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HOUSTON — Nearly 300 Houston-area defendants were ordered released after a computer glitch prevented them from getting an initial court hearing within the time period required by state law, according to officials.
The computer system that is used by all law enforcement agencies in Harris County, where Houston is located, to file charges with prosecutors crashed on March 24 and was down for about a couple of days, according to the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
Under Texas law, defendants are generally not to be held for processing for more than 24 hours in misdemeanor cases and 48 hours in felony cases. The glitch prevented defendants from appearing before a magistrate judge for a probable cause hearing within these time periods.
The public defender's office filed motions to have the defendants released because they weren't appearing before magistrate judges within the required time period. The motions were granted. Most of the defendants released had been arrested on nonviolent charges.
In a letter to local law enforcement agencies, the district attorney's office said that officers will need to refile charges and some individuals might need to be rearrested. It's unclear how many cases will need to be refiled.
The Houston Chronicle reported the outage happened after a required system update and that Rick Noriega of Harris County Universal Services, the agency that handles technical issues for the county, described the outage as "minimal."
Officials say this was the fifth time the system had crashed since August.
"The safety of the public, security of our criminal justice system and efficiency of our courts demand that the county give Universal Services the resources to fix this and ensure it never happens again," said Dane Schiller, a spokesman for the district attorney's office.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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https://www.klcc.org/npr-news/2022-04-01/nearly-300-texas-defendants-were-released-after-a-computer-glitch-delayed-hearings
| 2022-04-01T13:20:28
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Matthew Gilbert (right) and Abigail Vipperman, regulatory specialists with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District’s regulatory division, pose for a photo while visiting a South Park Township project in Pennsylvania, March 29, 2022. Part of the role of the regulatory office is to serve the region by collecting baseline assessments on aquatic resources associated with construction and development permit projects to help minimize adverse impacts on waters of the U.S. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District photo by Michel Sauret)
This work, Regulatory division protects water streams for Pittsburgh District [Image 7 of 7], by Michel Sauret, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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| 2022-04-01T13:21:12
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The piña colada was — along with such lampshade-on-head-at-office-party stalwarts as the tequila sunrise, mudslide and grasshopper — left behind during the early stages of the 21st-century cocktail renaissance.
It just didn’t fit with what those of us going to craft cocktail bars wanted. We had ideas about the right and wrong ways to drink. We fetishized fernet and single-village mezcal and bonded rye. Prefab mixes were out. Fresh ingredients were in. Blenders and hurricane glasses were out. Mixing tins and coupes were in.
The piña colada isn’t strong-and-stirred. It doesn’t contain challenging or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s sticky, sweet and resolutely uncool. Our parents drank it. So we weren’t gonna.
But the thing about establishing a right-way-wrong-way dichotomy is that it can become blinding. I’m not saying the craft cocktail movement was misguided necessarily — drink culture had to be torn down to be rebuilt — I am saying maybe it’s time to lighten up a bit. It’s time to acknowledge that it’s OK to like both a Sazerac and a piña colada.
That’s what you see your less dogmatic craft bars and bartenders doing these days. Instead of rejecting all of the declasse drinks from the dark ages (1950s through 1970s), they’re reclaiming them. They’re applying some of this century’s methods — fresh rather than canned juices, for instance — to re-engineered versions of the old recipes.
I had a piña colada at Rumba in Seattle last month and, far from cloying, it was somehow both rich and fresh-tasting. The key, as far as I could tell, was in the addition of lime juice and the use of house-made coconut cream rather than the still-standard Coco Lopez canned brand.
I spent last weekend trying to dial-in my own version. I made my own coconut cream (see note below), but I also tried the drink with Coco Lopez and with coconut ice cream. I messed around with ingredient ratios and a few different rums. I did them with and without lime juice. And I ended up with a recipe that works for me.
The homemade coconut cream definitely won out, though I didn’t find the Coco Lopez as distasteful as I’d expected. (Jim Meehan says it “looks and tastes like suntan lotion”; I wouldn’t go that far.) The versions with lime, not a canonical piña colada ingredient, were far superior. As for rum, I preferred the less funky ones for this. Save your Smith & Cross or Wray & Nephew for other drinks. I landed on a 50-50 mix of Plantation 3 Star and the 8-year-old Bacardi Reserve Ocho.
My take on the drink probably still wouldn’t win over the most strident of the Serious Drink People, but that’s fine. They’re not invited to my piña colada party this summer anyway. It’s more fun without them.
Piña colada
2 ounces rum (3 ounces if you’re home for the night and really feeling it)
1 1/2 ounces coconut cream
1 1/2 ounces fresh, unsweetened pineapple juice
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
6-8 ounces crushed ice
Add all ingredients to blender. Blend on high until smooth. Pour into a big ol’ glass; straw optional.
Homemade coconut cream
1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
1 3/4 cups white sugar
Pinch of salt
Combine all ingredients in saucepan over low heat. Stir until sugar is fully dissolved. Cool and store in refrigerator for up to a week.
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https://www.yakimaherald.com/explore_yakima/food_and_drink/on-the-bar-lighten-up-try-a-pina-colada/article_38c1afac-0404-5382-a3e5-54f3a9ef3702.html
| 2022-04-01T13:27:22
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Roundabouts, significant changes to U.S. Highway 12 and 40th Avenue intersections, and building a wider road with curbs, gutters and sidewalks are among the solutions proposed to solve the traffic crunch on West Powerhouse Road on the northwest border of Yakima.
The state Department of Transportation, city of Yakima, Yakima County and the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments are conducting an online open house to receive feedback on dozens of proposed solutions for traffic in the area. Comments will be accepted through April 11; to participate, visit engage/wsdot.wa.gov and select “West Powerhouse Road” from the online open house choices.
Summer Derrey, regional spokesperson for WSDOT, said the 2.5-mile stretch of West Powerhouse Road from the Old Naches Highway/U.S. 12 intersection in Gleed to the 40th Avenue intersection near Fred Meyer in Yakima is a rural, two-lane road that has seen major increases in traffic and surrounding development in the past 20-plus years.
“It has minimal to no sidewalk or shoulders and substandard intersections,” Derrey said of West Powerhouse Road. “During peak commute periods, congestion affects local traffic in Yakima and U.S. 12.”
This stretch of West Powerhouse Road parallels U.S. 12 and connects west Yakima shopping centers to adjacent residential areas and the growing areas of Cowiche Canyon, Naches Heights and Gleed. Despite this, Derrey said there have been no major upgrades to the corridor in recent memory.
WSDOT’s most recent traffic counts from 2020 show average daily traffic volume of 19,000 vehicles on U.S. 12 between the Ackley Road intersection and the 40th Avenue interchange. Derrey noted that 2020 traffic volumes are likely lower than current levels due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions during most of the year.
An estimated 24,000 vehicles went through the 40th Avenue intersections with Fruitvale Boulevard and West Powerhouse Road each day in 2021, according to WSDOT statistics, with 10,000 vehicles observed each day on Powerhouse at 40th Avenue and about 7,500 vehicles daily at Pecks Canyon Road.
“As the area grows and more development of the area occurs, congestion and safety concerns are expected to continue unless addressed,” she added.
Survey results
Prior to scheduling the online open house, WSDOT asked Yakima-area residents to participate in an online survey to provide input on West Powerhouse Road and surrounding areas.
More than 1,000 responses were collected in the July 2021 survey, and when asked to identify the biggest issue, significant majorities — 74% and 66% — said improving Powerhouse Road for cars and improving its intersections were most important (respondents were allowed to select multiple answers to the survey questions).
Another area receiving significant support was providing space for pedestrians and bicycles. “Add sidewalks” was chosen by 32% of respondents; “separated trail for bikers and walkers,” 31%; and “add bike lanes,” 26%.
When asked which intersection created the most concern, nearly half (49%) of respondents chose the Cowiche Canyon Road/Ackley Road area of West Powerhouse Road, and the nearby U.S. 12-Ackley Road intersection received a 43% response.
Close behind were two traffic signal-controlled intersections, 40th Avenue and West Powerhouse Road (41%) and U.S. 12 and Old Naches Highway (39%), where West Powerhouse Road ends. The Pecks Canyon Road and South Naches Road intersections received 18% and 10% of responses.
The survey found 40th Avenue (69%), West Powerhouse Road (57%) and U.S. 12/Old Naches Highway (49%) as the most-used roadways in the area, and an overwhelming number of respondents (92%) said they drive alone in their cars on West Powerhouse Road. Other choices, including bikes, motorcycles, walking and semi/delivery trucks, were chosen by 13% or less respondents.
Finally, the survey found a wide range of reasons for using West Powerhouse Road. Shopping or running errands was the top choice (75% of responses), with “recreation or social” (56%), “I live nearby” (45%) and work (33%) among the other popular choices.
A complete list of survey results is available here.
Possible solutions and costs
The survey results were used to generate dozens of possible solutions, Derrey said; a complete list with maps of West Powerhouse Road and its intersection is available here.
Roundabouts that replace stop-sign controlled or traffic signal-controlled intersections are among the costliest solutions. There are nine among the list of proposals, including:
• Replace U.S. 12/W. Powerhouse Road/Old Naches Highway signalized intersection with a two-lane roundabout (at a cost of $3.7 million-$4.9 million)
• Replace U.S. 12/Ackley Road intersection with a two-lane roundabout ($3.7 million-$4.9 million)
• Replace 40th Avenue/Fruitvale Boulevard signalized intersection with a two-lane roundabout ($4.4 million-$5.9 million)
• Replace 40th Avenue/W. Powerhouse Road signalized intersection with a two-lane roundabout ($4 million-$5.3 million)
• Construct compact single-lane roundabout in place of stop-controlled intersection at W. Powerhouse and Pecks Canyon roads ($980,000 to $1.3 million)
• Construct compact single-lane roundabout in place of stop-controlled intersection with left-turn lane at W. Powerhouse and S. Naches roads ($380,000-$510,000)
• Construct compact single-lane roundabouts in place of stop-controlled intersections of West Powerhouse Road with Ackley, Cowiche Canyon and Naches Heights roads (each $380,000-$510,000)
Other possible changes to intersections include eliminating or relocating the Ackley Road/U.S. 12 intersection, with the latter option costing between $1.6 million and $2.2 million; installing a traffic signal at the Naches Heights, Ackley and Powerhouse intersections ($680,000-$810,000); and construction of eastbound U.S. 12 acceleration and deceleration lanes at the Ackley Road intersection (up to $1.4 million).
Upgrading most or all of West Powerhouse Road from a rural two-lane road to a three-lane road with curb, gutter, sidewalk and bike lanes also is proposed, with costs ranging from $6.1 million to $9 million.
Finally, a variety of plans to extend or build sidewalks and bike lanes in the corridor are proposed, with costs ranging from $160,000 to $6 million.
WSDOT spokesperson Derrey said no decisions have been finalized and funding has not been secured for any solutions except the right-turn acceleration lane from Ackley Road to U.S. 12. Any other solution would need to apply for grants, she said.
A final solutions list is likely to be adopted in late spring or early summer, Derrey said.
Free Wi-Fi access is available for people who wish to participate in the online open house is available at the Yakima Library at 107 N. Third St. and the West Valley Library at 223 S. 72nd Ave.
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https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/no-getting-around-it-traffic-a-problem-on-west-powerhouse-road/article_ef11e7f9-4555-5de8-ae6d-0acc643b81b7.html
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Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has named 173 student civic leaders who will make up the organization’s 2022-2023 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows. Marquis Govan, an undergraduate student studying social work and sociology at Saint Louis University, will join students from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico to form the cohort. Govan currently is a community organizer and policy fellow with Action STL, a nonprofit policy-focused organization working to improve living conditions in St. Louis. On campus, Govan has leadership positions in the Resident Hall Association and the Student Government Association where he will serve as the incoming VP of diversity and inclusion.
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People on the Move
SLU’s Marquis Govan honored as Newman Civic Fellow
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| 2022-04-01T13:32:22
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers have moved to the brink of shaking hands on a scaled-back bipartisan compromise providing a fresh $10 billion to combat COVID-19, a deal that could set up final congressional approval next week.
The price tag was down from an earlier $15.6 billion agreement between the two parties that collapsed weeks ago after House Democrats rejected cutting unused pandemic aid to states to help pay for it. President Joe Biden requested $22.5 billion in early March. With leaders hoping to move the package through Congress quickly, the lowered cost seemed to reflect both parties’ calculations that agreeing soon to additional savings would be too hard.
The effort, which would finance steps like vaccines, treatments and tests, comes as Bidenand other Democrats have warned the government is running out of moneyto counter the pandemic. At the same time, the more transmissible omicron variant BA.2 has been spreading quickly in the U.S. and abroad.
“We’ve reached an agreement in principle on all the spending and all of the offsets,” Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, the lead Republican bargainer, told reporters Thursday, using Washington-speak for savings. “It’s entirely balanced by offsets.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and others were more circumspect.
“We are getting close to a final agreement that would garner bipartisan support,” Schumer said on the Senate floor. He said lawmakers were still finalizing the bill’s components and language, and awaiting a cost estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., chair of the Senate health committee and another bargainer, said, “I’m hoping,” when asked about Romney’s assessment.
Once clinched, an agreement would represent a semblance of bipartisan cooperation in battling the pandemic that dissolved a year ago, when a far larger, $1.9 trillion measure proposed by the new president cleared Congress with only Democratic votes. That bill was laden with spending to help struggling families, businesses and communities, while this one would be aimed exclusively at public health.
Many Republicans have been willing to go along with the new expenditures but have insisted on paying for them with unspent funds from previous bills Congress has enacted to address the pandemic.
Half the new measure’s $10 billion would be used for treatments, said Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who has helped negotiate the agreement. He said top federal health officials would be given wide discretion on spending the rest of it but it would include research and other steps for battling the disease, which has killed around 975,000 Americans and millions across the world.
Romney and others said savings the two parties had agreed to for the new bill would not include the cuts in state assistance that House Democrats opposed. He said some unused funds would be culled from another pandemic program that gives state and local governments funds for grants to local businesses.
Blunt said both sides had also agreed to savings that include pulling back an unspent $2.2 billion for aiding entertainment venues closed during the pandemic and more than $2 billion still available for assisting aviation manufacturing.
Romney said the $10 billion might include $1 billion for vaccines, treatments and other support for countries overseas. Blunt said that figure seemed unresolved. One third of the earlier, $15.6 billion measure had been slated to go abroad.
The lowered figure for assisting other countries encountered opposition in the House, where some Democrats wanted to boost the figure. Epidemiologists have cited the need to vaccinate more people around the world and reduce the virus’ opportunities for spinning off new variants.
“It’s a problem,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told reporters. “It’s a shame.”
Kate Bedingfield, White House communications director, said officials were “very hopeful” an agreement would be reached and prodded lawmakers to include funds to help other countries cope with the disease.
“We’re not going to be able to put this pandemic behind us until we stop the spread and proliferation of new variants globally,” Bedingfield said.
Leaders hope Congress can approve the legislation before lawmakers leave for a spring recess after next week.
Republicans have leverage in the Democratic-controlled, 50-50 Senate because 60 votes are needed to pass most major bills. Romney and Blunt both said they believed a finalized package they described would attract significantly more than the 10 GOP votes needed.
Since the pandemic began, Congress has approved more than $5 trillion to address the economic and health crises it produced. Only a small fraction of that has been for public health programs like vaccines.
In an interview earlier Thursday with Punchbowl News, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the measure’s price tag seemed to have fallen to $10 billion because Democrats weren’t agreeing to additional savings.
Minutes later, Schumer took to the Senate floor and mentioned no figures but suggested its size could fall.
“I’m pleading with my Republican colleagues, join us,” Schumer said. “We want more than you do, but we have to get something done. We have to get something done.”
Asked if he thought an agreement could be reached before lawmakers’ recess, McConnell said, “We’ll see. Hope so.”
___
Associated Press writer Zeke Miller contributed to this report.
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawmakers have moved to the brink of shaking hands on a scaled-back bipartisan compromise providing a fresh $10 billion to combat COVID-19, a deal that could set up final congressional approval next week.
The price tag was down from an earlier $15.6 billion agreement between the two parties that collapsed weeks ago after House Democrats rejected cutting unused pandemic aid to states to help pay for it. President Joe Biden requested $22.5 billion in early March. With leaders hoping to move the package through Congress quickly, the lowered cost seemed to reflect both parties’ calculations that agreeing soon to additional savings would be too hard.
The effort, which would finance steps like vaccines, treatments and tests, comes as Bidenand other Democrats have warned the government is running out of moneyto counter the pandemic. At the same time, the more transmissible omicron variant BA.2 has been spreading quickly in the U.S. and abroad.
“We’ve reached an agreement in principle on all the spending and all of the offsets,” Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, the lead Republican bargainer, told reporters Thursday, using Washington-speak for savings. “It’s entirely balanced by offsets.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and others were more circumspect.
“We are getting close to a final agreement that would garner bipartisan support,” Schumer said on the Senate floor. He said lawmakers were still finalizing the bill’s components and language, and awaiting a cost estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., chair of the Senate health committee and another bargainer, said, “I’m hoping,” when asked about Romney’s assessment.
Once clinched, an agreement would represent a semblance of bipartisan cooperation in battling the pandemic that dissolved a year ago, when a far larger, $1.9 trillion measure proposed by the new president cleared Congress with only Democratic votes. That bill was laden with spending to help struggling families, businesses and communities, while this one would be aimed exclusively at public health.
Many Republicans have been willing to go along with the new expenditures but have insisted on paying for them with unspent funds from previous bills Congress has enacted to address the pandemic.
Half the new measure’s $10 billion would be used for treatments, said Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who has helped negotiate the agreement. He said top federal health officials would be given wide discretion on spending the rest of it but it would include research and other steps for battling the disease, which has killed around 975,000 Americans and millions across the world.
Romney and others said savings the two parties had agreed to for the new bill would not include the cuts in state assistance that House Democrats opposed. He said some unused funds would be culled from another pandemic program that gives state and local governments funds for grants to local businesses.
Blunt said both sides had also agreed to savings that include pulling back an unspent $2.2 billion for aiding entertainment venues closed during the pandemic and more than $2 billion still available for assisting aviation manufacturing.
Romney said the $10 billion might include $1 billion for vaccines, treatments and other support for countries overseas. Blunt said that figure seemed unresolved. One third of the earlier, $15.6 billion measure had been slated to go abroad.
The lowered figure for assisting other countries encountered opposition in the House, where some Democrats wanted to boost the figure. Epidemiologists have cited the need to vaccinate more people around the world and reduce the virus’ opportunities for spinning off new variants.
“It’s a problem,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., told reporters. “It’s a shame.”
Kate Bedingfield, White House communications director, said officials were “very hopeful” an agreement would be reached and prodded lawmakers to include funds to help other countries cope with the disease.
“We’re not going to be able to put this pandemic behind us until we stop the spread and proliferation of new variants globally,” Bedingfield said.
Leaders hope Congress can approve the legislation before lawmakers leave for a spring recess after next week.
Republicans have leverage in the Democratic-controlled, 50-50 Senate because 60 votes are needed to pass most major bills. Romney and Blunt both said they believed a finalized package they described would attract significantly more than the 10 GOP votes needed.
Since the pandemic began, Congress has approved more than $5 trillion to address the economic and health crises it produced. Only a small fraction of that has been for public health programs like vaccines.
In an interview earlier Thursday with Punchbowl News, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the measure’s price tag seemed to have fallen to $10 billion because Democrats weren’t agreeing to additional savings.
Minutes later, Schumer took to the Senate floor and mentioned no figures but suggested its size could fall.
“I’m pleading with my Republican colleagues, join us,” Schumer said. “We want more than you do, but we have to get something done. We have to get something done.”
Asked if he thought an agreement could be reached before lawmakers’ recess, McConnell said, “We’ll see. Hope so.”
___
Associated Press writer Zeke Miller contributed to this report.
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DENVER (AP) — A federal jury’s $14 million award to Denver protesters hit with pepper balls and a bag filled with lead during 2020 demonstrations over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis could resonate nationwide as courts weigh more than two dozen similar lawsuits.
The jury found police used excessive force against protesters, violating their constitutional rights, and ordered the city of Denver to pay 12 who sued.
Nationwide, there are at least 29 pending lawsuits challenging law enforcement use of force during the 2020 protests, according to a search of the University of Michigan’s Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse.
The verdict in Denver could give cities an incentive to settle similar cases rather than risk going to trial and losing, said Michael J. Steinberg, a professor at the University of Michigan Law School and director of the Civil Rights Litigation Initiative. It could also prompt more protesters to sue over their treatment at the hands of police.
“There’s no doubt that the large jury verdict in Denver will influence the outcome of pending police misconduct cases brought by Black Lives Matter protesters across the country,” said Steinberg, whose law students have been working on a similar lawsuit brought by protesters in Detroit.
Lawyers for the claimants argued that police used indiscriminate force against the nonviolent protesters, including some who were filming the demonstrations, because officers did not like their message critical of law enforcement.
“To the protest of police violence they responded with brutality,” one of their attorneys, Timothy Macdonald, told jurors.
People who took part in the protests have already made similar allegations in lawsuits filed across the country.
In Washington, DC, activists and civil liberties groups sued over the forcible removal of protesters before then-President Donald Trump walked to a church near the White House for a photo op. The claims against federal officials were dismissed last year but a judge allowed the case against local police to continue.
Several lawsuits alleging protesters were wrongfully arrested or that police used excessive force have been filed against New York City and its police department, including one brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James that claims police used excessive force and wrongfully arrested protesters. In Rochester, New York, people who protested the death of Daniel Prude, a Black man who lost consciousness after being pinned to the street by officers during a mental health call in 2020, claim police used extreme force against them in a lawsuit that also alleges city officials have allowed a culture of police brutality against racial minorities to fester.
One of their attorneys, Donald Thompson, said he plans to raise the Denver award in settlement talks with the city and note that unlike most of the Denver protesters, some of his clients suffered lasting injuries including the loss of an eye and scarring from being hit in the face with a tear gas canister. Thompson also thinks the Denver verdict shows that the public, in the age of cellphone and body camera videos, is not as willing to give police the benefit of the doubt anymore.
“Now people see how this policing really works. You can’t be naïve,” he said.
A spokesperson for Rochester did not return a call and an email seeking comment. When the case was filed, the city said it had already revised the way police responds to protests.
Over the last two months, the city of Austin, Texas has agreed to pay a total of $13 million to four people who were hit in the head with bean bag rounds fired by police.
Even before the Denver ruling last week, the police department made some changes in response to criticism that arose from the protests, including eliminating the use of 40mm foam rounds for crowd control and changing the way officers are permitted to use pepper balls.
Denver’s Department of Public Safety, which includes the police department, said in a statement that the city was not prepared for the level of sustained violence and destruction. During the trial, lawyers and witnesses said over 80 officers were injured as some in the crowds hurled rocks, water bottles and canned food at them.
The department said it continues to evaluate its policies to “better protect peaceful protestors while addressing those who are only there to engage in violence.”
Still, the large award is not expected to lead to an overhaul of how officers respond to what experts say are inherently chaotic situations that are difficult to prepare for.
Ed Obayashi, a use-of-force consultant to law enforcement agencies and a deputy sheriff and legal adviser in Plumas County, California, said society may have to bear the cost of such settlements because innocent people can be injured during protests as outnumbered police try to react on the fly, including to people intent on violence.
“It really goes south in an instant because there are individuals out there who want to cause chaos,” he said.
Obayashi said there is not much police training for protests, which have been relatively rare. He said it would be prohibitively expensive to have officers practice deploying equipment such as tear gas canisters. Because projectiles used in crowds and considered “less lethal” by police, such as rubber bullets and pepper balls, have less velocity and less power to hurt people, it is harder to ensure they hit their intended target, he said.
Lawyers representing people who have also alleged police misconduct and violation of their constitutional right to protest can now use the Denver damage award as part of their own settlement negotiations, said Mark Silverstein, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, which represented some of the winning Denver protesters.
The decision came nearly two years after thousands of people angry about Floyd’s death took the streets nationwide, a relatively quick result for the legal system and soon enough for others who allege misconduct by police to file a claim. In Colorado and many other states, there is a two-year statute of limitations for such lawsuits Silverstein said, leaving only a few months for others to sue.
The city attorney’s office said it has not decided whether to appeal the verdict, but appeals in such big cases are common, said Gloria Browne-Marshall, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Outside lawyers will also scrutinize the case to try to determine if there are unique circumstances that may have led to a “lightning in a bottle” verdict that is less likely to be repeated.
However, she thinks the verdict sends a significant message that regular people respect the right of protest and demand change from the government, which she believes police and prosecutors have been undermining.
“It should send a message to both, but whether or not they listen is a different issue,” Browne-Marshall said.
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| 2022-04-01T13:42:22
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BERLIN (AP) — German prosecutors say they have charged a former German military reserve officer with spying for a Russian intelligence service for several years.
Federal prosecutors said Friday that the indictment against the suspect, identified only as Ralph G. in line with German privacy rules, was filed March 16 at the state court in Duesseldorf.
They said that, in addition to his position in the German military, the suspect was a member of several German business committees thanks to his civilian job. They didn’t elaborate.
The suspect allegedly was in contact with Russian intelligence “via various people” by October 2014 and passed on information connected to his military and business activities until March 2020.
Prosecutors said that included information on the German Bundeswehr’s reserves and on civilian-military cooperation, as well as insights on the effect of sanctions imposed against Russia in 2014 on Germany, the European Union, and on the now-suspended Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.
The suspect also allegedly provided his handlers with private contact details for high-ranking military and business officials. He also provided an “overview” of the security and defense policy of the U.S. and its Western allies, according to prosecutors.
In return for his efforts, he received invitations to Russian official events, they said.
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https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/germany-charges-ex-reserve-officer-with-spying-for-russia/
| 2022-04-01T13:42:55
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BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who has fostered close ties with Russia and refused to impose sanctions against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine, is expected to extend his almost 10-year grip on power in the Balkan country when it holds national elections on Sunday.
Polls predict that Vucic, a populist who has boasted about his personal ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, will win another five-year term as president. His right-wing Serbian Progressive Party also is expected to continue to dominate the country’s parliament.
But polls indicated a close local government race in the capital, Belgrade. A loss for Vucic’s party there could undermine his increasingly autocratic rule.
Most political parties taking part in the presidential, general and municipal elections lean right, reflecting the conservative stands prevalent among Serbia’s 6.5 million voters. But a new Green-left coalition campaigning on the need to tackle long-neglected environmental problems also is fielding candidates.
Opposition party officials say Russia’s war in Ukraine has only strengthened Vucic’s dominance of Serbian politics and the mainstream media. Soon after Russian tanks entered Ukraine, the president’s election slogan changed to “Peace. Stability. Vucic.”
“The war has diverted public attention from what is happening in Serbia and of course, with media support, enabled Vucic to blame the crisis for everything that is wrong in Serbia,” Dragan Djilas, a leader of the biggest opposition coalition United Serbia, said in an interview.
“Articles are published here every day about how a kilogram of bread costs 9 euros in Italy and Germany, how they have no fuel, how they will have food stamps and how great we are,” Djilas said. “People are scared, and it always suits the authorities because people say, ‘Let’s not change anything now.’”
Serbia, a traditional Russian ally, has rejected calls from the European Union and the United States to join in sanctions against Moscow, citing national interests. The country’s representative to the United Nations did vote in favor of a resolution condemning Moscow’s attack on Ukraine as a violation of international law.
Despite the Serbian government saying it is seeking EU membership, Vucic and his allies have refrained from condemning Russia over the invasion, a possible sign they want to avoid alienating pro-Russia voters ahead of Sunday’s election.
Much of the pro-Russia sentiments among Serbs comes from their hatred of NATO; the Western military alliance bombed the country in 1999 to stop a bloody Serb crackdown on ethnic Albanians seeking independence for Kosovo, a Serbian province at the time.
Former Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said that imposing sanctions on Russia would be tantamount to “political suicide” because Moscow has blocked U.N. membership for Kosovo which declared independence in 2008.
“If we are ready to give up Kosovo, then we can impose sanctions on Russia,” Dacic said. “But if we are not ready, then we cannot.”
Thousands of people in Serbia have turned out for pro-Putin rallies during the five-week invasion, waving Russian flags and displaying the letter Z – a symbol seen on Russian military vehicles in Ukraine. The support for Moscow makes Serbia somewhat of an outlier in Europe.
Opposition officials said that despite Vucic’s almost full control of the media and the pro-Russian narrative that has been created leading up to the elections, they expect a good result on Sunday.
“As far as we are concerned, the situation in Ukraine was very clear. It is about Russian aggression, and we immediately condemned it,” Dobrica Veselinovic, who is running for mayor of Belgrade as the candidate of the environmentalist We Must coalition.
Election polls predict Vucic will win the presidential election outright on Sunday. If he does not receive more that 50% of the vote, he would face an unpredictable runoff in two weeks, likely against opposition candidate Zdravko Ponos, a Western-educated former army general.
The election for National Assembly lawmakers was not scheduled until 2024, but Vucic called an early vote after criticism from the EU that Serbia’s 2020 election had not been free and fair. The opposition boycotted that election.
“I don’t see any difference between these elections and those two years ago,” political analyst Slobodan Stupar said. “A parliament will be formed in which Vucic will have fewer lawmakers than now. He will be able to tell Europe, ‘Yes, we are a democratic country. See how many enemies I have in parliament.'”
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Associated Press Writer Jovana Gec contributed.
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https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/in-serbia-pro-russia-is-seen-as-the-winning-election-stance/
| 2022-04-01T13:43:02
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said Thursday he won’t vote for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, expressing concerns about her record despite supporting her confirmation as an appeals court judge last year.
The South Carolina senator’s announcement had been expected after he criticized Jackson during her four days of hearings last week. But it gives Democrats one less Republican vote as they seek bipartisan backing for President Joe Biden’s pick to replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer.
Graham, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska were the only three Republicans to vote to confirm Jackson on the appeals court in 2021. Collins announced Wednesday that she’ll vote for Jackson’s Supreme Court nomination, as well, giving Democrats at least one GOP vote. Murkowski has said she’s still undecided.
A final confirmation vote is expected next week. Jackson would be the first Black woman on the high court in its more than 200-year history, and the sixth woman.
In a speech on the Senate floor, Graham said his decision is based partly on what he sees as a “flawed sentencing methodology regarding child pornography cases,” echoing a line of questioning by some Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee last week. Several senators, some eyeing a run for president, repeatedly asked her about her sentencing decisions in her nine years as a federal judge in an effort to paint her as too lenient on sex criminals.
Jackson told the committee that “nothing could be further from the truth” and explained her sentencing decisions in detail. She said some of the cases have given her nightmares and were “among the worst that I have seen.”
Democrats pointed to testimony last week by the chair of the American Bar Association committee that makes recommendations on federal judges. Ann Claire Williams, the head of that ABA panel, said the idea that Jackson is out of the mainstream on sentencing “never came up” in a review of more than 250 judges and lawyers. The review found Jackson and her record to be “outstanding, excellent, superior, superb,” Williams said.
Graham also mentioned Jackson’s her legal advocacy on behalf of terror suspects held at Guantanamo Bay more than a decade ago and her support from liberal groups. “After a thorough review of Judge Jackson’s record and information gained at the hearing from an evasive witness, I now know why Judge Jackson was the favorite of the radical left,” Graham said.
At the hearing, Graham also aired past grievances, asking Jackson about her religion and how often she goes to church — heated comments that he said were fair game after some Democratic questions about Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s Catholicism ahead of her confirmation hearings in 2020.
Graham’s “no” vote will be the first time he has voted against a Supreme Court nominee. He voted for President Barack Obama’s two picks, Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, and has often said that he believes a president’s nominees should win confirmation no matter the party. But he has become increasingly angry about the process in recent years, especially as Democrats enthusiastically opposed then-President Donald Trump’s three nominees. Graham has also expressed frustration that Biden didn’t pick the South Carolina judge he was pushing for the job.
“To my Democratic colleagues, I’ll work with you when I can, but this is a bridge too far,” Graham said.
Collins said Wednesday that she believes Jackson “possesses the experience, qualifications and integrity to serve as an associate justice on the Supreme Court.” She was the most likely Republican to support Jackson, and she also a history of voting for Supreme Court nominees picked by presidents of both parties.
It is unclear if any other GOP senators will vote for Jackson. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell set the tone last week when he said he “cannot and will not” support her, citing the GOP concerns raised in the hearing about her sentencing record and her support from liberal advocacy groups.
Jackson is still making the rounds in the Senate ahead of next week’s votes, doing customary meetings with Democratic and Republican senators. On Tuesday she met with Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, who said afterward that he was undecided about supporting her.
Romney said he had an “excellent meeting” and found Jackson to be intelligent, capable and charming. He said he probably won’t decide whether to vote for her until the day of the vote.
It is expected that all 50 Democrats will support her, though one notable moderate Democrat, Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, hasn’t yet said how she will vote.
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https://www.wspa.com/news/national/graham-says-hell-vote-no-on-jackson-for-supreme-court/
| 2022-04-01T13:52:40
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Naomi Osaka versus Iga Swiatek. This is the perfectly appropriate matchup – tantalizing in so many ways – to begin the post-Ashleigh Barty era.
Osaka, the former World No.1 and four-time major champion meets the 20-year-old player, a Grand Slam champion herself, who will ascend to No.1 on Monday, regardless of the result. The Miami Open final feels like the appetizer for a meal we’ll be enjoying for years.
They have met only once previously, in the third round of the Rogers Cup in Toronto, when Osaka was 21 and ranked No.2. She won a surprisingly difficult match 7-6 (4), 6-4 against an 18-year-old qualifier ranked No. 65 in the world.
Incredibly ready for Round 2 of this match-up 🍿
— wta (@WTA) April 1, 2022
Watch 𝟮𝟱 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 of highlights from the previous and only time @iga_swiatek & @naomiosaka have faced off so far 🤜🤛
“That was like my first night session on WTA,” Swiatek said. “These matches were important because I felt like I’m doing progress and I can actually compete against the best players, because in previous round I won against Caroline Wozniacki, which was also pretty cool.
Behind the Numbers: Swiatek vs. Osaka in the Miami Open final
“I felt like I have nothing to lose. That was really freeing.”
The stakes are far higher Saturday (1 p.m. ET) at Hard Rock Stadium. With the sudden retirement of Barty – was it really only 11 days ago? – there’s an opening at the top of the Hologic WTA rankings ladder. The winner here takes an important first step toward dominance.
Advantage, Swiatek
It’s difficult to process what’s happened over the past six weeks. Swiatek was ranked No.8 and working her way through the curious maze that is professional tennis. But with a controlled and concise 6-2, 7-5 semifinal victory over Jessica Pegula, Swiatek proved again she’s the currently playing better than anyone.
She’s won 16 consecutive matches, which is significant well beyond this extraordinary moment. This is the sixth-longest streak since 2010, a gaudy list headed by Serena Williams (34, in 2013), Victoria Azarenka (26, 2012) and Osaka (23, 2021). Winning titles in Doha and Indian Wells – the first two WTA 1000 tournaments of the season – is remarkable in itself. Taking the Miami Open would put Swiatek in an entirely different category.
For a number of reasons the Sunshine Double, winning the BNP Paribas Open and Miami Open back to back in the same year, is the rarest of feats. Only three women – Steffi Graf, Kim Clijsters and Azarenka – have done it. Swiatek would be the fourth and, significantly, the youngest. Here’s another jaw-dropping testament to her precocity: Swiatek is the only the fifth woman to reach the final of both Indian Wells and Miami before her 21st birthday, joining Monica Seles, Serena Williams, Martina Hingis and Maria Sharapova.
Let those names and their accomplishments wash over you for a moment. And there’s this for added context – last year Swiatek qualified for the WTA Finals in Guadalajara with 3,226 rankings points. Through three months this year her total is 3,570.
“I’m really proud, honestly,” Swiatek told reporters after defeating Pegula. “I mean, it’s kind of hard to catch up with everything. I try to use this streak as something positive and something that’s going to give me a kick, but yeah, it’s pretty weird situation that I’m in.”
Semifinal results: Osaka hits 18 aces, overcomes Bencic | Swiatek hold off Pegula
Alex points out correctly below that Osaka is a terrific competitor and (with 18 aces against Belinda Bencic in the semifinal) serving lights out, a nice combination. I would respectfully submit that Swiatek is a pretty gritty player herself. During this streak she’s beaten, among others, Aryna Sabalenka Maria Sakkai (twice), Anett Kontaveit and Simona Halep. She’s won 32 of 36 sets and 212 of 306 games.
Oh, and that Osaka serve, Alex? Swiatek is the only WTA player this year to win more than half of her return games. The last player to win 16 consecutive matches before Swiatek, excluding walkovers, is Osaka, going back to the 2020 US Open. Unlike the last time they met, Swiatek feels like she’s playing on a level field.
“I can win these kind of matches and be that kind of player that is going to go through the first rounds and be in the top and actually maybe stay there,” she said. “For sure it’s giving me a lot of confidence and a lot of satisfaction.” -- Greg Garber
Advantage, Osaka
Naomi Osaka is one of the toughest, hardest competitors tennis has seen, and she proved it again in her semifinal win against Belinda Bencic.
Afterward, Osaka said that she felt as though she hadn't actually managed to figure Bencic out. This tallied with the run of play: Bencic's ability to read her serve and redirect her pace left Osaka scrambling and uncomfortable right to the end of the match. Osaka rarely found a consistent answer when the Swiss got on the front foot and swarmed the net.
But while she didn't outplay Bencic, Osaka out-competed her. She responded to the pressure on return by coming up with even better serves - 18 aces in total - and gutted out a handful of key deuce tussles.
That's a quality Osaka has repeatedly showed throughout her career in big matches. She blocked out a storm of controversy in the 2018 US Open final, recovered after missing triple championship point in the 2019 Australian Open final and - in a match eerily similar to the Bencic semifinal - somehow turned round the 2020 US Open final after getting similarly overwhelmed by a confident, peaking opponent.
Osaka's openness about her psychological struggles and patches of self-doubt have followed her for some time. But when it comes to what goes on within the lines of a tennis court, Osaka's ability to stay calm and clutch under pressure, even when the entire run of play is against her is what makes her such a difficult opponent.
Which brings us to a dream final against Iga Swiatek. There isn't much to go on in terms of concrete analysis. Osaka won their sole meeting three years ago, but both are in radically different places now; both have won five straight finals and have a history of bringing their best tennis when a trophy is on the line. Swiatek has won more recently - but Osaka could be physically fresher.
A battle of the forehands, Swiatek's heavy spin against Osaka's flatter power, is hard to call. Osaka probably has the edge on serve, though this could depend how many first serves she lands. It's pointing toward a tight final decided by a handful of points - and here, too, Osaka has an advantage. Swiatek's run has been characterised by shutting opponents almost completely out of the match. But even when seemingly overwhelmed, Osaka has a knack of finding a way to triumph. – Alex Macpherson
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| 2022-04-01T13:55:07
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A weekly round-up of the latest planning applications for Dover has been released. Here's what Dover District Council's planning team, which includes officers and councillors, will be considering.
Applications can contain letters of objection, comments from departments such as highways or conservation. They also give context, including the history of the site in terms of planning application or issues such as contamination or the archaeological significance of the site.
All applications are open for the public to view via the council's website. Some of them can make fascinating reading and they are a good way to keep tabs on what is going on in your street, village or town or even across the wider district.
Sandwich Road, Ash: Erection of a single storey rear extension and the insertion of 3no. windows to first floor side elevation.
London Road, Deal: Installation of 5no. EV charging bays, bin store, substation and associated infrastructure.
West Street, Deal: Erection of a front porch and alterations to pedestrian access (retrospective).
The Marina, Deal: Erection of single storey rear extension with raised patio area; alterations to front dormer window; insertion of second floor side facing rooflight. Erection of extension to side porch (existing two storey rear extension and rear conservatory to be demolished).
St Davids Avenue, Dover: Erection of a two storey side extension, front and rear dormer roof extensions, construction of retaining walls to facilitate parking area to front.
Reading Road, Dover: Erection of a two storey side extension and detached garage (existing garage extension demolished).
Preston Meadows, Preston: Change of use of land for the erection of a detached single storey building to house swimming pool and associated plant.
Jade House, Mill Lane, Preston: Change of use from swimming pool enclosure to holiday let (Class C1), alterations to windows and doors.
Ty Bryn, The Leas: Erection of single storey link extension, conversion and extension of garage to form habitable accomodation.
Old Rectory House, Church Lane, Ripple: Erection of a detached annexe for ancillary use, erection of a boundary wall/gate, installation of a cesspit, upgrade of existing driveway, associated landscaping and parking (existing barn and outbuilding to be demolished).
Ripple Court, Wingleton Lane, Ripple: Change of use of land for hosting of weddings (Sui Generis) with the stationing of a temporary marquee and associated parking.
7 and 8 Riverdale, River, Dover: Prune back two lower branches of one Sycamore (located at No 8 Riverdale) and crown lift lower limbs of one Ash, both subject of Tree Preservation Order No 69/200001.
23-25 Church Street St Mary, Sandwich: Erection of a rear porch.
High Hills, 74 The Droveway, St Margarets Bay: Erection of two storey HIJO side/rear extensions with dormer windows to front and rear roofslopes, integral double garage and rear stepped terrace (existing rear/side extensions, steps, garage and shed to be demolished).
Bay View, 8A The Droveway, St Margarets Bay: Installation of 9no. ground mounted solar panels to rear.
Mill Cottage, Mill Road, Staple: Change of use of land to residential curtilage and the erection of a detached garage with play/craft room above.
Semmering, The Avenue, Temple Ewell: Erection of a two storey ALPI building with ground floor car port/home office and first floor annexe for ancillary use with associated parking.
Chapel Farm Cottage, Lower Street, Tilmanstone: Erection of a two storey front and side extension.
Walmer Castle, Kingsdown Road, Walmer: Erection of a timber building for storage use with fencing to its east and northern sides.
1-18 Miles Court, Wingham: Replacement doors and windows.
Each Manor Farm, Each End, Ash: Erection of barn for storage of grain and machinery
Beacon Lane Farm, Beacon Lane, Woodnesborough: Erection of 4no. detached dwellings, sheds, vehicular access and associated parking (existing building to be demolished).
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| 2022-04-01T13:59:08
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There are so many reasons why we love living in Kent, and one of those is undoubtedly the picturesque scenery. There's nothing better than taking a stroll among beautiful surroundings to relax the mind.
In and around the likes of Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks in west Kent are a number of sites that offer you the perfect place to unwind. One of those is Dunorlan Park, which stretches over 75 acres and is centred around a jaw-dropping six-acre lake.
But while the vast majority of visitors go there for a walk or to ride a pedal boat on the lake, there is another hobby reportedly often carried out at the park. Dogging - defined as 'the practice of watching or engaging in exhibitionist sexual activity in a public place' - has been known to take place at the park.
READ MORE: The reality of life in Medway's most deprived ward
Despite being legal in the UK, people who get caught run the risk of being charged under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 with public lewdness and indecent exposure. But the activity has seemingly become very popular on one night of the week in Tunbridge Wells.
TikTok has recently investigated an account which promoted the activity taking place in Dunorlan Park every Thursday at 8pm. In one of the videos seen by KentLive, a person urged others to "wear a mask" so they don't get recognised.
A more recent video stated how the numbers have been growing week-on-week, initially starting out at around 20 people before rising to 50 participants last Thursday (March 24). In a statement given to KentLive, TikTok said: "We have removed this content for violating our Community Guidelines. We do not allow sexual solicitation on our platform."
We decided to head over to Dunorlan Park last night (March 31) to see if we would notice some unusual activity.
As I parked up in the main car park just off the main road, I cautiously opened my door unsure of what to expect. There was only one other car in the main car park, but I could see someone was sitting in the driver's seat on their phone.
I checked my watch and it was 7.45pm - perhaps we've found an early participant? I headed down the hill and walked around the lake as I wanted to check the car park on the opposite side of the site.
But as I began the walk I noticed something caught the corner of my eye. It was a snowflake falling from the sky, and for a few minutes it was as if it were a blizzard. With the temperature at the time plunging to just 2C, the conditions were definitely not ideal.
I came back around to the main car park for 8pm having completed a lap of my 'circuit' to scope around the park. So far, it was nothing but ducks swimming across the lake, and the suspicious looking rear car park tucked away was completely empty.
But soon came the moment of truth. The clock ticked past 8pm and I set off for another lap of the park to see if I did notice 50 cars turning up at once.
As I made my way around the lake it was a quiet scene once again. But my main focus was on the dark car park at the back of the site. As I approached I could see one car had turned up since my last visit, and all of its lights were off. Suspicious!
I kept my distance as I walked around the entrance to the car park, and I saw someone walk up the path and approach the car. 'This has got to be it' I thought to myself, but the person wasn't there for dogging. Instead, they had a dog with them, got in their car after their walk and drove off. False alarm.
It meant that the suspicious-looking car park, where supposedly 50 people were last week, was now vacant. As I completed the walk back to my car I noticed that driver I had spotted sitting in his vehicle opposite me when I arrived had now left.
Were they one of those looking to take park in the activity? We may never know.
Sign up to get the latest stories from Kent direct into your inbox here
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| 2022-04-01T13:59:18
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The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.
Do you need children’s gift ideas for birthdays, Easter baskets, or just as a fun surprise without breaking the bank? Both Walmart and Amazon are having sales right now on a true classic: Potato Head.
Both retailers have a variety of these throwback Playskool toys starting as low as $5, according to Passionate Penny Pincher. Normally, the price ranges from $8.99 to $11.99. This sale slashes prices up to 44% and makes it easy to stock up on a few for multiple kids, multiple occasions or as donations for charity toy drives.
Online shoppers can grab these deals at either Walmart.com or Amazon. If you prefer shopping the old-fashioned way, Walmart also has the markdowns at its stores.
Here are just a few of the deals available now on Potato Head toys:
Mr. Potato Head Classic Toy
He’s the guy who started it all! Mr. Potato Head has 11 interchangeable parts for kids to arrange his parts and customize his outfit. These days, he’s had an upgrade and now even has legs instead of just feet. Accessories include eyes, a nose, a mouth, a mustache, a tongue, a pair of glasses, two ears, two hands and his legs with attached shoes.
All the spare parts can be stored conveniently right in his “tater tush.” These accessories are also compatible with other spuds in the toy line.
You can get Mr. Potato Head from Walmart (either online or in-store) for only $5, marked down from $11.99. Or, if you prefer Amazon, you can also pick up Mr. Potato Head for just $5, marked down from $8.99.
Mrs. Potato Head Classic Toy
Mr. Potato Head’s better half is also on sale at both Walmart and Amazon for a great price. Mrs. Potato Head also has 11 accessories and looks stylish with her hair, eyes with eyelashes, red lips, ears (complete with earrings), purse and more!
Mrs. Potato Head is on sale for $5.97 on Amazon (marked down from $8.99) and at Walmart for $5.97 (marked down from $7.99).
Mr. Potato Head Goes Green (Amazon Only)
A different spin on Mr. Potato Head is on sale in this Amazon-exclusive model. Mr. Potato Head Goes Green is a 15-piece set that is themed around gardening, as he comes with gloved hands, a gardening hat, a potted plant and more. Plus, this version of the toy is made from plant-based plastic.
It’s marked down to $10.10 (normally $14.99) during the sale.
Remember that parts from any Potato Head toy set can be used with any other one, so it never hurts to add a few more accessories to the collection.
This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. Checkout Don't Waste Your Money for product reviews and other great ideas to save and make money.
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| 2022-04-01T14:01:17
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COVID-19 can have long-term impacts on the brain, primate study shows
Effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the brain include reduced oxygen flow, neuron damage and bleeding.
It has long been noted that COVID-19 patients can suffer from a wide range of neurological symptoms such as headaches, confusion and loss of taste and smell.
They are often the first symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection to arise and can be severe and long-lasting. They also occur indiscriminately in patients regardless of age or the presence of other medical conditions. But little is known about exactly how the disease affects the brain and central nervous system.
Now, a group of researchers at Tulane University in New Orleans, USA have published the first comprehensive study investigating the effects of the COVID-19 in the brains of non-human primates.
They found that subjects infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed signed of severe inflammation and injury indicating a reduction in blood or oxygen flow into the brain, neuron damage and small areas of bleeding.
Moreover, this type of damage was also seen in subjects that did not show signs of severe respiratory disease following infection from the virus, which may provide insight into the range of neurological symptoms associated with long COVID, the researchers say.
“Because the subjects didn’t experience significant respiratory symptoms, no one expected them to have the severity of disease that we found in the brain,” said lead author Tracy Fischer, PhD, lead investigator and associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane National Primate Research Center.
“But the findings were distinct and profound, and undeniably a result of the infection.”
The study was launched in the spring of 2020 and saw the researchers studying brain tissue samples taken from four rhesus macaques and four African green monkeys that had been infected with SARS-CoV-2, along with samples from two uninfected animals of each species that were used as controls.
The findings also mirror those of autopsy studies carried out in humans who have died of COVID-19 suggesting that rhesus macaques and African green monkeys can accurately act as a model for studying how humans experience the disease, the researchers say.
Read more about coronavirus:
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431,000 jobs were added in March, according to numbers released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday.
The added jobs brought the unemployment rate down to a pandemic-era low of 3.6%.
Economists had estimated more jobs would be added in March.
Job growth was especially strong in the leisure and hospitality sector, as well as in professional and business services.
Hourly wages increased 0.4% from the previous month, which is about what economists expected.
The average hourly pay is about 5.6% higher than it was one year ago.
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Complete human genome sequence reveals new genetic variants linked to disease
Scientists have finally decoded the entire human genome, finding genes linked to ageing, diseases like muscular dystrophy, and even cancer.
For the first time, scientists have been able to sequence the complete human genome, revealing never-before-seen regions of DNA that code for things like muscular dystrophy, some cancers, and even our big brains.
When the human genome project completed its sequencing in 2003, it offered an accurate picture of 92 per cent of our genome. The remaining 8 per cent was too complex for the technology of the time to map, and since then researchers have been working to provide a full picture of the DNA blueprint that makes us human.
The team behind the discovery – named the Telomere-to-Telomere Consortium (T2T) – say the newly mapped areas of our genome could lead to innovative treatments and greater understanding of human variation.
What is the human genome?
The human genome is the entirety of a person's DNA. It includes around 21,000 genes, which, if removed from a single cell and stretched out, would form a strand around 2 metres long. These genes are segmented, and are often found grouped in 46 bundles, which are known as chromosomes.
"The genome is the complete book of instructions for a species, and every species has its own genome. It’s basically the blueprint that tells cells how and when to create an individual of that species," said Dr Karen Miga, assistant professor of biomolecular engineering at UC Santa Cruz.
Along with Dr Adam Phillippy of the National Human Genome Research Institute, Miga lead an international team of scientists in the search for the missing sections of the human genome.
"[When the first genome was sequenced in 2003] we had the book, but there were whole chapters missing. Over the years we’ve added pages here and there, unscrambling some text or correcting some errors. But now, we go from page one to the final page of the book. Having this will help us better understand how we form, as an organism, and how we vary among other humans and other species," said Miga.
What was found in our missing DNA?
The 8 per cent hidden represented a huge gap in medical and genomic knowledge. "On a world map, 8 per cent is about the size of Africa, so almost an entire continent was missing," said Miga.
Among the new information sequenced were two crucial areas of our chromosomes: the telomeres and the centromeres.
Telomeres are small caps found at the end of our chromosomes. It is these areas of our chromosomes that shorten as we age. Some research has shown that people who have shorter telomeres than is normal for their age are at increased risk of diseases of old age, and die sooner than people with longer ones. Studies suggest the lengthening of telomeres is one possible way to slow down ageing.
Read more about our DNA:
- Beyond DNA: How proteins let us get up close and personal to our ancient relatives
- A neuroscientist explains how your genes affect your mental health
The centromeres are the structures in the middle of the chromosome. This area is important during cell division, as it's at this site of constriction that proteins attach and split up the DNA so it can be shared between the two new cells.
"Problems or error in the centromeres is something we see in cancers, in ageing and in infertility,” said Miga.
The new genome, called T2T-CHM13, revealed nearly 2,000 candidate genes that researchers can now study further.
Some sections have already been identified by the team to contain genes linked to our immune response, that help us to survive infection and plagues, said Prof Evan Eichler, of the Eichler Lab in the department of genome sciences, University of Washington. They also found important areas that can predict how a person might respond to certain drugs and treatments, said Eichler.
“Some of these [new findings] are the genes that make us uniquely human – half of the genes thought to be responsible for our bigger frontal lobes, making our brain bigger than other primates, are in these newly sequenced regions,” said Eichler.
Once sequenced, the team compared their new human genome to other, existing samples of DNA, and over one million new genetic variants, many of which had never seen before.
"Within previously unresolved regions of the genome, we identified hundreds of thousands of variants... a promising opportunity for evolutionary and biomedical discovery," wrote the researchers.
Genetic variants are already being used to aid treatments for some conditions, for example to target specific types of breast cancers with specialised therapies, and it’s thought that the new genome map will only bring more genetically linked diseases to light.
"We’re already seeing some [genome-specific treatments], but I expect in my young son’s lifetime we’ll see more and more as we learn new things about the role of genetic variants," said Prof Michael Schatz, the co-lead for T2T's variance team.
“We’re finding variants that are only detectable using these new technologies. Are these causal [in relation to diseases]? We can’t say that. But the fact there is an entire class of variants that we haven’t been able to see before, and it’s very exciting to me," said Schatz.
Whose DNA was used in the new human genome project?
The genome used in the research “represents no person that ever lived”, Phillippy said. It came from a special cell created when a sperm and joined an empty egg. Unlike normal cells that come from a union of sperm and egg, which contain half the DNA of the mother and half of the father, this specialised cell contained only the sperm's genetic information. It was collected over 20 years ago, and the donors remain anonymous.
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RICHMOND, Calif. — The nation’s oldest active park ranger is hanging up her Smokey hat at the age of 100.
The National Park Service says Betty Reid Soskin retired Thursday after more than 15 years at the Rosie the Riveter/World War Two Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California.
She helped found the park that pays tribute to the efforts of American civilians on the home front during World War II.
Soskin led tours at the park and related her experience as a Black woman working on the home front during the war.
Soskin was a civil rights activist and a businesswoman before she won a temporary Park Service position at the age of 84.
She became a permanent employee in 2011.
Her retirement party will take place this Saturday at the park.
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FORT WORTH, Texas — A 22-year-old man is in major trouble after traveling what police say was 157 miles per hour in a 70-mph zone on westbound I-20 before colliding with a silver SUV, killing one and injuring two.
Bryce Abernathy, who was arrested by Fort Worth police traffic investigators, faces two counts of aggravated assault and one count of manslaughter in connection with the mid-March crash.
“The airbag control module indicated the Camaro was traveling 157 mph in a 70-mph zone,” a Fort Worth police Facebook post said Thursday. “Reckless driving is irresponsible, egregious, and dangerous. Drivers are encouraged to exercise caution and responsibility when operating a motor vehicle.”
This story was first reported by Doug Myers at KXXV in Waco, Texas.
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Ford recalls 737K vehicles to fix oil leaks, trailer brakes
Published: Apr. 1, 2022 at 8:39 AM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
DETROIT (AP) — Ford is issuing two recalls covering over 737,000 vehicles to fix oil leaks and trailer braking systems that won’t work.
The oil leak recall includes the 2020 through 2022 Ford Escape SUV and the 2021 and 2022 Bronco Sport SUV with 1.5-Liter engines.
A housing can crack and oil can leak onto engine parts, possibly causing fires.
The trailer brake recall includes F-150 pickups from 2021 and 2022, as well as the 2022 F-250, 350, 450 and 550.
Also covered are the 2022 Maverick pickup, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs.
A software error can stop trailers from braking.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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More than 7,000 complaints of moving scams reported in 2021; here are red flags to look for
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT/Gray News) – More than 7,000 complaints about moving scams were reported to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in the past year.
That number has significantly increased since the start of the pandemic, WECT reports.
The FMCSA is a civil agency that administers commercial regulations governing the interstate transportation of household goods.
Because moving is often a stressful experience, and something people might not do very often, consumers can be vulnerable to making mistakes hiring a mover that can have significant consequences.
The FMCSA provides resources to help people planning a move find a reputable moving company.
It is important to have everything in writing and to understand if you are in contact with a broker or a moving company. Oftentimes moving scams start with an unscrupulous broker.
“It underscores the need to do research. What scammers do is they will use a name very similar to another company that is familiar to you and me, and they try to prey on our sense of trust,” said N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein. “We urge people to do research and make sure that the company is legit, make sure that there aren’t a lot of complaints about them. Because you don’t want to hand over your life’s possessions to some scam artist.”
Tips When Choosing a Moving Company:
- Contact various reputable, long-standing moving companies to compare estimates and get a foundation of what the legitimate cost of your move will be.
- Ask the moving company if they will be conducting the move or if it is being brokered for fulfillment by another company.
- Keep all records of contracts, proof of payments, and communication with the moving company.
- Carefully examine the reviews on various online business rating websites to ensure they contain more than just recent glowing reviews.
- Use online street-view and satellite maps to research the moving company’s address to verify that the address is a business and not a residence.
If there are an extraordinary number of complaints about an individual company they are referred to the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) for possible federal prosecution.
Report Fraud
Contact FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database online or toll-free at: 1-888-368-7238 to file a complaint against a household goods moving company, broker or other carrier.
You can also report an allegation of household goods fraud to the OIG’s Fraud Hotline using any of the following methods:
- Online OIG Hotline Complaint Form
- Call 1-800-424-9071 (toll free).
- E-mail to [email protected]
- Mail to: DOT Inspector General, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE, West Bldg 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20590
Copyright 2022 WECT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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The solid, confident look of the buildings we pass every day only seems effortless. But the pure artistry that goes into planning and executing these massive structures is almost incomprehensible.
A proficient landscape photographer can do wonders to convey the majesty of a well-constructed building. Thankfully, they often share their intimate understanding of a structure’s incredible details on social media. Today, I’ve listed five architectural photographers who skillfully capture the kind of beauty we often take for granted.
Nour El Refai | @nourelrefai
This Egyptian photographer has a knack for showcasing the peaceful stillness of a space. You’ll likely want to leap into the screen while looking through his luxurious, refined photos. Refai has been shooting professionally since 2005, and his client list includes big names like Western Union and Booking.com. You can also find his work in iconic publications like National Geographic and Architectural Digest.
Dario | @dario_trivino
If you’re a fan of splashy palettes and detailed line work, you’ll adore Dario’s photos. Their rhythmic look and vibrant colors might make you wonder if you’re looking at architecture at all. The striking geometry of Dario’s work adds a surreal, dazzling effect to scrolling through his feed.
Meghan Mathews | @meg_mathews_
M
s
S
This Barcelona designer and photographer constructs deeply nostalgic images with stunning lighting. She often shoots during the golden hour, which adds an especially captivating feel to her scenes. A scroll through her feed reveals a keen eye for light, color, and composition that extends beyond her architectural photography.
Andrés Gallardo Albajar | @andresgallardo.photography
Albajar’s account reveals the whimsical details and romantic components that make captivating architecture. He has a talent for highlighting intricate designs in a way that feels approachable and digestible. This self-taught photographer has been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, National Geographic, and Playboy, among many others.
Kim Høltermand | @holtermand
Høltermand’s expressive, moody photography prioritizes composition, space, and light. His love of sci-fi cinema shines through the otherworldly textures and almost bleak colors of his work. Høltermand is a master of framing potentially overwhelming design elements like stadium seating and making them feel effortlessly minimalistic.
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That's 250 bps in hikes, total. The market is pricing in a 3% terminal rate in the middle of next year, so it's roughly in line with that.
- Future developments may cause me to alter this assessment
- Will learn more through the year and will be prepared to adjust as needed
- Repeats call for 'timely' rate hikes with 'cautious, humble and nimble' approach
There's nothing new here from Evans. His comments today wrap up this week's scheduled Fedspeak. The market is pricing in a 73% chance of 50 bps at the May 4 meeting.
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>
ISM March US manufacturing 57.1 vs 59.0 expected
USD ISM March US manufacturing 57.1 vs 59.0 expected
March 2022 manufacturing survey from ISM
Adam Button
Friday, 01/04/2022 | 13:58 GMT-0
01/04/2022 | 13:58 GMT-0
Prior was 58.6 business activity/production versus 55.1 last month new orders 53.8 versus 56.1 last month employment 56.3 versus 48.5 last month prices 87.1 versus 83.1 last month inventories 55.5 versus 50.8 last month Customer inventories 34.1 vs 31.8 last month Backlog of orders 60.0 vs 65.0 last month Supplier deliveries 65.4 vs 66.1 last month Full report The comments in the report highlight worsening supply chains.
“No letup yet in supply chain challenges, especially electronic components. Relying more and more on the broker market.” [Computer & Electronic Products] “Customer orders are brisk in the face of significant price increases, while we continue to struggle with inbound supplier service and raw material availability issues.” [Chemical Products] “Generally speaking, the business environment is slowly improving for aerospace component manufacturers. Supply chain disruptions and still-extending lead times continue to keep purchasing busy. This further causes reevaluation of the current year’s business plan and cost assumptions.” [Transportation Equipment] “Overall business conditions are challenging in both domestic and international transportation. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has created uncertainty in the grain markets, causing upward pricing pressure. In addition, inflationary pressures across all categories have made it challenging to manage cost and profitability.” [Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products] “Prices are increasing on steel and steel products after a slight decrease from highs last month. Transportation costs are going up significantly with the increase in fuel prices.” [Machinery] “Backlog continues to be strong as we ship delinquent orders resulting from COVID-19
Covid-19
Covid-19 or the novel Coronavirus is a pandemic that has yielded wide ranging economic turmoil and volatility across financial markets in 2020. The first cases of Covid-19 were reported in Wuhan, China in late 2019. Since then, the virus has expanded globally, infecting millions worldwide. The virus has been extremely controversial, namely in the United States, which became heavily politicized during the 2020 presidential election. The Covid-19 pandemic is completely unprecedented in modern times, with the most recent example being the influenza outbreak in 1918. Financial markets and global economies were completely unprepared for the scope of the virus, causing massive shutdowns, unemployment, and other hardships in an effort to contain and mitigate the virus. How Has Covid-19 Affected Markets? Virtually every asset has in some way been affected by Covid-19. Early on, financial markets and equities collapsed, with the nadir coming in March 2020 in the United States and Europe. Widespread lockdowns led to an economic standstill, resulting in stimulus packages to help keep domestic economies functioning. The result of this has been a depreciation of currencies such as the US dollar, with the Federal Reserve printing billions of dollars to pare economic losses. Forex markets have since experienced historic levels of volatility, leading some to classify the Covid-19 pandemic as a Black Swan event. Financial markets have for the most part rebounded in 2020 at the time of writing, though many headwinds remain in terms of economic recovery. Presently, unemployment rates and other indicators remain problematic, and when coupled with rising rates of infection, portend additional monetary policy action or stimulus in both Europe and the US. At the time of writing there is no vaccine for Covid-19 though several companies such as Pfizer and Moderna are close to producing a viable vaccine.
Covid-19 or the novel Coronavirus is a pandemic that has yielded wide ranging economic turmoil and volatility across financial markets in 2020. The first cases of Covid-19 were reported in Wuhan, China in late 2019. Since then, the virus has expanded globally, infecting millions worldwide. The virus has been extremely controversial, namely in the United States, which became heavily politicized during the 2020 presidential election. The Covid-19 pandemic is completely unprecedented in modern times, with the most recent example being the influenza outbreak in 1918. Financial markets and global economies were completely unprepared for the scope of the virus, causing massive shutdowns, unemployment, and other hardships in an effort to contain and mitigate the virus. How Has Covid-19 Affected Markets? Virtually every asset has in some way been affected by Covid-19. Early on, financial markets and equities collapsed, with the nadir coming in March 2020 in the United States and Europe. Widespread lockdowns led to an economic standstill, resulting in stimulus packages to help keep domestic economies functioning. The result of this has been a depreciation of currencies such as the US dollar, with the Federal Reserve printing billions of dollars to pare economic losses. Forex markets have since experienced historic levels of volatility, leading some to classify the Covid-19 pandemic as a Black Swan event. Financial markets have for the most part rebounded in 2020 at the time of writing, though many headwinds remain in terms of economic recovery. Presently, unemployment rates and other indicators remain problematic, and when coupled with rising rates of infection, portend additional monetary policy action or stimulus in both Europe and the US. At the time of writing there is no vaccine for Covid-19 though several companies such as Pfizer and Moderna are close to producing a viable vaccine.
Read this Term slowdowns.” [Fabricated Metal Products] “Demand continues to be strong. Backlog is still increasing — currently at about three months of production. Availability of purchased material continues to constrain production, causing the increased backlog.” [Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components] “Business continues to be strong, with incoming sales higher but still combating labor and material issues like availability and inflation
Inflation
Inflation is defined as a quantitative measure of the rate in which the average price level of goods and services in an economy or country increases over a period of time. It is the rise in the general level of prices where a given currency effectively buys less than it did in prior periods.In terms of assessing the strength or currencies, and by extension foreign exchange, inflation or measures of it are extremely influential. Inflation stems from the overall creation of money. This money is measured by the level of the total money supply of a specific currency, for example the US dollar, which is constantly increasing. However, an increase in the money supply does not necessarily mean that there is inflation. What leads to inflation is a faster increase in the money supply in relation to the wealth produced (measured with GDP). As such, this generates pressure of demand on a supply that does not increase at the same rate. The consumer price index then increases, generating inflation.How Does Inflation Affect Forex?The level of inflation has a direct impact on the exchange rate between two currencies on several levels.This includes purchasing power parity, which attempts to compare different purchasing powers of each country according to the general price level. In doing so, this makes it possible to determine the country with the most expensive cost of living.The currency with the higher inflation rate consequently loses value and depreciates, while the currency with the lower inflation rate appreciates on the forex market.Interest rates are also impacted. Inflation rates that are too high push interest rates up, which has the effect of depreciating the currency on foreign exchange. Conversely, inflation that is too low (or deflation) pushes interest rates down, which has the effect of appreciating the currency on the forex market.
Inflation is defined as a quantitative measure of the rate in which the average price level of goods and services in an economy or country increases over a period of time. It is the rise in the general level of prices where a given currency effectively buys less than it did in prior periods.In terms of assessing the strength or currencies, and by extension foreign exchange, inflation or measures of it are extremely influential. Inflation stems from the overall creation of money. This money is measured by the level of the total money supply of a specific currency, for example the US dollar, which is constantly increasing. However, an increase in the money supply does not necessarily mean that there is inflation. What leads to inflation is a faster increase in the money supply in relation to the wealth produced (measured with GDP). As such, this generates pressure of demand on a supply that does not increase at the same rate. The consumer price index then increases, generating inflation.How Does Inflation Affect Forex?The level of inflation has a direct impact on the exchange rate between two currencies on several levels.This includes purchasing power parity, which attempts to compare different purchasing powers of each country according to the general price level. In doing so, this makes it possible to determine the country with the most expensive cost of living.The currency with the higher inflation rate consequently loses value and depreciates, while the currency with the lower inflation rate appreciates on the forex market.Interest rates are also impacted. Inflation rates that are too high push interest rates up, which has the effect of depreciating the currency on foreign exchange. Conversely, inflation that is too low (or deflation) pushes interest rates down, which has the effect of appreciating the currency on the forex market.
Read this Term . Still determining impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.” [Furniture & Related Products] “The supply situation is getting worse, with lead times extending over 12 months, material not available, and suppliers not quoting or taking orders. Prices on the rise daily.” [Miscellaneous Manufacturing] “Supply chain is still unstable. While we have seen improvements, there are still a lot of issues that have yet to be resolved.” [Primary Metals] ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
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Prelim was 58.5 Prior was 57.3 Output 56.1 vs 56.5 prelim and 52.5 prior Prices 79.5 vs 79.7 prelim and 79.2 prior Some firms linked the rise in new orders to stockpiling at customers amid steep increases in selling prices The rate of purchasing growth was the sharpest since last September as firms sought to protect against future price hikes S&P Global bought Markit last month so all the Markit PMIs are now known as 'S&P Global'. That can be a bit confusing because this is a US PMI, not a global one.
Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global, said:
“US manufacturing growth accelerated in March as strong demand and improving prospects countered the headwinds of soaring cost pressures and the RussiaUkraine war.
“Order book growth has picked up as customers look to the further reopening of the domestic and global economies amid signs that the disruptions from the pandemic continue to fade.
“While companies continued to report widespread production constraints due to supply chain bottlenecks, the incidence of such delays is now lower than at any time since January 2021. Jobs growth has also improved as fewer companies reported labor shortages. “Similarly, although price pressures remain elevated, with surging energy costs pushing firms’ costs higher at an increased rate in March, rates of inflation of both input costs and average selling prices have fallen from the record highs seen late last year to hint that consumer price inflation
Inflation
Inflation is defined as a quantitative measure of the rate in which the average price level of goods and services in an economy or country increases over a period of time. It is the rise in the general level of prices where a given currency effectively buys less than it did in prior periods.In terms of assessing the strength or currencies, and by extension foreign exchange, inflation or measures of it are extremely influential. Inflation stems from the overall creation of money. This money is measured by the level of the total money supply of a specific currency, for example the US dollar, which is constantly increasing. However, an increase in the money supply does not necessarily mean that there is inflation. What leads to inflation is a faster increase in the money supply in relation to the wealth produced (measured with GDP). As such, this generates pressure of demand on a supply that does not increase at the same rate. The consumer price index then increases, generating inflation.How Does Inflation Affect Forex?The level of inflation has a direct impact on the exchange rate between two currencies on several levels.This includes purchasing power parity, which attempts to compare different purchasing powers of each country according to the general price level. In doing so, this makes it possible to determine the country with the most expensive cost of living.The currency with the higher inflation rate consequently loses value and depreciates, while the currency with the lower inflation rate appreciates on the forex market.Interest rates are also impacted. Inflation rates that are too high push interest rates up, which has the effect of depreciating the currency on foreign exchange. Conversely, inflation that is too low (or deflation) pushes interest rates down, which has the effect of appreciating the currency on the forex market.
Inflation is defined as a quantitative measure of the rate in which the average price level of goods and services in an economy or country increases over a period of time. It is the rise in the general level of prices where a given currency effectively buys less than it did in prior periods.In terms of assessing the strength or currencies, and by extension foreign exchange, inflation or measures of it are extremely influential. Inflation stems from the overall creation of money. This money is measured by the level of the total money supply of a specific currency, for example the US dollar, which is constantly increasing. However, an increase in the money supply does not necessarily mean that there is inflation. What leads to inflation is a faster increase in the money supply in relation to the wealth produced (measured with GDP). As such, this generates pressure of demand on a supply that does not increase at the same rate. The consumer price index then increases, generating inflation.How Does Inflation Affect Forex?The level of inflation has a direct impact on the exchange rate between two currencies on several levels.This includes purchasing power parity, which attempts to compare different purchasing powers of each country according to the general price level. In doing so, this makes it possible to determine the country with the most expensive cost of living.The currency with the higher inflation rate consequently loses value and depreciates, while the currency with the lower inflation rate appreciates on the forex market.Interest rates are also impacted. Inflation rates that are too high push interest rates up, which has the effect of depreciating the currency on foreign exchange. Conversely, inflation that is too low (or deflation) pushes interest rates down, which has the effect of appreciating the currency on the forex market.
Read this Term could likewise soon peak.
“It was especially encouraging to see business optimism about the year ahead improve further in March, despite the new uncertainties, sanctions and geopolitical risks caused by the Ukraine invasion, with optimism among producers now the brightest since late-2020.”
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| 2022-04-01T14:09:23
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So the pair's price still remains between the 100 hour moving average above at 1.1077 and the 200 hour moving average/61.8% retracement below near 1.1036. Traders remain waiting for the next shove in the either direction. In the meantime they are leaning against the levels.
For the week, the EURUSD price low was on Monday at 1.10941. There were two bottoms near that level before the price started to move back to the upside. On Tuesday, the price was able to get back above the 100 and 200 hour moving averages (blue and green lines). The retest of the 200 hour moving average today - at a modestly higher level versus Tuesday's break - is the first return to that moving average level since the break.
The run to the upside on Tuesday - and continuing to Thursday - was able to take the price above the 50% midpoint of the move down from the February 10 high at 1.11497. Yesterday that midpoint was rebroken to the downside and buyers turned to sellers. The price has been retracing and now is below the 50% midpoint of the weeks trading range at 1.10641. That level will also be eyed on the upside as a potential intraday clue. Stay below it and the sellers hold onto the most control in the short term.
Traders are waiting for the next shove. Can the price stay below the 50%/100 hour moving average above? Can the 200 hour moving average/61.8% retracement be broken below?
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| 2022-04-01T14:09:42
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Move back above the 100 hour moving average and the 50% of the range since March 15 would be eyed at 1.31482. That is near the high for the day. The 200 hour moving average at 1.31606 would also be eyed on a move back to the upside..
Recall from yesterday - and again on Wednesday - the price of the GBPUSD moved above the 200 hour moving average (green line) after breaking below on Monday in the Asian session. However, momentum on the breaks above that moving average could not be sustained. On Wednesday, the price moved up to test the Monday high (and high for the week) at 1.3182, but found willing sellers at 1.3181 just below that level. Yesterday, the break above the 200 hour moving average was just a few pips before buyers turned to sellers.
So in the medium-term, getting above the 200 hour moving average and staying above that level, would be an important barometer for buyers. Absent that move, the sellers remain in control.
For the week, the range is 132 pips with the low reached on Tuesday at 1.3049. That represents the lowest trading range for the calendar year and the lowest range since 130 pips during the week of December 5, 2021.
With the price trading near mid range for the week, can sellers pushed down and extend the range? It seems unlikely with only 7 or so hours left in the day, but one never knows. Stay below the 100 hour moving average and sellers may gain additional confidence.
PS As I type, GBPUSD is making news lows and looks to break below the 1.3100 level. Sellers in control. Watch 1.3078 – 1.30878 swing area next followed by the low for the week at 1.3049.
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| 2022-04-01T14:09:48
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ATHENS, Ga. — For immigrant women, escaping domestic abuse can be difficult. Language barriers and complex laws don’t help.
A year after eight Asian women were murdered in Atlanta, we’re still grappling with the objectification and stereotypes that sparked that rampage.
But conversations about violence perpetrated against Asian American women are happening. One program focused on faith leaders is helping them address domestic violence in the Korean American community.
For decades, places of worship have played a central role in immigrant communities in the United States helping them find jobs, housing and social programs.
“Whether that’s a mosque or a temple or a church. And for the Korean American population, that is exactly the same,” said Joon Choi, an associate professor at the University of Georgia Athens school of social work.
For Korean Americans, about 70% to 80% percent associate with protestant churches.
It’s why Choi who was researching domestic violence prevention, focused on houses of worship.
“From my experiences working as a counselor for domestic violence survivors and American domestic violence survivors, I found that many of them reach out to their ministers for help,” said Choi.
But Choi found a little more than half of the pastors surveyed felt confident in addressing the needs of domestic violence victims.
“A lot of time these religious leaders would like to help these women and these survivors. However, they don't know how to do that,” said Choi.
“Many pastors and many of the Korean community doesn't exactly realize what is domestic violence,” said Reverend Paul Joo, a priest at One in Christ Episcopal Church in Prospect Heights, Illinois.
Joo says one obstacle he’s seen is the cultural embarrassment and stigma attached to issues of domestic violence.
“When we talk about it's a shame for me. It's a shame our family. Shame not only me. Shame to my husband and wife, too. So, we keep the secret,” said Joo.
Using a half-million-dollar grant from the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, Choi worked with partners like fellow public health professor Pamela Orpinas, experts in domestic violence prevention and the Korean American faith community to develop a pastor training program.
“Addressing this from a Korean perspective with the language, with the Korean pastors, feedback was very important,” said Orpinas.
Taught in Korean, the online module portion presents the trainee with virtual case simulations allowing them to learn and make choices on how to confidently proceed.
“It really helps them to see what type of responses they provide to these survivors, how they can be helpful or unhelpful for them,” said Choi.
Over the last three years, more than 100 pastors from Chicago and Washington D.C. have gone through the program. It’s also helped them join hands with Asian American violence prevention organizations like KAN-WIN.
“This really made an opportunity for us to connect with them, dispel the myths surrounding gender-based violence, and also talk about options and resources for survivors, which is not many people know about them,” said Ji Hye Kim, executive director at KAN-WIN.
For Reverend Joo, the training has created a paradigm shift.
“It changed the concept of the domestic violence. And secondly, how do we approach how do we solve the problem?” said Joo.
But Choi says much more needs to be done.
“This is really a campaign that's targeting people to speak up against domestic violence and also when they see survivors reaching out and then actually helping survivors to connect to services,” said Choi.
With another DOJ grant, she plans to expand the training to more pastors, spouses and partners in Korean American communities across the country.
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| 2022-04-01T14:14:26
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It is with immense passion the PJHS Drama Family (in collaboration in TheatreWork and the ACTFL Community Theater division at FDN!) comes together for a one of a kind collaboritive community theater fundraiser to empower FDN schools participate/attend and support in our production with the support FNBC at Teatro Amistas Community Performance with proceed donating 247$ on each night of sold out shows in Tikal Theater- we have received TAAL (Luncheon Seminar for Post 9) presents Dr Iwan Bahreini TAA (V.A.LounchSem). 29 Sep '09 Post Lunch Speekrs\nDr Bahreinen joined Shark' is very passion with science related subjects, specifically in the subjects of science at work, especially relating in terms with what the world will require him on earth. He joined several talented person and started an \"S The House is likely to pass legislation Friday that would decriminalize marijuana nationwide.
Marijuana is still illegal on the federal level, but if the House votes on the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, also known as the “MORE” Act, it would remove marijuana from the list of scheduled controlled substances.
The legislation would leave it up to states to set their own laws surrounding marijuana.
It would also release people who are incarcerated on cannabis-related offenses of fewer than 30 grams and erase criminal penalties for those who were convicted of manufacturing, distributing or possessing it.
The bill would impose a federal tax on marijuana sales.
If the MORE Act passes the House, it will then head to the Senate where it would need 60 votes, including the support of at least 10 Republican senators if every Democratic senator backed it, in order for it to advance.
The vote on Friday will be the second time House Democrats have voted in favor of decriminalizing marijuana, after previously advancing the legislation in 2020.
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| 2022-04-01T14:14:32
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LVIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s nuclear operator company said Thursday that Russian troops were leaving the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and were heading towards the country’s border with Belarus.
The operator, Energoatom said that the Russian military are also preparing to leave Slavutych, a nearby city where power plant workers live.
It wasn’t immediately clear why the Russian troops decided to leave Chernobyl.
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Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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| 2022-04-01T14:16:32
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UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Thursday to endorse the African Union’s new transitional mission in Somalia and authorized it to take action against al-Qaida and Islamic State extremist groups and conduct a phased handover of security responsibilities to Somalia’s government.
The African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia, known as ATMIS, replaces the African Union Mission in Somalia, known as AMISOM, which has been in the Horn of Africa nation for 15 years trying to build lasting peace and security.
While the resolution adopted by the council recognizes significant changes in the security situation since it authorized AMISOM in February 2007 and improvements in Somalia’s capability to respond to security challenges, it also reaffirms “the need to combat terrorist threats by all means.”
Only in the past few years has Somalia begun to find its footing after three decades of chaos from warlords to the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab extremist group and the emergence of Islamic State-linked extremist groups. Last year, a political crisis further postponed long-delayed elections and lower house elections which were to be completed on March 15 are still not complete, further delaying the vote for a new president.
The British-drafted resolution authorizes the new ATMIS mission to support the Somali forces “in providing security for the political process at all levels.”
The Security Council underscored that completing the electoral process without further delay and achieving “a peaceful transition of power” will help Somalia move ahead with its national priorities and support its 2021 transition plan which outlines steps toward the gradual handover of responsibilities for security from international forces to the government.
The council reiterated its objective “of enabling Somalia to take full responsibility for its own security, including through assuming the leading role in countering and addressing the threat posed by al-Shabab.”
The resolution authorizes ATMIS to conduct jointly planned operations with Somali security forces “to degrade al-Shabab and affiliates linked to ISIL,” an acronym for the Islamic State group.
The council authorized AU member nations to deploy up to 19,626 uniformed personnel, including a minimum of 1.040 police, until Dec. 31, and endorsed the AU Peace and Security Council’s decision to reduce the peacekeeping force by 2,000 by that date. It authorized a reduced force of 17,626 between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2023, and noted that a joint proposal including the AU and Somalia envisions further cuts to 14,626 in September 2023, 10,626 in June 2024 and “zero personnel” by the end of December 2024.
The resolution welcomes the Somali government’s intention to generate 3,850 new security forces by December 2022, 8,525 new forces by September 2023 and 10,450 new forces by June 2024.
AMISOM was funded by voluntary contributions, especially from the European Union, with logistical support from the United Nations. The Security Council urged U.N. member nations, including new donors, “to consider providing predictable, sustainable and multi-year support for ATMIS.”
After the vote, Britain’s deputy U.N. ambassador James Kariuki thanked council members for their support “in the adoption of this landmark resolution.”
U.S. deputy ambassador Richard Mills said the resolution “provides a vital opportunity to build on AMISOM’s efforts and take the next steps to roll back al-Shabaab, enabling Somalia to provide the security and stability required for the Somali people to achieve their aspirations.”
“Al-Shabab is a formidable and adaptable threat to Somalia, and to East Africa more broadly,” he said. “As al-Qaeda’s largest and best financed affiliate, al-Shabab represents a threat that requires a vigorous and broad-based response. The ATMIS mandate provides the opportunity to adapt and reinvigorate the African-led, international effort against al-Shabab.”
Albania’s political coordinator Arian Spasse noted al-Shabab’s increased attacks on security forces and civilians in recent months and called on the government again to complete elections.
“It is crucial the newly elected government turn its focus to the deteriorating security situation, to the undertaking of reforms, and to the humanitarian crisis caused by the unprecedented droughts, which is plunging the population into another famine,” he said. “Further delays will give al-Shabaab more time to overshadow the government’s effort to provide peace and prosperity, and will fuel al-Shabab propaganda as an alternative to a democratically elected government.”
Somalia’s U.N. Ambassador Abukar Osman expressed disappointment that the council’s resolution didn’t provide more funding for its security forces, address the need for a unified and centralized command for ATMIS, and greater logistical support
Addressing these issues will ensure that the resolution is aligned with Somalia’s strategic document on security, he said.
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| 2022-04-01T14:16:39
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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An external review of Minnesota’s response to days of civil unrest following theMay 2020 killing of George Floyd found several weaknesses, including a lack of clear leadership early on as businesses were being destroyed and set ablaze, and a failure to discern peaceful from unlawful protesters.
The report by Wilder Research, commissioned by the Department of Public Safety and made public Thursday, says Minnesota can do more to address tensions between law enforcement and communities, and must incorporate a deeper sense of humanity in the way it responds to civil unrest in the future.
“Further research and evaluation are needed to understand the role of racism and other forms of bias in law enforcement responses to civil unrest and determine additional steps to address community distrust in law enforcement and state government,” the report also found.
The report, which examined the state’s actions from May 26 through June 7, 2020, listed 20 recommendations to improve the state’s response and find ways to prevent such civil unrest from happening again.
Three “critical recommendations” include: strengthening coordination between multiple agencies; improving coordination and relationships with local jurisdictions and the media; and addressing tension between law enforcement and communities through trust-building efforts, police accountability and transformation, and education.
Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said in a letter to Gov. Tim Walz that his agency has already made changes to improve communication and police accountability, including implementing some of the report’s recommendations.
Floyd, who was Black, was killed May 25, 2020, when former Officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for about nine and a half minutes as Floyd was handcuffed and lying face-down on the pavement. Bystander video showed Floyd said multiple times that he couldn’t breathe, before he eventually went silent and stopped moving.
The killing sparked protests in Minneapolis and around the globe as part of a reckoning over racial injustice. In Minneapolis, some of the protests became violentas businesses, and even a police station, were ransacked and burned.
The report said that unrest was unprecedented, and left local and state agencies overextended.
Local police and emergency responders couldn’t respond to many calls for help. Several state agencies, as well as the National Guard, were called in — but the report noted they were not experienced in handling large-scale civil disturbances over such an extended period.
The report found that the state was too late in setting up a multi-agency command center to coordinate response, and that several local agencies were following different rules of engagement. There was also a lack of communication, leading some communities and businesses totake matters into their own hands. Some of the response by state agencies was also viewed as escalating by some.
The report also noted some strengths. Among them, it found the state acknowledged that the community had legitimate concerns after Floyd’s killing. It also noted that small mobile field force units were effective in addressing unrest in multiple locations. The report said that a curfew, when enforced, was also effective.
A reportissued earlier this month on the city’s response to the Minneapolis protests was sharply critical and included several recommendations, including improving police training on crowd control tactics.
Chauvin was convicted of murder and manslaughterand also pleaded guilty in federal court to violating Floyd’s civil rights. Three other former officers were also convicted of federal civil rights violations and are awaiting trial on state charges of aiding and abetting both murder and manslaughter.
___
Find AP’s full coverage of the killing of George Floyd at: https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd
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| 2022-04-01T14:19:04
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Federal officials slated millions of dollars for rural water projects in several states, with the Biden administration looking to shore up infrastructure needs made more urgent by long-term drought conditions that have been exacerbated by climate change.
The U.S. Interior Department announced Thursday that $420 million will be spent on projects in New Mexico, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa. The work includes construction of water treatment plants, pipeline connections, pump systems and reservoirs to provide drinking water to rural and tribal communities.
The West is experiencing a more than 20-year megadrought. Scientists say the region has become much warmer and drier in recent decades and that climate change will continue to make weather more extreme, wildfires more frequent and destructive, and water supplies less reliable.
From Idaho and Montana south to New Mexico and Arizona, even soil moisture levels have hit record lows as major reservoirs along the Colorado River have plummeted. Earlier this month, Lake Powell hit a record low, spurring concerns about the ability to crank out more hydropower from the dam that holds it back.
Native American tribes that are finally seeing federal money after years of being underfunded are working to get at water they long had rights to but could not access without funds to build the infrastructure. On the Navajo Nation, tens of thousands of people still live without running water, while tribes in the upper Midwest are awaiting pipeline extensions that would tap into reliable sources.
In all, the infrastructure measure included $5 billion for Western water programs, with 20% of that dedicated to rural projects.
Federal officials said the allocations were based on project plans and significant goals that are projected to be reached with the funding.
The largest share — $160 million — will go toward a project decades in the making that will eventually provide water for about 70,000 people who live in communities along the New Mexico-Texas state line, where the Ogallala aquiferis being pumped at a faster rate than it’s being replenished.
The Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority will receive additional money from the Bureau of Reclamation and the state of New Mexico. When combined with matching money from the utility, the total for this year will be more than $228 million.
“This will take us far in the construction of this critically important project,” said Michael Morris, chairman of the water authority and mayor of Clovis, a rural community in eastern New Mexico.
Other allocations include $75.5 million for the Lewis & Clark Rural Water System, which spans parts of South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota. The system is designed to pipe water from the Missouri River to areas as far as 60 miles (97 kilometers) away that have less plentiful resources.
In North Dakota, $51 million will go to a section of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program.
More than $57 million will go to the Rocky Boys/North Central Montana Rural Water System, which serves the Rocky Boy’s Reservation and numerous municipalities. The Fort Peck Reservation in Montana will benefit from $7 million for the water system there.
Tanya Trujillo, assistant Interior secretary for water and science, was flanked by water managers in Albuquerque when she made the announcement.
“The department is committed to bringing clean, reliable drinking water to rural communities to help strengthen resilience to climate change,” Trujillo said.
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| 2022-04-01T14:19:33
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ATHENS, Ga. — For immigrant women, escaping domestic abuse can be difficult. Language barriers and complex laws don’t help.
A year after eight Asian women were murdered in Atlanta, we’re still grappling with the objectification and stereotypes that sparked that rampage.
But conversations about violence perpetrated against Asian American women are happening. One program focused on faith leaders is helping them address domestic violence in the Korean American community.
For decades, places of worship have played a central role in immigrant communities in the United States helping them find jobs, housing and social programs.
“Whether that’s a mosque or a temple or a church. And for the Korean American population, that is exactly the same,” said Joon Choi, an associate professor at the University of Georgia Athens school of social work.
For Korean Americans, about 70% to 80% percent associate with protestant churches.
It’s why Choi who was researching domestic violence prevention, focused on houses of worship.
“From my experiences working as a counselor for domestic violence survivors and American domestic violence survivors, I found that many of them reach out to their ministers for help,” said Choi.
But Choi found a little more than half of the pastors surveyed felt confident in addressing the needs of domestic violence victims.
“A lot of time these religious leaders would like to help these women and these survivors. However, they don't know how to do that,” said Choi.
“Many pastors and many of the Korean community doesn't exactly realize what is domestic violence,” said Reverend Paul Joo, a priest at One in Christ Episcopal Church in Prospect Heights, Illinois.
Joo says one obstacle he’s seen is the cultural embarrassment and stigma attached to issues of domestic violence.
“When we talk about it's a shame for me. It's a shame our family. Shame not only me. Shame to my husband and wife, too. So, we keep the secret,” said Joo.
Using a half-million-dollar grant from the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, Choi worked with partners like fellow public health professor Pamela Orpinas, experts in domestic violence prevention and the Korean American faith community to develop a pastor training program.
“Addressing this from a Korean perspective with the language, with the Korean pastors, feedback was very important,” said Orpinas.
Taught in Korean, the online module portion presents the trainee with virtual case simulations allowing them to learn and make choices on how to confidently proceed.
“It really helps them to see what type of responses they provide to these survivors, how they can be helpful or unhelpful for them,” said Choi.
Over the last three years, more than 100 pastors from Chicago and Washington D.C. have gone through the program. It’s also helped them join hands with Asian American violence prevention organizations like KAN-WIN.
“This really made an opportunity for us to connect with them, dispel the myths surrounding gender-based violence, and also talk about options and resources for survivors, which is not many people know about them,” said Ji Hye Kim, executive director at KAN-WIN.
For Reverend Joo, the training has created a paradigm shift.
“It changed the concept of the domestic violence. And secondly, how do we approach how do we solve the problem?” said Joo.
But Choi says much more needs to be done.
“This is really a campaign that's targeting people to speak up against domestic violence and also when they see survivors reaching out and then actually helping survivors to connect to services,” said Choi.
With another DOJ grant, she plans to expand the training to more pastors, spouses and partners in Korean American communities across the country.
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https://www.katc.com/news/national/faith-leaders-in-korean-american-community-tackle-domestic-abuse
| 2022-04-01T14:20:12
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431,000 jobs were added in March, according to numbers released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday.
The added jobs brought the unemployment rate down to a pandemic-era low of 3.6%.
Economists had estimated more jobs would be added in March.
Job growth was especially strong in the leisure and hospitality sector, as well as in professional and business services.
Hourly wages increased 0.4% from the previous month, which is about what economists expected.
The average hourly pay is about 5.6% higher than it was one year ago.
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| 2022-04-01T14:20:24
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RICHMOND, Calif. — The nation’s oldest active park ranger is hanging up her Smokey hat at the age of 100.
The National Park Service says Betty Reid Soskin retired Thursday after more than 15 years at the Rosie the Riveter/World War Two Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California.
She helped found the park that pays tribute to the efforts of American civilians on the home front during World War II.
Soskin led tours at the park and related her experience as a Black woman working on the home front during the war.
Soskin was a civil rights activist and a businesswoman before she won a temporary Park Service position at the age of 84.
She became a permanent employee in 2011.
Her retirement party will take place this Saturday at the park.
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| 2022-04-01T14:20:30
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FORT WORTH, Texas — A 22-year-old man is in major trouble after traveling what police say was 157 miles per hour in a 70-mph zone on westbound I-20 before colliding with a silver SUV, killing one and injuring two.
Bryce Abernathy, who was arrested by Fort Worth police traffic investigators, faces two counts of aggravated assault and one count of manslaughter in connection with the mid-March crash.
“The airbag control module indicated the Camaro was traveling 157 mph in a 70-mph zone,” a Fort Worth police Facebook post said Thursday. “Reckless driving is irresponsible, egregious, and dangerous. Drivers are encouraged to exercise caution and responsibility when operating a motor vehicle.”
This story was first reported by Doug Myers at KXXV in Waco, Texas.
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| 2022-04-01T14:20:36
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Which telescope is best?
Staring up at the night sky, it’s hard not to get overwhelmed with the sheer size of the galaxy. There are millions of things to look at, but you need the right equipment. If you’ve already started to peer at objects with binoculars, it might be time to upgrade to a telescope.
The right telescope for you largely depends on what you want to study, but the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ is an excellent gadget to get you going. It’s easy to use and powerful enough to see every little detail.
What to know before you buy a telescope
Kinds of telescopes
When most people think of a telescope, they imagine a long tube with an eyeglass at one end. These typical models are called refractor telescopes and are only one type of many. The other popular choice is a reflector telescope, which gathers light through a mirror. There are also compound telescopes, which are wider than others. No matter the telescope type, you’re going to need a telescope bag to safely store and carry it.
The aperture determines what you can see
A telescope’s aperture is one of the most important components. Simply put, the aperture is how large the mirror is on the inside, which is directly related to how much light it can gather. The more light it gathers, the better the details and you can see fainter objects. The aperture is measured in millimeters, and you typically need larger mirrors depending on the surrounding light.
More darkness increases your enjoyment
The best conditions for using a telescope are in an area that has very little light pollution. For example, in a suburban neighborhood, you won’t see as many stars and galaxies as you would in an open field far away from the city. The size of the aperture can only help you up to a point, after which you might need to go somewhere else for viewing — or invest in a bigger aperture.
What to look for in a quality telescope
Lens and magnification accessories
Looking through a telescope lens is exciting, but you often want to see things in greater detail. Look for a telescope that has a variety of eyepieces and accessories. The most common eyepiece you’ll find is the Barlow lens for three-times magnification and the Infinity eyepiece. There are also eyepiece adapters that increase the magnification of the Barlow lens to 120x.
Automated Go-To feature
It’s always a good idea to study the night sky where you live. Make sure that you know which galaxies are where and you can identify the brightest stars. Luckily, you don’t have to pore over maps to see planets and formations; a good-quality telescope should have an automated Go-To feature. Through a handheld remote, you tell the telescope what you want to look at, and after a short calibration, it will automatically turn to align itself with the object.
Phone attachment and Bluetooth remote
It’s a great experience to look at distant planets or even our moon, but it’s more fun if you can take pictures of it, and a quality telescope may have a mobile phone attachment. It looks similar to a car holder, where the device is held in place over the eyepiece. By using the device’s default camera (and to reduce shaking), a Bluetooth remote will trigger the camera to snap a photo of the celestial body.
How much you can expect to spend on a telescope
The average price of a telescope can vary wildly depending on its capabilities and functions. An entry-level or kids’ telescope can retail for $40-$50, while an amateur telescope can retail for $100-$200. Much larger professional telescopes retail for $1,000-$2,000.
Telescope FAQ
Do you need to know where the stars are before using a telescope?
A. Not necessarily, but it will certainly be advantageous. If your telescope can track objects or automatically point toward them, the work is done for you, but if your telescope doesn’t have the function, it’s helpful to at least know where the brightest and most popular objects are.
Do telescopes require batteries to operate?
A. For the most part, they don’t. There are no electronic parts inside the telescope tube or eyepiece. If you’re looking at a model that has auto-tracking and a remote, you’ll need to insert rechargeable batteries into the controller.
What’s the best telescope to buy?
Top telescope
What you need to know: This refractor telescope is the perfect gadget for gazing at nearby planets, faraway galaxies and bright stars.
What you’ll love: The AstroMaster 70AZ has a fully coated 2.7-inch glass optic, a height-adjustable tripod and comes with two eyepieces. It’s powerful enough to see Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons and can easily be rotated with the azimuth mount and handle for panning. It has a magnification of 45x and 90x and comes with an erect image star diagonal and Starry Night Basic Edition astronomy software.
What you should consider: It doesn’t have an auto-alignment feature, so you must point it toward an object yourself.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top telescope for the money
What you need to know: This telescope is perfect for beginners and kids, as it’s easy to operate and you can photograph what you see.
What you’ll love: The AZ70400 has a focal length of 15.7 inches and a 2.7-inch aperture, making it perfect for viewing all objects in the sky. It comes with two replaceable eyepieces and one Barlow lens that magnifies any eyepiece up to three times. To find specific objects, it has a 5 x 24 finderscope with crosshairs. The telescope comes with a smartphone adapter for photography.
What you should consider: It’s a basic telescope that won’t be powerful enough for serious astronomers.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope
What you need to know: A serious telescope, this model is fully automated and has a powerful lens to look at almost anything.
What you’ll love: The NexStar 8SE is one of the best telescopes for serious stargazers. It has an 8-inch primary mirror, a red dot StarPointer finderscope, 25-millimeter Plossl eyepiece, visual back and mirror star diagonal. It’s fully automated and will automatically point toward one of the 40,000 objects stored in its memory. It has a magnification of 81x, but also a theoretical magnification of 480x.
What you should consider: Some users have indicated that the battery life is short, and it’s not ideal for taking photos.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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Which StarTech docking station is best?
While lightweight, compact laptop computers are great for jobs on the go or when you’re away from your office, there are plenty of times when the larger viewing real estate and connectivity of a traditional desktop computer are desired. Thankfully, StarTech provides docking stations that allow you to greatly expand the usability of your laptop computer.
The StarTech.com USB-C Dock includes a wealth of display and data ports that let you fully integrate your laptop with a wide range of other devices and equipment, including speakers, monitors and more.
What to know before you buy a StarTech docking station
Your requirements
Carefully consider the reasons for which you want to convert your laptop computing experience into one that is more akin to using a desktop. Are you editing video and looking to view your work on a monitor that allows for a less cluttered workspace? Are you in need of multiple displays to let you code and compare designs more easily? Or perhaps, you simply want to be able to create a dedicated, centered area within which to get focused work done without outside distractions.
No matter your reasons, choosing the right docking station means imagining the workspace you hope to create and seeking out a dock that will provide you with the flexibility you need to make it your own.
Your equipment
Take stock of what equipment you will be attaching to your laptop computer while shopping for a docking station. Consider the type and age of the connection that your external monitor requires. If you plan on using your computer with a sound system, be sure to know if your speakers are Bluetooth enabled or require a wired connection to your laptop. Paying close attention to the gear you hope to use will help prevent any compatibility issues you may experience after making an uneducated purchase.
Your laptop’s compatibility
USB-C has risen to become the new standard when it comes to connecting devices. Because of this, the majority of StarTech docking stations fully embrace this option. However, older laptops may not have this particular USB type installed. Depending on your hardware, you may need to seek out an adapter or two to ensure compliance with a brand-new dock.
Thankfully, making the leap from one connectivity standard to another is made easier by the wide availability of adapters and dongles that help bridge the gap between yesterday’s tech and today’s trends. Some StarTech docks even include a USB adapter in the box.
What to look for in a quality StarTech docking station
Ports
One of the biggest reasons to use a docking station is to be able to take advantage of the abundance of ports that they provide. From HDMI to various USB and memory card types, there are docks available for every profession and preference. You will be surprised at how quickly your dock becomes fully occupied with chargers and connected devices. Because of this, select a dock with as many ports as possible.
Monitor connectivity
The convenience of a large, luxurious monitor in your workstation cannot be overstated. Be sure that the dock you purchase includes the correct HDMI ports required for today’s displays. Older monitors that connect via other means may require adapters. Because of the fast pace of display technology, some especially old monitors, sadly, may have to be left behind as you build out your desk.
Size
Select a StarTech dock that is large enough to accommodate your needs but not so big as to hog too much of your valuable desk space. Miniature docks are available alongside standard models, although these units tend to lack many of the ports and features that make the devices attractive in the first place. If you require a large dock but don’t want to sacrifice surface area or prefer to keep the majority of your cables out of sight, you may want to consider mounting your dock out of sight behind your desk.
Additionally, portable docks are available and popular for both their space-saving dimensions as well as the ease with which you can bring them along for business on the move.
Aesthetics
As Apple’s design influences have dominated the tech industry over the last two decades, computer accessories have followed suit. StarTech provides gray and aluminum docks to match Apple’s flagship MacBook models, as well as more universal black and white models. For those who prefer matching devices, there are docks available that will complement your gear and blend seamlessly into your work environment.
How much you can expect to spend on a StarTech docking station
Small, portable StarTech docking stations can be purchased for less than $100. However, powerful units that include Thunderbolt ports and other top-tier features can cost $200-$400.
StarTech docking station FAQ
Will a docking station make my laptop faster?
A. No. Docking stations allow you to connect your laptop to external speakers, monitors and more but they do nothing to enhance the performance of your computer. In fact, an underpowered computer may run slower if connected to too many displays.
Can I connect multiple docks together?
A. In some cases, yes. USB, in particular, is an accessible enough connection that users can sometimes “daisy chain” docks together to expand their usage. However, the functionality may vary depending on the power consumption of the devices you wish to use and with regard to other connections such as HDMI.
Do laptop docks provide storage space?
A. No. Laptop docks allow you to connect your computer to external hard drives, but they contain no internal storage.
What’s the best StarTech docking station to buy?
Top StarTech docking station
What you need to know: With a generous array of ports and a clean, modern design, this dock has everything you need to create the workstation of your dreams.
What you’ll love: You can connect your laptop to three external monitors with this device, putting four displays at your fingertips. Its range of ports allows you to integrate everything from external drives to speakers into your workstation.
What you should consider: Some users have noticed compatibility and driver issues with this dock.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top StarTech docking station for the money
StarTech.com USB C Multiport Adapter
What you need to know: This dock is small and great for traveling, allowing you to convert your laptop into a fully connected work machine wherever you go.
What you’ll love: Available in a range of connectivity and power delivery options, this docking station is small enough to fit into your laptop bag.
What you should consider: Not enough connectivity for some users.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
StarTech.com USB C Multiport Adapter Portable Docking Station for Laptop/Tablet
What you need to know: With both current and legacy ports, this dock allows you to bring some of your older technology into the modern age.
What you’ll love: Including various USB ports, a VGA port, a memory card slot and even a headphone jack, this dock expands the usability of your laptop in every way.
What you should consider: This dock sacrifices the number of ports in favor of variety.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Derek Walborn writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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Which green wreath is best?
A green wreath has a classic aesthetic that will never go out of style. Its somewhat traditional design looks nice with many decor schemes. Whether you’re buying one for a specific holiday or for an entire season, you can find a green wreath that suits your tastes.
If you’re in need of the perfect green wreath, consider the Three Posts 24-Inch Red Berries, Pine Cones and Holly Leaves Lighted Wreath. Classic details like holly leaves and red berries give this wreath a look that’s strongly evocative of the holiday season.
What to know before you buy a green wreath
Natural vs. artificial
Live green wreaths will die after a few weeks or, at the most, a couple of months. They can also be quite expensive. While natural wreaths have a limited display time and they’re less affordable than artificial leaves, they offer certain benefits artificial wreaths do not. The pine-branch scent unique to live green wreaths is a top priority for some people and an aspect they are not willing to forgo. And to other people, even the most well-made synthetic wreaths can’t compete with the natural look of live wreaths.
That said, an exquisitely designed and constructed artificial green wreath can masterfully mimic the aesthetic of a natural wreath. Look for materials like silk, which create a more lifelike effect than materials like plastic. Synthetic wreaths also cost less than live wreaths. And you can display them year after year, because they’ll never die.
Year-round vs. seasonal
You might want to display your green wreath year-round or for the entirety of the winter, spring, summer or fall season. If this is the case, avoid wreaths with holiday-specific accents like ornaments, holly berries and mistletoe. Look for design details like ribbons, florals and white string lights instead.
Lit vs. unlit
Speaking of string lights, some green wreaths are pre-strung with them. And not just Christmas wreaths. The main benefit of a lighted wreath is the cheerful glow of the lights on the wreath itself and the surrounding area.
What to look for in a quality green wreath
Fullness
If you want a larger-than-life look from your green wreath, you should choose one with full foliage. Put simply, this means the foliage is substantial in thickness and quantity. As a result, the hole in the center will be smaller. If you prefer a more streamlined style, chances are good that you’ll favor sparse foliage.
Base material
The durability of a wreath is determined in large part by the material that composes the base. Wood and wire are used most frequently. Once the base has been constructed, pine boughs, wheat or straw are wound around it to provide camouflaging.
Type of foliage
The foliage used on a green wreath is determined by the style of the wreath. Leaves in bejeweled fall colors are perfect for autumn. Winter season-themed wreaths typically use pine boughs. And wreaths meant to display in the spring or summer often feature one or more varieties of flowers.
How much you can expect to spend on a green wreath
As stated above, natural wreaths are priced higher than artificial wreaths. A live green wreath might cost you anywhere from $80 to upward of $125. Synthetic wreaths range from $20-$100 in price.
Green wreath FAQ
What kind of design details look nice on a green wreath?
A. While the season ultimately determines the design details used, some are universal. These elements include leaves, fruit, ribbon, string lights and flowers. If you wish to display the wreath in the winter season, you might want to consider a green wreath embellished with white flocking that imitates snow.
What’s the best way to hang a green wreath?
A. You’re no longer limited to using nails to hang your wreath, although this is certainly an option. Instead, you might want to consider brick hangers, command hooks, suction cups, over-the-door wreath hangers or magnetic wreath hangers.
What’s the best green wreath to buy?
Top green wreath
Three Posts 24-Inch Red Berries, Pine Cones and Holly Leaves Lighted Wreath
What you need to know: Finished with design details that epitomize the winter holiday season, this wreath is festive yet understated.
What you’ll love: Faux red berries, pine cones and holly leaves trim the pine branch tips of this seasonal wreath. A light dusting of flocking imitates snowflakes, creating a wintry effect. Fifty pre-strung white LED lights emit a warm glow, welcoming family and friends to your home. The timer turns off the lights for you.
What you should consider: Quality-control issues with shipping were cited by a few buyers, who reported the wreath arrived bent out of shape.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair
Top green wreath for the money
The Holiday Aisle 17-Inch Pine, Magnolia and Apple Plastic Wreath
What you need to know: Red apples add a pop of color to this mini wreath, which is versatile enough to display all winter long.
What you’ll love: If you’re seeking a green wreath that has unique design details, consider this petite one. Artificial magnolia leaves and apples differ from the foliage used in the design of most wreaths. They give the wreath a look that’s suitable for the entirety of the winter season.
What you should consider: At least one buyer felt the wreath didn’t look realistic, and they were also disappointed in its small size.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair
Worth checking out
Greyleigh Gold Ornaments, Gold Leaves and Pine Cones Elegance Lighted Wreath
What you need to know: Sparkling gold accents inject this wreath with rich hues that elevate the design to elegant effect.
What you’ll love: Glittering gold artificial leaves with a cutout design, along with gold ornaments and pinecones embellished with a gold finish, make this wreath glamorous. The simplicity of the lines and the deep green hue of the pine branches ground the aesthetic keep it sophisticated. One hundred clear white LED lights provide a cheerful glow.
What you should consider: A handful of buyers felt the wreath looked different in real life than it did in the image online.
Where to buy: Sold by Wayfair
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Megan Oster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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People will likely pay more at grocery stores and restaurants this year.
The Department of Agriculture released its price outlook for 2022 and it shows that inflation is hitting the food industry.
"Food price increases are expected to be above the increases observed in 2020 and 2021," the agency says.
Prices from food at the grocery store are expected to increase up to 4%. Prices at restaurants could increase by 6.5%, the USDA says. If that holds true, it would exceed historical averages, according to the USDA.
The poultry and dairy industries are facing some of the highest inflation rates. Prices for poultry products could go up 7% and dairy product prices could see a 5% increase this year, the USDA said.
Fresh vegetable prices are among the products with the lowest inflation rate. The USDA says they are expected to go up by about 2.5%.
Farmers are also feeling the pinch. Ukraine and Russia are among the largest suppliers of wheat. The conflict between the two countries is expected to lead to an increase in wheat prices of up to 23%.
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by: Ashley Erling Posted: Apr 1, 2022 / 09:52 AM EDT Updated: Apr 1, 2022 / 09:52 AM EDT SHARE Play along with “Guess the guest” as we get to know some fun facts about our Rhode Show guests!
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Offering A Taste of the Earth with Every Bite, Böen Unveils Böen Terroir Gum
NAPA, Calif., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Joe Wagner, fifth-generation winemaker and owner of Böen Wines, announces his next big thing— Böen Terroir Gum. This expressive gum varietal encapsulates Joe Wagner's passion for wine and sharing it with consumers. Terroir means "a sense of place" and encompasses all the factors that go into producing wine grapes in a vineyard, from the climate to the soil to the elevation. Wagner created this new bubble-gum to take consumers beyond the glass, showcasing the naturally derived flavors of California's Central Coast on the nose and with each bite. The gum pack will be available on BoenWines.com tomorrow, April 2nd for $4.99 and comes with 15 sticks of mineral forward chewing gum.
"Böen is a translation of 'The Farm' and showcases its unique terroir in each sip," shares Joe Wagner. "Terroir is so important, especially in wine. We wanted to highlight the special regions that our wines are grown in by offering Böen enthusiasts a true taste of the California climate, soil, and terrain. I'm always looking for ways to share our passions and through this we've developed the Böen Terroir Gum. We look forward to sharing more on this exciting project in the coming days because I know this gum will blow up… literally."
Inspired by California's diverse and highly sought after AVAs, the Böen Terroir Gum highlights the distinctive flavors categorized by the climate, geology, and elevation that the Böen grapes are grown in. The gum comes in a rich, brown color, matching the exact hue of the California soils with shimmery flecks sprinkled throughout, representing the important rocks components and comes in minimalistic, branded packaging.
Böen draws its profile from the varied coastal wine-growing areas that are among California's most sought-after cool-climate appellations, each offering optimal growing conditions for this temperamental and early ripening varietal. The wines are comprised of grapes from three distinct central California regions: Sonoma County, Monterey County, and Santa Barbara County. Each of these different appellations brings unique characteristics to the wine.
Fifth-generation Napa Valley winemaker and owner of Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, Joe Wagner, has redefined the modern winemaker with his unique approach to the process. Separating from tradition has proved a wise choice for Joe and has shaped a philosophy he carries to this day of "Go With Your Palate;" a simple way of empowering people to drink what they enjoy, and not be swayed by the sommeliers and critics of the world. Since starting Copper Cane in 2014, Joe continues to take a hands-on approach to cultivation, winemaking, and marketing with each of his brands.
For more information on the Böen Terroir Gum, visit BoenWines.com/ask-joe-terroir-gum/, and stay up to date on social by following @BoenWines.
About Böen
Böen is a translation of 'The Farm,' a reminder to fifth-generation winemaker and farmer Joe Wagner that the wine he makes is indivisible from the land it comes from. Born and raised in California's wine country, Joe has devoted his life to the vineyard. No stranger to the soil, he takes a hands-on approach to surveying his vineyards and cultivating his land. It is this intimacy with the earth and craft that create a distinctly personal and defining wine. With its ripe fruit flavors, bright acidity, and hints of toasty oak, Böen showcases the land and the art of winemaking and is an earnest representation of cool coastal mornings and sunny California days. Böen's portfolio of wines includes Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs from Sonoma County, Monterey County, and Santa Barbara County in California.
Media Contacts:
View original content:
SOURCE Copper Cane Wines & Provisions
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| 2022-04-01T14:25:24
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CHICAGO, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- To kick off Sarcoidosis Awareness Month this April, The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) launched its What is Sarcoidosis?: #MakeItVisible Campaign to shine a spotlight on sarcoidosis to improve diagnosis, treatment management, and help accelerate research. For far too long, those living with sarcoidosis have been ignored, misunderstood, and told they "don't look sick" while their organs are deteriorating. Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory condition that is not widely taught about or understood by physicians, does not always exhibit externally visible signs or symptoms, and is often a great mimicker of other conditions.
Throughout the month of April, FSR is encouraging the nation to join in and to help shine a spotlight on the estimated 175,000 people in the U.S. living with sarcoidosis, to increase understanding, educate the public on the signs of the disease, and to call for more research and support.
"Every day, I speak to patients whose diagnosis was delayed, whose symptoms were ignored, and who were dismissed by physicians, family members and colleagues. Sarcoidosis is a complex rare disease. It is often called the snowflake disease because no two patients are impacted in the same way," said Mary McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of FSR. "Through the #MakeItVisible Campaign, FSR is calling on the nation to raise awareness and amplify the voices of those whose lives are deeply impacted by this disease."
FSR's #MakeItVisible Campaign, sponsored by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, officially kicks off April 1st. Join us in increasing awareness by posting a black-and-white photo selfie on social media with a short, 10-word story about why sarcoidosis awareness is important, include the phrase "I support someone with sarcoidosis" and add #MakeItVisible. Awareness month events and information about sarcoidosis can be found on the FSR website. Help FSR to provide education and support for those living with sarcoidosis and to drive progress towards a cure. For more information, visit stopsarcoidosis.org/awareness-2022.
About the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR).
Established in 2000, The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) is the leading international nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for sarcoidosis and improving care for sarcoidosis patients. Since inception, FSR has fostered over $5 million in sarcoidosis-specific research efforts and has worked diligently to provide resources to thousands. For more information and to join our community, visit www.stopsarcoidosis.org.
About Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis (pronounced SAR-COY-DOE-SIS) is an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas—tiny clumps of inflammatory cells—in one or more organs of the body, causing damage to these organs.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please reach out to:
Cathi Davis, Communications Manager
312-341-0500 ext 106, [email protected]
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research
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| 2022-04-01T14:27:55
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Iconic Toy Company Adds Children's Functional Workspace to its Premium Furniture Line
CHATSWORTH, Calif., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Little Tikes®, the leader in imaginative roleplay products for children, is thrilled to add My First Cubicle™ to its roster of creative, realistic and inspiring toys. From kitchens, restaurants and workbenches to food delivery sets and now office toys, Little Tikes allows kids to emulate their parents, no matter what career path they choose.
Kids have been climbing on the brand's premium Real Wood Adventures™ furniture and playsets for years, and now they can climb up the corporate ladder too, as My First Cubicle will give enterprising tots a taste of the business world. In addition, at a time when many parents are still working remotely from home, the release of My First Cubicle is perfectly timed so that sons and daughters can still participate in "Take Your Child to Work Day," even if it's next to the family breakfast nook.
"When I was a boy, I was far more interested in roleplaying the nine-to-five grind than pretending to be a chef playing in a toy kitchen set or hawking drinks at a lemonade stand," said Mark Morse, Vice President of Global Marketing for Little Tikes. "While I've been fortunate enough in my career to graduate to a windowless office, my journey started with three walls that I could personalize within company guidelines. It's extremely gratifying to bring the My First Cubicle set to market and inspire the next generation of the global workforce."
Little Tikes premium real wood furniture line expanded from swings and rockers to full bed sets, playsets and kid-sized versions of tables and chairs. This newest addition gives kids a unique and semi-private space to work or study, allowing them to play and dream even more. It also helps to keep those dreams in check.
"In a world filled with 24/7 social media, where success seems so easy, it's good for kids to see that not everyone can be Queen or King," said child development expert Dr. Mildred Rosalie Gold. "With this product, Little Tikes celebrates the hard work and sacrifice of the worker bee, establishes a path to getting ahead, and level sets the career expectations of our children. It's important for kids to understand at an early age that peaking at middle management is okay."
My First Cubicle comes with all the accessories one would expect for the modern office environment, with a toy laptop, phone, coffee cup, filing cabinet and functional water cooler. But it also serves as a quiet respite where kids can focus on artwork, activities or a much needed time out.
My First Cubicle will be available directly through the Little Tikes website. Interested consumers can learn more here: https://www.littletikes.com/my-first-cubicle. A series of videos showcasing the use of the premium furniture set in a variety of ways will also be posted on the brand's social media channels.
About MGA Entertainment
MGA Entertainment is the fastest growing and largest privately held toy company in the US. MGA is headquartered in Chatsworth, California and creates innovative, proprietary and licensed consumer products and entertainment, including toys, games, dolls, apparel, consumer electronics, home décor, stationery and sporting goods. The MGA family includes awardwinning brands such as L.O.L. Surprise!™, Little Tikes®, Rainbow High™, Bratz®, Na! Na! Na! Surprise™, Baby Born Surprise™ and Zapf Creation®. Visit us at www.mgae.com.
This release is an April Fools' release and should be taken as such by readers and the media.
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SOURCE Little Tikes
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| 2022-04-01T14:29:50
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DALLAS, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Medecision, a leading provider of digital care management solutions and services, and Clearstep Health, a digital health company powering the next generation of AI chat triage technology, today announced the formation of a strategic partnership. The partnership will bring Clearstep's Smart Care Routing™ to Medecision's current and future health system and health plan customers, enabling an enhanced patient engagement experience. This AI technology will be available through Medecision's HITRUST CSF®-certified, SaaS solution, Aerial™, which optimizes the delivery of personalized, predictive, and prescriptive next best actions for clinicians, physicians, consumers and their caregivers.
Clearstep's Smart Care Routing™️ matches patients to the right care and services within a healthcare system or payer network, driving better patient engagement, acquisition, and retention. Used by leading health systems, payers, digital health providers and other partners including CVS, BayCare Health, HCA Health, Hartford HealthCare and Duly Health & Care, Clearstep technology can convert 50% of web visitors for 10x ROI through increased online booking volume.
Clearstep's Smart Care Routing includes three modules:
- Virtual Triage: Available on any health system or payer's website, Virtual Triage helps patients navigate symptoms and book the right care at the right time across your network.
- Clinical Journeys: Clinical Journeys automates the process of intelligently assessing, monitoring and engaging patients with chronic illness, reducing leakage and readmissions.
- Patient Services: Clearstep Patient Services takes the burden off call centers by leveraging AI chat to automate non-clinical administrative requests such as prescription refills, bill pay, and finding a physician.
"We are committed to providing a dynamic approach to care where everyone in the ecosystem is engaged and empowered to drive the best health outcomes in a seamless, interconnected way," said Jacob Jesson, EVP, Chief Revenue & Experience Officer of Medecision. "By partnering with Clearstep, we will continue to advance our digital and virtual care management capabilities by providing new and effective ways for patients to engage with the right care, at the right time and allow our customers to improve their health advocacy initiatives, care navigation and concierge services using proven and trusted AI technology."
"Empowering healthcare organizations with technology that makes it easy for people to access the most useful, clear next steps for health and care is at the core of what we do," said Adeel Malik, CEO and co-founder of Clearstep Health. "Clearstep's platform is already proven to drive engagement and reduce leakage. Partnering with Medecision will allow us to further complement the most scalable, extensible, and configurable Digital Care Management Platform on the market while extending the reach of our platform."
To learn more about the partnership, please visit: medecision.com/solutions/consumer-engagement/
About Medecision
Medecision® is a digital care management company whose solutions and services are used by leading health plans and care delivery organizations to support more than 42 million people nationwide. Aerial™, a HITRUST CSF®-certified, SaaS solution from Medecision, seamlessly connects the healthcare ecosystem to powerful data and insights that drive meaningful consumer engagement while creating efficiencies to reduce costs and support effective care, case and utilization management. Aveus, our professional services division, helps business leaders solve complex challenges and drive better performance, leaving organizations more capable. To learn more about Medecision, visit medecision.com.
About Clearstep Health
Clearstep's Smart Care Routing uses AI chat to improve patient experience and engagement for healthcare organizations, helping patients navigate virtual triage, clinical journeys, and administrative patient services. Our solution is used by leading health systems, payers, digital health providers and other partners including CVS, BayCare Health, HCA Health and Duly Health & Care, increasing patient loyalty by 4X, growing new patient revenue, and enabling partners to protect their bottom line. To learn more, visit https://www.clearstep.health/
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Medecision
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https://www.wave3.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/medecision-clearstep-health-announce-strategic-partnership-deliver-an-enhanced-patient-engagement-experience-health-systems-health-plans/
| 2022-04-01T14:30:25
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News Flash: California didn’t go bust. Again.
It’s been a quarter-century since I became business columnist for the Orange County Register — and now the Southern California News Group. One economic theme that’s bemused me over these past 25 years is how many times — and how many people — could claim that California is on the brink of financial ruin.
The warnings came in government reports, academic studies and private industry white papers, not to mention brash political comments. Taxes too high. Too many regulations. Too much debt. Too many people and companies leaving.
Basically, the critics say the state and its businesses couldn’t afford everything from immigrants, to clean air and water, to helping its needy, to paying workers decent wages.
And, yes, since 1997 the state’s had close calls with monetary meltdowns — from the dot-com crash, to the mortgage bubble bursting, to the pandemic’s business chill. In the Great Recession, the state briefly issued IOUs to pay some bills. Yet solvency prevailed.
I’m not saying California’s perfect or it doesn’t need a healthy reality check at times. Note that the state government budget grew to $196 billion from $67 billion in 25 years. That’s a tripling in excess of 77% inflation and its 22% population growth.
Of course, the state’s critics can add value to economic policy debates. And past performances are just that — history, not guarantees.
But the doom-and-gloom arguments have gotten tiresome. The logic is faulty. The math suspect. The anecdotes are individual tales, not trends.
It’s fairly obvious voters don’t buy the pessimism, as those calling for “change” can’t seem to win elections. Republicans don’t even have a major candidate to run against Gov. Gavin Newsom this fall.
Gosh, when I became a columnist in 1997, Republican Pete Wilson was still governor — part of 16 consecutive years the GOP held the state’s highest post. Arnold Schwarzenegger was the only state leader since from the GOP — and many would say he wasn’t much of a Republican.
So with California’s economy on the road to coronavirus recovery — and the state budget swamped with billions is excess cash — I’ll honor my journalistic anniversary with 25 reasons California didn’t go bust …
25. Pacific Ocean: Not only is it a tourist attraction, to the west there’s the dynamic Asian economy uniquely tied to California businesses with $60 billion a year of state products exported to China, Japan & Co.
24. Productivity: California’s public corporations generate $1.4 million of revenue per employee — up 14-fold in 25 years, Bloomberg reports. U.S. company output overall just doubled in 25 years.
23. Logistics: Business success can be tied to swift, efficient movement. California has three of the busiest U.S. ports (Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland) and two of the top seven warehouse hubs (L.A. and the Inland Empire).
22. Resilience: Flexibility matters. Add in gumption, too. If California could survive the sluggish 1990s, the deep Great Recession and the pandemic’s pause, let’s politely say it’s got “crisis management” skills.
21. Financing: When Wall Street cut off Gold Rush funds in the 1800s, Californians were forced to master creative money management. That skill fits state’s risk-taking mentality.
20. Pro-worker: California routinely ranks last in chief executive surveys of the “best” place to do business. I translate that to mean “best” place for employees — and that’s important in the “Great Resignation” era.
19. Taxes: A typical Californian has a combined state and local tax burden that’s the nation’s ninth-highest, according to WalletHub. That’s the price of paradise — and the government’s cash flow.
18. Ingenuity: California consistently created the next big thing. From 1963 to 2001, the state was home to 15% of U.S. patents granted. That share grew to 26% in 2002-2015.
17. Hollywood: Another globally recognized landmark. And it’s more than a cultural state of mind, it’s estimated California filming employs 700,000 with a $70 billion payroll.
16. Safety net: California’s aid to the needy is actually “mid-range” — 22nd-lowest level of uninsured for health, 27th-lowest unemployment benefits, and 13th-lowest food stamp usage.
15. Investing: Will giant Calpers pension fund earn enough to pay its bills? Well, its portfolio rose 13% in value last year — and has averaged 7% annually the past 20 years.
14. Budget reform: Various measures — by lawmakers and voters — somewhat trimmed the state government’s ability to spend. Most notably is pension reform that should eventually lower that taxpayer burden.
13. Jobs: In the state they supposedly hate, bosses added 4.3 million workers to the nation’s largest job market in 25 years. That’s 34% growth vs. 23% in the rest of the country.
12. Factories: Making stuff still employs 1.3 million Golden Staters — No. 1 in U.S. Yes, that’s off 500,000 from 1997 but the 28% dip is on par with a 27% nationwide drop. And California factory pay runs $106,000 — 46% more than U.S. factory wages.
11. Diversity: Differing cultures and viewpoints make a richer economy. There’s a 70% chance two random Californians have different racial backgrounds, second-highest diversity rate in the nation.
10. Weather: A huge competitive advantage that’s not only a lure — but allows more business to be done. You know, fewer “rainouts”!
9. Central Valley: If it was a state, it would be the 27th most populous. And it gives the state ample room to grow. Oh, and its agriculture helps feed the nation.
8. Tourism: Nation’s most-visited state. That rings cash registers — think tax revenues on the $97 billion of visitor spending last year — and shows off the Golden State to outsiders.
7. GDP: Long the nation’s largest economy — and one of the world’s biggest — California business output grew at a 2.6% annual above inflation since 2005 vs. 1.7% for the U.S.
6. Real estate: Thanks to Prop. 13, there’s low property tax rates. But soaring values‚ median house prices went from $168,000 to $771,000 in 25 years, aided property owners — and government cash flow.
5. Immigration friendly: You need to add world-class thinking and heavy lifters to keep an economy humming. California had 2.9 million foreign immigrants last decade, the most in the nation.
4. Stock market: Wall Street’s Dow Jones index crossed 7,000 in March 1997. It’s in the 35,000-range today. Tech’s Nasdaq index is up 12-fold. These upswings create capital gains — key to California’s lofty income-tax collections.
3. Upper class: Taxing the rich — the state’s income tax tactic — requires a wealthy class. California had 173 billionaire last year, topping New York (118), Florida (68) and Texas (64), according to Forbes.
2. Silicon Valley: If some companies move out, the state still has the world’s ultimate business creation machine. Roughly one-eighth of the nation’s tech workers are in the Bay Area, a region that remains the nation’s top draw for seed money.
1. Paychecks: California’s per-capita income of $76,000 is the nation’s fourth-highest — and its up 180% in 25 years vs. 144% growth nationally.
PS: Maybe you’re not convinced. Well, the three major credit-rating agencies — S&P, Moody’s and Fitch — all give California a higher rating today than the financial-fitness grades the state had in the spring of 1997.
Jonathan Lansner is business columnist for the Southern California News Group. He can be reached at [email protected]
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| 2022-04-01T14:31:45
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Stressed by high temperatures and a record run of dry weather over the last three months, the Sierra Nevada snowpack, the source of 30% of the state’s water supply, has hit one of its lowest levels for the end of winter in generations.
With state water officials scheduled to conduct a snow survey Friday near Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resort, automatic sensors spread across the vast mountain range showed snow levels were just 39% of normal on Wednesday. The measurements were the latest evidence that California’s three-year drought is growing more severe.
From a water-supply standpoint, the April 1 Sierra snow reading is traditionally considered the most important of the year. Very little snow falls after April 1, so water planners at cities, farms and wildlife agencies are able to assess how much is available for the summer ahead.
By comparison, on April 1 last year, the snowpack was 62% of normal. Going back to 1950, only five times has there been less snow on April 1 than this year, all of them during major droughts — in 2015 (5% of normal), 2014 (25%), 1988 (29%), 1977 (25%) and 1976 (37%).
“There was so much fanfare in December about the drought being over,” said Andrew Schwartz, lead scientist at the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Laboratory near Donner Summit west of Lake Tahoe. “We had a record-breaking December and have gotten very little if anything since.”
Schwartz noted that in December, his station at 6,800-feet elevation in Soda Springs received 214 inches of snow from several huge atmospheric river storms — the most since modern records there began in 1970. But in a cruel twist of fate, the storm door slammed shut. In January, February and March combined, only 41 inches of snow fell, or 19% of the historical average for those three months.
“We’ve still got some snow up here,” he said Thursday. “It’s not barren. But it has definitely started melting. We’ve lost about a foot in the last week. We’re starting to see bigger patches of soil.”
The trend has repeated across the state.
In San Francisco, only 1.13 inches of rain fell in January, February and March this year. That’s the lowest amount in that three-month period in 173 years, when records began during the Gold Rush in 1849, according to meteorologist Jan Null of Golden Gate Weather Services in Half Moon Bay.
If not for California’s bountiful early storms in October and December, the Sierra snowpack would be even lower now.
The good news is that the early winter rainfall provided some hydrological “money in the bank,” experts say, raising reservoir levels somewhat. Since Oct. 1, San Francisco has received 17.36 inches of rain, or 86% of its historical average; Oakland 15.89 inches, or 97% of its historical average; and San Jose 7.00 inches, or 60% of its average.
But because the previous two years were also dry, California’s reservoirs did not refill this winter. They remain below average now, which is driving water shortages around the state that will only worsen during the hot summer months to come. And as the grasses and vegetation dry out, wildfires remain an ever-present threat.
On Thursday, the state’s largest reservoir, Shasta, near Redding, was just 38% full. And its second largest, Oroville, in Butte County, was just 47% full.
“This is the third year in a row of drought for sure,” said Jay Lund, director of the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences. “We’ve had more precipitation in Northern California than we had last year, and a little more than in 2020. But we’ve had a very long, dry period with dry temperatures over the last three months, and that isn’t good. It’s drying out all the soils and evaporating the snowpack. We might get less runoff this year into the reservoirs than in 2020 or 2021.”
Schwartz noted that climate change is contributing significantly to California’s extreme conditions. Warmer temperatures are making droughts worse. And when high-pressure systems do break down off the West Coast, allowing lots of big atmospheric river storms to come through like in 2017, those winters are wetter-than-normal because warmer conditions cause more moisture to evaporate into the storms.
“We’ve always had these types of events, but climate change is making them more severe,” he said.
All of California’s 58 counties have been in a drought emergency since last year. On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the 420 largest water agencies in the state — cities, water districts and private companies — to increase water conservation by going to level 2 of their drought plans.
There are six levels in the plans, which are required by state law, with six being the most severe. Some providers, such as San Jose Water Company, which is in level 3 and requiring customers to water lawns no more than twice a week, already are there.
Others, including East Bay Municipal Utility District, Contra Costa Water District and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, which serve millions of people in the Bay Area, are still in level 1 with mostly voluntary rules and little enforcement. Those agencies are expected in the coming month to tighten rules and potentially impose fines or higher rates for people using too much water. But that’s not the only pain some customers might feel. On Friday, San Francisco instituted a 5% drought surcharge on water bills to cover the lost revenue from people using less.
Many residents still aren’t acting like there’s a serious drought. At the Evergreen Nursery in San Leandro, manager Wallace Garrett said Thursday that few people are mentioning it.
“It’s early in the season,” he said. “That may happen. But we haven’t had many people ask about reducing water use.”
His advice: Check your plants. If leaves are drooping they need water.
“A lot of people overwater,” he said. “Stick your finger in the soil about half an inch. If it’s moist it doesn’t need water.”
And lawns, which use 50% of residential water in the summer?
“I recommend get rid of your lawn,” he said. “Lawns are beautiful but they are a huge waste of money. You can’t eat them. You spend a lot of money watering them. California native plants are just as beautiful and they require a lot less water.”
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| 2022-04-01T14:31:51
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The 64th Annual Grammy Awards is finally happening on April 3 with a live audience and performances.
It was originally scheduled to take place at Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) in Los Angeles on Jan. 31, but it was postponed due to a surge in local COVID-19 cases. Shortly after, it was announced that the Grammys would relocate to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Here on the West Coast, fans can tune into “music’s biggest night” on CBS and Paramount+ at 5 p.m. The ceremony can also be streamed live and on-demand on Paramount+, CBS.com and the CBS app, though a cable subscription is required. The red carpet will be streamed starting at 3:30 p.m. at grammy.com and E! will begin its “Live from the Red Carpet” coverage at 3 p.m. The premiere ceremony, where a bulk of the 86 awards are given out, will livestream starting at 12:30 p.m. at grammy.com and the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel. It will be hosted by LeVar Burton and feature performances by Jimmie Allen, Ledisi, Mon Laferte and Allison Russell.
Comedian Trevor Noah of “The Daily Show” will return as host of the main ceremony. So far, the Recording Academy has announced that there will be performances by jazz/R&B singer-songwriter and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” bandleader Jon Batiste, who leads the pack with 11 nominations including album and record of the year.
Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, who swept the big four Grammy categories in 2020, will perform. She received seven nominations for “Happier Than Ever,” including album, record and song of the year. If she scores the record of the year award, she’ll be the first person to win that honor three years in a row. “Good 4 U” singer and former Murrieta resident Olivia Rodrigo is also up for seven awards (many in the same category as Eilish) and she’s scheduled to take the Grammy stage as well.
BTS, who sold out four nights at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood in 2021, will perform, and if they win in the best pop duo/group performance category with the song “Butter,” they’ll be the first K-pop band to win a Grammy.
Other performers include Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak’s Silk Sonic, John Legend, Carrie Underwood, J Balvin, Maria Bercerra, H.E.R., Brothers Osborne, Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Leslie Odom Jr. and Cynthia Erivo. L.A. rock band Foo Fighters, who received three nominations for the album “Medicine at Midnight,” had previously been announced as performers before the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins. The band has since canceled all its upcoming tour dates and appearances. CBS’ executive vice president of specials, music and live events Jack Sussman told Variety earlier this week that producers are working on a tribute to Hawkins during the ceremony.
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| 2022-04-01T14:31:57
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