lot of people are afraid of reporting and to be on the news,” she said. “Kind of like giving courage to other people.”
Copyright 2022 KGO via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/video-robbers-get-away-with-car-wedding-dress-violent-carjacking/
| 2022-04-05T21:51:54Z
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Weather Alert
Weather Alert
...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...West to northwest winds 40 to 50 MPH with gusts up to 75 MPH expected. * WHERE...Southeast Wyoming along and east of the Laramie Range. * WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Mainly to transportation. Strong cross winds may be hazardous to light weight and high profile vehicles, including campers and tractor trailers. There will be an extreme risk for vehicle blow overs! Winds of this magnitude may also lead to tree, power line, and property damage. Secure loose items. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage. &&
Wyoming author Dean Petersen will be signing copies of his Wyoming-based mystery book "The Burqa Cave" at Barnes & Noble, located 1851 Dell Range Blvd., on Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
"The Burqa Cave" follows the story of Iraq War Veteran Tim Ross as he teaches high school in a small Wyoming town and hopes to overcome the nightmares he's been having since he returned from the war. When one of his students mentions seeing a ghost during a macabre ritual held at an isolated gun range, Tim ignores him until the following summer when his former student leads him right to the body of a missing teenage girl.
The boy's insistence that he can see the dead forces Tim to face the possibility that there might be life after death and consequences for the worst thing he did in Iraq.
"The story is heavily based on life in Southwest Wyoming, but anyone who lives in Wyoming will identify with the story and its locations along with anyone who enjoys a spooky mystery," Petersen said of his debut novel. "I hope people will come get their signed copies on Saturday."
Dean Petersen is an Army veteran and lives in Cheyenne with his wife, three kids, and a growing zoo of pets. When not writing, he does commercial videography and enjoys podcasting.
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| 2022-04-05T22:55:59Z
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ROCK SPRINGS -- Members of Epsilon Chapter Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary organization for women educators, met in April for its regularly scheduled meeting at Santa Fe Southwest Grill.
Hostesses Dena Lyon and Janelle Parton had decorated the tables with Easter eggs and candies. The decorations played into the activity for the day. Members brought mason jars and Easter candy. Each member then filled her jar with the assorted candy as a take-home treat.
Chaplain Barb Twomey opened the meeting with an acrostic poem entitled, “Hello April.”
Various committee reports commenced, many of them concerning the end of the biennium for current chapter officers and the upcoming state convention. Bylaws chairman Janelle Parton shared two proposals under consideration for the state convention concerning money used to finance the state scholarship awarded to a worthy student attending the University of Wyoming. Members also selected two at-large delegates, in addition to the automatic delegates who are either current state officers or past presidents, who will be able to vote on items at state. Additional delegates will be selected next month prior to the convention which is slated for May 13-15 in Cheyenne Wyoming. At that time, Epsilon member Joy Christain will be installed as the new state president.
In addition to the plans for the state convention, Epsilon Chapter Nominating Chairman Alissa Ekdahl reviewed the officers and committee chairmen still needed for the upcoming biennium. Members present signed up for the various positions and next month, the slate should be completed.
Plans were finalized for a garage sale which will be held in May. Money raised will be used in a variety of ways, including helping to offset costs for members who will be travelling to Hawaii to attend the Northwest-Southwest Regional Conference which will be held May 31- June 3. Members from 13 states and Australia will meet to attend various training sessions and conduct business meetings along with fraternal gatherings.
Next month, Epsilon chapter will hold its final meeting of the year. Members will meet at the Hitching Post in Green River where new officers for the 2022-24 biennium will be installed.
Following the May meeting, members will adjourn to Riverside Nursery for their program which will involve leaning about planting for success in our climate.
As the meeting concluded, Marguerite Russold won the raffle for a spring break basket including items for self-pampering.
Additional members present included Amanda Buel, Terri Hueckstaedt, Edna Larsen, Kari Lowinske, Mendi Maes, Susan Magnuson, Alysia McGaha, Cheryl Notman, Mandy Sewell, Marjane Telck, and Brie Westbrook.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/rocketminer/epsilon-chapter-alpha-delta-kappa-christian-appointed-as-new-state-president-other-delegates-to-be/article_f9fbd026-a56a-5457-8ebf-823dd881891f.html
| 2022-04-05T22:56:05Z
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12 years later: Raleigh County honors Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster victims
BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA) - On Tuesday, loved ones and county officials honored the 29 lives lost on April 5, 2010, in the Upper Big Branch Mine Explosion. For some, it was the worst day in their lives.
This ceremony continues the promise to never forget as people come together to join in prayer and honor those who were lost. A plaque with miners’ gear at the base, stands as a constant reminder to remember those who never emerged from that mine in Montcoal.
Coal miner safety is a theme that stands as a faceless participant here. Following the UBB disaster, the federal justice department determined the explosion to be ‘entirely preventable’. Blaming the deadly explosion on unlawful policies and practices.
Family members continue to carry a message for coal companies. Be diligent in safe coal mine practices, so no one else endures a coal mine tragedy like they live with.
The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. plans on opening up an exhibit dedicated to the UBB disaster.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/12-years-later-raleigh-county-honors-upper-big-branch-mine-disaster-victims/
| 2022-04-05T23:22:09Z
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Authorities investigate body found in Tazewell County
Published: Apr. 5, 2022 at 6:03 PM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) - A body was found in Tazewell County Tuesday.
This is a developing story, sources have told us that a body was discovered across the street from the Tazewell Carilion Hospital inside the town of Tazewell’s Municipal limits.
WVVA is working to gather more information about this developing story, and will keep you updated on the information as it is released.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/authorities-investigate-body-found-tazewell-county/
| 2022-04-05T23:22:15Z
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Egg prices spike amid bird flu outbreaks at U.S. farms
(Gray News) - The cost of groceries continues to rise these days, and the price of eggs is also going up.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, bird flu has affected 24 states and more than 46 million birds in the U.S. as of April 5.
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is described by health officials as a highly contagious and deadly virus that affects chickens, turkeys and wild birds. It has been hitting farms hard across the country.
According to the Associated Press, Iowa is the nation’s leading egg producer, and bird flu has infected several farms in that area, forcing the killing of 5.3 million hens and 88,000 turkeys.
According to the USDA, the average cost of a dozen eggs is currently $2.88 per dozen at supermarkets, up 52% since earlier this year.
The agency reports eggs are expected to be more in demand with the upcoming Easter holiday, but suppliers are not expected to run out of product.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the bird flu usually does not infect people and rare cases of human infection when it comes to the virus have been reported.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/egg-prices-spike-amid-bird-flu-outbreaks-us-farms/
| 2022-04-05T23:22:21Z
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Georgia lawmakers push through election probe regulation
ATLANTA (AP) — A Georgia law enforcement agency would have the authority to initiate investigations of election crimes under the latest voting regulation approved by the Republican-controlled state Legislature after former President Donald Trump made repeated, false claims of widespread voter fraud.
Over the objections of Democrats, Republicans in the state House and Senate voted on Monday to give the Georgia Bureau of Investigation authority to start probes of alleged election wrongdoing without a request from an outside official. The alleged violation would have to be significant enough to create doubt about the outcome of an election, and the agency would have the power to issue subpoenas for election documents.
The secretary of state’s office is currently responsible for investigating alleged election violations. The GBI would provide an additional, separate layer of scrutiny.
The measure — passed on the last day of the session — still requires Republican Gov. Brian Kemp’s signature to become law. Katie Byrd, a spokeswoman for the governor, said Tuesday that Kemp’s office was reviewing all legislation passed by the General Assembly.
Democrats and voting rights advocates said the additional authority for the GBI would intimidate voters and election workers.
“It will not only be used against your voters, but could also be used against organizations and those county election board officials or their workers,” State Rep. Jasmine Clark, a Democrat from Lilburn, said on the House floor. “Again, they already have a hard enough time getting poll workers, and now you want to sic the GBI on them. What are we doing here?”
House Speaker David Ralston, a Republican from Blue Ridge, said the GBI authority was not a partisan reaction to the 2020 election.
“It was a good government measure to be sure that we have competent, professional, thorough investigators,” Ralston said. “GBI is the best there is in the state.”
GOP officials have continued to try to satisfy the millions of voters in their party who believe Trump’s false claim that voter fraud cost him reelection in 2020. Lawmakers in Florida have also approved a police force to pursue election crimes, a proposal pushed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The Georgia measure comes a year after the state’s General Assembly rewrote election laws to reduce the time to request an absentee ballot, strip power from Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and severely roll back the pandemic-driven expansion of absentee ballot drop boxes. It was one of the first and highest-profile voting laws passed by Republican-controlled legislatures after Trump’s defeat.
Republicans said Georgia’s 2021 law was necessary to restore confidence in the state’s election system. Democrats decried it as an effort to block Democratic-leaning citizens from voting.
Georgia lawmakers this year also considered allowing people to inspect paper ballots after an election and imposing new chain-of-custody requirements for handling ballots, but those measures were vehemently opposed by some county election administrators and did not advance.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/georgia-lawmakers-push-through-election-probe-regulation/
| 2022-04-05T23:22:31Z
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Nevada toad’s entire habitat threatened, emergency protection issued
Published: Apr. 5, 2022 at 7:09 PM EDT|Updated: 13 minutes ago
(CNN) – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued emergency protection for a toad now threatened with extinction.
The Dixie Valley toad only exists in a remote area about 160 miles east of Reno in Nevada.
The 760-acre wetland area is fed by hot springs.
A geothermal project planned for the area could destroy the entire population of the small toads.
Emergency protections are rare. The last time the agency issued one was in 2011 for the Miami blue butterfly.
The new listing is good for 240 days and could be extended.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/nevada-toads-entire-habitat-threatened-emergency-protection-issued/
| 2022-04-05T23:22:38Z
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Proud Boys leader pleads not guilty to Jan. 6 charges
WASHINGTON (AP) — Proud Boys leader Henry “Enrique” Tarrio pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges that he remotely led a plot to stop Congress’ certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 victory.
Though he wasn’t at the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot, prosecutors say Tarrio organized encrypted chats with Proud Boys members in the weeks before the attack, had a 42-second phone call with another member of the group in the building during the insurrection and took credit for the chaos at the Capitol.
Police had arrested Tarrio in Washington two days before the riot and charged him with vandalizing a Black Lives Matter banner at a historic Black church during a protest in December 2020. The day before the Capitol was attacked, a judge ordered Tarrio to stay out of Washington.
Tarrio’s indictment said that instead of staying out of town, he met with Oath Keepers founder and leader Elmer “Stewart” Rhodes and others in an underground parking garage for about 30 minutes on Jan. 5.
His lawyers have said the evidence against Tarrio was weak and relies mostly on text messages and social media.
A judge has postponed the May 18 trial for Tarrio and five others affiliated with the far-right group.
Prosecutors sought the postponement to give them more time to assess and share with opposing lawyers new information gathered in the investigation. Some defendants in the case agreed with the postponement request.
A new trial date is expected to be picked during an April 21 hearing.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/proud-boys-leader-pleads-not-guilty-jan-6-charges/
| 2022-04-05T23:22:45Z
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Rain will taper off Wednesday morning, but more showers and t-storms move in Wednesday night
Some storms could be strong to severe Wednesday evening
As low pressure moves across our area this evening, we’ll continue to see rain (heavy at times) on and off throughout the night. It will be breezy at times as well, but with SW wind flow, we will stay mild, with temps hovering in the 50s through Wed AM for most.
Wednesday will bring early morning clouds and a few showers, but the majority of the day looks dry. By the late afternoon/early evening, we can expect some breaks of sun, and warmer-than-average high temps in the 70s. A cold front will then interact with what is left of some daytime heat Wednesday night, bringing a renewed chance of showers and thunderstorms after sunset.
With this front coming in late, our severe risk is low overall, BUT NOT ZERO.
A few isolated storms could produce damaging wind gusts (over 58 MPH), torrential rain, large hail, and even rotation/a brief, weak tornado. Showers and storms will continue for a while into Thursday morning, but rain should taper after sunrise.
We look mainly dry, but a bit cooler with highs in the mid 50s-low 60s Thursday afternoon.
Colder air will continue to spill into the area Friday, so highs to wrap up the work week will only be in the 40s for most. Low temps will dip to around or below freezing through the weekend. Both cold rain and snow showers look to keep us company Friday-Sunday morning.
We warm up quickly again next week...stay tuned!
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) -
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/rain-will-taper-off-wednesday-morning-more-showers-t-storms-move-wednesday-night/
| 2022-04-05T23:22:52Z
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Recovery Point West Virginia looks to relocate
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) - A local organization is on the move.
Recovery Point West Virginia- currently located on Preston Street- is looking to relocate to the old Salvation Army building on Highland Avenue. Today, the facility recieved approval from the city’s Planning and Zoning Committee.
Reggie Jones, Executive Director of Recovery Point West Virginia, says the facility houses 60 beds and offers long-term recovery to those with alchohol addiction. Jones says they are forced to move locations to keep up their current census and evenutally expand.
While the new location will be near a residential area, Jone’s says their presence should not cause concern.
“We’re a great neighbor... we have a very structured program,” he stated. “Our program is staffed 24 hours a day. We teach accountability- a high level of accountability, not only to your fellow residents but to your community as well. We make great partners.”
Recovery Point is finalizing the building’s purchase and looks to close soon. Between the financing and renovations, Jones says this is a $540,000 investment.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/recovery-point-west-virginia-looks-relocate/
| 2022-04-05T23:22:59Z
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Grocery chain to pay $175K for egg price gouging in pandemic
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Grocery chain Smart & Final has agreed to pay $175,000 in penalties to resolve allegations that the grocer engaged in price gouging of certain organic and cage-free eggs at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, state authorities said Tuesday.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said that between March 4, 2020, and June 22, 2020, Smart & Final increased the price of four premium egg products beyond what was allowable during a state of emergency.
An investigation found that Smart & Final sold over 100,000 cartons of eggs that were marked up by more than 10%, violating the law, Bonta said.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, triggering price-gouging protections through August 2020.
The attorney general’s office said that it received many complaints about dramatic increases in the cost of eggs after Newsom’s emergency declaration. Many related specifically to price spikes at Smart & Final stores across California.
“Today’s settlement should serve as a warning to grocers and other sellers of essential supplies, follow state price gouging laws or you will pay the price and be held to account,” Bonta said.
Smart & Final operates more than 250 retail stores throughout the western United States.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/05/smart-final-pay-175k-egg-price-gouging-pandemic/
| 2022-04-05T23:23:06Z
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Mother faces judge for first time, officially charged with killing 8-year-old son
SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis. (WBAY/Gray News) - Criminal charges have been officially filed against a Wisconsin-area mother accused of killing her 8-year-old son.
WBAY reports Natalia Hitchcock, 41, was charged with first-degree intentional homicide and attempted first-degree intentional homicide with the death of her son, Oliver Hitchcock.
The Sheboygan Falls Police Department said Natalia Hitchcock assaulted Oliver on March 30 at their apartment. He died two days later at a children’s hospital in Milwaukee due to his injuries.
“The children’s [Wisconsin] hospital makes miracles happen all the time, but couldn’t this time, unfortunately,” said SFPD Police Chief Eric Miller.
According to Miller, at least two officers wore body cameras, and the footage has been turned over to the District Attorney’s office.
The case has been handed to the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office, but Miller said this is a case that will never leave him.
“Because of the severity and nature of the victim. Yeah, none of us will forget,” Miller said.
Natalia Hitchcock appeared in court on Tuesday for the first time.
Miller said the second charge she is facing refers to another incident at the home that was something not reported to them previously.
“Many officers have kids that are either younger or older or in that same age group. It’s hard for them. We talked to doctors and staff; there was nothing else the officers could do,” Miller said.
Authorities said an autopsy on Oliver is scheduled for some time this week.
Copyright 2022 WBAY via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/06/mother-faces-judge-first-time-officially-charged-with-killing-8-year-old-son/
| 2022-04-06T00:50:24Z
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Oklahoma state House approves bill to make abortion illegal
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma House gave final legislative approval on Tuesday to a bill that would make performing an abortion a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
With little discussion and no debate, the Republican-controlled House voted 70-14 to send the bill to Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt, who has previously said he’d sign any anti-abortion bill that comes to his desk.
The bill is one of several anti-abortion measures still alive in Oklahoma’s Legislature this year, part of a trend of GOP-led states passing aggressive anti-abortion legislation as the conservative U.S. Supreme Court is considering ratcheting back abortion rights that have been in place for nearly 50 years.
The Oklahoma bill, which passed the Senate last year, makes an exception only for an abortion performed to save the life of the mother, said GOP state Rep. Jim Olsen, of Roland, who sponsored the bill. Under the bill, a person convicted of performing an abortion would face up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
“The penalties are for the doctor, not for the woman,” Olsen said.
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.
The Oklahoma bill’s passage came on the same day as more than 100 people attended a “Bans Off Oklahoma” rally outside the Capitol in support of abortion rights.
“These legislators have continued their relentless attacks on our freedoms,” said Emily Wales, interim president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes. “These restrictions are not about improving the safety of the work that we do. They are about shaming and stigmatizing people who need and deserve abortion access.”
Wales said Planned Parenthood’s abortion clinic in Oklahoma has seen an 800% increase in the number of women from Texas after that state passed its new anti-abortion law last year.
The Texas law bans abortion once cardiac activity is detected, usually around six weeks of pregnancy, without exceptions in cases of rape or incest.
Also Tuesday, the Oklahoma House adopted a resolution to recognize lives lost due to abortion and urge citizens to fly flags at half-staff on Jan. 22, the day the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in its landmark 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade.
___
This story has been updated to correct the spelling of state Rep. Jim Olsen’s name.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/06/oklahoma-state-house-approves-bill-make-abortion-illegal/
| 2022-04-06T00:50:32Z
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Woman facing animal neglect charges after emaciated dog found in crate in apartment
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG/Gray News) - Police in Des Moines made an arrest Tuesday after the Animal Rescue League of Iowa rescued an emaciated Great Dane.
Alexandria Byron, 26, of Des Moines, faces animal neglect charges, KCRG reports.
ARL staff said the dog, named Kal, was found shut in a crate with no food or water in an apartment. Kal was immediately taken to the Animal Rescue League Emergency Care Team for treatment.
The Care team noted that Kal’s body had no muscle mass and weighed just 44 pounds. They noted he was so dehydrated and emaciated that his head and eyes were sunken in.
The ARL said Kal is now on a careful refeeding program and IV fluids in order to help him safely regain fluids and regain his weight.
In the latest update from police about this case, Kal is said to be gaining weight under the care of the Miracle Medical veterinary team at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
Copyright 2022 KCRG via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/04/06/woman-facing-animal-neglect-charges-after-emaciated-dog-found-crate-apartment/
| 2022-04-06T00:50:40Z
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...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...West to northwest winds 40 to 50 MPH with gusts up to
75 MPH expected.
* WHERE...Southeast Wyoming along and east of the Laramie Range.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM MDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Mainly to transportation. Strong cross winds may be
hazardous to light weight and high profile vehicles, including
campers and tractor trailers. There will be an extreme risk for
vehicle blow overs! Winds of this magnitude may also lead to
tree, power line, and property damage. Secure loose items.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected
or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts
of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage.
&&
Transmission lines are seen in a photo on the website for Black Hills Energy's Ready Wyoming project. Taken via screenshot on April 5, 2022.
CHEYENNE – If you live in the Cheyenne area and you got an alert Tuesday morning from Black Hills Energy warning of a power outage, you have nothing to fear. Most likely, your electricity never went out.
It turns out that a some sort of text message-related error, not the high wind gusts that the region is experiencing, were to blame for the erroneous alerts.
One could be forgiven for thinking that conditions were ripe for the power to go out, given the unusually gusty winds, even for our windy region. For parts of the area, west to northwest winds of 40-50 mph with gusts up to 75 mph are expected, according to the National Weather Service in Cheyenne. It said that a "high wind warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. MDT Wednesday."
"It was just an error, and it was not an actual electrical outage. Our system held together, even during the wind storm today," said Black Hills Energy spokesperson Laurie Farkas about the false outage warnings.
Farkas later emailed this statement to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle: "Black Hills Energy is aware of a notification system error that appears to have occurred early Tuesday morning. It is believed that approximately 26,800 messages were sent to Cheyenne, Wyoming area customers, regarding an electrical power outage. No actual electrical power outage was present. The company is working to determine the cause of the error."
There was one small exception to the mostly outage-free day, Farkas said by phone. Approximately nine customers were without power for a brief period lasting perhaps 15 minutes.
For the occasions on when the lights and electronics in your household or workplace go off suddenly, you can go to the power company's outage webpage: blackhillsenergy.com/outages.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/black-hills-energy-power-outage-alerts-sent-in-error/article_cdf21481-a332-578d-a302-ca66f038dd0c.html
| 2022-04-06T01:02:04Z
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