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Interactive events will deliver timely new client acquisition and practice growth strategies to financial advisors utilizing retirement plan brokerage windows and in-plan advice.
BELLEVUE, Wash., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pacific Financial Group (TPFG), a wealth management innovator and leader in Self-Directed Brokerage Account Management (SDBA) announced it will be hosting 13 regional financial advisor education and networking events in September and October 2022.
The event series entitled SDBA & In-Plan Advice: A Growth Formula Workshop is designed to demystify and educate financial advisors on Self-Directed Brokerage Account Management and the coming trend toward providing In-Plan advice to retirement plan participants. Brokerage windows are now open in well over 100,000 workplace 401k, 403b, and 457 plans across the country, and the list of open plans grows every day. This provides financial advisors with one of the most innovative and rewarding practice growth opportunities the industry has seen in decades. A dedicated website has been launched at www.GrowWithTPFG.com.
"With recent turmoil affecting the global financial markets, advisors nationwide are once again educating themselves on new ways to deepen their client relationships. Retirement plan brokerage windows, SDBA, In-Plan Advice, and our Strategy PLUS suite of Model Portfolios are a powerful combination which can supercharge an advisory practice," said Cory Kendall, Chief Revenue Officer for TPFG. "Through these workshops, we're bringing our vast expertise and proven SDBA playbook directly to financial advisors who are ready to scale and accelerate their businesses."
Underpinning TPFG's SDBA program is Strategy PLUS, a multi-strategy, multi-manager platform that leverages the intellectual capital of leading investment managers including Capital Group | American Funds®, Fidelity Investments®, BlackRock®, JPMorgan, PIMCO, Janus-Henderson, Invesco, BNY Mellon, MFS, Meeder, and Counterpoint. These relationships allow TPFG to feature the attributes of those managers and incorporate specific strategies that range from Active to Passive and Strategic to Tactical. The strategies are available to advisors inside Strategy PLUS and the result is more product choice that empowers investors to save more, behave better, and improve investment outcomes.
SDBA & In-Plan Advice Growth Formula Workshop locations and dates:
- Scottsdale, AZ – September 27
- Tucson, AZ – September 29
- Santa Clara, CA – October 4
- Troy, MI – October 4
- Houston, TX – October 4
- Dallas, TX – October 5
- Denver, CO – October 6
- Walnut Creek – October 6
- Aventura, FL – October 18
- Roseville, CA – October 18
- Fairfax, VA – October 19
- Portland, OR – October 20
- Oakbrook, IL – October 26
Learn more about your local complimentary TPFG Growth Formula Workshop and register at www.GrowWithTPFG.com. All advisors are welcome, but registration is limited. To request a future workshop in your location, please email marketingteam@tpfg.com.
Founded in 1984, The Pacific Financial Group, Inc. (TPFG) is a SEC registered investment advisory firm and dynamic wealth management innovator that focuses on the group retirement space. The firm was an early pioneer in the evolution of Self-Directed Brokerage Account Management (SDBA) for 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans. Strategy PLUS is the firm's flagship investment platform that offers a unique blend of choice, talent, and sophisticated modeling not found in traditional retirement plans. The firm also offers Separately Managed Accounts, Core Retirement Optimization, and a Variable Annuity Program. See www.tpfg.com.
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SOURCE The Pacific Financial Group | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/pacific-financial-group-host-financial-advisor-growth-formula-workshops-around-country/ | 2022-08-18T20:14:31Z |
MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:
And finally today, you probably know the rapper and emcee Tariq Trotter as the frontman of the hip-hop group The Roots. It's the house band for "The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon." But now Trotter, who is also known as Black Thought, has a new album out of his own, a collaboration with music producer Danger Mouse. It's called "Cheat Codes." We called Jack Hamilton to tell us about it. He is a music critic for Slate magazine and professor of media studies at the University of Virginia. And he joined us to tell us about a few of the album's standout tracks.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "CHEAT CODES")
BLACK THOUGHT: (Rapping) Young gunners in beast mode, K-9 teeth show. Cheat code, playing with unlimited free throws.
JACK HAMILTON: "Cheat Codes" is the title track of the album, and I think it's a really great example of the hallmarks of this record in terms of - you can hear the brilliance of Black Thought's rapping and Danger Mouse's production style just really, really evidently on display.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "CHEAT CODES")
BLACK THOUGHT: (Rapping) Go on, take his name in vain, like a phlebotomist. I'm the one that tell you what time it is. Never been into selling you promises. It's hot as a pot of grits.
HAMILTON: Everything is very kind of in the pocket, as people say - very, very sort of rhythmically complex, but always - you know, always very much under control. It's really - it's a real masterful, I think, display of rapping on this track. And, you know, it's indicative of the rest of the album, as well.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "CHEAT CODES")
BLACK THOUGHT: (Rapping) Playing a game, trying hard to hang by the same string. You better get the cheat code or get RICO-ed.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "NO GOLD TEETH")
BLACK THOUGHT: (Rapping) Wind in my face, hound at my heels. At the end, I'm winning this race. Only then can I chill. But till then, don't ever try to stagnate the magnate. When it's money on the line, never make the bag wait. I just add weight to the bag until the bag break. That holy swag make the cash get the gas face.
HAMILTON: So "No Gold Teeth" was the first track that a lot of people heard from this album because it was the first song to be released from it. It came out a few months ago. But this might actually be my favorite track on the album.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "NO GOLD TEETH")
BLACK THOUGHT: (Rapping) They requested my IG. I replied deny. Tell me I'm in the top three. They ain't never lied. Stop through in that Peking to Paris. What a ride. The car's two-to-five. The doors suicide. Testing the GOAT'll be your suicide. No matter which corner of the globe you reside.
HAMILTON: The musical backdrop changes quite a bit, you know, throughout the verses. And you have all of these different kind of musical ideas and textures that are happening behind Black Thought. In a way, it's, like, almost mimicking the experience of sort of hearing more of a live band, something that has a lot of kind of dynamism to it.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "BELIZE")
BLACK THOUGHT: (Singing) Away from you. (Rapping) Yo, I'm sick. No lymph nodes is swollen. They told me even when the records skip, keep it rolling. On the shoulder like a California highway patrolman.
HAMILTON: So "Belize" is probably one of the most special tracks on this album because it's a collaboration - a posthumous collaboration with the late MF Doom.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "BELIZE")
MF DOOM: (Rapping) Doom get rude with the dude off chips. The mood switch. He chewed off strips of a Broodwich (ph). Danger make him groove off a glitch. Made your boo booty twitch and the crew rich. Always wanted to say that, ever since the days in the hallways taunting a stray cat, the one he often frequently slapped around. All the while, waited then graduated - cap and gown.
HAMILTON: When you see a posthumous collaboration, you're somewhat apprehensive - you know? - because you're like, wait, what if this is something that's just sort of added - you know, it's some sort of rough draft type thing that the artist never really meant to be released? You know, that happens a lot. But then to hear it and have it be just totally brilliant, and it sounds like, you know, peak MF Doom - like, it's just like - it's like being able to hear this sort of lost Doom verse.
And MF Doom is just sort of a legendary hip-hop figure in terms of just a dazzling lyricist, dazzling emcee. There's very few people, I think, who are really at the level of Black Thought throughout the history of hip-hop music, and MF Doom is absolutely one of them. So it's just this really kind of moving experience to be able to hear both of these artists sharing a track together.
MARTIN: That was Jack Hamilton, music critic for Slate magazine, telling us about "Cheat Codes." That's the new album from rapper Black Thought and producer Danger Mouse, and it's out now.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "STRANGERS")
BLACK THOUGHT: (Rapping) Yeah, while y'all was suffering from future shock, hurting and hating, waiting for that other shoe to drop, I was relocating this whole operation to the top for you to copy and paste. In case you forgot, I'm super hot and beyond your range. It's kind of strange how the change in climate ain't because of climate change. I acquired this affinity for finer things, like big folds, Range and... Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2022-08-14/album-review-of-danger-mouse-black-thoughts-cheat-codes | 2022-08-18T20:14:34Z |
Padgett president tells Commissioner: "While the IRS must act quickly, it must also move cautiously"
ATHENS, Ga., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Roger Harris, president of North American tax and accounting franchise Padgett Business Services, wrote a letter to Commissioner Charles Rettig, urging the IRS to proceed with caution when determining how to use the new funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022.
The approximately $80 billion provided for the IRS has been a controversial element of the act, but Harris believes this funding can be a major benefit to taxpayers if it is used properly. Padgett and industry experts have been saying for years that the IRS is under-funded, but with the passing of the IRA, the agency now has an opportunity to restore belief in the tax system.
Increasing enforcement has been a primary concern for many taxpayers. Padgett recognizes its necessity, but reminds the IRS that it is crucial to audit only the right people.
"It does no good for the IRS to spend their money on audits that produce no revenue," Harris said in an article published on Padgett's website. "The IRS clearly needs better taxpayer service, better technology, and just enough enforcement to ensure the integrity of the tax system."
In the letter, Harris encourages the IRS to prioritize improvements to taxpayer services before increasing audits and other enforcement activity. He also suggests the IRS include feedback from outside stakeholders when developing their plan. Harris feels that this will address the politically divisive nature of the act.
"Padgett has been on the front lines of tax preparation and helping small businesses and other taxpayers navigate the IRS for over half a century," Harris wrote. "As a result, we understand how crucial it is for the IRS to seize this opportunity for improvement and get this right."
Through a network of hundreds individually-owned firms, Padgett provides tax, accounting, payroll and consulting services to tens of thousands of small businesses across the U.S. and Canada. With an entrepreneurial spirit and more than 50 years of experience, Padgett aims to serve as trusted advisors and empower business owners to pursue their financial and personal goals.
Find your local Padgett office
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Padgett Business Services
Shannon Rainey
706.583.5113
srainey@smallbizpros.com
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SOURCE Padgett Business Services | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/president-national-tax-franchise-urges-irs-use-funds-restore-tax-system/ | 2022-08-18T20:14:37Z |
—Limiting job offers: 36 percent say their company has restricted hiring—
—Letting staff go: 13 percent say workers have been laid off—
—Restructurings taking place: 19 percent say companies have undertaken a major reorganization—
—Feeling secure: Despite shakeups, 80 percent feel their job isn't in jeopardy—
NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid debate about whether the US is in a recession, a new survey reveals 41 percent of workers believe we are.
The Conference Board survey also finds that businesses are already taking precautionary measures. Indeed, 36 percent of survey respondents say their company has already begun to restrict hiring to crucial roles, and 13 percent say layoffs have been conducted. Workers aren't worried, however, with 80 percent feeling secure in their jobs. In fact, workers are more worried about a declining stock market than the possibility of losing their job.
"Amid historically low unemployment in the US, this recession will be significantly different from prior downturns," said Rebecca Ray, PhD, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at The Conference Board. "Businesses should be mindful of the lessons learned from the COVID recession, when those that furloughed or laid off workers saw just how hard it can be to get that talent back. As we face another recession—which The Conference Board projects will begin later this year—leaders should explore alternatives to layoffs and furloughs, such as offering incentives for voluntary separation."
The latest workforce survey from The Conference Board polled more than 1,000 individuals—predominantly professional/office workers—from July 29-August 4. Respondents weighed in on recession expectations and fears, as well as what measures their businesses have taken.
Key findings include:
41 percent of respondents think we are already in a recession.
Given the current economic climate, do you believe we will have an economic slowdown/recession in the US?
- 41 percent of respondents think we are already in a recession.
- 33 percent believe we will be in a recession within six months.
- More white respondents say we are already in a recession than other races/ethnicities:
- More men say we are in a recession than women:
Businesses are already taking cost-cutting measures, including hiring restrictions and restructurings.
Which of the following organization cost reduction measures have you witnessed?
- Restricting and freezing hiring are the top measures taken so far:
Cost-cutting is not yet as severe as early COVID measures.
- Freezing or restricting hiring were also the top measures taken at the start of COVID-19, but to a greater degree:
- In response to COVID, however, businesses were less likely to restructure or conduct layoffs, but more likely to implement furloughs:
Despite cost-cutting measures, most workers feel secure in their jobs.
How secure do you feel about retaining your job?
- 44 percent are secure, and 36 percent are very secure in their jobs.
- The higher the seniority level, the more secure respondents are in their jobs:
For workers, a declining stock market trumps worries of losing their job.
In the event of a significant economic slowdown/recession, what are your greatest fears?
- 60 percent of respondents say a decline in the stock market is among their greatest fears in the event of a recession, the top response.
- Black respondents fear job loss less than other races/ethnicities, but fear delayed home purchase at around two times the rate:
- Asian American/Pacific Islander: 58 percent
- Black: 26 percent
- Hispanic/Latino: 56 percent
- White: 42 percent
- Asian American/Pacific Islander: 11 percent
- Black: 21 percent
- Hispanic/Latino: 9 percent
- White: 8 percent
Recession worries vary by generation.
In the event of a significant economic slowdown/recession, what are your greatest fears?
- Millennials fear job loss at a much higher rate than their generational counterparts:
- Baby Boomers fear a decline in the stock market at a much higher rate than their generational counterparts:
"Different generations have different priorities," said Robin Erickson, PhD, Vice President of Human Capital at The Conference Board. "As Baby Boomers near retirement, they are keeping a close eye on the stock market and their 401ks. Millennials, on the other hand, are earlier in career and thus less established, and understandably fear job loss more."
Most workers believe they can weather an economic storm.
Do you have financial resources to weather an economic slowdown of six months or less? Of more than six months?
- 91 percent say they have the financial resources to withstand a slowdown of 6 months or less.
- 75 percent could endure a recession of more than 6 months.
- White respondents, men, and Baby Boomers report they are able to withstand a longer-term slowdown at a higher rate than their counterparts:
- Asian American/Pacific Islander: 70 percent
- Black: 61 percent
- Hispanic/Latino: 62 percent
- White: 79 percent
- Men: 81 percent
- Women: 71 percent
- Baby Boomers: 84 percent
- Gen X: 75 percent
- Millennials: 60 percent
The top response to a recession? Spend less.
If we have an economic slowdown, how would you respond to it?
- 66 percent of respondents say they will curtail spending if there is an economic slowdown, the top response:
- 40 percent of Baby Boomers say they would delay retirement if there was a recession.
- Black respondents say they would look for a part-time job or side hustle at around two times or more than the rate of other races/ethnicities:
About The Conference Board
The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers trusted insights for what's ahead. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. www.conference-board.org
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SOURCE The Conference Board | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/recession-survey-41-workers-believe-were-already-recession/ | 2022-08-18T20:14:43Z |
Staffing firm celebrates 25th anniversary with an appearance in Inc. 5000 list for the 6th time
RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Astyra Corporation, a black-owned staffing and consulting firm headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, earned a spot on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list. The honor is reserved for the top 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America. Astyra's 179% growth rate landed the company on the list for the 6th time. The Richmond region had 38 companies earn recognition on the 2022 list.
"What better way to usher in our 25th year than to find ourselves in Inc. once again" says CEO and cofounder Ken Ampy. "This achievement proves that the 'Astyra approach' to work and culture resonates with our clients and contract associates."
With resources in 15 states, Astyra has grown rapidly by providing top talent to high-profile clients. Astyra Corporation earned their first Inc. 5000 recognition in 2009. In April 2021, Astyra received Corporate Plus distinction from the National Minority Supplier Development Council for their proficiency in fulfilling extensive national contracts.
"Appearing on the Inc. 5000 for a 6th time is an honor we would have not thought possible when we started in 1997", remarks President and cofounder Sam Young. "It's been a great ride thus far yet there's still more to come."
Astyra specializes in Information Technology, Healthcare, Professional Services, and Call Center staffing. As a solution-based company, Astyra focuses on providing top talent who will help clients build their vision and achieve their goals. Nationally, Astyra has staffed more than 300 people year to date. In the past year, Astyra's internal staff has grown by 30% to support their major expansion.
258 Virginia private companies reported a total revenue of $19.6 billion on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list, a 6% increase from the 2021 list. This substantial increase is a testament to the resilience and innovation private companies shown amid labor shortages and the continued impact of Covid-19.
Results of the 2022 Inc. 5000 fastest-growing list with company profiles, growth rates, criteria, and more can be found at https://www.inc.com/inc5000/2022.
Established in 1997, Astyra Corporation is an award-winning staffing and consulting firm. They are experts in matching high skilled consultants to innovative business solutions. Their high-profile clients range from government agencies and financial institutions to major systems integrators. For more information, visit https://astyra.com/.
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SOURCE Astyra Corporation | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/richmond-based-astyra-corporation-named-one-2022-inc-5000-top-private-companies/ | 2022-08-18T20:14:49Z |
Premium pet food brand's new creative campaign celebrates the raw, unfiltered love between pet parents and their pets
OAK CREEK, Wis., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Stella & Chewy's, the category leader in the raw pet food space, announced today that it is launching the brand's first-ever national ad campaign, "All You Need Is Raw." The new creative embodies the raw, unfiltered love pet parents have for their pets and how food, especially raw and natural food, plays a key role in how pet parents show their love.
Whether it's a cat hanging from a curtain without a care in the world or a dog sleeping on the couch like no one's watching, the creative is a bold and candid celebration of the raw, unfiltered behaviors that make our pets who they are. The campaign also marks the launch of a new tagline for the brand, "All You Need is Raw," which embodies Stella & Chewy's belief that raw is all pets are, and raw is all they need.
"The raw pet food space continues to rapidly expand as more pet parents strive to feed their pets as they would themselves – with real and less processed foods," said David Campbell, CMO of Stella & Chewy's. "With this new campaign, we aim to raise awareness of the Stella & Chewy's brand and portfolio, which offers a range of dog and cat food products to meet varying pet parent needs."
The omni-channel campaign, led by Chicago-based creative agency Highdive Advertising, and directed by Ian Kibbey and Corey Creasey of Terri Timely, consists of multiple :15 and :30 second spots and will include cable TV, connective TV/Video, audio, social media, experiential, custom content, mobile rich media and influencer relations.
"We're so excited for this partnership with Stella & Chewy's," said Mark Gross, CCO and co-founder of Highdive Advertising. "As many of us at Highdive are pet parents or lovers ourselves, we appreciate Stella & Chewy's commitment to providing pets with healthier, less processed foods. For their first-ever national brand campaign, we knew we had to go bold and candid with these spots to show exactly how raw pets can be — and why we simply love them for it. We thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with the Stella & Chewy's team to bring this campaign to life and can't wait for what's to come."
The paid media strategy, developed and implemented by the award-winning Exverus Media, employs advanced data and analytics to measure brand awareness, sales performance and online conversions of each media element. The holistic media strategy and approach was designed to rapidly grow household penetration and bring new consumers into Stella & Chewy's family of growing products of raw dog and cat food and treats.
"Our consumer insight is that pet parents want shared experiences with their pets. So the media placements had to support 'co-viewing' opportunities: think Animal Planet and Bravo, pet music playlists on Spotify and pet Reddit communities," said Tasha Day, VP of Media at Exverus Media.
To learn more about Stella & Chewy's range of premium raw and natural pet food for dogs and cats, visit www.allyouneedisraw.com or follow the company on Facebook or Instagram.
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Stella & Chewy's strives to provide the highest quality raw and natural pet food with an emphasis on nutrition, palatability, safety and convenience. The company's dog and cat products include frozen patties and morsels, freeze-dried dinners and meal mixers, baked kibble, stews, broths and treats. Stella & Chewy's proudly created Journey Home Fund; a charity that promotes adult and senior pet adoptions. For more information about the company, products and the nearest retailer, visit stellaandchewys.com or call 877-477-8977.
Founded in 2016, Highdive (highdiveus.com) is an independently owned, full-service creative agency headquartered in Chicago. Built for brands that want best-in-class creative but don't want the baggage that usually comes with it, the agency has a singular promise: to create the healthiest client and agency relationships in the world. Led by four seasoned advertising executives who set out to create an agency made up exclusively of top performers across every discipline, Highdive is breaking the traditional agency model to deliver work so powerful it can't be ignored for brands including Jeep, Ram Trucks, Lays, Beam Suntory, NHL, Nike, Boost Mobile, Airheads, Fruit-tella, and Rocket Mortgage. On a rapid growth trajectory, Highdive has been recognized as Advertising Age Small Agency of the Year, Midwest, three times and 2020 Advertising Age National Small Agency of the Year. Highdive also ranked number one on Adweek's 2020 Fastest Growing Agencies List.
Named by Ad Age as a Media Agency of the Year, Los Angeles-based Exverus is a strategic media consultancy that starts with a brand's passions and objectives and translates them for today's media landscape. Designed specifically to meet the needs of culture-creating brands in high-growth mode, Exverus partners with clients to deliver integrated campaigns that get people talking, build brand value and drive sales. For more information, follow @exverus or visit www.exverus.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Stella & Chewy's
Betsy Radue
262.893.7276
bradue@stellaandchewys.com
Zeno Group for Stella & Chewy's
Sami Davis
312.934.3180
Sami.Davis@zenogroup.com
Stella & Chewy's Credits
David Campbell, CMO
Sudheer Kosaraju, VP, Brand Marketing
Debra Yoo, Senior Brand Manager
Roy Torres, Creative Director
Highdive Credits
Creative
Mark Gross, Co-Founder, Chief Creative Officer
Chad Broude, Co-Founder, Chief Creative Officer
Katie Bero, Creative Director
Brian Culp, Creative Director
Rebecca Wilson, Senior Designer
Dave Muhlenfeld, Copywriter
Account
Megan Lally, Managing Partner
Kristin Woodke, Group Account Director
Jamie Lazaroff, Senior Account Executive
Production
Jen Passaniti, Head of Production, Executive Producer
Will St. Clair, Executive Producer
Marianne Newton, Executive Producer
Strategy
Mike Harris, Lead Strategist
Business Affairs
Kelley Beaman, Director of Business Affairs
Annie Paganini, Production Manager
Production Partner Credits
Park Pictures
Directors: Terri Timely
Producer: David Lambert
Executive Producers: Jackie Kelman Bisbee, Anne Bobroff
Head of Production: Chelsea Schwiering
Cutters
Editor: Billy Montrose
Executive Producer: Patrick Casey
Music Credits
Marmoset
Graphics/ Titles Credits
Sarofsky
Erin Sarofsky- Executive Creative Director
Steven Anderson- Executive Producer
Stefan Draht- Creative Director
Duarte Elvas- Creative Director
Will Townsend- Producer
Joel Signer- Producer
Mollie Davis- Animator/Designer
Travis Hawthorne- Animator/Designer
###
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SOURCE Stella & Chewy’s | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/stella-amp-chewys-launches-first-ever-national-ad-campaign-all-you-need-is-raw/ | 2022-08-18T20:14:56Z |
Teleperformance Earns Great Employer Workplace Status for third Consecutive Year
NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Teleperformance, a leading global group in digitally integrated business services, announced that its Malaysia operations received the prestigious Great Place to Work® award. By being certified as a Great Place to Work® in Malaysia, Teleperformance has set a new standard for Malaysian Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry companies.
Teleperformance's Malaysia (TP Malaysia) operations scored strong for overall trust in the company by its over 2,600 Malaysian team members. It operates three facilities in Malaysia and provides work from home services, with 76% of its staff currently utilizing them.
Jose Bezanilla, CEO Great Place to Work® China commented, "In Great Place to Work®, we have special respect and admiration for companies and leadership teams that kept their priorities clear on their people, while navigating the tough times of the pandemic. Teleperformance is a clear example of this, making it again to the top recognition as Best Workplaces™ in Asia keeping Trust as a key element of their working culture. Congratulations!
"This is the third consecutive year that Teleperformance Malaysia is being certified as a great workplace. For a multilingual hub home to many nationalities and cultures such as ours, this is a great achievement," said Sam Chong, CEO Teleperformance Malaysia. "Thank you to our support teams, managers and leadership team for doing your part in ensuring that TP Malaysia remains a diverse and inclusive workplace for employees of all nationalities. This is possible because of all of you, the lifeblood of TP Malaysia."
With a top global priority of people care, over 97% of Teleperformance employees worldwide currently work in independently certified great employer operations.
The company welcomes applicants from across the country to apply for exciting work options. Interested applicants can apply here.
Teleperformance (TEP – ISIN: FR0000051807 – Reuters: TEPRF.PA - Bloomberg: TEP FP), the global leader in outsourced customer and citizen experience management and related digital services, serves as a strategic partner to the world's largest companies in many industries. It offers a One Office support services model including end-to-end digital solutions, which guarantee successful customer interaction and optimized business processes, anchored in a unique, comprehensive high touch, high tech approach. Nearly 420,000 employees, based in 88 countries, support billions of connections every year in over 265 languages and around 170 markets, in a shared commitment to excellence as part of the "Simpler, Faster, Safer" process. This mission is supported by the use of reliable, flexible, intelligent technological solutions and compliance with the industry's highest security and quality standards, based on Corporate Social Responsibility excellence. In 2021, Teleperformance reported consolidated revenue of €7,115 million (US$8.4 billion, based on €1 = $1.18) and net profit of €557 million.
Teleperformance shares are traded on the Euronext Paris market, Compartment A, and are eligible for the deferred settlement service. They are included in the following indices: CAC 40, STOXX 600, S&P Europe 350, MSCI Global Standard and Euronext Tech Leaders. In the area of corporate social responsibility, Teleperformance shares are included in the Euronext Vigeo Euro 120 index since 2015, the EURO STOXX 50 ESG index since 2020, the MSCI Europe ESG Leaders index since 2019, the FTSE4Good index since 2018 and the S&P Global 1200 ESG index since 2017.
For more information: www.teleperformance.com Follow us on Twitter: @teleperformance
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SOURCE Teleperformance | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/teleperformance-certified-great-place-work-malaysia/ | 2022-08-18T20:15:02Z |
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical device company Theragen is pleased to announce the issuance of a U.S. Patent acknowledging its innovative approach to the development of the ActaStim-S Spine Fusion Bone Growth Stimulator system.
The first new Spine Fusion Stimulator on the market in decades, ActaStim-S blends clinically proven therapeutic stimulation with modern design and a data-rich digital health platform. The system not only promotes healing, it encourages patient compliance, engagement, and informed dialogue with healthcare providers during the critical — and lengthy — post-operative fusion process.
"Spinal fusion is a healing process, often characterized as a race to achieve solid fusion before failure of the implanted hardware," says co-inventor and Theragen CEO Chris McAuliffe. "Electrical stimulation is a clinically proven, safe and effective post-operative adjunct therapy that can help patients win that race, however its clinical effectiveness requires regular use over several months.
"That's why we've taken a user-centric approach, designing a more wearable device that also offers a digital health component that gives patients the unique opportunity to engage in, follow, and truly impact their own recovery."
COO, VP of R&D, and co-inventor Richard Pearce explains further: "The system includes a remarkably discreet, unobtrusive wearable unit that is very well received by patients. It includes utilization tracking, on-board activity sensing, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, and an intuitive app that helps patients visualize their progress over time.
"The essence of this new U.S. Patent (#11,394,919) is focused on ensuring that this connectivity does not interfere with ease of use — and that data collection and transfer can happen quickly and effectively." Learn more about Theragen's user-centric approach in Pearce's recent Med Device Online article, 3 Lessons Learned Designing Our Digital Health App.
Theragen, Inc. is a leader in the development and manufacture of non-invasive, electrical stimulation DME products that deliver therapeutic energy for healing and empower patients to play an active role in their recovery. We're committed to continuous innovation and expanding our reach to help improve outcomes for more patients. To learn more, please visit theragen.com.
Contact: Richard Pearce, COO/VP R&D
Phone: 901-634-0544
Email: Richard.pearce@theragen.com
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SOURCE Theragen | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/theragen-receives-patent-spine-fusion-bone-growth-stimulator-with-digital-health-data-connectivity/ | 2022-08-18T20:15:09Z |
Firm founder honored among the nation's top personal injury attorneys for representation of truck wreck victims
FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Law Offices of Laird & McCloskey founder Steven C. Laird has been named to the Best Lawyers in America list for 2023 as one of the best plaintiffs' personal injury attorneys in the country.
His 2023 selection marks the 12th consecutive year to be honored by the prestigious legal guide.
"I'm very thankful to Best Lawyers for this honor," said Mr. Laird. "Getting justice for my clients and their families has been the most rewarding experience of my career, and these recognitions for the work my firm and I do on a daily basis are an incredible honor."
Mr. Laird has over 40 years of experience representing clients involved in trucking accidents and other personal injury claims. He has long been recognized for his success in securing favorable verdicts in complex personal injury litigation.
A courthouse veteran, Mr. Laird is one of only five trial lawyers in North Texas who are Board Certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is also Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and in Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Best Lawyers in America is widely considered one of the most reliable and respected sources for legal guidance. The distinguished list was first published in 1983 and is now the U.S. legal industry's oldest peer-review guide for showcasing the country's top attorneys.
About the Law Offices of Laird & McCloskey
The Law Offices of Laird & McCloskey is a Fort Worth, Texas, law firm whose lawyers and staff members are committed to finding justice in every case we handle. For more than 30 years, we have worked responsibly and diligently to represent individuals and families in personal injury cases where corporate and individual negligence has resulted in significant injuries and wrongful death. To learn more about the firm, visit http://texlawyers.com/.
Media Contact:
Alyssa Woulfe
800-559-4534
alyssa@androvett.com
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SOURCE Law Offices of Laird & McCloskey | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/trial-attorney-steven-c-laird-earns-best-lawyers-america-recognition/ | 2022-08-18T20:15:17Z |
Best Lawyers in America recognizes Nachawati Law Group founder for national leadership in personal injury litigation
DALLAS, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Peer lawyers in Texas and the research staff at Best Lawyers in America have selected veteran trial lawyer Majed Nachawati among the nation's best for high-stakes personal injury litigation.
One of oldest peer-review guides in the nation, Best Lawyers compiles its list from surveys of tens of thousands of attorneys nationwide followed by a rigorous vetting by the magazine's research staff.
Under Mr. Nachawati's leadership, Dallas-based Nachawati Law Group has developed a national reputation for representing individuals injured by dangerous and defective products, including cancer-causing chemicals like Monsanto's glyphosate-based Roundup weedkiller, talc-based products including Johnson's Baby Powder, and paraquat-based herbicides.
Mr. Nachawati has been an outspoken voice in these mass torts and multidistrict litigation and many more. He has helped coordinate opposition to a controversial ploy by Johnson & Johnson to shed its liabilities to thousands of women who developed ovarian cancer after using talcum-based products like Johnson's Baby Powder. He currently sits on a committee monitoring the J&J bankruptcy.
Mr. Nachawati also took a stand on behalf of a group of cities and counties in lawsuits against makers, distributors and retailers of highly addictive prescription opioid painkillers. Those efforts resulted in a key appellate ruling earlier this year that allowed plaintiffs to move their lawsuits from federal court back to the state trial courts where they were originally filed. He also led opposition to controversial attempts by Monsanto to settle thousands of Roundup cancer lawsuits.
Earlier this year, Mr. Nachawati was honored by the National Law Journal as a Plaintiffs Trailblazer based on his work in mass torts and multidistrict litigation.
The Nachawati Law Group represents individuals in mass tort litigation, businesses and governmental entities in contingent litigation, and individual victims in complex personal injury litigation. One of the largest and most diverse products liability law firms in the nation, the Nachawati Law Group ranks No. 1 nationally in federal court products liability filings over the past three years, according to Lex Machina. For more information, visit https://www.fnlawfirm.com.
Media Contact:
Robert Tharp
800-559-4534
Robert@androvett.com
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SOURCE Nachawati Law Group | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/veteran-trial-lawyer-majed-nachawati-honored-among-nations-best/ | 2022-08-18T20:15:25Z |
William & Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business has expanded its partnership with Everspring to include a new Online Master of Accounting degree.
CHICAGO, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Everspring, a leading provider of education technology and services to universities seeking to build or expand their online capabilities, announces an expansion of its partnership with William & Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business. In this expanded partnership, Everspring will support the build, launch and operation of a new Online Master of Accounting program (MAcc).
The new online MAcc degree is the 12th program Everspring has supported for William & Mary, including the online MBA, which is ranked #2 for academic experience and #11 overall in the Poets&Quants top online MBA programs. The online MAcc, launching in spring 2023, will be open to accounting professionals seeking to advance in their career or meet the requirements of the CPA exam, as well as to career changers without an existing accounting background. With the same faculty and high-quality academic approach as the school's residential, full-time MAcc, the program will provide a solid foundation in accounting and the professional and technical skills needed to excel in careers that include public accountant, corporate accountant, auditor, fraud examiner, financial analyst and related positions.
"Our new Online Master of Accounting degree will provide students an online pathway to advance in the accounting profession with a program that embodies the academic distinction and intellectual rigor of all William & Mary programs. Students will gain the analytic and interpretive expertise to become business leaders in accounting," said Pam Suzadail, associate dean and executive director of the Center for Online Learning at the Mason School of Business.
Since 2014, Everspring has partnered with the Mason School of Business to support the development and growth of a strong portfolio of high-caliber online graduate business programs. This portfolio includes an online MBA, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Marketing, MS in Finance and several certificate offerings. The programs boast a 95% student satisfaction rating.
"We are thrilled to expand our partnership with William & Mary to include their new online Master of Accounting," said Beth Hollenberg, president and co-founder of Everspring. "The Mason School of Business is a leader in online graduate business education, with engaging programs that both provide significant value to students and create a new standard of excellence in online higher education."
William & Mary's Raymond A. Mason School of Business is rebuilding the global economy by training the next generation of revolutionary business leaders. It offers undergraduate and graduate instruction, including full-time, part-time, evening, executive and online MBA degree programs, as well as one-year masters programs in accounting, business analytics, finance and marketing. The school develops successful business leaders by providing world-class instruction and unparalleled opportunities for mentorship and experiential learning. For more information, visit mason.wm.edu.
Everspring is a leading provider of education technology and service solutions for higher education. Our advanced technology, proven marketing approach, and robust faculty support and instructional design services deliver outstanding outcomes for our university partners, powering their success online. Everspring offers a range of full-service turnkey solutions, as well as standalone fee-for-service offerings, and innovative self-service products that enable universities to establish themselves as leaders in the digital delivery of higher education. Based in Chicago, Everspring serves a growing number of colleges and universities, nationwide.
Visit www.everspringpartners.com for more information. Don't just go digital. BE DIGITAL.™
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SOURCE Everspring | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/william-amp-mary-expands-partnership-with-everspring-launch-online-master-accounting/ | 2022-08-18T20:15:31Z |
It’s active shooter drill day in McKinney, at Collin College’s Public Safety Training Center. In a side room, one of McKinney Fire Department’s medical directors, Eric Pearlman, is briefing crews of firefighters and medical rescuers about what they’re about to encounter: students and volunteers playing bloody, wounded and dying bullet and bomb victims.
The McKinney fire and rescue teams would be the ones showing up if a Collin County school is ever attacked.
“Luckily, this doesn’t happen often,” Pearlman tells them. “Unfortunately, in today's world, it's probably more realistic that something like this is going to happen one of these days.”
The victim-actors, with artfully applied gashes, gory slashes, and bleeding punctures, head to their spots in a make-believe bank that’s just been attacked by a gunman who then set off a bomb.
The set is ready.
“Go!” says the coordinator, like a stage director.
Screams suddenly fill the room. Panic and confusion ensue. Dazed victims wander out of the crime-scene bank as rescuers rush in.
Everyone knows this is acting, but McKinney Fire Chief Danny Kistner says it’s anything but play. Drills are important.
“This is about as real as it gets,” he says, as he watches the scene unfold. “And so it allows us to train with the stress, the excitement and everything that goes along with such an incident.”
Incessant high-pitched yelling demands attention. “Help me, help me! I need some help!”
Rescue workers now must exercise their training. They evaluate injuries to determine who needs the fast ambulance to the hospital, who can wait longer, or who’s dead or beyond saving.
Dr. Keegan Bradley, the McKinney Fire Department medical director, advises team members to keep calm, cool heads.
“Even if you're not calm on the inside, try and show calm on the outside,” Bradley says. “If you start to show that you're getting frazzled, you're getting uncomfortable, they're going to take that from you just as much as if you're showing that you're staying comfortable.”
Across the state, education leaders have been boosting school defenses.
Dallas Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde leads the state’s second largest district. She recently assured parents that $100 million in bond funds improved security at DISD schools by adding video doorbells, additional cameras, and more.
“Ensuring that all of our facilities have keyless entries. We look at ensuring we have those secure vestibules. (We’ve added) weapon detection systems, classroom safety door locks and devices,” she told KERA.
The Dallas Independent School District is also now requiring clear or mesh backpacks for students in grade 6 and up.
In Fort Worth, the school district’s deputy superintendent, Karen Molinar, told trustees at a special August board meeting about ID-badge changes for this school year. Rules for wearing them recently got tougher.
“For all of our employees,” Molinar says, “it’s going to be required that you have your badge on in a school facility or in a building. Same goes for our secondary students in our secondary campuses. They will be required to wear ID badges.”
And where identifying students through some newly installed windows now seems risky even when — a few years ago — it was deemed desirable, Molinar says that will change.
“Now we are concerned about the safety, we can walk through the schools and some of our classrooms are exposed. So you’ll see Arlington Heights, Poly, Carter, and Paschal will be receiving those lockdown shades.”
Efforts to keep kids safe in school by keeping bad people out can only go so far, says former Dallas Superintendent Michael Hinojosa.
“Trying to harden your way out of this issue is next to impossible,” Hinojosa said. “I mean, when you go to Love Field, how many people are there trying to prevent a gun from getting inside that building? And then we still had a shooting in the entryway.”
To stop violence in schools, Hinojosa likes the mantra, “See something, say something.” He remembers when a gun that got into a Dallas school was found because a student told a teacher.
What may never happen in Texas is tougher gun laws. Still, Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn recently ushered in the most significant federal gun legislation in decades. In part, it made red flag laws easier to implement.
It did not, however, ban assault style weapons used in multiple mass shootings, including Uvalde — a step more Texas parents have called for since that attack in May.
Got a tip? Email Reporter Bill Zeeble at bzeeble@kera.org. You can follow him on Twitter @bzeeble. | https://www.keranews.org/news/2022-08-18/notebooks-pens-and-active-shooter-drills-how-texas-schools-prepare-for-the-new-year | 2022-08-18T20:19:01Z |
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- The rental in the Craigslist post looks like a deal.
Free parking in Waikiki, it advertises. A 1 bedroom condo is listed a half block from the beach at $50 per night.
The person behind the posting responded in a text that there was no time to view the property due to "security reasons," but to send a deposit to hold the room using an electronic cash payment app. That was red flag number 1.
Number 2 came after the poster texted a photo ID saying "Here is a copy of my ID."
But the man in the ID says he has never posted a condo rental on craigslist. He's a local. And KITV tracked him down. "I had gotten one message on LinkedIn from a lady that said, 'Are you legit renting condos?' I said no," Jon Laurion said.
The message Jon Laurion received last month startled him. It read, "Hi, confirming here if you are renting condos in Honolulu. Or if someone is using your ID to do that."
The woman later revealed the photo of Jon's ID had been sent to her via an 808 cell number.
It's the same 808 number that responded to the listing KITV responded to. We were told to rush over a deposit using PayPal or the banking app Zelle. The poster then followed up aggressively for a response.
Jon says he made the mistake of sending a picture of his ID when he was looking to rent a place Memorial Day for a small vacation rental gathering.
"They sent me a picture of their driver's license and said, hey can you respond back and make sure you're legit. I was like ok alright, here's my license. And there were just little things that didn't add up. Weird ways of phrasing things or spelling things," Jon told KITV. He started to think the poster was in another country.
Jon didn't hand over any money he says, but the photo of the ID is now out there. The ad currently posted by the account using Jon's ID misclassifies the Waikiki rental under the Big Island. It has occasional errors in grammar, or the use of a wrong preposition.
In texts, the person was overly formal, constantly referring to the recipient as "Sir." Texts came in as early as 5:46 in the morning demanding payment.
John isn't the only one misrepresented here in Hawaii. Harrison Beacher is a real Washington DC Realtor who has been contacted by others about fake postings coming up under his name here in this last year.
Beacher told KITV, "Because it's a part of my business to be verified and confirmed legit by actual referrals and people looking for me, I do have an established and updated presence on pretty much every social media channel."
And that presence is being used by the poster for a 1 bed room in Waikiki at an unrealistic 870 dollars a month. The poster replied using Beacher's name and an email address claiming he was Beacher.
The Beacher doppelgänger also tried to direct respondents to another rental site that requires sign up, but then the correspondence would go cold. The account posted another listing as recently as July.
"It's a game of numbers. They do it enough times, unfortunately some people think it's legit enough, will give that deposit amount or give that application free and that's why they do it. They fish!" Beacher warned.
And any accounts demanding electronic cash payment for a rental, sight unseen, is a giveaway somebody is trying to reel you in.
Both men who had their IDs stolen had not filed a police report. One told KITV, "Seems unlikely anything useful would come of it."
Honolulu CrimeStoppers, however, recommends that a police report is filed for documentation purposes. The FBI recommends complaints be filed at the website ic3.gov.
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to news@kitv.com
Jeremy Lee joined KITV after over a decade & a half in broadcast news from coast to coast on the mainland. Jeremy most recently traveled the country documenting protests & civil unrest. | https://www.kitv.com/news/a-game-of-numbers-how-craigslist-scammers-are-using-identity-theft-tactics/article_56363666-1ece-11ed-a586-93874009d8c1.html | 2022-08-18T20:21:01Z |
Getting sick from Covid-19 is bad enough. What if you're one of the unlucky people who experience what is called long Covid? It's a medley of symptoms that can occur months -- and even years -- after recovering from Covid, according to a new study of more 1 million people from eight countries.
Adult risk of developing seizure disorders, brain fog, dementia and other mental health conditions remain high two years after recovering from Covid-19, the study found.
"These are important findings, but they shouldn't lead to panic," said coauthor Paul Harrison, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Oxford in the UK. "We're not talking about things that are 10 or 100 times more common. I think the worst odds ratio is sort of two or three."
Children had an increased risk of being diagnosed with epilepsy or seizures, encephalitis and nerve root disorders, which can cause pain, weakness or loss of sensation in an arm or a leg. There was also a small, but worrisome risk of being diagnosed with a psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia or delusional thinking.
"This is an extremely robust and well conducted study, using data from a large sample, and across multiple nations," said Rachel Sumner, senior research fellow at Cardiff Metropolitan University in the UK, who was not involved in the study.
"The findings are alarming and are critically important in our current context of unmitigated Covid spread," she added via email.
The study's conclusions match the clinical experience of Dr. Aaron Friedberg, a clinical assistant professor of internal medicine who works in the Post-Covid Recovery Program at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center in Columbus.
"I just talked to someone who had been originally diagnosed more than two years ago with Covid, but they're only seeing a post-Covid specialist today," said Friedberg, who was not involved in the study. "That doesn't necessarily mean they're getting those symptoms two years later. It means they are just being diagnosed with them."
Friedberg also said he sees people suffering severe symptoms two years after diagnosis.
"They can't think, they can't breathe. I have one person whose disease is so severe, they basically can't get out of bed," he said. "I saw a person recently who is still not working because of Covid symptoms two years later."
Good and bad news
Two years of hospital data for both adults and children pulled from the TriNetX electronic health records network was analyzed for the study, published Wednesday in the journal Lancet Psychiatry. TriNetX is an international network of data without any identifying factors from hospital, primary care and specialist providers. About 89 million patients are in the data pool.
The study looked at 1.25 million patients two years after their Covid-19 diagnosis and compared them with a closely matched group of 1.25 million people who had a different respiratory infection.
"We compared those two groups of patients in terms of 14 major neurological and psychiatric disorders in the two years after the Covid-19 or respiratory infection," said coauthor Maxime Taquet, an academic clinical fellow in psychiatry at the National Institute for Health and Care Research's Biomedical Research Centre in the UK.
The research team looked at the following conditions: anxiety disorders; mood disorders; psychotic disorder; insomnia; cognitive deficit (a composite of codes to capture so-called brain fog); dementia; epilepsy or seizures; encephalitis; intracranial hemorrhage; stroke; parkinsonism; Guillain-Barré syndrome; nerve, nerve root and plexus disorders; and neuromuscular and muscle disease. Researchers also looked at deaths from any cause.
Most of the patients were from the United States, but the study also included people from Australia, the UK, Spain, Bulgaria, India, Malaysia and Taiwan.
The study could not tell if people had experienced ongoing symptoms for the full two years since a Covid-19 diagnosis: "That might be the case, it may not be the case," Taquet said. "This data is only looking at the number of new diagnoses being made, not the persistence or the duration of the symptoms."
The news was both good and bad.
For adults, the risk of developing "brain fog, dementia, psychotic disorders, and epilepsy and seizures remain elevated throughout the two years" when compared with people with other respiratory conditions, Taquet said.
Adults over the age of 65 had a 1.2% increase in the risk of being diagnosed with dementia, the study said. While "it's very clear that this is not a tsunami of new dementia cases, equally (I think) it's hard to ignore it, given the severity of the consequences of dementia diagnosis," he said.
There was some good news for adults, Taquet added: "Risk of some disorders -- in particular anxiety and mood disorders -- disappeared within two to three months, with no overall excess number of cases over the two years."
Effect on children
There was also good news for children: "The risk of brain fog in children was transient -- there was no overall risk," Taquet said. Nor were children at any greater risk of being diagnosed with anxiety and depression after Covid-19, "even in the first six months," he said.
But there were disturbing findings when it came to other conditions. For example, children had a "twofold increased risk of epilepsy and seizures," Taquet said, and a "threefold increased risk of a psychotic disorder diagnosis in two years after having Covid compared to those diagnosed with another respiratory tract infection."
In the study of 10,000 children with a Covid-19 diagnosis, 260 had developed epilepsy and seizures within two years, compared with 130 out of 10,000 children diagnosed with another respiratory tract infection, which was a "twofold increased risk," Taquet said,
There was a threefold increased risk of a psychotic disorder diagnosis in children two years after a Covid-19 infection, Taquet said. Yet "the absolute risk remains quite low," he said, with 18 diagnosed cases of psychosis out of 10,000 children.
"I think we need to be careful in the interpretation of the reported small increases in dementia and psychosis," said Paul Garner, an emeritus professor in evidence synthesis in global health at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in the UK. Garner was not involved in the study.
"These are, in my opinion, more likely to be related to the societal upheaval and dystopia we have been living through rather than being a direct effect of the virus."
A long-term impact
Overall, evidence from the study is "particularly worrisome," Cardiff's Sumner said, because even Covid-19 variants considered to be milder appear to have the same long-term consequences.
In addition, "some of these disorders will continue to have delay in diagnosis and treatment with healthcare systems that are struggling to deal with both Covid infections and backlogs of patient waiting lists," Sumner added.
That reality matches the clinical experience of doctors such as Friedberg, who has been treating long Covid patients since not long after the pandemic began.
"I've got severe post-Covid (patients) from the ancestral strain from March 2020, and I've got the same in people who developed it a few months ago. So I think it can be equally severe with any of these variants," he said.
Yet Friedberg told CNN there have been "zero public policy decisions" about what happens after Covid-19.
"The idea that maybe there's this terrible thing that's happening that we won't appreciate until months or years later isn't being addressed adequately," Friedberg said.
"Say kids just can't run as much as they used to, or have seizure disorders now, or adults just can't handle as many tasks of work or have trouble caring for their kids at home because they've just got brain fog, they've got chronic shortness of breath.
"If that starts happening to, let's say, 5% of the population each time there's a Covid wave, that starts to add up."
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.kitv.com/news/coronavirus/long-covid-risk-extends-two-years-after-infection-heres-how-to-assess-your-risk/article_9b57de74-a847-5049-9790-a241175c8c45.html | 2022-08-18T20:21:03Z |
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- A judge has granted more time for a defense attorney to gather documents in the Juan Baron murder case.
Baron is accused of strangling and Gary Ruby to death and trying to conceal the crime by encasing the 73-year-old man’s body in cement inside a bathtub at Ruby’s Hawaii Loa Ridge home.
Baron appeared before a judge on Aug. 17 via video teleconference. His trial, originally set to begin at the end of August, was pushed back to Nov. 7.
In documents filed, Baron's attorney claimed the state has not turned over its recent interview with witness Scott Hannon.
Hannon was the man last seen with Baron just days after Ruby’s murder. Hannon has agreed to testify against Baron at the trial.
Court documents also noted the deputy prosecutor assigned to the Hannon interview is now considered a witness in the case, as she also provided Spanish translations for Baron's jail calls at the Oahu Community Correctional Center.
Baron has been charged for second-degree murder, one count of first-degree theft and one count of third-degree theft, and one count of first-degree identity theft. He had pleaded “not guilty” to the crimes.
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. | https://www.kitv.com/news/crime/hawaii-loa-ridge-murder-trial-pushed-back-to-nov-7/article_446faec8-1f26-11ed-a751-d783cbb89b27.html | 2022-08-18T20:21:13Z |
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- Two more cases of Monkeypox have been diagnosed in Hawaii, both in patients on Oahu, bringing the state’s total confirmed case count up to 18, according to the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH).
Of the latest cases, the DOH says one case is in a non-resident whose infection is related to travel outside of the state. The other case is under investigation as to its origin.
“While the risk to most Hawaii residents remains low, local transmission of monkeypox is occurring. The growing number of cases in Hawaii underscores the importance of vaccination—if you are eligible, please take this step to protect yourself and our community,” said Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Nathan Tan.
On Tuesday, the DOH announced it was expanding its vaccination eligibility to help prevent further spread of the virus.
That announcement was made after four other cases were diagnosed – three on Oahu and one on Kauai. Hawaii has now diagnosed seven cases in the span of 72 hours.
Health officials say monkeypox shares many commonalities with smallpox, like causing blistering skin rashes. It is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Infection begins with flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph nodes, and progresses to a rash or sores, often on the hands, feet, chest, face, or genitals. Individuals generally become ill within 21 days of exposure, the DOH said
Monkeypox can spread through direct contact with body fluids, lesion material, or items used by someone with monkeypox as well as close, prolonged contact with an infected person or animal. It can also be spread through large respiratory droplets.
Monkeypox vaccines are available in every county in Hawaii. Anyone who is eligible who would wish to make an appointment can call the following numbers:
• Hawaii Department of Health (Statewide): 808-586-4462
• Malama I Ke Ola (Maui): 808-871-7772
• Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (Oahu): 808-427-0442
• Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center (Oahu): 808-521-2347
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. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/2-more-monkeypox-cases-diagnosed-on-oahu-18-total-cases-now-confirmed-statewide/article_ebed2682-1f2e-11ed-b229-df49f97a3a88.html | 2022-08-18T20:21:14Z |
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KAPOLEI, Hawaii (KITV4) -- August 18, 2022 is the day Oahu's last-standing coal power plant will officially close. Serving as the island's largest electricity source, about 13% of the state's overall power comes from the plant.
Back in 2014, Hawaii became the first state to make a net zero pledge, committing to the 100% transition to renewable energy by 2045.
Meanwhile, the Kapolei facility emits nearly 1.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year.
Still, the closure also means a drastic price hike in electricity bills.
Hawaiian Electric estimates Oahu residents should expect an increase of $15 a month. It's the reason state legislators are now criticizing the lack of action taken earlier by the company to mitigate some of that blow to residents.
"When we passed the coal plant shutdown mandate in 2020, we assumed everyone would be on board -- we as a community would be marching forward with renewable projects, but that didn't happen," explained Sen. Glenn Wakai. "I think what we are facing is the perfect disaster. It was totally preventable."
Originally, that increase was only expected to be about $2 a month, but because of supply chain issues that estimate again standing at around $15.
Wakai says, while it's especially frustrating to see so many residents already struggling financially, there really is no immediate solution.
Erin found her passion in journalism from a young age, watching her dad on the news. He taught her the importance of meeting, learning, and sharing people's stories. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/oahus-last-coal-power-plant-officially-closes/article_2f480d66-1f2a-11ed-9b94-17185535a3f0.html | 2022-08-18T20:21:21Z |
The NFL and the NFL Players Association have agreed to suspend Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, seen here on August 9, for 11 regular season games without pay and fine him $5 million.
The National Football League (NFL) and the NFL Players Association have agreed to suspend Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson for 11 regular season games without pay and fine him $5 million after he was accused of sexual misconduct by more than two dozen women.
Watson will undergo "a professional evaluation by behavioral experts and will follow their treatment program," according to the agreement.
"I'm moving on with my career and my life, and I'm going to continue to stand on my innocence," Watson told the media Thursday. "Just because settlements and things like that happen, doesn't mean that person is guilty for anything."
He added, "I feel like the person has the opportunity to stand on his innocence, and prove that, and we proved that on the legal side, and we've just got to continue to push forward as an individual and as a person."
Twenty-four civil lawsuits were filed against Watson; 23 have been settled confidentially. Two grand juries in Texas declined to charge Watson criminally.
Watson violated the NFL's personal conduct policy in private meetings with massage therapists while he was with the Houston Texans. League commissioner Roger Goodell called Watson's behavior "egregious" and "predatory."
The NFL had previously announced that it would appeal a decision by former federal judge Sue L. Robinson to sit Watson without pay for six games for violating the league's personal conduct policy when he was with the Houston Texans.
The league had been pushing for at least a full-season suspension instead.
Goodell stated Thursday: "Deshaun has committed to doing the hard work on himself that is necessary for his return to the NFL.
"This settlement requires compliance with a professional evaluation and treatment plan, a significant fine, and a more substantial suspension."
In her written ruling, Robinson cited Watson's "lack of expressed remorse" as a factor in the discipline that she chose.
The Browns QB released a statement on Thursday saying in part: "I'm grateful that the disciplinary process has ended and extremely appreciative of the tremendous support I have received throughout my short time with the Browns organization.
"I apologize once again for any pain this situation has caused. I take accountability for the decisions I made."
Prior to the settlement, Watson was awaiting the ruling from former New Jersey Attorney General and federal prosecutor Peter Harvey, who was named as Goodell's designee to hear the appeal.
Watson did not play last season while a member of the Texans. Watson did play in the Browns first preseason game last week.
According to the NFL, Watson would be eligible to return to play in week 13, against his former team the Texans.
"I want to say that I'm truly sorry to all of the women that I have impacted in this situation," Watson said in an interview before Friday's preseason game in Florida against the Jacksonville Jaguars. "My decisions that I made in my life that put me in this position I would definitely like to have back, but I want to continue to move forward and grow and learn and show that I am a true person of character and I am going to keep pushing forward."
Before the short interview, Watson repeatedly denied allegations of misconduct, including sexual assault and harassment involving more than two dozen women. He did not elaborate in the interview on what he meant when he said "this situation."
A three-time Pro Bowler, Watson did not play last season with the Texans because of a trade demand as well as the investigations into these allegations.
Earlier this year, the Browns traded three first-round picks for Watson and then signed him to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract, the most guaranteed money in NFL history. | https://www.kitv.com/news/national/cleveland-browns-qb-deshaun-watson-suspended-11-games-fined-5-million-after-nfl-and-nflpa/article_3c41affe-f7fb-527f-91af-7d129cafed7c.html | 2022-08-18T20:21:27Z |
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope discovered 20 exoplanetary systems, and the International Astronomical Union wants people from around the globe to submit name recommendations.
The James Webb Space Telescope is using infrared light to reveal otherwise invisible aspects of the universe -- and capturing stunning imagery in the process.
Among the wonders it's discovering and observing are exoplanetary systems, which each consist of a planet outside of our solar system and its host star, and many of them are in need of a name.
The IAU wants this to be a collaborative affair, so participants must create a team composed of teachers, students, astronomy enthusiasts, or professional or amateur astronomists.
Once the team selects its favorite names for one exoplanet and its host star, they are required to host a community outreach event that teaches the public about exoplanets. Only then can the team submit a written and video proposal that includes the names and justifications for their choices.
The video cannot be more than three minutes long, and the essay should not exceed 300 words. The team is also required to write a report no longer than 300 words on their public outreach initiative, which could be a talk by a scientist on exoplanet discoveries, and submit photos or video of the event.
If you were hoping to name a planet after yourself, you're out of luck.
Naming an exoplanetary system is a huge responsibility, so the IAU set forth a list of guidelines to follow.
To begin with, the names should have long-standing cultural, geographic or historical significance. Indigenous names are encouraged, but any team proposing one must be led by a member of an Indigenous community.
Additionally, the name of the exoplanet and its host star need to follow the same theme, meaning they must be related in some way.
Teams cannot submit names of people, pets or organizations. Any terms related to political, military or religious activities are also not allowed.
National vetting processes will take place between November 15 and December 15, 2022, and each country will select one proposal along with two backups. Afterward, an international committee will review the submissions and choose one for each exoplanet between December 16, 2022, and March 16, 2023.
The winning names will be announced on March 20, 2023. | https://www.kitv.com/news/national/the-webb-telescope-will-closely-observe-20-exoplanets-and-their-stars-heres-how-you-can/article_a09edef6-c4e3-53e8-850e-71a164cf0e04.html | 2022-08-18T20:21:42Z |
Harrowing tales of mountain climbing filled theaters this summer in such films as Meru and Everest. But exactly 100 years ago today, audiences took a different kind of climb when Richard Strauss premiered An Alpine Symphony, a majestic, musical depiction of a dawn-to-dusk hike up the Alps.
We've rounded up two Alpine Symphony experts to be our trail guides up the mountain. Semyon Bychkov is conducting the symphony tomorrow night with Los Angeles Philharmonic. David Hurwitz is the author of Richard Strauss: An Owner's Manual and, like any good guide, he starts with a little background.
"An Alpine Symphony was Strauss' last tone poem," he says. "By the time he wrote it, he'd achieved a level of mastery in orchestration which was pretty impressive, and this uses one of the largest orchestras ever assembled by anybody, especially in the brass department. It has 20 French horns, two sets of timpani, lots of extra trumpets and trombones, a wind machine, a thunder machine, extra woodwinds. And he even used a contraption for the wind section that would allow the players to hold long notes indefinitely without having to breathe. It involved foot pumps and air tubes and things like that. So it's quite an extravaganza."
Our climb begins in the pre-dawn darkness with the quiet but granite-like music depicting the mountain itself, the first of Strauss' 22 sonic trail markers. It's also one of many themes that will return in various guises.
The core of the piece is human life and what one goes through in it, with the joys and the sorrows and struggle and achievement.
Gradually, the music begins to glow with warmth from the strings. The sky is getting brighter. Then suddenly the sun explodes over the mountain in a huge crescendo with brass shining, a rolling bass drum and crashing cymbals.
"It's a sort of blinding white light," Bychkov says.
Bychkov acknowledges that this kind of musical depiction of nature is just the thing that Strauss nails time and again in this piece. But it doesn't matter to the conductor.
"It took me a while to figure out that in fact it was not what I thought it was — this programmatic work which describes a trip through the Alps," Bychkov admits. For him the symphony is another kind of journey altogether.
"The core of the piece is human life and what one goes thru in it, with the joys and the sorrows and struggle and achievement," Bychkov explains. "So it is deeply existential."
But David Hurwitz says the Alpine Symphony is also very literal. You can't help but notice the sheer sonic splendor along the hike in places like "Wandering by the Brook" or "At the Waterfall."
"'The Waterfall' is one of those glitzy passages that Strauss did better than anybody else in the world," Hurwitz says. "It's [got] lots harps and little bells, glockenspiel and stuff like that."
After the waterfall, we head up through an alpine pasture, where we meet a yodeling English horn and few cows.
"If you ever see a performance of this symphony, you'll see some guy at the back of the stage with all these clanking things walking around back there, because Strauss' cows really sound like cows," Hurwitz says. "He was into cows ... and sheep." Strauss gets the oboes to bleat with a flutter tonguing technique.
But now, after leaving the Alpine pasture, we've made a wrong turn. We're lost. Strauss captures our confusion in music. But again, for Semyon Bychkov, there's a deeper meaning.
"Doesn't it happen in life all the time?" he asks. "How many detours everyone of us makes in life? Think beyond that actual physical experience of going through the bushes. Think of it as a metaphor."
He can think of it as a metaphor, but we're on a hike, and we're almost to the top of the mountain.
"After the dangerous moments, all of a sudden we find ourselves on the summit," Hurwitz notes. "It's a long section, actually. You spend some time up there looking around." For Bychkov, reaching the top is almost a spiritual achievement.
"We all aspire to something greater than ourselves," he says. "And there can come a moment where we feel such elation at having reached something extraordinary, greater than any one of us." Strauss' music isn't overly boisterous or triumphant, instead there's a rapturous theme in the strings and a tender oboe solo. We're content with our awesome vista.
But suddenly, Hurwitz warns us, the weather shifts.
"And just for a few seconds the mist rises," he says. "It's a wonderful, mysterious passage with heavily divided strings, making these sort of clustery chords like a harmonic fog over the orchestra."
It's the calm before the storm; the orchestra is hushed. You can hear drops of rain coming in the oboe, and powerful gusts blowing from the wind machine. Time to take cover. Strauss' storm blows strong and violent.
"It's very graphic," Hurwitz says. "You've got two sets of timpani pounding away. The bass drum." Not to mention screaming piccolos and a booming pipe organ.
Finally, the winds and rain die down with soft pizzicato in the strings and trumpets softly intoning the mountain theme.
We hike down quickly, in time to watch a heart-warming sunset. Strauss gives us time to ruminate on where we've been — all the beauty, and adversity. And where does that leave us? It leaves Semyon Bychkov pondering the biggest of questions. Why?
"I mean, we spend our lifetime trying to figure out why we're here," Bychkov says. He believes the Alpine Symphony offers some answers.
"I can't live without it. It tells me about our world, our reason to live. It is a guide to life for sure."
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-10-28/richard-strauss-musical-mountain-climb | 2022-08-18T20:23:16Z |
Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is really, really into bipartisanship. So much so that the word appears more than 100 times in his new book, If that doesn't hammer home the point, just glance at the title: Seeking Bipartisanship.
The former Illinois Congressman, one of two Republicans in President Obama's first cabinet, is pretty blunt about his message. "We need more accommodating today. Instead, we have hyperpartisanship," he writes in the book, which was released last month. "The most obvious form shows up in the inability of Democrats and Republicans to negotiate, much less compromise. Both parties deserve blame."
This may not be the best time for an argument for two parties working together. Earlier this month, all four Republican candidates in the Fox Business Network undercard debate refused to answer a question about what Democrat in Congress they "admire."
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal nearly sneered at the question. "We can waste our time," he said. "And I think this is why people were so frustrated with the last debate with these kinds of silly questions."
"Well, since we're not going to answer the question, let me just remind everybody, tomorrow is Veterans Day," answered former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton dodged a similar question in a recent forum, refusing to name a Republican she'd consider as a vice president. And in the first Democratic debate, she named the entire Republican party when asked to name an enemy she's made.
By comparison, Obama appointed not one but two Republicans to his initial cabinet – LaHood and Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Former Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, a Republican, joined the administration as Defense Secretary in 2013 and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, another Republican, served as ambassador to China during Obama's first term.
Disappointment With Obama
But LaHood made headlines this week when the New York Times wrote an article about a central theme of the book: that the Obama Administration quickly abandoned the president's early goals of a bipartisan way of governing.
"Sometime in January [2009], although I have no hard evidence of it, I believe Obama's inner circle signed off on [then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's] strategy for passing legislation in the house: ignore the Republicans; don't negotiate with them; Democrats have the votes to pass bills without their help," LaHood writes.
LaHood devotes much of his attention to the nearly $800 billion federal stimulus package passed in 2009. He calls the administration's Republican outreach "tepid and ineffective."
Recalling a meeting Obama held with the House Republican caucus ahead of the stimulus vote, LaHood writes,"It was clear to me that the folks in the room were not in a mood to respond to his appeal. They made it clear that Democrats had shut them out"
"They could have said, hey, we're going after some Republicans," LaHood lamented to PBS's Judy Woodruff in a recent interview. "We're going to invite some Republicans down here for dinner and say, 'what do you need for us to get this bill passed? What does it take?"
The Green Lantern To The Rescue?
This line of thinking frustrates Dartmouth political scientist Brendan Nyhan, who has written extensively about what he calls "a totemic obsession" that many Washington leaders have with the idea of bipartisanship.
Nyhan even has a theory for the wine-and-dine bipartisan outreach approach that LaHood argues for: The Green Lantern Theory of the Presidency.
"The idea that if the president only tried hard enough, he can get whatever it is he wants. It's based on the powers of a comic book hero," Nyhan explains. "If he only tried harder, if he only reached out more, if he only did this, that, or the other thing to appeal to Republicans, they would eventually fall at his feet and agree to his requests. There's just very little evidence to suggest that's the case."
Especially on a measure like the 2009 stimulus, a massive debt-funded government spending initiative that went against many core Republican principles.
"I don't think it's plausible that Republicans would vote against their partisan interests and the ideological beliefs of their party just because President Obama played golf with them," says Nyhan. "In a certain sense it's quite insulting to those legislators, as sophisticated people with strong views about how American politics should work."
A spokesperson for LaHood said he was traveling and unavailable to talk.
LaHood's book faults Republicans, as well, for Washington, D.C.'s hyperpartisan atmosphere. Addressing the Tea Party, he writes, "I have no patience for these hard-edged partisans. I detest their Congress."
When A Handshake Is A Political Liability
Of all the candidates running for president this year, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie probably spends the most time talking about reaching across the aisle. He often notes that as a Republican governing a deep blue state, he has to cut constant deals – and make frequent use of his veto pen - to pass a state budget and get other measures passed.
But that isn't a positive to many Republican primary voters. At a recent Iowa campaign event, an audience member asked Christie about the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. "I was wondering when Obama came to help you, if you feel like you said too much and possibly helped Obama win the presidency. A lot of us feel that way," she asked.
"I shook his hand and I showed him respect," Christie responded. "And I'll tell you this. I don't apologize one minute for anything I did. Because you know who I stood up for? I stood up for the people of New Jersey."
"You touched him," is how Daily Show host Trevor Noah summed up Christie and Obama's post-Sandy meeting during a recent interview. When physical contact with a member of a opposite party is considered an election liability, that's perhaps a sign that bipartisanship is at an all-time low.
Nyhan argues cross-party support for major bills and initiatives has always been the exception, not the rule, in American politics, and that the vision put forward by people like LaHood is a pipe dream.
"It's very difficult to work across party lines, because we have strongly divided parties in this country. And that's not likely to change, and it's bizarre to me that people expect it to whose job it is to understand how politics works," he says.
LaHood seems unconvinced. "Compromise is not a bad word," he told Woodruff. "It's the way our system works. It's the way we move the country forward."
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-14/would-more-dinner-and-golf-solve-washingtons-problems-ray-lahood-thinks-so | 2022-08-18T20:36:18Z |
LINDA WERTHEIMER, HOST:
Britain's last deep coal mine will be closing in a few weeks' time. It marks the death of a centuries-old industry that helped fuel the Industrial Revolution and build an empire. But stations are now buying cheaper fuel from abroad, and British coal miners say they feel betrayed by their government. NPR's Leila Fadel visited that last mine.
LEILA FADEL, BYLINE: The parking lot of Kellingley Colliery in northern Yorkshire is almost empty. A solitary miner leans out from the top of one of the buildings. In its heyday, Kellingley employed more than 2,500 people. But on December 18, this mine will close. Chris Kitchen, the general secretary of the National Union of Mine Workers, meet us just outside the mine.
CHRIS KITCHEN: There just doesn't seem to be a political will to do anything to assist coal.
FADEL: Kitchen is dressed in a three-piece suit. He wears a button from the miner's strike in the 1980s.
KITCHEN: So it seems like all the basic foundation industries that you would need to rebuild a manufacturing economy, the UK government's just not interested in protecting. And they're prepared to see them go to the wall because, in essence, they're trying to run a country like a business, and you cannot run a country like a business.
FADEL: Standing nearby is Keith Paulson. He's one of the last miners in an industry that once employed over a million people. When he loses his job at the end of the year, he'll be 55.
KEITH PAULSON: What's going to happen to us? Basically we've been thrown onto the scrap heap. Why are we doing this? Why are we smashing our industries? You can't understand it. You can't understand it.
FADEL: Britain was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, and now it's come full circle. Like in other developed countries, Britain is closing its coal mines and turning to cheap imports and alternative energy. Julian Hoppit, a historian at University College London, says Kellingley is a symbol of the death of industry in Britain.
JULIAN HOPPIT: The closure of the last mine is the closure of a long episode in British history.
FADEL: Britain led the world in manufacturing in the 1700s and 1800s, using coal to power steam engines and heat homes. But in the 20th century, as labor costs grew and coal became more and more expensive to dig up, Britain, like most developed economies, couldn't compete on the global market. In the 1980s, then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher went after the coal miners union.
HOPPIT: There's a sense in which the crucial moment was under Margaret Thatcher's government, when she took on the trade unions, the mining unions and tried and succeeded to force market pressures to work much more directly upon the way the industry worked.
FADEL: Today, Britain is only dependent on manufacturing for about 10 percent of its economy. And the scars of the closures are apparent. Back in northern England, 20 miles from Kellingley, lies the former mining town of Goldthorpe. In 2013, people burned an effigy of Thatcher when she died. They blamed her for killing the coal industry and this once-buzzing mining town. Most storefronts in Goldthorpe are shuttered. The streets are quiet. At a local pub, the afternoon drinkers are mostly former miners. Peter Cooper chats with friends over a pint. He lost his mining job in 1987.
PETER COOPER: Within a 10-mile radius of this village there were 17 comma. It's crucified the place. You've seen it, haven't you? There's nothing here. Nobody's in work.
FADEL: These men say that the coal industry kept Britain fighting through two World Wars. And now, they say the country has forgotten them. Leila Fadel, NPR News, London. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/as-britains-coal-industry-loses-its-glow-miners-feel-betrayed | 2022-08-18T20:36:25Z |
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
With the news that another bubble has burst, the alpaca bubble, for those of you who missed it, a few years ago, those llama-like animals were the next hot thing for hobby farms. People sank tens of thousands of dollars into top-of-the-line breeds hoping to cash in. Then prices tanked. Luke Runyon of member station KUNC has that story.
LUKE RUNYON, BYLINE: One day, about 10 years ago, Terry Holtz and his wife, Dena, came across a photo on the Internet of a cuddly creature with a slender neck and long eyelashes.
TERRY HOLTZ: And she says, oh, they're the most adorable animals. What is it, you mean like a llama? No, they're called alpacas. There's a difference.
RUNYON: Holtz says initially, he was skeptical about alpacas as investments.
HOLTZ: What's the bottom line here? How are they - are they making money? The answer was absolutely.
RUNYON: They decided to put a few alpacas on their 10-acre ranch outside the northern Colorado town of Wellington. At the height of the bubble, some animals were fetching hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction. The couple started breeding them and selling the offspring.
HOLTZ: Wow, all I have to do is sell seven of them. And I'm making more than I am at my regular job, and I only sold seven alpacas. And it wasn't hard to do.
RUNYON: The Holtzes weren't the only ones. Back in the 1980s, you'd really only find alpacas in zoos. Now there are close to 150,000 in the U.S. Their only marketable product is wool, and the high hopes for a U.S. alpaca garment industry never materialized.
HOLTZ: The sales slowed down. The cost of hay doubled.
RUNYON: The value of their herd plummeted. That's why after a decade in the alpaca breeding business, they're selling out. Their Craigslist host calls it a super deal, 30 alpacas for $3,000. That's just a 100 bucks a head.
(SOUNDBITE OF BELL)
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN #1: Come on, girls.
RUNYON: When alpacas fail to produce enough fiber to cover the cost of their hay, they sometimes wear out their welcome, and some end up here, Linda Hayes's Llama and Alpaca Rescue outside Carbondale, Colo.
LINDA HAYES: Most of my time rather than dealing with animals themselves is dealing with the phone calls and the emails trying to put potential owners with people that want to get rid of them.
RUNYON: Hayes gets phone calls every week.
HAYES: I've had a few that were crying. I mean, it's sad. One lady just didn't have the money. She was being evicted.
RUNYON: Hayes says the alpacas were often pitched to older folks, people looking to retire to a more bucolic lifestyle.
(SOUNDBITE OF AD)
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN #2: Wake up to the wonderful world of alpacas.
RUNYON: Even late night TV commercials touted the animal's ability to pad a retiree's income.
(SOUNDBITE OF AD)
UNIDENTIFIED MAN #1: We've been raising alpacas for nine years now. I retired two years ago because of the alpacas, and it's just been a wonderful lifestyle.
RICH SEXTON: And it was absolutely a house of cards.
RUNYON: Rich Sexton is an agricultural economist at the University of California, Davis.
SEXTON: There was never the slightest chance that it could survive and prosper.
RUNYON: Unless alpaca sweaters are the next hot Christmas item, there's little demand for the wool, Sexton says. Plus, Peru already has a huge alpaca fiber industry, where it's produced on a much larger scale than it is here.
HOLTZ: These are all the females.
RUNYON: Alpaca rancher Terry Holtz holds wants to work with the wool even after he sells his herd. He says other breeders can still sell prize-winning animals for a few thousand dollars. But it's not like it was in the heyday.
Looking back, like, 10 years, if you had known what you know now, would you still have bought them?
HOLTZ: Honestly, probably not.
RUNYON: And Holtz says his biggest lesson in this whole thing, take a step back before you decide to follow the herd. For NPR News, I'm Luke Runyon in Fort Collins, Colo.
MONTAGNE: And Luke's story comes to us from Harvest Public Media, a reporting collaboration that focuses on agriculture and food. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/bubble-bursts-on-alpaca-market-sales-slowed-hay-costs-doubled | 2022-08-18T20:36:31Z |
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
Here on the West Coast, along with turkey and trimmings, there's a highly-prized delicacy on some holiday tables - fresh Dungeness crab pulled right out of the Pacific.
BEN PLATT: It's really good, you know? I mean, it's one of the, you know, best crabs in the world as far as we can tell. I mean, I realize I'm biased.
MONTAGNE: Biased he may be because Ben Platt is a commercial fisherman based out of Pillar Point Harbor in San Francisco's Bay Area. Captain Platt was on his boat, the Sea Star, when we reached him with pretty much just elephant seals for company.
(SOUNDBITE OF ELEPHANT SEAL)
MONTAGNE: Those docks should be bustling at this time of year with hungry customers - the human kind - looking for fresh crab.
PLATT: There'll be long lines all the way up the dock and down into the parking lot sometimes if people want to buy, you know, live crab from the fishermen.
MONTAGNE: But this year, California has delayed its Dungeness crabbing season indefinitely - and the culprit - a toxin, Domoic acid. It's found in a massive growth or bloom of algae in the Pacific. Unusually warm water is likely the blame. Kathi Lefebvre studies how toxins travel from algae up the food chain. She says these blooms are common, though usually much smaller and lasting only a couple of weeks.
KATHI LEFEBVRE: This year, we've had this toxic bloom spanning the entire U.S. West Coast - even from Alaska to California, which is making the food web a lot more contaminated.
MONTAGNE: While Domoic acid doesn't kill the Dungeness crab, at such high levels, it's not safe for humans. Don Marshall is another fisherman out of Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco. He says the crabbing delay is hurting more than his wallet.
DON MARSHALL: My family has huge crab feasts every year for Thanksgiving and for Christmas, which most of the time is a lot of my Dungeness because that's what I do for a living.
MONTAGNE: And for Marshall, anything but fresh crab would be unthinkable.
MARSHALL: For Thanksgiving this year, we're probably going to have to go back to the old-school tactics of turkey and ham. And we're going to have to make do. I just don't have it in me to eat frozen crab from last year.
MONTAGNE: Yeah, I know. For now, the wait continues for crabbers and consumers. Along with California, Oregon and Washington have also had to delay the start of their Dungeness crabbing seasons. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/california-puts-dungeness-crab-season-on-hold-indefinitely | 2022-08-18T20:36:37Z |
LINDA WERTHEIMER, HOST:
There are three office buildings on the House side of the U.S. Capitol that by day, serve as offices for members of Congress and by night, as their apartments. Dozens of lawmakers choose to sleep on cots, futons and pull-out sofas when the Congress is in session. For some, it's good politics. For others, it's just a good way to save a buck. NPR congressional reporter Susan Davis has more.
SUSAN DAVIS, BYLINE: When South Dakota Republican Kristi Noem was looking for a new office at the beginning of this Congress, she knew she'd need one thing in particular - closet space.
KRISTI NOEM: There's storage in this room here for my blankets and pillows.
DAVIS: Noem is a part of a group of lawmakers who live in their offices when Congress is in session. She walked me through her morning routine in a recent interview in her bedroom/office.
NOEM: There's a gym in the basement. So I get up in the morning, go down to the members' gym and workout with a group of people. And then I go to the women's gym and shower and put on my makeup and stuff and then come back up here and get dressed.
DAVIS: Sleeping in the office is not without some hazards, Noem says. One night in her old office, she was working late on her laptop when an unwelcome visitor arrived.
NOEM: And I look and down the hallway, this mouse just comes walking down the hallway like he owned the place.
DAVIS: Now, Noem is a farmer and a rancher. But she was so freaked out, she called a male staffer back to the office to help catch the mouse. They couldn't find it, so for her peace of mind, she had him duct tape the bottom of her office door.
NOEM: So that it wouldn't come in while I was sleeping (laughter).
DAVIS: The most prominent member of this couch caucus - newly minted House Speaker Paul Ryan. He's been sleeping in his office for years. Here's how the Wisconsin Republican explained it in a recent interview with CNN's Dana Bash.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
DANA BASH: Your office is also your apartment, your bed, your - the place that you live.
PAUL RYAN: Everybody brings this up.
BASH: You're the speaker now. You're really going to still sleep in your office?
RYAN: Yeah, I'm just a normal guy. I - look...
BASH: Yeah, but normal guys don't sleep in their offices.
DAVIS: Maybe it's not normal, but there's no rules against it. There's also no official data on how many do it. Lawmakers estimate at least 40 House members sleep in their offices.
ANDY BARR: I think there's more than you might expect.
DAVIS: That's Kentucky Republican Andy Barr. He sleeps on a futon in his office.
BARR: There's quite a few of us, particularly the younger members with young families back home in our districts. There's quite a few - men and women.
DAVIS: Let's be clear, Noem is one of very few women who sleep in their office. Most of them are Republican men. It can be particularly helpful to conservatives to make it known back home they're not getting too comfortable in Washington. When Republican Bill Huizenga campaigned for the Michigan seat, vacated by Republican Pete Hoekstra, voters wanted to know three things.
BILL HUIZENGA: People would ask me, what am I going to do about spending? What am I going to do about Obamacare? And am I sleeping on my couch like Pete?
DAVIS: Hoekstra was a well-known member of the couch caucus. The transition was easy for Huizenga because as he explains it...
HUIZENGA: I'm a cheap Dutchman.
DAVIS: A handful of Democrats sleep in their offices, too, though Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley says he's not trying to make a political statement.
MIKE QUIGLEY: It's not something I'm thrilled about. It's just circumstances.
DAVIS: Quigley started sleeping in his office in part to save money to put his two daughters through college. Every lawmaker I talked to told me saving money was the main reason they do it. Even though members of Congress make $174,000 a year, maintaining a residence in the neighborhoods around the U.S. Capitol can easily cost around $2000 a month. That's a waste of money if you're only staying in Washington a few nights a week. Here's Mike Quigley again.
QUIGLEY: Next year's schedule for the House activities - we're here 83 nights. So you're paying rent in a very expensive neighborhood for 282 nights that you're not here.
DAVIS: Because next year is an election year, lawmakers will spend even less time in Washington. So sleeping in the office is not just practical but maybe also good politics. Susan Davis NPR News, Washington. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/capitol-hill-lawmakers-find-living-at-the-office-makes-sense-saves-cents | 2022-08-18T20:36:43Z |
Is it finally time to get rid of the penny? The question was put to the top currency official in the country this week after comedian John Oliver took a swing at pennies on his TV show.
"Two percent of Americans admitted to regularly throwing pennies in the garbage, which means the U.S. Mint is spending millions to make garbage," Oliver said.
Of course, more people just let them pile them up in drawers or jars. And that's why, Oliver said, "One study found that two-thirds of pennies don't circulate, and yet the penny hangs around for no reason like the appendix or the new Muppets TV show."
It actually costs more than a penny to make a penny, so the government loses money on the deal.
"It costs roughly 2 cents to make each penny," says Jeff Gore, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
In 2014, the U.S. Mint made about 8 billion pennies — at a cost of more than $130 million.
Gore says you also have to consider the time people waste fumbling for pennies at the cash register.
"There are essentially no benefits associated with using the penny, yet there are significant costs," he says.
So Gore doesn't like pennies. And he actually maintains the website retirethepenny.org, which urges the government to get rid of pennies. A few years ago that got him on TV with another comedian, Stephen Colbert.
"What about Lincoln, sir? How is this in any way different than going back and re-assassinating Abraham Lincoln? You might as well build a time machine and sneak up behind him. You might as well shoot him in the head with a penny," Colbert said.
"I like to think it's a little bit different," Gore replied.
"Give me one way it's different," demanded Colbert
"The $5 bill will still feature Lincoln," Gore offered.
"Until you get to it," Colbert shot back.
And actually, most Americans seem to side with Colbert on this. Polls have shown that most people want to keep the little copper-colored coin.
"American Society is very innovative and forward-looking in many ways, but in a few other dimensions we tend to be quite conservative," says Francois Velde, an economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. "And interestingly, the currency is one of those areas. You look at the design of our currency. It's been the same dead presidents on the bills, on the coins for almost a century, and we're rather attached to that I think."
Some people worry that getting rid of pennies could push prices up by a few cents. But Velde says there might be a tiny, one-time blip — if prices rose at all. He says Canada ditched the penny recently without any problems.
Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said this week that the government is reviewing a proposal to stop making the penny. But Velde says he has an even better proposal: Nickels cost five times as much as pennies to make.
"You would just abandon the nickel and just declare that all the pennies are worth 5 cents. That's something that happened quite a lot in the Middle Ages where coins did not have face values and governments occasionally changed the face value of a coin," Velde says.
But that would take an act of Congress, so don't hold your breath. And whatever happens, the Treasury Department says you will always be able to spend your pennies or nickels — even if the government stopped minting them.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/critics-wonder-whether-pennies-make-sense-anymore | 2022-08-18T20:36:49Z |
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
There have been a lot of harsh words about Muslims on the presidential campaign trail, some of the sharpest from Republicans Donald Trump and Ben Carson. Many Muslims say the current political climate now feels worse than it did in the days just after 9/11. And they're frustrated with the Republican Party. As NPR's Asma Khalid reports, it wasn't always that way.
ASMA KHALID, BYLINE: When I met with Saba Ahmed, she was wearing a headscarf and a traditional Pakistani outfit. She explained that her Islamic values seem more in sync with conservative American values.
SABA AHMED: I realized I aligned a lot more with the Republican Party. I was pro-life, pro-business, pro-trade, pro-traditional family values.
KHALID: Ahmed is a Republican. She says Donald Trump is one of her top candidates, but she's frustrated with how he talks about Islam.
AHMED: You know, shutting down mosques, putting IDs on Muslims, it's not even about being politically correct. It's about basic human dignity.
KHALID: These days, Ahmed is a rare breed. Eight percent of Muslims identify as Republican, according to a 2009 Gallup study. As recently as 2000, though, a number of Muslim groups endorsed George W. Bush. And to this day, many still consider themselves conservative, just no longer Republican. That's because of the rhetoric about Islam that has come from prominent Republicans, says Dalia Mogahed. She works at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding.
DALIA MOGAHED: If there was one Muslim issue that cuts across party affiliation, it's civil liberties.
KHALID: At a halal supermarket in Virginia, I meet Umit Hodja. It's right around prayer time, so you can call hear the call to prayer in the background.
UMIT HODJA: You know, it kind of hurts to hear what's going on in the news from a political perspective. And I'm honestly, as much as possible, I've been trying not to hear too much of it because it affects us emotionally.
KHALID: Hodja remembers the days after September 11, when George W. Bush went to a mosque and specifically said, Islam is peace. Now, Hodja says, candidates publicly and shamelessly bash Muslims, and that worries him.
HODJA: And it just makes you wonder, gosh, am I going to be in some sort of a camp? First thing, you know, they're going to mark us with some - make us wear special clothes or whatever. It's just like what we did to the Japanese a while back. Is something like that going to happen again? Is it possible in these days that something like that going to happen? You would think not.
KHALID: But, Hodja says he doesn't know, and he's afraid for the America his four kids will inherit. Fahad Rahman used to vote Republican, but now he's an independent. He's disappointed with the political party he used to support.
FAHAD RAHMAN: There are very few voices that are actually saying, hey, you know, this sort of rhetoric is not helpful. It's not part of what we believe.
KHALID: Rahman agrees with the GOP's economic message but says it feels like there's no space for him in the current party. I asked him what would it take for him to go back.
RAHMAN: Quite frankly to just not be a pinata for the Republican Party.
KHALID: Asma Khalid, NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/frustrated-with-gop-candidates-muslims-recall-more-welcoming-days | 2022-08-18T20:36:55Z |
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
French President Francois Hollande meets with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Moscow today. It's the latest in a round of face-to-face meetings Hollande is holding with world leaders in hopes of boosting international efforts against ISIS. Joining us to look ahead at the Hollande and Putin meeting are NPR's Corey Flintoff in Moscow and NPR's Eleanor Beardsley in Paris. Good morning to both of you.
ELEANOR BEARDSLEY, BYLINE: Good morning, Renee.
COREY FLINTOFF, BYLINE: Good morning, Renee.
MONTAGNE: And, Eleanor, first to you. President Hollande's Moscow visit comes after sit downs with the leaders of Great Britain, the U.S., Germany and Italy. How have those meetings gone so far?
BEARDSLEY: Well, Renee, very well. Everyone committed to helping France. Britain's David Cameron - prime minister - said he would seek his Parliament's approval to bomb ISIS in Syria as well as Iraq. President Obama, on Tuesday, said that the U.S. would intensify strikes and also have a more fluid sharing of intelligence with the French. And Angela Merkel personally promised that Germany will send up to 600 more troops to Mali, which will help free up French forces and resources there. She also spoke of a 10 billion euro fund to help secure borders on the EU.
MONTAGNE: OK, so France's allies are behind him - behind Hollande. What does he hope to get out of this meeting with Putin, which might be a bit more difficult?
BEARDSLEY: That's right because the French and Russian positions on Syria differed until now with what to do with President Bashar al-Assad. Now France wants to convince Putin that the Russian Air Force should only strike ISIS, not any other opposition group. France has put Assad on the back burner. He is going to try to convince Putin that ISIS is the only enemy. Now, Obama is still talking about getting rid of Assad. So France knows that he will not bring the Russians and Americans together. France is somewhere in between, but he wants Russia to bomb only ISIS.
MONTAGNE: Well, that's a tall order because up until now, President Putin has been really backing President Assad of Syria and not particularly interested in bombing ISIS. Is there a chance that that could happen? I mean, what's the relationship between these two men?
BEARDSLEY: Well, French officials are saying there is a chance because Russia is also very affected by a terrorist attack on an airliner that killed hundreds of citizens by ISIS. So Hollande is going to focus on ISIS is our common enemy. Hollande and Putin have a relation of confidence. They don't always agree, but they're able to speak frankly with each other. Now, they've met with each other eight times. This is because of the Ukraine crisis. And they've had up to 35 phone conversations. Officials say that the two leaders use the familiar form of you with each other, so they feel very comfortable with each other. Russia and France are both very shaken from these recent attacks, so French officials are saying that Moscow could be convinced to come around and only bomb ISIS. And they're seeing that this is already happening because Russia has struck ISIS now a few times.
MONTAGNE: And let's bring in NPR's Corey Flintoff. You're there also with us from Moscow. And let's get the viewpoint from Russia. What does Vladimir Putin need out of this very moment? What would bring him into some kind of coalition with NATO countries?
FLINTOFF: Well, he needs to maintain this perception that Russia and France are on their way to becoming allies in Syria. And, you know, that's the narrative that Russia's state-controlled media has been promoting, that the Paris attacks have made France see that the threat of Islamist terrorism is more important than any differences that France might have with Russia, you know, over Ukraine or other issues. It doesn't seem likely, though, that Russia would be joining a coalition with NATO countries unless NATO's willing to agree that Bashar al-Assad should remain in power.
MONTAGNE: And, Corey, how is this meeting complicated by this week's downing of that Russian fighter jet by NATO member Turkey? - because Russia is still very, very angry about this.
FLINTOFF: Absolutely. Russia's in this very bitter confrontation with Turkey now. And some Russian politicians have indirectly blamed NATO for the downing of that plane. So the question is will Hollande now feel less able to cooperate with Russia or to reduce his opposition to President Assad? You know, as long as Hollande doesn't know what Putin might do to retaliate against Turkey, he might have to be a lot more careful about what kinds of commitments he makes with Russia.
BEARDSLEY: Well, you know, Corey, here in Paris, officials are aware of exactly those complications. That's why Hollande is going to be stressing coordination of attacks against ISIS, not some big coalition to fight ISIS.
MONTAGNE: And that's Eleanor Beardsley in Paris, Corey Flintoff speaking to us from Moscow. Thank you very much for joining us.
BEARDSLEY: You're welcome, Renee.
FLINTOFF: Thank you, Renee. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/hollande-to-ask-putin-to-join-grand-coalition-against-isis | 2022-08-18T20:37:02Z |
LINDA WERTHEIMER, HOST:
In Israel, there is a fierce debate underway on how to respond to the recent surge of Palestinian attacks. This week, Secretary of State John Kerry visited the region and met separately with leaders of both sides. He came out with no clear plans to end the violence. NPR's Emily Harris joins us from Jerusalem now. Emily, good morning.
EMILY HARRIS, BYLINE: Good morning, Linda.
WERTHEIMER: Emily, what is this internal Israeli debate?
HARRIS: Basically, Linda, it's whether to crack down or in some ways ease up on the Palestinians. In the Israeli media this morning, it's being described as a very stark military versus political assessment of the situation and what steps to take next.
WERTHEIMER: So who's on what side?
HARRIS: Well, yesterday, the Israeli military released a list of recommendations of ways to ease life for Palestinians. This is stuff they apparently suggested to political leaders actually before the current wave of violence got underway. These are things like more work permits, giving Palestinians security forces actually better weapons and also releasing some Palestinians from Israeli prisons. The military is not saying that it's pushing to do these things right now, but it's implying that they should have been done earlier. And Israel's defense minister added to that in a speech last night. He said that voices calling for a harsh show of force at this point are basically missing the idea, not getting at the root cause of the problem. But at the same time, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear to Secretary Kerry this week that no concessions of this type are going to be made until attacks by Palestinians end.
WERTHEIMER: So what was Secretary Kerry trying to do?
HARRIS: He said going in that what he wanted to hear was ideas from both sides on ways they could bring down the violence. Now, one idea that's been floating around was to give Palestinians control of a little more land in the West Bank. But Netanyahu reportedly made it very clear to Kerry that before that might happen, he would want international recognition of Israel's right to build more within what are called settlement blocs. But that is an idea the State Department gave a firm and flat public no to.
WERTHEIMER: What about ideas from the Palestinians?
HARRIS: Kerry's meeting with the Palestinians didn't come up with any concrete ideas on how to stop the violence either. Palestinian officials said that they gave Kerry a file documenting what they called Israeli incitement and violence. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has a big problem. He does not really have control or popularity among the Palestinians. And this, of course, is a problem as well for the U.S. and Israel, at least to the degree that they are looking to him to stop the violence.
WERTHEIMER: So these attacks presumably are continuing to affect daily life?
HARRIS: They are still affecting daily life. Most have shifted to the West Bank, but they still do happen in Israel. So both Israelis and Palestinians are thinking about where they go, when they go, how they behave. Palestinians are facing restrictions on movement and roadblocks in some areas. And of course, the number of people killed on both sides continues to go up.
WERTHEIMER: NPR's Emily Harris, speaking to us from Jerusalem. Emily, thank you.
HARRIS: Thanks, Linda. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/kerry-offers-no-clear-way-to-end-recent-surge-of-palestinian-attacks | 2022-08-18T20:37:08Z |
Thousands of Americans are again searching for health insurance after losing it for 2016. That's partly because some large, low-cost insurers — health cooperatives, set up under the Affordable Care Act — are folding in a dozen states.
The startups were supposed to shake up the traditional marketplace by being member-owned and nonprofit. But it was tough to figure out how much to charge. Plans available through the co-ops tended to be priced low, and customers poured in.
Yet many of these new customers, it turned out, had costly medical conditions, so when co-ops had to start paying their bills, the math didn't add up.
On top of that, co-ops were counting on a variety of funding streams from the federal government, and some of that money never materialized. Of the 23 health co-ops that opened in 22 states with the advent of Obamacare, just 11 are still in business.
The failure of one of these insurers, Colorado HealthOp, has hit Rick and Letha Heitman hard. The couple says that Colorado HealthOp, which is due to close at the end of the year, saved Rick's life when he was diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer last spring.
"I owe them for taking care of me," says Rick, who owns a construction business with his wife. "They helped me at a time when I needed it a lot."
Now, about 80,000 people, including the Heitmans, are suddenly on the hunt for new insurance plans on Colorado's exchange.
Co-ops Left Holding The Bag
Julia Hutchins, HealthOP's CEO, says the co-op got walloped by the equivalent of a fast-moving tornado after the federal government said it wouldn't be paying co-ops millions in subsidies that she and others expected.
"We were really blindsided by that," Hutchins says. "We felt like we'd done our part in helping serve individuals who really need insurance, and now we're the one left holding the bag." HealthOp was on track to becoming profitable, she insists.
Linda Gorman, director of the Independence Institute, an advocacy group and think tank in Colorado, says the new co-ops were in over their heads.
"You shouldn't go into business counting on federal subsidies," Gorman says. "The notion that you should beat up on for-profit entities and then form these nonprofits and everything will be magically OK is unfortunate to begin with, and we've wasted a lot of taxpayer money on that. We've wasted two to three billion dollars on subsidies for these co-ops."
But the HealthOP's senior IT manager Helen Hadji, a Republican, says she blames conservatives in Congress for not authorizing the money needed to keep the cooperatives afloat.
"This is a federal failure," Hadji says. "This is all a political battle to dismantle Obamacare."
Colorado's co-op captured 40 percent of the individual market on the state's exchange. Now, as customers like Rick and Letha Heitman hunt for new insurance for 2016, they are facing higher prices.
The Heitmans paid about $500 a month last year for their co-op plan. For 2016 they'll likely have to pay double or triple that to get health insurance that includes the doctors who are treating Rick's cancer.
Slower Growth Was Key To A Connecticut Co-Op's Success
In Connecticut, a different story is playing out. If Colorado saw an early surge in membership because of low prices, Connecticut's co-op nearly priced itself out of the market in its first year, charging rates that were much higher than its competitors. For 2015, HealthyCT only got 3 percent of the state's business under the Affordable Care Act.
"In that first year, the reason we had such low market share was that consumers — new to the industry, new to insurance — most of those individuals bought on price," says Ken Lalime, who runs the co-op.
And starting the business was hard, Lalime says.
"Nobody's built a new insurance company in the state of Connecticut in 30 years," he says. "There's no book that you pull off the shelf and say, 'Let's go do this.' "
Lalime faced the same problem other co-ops faced nationally. He didn't know who his customers would be, didn't know whether they'd be sick or healthy and didn't know how much to charge. In the end, his co-op charged too much.
However, even though that meant relatively few sign-ups in year one, the slow start actually helped. The co-op didn't have a huge number of claims to pay immediately, and those that it did pay didn't break the bank.
"Hindsight, yes, that didn't hurt us — to be able to take it slowly," Lalime says.
In year two, HealthyCT's average premiums were more competitive — and the co-op went from a 3 percent share of the market to 18 percent. For 2016, its initial premium request came in high; it subsequently revised that number to be much lower, and the state overseers eventually announced that HealthyCT's premiums will go up 7 percent.
Paul Lombardo, an actuary for the state of Connecticut, says the back-and-forth is an indicator that setting the price of premiums is still a bit of a gamble under the Affordable Care Act. These are still early days, he says. So few people signed up with HealthyCT in the beginning that the health co-op didn't have enough information to guide its decisions about 2016 premiums.
"There wasn't a lot of data to say, OK, we can use 2014 experience to project forward," Lombardo explains.
For now, HealthyCT is holding its own.
"They're in good standing," Lombardo says. "The premium we think that we're setting for 2016 — albeit a little bit higher than they wanted it to be on the revision — is appropriate. And we look to have them go through the full year — as any of our other health plans do in 2016."
Enrollment for 2016 health insurance on the Affordable Care Act's exchanges will continue until Jan. 31.
This story is part of NPR's reporting partnership with Colorado Public Radio, WNPR and Kaiser Health News.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/many-health-co-ops-fold-others-survive-startup-struggles | 2022-08-18T20:37:14Z |
A half-century ago, 40 bishops from around the world gathered in an ancient Roman church and signed a pledge to forsake worldly goods and live like the neediest among their flock.
They were in Rome for the Second Vatican Council in 1965, the deliberations that opened the Catholic Church to the modern world.
The bishops' all but forgotten pledge, known as the Pact of the Catacombs, has gained new resonance with Pope Francis' vision of a church for the poor.
Under the vaulted ceiling of the basilica, a mass is being celebrated to commemorate the pact signed here in 1965. We are just above the Catacombs of Domitilla — many miles of tunnels lined with the tombs of early Christians.
One of the celebrants of the mass is the only surviving bishop of the original 40 who signed the pact, Monsignor Luigi Bettazzi, now 92.
"A group of bishops organized the meeting at the Catacombs of Domitilla ... most of us learned about it by word of mouth," he says.
By signing the Pact of the Catacombs, the bishops pledged "to try to live according to the ordinary manner of our people in all that concerns housing, food, means of transport."
"We renounce forever the appearance and the substance of wealth, especially in clothing ... and symbols made of precious metals," the document said.
Within a few months, some 500 bishops had signed the pact.
But it was soon forgotten, with hardly a mention in the history books about the Second Vatican Council.
One reason, suggested Bettazzi, was that "Pope Paul VI was afraid that too much emphasis on the church of the poor would spill into politics. It was the peak of the Cold War, it could appear the church was leaning toward one side."
Or more specifically, the communist side.
Church historian Alberto Melloni says the pact is probably one of the Catholic Church's best-kept secrets.
"The Pact of the Catacombs is the outcome of long effort at Vatican II to put poverty at the core of the council and this effort failed," he said.
But in one part of the world — Latin America — the pact did not disappear.
Erwin Krautler, the bishop of a Brazilian diocese in the Amazon for 34 years, advocates for the rights of landless peasants and indigenous people. He upholds the principles of the Pact of the Catacombs.
"This pact is an expression of what we call these days, theology of liberation," he said.
Liberation theology is a Catholic grassroots movement that spread throughout Latin America in the 1970s but was scorned by Popes John Paul II and his successor Pope Benedict XVI, who said it was inspired by Marxism. The Vatican disciplined many of its proponents.
Melloni, the church historian, said the Pact of the Catacombs that inspired liberation theology undermined centuries of tradition that had put the Vatican at the center of church power.
Liberation theology "was saying that the center of Catholicism is not Rome, not even the pope, but the real poor, and this was a challenge and the real challenge of this papacy today," Melloni said.
Francis has never specifically mentioned the Pact of the Catacombs.
But his lifestyle — shunning the apostolic palace for a room in a Vatican guesthouse — and his vision of the church as what he calls a "field hospital to heal the wounded," are reviving interest in the 50-year-old document.
Monsignor Bettazzi said he and his fellow bishops planted a seed that is now bearing fruit.
"The Pact of the Catacombs today is ... Pope Francis," he said.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/pope-francis-emphasis-on-poverty-revives-the-pact-of-the-catacombs | 2022-08-18T20:37:20Z |
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
Let's take a listen, now, to the sounds of Catholicism from Nairobi, Kenya this morning.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED CHOIR: (Singing in foreign language).
MONTAGNE: Pope Francis celebrated mass in the Kenyan capital, the first stop on an African tour. Francis is the first pope from the southern hemisphere making his first trip to Africa. NPR's Gregory Warner is there for this momentous occasion. Good morning.
GREGORY WARNER, BYLINE: Good morning, Renee.
MONTAGNE: And, Greg, it sounds sound very festive - beautiful singing.
WARNER: Oh, no, yeah, beautiful - and the steady rain that was falling during that mass did not stop tens of thousands of people from attending. I think the excitement in Nairobi may be as great, if not greater, than it was for President Obama's visit this summer. And the government's even declared it a national holiday because of the pope's visit. And I'll tell you, Renee, if you look at the faces in those crowds, they're almost all young people. It's easy to see why Africa is so important to the Vatican. It's one of the world's fastest growing regions for Catholicism.
MONTAGNE: And I gather the pope has spent the morning meeting with Muslim and Christian leaders. What has been his message to them?
WARNER: Well, peace and reconciliation is the theme of this tour. And the pope specifically mentioned terrorist attacks in Kenya, including this year's massacre at a university campus - also the 2013 attack on Westgate shopping mall here in Nairobi. And then at mass, the pope asked Kenyan youth to reject prejudice and discrimination. And this Sunday, he's going to be visiting the war-torn Central African Republic. There, the dynamic is different. Most of the recent killing has been Christian militias against Muslim civilians. His message there will also be reconciliation.
MONTAGNE: And another thing, this pope has not always seen eye-to-eye with African bishops, who are particularly conservative on some subjects, including the issue of homosexuality. Will there be tension?
WARNER: Well, homosexuality is illegal in most African countries. And I'll tell you, when politicians want to spout hate speech or when they are doing bad in the polls, they want to find a scapegoat, they go to the church pulpit. And we've seen that in Kenya. We've seen that in Uganda. I don't know if it will come up directly on this tour. But another hot-button issue here is the question of celibacy. African priests, just demographically, they're often the best and brightest of their communities. You know, they're that kid that won the scholarship to seminary school. Maybe they're the first in their family to go to college. They want to get married. They want to have kids. Or they say they'll leave the church. That's also an issue for the future of the Catholic Church here in Africa. It may not be mentioned here on this tour.
MONTAGNE: Well, the site for tomorrow's mass is a slum in Nairobi. This pope has made his compassion for the poor central to his papacy. How has that message been received there in Kenya?
WARNER: Well, as we all know, this pope is famously humble. But even Kenyans were shocked when he drove in from the airport in a little gray Honda. And Kenyon editorial writers noted what a far cry this vehicle was from the polished Mercedes and the tinted 4x4s favored by politicians here. And the timing for this visit, I think, is particularly interesting because corruption - I mean, that's long been an issue in this region. But the pope's arrival in Kenya coincides with major government corruption allegations coming to light. And it's no coincidence that just days before the pope's visit, the Kenyon president, Uhuru Kenyatta, sacked five ministers accused of stealing public money. So there's a hope that the pope can really accomplish something on this trip.
MONTAGNE: All right, thanks very much, Greg.
WARNER: Thanks, Renee.
MONTAGNE: NPR's Gregory Warner, speaking to us from Nairobi, Kenya. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/pope-francis-encourages-christian-muslim-leaders-to-be-prophets-for-peace | 2022-08-18T20:37:26Z |
LINDA WERTHEIMER, HOST:
Whether you haul out pennies, dollars or plastic, chances are you will be buying gifts in the next days and weeks. But where will you buy, and why? We reached analyst Liz Dunn to discuss current retail trends. Thank you for joining us.
LIZ DUNN: Thank you for having me.
WERTHEIMER: We always seem to start the holiday shopping season with a little uneasiness, especially the last few years. Do you think this is going to be a better year for retail?
DUNN: I don't think it's going to be a particularly good year for retail. I think the consumer's in decent shape, but they just really aren't voting for stuff. They're looking to buy experiences - travel, restaurants, you know, Broadway shows. And so I think it will be a difficult holiday season for retailers.
WERTHEIMER: So what would your advice be to department stores and other retailers? What should they do if that's the trend?
DUNN: I think the most important thing that retailers can do right now is really try to capture some sort of, you know, theatrical experience, almost, inside their four walls. Try to do things that delight and excite the consumer and make shopping more fun. I think consumers are focused on anything that they can Instagram, anything that they can sort of report back to their networks of social media. And so the more exciting shopping experience the better and the more likely that consumers will end up in your store to spend those limited holiday dollars.
WERTHEIMER: Do you have any idea what these people are thinking about when they think theatrical experience? What is that?
DUNN: It's the store environment - obviously all the decorations, but it's bringing more drama into the store environment and changing that environment as you go through the season. And so it's no longer enough to set the store with one holiday look and then leave that for the entire duration of the season. I think any kind of appearances by celebrities or appearances by designers, all of that really kind of contributes to the drama and the theater of retail.
WERTHEIMER: You know, my favorite shopping experience is finding someone to wait on me.
DUNN: Service is definitely a big factor for consumers this year. And I think that what we're seeing many retailers do is cut down on the number of associates but really highlight the best associates. And so we saw that with Victoria's Secret and L Brands recently this year, where they say they're going to be paying fewer people more money, really emphasizing the best sales associates to deliver that best service.
WERTHEIMER: One trend that seems to be getting some pushback this year is stores being open on Thanksgiving. REI got a lot of attention for announcing that they would close not only on the holiday, but on Black Friday as well. Does this mean we're headed back for noncommercial, traditional Thanksgiving?
DUNN: Unfortunately, no. There's definitely been some backlash about the Thanksgiving openings, but for the most part, it looks to be here to stay. The openings play really well with the millennial consumer. They want to eat dinner and then, you know, leave.
WERTHEIMER: Skip washing the dishes somehow (Laughter).
DUNN: Yeah, get out of washing the dishes, exactly. And every retailer is trying to capture that younger consumer. There's a little bit of nostalgia to it, as well, that's not completely lost on the millennial consumer. Something about going to a mall is a little bit tongue-in-cheek interesting because, you know, we don't really shop that way anymore. So I think there are two parts of it. But I also think that consumer is likely wanting to get away from the Thanksgiving table and have another activity to do after dinner.
WERTHEIMER: Liz Dunn, thank you very much for joining us, and happy Thanksgiving.
DUNN: Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.
WERTHEIMER: Liz Dunn is a brand analyst, and her consulting firm is Talmage Advisors. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/retail-shoppers-want-theatrical-experiences-that-delight-and-excite | 2022-08-18T20:37:32Z |
LINDA WERTHEIMER, HOST:
Last week, the world's top whiskey was crowned, and it was not scotch. It was a Canadian rye made by Crown Royal. Surprisingly, not one Scotch whisky even made it into the top five. But despite the competition, scotch is selling better than ever in this country as NPR's Jackie Northam discovered.
JACKIE NORTHAM, BYLINE: It was a tough assignment.
So you're going to have to guide me on this one. What do I want?
A lunchtime tasting fine Scotch whiskies.
RICHARD LOCHHEAD: Do you normally drink whiskey?
NORTHAM: Yeah.
LOCHHEAD: Have you had whisky before? And do you like it peaty or smoky or...
NORTHAM: I settled on a Macallan Rare Cask for my first tasting.
Cheers to health.
LOCHHEAD: (Foreign language spoken).
NORTHAM: My guide is Richard Lochhead, a member of Scottish parliament.
LOCHHEAD: So I'm cabinet secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment, and that includes food and drink, which is huge in Scotland.
NORTHAM: Lochhead was in Washington to promote Scotland's most popular export. But it hardly seems necessary here in the U.S., the biggest market for Scotch whisky.
LOCHHEAD: Scotch whisky has grown phenomenally over the last few years. And in the U.S. alone, there has been a massive increase in single malts in particular over the last few years.
NORTHAM: Lochhead says that interest has helped spur nearly $3 billion worth of investment in new and refurbished distilleries in Scotland. He says while Scotch whisky is popular, the industry can't sit on its laurels because other distilleries around the world are coming after it. On the other side of town, a few days later, I caught up with Jeff Faile, the bar and spirits director for the Neighborhood Restaurant Group, which has about 15 restaurants in D.C. and Virginia. When the lunchtime crowd thins out at the partisan restaurant, Faile and I scoot around behind the bar for a closer look. There are multiple shelves bearing whiskeys from all over the world.
JEFF FAILE: So the Japanese are really doing some fantastic whiskey. They really are doing some very nice, subtle flavors.
NORTHAM: Faile says everyone is talking about a whiskey from Japan, Suntory Yamazaki, which won whiskey of the year last year. He says many people didn't realize Japan even made a whiskey until the movie "Lost In Translation." Bill Murray's character was doing a Suntory commercial. Faile says the company creates wonderful whiskeys, but the stocks are limited.
FAILE: You may get a shipment once every three or four months if you're lucky, whereas, you know, as a buyer, I can order scotch pretty much without any sort of issue.
NORTHAM: Faile says his restaurant group stocks many types of U.S. bourbons. He says independent bottlers are experimenting with ryes, malted barley and wheat, trying to create a distinctive taste. Faile says artisans here in the U.S. are also buying whiskey from Scotland and aging it themselves.
FAILE: You can age whiskey in anything, whether it's a bourbon cask and a rum cask, bourbon and port. You have this one that's aged completely in rum cask.
NORTHAM: Faile says the Glenlivets, Laphroaigs and Macallans of the world don't need to worry about being overrun by competitors anytime soon. He says only whiskey made in Scotland can be called scotch, and there will always be a market for that. Jackie Northam, NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/scotch-whiskey-gets-a-run-for-its-money-from-global-distillers | 2022-08-18T20:37:38Z |
LINDA WERTHEIMER, HOST:
Good morning. I'm Linda Wertheimer, sending out the same old greeting cards this year?
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
ADRIAN NANTCHEV: Don't be bland. Don't be boring. Send a potato instead.
WERTHEIMER: That's Adrian Nantchev, founder of Potato in the Post. They mail out personalized potatoes with handwritten messages. His business is trending on social media because, as he points out, if you get a potato in the mail, you tend to remember it. It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/sending-out-the-same-old-greeting-cards-this-year | 2022-08-18T20:37:45Z |
LINDA WERTHEIMER, HOST:
It's Thanksgiving, and for many Americans, the traditional holiday meal will be served with a hefty side order of football. The NFL has three games on the menu today, including the undefeated Carolina Panthers against the Dallas Cowboys, who finally have a ray of hope now that starting quarterback Tony Romo is back after an injury. ESPN's Jane McManus joins us to talk football. Jane, welcome.
JANE MCMANUS: Thanks for having me.
WERTHEIMER: So there are two undefeated teams left in the NFL, the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Patriots - no surprise there. But what is going on with Carolina?
MCMANUS: I think you've seen a season where Cam Newton, the quarterback for the Panthers, has really emerged as someone who could take over and be one of the next era of great quarterbacks in the league. He had five touchdown passes last week against Washington. And he could be poised to do something similar against Dallas, which is having a bit of a down year, lost seven straight without Romo. And even with Romo back, I think you have to give the Panthers a heavy edge in this game.
WERTHEIMER: Do you think that the Dallas Cowboys can possibly salvage the season? They have Romo back, but, you know, you've got to always be afraid that the very next guy that tackles him is going to ruin him again.
MCMANUS: You know, I think it would be very difficult for Dallas to salvage this season. They have had a lot of struggles on the field. And then off the field, they've been really dealing with controversy for having Greg Hardy and hiring him to be their defensive end. And he has been trouble from the moment he got there. Latest reports - he missed a meeting; he knocked a clipboard out of an assistant coach's hand. So this has been a bad season on the field and off the field for the Cowboys.
WERTHEIMER: The big NFL game of the weekend was supposed to be New England versus Denver - or to put it properly, Peyton Manning versus Tom Brady, two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. But Peyton Manning is now out with an injury. Any chance that Denver could possibly defeat New England without him?
MCMANUS: The game is in Denver, which always adds a bit of an edge for the team, just given where it's located and the atmosphere there. But this really is the Patriots game to win. And of course, as you mentioned, notable by who's not playing. Peyton could sit this week and then an additional week with the plantar fascia injury. And it - you know, these two quarterbacks - Peyton's 39, Tom Brady's 38 and they really do look, you know, very different at this point as a result of that. Tom Brady's having one of his very-best seasons. And Peyton Manning - I think you have to ask whether or not he's going to be playing much longer.
WERTHEIMER: So if the NFL games don't do it for you, this is a big weekend for college football. What do you think is worth watching?
MCMANUS: What I think would be great to watch this weekend - and it's an amazing weekend just for the sheer number of top-25 ranked teams that are going to be matched up against one another - but I think you've got to watch some of those bubble teams, like No. 8 Ohio State at No. 10 Michigan. And that could be a great game. Both of these teams would like to somehow slip into that College Football Playoff. The top four teams will be in a playoff for the second year again. And that's going to be a great game. And then you have - you know, Notre Dame's playing. Iowa is at Nebraska. That could be an interesting game. And No. 7 Baylor is at No. 19 TCU. There are teams - Baylor, Iowa - they have a lot to play for. And I think you're going to see some really good rivalries.
WERTHEIMER: Jane McManus of ESPN, thank you very much.
MCMANUS: Any time. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/sports-fans-spend-thanksgiving-the-traditional-way-watching-football | 2022-08-18T20:37:51Z |
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
Good morning. I'm Renee Montagne. Thanksgiving is a day of gratitude and also a day to show it. Alex Assali fled Syria eight years ago after openly criticizing President Assad. Last year, he finally made it to Germany. And now Assali can be found on the streets of Berlin serving food to the homeless. Buzzfeed reports he doesn't have much, but saves enough to cook for about 100 people. His mobile kitchen reads Giving Something Back to German People. It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/syrian-refugee-helps-feed-germanys-homeless | 2022-08-18T20:37:57Z |
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
Whether it's green beans with a sprinkling of those crunchy onions or sweet potatoes with miniature marshmallows on top, it's hard to imagine Thanksgiving without casseroles. That is this year's theme for our Thanksgiving visit from commentator Miles Hoffman - musical casseroles. Happy Thanksgiving, Miles.
MILES HOFFMAN, BYLINE: Thank you, Renee. Good morning.
MONTAGNE: I am sure, although it would be a lot of fun, we're not talking here about casseroles that break into song when you pull them out of the oven.
HOFFMAN: That would be fun, yeah - miracle casseroles. No, actually, I'm thinking more along the line of tasty musical dishes. Think of a good casserole. You take a whole bunch of contrasting but complimentary ingredients. You combine them in an imaginative way. You cook them together. And the result is delicious. Well, I think we can think of lots of musical pieces that way, too. Some of those pieces are beautiful. Some are funny. And some are just wild and crazy.
MONTAGNE: Well, it is Thanksgiving morning. A lot of our listeners are probably already stressed about getting that turkey stuffed and in the oven. So why don't we start with something beautiful that will take everyone's mind off the work ahead?
HOFFMAN: OK, something beautiful - how about the famous quartet from Giuseppe Verdiâs opera "Rigoletto." In this case, four characters are singing at the same time, but they're all singing completely different words. The character of the Duke is trying to seduce Maddalena, who's a woman of ill repute. Maddalena is teasing him. Gilda, who is madly in love with the Duke, is horrified. And Rigoletto, Gilda's father, who will later accidentally murder his own daughter, is trying to comfort Gilda. So somehow, all the parts fit together and make a beautiful and very moving scene.
(SOUNDBITE OF OPERA, "RIGOLETTO")
UNIDENTIFIED SINGERS: (Singing in foreign language).
MONTAGNE: And that's lovely, Miles.
HOFFMAN: That's bella figlia dell'amore - beautiful child of love - the famous vocal quartet from Verdi's "Rigoletto" setting up a very, very tragic ending to the opera.
MONTAGNE: How about a musical casserole that's very far in spirit from that? In fact, you were talking about some pieces that are funny.
HOFFMAN: Well, if we can stick with vocal casseroles, Renee, again, with lots of contrasting but complementary ingredients, the finale from act two of Mozart's "Marriage Of Figaro," I think, is a terrific example. In this case, there are seven characters singing.
(SOUNDBITE OF OPERA, "MARRIAGE OF FIGARO")
UNIDENTIFIED SINGERS: (Singing in foreign language).
HOFFMAN: That's in the finale of act two of Mozart's "Marriage Of Figaro." It's not - the music itself is not laugh-out-loud funny, but the scene is pretty funny. Figaro wants to marry Susanna. Susanna wants to marry Figaro. Marcellina, who's Figaro's mother but doesn't know it, want to marry Figaro, too, and she's got a lawyer and a witness with her. And the Count, meanwhile, wants Susanna all for himself. And for the moment, it's just a big mess.
MONTAGNE: (Laughter) Beautiful, though - a beautiful mess.
(SOUNDBITE OF OPERA, "MARRIAGE OF FIGARO")
UNIDENTIFIED SINGERS: (Singing in foreign language).
(APPLAUSE)
MONTAGNE: Went about a musical casserole that's made up, as some casseroles are wont to be, of especially unusual ingredients?
HOFFMAN: Unusual - there are many, but I get an unusually big kick out of a piece written in the 1920s by an English composer, William Walton. The piece is called "Facade," and it's a setting of kooky poems - very kooky poems by Edith Sitwell. And it calls for two narrators plus flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, percussion and cello. I think that's a pretty unusual set of ingredients.
(SOUNDBITE OF WILLIAM WALTON SONG, "FACADE")
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: (Singing) Thetis wrote a treatise noting wheat is silver like the sea. The lovely cheat is sweet as foam. Erotis notices that she will steal the wheat-king's luggage, like Babel before the League of Nations grew. So Jo put the luggage and the label in the pocket of Flo the kangaroo. Through trees like rich hotels that bode of dreamless ease fled she. Carrying the load and goading the road through the marine scene to the sea. Don Pasquito, the road is eloping with your luggage, though heavy and large. You must follow and lose your moping. Ride to my guidance and charge.
MONTAGNE: (Laughter).
HOFFMAN: That's an excerpt from Sir William Walton's "Facade."
MONTAGNE: Well, this comes pretty close to wild and crazy.
HOFFMAN: Yeah, it kind of does, doesn't it?
MONTAGNE: But I gather the next piece you have lined up for us is even wilder and crazier.
HOFFMAN: Actually, I'm thinking of Charles Ives. The second movement of his "Symphony No. 4" is also a slow-cooked piece. Some casseroles are slow-cooked. The piece took him about 14 years to finish. Actually, it might be more of a stew than a casserole. It's got a huge orchestra gone crazy with extra brass. And it even needs an extra conductor. And Ives quotes from at least eight different American popular songs just in this movement alone, including "Turkey In The Straw" and "Columbia, The Gem Of The Ocean." So this is from the second movement of Charles Ives' "Symphony No. 4."
(SOUNDBITE OF CHARLES IVES SONG, "SYMPHONY NO. 4")
MONTAGNE: Wondering if Charles Ives left that one in the oven a little too long, Miles.
HOFFMAN: (Laughter). Could be. It's definitely what we would call an exotic dish.
MONTAGNE: Well, Miles, thank you for whipping up this buffet of musical casseroles for us. And happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
HOFFMAN: Thank you. You too, Renee.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
MONTAGNE: Miles Hoffman is the violist of the American Chamber Players and artistic director of the Peace Center Chamber Music Society in Greenville, S.C. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2015-11-26/this-thanksgiving-indulge-in-a-buffet-of-musical-casseroles | 2022-08-18T20:38:03Z |
For many years, the Black Thought solo album felt like an imaginary object, long rumored yet never revealed. It went by several names — Masterpiece Theatre, The Talented Mr. Trotter — and had many soft launches. The Philly rapper born Tariq Trotter had of course already displayed his otherworldly dexterity as frontman and co-founder of The Roots, and, beginning in 2018, emerged as a willing and capable soloist with a series of freewheeling EPs. But for most rappers, a debut album is a statement of artistic purpose. For a rapper in a group, it is also a chance to establish a fully independent identity. Even as Black Thought the solo artist steadily took shape, his album — the album — remained elusive.
Cheat Codes, Trotter's new collaboration with the producer Danger Mouse, is that quintessential Black Thought album, the one long awaited by diehards, the first of his recent projects to transcend his supreme skill as a rhymer and define his music beyond his intense technique. As a soloist, Trotter has tended to write like a world traveler, making offhand references to the chupacabra or Bach, Amon-Ra or the hajj, his raps crowded but fluid as if he were sloshing on foot through a quagmire. Here, he finally locates himself within his songs: as a hometown hero who brought rap game theory to national TV yet remains cognizant of the Black struggle, who is trying to reconcile the world he's entered with the one he's from. If there are two Americas, Trotter has straddled both, and Cheat Codes shares lessons learned during his travels, with a clear frame of mind that is new ground even for one of rap's peerless performers.
As the voice of the legendary Roots crew, Trotter is both representative and accessory. The group is built around his indelible lyricism, but he has always been deferential to the collective, its ideas and organization. The Roots is also a live band, and moving through those arrangements requires a specific potency and stamina. Books on rapping have lauded his gifts as a performer: In How to Rap, Kool G Rap champions Trotter's breath control and execution in a Roots staging of his song "Men at Work." Watching the clip, you are immediately struck by the physicality of his recitation, how forcefully and consistently he rattles off phrases, like a boxer working a speed bag. Yet that asset can also be a strange kind of liability in hip-hop. "Sometimes MCs' flows can so dominate their styles that they overshadow other elements of craft," Adam Bradley writes of Trotter in Book of Rhymes: The Poetics of Hip-Hop. "Set within the complex soundscapes offered up by the rest of the group, Black Thought's liquid flow at times nearly washes away his meaning."
The Roots released their last album in 2014 and followed Jimmy Fallon to The Tonight Show the same year, and a sense emerged that rapping might have become a secondary concern for Black Thought, admittedly a less ferocious presence at the head of a late-night house band. When Funk Flex invited him to participate in his ongoing freestyle series on Hot 97 in 2017, the rapper seemed to take the opportunity as a challenge — a way to reassert himself as not only an ambassador of the culture but a lethal technician. The performance was a viral moment that renewed conversations about barring out, and within the epic polemic were hints of a coming return: "Them brothers said, 'Don't go from written bars filled with rage / To primetime television and your gilded cage / Then forget there's people in the world still enslaved.'
Six months later came Streams of Thought Vol. 1, the first of a trio of single-producer EPs that diverge sharply from The Roots' live instrumentation and conceptual arcs. As far back as 2001, Trotter seemed to already understand how he wanted his solo work to function: "The difference between a Black Thought album and a Roots album is the texture," he told MTV News, promising that his eventual debut would stick to samples. Streams of Thought delivered that vision via esteemed beatmakers 9th Wonder, Salaam Remi and Sean C, but mainly as a sparring exercise: Trotter's presence on those mini-releases is raw and loose, and they're better understood as small monuments to his talent than for their substance.
There is immediately a greater focus and intent to Cheat Codes, beginning with the production. The flips are simple and elegant, the drums understated. There is enough space within the loops for Trotter's voice to probe through. Where Sean C compared the beats he made for Streams of Thought Vol. 3 to the '70s feel of Jay-Z's American Gangster, Cheat Codes curates soul, psych rock and funk samples from the same era into a weirder, more warped palette. Danger Mouse constructed these beats with Black Thought and his skill set specifically in mind, and the rapper moves through them deliberately, without compromising what are some of his most writerly verses. Together, the two cohere around a mission to build a classicist album fit for the form's elder statesmen.
Relentless motion is clearly in Trotter's DNA, a trait he traces back to childhood: "My birthplace taught me not to stop / I'm more advanced than my classmates / I came into the game on a fast break," he raps on "No Gold Teeth." Many songs on Cheat Codes are built around a single extended verse, though compared to his knotty Hot 97 filibuster they're compact and restrained, there to be not merely heeded but understood. Take the wavy "Identical Deaths," in which Black Thought is interviewed by God and keeps his cool, making gentle swoops from bar to bar as if trying to carefully pen a letter in cursive. On the title track, he works through the mindset of the "young gunners" running stickups in Philly, only to zoom out at the end and account for the larger systems that created them, using the mic like a bullhorn.
Virtuosity is too often presented as a shorthand for lyricism, and though some rappers have earned notoriety from the former, beneath the surface their verses are often empty. Trotter isn't immune to using technical hyper-proficiency to mask bombast, but even his most ill-defined rhymes carry a certain gravitas in their momentum, the deeply alliterative wordplay generating its own mystique. However, none of his previous releases have matched this novelistic charm with attentive storytelling the way Cheat Codes does. With "Because," he paints a vivid picture of the limited options that lead many into the carceral system. The winding verses of "Sometimes" and "Violas & Lupitas" are packed with little vignettes, and sometimes a bar will contain an entire scene: "Juke joint party lights lit the Harlem nights / Peas and rice made a Judas out of Garveyites."
There is still plenty of rapping about how great he is at rapping, but the verses more often turn on nuggets of personal discovery ("Richard Wright, Black Boy that grew into a Blacker man") and accumulated wisdom. Where Vol. 3 of Streams of Thought often felt aimlessly political, a concept record without a real agenda, the perspective here is tighter and more self-affirming. On "The Darkest Part," he mulls injustice, freedom, and the weight of the soul ("I came to take back that other two-fifths of a man"). Later, on "Saltwater," he distinguishes himself as a seasoned OG, not a lecturer; his rapping is surly but not disillusioned, observant but not sanctimonious. Even the songs that do fixate on the rap game as a sporting arena do so astutely: In the elongated verse of "Close to Famous," he measures the extent of his influence and the skill and experience gap between him as a veteran and rap's overnight sensations. Much of his case, like the album overall, is constructed around the idea that he can read any room and speak its language.
Trotter is not our only rapper-scholar, but his position in the culture is close to unique. "Bring the Cambridge, the Websters, the Oxfords ... Product of the Last Poets and the Watts Prophets," he raps on "Belize," presenting his career as a bridge between street intellectuals and academic authorities, rap as cipher and rap as literature. The notion of a full-length collaboration between Black Thought and Danger Mouse long predates his years on network television or the dynamic if arguably vain showcase of Streams of Thought, but the results nonetheless are a culmination of that history. Listening now, it can feel like all those years the album went unmade are what made it possible.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-18/cheat-codes-is-the-solo-album-black-thought-couldnt-have-made-until-now | 2022-08-18T20:40:39Z |
Updated August 18, 2022 at 3:27 PM ET
A federal magistrate judge has given the Department of Justice one week to provide a redacted copy of the affidavit used to justify the unprecedented FBI search of former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence, saying that he believes the affidavit should be partially released.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart ruled the DOJ must turn over the redacted version by next Thursday at noon. The affidavit will remain sealed during any appeals, he said.
Reinhart also unsealed more minor documents containing general information at the hearing.
The Justice Department argued during a hearing on Thursday afternoon that redacting the affidavit would leave no information of substance to release, and noted that the search itself and release of the warrant last week had created a volatile situation leading to death threats against FBI agents.
Government lawyers also said the investigation is in an early stage.
While the Justice Department asked the court to unseal the warrant, citing intense public interest, it has argued strongly against releasing the affidavit, saying doing so could compromise its investigation, other probes, the possibility of future witness cooperation and the safety of agents and individuals named in the affidavit.
Multiple media organizations had asked the judge to unseal all documents related to the search, notably the affidavit laying out the reasoning and research. At Thursday's hearing, the organizations said they do not want to release any information that would have a chilling effect on current or future witnesses, endanger people involved in the probe or compromise the investigation.
The warrant, released last week, shows that FBI agents retrieved documents labeled classified, secret, top secret and confidential as well potential presidential records. It also reveals that the Justice Department is investigating Trump for violating the Espionage Act and obstructing justice.
The genesis of the investigation comes from an unlikely source: the National Archives. The agency, in charge of cataloging and storing important government documents, earlier retrieved 15 boxes of key presidential records that it said Trump was improperly — and possibly illegally — keeping at home.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-18/judge-rules-doj-must-redact-trump-affidavit-in-preparation-for-potential-release | 2022-08-18T20:40:46Z |
If the pandemic has taught Hollywood anything, it's that storytelling finds a way. Witness two new documentaries in which first-time directors not only deal with memory and loss but also embed them in cameras and images.
The Territory, Alex Pritz's look at a threatened Indigenous community in Brazil shows how cameras can be weapons.
Three Minutes: A Lengthening, Bianca Stigter's striking exercise in cinematic forensics reinvents form — turning three minutes and 33 seconds of pre-WWII vacation footage into a 69-minute detective story.
Lengthening 'Three Minutes'
Stigter begins by playing all of her footage — every second — accompanied only by the sound of a shutter clicking in a projector. We see people milling in a public square, children laughing as they crowd toward the cameraman and then scooting across cobblestones to stay in the frame as he turns. One boy in a cap playfully pretends to strangle the girl standing next to him. Worshipers emerge from a synagogue. A family dines in a restaurant as kids peer in the window.
It's all remarkable for not being remarkable...at first.
"These three minutes of life were taken out of the flow of time by David Kurtz in 1938," says narrator Helena Bonham Carter. "His grandson, Glenn Kurtz, discovered them in 2009 in a closet in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida."
But with no markings, nothing to indicate where the footage was shot, Kurtz was initially at a loss as to what he was viewing. If you don't see the Eiffel Tower, he thought, how do you know you're in Paris?
His relatives guessed the images might have come from his grandmother's hometown near the Polish-Ukrainian border, but it turned out to be his grandfather's birthplace, the Polish town of Nasielsk, about 30 miles north of Warsaw. Nasielsk had 7,000 residents in 1938, of whom 3,000 were Jewish. Only about 100 survived the Holocaust.
Finding a grandfather as an apple-cheeked lad of 13
As the shots were clearly from the Jewish quarter, Kurtz donated the film to the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C., which had it digitized and placed for public viewing on its website. And as Kurtz kept searching for clues to the identities of the people on screen — deciphering grocery store signs, hints from clothing — he was contacted by a woman who recognized her grandfather, Maurice Chandler, in an apple-cheeked lad of 13. And he recognized others in the crowd – a pal from yeshiva...another boy his mother wouldn't let him play with.
Working from Glenn Kurtz's book Three Minutes in Poland: Discovering a Lost World in a 1938 Family Film, Stigter (who is married to 12 Years A Slave director Steve McQueen) never reaches for visuals outside the original footage. But she finds fresh fascination in those images every time she revisits them — fragmenting and replaying moments, zooming in to examine faces, or to highlight interactions.
Or at one point, to note the buttons on coats and dresses, which occasions Chandler's liveliest childhood story, as well as the narrator's observation that those buttons were likely made in the town's button factory, which was repurposed by the Nazis a few years later.
It's a fascinating, and exhaustive — but never exhausting — exercise in cinematic forensics. How much can we learn from images? Time of day? Yes. Location? Sure. Social class? Absolutely. But state of mind?
"That smile," growls Chandler as he looks at his beaming 13-year-old self. "I must've been happy or something. If somebody'd told me what, a couple of years later, I was gonna have to do, I wouldn't believe it probably."
A narrative of discovery, an exploration of memory, a meditation on loss and cinema, all in a lengthening of three minutes.
Eerie echoes in 'The Territory'
It may not seem likely, but there are eerie echoes of many of those same elements in The Territory: marginalized people all but exterminated, their world laid waste, and a sense of loss amid possibility. All captured by cameras that can freeze moments for posterity, but that director Alex Pritz suggests can maybe do more than that.
The film begins in 2018, with an Indigenous community's struggle to protect what Pritz calls their "island of rainforest surrounded by farms."
"In the 1980s," reads an opening title, "the Brazilian government first contacted the Uru-eu-wau-wau people. From a population of thousands fewer than 200 remain."
Bitaté, a clear-eyed teen activist, is among them, swimming in a tributary, romping with other kids, and working with Neidinha, a middle-aged non-Indigenous activist he refers to as a second mother, to combat a national government that seems hellbent on destroying his home.
"Do you ever worry about our people disappearing?"
In the run-up to Brazil's elections, Bitaté watches Jair Bolsonaro, who will soon be elected president, promise a cheering campaign throng that once he's in office, "there won't be one more inch of Indigenous reserve."
Bitaté asks his grandfather, "Do you ever worry about our people disappearing?"
His grandfather's response: "It's up to the next generation now."
Bitaté is that next generation, but so are others, and though there's never any question where the filmmaker's sympathies lie, Pritz gives them all a moment in the spotlight.
The film introduces Sergio, a 49-year-old farm worker who's spent his life laboring on other people's land, and has dreams of owning a farm. He's formed a farmer's association, which opens its meetings with prayers citing the divine calling of working with nature. "If you don't claim the land," he tells his followers, "someone else will."
"The government will support us, just not now"
Sergio's doing paperwork to get government approval for a massive settlement — he envisions "a thousand families" — on what he regards as land going to waste.
The Indigenous people, he says, "don't create anything; they just live here."
Then there's Martins, who has no time for bureaucratic niceties. He's clearing roads, burning and chopping down trees, all but daring the police to stop him.
This is how nations are built, he asserts. "It makes me sick knowing we're considered criminals like we're the ones hurting the country. The government will support us, just not now."
The film finds haunting moments in this ongoing environmental tragedy — pulling the camera's focus back from farmers spraying pesticides, to note a butterfly settling on a leaf. Pairing shots of children racing through the woods with a single-file line of ants carrying leaves. Flying high over the trees to contrast the sinuous curves of the Amazon with the brutally straight outlines of farms.
Or following Bitaté as he and his fellow activists make citizens' arrests for criminal activities the authorities would otherwise ignore. A reluctant recruit when the community's elders decided to anoint him as their leader at the age of 18, he sees the Amazon as "the heart, not just of Brazil, but of the planet."
And he's media-savvy enough to know he and his fellow environmental warriors need help to make their case. When COVID strikes, and the presence of outsiders shooting news footage would endanger lives, Bitaté tells the TV journalists he's cultivated, "just send us your shot list. We'll take care of it." Then he heads out with his team, armed with bows, arrows and video-drones.
This makes The Territory – not unlike Three Minutes: A Lengthening — a testament not just to how loss and remembrance work, but to how the camera can shape them.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-08-18/the-territory-and-three-minutes-a-lengthening-find-cinematic-hope-in-tragedy | 2022-08-18T20:40:52Z |
CUTE: Miniature horse born without use of rear legs takes off running in new wheelchair
NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) - A miniature horse born with little-to-no movement in his rear end can now trot thanks to a new wheelchair.
Turbo was born with two luxating patellas, a congenital defect, according to Road to Refuge Animal Sanctuary in North Haven, Connecticut.
The only way Turbo was able to walk was in a hunched position, with the horse’s total weight being placed on its two front legs.
Turbo’s previous owners contacted “R2RAS” in North Haven for guidance, and it stepped in and offered to give Turbo a fighting chance at its sanctuary.
Megan, the Founder of Road to Refuge and mixed animal vet technician, said she began her organization after working at a veterinary practice. During her time as a vet tech, Megan said she saw a surplus amount of farm animals being brought in to be euthanized. She instead took the animals home with her to give them a second chance.
“I lean towards the special needs ones, the broken ones, the really medical intensive cases,” Megan said.
She said she has cared for blind goats, elderly goats, and a goat named Peaches who also needed a wheelchair for assistance.
Megan said that’s how she got started on the path that led to Turbo’s rescue.
Walkin’ Pets, a New Hampshire-based pet mobility company, said it came across Turbo’s story on social media and drove to the sanctuary, where it donated a wheelchair to Turbo. Before it could even get Turbo fully strapped in, it said the horse took off running.
“Seeing Turbo walk before any assistance and dragging his legs, to being in his cart, I almost started crying,” Megan said. “He was running, bucking – it was all very exciting.”
Megan urged people not to shy away from adopting a special needs animal.
“It’s definitely a road worth traveling,” she said. “They really make a special place in your heart.”
The sanctuary said Turbo’s journey is far from over. As the horse continues to heal, it will need physical therapy, rehab, and possible knee surgery. Anyone looking to help with the medical bills can do so on the R2RAS website here.
Copyright 2022 WFSB via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/18/cute-miniature-horse-born-without-use-rear-legs-takes-off-running-new-wheelchair/ | 2022-08-18T21:03:00Z |
Family finds remains of 2 children in suitcases they bought at auction, New Zealand police say
NEW ZEALAND (CNN) – Police in New Zealand are investigating after the remains of two children were found in suitcases that were purchased by a family at an online auction.
At a news conference Thursday, police said they were alerted to the case last week when the suburban south Auckland family reported finding human body parts in suitcases they had bought from a storage facility.
The family is not connected to the children’s deaths and was “understandably distressed” by the discovery, police said.
Police said the children, who were likely between the ages of 5 and 10 years old, may have been dead for three to four years.
Investigators are trying to determine their identities and looking for clues into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Vaaelua said this is no easy investigation due to the emotions involved.
“I really feel for the victims and for the family of these victims, and, you know, right here, right now, there are relatives out there that aren’t aware that their loved ones have deceased, especially two young children,” he said.
Police said the storage company where the suitcases came from is cooperating with the investigation.
Copyright 2022 CNN. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/18/family-finds-remains-2-children-suitcases-they-bought-auction-new-zealand-police-say/ | 2022-08-18T21:03:06Z |
GRAPHIC: Florida man survives alligator attack caught on camera
TAMPA, Fla. (WFTS) - A Florida man is on the mend after a life-threatening experience in the water.
J.C. La Verde was able to fight off an alligator attack, and although he has at least another surgery in the future, he said he’s thankful to be alive.
“If you want to see this in any other way than a legit miracle, it’s silly of you,” La Verde said.
La Verde is accustomed to dangerous situations.
His current career as a firefighter and paramedic, as well as his background as a U.S. Air Force pararescue, has allowed him to handle stressful situations.
Little did he know, he would be in the center of one.
“That thing was huge. That thing wasn’t a little gator. It would be funny if it was a little gator,” he said.
Two weeks ago, he was shooting an instructional video for his company DefeatX.
His friend, who was shooting from above with a drone, captured an estimated 12-foot alligator, heading straight for La Verde.
“With the right stroke, all I felt was scales, teeth and then right there, I’m like, ‘Oh, OK,’” La Verde said. “So, what I think I did, what it felt like I did, was that I immediately tried to open its jaws, because I knew I was in a gator.”
La Verde then put his hands in the alligator’s mouth and the two struggled.
“When I felt the teeth, I immediately knew, and then as I opened it, I knew that I either turned it or it turned me,” he said. “But it was confused, just as I was confused, and then it just let go.”
He swam to the dock, hoisted himself up and was driven to the hospital by a good Samaritan. All the while, calling 911 himself and explaining what had just happened.
“I am not going to put extra stress on somebody that is already driving a bloody man somewhere,” La Verde said. “Like if I can ease that load off of this lady.”
La Verde underwent an emergency six-hour surgery and will need another one in the future.
Currently, he wears a helmet to protect the right side of his head.
Through it all, he remains humble and grateful.
“Find your god. Find him. It’s silly. I get that that’s scary, I do,” he said. “But life is a scary place, so you can carry that load by yourself or have someone carry it for you.”
La Verde is the 18th person to be attacked by an alligator in Florida this year.
Copyright 2022 WFTS via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/18/graphic-florida-man-survives-alligator-attack-caught-camera/ | 2022-08-18T21:03:13Z |
Judge blocks Florida ‘woke’ law pushed by Gov. DeSantis
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A Florida judge on Thursday declared a Florida law championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis that restricts race-based conversation and analysis in business and education unconstitutional.
Tallahassee U.S. District Judge Mark Walker said in a 44-page ruling that the “Stop WOKE” act violates the First Amendment and is impermissibly vague. Walker also refused to issue a stay that would keep the law in effect during any appeal by the state.
The law targets what DeSantis has called a “pernicious” ideology exemplified by critical race theory — the idea that racism is systemic in U.S. institutions that serve to perpetuate white dominance in society.
Walker said the law, as applied to diversity, inclusion and bias training in businesses, turns the First Amendment “upside down” because the state is barring speech by prohibiting discussion of certain concepts in training programs.
“If Florida truly believes we live in a post-racial society, then let it make its case,” the judge wrote. “But it cannot win the argument by muzzling its opponents.”
The governor’s office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. DeSantis has repeatedly said any losses at the lower court level on his priorities are likely to be reversed by appeals courts that are generally more conservative.
The law prohibits teaching or business practices that contend members of one ethnic group are inherently racist and should feel guilt for past actions committed by others. It also bars the notion that a person’s status as privileged or oppressed is necessarily determined by their race or gender, or that discrimination is acceptable to achieve diversity.
The ruling Thursday came in one of three lawsuits challenging the Stop Woke act. It was filed by private entities, Clearwater-based Honeyfund.com and others, claiming their free speech rights are curtailed because the law infringes on company training programs stressing diversity, inclusion, elimination of bias and prevention of workplace harassment. Companies with 15 or more employees could face civil lawsuits over such practices.
That lawsuit says Honeyfund seeks to protect the rights of private employers to “engage in open and free exchange of information with employees to identify and begin to address discrimination and harm” in their organizations.
Another lawsuit, which was filed Thursday by college professors and students, claims the law amounts to “racially motivated censorship” that will act to “stifle widespread demands to discuss, study and address systemic inequalities” underscored by the national discussion of race after the killing of George Floyd, who was Black, by Minneapolis police in May 2020.
“In place of free and open academic inquiry and debate, instructors fear discussing topics of oppression, privilege, and race and gender inequalities with which the Legislature disagrees,” the lawsuit says. “As a result, students are either denied access to knowledge altogether or instructors are forced to present incomplete or inaccurate information that is steered toward the Legislature’s own views.”
Conservatives see critical race theory less as academic inquiry into truth and history and more as the imposition of a divisive ideology stemming from Marxism that assigns people into the categories of oppressor and oppressed based on their race.
Like the professors, a group of K-12 teachers and a student claim in a third pending lawsuit that the law violates the Constitution’s protections of free expression, academic freedom and access to information in public schools.
“The Stop WOKE Act aims to forward the government’s preferred narrative of history and society and to render illegal speech that challenges that narrative,” the lawsuit says.
DeSantis is running for reelection as governor this year and is widely viewed as a contender for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. He has made cultural issues a cornerstone of his administration, particularly snuffing out what he calls “woke” entities and philosophies centered on issues of discrimination involving race, gender and sexual orientation.
“What you see now with the rise of this woke ideology is an attempt to really delegitimize our history and to delegitimize our institutions, and I view the wokeness as a form of cultural Marxism,” DeSantis said in a December 2021 speech. “They really want to tear at the fabric of our society.”
Another example of this is DeSantis’ effort to punish Walt Disney World for the company’s opposition to the Parental Rights in Education law, labeled by critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” law because it limits gender orientation instruction in early grades and chills discussion of the issue overall in schools.
The governor pushed the Legislature to end Disney World’s special independent district that essentially enabled it to run its own private government. That law doesn’t take full effect until June 2023 but has already been challenged in court.
Other lawsuits have challenged DeSantis priorities such as a ban on abortion after 15 weeks, a measure to fine tech companies if they “de-platform” political candidates over their viewpoints, an “anti-riot” law enacting new felonies after Black Lives Matter protests and a law placing new restrictions on elections.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/18/judge-blocks-florida-woke-law-pushed-by-gov-desantis/ | 2022-08-18T21:03:19Z |
New survey shows utilities costs rising
Home energy audit, managing thermostat could help reduce bills
InvestigateTV - A recent energy industry survey by SaveOnEnergy revealed 85% of homeowners saw price increases in at least one utility bill with electricity being the most reported increase.
According to the survey, water, gas, cable and internet price increases rounded out the top five categories.
“Higher electricity prices are going to remain with us for quite some time now, I think definitely for the rest of the summer, if not for the rest of the year,” energy expert Saltanat Berdikeeva said,
As a result of these increases, 87% of Americans surveyed said they have taken measures to reduce home energy costs over the past year.
The report noted those hit hardest by the larger bills are families earning less than $40,000. These families and those struggling with utility bills may qualify for state or federal programs to the help.
If you are interested in assistance, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is one available program. They link to additional state resources on their site. You can also search for “energy assistance programs” online to find state and local resources.
Berdikeeva said a good way to cut costs is to conduct a home energy audit. This will show you where you are losing energy and wasting money.
Other tips from Berdikeeva included:
- Weatherize your home for each season, which includes insulating your doors and windows.
- Use energy efficient appliances
- Turn off the lights in rooms when you leave
- Take shorter showers to save on hot waters costs.
- Turn off your air conditioner when you aren’t using it
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/18/new-survey-shows-utilities-costs-rising/ | 2022-08-18T21:03:26Z |
Police: Mother facing charges after 3-year-old son found dead with drugs in system
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) - A Kansas City woman is facing charges after police say they found her child unresponsive inside a home earlier this week.
According to court records, the Kansas City Police Department responded to reports of a child who died at a residence on Wednesday.
First responders reportedly found a 3-year-old boy unresponsive and covered up on a bed. Officers said they removed a blanket and saw the boy not moving with discolored feet.
KCTV reports the officers also noted seeing a raised, discolored scab on the boy’s back that indicated a possible infection.
Authorities said the 3-year-old’s body was taken to Children’s Mercy Hospital, where lab results indicated he had amphetamines in his system.
The boy’s mother, Michaela Chism, reportedly told police that she had stayed at the residence for about two weeks. She said the people in the home, including herself, consumed controlled substances, including methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Police said Chism told investigators that one evening she woke up and began watching TV and noticed her son was not moving. She went to check on him, and he was unresponsive.
According to court documents, Chism told police her son had died on the couch and was moved to a bedroom when police were initially called to the home for a welfare check.
Authorities said they obtained a search warrant and detectives found drug paraphernalia throughout the residence, crystal-like substances and multiple prescription pill bottles.
Police report Chism has been charged with first-degree child endangerment and first-degree child endangerment involving drugs in the case that remains under investigation.
Copyright 2022 KCTV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/18/police-mother-facing-charges-after-3-year-old-son-found-dead-with-drugs-system/ | 2022-08-18T21:03:32Z |
Report: 14% of doctors admit drinking or doing drugs at work to cope with stress
Published: Aug. 18, 2022 at 4:20 PM EDT|Updated: 42 minutes ago
(CNN) – The COVID-19 pandemic has some healthcare workers stressed out and looking for ways to ease their tensions.
According to a report on healthcare workers’ mental health released Thursday, 21% of physicians say they’ve taken drugs or drank alcohol more than once per day.
Additionally, 14% report consuming alcohol or controlled substances while at work.
The findings from the Mind-Body Health treatment chain APN were based on 1,000 healthcare workers questioned in July.
Researchers also say many of these healthcare workers suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder while experiencing trauma similar to what wartime soldiers go through.
Copyright 2022 CNN. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/18/report-14-doctors-admit-drinking-or-doing-drugs-work-cope-with-stress/ | 2022-08-18T21:03:40Z |
RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine group kicked off Instagram, Facebook
(AP) – Instagram and Facebook suspended Children’s Health Defense this week after the anti-vaccine group led by Robert Kennedy Jr. repeatedly violated rules prohibiting misinformation about COVID-19.
A nonprofit, Children’s Health Defense is one of the most influential anti-vaccine organizations active on social media, where it has spread misleading claims about vaccines and other public health measures designed to control the pandemic.
In a statement, Kennedy compared Facebook’s actions to government censorship, even though Facebook is a private company that can set and enforce its own rules about misinformation.
“Facebook is acting here as a surrogate for the federal government’s crusade to silence all criticism of draconian government policies,” Kennedy said.
Children’s Health Defense had hundreds of thousands of followers at the time of the suspension, according to a statement from the organization, which also noted that it has sued Facebook over its moderation policies.
Public health advocates and misinformation experts have criticized Facebook for not acting more swiftly to contain potentially harmful misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines.
Karen Kornbluh, director of the Digital Innovation and Democracy Initiative at the German Marshall Fund, said too many groups like Children’s Health Defense have been allowed to flourish on social media for too long. She noted that the group remains on Twitter.
“Today’s step is too late and too little,” Kornbluh said, adding that tech companies must address the reasons misinformation spreads so readily on social media.
Facebook and Instagram confirmed the company action on Thursday in a statement to The Associated Press.
“We removed these accounts for repeatedly violating our policies,” a spokesman for Meta, Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, told the AP. Under the platforms’ policies, suspensions are typically only enforced after multiple violations.
Several state affiliates of Children’s Health Defense remain on Facebook and Instagram despite the ban of the national organization. Kennedy was kicked off Instagram last year but continues to keep an active account on Facebook.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/08/18/rfk-jrs-anti-vaccine-group-kicked-off-instagram-facebook/ | 2022-08-18T21:03:47Z |
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
Two groups that monitor human rights around the world have put out two grim reports. Freedom House says one-third of the world's population lives in areas plagued by repression and rights abuses. One-third, that's billions of people. Human Rights Watch warns of the greatest threat to human rights in a generation because of the fear of terrorism and the fear of popular uprisings. NPR's Peter Kenyon is covering this story from Istanbul, which is where Human Rights Watch is releasing its report this morning. And Peter, why Istanbul?
PETER KENYON, BYLINE: Well, they say Turkey represents both the major themes in this report. It's overwhelmed with Syrian migrants, and at the same time, it's cracking down on dissent. The report talks about the migrant flow to Europe, recent terrorist attacks that have European and U.S. governments on edge. We have been tracking this, of course. But when I spoke with Ken Roth, director of Human Rights Watch, he pointed to a second trend going on at the same time and that is authoritarian leaders harshly cracking down on both their political opponents and civil society groups that are trying to make governments more accountable. Here's how he put it.
KEN ROTH: A series of authoritarian governments are increasingly afraid of their societies. And in particular, they're afraid of the possibility of civic groups using social media to mobilize significant numbers in the streets to protest against misrule or corruption by the authoritarian leaders.
INSKEEP: Wow, so a chain of cause and effect here, there's more social media, more free communication. Authoritarian governments feel more threatened, so they crack down more. Is that it?
KENYON: Yeah, exactly. We've had years of chaos and conflict in Syria. Some may have forgotten that it all started as a popular uprising against the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Roth says other authoritarian leaders haven't forgotten that at all, and it's by no means limited to Mideast countries in the Arab Spring. There's the Ukraine revolution, the occupy movement in Hong Kong. And he says these social media-fueled uprisings really have grabbed attention in other capitals. Here's how he describes it.
ROTH: Each of these started by a group of NGOs, civic groups, but they were able to magnify their voices and really rally many to the streets by using social media. And that is a combination that autocrats are terrified of. So they have taken the offensive and have tried to shut down the ability of these groups to organize.
INSKEEP: OK, they have taken the offensive. Who's they? Who's doing this?
KENYON: Well, the way he puts it is just as the activists were learning from other uprisings that some of these authoritarian leaders are watching each other and learning new techniques, finding out what works, who's doing it, Russia and China, very familiar names, are high on the list. He says they've been cracking down on dissent even more now as their economies stumble. Anti-terror laws are popular, but so is prosecution of civil society groups or academics as is happening here in Turkey, for example. And then there's the more subtle approach, and that's money. India is cutting off NGO funding. Ethiopia has a rule. You can only have 10 percent foreign funding if you're an NGO. And in a country that poor, that basically cripples civil society there. So it's a lot of countries on the list - Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam. And I'm leaving a lot out. It's a long list.
INSKEEP: I think some people might even be surprised by some of those names. When we hear India, we think world's largest democracy, but this report looks into India and finds a restricted environment.
KENYON: That's exactly right. And he mentioned that it is surprising to see that name on that list, but that's what their evidence shows.
INSKEEP: Now the Freedom House report, the other report that you are seeing today, had this number of one-third of the world's population living in repression. This is - is this actually a spread of authoritarian government around the world is getting worse than it was?
KENYON: Yeah, they've been doing this survey for 10 years, and this is a big decline. They also cited nervous authoritarian rulers and the other factors we mentioned. They did point to a few rays of hope. Elections in Myanmar, Venezuela, Nigeria all rejected incumbents. And that at least suggests that elections might still hold out hope for change at least in some places.
INSKEEP: Peter, thanks as always.
KENYON: You're welcome, Steve.
INSKEEP: That's NPR's Peter Kenyon. He is in Istanbul, one of two places where reports are being released today, reporting on human rights and human rights abuses around the world. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/2-reports-paint-a-grim-picture-of-human-rights-worldwide | 2022-08-18T21:06:45Z |
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
We're also tracking a different sort of crisis in the state of Illinois. It has the dubious distinction of having the worst-funded pensions and lowest credit rating of any state. And a seven-month-long standoff between the Republican governor and Democratic legislature is not helping. There is no budget for the state of Illinois. And today the governor delivers his State of the State address. NPR's Cheryl Corley reports.
CHERYL CORLEY, BYLINE: A year ago, Illinois' new governor, Bruce Rauner, told lawmakers it was a fresh beginning for the state and a new partnership because voters had made it clear they wanted a bipartisan government where people worked to solve problems and get things done.
(SOUNDBITE OF STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS)
BRUCE RAUNER: They don't want partisan bickering, political infighting or personal conflict to get in the way of serving the needs of the families of Illinois.
CORLEY: But from the beginning the relationship between the legislature and Rauner, one of a handful of GOP governors leading a Democratic state, was bitter. He's demanded changes he says will attract jobs like weaker unions. That's before he'll approve a tax hike Democrats want to use to help close a growing budget gap in the billions. Roosevelt University political scientist Paul Green says there's so much acrimony that it will be a big moment if the governor and the Democratic speaker of the house, Michael Madigan, even shake hands before the speech. And he says Rauner will have to talk about the budget stalemate.
PAUL GREEN: If he wants to be confrontational then he can, you know, do what he's been doing, attack the Democrats and especially Madigan. Number two, he could take the direction of, say, we have to get together and mean it. Or number three, it could just be a kind of, you know, I told you so.
CORLEY: The Chicago Sun-Times reports the governor will highlight a bipartisan pension plan along with education and criminal justice reforms. Social service providers whose funding is on hold say they'll want Rauner to pay more attention to the state's budget crisis. Speaking for a group called the Responsible Budget Coalition, Emily Miller says they don't know how the governor will describe the state of Illinois.
EMILY MILLER: But I can tell you that from where we are, Illinois is weak and getting weaker.
CORLEY: Some agencies have laid off workers or are closing because of the freeze in state funds. Thousands of university students are no longer getting state tuition grants. Miller says both Democrats and the governor must be willing to compromise.
MILLER: And I want him to say that he understands that if he continues down this road, he'll continue to dismantle the social service infrastructure of our state.
CORLEY: Like closing safe places for youth in dangerous neighborhoods. High school freshman Christian Washington attended a now-closed program for teenagers at a Chicago YMCA.
CHRISTIAN WASHINGTON: When I learned that the YMCA lost its teen funding, I felt so hurt. I was so worried about what was going to happen to my friends and me. Where would we go every day after school? These streets are so bad. And there are really no positive places for us to hang out and be safe, like at the Y.
CORLEY: In just a few weeks after the State of the State address, Governor Rauner is scheduled to deliver a new budget plan for Illinois. That's even though there's not a current plan in place. Cheryl Corley, NPR News, Chicago. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/7-months-without-a-budget-ill-gov-rauner-to-deliver-state-address | 2022-08-18T21:06:51Z |
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
And we have news now of a death. The actor who played Tessio in "The Godfather" and Sgt. Fish on TV, Abe Vigoda, was 94. There has been news before of his death back in 1982. His demise was reported in People magazine mistakenly. And since then it's been a sort of running joke with the actor often in on the laughs. Here's NPR's Andrew Limbong on Abe Vigoda, the man and the meme.
ANDREW LIMBONG, BYLINE: There's an early Beastie Boys song that has this really goofy line.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "POSSE IN EFFECT")
BEASTIE BOYS: (Singing) Girl in a castle and one in the pagoda, you know I got rhymes like Abe Vigoda.
LIMBONG: It doesn't really matter if Abe Vigoda really had good rhymes, but he had jokes. This is from his role as Fish, a New York City cop in the 1970s sitcom "Barney Miller."
(SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "BARNEY MILLER")
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: (As character) Good morning, Fish.
ABE VIGODA: (As Phil Fish) Good morning. Good morning, everybody.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: (As character) What's wrong with your foot?
VIGODA: (As Phil Fish) I broke a shoelace.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: (As character) Oh, didn't want to stop and fix it. You can't stoop over in this neighborhood.
LIMBONG: Abe Vigoda was a tall guy with hunched-over shoulders and droopy eyes, a distinctive character-actor. And for the last decades of his life, his biggest role was playing himself. He made appearances on late-night TV, both Letterman and Conan O'Brien. This is from a bit called Rejected Star Wars Characters.
(SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O'BRIEN")
O'BRIEN: (As character) This next character was cut from the new Star Wars movie because whenever he was on camera, he brought the film to a dead halt. He's the only character who's older and wrinklier than the 900-year-old Yoda. Please welcome Abe Viyoda.
(APPLAUSE)
LIMBONG: And Abe Vigoda, dressed in a red grandpa sweater and Yoda-like alien ears, walks across the stage. He doesn't say anything, doesn't even do much. But you can hear the people flipping out. If you listen closely, you can hear somebody go...
(SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O'BRIEN")
UNIDENTIFIED MAN #1: (As character) Yeah, Abe.
LIMBONG: Yeah, Abe. There's a Facebook and a Twitter feed called Abe Vigoda facts, dedicated to how old Abe Vigoda is. There's a website called abevigoda.com, and for years, all it had was a picture of him and the line, Abe Vigoda is alive. Now it says, Abe Vigoda is dead. There is even a song called "Abe Vigoda Is Dead." It's morbid, but it's praise for a character who made a big impression as Sal Tessio, a mafia henchman in the first "Godfather" movie.
(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "THE GODFATHER")
JAMES CAAN: (As Sonny Corleone) What the hell is this?
RICHARD CASTELLANO: (As Peter Clemenza) It's a Sicilian message. It means Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
LIMBONG: By the way, this song, it's by a band called Abe Vigoda. Andrew Limbong, NPR News.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/abe-vigoda-tessio-in-the-godfather-and-fish-in-barney-miller-dies-at-94 | 2022-08-18T21:06:57Z |
Clay Hull has a stubborn sense of justice.
After an improvised explosive device blast in Iraq ended his time in the military, he fought the Army and the Department of Veterans Affairs over the amount of compensation they awarded him for his injuries.
"If I'm in the wrong, I'll admit it. But I'm not going to let somebody just push me around, especially the VA," he says.
It was complicated and drawn out, but Hull now gets the maximum the VA pays for disability.
The money pays for his mortgage, support for his young son and feed for the livestock on Hull's 3 acres in south central Washington — 2 1/2 hours from Seattle.
He has a day job as a shipping clerk and then comes home to work on his place. He's currently fixing a fence that runs along his property line.
Four years after he moved in, Hull went to prison on a weapons charge. Hull notified the VA he was in prison.
The VA was supposed to review Hull's disability payments to see if they should be reduced until he got out. But during Hull's entire 18 months in prison, the full VA payments kept coming.
In February 2014, when Hull was settling back into normal life, he received a letter from the VA: The agency wanted all the money back.
"Thirty-eight grand and they were wanting it in a lump sum payment," Hull says. "There was no negotiating with them. They would just shut off all benefits until they were repaid."
Hull couldn't pay. While in prison he had spent the money on his mortgage and child support for his son.
He says he had done his part by filing the right paperwork. Now the VA was threatening him.
"After the stress they caused, I'm sorry to have ever been a vet or served this country," he says.
Hull took his paperwork to Leo Flor, an attorney and veteran who served eight years in the Army. At the time, Flor worked for the Northwest Justice Project, a publicly funded legal aid program in Washington state.
The first thing he had to do in Hull's case was deal with the threat to cut off his benefits.
"This is the money they use to buy groceries; this is the money they use to put gas in their cars," Flor says.
He won that round, but getting Hull's benefits restarted was only the beginning.
Flor, who has worked with a lot of vets in this situation, had to prove that Hull's overpayment was the VA's mistake.
In 2015, the Department of Veterans Affairs says it overpaid 2,200 incarcerated vets more than $24 million. Money it then tried to get back.
The VA puts the burden on veterans. Vets are expected to file all the right paperwork — and do it from behind bars.
"It's not a system that's designed to be used while you're incarcerated and have your ability to speak by phone and have your ability to use the Internet gone," Flor says.
When Hull was in prison he was obsessive about keeping track of his correspondence with the VA. He made copies of every note he mailed them. In those letters he told them he was in prison and explained why he needed the benefits to support his family. He even kept receipts for money he withdrew to buy the stamps.
"You're always afraid you're going to lose an important piece of paper. And you have duplicates of so many things in so many different areas you end up with a stockpile of paper. I've honestly gone through at least a case of printing paper just making copies of things," he says.
All that paper meant Hull had a chance. And so he appealed.
The VA benefits system is set up to accommodate incarcerated veterans who have financial responsibilities. If it had worked, it's possible Hull would have been granted an exception to pay for his mortgage and his child support.
That request was never addressed, leaving Hull with a debt.
On March 5, 2014, Flor sent the VA all of Hull's records. Then on Dec. 18, 2014, the VA sent Hull another notice of intent to collect the debt.
Flor was incredulous. It was as if the VA hadn't read anything he'd sent. On Dec. 23, 2014, Flor sent the entire package of records to the VA again.
Eventually, Hull received a short letter in the mail.
"June 4, 2015 — that's when they sent it," Flor says. "It says, 'This is to inform you that your request for waiver of your compensation pension debt has been approved by the committee on waivers and compensations.' "
Finally, after a year and a half, Hull's $38,000 debt was erased.
The VA says it knows this is an issue.
"Without a doubt, we need to do a better job making sure that doesn't happen," says Dave McLenachen, the VA's acting deputy undersecretary for disability assistance.
He says the VA is swamped. The agency settled 3 million claims for benefits adjustments just last year.
"The month after we get the notice, we should be doing it quickly and doing the benefit adjustment to keep any debt as small as possible," says McLenachen. "There's no disagreement here. But given the resources available to us, we get to them as quickly as possible."
That still leaves many veterans like Hull on the hook to prove their case and win, or forfeit their benefits to pay back the debt.
Hull kept his home, but he's still angry over what he views as a betrayal of a promise by the VA.
"I'd worked awful hard, you know this place is paid for with blood money, my blood. Trying to get a future for him," he says, indicating his son, "and these a******* at the VA were gonna wipe that out in one fell swoop, because they didn't open up my mail, didn't read it, or just lost it, or just didn't care, and then thought they had an easy target."
The VA says it's working with the Social Security Administration to help better identify incarcerated veterans who are receiving disability payments.
Hull still has one more battle to fight. He's in court trying to overturn the weapons charge that landed him in prison in the first place.
This story is part of a project we're calling "Back at Base," in which NPR — along with seven public radio stations around the country — is chronicling the lives of America's troops where they live.
Copyright 2016 KUOW | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/after-overpayment-of-benefits-va-wanted-38-000-back | 2022-08-18T21:07:03Z |
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
We are also tracking the story of a name. The name shows how the experience of Native Americans is woven into the wider American story. Amherst College in Massachusetts has a name loaded with history, which is causing the college to abandon its mascot. Here's New England Public Radio's Karen Brown.
KAREN BROWN, BYLINE: While the elite liberal arts college is named after the town of Amherst, the town is named after Lord Jeffrey Amherst, who, in 1763, called for giving smallpox-infected blankets to Native Americans. Students and faculty at the college have debated for years whether to stop using a mascot known as the Lord Jeff for sports teams and other business.
O'CONNELL: That mascot and that name has always been profoundly offensive.
BROWN: English professor Barry O'Connell took part in a unanimous faculty vote in November to abandon the mascot. And while he says the college has made significant progress recruiting students of color...
O'CONNELL: Symbols aren't just empty, but they actually mean something, especially when they're taken for granted.
BROWN: Removal of the mascot was a key demand in a three-day student sit-in for better diversity policies last fall. And a November poll found 83 percent of students wanted the mascot gone. This week, the college trustees publicly agreed. In a long letter to the campus community, Chairman Cullen Murphy wrote that the mascot is driving people apart, so the college will not use the Lord Jeff in any official communications. Sophomore Sydney Tate says it's about time.
SYDNEY TATE: I feel like the mascot itself and the name does more harm than good for this school. That's why I think it's important that we make this a more inclusive environment.
BROWN: Not everyone considers the mascot a pressing issue. Student Corry Wang says he's fine with the change, but...
CORRY WANG: Even before this happened, you really didn't see the, you know, mascot on campus anywhere except maybe in the context of student athletics.
BROWN: Some college alumni have come out against abandoning the Lord Jeff name, claiming the historical record on the general is complex and the mascot represents a long tradition. The college administration declined to comment, deferring to the trustee statement. A spokesperson did say the college has not yet decided how to come up with a new mascot. For NPR News, I'm Karen Brown in Amherst, Mass. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/amherst-college-gives-unofficial-mascot-lord-jeff-the-boot | 2022-08-18T21:07:10Z |
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
The Sundance Film Festival in Utah started out as a venue for low-budget works by independent filmmakers looking for distribution. When major studios bought those films, the purchase price was usually modest. That's still true, but it is changing. And this week, the model was broken. Fox Searchlight paid an astounding $17.5 million for a biopic about Nat Turner, who led a legendary slave rebellion in the early 1800s in Virginia. The film is called "The Birth Of A Nation," directed, written, produced and starring Nate Parker. Justin Chang is the chief film critic for Variety, and he was at that premiere at Sundance. Good morning.
JUSTIN CHANG: Good morning.
MONTAGNE: So OK, this film comes at a time when controversy over a lack of diversity in the film industry is swirling through Hollywood. It sounds like this has become the most talked about film at the festival this year.
CHANG: It certainly has. I think it is very much a movie of the moment. It sort of crystallizes a lot of things, the lack of diversity in the ranks of the industry, which, you know, as we've seen with the Oscars' so-white controversy. And it's also, I think - you know, the title of the film is "The Birth Of A Nation," which is very consciously a reference and sort of a rebuke to D.W. Griffith's 1915 epic of the same title, which is, of course, still notorious for its racist imagery, its heroic portrayal of the Ku Klux Klan. "The Birth Of A Nation," Nate Parker's film, is intended as a corrective to that. It is a story of American slavery told from the perspective of the African-American slaves who endured it.
MONTAGNE: Well, you know, talking about - back to the money here in the 21st century, put that $17.5 million in perspective for us. How does it stack up against other films at the Sundance?
CHANG: So $17.5 million for "The Birth Of A Nation" is pretty huge, and I think it is a response and a reflection of the tremendous reception that the film received. People were on their feet. People don't always give the director and the cast and crew a standing ovation, but the response to this film was thunderous.
MONTAGNE: Well, you know, just from the perspective of a film critic, which you are, how good is this film? How would you rate it?
CHANG: I think it's very good indeed. I mean, it is no condescension at all to say that you wouldn't know that this was the work of a first-time filmmaker. Nate Parker, who's an actor who has incredible charisma and presence in films like "Beyond The Lights" and "Arbitrage," this is a passion project that he pursued for seven years. A lot of people are going to be really shaken and moved, as they should be, by the end of the film, which recreates the uprising and the retaliation against - 200 African-Americans were killed. Even though - even people who did not participate in the uprising, just that part of the movie, it almost becomes like a slavery era version of "Braveheart." But I think what's more impressive about the movie even is just how thoughtful it is. Nat Turner was a preacher. He was a man of God. And the movie is kind of tracing the slow and steady process of wrestling with his beliefs and his convictions and coming to the conclusion that he may have to commit murder in order to do this. And it's a really compelling arc that he undergoes in the film. It's not as great a film as "12 Years A Slave," but very few films are. So - but I think it's a pretty remarkable piece of work all the same.
MONTAGNE: Justin Chang is the chief film critic for Variety. He talked to us from Park City, Utah, at the Sundance Film Festival. Thanks very much.
CHANG: Thank you. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/biopic-about-nat-turner-is-a-success-at-sundance-film-festival | 2022-08-18T21:07:16Z |
After centuries of neglect, the world's largest fortification, the Great Wall of China, has a band of modern-day defenders who are drawing up plans to protect and maintain the vast structure.
They're not a minute too soon: Roughly a third of the wall's 12,000 miles has crumbled to dust, and saving what's left of it may be the world's greatest challenge in cultural preservation.
Qiao Guohua is on the front line of this battle. He lives in the village of Jielingkou, not far from where the eastern end of the Great Wall runs into the Yellow Sea.
During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Jielingkou was a walled garrison for soldiers guarding the wall at a strategic pass. It's now a simple farming village of some 800 residents. Other sections of the Great Wall were built during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 B.C.) or earlier.
When not tending his crops, Qiao patrols a 5-mile stretch of the wall, looking for and reporting to the government sections in danger of collapsing — and tourists who might want to make off with a brick or two as a souvenir.
"Every stretch of this wall was built with the blood and sweat of the working people," he says. "After I tell folks how many people died building it, they begin to get in the habit of protecting the wall."
Qiao says he's certainly not doing this for the money — the local government pays him a mostly symbolic sum of $150 a year for his labors. Just recently it also issued him an imitation military jacket that says "antiquities protector" on the back in Chinese — and "U.S. Army" on the front.
He walks along his section of the wall in all four seasons. He knows intimately every feature: all 10 towers that rise above the wall, and the snakes, hares and other wildlife that inhabit the area.
For nearly two millennia, until the 1600s, the wall marked the frontier separating the agriculture-based civilization of China from the nomadic peoples of the Eurasian steppe, including the Mongols, Manchus and Xiongnu. The wall was designed not so much to keep the peoples apart as to regulate their commerce and interactions.
Qiao says the wall is still a sort of internal dividing line. He points to the north.
"On that side is a Manchu autonomous county," he says. "On this side are ethnic Han people. Over there, they bury their dead. On this side, we cremate ours. The policies are different."
As an ethnic minority, Qiao adds, the Manchus are exempted from the family planning policies that the Han face.
Qiao says that when he was a child, the wall's towers and battlements, made of brick more than 400 years ago, were still in excellent condition.
But during the 1970s, under Chairman Mao and the Cultural Revolution, officials encouraged people to dismantle the wall and use the bricks to build their own homes.
Qiao points to a large stone built into the wall of one village home.
"You don't see these stones anywhere else," he says. "It's ancient. See that? That piece was taken from the wall."
In another village not far away lives a man named Xu Guohua. He grew up playing on the Great Wall.
A few years ago, he discovered more than 200 large kilns in which bricks that were used to make the Great Wall were baked. Xu has opened a museum full of Great Wall artifacts he's discovered. And he's found something else: a personal connection to the Great Wall.
One summer not long ago, a stretch of the wall near his home collapsed. In the rubble, Xu found a stone tablet. He uses a towel to wipe dust off the 4-foot-long slate-gray slab, revealing several carved Chinese characters.
Xu says the tablet confirms what is written in his family's genealogy: that a 17th century ancestor was an official who helped build this section of the wall.
"After four centuries, we descendants are still connected to him," Xu says. "We are still watching over the Great Wall and protecting it."
Standing on the Great Wall above Xu's museum, I talk to Dong Yaohui, vice chairman of a civic group called the China Great Wall Society. He has just finished a multivolume compendium of local histories of the Great Wall.
The section of the wall we're on is in comparatively good condition, its parapets and towers largely intact. Dong says that roughly 10 percent of the wall is well-preserved.
But he estimates that a third has vanished completely, and that the remaining 60 percent is in various degrees of disrepair. Most of that is from natural erosion, but development projects also have damaged the wall, or even replaced parts of it with gussied-up replicas.
The job of saving what remains of the wall is too big a task for China's government alone, Dong says. China has enacted regulations to protect the wall, but many local governments are in impoverished areas and can't pay to maintain it. Dong's plan is to get companies and individuals to sponsor sections of the wall.
"See these bricks in the wall? Each one is very ordinary, but together in large numbers, they make a magnificent wall," he says. "Protecting the wall is the same idea. Each person or company we get to contribute to the effort is like a brick."
Dong recently launched pilot sponsorship programs; the money will be used to pay local communities and governments to patrol and repair the wall. He envisions planting markers along the wall with information about each particular section's history and sponsors, and is pressing China's national government to adopt his sponsorship plan nationwide.
In the 1980s, Dong and two companions became the first Chinese to walk a 4,300-mile Ming dynasty section of the Great Wall, east to west, using more than 500 days to document its condition and the landscapes and communities along it.
"The Great Wall was constructed and defended in separate sections," he notes. "Nobody has left his or her footprints across the whole thing. I thought it would be a very exciting thing to be the first human being to do this."
Three decades after his own trek, Dong encourages students to follow in his footsteps, embarking on journeys of discovery and learning along the Great Wall.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/chinas-great-wall-is-crumbling-in-many-places-can-it-be-saved | 2022-08-18T21:07:25Z |
Ever since a tense, armed standoff near Cliven Bundy's Nevada ranch in 2014, a vast and sensitive piece of federal public land adjacent to the Grand Canyon has gone unmanaged and unpatrolled.
It's safe to travel into the area called Gold Butte so long as you're not in a federal vehicle, according to Jaina Moan of Friends of Gold Butte, which wants to see the area federally protected.
The last time there was any known federal presence was last summer, when scientists under contract with the Bureau of Land Management were camped here, gathering field research.
"Unfortunately that also was canceled after shots were fired at one of the contract crews," Moan says.
Gold Butte, roughly the size of Los Angeles County, is basically lawless right now. Trash is dumped here and there. Some of the BLM's route markers are torn down. Illegal off-road tracks from ATVs lead into the desert. Some pioneer gravesites were even dug up, bones scattered everywhere.
If no one is patrolling it, who's going to deter vandals? That's a question Moan and William Anderson, the former chairman of the local Moapa Band of Paiutes, who consider this desert sacred, are asking more and more as the dispute between Bundy and the government drags on.
The occupation of a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon has renewed attention to the federal government's case against Bundy in Nevada. The government's inaction against him is often cited as emboldening his sons to storm the refuge this month.
In southern Nevada, meanwhile, scores of the family's cattle continue to graze illegally in and around Gold Butte.
William Anderson watches with frustration as a mangy-looking group of them crosses a four-wheel-drive road in the heart of Gold Butte. He considers the cattle a threat to desert grasses and plants that his people have gathered and used out here for generations.
"[The cattle are] out here just roaming the area and they are stepping on areas that are culturally sensitive to our people," he says.
No one knows for sure how many cows are roaming here since federal agencies pulled out of the area shortly after the standoff.
The Nevada state director of the BLM, John Ruhs, defends the agency's decision to keep field staff away. He says there are still threats and intimidation tactics directed toward his employees there.
"When it comes to having employees on the ground doing things like monitoring or restoration work, it's just not getting done because of the safety concerns we have for our employees," Ruhs told NPR.
Ruhs would not discuss the government's case against Bundy, and neither would the Department of Justice. But Ruhs did say that he now requires his staff doing fieldwork elsewhere in Nevada to go out in teams, never alone. It's a frustrating climate, he says. The BLM's mission is to manage public lands for all sorts of uses by everyone, not just cattle ranchers.
"We don't do anything on our own as personal individuals," Ruhs says. "We do things that are mandated from Congress, and we follow the laws that are given to us, and we try to enforce them appropriately."
Nevada has a long and troubled history with these sorts of domestic insurgencies. In the 1990s, bombs were placed on U.S. Forest Service property and the BLM's state headquarters in Reno. The case against Bundy and his unpaid grazing fees goes back some 20 years, too.
Land managers in the late 1990s also planned to round up some of his cows that crossed into the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Alan O'Neill, who was superintendent there at the time and is now retired, recalls that at the last minute, the federal prosecutor stopped it, worrying of a Waco-type situation.
"When people break the law and there's no penalty, it just emboldens them to continue to do that," O'Neill says.
Bundy and his supporters have told NPR in recent interviews that their fight is about a lot more than cows. Like a lot of the mountain west, rural Nevada's economy has struggled and Bundy is one of the last ranchers in this corner of the state. Many were forced out or bought out over the years as Las Vegas expanded and federal environmental laws got tougher.
Still, the current movement to take back federal land that the Bundys and others have led is infuriating to people like William Anderson of the local tribe.
"They can get in line — we're saying the same thing about our people, too," Anderson says.
Back in Gold Butte, Anderson points out a petroglyph panel on a red rock slope. Two of the ancient drawings have recent bullet holes.
"It's really hard to even believe that somebody would come in and try to destroy it, or remove it," he says. "It's something that's been here forever."
Anderson says Gold Butte should be protected and managed by the local tribes.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/dispute-over-cattle-grazing-disrupts-patrols-of-federal-land | 2022-08-18T21:07:31Z |
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
We're also following the travels of the president of Iran. Hassan Rouhani wants to open up his country's economy. His big chance comes because of a nuclear deal that lifted economic sanctions. After visiting Italy and even meeting Pope Francis, Rouhani arrives today in France. European business leaders are happy to see him, as NPR's Eleanor Beardsley reports.
(SOUNDBITE OF FRENCH RADIO SHOW)
UNIDENTIFIED HOST: (Speaking French).
ELEANOR BEARDSLEY, BYLINE: The French media are abuzz over the visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. When sanctions were lifted last week, the Iranian leader headed straight to Europe. In Italy, he signed a dozen business deals in the oil and gas sectors and for high-speed trains.
(SOUNDBITE OF FRENCH RADIO SHOW)
UNIDENTIFIED HOST: (Speaking French).
BEARDSLEY: But can we really trust Iran, asks this French radio show host. There is a mix of excitement and apprehension as Iran's market of 80 million people with a large and educated middle-class opens up again.
(SOUNDBITE OF PHONE RINGING)
BEARDSLEY: Ardavan Amir-Aslani is a Franco-Iranian lawyer representing French companies returning to Iran. He says it won't be easy to penetrate a country that's been isolated for decades.
ARDAVAN AMIR-ASLANI: Going back to a country such as Iran, cut off from the world, is basically a very adventurous task. You lack a number of necessary partners in this regard. There are no international lawyers, no international investment banks, no international accountants. And corruption is also an issue because Iran is ranking at the bottom of the world corruption scale.
BEARDSLEY: Iran is expected to sign a deal in Paris to buy more than a hundred aircraft from European plane maker Airbus. Economist and Iran expert Thierry Coville says Iran's needs in infrastructure - water, roads, airports - are massive.
THIERRY COVILLE: With the sanctions, the Iranian government was deprived of the quarter of its government revenues. So they just stopped investing in infrastructure for them. They could not maintain the security of the airplanes. Half of the Iranian planes are just out of order. And those who are flying I think are very dangerous.
BEARDSLEY: Coville says European companies from cosmetics to cars are eager to get back into a country with a population long deprived of Western goods. He says Iran was once French carmaker Peugeot Citroen's largest market.
COVILLE: You know, it was the biggest market for French in the Middle East before the sanctions. French companies have a good image in Iran.
BEARDSLEY: Coville says banks are wary about returning to Iran after the U.S. Treasury fined French bank BNP Paribas $9 billion in 2014 for breaking U.S. sanctions. Though the major nuclear sanctions have been lifted, the U.S. has maintained some sanctions against Iran related to human rights and terrorism. Ironically, says lawyer Amir-Aslani, American companies are not part of the rush back to Iran.
AMIR-ASLANI: America played the lead role in removing the sanctions. And here they are - European companies - rushing towards Iran to sign up contracts and American companies being excluded. So they are watching the scramble for markets from the sidelines.
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
Amir-Aslani says Rouhani's visit to Paris will not be exclusively about business. Iran is a fundamental opponent of ISIS, and President Francois Hollande will surely look for help in fighting the terrorist group. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR News, Paris. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/during-european-trip-irans-president-stops-in-france | 2022-08-18T21:07:38Z |
For women who are pregnant, or hope to be, the news about the Zika virus can be terrifying. The mosquito-borne pathogen is being linked to a significant increase in Brazil of a rare birth defect called microcephaly.
The virus has already spread to 22 countries in the Americas. That's led four countries, Ecuador, El Salvador, Jamaica and Colombia, to recommend that women delay their pregnancies. It's a strategy that is being criticized by some.
Monica Roa, programs director of Women's Link Worldwide, an organization devoted to the human rights of women and girls, spoke to NPR's Renee Montagne about the issue.
Roa, who is based in Madrid, discussed how realistic these recommendations are, especially because they don't account for victims of rape or sexual violence. She also talks about the option of abortion for pregnant women infected with Zika, which is illegal in some countries in Latin America.
Here are excerpts from Roa's interview, edited for length and clarity.
Some countries are recommending that women delay getting pregnant. Is that a realistic recommendation in Latin America and the Caribbean?
More than 50 percent of pregnancies in Latin America aren't planned. That's why these recommendations [to delay pregnancy] are both naive and ineffective. They fail to take into account the prevalence of rape and sexual violence in the region, which accounts for many of these unplanned pregnancies.
In countries where abortion and emergency contraception is illegal, what options do women have if they have been exposed to Zika?
That's why the debate should be on the table. In countries like Colombia, women have the option of using emergency contraception or interrupting the pregnancy legally if they are infected with the Zika virus. However, most women — especially those in the most affected areas — do not have clarity over these laws. There is a lack of information and access to these services. And that is for the countries where these kinds of reproductive health services are legal.
In some other countries, like El Salvador, these kinds of reproductive rights are illegal. This might lead to women getting more unsafe abortions, and putting their health and life at risk.
What support could governments in the region give to help women reduce their risk of becoming pregnant in the first place?
These recommendations must be accompanied by massive campaigns, informing both men and women about the access to and use of contraceptives. [That access] is lacking throughout the region.
Women who are pregnant should have information about the possibility of interrupting the pregnancy if the law allows it in that country. In the countries where the law doesn't allow for [abortion], I think the debate [about reproductive rights] should be on the table and discussed in the context [of Zika virus infections].
The health system should [also] be prepared to give all the attention that these babies [born with microcephaly] and their families are going to need in the best possible way.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/is-it-realistic-to-recommend-delaying-pregnancy-during-zika-outbreak | 2022-08-18T21:07:44Z |
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
Good morning, I'm Renee Montagne. Millennials - they just might be the most studied and analyzed generation ever. So much so McSweeney's magazine came up with a game - Millennial Think-Piece Bingo. So the next time you're reading a deep dive on 18 to 35-year-olds, play along with squares like hookup culture, entitlement complex, Netflix, self-branding, unpaid internships and a free space in the middle, quote, "they don't self-identify as millennials." It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/millennial-think-piece-bingo | 2022-08-18T21:07:50Z |
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
The land dispute is a question of who's in control, and, in a sense, that is also the question in Atlantic City. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie favors state control for city finances. Here's Joe Hernandez from member station WHYY.
JOE HERNANDEZ, BYLINE: Christie announced his support of the plan yesterday, saying it was in response to years of financial mismanagement in the resort town known for casino gambling. Atlantic City's Republican mayor Don Guardian, who previously opposed a state takeover, now says the plan is to partner with the state.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
DON GUARDIAN: Basically you have these four options - do nothing, have the state take over, file bankruptcy or form a partnership. Not hard to figure out what you want to do and what's best for Atlantic City and the state of New Jersey.
HERNANDEZ: State lawmakers are still drafting the proposal. It's not clear what role city officials will play. The five-year program would allow the state to restructure debt, cancel collective bargaining agreements and sell off city assets. But after the announcement yesterday, residents and local leaders expressed anger at the possibility of a state takeover. Betty J. Lewis is president of the Atlantic City chapter of the NAACP.
BETTY J. LEWIS: We have a right to self governance. They do not have a right to come in here with a lousy track record of the state of New Jersey and tell us how to run our city.
HERNANDEZ: Government Christie promises to sign the bill as soon as it hits his desk. For NPR News, I'm Joe Hernandez in Atlantic City. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/n-j-to-take-over-atlantic-citys-finances-to-try-to-reduce-citys-debt | 2022-08-18T21:07:56Z |
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
We are tracking the occupation of an Oregon wildlife refuge. Last night, some of the militants drove out of their stronghold and were stopped by police. One militant was killed. Others have been arrested. The situation is continuing to develop throughout this morning, and we're going to stick with it. John Sepulvado of Oregon Public Broadcasting has been covering the story all might. He's with us once again.
John, good morning.
JOHN SEPULVADO, BYLINE: Good morning Steve.
INSKEEP: So what has been happening in the last hour or so since we last spoke?
SEPULVADO: Well, in the last hour, the FBI has closed off all the roads to the (unintelligible) here at national wildlife refuge. So what this means is that there are a handful of militants and a handful of media who are occupying roughly the same space. We are safe, I want to make that very clear. There's been no threat or anything like that to us. But we're told that if we want to leave, there's going to be quite a bit of a process. And I have said that I have - I do know that when I've tried to drive out before, you're greeted with armed guards, floodlights, you have to come in with your hands up. So we're going to sit tight for a little bit and see what happens. The militants have made it very clear that they will not be leaving. They took a vote I just learned, five to six of them, and they said they will not go.
INSKEEP: They said they will not go, and in fact they have been communicating not just directly to reporters but also through live-stream video, and we have a clip from that video. Let's listen to one of the occupiers who I believe is holding a gun.
(SOUNDBITE OF VIDEO)
DAVID FRY: They just straight up murdered LaVoy. Are you serious? They straight up murdered him. Of course I'm going to show my gun. You're going to come here? You're going to try to take me out? I've got a gun. So any feds, anybody listening - you're going to kill me. You're going to have to kill me just like you killed LaVoy and all those other guys or whatever you want to shoot at.
INSKEEP: OK. When he says killed LaVoy, that's referring to the traffic stop at which one of the militants was killed last night. We're going to talk about that in just a moment, but first, John, you've been watching some of that video. What do you see when they're saying things like that?
SEPULVADO: So when the rest of the country is hearing that, they're hearing somebody who sounds very threatening. When I hear that, I hear a very broken young man. I know that man. His name's David Fry. He's 27 years old. He drove in from Ohio. He left the home he lives with his parents. His parents were on vacation. This is a young man who has made remarks that indicate to me, who's not a psychologist, but, just a regular guy who has some instability. And this much I will say - he was very - best I can tell, he was very good friends with LaVoy Finicum. That man you heard, David Fry, he made a video of himself taping himself using government computers. He expressed sympathies for ISIS and al-Qaida. And LaVoy Finicum is the person who kept him at the ranch who said he knew that David Fry was not a bad guy, that he just made some misguided comments. So David Fry is very connected to LaVoy Finicum. We know that they knew each other. And it's very hard to tell if that's the kind of language coming from somebody who's very hurt or from somebody who's very serious. Either way, we are taking it very seriously. He does, after all, have a gun.
INSKEEP: And law enforcement officials are in the area but not right on top of the scene. Now, LaVoy Finicum was one of the individuals along with Bundy and the others who got into a car last night. Will you describe very briefly what happened?
SEPULVADO: Sure. Best that we can tell from the reports from law enforcement, these men were driving in a very kind of remote stretch of Oregon, a high desert highway here, and there was some type of stop and there was some kind of altercation. LaVoy Finicum, who's made it very clear that he had no plans to go to prison was killed, apparently, I've been able to confirm, and of course the militants say that it's murder, as you just heard. So there's a lot of emotions running high here at this refuge because LaVoy Finicum's death.
INSKEEP: OK. And Ammon Bundy was taken into custody along with his brother. That's John Sepulvado of Oregon Public Broadcasting.
John, thanks as always.
SEPULVADO: Thank you Steve. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/oregon-refuge-occupation-arrests-1-killed-in-related-traffic-stop | 2022-08-18T21:08:02Z |
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
In the race for the Republican presidential nomination, a familiar face is back on the campaign trail this week in Iowa, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry. He dropped out of the Republican presidential race last September. He's back on the stump, campaigning for fellow Texan Ted Cruz. NPR's Sarah McCammon caught up with both of them yesterday in Iowa.
SARAH MCCAMMON, BYLINE: These days, Rick Perry has to settle for being a warm-up act. He introduced Ted Cruz at several campaign stops in Iowa, including a restaurant in Centerville.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
RICK PERRY: And I have come to know without a doubt that there is not an individual who is in this race today that's anymore prepared to be the commander in chief on day one as Ted Cruz.
MCCAMMON: The good feelings seemed to go both ways, with Cruz talking up Perry's record as the longest serving governor of Texas.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
TED CRUZ: It is a powerful thing to be friends with Rick Perry and to have him standing here as conservatives across the state of Iowa are uniting and coming together.
(APPLAUSE)
MCCAMMON: At a town hall last night in Ottumwa, Perry told the crowd that Cruz reached out several times seeking his support. In the past, they've occasionally found themselves on opposite sides of political battles. But now, Perry says, after they spent a day together at his home in Texas, he found Cruz to be a good listener.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
PERRY: I can't tell you what a gift that is for a man to listen as you chuckled.
(LAUGHTER)
PERRY: You know some men that don't listen.
MCCAMMON: In an interview aboard Cruz's campaign bus, Perry said after he ended his own presidential bid in September, he wasn't sure whether he'd endorse someone else.
PERRY: Obviously, we're campaigning for Sen. Cruz rather than for ourselves, but I'm still campaigning for the same values.
MCCAMMON: And Perry's aware that voters are looking for a candidate more like Ted Cruz than himself this year. Several current and former governors with long records of experience have either dropped out of the Republican race or haven't gained much traction.
PERRY: The American people have taken a look at this, and, you know, experience is not what they're most interested in right now. What they're most interested in is someone who truly is a committed conservative and committed to devolving power out of Washington, D.C. And Ted Cruz is - I mean, he stands alone.
MCCAMMON: Perry says he questions whether Donald Trump is a true conservative. He will round out his swing through Iowa with Cruz at an anti-abortion rally in West Des Moines tonight. Sarah McCammon, NPR News, Ottumwa, Iowa. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/perry-campaigning-for-cruz-no-one-is-more-prepared-to-be-commander-in-chief | 2022-08-18T21:08:08Z |
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
Rest assured of this - we do not know who will win the presidential primary contest in either party. But we do know that every candidate will be spending time and money trying to figure out the best way to appeal to you. Campaigns draw heavily on research into what works and what doesn't. That's the moneyball version of politics, if you will. And a couple of economists recently came up with a finding that might have some bearing on the kind of political mail you receive. We're joined by NPR social science correspondent Shankar Vedantam, who has been looking into this. Hi, Shankar.
SHANKAR VEDANTAM, BYLINE: Hi, Steve.
INSKEEP: OK, what's the research into mail here?
VEDANTAM: Well, the research is looking into what kind of mail elicits donations from voters. So small donors of course are an important part of all campaigns. Ned Augenblick is an economist at the University of California at Berkeley. He and Jesse Cunha, a fellow economist, got a chance to run a real-world experiment. Now, the opportunity came about because of a most unusual reason. Here is Augenblick
NED AUGENBLICK: Jesse's dad, as it turns out, was running for a seat in Congress in Florida. And so he - you know, we kind of convinced him that if we would do a little help for him in terms of some, you know, analytics for the campaign that he would let us run some field experiments.
INSKEEP: OK, so what was the field experiment that this father was willing to put up with with his political fortunes on the line?
VEDANTAM: Well, here's the thing, Cunha's dad was a Democrat running against an incumbent Republican, Steve. And the district leaned conservative, so the odds of winning were very long. Giving money to a longshot campaign involves taking a risk, Steve. Why would you want to do that? There are two potential reasons. One, you might feel as a loyal Democrat that if other Democrats are supporting a candidate, you should do your part as well. So you want to play the role of a cooperator.
INSKEEP: Do your part, OK.
VEDANTAM: Exactly, but there's also a competitive reason. You may want to make sure that your candidate doesn't get outspent by the opposition.
INSKEEP: Ah, so is this the question - it's which one of these motivations is stronger?
VEDANTAM: Well, that's where the field experiment comes in. Augenblick and Cunha designed and sent out postcards to about 10,000 people in the district. One-third just got a request for money. One-third got a note that said fellow Democratic small donors were giving an average of $28. One-third got a note that said Republican small donors were giving an average of $28.
INSKEEP: (Laughter).
VEDANTAM: Now, telling Democrats that the other Democrats had given money did raise contributions, meaning the drive to cooperate does work. But the other technique involving competition did much better. Here's Augenblick.
AUGENBLICK: It turns out that that induced even more people to contribute. And furthermore, as opposed to contributing the amount that we specified, which like I said was about $30, they contributed about twice that amount. So there was a sense in which they didn't just want to match the contribution but actually to beat that contribution.
INSKEEP: Competitive rage is good for fundraising apparently.
VEDANTAM: It is good for fundraising. And that certainly is the implication for campaigns, Steve. But I think there's also an implication here for voters. Campaigns know that partisan divisions in the United States are strong. And one of the quickest and easiest ways to manipulate voters these days is to play up those divisions. So when you hear people badmouthing the other side or playing up the competitive aspect of a political race, you should ask yourself, is someone trying to manipulate me?
INSKEEP: I have another question in mind. Did the father win having gotten this assistance from his son and his friend?
VEDANTAM: He lost, Steve, but at least he helped the march of science.
INSKEEP: Shankar, thanks very much.
VEDANTAM: Thanks, Steve.
INSKEEP: He helps the march of science because he is NPR's social science correspondent and is also the host of a new podcast that explores the unseen patterns in human behavior. It's called Hidden Brain. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/promoting-partisan-divide-may-up-candidates-donations | 2022-08-18T21:08:14Z |
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
Let's work through what is known and not yet known about the occupation of a wildlife refuge in Oregon. We know some militants left their stronghold last evening. We know they were stopped by police, and one was killed. Their leader, among others, is now in custody. We also know of police activity around the refuge where some militants remain this morning. John Selpulvado of Oregon Public Broadcasting has been covering this story all night and, in fact, for many weeks. He's on the line once again. And John, will you describe the situation where you are?
JOHN SELPULVADO, BYLINE: Well, right now there's actually - there's a bit of a wall. So right where I'm standing in front of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, there is mainly just press activity. We see satellite trucks setting up and trying to get a good signal. About a half hour ago, though, Steve, we saw two militants, the last two militant leaders, come out and basically say that they're not leaving. They told us that they were advised by the FBI that if they wanted to leave peacefully, now is the time to do it, and they made it very clear that they're not. And we've been following the live stream from inside the compound, and we're hearing a lot of people talk. When I say a lot, I mean the handful that are there talk about deaths and being willing to die. I should say some of these guys, they're a bit dramatic, so it's unclear how serious they are with regards to those statements.
INSKEEP: OK, you just said the last two militant leaders. Let's clarify that. First, we know that Ammon Bundy and some other leaders were arrested in this traffic stop. Second, how many total are still in that building?
SELPULVADO: I'm estimating somewhere between seven and 12, and that's based on the conversations I've had with Jason Patrick. He is, as of this point, the de facto leader. He was probably about six or seven down until this arrest earlier today in leadership ranks. But by virtue of him being the only person who is part of the planning of this, he has become the de facto leader, and he has become the public point person. He's the one who's talking to the press.
INSKEEP: OK, where, physically, are the law enforcement authorities if, in fact, they are warning people to get out of there?
SELPULVADO: So think of it this way. There are two pressure points to this refuge. There's 187,000 acres is the first thing, Steve. And the second part is there's really kind of two ways from the point where we're standing to get out. They've gone to the south of where we're at, and they've pinched it. It's a military-style blockade of the road. They made it very clear that it's closed. When I was driving up, they had me - they ordered me out of the car - out of my car by loudspeaker, and two very heavily armed men walked out to greet me and let me know that they did not want me there. So there's that, Steve.
And then on the other scene, on the other road up, it's basically there is no law enforcement presence. And so I don't know if you're familiar with the concept of the golden bridge, but that's kind of what this is. It seems like to me that they're offering a way out for these militants if they want to leave peacefully.
INSKEEP: OK, so that is happening. Now let's remember the events that led up to this dramatic moment, this traffic stop, as it's been described last night. What happened, John?
SELPULVADO: So based on what we've been able to tell by our sources and what's been released by law enforcement, the men who were driving with the leaders of this movement, including Ammon Bundy, the son of quiet Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, and they were driving to a meeting. They have these meetings pretty regularly around the West. It wasn't just in Oregon, although this was the one they were going to tonight. They have them throughout the West, and they were basically to create political pressure to get political - some political capital for their movement. While they were on a very isolated stretch of road, there was some confrontation. It's unclear at that point whether they were tried to pull over, whether there was a blockade. We don't know. But what we do know according to the law enforcement is that there was some type of gunshot exchange and that one man died. I've been able to confirm LaVoy Finicum. He was a leader in this movement. He was on the Bundy ranch in 2014 in Nevada that some listeners may remember or the armed standoff with the Bureau of Land Management, and he is somebody that everyone here is really looking towards as wanting to avenge his death. And when I say everybody, I mean the seven to 12 people who were left here. They've all been talking about him and remembering him and presenting him as somewhat of a...
INSKEEP: Right.
SELPULVADO: ...Martyr, if you will, for the cause.
INSKEEP: OK, John Selpulvado of Oregon Public Broadcasting, thanks very much. We'll be hearing from you again, I am sure. He is on the scene of the wildlife refuge in Oregon where some militants remain inside. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/several-arrests-1-killed-in-operation-related-to-oregon-refuge-occupation | 2022-08-18T21:08:21Z |
While most of the presidential field descends on Iowa for next week's caucuses, at least one candidate won't be there. Ohio Gov. John Kasich plans to hold a town hall in New Hampshire on Iowa caucus night.
He has held more town halls in the Granite State than any other candidate — 80 to date, with plans to surpass 100.
Kasich is spending so much time in New Hampshire, he's even become comfortable joking about it.
"I'm just glad you don't have an income tax here, because I might be qualified as a resident," Kasich told a crowd Tuesday in the small town of New Boston.
Some folks chuckled as the governor continued, pleading for their vote.
"I really, really, really would like your vote," Kasich said. "I hope you'll think about it seriously. Cause I would like to go on with this message. And, if I get snuffed out in New Hampshire, it's ballgame over."
That last line is a clue as to why the governor has been blanketing the state for months. He needs to win the crowded establishment lane in New Hampshire (that lane includes New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush).
And, so, Kasich is trying to build an organic operation through intimate town halls. In New Boston on Tuesday, about 100 people gathered in a tavern, some of them sitting on leather couches around a fireplace. At other pit stops, the governor shared a stage with the American flag, his campaign slogan and a national debt clock that counted up as he spoke. (Kasich prides himself on balancing the federal budget with Bill Clinton in the 1990s.)
A Quieter Campaign
The Ohio governor doesn't give long, prepared stump speeches. He talks to people for 15 to 20 minutes and then spends the bulk of his time answering questions.
"He's not loud; he doesn't scream," said Karen Grybko, 57, from neighboring Lyndeborough. "He doesn't put anybody down. You know, there's a lot of negativity in the campaigns, both Democrats and the Republicans, and he only tells us why we should vote for him, and not why we shouldn't vote for somebody else. And, I guess I like that."
Grybko considers herself an independent, but she says the last time she voted for a Republican presidential candidate was 1980 — Ronald Reagan.
Kasich is trying to appeal to an unusual ideological spectrum — lifelong Republicans, self-described independents and even Democrats.
"I really came in kind of undecided," said Democrat Linda Bimbo, who came to a Kasich town hall because her friend asked her to. "But, I love this guy. I love his experience."
Bimbo, who works at the University of New Hampshire, said she had also been considering both Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton this campaign season, but now likes Kasich more.
"I'll tell you the one thing that made the biggest difference to me is that he talks about working both sides of the aisle and knowing that you have to have cooperation from both Democrats and Republicans in order to get anything done."
'He Should Already Have A Plan'
Even voters who say they're still uncommitted praise the governor for being "reasonable" or "experienced." But, that praise comes with reservations about casting a ballot for him.
"I think he comes across as typically Midwestern likable — he's extremely likable," said Republican Tom Eifler. But, he added, "I don't think he did a fabulous job at every single question."
Eifler was not impressed at the governor's tendency to say "I don't know" or "we'll have to think about that," in response to various policy questions.
"I wasn't comfortable with that," said Eifler. "He's running for president; he should already have a plan for what he's gonna do."
For other undecided voters, like Don Grosso, 76, it's a simpler calculation. Grosso says Kasich is his top choice for now, but he wants to see how the Ohio governor fares in the polls in the next couple of weeks.
"I want a winner. I want someone who can beat whoever the Democratic nominee is," said Grosso.
And, Grosso is not 100 percent sure Kasich can.
Will it work?
In recent weeks, it seems like Kasich has been experiencing a bit of "microsurge" in the New Hampshire polls. In the Real Clear Politics polling average, he currently leads the other establishment candidates. And, he has the endorsement of some high-profile local newspapers, including the Boston Globe.
But, Andy Smith — with the University of New Hampshire Survey Center — is skeptical of calling Kasich's current situation a bump. He points out that the only clear data point is that in essentially every poll since July, business mogul-turned-politician Donald Trump has clearly led the pack (by double-digit margins).
"You've got Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, Rand Paul and John Kasich all essentially clumped together in a second-place position," Smith added.
The Kasich campaign insists it has built a "scalable organization," in other early voting states, such as South Carolina and Nevada, even though the current focus is New Hampshire.
"There are people that we are competing with that we want to beat," said John Weaver, the chief strategist for the Kasich campaign, who has previously worked for both John McCain and Jon Huntsman's campaigns. "But I think whether that means finishing first, second, third whatever — I can't say ... Winning can be defined a lot of different ways."
The big question: Even if Kasich finishes in a respectable second place in New Hampshire — what's next for his campaign?
"I think what you'll see is one of those four more mainstream Republicans: Christie, Kasich, Bush or Rubio — finish better than the others and try to convince the other candidates through the press and through pressure within the party to drop out and to solidify their support behind them," said Smith. "I think that's really the strategy [of] all of these guys. Unfortunately, they're all doing the same thing."
But, some of the others — notably Rubio and Bush — have been campaigning more extensively in other early voting states, like South Carolina and Nevada.
So Kasich is trying to give himself an edge by zeroing in on New Hampshire. On Tuesday, he was the only major candidate in the state, essentially getting the voters and local media all to himself.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/sidestepping-iowa-john-kasich-is-hedging-his-bets-on-new-hampshire | 2022-08-18T21:08:27Z |
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
Good morning. I'm Steve Inskeep with help for Uber drivers. It's a way to distract a distracting passenger. Drivers in Charlotte are equipped with a kid's toy called Bop It. It's a test of reflexes. You're supposed to press buttons when the toy tells you. It's considered a great diversion, which keeps drunk passengers from bothering the driver. Now the driver just has the problem of having to listen to the game.
(SOUNDBITE OF GAME NOISES)
UNIDENTIFIED MAN #1: Bop it. Twist it. Shake it. Flick it.
INSKEEP: It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/toy-helps-preoccupy-uber-passengers | 2022-08-18T21:08:33Z |
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
Donald Trump says he's out, not out of the presidential race but out of the final Republican debate before the Iowa caucuses. Here's NPR national political correspondent Mara Liasson.
MARA LIASSON, BYLINE: At a press conference in Marshalltown yesterday, Trump did what he does best. He brawled with Fox News, Ted Cruz and the traveling press corps. He berated a reporter for failing to read in full a quote of his, and he slashed at Ted Cruz, who is battling him for first place in Iowa.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
DONALD TRUMP: You have a guy like Ted Cruz who's nervous as can be. I looked at him the other day. He's a wreck. He's a nervous wreck. His polls are going down the tubes.
LIASSON: This was classic Trump, always unplugged. He explained his decision not to show up for Thursday night's Fox News debate, the result of a long-running feud with Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly, who Trump claims has treated him unfairly. The spat goes back to the first debate in August when Kelly questioned Trump about some of the insulting statements he made about women. Trump demanded Kelly be dropped from the moderators panel, but Fox stood by her.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
TRUMP: They can't toy with me like they toy with everybody else.
LIASSON: Trump, who is leading in the polls nationally and in every early primary and caucus state, was particularly incensed by press releases Fox has sent out, taunting him as being afraid to be questioned by Kelly. One release said, quote, "we learned from a secret back channel that the Ayatollah and Putin both intend to treat Donald Trump unfairly when they meet with him if he becomes president."
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
TRUMP: When they sent out the wise guy press releases a little while ago done by some PR person along with Roger Ailes, I said, bye bye.
LIASSON: Trump said he would hold his own event Thursday night to raise money for wounded warriors and veterans. He's betting that the ratings bonanza his candidacy has brought to cable television will evaporate in his absence.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
TRUMP: Let's see how much money Fox is going to make on the debate without me, OK?
LIASSON: Trump has threatened to boycott debates in the past but has ended up participating. This time, Trump himself says his decision was, quote, "pretty close to irrevocable." Trump's rivals blasted him for ducking. Chris Christie said voters want a fighter who shows up. Jeb Bush asked if Trump couldn't handle tough questions from Megyn Kelly, how could he handle Hillary Clinton? And here's Ted Cruz on the Mark Levin radio show.
(SOUNDBITE OF RADIO SHOW, "THE MARK LEVIN SHOW")
TED CRUZ: If Donald is afraid of Megyn Kelly, I would like to invite him on your show to participate in a one-on-one debate between me and Donald, mano-a-mano (ph).
LIASSON: Yesterday, Trump also received two new endorsements, Liberty University president Jerry Falwell, Jr. and immigration hardliner Joe Arpaio, the sheriff of Maricopa County, Ariz. And at his rally in Marshalltown, Trump invited his supporters to imagine what it would be like when he was president.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
TRUMP: We're going to be properly led, and we're going to be so proud of our country. After a year, you're going to say, wow, that will happen, and it'll happen pretty quickly.
(APPLAUSE)
TRUMP: So I hope you can get out and caucus on February 1. And I love you all.
LIASSON: Previous debates haven't affected Trump's poll numbers one way or another, and it's not clear what a Trump-less (ph) debate might do to the Republican race. But simply by pulling out, Trump has once again dominated the news cycle and reminded everyone that this year's Republican primary is all about him. Mara Liasson, NPR News, Iowa.
INSKEEP: And Mara, of course, is also a contributor to Fox News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/trump-wont-participate-in-fox-news-debate-feud-with-network-escalates | 2022-08-18T21:08:39Z |
RENEE MONTAGNE, HOST:
We are now awaiting the moment when two anti-abortion activists turn themselves in to Texas authorities.
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
A grand jury in Houston indicted the video makers on felony charges of tampering with a government record by using fake drivers' licenses to gain access to Planned Parenthood. The undercover videos claiming to show Planned Parenthood sold fetal tissue for profit were stunning and got a huge amount of press.
MONTAGNE: The grand jury was originally looking at charges against Planned Parenthood and surprised everyone when the jurors turned around and indicted the video makers. To better understand the twists and turns in this case, we've got Philip Hilder on the line. He's a criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor in Houston.
Good morning.
PHILIP HILDER: Good morning.
MONTAGNE: How unusual is this ruling?
HILDER: I think it's pretty unusual but it's not unprecedented.
MONTAGNE: Not unprecedented. Do you have any - well, let's go on to the indictment. The prosecutor in Houston, Devon Anderson, she's a Republican, and the party and some state officials are now complaining about this outcome. It certainly is a twist. Is there a chance the prosecutor will drop these charges or not bring charges?
HILDER: No, I do not think that is a possibility. I think the prosecutor has stated that they followed the evidence and that is what happened here. They went into, the grand jury, initially looking at Planned Parenthood but I think after the grand jury's investigation, they decided that there were no charges to be brought against Planned Parenthood and rather the two videographers should be charged with second-degree felonies involving tampering with the government record, that is, using a driver's license with the attempt to defraud another, and the second individual is also charged with procuring human organ fetal tissue for valuable consideration, or pay to for it. But I think it was a surprise, but, the grand juries, don't forget, are independent bodies. They followed the evidence and this is what their return was.
MONTAGNE: Well, how - you know, you've said felony, but how serious are these charges? Because, you know, a fake ID - I'm sorry to say - a lot of people have it.
HILDER: Yes. That is - though they are charged and though the penalties may be up to 20 years, the reality is if convicted, I would foresee that they would get probation, but there's a lot to go on in the justice system between now and in conviction.
MONTAGNE: Just briefly - how - grand jury deliberations are completely secret. The prosecutor said, we must go where the evidence leads us. What does this ruling say about the evidence?
HILDER: Well, I think the grand jury initially had their target, Planned Parenthood, but I think after reviewing the evidence, they were deeply troubled by it and that's why they turned the tables and indicted the videographers. I mean, it's a very unusual turn of events here.
MONTAGNE: Well, as you said, very unusual. Is there anything political - I can't say - know how to say that, but, in Texas going on here? Obviously, there were a lot of people behind getting not the videographers but Planned Parenthood.
HILDER: Well, I suppose the argument would've been made if Planned Parenthood was indicted that it was all political, but I do think that this turn of events shows that the grand jury in this instance was independent. They evaluated the evidence and this is what happened.
MONTAGNE: All right. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Hilder.
Philip Hilder, he's a criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor in Houston. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-01-27/why-the-indictments-in-planned-parenthoods-video-case-are-unusual | 2022-08-18T21:08:45Z |
Judge blocks Florida ‘woke’ law pushed by Gov. DeSantis
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A Florida judge on Thursday declared a Florida law championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis that restricts race-based conversation and analysis in business and education unconstitutional.
Tallahassee U.S. District Judge Mark Walker said in a 44-page ruling that the “Stop WOKE” act violates the First Amendment and is impermissibly vague. Walker also refused to issue a stay that would keep the law in effect during any appeal by the state.
The law targets what DeSantis has called a “pernicious” ideology exemplified by critical race theory — the idea that racism is systemic in U.S. institutions that serve to perpetuate white dominance in society.
Walker said the law, as applied to diversity, inclusion and bias training in businesses, turns the First Amendment “upside down” because the state is barring speech by prohibiting discussion of certain concepts in training programs.
“If Florida truly believes we live in a post-racial society, then let it make its case,” the judge wrote. “But it cannot win the argument by muzzling its opponents.”
The governor’s office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. DeSantis has repeatedly said any losses at the lower court level on his priorities are likely to be reversed by appeals courts that are generally more conservative.
The law prohibits teaching or business practices that contend members of one ethnic group are inherently racist and should feel guilt for past actions committed by others. It also bars the notion that a person’s status as privileged or oppressed is necessarily determined by their race or gender, or that discrimination is acceptable to achieve diversity.
The ruling Thursday came in one of three lawsuits challenging the Stop Woke act. It was filed by private entities, Clearwater-based Honeyfund.com and others, claiming their free speech rights are curtailed because the law infringes on company training programs stressing diversity, inclusion, elimination of bias and prevention of workplace harassment. Companies with 15 or more employees could face civil lawsuits over such practices.
That lawsuit says Honeyfund seeks to protect the rights of private employers to “engage in open and free exchange of information with employees to identify and begin to address discrimination and harm” in their organizations.
Another lawsuit, which was filed Thursday by college professors and students, claims the law amounts to “racially motivated censorship” that will act to “stifle widespread demands to discuss, study and address systemic inequalities” underscored by the national discussion of race after the killing of George Floyd, who was Black, by Minneapolis police in May 2020.
“In place of free and open academic inquiry and debate, instructors fear discussing topics of oppression, privilege, and race and gender inequalities with which the Legislature disagrees,” the lawsuit says. “As a result, students are either denied access to knowledge altogether or instructors are forced to present incomplete or inaccurate information that is steered toward the Legislature’s own views.”
Conservatives see critical race theory less as academic inquiry into truth and history and more as the imposition of a divisive ideology stemming from Marxism that assigns people into the categories of oppressor and oppressed based on their race.
Like the professors, a group of K-12 teachers and a student claim in a third pending lawsuit that the law violates the Constitution’s protections of free expression, academic freedom and access to information in public schools.
“The Stop WOKE Act aims to forward the government’s preferred narrative of history and society and to render illegal speech that challenges that narrative,” the lawsuit says.
DeSantis is running for reelection as governor this year and is widely viewed as a contender for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. He has made cultural issues a cornerstone of his administration, particularly snuffing out what he calls “woke” entities and philosophies centered on issues of discrimination involving race, gender and sexual orientation.
“What you see now with the rise of this woke ideology is an attempt to really delegitimize our history and to delegitimize our institutions, and I view the wokeness as a form of cultural Marxism,” DeSantis said in a December 2021 speech. “They really want to tear at the fabric of our society.”
Another example of this is DeSantis’ effort to punish Walt Disney World for the company’s opposition to the Parental Rights in Education law, labeled by critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” law because it limits gender orientation instruction in early grades and chills discussion of the issue overall in schools.
The governor pushed the Legislature to end Disney World’s special independent district that essentially enabled it to run its own private government. That law doesn’t take full effect until June 2023 but has already been challenged in court.
Other lawsuits have challenged DeSantis priorities such as a ban on abortion after 15 weeks, a measure to fine tech companies if they “de-platform” political candidates over their viewpoints, an “anti-riot” law enacting new felonies after Black Lives Matter protests and a law placing new restrictions on elections.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/18/judge-blocks-florida-woke-law-pushed-by-gov-desantis/ | 2022-08-18T21:17:02Z |
Report: 14% of doctors admit drinking or doing drugs at work to cope with stress
Published: Aug. 18, 2022 at 4:20 PM EDT|Updated: 55 minutes ago
(CNN) – The COVID-19 pandemic has some healthcare workers stressed out and looking for ways to ease their tensions.
According to a report on healthcare workers’ mental health released Thursday, 21% of physicians say they’ve taken drugs or drank alcohol more than once per day.
Additionally, 14% report consuming alcohol or controlled substances while at work.
The findings from the Mind-Body Health treatment chain APN were based on 1,000 healthcare workers questioned in July.
Researchers also say many of these healthcare workers suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder while experiencing trauma similar to what wartime soldiers go through.
Copyright 2022 CNN. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/18/report-14-doctors-admit-drinking-or-doing-drugs-work-cope-with-stress/ | 2022-08-18T21:17:09Z |
RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine group kicked off Instagram, Facebook
(AP) – Instagram and Facebook suspended Children’s Health Defense this week after the anti-vaccine group led by Robert Kennedy Jr. repeatedly violated rules prohibiting misinformation about COVID-19.
A nonprofit, Children’s Health Defense is one of the most influential anti-vaccine organizations active on social media, where it has spread misleading claims about vaccines and other public health measures designed to control the pandemic.
In a statement, Kennedy compared Facebook’s actions to government censorship, even though Facebook is a private company that can set and enforce its own rules about misinformation.
“Facebook is acting here as a surrogate for the federal government’s crusade to silence all criticism of draconian government policies,” Kennedy said.
Children’s Health Defense had hundreds of thousands of followers at the time of the suspension, according to a statement from the organization, which also noted that it has sued Facebook over its moderation policies.
Public health advocates and misinformation experts have criticized Facebook for not acting more swiftly to contain potentially harmful misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines.
Karen Kornbluh, director of the Digital Innovation and Democracy Initiative at the German Marshall Fund, said too many groups like Children’s Health Defense have been allowed to flourish on social media for too long. She noted that the group remains on Twitter.
“Today’s step is too late and too little,” Kornbluh said, adding that tech companies must address the reasons misinformation spreads so readily on social media.
Facebook and Instagram confirmed the company action on Thursday in a statement to The Associated Press.
“We removed these accounts for repeatedly violating our policies,” a spokesman for Meta, Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, told the AP. Under the platforms’ policies, suspensions are typically only enforced after multiple violations.
Several state affiliates of Children’s Health Defense remain on Facebook and Instagram despite the ban of the national organization. Kennedy was kicked off Instagram last year but continues to keep an active account on Facebook.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/18/rfk-jrs-anti-vaccine-group-kicked-off-instagram-facebook/ | 2022-08-18T21:17:15Z |
Seneca Caverns closed until further notice due to staffing shortages
Published: Aug. 18, 2022 at 5:07 PM EDT|Updated: 8 minutes ago
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - Seneca Caverns in West Virginia announced on Thursday that it will be closed until further notice citing staffing shortages.
According to a Facebook post from Seneca Caverns, that includes the caverns, gift shop, gemstone mining, and Asbury’s Restaurant.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our patrons. We will advise you in the future after we have had the opportunity to further assess the situation,” the Facebook post said.
Seneca Caverns encourages patrons to check its Facebook page for updates in the future.
For more information on Seneca Caverns, click here.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/18/seneca-caverns-closed-until-further-notice-due-staffing-shortages/ | 2022-08-18T21:17:22Z |
VDOE: 2021-2022 SOL results show continuing impact of COVID-19 pandemic
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - The Virginia Department of Education released results from the Standards of Learning (SOL) and other state assessments taken by Virginia students last school year on Thursday.
Those results showed that school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact student learning, as student achievement in all areas remained well below pre-pandemic levels, despite one-year gains in most subjects.
The 2021-2022 school year marked the return to in-person learning for all 132 Virginia school divisions and the return to normal levels of student participation in the state testing program.
“The bottom line is that in-person instruction matters. When we compare the 2021-2022 data with achievement in 2020-2021, when the majority of our students were learning remotely or on hybrid schedules, we can see the difference our teachers made once they were reunited with their students in their classrooms,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow said.
In mathematics, 66% of students overall passed, compared with 82% before the pandemic.
Gaps between pre-pandemic math performance and achievement in 2021-2022 were much wider among Blacks, Hispanics, economically disadvantaged students, English learners, and students with disabilities.
73% of students overall passed SOL and other state assessments in reading, five points below the pre-pandemic pass rate in 2018-2019. Gaps in reading achievement were wider for Hispanic students and economically disadvantaged students.
Balow said the reading results for 2021-2022 understate the extent of learning loss, especially in the early elementary grades, given the adoption of less-rigorous proficiency standards by the Board of Education when introducing new reading tests during the 2020-2021 school year.
“Had the board retained the pre-pandemic level of rigor on the reading SOLs, we would be looking at less recovery in reading,” Balow said.
A VDOE analysis showed a strong correlation between in-person instruction during 2020-2021 and higher achievement on the 2021-2022 SOLs.
69% of students who experienced in-person instruction for nearly all of 2020-2021, and 62% of students who experienced in-person instruction for most of 2020-2021 passed their 2021-2022 math tests, compared with 39% and 37% who experienced nearly all or mostly remote instruction, respectively.
“Moving forward, we must restore a culture of high expectations for every child in every school in the Commonwealth,” Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera said. “This includes working with the Board of Education to raise standards, increase transparency and create an accountability system that drives improvement and sets grade-level achievement as the goal for every child.”
In reading, 75% of students who experienced in-person instruction for nearly all of 2020-2021, and 69% of students who experienced in-person instruction for most of 2020-2021 passed in 2021-2022, compared with 39% and 37% who experienced nearly all or mostly remote instruction, respectively.
With the exception of writing, students overall and students in all demographic groups made progress in 2021-2022, compared with performance during 2020-2021.
The next step in addressing learning loss will be individualized progress reports for some students in grades 1-8. That will allow parents to see where their children are succeeding and where they have fallen behind.
The department will pilot the progress reports in selected school divisions before making them available for students and parents statewide.
The state budget signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin last month includes a historic $3.2 billion in direct aid to school divisions. Nearly $10 million will implement the Virginia Literacy Act and $7 million will hire additional reading specialists.
The spending plan also allocates $100 million to launch innovative college laboratory schools in partnership with Virginia colleges and universities.
The 2021 General Assembly provided $40 million to school divisions during the 2021-2022 school year to address learning loss. In addition, school divisions have received $3.2 billion in federal funding since 2020 under three pandemic relief acts to address learning loss and other impacts of the pandemic.
For more information on SOL test results for specific schools, school divisions, and the state by grade level, course, and content area, click here.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/18/vdoe-2021-2022-sol-results-show-continuing-impact-covid-19-pandemic/ | 2022-08-18T21:17:28Z |
To help prevent the spread of the Zika virus in Puerto Rico, government officials on the island have declared condom price-gouging illegal.
In early February, during a media briefing at the governor's mansion, Puerto Rico's Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs Nery Adames Soto announced that his agency has added prophylactics to the price-freeze list. Stores on the island also aren't allowed by DACO to raise the price on mosquito repellent, window screens, larvicides and other mosquito-killing products.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showed that as of Feb. 19 there were nine cases of Zika reported in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory. Eight of them were locally acquired and one was associated with travel. Public health officials have reported more than 60 Zika cases in Puerto Rico, including three pregnant women.
DACO's Adames ordered the price freeze on condoms because of growing concerns that someone can pass the Zika virus to another person through sexual contact. He's worried the virus can quickly spread to other municipalities.
He added, people should visit the DACO website or Facebook page and file a report if they come across a business that has violated his executive order.
"Every local store, gas station or business that sells these items must know that DACO will be knocking on your doors and closely monitoring this, allowing the citizens to protect themselves adequately because now is not the time to raise prices."
Store owners may be fined up to $10,000 for each price-gouging violation.
To get a better sense of what the condom price freeze meant to the locals, NPR's Greg Allen and I went to Condom World, a popular adult retail chain in Puerto Rico.
The branch we visited is in the heart of Carolina, a beach town east of San Juan. On a typical Friday evening, tourists stroll up and down the sidewalk bustling with restaurants, pubs and other novelty shops. The curious tend to wander in to browse the provocative merchandise at Condom World.
Sales clerk Coralis Ferrer-Marrero says she had heard about the government declaring the condom price freeze.
"It's stupid," she says. "Just because Zika is here, doesn't mean we're going to raise the price. That's something we just don't do no matter what."
A box of three condoms ranges in price from $3.99 to $5.99
Ferrer-Marrero agrees with price freezing in general, but doesn't think the government needs to draw much attention to condom sales as a potential threat to the spread of Zika. There are more pressing concerns like putting screens on windows and eliminating stagnant water sources.
Condom World customer Beatrice Garza said a condom price freeze should definitely be in order and hopes retailers don't take advantage of the situation.
"The mosquitoes started this. It didn't come from sex. It came from the mosquito," Garza says.
Meanwhile, the archbishop of San Juan, Roberto Nieves Gonzales, came out with his take on the condom rhetoric. Soon after the government's decree on the condom price freeze, Monsignor Gonzales recommended a lifestyle "of chastity and abstinence," instead of using a condom, to prevent the spread of the Zika virus.
The first reported cases of infection were centered on the northeastern part of the island and near San Juan. But there are now confirmed cases appearing in the southern coast and parts of the interior, a sign the virus may continue to spread to other regions in the coming months.
In early February, Puerto Rico's governor declared a public health emergency on the island.
The rapid spread of Zika coupled with public health messages about sexual transmission may have an economic impact on specialty stores like Condom World — despite a condom price freeze. Puerto Rico is already starting to see a decline in sales and tourism in other areas.
Miguel Vega is the chairman of the island's tourism association. He says these new government impositions and mandates will affect travel to the island and its hotel industry. And he's not happy about it.
"Sometimes they take these things out of proportion," he says, "and it creates collective hysteria where there is not any necessity."
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-02-23/puerto-rico-freezes-condom-prices-to-prevent-zika-profiteering | 2022-08-18T21:19:48Z |
DAVID GREENE, HOST:
The Zika virus that has raised alarms through Central and South America is on the rise in Puerto Rico. The U.S. territory is bracing for the worst and has now declared a public health emergency. NPR's Greg Allen is in San Juan. He's been listening to reactions from people in the tourism industry.
GREG ALLEN, BYLINE: Most visitors to Puerto Rico invariably end up here - Old San Juan. Cruise ships dock here daily. Tourists throng the plazas and narrow cobblestone streets, enjoying the Spanish colonial architecture, the cafes and the only-in-Puerto Rico attractions.
Megan Fitzgerald is from Boston and was visiting Puerto Rico. When we met her, she had a parrot on her head.
MEGAN FITZGERALD: We don't have this at home so we figured we'd stop and take some pictures.
ALLEN: Carlos de Jesus charges $5 for unlimited photos with his parrots and other tropical birds. He says business has been good and doesn't think tourists are paying much attention to Zika. At last count, there were 63 cases of Zika reported in Puerto Rico, including three pregnant women. Zika's a mosquito-borne disease that's possibly linked to microcephaly and other birth defects. Troy Gray spent the morning in Old San Juan with his wife, two sons and daughter. They're on a Carnival cruise ship and had heard about the Zika threat.
TROY GRAY: You know, we brought bug spray, but we didn't use it. It's - there's always a thousand deadly diseases flying around at any moment. So maybe we just get out and have some fun.
ALLEN: Only about a fifth of the people who contract Zika ever show symptoms, and usually the effects are mild - a fever, headache, joint pain. For most people, it's less threatening than dengue or chikungunya - other tropical diseases now found in Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean. But it's the possible risk of birth defects that has made Zika so concerning, especially to young women like Megan Fitzgerald.
FITZGERALD: We're a little nervous. We knew we weren't having kids anytime soon though, so (laughter) we were fine with that.
UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN: I'm thinking we're in the clear.
FITZGERALD: But I actually know people that were supposed to come here for a wedding. They canceled the wedding due to that.
ALLEN: Tourism officials in Puerto Rico say they've already seen a number of cancellations of weddings and business conferences. Miguel Vega manages four hotels and three casinos and is chairman of the island's tourism association.
MIGUEL VEGA: When you have somebody coordinating a group, this could be a major blow for the group business here down in Puerto Rico. But I know the major hotels that have bigger groups have been getting a great deal of cancellations.
ALLEN: Public health officials say it's island residents, not tourists, who are most at risk from Zika. Visitors stay in air-conditioned hotels and have less exposure to the mosquitoes that carry the disease. Vega is happy Puerto Rico's government is taking Zika seriously but wonders at the decision to declare it a public health emergency.
VEGA: To me, I wouldn't have done it that way. And it took us by surprise because there were very few cases. When he made that announcement, Puerto Rico only had 22 cases. That's not an epidemic, you know?
ALLEN: Back at the cruise ship port in Old San Juan, passengers streamed back from an afternoon shopping and seeing the sights. Christine Rose and her family are from Manchester, England.
CHRISTINE ROSE: Well, I've got a daughter who's pregnant, so obviously I was concerned.
ALLEN: Did she come with you?
ROSE: She has come with us. She's been off the boat today, and she's sprayed up with spray and taking all the precautions.
ALLEN: Rose says she booked the cruise a year ago. If she was booking it today, though, she says she wouldn't come to Puerto Rico or the Caribbean. And she thinks she's not alone.
ROSE: Back in the U.K. I think that - I don't think many people will. I don't think many will book cruises or - I think people will kind of go to different places.
ALLEN: Puerto Rico's hotel and tourism industry, like the rest of the island's economy, is still struggling to emerge from the recession. Now Zika is a new blow - one that may scare many visitors away. Greg Allen, NPR News, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-02-23/puerto-rico-waits-to-see-if-zika-scares-off-tourists | 2022-08-18T21:19:52Z |
The Zika virus now has a foothold in a U.S. territory. Puerto Rico is reporting at least 117 Zika cases, including at least five pregnant women. That's of special concern because of Zika's possible link to birth defects.
In Bayamon, a San Juan suburb, Monica Figueroa is waiting in line at a lunch truck. She's a nurse who works at a nearby clinic and she is pregnant — "about five months and a few weeks, something like that," she says in Spanish. Figueroa knows about Zika. She says she's wearing mosquito repellent but is not especially worried.
"No one seems to be paying much attention to it," she says.
Compared with other tropical diseases carried by mosquitoes, such as dengue or chikungunya, the symptoms of those infected with Zika are usually mild. Only about a fifth of those infected actually get sick. But at least one person with Zika in Puerto Rico has developed a neurological disorder, Guillain-Barre, which may be linked to the disease.
Zika is especially concerning for pregnant women because it may cause birth defects — in particular, microcephaly. Arlene Coto is in her last trimester and worried. She had just come from seeing her doctor.
"He says not to be alarmed," she says. Still, she's taking steps at home to protect her family from mosquitoes. "We have to fumigate and use repellent."
Like many in Puerto Rico, Coto doesn't have screens on her windows. That's something the island's government is working to address, with help from federal authorities. Puerto Rico is installing screens in the island's high schools and plans to make screens available for the homes of pregnant women.
"We have to do what we didn't do for 30 years in 45 days," says Dr. Johnny Rullan, Puerto Rico's former secretary of health. Rullan is an epidemiologist trained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is advising the government on its Zika response.
While Zika is new to Puerto Rico, the island has extensive experience with other tropical diseases, including dengue, which infects thousands of Puerto Ricans each year.
Faced with several dozen Zika cases, the island's government has done something it has never done with dengue. It has declared a public health emergency.
There's good reason for that, Rullan says. Pregnant women are being infected now.
"People don't understand that the battle is going to be in October," he says. "If babies start being born with microcephaly in October, November, December, we lost the battle. Prevention has to be nine months ahead."
More than 90 percent of pregnant women in Puerto Rico receive nutritional services though government-run centers, Rullan says. All these women will be screened for Zika, and any found to be infected will be monitored.
Rullan has closely followed the progress of one of the pregnant women infected with Zika.
"She will be tested at Week 16 with an amniocentesis," he says. "Every four weeks, she'll have a sonogram."
Puerto Rico isn't facing Zika alone. A team of stateside researchers has been dispatched from the CDC. In addition, the 70 employees of the CDC's Dengue Branch, which is located on the island, are now focused on Zika.
Dr. Dana Thomas, an epidemiologist with the CDC, is working in the office of Puerto Rico's secretary of health to monitor Zika's spread. When chikungunya hit the island in 2014, it was during the rainy season. Thomas says it took just four months for the disease to spread throughout Puerto Rico.
Because the majority of people don't show symptoms, Thomas says, tracking Zika is more problematic. The worst may still be ahead.
"We picked this up technically in our dry season," she says of the first Zika cases in Puerto Rico. "So the question is, 'What will happen in April or May as we have more rain and potentially more mosquitoes?' "
Complicating Puerto Rico's fight with Zika is the island's financial crisis. To deal with its massive debt, Puerto Rico has laid off thousands of public employees in recent years, including many in public health.
To help the island meet the challenge, the Obama administration is asking Congress for nearly $500 million. That's money that will be used to shore up the health care system and support Puerto Rico's fight against Zika.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-02-26/with-cdc-help-puerto-rico-aims-to-get-ahead-of-zika | 2022-08-18T21:19:55Z |
The Zika virus is a health threat not just to Latin America, but also to parts of the U.S. It's already a problem in Puerto Rico where there are nearly 120 cases so far, including five pregnant women. That's a concern, because Zika may be involved in causing birth defects.
The U.S. territory has declared a public health emergency and is working to protect residents from Zika and from the primary mosquito that carries the disease, Aedes aegypti. The species is largely responsible for the spread of Zika and many other tropical diseases, including yellow fever and dengue. It can breed anywhere it finds as little as a teaspoonful of standing water.
In Puerto Rico's 78 municipalities, emergency crews are looking for the places the mosquitoes breed. In Guaynabo, a suburb of Puerto Rico's capital San Juan, Luis Hernandez gets out of his truck to take a look at some old tires piled outside a home. Hernandez is an entomologist who advises local authorities on how to combat the A. aegypti.
He dips a cup into one of the tires and shows me what's inside. A dozen or more mosquito larvae wriggle in the water.
"That means this tire has been here for more than one week," Hernandez says. "Because of the size of the larvae, I know how long the tire's been here."
There are dumps of old tires from automobiles and trucks everywhere in Puerto Rico. That's because the recycling fees customers pay when they purchase tires don't cover the actual cost of disposal. Tires pile up and they become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Puerto Rico's legislature has passed an emergency measure to pay the cost of picking up and recycling tires. In Guaynabo, emergency response crews have already started collecting the tires, sending a grapple truck to clean up 15 sites in the municipality.
Crews are also working to remove standing water around schools, abandoned houses and even cemeteries, where flower vases can serve as mosquito breeding areas.
Unsealed septic tanks can also be a problem. Crews will inspect and install screens over vents where they're needed.
Puerto Rico's governor wants this work done in 45 days, before the start of the rainy season.
In Guaynabo, no cases of Zika have been reported yet. But long before most people had heard of Zika, Guaynabo was dealing with another tropical disease — dengue. It's sometimes called bonebreak fever, and can lead to death.
"We had many, many cases. Dengue was really hard here," says Dr. Silvia Medina, Guaynabo's former health director. Medina is helping Guaynabo now as a consultant, taking charts, pictures and information about Zika out to the community. She did something similar during the last dengue outbreak.
"We went into the communities, school, churches — everywhere," Medina says. "We had good results. When people are educated, they're healthy people."
As part of the public health emergency, Puerto Rico is asking all residents to check their homes and the homes of their neighbors for standing water and mosquitoes. A big problem in Puerto Rico is that most homes aren't air conditioned and many lack screens, so residents are exposed to more mosquitoes.
Hernandez says fumigation trucks respond quickly when crews get calls from areas where there are lots of mosquitoes. But A. aegypti mosquitoes spend much of their time indoors, Hernandez says, so aerial spraying is often not effective. And when the fumigation trucks begin spraying in a neighborhood, residents often close their windows, he says.
Hernandez throws up his hands in frustration. "If the mosquito is inside with you, and you close the window," he says, you and your family may still be bitten.
The Obama administration has asked Congress for more than $200 million to help Puerto Rico protect residents. Dr. Johnny Rullan is a former Puerto Rico secretary of health who is advising the government on its Zika response. After outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya and now Zika, Rullan says, it's clear Puerto Rico has to get serious about protecting residents from A. aegypti.
"We will have to do like we did for yellow fever," he says. "We declared war on yellow fever and Puerto Rico was successful. We have declared war now on the Aedes aegypti mosquito and we need to win it."
Puerto Rico is scrambling to adopt mosquito control measures in the next six weeks, before the rainy season begins. Rullan says these are measures that the island should already have put in place — over the last 30 years.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-02-29/puerto-rico-races-to-stop-zikas-mosquitoes-before-rains-begin | 2022-08-18T21:19:57Z |
San Jorge Children's Hospital is Puerto Rico's largest pediatric hospital, drawing patients from throughout the Caribbean. It's a bustling facility in San Juan, with specialties in surgery, rheumatology and oncology. It also has brightly colored live parrots at every entrance.
"It just sends a message to the patient that they're in a friendly place," explains San Jorge's vice president of operations, Domingo Cruz Vivaldi. "That they're here to be treated, but they're also going to have a good time."
Still, as Cruz would be the first to say, right now is not a good time to be in the hospital business in Puerto Rico.
A nearly decade-long recession has taken a severe toll on the island's economy. Half of San Jorge's patients are on Medicaid now, up from a fifth just a few years ago. And, for decades, the U.S. government has capped Medicaid reimbursements in Puerto Rico at a level far below what states receive. Cruz says that cap has forced his hospital and many others to cut services — he's had to close two wings and 40 rooms.
He only managed to avoid staff layoffs, he says, by freezing 100 open positions — doctors, nurses, technicians and support personnel. And last year, when Puerto Rico ran out of money and couldn't make a $250 million payment to hospitals, San Jorge was forced to reduce hours and cut pay for all employees.
Since long before the advent of Obamacare, Puerto Rico has had a health care plan that covers nearly everyone on the island. Sergio Marxuach, public policy director for Puerto Rico's Center for a New Economy, says it's a generous plan, but has never been adequately funded.
"It has become, in a way, the third rail of Puerto Rican politics," Marxuach says. "Nobody wants to touch benefits. Obviously it's very politically sensitive. Low-income residents love it. So, it's going to be very hard to modify unless we get additional Medicaid funding, or somehow get some sort of fix that we can do locally."
The head of Puerto Rico's Health Insurance Administration, Ricardo Rivera-Cardona, describes it in another way.
"There's a saying here in Puerto Rico," he says, "which, if you translate literally into English, is 'You are against the wall and the knife.' "
Stopgap funding for Puerto Rico's Medicaid system that the Affordable Care Act has provided will run out next year. The Obama Administration has proposed a solution: removing the Medicaid cap, and giving Puerto Rico the same level of funding that goes to the states.
If Congress doesn't take action on that proposal soon, Rivera says, Puerto Rico will face tough decisions on how to provide care for 1.6 million Medicaid patients.
"We are looking at one million people that will have to be forced out of the Medicaid system," Rivera says. "The remaining 600,000 will have to experience a reduction in benefits and an increase in deductibles and copays."
That's a problem in a territory where the median household income is about $19,000 — half that of Mississippi. Across Puerto Rico, clinics are closing, and at least four hospitals have filed for bankruptcy. If enough hospitals close, those remaining will be overwhelmed, say Puerto Rico officials.
By the end of this month, leaders in Congress say they expect to have a plan ready to help Puerto Rico. The U.S. territory is mired in an economic recession and is more than $72 billion in debt — a debt that Puerto Rico's Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla says the island can't pay. But the chronic underfunding of healthcare is an even more pressing crisis, according to officials in Puerto Rico, who worry that the islands' health system could collapse if that lack of funding is not addressed this year.
Leaders from the U.S. territory have made regular trips to Washington in the last two years to alert members of Congress to the looming crisis. But Cruz, the hospital vice president, says Puerto Rico has an inherent problem. "Unfortunately, we don't vote. And if you don't vote, you don't count," Cruz says. "When I visit the senators, they have a bunch of issues with their own state. So how much attention can [they] pay to a state that doesn't vote?"
Officials in Puerto Rico say that as much as a third of the territory's massive debt is the result of health care costs. That's why many believe that to fix Puerto Rico's overall financial mess, you must first fix its health care system.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-03-03/puerto-ricos-growing-financial-crisis-threatens-health-care-too | 2022-08-18T21:32:11Z |
Albert Woodfox has spent more time in solitary confinement than any man alive in the U.S. today — 43 years. He and Robert King are the surviving members of a group known as the "Angola Three."
Together with the late Herman Wallace, they spent more than 100 years in solitary confinement for the 1972 death of a prison guard, Brent Miller, at the maximum security Louisiana State Penitentiary, known as Angola. No forensic evidence tied the Angola Three to Miller's killing, and they always maintained their innocence.
In fact, Woodfox's conviction of the crime has been overturned — twice. Moreover, advocacy groups like Amnesty International say they were targets of mistreatment, because of their work with the Black Panthers protesting prison conditions.
Wallace died in 2013, just days after a judge granted him a new trial and ordered him released. He had spent most of his life in solitary confinement. King was released in 2001, after a court reversed his conviction, and he has dedicated his life since then to bringing attention to conditions at Angola, as well as fighting for the release of his two friends.
Woodfox was freed on Feb. 19, on his 69th birthday, after pleading no contest to lesser charges.
"Although I was looking forward to proving my innocence at a new trial, concerns about my health and my age have caused me to resolve this case now and obtain my release with this no-contest plea to lesser charges," Woodfox said that day, in a statement released by lawyers. "I hope the events of today will bring closure to many."
He and King spoke recently with NPR's Michel Martin about their friendship, solitary confinement and life after decades in prison.
"There's a different rhythm to living in society as to living in prison," Woodfox says, "and I'm trying to adjust. Hopefully, I will get there."
For him, there was never a moment's thought to giving up his fight to prove his innocence and gain his freedom.
"There were times when I was frustrated and angry," he says. "I've been through panic attacks, claustrophobia attacks, but I never gave up and lost hope."
Woodfox says it was something special that kept him going.
"The qualities as a human being that I inherited from my mother — such as strength, determination," he says. "And I think having Robert King and Herman Wallace as only my comrades, but best friends, made it possible for me to endure a great deal."
Kings says that he found similar strength in his friendships.
"I was motivated also by Herman and Albert and other people who I came in to contact with, despite the fact that we were in solitary confinement," he says.
"They haven't ruled solitary confinement as cruel and unusual punishment, but they did say that the time that someone is held in solitary confinement — such as in my case, which I only was there for 29 years — a federal judge ruled that it constituted a cruel and unusual punishment."
"There were times when I was frustrated and angry. I've been through panic attacks, claustrophobia attacks, but I never gave up and lost hope."
King reasons that his involvement in setting up a Black Panther movement in prison might have been related to his punishment.
"Prior to my being sent to Angola, we managed to try to effect some change in New Orleans prison where I was housed at. I was labeled at that time as a troublemaker," he says.
Woodfox, for his part, never expected he'd be placed in solitary so long. "I thought maybe two, three years, but it wound up being 43 or 44 years."
Still, he says he never gave up hope of release.
"That's the one thing I didn't give up. When this first started out, we knew that, if we were going to survive, we had to look for strength from the outside, from society. So instead of turning inward, becoming institutionalized, we decided that we would turn outward to society."
He adds: "I would not allow prison staff to define who I was and what I believed in."
It was the friendship between the Angola Three, forged during these times, that kept King's held attention, even after his release in 2001. After he gained his freedom, King continued to advocate on behalf of his two friends who remained imprisoned.
"It was collective effort, it wasn't just on my part," King says. "I was gracefully given support — people who supported the concept of struggling against conditions that were barbarous and illegal convictions. And it developed from empathizers and sympathizers, so it was easy."
Since his own release in February, Woodfox has not only reunited with King, but he's joined in his friend's advocacy against the practice of solitary confinement, too. He says he's especially motivated by the hard work King has done over the past 15 years.
"He has always been first my comrade and my friend and now my brother," Woodfox says. "The entire time — [from] when Robert left prison, to the day I walked out — he has never broken faith. I am not sure how many men in this world can measure to that. He has set a high standard. To do anything less than what he did would be a great dishonor to him, and that's not gonna happen."
Woodfox doesn't have specific plans for what's next, but he has pledged one thing.
"I am sure that I will continue to devote my life to defending those that can't defend themselves and protect those who need protecting."
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.keranews.org/2016-03-19/after-decades-in-solitary-last-of-the-angola-3-carry-on-their-struggle | 2022-08-18T21:32:17Z |
Child dies from suspected brain-eating amoeba infection, health officials say
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT/Gray News) – Health officials in Nebraska said a child died after what they suspect was a brain-eating amoeba infection.
Dr. Lindsay Huse said the CDC is working to confirm that the death was caused by primary amebic meningoencephalitis – the disease caused by infection with the amoeba called Naegleria fowleri – after the child went swimming in the Elkhorn River on Aug. 8.
Dr. Kari Neeman, an infectious disease expert at Children’s Hospital in Omaha, said the child had symptoms about five days after exposure and went to the hospital within 48 hours of the onset of those symptoms.
If confirmed, the death would mark the first Naegleria fowleri case in Nebraska history.
The Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) is now urging extra caution when coming into contact with freshwater sources like rivers, lakes and streams.
Huse said the DCHD will not be releasing further details about the child because of privacy concerns. She said it was possible that others swimming in the same area at the time came in contact with the amoeba but were not infected.
Naegleria fowleri is often present in freshwater, and if it gets up your nose, it can gain access to the central nervous system and into the brain, according to Dr. Mark Rupp, an infectious disease expert at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Officials suggest keeping your head above water when swimming in rivers, lakes and streams. If you do go underwater, officials say to plug your nose when swimming or diving.
Health officials said you cannot be infected by drinking contaminated water.
Symptoms, which typically occur within 12 days of an infection, can include headache, fever, nausea or vomiting, but can progress to stiffness in the neck, confusion and seizures.
While the disease is extremely rare, its mortality rate is more than 97%. Patients are very unlikely to survive.
“The real tragedy behind this is that the treatments are not great, and the mortality is very, very high, almost universal,” Rupp said.
According to the CDC, 154 known cases have been reported since 1962, and only four of those people survived.
Of the 31 cases reported in the last 10 years, 28 people were infected by recreational water, two people were infected after performing nasal irrigation using contaminated tap water, and one person was infected by contaminated tap water used on a backyard slip-n-slide, the CDC said.
The DCHD does not have any plans to shut down access points along the Elkhorn River where the child was infected but is advising swimmers to use awareness and caution.
A similar case led to the death of a Missouri resident who was likely infected while swimming in an Iowa lake last month. The lake was closed to swimmers for several days while the CDC tested the waters to confirm the presence of Naegleria fowleri.
Huse said the recent cases aren’t necessarily related, noting that the case in Iowa was in water not connected to the Elkhorn River. But regions are becoming warmer, and the organism loves heat and thrives in drought conditions — particularly warmer, stagnant, shallow waters, she said.
Health officials said the best way to reduce your chance of infection is to simply not allow water to get up your nose.
Copyright 2022 WOWT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/18/child-dies-suspected-brain-eating-amoeba-infection-health-officials-say/ | 2022-08-18T21:43:09Z |
Mother accused of pepper spraying school bus with children on board, authorities say
Published: Aug. 18, 2022 at 5:34 PM EDT|Updated: 7 minutes ago
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (WFOX/WJAX) - A Georgia woman was taken into police custody after reportedly using pepper spray on a school bus on Tuesday.
A witness, who wanted to stay anonymous, said Shaquayle Cuyler got involved in a disagreement with one of her neighbors that day.
Georgia authorities said the 30-year-old mother then had an issue with the school bus driver and monitor that led to her using pepper spray.
According to school officials, the bus driver and monitor had to be taken to a hospital after the reported incident.
Authoroties said 24 students were on the bus. Emergency medical services treated them at the scene, and they were taken to school by another bus.
Copyright 2022 WFOX/WJAX via CNN. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/18/mother-accused-pepper-spraying-school-bus-with-children-board-authorities-say/ | 2022-08-18T21:43:13Z |
Police: Daycare worker arrested for inappropriate, violent behavior towards children
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF/Gray News) - A South Carolina daycare worker is facing criminal charges after a witness reported inappropriate, sometimes violent behavior towards children.
The Horry County Police Department arrested 22-year-old Megan Nicole Sallee Wednesday and charged her with unlawful conduct toward a child, according to WMBF.
The report gathered by the Horry County Police Department says on July 12, a witness saw Sallee leave two children in bouncy seats for half a day, far longer than the Kidzone Day Care permits, causing bruising to their backs.
The warrant states on July 15, while working at the Kidzone Day Care, Sallee violently shook the crib the victim was in, causing the child to hit his head against the crib railing. It also states Sallee pushed the child down in the crib, causing the child’s head to slam into the crib rails.
The report stated Sallee also put a blanket over the child’s head several times.
According to the report, these incidents happened throughout the day while the child was in Sallee’s care.
Signs your child may be experiencing abuse at daycare, according to Stanford Medicine.
Kidzone Day Care said it had closed the business in late July and that the space had been taken over by The Learning Station. According to WMBF, the two businesses are not connected, and The Learning Station said it never employed Sallee.
The Learning Station released the following statement to WMBF:
“Our team at The Learning Station is saddened to hear of a child care worker being arrested. This is a serious and unfortunate incident. We would like it to be clear that Kidzone is no longer in existence and is not our program. Kidzone Child Care Center was run by different owners under a different license numbers. We purchased the real estate upon closing of their center and reopened as The Learning Station on July 25, 2022.”
Sallee remains in jail with a bond set at $10,000.
Copyright 2022 WMBF via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/08/18/police-daycare-worker-arrested-inappropriate-violent-behavior-towards-children/ | 2022-08-18T21:43:15Z |
BEIJING, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 9F Inc. (NASDAQ: JFU) ("9F" or the "Company") today announced that it has received a written notification from the staff of the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC ("Nasdaq") dated August 12, 2022, indicating that for the last 30 consecutive business days, the closing bid price of the Company's American depositary shares (the "ADSs") was below the minimum bid price of US$1.00 per share requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). The Nasdaq notification letter has no current effect on the listing or trading of the Company's ADSs on Nasdaq.
Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company is provided with a grace period of 180 calendar days, or until February 8, 2023, to meet the aforesaid requirement under the Nasdaq Listing Rules. If at any time during the 180-day grace period, the closing bid price of the Company's ADSs is US$1.00 per share or higher for at least ten consecutive business days, Nasdaq will provide the Company written confirmation and the matter will be closed. In the event the Company does not meet the relevant requirement by February 8, 2023, subject to the determination by the staff of Nasdaq, the Company may be eligible for an additional 180-day grace period.
The Nasdaq notification letter does not affect the Company's business operations, and the Company will take all reasonable measures to meet the relevant requirement within the prescribed grace period.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "target," "confident" and similar statements. Such statements are based upon management's current expectations and current market, regulatory and operating conditions and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties as to the Company's ability to cure any non-compliance with the Nasdaq's continued listing criteria. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither track record nor past performance is indicative of future results. 9F Inc. does not guarantee any specific outcome (including the outcome of its ongoing business transformation) or profit.
All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and subject to change without notice. 9F Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update information contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable law.
For investor and media enquiries, please contact:
In China:
9F Inc.
E-mail: ir@9fbank.com.cn
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SOURCE 9F Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/9f-inc-announces-receipt-minimum-bid-price-notice-nasdaq/ | 2022-08-18T21:43:21Z |
Quarterly PSN Top Guns List published by Zephyr identifies best-in-class separate accounts, managed accounts, and managed ETF strategies
ALAMEDA, Calif., Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Adelante Capital Management ("Adelante") announced today it has been named to the celebrated PSN Top Guns List of best performing separate accounts, managed accounts, and managed ETF strategies for Q2 2022. The highly anticipated list, published by Zephyr, remains one of the most important references for investors and asset managers.
"With the growing interest in separately managed accounts, the PSN Top Guns List has attracted greater attention," says Margaret Tobiasen, SVP of Data Distribution who cites PSN's pioneering efforts as the first SMA database as the reason for the list's popularity. "Adelante Capital Management has done remarkable work and we are pleased to include them as a top performer."
- In November 2017 Adelante Capital Management created the Adelante NEXTGen Property Securities Index. This index is designed to serve as a proxy for the non-traditional commercial real estate property types that have evolved and emerged over the past decade.
- The Adelante NewCORE strategy seeks to build a concentrated portfolio of diversified US real estate securities that will outperform the Adelante NEXTGen Property Securities Index.
- The NewCORE Strategy targets real estate companies in the NEXTGen Property Types that are undervalued and have attractive growth potential. Our investment team leverages our experience in the direct real estate markets and property operations to deliver the best proxy for real estate returns to clients.
"Being named to the PSN Top Gun List is a great honor and a testament to our NewCORE strategy focusing on non-traditional sectors to deliver superior performance for our clients," says Jeung Hyun, Adelante Portfolio Manager. "Our investment team does an exceptional job of researching and investing in a select number of companies; with two portfolio holdings being the beneficiaries of M&A during the quarter, our value discipline continues to find validation."
Through a combination PSN's proprietary performance screens, the PSN Top Guns List ranks products in six proprietary categories in over 75 universes based on continued performance over time.
Adelante's NewCORE strategy was named Top Gun 1-3 Stars rating, meaning our NewCORE strategy:
1-Star REIT Universe: had one of the top ten returns for the quarter in their respective strategy.
2-Star REIT Universe: had one of the top ten returns for the one-year period in their respective strategy.
3-Star REIT Universe: had one of the top ten returns for the three-year period in their respective strategy.
The objective of the NewCORE Strategy is to produce long-term capital growth and current return by investing in a diversified portfolio of U.S. public real estate securities in non-traditional property types that have emerged over the past decade.
The complete list of PSN Top Guns and an overview of the methodology can be located at https://psn.fi.informais.com/. Registration is required.
Founded in 1995, Adelante Capital Management is a minority and employee-owned SEC registered investment management firm focused on real estate securities, predominantly real estate investment trusts, with $2 billion of assets under management. As specialists in real estate equities, we employ a disciplined investment process seeking high quality portfolios for our clients at attractive prices relative to direct real estate values. Our property-centric research is conducted by an in-house team of experienced sector and regional experts who have meaningful, long-term relationships with company management. With high conviction in our investment decisions our portfolios are concentrated and managed with low turnover to capture real estate fundamentals.
For nearly four decades, PSN has been a top resource for investment professionals. Asset managers rely on Zephyr's PSN to effectively reach institutional and retail investors rely. Over 2,800 firms, 285 universes, and more than 21,000 products comprise the PSN SMA database showing asset breakdowns, compliance, key personnel, ownership diversity, ESG, business objectives and strategy, style, fees, GIC sectors, fixed income ranges and full holdings. Unique to PSN is its robust historical database of nearly 40 Years of Data Including Net and Gross-of-Fee Returns. For more details on the methodology behind the PSN Top Guns Rankings or to purchase PSN Top Guns Reports, contact Margaret Tobiasen at Margaret.tobiasen@informa.com. Visit PSN online to learn more.
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SOURCE Adelante Capital Management | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/adelante-capital-management-named-psn-top-guns-list-best-performing-strategies-q2-2022/ | 2022-08-18T21:43:27Z |
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Aeglea BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AGLE), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a new generation of human enzyme therapeutics to benefit people with rare metabolic diseases, today announced that a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for pegzilarginase for the treatment of Arginase 1 Deficiency (ARG1-D) has been submitted to and successfully validated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The MAA was submitted by Immedica Pharma AB, Aeglea's commercialization partner in Europe and the Middle East.
Pegzilarginase is a novel, recombinant human arginase 1 enzyme that in clinical trials has been shown to normalize the elevated levels of the amino acid arginine in patients with ARG1-D, a rare, progressive disease characterized by high levels of arginine. People living with ARG1-D experience severe spasticity-related mobility limitations, seizures, developmental delay, intellectual disability, and early mortality.
"For progressive diseases like ARG1-D, every day that passes without an approved therapy increases the disease burden and worsens the outcome for patients and their families. If approved, we believe pegzilarginase has the potential to benefit these families," said Anthony G. Quinn, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Aeglea. "We are thrilled with the progress being made with the validation of the MAA and look forward to continuing to work with and support our partner Immedica throughout the EMA review process."
Dr. Quinn continued, "I would like to thank all the patients, families, investigators, staff and advocates who participated in our clinical trials and helped in the advancement of pegzilarginase, potentially the first health authority-approved treatment to address the underlying driver of ARG1-D, elevated arginine levels."
Immedica's MAA submission includes data from multiple clinical studies in ARG1-D, including the double-blind, placebo-controlled PEACE Phase 3 study and its ongoing long-term extension, a Phase 1/2 clinical trial and an open-label extension study. Results from these trials demonstrate that pegzilarginase is able to rapidly and sustainably lower arginine levels and showed improvements in measures of mobility. In the PEACE study, most treatment-emergent adverse events were mild or moderate in severity and there were no discontinuations due to treatment-emergent adverse events. The EMA has granted pegzilarginase Orphan Drug Designation.
Pegzilarginase is a novel recombinant human enzyme engineered to degrade the amino acid arginine and has been shown to rapidly and sustainably lower levels of the amino acid arginine in plasma. Aeglea is developing pegzilarginase for the treatment of people with Arginase 1 Deficiency (ARG1-D), a rare debilitating and progressive disease characterized by the accumulation of arginine. ARG1-D presents in early childhood and patients experience spasticity, seizures, developmental delay, intellectual disability and early mortality.
The PEACE Phase 3 clinical trial met its primary endpoint with a 76.7% reduction in mean plasma arginine compared to placebo. Additionally, 90.5% of pegzilarginase treated patients achieved normal plasma arginine levels. The arginine lowering was accompanied by a positive trend in Gross Motor Function Measure Part E, a measure of patient mobility. Aeglea's Phase 1/2 and Phase 2 Open-Label Extension (OLE) data for pegzilarginase in patients with ARG1-D demonstrated clinical improvements and sustained lowering of plasma arginine. Pegzilarginase has received multiple regulatory designations, including Rare Pediatric Disease, Breakthrough Therapy, Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as well as Orphan Drug Designation from the European Medicines Agency.
Aeglea BioTherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company redefining the potential of human enzyme therapeutics to benefit people with rare metabolic diseases with limited treatment options. Pegzilarginase achieved the primary endpoint of arginine reduction in the PEACE Phase 3 clinical trial and has received both Rare Pediatric Disease and Breakthrough Therapy Designations. Aeglea also has an ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial of AGLE-177 for the treatment of Homocystinuria. AGLE-177 has been granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation. Aeglea has an active discovery platform focused on engineering small changes in human enzymes to have a big impact on the lives of patients and their families. For more information, please visit http://aeglea.com.
Safe Harbor / Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will" and similar references to future periods. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what we expect. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding our ability to obtain regulatory approval for, and commercialize, pegzilarginase, recognize milestone and royalty payments from our agreement with Immedica, the timing and success of our clinical trials and related data, the timing and expectations for regulatory submissions and approvals, including the MAA for pegzilarginase in Europe, timing and results of meetings with regulators, the timing of announcements and updates relating to our clinical trials and related data, our ability to enroll patients into our clinical trials, the expected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and clinical trials, success in our collaborations, the length of time that we believe our existing cash resources will fund operations, the potential addressable markets of our product candidates and the potential therapeutic benefits and economic value of our lead product candidate or other product candidates. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect our business and its financial results are detailed in our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and other reports as filed with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
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SOURCE Aeglea BioTherapeutics, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/aeglea-biotherapeutics-announces-european-medicines-agency-validation-marketing-authorization-application-pegzilarginase-treatment-arginase-1-deficiency/ | 2022-08-18T21:43:29Z |
DUBLIN, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Aptiv PLC (NYSE: APTV) a global technology company focused on making mobility safer, greener and more connected, today announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.375 per share on its 5.50% Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Shares, payable on September 15, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 1, 2022.
About Aptiv
Aptiv is a global technology company that develops safer, greener and more connected solutions enabling a more sustainable future of mobility. Visit aptiv.com.
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SOURCE Aptiv PLC | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/aptiv-declares-quarterly-preferred-share-dividend/ | 2022-08-18T21:43:35Z |
New tech repair shop provides fast fixes for phones, tablets, laptops and more
LAS VEGAS, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A new electronics repair shop, Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions™, has opened in southwest Las Vegas at 7645 South Rainbow Blvd. The store offers professional fixes for most consumer electronics, from smartphones, tablets and computers to game consoles, smart speakers, drones and more.
While common repairs include cracked screens, battery issues and water damage, the company's repair experts have fixed millions of devices and can help with most any tech mishap, and many basic repairs can be completed in 45 minutes or less.
The store is locally owned by Joe Westling and Daniel McDonald, who own an additional location in northern Las Vegas.
"We're looking forward to expanding the Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions footprint in Las Vegas," said Westling. "It is a joy working with a team that not only cares about satisfying customers, but ensuring everyone stays connected with the help of reliable and affordable device repairs."
The store's expert repair technicians fix all kinds of technology, regardless of make or model, and the store is an authorized repair provider for Samsung Galaxy® and Google Pixel™ smartphones. Customers can book a repair appointment online or stop by the store for walk-in service. The store offers free, no-obligation diagnostics on all gadgets, as well as a 1-year limited warranty on all repairs. It even offers a price match guarantee on any local competitor's regularly published price for the same repair.
The new Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions store brings the company's retail footprint to more than 750 locations across the U.S. Formerly known as uBreakiFix®, all U.S. locations are rebranding as Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions.
"We are excited to serve people in Las Vegas with fast and affordable tech repair," said Dave Barbuto, CEO of Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions. "We all rely on our phones and laptops more than ever before, and our mission is bigger than repairing shattered screens and broken charge ports. We fix tech because people depend on it to stay connected to things that are important to them. I look forward to serving this community through our new location."
The new store is located at:
Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions
7645 S Rainbow Blvd Suite 101, Las Vegas, NV 89113
(725) 269-3100
About Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions
Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions, formerly known as uBreakiFix, is the retail brand operated and franchised by a subsidiary of tech care company Asurion. As the world's leading tech care company, Asurion eliminates the fears and frustrations associated with technology to ensure its 300 million customers get the most out of their devices, appliances and connections. Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions stores specialize in the repair of consumer technology, including smartphones, game consoles, tablets, computers and nearly everything in between. Asurion Tech Repair and Solutions repair experts fix cracked screens, software issues, camera issues and most other tech mishaps at more than 750 stores across the U.S. The stores provide fast, affordable fixes for nearly any device type, regardless of make or model, including authorized repairs for Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy smartphones.
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SOURCE Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/asurion-tech-repair-amp-solutions-opens-las-vegas/ | 2022-08-18T21:43:42Z |
Investor Presentation to be held at 12:45 p.m. Central Time
FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- AZZ Inc. (NYSE: AZZ), a global provider of metal coating solutions, coil coating solutions, welding solutions, specialty electrical equipment and highly engineered services, announced today that David Nark, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Communications and Investor Relations, will present at the 13th Annual Midwest IDEAS Conference on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at 12:45 p.m. CT at The Gwen Hotel in Chicago, IL.
A webcast of the presentation will be available on the Company's Investor Relations page at www.azz.com/investor-relations. A replay of the presentation will be available following the event.
Management will host one-on-one investor meetings during the event. Investors interested in arranging one-on-one meetings should contact Lacey Wesley at (817) 769-2373 or lwesley@threepa.com. Conversely, you may also call or email Lytham Partners at 602-889-9700, or azz@lythampartners.com.
About AZZ Inc.
AZZ Inc. is a global provider of galvanizing and a variety of metal coating and coil coating solutions, welding solutions, specialty electrical equipment and highly engineered services to a broad range of markets, including but not limited to the power generation, transmission, distribution, refining and industrial markets. The Company's Metal Coatings segment is a leading provider of metal finishing solutions for corrosion protection, including hot dip galvanizing, spin galvanizing, powder coating, anodizing and plating, to the North American steel fabrication industry. The Company's Precoat Metals segment is the leading independent provider of metal coil coating solutions in North America. Precoat engages in the advanced application of protective and decorative coatings and related value-added services for steel and aluminum coil primarily serving the construction, recreational vehicles appliance, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), container, transportation and other end markets. The Company's Infrastructure Solutions segment is dedicated to delivering safe and reliable transmission of power from generation sources to end customers, and automated weld overlay solutions for corrosion and erosion mitigation to critical infrastructure in the energy and waste management markets worldwide.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements herein about our expectations of future events or results constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements are based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and management's views and assumptions regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and investors must recognize that actual results may differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Certain factors could affect the outcome of the matters described herein. This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, changes in customer demand for our products and services, including demand by the power generation markets, electrical transmission and distribution markets, the industrial markets, and the metal coatings markets. In addition, within each of the markets we serve, our customers and our operations could potentially be adversely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We could also experience fluctuations in prices and raw material cost, including zinc and natural gas which are used in the hot dip galvanizing process; supply-chain vendor delays ; customer requested delays of our products or services; delays in additional acquisition opportunities; currency exchange rates; adequacy of financing; availability of experienced management and employees to implement AZZ's growth strategy; a downturn in market conditions in any industry relating to the products we inventory or sell or the services that we provide; economic volatility or changes in the political stability in the United States and other foreign markets in which we operate; acts of war or terrorism inside the United States or abroad; and other changes in economic and financial conditions. AZZ has provided additional information regarding risks associated with the business in AZZ's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2022 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), available for viewing on AZZ's website at www.azz.com and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. You are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements herein and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. These statements are based on information as of the date hereof and AZZ assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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SOURCE AZZ Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/azz-inc-present-13th-annual-midwest-ideas-conference-august-25-2022/ | 2022-08-18T21:43:48Z |
Trial lawyers Reid Martin, Jack Walker, Marisa Allen selected to prestigious legal guide
TYLER, Texas, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Martin Walker PC attorneys Reid Martin, Jack Walker and Marisa Allen have each been named among the top lawyers in the country in the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers in America, one of the most widely recognized and respected legal guides in the industry.
Mr. Martin is recognized for his work for plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases, an honor secured for the fourth consecutive year. With 30 years of trial experience, Mr. Martin's record includes a win that he and Mr. Walker collaborated on, a $43 million courtroom win that was Texas' largest medical malpractice verdict in 2018, earning a spot in Texas Lawyer's Verdicts Hall of Fame.
Repeat honorees Mr. Walker and Ms. Allen are honored for their work on behalf of plaintiffs in personal injury litigation. The 2023 guide marks Mr. Walker's fourth consecutive year to receive the honor and Ms. Allen's third. The two have proven records of successfully securing favorable verdicts in complex personal injury matters.
"We are thrilled about this honor," said Ms. Allen. "To be nominated by peers in the legal profession is extra special and keeps us inspired, but obtaining justice for our clients is always at the forefront of our efforts."
Both name partners are Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Ms. Allen is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law. Earning spots on the Best Lawyers in America guide for 2023 is the latest honor for the Martin Walker team, which includes recognition by Texas Super Lawyers, the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list, the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by National Trial Lawyers and many others.
Attorneys selected to the esteemed Best Lawyers in America list are chosen by peers practicing in the same area. Honorees undergo a thorough verification process, with final selections made by the Best Lawyers research team.
For the full list, visit https://www.bestlawyers.com/
Martin Walker PC is a Tyler-based law firm with significant trial expertise representing individuals and businesses in high-stakes litigation, including medical malpractice, catastrophic injuries involving 18-wheeler accidents, oilfield injuries, wrongful death, and product liability.
Media Contact:
Alyssa Woulfe
800-559-4534
alyssa@androvett.com
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SOURCE Martin Walker PC | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/best-lawyers-america-recognizes-martin-walker-pc-attorneys-among-top-lawyers-2023/ | 2022-08-18T21:43:55Z |
Plant-Based Ganache Dessert Brand Offers Two Tempting Flavors to Harris Teeter Consumers
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bon Dévil, a California, plant-based dessert brand, has launched into select Harris Teeter grocery stores with two decadent flavors: Choc and Vanilla. Each of Bon Dévil's 1.6 oz. dessert cups start with a coconut base and contain no dairy, no gluten, no GMOs and Vegan Certified, while boasting just 100 - 120 calories per serving. The brand launched in July with 1.6 oz. 4-Packs, at an SRP of $4.49.
Bon Dévil makes desserts that taste devilishly delicious but are far better for you than those that are traditionally-made. These decadent desserts are free of all the dessert and dairy sins. They're plant-based, with no dairy, gluten, lactose or GMOs, so consumers can indulge their desires and give into temptation without guilt. In addition to the flavors launching at Harris Teeter, Bon Dévil also makes Salted Caramel Choc and Caramelized Banana ganaches within the full breadth of the line. "We're excited to share Bon Dévil with the Harris Teeter family," shares Bon Dévil founder James Averdieck. "We know the consumers of Harris Teeter will love these wickedly delicious desserts that not only taste amazing but happen to be completely vegan."
Bon Dévil will continue to expand into additional retailers within the refrigerated dessert set. Stay up to date on the latest at bon-devil.com, including hellishly exciting news on additional retailers that have entered Bon Dévil's heavenly gates.
About Bon Dévil:
Few mortals can resist the devastating temptation of Bon Dévil's wickedly delicious coconut-based desserts. Born from the deepest darkest desires of grocery consumers, Bon Dévil comes in 4 different flavors and is 100% plant-based, gluten free, no evil GMO's, under 120 calories and sin free. Pure pleasure without the guilt, find Bon Dévil in major US Natural, Conventional and Mass Grocers.
www.bon-devil.com
www.instagram.com/thebondevil
www.facebook.com/thebondevil
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SOURCE Bon Dévil | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/bon-dvils-devilishly-delicious-chilled-desserts-now-available-harris-teeter/ | 2022-08-18T21:44:01Z |
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bowman and Brooke, a nationally recognized trial firm with one of the country's largest product liability practices, is one of the first firms to adopt AllSearch, novel search technology powered by an emerging form of AI known as neural nets.
AllSearch was developed by Casetext, the leading provider of AI-powered technology for attorneys, to address a fundamental weakness in traditional legal research tools: search results are limited to the specific keywords that are input as queries.
AllSearch encodes documents in a much richer format than traditional search engines. This enables attorneys to more efficiently identify information, reducing "false positives" and increasing recall of relevant material. Bowman and Brooke's attorneys have used AllSearch to save significant amounts of time when conducting document searches, particularly when sifting through thousands of documents to find the information they need during litigation.
"After seeing the benefits of using neural net search on case law, Bowman and Brooke approached Casetext about expanding this search capability to other databases. This advanced tool allows our firm to streamline discovery processes and instantly identify key evidence in litigation records," said Chris Austin, Director of Information Governance at Bowman and Brooke.
"We're always seeking to gain a competitive advantage and provide the best possible work product to our clients while also striving for efficiencies," added Austin. "AllSearch helps our firm accomplish these goals."
"Bowman and Brooke's dedication to using technology to best represent their clients was a driving force for the development of AllSearch," said Pablo Arredondo, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Casetext. "Working with Bowman and Brooke, we were able to confirm that the benefits of neural net search extends well beyond case law research to other critical tasks like discovery, deposition prep, and appellate drafting."
Casetext has made it effortless for law firms to apply its search technology to any set of documents, including written discovery, transcripts, expert reports, brief banks, and contracts. AllSearch databases can be created via a simple drag-and-drop interface, or via an API. After a successful paid beta with a handful of client law firms, AllSearch is now being rolled out as Casetext's latest product offering.
Since 1985, Bowman and Brooke has defended products and manufacturers as both lead trial counsel and national coordinating counsel in high-exposure and technically intricate lawsuits. With twelve offices coast to coast, Bowman and Brooke is a nationally recognized law firm with one of the largest product liability practices in the country.
The firm also defends corporate clients, including Global 500 and international companies, in widely publicized catastrophic injury and wrongful death matters as well as other complex litigation. Bowman and Brooke's resources go beyond its core group of first-chair trial lawyers to include the legal acumen necessary to aggressively and tirelessly pursue results for clients.
For more information, visit www.bowmanandbrooke.com.
Casetext builds the most advanced AI legal technology available on the market today. Launched in 2013, Casetext has steadily grown to provide lawyers with a range of innovative tools to streamline critical elements of legal practice. Casetext offers powerful technology for legal research, brief drafting, knowledge management, discovery, and more. Today, over 10,000 law firms, including over 40 AmLaw 200 firms, rely on Casetext to improve the efficiency of their law practice.
For more information on Casetext, visit www.casetext.com or contact our team at info@trycasetext.com.
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SOURCE Casetext | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/bowman-brooke-adds-powerful-search-technology-casetext-its-arsenal-litigation-tools/ | 2022-08-18T21:44:07Z |
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- M/I Homes, Inc. (NYSE: MHO) today announced that Bruce A. Soll, formerly Vice Chair International of LBrands, Inc. and currently a counselor for Soll Advisors, LLC, has been appointed to the M/I Homes Board of Directors effective August 18, 2022. Mr. Soll will be filling a newly added seat to the M/I Homes Board.
In making the announcement, M/I Homes Chairman and CEO Robert H. Schottenstein stated: "We are pleased and honored to have Bruce Soll join our Board. He is a highly respected, proven leader with vast public company leadership experience. His expertise and experience will greatly benefit our Board and Company."
In his role as a counselor for Soll Advisors, LLC, Mr. Soll provides services to the boards of directors of public companies and non-profit organizations. Prior to his role at Soll Advisors, LLC, Mr. Soll held various leadership roles with LBrands, Inc. Mr. Soll also currently serves as a Director of Nationwide Children's Hospital and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of Columbus Downtown Development Corporation/Capitol South.
M/I Homes, Inc. is one of the nation's leading homebuilders of single-family homes. The Company has homebuilding operations in Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Detroit, Michigan; Tampa, Sarasota and Orlando, Florida; Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, Texas; Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina and Nashville, Tennessee.
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "targets," "envisions", "goals," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statements that we make herein and in any future reports and statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, without limitation, factors relating to the economic environment, interest rates, availability of resources, competition, market concentration, land development activities, construction defects, product liability and warranty claims and various governmental rules and regulations, as more fully discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as the same may be updated from time to time in our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements made in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and the risk that actual results will differ materially from expectations expressed herein will increase with the passage of time. We undertake no duty to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. However, any further disclosures made on related subjects in our subsequent filings, releases or presentations should be consulted.
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SOURCE M/I Homes, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/bruce-soll-joins-mi-homes-board/ | 2022-08-18T21:44:13Z |
Key Television Markets Include:
New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas, Atlanta, San Francisco, Boston, Seattle, Tampa, Detroit, Miami, and Pittsburgh
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Byron Allen's Allen Media Group (AMG) free-streaming digital platform, HBCU GO -- the leading media provider for the nation's 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) – proudly announces nationwide clearance for their 2022-23 sports season as part of the new carriage deal with CBS owned-and-operated duopoly stations. Key television markets include: New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas, Atlanta, San Francisco, Boston, Seattle, Tampa, Detroit, Miami, and Pittsburgh. HBCU GO will kick off the fall sports season on September 3rd with a star-studded pre-season show featuring the nation's top Gridiron NFL and Black College Hall of Famers and HBCU alums.
With this new carriage deal, HBCU GO is currently in 60 percent of U.S. television households and 70 percent of African-American households. This news comes on the heels of HBCU GO's recent announcement of the distribution partnership with the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAA) -- that grants HBCU GO cable, linear, streaming, broadcast, VOD, and pay-per-view rights to premier NCAA Division 2 HBCU conference sporting events.
In addition to the newly announced CBS owned-and-operated duopoly station clearances, HBCU GO has secured distribution with group-owned television stations including Nexstar, Gray, Cox, Scripps, Tegna, Sinclair, Lockwood, Allen Media Broadcasting, Hearst, Circle City Broadcasting, McKinnon Broadcasting, Cowles, Graham, Block, Sun Broadcasting, Tougaloo College, Sagamore Hill, and Marquee. HBCU GO programming is available on HBCUGO.TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. Viewers can also access programming by downloading the HBCU GO App.
"Allen Media Group is thrilled that the CBS O&O stations have joined our excellent group of broadcast television station partners to increase the reach of HBCU GO's high-quality sports programming," said Byron Allen, Founder/Chairman/CEO of Allen Media Group. "We are proud to amplify these amazing athletes and HBCUs, while at the same time helping to finance the education of these young adults. Now sports fans across the country will have access to best-in-class games from America's HBCUs."
"We are honored to work with our partners at Allen Media Group to bring live broadcasts of HBCU football games to our audiences in 12 major markets," said Wendy McMahon, President and Co-Head, CBS News and Stations. "As a Louisiana native and football fan, I am personally and professionally proud to play a role in having our stations shine a light on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the student athletes who are living out their dreams both on the field and in the classroom."
For more information about HBCU GO visit HBCUGO.TV or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram. The 2022 HBCU football schedule can be found below.
HBCU GO is a cultural lifestyle destination and leading sports media provider that embraces and represents the voice of Black Excellence every day of the year through an all-new platform that captures the rich history, diversity, perspectives, and cultural experiences at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). HBCU GO also provides a platform for emerging creatives in media production, branding, and broadcasting. We offer our viewers the best in live sports, original series, documentaries, films, comedy, and edutainment programming produced by African-American leading producers, directors, and students from select HBCUs.
Launched in 2012, the free-streaming service HBCU GO was purchased by Byron Allen in 2021 and is part of Byron Allen's Allen Media Group (AMG). AMG is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Charleston, SC. AMG owns 27 ABC-NBC-CBS-FOX network affiliate broadcast television stations in 21 U.S. markets and twelve 24-hour HD television networks serving nearly 220 million subscribers: THE WEATHER CHANNEL, THE WEATHER CHANNEL EN ESPAÑOL, PETS.TV, COMEDY.TV, RECIPE.TV, CARS.TV, ES.TV, MYDESTINATION.TV, JUSTICECENTRAL.TV, THEGRIO, THIS TV, and PATTRN. AMG also owns the streaming platforms HBCU GO, THE GRIO STREAMING APP, SPORTS.TV, THE WEATHER CHANNEL STREAMING APP, and LOCAL NOW -- the free-streaming AVOD service powered by THE WEATHER CHANNEL and content partners, which delivers real-time, hyper-local news, weather, traffic, sports, and lifestyle information. For more information, visit: www.entertainmentstudios.com and www.hbcugo.tv
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SOURCE Allen Media Group | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/byron-allens-allen-media-group-announces-hbcu-go-distribution-deal-with-cbs-oampo-duopoly-stations-football-sports-package/ | 2022-08-18T21:44:19Z |
NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED), issued the following statement in response to the announcement by Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), that the CDC will be undertaking major reforms:
The Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED), welcomes the announcement from the CDC's Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, regarding the reorganization of the agency to prioritize public health needs, address continuing outbreaks, and restructure CDC communications to make guidance for the public clearer and easier to access. We share Dr. Walensky's goal of "a new, public health, action-oriented culture at the CDC that emphasizes accountability, collaboration, communication and timeliness." These and other reforms will help the agency respond much faster to public health emergencies, including the current monkeypox outbreak.
Many of the proposed reforms align with CED recommendations in its Solutions Brief, Preparing for the Next Health Crisis: Lessons from the Pandemic:
- Significantly reforming the CDC to find better ways to implement scientific guidance in real-world contexts;
- Reducing the number and complexity of guidance documents (CDC released over 7,000 guidance documents in the pandemic);
- Clearly presenting public health data to reduce public confusion and skepticism and avoid the "start-stop" nature of changes in guidance that characterized this pandemic;
- Implementing reform to enable the release of data as fast as possible to encourage timeliness in public health responses;
- Establishing new authority to require reporting of data from all states. Additionally, building a "national network of precise, uniform, accurate data" from all states with uniform reporting standards to enable the fastest possible analysis and release of data.
Looking forward, the CDC should also consult more closely with business through an advisory committee to minimize disruptions to the economy during public health emergencies and plan for the future.
About CED
The Committee for Economic Development (CED) is the public policy center of The Conference Board. The nonprofit, nonpartisan, business-led organization delivers well-researched analysis and reasoned solutions in the nation's interest. CED Trustees are chief executive officers and key executives of leading US companies who bring their unique experience to address today's pressing policy issues. Collectively they represent 30+ industries, over a trillion dollars in revenue, and over 4 million employees. www.ced.org
About The Conference Board
The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers trusted insights for what's ahead. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States.
www.conference-board.org
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SOURCE Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board (CED) | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/ced-issues-statement-cdc-directors-call-major-reforms-agency/ | 2022-08-18T21:44:26Z |
Top 10 Builder Now Selling New Homes in Dallas, Winder and Homer
ATLANTA, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS), a top 10 national homebuilder and industry leader in online home sales, announced the grand opening of four new communities in the Greater Atlanta area: Riverwood (Dallas), Summit Pointe (Dallas), Rockwell Meadows (Winder), and Chimney Oaks (Homer). Combined, the communities add another 243 homesites to Century's footprint in the Atlanta area.
"Starting from the $300s, these exciting new communities are spread across fast-growing and highly desirable locations in the Atlanta Metro area," said Monica Phillips, Atlanta VP of sales and marketing. "We're eager for homebuyers to tour our new models, explore available homes, and find their perfect combination of dream home and location."
Each community boasts a versatile selection of single-family homes, including contemporary single- and two-story layouts, with high-quality included features like the builder's Century Home Connect® smart home package. Most communities also feature access to exceptional community amenities, like pools, clubhouses, sports courts and trails.
About Riverwood
51 Dew Drop Point
Dallas, GA 30157
- Single-family homes from the mid $400s
- 52 homesites
- 4 two-story floor plans
- 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3 baths, 2-bay garages, up to 3,075 square feet
- Community amenities include a pool, clubhouse, tennis courts, fitness center, pools, basketball courts and pickleball
- Quick access to local parks, the Silver Comet Trail, Lake Allatoona, and Atlanta
- Model home now open
For more information, call 470.880.2569 or visit www.CenturyCommunities.com/RiverwoodGA.
About Summit Pointe
716 Colbert Road
Dallas, GA 30132
- Single-family homes from the high $300s
- 95 homesites
- 5 two-story floor plans
- 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3 baths, 2-bay garages, up to 2,802 square feet
- Community amenities include a pool, cabana and playground
- Close to Mt. Tabor Park and Burnt Hickory Park, with quick access to area attractions like Paulding Place shopping mall and The Avenue West Cobb
- Model home now open
For more information, call 470.880.2553 or visit www.CenturyCommunities.com/SummitPointeGA.
About Rockwell Meadows
35 Cattail Lane
Winder, GA 30680
- Single-family homes from the high $400s
- 58 homesites
- 4 single- and two-story floor plans
- 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2.5 to 4 baths, 2- to 3-bay garages, up to 3,403 square feet
- Up-and-coming area with small-town charm and easy access to Athens via I-85
- Model home now open
For more information, call 678.781.1525 or visit www.CenturyCommunities.com/RockwellMeadowsGA.
About Chimney Oaks
148 Chimney Oaks Drive
Homer, GA 30547
- Single-family homes from the high $300s
- 38 homesites
- 6 single- and two-story floor plans
- 2 to 4 bedrooms, 2 to 3.5 baths, 2-bay garages, up to 3,115 square feet
- Community amenities include a clubhouse, Olympic pool, tennis courts, trail and a golf course
- Charming rural setting with close proximity to Highway 441, I-85 and attractions like The Shoppes at Banks Crossing
- Model homes now open
For more information, call 470.892.2170 or visit www.CenturyCommunities.com/ChimneyOaksGA.
DISCOVER THE FREEDOM OF ONLINE HOMEBUYING:
Century Communities is proud to feature its industry-first online homebuying experience on all available homes in Georgia.
How it works:
- Shop homes at CenturyCommunities.com
- Click "Buy Now" on any available home
- Fill out a quick Buy Online form
- Electronically submit an initial earnest money deposit
- Electronically sign a purchase contract via DocuSign®
Learn more about the Buy Online experience at www.CenturyCommunities.com/online-homebuying.
About Century Communities
Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS) is a top 10 national homebuilder, offering new homes under the Century Communities and Century Complete brands. Century is engaged in all aspects of homebuilding — including the acquisition, entitlement and development of land, along with the construction, innovative marketing and sale of quality homes designed to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers. The Colorado-based company operates in 17 states and over 45 markets across the U.S., and also offers title, insurance and lending services in select markets through its Parkway Title, IHL Home Insurance Agency, and Inspire Home Loans subsidiaries. To learn more about Century Communities, please visit www.centurycommunities.com.
For information, contact:
Alyson Benn
Century Communities, Inc.
303.558.7352
Alyson.Benn@centurycommunities.com
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SOURCE Century Communities, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/century-communities-releases-four-new-communities-greater-atlanta-area/ | 2022-08-18T21:44:32Z |
OKLAHOMA CITY, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CHK) ("Chesapeake" or the "Company") today announced that it has commenced exchange offers (each, an "Offer," and collectively, the "Offers") relating to its outstanding (i) Class A warrants (the "Class A warrants"), (ii) Class B warrants (the "Class B warrants") and (iii) Class C warrants (the "Class C warrants," and together with the Class A warrants and the Class B warrants, the "warrants"), each to purchase shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company ("common stock"). The warrant structure was originally implemented as part of the Company's restructuring. By reducing the potential dilutive impact of the warrants through the Offers, the Company expects to simplify its capital structure, eliminate complexity and align the interests of all equity holders with minimal increase to the fully diluted share count. The Company intends to resume its $2 billion board authorized share repurchase program following the completion of the Offers.
The Company is offering to all holders of the warrants the opportunity to receive a number of shares of common stock to be determined over a ten trading day volume-weighted average trading price measurement period, in each case, for warrants validly tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the Offers, as further described in the Company's Schedule TO and Prospectus/Offers to Exchange.
The offering period for each Offer will continue until 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on September 16, 2022, or such later time and date to which the Company may extend an Offer, as described in the Company's Schedule TO and Prospectus/Offers to Exchange (each such date, an "Expiration Date"). Tendered warrants may be withdrawn by holders at any time prior to the applicable Expiration Date. The Company may extend or amend an Offer without extending or amending any other Offer.
The Offers are being made pursuant to a Prospectus/Offers to Exchange dated August 18, 2022, and Schedule TO, dated August 18, 2022, each of which has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and more fully set forth the terms and conditions of the Offers.
Chesapeake's common stock, Class A warrants, Class B warrants and Class C warrants are listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbols "CHK," "CHKEW," "CHKEZ" and "CHKEL," respectively. As of August 17, 2022, there were 120,849,113 shares of common stock, 9,751,853 Class A warrants, 12,290,669 Class B warrants and 11,269,865 Class C warrants outstanding.
The Company has engaged Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Cowen and Company, LLC and Intrepid Partners, LLC as the dealer managers for the Offers. Any questions or requests for assistance concerning the Offers may be directed to Citigroup Global Markets Inc. at 1 (212) 723-7914; Cowen and Company, LLC at 1 (646) 562-1010; and Intrepid Partners, LLC at 1 (713) 292-0863. D.F. King & Co., Inc. has been appointed as the information agent for the Offers, and Equiniti Trust Company has been appointed as the exchange agent. Requests for documents should be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc. at 1 (877) 732-3617 (for warrant holders) or 1 (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers) or via the following email address: chk@dfking.com.
Important Additional Information Has Been Filed with the SEC
Copies of the Schedule TO and Prospectus/Offers to Exchange will be available free of charge at the website of the SEC at www.sec.gov. Requests for documents may also be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc. at 1 (877) 732-3617 (for warrant holders) or 1 (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers) or via the following email address: chk@dfking.com. A registration statement on Form S-4 relating to the securities to be issued in the Offers has been filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective. Such securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective.
This announcement is for informational purposes only and shall not constitute an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell the warrants or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any shares of common stock in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful before registration or qualification under the laws of any such state. The Offers are being made only through the Schedule TO and Prospectus/Offers to Exchange, and the complete terms and conditions of the Offers are set forth in the Schedule TO and Prospectus/Offers to Exchange.
Holders of the warrants are urged to read the Schedule TO and Prospectus/Offers to Exchange carefully before making any decision with respect to the Offers because they contain important information, including the various terms of, and conditions to, the Offers.
None of the Company, any of its management or its board of directors, or the information agent, the exchange agent or any dealer manager makes any recommendation as to whether or not holders of warrants should tender warrants for exchange in the Offers.
Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Chesapeake Energy Corporation is powered by dedicated and innovative employees who are focused on discovering and responsibly developing our leading positions in top U.S. oil and gas plays. With a goal to achieve net-zero direct GHG emissions by 2035, Chesapeake is committed to safely answering the call for affordable, reliable, lower carbon energy.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are statements other than statements of historical fact. They include statements that give our current expectations, management's outlook guidance or forecasts of future events, expected natural gas and oil growth trajectory, projected cash flow and liquidity, our ability to enhance our cash flow and financial flexibility, dividend plans, future production and commodity mix, plans and objectives for future operations, ESG initiatives, the ability of our employees, portfolio strength and operational leadership to create long-term value, and the assumptions on which such statements are based. Although we believe the expectations and forecasts reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are inherently subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. No assurance can be given that such forward-looking statements will be correct or achieved or that the assumptions are accurate or will not change over time.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results include those described under "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K and any updates to those factors set forth in Chesapeake's subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K (available at http://www.chk.com/investors/sec-filings). These risk factors include: the ability to execute on our business strategy following emergence from bankruptcy; the impact of inflation and commodity price volatility resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, COVID-19 and related supply chain constraints, along with the effect on our business, financial condition, employees, contractors and vendors, and on the global demand for oil and natural gas and U.S. and world financial markets; the acquisitions of Vine Energy Inc. ("Vine") and Chief E&D Holdings, LP and affiliates of Tug Hill, Inc. (together, "Chief"), including our ability to successfully integrate the businesses of Vine and Chief into the Company and achieve the expected synergies from these acquisitions within the expected timeframes; effects of purchase price adjustments and indemnity obligations; the volatility of oil, natural gas and NGL prices; the limitations our level of indebtedness may have on our financial flexibility; our ability to comply with the covenants under our credit facility and other indebtedness; our inability to access the capital markets on favorable terms; the availability of cash flows from operations and other funds to fund cash dividends, repurchases of equity, to finance reserve replacement costs and/or satisfy our debt obligations; write-downs of our oil and natural gas asset carrying values due to low commodity prices; our ability to replace reserves and sustain production; uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of oil, natural gas and NGL reserves and projecting future rates of production and the amount and timing of development expenditures; our ability to generate profits or achieve targeted results in drilling and well operations; leasehold terms expiring before production can be established; commodity derivative activities resulting in lower prices realized on oil, natural gas and NGL sales; the need to secure derivative liabilities and the inability of counterparties to satisfy their obligations; adverse developments or losses from pending or future litigation and regulatory proceedings, including royalty claims; charges incurred in response to market conditions; drilling and operating risks and resulting liabilities; effects of environmental protection laws and regulations on our business and legislative, regulatory and environmental, social and governance ("ESG") initiatives, addressing environmental concerns, including initiatives addressing the impact of global climate change or further regulating hydraulic fracturing, methane emissions, flaring or water disposal; our ability to achieve and maintain ESG goals and certifications; our need to secure adequate supplies of water for our drilling operations and to dispose of or recycle the water used; impacts of potential legislative and regulatory actions addressing climate change; federal and state tax proposals affecting our industry; potential OTC derivatives regulation limiting our ability to hedge against commodity price fluctuations; competition in the oil and gas exploration and production industry; a deterioration in general economic, business or industry conditions; negative public perceptions of our industry; limited control over properties we do not operate; pipeline and gathering system capacity constraints and transportation interruptions; terrorist activities or cyber-attacks adversely impacting our operations; and an interruption in operations at our headquarters due to a catastrophic event.
In addition, disclosures concerning the estimated contribution of derivative contracts to our future results of operations are based upon market information as of a specific date. These market prices are subject to significant volatility. Our production forecasts are also dependent upon many assumptions, including estimates of production decline rates from existing wells and the outcome of future drilling activity. We caution you not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date of this news release, and we undertake no obligation to update any of the information provided in this release, except as required by applicable law. In addition, this news release contains time-sensitive information that reflects management's best judgment only as of the date of this news release.
INVESTOR CONTACT:
Chris Ayres
(405) 935-8870
ir@chk.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Brooke Coe
(405) 935-8878
media@chk.com
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SOURCE Chesapeake Energy Corporation | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/chesapeake-energy-corporation-announces-commencement-exchange-offers-relating-warrants/ | 2022-08-18T21:44:38Z |
More than 40 speakers—including Google, The New York Times, Paypal and Toyota—to share insights on building and scaling the next generation of cloud technologies, applications, infrastructure, security and technical teams
NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Datadog, Inc. (NASDAQ: DDOG), the monitoring and security platform for cloud applications, today announced the details of Dash, its annual conference. The conference will take place over two days on Tuesday, October 18, and Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at the Javits Center North in New York City.
Engineering and product leaders from the world's most innovative organizations—including Google, The New York Times, Toyota, Shopify, Paypal, Secureworks and more—will present across more than 40 sessions, highlighting best practices for DevOps and security teams. Attendees will also have exclusive access to over 20 workshops to learn new skills for monitoring technology stacks and breaking down silos between teams.
Datadog started Dash in 2018 as an annual conference about building and scaling the next generation of applications, infrastructure and technical teams. The two-day event includes thought leaders across development, security and operations teams who are taking their systems and organizations to the next level of velocity, performance, reliability and scale. Dash features a mix of speaking sessions, hands-on labs and certification training, as well as opportunities for attendees to make new connections and exchange ideas.
"Dash brings together experts, partners and thought leaders from the world's most innovative companies to discuss what's next in DevOps, security and cloud technologies," said Amit Agarwal, President at Datadog. "The conference provides a great opportunity for individuals and teams to connect with one another about how they are building and scaling their systems. We are excited to welcome back in-person audiences to join us in New York for two days of learning and networking."
Event Highlights include:
- 40+ Breakout Sessions: Learn best practices for scaling observability, shifting monitoring left, improving UX and securing cloud-native applications, all from industry thought leaders.
- 20+ Hands-on Workshops: Participate in advanced technical workshops covering a wide range of topics and levels of expertise, including security, Kubernetes, serverless, performance and frontend monitoring.
- On-site Certification Exams: Grow your skills and advance your career with Datadog certifications at Dash.
- Datadog Partner Summit: Partners have the opportunity to learn about the latest investments in the Datadog Partner Network (DPN) and preview Datadog's partner plans for the year ahead.
In addition to the in-person event, the keynote session will be available via livestream. For more information about the conference, visit the Dash 2022 website (https://www.dashcon.io) and follow the latest announcements on Twitter (@dashconio).
Datadog is the monitoring and security platform for cloud applications. Our SaaS platform integrates and automates infrastructure monitoring, application performance monitoring and log management to provide unified, real-time observability of our customers' entire technology stack. Datadog is used by organizations of all sizes and across a wide range of industries to enable digital transformation and cloud migration, drive collaboration among development, operations, security and business teams, accelerate time to market for applications, reduce time to problem resolution, secure applications and infrastructure, understand user behavior and track key business metrics.
This press release may include certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended including statements on the benefits of new products and features. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views about our plans, intentions, expectations, strategies and prospects, which are based on the information currently available to us and on assumptions we have made. Actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements and are subject to a variety of assumptions, uncertainties, risks and factors that are beyond our control, including those risks detailed under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 8, 2022, as well as future filings and reports by us. Except as required by law, we undertake no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events, changes in expectations or otherwise.
Contact
Dan Haggerty
press@datadoghq.com
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SOURCE Datadog, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/datadog-announces-return-dash-conference-new-york-city/ | 2022-08-18T21:44:45Z |
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- DocuSign (NASDAQ: DOCU) today announced that its second quarter fiscal 2023 results will be released on Thursday, September 8, 2022, after the close of the market. The company will host a conference call at 1:30 p.m. PT (4:30 p.m. ET) to discuss its financial results. A live webcast of the event will be available on the DocuSign Investor Relations website at investor.docusign.com. A live dial-in will be available domestically at 877-407-0784 or internationally at 201-689-8560. A replay will be available domestically at 844-512-2921 or internationally at 412-317-6671 until midnight (ET) September 22, 2022 using the passcode 13732324.
DocuSign helps organizations connect and automate how they prepare, sign, act on, and manage agreements. As part of the DocuSign Agreement Cloud, DocuSign offers eSignature, the world's #1 way to sign electronically on practically any device, from almost anywhere, at any time. Today, over a million customers and more than a billion users in over 180 countries use the DocuSign Agreement Cloud to accelerate the process of doing business and to simplify people's lives.
For more information, visit www.docusign.com, call +1-877-720-2040, or follow @DocuSign on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Investor Relations:
Investor Relations
investors@docusign.com
Media Relations:
Corporate Communications
media@docusign.com
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SOURCE DocuSign, Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/18/docusign-announces-timing-second-quarter-fiscal-2023-earnings-conference-call/ | 2022-08-18T21:44:52Z |
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