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FARGO, N.D. (KXNET) — United States Attorney Mac Schneider announced on Thursday, July 27, that Trina Lily Hunt pled guilty before Chief Judge Peter D. Welte.
According to a news release, Hunt, who is 20 years old and from St. Michael, pled guilty to three counts of Involuntary Manslaughter and one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
On August 11, 2021, the Bureau of Indian Affairs patrol officers responded to a call of a two-vehicle crash on the Spirit Lake Reservation.
Hunt was the driver of one of the vehicles and had two passengers. The second driver, Winter Skye Bigtrack, had four passengers.
Of those passengers, two fatalities were identified at the scene, an adult male and a juvenile male. A third passenger, a minor female, died later. A fifth passenger, another minor female, suffered injuries that required her to be brought to Fargo for treatment in the intensive care unit.
The investigation showed that Hunt and Bigtrack were driving recklessly, without licenses, while under the influence of intoxicating liquor and a controlled substance at high speeds.
Bistrack previously pled guilty and was sentenced to serve 57 months in prison along with three years of supervised release.
Hunt’s sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 7 at 2:30 p.m.
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For Q2 2023, revenue increased 15% to $19.4 million and customer locations increased 7% to 124,000. Q2 net loss dropped 75% from $3.9 million in Q2 2022 to $978,000 in Q2 2023, and ARR* for TTM** increased $11.8 million from $59.3 million as at June 30, 2022 to $71.1 million as at June 30, 2023, growth of 20%.
TORONTO , July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Givex Corp. ("Givex") (TSX: GIVX) (OTCQX: GIVXF), is pleased to present its financial results for the three-month period and six-month period ending June 30, 2023.
Givex reports in Canadian dollars and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS").
"In Q2 2023, Givex continued to increase adjusted EBITDA by increasing gross profit and keeping a tight rein on payroll costs," said Don Gray, CEO of Givex. "Net loss decreased 75%, from $3.9 million to $978,000. We are working hard to continue this trend for the rest of the year."
Second Quarter Financial Highlights
Three-month period ending June 30, 2023 (with comparisons relative to the three-month period ending June 30, 2022)
- Revenue increased $2.6 million from $16.8 million to $19.4 million, 15% growth.
- Gross Profit increased $1.9 million from $12.2 million to $14.1 million, 16% growth.
- Adjusted EBITDA*** increased $0.7 million from $1.0 million to $1.7 million, 69% growth.
- Net Loss decreased $2.9 million from $3.9 million to $978,000, 75% decrease.
- Total Gross Transactional Value**** increased approximately $0.35 billion from $1.77 billion to $2.12 billion, 20% growth.
- POS Gross Transactional Value***** increased approximately $128 million from $347 million to $474 million, 37% growth.
- Customer Locations****** increased approximately 8,000, from 116,000 to 124,000, 7% growth.
Six-month period ending June 30, 2023 (with comparisons relative to the six-month period ending June 30, 2022)
- Revenue increased $5.4 million from $33.2 million to $38.6 million, 16% growth.
- Gross Profit increased $4.2 million from $23.1 million to $27.3 million, 18% growth.
- Adjusted EBITDA*** increased $0.4 million from $2.3 million to $2.7 million, 18% growth.
- Net Loss decreased $4.3 million from $6.5 million to $2.2 million, 66% decrease.
- Total Gross Transactional Value**** increased approximately $0.65 billion from $3.05 billion to $3.7 billion, 21% growth.
- POS Gross Transactional Value***** increased approximately $295 million from $584 million to $879 million, 51% growth.
Operational Highlights
- Payroll costs are the key focus to improved EBITDA and positive net earnings. For the 12-month periods ending June 30, 2023 and 2022, Employee Compensation******* as a % of Gross Profit was 53% and 54%, respectively. The company believes that its ability to reduce Employee Compensation as a % of Gross Profit is an indicator of its success in managing costs and profitability.
- ARR* (which is both recurring and reoccurring revenue) for TTM** increased $11.8 million from $59.3 million as at June 30, 2022 to $71.1 million as at June 30, 2023, growth of 20%.
More Information
Additional financial information, such as the audited annual Consolidated Financial Statements, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
More information about Givex, including the Management Presentation and Overview, are posted on the company's investor relations website at investors.givex.com.
About Givex
The world is changing. Givex is ready. Since 1999, Givex has provided technology solutions that unleash the full potential of engagement, creating and cultivating powerful connections that unite brands and customers. With a global footprint of 124,000+ active locations across more than 100 countries, Givex unleashes strategic insights, empowering brands through reliable technology and exceptional support. Givex's integrated end-to-end management solution provides Gift Cards, GivexPOS, Loyalty Programs and more, creating growth opportunities for businesses of all sizes and industries. Learn more about how to streamline workflows, tackle complex challenges and transform data into actionable insights at www.givex.com.
Non-IFRS Measures and Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures
The information presented includes certain financial measures such as "Adjusted EBITDA" (see below for definition), which are not recognized measures under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Rather, these measures are provided as additional information to complement those IFRS measures by providing further understanding of our results of operations from management's perspective. Accordingly, these measures should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of our financial information reported under IFRS. These non-IFRS measures are used to provide investors with supplemental measures of our operating performance and thus highlight trends in our core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS measures. We also believe that securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties frequently use non-IFRS measures in the evaluation of issuers. Our management also uses non-IFRS measures to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period, to prepare annual operating budgets and forecasts and to determine components of management compensation.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, estimates and assumptions that we considered appropriate and reasonable as of the date such statements are made, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to, the risk factors described under the "Risk Factors" section in the Annual Information Form (AIF) dated March 21, 2023, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and other filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made. See "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information" in the Filing Statement.
Additional Notes
*ARR is defined as Annual Recurring Revenue, which is both recurring and reoccurring revenue.
**TTM is trailing twelve months from the defined period.
***Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net profit (loss) excluding interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") as adjusted for share-based compensation and related expenses, foreign exchange gains and losses and transaction-related expenses including those related to going public and acquisitions.
****Gross transaction volume ("GTV") means the total dollar value of stored and point-of-sale ("POS") transactions processed through our cloud-based SaaS platforms in the period, net of refunds, inclusive of shipping and handling, duty, and value-added taxes. We believe GTV is an indicator of the success of our customers and the strength of our platforms. GTV does not represent revenue earned by us.
*****POS gross transactional volume ("POS GTV") means the total dollar value point-of-sale ("POS") transactions processed through GivexPOS, our cloud-based POS SaaS platform, in the period net of refunds, inclusive of shipping and handling, duty and value-added taxes. We believe POS GTV is an indicator of the success of our customers and the strength of our platforms. POS GTV does not represent revenue earned by us.
******Customer Location means a billing customer location for which the term of services has not ended, or with which we are negotiating a renewal contract. It includes both merchant locations that have transactions processed through our cloud-based SaaS platform, as well as merchant locations not on our platform but for which we provide other Givex services. A single unique customer can have multiple Customer Locations including physical and eCommerce sites. We believe that our ability to increase the number of Customer Locations served by our platform and products is an indicator of our success in terms of market penetration and growth of our business.
*******Employee Compensation as a % of Gross Profit means the total employee compensation for a period divided by the gross profit for the same period. Employee Compensation means total employee compensation including salaries and benefits, excluding both government assistance and share-based compensation. Gross Profit means revenue less direct cost of revenue.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Givex
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| 2023-07-31T22:19:35
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Six straight days of 12-hour driving. Single-digit paychecks. The complaints come from workers in vastly different industries: UPS delivery drivers and Hollywood actors and writers.
But they point to an underlying factor driving a surge of labor unrest: The cost to workers whose jobs have changed drastically as companies scramble to meet customer expectations for speed and convenience in industries transformed by technology.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated those changes, pushing retailers to shift online and intensifying the streaming competition among entertainment companies. Now, from the picket lines, workers are trying to give consumers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to produce a show that can be binged any time or get dog food delivered to their doorstep with a phone swipe.
That workers are overworked and underpaid is an enduring complaint across industries — from delivery drivers to Starbucks baristas and airline pilots — where surges in consumer demand have collided with persistent labor shortages. Workers are pushing back against forced overtime, punishing schedules or company reliance on lower-paid, part-time or contract forces.
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At issue for Hollywood screenwriters and actors staging their first simultaneous strikes in 40 years is the way streaming has upended the economics of entertainment, slashing pay and forcing showrunners to produce content faster with smaller teams.
“This seems to happen to many places when the tech companies come in. Who are we crushing? It doesn’t matter,” said Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, a screenwriter and showrunner on the negotiating team for the Writers Guild of America, whose members have been on strike since May. Earlier this month, the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists joined the writers’ union on the picket line.
Actors and writers have long relied on residuals, or long-term payments, for reruns and other airings of films and televisions shows. But reruns aren’t a thing on streaming services, where series and films simply land and stay with no easy way, such as box office returns or ratings, to determine their popularity.
U.S. & World
Consequently, whatever residuals streaming companies do pay often amount to a pittance, and screenwriters have been sharing tales of receiving single-digit checks.
Adam Shapiro, an actor known for the Netflix hit “Never Have I Ever," said many actors were initially content to accept lower pay for the plethora of roles that streaming suddenly offered. But the need for a more sustainable compensation model gained urgency when it became clear streaming is not a sideshow, but rather the future of the business, he said.
"Over the past 10 years, we realized: ‘Oh, that’s now how Hollywood works. Everything is streaming,’” Shapiro said during a recent union event.
Shapiro, who has been acting for 25 years, said he agreed to a contract offering 20% of his normal rate for “Never Have I Ever” because it seemed like "a great opportunity, and it’s going to be all over the world. And it was. It really was. Unfortunately, we’re all starting to realize that if we keep doing this we’re not going to be able to pay our bills.”
Then there's the rising use of “mini rooms,” in which a handful of writers are hired to work only during pre-production, sometimes for a series that may take a year to be greenlit, or never get picked up at all.
Sanchez-Witzel, co-creator of the recently released Netflix series “Survival of the Thickest,” said television shows traditionally hire robust writing teams for the duration of production. But Netflix refused to allow her to keep her team of five writers past pre-production, forcing round-the-clock rewrites with just one other writer.
“It's not sustainable and I'll never do that again,” she said.
Sanchez-Witzel said she was struck by the similarities between her experience and those of UPS drivers, some of whom joined the WGA for protests as they threatened their own potentially crippling strike. UPS and the Teamsters last week reached a tentative contract staving off the strike.
Jeffrey Palmerino, a full-time UPS driver near Albany, New York, said forced overtime emerged as a top issue during the pandemic as drivers coped with a crush of orders on par with the holiday season. Drivers never knew what time they would get home or if they could count on two days off each week, while 14-hour days in trucks without air conditioning became the norm.
“It was basically like Christmas on steroids for two straight years. A lot of us were forced to work six days a week, and that is not any way to live your life,” said Palmerino, a Teamsters shop steward.
Along with pay raises and air conditioning, the Teamsters won concessions that Palmerino hopes will ease overwork. UPS agreed to end forced overtime on days off and eliminate a lower-paid category of drivers who work shifts that include weekends, converting them to full-time drivers. Union members have yet to ratify the deal.
The Teamsters and labor activists hailed the tentative deal as a game-changer that would pressure other companies facing labor unrest to raise their standards. But similar outcomes are far from certain in industries lacking the sheer economic indispensability of UPS or the clout of its 340,000-member union.
Efforts to organize at Starbucks and Amazon stalled as both companies aggressively fought against unionization.
Still, labor protests will likely gain momentum following the UPS contract, said Patricia Campos-Medina, executive director of the Worker Institute at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, which released a report this year that found the number of labor strikes rose 52% in 2022.
“The whole idea that consumer convenience is above everything broke down during the pandemic. We started to think, ‘I’m at home ordering, but there is actually a worker who has to go the grocery store, who has to cook this for me so that I can be comfortable,’” Campos-Medina said.
Associated Press video journalist Leslie Ambriz contributed from Los Angeles.
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| 2023-07-31T22:19:37
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Shreveport under excessive heat warnings: Where are the local cooling centers?
With temperatures above 100 and Shreveport under an excessive heat warning, the city and SPAR have opened cooling centers to the public.
Each SPAR recreation center will be open Monday through Friday from 9 am – 7 pm and Saturdays 9 am – 3 pm. Each center has a designated seating area, water, and a place to charge your devices.
SPAR Community Centers:
• A.B. Palmer Community Center – 547 E. 79th Street
• Airport Park Community Center – 6500 Kennedy Drive
• Andrew Currie Community Center – 1600 Norma Avenue
• Bilberry Park Community Center – 1902 Alabama Avenue
• Bill Cockrell Community Center – 4109 Pines Road
• Chris Hays Community Center – 4300 Illinois Street
• David Raines Community Center – 2920 Round Grove Lane
• Hattie Perry Community Center – 4300 Ledbetter Street
• Lakeside Park Community Center – 2200 Milam Street
• Mamie Hicks Community Center – 200 Mayfair Street
• Princess Park Community Center – 931 Baker Street
• Querbes Park Community Center – 3500 Beverly Street
• Southern Hills Community Center – 1002 Bert Kouns Ind. Loop
• Sunset Acres Community Center – 6700 Quilen Road
• Valencia Park Community Center – 1800 Viking Drive
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| 2023-07-31T22:19:39
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Locals Representing 340K UPS Workers Nearly Unanimously Recommend Contract
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters local unions representing 340,000 full- and part-time workers at UPS voted 161-1 on Monday to endorse the tentative agreement reached with the delivery giant on July 25 and recommend its passage by the full membership.
Of the 176 local unions with UPS members, 14 affiliates failed to show up to a meeting in Washington, DC, to review the tentative agreement.
At least two representatives from all other local unions discussed more than 60 changes and improvements to the UPS Teamsters National Master Agreement, the largest private-sector collective bargaining agreement in North America. The gains achieved during negotiations, which occurred regionally and nationally since January, are larger and more lucrative than any previous Teamsters contract at UPS. The tentative agreement, valued at $30 billion, establishes record wage increases for all workers for the life of the contract, installation of air conditioning in new vehicles, the end of an unfair two-tier wage system, catch-up raises for part-timers, Martin Luther King Day as a paid holiday for the first time, new language to prevent forced overtime on days off, and other huge wins.
Now that local unions have nearly unanimously endorsed the tentative agreement, all rank-and-file UPS Teamsters will have the chance to vote on ratification from August 3-22.
"The entire UPS Teamsters National Negotiating Committee stands behind this historic contract and our UPS local unions have resoundingly voted to endorse it," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "Our tentative agreement is richer, stronger, and more far-reaching than any settlement ever negotiated in the history of American organized labor. The Teamsters are immensely proud of reaching agreement with UPS to improve the lives of our members, their families, and working people across the country."
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.2 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
Contact:
Kara Deniz, (202) 497-6610
kdeniz@teamster.org
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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
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| 2023-07-31T22:19:40
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WATFORD CITY, N.D. (KXNET) — A 22-year-old Watford City man, Dylan Lobato, was arrested over the weekend for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a female taxi driver and another woman earlier in July.
According to the Watford City Police Department, the incident occurred on July 11 around 12:30 a.m. when police responded to the 1400 block of Main Street North for a report of an attempted sexual assault on a female taxi driver. Minutes after receiving the first call, a second call came in regarding a possible burglary and another attempted sexual assault from another woman about seven blocks away.
Police spoke with both women who gave similar descriptions which matched that of an individual who later was identified as Dylan Lobato.
According to police, during the investigation, they determined that Lobato allegedly had called the taxi cab driver for a ride and then attempted to force himself on her after threatening her with a large knife. The woman was able to stop the assault and fled the vehicle. Lobato then stole the taxi cab and left the area.
In the stolen cab, Lobato then apparently traveled to the 700 block of 2nd Street NE, broke into another vehicle, and then entered a nearby home where he attempted to sexually assault the woman who owned the home.
The woman was able to fight Lobado off and cause him to flee from the home.
Police were able to locate Lobato following their investigation, and on July 28, arrested him and took him into custody on the following charges:
- Gross Sexual Imposition – Sexual Contact – Force (Class A Felony)
- Burglary (Class B Felony)
- Terrorizing (Class C Felony)
- Sexual Assault – Offensive Contact (Class A Misdemeanor)
- Two Counts of Wearing masks during commission of a criminal offense (Class A Misdemeanor)
Lobato is currently being held at the McKenzie County Correctional Facility on two $50,000 bonds with a preliminary hearing set for August 31.
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| 2023-07-31T22:19:41
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ST. LOUIS, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, today reported that it set a new quarterly record for net sales in the second quarter of 2023.
Graybar's net sales for the second quarter of this year totaled $2.8 billion, an increase of 4.5% compared to the same period last year. Net income attributable to Graybar for the quarter finished at $124.2 million, a 2.7% decrease from the second quarter of 2022.
For the first half of 2023, the company reported net sales of $5.5 billion, an 8.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Net income attributable to Graybar for the first six months of 2023 increased 8.4% to $249.0 million.
"Thanks to the hard work of our employees, we continue to achieve positive results," said Kathleen M. Mazzarella, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Graybar. "We remain focused on providing exceptional service to our customers every day, while we make strategic investments to transform our business and strengthen our long-term position as an industry leader."
Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America, is a leader in the distribution of high quality electrical, communications and data networking products, and specializes in related supply chain management and logistics services. Through its network of more than 325 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, helping its customers power, network, automate and secure their facilities with speed, intelligence and efficiency. For more information, visit www.graybar.com or call 1-800-GRAYBAR.
Media Contact:
Tim Sommer
(314) 578-7672
timothy.sommer@graybar.com
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SOURCE Graybar
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| 2023-07-31T22:19:42
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Memphis police on Monday said officers shot a suspect after he attempted to enter a Jewish school with a gun and fired shots after he couldn't get into the building.
Assistant Police Chief Don Crowe said the suspect, whose identity has not been released, approached Margolin Hebrew Academy-Feinstone Yeshiva of the South around 12:20 p.m. He fired several shots and then left in a maroon truck.
“Thankfully, that school had a great safety procedure and process in place and avoided anyone being harmed or injured at that scene,” Crowe said.
Officers soon located the suspect's vehicle “shortly after that,” Crowe said, adding that officers then shot the suspect after he exited the truck with a firearm in hand. The suspect was sent to a hospital where he is in critical condition.
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It was not immediately clear if school was in session.
When asked if law enforcement believe the shooting was a hate crime, Crowe said officers were still on the scene and collecting information.
“It's way too early for that. Again, we're very early in this investigation,” Crowe said.
U.S. & World
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations is now handling the case.
Oscar Gomez said two of his teenage children were outside their house when the man was shot in their neighborhood. They told him about the shooting when he arrived home from work, he said.
“They heard the shooting and they threw themselves on the floor trying to protect themselves,” said Gomez, 39.
U.S. Rep. Seve Cohen, whose district includes Memphis, said in a statement that he was “shocked” to hear about the incident at the school and noted that acts of “violent antisemitism” are on the rise across the country.
Monday's shooting comes nearly four months after a shooter opened fire at a private Christian school in Nashville and killed six people, including three nine-year-old children. That tragedy has sparked closer scrutiny of Tennessee's relaxed gun laws and renewed calls to strengthen security at both public and private schools across the state.
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Kimberlee Kruesi contributed to this report from Nashville, Tennessee
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| 2023-07-31T22:19:43
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Caddo Coroner identifies 47th homicide victim in Shreveport
Makenzie Boucher
Shreveport Times
Shreveport has seen its 47th homicide for 2023. Caddo Parish Coroner's Office released the name of a man shot and killed Monday, July 31.
Just after 7 a.m. Shreveport Police Department located Randolph Ashley, 68, dead in the yard of a vacant house in 1200 block of Vaughn Avenue.
According to the Caddo Parish Coroner's Office, Ashley's death marks the 49th in Caddo Parish and the 47th in Shreveport for 2023.
Shreveport Police Department are still investigating this shooting that occurred in the Stoner Hill neighborhood.
More:Caddo Coroner's office releases name of woman killed Sunday afternoon in Shreveport
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.
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| 2023-07-31T22:19:45
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SÃO PAULO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zenvia Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENV), the leading cloud-based CX platform in Latin America empowering companies to transform their customer journeys, today announced that its fiscal 2023 second quarter and first half results will be released after the market close on Wednesday August 16, 2023.
Zenvia's senior management team will host a webcast to discuss the financial and operating results on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 10:00 am ET. To access the webcast presentation, click here.
Additional information regarding Zenvia, including a replay of the webcast when available, can be found at https://investors.zenvia.com.
Contacts
About ZENVIA
ZENVIA is driven by the purpose of empowering companies to create unique experiences for end-consumers through its unified CX SaaS end-to-end platform. ZENVIA empowers companies to transform their existing customer experience from non-scalable, physical and impersonal interactions into highly scalable, digital-first and hyper-contextualized experiences across the customer journey. ZENVIA's unified end-to-end CX SaaS platform provides a combination of (i) SaaS focused on campaigns, sales teams, customer service and engagement, (ii) tools, such as software application programming interfaces, or APIs, chatbots, single customer views, journey designers, documents composer and authentication and (iii) channels, such as SMS, Voice, WhatsApp, Instagram and Webchat. Its comprehensive platform assists customers across multiple use cases, including marketing campaigns, customer acquisition, customer onboarding, warnings, customer services, fraud control, cross-selling and customer retention, among others. ZENVIA's shares are traded on Nasdaq, under the ticker ZENV.
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SOURCE Zenvia
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| 2023-07-31T22:19:46
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President Biden overturned a decision from the Trump administration to relocate the temporary headquarters of Space Command to Alabama, deciding instead to keep the base in Colorado.
The decision was made because Biden believes keeping the HQ in Colorado Springs, rather than relocating it to Huntsville, would maintain stability and not impact readiness, according to a senior U.S. official.
The senior administration official said Biden consulted with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other military leaders before deciding to keep the base in Colorado permanently.
Gen. James Dickinson, the head of Space Command, also helped to convince Biden to not relocate the base, according to the Associated Press.
U.S. Space Command headquarters is set to achieve “full operational capability” at Colorado Springs later this month, according to the senior administration official.
The official said moving the headquarters to Alabama would force a transition process that does not allow the new base to open until the mid-2030’s.
“The President found that risk unacceptable, especially given the challenges we may face in the space domain during this critical time period,” the official said. “Locating Headquarters U.S. Space Command in Colorado Springs ensures peak readiness in the space domain for our nation during a critical period.”
Biden’s reversal is likely to spark the fury of Alabama Republicans who have for months feared the administration would scrap the relocation plan.
Alabama Rep. Mike Rogers (R), the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, has been investigating the delay behind the relocation plan, which was first put in motion when Space Command was resurrected in 2019.
Former President Trump’s decision to temporarily establish a headquarters in Colorado and relocate Space Command to Alabama was criticized as a political choice based upon a more favorable constituency in the Yellowhammer state.
Since coming into office, the Biden administration ordered reviews of the decision, none of which found anything improper in Trump’s decision, though they found the former president could have followed better practices in the process.
The delayed relocation reached new heights over the spring when NBC News reported the Biden administration was considering scrapping the relocation plan because of restrictive abortion laws in Alabama.
Rogers and other Alabama Republicans objected to any such plan, saying Huntsville, also known as Rocket City, was selected based on its merits and in a fair process, while pointing to the reviews that found nothing improper.
The House version of the annual defense bill that passed earlier this month includes provisions that slash funding for the Air Force Secretary until the administration makes a final decision. It’s unclear whether Rogers will be satisfied with a reversal.
Other Alabama politicians, including Gov. Kay Ivey (R), quickly blasted the the decision as political. Alabama overwhelmingly voted for Trump in the 2020 election and has two GOP senators, while Colorado voted for Biden and has two Democratic senators.
Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) said the base Redstone Arsenal in Alabama was the correct location based on its merits, arguing “Biden has irresponsibly decided to yank a military decision out of the Air Force’s hands in the name of partisan politics.”
“The President’s blatant prioritization of partisan political considerations at the expense of our national security, military modernization, and force readiness is a disservice and a dishonor to his oath of office as our nation’s Commander-in-Chief,” she said in a statement.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby reiterated during an interview with CNN on Monday that the president’s decision was entirely due to national security considerations, pointing specifically to the rising threat from China.
“This was really a decision based on one thing and one thing only for a president and that was operational readiness,” Kirby said. “He took the inputs of many leaders across the Department of Defense that when it came down to it, he believes that it’s in the best national security interest of the country if we leave Space Command in Colorado.”
Colorado Sen. Michael Bennett (D) joined officials from his state in celebrating Biden’s decision.
“Over the past two and half years, we have repeatedly made the case that the Trump administration’s decision to relocate U.S. Space Command was misguided,” the senator wrote on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Today’s decision restores integrity to the Pentagon’s basing process and sends a strong message that national security and the readiness of our Armed Forces drive our military decisions,” he added.
Updated at 5:34 pm ET.
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| 2023-07-31T22:19:47
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AUSTIN, Minn., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, invites interested parties to participate in a webcast and conference call with Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer; Jacinth Smiley, executive vice president and chief financial officer; and Deanna Brady, executive vice president, Retail; to discuss the company's third quarter financial results. The company will issue its earnings release before the markets open on Thursday, August 31, 2023, and will host a conference call at 8 a.m. CT (9 a.m. ET).
The webcast, replay and other information related to the event can be accessed on the company's investor website, http://investor.hormelfoods.com.
ABOUT HORMEL FOODS — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™
Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, Hormel® Natural Choice®, Applegate®, Justin's®, WHOLLY®, Hormel® Black Label®, Columbus®, Jennie-O® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named on the "Global 2000 World's Best Employers" list by Forbes magazine for three years, is one of Fortune magazine's most admired companies, has appeared on the "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list by 3BL Media 13 times, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ — to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com.
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SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation
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Caddo Coroner's office releases name of woman killed Sunday afternoon in Shreveport
Makenzie Boucher
Shreveport Times
The Caddo Parish Coroner's Office has released information on a shooting that occurred Sunday afternoon that killed a woman in Shreveport.
According to Shreveport Police Department records, just before 6:30 p.m. July 30, officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Delaware Street. Upon arrival, they discovered 29-year-old Mary Parsons and a male dead at the scene.
A representative with the Shreveport Police Department said that it is unclear whether this was a murder-suicide incident, and they would release more information following an investigation by detectives.
More:Man in custody following fatal overnight shooting in Shreveport
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.
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| 2023-07-31T22:19:51
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(KTLA) – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the discovery of a body inside a 55-gallon drum in Malibu Lagoon on Monday.
A park worker first saw the drum floating by the Pacific Coast Highway bridge Sunday night but didn’t think much of it at the time, a spokesperson for the L.A. County Fire Department told Nexstar’s KTLA.
When lifeguards arrived at work Monday morning, they saw the drum in the lagoon and tried to pull it out at which point they discovered the body inside, officials said.
No information about the victim was immediately known.
KTLA helicopter footage showed the black plastic drum standing upright in shallow water and the beach appeared to be closed for the investigation.
Late last spring, a body was found in a barrel in Nevada’s Lake Mead. Authorities said the body may have been there for four decades but have not yet identified the victim, despite identifying other bodies that appeared due to receding water levels.
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| 2023-07-31T22:19:53
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NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS – SOURCES OF DISTRIBUTION UNDER SECTION 19(a)
BOSTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (NYSE: PDT) (the "Fund"), a closed-end fund managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC and subadvised by Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC, announced today sources of its monthly distribution of $0.0825 per share paid to all shareholders of record as of July 13, 2023, pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan. This press release is issued as required by an exemptive order granted to the Fund by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
This notice provides shareholders of the John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (NYSE: PDT) with important information concerning the distribution declared on June 30, 2023, and payable on July 31, 2023. No action is required on your part.
The following table sets forth the estimated sources of the current distribution, payable July 31, 2023, and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short term capital gains; net realized long term capital gains; and return of capital or other capital source. All amounts are expressed on a per common share basis and as a percentage of the distribution amount.
You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund's managed distribution plan.
The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income."
The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this Notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.
The Fund has declared the July 2023 distribution pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan (the "Plan"). Under the Plan, the Fund makes fixed monthly distributions in the amount of $0.0825 per share, which will continue to be paid monthly until further notice.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your financial professional or call the John Hancock Investment Management Closed-End Fund Information Line at 1-800-843-0090, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing.
About John Hancock Investment Management
A company of Manulife Investment Management, we serve investors through a unique multimanager approach, complementing our extensive in-house capabilities with an unrivaled network of specialized asset managers, backed by some of the most rigorous investment oversight in the industry. The result is a diverse lineup of time-tested investments from a premier asset manager with a heritage of financial stewardship.
About Manulife Investment Management
Manulife Investment Management is the global brand for the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. We draw on more than a century of financial stewardship and the full resources of our parent company to serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Headquartered in Toronto, our leading capabilities in public and private markets are strengthened by an investment footprint that spans 18 geographies. We complement these capabilities by providing access to a network of unaffiliated asset managers from around the world. We're committed to investing responsibly across our businesses. We develop innovative global frameworks for sustainable investing, collaboratively engage with companies in our securities portfolios, and maintain a high standard of stewardship where we own and operate assets, and we believe in supporting financial well-being through our workplace retirement plans. Today, plan sponsors around the world rely on our retirement plan administration and investment expertise to help their employees plan for, save for, and live a better retirement. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.
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SOURCE John Hancock Investment Management
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| 2023-07-31T22:19:55
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Shreveport ties 2022 yearly homicide rate by end of July. Here's how the numbers stack up
Since the start of 2023, Shreveport has seen four mass shootings. The current number of homicides stands at 47, this number matches the total number of homicides for all of 2022.
These deaths have sparked community outcries through prayer vigils and government lead initiatives.
"Today marks the day where we take a stance on crime. Today marks the day whereas your leaders, we're not hiding," said Councilman Alan Jackson during a citywide prayer on July 20.
Crime breakdown
"These are trying times for our city," said Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith previously said. "What we've been experiencing is just horrific."
Mass shootings
January 22, 2023
On Jan. 22, just before 2 p.m. the Shreveport Police Department was called to the 1600 block of Sugar Lane on reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located seven people inside the residence suffering gunshot injuries. Three of the seven victims were juveniles under the age of ten. The four adults were women between the ages of 30 and 60.
Following the shooting a male arrived at the hospital more than an hour later advising he was present at the home and injured during the shooting. His injury was described as a very minor graze wound.
On Jan. 26, Latounda Bryant, 33, who suffered a life-threatening injury was pronounced dead by the Caddo Parish Coroner's Office.
More:Shreveport officials speak out after city sees two mass shootings in less than 24 hours
March 24, 2023
On March 24 at 11 p.m., 11 police units were called to the 1800 block of Logan Street following a cookout.
Upon arrival, officers discovered seven people injured. According to police, the victims were said to have been in an open garage when gunfire came from an unknown source.
March 25, 2023
Just before 1:45 a.m. March 25, Shreveport Police Department responded to a shooting in the intersection of Texas Street and Market Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered three men and three women who were shot while waiting in a vehicle at the intersection.
The Coroner's Office has verified that Jacorvin Taylor, 32, was one of the victims who succumbed to his injuries and died at 2:15 a.m. at Ochsner LSU Health.
July 4, 2023
Just before midnight July 4, officers were dispatched to Pearl Avenue and Jones Mabry Road for reported shots fired. Upon arrival, officers discovered more than 200 people in the 2300 block of Jones Mabry Road. The partygoers were trying to find safety during 15 minutes of reported gunfire.
Once officers were able to make it through the crowd, they located multiple shooting victims. Upon initial reporting, police said that three were found dead at the scene and seven were injured.
Shreveport leaders gave an update July 5 on the mass shooting that occurred on July 4. Just before 10 a.m. July 5, a fourth victim was found on a nearby street. This victim brought the total killed to four.
Read:'Last night was a horrible night here in Shreveport.' Police, officials on mass shooting
Year-to-date homicide numbers
Shreveport has seen 47 homicides, which is equal to the total number of homicides for 2022.
During a citywide prayer event at Government Plaza on July 20, Councilwoman Tabitha Taylor referenced the 44th homicide, saying "It's not a number that we like to hear, but unfortunately, that is the reality that we're facing."
The total last year was 43% less than the 83 homicides in 2021.
While the homicide number in July 2023 has tied 2022 yearly total, by July 2022, there had been only 32 murders. In 2021, there were 48.
In a prior interview with Smith, he said, "it is beginning to be apparent that victims and suspects are becoming younger, there appear to be more weapons available... what is apparent to me is that in these violent crimes, most if not all of them, are thought out, calculated incidents that happened, not just haphazardly or accidentally happened the people who started it intended for something tragic or violent to happen."
Check this out:Man in custody following fatal overnight shooting in Shreveport
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.
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| 2023-07-31T22:19:57
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PORT ANGELES, Washington (WJW) – An 8-year-old child was attacked by a cougar at Olympic National Park’s Lake Angeles on Saturday evening.
The child was with their family at Lake Angeles, south of Port Angeles, when the attack happened Saturday night, the National Park Service said Monday.
“The cougar casually abandoned its attack after being yelled and screamed at by the child’s mother,” NPS wrote in a news release. The child suffered only minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
Park officials then evacuated the remaining campers in the Lake Angeles area, closing the space and Heather Park to the public. Olympic National Park wildlife biologist Tom Kay said in a statement that the decision to close the Lake Angeles Trail, Heather Park Trail, Switchback Trail, and the entire Klahhane Ridge Trail was made “out of an abundance of caution.”
Early Sunday morning, park law enforcement and wildlife personnel who specialize in cougar tracking were dispatched to the last known location of the cougar at Lake Angeles, the park service reported. If located, the cougar will be euthanized and removed from the park for a necropsy.
“This may provide clues as to why the animal attacked since cougars are rarely seen and attacks on humans are extraordinarily rare,” park officials said. “Olympic National Park has extensive protocols in place for wildlife observations, interactions, and attacks and the lethal removal of this cougar is in line with these protocols.”
Because Olympic National Park is considered “cougar territory,” NPS recommends visitors be prepared for the encounter. They should not hike or jog alone, and children should remain near adults. Pets should also be left at home.
Should you encounter a cougar, you should remain calm and avoid running, according to wildlife experts. Do your best to appear as large as possible, continue watching the animal, and be loud. NPS also recommends throwing items like rocks or sticks at the cougar.
There have been no recent deaths caused by cougars in Olympic National Park, according to NPS data.
It’s not the first wildlife attack in the national parks this year, though.
Last week, a woman was found dead after an “apparent bear encounter” near Yellowstone National Park. Earlier this month, a woman in the park suffered “significant injuries” after being gored by a bison.
The park warns that between mid-July and mid-August, bison are in mating season and “can become agitated more quickly.”
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| 2023-07-31T22:19:59
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NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS – SOURCES OF DISTRIBUTION UNDER SECTION 19(a)
BOSTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (NYSE: HTD) (the "Fund"), a closed-end fund managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC and subadvised by Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC, announced today sources of its monthly distribution of $0.1380 per share paid to all shareholders of record as of July 13, 2023, pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan. This press release is issued as required by an exemptive order granted to the Fund by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
This notice provides shareholders of the John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (NYSE: HTD) with important information concerning the distribution declared on July 3, 2023, and payable on July 31, 2023. No action is required on your part.
The following table sets forth the estimated sources of the current distribution, payable July 31, 2023, and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short term capital gains; net realized long term capital gains; and return of capital or other capital source. All amounts are expressed on a per common share basis and as a percentage of the distribution amount.
You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund's managed distribution plan.
The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income."
The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this Notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.
The Fund has declared the July 2023 distribution pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan (the "Plan"). Under the Plan, the Fund makes fixed monthly distributions in the amount of $0.1380 per share, which will continue to be paid monthly until further notice.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your financial professional or call the John Hancock Investment Management Closed-End Fund Information Line at 1-800-843-0090, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing.
About John Hancock Investment Management
A company of Manulife Investment Management, we serve investors through a unique multimanager approach, complementing our extensive in-house capabilities with an unrivaled network of specialized asset managers, backed by some of the most rigorous investment oversight in the industry. The result is a diverse lineup of time-tested investments from a premier asset manager with a heritage of financial stewardship.
About Manulife Investment Management
Manulife Investment Management is the global brand for the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. We draw on more than a century of financial stewardship and the full resources of our parent company to serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Headquartered in Toronto, our leading capabilities in public and private markets are strengthened by an investment footprint that spans 18 geographies. We complement these capabilities by providing access to a network of unaffiliated asset managers from around the world. We're committed to investing responsibly across our businesses. We develop innovative global frameworks for sustainable investing, collaboratively engage with companies in our securities portfolios, and maintain a high standard of stewardship where we own and operate assets, and we believe in supporting financial well-being through our workplace retirement plans. Today, plan sponsors around the world rely on our retirement plan administration and investment expertise to help their employees plan for, save for, and live a better retirement. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.
View original content:
SOURCE John Hancock Investment Management
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Natchitoches Central’s Joe Cryer says he’s headed to LSU
A day after decommitting from Ole Miss, Natchitoches Central interior offensive linemen Joe “Big Hoss” Cryer says he now plans to sign with LSU
The transfer from Many’s 2022 state championship team announced Monday on Twitter where he was heading.
“With that being said, I’m a 100% committed to Louisiana State University,” Cryer said on his Twitter feed.
Cryer played his first three seasons at Many and winning two state titles and finishing as state runner-up the other season. His dad is a coach on the staff at NCHS with coach Jess Curtis.
PREVIOUS CHOICE:Here’s what made Natchitoches Central’s Joe Cryer pick Ole Miss football
BIG HOSS:Times Elite 11: Natchitoches Central’s Joe Cryer is no crier about sibling rivalry
“Just didn’t feel the same vibe at Ole Miss – and big news coming soon,” Cryer told The Times Sunday.
The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Shreveport Times All-Area first-team member said the strong relationships he developed on his initial visit to Ole Miss made it feel like home. Apparently that changed after a visit to Baton Rouge.
Cryer also has offers from TCU, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State and Penn State.
“I’m the most physical lineman in Louisiana and I have great feet and I have grit and the mentality that football is supposed to be played with,” Cryer said.
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
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| 2023-07-31T22:20:03
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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida is seeing a rise in leprosy cases that could mean the disease has become endemic in the Sunshine State, according to a letter published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The letter, which was published in mid-July, said while leprosy is historically uncommon in the United States, cases more than doubled in the South over the last 10 years.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease, is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and is characterized by discolored patches of skin, ulcers, lumps and damage to the nerves.
The CDC said if untreated, the disease can progress to paralysis, blindness, the loss of one’s eyebrows, physical disfigurement, and even the “shortening of toes and fingers due to reabsorption.”
The Florida Department of Health said the disease first appeared in the state in 1921. The National Hansen’s Disease Program found that 159 cases of leprosy were reported in 2020. Florida was at the top of the list of states with the most new cases.
According to the Florida Health Charts, the state had 26 reported cases in 2019, 27 in 2020, and 14 in 2021.
“Central Florida, in particular, accounted for 81% of cases reported in Florida and almost one-fifth of nationally reported cases,” the letter said. “Whereas leprosy in the United States previously affected persons who had immigrated from leprosy-endemic areas, [about] 34% of new case-patients during 2015–2020 appeared to have locally acquired the disease.”
A disease becomes endemic when it occurs regularly within a certain community or area.
The CDC letter said multiple cases showed no sign of animal-to-human transmission or “traditionally known risk factors.”
One patient, a 54-year-old man in Central Florida, was treated at a dermatology clinic for a progressive rash caused by leprosy.
When asked, the man said he had lived in Central Florida his whole life, did not travel domestically or internationally, had no exposure to armadillos (which can carry the disease), had no contact with immigrants with endemic leprosy, and had no connection to someone with the disease.
Experts said there was some support for the theory that an increase in migration from other countries to the United States may have caused the disease to enter non-endemic areas. However, while leprosy cases are increasing in the U.S., the rate of new cases in people born outside of the U.S. had been on a decline since 2002.
“This information suggests that leprosy has become an endemic disease process in Florida, warranting further research into other methods of [local] transmission,” the letter said.
In the state of Florida, medical practitioners must report leprosy by the next business day so contact tracing can be done and reduce further infections.
“In our case, contact tracing was done by the National Hansen’s Disease Program and revealed no associated risk factors, including travel, zoonotic exposure, occupational association, or personal contacts,” the letter said. “The absence of traditional risk factors in many recent cases of leprosy in Florida, coupled with the high proportion of residents, like our patient, who spend a great deal of time outdoors, supports the investigation into environmental reservoirs as a potential source of transmission.”
The CDC said travel to Florida must now be considered when conducting contact tracing for leprosy in any state.
Leprosy, when contracted, can be treated by a combination of different antibiotics to prevent it from developing resistance to the medication, according to the CDC. Leprosy can be cured after one or two years of treatment.
However, even when cured, any nerve damage and disfigurement caused by the disease will be permanent.
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LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW® 2023 REGISTRATION OPENS FOR MEDIA AND INDUSTRY DAY AT AUTOMOBILITY LA® ON NOVEMBER 16
AutoMobility LA is the global Media Day and Industry Gathering taking place at the LA Convention Center prior to the show's public opening
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Auto Show®, the leading automotive and lifestyle in-person event, will open registration tomorrow for AutoMobility LA®; its annual preview day for both media and industry professionals.
Scheduled for November 16 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the LA Auto Show's press and B2B gathering is an opportunity for the global community and key decision makers to convene in Southern California for the latest debuts, product announcements, networking opportunities and more.
The 2023 LA Auto Show will continue to highlight the latest innovations in electrification, as well as exhibits and festivities that span California's automotive lifestyle and legacy of car culture. Visitors will have an opportunity to experience both indoor and outdoor driving tracks, which provide visitors with unparalleled access to comparison shop the latest offerings from major manufacturers.
Registration opens tomorrow on August 1 and is complimentary for accredited and approved media. Industry attendees will be offered an "early bird" registration fee of $75 through October 15. After that date, the full registration fee of $150 will apply to all approved industry registrants. Registration is accessible at automobilityla.com/register.
Taking place in the nation's foremost zero-emissions vehicle market, AutoMobility LA is the preeminent destination for media, automotive and tech companies, influencers, and policymakers to discuss and experience the latest in transportation innovation.
Celebrating its 116th year, LA Auto Show remains as influential to the North American automotive industry as any time in its history. At the center of the largest car-buying market in North America for both gas-powered and electric vehicles, LA Auto Show and AutoMobility LA offer vital perspective and foresight into how the rest of the country and the global market will soon look.
"Given the growing influence of electrification, the LA Auto Show will be the ultimate destination for car buyers looking to compare models and test-drive," said LA Auto Show President, Terri Toennies. "We'll also have the latest gas-powered vehicles as well as a fascinating array of special exhibits and attractions that highlight Southern California's impact on the global automotive landscape."
More comprehensive details pertaining to vehicle unveilings, manufacturer participation and significant announcements will follow. To learn more about AutoMobility LA, to book accommodations with the show's partner hotels, and for information about media and industry credentials, please visit: AutoMobilityLA.com.
Following AutoMobility LA, the 2023 LA Auto Show opens its doors for ten days from Friday, November 17 through Sunday, November 26 to welcome hundreds of thousands of consumers to comparison shop, test drive the latest vehicles, and immerse themselves in Southern California's largest annual car culture showcase. For information about the LA Auto Show and ticket purchases, please visit LAAutoShow.com.
About the Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show®)
Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show®) is widely recognized as one of the most influential shows globally. Reflective of its location, the show celebrates the love affair Angelenos have with their cars and offers a global platform to industry technology and innovation, synonymous with California.
The show runs for 10 full days over the Thanksgiving period and is a must-attend destination for many industry influencers, car enthusiasts and families wanting to enjoy a day out over the holiday season. Held annually at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the LA Auto Show contributes several-hundred-million dollars to the local economy, stimulates the local job market, and is the number one revenue generator for the LA Convention Center.
Taking place on November 16, AutoMobility LA media and industry days will include a range of groundbreaking industry announcements and reveals. Doors open to the public November 17-26. LA Auto Show is owned and operated by ANSA Productions. To receive the latest show news and information, follow the LA Auto Show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and sign up for alerts at laautoshow.com.
For press inquiries, email media@laautoshow.com.
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SOURCE Los Angeles Auto Show
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| 2023-07-31T22:20:09
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BOISE, Idaho (KTVX) – Lori Vallow Daybell, convicted of murdering her children, among other crimes, was sentenced to five life sentences in prison Monday with no possibility of parole. This sentencing brings closure to nearly four years of investigation and a trial.
Daybell, 49, was found guilty of murder, and conspiracy to commit murder of her children Joshua “JJ” Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16. She was also convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in the death of Tammy Daybell, the former wife of her husband, Chad Daybell. Additionally, Lori was found guilty of grand theft.
Lori was sentenced to five life sentences without the possibility of parole, three of which will run consecutively, for her involvement in their murders and the conspiracy to commit murder. While many called for the death penalty, it was ruled out by a judge in March 2023 prior to her murder trial.
The case began in 2018 when Lori and Chad met at a religious conference in St. George. They became close friends, and even lovers, though both were married to other people. In July 2019, Lori’s husband Charles Vallow was killed by her brother, and it was declared self-defense, but later identified as a homicide.
Then in late-2019, Lori’s two children went missing — a case that captivated the United States. And while investigators were frantically searching for the kids, Lori and Chad were in Hawaii getting married.
Chad’s wife Tammy died a few weeks before Lori and Chad ran to Hawaii, but after the children went missing. Her death was originally ruled natural causes but later declared asphyxiation at the hands of another after her body was exhumed.
In February 2020, Lori was arrested on charges of desertion and nonsupport of dependent children. In April, Lori and Chad were both under investigation for conspiracy, attempted murder, and murder. They both pleaded not guilty.
During the final stages of the investigation leading up to their scheduled trials in January 2023, Tylee and JJ’s remains were found buried on Chad’s property.
Because of the large amount of evidence discovered, and the fact that Chad waived his right to a speedy trial, he will face his charges in April 2024. However, Lori did not waive her right to a speedy trial and appeared in court on April 2023, where she was found guilty on all charges.
Now, in July 2023, nearly four years after Lori’s children were murdered, she was sentenced to life in prison on all counts.
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https://www.kxnet.com/news/national-news/lori-vallow-daybell-given-5-life-sentences-in-prison-for-murders-of-her-two-children/
| 2023-07-31T22:20:11
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Dear J.T. & Dale: Is it just me, or has everyone become overly sensitive at work? I feel like people are defensive about everything. I no longer feel comfortable speaking at work for fear of backlash. What gives? — Thomas
J.T.: A lot of people are dealing with post-traumatic stress from the pandemic, and it's manifested in their mental and physical states. We're seeing not only an increase in people with physical ailments but in mental stress, as well. This causes a lot of people to be more sensitive in the workplace. The best thing you can do right now is to try to be understanding and hope that these people are working toward feeling better. All I can say is that you're lucky that you are not feeling the stress like others, and if you can show some patience and understanding, it will go a long way in building relationships with your teammates.
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DALE: We used to have The Grandma Test: Don't say anything at work you wouldn't say in front of your grandmother. Not good enough now, not with the mouths on some of these grannies. So, here's an option: What if you worked at becoming the person on the team who best understands everyone else? What do they want in life? Who do they look up to? How can you help them accomplish their goals? Be that person. Be the one they make fun of for always thinking the best of the others.
BEST OF CAREER RESOURCES
J.T.: We like to pass along suggestions for career resources, usually a book or website, but this time, we got an uplifting message from Wallie Jones, a man who has devoted a lot of his time to working with young people. Here's what Wallie told us:
I have used some of your stuff in teaching people how to stand out in an interview. I have used one of your questions that has been instrumental in getting jobs: Ask the interviewer, "What does excellence look like in this job?" This question implies, "I am going to be excellent, but you have to define excellent." This is like asking a teacher, "What questions will be on the test?"
Jeanine "J.T." Tanner O'Donnell is a career coach and the founder of the career site workitdaily.com. Dale Dauten's latest book is "Experiments Never Fail: A Guide for the Bored, Unappreciated and Underpaid." Visit them at jtanddale.com, where you can send questions via email, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.
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https://tucson.com/news/local/business/employment/jt-dale-talk-jobs-is-everyone-overly-sensitive-these-days/article_67e361ee-19d3-11ee-b52c-b36ce0b067d8.html
| 2023-07-31T22:20:15
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WATKINSVILLE, Ga. and ELBERTON, Ga., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Oconee Financial Corporation (OTCQX: "OSBK") ("Oconee") announced today it has completed its acquisition of Elberton Federal Savings & Loan Association ("Elberton Federal") of Elberton, GA, and its related common stock offering, in a conversion merger transaction, effective July 31, 2023.
As a result of the conversion merger, Elberton Federal converted from a mutual savings association to a stock savings association and immediately merged with and into Oconee's wholly owned subsidiary, Oconee State Bank. On August 1, 2023, Elberton Federal's financial center on East Church Street in Elberton will open as a branch of Oconee State Bank.
In the stock offering required by regulations applicable to the merger conversion, Oconee sold 149,015 shares of common stock, at a discounted price of $28.94 per share, to depositors and borrowers of Elberton Federal in a subscription offering, and to stockholders of Oconee and members of the general public in a community offering. Gross offering proceeds totaled approximately $4.3 million. The stock offering was oversubscribed.
"We are thrilled by the overwhelming interest we received from investors in the offering," remarked Oconee President and CEO Neil Stevens. "The transaction closed at the maximum of the authorized offering range and generated a lot of interest in the banking experience we are bringing to our customers."
Stevens continued: "We welcome the addition of Elberton Federal President and CEO Daniel Graves, a number of new teammates, and our newest customers in Elbert County. We aim to provide them the same high level of service and care our current customers enjoy."
Graves will serve as Senior Vice President and Community President of the Northeast Georgia market.
"It is a privilege to join such a high-quality institution and group of people in partnering with Oconee," Graves said. "Neil and I talk often about the importance of culture, and this is a perfect fit. We are thrilled about the opportunity this presents for our people and our customers, and we look forward to being an even more meaningful part of the next chapter of prosperity in Elbert County."
Performance Trust Capital Partners assisted Oconee, on a best-efforts basis, in selling its common stock in the subscription and community offerings and served as financial advisor to Oconee in connection with the merger. RP Financial LC provided the conversion appraisal. Alston & Bird LLP served as legal counsel to Oconee, Fenimore Kay Harrison LLP served as legal counsel to Elberton Federal, and Luse Gorman PC served as legal counsel to Performance Trust Capital Partners.
About Oconee Financial Corporation
Oconee State Bank was established in 1960 and is headquartered in Watkinsville, Georgia. It operates six full-service financial centers in Georgia, located in Oconee, Athens-Clarke, Gwinnett, and Macon-Bibb counties, including its newest location in Elbert County. Pro forma for this transaction, the bank has approximately $556 million in assets. The bank is the only locally owned and operated community bank headquartered in Oconee County. Oconee State Bank proudly serves its communities, providing unparalleled commitment to personalized service, innovative products and solutions, and brings exceptional value to all stakeholders, through local ownership, involvement, and decision making. The bank strives to be essential to those it serves, by creating remarkable experiences that significantly mark the lives of others. Oconee Financial Corporation was established in January 1999 to serve as the holding company of Oconee State Bank.
Please visit Oconee State Bank's website, www.oconeestatebank.com for a full listing of products and services.
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SOURCE Oconee Financial Corporation
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https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/oconee-financial-corporation-completes-acquisition-elberton-federal-savings-amp-loan-association-related-common-stock-offering/
| 2023-07-31T22:20:15
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — A man was shot by police after investigators say he fired shots outside a Jewish school in Memphis, Tennessee, on Monday.
Police said the man, who has not yet been identified, was trying to get into the Margolin Hebrew Academy before fleeing the scene in a maroon pickup truck with California tags.
Officers spotted the vehicle in the Berclair area and initiated a traffic stop. Memphis Police said the man got out of the pickup truck with a gun in his hand and was shot by an officer.
The suspect was taken to Regional One in critical condition. No other injuries were reported.
The Margolin Hebrew Academy confirmed no one at the school was injured during the incident.
“We can confirm that no one has been hurt in any way, and everyone is now safe, thank G-d. Please look out for further communication with additional information to come. In the meantime, our campus is completely closed. We thank you for your understanding,” the academy said in a statement.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is now investigating the situation.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools said all of their schools were on a precautionary lockdown as police investigated the situation.
Assistant Police Chief Don Crowe commended the Hebrew academy for their safety procedures and Memphis officers for finding the suspect so quickly.
“Today is a great example of very vigilant officers trying to protect the city. I personally believe that we have avoided a tragedy. I believe the suspect was going to harm somebody before the day was over,” he said.
MPD Chief CJ Davis also recognized the officers for their actions.
“I am proud of the vigilant and quick response of MPD officers who mitigated a potential mass shooting situation today. Many thanks to our neighboring jurisdictions for also providing critical information to stop the suspect’s actions,” she said.
Police said they cannot determine if the shooting at the Hebrew academy was a hate crime at this time.
Congressman Steve Cohen released a statement in response to the incident saying, “I am shocked to know of this senseless incident and relieved at report that no one at the school was injured. Antisemitism is on the rise in this country. I am saddened that an apparent act of violent antisemitism has come to Memphis. We all need to be on our guard against antisemitism and white nationalism.”
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https://www.kxnet.com/news/national-news/man-shot-by-police-after-he-fired-shots-outside-memphis-jewish-school-authorities/
| 2023-07-31T22:20:17
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A 60-year-old man has died of stab wounds from a fight in June, and police are looking for the man who stabbed him, Tucson police said Monday.
Police gave the following account in a news release:
Jonathan Bartholomew was found by law enforcement officials in the 1500 block of West St. Mary's Road, near the intersection with North Silverbell, on June 10, and had severe injuries.
He was taken to Banner-University Medical Center.
On July 15, investigators were informed that Bartholomew died of his injuries.
The case has been handed over to the homicide unit.
Police ask that anyone with information call 911, or 88-CRIME to remain anonymous.
Tucson has had 39 homicides this year; the figure stood at 44 for 2022 at this time last year.
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Eddie Celaya is a breaking news reporter and host of the "Here Weed Go!" podcast. He graduated from Pima Community College and the University of Arizona and has been with the Arizona Daily Star since May 2019.
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https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-courts/tucson-crime-law-and-order-homicide/article_56c03a80-2fe6-11ee-9fbe-731aafa5904a.html
| 2023-07-31T22:20:21
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A one-day sales event unlike any other invites customers to stock up on used books for just one cent per page.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The busiest day of the year at 2nd & Charles is officially on the docket: Penny-A-Page, happening on Saturday, August 12, at all 2nd & Charles locations nationwide.
Where miles of books are surrounded by pure, boundless energy, customers can purchase up to five books for just one cent per page during 2nd & Charles' first-ever Penny-A-Page.
This unique and rare promotional event applies to all used books, giving customers the opportunity to fill their shelves with lengthy, expensive, and well-loved volumes – all for a fraction of the price. Yes, on a 250-page book, 2nd and Charles customers will pay just $2.50.
"Our loyal customers love it when we offer a discount on multiple books at the same time," says Eric Bishop, Senior Vice President at 2nd & Charles. "This is a 'can't miss' day! We are opening early at 9 a.m. to accommodate all our impassioned readers wanting to get a head start on their summer reading," he says.
Communities across the nation now have a remarkable opportunity to find their next stack of great books at an extraordinary price. Arrive early for the best selection! Come in, get lost, and find yourself at 2nd & Charles.
ABOUT 2ND & CHARLES
2nd & Charles is a unique retail concept specializing in an ever-changing inventory of new and used books, music, games, toys, collectibles, decor, accessories, and pop culture merchandise. Since its first store opened in Birmingham, AL, in 2010, 2nd & Charles has expanded to include more than 40 stores in 18 states—and counting.
A sister store to Books-A-Million, the nation's second largest book retailer, 2nd & Charles has established itself as a hip and fun-loving purveyor of passions catering to readers, gamers, and collectors of all ages. Through the store's buyback program, customers can sell their gently used merchandise in exchange for cash or store credit.
Click here to find your nearest 2nd & Charles store, and follow 2nd & Charles on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
CONTACT
Olivia Anderson McDaniel
Vice President of Marketing, Omnichannel
205.909.3563
mcdanielo@booksamillion.com
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SOURCE Books-A-Million, Inc.
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| 2023-07-31T22:20:21
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AUSTIN (KXAN) — A KXAN viewer said she saw baby foxes, also known as kits, playing on a trampoline in her garden Sunday in the north Austin, Texas, area.
That was only a couple of weeks after another viewer said she saw a family of foxes playing on the St. Edward’s University campus in Austin.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, it’s not unusual to see foxes in cities and towns, where food sources are easily found, including in your garbage.
While foxes live around the world in many different types of habitats, according to the Texas Wildlife Association, including the Arctic, the desert and even in trees, some foxes have also adapted to life in such urban environments as neighborhoods.
“Next time you are outside in a park, remember to look up, because if you are lucky, you might see a fox up in the trees,” TWA said.
TWA said three types of foxes live in Texas, including the swift fox, the red fox and the gray fox.
The swift, or kit fox, lives in the northwestern part of the state, the red fox inhabits the eastern and central parts, and the gray fox, the most common variety, can be found statewide, the TWA said.
The Humane Society said foxes are scared of people and are not typically dangerous except when they are rabid, which the society says is rare.
“Even then, a fox’s natural tendency is to flee rather than fight,” the Human Society stated.
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https://www.kxnet.com/news/national-news/video-foxes-seen-playing-on-trampoline-in-texas/
| 2023-07-31T22:20:23
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Tony Reaves was working at a school when they asked if he could fix their 10-year-old 3D printer.
“3D printers always seemed kind of intimidating before that,” he says.
Little did he know that less than two years later he’d have three 3D printers of his own, creating custom casita-shaped planters from his dining room table.
“I made it for a design contest on a website — trying to get a free roll of filament,” Reaves says.
Although he didn’t win the contest, a trip to pop culture-themed shop Plantney inspired him to create an Instagram for his indoor plant casitas.
“The first time I visited Plantney, I was just looking around at this totally different kind of store. I grabbed one of their cards that had their Instagram and I thought maybe there’s a market for this kind of thing,” he says. “I just kind of put it out there.”
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He never thought his hobby could turn into a business, but it did. The first casita he sold was of a friend’s house in Maine. Much of his custom work has been of people’s homes here in Tucson.
Tanna’s Botannas soon reached out, too, asking if Reaves could make plant casitas that look like her shop. The Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, also reached out to Reaves, asking if he’d be interested in selling his casitas in their gift shop. They asked for a wholesale price and he gave them a low number — the folks at the gift shop ended up talking him up in value.
“Once the Botanical Gardens’ gift shop reached out, I was like, I can make this hobby revenue neutral. I can afford my printing materials,” he says. “And it just sort of took off.”
You can find planters at Hotel McCoy, 720 W. Silverlake Road — designed to look like the hotel itself — and at Plantney, 439 N. Sixth Ave.; EcoGro, 657 W. St. Marys Road; and on Etsy. Reaves will also be at the Tucson Museum of Art’s First Thursday event 5-8 p.m. Aug. 3 at 140 N. Main Ave. — the museum commissioned him to make planters inspired by three buildings in the historical district.
Most of the planters he makes are colorful, inspired by colors he saw on a camping trip that reminded him of a house he passes in Barrio Viejo, clad with cacti in front.
“When I was a kid, my mom had these blue-and-white ceramic planters that looked like Dutch houses, so I guess I was inspired by those,” he says.
While he hopes to move into an art studio soon, for now the dining room is his creative space. He has three printers running 24/7 on his buffet and he carries his supplies out to his dining table where he gets to work.
Like many others, Reaves got into plants during the pandemic. His home is embellished with monsteras and string of pearls, and his window sill is where all his casitas with imperfections sit.
“Most people think they’re cute — 'look how cute!' — they’ll have little high voices,” Reaves says. “They’re not for everyone — not everyone wants bright pink and bright yellow in their house, but for people who it is for, it’s been really positive.”
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https://tucson.com/news/local/plant-casitas-tucson-artist/article_cdd22f18-2fcb-11ee-8302-9f247827cc2f.html
| 2023-07-31T22:20:27
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https://tucson.com/news/local/plant-casitas-tucson-artist/article_cdd22f18-2fcb-11ee-8302-9f247827cc2f.html
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Published: Jul. 31, 2023 at 3:30 PM CDT|Updated: 2 hours ago
Business highlights include $50 million share repurchase, continued progress integrating recent acquisitions, ongoing development and implementation of organic growth and customer experience initiatives including our new University Park, IL service center, and eighth consecutive increase in the quarterly dividend. Quarterly results include strong cash flow generation.
CHICAGO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ryerson Holding Corporation (NYSE: RYI), a leading value-added processor and distributor of industrial metals, today reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023.
Highlights:
Achieved Net Income attributable to Ryerson Holding Corporation of $37.6 million with Adjusted EBITDA1, excluding LIFO of $70.1 million
Earned Diluted EPS2 of $1.06 on revenue of $1.3 billion
Generated Operating Cash Flow of $115.3 million and Free Cash Flow of $69.1 million
Maintained Net Leverage ratio within target range at 1.4x, debt of $396 million and net debt3 of $366 million as of June 30, 2023
Repurchased 1.4 million shares directly from an affiliate of Platinum Equity, concurrent to their secondary public offering, creating value for shareholders and contributing to free float increasing to 77% as of June 30, 2023
Announced third quarter 2023 dividend of $0.1825 per share, a 1.4% increase from the prior quarter
A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP measure is included below in this news release.
Management Commentary Eddie Lehner, Ryerson's President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "I want to thank all of my Ryerson teammates for their continued dedication to operating safely and productively, and I want to thank our customers for the opportunity to create and deliver better customer experiences which we never take for granted. Counter-cyclical industry conditions, particularly within our stainless-steel products franchise, arrived mid-quarter and were evidenced by industrial metals bellwether price index declines and demand contraction in Ryerson's later-cycle end markets. Counter-cyclical conditions as experienced during the second half of last year re-emerged in the second quarter of this year for a myriad of reasons. Shifting consumer spending patterns, higher interest rates, quieted but still present financial system stress and tightening as well as an economic recovery in China that has failed to materialize all contributed to a subdued manufacturing macro environment during the quarter. Ryerson is investing in and preparing for the next synchronized manufacturing upturn whose secular characteristics around the necessity of above trend growth in fixed-asset investment with greater supply-chain resiliency remain intact. We are confident that carrying our growth and operating model investments across counter-cyclical waters as expressed through our recent acquisitions, greenfield service centers and facility modernizations and capital expenditures around value-added fabrication as well as ongoing investments in digitalization, future-state systems and additive manufacturing will position Ryerson well for both the next cyclical upturn and the longer term secular growth in North American manufacturing activity that is underway. As we have during past counter-cycles, we will take out non-value-added costs, flex expenses down, and better optimize our industrial metals inventories as we move through the third quarter and back-half of the year."
Second Quarter Results Ryerson generated net sales of $1.3 billion in the second quarter of 2023, a decrease of 4.5%, compared to the first quarter of 2023. This was largely driven by sequentially lower volumes, which decreased 4.4%, while average selling prices remained unchanged, compared to the first quarter of 2023.
Gross margin expanded sequentially by 60 basis points to 19.4% in the second quarter, compared to 18.8% in the first quarter. Gross Margins reflected LIFO income of $9M, as the commodity price curves for our metals products sales mix decreased resulting in a LIFO credit in costs of goods sold.
Excluding the impact of LIFO, gross margin contracted 40 basis points to 18.7% in the second quarter, compared to 19.1% in the first quarter. This was primarily driven by a decrease in stainless steel commodity prices coupled with continued high inventories in the channel that put downward pressure on average selling prices. Warehousing, delivery, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 4.3% to $202.6 million in the second quarter, compared to $194.2 million in the first quarter, primarily driven by expense related to acquisitions, higher depreciation expense driven by higher capital expenditures on growth initiatives, reorganization expenses related to an ERP systems implementation and start-up costs associated with the University Park service center, which were partially offset by lower fixed operating expenses.
Net income attributable to Ryerson Holding Corporation for the second quarter of 2023 was $37.6 million, or $1.06 per diluted share, compared to net income of $47.3 million, or $1.27 per diluted share in the previous quarter. Ryerson generated Adjusted EBITDA, excluding LIFO of $70.1 million in the second quarter, compared to the first quarter Adjusted EBITDA, excluding LIFO of $90.1 million.
Liquidity & Debt Management Ryerson generated $115.3 million of cash from operations in the second quarter of 2023, supported by net income attributable to Ryerson Holding of $37.6 million and working capital release of $37.8 million. The Company ended the second quarter of 2023 with $396 million of debt and $366 million of net debt, sequential increases of $1 million and $15 million, respectively, compared to the first quarter. Ryerson's leverage ratio as of the second quarter was 1.4x, within the Company's target leverage range. Ryerson's global liquidity, composed of cash and cash equivalents and availability on its revolving credit facilities was $790 million as of June 30, 2023.
Shareholder Return Activity
Dividends. During the second quarter of 2023, Ryerson paid a quarterly dividend in the amount of $0.1800 per share, amounting to a cash return of approximately $6.2 million. On July 31, 2023, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.1825 per share of common stock, payable on September 14, 2023, to stockholders of record as of August 31, 2023.
Share Repurchase. On May 8, 2023, Ryerson repurchased 1,369,300 shares of common stock for approximately $50.0 million directly from an affiliate of Platinum Equity. Additionally, over the course of the second quarter of 2023, the Company repurchased 12,872 shares for $0.4 million in the open market. In total, Ryerson repurchased 1,382,172 shares of common stock resulting in a return to shareholders of approximately $50.4 million for the second quarter of 2023. Ryerson made these repurchases in accordance with its share repurchase authorization, which allows the Company to acquire up to an aggregate amount of $100.0 million of the Company's common stock through April of 2025. As of June 30, 2023, $49.6 million of the $100.0 million remained under the existing share repurchase authorization.
Outlook Commentary For the third quarter of 2023, Ryerson expects a continuation of slowing demand conditions, with customer shipments expected to decrease approximately 2% to 4%, quarter-over-quarter. The Company anticipates third-quarter net sales to be in the range of $1.25 billion to $1.30 billion, with average selling prices decreasing 1% to 2%. LIFO income in the third quarter of 2023 is expected to be $2 million. We expect adjusted EBITDA, excluding LIFO in the range of $43 million to $47 million and earnings per diluted share in the range of $0.31 to $0.43.
Earnings Call Information Ryerson will host a conference call to discuss second quarter 2023 financial results for the period ended June 30, 2023, on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. The live online broadcast will be available on the Company's investor relations website, ir.ryerson.com. A replay will be available at the same website for 90 days.
About Ryerson Ryerson is a leading value-added processor and distributor of industrial metals, with operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and China. Founded in 1842, Ryerson has around 4,300 employees in approximately 100 locations. Visit Ryerson at www.ryerson.com.
Notes: 1For EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA excluding LIFO please see Schedule 2 2EPS is Earnings per Share 3Net debt is defined as long term debt plus short term debt less cash and cash equivalents and excludes restricted cash
Legal Disclaimer The contents herein are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell or buy, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security ("Security") of the Company or its affiliates ("Ryerson") in any jurisdiction. Ryerson does not intend to solicit, and is not soliciting, any action with respect to any Security or any other contractual relationship with Ryerson. Nothing in this release, individually or taken in the aggregate, constitutes an offer of securities for sale or buy, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any Security in the United States, or to U.S. persons, or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is unlawful.
Safe Harbor Provision Certain statements made in this presentation and other written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding our future performance, as well as management's expectations, beliefs, intentions, plans, estimates, objectives, or projections relating to the future. Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "objectives," "goals," "preliminary," "range," "believes," "expects," "may," "estimates," "will," "should," "plans," or "anticipates" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. The Company cautions that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and may involve significant risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may vary materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Among the factors that significantly impact our business are: the cyclicality of our business; the highly competitive, volatile, and fragmented metals industry in which we operate; the impact of geopolitical events, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and global trade sanctions; fluctuating metal prices; our indebtedness and the covenants in instruments governing such indebtedness; the integration of acquired operations; regulatory and other operational risks associated with our operations located inside and outside of the United States; the ownership of a significant portion of our equity securities by a single investor group; work stoppages; obligations under certain employee retirement benefit plans; currency fluctuations; and consolidation in the metals industry. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various factors, including those set forth above and those set forth under "Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022,our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Moreover, we caution against placing undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances, new information or otherwise.
The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc.
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| 2023-07-31T22:20:28
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LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Hip-hop superstar Cardi B drew attention on social media over a video showing her lashing out during a Las Vegas performance after someone threw a drink at her while she was onstage.
Video circulated online over the weekend after a TikTok user posted footage of the incident at Drai’s Beachclub on the Las Vegas Strip.
The clip shows the hip-hop performer onstage during the event when someone in the audience hurls liquid, splashing the rapper. Cardi B can be seen retaliating by throwing her microphone into the audience in the direction from which the liquid was launched.
According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, a woman came into a police station on Sunday to report a “battery.” She told officers that she had been struck by an item thrown from the stage on Saturday. Police said the incident had been documented, but no arrest or citations had been issued.
It’s unclear if that woman, who has not been identified, threw the drink at Cardi B.
The event made waves on social media as many excoriated the person who threw the liquid. They compared the situation to similar events that have happened in recent weeks: Bebe Rexha suffered a black eye after being struck by a cellphone, country singer Kelsea Ballerini was hit in the face by a bracelet, rapper Sexyy Red ended a show early when fans refused to stop throwing water bottles on stage, a fan threw their mother’s ashes at Pink while she was performing, Ava Max was slapped while performing in Los Angeles, and Harry Styles was hit in the eye with an object during a Houston performance.
Others noted humorously that although Cardi B had thrown her microphone, her song “Bodak Yellow” – and her recorded vocals – continued uninterrupted.
“The song didn’t stop. Y’all listening to an iPad,” said one X (formerly known as Twitter) user.
There was no indication if charges would be filed in the Cardi B incident.
Cardi B recently completed 15 days of community service in New York after pleading guilty to multiple charges filed against her following a 2018 fight at a strip club in Queens.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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| 2023-07-31T22:20:29
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If you are looking for ways to improve your golf game as summer segues into fall, you can take a mulligan with charity tournaments.
First on deck is Courtney’s Courage 24th Annual Tee Up for Tots Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, Aug. 25, at Sewailo Golf Club at Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road.
A tradition among local charity tournaments, the event has raised more than $1.1 million with the purpose of funding childhood cancer research at the University of Arizona Steele Children’s Research Center and supporting kids and their families battling cancer.
“We started out thinking we would do this for a year and we are really proud of what we have done. We are a grassroots organization with no paid staff and no overhead and just a few incidental expenses, so all the money we raise goes to our programs and research. We are really proud that we are helping these families that need help — many of them desperately — in this difficult time,” said Kathy Zillman-Ogden, co-founder of the tournament and ambassador for Courtney’s Courage.
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That help takes numerous forms, including financial assistance with rent, utilities, gas and other expenses. “Mom’s Dinners” provide evenings of support and camaraderie for the mothers of diagnosed children, and an annual “Bereavement Retreat” is geared to parents who have lost a child to cancer.
Other programs include “Courtney’s Angel Packs,” which launched in 2018 with help from Angel Charity for Children. These customized, themed admission bags for newly diagnosed children include pajamas, slippers and items personalized to each child. Another Angel Charity grant this year facilitated upgraded age-appropriate “Sibling Packs” for siblings of children undergoing treatment.
“Siblings often feel left out since all of the attention goes to the diagnosed child, which makes sense. We give the ‘Sibling Packs’ to the diagnosed child at the hospital and the child gives the packs to their siblings when they get home. It is kind of a thank you to the siblings for their support and it really means a lot to the parents and the sibling. They all think it is wonderful,” said Zillman-Ogden.
Ultimately, the nonprofit seeks to continue to expand programs to meet the needs of children and families and to facilitate research to eradicate pediatric cancers.
“We work hard to give back to families in the community that really need it. Cancer is something that no one signs up for,” Zillman-Ogden said.
Separate event for children's advocacy
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southern Arizona is another nonprofit geared to assisting children in need, and golfers can do their part by joining the Southern Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center 10th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Sunday, Sept. 17 at Arizona National Golf Club, 9777 E. Sabino Greens Drive.
Proceeds from the event will support approximately 1,200 children annually who have been victims — primarily of physical or sexual abuse — or witnessed serious crimes such as homicide or domestic violence. The center provides a range of services and support for children and families, including advocacy, forensic interviews, counseling and child-friendly medical examinations.
These services are vital due to an increased intensity of cases in the past few years, said Marie Fordney, executive director.
“Every case of abuse is bad, but now we are seeing intense, involved, long-term cases that leave lasting physical and emotional harm that will take a long time to heal. We continue to be available 24/7 to provide services and connect families to services that will build these children up and help them heal in the weeks, months and years to come,” said Fordney.
She suspects the isolation affiliated with the COVID pandemic contributed to the serious cases they are treating. Despite the heartbreaking scenarios they see each day, Fordney said the center is a place of hope and healing.
“We get to watch kids transform before our eyes. They are stressed and have experienced possibly the worst thing that has happened to them, but we help them with interviews and medical exams and they start to heal. They start to play again and right before our eyes they turn back into kids,” she said.
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NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — Something that captures the human imagination includes unveiling the mysteries that lie beyond our world, along with a fascination with extraterrestrial life.
According to a news release, former Air Force intelligence officer Retired Major David Grusch gave a testimony that shed light on a program that the U.S. government has hidden.
Grusch says this covert initiative involved retrieving and reverse engineering unidentified flying objects (UFOs), also known as “unidentified aerial phenomena” (UAPs).
These claims sparked the interest of the public, and new research done by Mr. Gamble analyzed Google Trends for search terms that are ET life-related.
Out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, North Dakota ranks fifth in searching ET life-related terms on Google.
District of Columbia was first, Wyoming was second, Vermont was third, and Alaska was fourth.
The most popular search term for North Dakota was “aliens” but North Dakotans are also interested in searches for “David Grush.” Which indicates widespread intrigue in the recent whistleblower claims.
Our neighboring states were ranked just a little lower, South Dakota was sixth, Montana was 10th, and Minnesota was 30th.
While the allure of extraterrestrial life continues as an enduring source of fascination, the recent testimony underscores the captivating intrigue that surrounds unidentified aerial phenomena.
The search for answers led to an increased curiosity, but it also highlights the human desire to explore the unknown is an unyielding force.
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| 2023-07-31T22:20:35
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POMPANO BEACH, Fla., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Auto Finance Company, LLC ("SAFCO") today announced a Chief Financial Officer transition. Jason Person has been named as SAFCO's new CFO.
Most recently, Mr. Person served as the Vice President and Treasurer of Regional Management Corporation, a diversified consumer finance company, where he managed a team responsible for liquidity management, investor relations, and financial analytics. Prior to Regional Management Corporation, Mr. Person served as the Director of Treasury and Capital Markets at Global Lending Services and as Assistant Vice President of Finance for Exeter Finance Corporation. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Anderson University and an MBA from Texas A&M University.
The company's current CFO Gary Stein is retiring after 22 years of dedicated service to SAFCO. Mr. Stein will remain in an advisory capacity for several months to help with the transition.
Commenting on the transition, SAFCO's CEO George Fussell, Sr. conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for Mr. Stein's contributions during his tenure, stating "We owe Gary a great debt of gratitude for his years of service. His remarkable leadership, financial acumen, and mentorship of the team have been instrumental in shaping the very foundation of our company's success. We wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement." Mr. Fussell further stated, "Jason represents a significant addition to our executive leadership team. He brings a wealth of expertise in treasury/capital markets, financial planning, and analytics that will undoubtedly contribute to SAFCO's continued success as we move forward."
About SAFCO
SAFCO is an industry-leading auto finance company with the power to see creditworthiness where others don't. Our proprietary originations system, complete with deep machine learning, enables us to see beyond credit scores and basic alternative data and instead base our decisions on unique, realistic insights that reveal the full credit potential of applicants. SAFCO is headquartered in Pompano Beach, Florida.
Contact: Drew Pickens
Vice President of Human Resources
954-745-2529
apickens@gosafco.com
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SOURCE Southern Auto Finance Company, LLC
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Kids throughout Tucson are headed back to school, marking the end of summer break, but it’s still sweltering outside.
The City of Tucson and Pima County have graciously extended their summer pool seasons for certain facilities, giving families a way to cool down and shake off those jitters built up from sitting in a classroom.
From spots that cater to toddlers to slides that will send you flying for 100 feet or more, we’ve rounded up a list of waterslides around the Tucson area.
City of Tucson public pools
Admission to the city’s public pools is free this summer for all. Recreational swimming is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekday hours vary by location.
Archer Pool, 1665 S. La Cholla Blvd.: Not only is there a 33-foot water slide, there’s also a diving board, shade structure and separate wading pool. Weekday hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Clements Pool, 8155 E. Poinciana Dr.: Located in Lincoln Regional Park, Clements Pool has a beach entry, diving board, a 144-foot water slide, shade structure and grassy area. Weekday hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Freedom pool, 5000 E. 29th St.: Help break in this new towering water slide. The pool ranges from 2½ feet deep to 10 feet. There’s also a separate wading pool. No weekday hours.
Menlo Pool, 1060 W. Fresno St.: Located in Menlo Park, this pool has a 141-foot water slide that drops into the main pool, ranging from 3½ to 12 feet in depth. There’s also a separate wading pool that is just 2 feet deep. No weekday hours.
Quincie Douglas, 1563 E. 36th St.: Fly down a 144-foot-long water slide and enjoy spray and splash features, beach entry. There’s also a separate splash pad and shaded grassy area. Weekday hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Find city splash pads and more pools (without slides) here.
Pima County public pools
Pima County offers a low-cost option with family swim passes costing $1 per family as long as at least one adult is present. Admission is cash only.
Family swim is Saturdays, 4:30-7 p.m., on Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26 and Sept. 2.
Manzanita Pool, 5110 S. San Joaquin Ave.: In addition to the waterslide, this southwest-side pool has a fun mushroom water feature and a zero-depth entry.
Northwest YMCA, 7770 N. Shannon Road: The Thad Terry Aquatics Center is a year-round partnership between the YMCA of Southern Arizona and Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation. In addition to the waterslide, the facility has a year-round competition pool.
Wade McLean Pool, 12000 W. Emigh Road: Located next to Marana High School, this pool features a waterslide, zero depth entry, and a tumble bucket that’ll leave you soaked.
Find Pima County splash pads and more pools (without slides) here.
Resort options
Resortpass.com gives you access to resort pools, spas and other amenities for a daily per-person fee. These spots have water slides. Availability and cost vary by date.
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa: Take the plunge down a 175-foot waterslide into the lazy river. Day passes start at $45.
Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa: Here you’ll find a 177-foot waterslide, a family pool and an adults-only pool. Day passes start at $65 per person.
Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain: Fly down a 235-foot waterslide. There are two pools to choose from. Day passes start at $55.
Beyond arcade games
Cactus Springs at Funtasticks: Funtasticks is more than arcade games, mini golf, laser tag, go-karts and rides. It’s also home to Cactus Springs. There’s no pool here, but there is a climbing structure with water slides and gigantic tipping buckets that dump 1,000 gallons of water every 10 minutes. Passes start at $15.99. Kids under 36 inches enter for free. Learn more at funtasticks.com.
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by: Taylor Aasen Posted: Jul 31, 2023 / 04:53 PM CDT Updated: Jul 31, 2023 / 04:53 PM CDT Learn your severe weather chances over the next few days in your full weather forecast with Taylor.
4 things that will immediately increase your curb … Do you want your home to make a memorable first impression? Try these 4 things to help boost your home’s curb appeal!
The Testing Lab’s favorites from July The BestReviews Testing Lab tried many products in July, including robot vacuums, lawnmowers, golf clubs, hairstyling tools and smart speakers.
Nordstrom is practically giving Le Creuset cookware … Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is underway, and there are lots of deals on Le Creuset cookware! Snag these amazing deals before they’re gone!
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Locals Representing 340K UPS Workers Nearly Unanimously Recommend Contract
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters local unions representing 340,000 full- and part-time workers at UPS voted 161-1 on Monday to endorse the tentative agreement reached with the delivery giant on July 25 and recommend its passage by the full membership.
Of the 176 local unions with UPS members, 14 affiliates failed to show up to a meeting in Washington, DC, to review the tentative agreement.
At least two representatives from all other local unions discussed more than 60 changes and improvements to the UPS Teamsters National Master Agreement, the largest private-sector collective bargaining agreement in North America. The gains achieved during negotiations, which occurred regionally and nationally since January, are larger and more lucrative than any previous Teamsters contract at UPS. The tentative agreement, valued at $30 billion, establishes record wage increases for all workers for the life of the contract, installation of air conditioning in new vehicles, the end of an unfair two-tier wage system, catch-up raises for part-timers, Martin Luther King Day as a paid holiday for the first time, new language to prevent forced overtime on days off, and other huge wins.
Now that local unions have nearly unanimously endorsed the tentative agreement, all rank-and-file UPS Teamsters will have the chance to vote on ratification from August 3-22.
"The entire UPS Teamsters National Negotiating Committee stands behind this historic contract and our UPS local unions have resoundingly voted to endorse it," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "Our tentative agreement is richer, stronger, and more far-reaching than any settlement ever negotiated in the history of American organized labor. The Teamsters are immensely proud of reaching agreement with UPS to improve the lives of our members, their families, and working people across the country."
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.2 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
Contact:
Kara Deniz, (202) 497-6610
kdeniz@teamster.org
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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
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| 2023-07-31T22:20:41
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SÃO PAULO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zenvia Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENV), the leading cloud-based CX platform in Latin America empowering companies to transform their customer journeys, today announced that its fiscal 2023 second quarter and first half results will be released after the market close on Wednesday August 16, 2023.
Zenvia's senior management team will host a webcast to discuss the financial and operating results on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 10:00 am ET. To access the webcast presentation, click here.
Additional information regarding Zenvia, including a replay of the webcast when available, can be found at https://investors.zenvia.com.
Contacts
About ZENVIA
ZENVIA is driven by the purpose of empowering companies to create unique experiences for end-consumers through its unified CX SaaS end-to-end platform. ZENVIA empowers companies to transform their existing customer experience from non-scalable, physical and impersonal interactions into highly scalable, digital-first and hyper-contextualized experiences across the customer journey. ZENVIA's unified end-to-end CX SaaS platform provides a combination of (i) SaaS focused on campaigns, sales teams, customer service and engagement, (ii) tools, such as software application programming interfaces, or APIs, chatbots, single customer views, journey designers, documents composer and authentication and (iii) channels, such as SMS, Voice, WhatsApp, Instagram and Webchat. Its comprehensive platform assists customers across multiple use cases, including marketing campaigns, customer acquisition, customer onboarding, warnings, customer services, fraud control, cross-selling and customer retention, among others. ZENVIA's shares are traded on Nasdaq, under the ticker ZENV.
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SOURCE Zenvia
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Country singer Craig Morgan reenlists in military while on Grand Ole Opry stage
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Gray News) – Country singer Craig Morgan reenlisted in the military Saturday night while on stage at the Grand Ole Opry in hopes of encouraging others to enlist.
According to a news release, Morgan was sworn into the U.S. Army Reserve on stage by U.S. Army Forces Command Gen. Andrew Poppas.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn joined them on stage.
After the ceremony, Morgan returned to the microphone to perform his song “Soldier.”
Morgan previously served in the Army for 17 years, with certifications including Airborne, Air Assault and Rappel Master.
“I’m excited to once again serve my country and be all I can be in hopes of encouraging others to be a part of something greater than ourselves,” Morgan said in a news release. “I love being an artist, but I consider it a true privilege and honor to work with what I believe are the greatest of Americans, my fellow soldiers. God Bless America. Go Army.”
Morgan plans to continue touring and releasing new music while serving in the Army Reserve.
The 59-year-old singer is known to frequently perform at military bases both in the U.S. and abroad. In 2006, Morgan was awarded the USO Merit Award for his support.
Morgan began his music career in 2000. He is best known for his No. 1 single “That’s What I Love About Sunday” from 2004.
He was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008.
Copyright 2023 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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High prices ‘disproportionately pinching’ younger Americans, data shows
30% of Gen Z, 28% of millennials have no emergency savings
(InvestigateTV) — More than seven in 10 younger Americans are saving less because of inflation when compared to Gen X and baby boomers, a recent Bankrate.com survey found.
Sarah Foster is a principal writer for Bankrate.com. She said this is a time for younger Americans to be very mindful of how much they are spending and to hyper analyze their budgets.
Foster said the ultimate goal for Gen Z and millennials should be to make sure they are living within their means. She added there are several advantages to being young right now, especially when it comes to retirement contributions.
“Really the best way to gain wealth and beat inflation in the long run is to make sure that you’re holding a diverse portfolio of assets, including stocks,” Foster explained. “And so, we know that even if someone were to stop investing for three years because of inflation and they’re in their mid-twenties, they’d leave almost $200,000 on the table by the time they were 70.”
Foster said don’t stop retirement contributions during inflation. The amount can be reduced, but consistent contributions is key.
She said another reason younger Americans are being hit hard is they are early in their careers and haven’t reached their peak earnings.
Foster advised them to put any raises or extra money in savings or retirement accounts.
Bankrate has 11 tips for young Americans trying to reach financial goals during high inflation, including:
- Look for high-yield savings accounts that offer much better returns that traditional accounts
- Automate savings to build an emergency fund
- Wait 24 hours before any unnecessary purchases
Copyright 2023 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 2023-07-31T22:21:00
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Impeached Texas AG Ken Paxton seeks to have most charges dismissed before September trial
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Lawyers for impeached Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Monday sought to have most of the charges against him dismissed, arguing that they rely on alleged acts of corruption before he was reelected to a third term in 2022.
In motions filed with the Senate, where Paxton’s impeachment trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 5, his attorneys said they believe state law bars the removal of an official for conduct that occurred before their most recent election. Paxton was first elected attorney general in 2014 and the impeachment charges include alleged conduct since then.
“The Articles allege nothing that Texas voters have not heard from the Attorney General’s political opponents for years,” Paxton’s attorneys wrote. They accused the GOP-dominated Texas House of Representatives of seeking to oust Paxton because they were unable to unseat him by popular vote.
“Texas voters rendered their judgement by re-electing Attorney General Paxton to serve a third consecutive term. As a matter of both common sense and Texas law, that should be the end of the matter,” his attorneys wrote.
Only one of the 20 impeachment charges — an allegation that Paxton settled a whistleblower lawsuit in an effort to hide from the public corruption allegations against him — would not have to be dismissed under the so-called “prior term doctrine,” Paxton’s attorney said. Paxton asked state lawmakers this year to have the state pay the proposed $3.3 million settlement.
In a second filing, Paxton’s attorneys said the trial should exclude any evidence of alleged conduct that occurred prior to January 2023, when his third term in office began.
The motions from Paxton’s attorneys are similar to moves in a criminal or civil legal cases when defense attorneys seek to have charges or lawsuits dismissed before trial.
In this case, the presiding officer over Paxton’s impeachment trial will be Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a powerful Republican who also serves as the president of the state Senate. The Republican-controlled Senate will consider the evidence and decide whether to convict or acquit Paxton in the first impeachment trial of a statewide official since 1917.
Patrick has already issued a sweeping gag order over the parties and attorneys involved ahead of the Senate trial. Attorneys for House of Representatives managers prosecuting Paxton did not immediately respond to the motions filed Monday.
Paxton has been suspended from office since the House first approved the articles of impeachment on May 27. He could be permanently removed if convicted by the Senate.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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| 2023-07-31T22:21:07
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Filing period opens Monday
Published: Jul. 31, 2023 at 4:49 PM CDT|Updated: 30 minutes ago
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - If you’ve thought about representing your ward in Lawton as a City Council Representative, now might be the time to do so, as the filing period for three seats is open right now.
The filing period for candidates looking to run in Wards 6, 7, and 8, began earlier today and will continue until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. If you’d like more information on the election or how to file you can contact the Comanche County Election Board.
The filing period for District 32 is also open through Wednesday. This after John Michael Montgomery announced he was stepping down, effective Tuesday.
Copyright 2023 KSWO. All rights reserved.
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| 2023-07-31T22:21:14
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Memphis police shoot suspect after he fired shots outside Jewish school, authorities say
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis police on Monday said officers shot a suspect after he attempted to enter a Jewish school with a gun and fired shots after he couldn’t get into the building.
Assistant Police Chief Don Crowe said the suspect, whose identity has not been released, approached Margolin Hebrew Academy-Feinstone Yeshiva of the South around 12:20 p.m. He fired several shots and then left in a maroon truck.
“Thankfully, that school had a great safety procedure and process in place and avoided anyone being harmed or injured at that scene,” Crowe said.
Officers soon located the suspect’s vehicle “shortly after that,” Crowe said, adding that officers then shot the suspect after he exited the truck with a firearm in hand. The suspect was sent to a hospital where he is in critical condition.
It was not immediately clear if school was in session.
When asked if law enforcement believe the shooting was a hate crime, Crowe said officers were still on the scene and collecting information.
“It’s way too early for that. Again, we’re very early in this investigation,” Crowe said.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is now handling the case.
Oscar Gomez said two of his teenage children were outside their house when the man was shot in their neighborhood. They told him about the shooting when he arrived home from work, he said.
“They heard the shooting and they threw themselves on the floor trying to protect themselves,” said Gomez, 39.
U.S. Rep. Seve Cohen, whose district includes Memphis, said in a statement that he was “shocked” to hear about the incident at the school and noted that acts of “violent antisemitism” are on the rise across the country.
Monday’s shooting comes nearly four months after a shooter opened fire at a private Christian school in Nashville and killed six people, including three nine-year-old children. That tragedy has sparked closer scrutiny of Tennessee’s relaxed gun laws and renewed calls to strengthen security at both public and private schools across the state.
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Kimberlee Kruesi contributed to this report from Nashville, Tennessee.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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| 2023-07-31T22:21:14
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Hot with fire danger through most of the week ahead | 7/31PM
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - This heat wave continues into tomorrow with highs in the triple digits for all locations as the ridge of high pressure holds strong. Winds tomorrow will be out of the southwest bringing drier, hotter air from west Texas. High temperatures tomorrow will range from 104° to 110°. Heat indices will be under heat advisory criteria for most locations. Counties along highway-81 are under a Heat Advisory from 12-8PM.
Fire danger is going to be a concern with low relative humidity, sunshine and gusty southwest winds. This is why a Fire Weather Watch is in place for counties west of highway-81 from 12-8PM on Wednesday. The wicked dry air combined with the hot temperatures will increase fire conditions for any ignited wildfires to spread so outdoor burning is strongly discouraged! Wednesday poses the highest danger but it’s possible the Fire Weather Watch could be reissued for Thursday.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be a copy and paste forecast. Highs peaking at 108° under mostly sunny skies and southwest/south winds. No rain and a drier airmass overhead will contribute to elevated fire conditions.
The ridge of high pressure starts to break down by the end of this week. Temperatures on Saturday will still remain above 100° for all locations under partly cloudy skies and south winds at 10 to 15mph.
A cold front will make its way into our area by Sunday morning. This cold front will be more robust. Right now I have high temperatures dropping to the cent mark by Sunday and then the mid 90s by next Monday.
Rain also remains a possibility with the best chances being Sunday and Monday.
Have a great week ahead! -LW
Copyright 2023 KSWO. All rights reserved.
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| 2023-07-31T22:21:16
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Impeached Texas AG Ken Paxton seeks to have most charges dismissed before September trial
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Lawyers for impeached Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Monday sought to have most of the charges against him dismissed, arguing that they rely on alleged acts of corruption before he was reelected to a third term in 2022.
In motions filed with the Senate, where Paxton’s impeachment trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 5, his attorneys said they believe state law bars the removal of an official for conduct that occurred before their most recent election. Paxton was first elected attorney general in 2014 and the impeachment charges include alleged conduct since then.
“The Articles allege nothing that Texas voters have not heard from the Attorney General’s political opponents for years,” Paxton’s attorneys wrote. They accused the GOP-dominated Texas House of Representatives of seeking to oust Paxton because they were unable to unseat him by popular vote.
“Texas voters rendered their judgement by re-electing Attorney General Paxton to serve a third consecutive term. As a matter of both common sense and Texas law, that should be the end of the matter,” his attorneys wrote.
Only one of the 20 impeachment charges — an allegation that Paxton settled a whistleblower lawsuit in an effort to hide from the public corruption allegations against him — would not have to be dismissed under the so-called “prior term doctrine,” Paxton’s attorney said. Paxton asked state lawmakers this year to have the state pay the proposed $3.3 million settlement.
In a second filing, Paxton’s attorneys said the trial should exclude any evidence of alleged conduct that occurred prior to January 2023, when his third term in office began.
The motions from Paxton’s attorneys are similar to moves in a criminal or civil legal cases when defense attorneys seek to have charges or lawsuits dismissed before trial.
In this case, the presiding officer over Paxton’s impeachment trial will be Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a powerful Republican who also serves as the president of the state Senate. The Republican-controlled Senate will consider the evidence and decide whether to convict or acquit Paxton in the first impeachment trial of a statewide official since 1917.
Patrick has already issued a sweeping gag order over the parties and attorneys involved ahead of the Senate trial. Attorneys for House of Representatives managers prosecuting Paxton did not immediately respond to the motions filed Monday.
Paxton has been suspended from office since the House first approved the articles of impeachment on May 27. He could be permanently removed if convicted by the Senate.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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| 2023-07-31T22:21:17
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Lawton Public Library offering free technology classes and more during the month of August
LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The Lawton Public Library has a variety of events, from story times for the kiddos to free technology classes.
7News spoke with Tanya Organ, the Lawton Public Library community engagement librarian, to discuss the list of events for August.
They’ll partner with Connected Nation to offer free technology classes from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14, and from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, and Friday, August 16. The classes will include email basics, mobile device basics, computer basics, internet basics, cybersecurity, walk-in one-on-one, and video conferencing training. Registration can be done online or in person.
They’ll also host regular monthly events like Kids Time at Chik-Fil-A from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on August 21, and Sit, Stay, Read: Literacy Dogs from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. on August 24.
For more information and a full list of events, you can visit the Lawton Public Library website here.
Copyright 2023 KSWO. All rights reserved.
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| 2023-07-31T22:21:17
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Pilot injured after banner plane crashes into ocean near beach
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF/Gray News) – Officials are investigating after a banner plane crashed onto a South Carolina beach.
WMBF reports the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were called to look into the crash which occurred at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Myrtle Beach.
Cpl. Chris Starling with the Myrtle Beach Police Department said the pilot of the single-engine PA-18 was the only person on board. He was able to get out of the plane safely.
According to officials, witnesses said bystanders rushed to the crash site to help the pilot get out after the plane hit the water.
Witness Sue Boyd told WMBF she and another woman both called 911 after seeing the crash.
“The banner plane was all of a sudden going down super fast and then it just hit the water and went under. A bunch of civilians came and sprang into action into the water,” she said.
First responders treated the pilot, who was then taken to the hospital. He is expected to recover from his injuries.
The plane was removed from the surf via tow truck around 4 p.m. Crews removed the plane’s wings to properly load the aircraft.
Copyright 2023 WMBF via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kttc.com/2023/07/31/pilot-injured-after-banner-plane-crashes-into-ocean-near-beach/
| 2023-07-31T22:21:20
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Memphis police shoot suspect after he fired shots outside Jewish school, authorities say
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis police on Monday said officers shot a suspect after he attempted to enter a Jewish school with a gun and fired shots after he couldn’t get into the building.
Assistant Police Chief Don Crowe said the suspect, whose identity has not been released, approached Margolin Hebrew Academy-Feinstone Yeshiva of the South around 12:20 p.m. He fired several shots and then left in a maroon truck.
“Thankfully, that school had a great safety procedure and process in place and avoided anyone being harmed or injured at that scene,” Crowe said.
Officers soon located the suspect’s vehicle “shortly after that,” Crowe said, adding that officers then shot the suspect after he exited the truck with a firearm in hand. The suspect was sent to a hospital where he is in critical condition.
It was not immediately clear if school was in session.
When asked if law enforcement believe the shooting was a hate crime, Crowe said officers were still on the scene and collecting information.
“It’s way too early for that. Again, we’re very early in this investigation,” Crowe said.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is now handling the case.
Oscar Gomez said two of his teenage children were outside their house when the man was shot in their neighborhood. They told him about the shooting when he arrived home from work, he said.
“They heard the shooting and they threw themselves on the floor trying to protect themselves,” said Gomez, 39.
U.S. Rep. Seve Cohen, whose district includes Memphis, said in a statement that he was “shocked” to hear about the incident at the school and noted that acts of “violent antisemitism” are on the rise across the country.
Monday’s shooting comes nearly four months after a shooter opened fire at a private Christian school in Nashville and killed six people, including three nine-year-old children. That tragedy has sparked closer scrutiny of Tennessee’s relaxed gun laws and renewed calls to strengthen security at both public and private schools across the state.
___
Kimberlee Kruesi contributed to this report from Nashville, Tennessee.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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| 2023-07-31T22:21:24
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San Francisco prosecutors lay out case against consultant in killing of Cash App’s Bob Lee
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — DNA from a bloody knife and video footage are crucial pieces of evidence against a tech consultant charged with murder in the stabbing death of Cash App founder Bob Lee, who was found bleeding on a deserted San Francisco street in April, prosecutors argued Monday.
The San Francisco prosecutor’s office began laying out its case against Nima Momeni, 38, at a preliminary hearing in which a judge will decide if there’s enough evidence to go to trial.
Prosecutors say Momeni planned the attack, drove Lee to a secluded spot and stabbed him three times after a dispute related to Momeni’s younger sister.
They have not spelled out a motive, but previously offered a timeline in a case that has drawn outsized media attention, partly due to Lee’s status in the tech world. Lee created Cash App, a mobile payment service, and was the chief product officer of the cryptocurrency MobileCoin.
Momeni, who has been in jail since his arrest April 13, has pleaded not guilty. He faces 26 years to life if convicted.
The arrest came more than a week after Lee, 43, was found in a deserted part of downtown San Francisco early April 4. He later died at a hospital.
On Monday morning, Assistant District Attorney Omid Talai introduced evidence, including photos of a knife that prosecutors say Momeni used to stab Lee, a trail of blood left by Lee as he staggered for help, and video footage showing the two men leave Momeni’s sister’s condo building before the stabbing.
Talai said at a May hearing that the weapon was part of a unique kitchen set belonging to his sister and that analysis showed Momeni’s DNA on the weapon’s handle and Lee’s DNA on the bloody blade. Police recovered a knife with a 4-inch (10-centimeter) blade at the scene.
Saam Zangeneh, one of Momeni’s lawyers, suggested to reporters Monday during a break that the investigation conducted by the San Francisco police was far from thorough.
He questioned why the rubber handle of the knife was tested for only DNA and not fingerprints. SFPD crime scene investigator Rosalyn Check said that it is difficult to get prints off rubber.
“When you want to see if someone’s touching something, you do fingerprint analysis, right?” he said. “And they weren’t done on the handle, which is the most important, relevant portion of who, if any, was handling that item.”
Zangeneh has yet to elaborate on the defendant’s version of events.
Momeni brought in Zangeneh and Bradford Cohen, both based in Florida. His first attorney, Paula Canny, withdrew in late May, citing a conflict of interest that she declined to disclose.
At prosecutors’ urging, Momeni has been held without bail. In arguing for release pending trial, Canny said that Momeni was not a flight risk and would not leave the two people he loves most, his sister and mother. She said Momeni needs to fight the charges or face deportation to Iran, a country that his mother fled when the children were younger to escape a violent husband.
An unnamed friend of Lee told homicide investigators they had been hanging out and drinking with Momeni’s sister the day before the stabbing, prosecutors said in their motion to deny bail.
The friend said Momeni later questioned Lee about whether his sister was doing drugs or otherwise engaging in inappropriate behavior and Lee said she had not.
Surveillance video showed Lee later entering the posh Millennium Tower downtown, where Momeni’s sister Khazar lives with her husband, prominent San Francisco plastic surgeon Dino Elyassnia. Video footage then showed Lee and Momeni leaving the building together shortly after 2 a.m. and driving off in Momeni’s car.
Lee was found shortly after 2:30 a.m. in the Rincon Hill neighborhood, which has tech offices and condominiums but little activity in the early morning hours.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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| 2023-07-31T22:21:27
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As work begins on the largest US dam removal project, tribes look to a future of growth
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The largest dam removal project in United States history is underway along the California-Oregon border — a process that won’t conclude until the end of next year with the help of heavy machinery and explosives.
But in some ways, removing the dams is the easy part. The hard part will come over the next decade as workers, partnering with Native American tribes, plant and monitor nearly 17 billion seeds as they try to restore the Klamath River and the surrounding land to what it looked like before the dams started to go up more than a century ago.
The demolition is part of a national movement to return the natural flow of the nation’s rivers and restore habitat for fish and the ecosystems that sustain other wildlife. More than 2,000 dams have been removed in the U.S. as of February, with the bulk of those having come down within the last 25 years, according to the advocacy group American Rivers.
When demolition is completed by the end of next year, more than 400 miles (644 kilometers) of river will have opened for threatened species of fish and other wildlife. By comparison, the 65 dams removed in the U.S. last year combined to reconnect 430 miles (692 kilometers) of river.
Along the Klamath, the dam removals won’t be a major hit to the power supply; they produced less than 2% of power company PacifiCorp’s energy generation when they were running at full capacity -- enough to power about 70,000 homes. Though the hydroelectric power produced by dams is considered a clean, renewable source of energy, many larger dams in the U.S. West have become a target for environmental groups and tribes because of the harm they cause to fish and river ecosystems.
The project will empty three reservoirs over about 3.5 square miles (9 square kilometers) near the California-Oregon border, exposing soil to sunlight in some places for the first time in more than a century.
For the past five years, Native American tribes have gathered seeds by hand and sent them to nurseries with plans to sow the seeds along the banks of the newly wild river. Helicopters will bring in hundreds of thousands of trees and shrubs to plant along the banks, including wads of tree roots to create habitat for fish.
This growth usually takes decades to happen naturally. But officials are pressing nature’s fast-forward button because they hope to repel an invasion of foreign plants, such as starthistle, which dominate the landscape at the expense of native plants.
“Why not just let nature take its course? Well, nature didn’t take its course when dams got put in. We can’t pretend this gigantic change in the landscape has not happened and we can’t just ignore the fact that invasive species are a big problem in the west and in California,” said Dave Meurer, director of community affairs for Resource Environmental Solutions, the company leading the restoration project.
PacifiCorp built the dams starting in 1918 to generate electricity. The dams halted the natural flow of the river and disrupted the lifecycle of salmon, a fish that spends most of its life in the Pacific Ocean but returns to the chilly mountain streams to lay eggs. The fish are culturally and spiritually significant to a number of Native American tribes, who historically survived by fishing the massive runs of salmon that would come back to the rivers each year.
A combination of low water levels and warm temperatures in 2002 led to a bacterial outbreak that killed more than 34,000 fish, mostly Chinook salmon. The loss jumpstarted decades of advocacy from Native American tribes and environmental groups, culminating last year when federal regulators approved a plan to remove the dams.
“The river is our church, the salmon is our cross. That’s how it relates to the people. So it’s very sacred to us,” said Kenneth Brink, vice chairman of the Karuk Tribe. “The river is not just a place we go to swim. It’s life. It creates everything for our people.”
The project will cost $500 million, paid for by taxpayers and PacifiCorps ratepayers. Crews have mostly removed the smallest of the four dams, known as Copco No. 2. The other three dams are expected to come down next year. That will leave some homeowners in the area without the picturesque lake they have lived on for years.
The Siskiyou County Water Users Association, which formed about a decade ago to stop the dam removal project, filed a federal lawsuit. But so far they have been unable to stop the demolition.
“Unfortunately it’s a mistake you can’t turn back from,” association President Richard Marshall said.
The water level in the lakes will drop between 3 feet and 5 feet (1 meter to 1.5 meters) per day over the first few months of next year. Crews will follow that water line, taking advantage of the moisture in the soil to plant seeds from more than 98 native plant species including wooly sunflower, Idaho fescue and Blue bunch wheat grass.
Tribes have been invested in the process from the start. Resource Environmental Solutions hired tribal members to gather seeds from native plants by hand. The Yurok Tribe even hired a restoration botanist.
Each species has a role to play. Some, like lupine, grow quickly and prepare the soil for other plants. Others, like oak trees, take years to fully mature and provide shade for other plants.
“It’s a wonderful marriage of tribal traditional ecological knowledge and western science,” said Mark Bransom, CEO of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, the nonprofit entity created to oversee the project.
The previous largest dam removal project was on Washington state’s Elwha River, which flows out of Olympic National Park into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Congress in 1992 approved the demolition of the two dams on the river constructed in the early 1900s. After two decades of planning, workers finished removing them in 2014, opening about 70 miles (113 kilometers) of habitat for salmon and steelhead.
Biologists say it will take at least a generation for the river to recover, but within months of the dams being removed, salmon were already recolonizing sections of the river they had not accessed in more than a century. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, which has been closely involved in restoration work, is opening a limited subsistence fishery this fall for coho salmon, its first since the dams came down.
Brink, the Karuk Tribe vice chair, hopes similar success will happen on the Klamath River. Multiple times per year, Brink and other tribal members participate in ceremonial salmon fishing using handheld nets. In many years, there have been no fish to catch, he said.
“When the river gets to flow freely again, the people can also begin to worship freely again,” he said.
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Associated Press writer Eugene Johnson in Seattle contributed.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Pilot injured after banner plane crashes into ocean near beach
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF/Gray News) – Officials are investigating after a banner plane crashed onto a South Carolina beach.
WMBF reports the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were called to look into the crash which occurred at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Myrtle Beach.
Cpl. Chris Starling with the Myrtle Beach Police Department said the pilot of the single-engine PA-18 was the only person on board. He was able to get out of the plane safely.
According to officials, witnesses said bystanders rushed to the crash site to help the pilot get out after the plane hit the water.
Witness Sue Boyd told WMBF she and another woman both called 911 after seeing the crash.
“The banner plane was all of a sudden going down super fast and then it just hit the water and went under. A bunch of civilians came and sprang into action into the water,” she said.
First responders treated the pilot, who was then taken to the hospital. He is expected to recover from his injuries.
The plane was removed from the surf via tow truck around 4 p.m. Crews removed the plane’s wings to properly load the aircraft.
Copyright 2023 WMBF via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 2023-07-31T22:21:34
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3 BRILLIANT MINUTES: Astro Extras!
Published: Jul. 31, 2023 at 5:16 PM CDT|Updated: moments ago
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - Brad is famous for his astro extra segment. Today, his 3 Brilliant Minutes is loaded with astro extras!
See more in the video above.
Copyright 2023 WBAY. All rights reserved.
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| 2023-07-31T22:21:50
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Bike to the Beat returns this Saturday
Published: Jul. 31, 2023 at 5:07 PM CDT|Updated: 11 minutes ago
APPLETON, Wis. (WBAY) - Bike to the Beat returns this Saturday.
The fun fundraiser is in its 7th year and runs in conjunction with Mile of Music. Thousands of cyclists will take to the streets between the Fox Cities and Green Bay all ages and skill levels can participate.
We are joined in the video above by Heather Wessley, Director of Community Engagement for Fox Communities Credit Union.
Copyright 2023 WBAY. All rights reserved.
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| 2023-07-31T22:21:56
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Fox Cities Stadium car vandalism suspect admits to ‘temper tantrum’ in criminal complaint
GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (WBAY) - A man suspected of vandalizing numerous vehicles in the parking lot of Fox Cities Stadium on Friday admitted to a “temper tantrum” during the crime, according to a criminal complaint.
Clint Freeberg was arrested after police say “numerous” vehicles were intentionally damaged at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute on Friday night.
Police said they were initially called to the stadium Friday for a damage complaint. Authorities found more vehicles and police said additional victims are coming forward after discovering damage.
In the criminal complaint, the legal document filed in court that lists the charges and features statements from witnesses and police, Freeberg was tracked down after multiple people identified him online as the suspect.
According to the complaint, one of the vandalism victims stated he had been receiving several messages since he had posted the photograph of the suspect who damaged his truck on his Facebook page. The complaint said a photo came from a video taken by a witness who attended the baseball game and was present in the parking lot and witnessed some of the vehicles being damaged.
When police tracked down and confronted Freeberg, the complaint stated he immediately said he didn’t want to lie to them and said that he had temper issues and admitted to doing “it” to “that guy’s vehicle.” When an officer asked why he did “it” to the guy’s vehicle, the complaint stated Freeberg said that he didn’t know and called it a “temper tantrum.”
“Clint said he was ‘talking [expletive]’ with a girl and thought she was hanging out with a guy that owned this vehicle that he was talking about damaging it,” the complaint said.
The complaint goes on to say:
“Sgt. Gollner asked Clint Freeberg if he did the other cars. Clint initially said ‘no’. Sgt. Gollner explained to Clint that Sgt. Gollner found it odd that he admitted to damaging one truck, but other cars in the area were also done and if he was going to come clean about one, to just come clean about them all. Clint said, ‘alright, fine,’ and Clint started laughing. Clint said, ‘I got really [expletive] off and I keyed vehicles, I’m sorry.’ Sgt. Gollner asked Clint why, and explained he wasn’t a teenager. Clint said he knew and that he had a ‘temper tantrum’. Clint said it was ‘embarrassing as [expletive]’ and that he wanted to call the police and own up to it than having his face keep being put around on Facebook.”
The complaint said Freeberg was mad about the fight with the girl and keyed the vehicles as he was walking past in the parking lot. Freeberg said he had no idea how many cars he damaged. When an officer told him it was about 18 or 19 vehicles, he responded, “Oh my God.”
“Sgt. Gollner asked Clint why on some cars he did a line down the car and then another he wrote, ‘hi how are you’ and Clint smiled and looked away and responded, ‘Don’t ask me’. Clint Freeberg again apologized and said it was a bad night and that he just wanted to call police and confess to it,” the complaint states.
Freeberg has been charged with one count of felony criminal damage to property. He faces a possible prison sentence of more than 3 years and a possible fine of up to $10,000 if convicted.
Copyright 2023 WBAY. All rights reserved.
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| 2023-07-31T22:22:02
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Memphis police shoot suspect after he fired shots outside Jewish school, authorities say
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis police on Monday said officers shot a suspect after he attempted to enter a Jewish school with a gun and fired shots after he couldn’t get into the building.
Assistant Police Chief Don Crowe said the suspect, whose identity has not been released, approached Margolin Hebrew Academy-Feinstone Yeshiva of the South around 12:20 p.m. He fired several shots and then left in a maroon truck.
“Thankfully, that school had a great safety procedure and process in place and avoided anyone being harmed or injured at that scene,” Crowe said.
Officers soon located the suspect’s vehicle “shortly after that,” Crowe said, adding that officers then shot the suspect after he exited the truck with a firearm in hand. The suspect was sent to a hospital where he is in critical condition.
It was not immediately clear if school was in session.
When asked if law enforcement believe the shooting was a hate crime, Crowe said officers were still on the scene and collecting information.
“It’s way too early for that. Again, we’re very early in this investigation,” Crowe said.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is now handling the case.
Oscar Gomez said two of his teenage children were outside their house when the man was shot in their neighborhood. They told him about the shooting when he arrived home from work, he said.
“They heard the shooting and they threw themselves on the floor trying to protect themselves,” said Gomez, 39.
U.S. Rep. Seve Cohen, whose district includes Memphis, said in a statement that he was “shocked” to hear about the incident at the school and noted that acts of “violent antisemitism” are on the rise across the country.
Monday’s shooting comes nearly four months after a shooter opened fire at a private Christian school in Nashville and killed six people, including three nine-year-old children. That tragedy has sparked closer scrutiny of Tennessee’s relaxed gun laws and renewed calls to strengthen security at both public and private schools across the state.
___
Kimberlee Kruesi contributed to this report from Nashville, Tennessee.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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The anthropomorphic cattle dog has been captivating her target audience and then some. We spoke to parents about how the show has provided comfort and guidance in the wild world of parenting.
Who is she? Bluey Heeler is a six-year-old Australian blue heeler that is the protagonist of her eponymous children's show — as well as several toy collections, an album, books and a popular stage show.
What's the big deal? Aside from her name dominating the search bar suggestions on YouTube as soon as you begin typing the word "blue..."?
Want more on the entertainment industry? Listen to Consider This on the future of Black owned media.
What are people saying? Pretty good stuff! NPR's Scott Detrow spoke to some Bluey viewers on why they're drawn to the program from down under.
Linda McGee, a Chicago area mom of two, on why she first got into it:
It's taught me to really just play along and just tap into my childlike innocence and sense of wonder. There's so many things that I've done that I probably would never do if I wasn't watching Bluey. I probably would not be, like, a horsey ride or, like, a car driving to the grocery store for some reason.
Joseph Peterson, a Frederick, Md. dad of one, on which episode first caught his attention:
For me, I think that episode is Sleepytime.
It's just so heartwarming and empathetic, I think both for the difficulty it is for children — it really sees them in kind of the struggles to stay in their own bed at night — and also, it's really empathetic towards the parents' point of view, right? What that struggle can mean, going back and forth from bedroom to bedroom to the bathroom, to sharing space on the bed or on the floor.
And Mari Brisco, a mother of one in New Orleans on how she found herself totally engrossed with the show:
So my daughter was born eight weeks early. So I've always worried, in the back of my head like, "Oh, my God, is she hitting the right milestones at this age and everything?" And even watching that episode [Baby Race] I was like, "It's OK. You know, she's going to crawl when she crawls. She's going to talk when she talks."
So, what now?
Learn more:
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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President Joe Biden has decided to keep U.S. Space Command headquarters in Colorado, overturning a last-ditch decision by the Trump administration to move it to Alabama and ending months of politically fueled debate, according to senior U.S. officials.
The officials said Biden was convinced by the head of Space Command, Gen. James Dickinson, who argued that moving his headquarters now would jeopardize military readiness. Dickinson's view, however, was in contrast to Air Force leadership, who studied the issue at length and determined that relocating to Huntsville, Alabama, was the right move.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the decision ahead of the announcement. The president, they said, believes that keeping the command in Colorado Springs would avoid a disruption in readiness that the move would cause, particularly as the U.S. races to compete with China in space. And they said Biden firmly believes that maintaining stability will help the military be better able to respond in space over the next decade.
Biden's decision is sure to enrage Alabama lawmakers and fuel accusations that abortion politics played a role in the choice. The location debate has become entangled in the ongoing battle between Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville and the Defense Department over the move to provide travel for troops seeking reproductive health care. Tuberville opposed the policy is blocking hundreds of military promotions in protest.
Formally created in August 2019, the command was temporarily based in Colorado, and Air Force and Space Force leaders initially recommended it stay there. In the final days of his presidency Donald Trump decided it should be based in Huntsville.
The change triggered a number of reviews.
SEE MORE: U.S. Space Command Is Reestablished After 17 Years
Proponents of keeping the command in Colorado have argued that moving it to Huntsville and creating a new headquarters would set back its progress at a time it needs to move quickly to be positioned to match China’s military space rise. And Colorado Springs is also home to the Air Force Academy, which now graduates Space Force guardians, and more than 24 military space missions, including three Space Force bases.
Huntsville, however, scored higher than Colorado Springs in a Government Accountability Office assessment of potential locations and has long been a home to some of earliest missiles used in the nation’s space programs, including the Saturn V rocket. It is home to the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command.According to officials, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, who ordered his own review of the matter, leaned toward Huntsville, while Dickinson was staunchly in favor of staying put.
The officials said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin presented both options to Biden.
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com
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Tuesday marks the 40th year for National Night Out events across the country. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s office is going big this year with three local celebrations.
The Jefferson, Harrison, and Washington Township’s locations will have free food, bounce houses, and games with deputies and other community partners. You can see a live K-9 demonstration, high-tech equipment, and specialty police vehicles.
The Jefferson township will host their National Night Out from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Blairwood Elementary.
The Harrison township will host their National Night Out from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Shiloh Church
The Washington township will host their National Night Out from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Washington Trace Clubhouse.
Aside from community engagement, the goals of national night out include boosting crime prevention awareness and increasing participation in local anti-crime groups. For those who are attending on Tuesday, law enforcement stresses that civilian safety will be the highest priority.
Montgomery County Sheriff, Rob Streck, says that he is excited to get out and engage with the community for an event that he has participated in for nearly 28 years.
“Most of the law enforcement officers that are out there patrolling, you know, they’re neighbors, they’re dads, they’re mothers, you know. They’re just normal people that work in this field. So, it’s nice when people get to know them and they can laugh and talk and they find out that there’s absolutely nothing different about them than every other neighbor they have,” said Streck.
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Sen. Deb Fischer secured more than $20 million for water infrastructure projects across Nebraska in a bill that was unanimously advanced Thursday by the Senate Appropriations Committee, Fischer's office announced.
The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, advanced out of committee on a 28-0 vote Thursday, includes $10 million earmarked for the Cedar Knox Rural Water Project in northeast Nebraska.
The project's defunding at the hands of the governor was part of $119 million Pillen vetoed out of the state budget bills. State lawmakers overrode one of the governor's line-item vetoes — restoring $1.1 million to the state auditor's office.
Now, Fischer, the state's senior Republican senator who sits on the body's Appropriations Committee, has secured the sought-after funds for the construction of a water source, treatment plant and distribution system that will serve residents in Knox and Cedar counties — along with funds for a dozen other infrastructure projects.
“This funding bill will keep Nebraskans healthy and safe by investing in crucial water infrastructure projects across our state," Fischer said in a news release Monday.
"I fought to secure measures that support the construction of water treatment plants, the replacement of aging water towers, and the continued removal of dangerous lead pipes throughout our state," she added.
The bill, which still needs Senate and House approval, also includes $360,000 to replace lead service lines and water meters in Denton, along with $72,000 to replace water meters in Malcolm.
The bill also includes $1.5 million to upgrade and rehabilitate the existing wastewater treatment plant and collection system in York.
Photos: Last day of the 108th Nebraska Legislature
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Pilot injured after banner plane crashes into ocean near beach
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF/Gray News) – Officials are investigating after a banner plane crashed onto a South Carolina beach.
WMBF reports the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were called to look into the crash which occurred at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Myrtle Beach.
Cpl. Chris Starling with the Myrtle Beach Police Department said the pilot of the single-engine PA-18 was the only person on board. He was able to get out of the plane safely.
According to officials, witnesses said bystanders rushed to the crash site to help the pilot get out after the plane hit the water.
Witness Sue Boyd told WMBF she and another woman both called 911 after seeing the crash.
“The banner plane was all of a sudden going down super fast and then it just hit the water and went under. A bunch of civilians came and sprang into action into the water,” she said.
First responders treated the pilot, who was then taken to the hospital. He is expected to recover from his injuries.
The plane was removed from the surf via tow truck around 4 p.m. Crews removed the plane’s wings to properly load the aircraft.
Copyright 2023 WMBF via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Here are the honorable mentions from the 2023 Student Podcast Challenge. Listen to our middle school grand prize winners here; high school grand prize winner here; and the best mental health podcast prize winner here.
Congrats everyone! Hope to hear from you again in 2024!
Middle School
#LookontheBrightside – North Rock Creek Public School, Shawnee, Okla.
13 Going On COVID-19 – Herricks Middle School, Albertson, N.Y.
A Fortnight In Fortnite – Herricks Middle School, Albertson, N.Y.
A Surprising History Of School Lunches – Marshall Fundamental Secondary School, Pasadena, Calif.
A Taste Of Waste – The Clinton School, New York, N.Y.
Abi & Angelica's Podcast – Irvington Middle School, Irvington, N.Y.
American Revolution What-Ifs – Bayside Middle School, Milwaukee, Wis.
Back In Your Day – Edmunds Middle School, Burlington, Vt.
Bye Bye Chameleon – Princeton Middle School, Princeton, N.J.
Chicago Cubs players who need improvement – Kendall Elementary School, Naperville, Ill.
Chicken Finger – Lynbrook South Middle School, New York, N.Y.
Classical Music: Stereotypes and Solutions – DeWitt Middle School, Ithaca, N.Y.
Cringe Culture is Cringe – The Awty International School, Houston, Texas
Dress Coded – The Learning Community School, Swannanoa, N.C.
Dress Codes – Lincoln School, Providence, R.I.
Expectations – Essex Middle School, Essex Junction, Vt.
Exploring Taiwan with your palate – Pierrepont School, Westport, Conn.
Family Style – Herricks Middle School, Albertson, N.Y.
Flowing Through Time: The Past, Present, And Future Of Water – Peak Academy, Bozeman, Mont.
Final Podcast – The Nueva School, Hillsborough, Calif.
Fires: Set Ablaze – Chautauqua Elementary School, Vashon, Wash.
Food Story: Instant Ramen – San Francisco Day School, San Francisco, Calif.
Funding Colorado Schools – Park Elementary, Durango, Colo.
Gender Equality in Women's Hockey – Irving A. Robbins Middle School, Farmington, Conn.
Girls Gone Mental – Ardmore High School, Ardmore, Ala.
Graffiti And Mural Art – The Learning Community School, Swannanoa, N.C.
GT Fire Final – Georgetown School, Georgetown, Calif.
Turbans Are Not Terrorists – Princeton Day School, Princeton, N.J.
Hijab Pride, Hijab Hide – Herricks Middle School, Albertson, N.Y.
How Does Social Media Impact Teens? – Ames Middle School, Ames, Iowa
I am American – Pierrepont School, Westport, Conn.
Ice Cream Madness – Lake Tahoe School, Incline Village, Nev.
Journey to Enlightenment – Burnsville School, Burnsville, Miss.
Kids On Covid – The Learning Community School, Swannanoa, N.C.
Kyle's Grandma's Story of the Korean War – John Sinnott Elementary School, Milpitas, Calif.
LGBTQIAndCommunity – The Learning Community School, Swannanoa, N.C.
Living a Full Life – Zeeland Christian School, Zeeland, Mich.
Loser Podcast – Iron Horse Middle School, San Ramon, Calif.
Managing Mental Health Student Podcast – Woodford County Middle School, Versailles, Ky.
Mental Health Podcast – Mannion Middle School, Henderson, Nev.
More Lunchtime! – Victor Intermediate School, Victor, N.Y.
Mother Tongue – Pierrepont School, Westport, Conn.
My Beautiful Stutter – Winston Preparatory School, New York, N.Y.
My Grandpa Vs. The 1956 Revolution – Olympic Hills Elementary, Seattle, Wash.
My Grandfathers' Story – Lynbrook South Middle School, New York, N.Y.
My Story – Burnsville School, Burnsville, Miss.
NEMJDS Turandot NPR Contest – NEMJDS, Birmingham, Ala.
NPR Podcast Competition 2023 – Tessellations School, Cupertino, Calif.
NPR Student Podcast – High Point Academy, Pasadena, Calif.
Pantsed – Larchmont Charter Selma Campus, Los Angeles, Calif.
Passing Time In Between Classes – Mount Olive Middle School, Budd Lake, N.J.
Pickles vs Corn – Acton Academy of Bergen County, Closter, N.J.
Podcastjulietacamarynhailey – Clearwater Fundamental Middle School, Clearwater, Fla.
Popularity – Swift Creek Middle School, Midlothian, Va.
Pteranodon vs. Fighter Jet – Clearwater Fundamental Middle School, Clearwater, Fla.
Read Banned Books – The Learning Community School, Swannanoa, N.C.
Refugee Podcast – University School Of Nashville, Nashville, Tenn.
Reviews Are For Readers – Seattle Country Day School, Seattle, Wash.
School Leisure Time – Mount Olive Middle School, Budd Lake, N.J.
School vs Home – Mickelson Middle School, Brookings, S.D.
Shiba Podcast – Lake Tahoe School, Incline Village, Nev.
Should there be two teachers in a classroom? – Weddington High School, Matthews, N.C.
SMS Podcast: How Do Car Engines Work? – St. Michael's School, Poway, Calif.
Talk with us – Saint Pius V Catholic School, Buena Park, Calif.
Teachers Need a Salary Increase – John F. Kennedy Middle School, Cupertino, Calif.
Teenage Daydream – Burnsville School, Burnsville, Miss.
The Black Plague – Swift Creek Middle School, Midlothian, Va.
The Corner We Come From – Burnsville School, Burnsville, Miss.
The Dark Side Of Gymnastics – The Clinton School, New York, N.Y.
The Grinders of 6th Grade Bip – Charles N Holden Elementary School, Chicago, Ill.
The Impact of Damar Hamlin – Herricks Middle School, Albertson, N.Y.
The Willow Project – Essex Middle School, Essex Junction, Vt.
The Questionnaire – Acton Academy of Bergen County, Closter, N.J.
Think About It! Homework – Swift Creek Middle School, Midlothian, Va.
This is Your Brain on Self-Paced learning – Noe Middle School, Louisville, Ky.
Tragedy Podcast – Enumclaw Middle School, Enumclaw, Wash.
Tree Octopus – Ames Middle School, Ames, Iowa
Turning On Our Mics – Alabama Virtual Academy, Eufaula, Ala.
Under the Rainbow – Marshall Fundamental Secondary School, Pasadena, Calif.
Unearthing Sexism – ATLAS Middle School, New Haven, Conn.
Unfair School Expectations – Gold Trail School, Placerville, Calif.
Viridian – Twelve Corners Middle School, Rochester, N.Y.
What About Plants? – Brookwood Elementary School, Dalton, Ga.
What Does It Mean To Be Healthy – The Learning Community School, Swannanoa, N.C.
We (Heart) Our New New Yorkers – PS 163 Alfred E. Smith School, New York, N.Y.
What IS Justice? – King Phillip Middle School, Hartford, Conn.
What is leadership? – Evergreen School, Shoreline, Wash.
What Makes A Great Friend – Pine Bush Elementary School, Schenectady, N.Y.
Why Culvers is the best – Pecatonica Area School District, Blanchardville, Wis.
Why Middle Schoolers Act The Way They Act – Ross Middle School, Hamilton, Ohio
High School
A Journeyman's Journey – Bard High School Early College, New York, N.Y.
A Missing Piece – Morris County School of Technology, Denville, N.J.
All About Teenage Love – Kauai High School, Lihue, Hawaii
An Interview with June Carryl – Bresee Youth Foundation, Los Angeles, Calif.
Are You Listening? – The Bush School, Seattle, Wash.
Are You Smarter Than A Middle Schooler? – Morgan County High School, West Liberty, Ky.
A Tiny Museum with a Huge Impact – The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, Columbus, Miss.
B4 English Podcast - Forgotten History – Morris County School of Technology, Denville, N.J.
Basi Festival ZMF – Sitka School District, Sitka, Alaska
Been Brown, Done That – The Morris County School of Technology, Denville, N.J.
Being Comfortable with the Uncomfortable – Kauai High School, Lihue, Hawaii
Belonging Beyond Borders – York Community High School, Elmhurst, Ill.
Black Hair Why Its None Of Your Business – Robert G Cole High School, San Antonio, Texas
Body Image, Bear Pod – Berkley High School, Berkeley, Mich.
Bound for Glory – Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Full Day, Hartford. Conn.
Challenges of Sibling Relationships – Newton South High School, Newton Centre, Mass.
Changing Shells – The Dalton Academy, Dalton, Ga.
Charlotte Country Day Motivational Men – Charlotte Country Day School, Charlotte, N.C.
Cleveland Consolidation Revisited – Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, Columbus, Miss.
Daring Or Caring – The Portrayals Of Femininity In Young Adult Literature – Jericho High School, Jericho, N.Y.
Dear Future Me – Berkeley Carroll School, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dear Yahir – Lexington High School, Lexington, Neb.
Devastation of Gentrification – Hoover High School, San Diego, Calif.
Did You Know? Weird Facts About Our Founding Fathers – Effingham College and Career Academy, Rincon, Ga.
Discomfort Food – Mercer Island High School, Mercer Island, Wash.
Discussion on Child Abuse – Fellowship Baptist Academy, Carson City, Mo.
E Malmborg – Weber High School, Ogden, Utah
Empty Cup – Dalton Junior High School, Dalton, Ga.
Endangered Sounds Podcast – Southern High School, Harwood, Md.
English Podcast – Morris County School of Technology, Denville, N.J.
Experience of Education – Pompano Beach High School, Pompano Beach, Fla.
Facade Of Ivy Leagues – West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North, Plainsboro, N.J.
Facing My Truth: How Anti-Asian Rhetoric is Embedded in the American Upbringing – The Nightingale Bamford School, New York, N.Y.
Fantasy Crime – A Parody of True Crime Podcasts – Kamiakin High School, Kennewick, Wash.
Finished Podcast – Homewood High School, Homewood, Ala.
Food and Culture Podcast – The Hewitt School, New York, N.Y.
For Preston – Marblehead High School, Marblehead, Mass.
Generation Differences In Dating – Marblehead High School, Marblehead, Mass.
Hattiesburg's Sewer Woes – The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, Columbus, Miss.
HER: The Podcast – Upper Merion High School, King of Prussia, Pa.
High School POV on School Shootings – Desert Garden Montessori, Phoenix, Ariz.
High School Social Hierarchy – Robert G Cole High School, San Antonio, Texas
How to Survive High School – Bishop Dwenger High School, Fort Wayne, Ind.
I Plant – Weber High School, Ogden, Utah
Jackson Heights: Threats of Gentrification Interwoven into a Bustling Neighborhood – Edgemont Jr./Sr. High School, Scarsdale, N.Y.
Japan Festival Boston Podcast – Milton Academy, Milton, Mass.
Just Some Trash Talk? – Buffalo Grove High School, Buffalo Grove, Ill.
Laughing Through The Struggle – Milton Academy, Milton, Mass.
Laurel Legacy – Morris County School of Technology, Denville, N.J.
Leaders and Tough Questions – Mississippi School for Math and Science, Columbus, Miss.
Leo: NPR Podcast Contest 2023 – LEAF Charter School, Alstead, N.H.
Life Inside The Green Band Tents – Wenatchee High School, Wenatchee, Wash.
Lost In Expectations: The Struggles Of Indian Youth – Morris County School of Technology, Denville, N.J.
Luciana Masoni Podcast – The Baldwin School of Puerto Rico, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Ly Podcast – AmTech Career Academy, Amarillo, Texas
Male High School Athletes Don't Cry – Central Union High School, El Centro, Calif.
ManyaPodcastOnFaithAndFunbotics – Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, Va.
Mass Exodus – Newton South High School, Newton Centre, Mass.
Multiplied by a Million – The Walker School, North Marietta, Ga.
Murder: After Dark – Bishop Dwenger High School, Fort Wayne, Ind.
My America – Tennessee High School, Bristol, Tenn.
My Ao Dai – St. Francis High School, Mountain View, Calif.
Navigating Female Friendships – Montrose School, Medfield, Mass.
Not Gun Control – PrepNet Virtual Academy, Grand Rapids, Mich.
NPR Podcast Project – Edgemont Jr./Sr. High School, Scarsdale, N.Y.
Nuclear Proliferation – NYC iSchool, New York, N.Y.
Obsessive – Rampart High School, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Opening Up is Manning Up – Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, Va.
Parental Penalties – New Hampton School, New Hampton, N.H.
Peculiar Past Podcast – Bishop Dwenger High School, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Perception In Color – Newton South High School, Newton Centre, Mass.
Police Brutality – Trumbull Career & Technical Center, Warren, Ohio
Pregnancy at a Young Age – J Sterling Morton East High School, Cicero, Ill.
Reaching Out To An Outreach – Achievement First University Prep High School, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Redefining the Boundaries of the Human Body – The Potomac School, McLean, Va.
Save The Drama For Your Llama – Morris County School of Technology, Denville, N.J.
Secrets In The Sky – Ben Lacher's Story – Alliance High School, Alliance, Ohio
Skunktastic Tale – Marblehead High School, Marblehead, Mass.
Stuck Behind Bars: The Injustice of the Dysfunctional Bail System – Edgemont Jr./Sr. High School, Scarsdale, N.Y.
Sports Podcast Final – Carmel High School, Carmel, Calif.
SUPERwomens Podcast – Homewood High School, Homewood, Ala.
Table Talk – Morris County School of Technology, Denville, N.J.
Tainted Land – Perry High School, Massillon, Ohio
Talk the Talk – The Morris County School of Technology, Denville, N.J.
Teenager's Take On Taxes – Kauai High School, Lihue, Hawaii
Teen Evolution – Capital High School, Helena, Mont.
Testosterone, Estrogen and American Legislation – Carmel High School, Carmel, Calif.
The Battle for Educational Access: The Impact of YouTube Restrictions on High School Learning – Dos Pueblos High School, Goleta, Calif.
The Darker Side of Volunteering – Canyon Crest Academy, San Diego, Calif.
The Drama of Drama – Carmel High School, Carmel, Calif.
The Feminist History of Barbie – Greater Hartford Academy of the Art, Hartford, Conn.
The Guest User – Stanford Online High School, Redwood City, Calif.
The Heralds of Life, Love, and Creation – Shaler Area High School, Pittsburgh, Penn.
The Last of You – J Sterling Morton West High School, Berwyn, Ill.
The Locket – Louisville Collegiate School, Louisville, Ky.
The Magic of Putting Myself First – Pembroke Hill School, Kansas City, Mo.
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Crisis – Rocky Mountain High School, Fort Collins, Colo.
The Negative Effects of Social Media on Teens – Marblehead High School, Marblehead, Mass.
The Perfect Romance Novel – Albuquerque Academy, Albuquerque, N.M.
The Problem With The American School System – Morris County School of Technology, Denville, N.J.
The Second Shift – West Covina High School, West Covina, Calif.
The Senior Song Debate: Navigating School Spirit and Social Responsibility – Dos Pueblos High School, Goleta, Calif.
The State Line Mob – The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, Columbus, Miss.
The Will of the Unconscious Mind – Sheyenne High School, West Fargo, N.D.
Things that Don't Make Sense – Fontbonne Hall Academy, Brooklyn, N.Y.
TikTok is a Problem – Robert G Cole High School, San Antonio, Texas
Toxic Masculinity! – Bishop Dwenger High School, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Unsung Lyrics – Carmel High School, Carmel, Calif.
VIDEO – 2023-04-25-01-51-49 – Edgemont Jr./Sr. High School, Scarsdale, N.Y.
Violet Migration Podcast – Open World Learning, Saint Paul, Minn.
VK Baller Podcast: Specialist vs. Swiss Army Knife – Morris County School of Technology, Denville, N.J.
Washed Away – Morgan County High School, West Liberty, Ky.
We Need Rap – Oyler Community Learning Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
What Even Is Confidence? – The Bush School, Seattle, Wash.
What is a woman? – Kauai High School, Lihue, Hawaii
What Is Home? – The Bush School, Seattle, Wash.
What Makes a Suburb a Good Place to Live? – The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, Columbus, Miss.
What We Are and What We Were – Morris County School of Technology, Denville, N.J.
When We See Ourselves – Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Aurora, Ill.
Why Are You So Distracted? – Herbert Hoover High School, San Diego, Calif.
Why Is Dance So Important To Me? – The Bush School, Seattle, Wash.
Wintle And Chippa – Weber High School, Ogden, Utah
Woolly Mammoth Meatballs – Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, Calif.
Xavier Podcast – AmTech Career Academy, Amarillo, Texas
Yin Yang – Yerba Buena High School, San Jose, Calif.
Your Mom Added Me On Snapchat – The Morris County School of Technology, Denville, N.J.
Zoe's Podcast – Tennessee High School, Bristol, Tenn.
Thanks again to students, teachers and mentors for being a part of our annual contest! Please share your experience, send us photos and give us feedback at studentpodcastchcallenge@npr.org.
And, if you haven't already, subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with author C.K. Chau about her new book, Good Fortune — a Pride and Prejudice retelling with some delicious twists set in Chinatown in New York City during the early 2000s.
Copyright 2023 NPR
NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with author C.K. Chau about her new book, Good Fortune — a Pride and Prejudice retelling with some delicious twists set in Chinatown in New York City during the early 2000s.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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Climate change has been an important issue for President Joe Biden since the beginning of his administration. And while a majority of Americans agree that we need to work to reduce global warming, the partisan divide surrounding climate change is growing.
"I don't think anybody can deny the impact of climate change anymore," Biden said during a press conference on extreme heat.
Amid a sizzling hot summer, Biden announced new actions to combat extreme heat and drought. It comes as Americans across the country are feeling first-hand evidence of the changing climate.
"All of these kinds of events are really starting to literally hit home. And many Americans are starting to go, 'Oh my God, this isn't distant in time and space. This is happening right now. And we need to act,'" said Anthony Leiserowitz, the director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication.
SEE MORE: Extreme heat expected to be costly, especially in Texas
According to polling from the Pew Research Center,a majority of Americans, 54%, think climate change is a major threat, but there's also a stark partisan divide. Over last 15 years, the percent of Democrats who say climate change is a major threat has gone up, while that answer went down among Republicans.
That partisan impact means politicians aren't the best messengers for climate change. But experts say new voices are stepping up to raise alarm about the warming planet in an impactful way.
"We're now seeing doctors and nurses talking about how climate change is showing up in their emergency room and in the waiting room. We're hearing from faith leaders saying our religion, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, all of these major leaders have said climate change is a fundamental moral issue that we must address as religious people," said Leiserowitz.
Local meteorologists can be some of the most effective messengers for climate change, and the White House appears to recognize that. The vice president's office has reached out to local weather forecasters to start a discussion on best practices for talking about climate change and its impact.
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com
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| 2023-07-31T22:22:20
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The last two decades have brought unimaginable change at the Journal Star — enormous digital growth, development of new businesses and a new, state-of-the-art office in the Telegraph District to name a few.
Today, I write about another change, a more personal one. After 20 years at the Journal Star, I have decided it is time to embark on new adventures in my life, focused on family and new challenges. I know firsthand how exciting and vibrant Lincoln’s business community is, and I am eager to help foster it, perhaps in a new way.
Over my career, I have had a front-row seat to watch our community grow. Moreover, I have had a first-class team at the Journal Star to report on and help shape that growth – sometimes through news coverage, sometimes, one business at a time, through our range of advertising solutions.
I leave with great pride in our dedication to accuracy and integrity, which have been two constants amid all the other changes. I am grateful for the chance I have had to lead and learn from this staff, and I am grateful for the window into our community that my membership in various community causes has afforded me.
The foundation of what we do in both news and advertising is to help people and businesses navigate their own changing world. As president — and before that in other leadership roles — I have helped steer a number of rewarding projects — building an events arm of our business, including the creation of our Inspire program; celebrating both women and young leaders in our community; launching many new digital initiatives and products; and helping, as part of our growing video efforts, to launch the Daily Minute, a five-days-a-week summary of local headlines.
The Journal Star has been a labor of love for me, and I am grateful for the unwavering support of our readers and clients throughout this journey. Your commitment to staying informed and engaged with the issues that shape our community has driven our growth and success. Our audience across all platforms is larger than ever, and digital subscriptions and e-edition readership are growing particularly rapidly.
So in parting, I express my deepest gratitude to our readers for your support and your feedback, to our advertisers, for making us part of your business’ success story, and to my co-workers, who embody the highest professional standards.
This decision did not come easily, but it is with immense joy that I embrace the opportunity to spend more time with my two girls and to focus on my next professional chapter. I am passionate about this amazing community and will continue to give my time, talent and treasure to help make Lincoln stronger, however and wherever I can.
And, of course, I'll remain a loyal Journal Star subscriber.
Photos: Nebraska football hosts annual Fan Day event
Natalia Wiita is president of the Lincoln Journal Star.
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https://journalstar.com/news/local/letter-from-the-journal-star-president-moving-on-with-hope-gratitude/article_c0edc828-2fbe-11ee-9e7a-1ba9dc454893.html
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"Find me waterfront homes in central Minnesota."
The future is here in real estate, with a little help from ChatGPT artificial intelligence. Zillow, the real estate information site, is partnering with the AI app to allow users ask conversational questions about specific property listings. Users can also share the types of for-sale and rental homes they are interested in, including details like location and price range, and get results back from the app.
Much like how the internet changed how real estate is marketed and sold, AI is now transforming the home buying experience. The newAI real estate pluginretrieves relevant information from Zillow's database of real estate listings when asked a question.
The plugin became available to a select number of ChatGPT users in May, before it rolled out more widely. Plugins are software additions that allow for the customization of computer programs, apps, and web browsers, as well as the customization of the content offered by websites.
"Generative AI is changing the way people search for information,” David Beitel, chief technology officer at Zillow, said in a statement. “We've been embracing AI and machine learning starting with the Zestimate in 2006, and later introducing personalized recommendations and natural language search — which means we're well-equipped to help customers search and find homes in this new way."
But is new technology the solution to find homes? Megan Fox, an agent at Compass Real Estate in New Jersey, said in this competitive market with inventory being extremely low, a local real estate expert is critical in helping navigate the process.
“AI is great for certain things, but a local agent is crucial for getting to know the area,” Fox said. “Our kids go to school here, we know the restaurants, the neighborhood.”
Paul Reddam, of Homesville Realty Group with Compass in Austin, Texas, said that it’s important to have the best technology and tools available to efficiently manage the home search process. One of his favorite AI tools is the likely-to-sell feature that Compass agents use. Likely-to-sell recommendations help agents in engaging with the right contacts — people in the area who have the highest likelihood of selling their homes in the next 12 months.
SEE MORE: Young buyers weigh options as they struggle to afford today's housing
The AI tool Zillow is offering through ChatGPT allows home buyers and sellers to connect their real estate needs: buying, selling, financing and renting. Using natural language search queries, the tool helps buyers find exactly what they’re looking for.
Other AI features that Zillow recently added include AI generated floor plans for listed homes.
The Zillow ChatGPT plugin is currently building its data, allowing Zillow to refine the user experience based on user interactions. OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, has put in safeguards to minimize inaccuracies and prevent inappropriate responses.
Digital tools are great for navigating the home search process, Fox said. But she added they are best when used with guidance from a local real estate agent who can decipher nuances of the market.
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com
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This article was written by a human.
That's worth mentioning because it's no longer something you can just assume. Artificial intelligence that can mimic conversation, whether written or spoken, has been in the news a lot this year, delighting some members of the public while worrying educators, politicians, the World Health Organization, and even some of the people developing AI technology.
Misuse of AI is part of what actors and writers are striking about in Hollywood, and the threat of AI is something Hollywood was imagining long before it was real.
In 1968, for instance, the year before humans first set foot on the moon — and a time when astronauts still used pencils and slide rules to calculate re-entry trajectories because their space capsules had less computing power than a digital watch has today — Stanley Kubrick introduced movie audiences to a sentient HAL-9000 computer in 2001: A Space Odyssey.
HAL (for Heuristically Programmed Algorithmic Computer) introduced itself early in the film by saying, "No 9000 computer has ever made a mistake or distorted information. We are all, by any practical definition of the words, foolproof and incapable of error."
'Open the pod bay door, HAL'
So why was HAL acting so strangely? He (it?) was responsible for maintaining all aspects of a months-long space flight, ferrying astronauts to the moons of Jupiter. Programmed to run the mission flawlessly, the computer's behavior had become alarming, and two of the astronauts had decided to shut down some of its functions. Their plan was short-circuited when HAL, lip-reading a conversation they'd managed to keep him from hearing, cast one of them adrift while he was outside the ship repairing an antenna and refused to let the other back on board.
"Open the pod bay door, HAL" became one of the most quoted film lines of the decade when the computer responded, "I'm sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that. This mission is too important for me to allow you to jeopardize it."
It's hard to articulate what a genuine shock this was for 1960s movie audiences. There'd been films with, say, robots causing havoc, but they were generally robots doing someone else's bidding. Movie robots, at that point, were about brawn, not brain.
And anyway, malevolent robot stories were precisely the sort of B-movie silliness Kubrick was trying to avoid. So his intelligent machine simply observed (with an unblinking red eye) and, when addressed directly, spoke with a calm, modulated voice, not unlike the one that would be adopted four decades later by Siri and Alexa.
Darwin Among the Machines
Earlier literary notions of "artificial" intelligence — and there were not a lot of them at that point — hadn't really caught the public's imagination. Samuel Butler's 1863 article Darwin Among the Machines, is generally thought to be the origin of this species of writing, and it mostly just notes that while humankind invented machines to assist us — and remember, a really sophisticated machine in 1863 was the steam locomotive — we were increasingly assisting them: tending, fueling, repairing.
Over tens of thousands of years, Butler wondered, might humans not evolve in much the same way Darwin's study of natural selection had just established the rest of the plant and animal kingdoms do, to the point that we would become dependent on our devices?
But even when he incorporated that idea a decade later into a satirical novel called Erewhon, expounding for several chapters on self-replicating machines, Butler barely touched on the notion that those machines would develop consciousness. And neither did the influential 19th-century science fiction writers who followed him. H.G. Wells and Jules Verne invented plenty of unorthodox devices as they sent characters to the center of the Earth, and into space and the recesses of time, without ever considering that those devices might want to do things on their own.
The term "artificial intelligence" wasn't even coined (by American computer scientist John McCarthy) until about a dozen years before Kubrick made his Space Odyssey. But HAL made an impression on the public where scientists had not. Within just a couple of years, movie computers didn't just want spaceship domination; in Colossus: The Forbin Project (1970), they wanted to take over the world.
Malignant machines gone viral
And then this notion of technology-run-wild, ran wild. A high school student played by Matthew Broderick nearly started World War III in WarGames (1983) when he thought he was hacking a computer company's website but accidentally challenged the Pentagon's defense network to a quick game of "global thermonuclear war." The problem, it soon became clear, was that no one told the defense network they were just "playing."
Elsewhere, mechanical men stopped being all-brawn and got a new dispensation to think for themselves, something fiction had granted them before Hollywood got around to it.
In the 1940s, sci-fi novelist Isaac Asimov came up with "Three Laws of Robotics" that would theoretically keep "independent" machines in line. When Asimov's story I, Robot, was turned into a film a half-century or so later, those laws should have reassured Will Smith as he stared down thousands of bots. But he had good reason to be skeptical; he was fighting a robot rebellion.
The Terminator movies effectively put all these themes on steroids — cyborgs in the service of a computerized, sentient, civil-defense network called Skynet, designed to function without any human input. A "Nuclear Fire" and three billion human deaths later, what was left of humanity was engaged in a war against the machines that has so far consumed six films, a TV series, a pair of web series, and innumerable games.
And nuclear blasts weren't necessary to make machine intelligence alarming, a fact cyberpunk-noir established definitively in Blade Runner with its "replicants," and in a Matrix series that reduced all of humanity to a mere power source for machines.
Hollywood's still fighting that vision. Who knows what "The Entity" wants in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning (presumably we'll find out next year in Part Two), but whatever it is, it won't bode well for humanity.
Hollywood concentrates on exploiting our fears — in the late 20th century, we worried about ceding control to technology. In the 21st century, we worry about losing control of technology.
It seems not to have occurred to Tinseltown that AI might do the things it's actually doing — make social media dangerous, or make undergrad writing courses unteachable, or screw up relationships by auto-completing incorrectly. None of those are terribly cinematic, so Hollywood concentrates on exploiting our fears — in the late 20th century, we worried about ceding control to technology. In the 21st century, we worry about losing control of technology.
Bring on the droids
Have there also been friendlier film visions of AI? Sure. George Lucas came up with lovable droids R2-D2 and C-3PO for Star Wars, and Pixar gave us Wall-E, a bot who was pluckily determined to clean up an entire planet we'd despoiled.
Spike Jonze's drama Her imagined a sentient, Siri-like personal assistant as a digital girlfriend. Star Trek's Data was not just a Next Generation android version of Mr. Spock, but also a sort of emotion-challenged Pinocchio.
And another Pinocchio — this one fashioned to stand the test of time — would have been Stanley Kubrick's own answer to the question he'd posed with HAL in 1968.
Kubrick labored for decades to hone the script for A.I. Artificial Intelligence, then just two years before he died, handed the project off to Steven Spielberg — the story of David, a robot child who has been programmed to love, and who ends up going beyond that programming.
"Until you were born," William Hurt's Professor Hobby told the bionic child he'd modeled on his own son, "robots didn't dream, robots didn't desire unless we told them what to want." The miracle, he went on, was that though David was engineered rather than born, he shared with humans "the ability to chase down our dreams...something no machine has ever done, until you."
That may not have been enough to make David a real boy, but it put a gentle face on what is perhaps our greatest fear about AI – that we are mortal, and it is not.
In the film, David outlives all of humanity, never growing up, never changing. And perhaps because he was played by Haley Joel Osment, or perhaps because Spielberg was calling the shots, or perhaps because the music swelled ... just so — it didn't feel the least bit threatening.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with trucker Alex Mai, who runs a YouTube Channel about trucking news, about how 30,000 workers are losing their jobs as the shipping company Yellow has shut down operations.
Copyright 2023 NPR
NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with trucker Alex Mai, who runs a YouTube Channel about trucking news, about how 30,000 workers are losing their jobs as the shipping company Yellow has shut down operations.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.wvia.org/news/news/business/2023-07-31/how-the-shutdown-of-transport-company-yellow-could-have-ripple-effects-for-truckers
| 2023-07-31T22:22:31
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The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Simplemost may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.
Malala Yousafzai is a Barbie Girl in the real world.
It may not sound like a quality connected with the 26-year-old activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner. However, the proof is in a post of a photo showing her and her husband, Asser Malik, in a movie theater’s promotional “Barbie Box” this past weekend.
Yousafzai shared a picture on her social media channels that echoed the movie’s cast announcements, which were set on a Barbie-packaging backdrop and included marketing blurbs (“This Barbie is a mermaid,” “This Barbie has a Nobel Prize in physics” or “He’s just Ken”) for each character. Yousafzai and Malik look relaxed and happy in their photo. But it’s the caption that makes this post social media perfection.
“This Barbie has a Nobel Prize He’s just Ken,” she wrote.
This Barbie has a Nobel Prize He’s just Ken pic.twitter.com/Ljbqdfpgfd
— Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) July 30, 2023
MORE: ‘Barbie’ is hitting the big screen, but is the movie meant for kids?
And how does this Barbie’s “Ken” feel about his new title?
Malik countered with a comment that will be familiar to anyone who has seen the movie — specifically Ken’s “I am Kenough” sweatshirt in the closing scenes.
I’m Kenough
— Asser Malik (@MalikAsser) July 30, 2023
“I’m Kenough,” he replied, clearly in on his wife’s joke.
The Twitter post has nearly 42 million views and is closing in on 1 million likes as of July 31.
In a longer post on her Instagram account, Yousafzai shared the couple’s reaction to the movie and explained that her joke was not meant as a jab against her beloved husband.
“We loved the movie. It was so funny and thoughtful ,” she wrote in her Instagram post. “I hope this caption doesn’t hurt all the Kens as much as the movie Ken.”
These viral social media posts are the latest images of the evolution of Malala Yousafzai since the world first got to know her in 2012 at age 15, when she was attacked on a school bus in her homeland of Pakistan for speaking out in favor of education rights for all people.
Following her attack, her family moved to England, where the young girl continued to advocate for gender equality in education. In 2013, she wrote “I Am Malala,” a best-selling book which, along with other writings and outreach, helped the teenager to become the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2014.
Since that time, Yousafzai launched the Malala Fund, graduated from Oxford University and continues to advocate for accessible education for everyone.
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Check out Simplemost for additional stories.
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| 2023-07-31T22:22:32
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With dangerously high temperatures across the country, hospitals are seeing more people with potentially deadly heat illness. A southern city is coping with what may be the new summer medical reality.
Copyright 2023 NPR
With dangerously high temperatures across the country, hospitals are seeing more people with potentially deadly heat illness. A southern city is coping with what may be the new summer medical reality.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.wvia.org/news/news/health/2023-07-31/a-new-summer-reality-hospitals-and-ers-see-more-parents-with-heat-related-illness
| 2023-07-31T22:22:34
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NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with actor Richard E. Grant about his memoir Pocketful of Happiness and how he has dealt with the grief of losing his wife to cancer after 38 years together.
Copyright 2023 NPR
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with actor Richard E. Grant about his memoir Pocketful of Happiness and how he has dealt with the grief of losing his wife to cancer after 38 years together.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.wvia.org/news/news/health/2023-07-31/after-losing-his-wife-richard-e-grant-has-found-a-daily-pocketful-of-happiness
| 2023-07-31T22:22:35
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X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has threatened to sue a group of independent researchers whose research documented an increase in hate speech on the site since it was purchased last year by Elon Musk.
An attorney representing the social media site wrote to the Center for Countering Digital Hate on July 20 threatening legal action over the nonprofit's research into hate speech and content moderation. The letter alleged that CCDH's research publications seem intended "to harm Twitter's business by driving advertisers away from the platform with incendiary claims."
Musk is a self-professed free speech absolutist who has welcomed back white supremacists and election deniers to the platform, which he renamed X earlier this month. But the billionaire has at times proven sensitive about critical speech directed at him or his companies.
The center is a nonprofit with offices in the U.S. and United Kingdom. It regularly publishes reports on hate speech, extremism or harmful behavior on social media platforms like X, TikTok or Facebook.
The organization has published several reports critical of Musk's leadership, detailing an increase in anti-LGBTQ hate speech as well as climate misinformation since his purchase. The letter from X's attorney cited one specific report from June that found the platform failed to remove neo-Nazi and anti-LGBTQ content from verified users that violated the platform's rules.
In the letter, attorney Alex Spiro questioned the expertise of the researchers and accused the center of trying to harm X's reputation. The letter also suggested, without evidence, that the center received funds from some of X's competitors, even though the center has also published critical reports about TikTok, Facebook and other large platforms.
SEE MORE: Twitter is now X, but hundreds of other X trademarks may cause issues
"CCDH intends to harm Twitter's business by driving advertisers away from the platform with incendiary claims," Spiro wrote, using the platform's former name.
Imran Ahmed, the center's founder and CEO, told the AP on Monday that his group has never received a similar response from any tech company, despite a history of studying the relationship between social media, hate speech and extremism. He said that typically, the targets of the center's criticism have responded by defending their work or promising to address any problems that have been identified.
Ahmed said he worried X's response to the center's work could have a chilling effect if it frightens other researchers away from studying the platform. He said he also worried that other industries could take note of the strategy.
"This is an unprecedented escalation by a social media company against independent researchers. Musk has just declared open war," Ahmed told the Associated Press. "If Musk succeeds in silencing us other researchers will be next in line."
Messages left with Spiro and X were not immediately returned Monday.
It's not the first time that Musk has fired back at critics. Last year, he suspended the accounts of several journalists who covered his takeover of Twitter. Another user was suspended for using publicly available flight data to track Musk's private plane; Musk had initially pledged to keep the user on the platform but later changed his mind, citing his personal safety. He also threatened to sue the user before allowing him back on the platform under certain restrictions.
He initially had promised that he would allow any speech on his platform that wasn't illegal. "I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter, because that is what free speech means," Musk wrote in a tweet last year.
X's recent threat of a lawsuit prompted concern from U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who said the billionaire was trying to use the threat of legal action to punish a nonprofit group trying to hold a powerful social media platform accountable.
"Instead of attacking them, he should be attacking the increasingly disturbing content on Twitter," Schiff said in a statement.
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com
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| 2023-07-31T22:22:39
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With dangerously high temperatures across the country, hospitals are seeing more people with potentially deadly heat illness. A southern city is coping with what may be the new summer medical reality.
Copyright 2023 NPR
With dangerously high temperatures across the country, hospitals are seeing more people with potentially deadly heat illness. A southern city is coping with what may be the new summer medical reality.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.kcbx.org/2023-07-31/a-new-summer-reality-hospitals-and-ers-see-more-parents-with-heat-related-illness
| 2023-07-31T22:22:42
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President Joe Biden has decided to keep U.S. Space Command headquarters in Colorado, overturning a last-ditch decision by the Trump administration to move it to Alabama and ending months of politically fueled debate, according to senior U.S. officials.
The officials said Biden was convinced by the head of Space Command, Gen. James Dickinson, who argued that moving his headquarters now would jeopardize military readiness. Dickinson's view, however, was in contrast to Air Force leadership, who studied the issue at length and determined that relocating to Huntsville, Alabama, was the right move.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the decision ahead of the announcement. The president, they said, believes that keeping the command in Colorado Springs would avoid a disruption in readiness that the move would cause, particularly as the U.S. races to compete with China in space. And they said Biden firmly believes that maintaining stability will help the military be better able to respond in space over the next decade.
Biden's decision is sure to enrage Alabama lawmakers and fuel accusations that abortion politics played a role in the choice. The location debate has become entangled in the ongoing battle between Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville and the Defense Department over the move to provide travel for troops seeking reproductive health care. Tuberville opposed the policy is blocking hundreds of military promotions in protest.
Formally created in August 2019, the command was temporarily based in Colorado, and Air Force and Space Force leaders initially recommended it stay there. In the final days of his presidency Donald Trump decided it should be based in Huntsville.
The change triggered a number of reviews.
SEE MORE: U.S. Space Command Is Reestablished After 17 Years
Proponents of keeping the command in Colorado have argued that moving it to Huntsville and creating a new headquarters would set back its progress at a time it needs to move quickly to be positioned to match China’s military space rise. And Colorado Springs is also home to the Air Force Academy, which now graduates Space Force guardians, and more than 24 military space missions, including three Space Force bases.
Huntsville, however, scored higher than Colorado Springs in a Government Accountability Office assessment of potential locations and has long been a home to some of earliest missiles used in the nation’s space programs, including the Saturn V rocket. It is home to the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command.According to officials, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, who ordered his own review of the matter, leaned toward Huntsville, while Dickinson was staunchly in favor of staying put.
The officials said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin presented both options to Biden.
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com
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| 2023-07-31T22:22:43
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HOWARD COUNTY — One woman died after a fatal crash in Howard County on Sunday night.
According to Howard County Sheriff's Office, reports of a two vehicle crash at CR 400 South and CR 650 West in Russiaville came in around 5:00 p.m.
Investigators found that a silver Ford Escape driven by William Gorman, 64, of Frankfort rear-end collided with a black Nissan Juke driven by Terry Tidler, 69, of Russiaville.
Gail Tidler, wife of Terry Gidler, was riding passenger in the black Nissan.
According to police, all three subjects were transported to the hospital with complaints of pain.
At 6:15 p.m., 62-year-old Gail Tidler was pronounced dead at the hospital.
This case remains under investigation by the Howard County Sheriff’s Office and Howard County Coroner’s Office.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Cpl. Myers at 765-614-3482 or to submitt a tip at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov.
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| 2023-07-31T22:22:45
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NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with actor Richard E. Grant about his memoir Pocketful of Happiness and how he has dealt with the grief of losing his wife to cancer after 38 years together.
Copyright 2023 NPR
NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks with actor Richard E. Grant about his memoir Pocketful of Happiness and how he has dealt with the grief of losing his wife to cancer after 38 years together.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.kcbx.org/2023-07-31/after-losing-his-wife-richard-e-grant-has-found-a-daily-pocketful-of-happiness
| 2023-07-31T22:22:48
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"Find me waterfront homes in central Minnesota."
The future is here in real estate, with a little help from ChatGPT artificial intelligence. Zillow, the real estate information site, is partnering with the AI app to allow users ask conversational questions about specific property listings. Users can also share the types of for-sale and rental homes they are interested in, including details like location and price range, and get results back from the app.
Much like how the internet changed how real estate is marketed and sold, AI is now transforming the home buying experience. The newAI real estate pluginretrieves relevant information from Zillow's database of real estate listings when asked a question.
The plugin became available to a select number of ChatGPT users in May, before it rolled out more widely. Plugins are software additions that allow for the customization of computer programs, apps, and web browsers, as well as the customization of the content offered by websites.
"Generative AI is changing the way people search for information,” David Beitel, chief technology officer at Zillow, said in a statement. “We've been embracing AI and machine learning starting with the Zestimate in 2006, and later introducing personalized recommendations and natural language search — which means we're well-equipped to help customers search and find homes in this new way."
But is new technology the solution to find homes? Megan Fox, an agent at Compass Real Estate in New Jersey, said in this competitive market with inventory being extremely low, a local real estate expert is critical in helping navigate the process.
“AI is great for certain things, but a local agent is crucial for getting to know the area,” Fox said. “Our kids go to school here, we know the restaurants, the neighborhood.”
Paul Reddam, of Homesville Realty Group with Compass in Austin, Texas, said that it’s important to have the best technology and tools available to efficiently manage the home search process. One of his favorite AI tools is the likely-to-sell feature that Compass agents use. Likely-to-sell recommendations help agents in engaging with the right contacts — people in the area who have the highest likelihood of selling their homes in the next 12 months.
SEE MORE: Young buyers weigh options as they struggle to afford today's housing
The AI tool Zillow is offering through ChatGPT allows home buyers and sellers to connect their real estate needs: buying, selling, financing and renting. Using natural language search queries, the tool helps buyers find exactly what they’re looking for.
Other AI features that Zillow recently added include AI generated floor plans for listed homes.
The Zillow ChatGPT plugin is currently building its data, allowing Zillow to refine the user experience based on user interactions. OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, has put in safeguards to minimize inaccuracies and prevent inappropriate responses.
Digital tools are great for navigating the home search process, Fox said. But she added they are best when used with guidance from a local real estate agent who can decipher nuances of the market.
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com
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These days, there are so many options to watch content online. A Forbes survey found 86% of people pay for more than one streaming service each month.
What if you were scrolling for something to watch on one of those streaming services, and half of the shows and movies were created by artificial intelligence?
Would you want to know which ones were, and which ones weren't?
This isn't a reality yet, but it's a possibility in our future and a big reason why both screenwriters and actors are on strike right now. They want to have rules and guidance surrounding artificial intelligence so they still have jobs in a decade.
Sachin Dharwadker is a Writers Guild of America screenwriter in Los Angeles. He’s written one tv show so far, and was in the final stages of developing his own show when the strike started.
"I think if you go out and ask anyone if they want to watch stuff written by AI or kind of spearheaded by AI, most of them would laugh at that," Dharwadker said. "Most of them would say, like, 'that sounds horrible.' When it comes down to it, I don't think people actually want to watch that. And that's ultimately the question that has to be answered."
Dharwadker says he hopes there will be strict cap on how AI can be used.
"There is not a viable path for it to have like anything more than a supporting role in what we do," Dharwadker said. "Writing is a very difficult profession, and it requires, if you want to make a good story about human experience, you have to be a human. I mean, you just can't be something else."
AI expert Chris Gomes Muffat is the founder of Promptify. It's a service that will soon let you design a template for AI to write a screenplay or novella.
He doesn't believe the need for screenwriters will disappear, but he thinks they will see a major shift in their career.
"I think they will be the one that will prompt the generative AI to produce the story," Muffat said. "And your ability to be a good writer will not be in producing the right content, but rather asking the right question."
Muffat says there will need to be rigorous testing for bias within the AI, but he thinks it will increase productivity.
He also thinks it will open up the screenwriting industry to more people.
"I can compete with Hollywood just because of the technology I have access to," Muffat said.
Whether AI becomes a huge part of the screenwriting experience or not, Dharwadker says he doesn't plan to use it.
In the meantime, while he waits for the unions and Hollywood industry to come to an agreement, he’s exploring other creative avenues to pay the bills like posting a Substack newsletter about the strike and movies he’s watching.
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https://www.wrtv.com/news/national/will-artificial-intelligence-take-away-the-need-for-screenwriters
| 2023-07-31T22:22:51
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Many public housing residents are especially vulnerable to extreme heat, but there's no federal requirement for air conditioning. That leaves cash-strapped local agencies struggling to provide it.
Copyright 2023 NPR
Many public housing residents are especially vulnerable to extreme heat, but there's no federal requirement for air conditioning. That leaves cash-strapped local agencies struggling to provide it.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.wvia.org/news/news/health/2023-07-31/getting-ac-to-residents-of-public-housing-where-extreme-heat-can-be-dangerous
| 2023-07-31T22:22:54
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https://www.wvia.org/news/news/health/2023-07-31/getting-ac-to-residents-of-public-housing-where-extreme-heat-can-be-dangerous
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DANVILLE, Ind.— A former student cheerleader has filed a lawsuit against the Danville Community School Corporation and two cheerleading coaches alleging the school district failed to address repeated bullying.
The ex-student, identified as M.S., filed the lawsuit in Hendricks Superior Court on July 26 against the Danville Community School Corporation, Danville Community High School head cheerleading coach Breanna Galliher, and Brooklyn Klug, DCHS assistant cheerleading coach.
The former cheerleader alleges she experienced “harassing, toxic and abusive treatment” by DCHS cheerleading coaches and cheerleaders while she was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team.
In April 2022, M.S. was the victim of “repeated cyberbullying” by two female varsity cheerleaders and she notified a relative, according to the lawsuit.
The relative notified Coach Galliher, but Galliher failed to report or investigate the online bullying allegations when they were first reported, the lawsuit alleged.
DCHS’s student handbook says allegations of bullying reported to a teacher or counselor should be forwarded to the school administration for further investigation.
In July 2022, M.S. reported directly to Coach Galliher that she was experiencing bullying from other cheerleaders, according to the lawsuit.
M.S. said the bullying had occurred for over a year, and “she didn’t know if she wanted to be alive because of the constant bullying,” read the lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges DCHS did an investigation but did not contact M.S. nor her parents for an interview or follow-up, which is in direct violation of the DCHS Bullying Policy.
“The parents of the bully and the targeted student(s) shall be notified on a regular, periodic basis of the progress and the findings of the investigation and of any remedial action that has been taken,” read the policy.
M.S.’s complaint also alleges other cheerleaders were also bullied by fellow teammates and the coaches themselves during the 2022-2023 competition season and that Coaches Galliher and Klug fostered a “bullying culture.”
WRTV Investigates spoke with Kathleen DeLaney, attorney for M.S.
She said her client left Danville schools and cheerleading as a result of the bullying.
“It's been a very difficult, emotional experience for her,” said DeLaney. “The biggest problem I think is the school district's failure to respond and handle appropriately when they're reported. In this situation, the bullying isn't just from other students but she's also experienced bullying from adult employees of the school district-- which is obviously a whole other level of improper behavior.”
The lawsuit also alleged coaches tried to find out who complained about them after they berated the cheerleaders in January 2023 after a game performance.
“Coaches Galliher and Klug pulled the team into a circle and instructed them to raise their hands, in front of their peers, ‘if you thought that what we said last week was just good coaching,’” read the lawsuit.
The only cheerleader who did not raise her hand was suspended from the team within 24 hours in retaliation for speaking up, in an effort to discourage other team members from doing the same, the lawsuit alleged.
The lawsuit alleges Coach Galliher posted a veiled threat to M.S. on the Danville Cheer Instagram account, which is controlled by the coaches.
Superintendent Dr. Tracey Shafter and the school board received an anonymous email about the alleged bullying on January 23, 2023.
Attorney Kathleen DeLaney said the school district seemed more concerned with finding out who reported the bullying than conducting an adequate investigation.
The principal questioned M.S. without her parent’s permission about her mental health, the lawsuit alleged.
“This seemed to be a targeted effort to determine which student complained about bullying,” read the lawsuit.
M.S. had to leave the team at the recommendation of her doctor due to her mental health.
At the end-of-year banquet, the coaches refused to acknowledge her participation as a JV cheerleader and instead made comments implying she was a “quitter” and “gave up.”
“The coaches have fostered a bullying dynamic between the JV and Varsity teams, and created an atmosphere that puts the young team members’ own physical and mental health and safety at risk,” read the lawsuit.
DeLaney hopes the lawsuit prompts the district to take action.
“We hope to get the school district's attention to get them to do what they're supposed to do— follow the law, follow the policies, and put an end to bullying-particularly by their own staff,” said DeLaney. “That's just incomprehensible and inexcusable."
WRTV Investigates emailed and called the Danville Community School Corporation for a response and we are still waiting to hear back.
We are also trying to reach the cheerleading coaches named in the lawsuit.
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https://www.wrtv.com/news/wrtv-investigates/ex-student-cheerleader-files-lawsuit-alleging-toxic-and-abusive-treatment-within-danville-schools
| 2023-07-31T22:22:54
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NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with author C.K. Chau about her new book, Good Fortune — a Pride and Prejudice retelling with some delicious twists set in Chinatown in New York City during the early 2000s.
Copyright 2023 NPR
NPR's Ailsa Chang talks with author C.K. Chau about her new book, Good Fortune — a Pride and Prejudice retelling with some delicious twists set in Chinatown in New York City during the early 2000s.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.kcbx.org/2023-07-31/c-k-chaus-take-on-pride-and-prejudice-takes-readers-to-2000s-new-york-chinatown
| 2023-07-31T22:22:55
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The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Simplemost may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.
Malala Yousafzai is a Barbie Girl in the real world.
It may not sound like a quality connected with the 26-year-old activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner. However, the proof is in a post of a photo showing her and her husband, Asser Malik, in a movie theater’s promotional “Barbie Box” this past weekend.
Yousafzai shared a picture on her social media channels that echoed the movie’s cast announcements, which were set on a Barbie-packaging backdrop and included marketing blurbs (“This Barbie is a mermaid,” “This Barbie has a Nobel Prize in physics” or “He’s just Ken”) for each character. Yousafzai and Malik look relaxed and happy in their photo. But it’s the caption that makes this post social media perfection.
“This Barbie has a Nobel Prize He’s just Ken,” she wrote.
This Barbie has a Nobel Prize He’s just Ken pic.twitter.com/Ljbqdfpgfd
— Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) July 30, 2023
MORE: ‘Barbie’ is hitting the big screen, but is the movie meant for kids?
And how does this Barbie’s “Ken” feel about his new title?
Malik countered with a comment that will be familiar to anyone who has seen the movie — specifically Ken’s “I am Kenough” sweatshirt in the closing scenes.
I’m Kenough
— Asser Malik (@MalikAsser) July 30, 2023
“I’m Kenough,” he replied, clearly in on his wife’s joke.
The Twitter post has nearly 42 million views and is closing in on 1 million likes as of July 31.
In a longer post on her Instagram account, Yousafzai shared the couple’s reaction to the movie and explained that her joke was not meant as a jab against her beloved husband.
“We loved the movie. It was so funny and thoughtful ,” she wrote in her Instagram post. “I hope this caption doesn’t hurt all the Kens as much as the movie Ken.”
These viral social media posts are the latest images of the evolution of Malala Yousafzai since the world first got to know her in 2012 at age 15, when she was attacked on a school bus in her homeland of Pakistan for speaking out in favor of education rights for all people.
Following her attack, her family moved to England, where the young girl continued to advocate for gender equality in education. In 2013, she wrote “I Am Malala,” a best-selling book which, along with other writings and outreach, helped the teenager to become the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2014.
Since that time, Yousafzai launched the Malala Fund, graduated from Oxford University and continues to advocate for accessible education for everyone.
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Check out Simplemost for additional stories.
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| 2023-07-31T22:22:56
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More U.S. shrimpers have sold their boats. Most Americans don't realize that the cheap, plentiful shrimp they buy in the market and order on pad thai is driving domestic shrimpers out of business.
Copyright 2023 NPR
More U.S. shrimpers have sold their boats. Most Americans don't realize that the cheap, plentiful shrimp they buy in the market and order on pad thai is driving domestic shrimpers out of business.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.wvia.org/news/news/npr-national/2023-07-31/demand-for-cheap-shrimp-is-driving-u-s-shrimpers-out-of-business
| 2023-07-31T22:23:00
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13-Year-old girl from the Fargo/Moorhead area drowns in Lake Julia north of Bemidji
Beltrami County, MN (Valley News Live) - A 13-year-old girl has died after she went under water and never resurfaced while swimming in Lake Julia near Bemidji.
The Beltrami County Sheriff’s office says a report came in around 5:02 p.m. Sunday, July 30, of a missing girl who had been swimming off of a pontoon. Officials say friends had attempted to locate the girl but were unsuccessful.
When officers arrived they learned the girl had just removed her life jacket and was on the ladder of the pontoon when she went under water and didn’t resurface. Deputies were assisted by other boaters until additional law enforcement arrived. The Lakes Dive Team was also requested to respond to the scene.
At 7:52 p.m. the dive team recovered the girls body in 23 feet of water. The girls body was transported to the Midwest Medical examiners office for an autopsy.
Officials say the girl was from the Fargo/Moorhead area and was visiting friends in the area. No further information or the identity of the victim will be released.
Copyright 2023 KVLY. All rights reserved.
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https://www.valleynewslive.com/2023/07/31/13-year-old-girl-fargomoorhead-area-drowns-lake-julia-north-bemidji/
| 2023-07-31T22:23:00
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More U.S. shrimpers have sold their boats. Most Americans don't realize that the cheap, plentiful shrimp they buy in the market and order on pad thai is driving domestic shrimpers out of business.
Copyright 2023 NPR
More U.S. shrimpers have sold their boats. Most Americans don't realize that the cheap, plentiful shrimp they buy in the market and order on pad thai is driving domestic shrimpers out of business.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.kcbx.org/2023-07-31/demand-for-cheap-shrimp-is-driving-u-s-shrimpers-out-of-business
| 2023-07-31T22:23:01
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WEST YELLOWSTONE — Buttermilk Trail right outside of West Yellowstone remains blocked off due to a woman who was attacked and killed by a grizzly bear just over a week ago. With bears being such a large part of the Yellowstone ecosystem, it's always important to remember how to be bear aware.
48-year-old Amie Adamson was running on Buttermilk Trail outside of West Yellowstone in the early morning hours of July 22 when she was mauled by a grizzly bear. Her body was discovered by another hiker. A reminder, according to Wildlife Biologist Randy Scarlett, is that healthy grizzly bears do not eat humans and the attack was defensive.
“It appears, based on the initial investigation, that it was a surprise encounter and that it was a defensive bear," says Scarlett. "It was a female with Cubs.”
Scarlett says bear traps were placed around the trail, but as of Monday morning, officials decided to pull the traps because the bear was not lingering in the area. The trail, however, still remains closed.
“There is a lot of use there and it's really great bear habitat. It's very moist, a lot of diverse food resources, things like that. So there are quite a few bears in that area,” says Scarlett. “People have had encounters with bears on that trail. It is a popular trail with ATVs and motorcycles, trail runners, hikers.”
Tut Fuentevilla, Education Department Curator at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, emphasizes the importance of being aware of your surroundings when recreating in bear territory.
Fuentevilla says, “The more we're encroaching on their area, then the fewer options that animal might feel like it has to respond to us. That can add stress to the animal, and the more stress, the more defensive an animal is.”
Fuentevilla says you should always carry bear spray in the woods, and know what times of day you’ll see the most bear activity, especially in the summer.
“They're most likely to be active and tend to concentrate their activity early morning and late evening when it's cool," says Fuentevilla. "Now, unfortunately, if we're looking to go out and recreate, a lot of times we want to do the same thing. But, in this area we should just be aware that that does mean that there is a greater risk of encountering wildlife at those early morning and late evening hours.”
Scarlett says the Buttermilk Trail area is expected to reopen in the near future, but officials still urge the public to be vigilant in the area after the closure is lifted.
RELATED: Fatal grizzly attack prompts FWP warning
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https://www.kbzk.com/news/local-news/buttermilk-trail-near-west-yellowstone-remains-closed-after-woman-killed-in-grizzly-bear-attack
| 2023-07-31T22:23:02
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NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks with Mahnaz Akbari, former commander of the Afghan military's Female Tactical Platoon, about the Afghan Adjustment Act.
Copyright 2023 NPR
NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks with Mahnaz Akbari, former commander of the Afghan military's Female Tactical Platoon, about the Afghan Adjustment Act.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.wvia.org/news/news/npr-national/2023-07-31/members-of-an-female-afghan-military-platoon-now-face-uncertain-fate-in-the-u-s
| 2023-07-31T22:23:06
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Many public housing residents are especially vulnerable to extreme heat, but there's no federal requirement for air conditioning. That leaves cash-strapped local agencies struggling to provide it.
Copyright 2023 NPR
Many public housing residents are especially vulnerable to extreme heat, but there's no federal requirement for air conditioning. That leaves cash-strapped local agencies struggling to provide it.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.kcbx.org/2023-07-31/getting-ac-to-residents-of-public-housing-where-extreme-heat-can-be-dangerous
| 2023-07-31T22:23:07
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https://www.kcbx.org/2023-07-31/getting-ac-to-residents-of-public-housing-where-extreme-heat-can-be-dangerous
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A Belgrade father and son are no strangers to the struggle they’ve both shared due to cleft lip and palate, but even so, they’re celebrating how far they’ve come and the challenges they’ve made it through.
“He’ll be okay,” said Brandon Taylor. “I know what he’s going to go through so I can help him.”
Brandon, Alisha, and their two-year-old son, Brantley reside in Belgrade.
“He’s rambunctious as you can tell, he loves climbing on things, and he absolutely loves cars,” said Brandon.
Brandon says it’s a life of leisure Brantley has earned.
“He’s had a busy two years,” said Brandon. “He’s already had three surgeries.”
During the first ultrasound, the Taylor’s were hit with news that would change their lives forever.
Brantley would be born with cleft lip and palate just like his dad.
“I was devastated,” said Brandon. “Knowing my own struggles growing up---I was bullied, I had poor speech, and I was always self-conscious of my face, so it was hard hearing that news.”
Knowing Brantley would need specialized care, the Taylor’s reached out to the Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
This is where they met Medical Director Dr. Gregory Allen.
The decision ended up being a lifesaver because Brantley was born three weeks early and was in the NICU in Billings for 32 days. During that time, Dr. Allen and the team at Children’s Colorado helped the family through issues like feeding.
“That was Brantley's biggest issue was learning to feed and gain weight,” said Dr. Allen.
At six months old, it was time for Brantley’s first surgery to repair his lip. His second surgery was for his palate. That’s when Dr. Allen found another issue.
“He had a specialized hearing test that confirmed he did have a significant hearing loss on both sides,” said Dr. Allen.
Now Brantley wears a cochlear implant to help him.
And even though Brantley has faced many struggles in his two years of life, Dr. Allan says his recovery has been inspiring.
“I think that’s one of the things that attracts me to the job is how well Brantley has done despite the challenges he’s faced,” said Dr. Allen.
“He even told us when they closed his palate, he had to stop and take a second look at his lip because he was like, ‘wow that came together really well’”, said Brandon.
Today, Brantley only needs to visit Dr. Allen once a year for a checkup.
“I just hope he can grow up and do whatever he wants to do in life with no limitations,” said Brantley.
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https://www.kbzk.com/news/local-news/cleft-lip-and-palate-belgrade-father-and-son-overcome-challenges-together
| 2023-07-31T22:23:08
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https://www.kbzk.com/news/local-news/cleft-lip-and-palate-belgrade-father-and-son-overcome-challenges-together
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Updated July 31, 2023 at 5:05 PM ET
A rising star in American cycling, 17-year-old Magnus White, has died after a driver hit him while he was cycling on the shoulder of a highway in his hometown of Boulder, Colo.
White had been preparing to head to Glasgow, Scotland, to compete in the Junior Men's Mountain Bike Cross-Country World Championships next week.
A member of USA Cycling's junior men's national team, White won the 2021 USA Cyclocross Junior Men's National Championship. He represented the U.S. in his first cyclocross world championship last year in Fayetteville, Ark., and competed in his second earlier this year in the Netherlands. (USA Cycling describes cyclocross as a combination of "road cycling, mountain biking and steeplechase.")
"Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the tragic loss of our beloved son, Magnus White," his parents Michael and Jill White said in a statement Monday.
"Magnus was dedicated to his family and friends and loved to surround them with laughter. He had an amazing smile that always lit up the room, bringing joy to those around him."
White's passion for cycling started at the age of two on a strider bike, they said, and he began racing at age 8. He grew up in Boulder and trained with Boulder Junior Cycling. He was also an avid skier and a committed student who aspired to attend business school, according to his website. He planned to graduate from high school a semester early so he could focus on international competition in spring 2024.
In addition to his parents, White is survived by his brother Eero. A family friend has set up a GoFundMe to support the family, USA Cycling confirms.
"Magnus was taken from us while doing what he loved most, riding his bike," writes Christine Lipson, the fundraiser's organizer.
"He began cycling when he was eight and quickly rose through the cycling ranks. Magnus's journey in cycling was driven by a tireless work ethic and a deep desire to achieve his personal best. He was proud to represent his community and country around the world," writes Lipson, whose son was a close friend and teammate of White's.
White was riding on the shoulder of Highway 119, known as the Diagonal, in Boulder on Saturday afternoon when he was hit by a 23-year-old woman driving a Toyota Matrix. The driver crossed from the right-hand lane onto the shoulder, striking White from behind before she crashed into a fence, according to an incident report from the Colorado State Patrol. White was transported to the hospital and pronounced dead. The car's driver was uninjured.
Neither drugs, alcohol nor excessive speed are suspected factors in the crash, according to the state patrol.
USA Cycling said in a statement Sunday that White was a rising star in off-road cycling and "his passion for cycling was evident through his racing and camaraderie with his teammates and local community."
"We offer our heartfelt condolences to the White family, his teammates, friends, and the Boulder community during this incredibly difficult time," the statement continued. "We ride for Magnus."
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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https://www.wvia.org/news/news/npr-national/2023-07-31/top-american-cyclist-magnus-white-17-dies-after-being-hit-by-a-car
| 2023-07-31T22:23:12
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NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks to security and counter-terrorism Asfandyar Mir about how instability in the Taliban's Afghanistan has spilled into Pakistan, after a suicide bombing that killed dozens.
Copyright 2023 NPR
NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks to security and counter-terrorism Asfandyar Mir about how instability in the Taliban's Afghanistan has spilled into Pakistan, after a suicide bombing that killed dozens.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.kcbx.org/2023-07-31/how-a-suicide-bombing-in-pakistan-shows-spillover-effect-from-talibans-afghanistan
| 2023-07-31T22:23:13
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These days, there are so many options to watch content online. A Forbes survey found 86% of people pay for more than one streaming service each month.
What if you were scrolling for something to watch on one of those streaming services, and half of the shows and movies were created by artificial intelligence?
Would you want to know which ones were, and which ones weren't?
This isn't a reality yet, but it's a possibility in our future and a big reason why both screenwriters and actors are on strike right now. They want to have rules and guidance surrounding artificial intelligence so they still have jobs in a decade.
Sachin Dharwadker is a Writers Guild of America screenwriter in Los Angeles. He’s written one tv show so far, and was in the final stages of developing his own show when the strike started.
"I think if you go out and ask anyone if they want to watch stuff written by AI or kind of spearheaded by AI, most of them would laugh at that," Dharwadker said. "Most of them would say, like, 'that sounds horrible.' When it comes down to it, I don't think people actually want to watch that. And that's ultimately the question that has to be answered."
Dharwadker says he hopes there will be strict cap on how AI can be used.
"There is not a viable path for it to have like anything more than a supporting role in what we do," Dharwadker said. "Writing is a very difficult profession, and it requires, if you want to make a good story about human experience, you have to be a human. I mean, you just can't be something else."
AI expert Chris Gomes Muffat is the founder of Promptify. It's a service that will soon let you design a template for AI to write a screenplay or novella.
He doesn't believe the need for screenwriters will disappear, but he thinks they will see a major shift in their career.
"I think they will be the one that will prompt the generative AI to produce the story," Muffat said. "And your ability to be a good writer will not be in producing the right content, but rather asking the right question."
Muffat says there will need to be rigorous testing for bias within the AI, but he thinks it will increase productivity.
He also thinks it will open up the screenwriting industry to more people.
"I can compete with Hollywood just because of the technology I have access to," Muffat said.
Whether AI becomes a huge part of the screenwriting experience or not, Dharwadker says he doesn't plan to use it.
In the meantime, while he waits for the unions and Hollywood industry to come to an agreement, he’s exploring other creative avenues to pay the bills like posting a Substack newsletter about the strike and movies he’s watching.
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https://www.kbzk.com/news/national/will-artificial-intelligence-take-away-the-need-for-screenwriters
| 2023-07-31T22:23:14
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https://www.kbzk.com/news/national/will-artificial-intelligence-take-away-the-need-for-screenwriters
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NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer catches up with professional soccer player Sam Mewis about the action going down at Women's World Cup. Mewis was a member of the U.S. team that won the World Cup in 2019.
Copyright 2023 NPR
NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer catches up with professional soccer player Sam Mewis about the action going down at Women's World Cup. Mewis was a member of the U.S. team that won the World Cup in 2019.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.wvia.org/news/news/npr-national/2023-07-31/unlikely-heroes-are-stepping-up-at-the-womens-world-cup
| 2023-07-31T22:23:18
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https://www.wvia.org/news/news/npr-national/2023-07-31/unlikely-heroes-are-stepping-up-at-the-womens-world-cup
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NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks with Mahnaz Akbari, former commander of the Afghan military's Female Tactical Platoon, about the Afghan Adjustment Act.
Copyright 2023 NPR
NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks with Mahnaz Akbari, former commander of the Afghan military's Female Tactical Platoon, about the Afghan Adjustment Act.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.kcbx.org/2023-07-31/members-of-an-female-afghan-military-platoon-now-face-uncertain-fate-in-the-u-s
| 2023-07-31T22:23:19
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https://www.kcbx.org/2023-07-31/members-of-an-female-afghan-military-platoon-now-face-uncertain-fate-in-the-u-s
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Donna Berdeen Erickson Edgreley passed away early Saturday morning July 29, 2023 at 86 years old.
Born in Staples, MN To Carroll and Marie Erickson, moved to Three Forks, MT in 1947 when her dad passed away. Three years after that they moved to Bozeman. Donna graduated from Gallatin County High School in 1956. She married James Edgerley in 1957. Together they had four children, Byron Edgerley, Carmen (Joseph) Edgerley-Dallal, Merrill (TimmieSue) Edgerley, and Mark (Connie) Edgerley.
Donna survived by her sister, Delores Barney and her brother-in-law, Don Barney; 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her husband, mother and father, two sisters, two grandsons, mother-in-law and three brothers-in-law.
Donna was well loved by family and friends. Known as the train lady with the O.R.W. Possum Trot Line (Old, Rusty, and wobbly) miniature train.
She was an actively involved member of the Bozeman United Methodist Church, Past Matron Eastern Star Lily of the Valley Chapter #4.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 2 from 4 to 6 P.M. at Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. Additional visitation will take place on Thursday, August 3 from 9 A.M. until 10 A.M. at Bozeman United Methodist Church. Service will begin at 10 A.M.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com
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https://www.kbzk.com/obituaries/obituary-donna-berdeen-erickson-edgreley
| 2023-07-31T22:23:20
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https://www.kbzk.com/obituaries/obituary-donna-berdeen-erickson-edgreley
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NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks to security and counter-terrorism Asfandyar Mir about how instability in the Taliban's Afghanistan has spilled into Pakistan, after a suicide bombing that killed dozens.
Copyright 2023 NPR
NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks to security and counter-terrorism Asfandyar Mir about how instability in the Taliban's Afghanistan has spilled into Pakistan, after a suicide bombing that killed dozens.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.wvia.org/news/news/politics/2023-07-31/how-a-suicide-bombing-in-pakistan-shows-spillover-effect-from-talibans-afghanistan
| 2023-07-31T22:23:25
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https://www.wvia.org/news/news/politics/2023-07-31/how-a-suicide-bombing-in-pakistan-shows-spillover-effect-from-talibans-afghanistan
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African leaders backed by the U.S. and France have given a week for coup leaders in Niger to step down and restore the democratically elected president.
Copyright 2023 NPR
African leaders backed by the U.S. and France have given a week for coup leaders in Niger to step down and restore the democratically elected president.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.kcbx.org/2023-07-31/u-s-france-and-african-leaders-give-coup-leaders-in-niger-one-week-to-step-down
| 2023-07-31T22:23:25
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https://www.kcbx.org/2023-07-31/u-s-france-and-african-leaders-give-coup-leaders-in-niger-one-week-to-step-down
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African leaders backed by the U.S. and France have given a week for coup leaders in Niger to step down and restore the democratically elected president.
Copyright 2023 NPR
African leaders backed by the U.S. and France have given a week for coup leaders in Niger to step down and restore the democratically elected president.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.wvia.org/news/news/politics/2023-07-31/u-s-france-and-african-leaders-give-coup-leaders-in-niger-one-week-to-step-down
| 2023-07-31T22:23:31
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https://www.wvia.org/news/news/politics/2023-07-31/u-s-france-and-african-leaders-give-coup-leaders-in-niger-one-week-to-step-down
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NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer catches up with professional soccer player Sam Mewis about the action going down at Women's World Cup. Mewis was a member of the U.S. team that won the World Cup in 2019.
Copyright 2023 NPR
NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer catches up with professional soccer player Sam Mewis about the action going down at Women's World Cup. Mewis was a member of the U.S. team that won the World Cup in 2019.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.kcbx.org/2023-07-31/unlikely-heroes-are-stepping-up-at-the-womens-world-cup
| 2023-07-31T22:23:31
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https://www.kcbx.org/2023-07-31/unlikely-heroes-are-stepping-up-at-the-womens-world-cup
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Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. Rep. Will Hurd talks with NPR Politics Podcast co-hosts about why he thinks Trump is vulnerable.
Copyright 2023 NPR
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. Rep. Will Hurd talks with NPR Politics Podcast co-hosts about why he thinks Trump is vulnerable.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.wvia.org/news/news/politics/2023-07-31/white-house-hopeful-and-former-congressman-will-hurd-on-the-race-to-dethrone-trump
| 2023-07-31T22:23:37
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https://www.wvia.org/news/news/politics/2023-07-31/white-house-hopeful-and-former-congressman-will-hurd-on-the-race-to-dethrone-trump
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Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. Rep. Will Hurd talks with NPR Politics Podcast co-hosts about why he thinks Trump is vulnerable.
Copyright 2023 NPR
Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. Rep. Will Hurd talks with NPR Politics Podcast co-hosts about why he thinks Trump is vulnerable.
Copyright 2023 NPR
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https://www.kcbx.org/2023-07-31/white-house-hopeful-and-former-congressman-will-hurd-on-the-race-to-dethrone-trump
| 2023-07-31T22:23:37
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https://www.kcbx.org/2023-07-31/white-house-hopeful-and-former-congressman-will-hurd-on-the-race-to-dethrone-trump
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