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New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity Hires Lynn Plaisance
NEW ORLEANS — Lynn Ann Plaisance has joined New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity as director of family services. She will guide individuals and families through the process of becoming a Habitat homeowner. Most recently, she practiced law in Missouri where she lived for 30 years. As a lawyer, Lynn was appointed by the court to represent children who were alleged victims of abuse and/or neglect. She worked closely with families to ensure that a loving, nurturing and protected home environment existed for the children’s return or placement.
Lynn received her law degree from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University and her undergraduate degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. She is a graduate of John Ehret High School in New Orleans. “I am excited to help the hard-working families of New Orleans achieve their dream of affordable home ownership,” she said.
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https://www.bizneworleans.com/new-orleans-area-habitat-for-humanity-hires-lynn-plaisance/
| 2022-09-14T21:45:36Z
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New Orleans Jazz Museum Awarded $900K Federal Grant
BATON ROUGE, La. – From Louisiana Economic Development:
A north Louisiana bioscience center and a New Orleans Jazz Museum expansion have been awarded a combined $2.7 million in American Rescue Plan grants announced Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.
EDA committed $1.8 million to support construction of a new Biomedical Research and Innovation Park on the University of Louisiana Monroe campus. State and local matching funds will elevate the total grant value to $3.6 million. The New Orleans Jazz Museum will receive $900,000 from EDA for improvements to its French Quarter site; an additional $225,000 in local funds will bring the total grant value to $1.1 million.
“I would like to thank President Biden and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo for awarding us these American Rescue Plan funds,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “We are committed to diversifying our economy and creating good-paying jobs in key industries like life sciences, and this biotechnology facility has the potential to be a transformative investment for the people of northeast Louisiana. New Orleans is widely celebrated and recognized as the birthplace of jazz, and investing ARP funds into this entertainment mecca will help ensure that Louisiana’s tourism and visitor sector will continue to grow and thrive. These grants will have immediate and long-term economic, cultural and educational benefits for our state.”
The projects will be funded by separate American Rescue Plan programs focused on accelerating the post-pandemic recovery of different economic sectors. The biomedical park grant is part of the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program dedicated to innovative economic development projects designed to address local needs.
The proposed 45,000 square foot facility will be built adjacent to ULM’s School of Pharmacy. Its mission is to support the growth of the biotechnical industry in north Louisiana by developing a physical hub for start-ups and existing life sciences companies to develop their business models. Total capital investment is projected to reach $34 million; EDA and matching funds are dedicated to infrastructure and site development. Upon completion, the project is expected to create 175 new jobs in the Monroe area.
“President Biden is committed to ensuring that our communities are provided with the resources they need to diversify and grow their economies,” Raimondo said. “This EDA investment will support development of a lab to provide a place for new biotechnology startups to develop new businesses, leading to a stronger regional economy.”
Improvements to the Jazz Museum will receive funding from the ARP’s Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation program, designed to accelerate the recovery of communities whose economies rely heavily on those sectors.
Located in the former U.S. Mint in New Orleans, the Jazz Museum plans to upgrade its facility by remodeling the first-floor cafe, building an outdoor stage and making other improvements. The Louisiana Museum Foundation estimates the investment will support a total of 55 new and retained jobs, and could generate as much as $33 million in private investments by attracting new visitors to the city.
“The travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector is a critical economic driver for many communities and the Economic Development Administration is pleased to support community-led development strategies,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will strengthen New Orleans’ tourism sector, providing economic recovery and a more resilient tourism industry for the region.”
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https://www.bizneworleans.com/new-orleans-jazz-museum-awarded-900k-federal-grant/
| 2022-09-14T21:45:42Z
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Ochsner Encourages Medicare Beneficiaries to Review Coverage
NEW ORLEANS (press release) — Ochsner Health Plan is encouraging Medicare beneficiaries to review their coverage and compare benefits as the 2023 Annual Enrollment Period nears. The 2023 AEP runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
“If you are eligible for Medicare and live in the Greater New Orleans or Greater Baton Rouge areas, we offer a Medicare Advantage plan that’s fully integrated with Louisiana’s premier health system,” said Jeffrey Fernandez, CEO of Ochsner Health Plan. “With OHP, members get the hospital care and medical services they expect from Ochsner Health, as well as affordable prescription drug coverage, dental, hearing aids, eyewear benefits and more — all in one locally-owned and operated health plan.”
Beginning on Oct. 15, many Louisiana residents enrolled in Medicare will again have the chance to join Medicare Advantage benefit plans offered by OHP — this time for the 2023 plan year. Premiums and copays will continue to start at $0 and include a wide range of cost-saving features and wellness programs not available with original Medicare, such as prescription drug coverage, fitness, dental, hearing and vision benefits.
OHP’s coverage area includes 12 civil parishes: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, and West Baton Rouge. OHP members are covered for emergency and urgent care anywhere in the world.
OHP is committed to working directly with Ochsner Health to improve the health and lives of members. OHP works collaboratively with participating providers to make a healthy difference for its members by offering preventive care resources and health management services that are fully integrated with Ochsner Health’s virtual and in-person programs for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic and complex conditions that remain highly prevalent in Louisiana—like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, obesity, and nicotine addiction.
OHP works with Ochsner Health’s mission to reduce barriers to healthcare and to invest in the health of Louisiana communities. With that in mind, OHP provides a full complement of competitively-priced benefits – all backed by the quality and innovation that patients expect from Louisiana’s leading healthcare provider.
The plan offers benefit options to help members get the right coverage that fits their lifestyle and budget. OHP’s Freedom (HMO POS) option even allows members to receive some services from outside of the contracted provider network at Medicare-level coverage.
OHP encourages those eligible for Medicare to review their coverage each year in October when all insurance companies introduce their new plan benefits for the next year.
OHP’s licensed representatives will be hosting FREE informational meetings throughout the 2023 Annual Enrollment Period. The meetings will take place at Ochsner Medical Center- New Orleans on Jefferson Hwy; Ochsner Health Center and Ochsner Medical Complex in Baton Rouge; and at the new Ochsner 65 Plus locations in Covington and Baton Rouge. In addition, Medicare provides an online platform on their website, Medicare.gov, that allows those eligible to compare the benefits of Medicare Advantage plans offered in their area.
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https://www.bizneworleans.com/ochsner-encourages-medicare-beneficiaries-to-review-coverage/
| 2022-09-14T21:45:48Z
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Salas and Gilmore Make Partner at Campo Architecture & Interior Design
NEW ORLEANS — Miriam Salas and Mary Gilmore have joined John T. Campo Jr. as partners at Campo Architecture & Interior Design.
Founded in 1985, Campo is an award-winning firm specializing in historic tax credit, adaptive reuse hospitality design projects. The company has been expanding services beyond architecture and interior design, adding hospitality, real estate development, and ownership to its service offerings.
“We could not have reached the success we have today without Miriam and Mary’s dedication and hard work. They continue to be great mMentors to our staff, pushing them to higher standards and delivering exceptional projects,” said Campo.
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https://www.bizneworleans.com/salas-and-gilmore-make-partner-at-campo-architecture-interior-design/
| 2022-09-14T21:45:54Z
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JMU volleyball sweeps High Point
Published: Sep. 14, 2022 at 5:18 PM EDT|Updated: 29 minutes ago
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - The James Madison volleyball team earned a road sweep Wednesday afternoon.
The Dukes defeated High Point, 3-0, in High Point, North Carolina. After winning the first two sets, JMU trailed 20-19 in the third before reeling off six straight points to complete the sweep.
James Madison improves to 6-3 overall. The Dukes are off until Friday, September 23 when they host App State to begin Sun Belt Conference play.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/09/14/jmu-volleyball-sweeps-high-point/
| 2022-09-14T21:48:10Z
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Judge temporarily blocks Ohio law banning most abortions
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A judge temporarily blocked Ohio’s ban on virtually all abortions Wednesday, again pausing a law that took effect after federal abortion protections were overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in June.
The decision means abortions through 20 weeks’ gestation can continue for now, in keeping with state law in place before the ban.
Hamilton County Judge Christian Jenkins’ decision to grant a 14-day restraining order against the law came as part of a lawsuit brought by the ACLU of Ohio on behalf of abortion providers in the state. The clinics argue the law violates protections in the state Constitution guaranteeing individual liberty and equal protection. The suit also says the law is unconstitutionally vague.
The law was signed by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine in April 2019, and prohibits most abortions after the first detectable “fetal heartbeat.” Cardiac activity can be detected as early as six weeks into pregnancy, before many people know they’re pregnant. The law had been blocked through a legal challenge, then went into effect after the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision was overturned.
DeWine’s opponent in the November election, Democrat and abortion rights proponent Nan Whaley, called Wednesday’s ruling “a victory, albeit a temporary one, for Ohio women.” She said, “Ohio women won’t be safe until we have a pro-choice governor who doesn’t seek to impose extreme views like government mandates against private health care decisions.”
Abortion providers and their defenders have said the law has already created a host of hardships, including forcing a 10-year-old Ohio rape victim to travel to Indiana for an abortion.
The judge’s decision is a blow for abortion opponents, who have been celebrating implementation of the long-delayed restrictions since Roe was overturned.
Right to Life of Greater Cincinnati had anticipated the judge was leaning toward a pause after a hearing held last week, when he asked questions about the 10-year-old’s case and suggested, “We should just be very honest about what we’re talking about here.”
“Let’s just be very honest,” the anti-abortion group wrote in a statement, “it is always, always best when LIFE is chosen. Always.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/09/14/judge-temporarily-blocks-ohio-law-banning-most-abortions/
| 2022-09-14T21:48:16Z
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Latest package delivery scam involves USPS, sheriff’s office warns
Published: Sep. 14, 2022 at 5:04 PM EDT|Updated: 43 minutes ago
JENA, La. (Gray News) - Authorities in Louisiana are getting the word out about a scam involving the U.S. Postal Service.
The LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office reports it has become aware of a scam where residents receive a text message that appears to be from the postal service stating that there is a problem with a delivery.
If clicked, the link will take the user to a site that appears to be a USPS website that asks for credit card information to have the package delivered for a fee.
Authorities said this is a scam, and the postal service does not operate in such a manner.
The sheriff’s office urged all residents not to click on these links or follow such fraudulent text messages.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/09/14/latest-package-delivery-scam-involves-usps-sheriffs-office-warns/
| 2022-09-14T21:48:23Z
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Maintaining a healthy diet and workout routine on a budget
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - Staying healthy on a tight budget can be complicated.
Often, the healthiest foods are the most expensive. However, Dr. Jennifer Derby with Sentara Timberway said is very possible.
“Being healthy on a budget is completely doable. We forget how cheap it can be. It actually can be cheaper than, say, going out to eat. Think: if you go to Chick Fil A, it’s going to cost you ten bucks for a meal,” she said.
Since healthy or pre-prepared foods are often more expensive, consider sticking with the basics. Make stew and sauces from scratch. Most of all, don’t fall for labels and marketing that make trick you into thinking one food is better than another.
“The marketing is out there, and they’re like ‘oh you need this super high cold pressed flaxseed oil or extra virgin olive oil.’ No, you need just your off-the-shelf olive oil,” Derby said.
Sarah Martin with Augusta Health suggests eating more plants and less meats.
“Meats are expensive to buy but you can get proteins from nuts, peanut butter, eggs, lentils, and milk products,” Martin said.
Martin suggests looking into apples, grapes, carrots and celery because they last the longest.
Since gym memberships are often the first thing cut from budgets when finances are tight, consider investing just a small amount of money each month to a home gym.
“If you’re spending $20 on weights, you can do the same thing and build your gym at home. Even if you have a few square feet, if you spend invest $20 in weights, then you have your own home gym,” Derby said.
Regardless, working with what you have is important. If you have lots of space to go for walks, take advantage of that. If you just have a small apartment, use that, too.
“It really depends on how much space you’ve got. Some people have wide open fields and they’re going to walk in a field. Some people are going to do it on the bed with body weight,” she said.
Derby suggests looking at workout videos on YouTube. It’s free, and you’ll likely find something you enjoy.
Martin with Augusta Health said walking is simple, but it has many benefits.
“Aerobic exercise such as walking is a wonderful way to get oxygen into your blood stream and increase the release of feel good hormones such as endorphins and serotonin to help promote happiness, positive self-esteem, improves sleep and stress relief,” Martin said.
Martin said to keep in mind household chores, playing with children or pets and walking across parking lots are all physical activity. She also suggests calling your insurance company because some offer deals on gym memberships.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/09/14/maintaining-healthy-diet-workout-routine-budget/
| 2022-09-14T21:48:31Z
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Staunton’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission hosts meet and greet
STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) - Staunton’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission will gather Wednesday night at Montgomery Hall Park from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for a meet and greet.
During this meeting, the commission will explain its purpose and lay out a timeline for its goals. Staunton’s Mayor Andrea Oakes said the commission has worked hard the last few months to get organized, and it’s time to share that with the community.
“We would love for folks to come out and meet our DEI commission and get to know the folks that are serving and representing Staunton because they really, truly want to be fair and offer what’s best for everyone in the City of Staunton,” said Oakes.
The commission was created to evaluate data concerning social and racial equality in the city. As part of that, they’ll get to know the community and many community leaders.
“We decided to have a meet and greet, essentially for our community stakeholders to see who we are, so put faces with names and get just a glimpse of the early work that we have started from June through today,” said the Chair of the DEI Commission, Sabrina Burress.
The commission will bring its plans to city council in December 2023, outlining how to make the city more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. For more on the commission, its mission and members, click here.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/09/14/stauntons-diversity-equity-inclusion-commission-hosts-meet-greet/
| 2022-09-14T21:48:38Z
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US drug overdose deaths remain at near record highs, CDC says
Published: Sep. 14, 2022 at 4:53 PM EDT|Updated: 55 minutes ago
(CNN) – Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. remain at near record levels.
According to provisional data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 109,000 people died of a drug overdose in the 12-month period ending March 2022.
Annual overdose deaths reached record levels during the pandemic.
The latest figure is a 44% jump from two years earlier, when there were about 76,000 deaths reported in the 12-month period ending in March 2020.
Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, were involved in more than two-thirds of the overdose deaths in the year ending in March 2022.
Deaths involving synthetic opioids increased by a whopping 80% over the past two years.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/09/14/us-drug-overdose-deaths-remain-near-record-highs-cdc-says/
| 2022-09-14T21:48:44Z
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Ex-town official pleads guilty to Capitol riot charge
(AP) – A former Massachusetts town official pleaded guilty on Wednesday to joining a mob in storming the U.S. Capitol after she organized a bus trip to Washington, D.C., for fellow members of a right-wing group called “Super Happy Fun America.”
Before her guilty plea, Suzanne Ianni had argued in February that federal authorities had selectively targeted her for prosecution based on her political beliefs. Prosecutors said her political views played no role in charging her with crimes for her conduct at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. A judge rejected Ianni’s request to dismiss the case before she pleaded guilty.
Ianni, 60, of Natick, Massachusetts, faces a maximum sentence of six months of imprisonment and five years of probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct in a Capitol building. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols is scheduled to sentence her on Dec. 2.
Ianni was an elected member of Natick Town Meeting in a Boston suburb while serving as operation director of Super Happy Fun America, which gained national notoriety for organizing a “Straight Pride Parade” in Boston in 2019.
On its website, Super Happy Fun America calls itself “a right of center civil rights organization focusing on defending the Constitution, opposing gender madness and defeating cultural Marxism.” The group registered as a nonprofit with Massachusetts state regulators.
A Dec. 29, 2020, post on the group’s Twitter account said Super Happy Fun America members would be in Washington “to get wild.” Ianni was listed as the contact for the trip. The account also tweeted a photo of Ianni and other members on a bus traveling to Washington on the eve of the riot.
After marching to the Capitol, she joined a crowd chanting “Fight for Trump!” and “Our house!” while rioters near her broke windows, forced open doors and breached police barricades. Surveillance video captured Ianni marching through the Capitol after she entered the building through a Senate fire-exit door. She raised her fist in the air in front of police officers who stopped her and other members of the mob, prosecutors said in a court filing.
Mark Sahady, another Super Happy Fun America member, was arrested on Capitol riot-related charges that haven’t been resolved.
In April 2021, Natick Town Meeting members voted to condemn the Capitol riot. Ianni, who was elected to a three-year term that was due to expire in March 2022, told the MetroWest Daily News that the vote represented “political persecution of conservatives.”
More than 870 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Jan. 6 riot. Approximately 400 of them have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors, and over 250 have been sentenced.
___
This version of story has been corrected to reflect that Judge Carl Nichols did deny Suzanne Ianni’s request to dismiss her case before she pleaded guilty.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/09/14/ex-town-official-pleads-guilty-capitol-riot-charge/
| 2022-09-14T21:57:56Z
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Experts warn about scams targeting public housing seekers
Section 8 assists with housing for low-income families, elderly, disabled
InvestigateTV - The Federal Trade Commission is warning renters against scams involving Section 8, a housing choice voucher program that assists low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled.
Signa Brooks, one of millions of Americans living in public housing, had been struggling to find new housing when she came across a listing for a beautiful property on a website with Section 8 listings.
Brooks left a message for the lister, who asked for an application fee and to communicate via personal email instead of the site. When the lister asked for the fee to be paid via a cash app, Brooks knew it was a scam.
The FTC says this scam has been popping up across the country, stealing not only money but also people’s personal information.
Diane Shelley, the Midwest Regional Director for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) said HUD would never ask for an application fee; it’s actually against the law.
Shelley urged people to pay attention to the websites you use to look for public housing. A good way to vet websites is to check for a “.gov” at the end of a url. Most government agencies use this top-level domain.
The website Brooks used, AffordableHousing.com, has a scam alert section on their site.
Richard Cupelli, the Founder and CEO, AffordableHousing.com, took Brook’s experience seriously. He said the site will add trusted owner badging and membership dates to the site so people can see if an owner is legitimate. He also had several tips for people looking for affordable housing.
- Do NOT send any money until you have a signed contract.
- Do NOT pay any money if you have not seen the property with the landlord that owns the property.
- Review the listing on other websites to ensure this is a valid property. It is a red flag when the terms and contact information differ.
- If the owner does not want to meet face to face this is usually a red flag and should be questioned.
- Send no money up front to “hold” the property.• If there is not a first/last/security deposit requested.
- If there is a lock box on the rental – scammers target vacant properties.
- If the owner is too pushy to get your money.• Ask if they are the owner and get their full name and then check it against Public Records to verify they are the owner of record.
- Favorite the landlord on AffordableHousing.com to view all rentals listed by that landlord. It is a red flag if the owner’s rentals are in different states and all newly listed.
- It’s a red flag if the landlord would rather text than talk.
- Record any suspicious activity and report it back to AffordableHousing.com so we can verify the listing and report it to the authorities.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/09/14/experts-warn-about-scams-targeting-public-housing-seekers/
| 2022-09-14T21:58:03Z
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Fundraiser for teen who killed her alleged rapist reaches goal of $150,000 in less than 24 hours
DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray News) – A community in Iowa raised more than $150,000 in restitution money for a girl who killed a man who allegedly raped her when she was being sex trafficked at 15 years old.
The fundraiser was created for 17-year-old Pieper Lewis by her former teacher, Leland Schipper.
Lewis was sentenced Tuesday after she pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in 2021. After hearing her testimony and studying the evidence in the case, the judge dropped the sentence from 20 years in prison to five years probation, KCRG reported. She was also ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to the man’s family, which is mandatory under Iowa law and upheld by the state’s Supreme Court.
Officials said Lewis was a runaway who sought to escape an abusive life with her adopted mother. AP reports she was sleeping in the hallways of an apartment building in Des Moines when she was taken in by a 28-year-old man who later trafficked her to other men for sex.
Lewis said one of the men who raped her was 37-year-old Zachary Brooks. She said he had raped her multiple times in the weeks leading up to his death and said she had been forced at knifepoint by the 28-year-old man to go with Brooks to his apartment for sex.
In June 2020, after she said Brooks had raped her again, she grabbed a knife that was on a bedside table and stabbed him 30 times in a fit of rage.
Prosecutors have argued Brooks was asleep at the time he was stabbed and not an immediate danger to Lewis.
A fundraiser on GoFundMe was organized for Lewis by her former teacher, Leland Schipper, after her sentencing. The original goal was set at $150,000, enough to pay off the restitution owed to Brooks’ family.
On the GoFundMe page, Schipper said the goal had been reached, in less than 24 hours. He raised the goal to $200,000.
Schipper said the money raised would be used to pay off the $150,000 owed to Brooks’ family, pay the $4,000 in restitution owed to the state, and the remainder of the money would be used to help Lewis pursue a college education or start her own business. Schipper also said some of the money would go toward helping other victims of sex crimes.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/09/14/fundraiser-teen-who-killed-her-alleged-rapist-reaches-goal-150000-less-than-24-hours/
| 2022-09-14T21:58:10Z
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Judge temporarily blocks Ohio law banning most abortions
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A judge temporarily blocked Ohio’s ban on virtually all abortions Wednesday, again pausing a law that took effect after federal abortion protections were overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in June.
The decision means abortions through 20 weeks’ gestation can continue for now, in keeping with state law in place before the ban.
Hamilton County Judge Christian Jenkins’ decision to grant a 14-day restraining order against the law came as part of a lawsuit brought by the ACLU of Ohio on behalf of abortion providers in the state. The clinics argue the law violates protections in the state Constitution guaranteeing individual liberty and equal protection. The suit also says the law is unconstitutionally vague.
The law was signed by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine in April 2019, and prohibits most abortions after the first detectable “fetal heartbeat.” Cardiac activity can be detected as early as six weeks into pregnancy, before many people know they’re pregnant. The law had been blocked through a legal challenge, then went into effect after the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision was overturned.
DeWine’s opponent in the November election, Democrat and abortion rights proponent Nan Whaley, called Wednesday’s ruling “a victory, albeit a temporary one, for Ohio women.” She said, “Ohio women won’t be safe until we have a pro-choice governor who doesn’t seek to impose extreme views like government mandates against private health care decisions.”
Abortion providers and their defenders have said the law has already created a host of hardships, including forcing a 10-year-old Ohio rape victim to travel to Indiana for an abortion.
The judge’s decision is a blow for abortion opponents, who have been celebrating implementation of the long-delayed restrictions since Roe was overturned.
Right to Life of Greater Cincinnati had anticipated the judge was leaning toward a pause after a hearing held last week, when he asked questions about the 10-year-old’s case and suggested, “We should just be very honest about what we’re talking about here.”
“Let’s just be very honest,” the anti-abortion group wrote in a statement, “it is always, always best when LIFE is chosen. Always.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/09/14/judge-temporarily-blocks-ohio-law-banning-most-abortions/
| 2022-09-14T21:58:16Z
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Latest package delivery scam involves USPS, sheriff’s office warns
Published: Sep. 14, 2022 at 5:04 PM EDT|Updated: 53 minutes ago
JENA, La. (Gray News) - Authorities in Louisiana are getting the word out about a scam involving the U.S. Postal Service.
The LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office reports it has become aware of a scam where residents receive a text message that appears to be from the postal service stating that there is a problem with a delivery.
If clicked, the link will take the user to a site that appears to be a USPS website that asks for credit card information to have the package delivered for a fee.
Authorities said this is a scam, and the postal service does not operate in such a manner.
The sheriff’s office urged all residents not to click on these links or follow such fraudulent text messages.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/09/14/latest-package-delivery-scam-involves-usps-sheriffs-office-warns/
| 2022-09-14T21:58:23Z
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Mom charged with drowning 3 kids near famed NY boardwalk
Published: Sep. 14, 2022 at 5:41 PM EDT|Updated: 17 minutes ago
NEW YORK (AP) — A New York City mom accused of drowning her three children in the Atlantic Ocean has been charged with murder.
Authorities announced the charges Wednesday, two days after Erin Merdy was found wandering barefoot and soaking wet on Brooklyn’s Coney Island boardwalk.
The city medical examiner determined Tuesday that 7-year-old Zachary Merdy, 4-year-old Liliana Merdy and 3-month-old Oliver Bondarev died by drowning.
Merdy has undergone a psychiatric evaluation and remained in the hospital Wednesday.
It wasn’t clear when she might be arraigned in court.
Relatives said in interviews that Merdy appeared to have been struggling with the children.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/09/14/mom-charged-with-drowning-3-kids-near-famed-ny-boardwalk/
| 2022-09-14T21:58:29Z
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Money approved for states to build car-charging network
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Biden administration said Wednesday it has approved ambitious plans by 34 states and Puerto Rico to create a national electric vehicle charging network as the U.S. begins in earnest its transition away from gas-powered transportation.
The plans’ approval means $900 million can begin to flow to the states, which are tasked with using money from President Joe Biden’s huge infrastructure law to form the network of chargers across the nation. Building out a reliable and convenient network is critical to spur more adoption of the technology, which is itself key to reducing greenhouse emissions that cause global warming.
The announcement came on the same day that Biden toured the North American International Auto Show in Detroit to tout the new law that includes tax incentives to purchase electric vehicles.
In practical terms, it means residents in some of those states could see charging stations start popping up along major travel corridors as early as next spring. Biden has a goal of ultimately installing 500,000 chargers across America and building a network of fast-charging stations across 53,000 miles of freeways from coast to coast.
“Unlocking this type of funding is an enormous step in getting the charging network out, which is something we absolutely need if we’re going to get full-scale deployment and adoption” of electric vehicles, said Nico Larco, director of Urbanism Next Center at the University of Oregon. “We don’t have the capacity now to power anywhere near the fleet that we need.”
Federal officials said they will continue to review the plans not approved in this round with the goal of approving all the states’ EV roadmaps by Sept. 30.
Biden’s infrastructure law provides $5 billion over five years for the electric vehicle charging network.
The funding announced Wednesday is specifically for installing the most powerful chargers along “alternative fuel corridors” — major freeways that connect states — with the goal of eliminating the “range anxiety” that keeps many people from purchasing electric vehicles or using them on long road trips. Under proposed guidelines, states would be required to install at least one four-port fast-charging station every 50 miles on these corridors and ensure they are within one mile of an off-ramp.
Some states received exemptions in rural areas for the 50-mile requirement, according to the approval letters.
An additional $2.5 billion in discretionary grants is also available to fund electric vehicle charging infrastructure in economically disadvantaged communities, rural areas and urban cores. And Biden’s recently passed Inflation Reduction Act includes $3 billion to spur electric vehicle adoption and charging accessibility in disadvantaged communities.
Some rural states have raised serious concerns about the proposed federal requirements that accompany the money, including the every 50-mile requirement.
State transportation officials in Wyoming joined with their counterparts in Idaho, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota last month to urge the Biden administration to ease the qualification requirements.
The proposal to install a minimum of a four-port charging station, for example, would needlessly drive up costs in areas with few people and so far little demand for chargers, according to Wyoming Department of Transportation Director K. Luke Reiner.
EVs account for 0.1% of vehicle registrations in Wyoming and it would be “irresponsible and illogical” for rural sates to spend now on a four port requirement, Reiner wrote in an August letter to the U.S. Transportation Department.
“It would take more than two decades before a significant enough increase in statewide EV adoption would result in long queues of EVs waiting for charging at four-port stations,” he wrote.
Wyoming’s plan is still pending, while Montana’s plan was among the 35 approved.
The Federal Highway Administration will review those concerns and determine the final guidelines now that the public comment period has closed. Federal officials are also considering a waiver of the “Buy America” provision of the infrastructure deal.
Officials in Nevada, for example, have expressed concern that they would not be able to acquire charging stations that meet the American-made provisions and thus would be unable to start building out their piece of the network.
Experts who have followed the evolution of electric vehicle adoption in the U.S. say having charging stations everywhere is important.
“It’s like the U.S. Postal Service. You need to be able to send mail everywhere, including places that are rural,” said Jeremy Michalek, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University and director of the university’s Vehicle Electrification Group.
“Even if that charger that’s in that rural area isn’t used as much every day, we still need the infrastructure to supply them.. We have gas stations that are used less in rural areas than they would be in a big city, but we need them for the demand.”
Electric vehicle owners hailed the news and said they currently must take extra steps and precautions if they want to take their EVs on a long trip.
Bob Palrud of Spokane, Washington, says the small number of chargers in some rural areas of the West means he must carefully plot his travel routes to avoid running out of power. Palrud journeys three times yearly with his wife, Judy, to their cabin in Sheridan, Wyoming, and twice they’ve gotten so low on electricity coming through southeastern Montana that his vehicle automatically shut down some functions to conserve power.
“The thing people worry most about is range,” said Palrud, a semi-retired house painter who was at a charging center just off Interstate-90 in Montana on Wednesday on his way back to Spokane. “I sit there and do mental calculations on what kind of range I’m going to get.”
When he travels to see family in Minnesota, Palrud said he goes hundreds of miles out of his way to avoid northern Montana, where there is no major interstate and charging options are few.
“It would be better to have more but it’s not a deal killer,” he said. “I could chop a couple hundred miles off and that would be great.”
_____
Brown reported from Billings, Montana.
____
Follow Gillian Flaccus on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/gflaccus
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/09/14/money-approved-states-build-car-charging-network/
| 2022-09-14T21:58:36Z
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A new addition to Pineville Elementary leaves everyone smiling
BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA) -There’s a new addition to Pineville Elementary a yellow Labrador named “River!”
His first day of school was Wednesday, September 14th.
“For the kids, this is such a special gift for them because this gives them a reason to come to school every day. It’s an incentive to come to school every day. They know that he is gonna be at the truck loading area, or at the drop-off area. That gives them something to look forward to,” said Melanie Keefer, Principal, Pineville Elementary.
He was placed in Pineville as part of the governor and first lady’s “Friends with Paws” therapy program.
“We are wanting to do twenty dogs in the next year. We’ve done almost ten this year. Then we are going to try to do ten more next year,” said First Lady Cathy Justice, West Virginia.
Pineville Elementary Principal Melanie Keefer says in addition to creating a cheerful environment for students, River can also help them academically.
For example, he can be a great listener for students who are practicing their reading skills.
In addition to Pineville, schools in Greenbrier and Pocahontas counties are receiving dogs this fall.
For the Justices, who are big canine fans themselves, the program was a no-brainer solution for alleviating anxiety and improving attendance.
“Can you just look at the smile on my face? To see the students come by, pet the dog on the head, give him a fist bump and he’ll put his paw out and give them a fist bump. They are really relating to the dog and plus when he does a fist bump he gets a treat. That’s good oh it’s wonderful!” said First Lady Justice.
River was the 4th dog to be put into schools by First Lady Justice.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/09/14/new-addition-pineville-elementary-leaves-everyone-smiling/
| 2022-09-14T21:58:43Z
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Parents concerned about AR-15 raffle at children’s softball league
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (CNN) - A girls’ softball league in Texas wants to raise money by raffling off an AR-15-style rifle, and some parents aren’t too happy about it.
Jessica England’s daughters have been in the South Montgomery Girls Softball League (SMGSL) for nearly a decade. She said she was shocked when she heard about the gun raffle.
“It would be one thing if they were raffling off a hunting rifle,” England said.
England said the issue is less about the raffle itself, but the fact that it is part of a children’s event.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate for a children’s activity to be raffling off this type of weapon,” she said.
England made a formal complaint to the board.
“Not even four months ago, 19 children and two teachers were gunned down using a semi-automatic assault rifle just like the one being raffled here,” she said.
But the softball league is standing behind its decision, saying in a statement, “The gun raffle is a legal and common practice. All winners will need to pass a background check before receiving any prize. If winners don’t pass the background check, they are deemed ineligible. SMGSL strives to be responsive to the needs of our membership.”
The softball league said it is aware of three complaints about the raffle.
Copyright 2022 KPRC via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/09/14/parents-concerned-about-ar-15-raffle-childrens-softball-league/
| 2022-09-14T21:58:49Z
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Pleasant weather will persist into late week
Sunny skies and seasonable temps on the way for Thursday
As the week goes on, our weather pattern will remain relatively unchanged! High pressure will still be the dominant force over our weather pattern at the surface and aloft into late week. Just like the past few nights, tonight should be mainly clear, cool, and dry with low temps falling into the 40s and 50s.
Thursday will bring plenty of sunshine, a few passing clouds, and seasonable high temps in the mid 70s to low 80s for most. The humidity should still stay on the lower end, and we’ll remain fair into Thursday night with lows in the upper 40s-mid 50s.
Friday will bring high temps around or slightly above normal as high pressure strengthens over the region. We’ll still be dry to end the work week, and temperatures should hit the upper 70s-low 80s Friday afternoon.
Our weather pattern looks stagnant into the weekend ahead. We look warm and dry during the days, and cool and dry during the nights for much of the next week as well. STAY TUNED!
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. (WVVA) -
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/09/14/pleasant-weather-will-persist-into-late-week/
| 2022-09-14T21:58:55Z
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‘Serial’ case: Prosecutors move to vacate Syed’s conviction
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Baltimore prosecutors asked a judge on Wednesday to vacate Adnan Syed’s conviction for the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee — a case that was chronicled in the hit podcast “Serial.”
Baltimore’s state’s attorney filed a motion in circuit court, saying a lengthy investigation conducted with the defense had uncovered new evidence that could undermine the conviction of Syed, Lee’s ex-boyfriend.
“The motion filed today supports a new trial for Syed based on a nearly year-long investigation that revealed undisclosed and newly-developed information regarding two alternative suspects, as well as unreliable cell phone tower data,” State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby’s office said in a news release.
Syed, 42, has maintained his innocence for decades and captured the attention of millions in 2014 when the debut season of the “Serial” podcast focused on the case and raised doubts about some of the evidence, including cellphone tower data.
Prosecutors on Wednesday said they weren’t asserting that Syed is innocent, but they lacked confidence “in the integrity of the conviction” and recommended he be released on his own recognizance or bail.
“We believe that keeping Mr. Syed detained as we continue to investigate the case with everything that we know now, when we do not have confidence in results of the first trial, would be unjust,” Mosby added.
The state’s attorney’s office said if the court grants its motion it would effectively put Syed in a new trial status, and his convictions would be vacated, but the case would remain active.
“Whether the State ultimately continues with a trial in this matter or dismisses the charges will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation,” the state’s attorney’s office said.
Prosecutors said a reinvestigation of the case revealed evidence regarding the possible involvement of two alternative suspects other than Syed. The two suspects may be involved individually or may be involved together, the state’s attorney’s office said. One suspect had threatened Lee, saying “he would make her
Now, prosecutors say, the approximately year-long probe revealed two alternative suspects who were known to the authorities 23 years ago but not disclosed to Syed’s defense. Neither prosecutors nor defense attorneys will reveal the suspects’ identities because the investigation is ongoing, according to the motion.
One of the suspects had threatened Lee, saying “he would make her (Ms. Lee) disappear. He would kill her,” according to the filing.
“Given the stunning lack of reliable evidence implicating Mr. Syed, coupled with increasing evidence pointing to other suspects, this unjust conviction cannot stand,” said Assistant Public Defender Erica Suter, Mr. Syed’s attorney and, Director of the Innocence Project Clinic. “Mr. Syed is grateful that this information has finally seen the light of day and looks forward to his day in court.”
The suspects were known persons at the time of the original investigation and were not properly ruled out nor disclosed to the defense, prosecutors said.
The investigation also found a separate document from the original trial file, in which a different person relayed information that can be viewed as a motive for that same suspect to harm the victim, prosecutors said. The information about the threat and motives to harm could have provided a basis for the defense and was not disclosed to the trial nor the post-conviction defense counsel, the state’s attorney’s office said.
Prosecutors also said new information revealed that one of the suspects was convicted of attacking a woman in her vehicle, and that one of the suspects was convicted of engaging in serial rape and sexual assault.
The state’s attorney’s office declined to release information about the suspects, due to the ongoing investigation.
Prosecutors also noted unreliable cellphone data used during Syed’s court case to corroborate his whereabouts on the day of the crime. The notice on the records specifically advised that the billing locations for incoming calls “would not be considered reliable information for location.”
“Evidence proved that the State should not have relied on the incoming call evidence,” the state’s attorney’s office said.
Syed has served more than 20 years in prison for the strangling of Lee, who was 18 at the time. Her body was found weeks later buried in a Baltimore park.
More than a decade later, the popular “Serial” podcast revealed little-known evidence and attracted millions of listeners, shattering podcast-streaming and downloading records.
In 2016, a lower court ordered a retrial for Syed on grounds that his attorney, Cristina Gutierrez, who died in 2004, didn’t contact an alibi witness and provided ineffective counsel.
But after a series of appeals, Maryland’s highest court in 2019 denied a new trial in a 4-3 opinion. The Court of Appeals agreed with a lower court that Syed’s legal counsel was deficient in failing to investigate an alibi witness, but it disagreed that the deficiency prejudiced the case. The court said Syed waived his ineffective counsel claim.
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review Syed’s case in 2019.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/09/14/serial-case-prosecutors-move-vacate-syeds-conviction/
| 2022-09-14T21:59:02Z
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Summit Bechtel Reserve permanently open to the public
BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA) - For the first time, the boy scouts Summit Bechtel Reserve is opening its doors to the public with a purchased day pass.
For almost a decade the Summit Bechtel Reserve was only open to boy scouts, private events, and high-profile ambassadors... but as of this week, September 12th, people can get a day pass to enjoy all the reserve has to offer.
“We are excited to have people come out here and try our skate park which we are standing in now or the lakes or bike trials or any number of activities that we offer,” said Bill Garrett, Director of Business Development, Bechtel Summit Reserve.
Garrett also says that the passes start at fifteen dollars and go up to thirty for a guided tour. But there are other price options in-between depending on the type of experience you are looking for.
“We’ve always wanted to share this beautiful place with as many people as we could. All the ingredients came together to make this the right time and that is personnel, that is we are ready on the campus,” said Garrett.
Following that he added, that after Covid-19, things are in place and they are safe. There is a demand and he is sorry it took so long but they are here today and are ready to go.
Garret adds there’s no place quite like the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
“Come out and give us a try. I guarantee you, you are going to have a great time. There is nothing else like this in the state of West Virginia and probably the region. We are kind of one of a kind. Ten thousand acres of adventure, fun, and accommodations,” said Garrett.
The new day pass option for the public is not a limited offer and it will be a permanent part of their operation. The Reserve also offers lodging with accommodations varying from glamping to hotel stays.
You can find out more at summiteventswv.com
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/09/14/summit-bechtel-reserve-permanently-open-public/
| 2022-09-14T21:59:09Z
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US drug overdose deaths remain at near record highs, CDC says
Published: Sep. 14, 2022 at 4:53 PM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
(CNN) – Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. remain at near record levels.
According to provisional data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 109,000 people died of a drug overdose in the 12-month period ending March 2022.
Annual overdose deaths reached record levels during the pandemic.
The latest figure is a 44% jump from two years earlier, when there were about 76,000 deaths reported in the 12-month period ending in March 2020.
Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, were involved in more than two-thirds of the overdose deaths in the year ending in March 2022.
Deaths involving synthetic opioids increased by a whopping 80% over the past two years.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wvva.com/2022/09/14/us-drug-overdose-deaths-remain-near-record-highs-cdc-says/
| 2022-09-14T21:59:15Z
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The world has never been in a better position to end the Covid-19 pandemic, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, said in a news briefing in Geneva on Wednesday.
"Last week, the number of weekly reported deaths from Covid-19 was the lowest since March 2020," he said. "We have never been in a better position to end the pandemic. We're not there yet, but the end is in sight.
"A marathon runner does not stop when the finish line comes into view; she runs harder with all the energy she has left," Tedros said. "So must we. We can see the finish line, we are in a winning position, but now is the worst time to stop running. Now is the time to run harder and make sure we cross the line and reap the rewards of all our hard work."
There is still a risk of more variants, deaths, disruption and uncertainty, he said, "so let's seize this opportunity."
WHO released six policy briefs Wednesday that outline key actions for governments to take to end the pandemic. The briefs are based on the evidence and experience of the past 32 months and offer guidance on how to save lives, protect health systems and avoid social and economic disruption. They are "an urgent call for governments to take a hard look at their policies and strengthen them for Covid-19 and future pathogens with pandemic potential," Tedros said.
Although official case counts have become significantly underreported, trends have shown a steady drop in cases both globally and in the US.
According to latest WHO update, weekly case counts are falling in all regions, with an overall fall of 28% compared to a week before. And in the United States, cases have been steadily dropping for the past two months, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
WHO's weekly epidemological update said Wednesday that there were just over 11,000 fatalities reported between September 5 and 11, a 22% decrease compared with the week before.
Decreases were reported in five of the WHO regions: 31% in the European Region, 25% in the South-East Asia Region, 22% in the Region of the Americas, 11% in the Western Pacific Region and 10% in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. There was a 10% increase in deaths in the African Region.
The United States reported the highest number of weekly deaths followed by Japan, Russia, Brazil and the Philippines.
Overall, there have been more than 6.4 million deaths reported globally as of September 11.
About two-thirds of the global population -- and about the same in the US, specifically -- are vaccinated with at least their initial series. But significant disparities in Covid-19 vaccination rates persist among lower-income countries, and rates are changing little now, especially in the US.
Forecasts published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that new hospitalizations and deaths will hold steady for the next month.
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https://www.kitv.com/news/coronavirus/end-of-covid-19-pandemic-is-in-sight-who-director-general-says-so-lets-seize/article_df36ef76-9440-5b08-ab0b-e0e527e8a052.html
| 2022-09-14T22:13:57Z
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https://www.kitv.com/news/crime/police-searching-for-machete-wielding-man-who-robbed-kahala-gas-station/article_0aae15ea-346f-11ed-8d78-2b4e53fcdcf5.html
| 2022-09-14T22:14:04Z
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United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary
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https://www.kitv.com/news/local/officials-to-provide-update-on-deadly-ambulance-explosion-at-adventist-health-castle-in-kailua/article_f757a47c-3471-11ed-a4ad-779f8fda9527.html
| 2022-09-14T22:14:10Z
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Freight railroads could stop rolling at midnight Friday unless negotiators head off a strike over working conditions. Congress could end a strike, but even a brief shutdown would hurt the economy.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Freight railroads could stop rolling at midnight Friday unless negotiators head off a strike over working conditions. Congress could end a strike, but even a brief shutdown would hurt the economy.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/a-freight-railroad-strike-could-stop-trains-by-friday
| 2022-09-14T22:25:48Z
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COLUMBUS, Ohio — A judge temporarily blocked Ohio's ban on virtually all abortions Wednesday, again pausing a law that took effect after federal abortion protections were overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in June.
The decision means abortions through 20 weeks' gestation can continue for now, in keeping with state law in place before the ban.
Hamilton County Judge Christian Jenkins' decision to grant a 14-day restraining order against the law came as part of a lawsuit brought by the ACLU of Ohio on behalf of abortion providers in the state. The clinics argue the law violates protections in the state Constitution guaranteeing individual liberty and equal protection. The suit also says the law is unconstitutionally vague.
The law was signed by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine in April 2019, and prohibits most abortions after the first detectable "fetal heartbeat." Cardiac activity can be detected as early as six weeks into pregnancy, before many people know they're pregnant. The law had been blocked through a legal challenge, then went into effect after the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision was overturned.
DeWine's opponent in the November election, Democrat and abortion rights proponent Nan Whaley, called Wednesday's ruling "a victory, albeit a temporary one, for Ohio women." She said, "Ohio women won't be safe until we have a pro-choice governor who doesn't seek to impose extreme views like government mandates against private health care decisions."
Abortion providers and their defenders have said the law has already created a host of hardships, including forcing a 10-year-old Ohio rape victim to travel to Indiana for an abortion.
The judge's decision is a blow for abortion opponents, who have been celebrating implementation of the long-delayed restrictions since Roe was overturned.
Right to Life of Greater Cincinnati had anticipated the judge was leaning toward a pause after a hearing held last week, when he asked questions about the 10-year-old's case and suggested, "We should just be very honest about what we're talking about here."
"Let's just be very honest," the anti-abortion group wrote in a statement, "it is always, always best when LIFE is chosen. Always."
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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| 2022-09-14T22:25:54Z
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NPR's Juana Summers speaks with Nathan McCowan, chair of the Alaska Native Village Corporation Association, on the election of Mary Peltola to Congress.
Copyright 2022 NPR
NPR's Juana Summers speaks with Nathan McCowan, chair of the Alaska Native Village Corporation Association, on the election of Mary Peltola to Congress.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/alaska-natives-celebrate-historic-first-in-congress
| 2022-09-14T22:26:00Z
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All three of the backup power lines to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine have been restored, but the situation at the plant is still worrisome.
Copyright 2022 NPR
All three of the backup power lines to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine have been restored, but the situation at the plant is still worrisome.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/backup-power-lines-to-ukrainian-power-plant-are-now-restored-but-other-issues-remain
| 2022-09-14T22:26:07Z
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President Biden is having a summit to discuss violence and hate in the country. Some voters say he's come up short on his pledge to try to heal the "soul of the nation."
Copyright 2022 NPR
President Biden is having a summit to discuss violence and hate in the country. Some voters say he's come up short on his pledge to try to heal the "soul of the nation."
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/bidens-pledge-to-unify-the-nation-is-falling-flat-some-voters-say
| 2022-09-14T22:26:13Z
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In one of the final primary elections of 2022, New Hampshire voters chose Don Bolduc to face off with Democratic incumbents for Congress. He won by a razor thin margin.
Copyright 2022 NPR
In one of the final primary elections of 2022, New Hampshire voters chose Don Bolduc to face off with Democratic incumbents for Congress. He won by a razor thin margin.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/don-bolduc-celebrates-win-in-new-hampshires-republican-senate-primary
| 2022-09-14T22:26:19Z
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As a nationwide trend of states banning or placing more restrictions on abortion continues, Kansas — where abortion remains legal — struggles to keep up with out-of-state client demand.
Copyright 2022 NPR
As a nationwide trend of states banning or placing more restrictions on abortion continues, Kansas — where abortion remains legal — struggles to keep up with out-of-state client demand.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/encore-kansas-is-struggling-to-serve-people-from-out-of-state-seeking-abortions
| 2022-09-14T22:26:26Z
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The 16th Street Baptist Church is an iconic landmark with its blue neon sign, dramatic stained-glass windows, and imposing twin bell towers. It was here on Sept. 15, 1963 that a Ku Klux Klan bomb killed four Black girls.
Near the back corner of the building is a grave-like stone etched with the names of the victims — Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair.
"She was the youngest of the four," says Denise's sister, Lisa McNair, standing outside the church just a few weeks before the 59th anniversary of the bombing. "She was 11. And the other four girls were 14, just beginning their freshman year in high school."
In a new memoir, entitled, Dear Denise: Letters to the Sister I Never Knew, McNair recounts growing up in a newly-integrated Birmingham after the notorious bombing that killed her sister.
"The sermon that was going to be that day was 'A Love That Forgives,' " McNair says. "The sermon that the minister never got to give."
Birmingham church bombing seen as turning point
McNair points to where Klansmen planted dynamite under a stairwell before Youth Sunday. She says the girls were freshening up between Sunday School and the worship service when the bomb detonated.
"They had just come out of the ladies' lounge and were standing near this window," McNair says. "That's where they got the full impact."
The crime drew worldwide attention to the violent resistance to equal rights in the American South, and galvanized support for the Civil Rights Act.
"The innocent blood of these little girls may well serve as a redemptive force," the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. said in a 1963 memorial service, calling the bombing a turning point.
McNair didn't hear that historic eulogy. And she never met her sister Denise. Lisa was born a year after the bombing, her family still grieving.
"It's shaped my whole life," she says.
In Dear Denise, McNair, now 57-years old, imagines what it would have been like to have a relationship with her big sister.
"I cannot recall a time when I didn't know about you and how you died. ...it is my first and oldest memory. It is a strange feeling to have a sister who died before you were born, especially in such a tragic and public way, and this feeling has been and always will be a part of who I am. Your death thrust all of us, Mamma, Daddy, Kim, and me, into the surreal limelight of history."
She always wanted to write a book about growing up in the shadow of the bombing but didn't know where to start
McNair says she's always wanted to write a book about her experience growing up in the shadow of the bombing but never knew where to start. A friend recommended letters to Denise, and the stories began to flow, along with a deeper connection with her sister.
"It just worked really well," she says. "At times I would think, 'Boy, I would really like to be having this conversation with you alive.' "
It shaped my whole life.
The book is both a personal look at how the McNair family endured, and a broader reckoning with the ongoing fight against racism in Birmingham. The city was famously known in the civil rights era as "Bombingham" because of the KKK's vicious reign of terror against Black activists.
McNair fills Denise in on the birth of their baby sister Kimberly, and how their father, Chris McNair, became one of the first Black lawmakers elected to the Alabama legislature since Reconstruction. There are sad and vivid memories of her mother weeping at Denise's graveside as the family would visit the cemetery year after year. And Lisa's experience being among the first generation of Black students to attend integrated schools as a beneficiary of the change wrought by her family's tragedy.
Finding sisterhood through shared pain
She also writes about a woman she bonded with over the years who would help fill the void of losing her big sister. It's Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of Medgar and Myrlie Evers-Williams. Her father, Medgar, was the Mississippi civil rights leader assassinated by a Ku Klux Klansman in his Jackson driveway just three months before the Birmingham church bombing.
Evers-Everette says her relationship with McNair is a special one.
"We call each other sister," says Evers-Everette, executive director of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute.
She recalls that when they first met at a civil rights memorial event in 1989, she told McNair how her middle name was Denise, just like Lisa's late sister.
"And we connected by talking about the pain of losing a loved one so tragically, so brutally at the hand of hate," Evers-Everette says. "And talking about what it's like to live in the fishbowl of that."
And living for years with no justice. It would take decades before convictions came in both crimes.
"There was kind of a culture of silence," McNair says. "People didn't talk for years about it."
Her book describes the lingering trauma in Birmingham because of that.
"Collective, untreated, undiagnosed trauma," she says. "Everybody went back to work or school on Monday like nothing ever happened ... because you knew as an African American at that point, you really didn't have the right to vote. Nobody was going to prosecute a white person for killing a Black person. So you just went on, turned it over to Jesus and kept on living."
A search for identity in a newly-integrated America
In the meantime, McNair was struggling to find her own identity in a changing country – a major theme in her book. McNair says after the bombing her parents enrolled her in a mostly white private school and she found herself navigating two separate worlds with no playbook.
"I'm just paving the way, not of my own volition, for what the next phase of America is supposed to look like," McNair says.
But she says she caught hell for it.
"Because I don't look like, I don't sound like, I don't act like what has been traditionally what Black people do," she says. "I was made to feel that I didn't fit in and I wasn't Black enough."
Evers-Everette says writing honestly about that took courage.
"I applaud her for being raw and real," she says.
She hopes McNair's memoir will open a dialogue about what acceptance of all humanity really looks like.
"Are you accepting me because of my color on my skin? Are you not accepting me because of that at first glance?" she asks. "That's a tragedy of hate that is short sighted."
Outside the 16th Street Baptist Church, McNair notes how tour buses now bring people on pilgrimages here as part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument.
She says she wants people to feel the "weight of the hate and the hurt that people experienced" here.
"This is an American story, and all Americans should come and see where some people took hate so far," McNair says. "We've got a lot of hate in our country now and they think it's a thing and it's okay. But this is what hate looks like when it just gets out of control."
McNair says it should be a cautionary tale in today's polarized climate, which she fears could lead to renewed racial violence.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/her-sister-was-killed-in-the-birmingham-church-bombing-a-new-book-tells-their-story
| 2022-09-14T22:26:32Z
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There have been fresh clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia, two former Soviet republics, in recent days. They've clashed with each other for decades over a long-running territorial dispute.
Copyright 2022 NPR
There have been fresh clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia, two former Soviet republics, in recent days. They've clashed with each other for decades over a long-running territorial dispute.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/nearly-100-are-dead-as-azerbaijan-and-armenias-territory-fight-renews
| 2022-09-14T22:26:39Z
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A new online scam involving LinkedIn is duping professionals into investing in cryptocurrencies, and then scammers steal their money.
Copyright 2022 NPR
A new online scam involving LinkedIn is duping professionals into investing in cryptocurrencies, and then scammers steal their money.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/professionals-beware-that-new-linkedin-connection-request-may-be-part-of-a-scam
| 2022-09-14T22:26:45Z
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ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Baltimore prosecutors asked a judge on Wednesday to vacate Adnan Syed's conviction for the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee — a case that was chronicled in the hit podcast "Serial."
Baltimore's state's attorney filed a motion in circuit court, saying a lengthy investigation conducted with the defense had uncovered new evidence that could undermine the conviction of Syed, Lee's ex-boyfriend.
"The motion filed today supports a new trial for Syed based on a nearly year-long investigation that revealed undisclosed and newly-developed information regarding two alternative suspects, as well as unreliable cell phone tower data," State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby's office said in a news release.
Syed, 42, has maintained his innocence for decades and captured the attention of millions in 2014 when the debut season of the "Serial" podcast focused on the case and raised doubts about some of the evidence, including cellphone tower data.
Prosecutors recommend that Syed be released
Prosecutors on Wednesday said they weren't asserting that Syed is innocent, but they lacked confidence "in the integrity of the conviction" and recommended he be released on his own recognizance or bail.
"We believe that keeping Mr. Syed detained as we continue to investigate the case with everything that we know now, when we do not have confidence in results of the first trial, would be unjust," Mosby added.
The state's attorney's office said if the court grants its motion it would effectively put Syed in a new trial status, and his convictions would be vacated, but the case would remain active.
"Whether the State ultimately continues with a trial in this matter or dismisses the charges will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation," the state's attorney's office said.
State attorney's office says two other suspects may be involved
Prosecutors said a reinvestigation of the case revealed evidence regarding the possible involvement of two alternative suspects other than Syed. The two suspects may be involved individually or may be involved together, the state's attorney's office said. One suspect had threatened Lee, saying "he would make her
Now, prosecutors say, the approximately year-long probe revealed two alternative suspects who were known to the authorities 23 years ago but not disclosed to Syed's defense. Neither prosecutors nor defense attorneys will reveal the suspects' identities because the investigation is ongoing, according to the motion.
One of the suspects had threatened Lee, saying "he would make her (Ms. Lee) disappear. He would kill her," according to the filing.
"Given the stunning lack of reliable evidence implicating Mr. Syed, coupled with increasing evidence pointing to other suspects, this unjust conviction cannot stand," said Assistant Public Defender Erica Suter, Mr. Syed's attorney and, Director of the Innocence Project Clinic. "Mr. Syed is grateful that this information has finally seen the light of day and looks forward to his day in court."
The suspects were known persons at the time of the original investigation and were not properly ruled out nor disclosed to the defense, prosecutors said.
The investigation also found a separate document from the original trial file, in which a different person relayed information that can be viewed as a motive for that same suspect to harm the victim, prosecutors said. The information about the threat and motives to harm could have provided a basis for the defense and was not disclosed to the trial nor the post-conviction defense counsel, the state's attorney's office said.
Prosecutors also said new information revealed that one of the suspects was convicted of attacking a woman in her vehicle, and that one of the suspects was convicted of engaging in serial rape and sexual assault.
The state's attorney's office declined to release information about the suspects, due to the ongoing investigation.
Prosecutors note unreliable cellphone data used in the case
Prosecutors also noted unreliable cellphone data used during Syed's court case to corroborate his whereabouts on the day of the crime. The notice on the records specifically advised that the billing locations for incoming calls "would not be considered reliable information for location."
"Evidence proved that the State should not have relied on the incoming call evidence," the state's attorney's office said.
Syed has served more than 20 years in prison for the strangling of Lee, who was 18 at the time. Her body was found weeks later buried in a Baltimore park.
More than a decade later, the popular "Serial" podcast revealed little-known evidence and attracted millions of listeners, shattering podcast-streaming and downloading records.
In 2016, a lower court ordered a retrial for Syed on grounds that his attorney, Cristina Gutierrez, who died in 2004, didn't contact an alibi witness and provided ineffective counsel.
But after a series of appeals, Maryland's highest court in 2019 denied a new trial in a 4-3 opinion. The Court of Appeals agreed with a lower court that Syed's legal counsel was deficient in failing to investigate an alibi witness, but it disagreed that the deficiency prejudiced the case. The court said Syed waived his ineffective counsel claim.
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review Syed's case in 2019.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/prosecutors-move-to-vacate-adnan-syeds-murder-conviction-in-the-serial-podcast-case
| 2022-09-14T22:26:52Z
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Updated September 14, 2022 at 5:27 PM ET
LONDON — The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II left Buckingham Palace for the last time Wednesday, borne on a horse-drawn carriage and saluted by cannons and the tolling of Big Ben, in a solemn procession through the flag-draped, crowd-lined streets of London to Westminster Hall. There, Britain's longest-serving monarch will lie in state for the world to mourn.
Her son, King Charles III, and his siblings and sons marched behind the coffin, which was topped by a wreath of white roses and her crown resting on a purple velvet pillow.
The queen will lie in state for four days until her funeral Monday, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to file past. Eight pall bearers carried the oak and lead-lined coffin into Westminster Hall, placing it on a raised platform known as a catafalque.
The military procession from Buckingham Palace was designed to underscore the queen's seven decades as head of state as the national mourning process shifted to the grand boulevards and historic landmarks of the U.K. capital.
Thousands who had waited for hours along The Mall outside the palace and other locations along the route held up phones and cameras, and some wiped away tears, as the procession passed. Applause broke out as the coffin passed through Horse Guards Parade.
The coffin was draped in the Royal Standard and topped with the Imperial State Crown — encrusted with almost 3,000 diamonds — and a bouquet of flowers and plants, including pine from the Balmoral Estate, where Elizabeth died on Sept. 8 at the age of 96.
Two officers and 32 troops from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats walked on either side of the gun carriage. The 38-minute procession ended at Westminster Hall, where Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby led a service attended by Charles and other royals.
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you," Welby read from the Book of John.
Thousands had queued up along the banks of the River Thames, waiting their turn to enter the hall and pay their respects.
The crowds are the latest manifestation of the nationwide outpouring of grief and respect for the only monarch most Britons have ever known after her 70 years on the throne.
Joan Bucklehurst, a 50-year-old retail worker from Cheshire in northwestern England, said the queen "meant so much for everybody."
"She was amazing, yeah," she added, choking up with emotion. "So, we had to be here. We've been here a few times when there have been special occasions, but this one, I couldn't miss this."
Maj. Gen. Christopher Ghika, of the Household division, who organized the ceremonial aspects of the queen's funeral, said it was "our last opportunity to do our duty for the queen, and it's our first opportunity to do it for the king, and that makes us all very proud."
Troops involved in the procession have been preparing since the queen died. So have the horses of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
Sgt. Tom Jenks, from the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, said the horses were specially trained, including how to handle weeping mourners, as well as flowers and flags being tossed in front of the procession.
Heathrow Airport temporarily halted flights, saying it would "ensure silence over central London as the ceremonial procession moves from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall."
President Joe Biden spoke Wednesday with Charles to offer his condolences, the White House said.
Biden recalled "the Queen's kindness and hospitality" she hosted them and the first lady at Windsor Castle in June, the statement said. "He also conveyed the great admiration of the American people for the Queen, whose dignity and constancy deepened the enduring friendship and special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom."
Crowds have lined the route of the queen's coffin whenever it has been moved in its long journey from Scotland to London.
On Tuesday night, thousands braved a typical London drizzle as the hearse, with interior lights illuminating the casket, drove slowly from an air base to Buckingham Palace.
Earlier, in Edinburgh, some 33,000 people filed in silent respect past her coffin as it lay for 24 hours at St. Giles' Cathedral.
Hundreds of thousands are expected to visit the 900-year-old Westminster Hall, the oldest building in Parliament, for four days before her state funeral on Monday.
The hall is where Guy Fawkes and Charles I were tried, where kings and queens hosted magnificent medieval banquets, and where ceremonial addresses were presented to Queen Elizabeth II during her silver, golden and diamond jubilees.
Chris Bond, from Truro in southwest England, was among those lining up along the banks of the River Thames. He also attended the lying in state of the queen's mother in 2002.
"Obviously, it's quite difficult queuing all day long, but when you walk through those doors into Westminster Hall, that marvelous, historic building, there was a great sense of hush and one was told you take as much time as you like, and it's just amazing," he said.
"We know the queen was a good age and she served the country a long time, but we hoped this day would never come," he added.
Chris Imafidon, secured the sixth place in the queue.
"I have 1,001 emotions when I see her," he said. "I want to say, God, she was an angel, because she touched many good people and did so many good things."
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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| 2022-09-14T22:26:58Z
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Updated September 14, 2022 at 5:42 PM ET
CHICAGO — A federal jury on Wednesday convicted R. Kelly of several child pornography and sex abuse charges in his hometown of Chicago, delivering another legal blow to a singer who used to be one of the biggest R&B stars in the world.
Kelly, 55, was found guilty on three counts of child pornography and three counts of child enticement.
But the jury acquitted him on a fourth pornography count as well as a conspiracy to obstruct justice charge accusing him fixing his state child pornography trial in 2008. He was found not guilty on all three counts of conspiring to receive child pornography and for two further enticement charges.
His two co-defendants were found not guilty on all charges.
Jurors wrote several questions to the judge on Wednesday, at least one indicating the panelists were grappling with some of the case's legal complexities.
One asked if they had to find Kelly both enticed and coerced minors, or that he either enticed or coerced them. Over objections from Kelly's lawyer, the judge said they only need to find one.
At trial, prosecutors sought to paint a picture of Kelly as a master manipulator who used his fame and wealth to reel in star-stuck fans, some of them minors, to sexually abuse then discard them.
Kelly, born Robert Sylvester Kelly, was desperate to recover child pornographic videos he made and lugged around in a gym bag, witnesses said. They said he offered up to $1 million to recover missing videos before his 2008 trial, knowing they would land him in legal peril. The conspiracy to hide his abuse ran from 2000 to 2020, prosecutors said.
Kelly associates Derrel McDavid and Milton Brown were co-defendants at the Chicago trial. Jurors acquitted McDavid, a longtime Kelly business manager, who was accused of conspiring with Kelly to rig the 2008 trial. Brown, a Kelly associate for years, was acquitted of receiving child pornography.
Kelly faced 13 counts. A conviction of just one count of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, while receipt of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum of five years. Judges can order that defendants sentenced earlier in separate cases serve their new sentence simultaneously with or only after the first term is fully served. Federal inmates must serve at least 85% of their sentences.
During closing arguments Tuesday, Kelly attorney Jennifer Bonjean likened the government's testimony and evidence to a cockroach and its case to a bowl of soup.
If a cockroach falls into soup, she said, "you don't just pull out the cockroach and eat the rest of the soup. You throw out the whole soup," said told jurors.
"There are just too many cockroaches," she said of the prosecution's case.
The three defendants called only a handful of witnesses over four days. Co-defendant McDavid, who was on the stand for three days, may have damaged Kelly's hopes for acquittal by saying that he now doubts Kelly was truthful when he denied abusing anyone after hearing the superstar's accusers testify.
In her closing rebuttal, prosecutor Jeannice Appenteng cited testimony that Kelly's inner circle increasingly focused on doing what Kelly wanted as his fame boomed in the mid-1990s.
"And ladies and gentlemen, what R. Kelly wanted was to have sex with young girls," she said.
Four Kelly accusers testified, all referred to by pseudonyms or their first names: Jane, Nia, Pauline and Tracy. Some cried when describing the abuse but otherwise spoke calmly and with confidence. A fifth accuser, Brittany, did not testify.
Sitting nearby in a suit and face mask, Kelly often averted his eyes and looked down as his accusers spoke.
Some dozen die-hard Kelly fans regularly attended the trial. On at least one occasion during a break, several made hand signs of a heart at Kelly. He smiled back.
Jane, 37, was the government's star witness and pivotal to the fixing charge, which accused Kelly of using threats and payoffs to get her to lie to a grand jury before his 2008 trial and to ensure she and her parents wouldn't testify.
A single video, which state prosecutors said was Kelly abusing a girl of around 14, was the focal point of that trial.
On the witness stand for two days at the end of August, Jane paused, tugged at a necklace and dabbed her eyes with a tissue when she said publicly for the first time that the girl in the video was her aged 14 and that the man was Kelly, who would have been around 30.
Some jurors in the 2008 trial said they had to acquit Kelly because the girl in the video didn't testify. At the federal trial in Chicago, Jane said she lied to a state grand jury in 2002 when she said it was not her in the video, saying part of her reason for lying was that she cared for Kelly and didn't want to get him into trouble.
Jane told jurors she was 15 when they first had intercourse. Asked how many times they had sex before she turned 18, she answered quietly: "Uncountable times. ... Hundreds."
Jane, who belonged to a teenage singing group, first met Kelly in the late 1990s when she was in junior high school. She had visited Kelly's Chicago recording studio with her aunt, a professional singer. Soon after that meeting, Jane told her parents Kelly was going to be her godfather.
Jane testified that when her parents confronted Kelly in the early 2000s he dropped to his knees and begged them for forgiveness. She said she implored her parents not to take action against Kelly because she loved him.
Defense attorneys suggested a desire for money and fame drove some government witnesses to accuse Kelly, and they accused several people of trying to blackmail him. They also suggested that at least one of his accusers was 17 — the age of consent in Illinois — when Kelly began pursing her for sex.
Bonjean implored jurors not to accept the prosecution's portrayal of her client as "a monster," saying Kelly was forced to rely on others because of intellectual challenges, and that he was sometimes led astray.
"Mr. Kelly can also be a victim," she said in her opening statement.
Prosecutors played jurors excerpts from three videos that Jane said featured her. Court officials set up opaque screens around the jurors so journalists and spectators couldn't see the videos or the jurors' reactions.
But the sound was audible. In one video, the girl is heard repeatedly calling the man "daddy." At one point she asks: "Daddy, do you still love me?" The man gives her sexually explicit instructions.
Prosecutors have said Kelly shot the video that was also evidence in the 2008 trial in a log cabin-themed room at his North Side Chicago home around 1998.
Another accuser, Pauline, said Jane introduced her to Kelly when they were 14-year-old middle school classmates in 1998. At Kelly's Chicago home later that year, Pauline described her shock when she said she first walked in on Kelly and a naked Jane. She said Kelly told her that everyone has secrets. "This is our secret," she testified he said.
Pauline told jurors she still cares for Kelly. But, as a 37-year-old mom, she said she now has a different perspective.
"If somebody did something to my kids," she said, "I'm killing 'em. Period."
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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| 2022-09-14T22:27:05Z
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Authorities are investigating a package that exploded inside a building at Northeastern University in Boston. One person was injured. Police found and rendered safe a second suspicious package.
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Authorities are investigating a package that exploded inside a building at Northeastern University in Boston. One person was injured. Police found and rendered safe a second suspicious package.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/school-is-back-in-session-northeastern-university-after-package-exploded-injuring-1
| 2022-09-14T22:27:11Z
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Some people who oppose the British monarchy have staged protests in recent days. They've been questioned, detained or even arrested by police.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Some people who oppose the British monarchy have staged protests in recent days. They've been questioned, detained or even arrested by police.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/some-anti-monarchy-activists-face-repercussions-after-protesting-royal-events
| 2022-09-14T22:27:17Z
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Grueling, unpredictable schedules are among the issues railroad workers are threatening to strike over. As a potential shutdown looms, here's a look at what the potential ramifications could be.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Grueling, unpredictable schedules are among the issues railroad workers are threatening to strike over. As a potential shutdown looms, here's a look at what the potential ramifications could be.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/the-impact-of-a-potential-major-railroad-shutdown
| 2022-09-14T22:27:23Z
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NPR's Sarah McCammon speaks with GOP strategist John Feehery about his efforts to recruit Republican support for the Respect for Marriage Act, which would protect the right to same-sex marriage.
Copyright 2022 NPR
NPR's Sarah McCammon speaks with GOP strategist John Feehery about his efforts to recruit Republican support for the Respect for Marriage Act, which would protect the right to same-sex marriage.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/this-gop-strategist-is-calling-on-republican-senators-to-safeguard-same-sex-marriage
| 2022-09-14T22:27:30Z
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Congress held its hearing on the federal response to the monkeypox outbreak. That comes as cases — and vaccinations — slow down in the U.S.
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Congress held its hearing on the federal response to the monkeypox outbreak. That comes as cases — and vaccinations — slow down in the U.S.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/what-happened-in-the-senates-hearing-on-the-federal-response-to-monkeypox
| 2022-09-14T22:27:36Z
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Wikipedia's race to cover the queen's death NPR | By Kai McNamee, Sarah Handel Published September 14, 2022 at 2:33 PM MDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Flipboard Listen • 1:52 Within seconds of Queen Elizabeth II's death, an army of Wikipedia editors rushed to update her page on the site. It was chaos. Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/wikipedias-race-to-cover-the-queens-death
| 2022-09-14T22:27:43Z
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NPR's Juana Summers talks with Calvin Duncan, creator of a new project that invites the public to sit face-to-face with people serving life without the possibility of parole.
Copyright 2022 NPR
NPR's Juana Summers talks with Calvin Duncan, creator of a new project that invites the public to sit face-to-face with people serving life without the possibility of parole.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2022-09-14/without-hope-for-parole-prisoners-with-life-sentences-tell-their-own-stories
| 2022-09-14T22:27:49Z
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Bridgewater man joins list of people to lift the historic Dinnie Stones in Scotland
BRIDGEWATER, Va. (WHSV) - In late July, a man from Bridgewater completed a feat that few people ever have. Rex Elsea lifted the historic Dinnie Stones in Potarch, Scotland, something just over 200 people have ever done.
“Having so much on the line, we planned this trip, we flew across the sea to Scotland. It felt really really good to be able to not just accomplish the lift but have no questions about whether I was capable of doing it,” said Rex Elsea.
Elsea is a Bridgewater College alum who began CrossFit training, powerlifting and participating in strongman events in his late 20s. Just before COVID hit, he watched a documentary and learned about the Dinnie Stones in Scotland.
“They were used as counterweights to build the Potarch Bridge across The River Dee. That was in the 1800s and I guess at some point it was used as a ‘Hey I bet I can lift those or I bet I can carry those,’” said Elsea.
After learning about the stones, Elsea told his wife he wanted to travel to Scotland and lift them before he turned 40. While COVID delayed his trip, he began training to lift the stones throughout the pandemic.
“To even be considered to come and lift them you have to videotape yourself doing a 300-kilogram deadlift which is 660 pounds or so. There was a lot of deadlifting and a lot of squatting for literally years,” said Elsea.
Elsea got his own iron rings to attach to weight plates and practice the way he would have to lift the stones which weigh a combined 733 pounds.
“My grip would actually make the base of my thumbnail bleed, so it’s a little bit like tree rings. You can see about every week my thumb used to have lines all the way up it,” he said.
In July, Elsea and his wife finally took the trip to Scotland where he became only the 207th person ever to lift the stones.
“I straddled them, grabbed them, I was the first person of the day. I pulled them up off the ground and I really wanted my name in the book so you have to hold them for two seconds and I made sure that stay there as long as I could,” said Elsea.
Elsea was joined by others in his group that day and two of them were also able to lift the stones.
“I was there with a gentleman who was a below-the-knee amputee and he was able to lift them. Then the youngest person ever to lift them was a 16-year-old from Canada and I was able to lift with him as well, so it was a real honor to lift with those guys,” said Elsea.
During his trip to Scotland Elsea also learned of another stone called the Inver Stone that people come to lift and he was able to complete that challenge as well.
“That’s just a large egg-shaped rock that weighs 260 pounds but there’s no handles or anything so you’ve got to pick it up and put it in your lap, and then I put it on top of a barrel,” said Elsea.
Elsea said he plans to take a break from stone lifting and will pursue something different now. He said that lifting the stones was a very fulfilling experience and he hopes others will take on the challenge.
“If I can do it, anybody can do it. I say that as long as you take the time and plan and train anybody can do it,” he said.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/09/14/bridgewater-man-joins-list-people-lift-historic-dinnie-stones-scotland/
| 2022-09-14T22:31:40Z
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Goat named Billy ‘in custody’ for property damage, peeing on sheriff’s deputy
TONOPAH, Ariz. (AZFamily/ Gray News) — Deputies in Arizona had their animal-wrangling skills tested when they were called with reports of a goat, who was terrorizing people at their home.
The goat, named Billy, was being a little rowdy, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said the goat had damaged a garage door and an electrical cord and even chased someone around a car.
The deputies were able to get Billy under control, until he peed on one of them. The next day, the goat was turned over to Maricopa County livestock control.
The sheriff’s office said Billy is facing charges that include trespassing, assault, criminal damage and disorderly conduct. Or at least he would be if he weren’t a goat.
AZFamily was also told Billy is having trouble retaining an attorney. He’s just always butting heads.
Copyright 2022 AZFamily via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/09/14/goat-named-billy-custody-property-damage-peeing-sheriffs-deputy/
| 2022-09-14T22:31:46Z
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The Little Grill Collective in Harrisonburg closing down temporarily with its future uncertain
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - A beloved Harrisonburg restaurant is closing at least for the near future and possibly for good. The Little Grill Collective on North Main Street will not be opening up this week as its future is uncertain.
The Collective is unique in that it has been employee-owned and operated since 2003. In a Facebook post, the Collective said that it can no longer continue to operate in its current form.
The worker-owners said they are taking time to take a critical look at their business operations and are exploring ways to evolve the grill into a new entity to potentially keep it open long term.
WHSV reached out to the worker-owners on Wednesday but they declined to comment until they have a better idea of their next move. They did say that they will keep customers updated through the Collective’s social media pages.
WHSV will provide updates as we learn more in the coming days.
You can read the Little Grill Collective’s full post below:
We are deeply saddened to say that the operation of The Little Grill Collective in its current form cannot continue. We are taking some time to take a hard and critical look at our business operations, and exploring potential evolutions of the Grill into a new entity. We love our customers and our community, and we hope you’ll bear with us during this process.
Peace, Love, and Pancakes;
The Little Grill Worker-Owners
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/09/14/little-grill-collective-harrisonburg-closing-down-temporarily-with-its-future-uncertain/
| 2022-09-14T22:31:47Z
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Mom charged with drowning 3 kids near famed NY boardwalk
Published: Sep. 14, 2022 at 5:41 PM EDT|Updated: 50 minutes ago
NEW YORK (AP) — A New York City mom accused of drowning her three children in the Atlantic Ocean has been charged with murder.
Authorities announced the charges Wednesday, two days after Erin Merdy was found wandering barefoot and soaking wet on Brooklyn’s Coney Island boardwalk.
The city medical examiner determined Tuesday that 7-year-old Zachary Merdy, 4-year-old Liliana Merdy and 3-month-old Oliver Bondarev died by drowning.
Merdy has undergone a psychiatric evaluation and remained in the hospital Wednesday.
It wasn’t clear when she might be arraigned in court.
Relatives said in interviews that Merdy appeared to have been struggling with the children.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/09/14/mom-charged-with-drowning-3-kids-near-famed-ny-boardwalk/
| 2022-09-14T22:31:47Z
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Northwestern Community Services Board to host Suicide Prevention Motorcycle Ride and Awareness Events
WOODSTOCK, Va. (WHSV) - September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month. The Northwestern Community Services Board with the help of other organizations will kick off a Suicide Prevention Motorcycle Ride this Sunday.
The ride will start in the Front Royal Moose Lodge Pavilion on John Marshall Highway in Woodstock. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. with kickstands up at 10:30 a.m. It is $20 per bike with all the proceeds benefiting the Concern Hotline.
Here are the numbers by county to reach the Concern Hotline:
- Clarke, Frederick, Winchester Co. 540-667-0145
- Shenandoah Co. 540-459-4742
- Page Co. 540-743-3733
- Warren Co. 540-635-4357
This hotline provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention. If you are outside of this area you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Corialise Pence with the Community Services Board said in recent years, suicide is very prevalent in the area, especially among younger people.
“It has become a national epidemic where people are not seeing the hope that they had been, especially through COVID. We just want to make sure people know there are resources out there and they are not alone and they always have someone who they can turn to,” Pence explained.
You can get a patch, t-shirt, and bracelet with registration, while supplies last. Riders start out in Warren County and then finish in Page County. There will be stops with food and water along the way. The ride finishes at Luray High School Bulldog stadium.
If you don’t ride a motorcycle but would like to come out and show your support, there will be other Suicide Prevention and Awareness Events throughout the area.
- Front Royal Moose Lodge Pavilion 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- New Market (9184 John Sevier Rd) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Luray (740 US -340) 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There will also be 50/50 raffle tickets available at all of the event locations.
For more information on the events or the Northwestern Community Services Board, click here.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/09/14/northwestern-community-services-board-host-suicide-prevention-motorcycle-ride-awareness-events/
| 2022-09-14T22:31:59Z
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Parents concerned about AR-15 raffle at children’s softball league
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (CNN) - A girls’ softball league in Texas wants to raise money by raffling off an AR-15-style rifle, and some parents aren’t too happy about it.
Jessica England’s daughters have been in the South Montgomery Girls Softball League (SMGSL) for nearly a decade. She said she was shocked when she heard about the gun raffle.
“It would be one thing if they were raffling off a hunting rifle,” England said.
England said the issue is less about the raffle itself, but the fact that it is part of a children’s event.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate for a children’s activity to be raffling off this type of weapon,” she said.
England made a formal complaint to the board.
“Not even four months ago, 19 children and two teachers were gunned down using a semi-automatic assault rifle just like the one being raffled here,” she said.
But the softball league is standing behind its decision, saying in a statement, “The gun raffle is a legal and common practice. All winners will need to pass a background check before receiving any prize. If winners don’t pass the background check, they are deemed ineligible. SMGSL strives to be responsive to the needs of our membership.”
The softball league said it is aware of three complaints about the raffle.
Copyright 2022 KPRC via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/09/14/parents-concerned-about-ar-15-raffle-childrens-softball-league/
| 2022-09-14T22:32:00Z
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Community Relief Fund provides immediate payments from $50 million fund
WEED, Calif., Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- About 80 fire survivors received initial financial assistance Tuesday during the first day of Roseburg Forest Products' $50 million Community Relief Fund being distributed to residents of Weed, Lake Shastina and nearby communities directly affected by the Mill Fire.
Independent administrators assisted residents making claims to cover immediate needs such as temporary housing, transportation, food and clothing, and medical issues. Roseburg began distributing funds from the company's Community Relief Fund less than two weeks after the fire began on Sept. 2.
"Roseburg is so grateful for the patience and response by a number of impacted families who now have initial funds to support their immediate needs," said Pete Hillan, a spokesperson for the company. "Tuesday was only the start of our efforts to help people recover now instead of waiting years for financial support."
Fund administrators will provide assistance at the Weed Community Center, 161 E. Lincoln Ave., Weed, Ca., throughout the week from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The application process has been designed to be streamlined and user-friendly, and to provide on-the-spot funds for those with legitimate claims. More information also is available at: www.weedrelieffund.com
Individuals coming to the Community Center may elect to be represented by an attorney. It is not necessary to have representation, however, to participate in this Fund. In addition, people who accept money from the Fund will be asked only to sign a receipt, so that the Fund has an accurate record of how much it paid. People will not be asked to waive any claim they may have related to the fire as a condition of receiving benefits from the Fund.
"Roseburg has been part of this extraordinary community for 40 years, so it's important for us to do everything we can to support our neighbors, economically and otherwise, during this difficult time," Hillan said.
About Roseburg Forest Products
Founded in 1936, Roseburg Forest Products is a privately-owned company and one of North America's leading producers of particleboard, medium density fiberboard and thermally fused laminates. Roseburg also manufactures softwood and hardwood plywood, lumber, LVL and I-joists. The company owns and sustainably manages more than 600,000 acres of timberland in Oregon, North Carolina and Virginia, as well as an export wood chip terminal facility in Coos Bay, Ore. Roseburg products are shipped throughout North America and the Pacific Rim. To learn more about the company please visit www.Roseburg.com.
Contact: Pete Hillan
pete@singersf.com
831.227.5984
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SOURCE Roseburg Forest Products Co.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/80-fire-survivors-receive-initial-funds-during-first-day-relief-distribution/
| 2022-09-14T22:32:07Z
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QUINCY, Mass., Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CFSB Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: CFSB) (the "Company"), the holding company for Colonial Federal Savings Bank (the "Bank"), reported net income of $544,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022, and net income of $442,000 for the twelve months ended June 30, 2022, compared to net income of $396,000 and $1,392,000 for the same periods in 2021.
President and Chief Executive Officer Michael E. McFarland said "In the year ended June 30, 2022 we completed our reorganization from a mutual savings bank into a two-tier mutual holding company form of organization. Colonial Federal saw improvements in both interest earning assets and net interest margin over the year. Our mortgage portfolio experienced increased purchase volume and less refinancing volume due to the rising rate environment. Our asset quality remains excellent and expenses were very well controlled during the year. We expect performance to improve due to rising interest rates for the remainder of the year."
On January 12, 2022, the Company became the holding company for the Bank when it completed the reorganization of the Bank into a two-tier mutual holding company form of organization. In connection with the reorganization, the Company sold 2,804,306 shares of common stock at a price of $10.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $28.0 million. The Company also contributed 130,433 shares of common stock and $250,000 in cash to the Colonial Federal Savings Bank Charitable Foundation and issued 3,586,903 shares of common stock to 15 Beach, MHC, its federally-chartered mutual holding company.
COVID-19 Impact
The Bank's initiative to work with borrowers that were unable to meet their contractual obligations because of the effects of COVID-19 have been successful. As of June 30, 2022, we had 10 loans with $32,000 of remaining deferred principal, all of which were performing in accordance with their contractual terms.
Income Statement Analysis
Net interest income increased $200,000, or 10.2%, to $2.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021. Net interest income increased $798,000, or 10.8%, to $8.2 million for the twelve months ended June 30, 2022, from $7.4 million for the twelve months ended June 30, 2021. The increase was due to an increase in average net interest-earning assets of $13.4 million combined with an increase in our net interest rate spread to 2.37% for the year ended June 30, 2022 from 2.15% for the year ended June 30, 2021. Our net interest margin increased to 2.47% for the year ended June 30, 2022 compared to 2.32% for the year ended June 30, 2021. The increase in the net interest rate spread was primarily a result of the yield on interest-earning assets decreasing at a slower rate than the decline in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
We recorded a provision for loan losses of $0 and $15,000 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively, and $26,000 and $60,000 for the twelve-month periods ended June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2021, respectively. The allowance for loan losses was $1.7 million, or 1.00%, of total loans, at June 30, 2022, compared to $1.7 million, or 0.98%, of total loans, at June 30, 2021. We did not have any non-performing loans at either June 30, 2022 or 2021. We had $1,000 and $0 in charge-offs for the years ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We had no recoveries for the years ended June 30, 2022 or 2021.
Non-interest income increased $21,000, or 14.4%, to $167,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $146,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021. For the twelve months ended June 30, 2022, non-interest income increased $52,000, or 8.1%, to $695,000 for the year ended June 30, 2022 from $643,000 for the year ended June 30, 2021. The increase was due to a $12,000 increase in customer service fees, a $24,000 increase in income on bank-owned life insurance, a $56,000 increase in gain on sale and call of securities offset by a decrease of $40,000 in other income.
Non-interest expense increased $210,000, or 13.5%, to $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 from $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The increase was primarily due to a $42,000 increase in salaries and employee benefit expense due to normal employee annual merit salary benefit increases and the expense recognized in connection with the ESOP, a $27,000 increase in occupancy expense, a $13,000 increase in data processing expense and a $128,000 increase in other expenses due to increased consultant and audit expenses. For the twelve months ended June 30, 2022 non-interest expense increased $2.1 million, or 33.6%, to $8.5 million from $6.4 million for the year ended June 30, 2021. The increase was due primarily to the $1.6 million funding of the new charitable foundation, a $103,000 increase in salaries and employee benefit expense due to normal employee annual merit salary benefit increases, a $52,000 increase in occupancy expense, a $38,000 increase in advertising expense and a $378,000 in other expenses due primarily to increased consultant and audit expenses.
Balance Sheet Analysis
Total assets increased $27.3 million, or 8.1%, to $366.2 million at June 30, 2022 from $338.9 million at June 30, 2021. The increase resulted primarily from increases in securities held to maturity of $40.1 million, or 38.2%, and bank-owned life insurance of $894,000, or 9.7%, offset by decreases in cash and cash equivalents of $9.0 million, or 22.1%, available for sale securities of $2.1 million and net loans of $1.8 million, or 1.0%.
Securities available for sale decreased $2.1 million to $199,000 at June 30, 2022 from $2.3 million at June 30, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to the sale in July 2021 of a $2.0 million seven-year U.S. Treasury security that was purchased in March 2021. The security was sold for a pre-tax gain of $48,000.
Securities held to maturity increased $40.1 million, or 38.2%, to $145.2 million at June 30, 2022 from $105.1 million at June 30, 2021, as we invested excess cash into securities to increase our overall yield on interest-earning assets. A corporate bond, held to maturity, was called creating a pre-tax gain of $8,000 for the year ended June 30, 2022.
Net loans decreased $1.8 million, or 1.0% to $172.6, million at June 30, 2022 from $174.4 million at June 30, 2021. The decrease was due to decreases of $1.6 million, or 10.1%, in multi-family real estate loans, $484,000, or 19.7%, in second mortgages and $1.6 million, or 9.8%, in commercial real estate loans, offset by increases of $1.7 million, or 1.2%, in one- to-four family residential real estate loans and $89,000, or 4.2%, in other loans. The decreases in multi-family and commercial real estate loans reflected payoffs on properties sold by the borrower and repayments exceeding originations during the year ended June 30, 2022.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $9.0 million, or 22.1%, to $31.7 million at June 30, 2022 from $40.7 million at June 30, 2021. The decrease was a result of an increase in securities held to maturity, as we invested excess cash into securities to increase our overall yield on interest-earning assets.
Total stockholders' equity increased $25.7 million, or 52.6%, to $74.3 million at June 30, 2022 from $48.6 million at June 30, 2021. The increase was due to $27.7 million in funds received from the stock offering and net income of $442,000 for the year ended June 30, 2022 offset by $2.6 million for the purchase of 255,648 shares of common stock by the ESOP.
About CFSB Bancorp, Inc.
CFSB Bancorp, Inc. is a federal corporation organized as the mid-tier holding company of Colonial Federal Savings Bank and is the majority-owned subsidiary of 15 Beach, MHC. Colonial Federal Savings Bank is a federally chartered stock savings bank that has served the banking needs of its customers on the south shore of Massachusetts since 1889. It operates from three full-service offices and one limited-service office in Quincy, Holbrook and Weymouth, Massachusetts.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "project," "believe," "intend," "anticipate," "assume," "plan," "seek," "expect," "will," "may," "should," "indicate," "would," "believe," "contemplate," "continue," "target" and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results include increased competitive pressures, changes in the interest rate environment, general economic conditions or conditions within the securities markets, changes in the quality, size and composition of our loan and securities portfolios, changes in demand for our products and services, legislative, accounting, tax and regulatory changes and a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, including cyberattacks that could adversely affect the Company's financial condition and results of operations and the business in which the Company and the Bank are engaged.
Further, given the ongoing and dynamic nature of the pandemic, we cannot predict the continuing impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our business and on our prospects. The extent of such impact will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, including when the pandemic can be controlled and abated. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related adverse economic consequences, we could be subject to any of the following risks, any of which could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, and results of operations: demand for our products and services may decline, making it difficult to grow assets and income; if the economy worsens, loan delinquencies, problem assets and foreclosures may increase, resulting in increased expenses and reduced income; collateral for loans, especially real estate, may decline in value, which could cause loan losses to increase; our allowance for loan losses may have to be increased if borrowers experience financial difficulties, which will adversely affect our net income; the net worth and liquidity of loan guarantors may decline, impairing their ability to honor commitments to us; it may be challenging to grow our business if the recovery from the economic impact caused by COVID-19 is slow or unpredictable; we rely on third-party vendors for certain services and the unavailability of a critical service due to the COVID-19 outbreak could have an adverse effect on us; and FDIC deposit insurance premiums may increase if the FDIC experiences increased resolution costs.
Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. CFSB Bancorp, Inc. undertakes no obligation to revise these forward-looking statements or to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.
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SOURCE Colonial Federal Savings Bank
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/cfsb-bancorp-inc-announces-2022-fourth-quarter-year-date-financial-results/
| 2022-09-14T22:32:14Z
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Annual Golf Event Helps Stroke Survivors Improve Strength, Flexibility, and Balance
SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Champion the Challenges, a nonprofit foundation committed to reimagining stroke rehabilitation, hosted more than 180 local attendees at the annual Golf 4 Life Event today at Los Lagos Golf Course in San Jose.
Golf 4 Life is a free event dedicated to balancing life after stroke by providing survivors, caregivers, and families with an opportunity to socialize and enjoy a pleasant day outdoors. Stroke survivors at the event participated in a putting challenge, 3-hole game of golf and one-on-one lessons. Many attendees were excited to test out a new swing-less golf club made by PowerGolf. This innovative club uses an internal mechanical piston to hit shots 200 yards, and in this way, survivors who cannot lift their arms are still able to hit their own shots.
Therapists from bay area hospitals volunteered providing onsite balance assessments, and nurses conducted blood pressure screenings. In addition, exhibitors displayed a range of new stroke recovery technologies including neuro-acupuncture, healthcare virtual reality, and adaptive equipment such as prostheses, braces and supports to aid a stroke survivor's mobility. One important part of rehabilitation is home care, and we are pleased to have AHA Auxilio-HomeAide, who provides in-home medical aide, and personal concierge services in the Bay Area.
Participants took golf lessons from PGA teaching Pro's, and everyone enjoyed the addition of a special team of coffee baristas, so attendees could enjoy a latte or cappuccino while taking a break. A free BBQ lunch was provided, followed by an inspiring stroke story by Chris Wilder and his wife, Kate Emmett-Wilder. Chris Wilder is the former Executive Director of the Valley Medical Center Foundation who suffered a severe stroke in March 2021. As an avid golfer, Chris urged attendees to keep trying new ways to participate in the activities they enjoyed before their stroke. Kate gently reminded spouses and caregivers to make sure they focus on their own well-being, while supporting their loved ones.
Deb Shaw, Co-Founder and President of Champion the Challenges, survived three strokes from September 2016 to May 2019, during which time she spent many days in the ICU. Based on Deb's experiences, and aggressive rehabilitation, she and her husband Bob co-founded the stroke nonprofit 501(c)3 foundation as a way of giving back to the stroke community.
"Champion the Challenges is very proud to welcome so many local stroke survivors and their families to participate in Golf 4 Life this year," Deb Shaw said. "We are inspired by the strength and commitment of the whole Bay Area stroke community to come together in a spirit of celebration at this wonderful event."
Regional partners and sponsors for Golf 4 Life included Good Samaritan Hospital, Regional Medical Center, El Camino Health, Valley Medical Center, Stanford Health Care, O'Connor Hospital, San Jose Parks- Recreation & Neighborhood Services, and Los Lagos Golf Course.
Champion the Challenges is a nonprofit foundation with a mission to help stroke survivors, therapists, family, and friends to reimagine stroke rehabilitation. This is a journey everyone needs to be a part of to achieve the best results. Founded in 2021, Champion the Challenges provides inspiring ideas and helpful resources for everyone to use and share.
For more information, please visit:
For Media Inquiries:
Lumina Communications for Champion the Challenges
champion@luminapr.com
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SOURCE Champion the Challenges
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/champion-challenges-hosts-golf-4-life-free-event-stroke-survivors-san-jose/
| 2022-09-14T22:32:20Z
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SAN PEDRO GARZA GARCIA, Mexico, Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cydsa, S.A.B. de C.V. ("Cydsa") (BMV: CYDSASA) announced today that it has commenced a tender offer to purchase for cash (the "Tender Offer") up to an aggregate principal amount of its 6.250% Senior Notes due 2027 (the "Notes") that will not result in the Aggregate Purchase Price (as defined below) for the Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdraw) and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer to exceed U.S.$60 million (such amount, as may be modified by Cydsa in its sole discretion, the "Maximum Amount"). The Tender Offer is being made pursuant to the terms of an Offer to Purchase dated September 14, 2022 (as may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Offer to Purchase"), and is subject to certain conditions.
The Tender Offer will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on October 12, 2022, unless extended or earlier terminated by Cydsa in its sole discretion (such time and date, as the same may be extended, the "Expiration Time"). In order for holders of Notes to be eligible to receive the Total Consideration (as defined below) for their Notes, such holders must validly tender (and not validly withdraw) such Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 27, 2022, unless extended by Cydsa in its sole discretion (such time and date, as the same may be extended, the "Early Tender Time"). Holders that tender Notes after the Early Tender Time but at or prior to the Expiration Time will only be eligible to receive the Tender Offer Consideration (as defined below), which does not include the Early Tender Payment (as defined below).
The consideration for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Time and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer (the "Total Consideration") is U.S.$907.50, which includes a payment equal to U.S.$50.00 per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer (the "Early Tender Payment"). Holders who tender (and do not validly withdraw) their Notes after the Early Tender Time but at or prior to the Expiration Time will be eligible to receive consideration (the "Tender Offer Consideration"), equal to (i) the Total Consideration minus (ii) the Early Tender Payment, on the Final Settlement Date (as defined below). The Total Consideration and the Tender Offer Consideration will be payable in cash in U.S. dollars. Holders will also receive accrued and unpaid interest from the last interest payment date up to, but not including, the applicable Settlement Date (as defined below) for the Notes accepted for purchase (the "Accrued Interest"). The aggregate amount of Tender Offer Consideration and Total Consideration that holders of Notes are entitled to receive, excluding Accrued Interest, for Notes that are validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) and accepted for purchase by Cydsa is referred to as the "Aggregate Purchase Price." The following table describes certain terms of the Tender Offer:
On any business day following the Early Tender Time and before the Expiration Time, Cydsa will have the right, but not the obligation, to accept for purchase any Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Time (the settlement date of such purchase being referred to as the "Early Settlement Date"), subject to the Maximum Amount and proration. The Early Settlement Date with respect to the Tender Offer will be determined at Cydsa's option, subject to all conditions to the Tender Offer (including a financing condition) having been either satisfied or waived by Cydsa. Regardless of whether Cydsa exercises its option to have an Early Settlement Date with respect to the Tender Offer, Cydsa will purchase any remaining Notes that have been validly tendered at or prior to the Expiration Time and that Cydsa chooses to accept for purchase, subject to all conditions to the Tender Offer (including a financing condition) having been either satisfied or waived by Cydsa, within three business days following the Expiration Time or as promptly as practicable thereafter (the settlement date of such purchase being referred to as the "Final Settlement Date"; the Final Settlement Date and the Early Settlement Date, each being referred to as a "Settlement Date"), subject to the Maximum Amount and proration.
If the purchase of all Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Time would cause Cydsa to accept for purchase an aggregate principal amount of Notes that results in an Aggregate Purchase Price in excess of the Maximum Amount, then the Tender Offer will be oversubscribed at the Early Tender Time and, assuming satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Tender Offer (including a financing condition) and if Cydsa elects to have an Early Settlement Date, Cydsa will purchase on the Early Settlement Date, Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Time and accepted for purchase on a prorated basis according to the principal amount of such Notes, such that Cydsa purchases an aggregate principal amount of Notes that results in an Aggregate Purchase Price that does not exceed the Maximum Amount. Accordingly, if the Maximum Amount is reached in respect of tenders made at or prior to the Early Tender Time and Cydsa elects to have an Early Settlement Date, no Notes tendered after the Early Tender Time will be accepted for purchase.
Tendered Notes may be withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the Tender Offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 27, 2022, unless extended by Cydsa in its sole discretion (such time and date, as the same may be extended, the "Withdrawal Deadline"), but not thereafter. The Early Tender Time and/or Expiration Time Offer can be extended independently of the Withdrawal Deadline (as defined below) for such Offer and the Early Tender Time, Expiration Time or Withdrawal Deadline with respect to any other Offer.
Cydsa's obligation to accept for purchase, and to pay for, any Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Tender Offer is conditioned upon the satisfaction or, when applicable, waiver of certain customary conditions, which are more fully described in the Offer to Purchase, including, among others, a financing condition as described in the Offer to Purchase.
In addition, subject to applicable law, Cydsa reserves the right, in its sole discretion, at any time (i) to waive any condition to the Tender Offer, (ii) to amend any of the terms of the Tender Offer, (iii) to terminate the Tender Offer; (iv) to increase or modify the Maximum Amount, (v) to extend the Withdrawal Deadline, (vi) to extend or amend the Early Tender Time or the Expiration Time, or (vii) to modify the Tender Offer Consideration or the Early Tender Payment, in each case (other than clause (v)) without extending the Withdrawal Deadline or otherwise reinstating withdrawal rights of holders.
Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. is acting as the dealer manager for the Tender Offer and can be contacted with questions regarding the Tender Offer at the following telephone numbers: +1 (212) 225-5501 (collect) or +1 (800) 372-3930 (toll free) or at the following email: LM@scotiabank.com.
Copies of the Offer to Purchase are available to holders of Notes from D.F. King & Co., Inc., the information agent and the tender agent for the Tender Offer. Requests for copies of the Offer to Purchase should be directed to D.F. King at +1 (800) 669-5550 (toll free), +1 (212) 232-3233 (collect) or cydsa@dfking.com.
Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any related documents have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, nor have any such documents been filed with or reviewed by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority of any country. No authority has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the Offer to Purchase or any related documents, and it is unlawful and may be a criminal offense to make any representation to the contrary.
The Tender Offer is being made solely on the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Under no circumstances shall this press release constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes or any other securities of Cydsa or any of its affiliates. The Tender Offer is not being made to, nor will Cydsa accept tenders of Notes from, holders in any jurisdiction in which the Tender Offer would not be in compliance with the securities laws of such jurisdiction. No recommendation is made as to whether holders should tender their Notes with respect to the Notes. Holders should carefully read the Offer to Purchase because it contains important information, including the various terms and conditions of the Tender Offer.
Cydsa is a Mexico-based holding company, headquartered in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo León, operating through subsidiaries located in eight cities throughout Mexico, engaged in the industrial sector. Since the incorporation of the company in 1945, Cydsa has grown into a diversified company and Cydsa's current products and services range from edible salt to specialty chemicals for diverse industries to clean energy alternatives and hydrocarbon storage. Cydsa sells over 100 different products in more than 15 countries, including Mexico, the United States, Canada, Central America, South America and Europe. As part of Cydsa's strategy, it offers the first system in Mexico and Latin America dedicated to processing and underground storage of hydrocarbons in salt caverns, offering clean, efficient and safe storage of hydrocarbons, while helping reduce the hydrocarbon storage deficit in Mexico. Cydsa currently operates through its chemical manufacturing and specialties business group and its energy processing and logistics business group.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Cydsa's perspectives and expectations, are forward-looking statements. All statements that express belief, expectation, estimates or intentions, as well as those that are not statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Such statements use forward-looking words such as "proposed," "anticipate," "project," "potential," "could," "should," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "may," "believe," "will," "plan," "seek," "outlook" and other similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. Cydsa cautions you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Although the expectations in the forward-looking statements are based on Cydsa's current beliefs and expectations, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements because such statements speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by federal and state securities laws, Cydsa undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/cydsa-announces-tender-offer-up-60-million-aggregate-purchase-price-its-outstanding-6250-senior-notes-due-2027/
| 2022-09-14T22:32:27Z
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Echo Included in Chicago's 2022 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® and the Chicago Tribune's Top Workplaces
CHICAGO, Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Echo Global Logistics, Inc. ("Echo"), a leading provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services, today announced that the company was recently recognized as a great place to work by Chicago's 2022 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® and the Chicago Tribune's Top Workplaces lists.
With its Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® program, the National Association for Business Resources recognizes companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to employees through their human resources practices. This is the ninth year Echo has been included in the list of Chicago's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®.
Echo was also recognized again by the Chicago Tribune in their 2022 Top Workplaces list, which recognizes Chicagoland companies that create and sustain a positive and productive workplace culture. Inclusion is based on employee responses to a confidential survey conducted by Chicago Tribune research partner Energage, which independently calculates the list of top workplaces.
"We're especially proud of the workplace we've built, where leading-edge technology and a collaborative environment empower team members to simplify transportation management for our shippers and carriers while thriving in their careers at Echo," said Doug Waggoner, Chief Executive Officer at Echo. "Our exceptional team and workplace culture drive the business success that is fueling our strong momentum."
As a Fortune 1000 company, Echo has a positive and productive corporate culture and offers employees robust benefits, development opportunities, mentorship programs, volunteer time off, team-building events, recreational clubs, and more. In addition to showing its appreciation for team member contributions by offering top-tier benefits and perks, Echo has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The company creates a welcoming and inclusive environment by amplifying the diverse voices of the Echo workforce. Echo has a variety of business resource groups (BRGs) that support and encourage team members to share their unique perspectives and experiences.
"Echo provides the training, technology, and guidance our team needs to excel on the job, enabling Echo team members to perform well in a supportive environment," said Paula Frey, Chief Human Resources Officer at Echo. "It's an honor to be recognized again this year alongside many outstanding companies that succeed in building and maintaining a great company culture, and I'm grateful to all the Echo team members who bring their all to Echo every day."
"These 2022 winning organizations have stood out during unpredictable times and have proven they are an employer of choice. They continue to keep the needs of their employees first and provide perks that include, development, wellbeing, work-life balance, rewards and recognition. In addition, these winning companies offer a fantastic work culture and workplace environment that attracts and retains superior employees," said Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO of NABR and The Best and Brightest Program.
About Echo Global Logistics
Echo Global Logistics, Inc. is a leading Fortune 1000 provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services. Headquartered in Chicago with more than 30 offices around the country, Echo offers freight brokerage and Managed Transportation solutions for all major modes, including truckload, partial truckload, LTL, intermodal, and expedited. Echo maintains a proprietary, web-based technology platform that compiles and analyzes data from its network of over 50,000 transportation providers to serve 35,000 clients across a wide range of industries and simplify the critical tasks involved in transportation management. For more information on Echo Global Logistics, visit: www.echo.com.
ECHO: Corporate
MEDIA CONTACT:
Christopher Clemmensen
SVP of Marketing
Echo Global Logistics
312-784-2132
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| 2022-09-14T22:32:33Z
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By teaching and measuring these 16 skills, employers enhance the employee experience and manage business outcomes like productivity and attrition.
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Emtrain, which provides eLearning and predictive analytics for the workplace, announced today a new skill building framework to help organizations proactively manage their workplace culture and business outcomes. Backed by research and psychometrically validated, Emtrain scores and benchmarks respect, inclusion, belonging, and ethics and recommends microlessons to teach pro-social skills where lacking.
"Our 16-factor model gives employers and managers a heat map of behaviors and predicts attrition and team productivity," said CEO and Founder Janine Yancey.
Emtrain's skill building framework goes beyond traditional approaches that focus on core skills and job skills. Pro-social skills, such as mitigating bias, managing power, and advancing allyship empower HR and diversity initiatives. Microlessons teach pro-social skills and behaviors at scale, building competencies for teams and allowing executives to measure and benchmark their culture and risks throughout the organization.
Cross-industry benchmarking incorporates 90 million perceptions from 2 million employees from over 500 hundred organizations. Individual employer scores can be segmented by gender, age, race, location, and other demographics. Heatmaps help leaders focus on developing skills where they're vulnerable. For the first time ever, organizations can have real time visibility of the social dynamics within their workplace.
"As we embrace a hybrid workplace, leaders are struggling to figure out how to build and maintain high performing teams. Employees no longer have the natural relationships that evolve when working side by side. Hybrid work is forcing organizations to be more deliberate and intentional in how they create inclusion and our pro-social skills model will help them do that," said Emtrain's Chief Innovation Officer Robert Todd.
Emtrain provides eLearning and analytics that measure the impact of social dynamics in the workplace. Emtrain's solutions go beyond compliance to develop inclusion, ethics and respect as professional competencies via video-based training to build skills. Emtrain partners with industry experts and uses current events to develop video-based training content on topics such as sexual harassment, unconscious bias, respect and ethics. In addition, using patent-pending analytics, the company allows companies to benchmark their corporate culture against the global community to identify issues before they become toxic problems that can become compliance issues and destroy workplace culture. Emtrain's platform is used by more than 600 companies including Bed Bath & Beyond, Genentech, LiveNation and more. Recognized by Fast Company on the "World Changing Ideas 2020" list, and named one of the fastest growing companies on the "Inc. 5000 2021" list Emtrain is a VC-backed, woman-owned and women-led company. Learn more at https://www.emtrain.com.
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| 2022-09-14T22:32:39Z
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The latest selection underscores viability and lead position for EnergySource Minerals' patented lithium brine extraction technology
SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif., Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- EnergySource Minerals announced today that its proprietary ILiAD ™ (Integrated Lithium Absorption Desorption) lithium brine technology platform has been selected as the technology provider for Compass Minerals (NYSE: CMP), a leading global provider of essential minerals. The technology was chosen for its superiority in lithium recovery, magnesium rejection, minimized environmental impact and commercial readiness.
EnergySource's ILiAD platform technology has been selected for use on phase one of Compass Minerals' 2.4 mMT lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) resource on the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Phase one of development is expected to be located on the east side of the Great Salt Lake where a significant portion of the company's existing infrastructure is located.
"Our selection of ESM is the result of a comprehensive, competitive process, and we are excited to forge ahead on our lithium development with their team as a trusted provider," said Chris Yandell, head of lithium for Compass Minerals. "Our multi-year assessment was focused on matching the right technology with our specific lithium brine resource – and we are confident we've done just that with this provider selection."
Following three years of extensive research and piloting of multiple DLE technologies and providers, Compass Minerals' analysis showed EnergySource Minerals' proprietary ILiAD adsorption technology proved to be the most successful in processing Compass Minerals' brine resource across four key combined assessment categories: lithium recovery; magnesium rejection; minimized environmental impact; and commercial readiness.
"Compass Minerals has done extensive due diligence as it works to join the domestic battery metals supply chain to help meet the US automotive industry's need for clean and sustainable lithium," noted Eric Spomer, CEO of EnergySource Minerals. "We look forward to producing with the Compass Minerals team and supporting their operations as they enter the market with a cost-competitive, battery-grade lithium product by 2025."
"While we are happy with the results of our partners' research and pilot testing, we are not surprised by the outcome. It confirms the commercial viability of ILiAD's lithium extraction technology. Through our own extensive testing program on a range of brines from around the world, we have seen ILiAD deliver outstanding results across the full range of lithium-bearing brines. Our approach leverages over 40 plus years of industry leadership within our team," added Spomer. "We are thrilled to see ILiAD get its footing in world-wide operations and applications."
EnergySource Minerals developed the ILiAD technology for its lithium extraction operation at the John L. Featherstone Geothermal Power Plant in the Salton Sea, currently under development. The platform maximizes lithium extraction from brines in a closed-loop environment, delivering significant reduction in time, cost, and environmental impact compared with alternative methods.
ILiAD is considered best-in-class among direct lithium extraction technologies and is commercially ready and being deployed today. The technology dramatically reduces the water footprint of operations, does not consume reagents, demonstrates order-of-magnitude longer operating life and the highest lithium recovery rates. EnergySouce Minerals has tested the technology platform on a variety of brines and is ready to be rapidly deployed at a global scale.
"As the world transitions to a clean energy economy, lithium demand is increasing dramatically," said Dr. David Deak, of EnergySouce Minerals. "Currently, lithium extraction has a high environmental cost, and is produced from a limited range of geographies. A technology change is required to enable a broader, more sustainable resource base. ILiAD is that technology."
About EnergySource Minerals
EnergySource Minerals is a privately held company leading the development of Project ATLiS—a premier lithium project located in Imperial County, California, United States—as well as the ILiAD technology platform, which is being developed and deployed to lithium operations worldwide. Schlumberger New Energy and TechMet Ltd. have equity interest in EnergySource Minerals.
About Compass Minerals
Compass Minerals (NYSE: CMP) is a leading global provider of essential minerals focused on safely delivering where and when it matters to help solve nature's challenges for customers and communities. The company's salt products help keep roadways safe during winter weather and are used in numerous other consumer, industrial, chemical and agricultural applications. Its plant nutrition products help improve the quality and yield of crops, while supporting sustainable agriculture. Additionally, the company is pursuing development of a sustainable lithium brine resource to support the North American battery market and is a minority owner of Fortress North America, a next-generation fire retardant company. Compass Minerals operates 12 production and packaging facilities with nearly 2,000 employees throughout the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Visit compassminerals.com for more information about the company and its products.
Media Contact
Erinn Lynch
erinn@blazepr.com
Tel: +1 (805) 570-0990
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/energysource-minerals-selected-by-compass-minerals-direct-lithium-extraction-technology-provider/
| 2022-09-14T22:32:45Z
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NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Enochian BioSciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENOB) between January 17, 2018 and June 27, 2022, both dates inclusive, (the "Class Period"), including common stock issued by Enochian in a private placement offering on or about February 16, 2018, of the important September 26, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Enochian BioSciences securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Enochian BioSciences class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=6517 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 26, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) co-founder and inventor, Serhat Gumrukcu, was engaged in a variety of frauds; (2) Gumrukcu was not a licensed doctor anywhere in the world; (3) as a result of the foregoing, Gumrukcu's purported contributions to Enochian lacked a reasonable basis; (4) as a result of the foregoing, Enochian had overstated its commercial prospects; (5) Gumrukcu had improperly diverted approximately $20 million from Enochian to entities he owned; and (6) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Enochian's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Enochian BioSciences class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=6517 mailto:or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com
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| 2022-09-14T22:32:52Z
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- Institutional Shareholder Services joins Glass Lewis in support of all seven of the Company's Board nominees.
- RIV Capital's Board nominees are well equipped with the relevant industry expertise, experience and qualifications to execute on RIV Capital's strategic vision to become a leader in the cannabis market.
- Vote FOR RIV Capital's Board nominees well before the deadline of 10:00 a.m. (EDT) on September 27, 2022. For help voting, please contact Kingsdale Advisors at 1-877-659-1821 (toll free in North America), or at 1-416-867-2272 (collect outside North America), or by email at contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com.
TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - RIV Capital Inc. ("RIV Capital" or the "Company") (CSE: RIV) (OTC: CNPOF), an acquisition and investment firm focused on building a leading multistate platform with the strongest portfolio of cannabis brands in key strategic markets across the United States, is pleased to announce that a second independent proxy advisory firm, Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. ("ISS"), has recommended shareholders vote FOR all seven of the Company's board of directors (the "Board") nominees. ISS' positive recommendation follows Glass, Lewis & Co.'s ("Glass Lewis") endorsement of RIV Capital's Board nominees.
ISS and Glass Lewis are leading independent, third-party proxy advisory firms that provide proxy voting recommendations to pension funds, investment managers, mutual funds, and other institutional shareholders.
The positive recommendations from both ISS and Glass Lewis reaffirm the Company's view that all seven of RIV Capital's Board nominees, namely Laura Curran, Chris Hagedorn, Richard Mavrinac, Joseph Mimran, Amy Peckham, Mark Sims and Dawn Sweeney, are equipped with the relevant industry expertise, experience and qualifications to execute on RIV Capital's strategic vision to become a leader in the cannabis market.
The upcoming Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. (EDT). RIV Capital urges shareholders to visit rivcapital.com/future for more information about our Board nominees and to vote well before the deadline of 10:00 a.m. (EDT) on September 27, 2022.
Your vote is critical no matter how many shares you own. To vote, contact Kingsdale Advisors at 1-877-659-1821 (toll free in North America), or at 1-416-867-2272 (collect outside North America), or by email at contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com.
About RIV Capital
RIV Capital is building a leading cannabis packaged goods company, with a focus on establishing one of the strongest portfolios of brands in key strategic U.S. markets. Backed by in-house expertise and cannabis domain knowledge, RIV Capital aims to grow its own brands and partner with established U.S. cannabis operators and brands to bring them to new markets and build market share. RIV Capital established the foundational building blocks of its active U.S. strategy with the previously announced acquisition of Etain. Through its strategic relationship with The Hawthorne Collective, Inc. ("The Hawthorne Collective"), a subsidiary of ScottsMiracle-Gro, RIV Capital is The Hawthorne Collective's preferred vehicle for cannabis-related investments not under the purview of other ScottsMiracle-Gro subsidiaries.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of RIV Capital and its portfolio companies with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding the Company's strategies, objectives, goals, opportunities and plans, including in respect of future growth and creating shareholder value ; and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors.
Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical fact but instead reflects management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although RIV Capital believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of RIV Capital or its portfolio companies.
Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: the timing and likelihood for receipt of all required regulatory approvals, and satisfaction of other conditions to closing, in respect of the Etain Acquisition; the Company's ability to execute its go-forward strategy; stock market volatility; changes in the business activities, focus and plans of the Company, Etain and the Company's investees and the timing associated therewith; the timing of any changes to federal laws in the U.S. to allow for the general cultivation, distribution, and possession of cannabis; regulatory and licensing risks; changes in cannabis industry growth and trends; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; litigation risks; the global regulatory landscape and enforcement related to cannabis, including political risks and risks relating to regulatory change; risks relating to anti-money laundering laws; compliance with extensive government regulation, including RIV Capital's interpretation of such regulation; public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry; divestiture risks; and the risk factors set out in RIV Capital's management's discussion and analysis dated August 29, 2022 and annual information form dated June 10, 2022 filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available on RIV Capital's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
The Company has invested in and acquired, and intends to in the future invest in and/or acquire, companies that are involved in the manufacture, possession, use, sale, and distribution of cannabis in the recreational and medicinal cannabis marketplace in the United States. Local state laws where such operations occur permit such activities, however, investors should note that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry in the United States. Cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute or possess cannabis in the United States. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable U.S. federal money laundering legislation.
While the approach to enforcement of such laws by the federal government in the United States has trended toward non-enforcement against individuals and businesses that comply with recreational and medicinal cannabis programs in states where such programs are legal, strict compliance with state laws with respect to cannabis will neither absolve the Company of liability under U.S. federal law, nor will it provide a defense to any federal proceeding which may be brought against the Company. The enforcement of federal laws in the United States is a significant risk to the business of the Company and any proceedings brought against the Company thereunder may adversely affect the Company's operations and financial performance.
Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although RIV Capital has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. RIV Capital does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.
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SOURCE RIV Capital Inc.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/independent-proxy-advisory-firm-iss-recommends-shareholders-vote-riv-capitals-board/
| 2022-09-14T22:33:01Z
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Investment advisory and wealth management firm recognized on distinguished annual list for second year in a row
CHICAGO, Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kovitz Investment Group ("Kovitz"), an independently-managed investment advisory and wealth management firm based in Chicago, is thrilled to announce it has been named to the Crain's 2022 Best Places to Work in Chicago, for a second year.
The Best Places to Work list is a survey conducted by Best Companies Group for Crain's Chicago Business. The nomination process is designed to measure employee engagement and evaluate current policies and benefit offerings. Thousands of employees from the Chicago area were surveyed on working environment, benefits and culture that make a company a great place to work. Of the 100 companies selected to this year's list, Kovitz ranked 100 overall.
"It's an honor once again to be placed among the Best Places to Work in Chicago by Crain's. This recognition affirms the daily investment we make in our people which ensures two things – real work and life balance does exist, and employee feedback will drive business decisions," said Jessica Cunnick, Chief People Officer of Kovitz. "Our people also appreciate that hard work and realizing our core values means opportunity at Kovitz has no limit."
Kovitz' dedication to firm culture, specifically the adoption of a permanent hybrid work model, has played a key role in supporting business growth initiatives. Recently, Kovitz was recognized as one of the top 100 RIA firms in the country by Financial Advisor magazine. The firm also is one of the top RIA firms as ranked by Barron's.
The firm also launched an employee-led foundation, Kovitz Cares, in late 2020. The foundation allows employee volunteers to make a difference by giving back to the communities in which they live, a core value of the firm.
Since making the 2021 Crain's list, Kovitz has made several strategic new hires and continues to add to its growing team.
Kovitz is an independently-managed registered investment adviser providing advisory services since 2003. Based in Chicago, IL, with offices in Madison, WI, and Orange County, CA, Kovitz connects high-net-worth individuals, institutions, and financial professionals to sound asset management and financial advisory strategies. The firm manages and advises on approximately $7.0 billion in client assets as of August 31, 2022. https://www.kovitz.com/
The annual Crain's Best Places to Work in Chicago list is determined by a two-step process. The first step consisted of evaluating each participating company's workplace policies, practices and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of employee surveys aimed at assessing the experiences and attitudes of individual employees with respect to their workplace. This part was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the best companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process and analyzed the data and used its expertise to determine the final ranking.
Media Contact
Jay Scott
jscott@gavniadv.com
484-695-3774
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| 2022-09-14T22:33:07Z
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Document now includes data from June through December of 2021
DENVER, Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: MDC), parent company to the Richmond American Homes companies, recently announced that it published an update to its 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report.
The M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report
The publication, which highlights the company's environmental initiatives, social practices and corporate governance, was originally published in June of 2021. At the close of 2021, the company collected and analyzed new data from June through December of that year. The new metrics are reflected in its recent updates to the following charts in the ESG Report:
- Greenhouse Gas charts
- SASB Home Builders Standard (IF-HB) Sustainability Disclosure Topics & Accounting Metrics chart
- GRI Index 200, 300 and 400 Series chart
"Recent updates to MDC's first-ever Environmental, Social and Governance Report provide a more complete picture of the company's commitment to its employees, subcontractors, homebuyers and the planet. Sustainability remains a major focus as we look toward the future. The next generation is counting on us to do our part," said Chief Financial Officer, Robert N. Martin.
For more information on M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.'s ESG initiatives, view the updated report at ir.richmondamerican.com.
About M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.
Operating under the name Richmond American Homes, MDC's homebuilding subsidiaries have built more than 230,000 homes since 1977. Among the nation's largest homebuilders, MDC's subsidiary companies have operations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington. Mortgage lending, plus insurance and title services are offered by the following MDC subsidiaries, respectively: HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, American Home Insurance Agency, Inc. and American Home Title and Escrow Company. M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDC." For more information, visit MDCHoldings.com.
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| 2022-09-14T22:33:13Z
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement from Jen Judson, President of the National Press Club and Gil Klein, President of the National Press Club Journalism Institute on the murder, September 11, of two Haitian journalists: Frantzsen Charles and Tayson Lartigue.
"We call on the Haitian government to do everything in its power to bring to justice the killers of Frantzsen Charles and Tayson Lartigue. These two journalists were reportedly ambushed by the G9 gang after interviewing the parents of a teenager who had been killed in gang violence in the Cite Soleil section of Port Au Prince. Several other journalists with them were attacked but managed to escape. The bodies of Charles and Lartigue were burned by the gang members. Our hearts go out to their families and colleagues.
"This brings to five the number of Haitian journalists killed so far this year. While the situation in Haiti is difficult for many people, we urge all members of Haitian society including government officials and gang members to respect the vital need for journalists their work unimpeded and without fear of violence."
Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists The Club has 3,000 members and is an outspoken advocate for press freedom worldwide.
The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. As the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club, the Institute powers journalism in the public interest.
Contact: Bill McCarren for the National Press Club, 202-662-7534
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| 2022-09-14T22:33:19Z
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VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Pan American Silver Corp. (NASDAQ: PAAS) (TSX: PAAS) ("Pan American", or the "Company") today announced an updated mineral resource estimate for its 100% owned La Colorada Skarn deposit in Zacatecas, Mexico. The estimated indicated mineral resource totals 95.9 million tonnes containing 94.4 million ounces of silver, 2.7 million tonnes of zinc and 1.2 million tonnes of lead. In addition, the estimated inferred mineral resource now totals 147.8 million tonnes containing 132.9 million ounces of silver, 3.4 million tonnes of zinc and 1.5 million tonnes of lead. The updated mineral resource estimate is a significant increase relative to our previous mineral resource estimate released on August 4, 2020.
The mineral resource estimate is based on a US$45 per tonne unit cut-off value and an underground sub-level cave (SLC) mining method followed by processing through a selective flotation beneficiation plant that generates zinc and lead concentrates.
"Our exploration team has done a remarkable job of delineating a large resource with notable growth potential in only four years. Our confidence in the geology has also improved, resulting in a large portion of the deposit now being classified as indicated resources," said Christopher Emerson, Pan American's Vice President Business Development and Geology. "Notably, the high-grade intersects we announced on July 21, 2022 are not included in today's mineral resource estimate, and the deposit remains open in nearly all directions for further resource expansion."
Michael Steinmann, President and CEO, said: "The prospect of an extensive polymetallic deposit located below our largest and highest-grade silver mine is very promising, and based on its size, we believe the Skarn could provide Pan American with production for many decades."
"Our next steps to advance the project involve incorporating the most recent drill results and high-grade intersects into the resource model, and continuing the development of preliminary project engineering studies. Our aim is to release an updated Technical Report on the La Colorada property in 2023 that includes a preliminary economic assessment of the Skarn deposit," added Mr. Steinmann.
Estimated Mineral Resource
Notes:
- Estimation and reporting of mineral resources were carried out in accordance with CIM guidelines.
- Mineral resources have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction demonstrating sufficient spatial continuity of mineralisation constrained within a potentially mineable shape. No mineral reserves are reported at this time.
- Prices used to report mineral resources were: US$22 per ounce of silver, US$2,800 per tonne of zinc and US$2,200 per tonne of lead.
- An estimate of mineral value per tonne was calculated using metallurgical recoveries of 87.4% Ag, 88% Pb and 93% Zn with mineral concentrate qualities of 67% Pb in lead concentrate and 60% Zn in zinc concentrate, obtained from metallurgical testing. Estimates for transport, payability and refining/selling costs, based on experience and long-term views of the marketing, treatment and refining of these types of mineral concentrates, were included.
- Reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction were assessed by determining the total in-situ tonnes and grade constrained inside volumes that are based on a bulk style sub-level caving underground mining method. The tonnes and grades are inclusive of the must-take low grade material within the volume, as per CIM best practice guidelines. No other mining dilution or mineral losses have been accounted for. A US$45 per tonne operating cost has been assumed, which includes estimates of mining, processing and G&A operating costs.
- This mineral resource estimate was prepared under the supervision of, or was reviewed by, Christopher Emerson, FAusIMM, Vice President Business Development and Geology, and Martin G. Wafforn, P.Eng., Senior Vice President Technical Services and Process Optimization, each of whom is a Qualified Person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101").
- The effective date of the mineral resources estimate is September 13, 2022.
The La Colorada Skarn is a large underground mineral deposit, and a range of mining methods is being considered for its extraction. The mineral resource estimate provided in this news release considers using the bulk SLC method throughout the deposit. However, the table below is provided for comparison purposes only to highlight how the mineral resource estimate would change using potentially mineable shapes and cut-off value estimates specific to two alternative mining methods. Applying some combination of these mining methods to the mineral resource may prove economically and technically optimal, depending on geometric, geographic and geotechnical factors specific to different areas of the deposit.
Mineral Resource Estimate at Different Cut-off Values and Mining Methods
Notes:
- Prices used to report mineral resources were: US$22 per ounce of silver, US$2,800 per tonne of zinc and US$2,200 per tonne of lead.
- An estimate of mineral value per tonne was calculated using metallurgical recoveries of 87.4% Ag, 88% Pb and 93% Zn with mineral concentrate qualities of 67% Pb in lead concentrate and 60% Zn in zinc concentrate, obtained from metallurgical testing. Estimates for transport, payability and refining/selling costs, based on experience and long-term views of the marketing, treating and refining of these types of mineral concentrates, were included.
- This table has been included to reflect the sensitivity of the mineral resource to mining method, potential mineable shapes and costs rather than applying variable cut-off values within a non-selective mining shape.
- The inventories in the table are for sensitivity comparisons to the SLC mineral resource estimate stated above; they do not represent mineral resource estimates in themselves.
- All inventories are in-situ tonnes and metal contents.
Mineral Resource Highlights:
- The current mineral resource estimate is based on 190,000 metres of drilling to a drill cut-off date of April 30, 2022. An additional 44,000 metres of drilling has been completed since the resource cut-off date. The extensions and high-grade results that were reported in our news release dated July 21, 2022 have not been included in this mineral resource estimate.
- The initial discovery of the La Colorada Skarn deposit was announced on October 23, 2018, and a total of 234,000 metres of exploration drilling has been completed on the deposit to date.
- The polymetallic skarn mineralisation is concentrated in three zones, which cover an area of 1,500 metres by 1,100 metres laterally, and a depth of between 600 metres and 1,900 metres below surface. The deposit is oriented in a north-northwest to south-southeast direction and is below the currently active Candelaria mine workings. See Figures 1 and 2 that accompany this news release.
- The geological model used for the resource estimate is based on 235 diamond drillholes with drill spacing ranging from 50 metres to 80 metres. The mineral resource classification has been based on geological criteria, estimation confidence and density of data for the indicated and inferred mineral resource categories.
- Geological interpretation, resource modeling and mineral resource estimation were carried out using Leapfrog Geo and Datamine software. The block model and mineral resource estimation methodology were validated by third party consultants. Deswik mine planning software was used to define the SLC mining shapes, in particular the "Deswik.Caving" and "Pseudoflow" functions were integral in defining the constraining shapes. Deswik.Caving utilizes PGCA (Power Geotechnical Cellular Automata) particle-based flow modelling techniques and software.
- Comminution, selective flotation (rougher, cleaners, kinetics and locked cycle tests), mineralogical analysis, sedimentation and filtration testing have shown the mineral to be amenable to conventional crushing, grinding, flotation, thickening and filtration unit processing. The projected Zn and Pb contents of the flotation concentrates that could be produced are expected to be readily marketable. Further geo-metallurgical sample collection and testing is in progress, as the deposit size continues to expand and as mining methods are being considered that affect the expected plant head grade, and therefore potentially impact metallurgical recovery and concentrate quality estimates.
- The SLC mining method was chosen to develop mining shapes that constrain the mineral resource volume. The reported mineral resource is the in-situ tonnage and metals contained within a mining shape developed at a $45 per tonne operating cost, and honours practical cavability geometry and layouts that are at a suitable level of detail for mineral resource estimation purposes. The mineral resource inventory does not have mining recovery or dilution factors applied beyond the mining shape.
- Geotechnical drilling, laboratory testing and studies have been conducted with the assistance of internal and third-party geotechnical experts to make an initial positive caveability assessment in support of the SLC mining method.
- The Qualified Persons, as identified in the "General Notes with Respect to Technical Information" section below, are satisfied that applying SLC parameters is practical and satisfies the test of reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction. It is acknowledged that additional resource definition drilling, geotechnical studies and metallurgical testing may change the mining approach as the project progresses and further extents of the mineralisation are defined.
General Notes with Respect to Technical Information
A total of 235 diamond drillholes with a total length of 190,000 metres were used in the geological interpretation and resource estimate. Several old historic drillholes were included in the modeling. Drilling of the La Colorada Skarn deposit has been completed from both surface and underground drill platforms.
All drill hole samples used in the mineral resource have been previously reported in news releases dated October 23, 2018, February 21, 2019, May 8, 2019, August 1, 2019, October 30, 2019, February 13, 2020, August 4, 2020, May 12, 2021, November 10, 2021, February 24, 2022, and May 9, 2022.
The drill hole samples were prepared by the internal La Colorada mine laboratory, SGS of Durango, Activation Laboratories Ltd ("Actlabs") of Zacatecas, Bureau Veritas of Hermosillo and ALS Global, Mexico. Pan American implements a quality assurance and quality control ("QAQC") program, including the submission of certified standards, blanks, and duplicate samples to the laboratories.
Actlabs, SGS and ALS Global all used fire assay with gravimetric finish for gold, and acid digestion with ICP finish for silver, lead, zinc, and copper. Samples delivered to ALS Global were prepared in Zacatecas, Mexico laboratory and sent to Vancouver, BC laboratory for assay. Bureau Veritas used fire assay with gravimetric finish for gold and by acid digestion with ICP finish for silver, lead, zinc, and copper in their Vancouver, Canada laboratory. The La Colorada mine laboratory, which is operated by our employees, used fire assay with gravimetric finish for gold and silver, and acid digestion with atomic absorption finish for lead, zinc, and copper.
The results of the QAQC samples submitted to SGS, Actlabs, Bureau Veritas, ALS Global and the La Colorada mine laboratory all demonstrate acceptable accuracy and precision.
The Qualified Persons are of the opinion that the sample preparation, analytical, and security procedures followed for the samples are sufficient and reliable for the purpose of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates. Pan American is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data reported herein.
Mineral reserves and mineral resources are as defined by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM").
Pan American reports mineral resources and mineral reserves separately. Reported mineral resources do not include amounts identified as mineral reserves. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves have no demonstrated economic viability. No mineral reserves have yet been estimated for the La Colorada Skarn deposit.
The Qualified Persons do not expect these mineral resource estimates to be materially affected by any known legal, political, environmental or other risks.
See the Company's Annual Information Form dated February 23, 2022, available at www.sedar.com for further information concerning QAQC and data verification matters, the key assumptions, parametres and methods used by the Company to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources, and for a detailed description of known legal, political, environmental, and other risks that could materially affect the Company's business and the potential development of the Company's mineral reserves and resources.
Technical information contained in this news release with respect to Pan American has been reviewed and approved by Christopher Emerson, FAusIMM, Vice President Business Development and Geology, and Martin Wafforn, P.Eng., Senior Vice President Technical Services and Process Optimization, each of whom is a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101.
Pan American Silver Corp. is authorized by The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of British Columbia to engage in Reserved Practice under Permit to Practice number 1001470.
About Pan American Silver
Pan American owns and operates silver and gold mines located in Mexico, Peru, Canada, Argentina and Bolivia. We also own the Escobal mine in Guatemala that is currently not operating. Pan American provides enhanced exposure to silver through a large base of silver reserves and resources, as well as major catalysts to grow silver production. We have a 28-year history of operating in Latin America, earning an industry-leading reputation for sustainability performance, operational excellence and prudent financial management. We are headquartered in Vancouver, B.C. and our shares trade on NASDAQ and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "PAAS".
Learn more at panamericansilver.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information
Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: estimates mineral resources; the expectation of the Company to complete a technical report, including preliminary economic assessment relating to the La Colorada Skarn mineral resources in 2023, and the timing and results of any such assessment; the prospects of any future production from the La Colorada Skarn deposit; the extent of, and success related to any future exploration or development programs with respect to the La Colorada Skarn; expectations with respect to future anticipated size of the La Colorada Skarn deposit; the selection of the ultimate mining method, if any, and in particular, whether the SLC mining method will be utilized or used in combination with other mining methods; expectations that legal, political, environmental, or other risks or issues will not materially affect estimates of mineral resources.
These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: the accuracy of our mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based, including operating costs and mining methods; ore grades and recoveries are as anticipated; prices for lead, zinc, silver, gold, and other metals remaining as estimated; our continued ownership and rights to the La Colorada surface properties and mineral concessions; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for our operations are received in a timely manner; our ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws; and that the COVID-19 pandemic, or other pandemics, do not materially impact underlying assumptions used in estimating mineral reserves and mineral resources, such as prices, the costs and availability of necessary labour, energy, supplies, materials and services, and exchange rates, among other things. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.
The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in lead, zinc, silver, gold and other metal prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar, Peruvian sol, Mexican peso, Argentine peso and Bolivian boliviano versus the U.S. dollar); operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather); employee relations; our ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner; changes in laws, regulations and government practices in the jurisdictions where we operate, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations; legal restrictions relating to mining, including in Guatemala; risks relating to expropriation; diminishing quantities or grades of mineral reserves as properties are mined; increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel; relationships with, and claims by, local communities and indigenous populations, including with respect to the ongoing Agrarian Court and SEDATU processes related to La Colorada (as previously disclosed in our most recent Annual Information Form), where certain individuals have asserted community rights and land ownership over a portion of the La Colorada mine's surface lands and have also initiated a process before SEDATU to declare such lands as national property. In 2019, we filed an amparo against the SEDATU process but our amparo challenge was dismissed in October 2021, primarily on the basis that no final declaration of national lands had yet been made by SEDATU that would affect our property rights. Our appeal of the amparo resolution was recently dismissed in early September 2022. We will continue to oppose the SEDATU process and the claims in the Agrarian Court. The Agrarian Court and SEDATU processes are not related to our mineral concessions. While we believe that we hold proper title to the surface lands in question, if a declaration of national property was made by SEDATU or if the Agrarian Court determined that certain individuals had community rights on our surface properties and as a result we are unable to maintain, or maintain access to, those surface rights, there could be material adverse impacts on the La Colorada mine's future operations. In addition to the forgoing risks, readers should also refer to those risk factors identified under the caption "Risks Related to Pan American's Business" in the Company's most recent form 40-F and Annual Information Form filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities, respectively. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements and information are designed to help readers understand management's current views of our near and longer term prospects and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.
Cautionary Note to US Investors Regarding References to Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources
Unless otherwise indicated, all mineral resource estimates included in this news release have been prepared and disclosed in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum classification system. NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and mineral reserve and resource information included herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this news release uses the terms "measured mineral resources," "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" as defined under Canadian regulations. The requirements of NI 43-101 for the identification of "reserves" are also not the same as those of the SEC, and mineral reserves reported by Pan American in compliance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as "mineral reserves" under SEC standards. In addition, disclosure of "contained ounces" in a mineral resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth in this news release may not be comparable with information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards.
The SEC has adopted amendments to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These amendments became effective February 25, 2019 (the "SEC Modernization Rules") with compliance required for the first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. Under the SEC Modernization Rules, the historical property disclosure requirements for mining registrants included in Industry Guide 7 under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, were rescinded and replaced with disclosure requirements in subpart 1300 of SEC Regulation S-K. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources." In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of "proven mineral reserves" and "probable mineral reserves" to be substantially similar to the corresponding standards under NI 43-101. While the above terms are "substantially similar" to the standards under NI 43-101, there are differences in the definitions under the SEC Modernization Rules. As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system (the "MJDS"), Pan American is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Modernization Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral resources that Pan American may report as "proven mineral reserves", "probable mineral reserves", "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had Pan American prepared the mineral reserve or resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. If Pan American ceases to be a foreign private issuer or loses its eligibility to file its annual report on Form 40-F pursuant to the MJDS, then Pan American will be subject to the SEC Modernization Rules, which differ from the requirements of NI 43-101.
U.S. investors should not assume that any part or all of an "inferred mineral resource", a "measured mineral resource" or an "indicated mineral resource" will ever be converted into a higher category of mineral resources or into mineral reserves or that it will ever be economically or legally mineable. Mineralization described using these terms has a greater amount of uncertainty as to its existence and feasibility than mineralization that has been characterized as a mineral reserve. Further, "inferred mineral resources" have an even greater amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Therefore, U.S. investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of "inferred mineral resources" exist. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of "inferred mineral resources" may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases.
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| 2022-09-14T22:33:26Z
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Utility Role to be Recognized Alongside Position Player Awards in American™ and National™ Leagues
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. (Rawlings), the Official Base, Baseball, Helmet, Face Guard and Glove of Major League Baseball®, has added utility players to the list of annual Rawlings Gold Glove Award recipients for the first time since the Award's inception in 1957. One super utility player will be recognized in both the American and National Leagues, joining the 18 position players receiving Awards (nine from each League). The 2022 class of Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners, including those at the utility position, will be unveiled during a one-hour, special-edition ESPN2 broadcast airing Tuesday Nov. 8th at 10:30 pm ET hosted by Karl Ravech, the voice of ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball" and the primary host of the Emmy-Award winning "Baseball Tonight" television show, also on ESPN.
"We're thrilled to add a Rawlings Gold Glove Award that recognizes players with the superior defensive ability to play multiple positions," said Mike Thompson, chief marketing officer for Rawlings. "Utility players are some of the most versatile athletes you'll see on the field, and it's time for them to be rewarded for their tremendous defense, alongside position players."
To determine the utility Award winners, Rawlings collaborated with SABR to create a specialized defensive formula separate from the traditional selection process for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award position winners. Utilizing the SABR formula and additional defensive statistics, Rawlings will select one utility winner from each League. For the remaining 18 defensive position Awards, each team's manager and up to six coaches on his staff will vote from a pool of qualified players in their League and cannot vote for players from their own team. In 2013, Rawlings added the SABR Defensive Index™ (SDI) to the Rawlings Gold Glove Award selection process, which comprises approximately 25 percent of the overall selection total, with the managers' and coaches' votes continuing to carry the majority.
"The Society for American Baseball Research is proud to contribute valuable statistical data to assist in the naming of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners each year, and to continuously evolve the program to ensure it remains the greatest measure of defense for years to come," said Scott Bush, chief executive officer of SABR. "Recognizing utility players for their defensive prowess demonstrates how timely, relevant and authentic the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards are at the professional level of play."
The finalists for the 2022 Rawlings Gold Glove Awards will be named on Thursday Nov. 3rd prior to the Award winners being announced on Tuesday Nov. 8th.
About Rawlings
Established in 1887, Rawlings is an innovative leading global brand and manufacturer of premium baseball and softball equipment, including gloves, balls, and protective headwear. Rawlings' unparalleled quality, innovative engineering and expert craftsmanship are the fundamental reasons why more professional athletes, national governing bodies and sports leagues choose Rawlings. Rawlings is the Official Base, Baseball, Helmet, Face Guard and Glove of Major League Baseball, the Official Baseball of Minor League Baseball and the Official Baseball and Softball of the NCAA and the NAIA. The company is headquartered in St. Louis. For more information, please visit www.Rawlings.com.
About the Rawlings Gold Glove Award®
The Rawlings Gold Glove Award® is a registered trademark owned by Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. The award is correctly identified as the Rawlings Gold Glove Award. The name should not be shortened, abbreviated, or otherwise misused. Proper identification of this service mark using the registration symbol and the Rawlings name is important to protect the integrity of the program and perpetuate this worthy tradition. For more information, please visit www.Rawlings.com.
About SABR
The Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering research and disseminating the history and record of baseball. Founded in 1971, SABR has more than 7,000 members worldwide and has established itself as a vibrant baseball community and a premier distributor of ground-breaking baseball information. SABR features more than 80 regional chapters and more than 30 research committees and produces three annual publications — two editions of The Baseball Research Journal and The National Pastime — in addition to other print and e-books. SABR also hosts two annual events: the National Convention each summer and the SABR Analytics Conference in March in Phoenix. For more information about SABR, visit SABR.org.
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SOURCE Rawlings
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/rawlings-gold-glove-award-platform-expands-include-super-utility-players/
| 2022-09-14T22:33:32Z
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Tour the highly anticipated Moonstone & Sapphire models at Seasons at Broadmoor Heights
RIO RANCHO, N.M., Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Richmond American Homes of New Mexico, Inc., a subsidiary of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: MDC), is excited to announce the grand opening of two new model homes at Seasons at Broadmoor Heights in Rio Rancho. The two-story Moonstone and single-story Sapphire models boast the designer details today's homebuyers are seeking, such as open, inviting layouts for entertaining and lavish owner's suites with oversized walk-in closets.
Model Grand Opening Event (RichmondAmerican.com/SBHModelGO)
Prospective homebuyers and area agents are invited to attend a Model Grand Opening Event at Seasons at Broadmoor Heights from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 24, and Sunday, September 25. In addition to complimentary snacks and model home tours, attendees can enter for a chance to win a prize drawing.
More about this community (RichmondAmerican.com/SBH):
- New Seasons™ Collection homes from the upper $300s
- Five versatile ranch & two-story floor plans
- 3 to 6 bedrooms, approx. 1,610 to 2,630 sq. ft.
- Master-planned living with community parks & trails
- Close proximity to Unser Boulevard & Highway 528
Those who choose to build a new home from the ground up at Seasons at Broadmoor Heights will have the opportunity to work with professional design consultants at the builder's Home Gallery™ to select colors, textures, finishes and fixtures for their new living spaces—a complimentary service!
Seasons at Broadmoor Heights is located 2394 Sandra Loop NE in Rio Rancho. For more information, or to RSVP for a model home tour, call 505.510.6600 or visit RichmondAmerican.com.
About M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.
Operating under the name Richmond American Homes, MDC's homebuilding subsidiaries have built more than 230,000 homes since 1977. Among the nation's largest homebuilders, MDC's subsidiary companies have operations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington. Mortgage lending, plus insurance and title services are offered by the following MDC subsidiaries, respectively: HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, American Home Insurance Agency, Inc. and American Home Title and Escrow Company. M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDC." For more information, visit MDCHoldings.com.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE M.D.C. Holdings, Inc.
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/richmond-american-announces-model-home-debut-rio-rancho/
| 2022-09-14T22:33:39Z
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SS&C GlobeOp Hedge Fund Performance Index: August performance 0.54%
Capital Movement Index: September net flows advance 0.31%
WINDSOR, Conn., Sept. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSNC) today announced that the gross return of the SS&C GlobeOp Hedge Fund Performance Index for August 2022 measured 0.54%.
Hedge fund flows as measured by the SS&C GlobeOp Capital Movement Index advanced 0.31% in September.
"SS&C GlobeOp's Capital Movement Index for September 2022 rose 0.31%, reflecting positive net flows into funds," said Bill Stone, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SS&C Technologies. "The 0.31% gain represents a slightly lower increase than the 0.36% gain reported a year ago. However, it indicates investors continue to add to their hedge fund allocations during this period of heightened market volatility."
SS&C GlobeOp Hedge Fund Performance Index
The SS&C GlobeOp Hedge Fund Performance Index is an asset-weighted, independent monthly window on hedge fund performance. On the ninth business day of each month it provides a flash estimate of the gross aggregate performance of funds for which SS&C GlobeOp provides monthly administration services on the SS&C GlobeOp platform. Interim and final values, both gross and net, are provided in each of the two following months, respectively. Online data can be segmented by gross and net performance, and by time periods. The SS&C GlobeOp Hedge Fund Performance Index is transparent, consistent in data processing, and free from selection or survivorship bias. Its inception date is January 1, 2006.
The SS&C GlobeOp Hedge Fund Performance Index offers a unique reflection of the return on capital invested in funds. It does not overstate exposure to, or the contribution of, any single strategy to aggregate hedge fund performance. Since its inception, the correlation of the SS&C GlobeOp Performance Index to many popular equity market indices has been approximately 25% to 30%. This is substantially lower than the equivalent correlation of other widely followed hedge fund performance indices.
SS&C GlobeOp Capital Movement Index
The SS&C GlobeOp Capital Movement Index represents the monthly net of hedge fund subscriptions and redemptions administered by SS&C GlobeOp on the SS&C GlobeOp platform. This monthly net is divided by the total assets under administration (AuA) for fund administration clients on the SS&C GlobeOp platform.
Cumulatively, the SS&C GlobeOp Capital Movement Index for September 2022 stands at 132.68 points, an increase of 0.31 points over August 2022. The Index has advanced 1.28 points over the past 12 months. The next publication date is October 13, 2022.
Published on the ninth business day of each month, the SS&C GlobeOp Capital Movement Index presents a timely and accurate view of investments in hedge funds on the SS&C GlobeOp administration platform. Data is based on actual subscriptions and redemptions independently calculated and confirmed from real capital movements, and published only a few business days after they occur. Following the month of its release, the Index may be updated for capital movements that occurred after the fifth business day.
SS&C GlobeOp Hedge Fund Performance Index
SS&C GlobeOp Capital Movement Index
SS&C GlobeOp Forward Redemption Indicator
About the SS&C GlobeOp Hedge Fund Index®
The SS&C GlobeOp Hedge Fund Index (the Index) is a family of indices published by SS&C GlobeOp. A unique set of indices by a hedge fund administrator, it offers clients, investors and the overall market a welcome transparency on liquidity, investor sentiment and performance. The Index is based on a significant platform of diverse and representative assets.
The SS&C GlobeOp Hedge Fund Index is available at www.sscglobeopindex.com or through a link on the homepage of www.sscglobeop.com. Alert and RSS subscriber options are available at www.sscglobeop.com. Index Twitter comments: #HFindex.
The SS&C GlobeOp Capital Movement Index and the SS&C GlobeOp Forward Redemption Indicator provide monthly reports based on actual and anticipated capital movement data independently collected from all hedge fund clients for whom SS&C GlobeOp provides administration services on the SS&C GlobeOp platform.
The SS&C GlobeOp Hedge Fund Performance Index is an asset-weighted benchmark of the aggregate performance of funds for which SS&C GlobeOp provides monthly administration services on the SS&C GlobeOp platform. Flash estimate, interim and final values are provided, in each of three months respectively, following each business month-end.
While individual fund data is anonymized by aggregation, the SS&C GlobeOp Hedge Fund Index data will be based on the same reconciled fund data that SS&C GlobeOp uses to produce fund net asset values (NAV). Funds acquired through the acquisition of Citi Alternative Investor Services are integrated into the index suite starting with the January 2017 reporting periods. SS&C GlobeOp's total assets under administration on the SS&C GlobeOp platform represent approximately 10% of the estimated assets currently invested in the hedge fund sector. The investment strategies of the funds in the indices span a representative industry sample. Data for middle and back office clients who are not fund administration clients is not included in the Index, but is included in the Company's results announcement figures.
About SS&C Technologies
SS&C is a global provider of services and software for the financial services and healthcare industries. Founded in 1986, SS&C is headquartered in Windsor, Connecticut, and has offices around the world. Some 20,000 financial services and healthcare organizations, from the world's largest companies to small and mid-market firms, rely on SS&C for expertise, scale and technology.
SOURCE: GlobeOp SS&C
Additional information about SS&C (Nasdaq: SSNC) is available at www.ssctech.com.
Follow SS&C on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE GlobeOp SS&C
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https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/09/14/ssampc-globeop-hedge-fund-performance-index-capital-movement-index/
| 2022-09-14T22:33:45Z
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Freight railroads could stop rolling at midnight Friday unless negotiators head off a strike over working conditions. Congress could end a strike, but even a brief shutdown would hurt the economy.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Freight railroads could stop rolling at midnight Friday unless negotiators head off a strike over working conditions. Congress could end a strike, but even a brief shutdown would hurt the economy.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.keranews.org/2022-09-14/a-freight-railroad-strike-could-stop-trains-by-friday
| 2022-09-14T22:34:29Z
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NPR's Juana Summers speaks with Nathan McCowan, chair of the Alaska Native Village Corporation Association, on the election of Mary Peltola to Congress.
Juana Summers is a political correspondent for NPR covering race, justice and politics. She has covered politics since 2010 for publications including Politico, CNN and The Associated Press. She got her start in public radio at KBIA in Columbia, Mo., and also previously covered Congress for NPR.
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https://www.keranews.org/2022-09-14/alaska-natives-celebrate-historic-first-in-congress
| 2022-09-14T22:34:35Z
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All three of the backup power lines to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine have been restored, but the situation at the plant is still worrisome.
Copyright 2022 NPR
All three of the backup power lines to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine have been restored, but the situation at the plant is still worrisome.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.keranews.org/2022-09-14/backup-power-lines-to-ukrainian-power-plant-are-now-restored-but-other-issues-remain
| 2022-09-14T22:34:41Z
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President Biden is having a summit to discuss violence and hate in the country. Some voters say he's come up short on his pledge to try to heal the "soul of the nation."
Copyright 2022 NPR
President Biden is having a summit to discuss violence and hate in the country. Some voters say he's come up short on his pledge to try to heal the "soul of the nation."
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.keranews.org/2022-09-14/bidens-pledge-to-unify-the-nation-is-falling-flat-some-voters-say
| 2022-09-14T22:34:48Z
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In one of the final primary elections of 2022, New Hampshire voters chose Don Bolduc to face off with Democratic incumbents for Congress. He won by a razor thin margin.
Copyright 2022 NPR
In one of the final primary elections of 2022, New Hampshire voters chose Don Bolduc to face off with Democratic incumbents for Congress. He won by a razor thin margin.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.keranews.org/2022-09-14/don-bolduc-celebrates-win-in-new-hampshires-republican-senate-primary
| 2022-09-14T22:34:54Z
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As a nationwide trend of states banning or placing more restrictions on abortion continues, Kansas — where abortion remains legal — struggles to keep up with out-of-state client demand.
Copyright 2022 NPR
As a nationwide trend of states banning or placing more restrictions on abortion continues, Kansas — where abortion remains legal — struggles to keep up with out-of-state client demand.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.keranews.org/2022-09-14/encore-kansas-is-struggling-to-serve-people-from-out-of-state-seeking-abortions
| 2022-09-14T22:35:00Z
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The 16th Street Baptist Church is an iconic landmark with its blue neon sign, dramatic stained-glass windows, and imposing twin bell towers. It was here on Sept. 15, 1963 that a Ku Klux Klan bomb killed four Black girls.
Near the back corner of the building is a grave-like stone etched with the names of the victims — Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley, and Denise McNair.
"She was the youngest of the four," says Denise's sister, Lisa McNair, standing outside the church just a few weeks before the 59th anniversary of the bombing. "She was 11. And the other four girls were 14, just beginning their freshman year in high school."
In a new memoir, entitled, Dear Denise: Letters to the Sister I Never Knew, McNair recounts growing up in a newly-integrated Birmingham after the notorious bombing that killed her sister.
"The sermon that was going to be that day was 'A Love That Forgives,' " McNair says. "The sermon that the minister never got to give."
Birmingham church bombing seen as turning point
McNair points to where Klansmen planted dynamite under a stairwell before Youth Sunday. She says the girls were freshening up between Sunday School and the worship service when the bomb detonated.
"They had just come out of the ladies' lounge and were standing near this window," McNair says. "That's where they got the full impact."
The crime drew worldwide attention to the violent resistance to equal rights in the American South, and galvanized support for the Civil Rights Act.
"The innocent blood of these little girls may well serve as a redemptive force," the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. said in a 1963 memorial service, calling the bombing a turning point.
McNair didn't hear that historic eulogy. And she never met her sister Denise. Lisa was born a year after the bombing, her family still grieving.
"It's shaped my whole life," she says.
In Dear Denise, McNair, now 57-years old, imagines what it would have been like to have a relationship with her big sister.
"I cannot recall a time when I didn't know about you and how you died. ...it is my first and oldest memory. It is a strange feeling to have a sister who died before you were born, especially in such a tragic and public way, and this feeling has been and always will be a part of who I am. Your death thrust all of us, Mamma, Daddy, Kim, and me, into the surreal limelight of history."
She always wanted to write a book about growing up in the shadow of the bombing but didn't know where to start
McNair says she's always wanted to write a book about her experience growing up in the shadow of the bombing but never knew where to start. A friend recommended letters to Denise, and the stories began to flow, along with a deeper connection with her sister.
"It just worked really well," she says. "At times I would think, 'Boy, I would really like to be having this conversation with you alive.' "
It shaped my whole life.
The book is both a personal look at how the McNair family endured, and a broader reckoning with the ongoing fight against racism in Birmingham. The city was famously known in the civil rights era as "Bombingham" because of the KKK's vicious reign of terror against Black activists.
McNair fills Denise in on the birth of their baby sister Kimberly, and how their father, Chris McNair, became one of the first Black lawmakers elected to the Alabama legislature since Reconstruction. There are sad and vivid memories of her mother weeping at Denise's graveside as the family would visit the cemetery year after year. And Lisa's experience being among the first generation of Black students to attend integrated schools as a beneficiary of the change wrought by her family's tragedy.
Finding sisterhood through shared pain
She also writes about a woman she bonded with over the years who would help fill the void of losing her big sister. It's Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of Medgar and Myrlie Evers-Williams. Her father, Medgar, was the Mississippi civil rights leader assassinated by a Ku Klux Klansman in his Jackson driveway just three months before the Birmingham church bombing.
Evers-Everette says her relationship with McNair is a special one.
"We call each other sister," says Evers-Everette, executive director of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Institute.
She recalls that when they first met at a civil rights memorial event in 1989, she told McNair how her middle name was Denise, just like Lisa's late sister.
"And we connected by talking about the pain of losing a loved one so tragically, so brutally at the hand of hate," Evers-Everette says. "And talking about what it's like to live in the fishbowl of that."
And living for years with no justice. It would take decades before convictions came in both crimes.
"There was kind of a culture of silence," McNair says. "People didn't talk for years about it."
Her book describes the lingering trauma in Birmingham because of that.
"Collective, untreated, undiagnosed trauma," she says. "Everybody went back to work or school on Monday like nothing ever happened ... because you knew as an African American at that point, you really didn't have the right to vote. Nobody was going to prosecute a white person for killing a Black person. So you just went on, turned it over to Jesus and kept on living."
A search for identity in a newly-integrated America
In the meantime, McNair was struggling to find her own identity in a changing country – a major theme in her book. McNair says after the bombing her parents enrolled her in a mostly white private school and she found herself navigating two separate worlds with no playbook.
"I'm just paving the way, not of my own volition, for what the next phase of America is supposed to look like," McNair says.
But she says she caught hell for it.
"Because I don't look like, I don't sound like, I don't act like what has been traditionally what Black people do," she says. "I was made to feel that I didn't fit in and I wasn't Black enough."
Evers-Everette says writing honestly about that took courage.
"I applaud her for being raw and real," she says.
She hopes McNair's memoir will open a dialogue about what acceptance of all humanity really looks like.
"Are you accepting me because of my color on my skin? Are you not accepting me because of that at first glance?" she asks. "That's a tragedy of hate that is short sighted."
Outside the 16th Street Baptist Church, McNair notes how tour buses now bring people on pilgrimages here as part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument.
She says she wants people to feel the "weight of the hate and the hurt that people experienced" here.
"This is an American story, and all Americans should come and see where some people took hate so far," McNair says. "We've got a lot of hate in our country now and they think it's a thing and it's okay. But this is what hate looks like when it just gets out of control."
McNair says it should be a cautionary tale in today's polarized climate, which she fears could lead to renewed racial violence.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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https://www.keranews.org/2022-09-14/her-sister-was-killed-in-the-birmingham-church-bombing-a-new-book-tells-their-story
| 2022-09-14T22:35:06Z
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There have been fresh clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia, two former Soviet republics, in recent days. They've clashed with each other for decades over a long-running territorial dispute.
Copyright 2022 NPR
There have been fresh clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia, two former Soviet republics, in recent days. They've clashed with each other for decades over a long-running territorial dispute.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.keranews.org/2022-09-14/nearly-100-are-dead-as-azerbaijan-and-armenias-territory-fight-renews
| 2022-09-14T22:35:12Z
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Sarah McCammon is a National Correspondent covering the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast for NPR. Her work focuses on political, social and cultural divides in America, including abortion and reproductive rights, and the intersections of politics and religion. She's also a frequent guest host for NPR news magazines, podcasts and special coverage.
Enrique Rivera
Christopher Intagliata
Christopher Intagliata is an editor at All Things Considered, where he writes news and edits interviews with politicians, musicians, restaurant owners, scientists and many of the other voices heard on the air.
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https://www.keranews.org/2022-09-14/professionals-beware-that-new-linkedin-connection-request-may-be-part-of-a-scam
| 2022-09-14T22:35:18Z
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Authorities are investigating a package that exploded inside a building at Northeastern University in Boston. One person was injured. Police found and rendered safe a second suspicious package.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Authorities are investigating a package that exploded inside a building at Northeastern University in Boston. One person was injured. Police found and rendered safe a second suspicious package.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.keranews.org/2022-09-14/school-is-back-in-session-northeastern-university-after-package-exploded-injuring-1
| 2022-09-14T22:35:24Z
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Some people who oppose the British monarchy have staged protests in recent days. They've been questioned, detained or even arrested by police.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Some people who oppose the British monarchy have staged protests in recent days. They've been questioned, detained or even arrested by police.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.keranews.org/2022-09-14/some-anti-monarchy-activists-face-repercussions-after-protesting-royal-events
| 2022-09-14T22:35:31Z
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Grueling, unpredictable schedules are among the issues railroad workers are threatening to strike over. As a potential shutdown looms, here's a look at what the potential ramifications could be.
Copyright 2022 NPR
Grueling, unpredictable schedules are among the issues railroad workers are threatening to strike over. As a potential shutdown looms, here's a look at what the potential ramifications could be.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.keranews.org/2022-09-14/the-impact-of-a-potential-major-railroad-shutdown
| 2022-09-14T22:35:37Z
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NPR's Sarah McCammon speaks with GOP strategist John Feehery about his efforts to recruit Republican support for the Respect for Marriage Act, which would protect the right to same-sex marriage.
Copyright 2022 NPR
NPR's Sarah McCammon speaks with GOP strategist John Feehery about his efforts to recruit Republican support for the Respect for Marriage Act, which would protect the right to same-sex marriage.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.keranews.org/2022-09-14/this-gop-strategist-is-calling-on-republican-senators-to-safeguard-same-sex-marriage
| 2022-09-14T22:35:43Z
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What happened in the Senate's hearing on the federal response to monkeypox By Pien Huang Published September 14, 2022 at 4:08 PM CDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 3:52 Congress held its hearing on the federal response to the monkeypox outbreak. That comes as cases — and vaccinations — slow down in the U.S. Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.keranews.org/2022-09-14/what-happened-in-the-senates-hearing-on-the-federal-response-to-monkeypox
| 2022-09-14T22:35:49Z
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Wikipedia's race to cover the queen's death By Kai McNamee, Sarah Handel Published September 14, 2022 at 3:33 PM CDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 1:52 Within seconds of Queen Elizabeth II's death, an army of Wikipedia editors rushed to update her page on the site. It was chaos. Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.keranews.org/2022-09-14/wikipedias-race-to-cover-the-queens-death
| 2022-09-14T22:35:55Z
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NPR's Juana Summers talks with Calvin Duncan, creator of a new project that invites the public to sit face-to-face with people serving life without the possibility of parole.
Copyright 2022 NPR
NPR's Juana Summers talks with Calvin Duncan, creator of a new project that invites the public to sit face-to-face with people serving life without the possibility of parole.
Copyright 2022 NPR
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https://www.keranews.org/2022-09-14/without-hope-for-parole-prisoners-with-life-sentences-tell-their-own-stories
| 2022-09-14T22:36:01Z
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Oregon lawmakers are considering a major overhaul of the state’s beleaguered public defense system.
Ideas have emerged in discussions in a work group that’s been meeting monthly since April to discuss options for replacing the current system. Members include former legislators, public defenders, representatives of Gov. Kate Brown’s office and members of the state Judicial Department.
They’re looking at changing the status of public defenders and how they are paid and creating a new leadership structure. The proposals could radically reshape the Oregon justice system.
“I would not be involved, and I will not remain involved, if significant structural and systemic change is not a part of the equation,” said state Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, co-chair of the group. “Mere cosmetics and simply giving away more money are no longer an option.”
Evans is a communications professor chosen as co-chair because he’s not a lawyer. His counterpart on the work group, Sen. Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, is a longtime municipal prosecutor in Lane County.
Prozanski agreed with Evans, saying he’d be very surprised if the work group didn’t ultimately propose reassigning public defense to the governor’s office. It is now overseen by the Judicial Department, which critics say constitutes a conflict of interest.
“That would mean a cleaner separation between public defense and the judicial department,” he said.
At the same time, the office that oversees the state public defense system seeks more than $6 million from the Legislature to add administrative staff and expand a popular program that provides attorneys for parents and kids involved in custody disputes, according to a memo from public defense deputy director Brian DeForest to the legislative Emergency Board, a group of legislators that meets periodically to readjust agency budgets.
Officials say this money would help the public defense office survive a chaotic period without a leader until major fixes can be made.
A shortage of public defenders has hampered courts across the country, but the crisis in Oregon is especially acute, with nearly 1,440 criminal cases on hold and 50 of defendants locked up in jail without representation.
Stacey Lowe, director Southwestern Oregon Public Defense Services in Coos Bay, said the impact of each stalled case runs deep. For defendants, it can mean an inability to obtain housing or a job.
Meanwhile victims can face months of uncertainty and a loss of faith in the justice system, Lowe said.
“I’ve had so many calls from random community members trying to find out what is really going on and why this is happening,” Lowe said. “There really is nobody in our community who’s not touched by this.”
States are required by the U.S. Constitution to provide attorneys to people charged with crimes who can’t afford them, though states are largely on their own in determining how.
Different system in Oregon
In most states, public defenders are employed by the government and provided benefits and stable hourly pay – an arrangement that’s similar to prosecutors in Oregon and elsewhere and offers stability. But Oregon has an unusual system for public defenders: The state contracts with a vast array of nonprofit defense firms, legal consortiums and independent attorneys around the state, offering essentially the same pay to everyone regardless of the difficulty of the case.
Over time, Oregon’s contract system has become increasingly complicated with the addition of a wider array of cases, which has made tracking and managing cases difficult for state officials trying to understand the crisis.
Additionally, Oregon’s public defense office, called the Office of Public Defense Services, is housed in the Oregon Judicial Department, which is headed by Chief Justice Martha Walters. Some observers say this arrangement represents a conflict of interest because Walters oversees the contracts of people who practice before her in court. Most states avoid this by housing public defense in the executive branch, under the authority of the governor.
Oregon also attempts to do more with its public defense system than many other states, according to a 2019 study by the Sixth Amendment Center. Over the years, the state has added categories of people who qualify for a public defender beyond what’s required by the U.S. Constitution, including clients filing appeals, inmates objecting to unlawful conditions and parents and kids involved in child dependency proceedings.
As lawmakers look for money to pay public defenders, options could include paring down who is entitled to a public defender in Oregon, according to Evans and Prozanski.
For years, public defenders have faced low pay and overwhelming caseloads. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for an attorney in Oregon is around $119,000, or about $40,000 to $50,000 more than what many public defenders earn at many nonprofits firms around the state. And they report regularly working more than 100 cases at a time.
That led to an exodus of attorneys to other states and other careers, according to analyses of state public defense systems completed by the American Bar Association since 2014.
Then the pandemic hit.
In 2020, state judicial officials paused court hearings for several months statewide, and the cases piled up.
A report issued in January by the American Bar Association found that Oregon, with around 590 public defenders, had only one-third of the attorneys needed to provide adequate representation to all defendants. Shortly after the report’s release, a new public defense director was hired, and the Legislature approved $12.8 million in additional funds to hire more public defenders. The new director, Steve Singer, is credited with turning around the New Orleans public defender’s office after Hurricane Katrina. But his time in Oregon was brief and rocky.
In July, public defenders around the state refused to sign the state’s latest annual contract. They were upset with provisions including one that would have required attorneys to travel to cover cases far from home.
The next month, Singer was ousted amid public clashes with Walters, his boss.
For now, the office is being run by three senior staff members. A job description for the next director will soon be approved by a nine-member board that oversees the office.
Prozanski told the Capital Chronicle that all options are on the table for addressing the crisis. Probable scenarios include making public defenders government employees and relocating the Office of Public Defense Services to the executive branch, he said.
“I personally feel the judicial branch should not be encumbered by having contracts over people who appear before them in court,” said Prozanski.
David Carroll, an expert in indigent defense structures in the U.S., agrees with that assessment. Carroll, director of the Sixth Amendment Center in Washington D.C., is advising the work group. His center studied Oregon’s system in 2018 and ultimately found its complex bureaucracy led to overloaded public defenders unable to provide adequate representation as required by the Constitution. He advised the state to do away with its contract-based system and pay public defenders more.
“I told your lawmakers, ‘Your system is a house of cards that could easily fall apart in a stressful situation,’” he told the Capital Chronicle.
Request for $6 million
The Office of Public Defense Services has asked for $6 million of the Emergency Board in its next funding round. A part of that is $300,000 to fund three additional staff members dedicated to improving tracking and managing cases, a recommendation of the Sixth Amendment Center study.
The office of public defense also wants $5.8 million to expand a program, the Parent Child Representation Project, that serves clients in child dependency cases – one of the legal fields facing the steepest attorney shortage. It pays public defenders so they can hire social workers and legal assistants to assist in child dependency cases. The program is credited with positive outcomes, including reduced foster care placements and increased instances of family reunification, and is popular with attorneys.
The money would enable the project to expand to four more that are among the most impacted by the attorney shortage, according to DeForest’s memo – Jackson, Lane, Josephine and Clackamas.
But Prozanski and Evans think the office’s Emergency Board requests show its priorities are in the wrong place.
“I think the real priority is making sure we have more defense attorneys able to assist the people right now who do not have effective defense,” Evans said.
Evans also opposes funding the representation project. He said the state should first meet its constitutional obligations before providing public defenders that are not required by the U.S. Constitution.
“There are things that are important to do. And there are things that are necessary to do,” Evans said. “I’ve always been a believer that you do the necessary before the important.”
The Emergency Board meets next week. The work group will continue meeting monthly through the 2023 regular session, which begins in January.
“I’m very hesitant to say where we’re going,” Prozanski said, adding that he just wants to make sure the state gets it right and doesn’t have to address more problems with the public defense system in five years.
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/a-request-for-millions-as-state-lawmakers-consider-major-overhaul-of-public-defense-system/article_a8b2abfc-345b-11ed-aa10-efe5a6bca657.html
| 2022-09-14T23:07:29Z
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With the Van Meter Fire firefighting efforts well in hand, the Oregon Department of Forestry is passing the reins back to the local team Thursday, Sept. 15.
In a press release Wednesday, Sept. 14, the Incident Management Team said fire crews used infrared cameras Tuesday night to identify areas of heat around the perimeter of the fire.
"[Crews] are mainly finding heat under juniper trees on the southern and western areas," the press release states.
With the local Type 4 firefighting team taking control of the blaze, the Incident Management Team said the objectives will remain the same. The press release said multiple engines and crews will continue to mop up where it warrants.
The cooler, more humid weather Wednesday was expected to help with the continued efforts, although winds coming back to the area might cause flare ups.
Residential traffic is allowed in the fire area, but residents are encouraged to drive slowly and be aware of fire operation traffic as they travel through the fire. Bureau of Land Management lands in and around the fire area remain closed to the public.
"We would like to remind the public that Klamath and Lake counties are still in extreme fire danger," the Incident Management Team said in the press release. "Human-cause fire stats are down this fire season, so please help your local resources by preventing anything that can spark a fire."
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/command-of-van-meter-fire-returned-to-local-crews/article_bfa833d8-3463-11ed-92e3-e30b199702bf.html
| 2022-09-14T23:07:36Z
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/modoc-point-irrigation-district-election-announcement/article_67154dfc-3461-11ed-a421-c3152d81368d.html
| 2022-09-14T23:07:42Z
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Nearly 30 U.S. senators, including Oregon’s Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, asked the federal government Tuesday to ensure that the identities of women seeking reproductive health care remain private.
Their letter to the head of the U.S. Department of Human Services, Xavier Becerra, said that the U.S. faces a reproductive health care crisis with states banning or limiting care and passing legislation to punish patients and providers.
“Our nation faces a crisis in access to reproductive health services, and some states have already begun to investigate and punish women seeking abortion care,” the letter said. It is critical that (Health and Human Services) take all available action to fully protect women’s privacy and their ability to safely and confidentially seek medical care.”
It said the department should take action to update current privacy laws to ensure they expressly name privacy protections in connection with reproductive rights care.
“To safeguard the privacy of women’s personal health care decisions and ensure patients feel safe seeking medical care, including reproductive health care, we urge you to quickly initiate the rulemaking process to strengthen privacy protections for reproductive health information,” the letter said.
The senators want the federal law that protects the privacy of medical records to make it clear that records are not to be shared with law enforcement or with officials involved in civil or criminal proceedings related to abortions.
The letter was signed by 29 senators, including Wyden, Merkleyand Washington’s Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, all Democrats. The only senator not a Democrat who signed the letter was Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent of Vermont who caucuses with the Democrats.
The letter said that legislators and prosecutors across the country are trying to enforce abortion bans by investigating patients and physicians. Both Texas and Idaho passed near-total abortion bans that criminalized the procedure, opening providers and patients up for prosecution. Last month, a federal judge paused a portion of Idaho’s law, saying it can’t criminalize the procedure in emergency situations.
Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, the Biden administration has pledged to do what it can to protect abortion rights. Also in June, Becerra said he would work to better protect patient and provider privacy.
The letter said the patchwork of state abortion bans has caused confusion among providers about whether they have to turn over medical records to state or local officials.
“This confusion fundamentally threatens women’s health, as patients may delay or avoid seeking the care they need out of fear their sensitive health information could be weaponized against them. In recent weeks, states have investigated and sought to punish patients and providers for seeking and providing abortion care,” the letter said.
Abortion remains legal without any restrictions in Oregon. Since passage of abortion bans, Oregon and other states that protect abortion rights have faced a surge in demand from out-of-state patients seeking abortion care. At the state level, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and legislators started work this summer to ensure Oregon medical providers aren’t prosecuted for performing abortions for women from other states.
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/oregon-other-u-s-senators-push-for-privacy-for-women-seeking-reproductive-health-care/article_38e229ce-345b-11ed-a22b-9f5d2a0a615d.html
| 2022-09-14T23:07:48Z
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Bob Koscik gets onto his hands and knees and crawls under a fallen tree. He turns and watches as his daughter, Eva Berk, scrambles onto a log and then leaps down onto the back of another downed log. “This is what we call the dance of the Skyline,” Bob jokes.
Bob’s eyes scan the bark of the old-growth trees. “There’s a sign over there,” he says, pointing to the trunk of a thick fir tree. “That’s probably from the mid-’20s.”
“Wow, crazy,” says Eva, as she comes up to the small piece of metal, twisted and half-swallowed by the tree where it had been nailed a century ago. It was once white with green lettering but is now mostly rusted. The only word visible is “line.”
Bob and Eva know that the sign once read “Skyline.” They can tell the general direction the sign points, and that farther into the Mt. Hood National Forest there should be more signs like this. What they don’t know is how many are left, and if they can connect them all.
“No one’s heard of the Skyline Trail,” Bob said. “There’s this forgotten link that was so important a hundred years ago. Nobody knows it’s even there.”
With the help of his daughter, Bob has been on a search for Oregon’s original long-distance recreational trail, the Oregon Skyline Trail.
Many have heard of the Pacific Crest Trail (or PCT), but few know of its predecessor.
Long before the PCT, the Oregon Skyline Trail blazed a path from Mount Hood all the way down the spine of the Cascades to Crater Lake, and farther south to California.
Today, few traces remain. Bob and Eva have been on a quest to find the last remaining pieces of the Skyline and to discover a personal connection along the way.
Setting off on a treasure search
Starting when Eva was in middle school, the father-daughter team devoted several weeks each summer to searching for the Skyline from Mount Hood to Olallie Lake, just north of Mount Jefferson.
Bob saved up his vacation days from his job at an auto parts store in Portland to have adventures with his daughter during her summer school breaks. They bushwhacked more than 100 miles in the remote pockets of the national forest and drove the web of backroads in a vintage VW camper bus in search of the lost Skyline.
“I think that a lot of people don’t really even know that abandoned trails are even a thing in the first place,” Eva said. “You’re walking down the middle of this barely visible trail, it’s like you would never know that there’s so much there and so much that you can discover.”
“I like to look at a map and say let’s go there — look at this mountain, maybe there’s a meadow, maybe there’s an abandoned trail,” Bob said. “Who knows what’s there, let’s go research it, let’s go find out!”
The trailblazer
Bob and Eva come to a stand of towering cedars and hemlocks. Sunlight filters into the understory in narrow rays. Here the trees have been growing slowly, adding rings each year that one could count all the way back to before the United States was a country. Bob and Eva’s bootsteps are cushioned by the layer of soft forest duff, which has long covered over any track of the old Skyline trail.
Bob pauses and looks around. “Is that one?” he asks, peering a few trees ahead. He’s looking for any indication of an old wound on a tree trunk, where the bark has grown over in a scar.
As he approaches, he sees what he’d hoped for: not just a scar, but three in a row. These were cuts made a century ago by a forest ranger’s hatchet. The marks are called a “blaze.” And the person who did it, a “trailblazer.”
“I’ve always loved the lingering effect of the past,” Bob said. “The things that are so indelible that they don’t go away.”
Bob pauses to imagine the scene. The sunlight, the trees, and everything would have been essentially identical to the year the blaze was cut, 1920. That year a young forest ranger, Fred Cleater, stood in the exact same spot, and marked the blaze on both sides of the tree, before continuing southward with his pack horse, leaving a dotted line of blazes that would become the first path of the Skyline.
For millennia, a system of trails used by Indigenous people braided through the forest. Some were adopted by early fur traders. Some by ranchers to graze sheep in the hundreds of natural meadows. Turn-of-the-century logging operations cut spur roads to extract the giant old growth. From the tracks of past users, Cleater pieced together a 260-mile route from Mount Hood to Crater lake.
The U.S. Forest Service described the Skyline’s original route as “made up of a combination of many pieces of rough trails, often with but a frail tread, usually devious in direction, the whole tied together in a quite intangible manner, and quite apparently a choice by course of least resistance.”
The next year, in 1921, the Skyline trail appeared for the first time on Forest Service maps.
Ghosts of the Great Depression
Cleater’s plans included shelters every 10 miles, which were eventually built in the 1930s as Depression-era public works projects. By 1936, the Oregon Skyline Trail had been extended to reach across the state, from the Columbia Gorge Ranger Station near the town of Cascade Locks south to Soda Mountain, just a few miles from the California border.
The Skyline was a modern trail with amenities. Remote outpost ranger stations could offer hay for horses or some chance for resupply. A line of early telephone cable was laid to connect a string of telephones along the route so hikers could call if they ran into trouble.
“Although improvements along the trail will modernize the convenience to make it a comfortable excursion for even the most city wise,” the Forest Service wrote in 1934, “it must be left in its rugged state where possible to satisfy those travelers searching for the primitive.”
During the 1920s and ‘30s, the Skyline had a heyday. Bob wants to find this moment again. “It was kind of a renaissance era of humans interacting with wilderness in a way that was very different,” Bob said. “It wasn’t survival, it was just coming out here to become whole again.”
Bob pulls the VW bus up to the Clackamas Lake Ranger Station. This location had been a ranger station since 1905, but between 1933-35, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built 11 of the buildings here. Today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
One of the buildings burned down in 2003. All that remains is a towering chimney of hand-laid stone and the hand-poured concrete foundation. Bob notices what appears to be signatures in the cement. He pushes aside the overgrown brush. “R.E. Bartel, 1933,” he reads, then notes, “These guys were working hard out here.”
Bob speculates that a couple of young men from the CCC poured the concrete during construction and scribed their names while it was still wet. When the cabin had been built over the foundation, the names would have been hidden, anonymous.
One of the young men was from Chicago, like Bob. The workers of the CCC received $30 a month, a good wage during the Great Depression. They were allowed to keep just $5 of the income for themselves and $25 was sent to their families back home. Bob can imagine being one of those guys in that generation. His imagination echoes with sounds of work and voices of young rangers. He imagines the ringing of axes and saws. The pounding of hammer to anvil in the blacksmith shop. The smell of coffee and pancakes in the mess hall. Pine sap and boot grease.
“Here it feels alive,” Bob said. “You still have the experience of being in the 1920s and ‘30s. It’s really frozen in time.”
Bob and Eva find the cabin of the district ranger intact, as if he had locked up that morning and would be back in a few days. The windows have the iconic “Forest Service tree” shutters from the ‘20s and ‘30s.
Eva sits on a bench carved from a solid log.
“Oh it’s really dark in there,” Bob says, peering into a window.
“See anything?” Eva asks.
“Maybe a mirror in there, that’s about it.”
Eva sits quietly and watches her dad. He circles the cabin with glee — a little boy again on a treasure hunt. At a distance, Eva’s nonchalance might look like a teenager tolerating a parent, but inside she is taking in the experience and processing. “As this unfolds, I’m like, ‘wow, this isn’t just like a trail no one cares about,’” she said. “It’s connected a lot of lives. And I think just uncovering that is something that’s really powerful.”
Car camping
Following the Skyline Trail came the Skyline road. For the first time, folks could travel deeper into the national forest by automobile, accessing some of the ranger stations and waypoints of the Skyline.
“It was the beginning of the era of the roads,” Bob said. “Cars were becoming practical and for the first time average working class folks had cars.”
By driving cars into national forests, a new form of outdoor recreation was born: car camping.
Bob and Eva carry on this tradition — in their own way.
They drive the backroads of the national forest in a 1969 VW camper van, as a trail of summer dust billows behind. The gravel Forest Service road junctions with another, then another, then Bob cranks the wheel and heads up an unmarked rutted dirt road.
The VW rattles and sputters. It needs the carburetor manually adjusted in the higher elevation. Over the years, Bob has rebuilt the engine and reassembled the carburetor. He feels a sense of self-reliance knowing it so well mechanically.
Although more than a half-century old, the VW bus is more modern than Bob would prefer. If he could, Bob would drive a Ford “model A” through the forest. Although the bus is not the same circa as the trail he seeks, it gives Bob the feeling of being on the road in a bygone way.
Bob has owned the bus for the past 20 years. He had it when he was married and times were happy; it was there to take him into the woods after his divorce when times were hard.
Eva guesses that she might have been 11-weeks-old when she first camped in the bus. Her earliest memories were of sleeping in a small hammock strung above the front seats. She recalls all the times her dad would pick her up at school in the VW bus, feeling a little embarrassed that her dad drove such an anachronistic vehicle — and also feeling comforted by the continuity.
The windows are down. Eva drapes her hand out in the warm summer air. No radio, because the rattle of the bus and crunch of tires on the gravel is too loud. Eva’s legs are getting numb from so much bouncing on the old spring seats. But this is how she and her dad go camping, and she wouldn’t want it any other way.
They reach the end of the road. It probably once continued farther, but the brush has grown thick, and the path has narrowed to a deer trail. Through the trees is a meadow that was once a small lake. “This was a popular campground in the ‘20s and ‘30s,” Bob explains, though no visible signs remain.
Moonlight and Lanterns
As Bob unpacks the VW bus to set up camp, he pulls out an antique railroad lantern. Then another. Then another. Some are larger, some small. Bob got his first oil lantern when he was 16, and from there, his collection grew.
Soon he has at least a dozen old railroad lanterns set out in a row, ready to light.
Eva looks up from the book she’s been reading and chuckles. She is used to this nightly ritual.
After the lighting of the lanterns, Bob pulls out his acoustic guitar and begins to fingerpick a pattern like the 1920′s “Singing Brakeman” Jimmie Rodgers.
As dusk settles onto the forest, the tall trees are silhouetted black. The oil lamps glow orange. The modern world, said Bob, feels too complicated. But here at his camp, he has surrounded himself with things that Bob considers getting “back to the basics”: a vintage VW bus, Coleman camp stove, cast iron pan to cook breakfast. “A lamp is just oil and a flame and glass,” Bob said. “Ok, I understand that.”
As Bob finger-picks his guitar by lamplight, he hasn’t quite rewound time to the earliest decades of the Skyline, to the days of pack horses and canvas bedrolls, but he has claimed his private pocket of the Mt. Hood National Forest and managed to assemble a tableau as familiar and comfortable to him as his old wool camping sweater. He sings softly, accompanied by a chorus of croaking frogs, as wisps of clouds slip over the full moon.
The modern world closes in
Following World War II, the Forest Service shifted its focus from recreational trails to harvesting timber to meet the lumber demands of the post-war boom. Trail management changed as large-scale logging became a higher priority for the agency. The Forest Service built roads to access the harvest sites, and in some areas cut over the Skyline.
In 1968, the PCT incorporated much of the Skyline to create the 2,650-mile trail that is internationally known today.
“After a while, the Skyline just faded away,” Bob said. “People weren’t using it. It was obsolete.”
When Bob looks at the old maps, he sees how the forest once was — the forest he wishes he could still find. The maps from the 1920s and ‘30s show a vast wilderness, with small dotted lines that were once trails, running up river drainages, along spiny ridgelines, and connecting the far-flung peaks. On the old maps, the peaks are dotted where fire lookout towers stood and where lone sentinels once kept watch. There were once 80 iconic lookout towers on Mt Hood National Forest. Today, only five remain.
Scattered across the national forest were one-room cabins called “guard stations,” where backcountry rangers would be posted. Bob and Eva stop the VW Bus to explore a log cabin, built in 1910 as a guard station. It is one of the only two remaining in the forest.
As they approach, Bob notices that the cabin’s front door has been left ajar. “See if anybody’s home?” Bob jokes.
“I doubt it,” says Eva.
The door hinges creak when they push it open.
The cabin is empty, except for a rusted barrel stove with a broken stove pipe, some trash previous visitors have left, and walls and beams covered in graffiti.
“There’s a lot of neglect and that’s the frustrating thing about these places,” Bob said. “I’m not here to scold people. I think people are just so disconnected these days, they don’t realize the rich history that was here.”
As Bob latches the door to leave, he says with a deep sigh, “Yeah, it’s seen better days.”
The cabin faces a large meadow. Bob and Eva start walking, in no particular direction, with no particular purpose, other than to explore.
In Bob’s imagination, he sees the former ranger’s horse and pack mule that would have grazed back then. He tries to imagine the feeling of remoteness, knowing that it would have taken someone several days to ride here.
“I think that it’s definitely interesting how he sees the world and sees the wilderness as well,” Eva said. “I think that he himself wishes he was a ranger in the ‘20s. I think that’s part of the reason why he loves it so much.”
“There’s just a part of my being that feels like I stepped out of the 1920s. I can’t let go of that,” Bob said. “Maybe I’m romanticizing the past.”
Made to connect
After reaching the center of the meadow, Bob and Eva begin heading toward its far end. There’s no trail here to follow. The tall grass brushes their shins as they push forward.
When they first started the search for the Skyline, they’d stay out for weeks at a time. This trip Eva has to get back to her summer job at a gelato shop. And, Bob suspects, she misses her boyfriend.
They walk in silence across the tall grass toward the edge of the forest.
“The physical part of the trail isn’t what matters — it’s just a strip of dirt,” Eva said. “But I think what makes it really significant is knowing that just some dirt has the power to hold so much history and so many lives going down that experiencing the woods, experiencing just being there.”
Bob has enough food packed in the VW bus for another couple of nights. He’d gladly stay longer with Eva. It’s the end of summer, the last trip of the season, and perhaps the last on their quest to rediscover the lost Skyline.
When Bob first learned of the Skyline, Eva was in middle school; she’s now leaving Oregon for college.
“She’s going to go off to college and she’s going to have her own life,” Bob said. “Sure we’ll camp, but our roles will change, and yeah….” He pauses and looks down for a moment and swallows. “I’m going to miss her a lot.”
They reach the edge of the meadow. Ahead of them the forest stretches as far as the eye can see, and somewhere in the shadows are blazes in tree trunks, and log cabins silently collapsing, reclaimed by the woods.
They could go on and find more. There is always more. But for now, it is time to turn back. Jobs and school and lowland duties await.
“In the most literal sense, Skyline is a thing that’s made to connect,” Eva said. “It’s something that takes you where you need to go and still can even after years of being discarded. You can always choose to come back to something, even if it’s labeled as lost. You can always choose to find things again, and I think that’s a beautiful thing.”
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/rediscovering-oregon-s-lost-skyline-trail/article_18059e0a-3458-11ed-8ff0-574e7002f954.html
| 2022-09-14T23:07:54Z
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In a state with one of the most challenging housing crunches in the country, Oregon renters could face the highest possible maximum increase since the Legislature enacted limits on rent hikes three years ago.
Starting Jan. 1, 2023, landlords in Oregon may legally increase rents by up to 14.6%. This year, the cap is 9.9% – marking a 4.7 percentage point jump from one year to the next.
According to apartment rental company Zumper, the average rent as of Tuesday for a 1-bedroom residence in Portland is $1,500 per month. In 2023, the same unit could climb to up to $1,719 monthly – costing its renters $2,628 more for the year – if their landlord decides to institute the 14.6% maximum increase.
How did the state reach this rate for 2023?
Following the passage of SB 608, a statewide rental control law in the 2019 legislative session, the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis must calculate the rental increase cap amount as 7% plus the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, West Region, as most recently published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
SB 608 applies to rental residences in Oregon that are 15 years or older. It does not apply to housing that was built more recently.
Although rent increases have only been capped since 2019, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services created a table showing how much rent would have been allowed to rise each year since 2000 if the current formula had been in place earlier. The maximum increase would have been around 10% each year, the agency said.
The state rental increase cap announcement Tuesday, which Oregon is required to disclose by Sept. 30 annually, comes as the nation continues to grapple with high inflation.
Heightened prices at historic levels for gas, groceries and other needs have hit American wallets through the summer. Overall, the rise in housing costs has slowed slightly in the past few months after climbing during the pandemic, though affordability remains a struggle for many.
If a renter faces an increase, Oregon law requires notices in writing and served to the tenant to be legally effective.
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/rent-hikes-capped-at-14-6-for-most-oregonians-next-year-the-highest-since-limits/article_1b9f631a-3459-11ed-9943-2fb3b182591f.html
| 2022-09-14T23:08:00Z
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CALDWELL, Idaho — Payton Canon and Quincy Beyrouty each earned Top-7 finishes, headlining the Oregon Tech women’s golf team at the College of Idaho Invitational.
Canon shot a final round 1-over-par 73, finishing the tournament with an even-par 144 (71-73), finishing third — just two strokes behind medalist Sonja Tang of British Columbia. Her efforts netted the senior the lowest 36-hole score in OIT team history.
Beyrouty shot the best round of the day, a 2-under-par 70, climbing into sole possession of seventh-place (80-70 — 150). The junior joins Canon as the only OIT players in program history with multiple sub-par rounds in a career.
As a team, the Lady Owls placed fourth (331-305 — 636) — just 12 strokes out of second-place. Defending NAIA champ, UBC claimed the team title (283-291 — 574) with a league-record 2-under-par team score.
Maiya Baker (89-80 — 169) finished in 20th-place, Baylee Hodgman (91-82 — 173) took 24th, with Brittney Barrington (93-87 — 180) placing 28th.
OIT returns to the course in two weeks at the Multnomah Invitational.
Men's golf
Michael Gray shot a final round 74 to pace the Oregon Tech men’s golf team at the College of Idaho Invitational at TimberStone Golf Course.
The Owls shot a final round 304 — finishing seventh overall in the 10-team field with a 54-hole total of 913 (306-303-304). Defending conference champion British Columbia claimed the team title with a 4-over-par 868 (297-283-288) — 17-strokes clear of Northwest Nazarene (885).
Gray finished the tournament in a tie for 17th-place (76-74-74 — 224), joining teammate Tyler Vassar (70-78-76 — 224) in the logjam in the standings.
Xavier De La Rosa (78-75-75 — 228) placed 22nd, Mason Snider (86-75-80 — 241) finished 43rd, with both Hunter Eberhardt (82-82-79 — 243) and Issey Tanimura (86-76-81 — 243) each in 45th-place.
Tech will return to the course in two weeks for the Multnomah Invitational at Elk Ridge Golf Club.
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https://www.heraldandnews.com/sports/oit-golf-canon-beyrouty-take-top-7-finishes-for-women-gray-shots-a-74-for/article_5d29a118-3465-11ed-9244-5b9c08c73945.html
| 2022-09-14T23:08:06Z
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Man sexually abused children at home daycare for 5 years, deputies say
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WHNS/Gray News) – A South Carolina man is facing charges after officials said he sexually abused multiple children at a home daycare service that was run by one of his relatives.
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office said Lance Curtis Johnson, 25, sexually assaulted children multiple times over a five-year period between 2013 and 2018. A victim first made a report to the sheriff’s office this August, which prompted an investigation.
According to arrest warrants, Johnson forced girls as young as 8 years old to perform sex acts on him.
Deputies said the alleged assaults happened at a home where the children were being babysat while their parents went to work.
Johnson is charged with four counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor under 11 years of age, two counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor under 16 years of age, and two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor.
He is being held at the Greenville County Detention Center without bond.
Investigators are concerned there may be more victims. Anyone with information is urged to call 864-467-4704.
Copyright 2022 WHNS via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/09/14/man-sexually-abused-children-home-daycare-5-years-deputies-say/
| 2022-09-14T23:19:33Z
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Police: School supervisor overdoses on fentanyl after student brings pills to campus
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Gray News) - Authorities in California say a school employee has been hospitalized after coming into contact with fentanyl pills on campus.
According to the Bakersfield Police Department, a Chipman Junior High School student allegedly brought 150 fentanyl pills disguised as Percocet to school on Sept. 9.
Authorities said a yard supervisor overdosed after inadvertently making contact with the pills while finding them on the student.
A police officer with the Kern High School District administered Narcan to the staff member, who was later transported to a hospital.
The BPD said the school supervisor was checking the student after the 13-year-old was involved in an unrelated altercation with another student that day.
Police said the student was also in possession of about $300.
According to Bakersfield police, it wasn’t immediately known if any of the pills were sold or given to other students, but the 13-year-old was arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sales purposes and other associated duties.
The school employee is expected to survive the incident, and BPD said it is working with the Bakersfield City School District to ensure campus safety.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.whsv.com/2022/09/14/police-school-supervisor-overdoses-fentanyl-after-student-brings-pills-campus/
| 2022-09-14T23:19:43Z
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Boomerang page plan, Sept. 15 Sep 14, 2022 Sep 14, 2022 Updated 1 hr ago Comments Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save BOOMERANG page plan for THURSDAY, Sept. 14 A1 (send color)Tease 1TODAY’S PICK World Health Organization says COVID-19 end ‘in sight’, Page A3Tease 2:Sports teaseTease 3:WYO OUTDOORS Keeping the Rail Trail nonmotorized is no easy feat, Page A6MAIN PACKAGE: Banish the blight: City moves forward with exploring URA to target unsightly areas, Abby (photos)GOP resolution would back Gray, WNE (file photo, bug)Committee votes down penalty for health care violence, WNE (photos)Walk to End Alzheimer’s this weekend, AbbyJumps to A3A2 (send color)Today/tomorrowWorth notingWhat’s happening?WeatherCorrection policy A3 (send color)Today’s pick: WHO reports COVID-19 end ‘in sight’, AP (photos)Committee to sponsor bill on DA qualifications, WTE (photo)Braver Angels brings its brand of political discourse to Wyoming, WNE – if you needJumps from 1A4 (send B&W)Syndicated cartoonSimpson column (Wyoming voices)Adler column (Other editorial)A5 (send color)Obits (none so far)Fearing misconduct, lawmakers consider opening teacher personnel files, WNE (file photos)Elections official files complaint against conservative PAC, WNE (bug)Around Wyoming to fillVol. 142 No. 191 A6 OUTDOORS (send color)Travsky column (photos)Field trip planned for Medicine Bow vegetation analysis, StaffOutdoor recreation funding remains ‘legitimate policy change’, WNE (file photo)Federal money to help safe forest infrastructure, WNE (file photo)Fall wildlife activity picks up in Jackson Hole area, WNE (file photo)Jumps to A7 A7 (send color)Jumps from A6Fishing Report (ad on top) A8 (send color)Committee rejects increased penalty for some vehicular homicides, WTEWyo woman launches app for rural youth mentorship, WNE (photo)A9-A10 CLASSIFIEDSB SECTION B1-B2 UW WRAP (send color) B3-B6 SPORTS (B3 color, B4-6 B&W) B7-B8 COMICS/PUZZLES (send B&W) B9-B10 UW WRAP (send color) Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Tags Photo Color Politics Institutes Field Trip Funding Wte Vegetation World Health Organization Recommended for you Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. comments powered by Disqus Trending Now East HS student killed, 3 other teens hurt in car crash Sunday night Sexual assault charges against state trooper filed in district court Law enforcement arrest two Laramie County men for voting as felons Police blotter 9-8-22 Police blotter 9-3-22 Latest Special Section 2022 UW Football Preview To view our latest Special Section click the image on the left. Latest e-Edition Wyoming Tribune Eagle To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/boomerang-page-plan-sept-15/article_5865c1ec-3475-11ed-8152-3bca08a0363a.html
| 2022-09-14T23:37:18Z
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Laramie County Democratic Party pins on a table during the Politics Are A Drag! fundraiser at the Historic Atlas Theatre. in Cheyenne on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Alyte Katilius/Wyoming Tribune Eagle
Laramie County Democratic Party pins on a table during the Politics Are A Drag! fundraiser at the Historic Atlas Theatre. in Cheyenne on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Alyte Katilius/Wyoming Tribune Eagle
The Wyoming Democratic Party is at risk of losing major party status if Democrats in the state don’t register and vote in the general election.
The Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office reported that out of the more than 182,000 votes cast in the primary election overall, only 4.5% were for Democratic candidates. Republican candidates received 94.4% of the vote, and nonpartisan votes cast were at 1.1%.
The lopsided numbers were the result of many Democrats “crossing over” and voting Republican to support incumbent U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, who has taken a strong stance against former President Donald Trump and serves as vice-chair of the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Cheney lost to challenger Harriet Hageman by 63,709 votes.
Democrats need to meet the 10% threshold of total votes cast for any one of the offices of the statewide offices – U.S. House of Representatives, governor or secretary of state – in the general election, or else they will be considered a minor political party. Under state statute, a minor political party is a political organization that receives not less than 2% or more than 10% of the total votes cast in the same office elections.
If they received less than 2%, a representative from the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Election Division said the Democratic Party would need to petition to gain access as a provisional party.
Minor and provisional political parties must nominate through a convention, meaning only the Republican Party would be allowed to nominate candidates by primary election, if Democrats lost major party status. Laramie County Democratic Party Communications Director Lindsey Hanlon said it also impacts participation in debates. (Hanlon is also a member of the Wyoming Tribune Eagle’s editorial board.)
However, Democratic Party officials said they are not concerned.
“Historically speaking, Democratic candidates for governor, U.S. House or U.S. Senate have performed well above the 10% threshold outlined in Wyoming law,” WDP Communications Director David Martin told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. “So, it’s not something we’re concerned about. We’re more concerned about issues such as quality education, making sure that public lands remain in public hands, things along those lines.”
Hanlon said she is confident that Democrats will gain the votes necessary to continue as a major party in the state, but she was distressed to see the low percentage of representation during the primary. She said she believes U.S. House candidate Lynnette GreyBull and governor candidate Terry Livingston are both fantastic candidates, and they will pull voters back to the Democratic Party.
The biggest issue she sees with voters remaining registered as Republicans is it makes it harder to send out mailers or keep track of Democratic rolls, Hanlon said. She recommends voters change their registration back to Democrat before the general election.
“It does make it harder to communicate with those voters,” she said. “For example, if we’re wanting to send out a reminder mailer, and we want to send it out to all Democrats – we’re going to end up missing any Democrat who’s currently registered as a Republican.”
Despite a low number of voters participating in the Democratic primary, the turnout of the voting age population in the state was one of the highest in the past four decades, according to the Wyoming Election Division. Close to 41% of the voting age population took part in the 2022 primary, and the last closest amount was 41.5% of the population in 1994.
It also has been a successful year in terms of the percentage of the voting age population that is registered to vote. On Aug. 16, there were 287,014 voters registered, which is the highest ever seen. It was also the highest amount in terms of voter turnout, with 182,232 filling out their ballot in the primary, or about 64%.
Jasmine Hall is the Wyoming Tribune Eagle’s state government reporter. She can be reached by email at jhall@wyomingnews.com or by phone at 307-633-3167. Follow her on Twitter @jasminerhphotos and on Instagram @jhrose25.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/wyo-dems-at-risk-of-losing-major-party-status/article_4eb16250-3376-11ed-8fc4-03243bb4bffb.html
| 2022-09-14T23:37:25Z
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Gov. Mark Gordon talks to a group about the RIDE program, which is designed to gain feedback from educators and parents regarding the state’s education system, on June 16 at the Holiday Inn in Rock Springs.
CHEYENNE – The State Loan and Investment Board approved three charter school applications Wednesday afternoon, despite pushback from public school advocates.
Cheyenne Classical Academy in Cheyenne, Prairie View Community School in Chugwater and Wyoming Classical Academy in Mills are authorized for a period of five years pursuant to state statute, and may now engage in negotiations with the Office of State Lands and Investments and the Department of Education for a final charter contract.
If negotiations are unsuccessful, the office will bring the matter back to the board at the point negotiations fail.
Members of the board made the decision at the second special meeting held to hear presentations from the applicants, as well as public comment from stakeholders. They made their decision after hearing testimony from both supporters and opponents of the charter schools.
“I just want to compliment the people for putting together a very complete and compelling discussion,” Gov. Mark Gordon, chairman of the State Loan and Investment Board, said following the three separate votes. Other board members are Secretary of State Ed Buchanan, State Treasurer Curt Meier, State Auditor Kristi Racines and Superintendent of Public Instruction Brian Schroeder.
Gordon also directed the office to solicit comments in the future from the school districts that will be impacted by the charters granted Wednesday. He said he wanted an opportunity to hear what their experiences are, because sometimes “the devil we don’t know is really scary.”
The schools are located in Laramie County School District 1, Platte County School District 1 and Natrona County School District 1. Cheyenne already has one public charter school, PODER Academy.
Jasmine Hall is the Wyoming Tribune Eagle’s state government reporter. She can be reached by email at jhall@wyomingnews.com or by phone at 307-633-3167. Follow her on Twitter @jasminerhphotos and on Instagram @jhrose25.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/in_our_schools/state-loan-and-investment-board-approves-three-charter-applications/article_1cb1b0a6-3480-11ed-95e2-eb9e646e9c87.html
| 2022-09-14T23:37:31Z
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In Laramie County, the COVID-19 community level rating by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was at “medium,” or yellow, on Wednesday. Screenshot from a CDC website.
CHEYENNE – For this city and in the surrounding county, federal officials are noting a heightened level of potential risk when it comes to the coronavirus and the ongoing pandemic.
In Laramie County, the COVID-19 community level rating by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was at "medium," or yellow, on Wednesday. It has been at this stage since age least last Thursday, a CDC website said.
For the first time in perhaps several months, the county's level had recently been rated in the "low" COVID-19 community level category by the CDC. The agency has not responded to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle's inquiries about when the level changed to "low" and when it returned more recently to "medium."
On its website on Wednesday, the federal agency wrote the following:
If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your health care provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions,
The CDC went on to note that "people may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask."
The agency's director, Rochelle Walensky, has endorsed a CDC advisory committee recommendation for use of updated COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for people ages 12 and older, and from Moderna for all adults. In Wyoming, some officials followed suit by making similar recommendations.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/cdc-raises-local-covid-19-risk-level/article_f92fb49a-3464-11ed-ba34-3f4ac77b1853.html
| 2022-09-14T23:37:37Z
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An empty BNSF Railway coal train leaves Guernsey and heads north on May 12, 2020. Coal shipments coming down from the Powder River Basin are a key part of this rural town’s economy and a source of good paying, union jobs. WyoFile photo/Andrew Graham
Snow falls near the Union Pacific control tower between Central and Warren avenues on Oct. 19, 2021, in downtown Cheyenne. Wyoming Tribune Eagle/file
An empty BNSF Railway coal train leaves Guernsey and heads north on May 12, 2020. Coal shipments coming down from the Powder River Basin are a key part of this rural town’s economy and a source of good paying, union jobs. WyoFile photo/Andrew Graham
CHEYENNE – As negotiations between union leaders and freight railroads continued Wednesday, it was unclear how many Wyoming workers would be impacted if railroad workers do decide to strike.
The two largest rail freight haulers in the Equality State – Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway – both offered prepared statements in response to requests from the Wyoming Tribune Eagle for comment on potential local impacts.
Mike Jaixen, Union Pacific's senior manager of communications, said by email that in 2021, the company employed 730 people in Wyoming.
"We do not have any further breakout of which roles these employees have or locations where they work within the state," Jaixen said.
A company statement sent earlier by UPRR spokesperson Robynn Tysver said, "Considering the looming possibility of a national rail labor strike, we are prepared to take the proactive steps to secure our customers' goods. At this time, we have only embargoed rail security-sensitive material (RSSM) shipments to make sure these hazardous commodities are safely secured in the event of a work stoppage.
"While these actions are necessary, they do not mean a work stoppage is certain," the statement continued. "What we want, and continue to push for, is a prompt resolution that provides historic wage increases to employees and allows the railroads to restore service as soon as possible, preventing further disruption to the struggling supply chain."
Tysver directed the WTE to an article on the American Association of Railroads website that says a work stoppage could potentially have a negative economic impact of up to $2 billion a day.
When asked for similar information, a member of the BNSF media team said they were unable to "break down numbers per location," but they also didn't provide a statewide employment number. Instead, they emailed the company's statement, which said, in part, "Throughout the collective bargaining process, we have continued to believe that it is in the best interests of our customers, employees and the public for the railroads and unions to settle this dispute without delay and prevent service disruptions."
"While President Biden's Presidential Emergency Board recommendations markedly exceeded the rail carrier's proposal, the railroads agreed that in the interests of all stakeholders involved, we would support agreements based on those recommendations," the statement continued. "BNSF and other railroads remain focused on rail labor negotiations and are encouraged by the progress of reaching tentative agreements with nine of the 12 unions; however, every union must be under an agreement to avoid a strike or other job action that will impact the movement of freight."
As Friday's strike deadline approaches, BNSF said, "we must take actions to prepare for the eventuality of a labor strike if the remaining unions cannot come to an agreement. These actions are necessary steps we must take in advance of a service disruption to ensure the safety and security of certain commodities whose movements are federally regulated with chain of custody and securement requirements. Ultimately, these actions will safely secure our customers' freight, ensure the safety of our employees and the communities we serve, and put our network in the best position to quickly restore service and meet our customers' expectations when operations resume. However, we will operate as long as we can safely operate as we move toward the Friday deadline."
Brian Martin is the Wyoming Tribune Eagle's managing editor. He can be reached by email at bmartin@wyomingnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @briankmartin.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/potential-impact-of-railroad-strike-on-wyoming-unclear/article_c7d50b1c-3472-11ed-b4e7-3bf8304c0ba2.html
| 2022-09-14T23:37:43Z
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CHEYENNE – East and South triad trustee candidates in Laramie County School District 1 said they are ready to bring their constituents’ voices to the table.
Five out of the six candidates running in Area 1 and Area 2 told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle their plans this week, if elected, and expressed their passion for the elected, unpaid position. There are three areas for candidates to specifically run and campaign within their boundaries, as well as an LCSD1 at-large race. The four eventual winners will join the local school board in January.
This is the first time seats have been allocated to specific geographic areas within the school district, as opposed to all of them being at-large, which candidates in the South triad said was especially important to them.
“I am running as a south-sider for life. I believe wholeheartedly that with the south side and the triad, there’s a large disparity at the district level, and even the treatment of the south side and its schools,” said Shelly Downham, parent and trustee candidate in Area 1. “I want to represent South triad issues, real issues, and not just political stances.”
Twenty candidates filed before the filing period ended on Aug. 29 for the four seats available, and five candidates have already dropped out. Michelle Tonacchio, Peter Zip III and Diane Beffert withdrew from the Area 3 race, where incumbent LCSD1 Trustee Christy Klaassen is running. Lilia Olejnik and Kathy Russell dropped out of the LCSD1 at-large race.
Social media posts from Facebook revealed that Tonacchio withdrew from the race in Area 3 to try to keep from splitting votes for conservative candidates in the Central triad. She posted on Facebook in the “Moms for Liberty – Laramie County, WY” group, asking for advice about backing out of the race to make sure candidate Todd Reynolds was defeated, because Klaassen had no plans to.
“I’m curious everyone’s thoughts on whether they can’t stand another term with her, or if it wouldn’t be the end of the world if she was the ‘conservative’ candidate for Central,” Tonacchio wrote regarding Klaassen, before eventually withdrawing on Tuesday.
Area 1
Candidates in LCSD1 Area 1 will not have to face an incumbent, unlike those in Areas 2 and 3. Downham, Susan Edgerton and Joseph Ramirez are all new contenders for a seat on the school board.
Downham, 46, has been a Cheyenne resident since 2002, and an advocate for representation of specific areas on the school board for more than six years. She told the WTE she played an instrumental part in the change by starting a petition, presenting to the school board and attending meetings that led to the change.
Her involvement in LCSD1 goes beyond advocacy, though. She said she has been involved at every level a parent can be for the past two decades, from volunteering with teachers, staff and coaches to fundraising for schools. She has three children who have gone through South triad schools, and she said her goals include uniting the triads and promoting equality.
A priority if she were elected is to address the district’s boundary waivers policy. She said it is negatively affecting the south, because kids leave instead of staying and building a positive environment. Downham said it has caused issues among students and families, and “we’re too small of a town to have those feelings going around.”
She also wants to find a balance for parents and teachers between making choices for their student’s education and being able to trust that educators have students’ best interests at heart. She said the culture has shifted regarding believing teachers and respecting what they taught, and there has to be a middle ground.
Ramirez, 70, is another passionate advocate for representation in the South triad. Although he has lived in Cheyenne his entire life and worked for state education and labor agencies, he has spent the last 25 years in the South triad. He ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for a seat in the Wyoming Legislature, and managed campaigns in the 1970s and 1980s.
His inspiration for running in the Area 1 race came from an incident at McCormick Junior High in 2018. He said there were students who were creating a racist and homophobic environment, and he believes there are still similar issues ongoing in the district that he hopes to alleviate. Ramirez also shared his concerns about book banning and negative attitudes toward teachers.
“I still hear stories of bullying and harassment against both of those groups (LGBTQ+ and students of color), plus students with disabilities,” he said. “We’ve got to cut that off at the neck. No way can we have that kind of disrespect for any students. All students need to be treated with respect and dignity.”
He noted that he plans to provide all his information in both Spanish and English, because he said there is a large number of Spanish speakers who deserve to understand. He said students shouldn’t be put in a position where they need to be translators for their guardians, because it doesn’t promote a good learning environment.
“That’s part of the thing that I’m going to be doing is trying to reach out to that group and let them know that they have a bilingual voice for the seat,” he said.
The third candidate in the Area 1 race is Edgerton, 57, who has been included in a “vote conservative” campaign on social media. She has joined arms with trustee candidates Hank Bailey, Brooke Humphrey and Klaassen, and has spoken out at LCSD1 meetings in the past in attempts to change the library book checkout policy and remove a masking requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Edgerton came to Cheyenne in 2001 with her family due to the military, and they decided to put down roots. She said her children have graduated from schools in LCSD1. Her background is in early childhood development, and she has worked both as a licensed day-care provider and in military child development centers.
Her key platform components are promoting strong academic basics, support for teachers in the classroom through parent involvement, equal opportunity and transparency. She is an advocate for making sure students are graduation-ready, but in a way that prepares them for adulthood, such as teaching personal finance and knowing how to rent an apartment.
Edgerton said she has pride for the South triad, and she wants to provide the best representation as someone who understands constituents’ needs and concerns. She said she has been unhappy in recent years with stakeholder speech being stifled.
“I want to make sure that everyone gets to participate, that everyone has a voice,” she said.
Area 2
Brooke Humphrey and Maurina Venturelli are challengers to incumbent Rich Wiederspahn in the LCSD1 Area 2 race. Wiederspahn didn’t respond to the WTE’s interview inquiries.
The youngest candidate campaigning in Area 2 is Humphrey, who is a 26-year-old mom that was born and raised in Cheyenne. She left southeast Wyoming for a few years to pursue ministry training in California and abroad, before returning home to start a business with her husband. Her kids aren’t old enough to attend public school yet, but she said she wants to help bring about change in the school district before they are enroll.
“Cheyenne, it’s our home, it’s where our kids will grow up, and I’m just trying to invest in the community,” she said. “Part of how I feel I’m supposed to do that is on the school board.”
Humphrey said she wants to focus on protecting parents’ rights, ensuring LCSD1 is a place that teachers can be proud to work in, promoting transparency and getting back to the basics of education. She said it is important that children are supported in their physical, emotional and intellectual development.
“It’s extremely important for us to be keeping the money closest to the students, and that is in our classrooms,” she said. “Whether it’s making sure that our buildings are sufficient and are comfortable for teachers and students, or making sure that our teachers have enough finances and resources to prep their classroom for the year and for their students – we can move resources from upper admin, down into the classrooms with the students, to better educate our kids.”
Her criticisms of the board in recent years are based on the decision to quit funding elementary school sports, taking away the parents’ right to choose whether to mask their student and changing the public comment policy at trustees meetings. She said trustees need to make more decisions that are best for students in the district.
Venturelli, 40, is a newer resident in Cheyenne, but she said her roots in Montana give her an understanding of the region. She was also influenced by her mother, who was a history teacher until retirement and taught her the impact an educator can have on a child. It was one of the reasons she was inspired to run after she started attending school board meetings in 2020.
She also decided to campaign for a seat in Area 2 because she wants to have a better relationship with students and administrators, encourage the development of a modern public education to meet the needs of all kids and bring a unique style of leadership to the board. Venturelli said she hopes to create a student council and build less invasive mental health programs in the district.
“When I talk to kids, in particular to high school kids, their issues are so far from what the adults are talking about. It’s really incredible,” she said. “We don’t give them enough credit. These kids are smart, and they know what interferes with their learning and what doesn’t. And, as adults, we are completely disconnected from that.”
The general election takes place on Nov. 8. Absentee and early in-person voting begins Sept. 23.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/education/east-and-south-triad-lcsd1-candidates-want-change/article_5daeb896-3477-11ed-8e1c-9343c44d7ee6.html
| 2022-09-14T23:37:49Z
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CHEYENNE — A draft bill to create specific offenses for assault, threat of violence and battery against health care providers failed a Tuesday vote.
Wyoming’s Joint Judiciary Committee rejected the measure. Testimony said incidences of such violence have increased in recent years. Witnesses sought stronger penalties.
After lengthy discussion, the committee entered five “yes” and eight “no” votes. It had requested the Legislative Service Office draft such a bill at the committee’s last meeting, in Lander in May.
The proposal used the same definitions of assault and battery currently in Wyoming law, as well as the penalties. Simple assault – an attempt to cause bodily injury – or a threat of violence against a health care worker would have been a misdemeanor punishable with a fine up to $750. Battery – “intentionally, knowingly or recklessly” causing another person bodily injury by using physical force – against a health care worker would have been a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months of incarceration and up to $750.
This would have required an offender to have “reasonably” known a person was a health care provider, and the provider must have been “performing duties within the scope of his authority or employment as a health care provider” during the incident.
Josh Hannes, vice president of the Wyoming Hospital Association, and others voiced concern that Wyoming not having this new law may put the state at a disadvantage for recruitment. The industry is struggling to fill existing positions, the committee heard.
Between January 2021 and June 2022, the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services received 121 workers’ compensation claims following an alleged attack in a health care setting, according to Hannes.
Lisa Harry said that before she was a member of the Campbell County Health Board, she worked in emergency services.
“I’ve been spit on, I’ve been pushed, kicked, knocked over, had a lot of that, and, like I say, you expect that. But these kinds of incidents have increased so much that I have to question: Is this enough?” Harry testified. “We aren’t protecting our workers.”
Harry and others mentioned recent incidents, including a lab technician punched in the leg by a patient while drawing blood. Harry said an off-duty law enforcement officer become angry at a hospital and began throwing things at a nurse.
“We need to impose stronger penalties and send a message to these people who come in to emergency services, into the hospital, and knowingly and purposefully abuse our workers,” Harry continued. “It’s bad enough that we can’t get enough nurses, but to have people coming in there and fear for their safety ... The hospital should be their first place for safety.”
She added that state laws should also protect first responders like EMTs, as well as people like hospital receptionists, who are often the first to encounter patients.
CRMC
Tracy Garcia is the chief nursing officer at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. She said that even CRMC’s “very robust security program ... is not deterring people from misbehavior in our organization.”
Within four months, the local hospital saw 25 incidents of violence by patients, Garcia said. There were physical assaults and others involved 12 verbal threats, “a lot of them including threat of life.” Garcia and others said these incidents increasingly don’t involve substances or mental health conditions.
When asked about the rate of prosecution of these violent incidents, Garcia said it had seemingly been low in recent years.
Stakeholders argued health care workers should be afforded similar protections as law enforcement. Harry said such medical employees aren’t trained before they enter the workforce to deal with violence, and they don’t carry weapons.
Concerns
Sen. John Kolb, R-Rock Springs, said he’s concerned about the possibility of someone being “brought up on charges for looking at somebody wrong.”
“I’m worried about that bar being so low it’ll turn into, I’ll use the word, a ‘woke’ situation, where it’s perceived incorrectly,” the senator said.
Hannes and others rejected this idea, saying that the threats they’d encountered or heard from patients or patients’ families had been “explicit threats of violence.”
Rep. Karlee Provenza, D-Laramie, and some other lawmakers had said they may not support this bill, because this penalty seemed unlikely to reduce violence.
Although states have recently enacted similar laws, Hannes said this type of legislation is too new to have sufficient data on whether it works. He added that such a law in Wyoming would simply be “a piece of braided initiatives.”
While the state doesn’t currently require health care facilities to have violence prevention programs in place, many do, Hannes said, and federal legislation is currently moving through congressional committees.
Backers
Some lawmakers favor the legislation.
Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, R-Cheyenne, said Wyoming seems “to be the only state that doesn’t have any type of, let’s say, enhancement or acknowledgment of violence toward people in the health care industry.”
“Some enhancement is appropriate (and) necessary,” Zwonitzer said.
An amendment by Rep. Ember Oakley, R-Riverton, to increase the penalty for battery to up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine, was widely supported by committee members. This is the same consequence as interference with a peace officer.
Sen. R.J. Kost, R-Powell, said such a law is “the right thing to do” and it bothers him someone could be cited for such an offense and “walk away.”
Hannah Black is the Wyoming Tribune Eagle’s criminal justice reporter. She can be reached at hblack@wyomingnews.com or 307-633-3128. Follow her on Twitter at @hannahcblack.
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https://www.wyomingnews.com/wyomingbusinessreport/industry_news/government_and_politics/committee-votes-down-penalty-for-health-care-violence/article_4fff3924-3476-11ed-a1e3-bb9be27aab7c.html
| 2022-09-14T23:37:56Z
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