authors
list | date_download
stringlengths 25
25
| date_modify
stringclasses 1
value | date_publish
stringlengths 19
19
| description
stringlengths 1
1.5k
| filename
stringlengths 52
574
| image_url
stringlengths 29
396
| language
stringclasses 1
value | localpath
stringclasses 1
value | maintext
stringlengths 1
32.3k
| source_domain
stringlengths 8
39
| title
stringlengths 1
200
| title_page
stringclasses 1
value | title_rss
stringclasses 1
value | url
stringlengths 37
391
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:00:36+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 14:22:00
|
A New York man last year bought a Mexican Pizza at Taco Bell, thinking the menu item would look like the one in the advertisements he had seen, with a thick, appetizing layer of ground meat and beans. Instead, what he got for his $5.49 had him invoking another fast-food chain's famous tagline of yore: "Where's the beef?"
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Ftaco-bell-sued-for-false-advertising-over-skimpy-f%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Emily Heil W
By Emily Heil
A New York man last year bought a Mexican Pizza at Taco Bell, thinking the menu item would look like the one in the advertisements he had seen, with a thick, appetizing layer of ground meat and beans. Instead, what he got for his $5.49 had him invoking another fast-food chain’s famous tagline of yore: “Where’s the beef?”
That’s according to a class-action lawsuit that Frank Siragusa filed today in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of New York on behalf of himself and other customers disappointed by the amount of filling in Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza items as well as its Crunchwraps. Siragusa accuses Taco Bell of “unfair and materially misleading advertising” and is seeking upward of $5 million from the chain for alleged violations of law banning unfair and deceptive trade practices.
“The Mexican Pizza that Plaintiff purchased contained approximately half the beef and bean filling that he expected,” the lawsuit says. The lawsuit includes photos used by Taco Bell in its advertisements alongside photos of the actual items taken by customers – the latter of which look flat and unappealing next to the company’s images.
The lawsuit posits that Siragusa and others wouldn’t have shelled out the money for the Crunchwraps and pizzas if they had known they were getting punier versions of the ones depicted. In addition to compensating people who bought the products, the lawsuit also asks Taco Bell to “provide corrected advertisements” or stop selling the items.
A representative for Taco Bell did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“Taco Bell’s actions are especially concerning now that inflation, food, and meat prices are very high and many consumers, especially lower income consumers, are struggling financially,” the lawsuit says.
One of the attorneys representing Siragusa, Anthony Russo, represented a Florida Burger King customer last year in a similar lawsuit. In that filing, a man who purchased a burger from the chain complained that the company made its burgers appear far beefier than they were in real life. “Little situations – what some would consider to be a little situation like this – could lead to unfettered behavior from big corporations,” Russo said last year in an interview with The Washington Post.
The lawsuit filed this week included similar claims in the media and by YouTube reviewers about Taco Bell’s offerings. One article on the food site Mashed.com, titled “Why Reddit Is Calling Out Taco Bell’s Skimpy Crunchwraps,” documented multiple people complaining about the popular menu item, which consists of a crisp tortilla stuffed with seasoned beef, nacho cheese and other toppings.
The Mexican pizza, a pair of crunchy tortillas sandwiching a meaty filling and topped with cheese and other garnishes, is a fan-favorite item that Taco Bell returned to its menu last year after drawing outcry for discontinuing it in 2020. The chain hyped the revival, including in a TikTok musical featuring Dolly Parton and Doja Cat.
Taco Bell’s legal department has been busy of late; the chain earlier this month prevailed in a dispute with the smaller brand Taco John’s which had held the copyright to the phrase “Taco Tuesday” in most of the country. Taco John’s said it was relinquishing control over the moniker rather than pay attorneys’ fees to tussle with its larger rival.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Taco Bell sued for false advertising over skimpy fillings
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/taco-bell-sued-for-false-advertising-over-skimpy-f/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:54:23+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 10:43:00
|
U.S. homeowners are nearly twice as willing to sell if their mortgage rate is 5% or higher, but just one in five mortgaged homes meet that criteria.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fa-5-us-mortgage-rate-is-seen-as-tipping-point-to-u%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Alex Tanzi Bloomberg
U.S. homeowners are nearly twice as willing to sell if their mortgage rate is 5% or higher, but just 1 in 5 mortgaged homes meet that criteria.
For those who have a mortgage rate of at least 5%, 38% said they’re planning on selling their homes, according to a quarterly survey by Zillow. Just 21% of holders with rates below that dividing line said the same.
Existing-home sales have fallen almost every month since the start of last year as higher mortgage rates disincentivize owners from moving.
Prospective buyers have sought out new construction instead since inventory on the resale market is so low.
About 80% of mortgage holders reported having a rate of less than 5%, and about 90% have a rate of less than 6%, Zillow said.
Almost a third reported a rate of less than 3%.
Mortgage rates “are unlikely to return to 5% in the near future,” said Orphe Divounguy, a senior economist at Zillow Home Loans.
“That means many homeowners will move only for major life events, like a new baby or retirement.”
Even so, nearly a quarter of homeowners are considering selling their home in the next three years or currently have their home listed for sale – significantly higher than the 15% of homeowners who said the same one year ago, Zillow said.
That suggests inventory could be on the rise soon.
Of course, mortgage rates aren’t the only factor that influence one’s decision to move.
About two-thirds said they’re looking to upgrade to a nicer home while 45% cited a growing family.
The tight supply on the resale market has kept home prices elevated.
Zillow’s latest monthly market report finds that home values hit a record high in June, topping $350,000 for the first time nationally.
And home values climbed in all of the 50 largest metro areas for a second month in a row.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
A 5% U.S. mortgage rate is seen as tipping point to unlock supply
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/a-5-us-mortgage-rate-is-seen-as-tipping-point-to-u/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:59:15+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 12:51:00
|
Record-breaking summer heat is forcing fuelmakers to cut back operations, just as dwindling supplies are causing gasoline prices to surge around the world.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fscorching-summer-heat-is-curbing-gasoline-output-a%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Lucia Kassai Bloomberg
Record-breaking summer heat is forcing fuel makers to cut back operations, just as dwindling supplies are causing gasoline prices to surge around the world.
The hottest-ever June and July prompted refiners to curtail oil processing by at least 2% globally as long stretches of triple-digit heat posed a threat to operations, according to Vikas Dwivedi, a global oil and gas strategist for Macquarie Group.
Excessive heat, associated with deferred maintenance in the past, has spurred an unusual number of refinery breakdowns this year, when fuel stockpiles are already low. This has in part propelled gasoline prices in the U.S. to the highest level since November. High-temperature forecasts into August could keep U.S. gasoline makers from running all out for the last stretch of the summer driving season, dimming hopes for relief at the pump.
U.S. refineries are struggling to return to the peak utilization rate of 95.8% seen in early June. Since May, at least four facilities reported fires while other seven had to take units down due to power outages and unplanned repairs, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. “The ability to cool the tower overhead can become a constraint at high ambient temperatures,” Dwivedi said in a report.
Cooling capacity issues have also dogged European refineries struggling to process lighter crudes in the aftermath of supply cuts from Saudi Arabia and Russia. French refiner TotalEnergies and Italian fuelmaker Saras recently lamented the dampening impact of baking temperatures. “Refineries do not like hot weather,” TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne said on an earnings call.
A continued contraction of the manufacturing sector has also led European refiners to hold back.
In July, global fuelmakers processed 82.5 million barrels of oil daily, down from an earlier estimate of 84 million barrels, Macquarie data show. Refineries may still hit the target in August or early September as new plants in Asia and the Middle East ramp up, according to Dwivedi. But this last attempt to boost fuel production in the final weeks of the summer may be cut short by the upcoming fall turnaround season.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Scorching summer heat is curbing gasoline output and adding pain at the pump
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/scorching-summer-heat-is-curbing-gasoline-output-a/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:51:42+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 00:00:00
|
Spokane Valley leadership silent on church vandalism
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F30%2Fletters-for-july-30-2023%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
Spokane Valley leadership silent on church vandalism
When Veradale United Church of Christ was hatefully vandalized on June 25, we were saddened that this happened in our city. We invited Spokane Valley leadership to join us in celebrating that “Love is Greater than Hate” but received no word. We were further concerned that we have not heard or seen any statement from our city leadership denouncing this disturbing violation. After waiting 18 days for a statement, I emailed such a request on July 13 and still have no answer.
Please, let us know that the leadership of the city of Spokane Valley denounces acts of vandalism, theft and hateful threats. Tell us about what the city is doing to make this a community where everyone is welcome. Tell us that this city is one where the freedom of religion includes Christian faiths like ours that believe God created everyone in the image of God as we practice a life of justice, kindness, and a humble walk with our God (Micah 6:6-8). Tell us that in our city, bullying in schools and neighborhoods is not acceptable.
The Rev. Gen Heywood
Pastor, Veradale United Church of Christ
Spokane Valley
Unaccredited Cheney Police reflects poor governance
That Cheney Police Department lost its accreditation in 2018, during Mayor Chris Grover’s tenure, and is only now starting to discuss reaccreditation five years later, is an outrage and a disgrace.
According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, the purpose of accreditation is “to professionalize the law enforcement industry by providing a review process for agencies to be certified as operating under industry best practices and standards.”
Given the severity and scope of misconduct identified and investigated within the department in the past few years, it’s clear that the department has not been operating under best practices and standards for some time – far from it. Whether it’s sexual harassment, which led to one officer being suspended without pay and another (who also engaged in several other forms of significant misconduct) losing his law enforcement credentials, or just plain incompetence and failure to do their duty, Cheney deserves better from those who are sworn to serve and protect.
At a recent community forum, interim police chief Rick Beghtol unveiled a new motto for the department: honesty, integrity and compassion. The people of Cheney deserve a police department that actually embodies and exemplifies these values. We deserve a department staffed by officers who are effective and who do not engage in misconduct. We deserve a department that has been independently verified and found to meet objective standards of best practice. We deserve an accredited police department.
Shame on the city’s leadership for failing to deliver.
Corinna Donnerberg
Cheney
Pricing people out of the housing market
In an article about heat pumps (“Judge won’t delay building code change,” June 20), there’s a line near the end: “Joel White, executive director of the Spokane Home Builders Association, said in court filings that added costs of construction would price families out of homes built locally.”
No, what’s pricing people out of homes are a few things. Let’s start with the Builders Association not building enough homes for first-time buyers. There’s also the lack of apartments for people who need them, driving up rental prices far faster than inflation while those first-time buyers must stay in apartments. There’s the direct sale from builders to REITs and other wealthy investors who then rent homes for vacation and for tenants.
The cost of heat pumps is minimal compared to that. Builders need profit, but maximizing regardless of the impact on would be homeowners and then crying crocodile tears won’t cut it.
David Teich
Spokane Valley
Reduction of parking spaces not the answer
The Spokane City Council’s reduction of parking space requirements for housing within half a mile of transit routes is another of their efforts to turn Spokane into a walking/bicycling/bus-riding city. That’s great for those who can use those forms of transportation. Unfortunately, not all residents are able-bodied, healthy, athletic and with the flexibility that allows it.
Even for those who check all those boxes, cars are still necessary for most people in Spokane. The city is too hilly and spread out to make biking and walking practical, and public transportation isn’t adequate to meet everyone’s needs. For shopping, hauling things and getting out of town to that nature we enjoy, we still need cars. By reducing the parking requirements for apartments, more tenants will park on streets, clogging narrow residential streets with parked cars. That makes a problem for everyone, not just the apartment dwellers.
I’m all in favor of alternative transportation being encouraged, but let’s be reasonable. It is not the only or even the best solution for most people.
Mobility, weather, location and other factors make cars necessary. Let’s make sure the people who use them are also respected in the great Spokane city planning.
Suzanne Harris
Spokane
Vote with your conscience
Donald Trump was one of the most egotistical persons to ever be president.
There were others like JFK, FDR, Abe and Teddy.
He often lacked sympathy, sensitive to criticism.
But what did he do?
7 million new jobs
Family income increase by $6,000
Lowest unemployment in U.S. history
Lowest Black unemployment
Lowest Hispanic unemployment
No new wars
Lowest female unemployment
Destroyed ISIS
Killed terrorists leaders
Embassy to Jerusalem
Peace in the Middle East
Criminal justice reform
Largest tax reform in history
Record low poverty
16% pay raise for American worker
Added 1.2 million manufacturing and construction jobs
Home builder confidence at all-time record
Lowest gas prices in a generation
Home sales all-time record
Halted travel from China at the start of the COVID pandemic
Halted the communist aggression (Ukraine and Taiwan)
Think how much more might have been achieved if he had not been plagued by the politically motivated attempts at impeachment and other deep-state plots aimed at destroying him.
Vote accordingly.
Dave Barker
Spokane
Deny the proposed GTN Xpress pipeline expansion
My husband and I are residents of Liberty Lake. We strongly oppose the dangerous expansion of the GTN Xpress pipeline in our community.
My daughter is a teacher in Spokane Valley public schools. My young grandson will soon be a student in the public schools. To endanger the lives of our children, teachers, parents, community residents, all of God’s creatures and our beloved natural spaces is unconscionable.
We need a responsible way forward that does not propagate the ignorance of the past. We know better about fossil fuel, for the sake of all creation, we must do better to keep it in the ground.
We must deny the expansion of the GTN Xpress.
I have written to my mayor; many Liberty Lake neighbors and members of my faith community in Spokane have stood in solidarity opposing this ill-conceived community-threatening expansion and have written to their representatives and signed letters in opposition.
On May 3, The Spokesman-Review published the Rev. Gen Heywood’s opposition to this dangerous initiative standing along with 400 faith leaders in Washington, Idaho and Oregon in solidarity in opposition to this dangerous expansion.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission needs to listen. Please deny this!
Janet Farness
Liberty Lake
Gassed geese could have fed the poor
This is regards to Colleen Thomson letter about geese (“Better solutions than gassing geese,” July 16). Why were they gassed?
This made their meat inedible. If the geese had been killed properly, they could have been cut to feed the poor or homeless people. Oh, that’s right, Sandpoint is in Idaho and it’s Republican so they don’t have poor or homeless people. Nor do they think any other town does either. Thus no phone calls out of town to find out if anyone might take them.
You know each bird could have provided a minimum of six meals and probably a little more.
There are two legs, two thighs and one breast that’s big enough to cut in two pieces, plus other parts that some people eat. So six times 170 birds equals 1,020-plus meals. I can’t believe there’s not a homeless shelter nearby that would not have taken these birds. As for the birds being sick, I strongly doubt that. Did the veterinarian actually test any of them?
How do I know these birds could have been eaten? I have hunted them, cooked and eaten them and never become sick from eating them.
Keith Strong
Spokane
Vestal gets it right
Thanks to Shawn Vestal for writing such a reasonable, evidence-based article about our complicated drug abuse epidemic (“A referral to drug treatment is the first step on a long, complicated journey,” May 21). As Vestal points out, a number of factors intersect to create addiction; one not mentioned is trauma.
Addiction-as-trauma response is well-documented by practitioners like Gabor Mate, and when we work to prevent or mitigate trauma, we help its symptoms, like addiction. The problem is not that we don’t know how addiction works, or what the treatment cycle looks like, or the ramifications of a system that incarcerates rather than treats. We know. We just don’t care enough to fix it. We want immediate results rather than a long-term, sustainable, public health-based strategy. We want cheap, quick and out of sight. As long as we continue to see addiction and its societal ramifications as an individual problem rather than a social one, we will fail to solve it.
Barbara Williamson
Spokane
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Letters for July 30, 2023
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/30/letters-for-july-30-2023/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:53:33+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 10:44:00
|
Donald Trump’s political action committee spent $40.2 million on legal costs in the first half of 2023 to defend the former president, his advisers and others, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F30%2Ftrumps-pac-to-report-legal-expenses-exceeding-40-m%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Mario Parker Bloomberg News
Donald Trump’s political action committee spent $40.2 million on legal costs in the first half of 2023 to defend the former president, his advisers and others, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
The political group, Save America, is set to disclose the figure in a filing on Monday, said the people, who asked not to be identified before the information is released.
The figure is substantial enough that the PAC has requested a refund on a $60 million contribution it made to another group supporting Trump, and signals a potential money crisis for the campaign, the New York Times reported late Saturday.
The disclosure is set to come as Trump, who’s leading polls for the 2024 Republican nomination, braces for yet another indictment, this time in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s probe into the aftermath of the 2020 election and the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
He’s already been indicted in a federal case over his handling of classified documents and in New York state court where he faces charges over alleged hush money payments to an adult film star.
Trump was hit Thursday with new obstruction charges in the criminal case over classified documents, including allegations that he and two employees tried to delete surveillance footage at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
The campaign of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose standing in GOP primary polls has been dropping, criticized the spending.
Communications director Andrew Romeo said the legal expenses wouldn’t help Republicans retake the White House.
“Trump has spent over $60 million on 2 things: falsely attacking DeSantis and paying his own legal fees, not a cent on defeating Biden,” Romeo posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Trump isn’t turning down anyone ensnared in his legal troubles seeking help, particularly those who can’t afford the expense, people close to him said.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Trump’s PAC to report legal expenses exceeding $40 million
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/30/trumps-pac-to-report-legal-expenses-exceeding-40-m/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:57:45+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 14:46:00
|
Paul Sewald walked quickly into the clubhouse, carrying his phone, looking at a few people and nodding as he exited out the back, presumably to notify his family of what he had just learned.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fmariners-trade-closer-paul-sewald-to-diamondbacks-%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
Ryan Divish Seattle Times
Paul Sewald walked quickly into the clubhouse, carrying his phone, looking at a few people and nodding as he exited out the back, presumably to notify his family of what he had just learned.
Moments later social media began to leak reports that the Mariners had traded the veteran reliever to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for infielder/outfielder Josh Rojas, outfielder Dominic Canzone and minor league infielder Ryan Bliss.
MLB sources confirmed the parameters of the trade immediately. The team later announced the trade during pregame batting practice.
“Dominic, Josh and Ryan are excellent fits for our organization,” Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said in a statement,” “Each brings something a bit different to the field with athleticism being a common denominator. We feel like this deal makes us a deeper, more well-balanced team, both now and moving forward.
“Paul was a huge part of an excellent ‘pen during his 3 years in Seattle. I’m forever thankful for his contributions, both on-and-off the field.”
But Dipoto wasn’t done for the day. He needed to clear up 40-man roster spots for two of the three players acquired from the Diamondbacks. He did that by sending outfielder AJ Pollock, minor league infielder Mark Matthias and cash considerations to the Giants in exchange for a player to be named later or future cash considerations.
On January 8, 2021, the Mariners Player Development Twitter account put out a tweet saying:
We have agreed to terms on minor league contracts with the following players:
• LHP Roenis Elías
• RHP Paul Sewald
• INF Jantzen Witte
The return of Elias was probably the most notable aspect of news that didn’t even generate a press release.
Sewald was a non-tendered by the Mets after four forgettable seasons. But the Mariners liked his pitch profiled and brought him in as an invite to big league spring training. They pushed for him to elevate his fastball at the top of the zone and combine it with a sweep slider to the opposite corner of the zone. Those two pitches only. He was the opening day starting pitcher for Class AAA Tacoma and was called up on the same day as then top prospects Logan Gilbert and Jarred Kelenic.
He was used sparingly as a multi-inning reliever, but slowly earned the trust of manager Scott Servais to move into high-leverage situations. By the end of the season, he was one of three pitchers closing out games.
“It happened really quickly,” Sewald said. “As soon as I got called up, we had a couple of people that weren’t producing and a couple of COVID violations nad next thing you know, they had no choice but to pitch me in high leverag. I got lucky enough to pitch well in that situation and never looked back.”
He’s made 172 appearances with Seattle since being added to the active roster. He has an 18-8 record with a 2.88 ERA. In 171 2/3 innings pitched, he has struck out 236 batters with 55 walks. That includes a 3-1 record with a 2.93 ERA and 21 saves in 45 appearances this season.
“I’m not sure I’d even have been in baseball without Seattle,” he said. “As bittersweet as today is, I am very thankful for everything that happened in early 2021 that got me here.”
Players like Ty France, Eugenio Suarez and J.P. Crawford were told by the media that Sewald had been traded while others got messages on theirs phones, most didn’t seem that surprised or shocked. Instead, they were more curious about the return.
After Jerry Dipoto, Mariners president of baseball operations, traded closer Kendall Graveman when they were one game back in the wild card standings in 2021, they learned a hard lesson about the game.
“We know better,” said one player. “You can’t be surprised by anything.”
Indeed, it’s just a few days past the two-year anniversary of closer Kendall Graveman, and fellow reliever Rafael Montero, being traded to the Astros, who they were playing in a series at T-Mobile Park, in exchange for reliever Joe Smith and infielder Abraham Toro. The move blindsided a young Mariners team,, who couldn’t believe Dipoto would trade the team’s closer and a popular leader when they were one game out of a wild card spot.
A week ago, Sewald told the Times that he wouldn’t be surprised if he was traded at the deadline, given the Mariners underachieving season, his own success and the demand for relievers at the MLB trade deadline.
“It is jarring,” Sewald said. “As much as I could have expected it, I was hoping it didn’t happen, but it’s just one of those things that you have to take in stride. And I’m excited to get to San Francisco tomorrow and pitch for the Diamondbacks.”
Sources indicated that the Mariners and Diamondbacks tried to get a deal done for Sewald during the recent series in Phoenix. It would’ve allowed Sewald to join the D’Backs on their flight to San Francisco after Sunday’s game. Players thought it might happen.
“I honestly thought he was just going to switch clubhouses when we were in Arizona,” said one Mariners player. “They NEED him.”
Both Rojas and Canzone played against the Mariners in the three-game series at Chase Field.
Rojas, 29, can play second base, third base and left field. In 59 games this season, he has a .228/.292/.296 slash line with 13 doubles, 26 RBI, 18 walks, 51 strikeouts and six stolen bases.
Canzone, 25, made his Major League debut with the Diamondbacks on July 8, and has played in 15 games, posting a .237/.293/.368 slash line with two doubles, a homer and eight RBI in 41 plate appearances.
Bliss, 23, is having his best professional season, posting a .332/.391/.556 slash line with 27 doubles, three triples, 13 home runs, 51 RBI, 29 walks and 35 stolen bases in 81 combined games between Triple-A Reno and Double-A Amarillo this season. He was selected to participate in the 2023 Futures Game in Seattle, starting at second base for the National League.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Mariners trade closer Paul Sewald to Diamondbacks in exchange for three position players
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/mariners-trade-closer-paul-sewald-to-diamondbacks-/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:54:53+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 10:02:00
|
Amazon will double the number of U.S. same-day delivery facilities in the "coming years," the company announced Monday, an investment executives are counting on to maintain Amazon's lead in the $1.4 trillion online shopping market.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Famazon-doubling-same-day-delivery-facilities-in-pu%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Spencer Soper Bloomberg
Amazon will double the number of U.S. same-day delivery facilities in the “coming years,” the company announced Monday, an investment executives are counting on to maintain Amazon’s lead in the $1.4 trillion online shopping market.
Speedy delivery remains a major imperative for Amazon, and the company said more than half of all orders placed by Prime subscribers in the 60 largest metropolitan areas during the most recent quarter arrived the same or next day. Amazon also said that it has delivered more than 1.8 billion units to Prime members in the U.S. with same-day or one-day delivery so far this year, up about fourfold from the same period in 2019.
The chest-thumping comes days before Amazon is scheduled to report second-quarter financial results and suggests executives are keen to shore up investor faith in the money-losing e-commerce business. Online sales growth has slowed from its breakneck pace during the pandemic, and Amazon has become increasingly reliant for profit on its cloud-computing business, which also has been slowing.
The Seattle-based giant didn’t disclose how many same-day warehouses it currently has, but doubling the number would probably entail building dozens of new facilities. Amazon currently has millions of products available for same-day delivery in 90 metropolitan areas in the U.S. Same-day facilities are smaller and closer to major population centers than Amazon’s bigger warehouses, which are located near highways on the outskirts of big cities.
“These hybrid facilities allow us to fulfill, sort and deliver all from one site, making the entire process of delivering customer packages even faster,” Amazon’s Worldwide Stores chief Doug Herrington said in the announcement. “Amazon selection varies by city, as we regularly update our product offering based on what we’re seeing as top customer items purchased or based on seasonal demand in the area.”
Fast delivery of online orders helped Amazon become the market leader in the U.S., capturing more than one-third of all spending, or about six times more than its closest competitor Walmart, according to estimates by Insider Intelligence. But investors are increasingly concerned about the margin-eating costs of packing orders and ferrying them to customers’ homes. Traditional retailers like Walmart have an advantage because their stores double as pickup locations.
Amazon’s investment in same-day delivery will likely get a mixed reaction from investors, said Neil Saunders, an analyst at Globaldata. Some will be encouraged that Amazon can increase sales, make online shopping more convenient and its operations more efficient. Others will worry about the upfront costs since the facilities are expensive to build and require a lot of automation, prompting concerns about how long it will take the savings to offset the investment, he said.
“Amazon has got some work to do in convincing people this will be beneficial to the bottom line because investors will be a little bit spooked by it,” Saunders said.
Amazon’s focus on delivery speed coincides with a trial in its home state of Washington focused on injuries at its warehouses. State officials have alleged Amazon facilities are hazardous to workers who endure long shifts, mandatory overtime and fast-paced work that puts unsustainable strain on their bodies. The company disputes the allegations and will be making its case in hearings scheduled to run into the fall.
Amazon is scheduled Thursday to report results for the period ending June 30. Analysts are projecting earnings of 35 cents per share on sales of $132 billion.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Amazon doubling same-day delivery facilities in push for speed
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/amazon-doubling-same-day-delivery-facilities-in-pu/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:55:23+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 11:15:00
|
L Catterton is set to launch an initial public offering of Birkenstock as soon as September that may value the iconic footwear maker at more than $8 billion, people with knowledge of the matter said.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fbirkenstock-owner-plans-september-ip0-at-8-billion%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Swetha Gopinath,Eyk Henning and Ruth David Bloomberg
L Catterton is set to launch an initial public offering of Birkenstock as soon as September that may value the iconic footwear maker at more than $8 billion, people with knowledge of the matter said.
The private equity firm backed by luxury French fashion house LVMH is working with Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase on a potential listing of Birkenstock in the U.S., Bloomberg News reported earlier this month.
A listing could value the German sandal maker at as much as $10 billion, according to one of the people. The company’s sales have been boosted of late by the blockbuster “Barbie” movie, which stars Margot Robbie in the title role donning a pair of pink Birkenstocks in one scene.
Deliberations are ongoing and no final decisions on the size or timing of an IPO have been taken, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information. Representatives for Birkenstock and L Catterton declined to comment.
Founded nearly 250 years ago, Birkenstock has become a high-fashion brand, launching collaborations with luxury names such as Dior, Manolo Blahnik and Valentino, and spawning variants from labels including Celine and Givenchy. Its sandals have been sold in the U.S. since 1966.
Birkenstock saw revenue rise 29% to roughly €1.2 billion, or $1.3 billion, last year, leading to adjusted earnings of €394 million, according to a lender presentation seen by Bloomberg News. It’s been investing heavily in building out its production sites in Germany, including a new €120 million factory in Pasewalk, a town north of Berlin.
An IPO of Birkenstock would come more than two years after the L Catterton and the family investment company of billionaire Bernard Arnault acquired a majority stake in the business, valuing it at about €4 billion.
The U.S. market for IPOs looks like it’s finally coming back to life after 18 months in the doldrums, boosted by the recent success of restaurant chain Cava Group’s debut.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Birkenstock owner plans September IP0 at $8 billion value
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/birkenstock-owner-plans-september-ip0-at-8-billion/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:58:45+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 10:37:00
|
The vice president of the United States was running against the president he was serving under, and his backers didn't mince words. They accused the president of having a "hideous hermaphroditical character." The president's backers fired back, warning that if the vice president won the election, "Murder, robbery, rape, adultery, and incest will be openly taught and practiced." That vice president, Thomas Jefferson, had once been friends with President John Adams before their 1800 campaign. But the two Founding Fathers had a nasty falling-out - like former vice president Mike Pence did with his now-opponent for the 2024 Republican nomination, former president Donald Trump.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fpence-is-running-against-his-old-boss-the-last-vp-%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Ronald G. Shafer Washington Post
The vice president of the United States was running against the president he was serving under, and his backers didn’t mince words. They accused the president of having a “hideous hermaphroditical character, which has neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman.”
The president’s backers fired back, warning that if the vice president won the election, “Murder, robbery, rape, adultery, and incest will be openly taught and practiced.”
That vice president, Thomas Jefferson, had once been friends with President John Adams before their 1800 campaign. But the two Founding Fathers had a nasty falling-out - like former vice president Mike Pence did with his now-opponent for the 2024 Republican nomination, former president Donald Trump.
Pence, whose super PAC called Trump “an apologist for thugs and dictators” in a recent ad, is the third veep to run against his former boss and the first since a disastrous challenge in 1940.
Jefferson had become vice president because he had finished second to Adams in 1796, in America’s first contested presidential election. The Sage of Monticello differed with Adams’s policies, especially on the 1798 Alien and Sedition Acts that made it illegal to criticize the government. In 1800, neither man campaigned personally but spread their views instead through partisan newspapers and pamphlets.
Jeffersonians charged that Federalist Adams was “a monarchist” who had become cozy with the British. Newspapers referred to the portly president as “His Rotundity.” Long before Twitter, Jefferson backers spread a conspiracy theory that Adams planned to create a family dynasty by having one of his sons marry one of King George III’s daughters. The secret plot, according to the story, was thwarted when George Washington himself, dressed in his Revolutionary War uniform, “had drawn his sword and threatened to run the president through,” Ralph A. Brown wrote in “The Presidency of John Adams.”
Jefferson paid journalist James Callender to attack Adams in print. Callender, who was out for revenge after being sentenced to prison for violating the Sedition Acts, wrote that “the reign of Mr. Adams has, hitherto, been one of continued tempest of malignant passions.” He wrote a false story that Adams wanted to invade France in the aftermath of the French Revolution. Jefferson’s party also obtained and leaked to the press a private letter by Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton saying Adams had “great and intrinsic defects in his character.”
Federalist newspapers attacked Jefferson in response, accusing him of dodging military service during the Revolutionary War. They called him a “howling atheist” who had become a libertine while serving as U.S. ambassador to France. Yale College president and theologian Timothy Dwight warned that Jefferson would make “our wives and daughters the victims of legal prostitution.”
The 16 states ended voting in December 1800, just as John and Abagail Adams were moving into the newly constructed President’s House in Washington, D.C. Jefferson edged Adams in the electoral college, 73 votes to 65. But there was a hitch. New Yorker Aaron Burr, presumed to be Jefferson’s running mate, received the same number of electoral votes as Jefferson, and some Jefferson opponents said Burr should be president. Under the Constitution, the decision was up to the Federalist-controlled U.S. House, which in February 1801 officially elected Jefferson after 36 ballots.
Adams peacefully turned the government over to Jefferson but resented his vice president, becoming the first of five defeated one-term presidents to skip the inauguration of their successor. After two terms in office, though, Jefferson became pen pals with Adams - until both men died on the same day, July 4, 1826.
History repeated a century later. In December 1939, not expecting Franklin D. Roosevelt to run for an unprecedented third term, Vice President John Nance Garner read a short statement from the front porch of his home in Uvalde, Tex., declaring, “I will accept the nomination for president” in 1940. Garner, 71, declined to answer any questions and headed off on a 10-day hunting trip.
“Cactus Jack” Garner ultimately became famous for saying, in the sanitized version, “The vice presidency is not worth a bucket of warm spit.” And in the previous two years, he had broken with Roosevelt on various policies, including his attempt to pack the Supreme Court. Garner also represented a conservative bloc of Southern Democrats who opposed Roosevelt’s large-spending “New Deal” programs.
“The rebel yell echoed through the crisp air of this hill country town tonight as a tribute to ‘Citizen John Garner,’” the Associated Press reported after his announcement. “There was speculation about the effect Garner’s announcement will have on his relation to the President with whom he always has been on a friendly personal terms… . Few believe that the relations would be outwardly disturbed.” Roosevelt, from his estate in Hyde Park, N.Y., “had no comment.”
Privately, it was a different story, and the two men’s personal terms didn’t seem so friendly. Speaking of the hard-drinking Garner, Roosevelt joked to his Cabinet, “I see that the vice president has thrown his bottle - I mean his hat - into the ring,” former Labor secretary Harold Ickes wrote.
Suspense about Roosevelt’s own plans mounted right up to the 1940 Democratic convention in Chicago. There, on the night of July 16, Sen. Alben W. Barkley of Kentucky read a statement from Roosevelt that the president had no “desire or purpose” to be re-nominated … unless delegates wanted him. The impact was no surprise.
“No sooner had Barkley finished speaking,” the AP reported, than the crowd erupted, shouting, “We want Roosevelt” amid “whistling, yelling and stamping.” The convention overwhelmingly nominated Roosevelt, with 946 votes to Garner’s 61.
Garner, who opposed a third term for any president, was furious, but kept quiet. Roosevelt picked liberal Agriculture Secretary Henry A. Wallace as his new running mate and, with war in Europe on the horizon, won in a landslide.
After the election, Garner went back to his ranch in Texas. There, he intended to “go over his fishing tackle, oil up his gun and settle down to live to 93 at a leisurely pace,” the AP reported. He lived to 98 instead.
In 1944, Roosevelt won yet another term, after replacing Wallace with Sen. Harry S. Truman of Missouri. This time, Roosevelt’s vice president would get his promotion without having to run: Three months after his fourth inauguration, Roosevelt died.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Pence is running against his old boss. The last VP to try that bombed.
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/pence-is-running-against-his-old-boss-the-last-vp-/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:59:56+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 14:02:00
|
A fast-moving fire had burned at least 50 acres by late Monday afternoon southwest of Spokane. It sparked immediate evacuations, said Guy Gifford, of the state Department of Natural Resources said.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fsouth-hill-fire-update%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
A firefighting aircraft drops water on a fast-moving brush fire near the Eagle Ridge housing development. The fire had burned at least 50 acres by late Monday afternoon southwest of Spokane. It sparked immediate evacuations, said Guy Gifford, of the state Department of Natural Resources said. (COLIN MULVANY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVI)
A fast-moving fire had burned at least 50 acres by late Monday afternoon southwest of Spokane. It sparked immediate evacuations, said Guy Gifford, of the state Department of Natural Resources said.
A level 3 emergency alert from Spokane Fire District 3 said residents living along Marshall Road from Cheney-Spokane Road and north to 44th need to leave right away “due to the life-threatening conditions in your area.”
The Red Cross set up an evacuation center at Cheney High School at 460 N. Sixth St.
The post said people should monitor their phones and social media for updates.
A plume of smoke was easily visible from downtown Spokane as flames erupted in the trees before 2 p.m. The fire is called the West Hallett fire.
Dozens of firefighters along with a half dozen aircraft were dropping water on the fire for much of the afternoon.
“Sure love to hear those airplanes,” said Ray Williams, who watched the fire with his wife, Shirley Williams. They’re not too worried about their house.
“There was just a very little bit of smoke and then, ‘Boom!’” Shirley said as she gestured to the growing plume.
The Doberman family evacuated from their house with their cats, dogs, 10 children and grandparents who were visiting from Italy.
They caravanned to the Windsor Elementary School parking lot, where they watched the cloud of smoke grow.
Firefighters from around the region were also responding.
This report will be updated.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Fast-moving fire spurs immediate evacuations west of Eagle Ridge; shelter opening at Cheney High School
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/south-hill-fire-update/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:52:53+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 16:15:00
|
From staff reports
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F30%2Fspokane-indians-beat-eugene-in-extras-6-5-benny-mo%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
From staff reports
EUGENE – The Spokane Indians won the game on Sunday, but it might have come at a bigger cost to the organization.
Braiden Ward doubled home the eventual winning run with a double in the top of the 11th inning and Indians edged the Eugene Emeralds 6-5 in the finale of a six-game Northwest League series at PK Park on Sunday.
The Indians (13-17) won two out of six against the Emeralds (15-15) this week.
Centerfielder Benny Montgomery, the Colorado Rockies’ first-round pick in 2021, left the game in the second inning with an apparent left knee injury after a collision in the outfield.
With one down in the 11th inning, Ben Sems reached on an infield single and automatic runner Nic Kent scored on a throwing error. Ronaiker Palma singled, then Ward doubled inside the bag at first to make it 6-4.
Anderson Bido took over for the Indians in the bottom half and he issued a balk before his first pitch to move automatic runner Thomas Gavello to third, who scored on a sacrifice fly. But Bido recovered to get the next two batters for his second save of the season.
Emeralds shortstop Luis Toribio led off the second inning with a single, then Zach Morgan – in his first career High-A at-bat – hit one to the wall in the left-center gap.
Left fielder Juan Guerrero and Montgomery collided at full speed, hitting knee-to-knee, with both players going down on the play. By the time shortstop Ryan Ritter retrieved the ball in deep center, Morgan had rounded the bases for an inside-the-park home run.
After a few moments, Guerrero gathered himself and stayed in the game. Trainers loaded Montgomery onto a cart, and the 20-year-old prospect was taken for evaluation.
The Indians tied it in the fourth. They loaded the bases with one out, and Sems lofted a ball to left field that was dropped by Carter Williams for an error and Sterlin Thompson scored on the play. Palma (3 for 4) followed with an RBI single to knot it 2-2.
It stayed that way until the seventh. With two down, Eugene’s Matt Higgins and Jared Dupere hit back-to-back doubles off reliever Brayan Castillo to make it 3-2.
Ritter tied the game at 3-3 in the ninth inning with his fourth High-A homer of the season.
In the 10th, automatic runner Ward stole third, then Robby Martin Jr. walked. Guerrero singled through the drawn-in infield to plate Ward for the lead.
But Eugene tied in the bottom half on a one-out RBI single by Morgan (3 for 4, three RBIs) off reliever Juan Mejia.
Indians starter Jerrod Cande gave up a lot of contact but kept the Ems off the scoreboard for the most part. He went five innings and allowed two runs on nine hits. He didn’t walk anyone and struck out seven, throwing 64 of his 87 pitches for strikes.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Spokane Indians beat Eugene in extras 6-5, Benny Montgomery injured in collision
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/30/spokane-indians-beat-eugene-in-extras-6-5-benny-mo/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:56:54+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 00:00:00
|
A symbol of pride in America
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fletters-for-july-31-2023%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
A symbol of pride in America
As proud Americans, we fly the American flag because it is a symbol that reminds us we are proud Americans. It’s a beautiful symbol that represents national unity and freedom. Our flag demonstrates a set of values and ideals held by liberals and conservatives. It does not matter what color you are or the language you speak. America is held together by what we believe. In America, we are given the opportunity to vote for individuals who we believe will support our values. Please vote!
Marlene Larson
Spokane
Republican degeneration
No better example exists of congressional Republican degeneration than the comparison of Liz Cheney with Harriet Hageman, who trounced Cheney in the 2022 Wyoming Republican Primary by more than 30 points. Cheney occupied the third-highest position in House Republican leadership before being ostracized by Republicans for becoming the rare congressional Republican to stand up to former President Donald Trump.
Cheney should be the No. 1 hero of anyone who wants to save our badly threatened democracy, whatever one’s political stripes. In contrast, Hageman accused FBI Director Christopher Wray at his recent House hearing of having “personally worked to weaponize the FBI against conservatives.” Other Republicans made similar accusations. This is ridiculous since Wray was appointed by Trump and is a lifelong Republican and member of the right-wing Federalist Society. Fortunately, Wray practices fairness.
My brother, a rock-ribbed Republican, and I had continual civil, often disagreeing dialogue before his 2006 death. He agreed with Cheney in policy much more than I, but if he were still alive, I’m sure we’d be completely united on praising Cheney’s efforts to save our democracy.
Sue Lani Madsen proposed joining the Braver Angels group for cross-party dialogue (“How to keep a civil tongue in your head,” July 13). My brother and I would have gladly joined before 2016. But Madsen’s proposal is problematic with no agreement even on basic facts anymore, a problem my brother and I never had.
Are Republicans’ “alternative facts” responsible for their near-unanimous support of either Trump or Ron DeSantis – both “wannabe” dictators – for president in 2024? It’s scary!
Norm Luther
Spokane
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Letters for July 31, 2023
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/letters-for-july-31-2023/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:56:44+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 09:45:00
|
Lady Gaga paid tribute to timeless singer and her "real true friend" Tony Bennett on Sunday, nearly a week after his death. In doing so, she vehemently urged fans take care of their elders.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Flady-gaga-says-she-and-tony-bennett-had-a-very-lon%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Nardine Saad Los Angeles Times
Lady Gaga paid tribute to timeless singer and her “real true friend” Tony Bennett on Sunday, nearly a week after his death. In doing so, she vehemently urged fans take care of their elders.
Reflecting on their personal and professional relationship, the “A Star is Born” Oscar winner recalled how Bennett shared some of his most vulnerable moments during his battle with Alzheimer’s disease with her.
“We had a very long and powerful goodbye,” the 37-year-old wrote. “Though there were 5 decades between us, he was my friend. My real true friend. Our age difference didn’t matter – in fact, it gave us each something neither of us had with most people.”
The “Shallow” singer, who witnessed Bennett’s neurological decline firsthand, said that she’d “been grieving the loss of Tony for a long time.”
“I will miss my friend forever. I will miss singing with him, recording with him, talking with him, being on stage together,” she wrote on Instagram, sharing a photo of her hugging her “Cheek to Cheek” collaborator.
“With Tony, I got to live my life in a time warp. Tony & I had this magical power. We transported ourselves to another era, modernized the music together, & gave it all new life as a singing duo,” she continued. “But it wasnt an act. Our relationship was very real. Sure he taught me about music, about showbiz life, but he also showed me how to keep my spirits high and my head screwed on straight. ‘Straight ahead,’ he’d say. He was an optimist, he believed in quality work AND quality life. Plus, there was the gratitude…Tony was always grateful.”
Thanks to their duet on the standards-only recording “Cheek to Cheek,” the “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” singer became the oldest living artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 2014. The recording broke the record Bennett set three years earlier when he reached No. 1 with his “Duets II” album that featured songs with Amy Winehouse, Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill and other contemporary singers.
He and Gaga also hit the road together and earned a pop-vocal album Grammy for “Cheek to Cheek.” Though the album was released to mixed reviews, their energetic performance during the 2015 Grammy Awards ceremony pleasantly surprised some of the skeptics. A year later, Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, but his family did not make the news public until 2021.
Even so, in 2022, Bennett became the second-oldest Grammy winner with “Love for Sale,” a collection of Cole Porter standards recorded with Gaga. (He won his 19th Grammy a year later with “The Silver Lining: The Songs of Jerome Kern.”)
“We were from two different stages in life entirely – inspired,” Gaga wrote. “Losing Tony to Alzheimer’s has been painful but it was also really beautiful. An era of memory loss is such a sacred time in a persons life. There’s such a feeling of vulnerability and a desire to preserve dignity. All I wanted was for Tony to remember how much I loved him and how grateful I was to have him in my life. But, as that faded slowly I knew deep down he was sharing with me the most vulnerable moment in his life that he could – being willing to sing with me when his nature was changing so deeply.”
The “House of Gucci” star added she’d never forget that experience with Bennett, or Bennett himself.
“If I could say anything to the world about this I would say don’t discount your elders, don’t leave them behind when things change,” she wrote. “Don’t flinch when you feel sad, just keep going straight ahead, sadness is part of it. Take care of your elders and I promise you will learn something special. Maybe even magical. And pay attention to silence–some of my musical partner and I’s most meaningful exchanges were with no melody at all.
“I love you Tony. Love, Lady,” she concluded.
On Monday, Gaga announced 12 dates for her Las Vegas residency at the Dolby Live Theater inside Park MGM. The “Poker Face” and “Bad Romance” singer will play a dozen “Lady Gaga Jazz & Piano” shows between Aug. 31 and Oct. 5 that are billed as “stripped-down versions of her hits alongside music from the Great American Songbook.”
The megastar began her Enigma residency in late 2018 and introduced her “Jazz & Piano” performances in January 2019. She closed out a leg of the residency last spring with nine “Jazz & Piano” shows.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Lady Gaga says she and Tony Bennett had 'a very long and powerful goodbye'
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/lady-gaga-says-she-and-tony-bennett-had-a-very-lon/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:58:05+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 06:00:00
|
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I try to be friendly and courteous when hailed or greeted by strangers, and I try to listen respectfully to their tales of days gone by. But I do begin to tire at the third or fourth iteration of the same story, and I begin to chafe at the forced camaraderie.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fmiss-manners-gracefully-exiting-the-story-go-round%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I try to be friendly and courteous when hailed or greeted by strangers, and I try to listen respectfully to their tales of days gone by. But I do begin to tire at the third or fourth iteration of the same story, and I begin to chafe at the forced camaraderie.
In one encounter, I was enjoying an adult beverage at a favorite establishment when I was hailed by a gentleman admiring my jacket and my walking cane. Feeling flattered, I thanked him for the compliments and provided a very brief anecdote about each item. I thought he might enjoy that, be on his way and leave me to the correspondence in which I had been engaged.
Instead, I was treated to a Twice-Told Tale, and then a Thrice-and-Beyond telling of the same tale, regarding the incidents that led to his own mobility issues. I empathized and sympathized, briefly recounted my own disabling incident, thanked him once again for saying hello, and attempted to turn back to my correspondence.
This prompted yet another retelling, until I finally mumbled my thanks once again, explained that my correspondent was probably thinking I had ghosted him, and simply turned away.
Might Miss Manners be able to suggest a graceful but effective way of extricating myself from a conversation that bears a closer resemblance to “The Neverending Story”?
GENTLE READER: You met the Ancient Mariner! Miss Manners wondered what had become of him.
As you will recall from high school English – what? “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is no longer required reading? Is it because Mr. Coleridge was likely on opium when he wrote it? (Medical opium, of course.) Or perhaps because readers too readily identified with the Wedding Guest who is trying desperately to break away from a bore with an endlessly repeated tale?
As Miss Manners does recall, the message was tolerance of all creatures, including bores – as well as albatrosses.
She is therefore pleased that you listened politely, as long as could have been reasonably expected, to someone who was both lonely and forgetful, and then provided a decent excuse to stop.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am a rather tall lady, and when making new acquaintances, I am often asked if I play basketball.
While I realize that people are trying to make conversation, I find it annoying and tedious to explain every time that my height has absolutely nothing to do with my athletic ability. I have never played basketball, nor am I particularly into sports in general.
It’s nearly to the point where I dread meeting new people because I know this question is inevitably going to be asked. If I’m feeling particularly annoyed, I have occasionally replied with, “No. Do you play mini golf?”
I realize that while it may be a bit funny, this probably isn’t a good way to respond. How do I gracefully answer this question I can’t seem to avoid?
GENTLE READER: Although she has heard that one before, Miss Manners takes into account how many more times you have heard the stupid remark that prompted it.
Having considered the first remark to be acceptable, the offender is obliged to accept the version that mirrors it.
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Miss Manners: Gracefully exiting the story-go-round
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/miss-manners-gracefully-exiting-the-story-go-round/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:52:13+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 22:00:00
|
Monday’s TV Highlights
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F30%2Fon-the-air%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Local journalism is essential.
Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are not tax deductible, but are predominately used to help meet the local financial requirements needed to receive national matching-grant funds.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
On the air
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/30/on-the-air/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:57:14+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 01:15:00
|
_
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Flongtime-discovery-shop-volunteer-hopes-others-wil%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
Volunteers Dian Lee, left, and Mikel Reuter are photographed at the American Cancer Society Discover Shop in Spokane on July 18. The volunteer-staffed store is in dire need of more helping hands. Funds raised at the shop go to the American Cancer Society. (Kathy Plonka/The Spokesman-Review) Buy a print of this photo
By Cindy Hval For The Spokesman-Review
If You Go
Vintage china and glassware fill several shelves at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, and a vintage volunteer has priced most of them.
Dian Lee, 90, is in her 38th year of volunteering at the store in the heart of the Garland District.
“I started when it was on Indiana,” she said. “I really liked the shop and I thought why don’t I volunteer there?”
The upscale resale store features men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, jewelry, housewares and collectibles.
Carol Haisler, manager, is the only paid employee.
“Everything except operating expenses goes to the American Cancer Society,” she said.
More than $372 million has been raised by West Coast Discovery Shop locations over the past 57 years and ACS is currently funding 629 cutting-edge research projects totaling $423 million at research institutions across the nation.
Lee lost her mother, two sisters and two brothers to cancer, and said her volunteer hours make her feel like she’s contributing to the fight against the disease. Those hours also provide her with friendship and community.
“I love coming here, I love what I do and I love working with all the different volunteers,” said Lee. “I served 10 years as chairman (manager) of the shop – now that I’m so old I only work on Tuesday mornings.”
Lee isn’t the only longtime worker. Mikel Reuter is a 20-year volunteer.
“Once you get here, you never leave,” she said.
In addition to supporting an important cause, both women enjoy the fringe benefits of shopping at the store. Volunteers get a 20% discount.
“I’m one of their best customers,” said Lee, modeling a pair of sparkly gold sandals she bought at the shop.
Reuter nodded.
“When we get home our husbands say, ‘How much did it cost you to volunteer?’ ” she said.
Unfortunately, COVID left its mark on staffing, forcing the store to reduce its hours.
“After COVID a lot of volunteers chose not to come back,” said Reuter.
Haisler said the Discovery Shop’s two ongoing needs are donations and volunteers. While the donations keep coming in, Reuter said there aren’t enough people in the back to process them.
“I’d love to add more hours every day, but we don’t have enough people,” Haisler said.
Volunteers usually work four hours per week and they can choose which area best suits them. Some love to sort through and price donations, and others like to work the front of the shop and interact with customers.
“I make new friends with all our repeat customers,” said Lee.
Volunteer Cece Anderson agreed. She’s approaching her 20-year mark.
“Tuesday is senior day,” she said. “I love the customers. They become like family.”
The purpose of the shop is what spurs most folks to donate their time.
Like Lee, Reuter also lost family members to cancer.
“I’ve got plenty of reasons to earn as much money for cancer as I can,” she said. “Every person who buys something here is contributing to funding better research and better treatment.”
Lee agreed: “You go home and can’t help but think about the good you’ve done for the American Cancer Society. It makes you feel good.”
Contact Cindy Hval at dchval@juno.com
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Longtime Discovery Shop volunteer hopes others will join her
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/longtime-discovery-shop-volunteer-hopes-others-wil/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:00:06+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 03:00:00
|
The city has been designating a half million dollars of its payments from the state's dedicated cannabis account for use by the Spokane Police Department. The measure from Spokane City Council members Karen Stratton and Betsy Wilkerson, who are sponsoring the law, would retain that $500,000 for police in future budgets, but additional money would be funneled into its own separate account for education and treatment programs.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fspokane-city-council-proposal-would-dedicate-some-%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
A share of the city of Spokane’s portion of state taxes on legal cannabis would be designated specifically for drug abuse education and prevention under a measure the City Council will consider Monday night.
The city has awarded an increasing amount of cash from state cannabis taxes for use by the Spokane Police Department, totaling $666,700 this year. The measure from Spokane City Council members Karen Stratton and Betsy Wilkerson, who are sponsoring the law, would retain $500,000 for police in future budgets, but additional money would be funneled into its own separate account for education and treatment programs. It also wouldn’t necessarily go to the police department, a change that has Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl concerned about tapping revenue that may be needed to support essential services in a lean budget year.
Stratton said the idea was born out of the discussion between lawmakers and the department last fall over spending of money received as part of the civil asset forfeiture program, which allows police to seize property believed to be involved in criminal activity and use the proceeds to further agency goals. A split City Council increased oversight over the program in September, and lawmakers specifically cited a need for more funding for youth drug prevention programs.
“My interest evolved around that conversation, to make sure those revenues are spent the way they’re meant to be spent,” Stratton said.
State law has changed since passage of Initiative 502 in 2012, legalizing the sale of recreational cannabis but levying a hefty 37% excise tax on retail purchases. That money goes into the state dedicated account, which is divided for many purposes by state law. Many of those payments are to state agencies and universities to promote substance abuse prevention programs and safer consumption of legal cannabis.
But the quarterly payments to state governments, which are based both on sales at recreational retailers with a town, city or county as well as population, do not carry the same restrictions. Spokane County deposits its payments, which have totaled $4.8 million since 2016, into its general fund, which can be used for any purpose.
The city of Spokane has received $3.2 million over the same time period on an annual pace that has increased due to continually growing cannabis sales that show no signs of slowing. Last year, the city received $674,000 from the state, according to the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board. The proposal under consideration would call for the proceeds beyond $500,000 be put in a different account that would focus on youth and drug prevention programs. Such money also could be spent by a new panel set up by the city to disburse funds paid by opioid manufacturers as part of a settlement of a federal class action.
Meidl, during an interview Friday, said he is concerned the proposal would tie the department’s hands financially as they face a difficult budget year. The department’s approved budget for 2023 totaled roughly $73 million.
“We know that we are looking at very tight times in 2024,” Meidl said. He also said the city received COVID-19 pandemic assistance from the federal government that was designated for the types of drug-prevention programs envisioned in the law, and that he wanted to make sure the city was spending that money before potential restrictions on future police department spending.
The City Council is scheduled to vote on the cannabis revenue law at its regularly scheduled meeting Monday at Spokane City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., beginning at 6 p.m.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Spokane City Council proposal would dedicate some marijuana tax revenue for drug treatment
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/spokane-city-council-proposal-would-dedicate-some-/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:56:24+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 08:49:00
|
A Fulton judge on Monday rejected a sweeping push from former President Donald Trump to gut the Fulton County district attorney’s investigation of interference in Georgia’s 2020 presidential election, which is expected to result in criminal charges in the weeks ahead.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fjudge-rejects-trump-bid-to-upend-georgia-probe%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Tamar Hallermanand Bill Rankin Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A Fulton judge on Monday rejected a sweeping push from former President Donald Trump to gut the Fulton County district attorney’s investigation of interference in Georgia’s 2020 presidential election, which is expected to result in criminal charges in the weeks ahead.
In a searing 9-page order, Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney ruled that Trump and Cathy Latham, an “alternate” GOP elector who joined the former president’s motion, did not have have sufficient legal standing to mount a challenge before any indictments are announced.
“The movants’ asserted ‘injuries’ that would open the doors of the courthouse to their claims are either insufficient or else speculative and unrealized,” McBurney wrote. “They are insufficient because, while being the subject (or even target) of a highly publicized criminal investigation is likely an unwelcome and unpleasant experience, no court ever has held that that status alone provides a basis for the courts to interfere with or halt the investigation.”
The ruling came in response to a motion that Trump’s Atlanta-based attorneys filed in March, which questioned the conduct of Fulton DA Fani Willis, the investigative special grand jury that helped her compile evidence – and even McBurney himself.
There will be a time and a forum in which to raise such a challenge– after an indictment is handed up and a judge is assigned to hear the case, McBurney wrote, not speculating who will or will not be formally charged.
“Guessing at what that picture might look like before the investigative dots are connected may be a popular game for the media and blogosphere, but it is not a proper role for the courts and formal legal argumentation,” the judge wrote.
Willis has heavily suggested she will seek criminal charges against Trump and others within the next three weeks. As recently as this weekend, she warned a group of county leaders to “stay alert” and “make decisions that keep your staff safe.”
“The work is accomplished. We’ve been working for two-and-a-half years. We’re ready to go,” Willis told 11Alive News on Saturday.
Trump had also asked that another Fulton judge quash the final report of the special grand jury, which recommended indictments, that Willis be recused from pursuing the case and that McBurney be sidelined.
“The whole world has watched the process of the (special purpose grand jury) unfold and what they have witnessed was a process that was confusing, flawed and, at times, unconstitutional,” Trump’s team wrote in their original motion.
In his order, McBurney said he was not going to rule on the merits of that challenge, given his ruling that Trump and Latham lacked standing, but the judge said he found the arguments to be “unpersuasive.” He also said that Trump’s attorneys did not follow the court’s typical process for seeking the recusal of a judge assigned to the case.
McBurney flatly rejected the bid to disqualify Willis from the case, finding she had no conflict of interest and noting her recurring comments were that she was “pursuing the evidence where it leads us,” “holding everyone accountable” and “no one being above the law.”
Then, in a reference to the former president, McBurney added, “The drumbeat from the district attorney has been neither partisan (in the political sense) nor personal, in marked and refreshing contrast to the stream of personal invective flowing from one of the movants.”
Trump was joined by Latham, the former chairwoman of the Coffee County GOP who was on hand in January 2021 to greet data technicians hired by a Trump campaign attorney to copy confidential elections data from voting machines at the county elections office. Latham was named an investigation “target” last summer.
Drew Findling, Trump’s lead Atlanta attorney, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for Willis declined to comment.
McBurney’s order comes just days after Senior Superior Court Judge Stephen Schuster scheduled a hearing for Aug. 10 on a secondary bid by Trump to disqualify Willis and quash the special grand jury’s final report. Trump’s lawyers said they filed this challenge – called a writ of mandamus and prohibition – because it had taken McBurney months to rule on the former president’s original motion. Schuster was assigned the case, filed in Fulton Superior Court, as a visiting judge because all of Fulton’s judges were recused from hearing the challenge.
“Perplexingly, prematurely, and with the standard pugnacity, Trump has filed not one but two mandamus actions against the district attorney and this court,” one the Georgia Supreme Court has already dismissed, McBurney noted.
It is not clear whether the Aug. 10 hearing will still take place.
McBurney said if Trump or Latham appeal his order that will “render moot” the mandamus case now pending before Schuster, and McBurney pointedly said all the other challenges could have been avoided because he had until Aug. 13 to issue the order.
“In the future, counsel is encouraged to follow the professional standard of inquiring with chamber’s staff about timing and deadlines before burdening other courts with unnecessary and unfounded legal filings,” he wrote.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Judge rejects Trump bid to upend Georgia probe
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/judge-rejects-trump-bid-to-upend-georgia-probe/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:58:35+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 10:40:00
|
Paul Reubens, the actor and comedian who portrayed Pee-wee Herman on the stage and screen, has died. He was 70. The veteran children’s entertainer died Sunday from cancer, according to a statement shared Monday on the Pee-wee Herman Instagram page. “Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman ...
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fpaul-reubens-actor-and-comedian-behind-pee-wee-her%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
Paul Reubens is best known for his role as Pee-wee Herman. He died Sunday at the age of 70. (Mario Ruiz/Mario Ruiz/TNS)
By Christi Carras Los Angeles Times
Paul Reubens, the comic actor whose childlike alter ego Pee-wee Herman became a movie and television sensation in the 1980s, died Sunday in Los Angeles. He was 70.
His death, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, was confirmed Monday by his longtime representative Kelly Bush Novak, who said he had “privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit.”
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” Reubens said in a statement released with the announcement of his death, the Associated Press reported. “I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
Reubens had scores of acting credits in a career that began in the 1960s, including roles on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Murphy Brown,” “The Blacklist” and many other television series and in movies like “Batman Returns” (1992) and “Blow” (2001).
But Pee-wee, a character he created in the late 1970s as a 10-minute bit when he was a member of the Los Angeles comedy troupe the Groundlings, overshadowed all else, morphing into a bizarre and savvy cultural phenomenon, a character aimed – at least in its TV incarnation – at children but tapping into adult sensibilities and ambiguities.
After being disappointed with auditioning unsuccessfully for the “Saturday Night Live” cast in 1980, Reubens set about creating “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” which was billed as a “live onstage TV pilot” and had its premiere in early 1981 at the Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles. A national tour followed, and in 1981 HBO broadcast a version of it as a comedy special.
Reubens’ career was hurt in 1991 when he was arrested on a charge of indecent exposure in an adult movie theater in Sarasota, Florida, where he had grown up. The arrest led to a small fine, but it damaged his career.
“The moment that I realized my name was going to be said in the same sentence as children and sex, that’s really intense,” Reubens told NBC in 2004. “That’s something I knew from that very moment, whatever happens past that point, something’s out there in the air that is really bad.”
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Paul Reubens, actor and comedian behind Pee-wee Herman, dies at 70
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/paul-reubens-actor-and-comedian-behind-pee-wee-her/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:53:13+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 16:26:00
|
MOSCOW – After an impressive debut season as Idaho’s head coach, Jason Eck heads into Year 2 with confidence in several position groups and question marks at a few other spots.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F30%2Fstorylines-to-watch-as-idaho-launches-into-fall-ca%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
Idaho quarterback Gevani McCoy warms up before a scrimmage on Aug. 11, 2022, at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow. (Tyler Tjomsland/The Spokesman-Review) Buy a print of this photo
MOSCOW – After an impressive debut season as Idaho’s head coach, Jason Eck heads into Year 2 with confidence in several position groups and question marks at a few other spots.
The Vandals enjoy a star-studded corps of skill players. They have some proven members of the offensive line, but some uncertainty up front.
On defense, Idaho is led by a handful of talented returners in its secondary. The Vandals’ front seven is more of a work-in-progress.
There’ll be plenty of storylines to follow when the Vandals kick off fall camp at 9:30 a.m. Monday at the Kibbie Dome.
Here’s a primer on Idaho’s preseason:
The development of an elite skill unit
The Vandal passing offense emerged last year as one of the most potent units in the nation – the headlining group of Idaho’s first Football Championship Subdivision playoff team since it rejoined the classification in 2018.
Receivers Hayden Hatten and Jermaine Jackson became FCS superstars in 2022, and the duo will be expected to fill the stat sheets again this year after totaling 2,258 yards and 21 touchdowns – with 16 of those scores belonging to Hatten.
Quarterback Gevani McCoy, who claimed FCS freshman of the year honors, should only improve.
“He’s continued to be a great decision-maker,” Eck said of his QB last week during the Big Sky’s media day. “He’s really worked hard to add some bulk.
“When you have a good freshman year, you can take more chances. (I told him) to make sure to stay within the offense, take the progressions, don’t force the ball to guys. You have a lot of good players (around you) that can make plays.”
Much of the attention at fall camp will be centered on Idaho’s established trio of standouts, but the Vandals’ talent at the receiver positions doesn’t end there.
Two young receivers, Jordan Dwyer and Michael Graves, showed flashes of potential last season. And Idaho will add another potential contributor to the mix in junior Terez Traynor, who could be a solid third option for McCoy. Traynor missed most of 2022 with injuries after recording 737 yards and landing on the All-Big Sky third team in 2021.
The Vandals passing offense finished the 2022 season ranked 26th nationally with 262 yards per game, and the unit checked in at No. 5 in the FCS rankings in passing efficiency.
How much better can the Vandals’ passing offense be in 2023? That’ll be the No. 1 storyline to watch at fall camp.
Considering the returners, it stands to reason that Idaho will boast one of the top QB/receiver combos in the country.
“You’re gonna see a fun, exciting brand of football,” Eck said. “You’re gonna see an offense that’s gonna be very explosive.
“I’m excited to be in Year 2. I think we’ll be able to do more things (offensively).”
With all the hype surrounding the passing game, it may be easy to overlook Idaho’s running backs. But the Vandals should be more than capable on the ground with sophomore Anthony Woods, a preseason All-Big Sky pick who logged 872 yards last season.
The Vandals will be looking to replace some production in the backfield. Roshaun Johnson graduated after scoring 12 TDs last year and speedy running back Elisha Cummings transferred out.
Who will spell Woods? The early favorite is senior Nick Romano, a Meridian, Idaho, native who started some games between 2019-21 but fell down the depth chart last year.
The tight ends are the only question mark among Idaho’s skill players. Veteran starter Connor Whitney graduated, so the Vandals will be conducting a competition at the position. Sophomores Jake Cox and Jack Schuster, both of whom have minimal playing experience, are in the mix along with Coastal Carolina transfer TJ Ivy Jr.
Making strides up front
The Vandals lost two starters to graduation in longtime center/tackle Logan Floyd and tackle Beau St. John.
There’ll be some work to do in the trenches, but Eck feels comfortable with a few offensive linemen ahead of the preseason.
Junior Elijah Sanchez, who saw reps at center and tackle last year, will become Idaho’s full-time center.
“He’s a great athlete, a great leader, and I expect him to really grow in his second year as a starter,” Eck said.
Sophomore tackle Ayden Knapik returns after collecting honorable mention all-conference honors and a freshman All-America nod in 2022.
Eck is looking at sophomore Nate Azzopardi to fill in at one guard spot. The coach indicated that two players are vying to start at the other guard position. There’s also a competition between two players at the other offensive tackle spot.
The Vandals’ offensive line was serviceable, not exceptional, last season. Idaho allowed 26 sacks – 77th nationally – but finished No. 41 in the FCS in rushing offense with over 2,000 yards.
“We’re hoping we’ll be better up front than last year,” Eck said.
Although Idaho has some returning experience up front, the Vandals are young overall on the O-line. Of the seven linemen Eck mentioned, four are underclassmen.
The formation of the group will be worth keeping an eye on throughout the preseason. Who will anchor the O-line? Do the Vandals have enough dependable depth in the trenches?
“The offensive line and defensive line is a spot where we don’t have anybody on the preseason all-conference team,” Eck noted. “We gotta have some great growth out of those units.”
Plugging holes on defense
Idaho’s defense will need to find replacements for several significant losses.
Linebacker Fa’Avae Fa’Avae graduated after topping the Vandals with 111 tackles last year. Linebacker Paul Moala transferred to Georgia Tech after logging 61 tackles, seven for loss, and four interceptions.
Three key edge rushers – Leo Tamba (four sacks), Juliano Falaniko (six TFLs) and Kemari Munier-Bailey (five sacks) – are gone. Idaho also lost its best defensive tackle in Post Falls product Nate DeGraw.
The Vandals believe they’ve added new standouts in LB Tre Thomas, a grad transfer from South Dakota, and Division II transfer nose tackle Jahkari Larmond.
“Tre Thomas will be a great leader for us,” Eck said. “He’s a tremendous athlete. I think he runs better than (Fa’Avae and Moala). He’ll add a new element with what he can do in passing coverage.
“We brought in a big nose guard (6-2, 330 pounds),” Eck added of Larmond. “He’s going to add a new element. Last year, some teams pushed us around running the ball. Hopefully, Jahkari can solidify us and make it tougher to run the ball between the tackles on us.”
Idaho might look at a couple of freshman linebackers to help fill the void.
Defensive tackle Ben Bertram is the only returning starter in the Vandals’ front seven, a group that will be a point of emphasis during camp.
In the secondary, the Vandals are “very solid,” Eck said.
Four starting defensive backs return for an Idaho defense that picked off 16 passes – fifth nationally – in 2022 and ranked 19th nationally in passing yards allowed (190 per game).
Cornerback Marcus Harris, a preseason All-Big Sky selection, will set the pace for the unit alongside safety Tommy McCormick, who made four interceptions last year. Safety Murvin Kenion III and nickel Mathias Bertram are the other returning starters for one of the Big Sky’s best defensive backfields.
“Our defense is overlooked right now,” Hatten said. “I think it’s going to surprise the Big Sky.”
The competition between Idaho’s high-octane passing game and stable secondary will make for some compelling viewing during camp. Otherwise, we’ll be watching for new playmakers to emerge in a rebuilt defensive front.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Storylines to watch as Idaho football launches into fall training camp
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/30/storylines-to-watch-as-idaho-launches-into-fall-ca/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:50:42+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 13:32:00
|
An explosion at a political rally on Sunday in Pakistan killed at least 43 people and wounded 200 more, officials said, the latest sign of the deteriorating security situation in the country, where some militant groups have become more active over the past two years.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F30%2Fat-least-43-killed-in-blast-at-political-rally-in-%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Christina Goldbaum and Zia ur-Rehman New York Times
An explosion at a political rally on Sunday in northwest Pakistan killed at least 43 people and wounded 200 more, officials said, the latest sign of the deteriorating security situation in the country, where some militant groups have become more active over the past two years since finding a haven in neighboring Afghanistan under the Taliban administration there.
The blast occurred at about 4 p.m. in Bajaur, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan, said Feroz Jamal, the provincial information minister. It targeted a political rally organized by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, an Islamist party that is part of the governing coalition in Pakistan.
A video from the rally recorded before the explosion shows hundreds of men sitting outside beneath a cloth canopy as party officials addressed the crowd. As one district leader took the stage, enthusiastic party workers stood up, chanting, “Allah is great,” according to one rallygoer, Sharifullah Mamond, 19. Then an explosion rocked the crowd.
“I lost consciousness for a few minutes because of the power of the explosion,” Mamond said in a telephone interview from a hospital in Bajaur where he was being treated for minor injuries.
Provincial Police Chief Akhtar Hayat Khan told the local news media that the explosion was set off by a suicide bomber. Initial evidence suggests that the bomber appeared to have been near the stage when he detonated the explosives, according to an intelligence officer in Bajaur who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
Toll likely to grow
The death toll was expected to rise, officials said, and a rescue operation to recover the wounded was underway on Sunday evening. “The government is trying to shift critical patients to Peshawar and other hospitals through helicopters,” Jamal said. A state of emergency was imposed in the hospitals in Peshawar, the provincial capital.
Among those killed was Maulana Ziaullah, a local leader of the political party who was onstage when the explosion occurred. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Officials said they suspected it might have been orchestrated by an Islamic State group affiliate in the region that is active in northwest Pakistan.
The group has previously targeted members of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl because of the close relationships the party’s local leaders maintain with the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, experts say.
The Islamic State group affiliate, known as the Islamic State Khorasan, or ISIS-K, has attacked the Taliban administration for not instituting what it considers a strict enough interpretation of Islamic principles in Afghanistan.
In April 2022, the group renewed calls for the assassinations of religious scholars and activists associated with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl in Pakistan.
That is part of ISIS-K’s “broader strategy to eliminate religious scholars from rival sects and religious parties,” said Riccardo Valle, director of research at the Khorasan Diary, an Islamabad-based news and research platform focusing on jihadist networks.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, expressed sorrow and regret over the explosion in a statement published by the party’s media wing. Rehman called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to thoroughly investigate the explosion.
A surge in militancy
The blast was the latest attack to rattle Pakistan, where militant groups – including the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, and ISIS-K – have become more active in recent years. This year, the TTP has carried out several major attacks that have jolted Pakistanis’ tenuous sense of security. In January, TTP militants attacked a mosque in Peshawar, killing more than 100 people, and one month later they waged an hourslong assault on the police headquarters of Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi.
The attack Sunday “is yet another reminder that militancy remains ascendant in Pakistan, and insecurity is likely to rise in the coming months,” said Asfandyar Mir, a senior expert at the United States Institute of Peace.
“A few different groups – from the TTP to ISIS – are trying to carve out space for themselves in the country, and that creates incentives for each of these groups to try to distinguish themselves” in whom they choose to target, where those attacks happen and the scale of the violence they create, he added.
The rise of militant violence in recent months has stoked tension between Pakistan and the Taliban administration in Afghanistan. While Taliban security forces have cracked down on Islamic State group militants since seizing power in August 2021, Pakistani officials have accused the Taliban administration of providing a haven for the Pakistani Taliban. Taliban officials have denied that.
On Sunday, the Taliban administration also condemned the attack in Bajaur. “Such crimes are neither permissible nor justifiable in any way,” Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the administration, said on Twitter.
Political fallout
The attacks have also raised concerns that the deteriorating security situation could dampen political campaigning ahead of Pakistan’s next general election, expected in the fall, and dissuade people from voting.
The elections come after over a year of political turmoil since former Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted in a vote of no-confidence in April 2022 and a coalition government led by Sharif came to power. The elections this fall are considered a critical step toward establishing more political stability after a year of mass protests and a crackdown by the country’s powerful security establishment on Khan and his supporters.
The attacks “will play on the minds of the public and politicians both,” said Abdul Basit, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies who covers extremism and militancy in South Asia, adding, “It can result in dull election campaigns and low voter turnout, undermining the credibility of upcoming general elections.”
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
At least 43 killed in blast at political rally in Pakistan
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/30/at-least-43-killed-in-blast-at-political-rally-in-/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:55:03+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 09:24:00
|
LAS VEGAS – David Riley’s short tenure as Eastern Washington’s basketball coach is already loaded with special moments the 34-year-old will savor long after his career ends.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fangelo-allegri-seizing-nba-opportunity-with-charlo%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
LAS VEGAS – David Riley’s short tenure as Eastern Washington’s basketball coach is already loaded with special moments the 34-year-old will savor long after his career ends.
There was his first Division I win, on Nov. 19, 2021, against Cal State-Northridge, his first win against a high-major program eight days later at Washington State and, more recently, a historic 18-game winning streak midway through the 2022-23 season that stood as the longest unbeaten stretch in the country before it ended Feb. 25 against Idaho State.
Another one of those moments arrived for the young Eastern Washington coach last month when Riley was finalizing plans to watch former Eagles guard Angelo Allegri make his professional debut for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
Riley pinged his point guard a few days before Charlotte’s July 9 game against the Los Angeles Lakers to let him know he’d be in the crowd.
“The best part was texting him the other day asking him if I could get tickets to his Lakers game,” Riley said during the game. “It’s a cool text to send to him, to a kid that two years ago wasn’t supposed to be in this situation and I’m just excited to follow his journey now.”
Allegri didn’t start his college basketball career in Cheney, but his game evolved there and the standout guard managed to parlay strong junior and senior seasons under Riley into an Exhibit 10 contract with the NBA’s Hornets.
Before arriving at Eastern Washington, Allegri had averaged 7.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game during the 2020-21 season at UNC Greensboro. With a change of scenery, a modified role and new coaching staff, his numbers ballooned at EWU and Allegri finished his senior year averaging 13.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
His field goal percentage shot up, from 36.4% at UNCG to 46.5% at EWU, and he saw measurable improvements to his 3-point shooting (32.4% to 37.4%) and free throw shooting (69% to 74%).
“The move really expanded (my game) as a player,” Allegri said after a summer league practice in Las Vegas. “I had to take on a lot more responsibilities being a leader and being with a team with a whole new system, just a whole new structure, whole new coaching staff. It was a lot, but it allowed me to blossom. I was really able to blossom out there at Eastern Washington and I look back now watching film and I’m like man, those two years were really good to me.
“They were really good years.”
“Blossomed” also came up in a separate interview with Riley as the coach described Allegri’s growth from the summer of 2021, when he made the cross-country trek from Greensboro to Cheney, to the spring of 2023, when he left EWU as an All-Big Sky first team selection and the top assist-getter for a 23-11 Eagles team.
“A lot of film, a lot of time in the gym, a lot of time not doing the fun ball-handling workout and shooting workouts but more so just having himself in read situations,” Riley said. “Him and (assistant coach) Pedro (Garcia Rosado) spent a lot of time watching film and working this year to put himself in that position.”
Putting the ball in Allegri’s hands, mainly, is what allowed the Eagles to unlock the best version of the Kansas City, Missouri, native.
“He was a really effective kind of 3-and-D player at Greensboro and for us, he blossomed as a point guard,” Riley said. “He did everything and just had a chance to show his versatility. That’s the biggest thing.”
Former Eastern Washington guard Angelo Allegri celebrates with fans during a game at Reese Court in Cheney last season. (Courtesy EWU Athletics)
Kansas City duo Angelo Allegri, Tyreese Davis provide secret sauce to Eastern Washington’s success Growing up in Kansas City, Missouri, Angelo Allegri spent much of his free time roaming basketball courts in search of a game. | Read more
Allegri is still the same knockdown 3-point shooter, just with an expanded set of tools.
He seized his only opportunity in Vegas, going 3 of 6 from the 3-point line to score nine points in 15 minutes during a 109-92 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Allegri also registered three rebounds and two assists in the game.
He didn’t get on the floor in four other Vegas games, or in Charlotte’s two games at the California Classic.
“The more I’m spending time with the guys, the more I’m in practice doing drills and whatnot I’m like, ‘Wow, I can actually become something I never thought I could in my dreams,’ ” Allegri said. “That really just has been a huge reality for me.”
Allegri’s only pre-draft workout came with the Hornets. He had others scheduled, but one day after his audition in Charlotte the guard came down wrong on his foot during a combine and was forced to avoid basketball activities for the next five weeks – the entirety of the pre-draft process.
It gave Allegri even more clarity Charlotte was where he needed to be.
“It was my one and only workout,” he said. “That’s what I mean, man, it just felt like it made sense.”
If he ends up with the G-League Greensboro Swarm, it shouldn’t take Allegri long to acclimate to the area.
“I played in North Carolina for three years. I know the Greensboro-Charlotte area,” he said. “Man, it just made sense, especially just with the organization. I know a couple guys within the organization. I just felt it was best for me.”
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Angelo Allegri seizing NBA opportunity with Charlotte Hornets after 'really good years' at Eastern Washington
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/angelo-allegri-seizing-nba-opportunity-with-charlo/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:53:53+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 13:39:00
|
West African leaders on Sunday threatened military action against Niger, where soldiers seized power in a coup Wednesday, unless the country’s democratically elected president is restored to office within a week.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F30%2Fwest-african-nations-threaten-military-action-unle%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Declan Walsh New York Times
NAIROBI, Kenya – West African leaders on Sunday threatened military action against Niger, where soldiers seized power in a coup Wednesday, unless the country’s democratically elected president is restored to office within a week.
The demand was issued by the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, a 15-member regional bloc, after a crisis summit meeting in Nigeria. It echoed earlier calls by the United States and France, major security allies of Niger, threatening to cut aid and military ties unless the deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum, is restored.
After coup supporters massed Sunday outside the French Embassy in the capital, Niamey, calling for the withdrawal of French troops, French President Emmanuel Macron issued a stiffly worded warning. Any attack on France’s citizens or interests in Niger will be met with an “immediate and uncompromising” reaction, Macron said in a statement.
Hundreds of protesters also demonstrated in support of Bazoum in several cities across the country.
ECOWAS, in a statement, vowed to take “all measures necessary” to restore democratic rule in Niger and said that “may include the use of force.” It imposed financial sanctions on the putschists, led by the new self-declared leader, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani.
The new junta, however, insisted it was going nowhere. In a statement before the summit, it warned forcefully against any foreign military intervention.
“We want to once more remind ECOWAS or any other adventurer of our firm determination to defend our homeland,” a junta spokesperson said Saturday night in a televised statement.
The summit and the dueling statements fueled the growing sense of crisis in Niger, a vast and impoverished country. The coup caught many by surprise, including Western countries now seeking to engineer a reverse.
That is a tall order: Experts say coups are very hard to undo once a few days have passed. But the demands are a measure of the alarmed response to the turmoil in a country seen by the West as a crucial ally in a region where Islamist militants are expanding their grip.
France has about 1,500 troops in Niger, which it ruled as a colony until 1960, and there are about 1,100 U.S. troops, many stationed at drone bases used to carry out airstrikes against militants in Niger and neighboring countries.
On Saturday, France and the European Union suspended some aid to Niger, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said American security ties, worth about $500 million since 2012, were also in jeopardy.
As ever in the region these days, Russia loomed in the background.
Coup supporters waved Russian flags in Niamey on Sunday and hung one on the wall of the French Embassy – an echo of similar scenes in Burkina Faso and Mali, where Russian flags also emerged among people celebrating coups in 2021 and 2022.
Experts say there is no evidence that Russia is behind the coup in Niger, where personal factors are considered a more probable trigger. Tensions had been building steadily between Bazoum and Tchiani, the head of the presidential guard.
(Bazoum’s whereabouts remained uncertain Sunday, although he was widely presumed to still be in detention at the presidential palace.)
Still, experts say it’s another sign of how Russia has positioned itself as the emblem of anti-Western, and especially anti-French, sentiment in broad patches of Africa. And that helps to create other openings for the Kremlin.
In neighboring Mali, about 1,000 members of Russia’s Wagner private military company have replaced about 5,000 French troops who pulled out last year. Wagner is also a major presence in the Central African Republic, where it protects President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, who held a referendum on Sunday aimed at prolonging his tenure.
The coup in Niger means that an uninterrupted line of countries stretching across Africa, from the Atlantic to the Red Sea, is under military control. Many are former French colonies where a visceral anger at perceived French paternalism and post-colonial meddling has boosted support for the putschists.
“Niger has suffered too much under France’s orders,” said Karimou Sidi, a pro-coup demonstrator in Niamey on Sunday. “Enough is enough.”
The coups are straining traditional regional blocs, like ECOWAS, which in recent years has suspended three of its states – Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali – over military takeovers, with Niger possibly following soon.
In recent decades, ECOWAS has deployed peacekeepers to numerous crisis-hit countries, including Liberia and Guinea-Bissau. Despite its tough talk Sunday, it may need to find a middle path to navigate its way out of the Niger crisis, said Idayat Hassan, a Nigerian analyst.
“Any strong sanctions will impact citizens the most in a country and region with increasingly strong anti-West sentiments, while also pushing the putschists more into the hands of Russia and or Prigozhin and Wagner forces,” Hassan, a senior associate with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based research institute, said, referring to Yevgeny Prigozhin, who leads the mercenary group.
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
West African nations threaten military action unless Niger coup is undone
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/30/west-african-nations-threaten-military-action-unle/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:57:35+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 09:34:00
|
A man was fatally struck by the Seattle Center Monorail on Sunday evening after he climbed onto the roof of a nearby building, according to Seattle police.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fman-struck-killed-by-seattle-monorail%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Vonnai Phair The Seattle Times
A man was fatally struck by the Seattle Center Monorail on Sunday evening after he climbed onto the roof of a nearby building, according to Seattle police.
Officers responded to reports that a person had been hit by the monorail near the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Denny Way just before 9 p.m., the department said in an online blotter post.
Officers found an unresponsive man. Seattle fire attempted lifesaving measures, but the man died, police said.
Police reviewed video footage and found that the man had been spray-painting a building adjacent to the monorail tracks before he was struck, the blotter post said.
The monorail was out of service Sunday night and was set to resume service Monday at 7:30 a.m.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Man struck, killed by Seattle monorail
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/man-struck-killed-by-seattle-monorail/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:50:52+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 12:12:00
|
Warner Bros.' "Barbie" and Universal Pictures' "Oppenheimer" continued to dominate the domestic box office this weekend as Disney's "Haunted Mansion" crept into third place, according to estimates from measurement firm Comscore.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F30%2Fbarbenheimer-box-office-effect-continues-haunted-m%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Christi Carras The Los Angeles Times
Warner Bros.’ “Barbie” and Universal Pictures’ “Oppenheimer” continued to dominate the domestic box office this weekend as Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” crept into third place, according to estimates from measurement firm Comscore.
“Barbie” clinched the No. 1 spot again, adding $93 million in its second frame for a North American cumulative of $351.4 million. The feminist comedy sustained a 43% drop in ticket sales from last week.
“Oppenheimer” stayed in second place, grossing $46.2 million in its sophomore outing for a North American total of $174.1 million. The historical drama experienced a 44% decline in ticket sales from last week.
Rounding out the top three was “Haunted Mansion,” which scared up $24.2 million in its opening weekend. That’s about $1 million less than Disney’s previous attempt at a “Haunted Mansion” picture earned when it opened in 2003 – not adjusting for inflation.
The spooky revival matched early projections ranging from $20 million to $30 million domestically. Internationally, the fantasy film earned $9 million for a global cumulative of $33 million.
Directed by Justin Simien, “Haunted Mansion” stars Rosario Dawson and Chase W. Dillon as a mother and son who recruit a ragtag team of ghostbusters to help them expel myriad supernatural terrors from their home. The movie’s ensemble cast also features LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Dan Levy, Jared Leto and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Disney’s latest adaptation of the classic Disneyland ride of the same name received a lackluster 41% rotten rating on review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes and a B-plus grade from audiences polled by CinemaScore.
“’Haunted Mansion’ isn’t as much of a digital Disney-ride-inspired eyesore as 2021’s ‘Jungle Cruise,’ mainly because all this cheesily computer-generated ectoplasm is more or less in keeping with the (ahem) spirit of the proceedings,” writes Times film critic Justin Chang.
“But because no effort has been expended to make any of this even remotely scary – there are only so many times you can watch Stanfield dodge a flying CGI axe – you might at least hope for a belly laugh or two, or at least a few decent jokes.”
It’s worth noting that “Haunted Mansion” was among the first mainstream titles to be affected by the SAG-AFTRA strike in the weeks leading up to its release. The stars of the film skipped its Disneyland premiere and haven’t promoted it since the strike went into effect July 14.
Opening in wide release next week are Paramount Pictures’ “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” and Warner Bros.’ “Meg 2: The Trench.”
|
www.spokesman.com
|
'Barbenheimer' box office effect continues, 'Haunted Mansion' creeps into third place
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/30/barbenheimer-box-office-effect-continues-haunted-m/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:57:24+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 12:49:00
|
Reflecting on the hospitalization that forced the postponement of her Celebration tour, Madonna says that she’s lucky to be alive and revealed that her children helped her pull through.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fmadonna-reflects-on-hospitalization-thanking-her-l%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Nardine Saad Los Angeles Times
Reflecting on the hospitalization that forced the postponement of her Celebration tour, Madonna says that she’s lucky to be alive and revealed that her children helped her pull through.
The Queen of Pop shared her thoughts Sunday, a month after being hospitalized for “a serious bacterial infection” that landed her in intensive care.
“Love from family and friends is the best Medicine. One month out of the hospital and I can reflect,” the 64-year-old wrote on Instagram, showcasing photos with her second son, David Banda, and eldest daughter, Lourdes.
“As a Mother you can really get caught up In the needs Of your children and the seemingly endless giving……….. But when the chips were down my children really showed up for me. I saw a side to them I had never seen before. It made all the difference,. So did the love and support from my friends.”
The singer has six children: Lourdes, whose father is personal trainer and actor Carlos Leon, and son Rocco, whom she shares with ex-husband Guy Ritchie; and four adopted children, David, daughter Mercy James and twins Stelle and Estere.
The Grammy Award winner also spotlighted a framed Polaroid picture given to her by longtime manager, Guy Oseary. The Polaroid was taken by Andy Warhol and featured late artist Keith Haring wearing a jacket bearing Michael Jackson’s face. The Material Girl said it represents “A perfect triangle of Brilliance” and artists who “touched so many lives including my own.”
“I sobbed when I opened this gift because I realized how lucky I am to be alive. And how fortunate I am to have known these people and so many others who are also gone,” Madonna wrote, thanking Oseary for the gift and the angels that protected her and let her “stay to finish doing my work!”
Oseary announced in late June that the singer’s bacterial infection led to a several-day stay in the hospital. Although he said that Madonna was expected to make “a full recovery,” the health scare forced the singer to “pause all commitments,” including her retrospective Celebration tour. (Her friend and “A League of Their Own” co-star Rosie O’Donnell has shared a few health updates too, asserting that the entertainer is “feeling good” and “very strong” after the illness.)
The “Vogue” and “Like a Prayer” singer was meant to kick off her 43-city, career-spanning tour in Vancouver on July 15 but shared earlier this month that the tour’s North American leg will be rescheduled. She now plans to launch the global tour in Europe in October.
On Friday, Madonna assured fans that she’s up and about again by posting a video showing her dancing to her 1983 hit “Lucky Star.”
“To be able to move my body and dance just a little bit makes me feel like the Luckiest Star in the world!,” she wrote on Instagram. “Thank you to all of my fans and friends! You must be my lucky stars too! And Happy 40th Birthday to my very. First Album.”
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Madonna reflects on hospitalization, thanking her ‘lucky stars’ that she’s alive
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/madonna-reflects-on-hospitalization-thanking-her-l/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:58:15+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 00:00:00
|
_
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fmonday-gallery%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
_
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Monday gallery
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/monday-gallery/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:51:32+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 11:55:00
|
For the second time this year, a court has ruled against Johnson & Johnson’s effort to use a bankruptcy case to limit its exposure to tens of thousands of lawsuits that claim its talcum powder products caused cancer.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F30%2Ffederal-judge-rejects-johnson-johnsons-effort-to-l%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Nicole Sperling New York Times
For the second time this year, a court has ruled against Johnson & Johnson’s effort to use a bankruptcy case to limit its exposure to tens of thousands of lawsuits that claim its talcum powder products caused cancer.
The plaintiffs claim that the company knew for decades about the risks linked to its talc products, including its signature baby powder.
The company created a subsidiary, LTL Management, in 2021 as a maneuver to shield itself from the talc litigation. It proposed that the subsidiary, which had filed for bankruptcy, pay $8.9 billion to resolve all the claims against it.
But on Friday, Judge Michael Kaplan of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey, said LTL’s bankruptcy case must be dismissed because the lawsuits did not put the company in “imminent or immediate financial distress.” Earlier this year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit in Philadelphia dismissed the first bankruptcy effort for the same reason.
“In sum, this Court smells smoke, but does not see the fire,” Kaplan wrote in his opinion, referring to LTL’s financial status. “Therefore, the emphasis on certainty and immediacy of financial distress closes the door of chapter 11 to LTL at this juncture.”
The company’s shares dropped close to 2% in after-hours trading.
J&J said its subsidiary planned to appeal Kaplan’s ruling.
In a statement Friday, Erik Haas, J&J’s worldwide vice president of litigation, said, “We respectfully disagree with the bankruptcy court’s conclusion that the ‘substantial liability’ that LTL faces from the massive volume of talc claims asserted against it does not establish ‘immediate’ financial distress under the standard imposed by the Third Circuit, which itself is found nowhere in the bankruptcy code and is contrary to the persuasive authority from other Circuit Courts and directives of the Supreme Court of the United States.”
He added, “As the bankruptcy court urged in its decision, we will continue to work with counsel representing about 60,000 claimants to pursue a resolution of the talc claims.”
Johnson & Johnson stopped selling talc-based baby powder globally last year, after switching to cornstarch as the primary ingredient of the product.
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Federal judge rejects Johnson & Johnson's effort to limit talc-related liabilities
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/30/federal-judge-rejects-johnson-johnsons-effort-to-l/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:59:35+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 12:14:00
|
Roads turned to dangerous rivers Monday in Beijing, sweeping away cars and large metal road signs as Typhoon Doksuri dumped record rainfall on the city of nearly 22 million.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fsevere-floods-hit-typhoon-damaged-beijing%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Joe Snell and Eve Sampson Washington Post
Roads turned to dangerous rivers Monday in Beijing, sweeping away cars and large metal road signs as Typhoon Doksuri dumped record rainfall on the city of nearly 22 million.
Videos posted on social media showed scenes of fast-moving water rushing through the city with muddied waves crashing against city bridges. In the typically buzzing and crowded city, the streets appeared deserted as few citizens risked the torrential downpour and floodwaters outside.
At least two people were killed in the floods, according to state media, and hundreds are still trapped in their homes.
With winds reaching around 150 mph, Doksuri was designated a “super typhoon” last week when it drenched the Philippines, killing more than a dozen people.
The National Meteorological Center on Sunday issued a rare red alert for the capital, China’s highest extreme weather warning, as millions brace for heavy rainstorms in the coming days.
Chinese state media reported that a half-million people had been evacuated from the southeastern Fujian province. More than 31,000 people were reportedly evacuated from the capital by Sunday night.
Many others are trapped in homes and vehicles stranded on roadways. Video published by Beijing Fire Douyin showed firefighters wading through surging knee-high floodwaters to rescue people trapped in a car.
The storm covered more than 85,000 square miles, potentially affecting 130 million people, according to China’s National Meteorological Center.
Local authorities posted statements on WeChat citing several other emergencies, including landslides and small-scale flash floods.
Considered one of the most formidable storms to reach China in recent years, Doksuri’s downpour represents another extreme for a country that also experienced record heat waves in its northern provinces this summer.
Despite ousting the United States as country emitting the most greenhouse gas annually, Chinese officials have been slow to enact environmental legislation, preferring to address climate change on their own terms.
Forecasters warned Monday of a second extreme storm with the strength of a Category 4 hurricane, Typhoon Khanun, which is set to batter China’s coast this week.
Khanun is the sixth typhoon projected to hit China this year.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Severe floods hit typhoon-damaged Beijing
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/severe-floods-hit-typhoon-damaged-beijing/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:50:21+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-29 16:47:00
|
Jul. 29—RENTON — After Drew Lock agreed to re-sign with the Seahawks last March, before almost anyone else knew, he reached out to Geno Smith. "I texted him just to let him know that, 'Hey, we are going to run this thing back again — let's do it,'" Lock said this week. Lock may have been more excited than Smith at the prospect of being Smith's backup for another year. And not because Smith ...
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F29%2Ffor-drew-lock-opting-for-familiarity-comfort-as-se%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Bob Condotta Seattle Times Seattle Times
RENTON, Wash. – After Drew Lock agreed to re-sign with the Seahawks last March, before almost anyone else knew, he reached out to Geno Smith.
“I texted him just to let him know that, ‘Hey, we are going to run this thing back again – let’s do it,’ ” Lock said this week.
Lock may have been more excited than Smith at the prospect of being Smith’s backup for another year.
And not because Smith didn’t want Lock back, but because Smith – who was a backup for seven years before winning the starting job with the Seahawks last season – wondered whether Lock wouldn’t be better off where he’d have a better chance to play.
“It’s a bittersweet thing because I know he’s a starter and I know he can go and do great things,” Smith said this week. “I want him to go get that opportunity somewhere.”
Lock does as well someday.
But for 2023, Lock says he’s satisfied in Seattle.
“You always want to play,” Lock said. “But at the same time, being comfortable with what you are going into (is important). I’ve had three different offensive coordinators in those first four (NFL) years. To come back to one of my first training camps ever running the game offense and to grow in this place – I believe in this place. I believe in coach (Pete) Carroll and our coaching staff and the players.
“So, it’s always tough when you go to a team and you know you are not really the guy. But I trust my decision and I’m just really enjoying being here. I’m a confident football player when I’m here.”
Lock became a free agent after the 2022 season when the four-year rookie contract the Seahawks inherited when acquiring him as part of the Russell Wilson deal with Denver (where he was a second-round pick in 2019) ran out.
His agents talked with numerous teams, including Tampa Bay, which was suddenly without Tom Brady. The Bucs hired Dave Canales – the Seahawks’ quarterbacks coach last season – as their new offensive coordinator.
Lock says “of course” Tampa Bay was a serious option. “That Dave was going to be there was intriguing.”
With a offer on the table from the Seahawks, Lock considered some other options as free agency opened in March.
“It’s the first time I’ve gone through this,” Lock said. “I didn’t want (general manager) John (Schneider) or Pete to think I didn’t love this place. At the same time, when you are not saying yes right off the bat – but it’s like, I really do like this place. So it was interesting.”
Lock made the decision to return on March 16, 10 days after Smith had re-upped and a day after Tampa Bay signed Baker Mayfield.
He got a contract that marked a not-insignificant investment, and a seeming vote of confidence, from the Seahawks – a one-year deal worth up to $4 million, tied for the 13th-highest salary-cap hit on the team. It’s the most the Seahawks have ever paid a backup quarterback (though only $1.75 million is guaranteed). Getting all of the $4 million would mean Lock would make more than double what he has in any previous NFL season.
Lock signed a month before the draft, when the Seahawks considered taking a quarterback. They may have taken Florida’s Anthony Richardson had he been available at No. 5.
As none of the top three QBs fell to the Seahawks, they didn’t take a quarterback at all, with one thought that the team didn’t consider any of the other options better than Lock, and they didn’t want to split his practice reps or chances to play in the preseason.
Lock thinks being with the Seahawks another season will allow him to indeed be his best.
This time a year ago, he was competing with Smith for the starting job.
He was also learning a new offense one more time. He had two offensive coordinators in three years with Denver as well as enduring a change in OCs his last year at Missouri.
“It’s been fantastic,” Lock said of being able to play in the same system. “I think the easiest way to put it is when you get into an offense early there are these little things you have to think about all the time and it kind of takes away from bigger-picture football stuff that is going to pretty much determine if you are going to be good or bad that day. And those little things have just slowly faded away for me since I’ve come back.
“Now I get to focus on the things I might not have been able to last camp and feel confident in myself. There is no pre-snap walking up to the line second-guessing things. It’s like, ‘I know the play, I know what I need to do, I know the checks we can get into.’ It just feels good.”
Despite competing for what is about as high-profile a position as there is in professional sports, the two forged a close relationship.
“I think both of us understood that if the team was going to be good, we couldn’t have a nasty quarterback room,” Lock said. “… It’s interesting because the public eye of a quarterback competition is that when one wins, it’s getting ugly. That’s not how we were. That’s not what we were going to let happen.”
Not that Lock wasn’t disappointed to lose the job, especially given the circumstances.
After Smith started the preseason opener a year ago, Lock was in line to start the second game against Chicago. But he came down with COVID-19 and couldn’t play.
That pretty much ended the competition, with Carroll naming Smith the starter following the third preseason game at Dallas. Lock figured he’d still probably play at some point. Instead, Smith became the only quarterback in the NFL in 2022 to take every snap.
“Obviously it’s upsetting,” Lock said. “You want to play. You want to be that guy for your team.”
But when he re-signed, the Seahawks pledged he will get a lot of chances in the team’s three preseason games – chances to prove to the team, the rest of the league, and maybe even himself, that he can still be a viable NFL starter.
“I’m excited,” he said. “It’ll be almost 365 (days) since I last played. I hope I get hit the first drive pretty good and feel it all over again.”
|
www.spokesman.com
|
For Drew Lock, opting for familiarity, comfort as Seahawks backup QB 'just feels good'
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/29/for-drew-lock-opting-for-familiarity-comfort-as-se/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:51:53+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 16:13:00
|
PHOENIX – The trend seemed to start, or perhaps really get noticed, in the prime of Felix Hernandez’s magical career.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F30%2Fmariners-take-series-from-diamondbacks-to-wrap-up-%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Ryan Divish Seattle Mariners
PHOENIX – The trend seemed to start, or perhaps really get noticed, in the prime of Felix Hernandez’s magical career.
During his prime years, the Mariners would seemingly waste brilliant outings from their ace by offering minimal to no run support. He’d give them every chance to win, and they’d still find a way to lose.
That has continued to the present, plaguing the solid to spectacular outings from George Kirby, Logan Gilbert and most notably Luis Castillo.
But in the climate-controlled confines of Chase Field, Castillo and relievers Gabe Speier, Justin Topa and Tayler Saucedo made sure it didn’t happen again, allowing only three hits and shutting out the Arizona Diamondbacks, 4-0, to close out a third-straight series win and a 4-2 road trip.
It was the ninth time this season the Mariners have held a team scoreless.
“Guys know where we’re at in the season, quite frankly, and they know we needed to play well to put themselves in a position with 48 hours here ahead of the trade deadline,” manager Scott Servais said. “You see what other teams are doing in our division. Our guys want to go after it. I credit them. They are super competitive. We went 4-2 on this trip and very easily could’ve gone 6-0. It’s a credit to our players. They want to push. They want to go for it.”
The words from Servais didn’t seem directed toward the media or the fans, but to the front office and ownership group, specifically Jerry Dipoto, Mariners president of baseball operations, and general manager Justin Hollander.
Will they buy? Maybe. Will they sell? It seems likely on some level. Will it be tense and anxious leading up to 3 p.m. PT MLB trade deadline on Aug. 1? Absolutely. It could be felt over the past three days in Arizona as the trade deadline moves started to multiply.
The Mariners moved to 54-51, the third time this season that they’ve been three games over .500 and 41/2 games out of the third wild card spot. They’ve yet to get above that, but will get the chance on Monday at T-Mobile Park when they open a three-game series vs. the Red Sox – a team ahead of them in the American League wild card standings.
“We have played outstanding baseball here over the month of July,” Servais said of the Mariners 16-9 record in the month. “We have the second best record in MLB. We’ve only lost one series in the month of July.”
A year and a day ago, the Mariners stunned the baseball world when they gave up four prospects, including infielders Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arroyo, to acquire Castillo from the Reds.
“What a trade,” Servais said. “He has changed the whole demeanor around our pitching staff. He is the rock, he’s the guy we lean on. And he showed up today with an outstanding effort.”
Castillo pitched six scoreless innings, allowing only two hits – both singles – with a walk, a hit batter and seven strikeouts to improve to 7-7 on the season and lower his ERA to 2.88. Arizona got just one runner into scoring position against Castillo, who threw 102 pitches with 69 strikes, including 16 swings and misses and 18 called strikes.
“We’ve been having a great repertoire,” Castillo said through interpreter Freddy Llanos. “I’ve had been throwing a lot of confidence, both my slider and the fastball, which are the ones that have been getting me the best results.”
It was Castillo’s 12th quality start of six or more innings pitched with three earned runs or fewer allowed this season. But it was just the seventh time the Mariners prevailed in those quality starts and the sixth time that Castillo was credited with the win. His previous two outings reached quality start criteria and the Mariners lost both of those games.
“He’s been pitching his ass off this season,” said shortstop J.P. Crawford. “He goes out there every time and gives us a quality start. I’m just happy we were able to get some runs for him this time.”
Castillo got a bit of help from his defense in the second and fourth inning in which he allowed D’Backs cleanup hitter Christian Walker to reach each inning.
In the second, he grazed Walker with a pitch to put the leadoff runner. But Dominic Canzone’s hard liner to the right side was right at first baseman Ty France, who walked over and stepped on first base for the double play.
In the fourth inning, Walker reached when J.P. Crawford mishandled a slow ground ball for an error. But again Canzone hit a line drive to the right side, this time caught easily by second baseman Kolten Wong, who flipped the ball to France at first to double off Walker.
About a month after being traded to Seattle, he signed a 5-year, $108 million contract extension. He also helped Seattle break a 21-year postseason drought, start on opening day and make the All-Star team. That’s a good year.
“It’s been great,” Castillo said. “I’ve built a family here with this team. I just go out there, do my job, keep trying to perform as much as I can when I’m on the mound. Hopefully God gives me enough health to just continue to perform.”
The Mariners scored three runs early off Arizona starter Merrill Kelly and were fortunate that the pitching made them hold up.
Seattle picked up two runs in a 41-pitch first inning for Kelly. They loaded the bases with two outs and Mike Ford took a four-pitch walk without even seeing a pitch close enough to swing at to force in the first run. Ty France made it 2-0 when he singled through the left side – his first of three hits in the game – to score another run.
“He doesn’t walk a lot of guys and he has really good stuff,” said Crawford, who worked a leadoff walk. “We were hunting pitches early and just laying off good pitches. We grinded it out and made him throw 40 pitches in that first inning.”
The Mariners third run came in the second inning when Crawford worked a 3-1 count and then crushed a fastball into the right field seats for his ninth homer of the season, which ties a career high. Crawford would reach base four times in the game, adding a pair of walks and ninth-inning leadoff double.
“I just thinking, ‘be on time,’” he said. “I caught up to it and it stayed fair.”
Seattle tacked on a run in the ninth following Crawford’s double. Eugenio Suarez dumped a single into center for the insurance run.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Mariners take series from Diamondbacks to wrap up 4-2 road trip
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/30/mariners-take-series-from-diamondbacks-to-wrap-up-/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:56:04+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 09:10:00
|
The air travel boom in the U.S. appears to be fading.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fhas-americas-air-travel-boom-peaked%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
A passenger walks past Delta planes on the tarmac at LaGuardia Airport in New York. (Angus Mordant/Bloomberg)
By Diana Carolina Bravo Bloomberg
The air travel boom in the U.S. appears to be fading.
Purchases by U.S. consumers directly from major domestic airlines declined across the board in the second quarter, marking the first drop in more than two years, according Bloomberg Second Measure.
The data isn’t a full picture, though. It tracks anonymous credit and debit card transactions made with carriers, but excludes booking sites and corporate sales.
Americans splurged on air travel over the past year as pandemic restrictions lifted; not even a surge in ticket prices slowed them down.
But after facing the highest inflation in decades, consumers have been reducing all kinds of discretionary purchases, including apparel, electronics and sit-down restaurants. Now it appears they’ve added flying to that list.
This softness has the potential to derail a rebound that has boosted results across the industry.
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines recently raised their annual profit forecasts on continued strength in international bookings.
And a record number of passengers are expected industry-wide this summer.
But Alaska Air, which is focused on the U.S. and North America, said it’s bracing for a hit to this quarter’s results as it contends with declining prices and softening demand for domestic travel.
Fares that were “really strong” through June have declined from record levels in 2022, but remain above 2019 prices, according to Alaska’s Chief Financial Officer Shane Tackett.
Southwest Airlines posted second-quarter sales last week that topped Wall Street’s expectations, but worries about how well demand will hold up the rest of this year and the carrier’s plan to boost flying capacity hammered the stock.
In July, the shares of the five largest U.S. carriers have all declined, compared with about a 3% gain for the S&P 500. Investors will get more industry insights on Tuesday when JetBlue reports.
One bullish case for the industry is that lower ticket prices will encourage more purchases.
But transactions fell in the second quarter from the same period a year earlier for 8 of the 10 major U.S. airlines tracked by Second Measure.
The median decline was 5.3%, the biggest drop since the first quarter of 2021.
Typically, fliers buy tickets weeks and months in advance, so the summer boom has mostly been booked. Second Measure tracks when flights are purchased.
That differs from airlines because they only record them as revenue when they are flown.
For example, a ticket purchased in March for an August departure would be counted as revenue in the third quarter when the flight is made, not the first.
Until a flight happens, the companies consider it a short-term liability on their balance sheets.
So-called air traffic liability is the value of flights that have been sold, but haven’t been flown.
So far five large carriers have reported their second quarters, and all but Southwest have experienced weaker growth in air traffic liability, or worse.
American Airlines, the second-largest U.S. carrier, posted its first decline in air traffic liability since the depths of the pandemic in 2020.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Has America's air travel boom peaked?
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/has-americas-air-travel-boom-peaked/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:00:46+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 10:36:00
|
Trucking firm Yellow told workers it was shutting down, according to its union, jeopardizing 30,000 jobs as the historic freight brand faces heavy debt loads and operational woes.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Ftrucking-firm-yellow-shuts-down-after-financial-wo%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Thomas Black Bloomberg
Trucking company Yellow told workers it was shutting down, according to its union, jeopardizing 30,000 jobs as the historic freight brand faces heavy debt loads and operational woes.
The Nashville-based company notified union officials that it planned to file for bankruptcy after ceasing operations, according to a statement Monday from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
“This is a sad day for workers and the American freight industry,” Sean O’Brien, the Teamsters’ president, said in the statement.
Yellow, the third-largest less-than-truckload carrier in the U.S., didn’t immediately respond to repeated requests for comment.
It has been struggling financially as it sought to refinance more than $1 billion of debt maturing in 2024.
The stock has been in a tailspin, plunging 72% this year and more than 94% since the beginning of last year.
Trucking firms and other companies across the shipping industry have been burdened by a slowdown in freight demand coming out of the pandemic.
Yellow specializes in less-than-truckload service, which uses a warehouse network to combine several smaller shipments on one truck for short-haul deliveries.
That makes it distinct from long-haul trucking and the parcel industry, which carries individual, usually smaller, packages.
Yellow has warned of challenges to integrate its various operations and of friction with its union.
The Teamsters, which represent about 22,000 Yellow workers, threatened this month to strike after the company initially failed to make a $50 million payment for employee benefits.
Yellow has about 30,000 total employees, according to its website.
The labor group said it’s “putting infrastructure in place” to help workers find union jobs in freight or other industries, according to the statement.
In a memo last week, O’Brien warned workers that Yellow had stopped picking up freight from customers and the hope of the company continuing to operate “is fading.”
The loss of the union jobs comes on the heels of the union winning large pay increases from United Parcel Service.
The company has blamed the union for impeding a plan to combine its trucking divisions, which operate separately since the current incarnation of Yellow – a name in trucking that dates back decades – was formed from a string of acquisitions before the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009.
Yellow filed a $137 million lawsuit in June against the union for “unjustifiably blocking” the move.
The shutdown of Yellow operations comes as the less-than-truckload demand has declined, making it easier for competitors to pick up the slack, said Melanie Burnham, chief financial officer of competitor Hercules, which has a fleet of 300 trucks and 30 facilities.
The demise of Yellow would have been more disruptive for shippers if it had happened two years ago when there was little slack trucking capacity.
“There may be some small glitches. That’s going to happen,” Burnham said on Yellow customers switching to new carriers. “But there are some strong companies out there that can service the needs of the shippers.”
AFS Logistics, a broker that matches shippers cargo with carriers, recently pulled Yellow from the list of the more than 80 short-haul truckers that the broker uses.
One of the biggest concerns is getting cargo stuck in a failed Yellow system, said Tom Nightingale, AFS’s chief executive officer.
Still, Yellow has been struggling financially since the 2008-2009 downturn and shippers likely have contingency plans for their freight.
“Customers have been seeing this train coming down the track for a long time hoping that it wouldn’t happen, but nonetheless, they were anticipating that it certainly could,” Nightingale said.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Trucking firm Yellow shuts down after financial woes, union says
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/trucking-firm-yellow-shuts-down-after-financial-wo/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:59:05+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 08:51:00
|
Russia attacked southern Ukrainian cities again on Monday morning, killing at least seven civilians and injuring more than 50 others, according to local authorities in Kherson.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Frussian-attack-in-southern-ukraine-at-least-seven-%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
Residents view damage from a Russian missile attack on the city of Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine on July 31, 2023. Residential buildings, a university building, a crossroads were hit. (Cover Images/Cover Images via ZUMA Press/TNS)
dpa
KIEV — Russia attacked southern Ukrainian cities again on Monday morning, killing at least seven civilians and injuring more than 50 others, according to local authorities in Kherson.
In the city of Kryvyi Rih, home to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, two Russian missiles hit a nine-story apartment building and a university building on Monday morning.
The city’s military chief, Oleksandr Vilkul, spoke around noon of at least five dead - including a mother and her 10-year-old daughter - and more than 50 injured.
Local authorities believe that more people may be trapped under both buildings. The apartment building that was hit was partially burnt out and in particular danger of collapse, video footage showed.
Rescue work was ongoing.
In the city of Kherson, which was liberated from occupation in October 2022, an employee of a municipal communal enterprise died on Monday morning as a result of Russian artillery fire, according to the local military administration. Two of his colleagues were injured.
In the afternoon, another man was reportedly killed and another injured by Russian fire there. The greater part of Kherson Province remains occupied by Russian troop
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his condolences to the victims via Telegram and condemned the “Russian terror.”
“Regions of Ukraine are being shelled by occupiers who continue to terrorize peaceful cities and people,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Russian attack in southern Ukraine: At least seven dead, 50+ injured
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/russian-attack-in-southern-ukraine-at-least-seven-/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:51:12+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 14:02:00
|
No evacuations orders were in place around 2 p.m. for the fire, which was reported burning Sunday afternoon off Hilby Road, according to the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Any notifications to leave will be posted via ALERT Spokane, the public warning system.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F30%2Fcrews-battling-wildfire-south-of-moran-prairie-on-%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
From staff reports
A fire burning south of Spokane consumed roughly about a half-dozen acres and an outbuilding on Sunday afternoon, according to fire officials.
Firefighters with Spokane County Fire District 8 said the fire, which was reported Sunday afternoon off Hilby Road, had been held as of about 3:30 p.m. Aircraft used to fight the fire had been released and no evacuation orders had been issued.
The Washington Department of Natural Resources estimated the fire between 6 acres and 8 acres in size.
Personnel from Fire District 8 and the fire departments of Spokane Valley and the city of Spokane were called out to the fire on Sunday afternoon. A red flag warning, issued when conditions are dry and wind speeds create the potential for heavy fire activity, was scheduled to continue through 10 p.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Crews stop growth of wildfire south of Moran Prairie on Sunday afternoon
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/30/crews-battling-wildfire-south-of-moran-prairie-on-/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:01:06+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 09:02:00
|
A property manager for Donald Trump, who is accused of collaborating with the former president to hinder U.S. government efforts to retrieve classified documents at his Palm Beach estate, appeared in Miami federal court Monday to face obstruction charges.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Ftrump-property-manager-released-on-bond-in-miami-w%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
Top Secret documents (redacted by the Justice Department) are show scattered on the floor after they were found by the FBI during a raid on Mar-a-Lago and released by the Department of Justice in court documents, Aug. 30, 2022, in West Palm Beach, Florida. (U.S. Department of Justice/Planet Pix via ZUMA Press Wire/TNS)
By Jay Weaver Miami Herald
MIAMI — A property manager for Donald Trump, who is accused of collaborating with the former president to hinder U.S. government efforts to retrieve classified documents at his Palm Beach estate, appeared in Miami federal court Monday to face obstruction charges.
Carlos De Oliveira, 56, was released on a $100,000 bond but could not be arraigned because — like a co-defendant before him — he could not be formally arraigned because he does not yet have a South Florida lawyer, which is required in the district. The arraignment was rescheduled for Aug. 10 in the Fort Pierce federal courthouse, where Trump’s classified documents case is set to go to trial in May
Oliveira was added to an expanded 42-count indictment last week, accusing him of conspiring with Trump and a personal aide in an attempt to destroy video surveillance footage of a storage area at the Mar-a-Lago residence where the former president had kept boxes of classified national security records after leaving the White House.
The superseding indictment adds three new counts against Trump. One charges him with another count of willful retention of national defense information in violation of the Espionage Act. Two other new charges allege that Trump, aide Walt Nauta and De Oliveira obstructed justice by attempting to destroy surveillance video at Mar-a-Lago. Nauta’s initial arraignment in Miami was also postponed because he had not yet retained a local attorney.
De Oliveira, of Palm Beach Gardens, is also charged anew in an obstruction conspiracy with Trump and Nauta, and with making a false statement to FBI agents when they questioned him about the boxes of classified records earlier this year.
According to the indictment, Trump spoke with De Oliveira for 24 minutes after the Justice Department informed his legal team on June 22, 2022, of a draft grand jury subpoena for the surveillance footage at Mar-a-Lago. Two days later, the subpoena was officially delivered to Trump’s residence. And on June 25, after changing his travel plans, Nauta flew to the Palm Beach estate. Then, on June 27, 2022, Nauta collaborated with De Oliveira to find and destroy the surveillance video, the indictment states.
The indictment does not say whether Trump, Nauta or De Oliveira were successful in deleting any of the video footage.
But previous filings in the unprecedented case show that a June 2022 grand jury subpoena uncovered video images that prosecutors with the special counsel’s office say revealed damning evidence. The information provided the basis for FBI agents to obtain a court-approved warrant to search Mar-a-Lago on Aug. 8, 2022, when they found and seized more than 100 classified documents in the former president’s office and the club’s storage area.
According to the prosecution’s account of the videos, Nauta could be seen moving 64 boxes between a storage room and other areas at Mar-a-Lago between May 23 and June 2, 2022.
The video footage also shows De Oliveira working with Nauta to move 30 of those same boxes from Trump’s residence back to the storage area, according to the superseding indictment filed last Thursday.
After arriving in Palm Beach and traveling to Mar-a-Lago on June 25, 2022, the indictment reads, “Nauta and De Oliveira went to the security guard booth where surveillance video is displayed on monitors, walked with a flashlight through the tunnel where the storage room was located, and observed and pointed out surveillance cameras.”
Two days later, De Oliveira went to the club’s information technology office and asked an employee identified as the IT director to keep their conversation confidential. “ ’The boss’ wanted the server deleted,” De Oliveira told the unnamed employee, according to the indictment.
The employee resisted, saying “he would not know how to do that, and that he did not believe that he would have the rights to do that,” the indictment states. The employee told De Oliveira that “De Oliveira would have to reach out to another employee who was a supervisor of security for Trump’s business organization.”
According to the indictment, De Oliveira “then insisted” to the IT employee that “ ‘the boss’ wanted the server deleted and asked, what are we going to do?”
De Oliveira left the IT office, met with Nauta on an adjacent property, then returned to the office and later reconvened with Nauta that afternoon.
Later on the afternoon of June 27, 2022, “Trump called De Oliveira and they spoke for approximately three and a half minutes,” the indictment states.
In June of this year, the federal grand jury in Miami charged Trump with mishandling highly classified documents under the Espionage Act by storing them at Mar-a-Lago and refusing to return them to federal authorities, along with conspiring to obstruct justice. Nauta also was charged with conspiring to obstruct justice. Both pleaded not guilty to the charges in the initial 38-count indictment.
Trump is running for the Republican nomination for president in 2024. In a statement, his campaign said, “this is nothing more than a continued desperate and flailing attempt by the Biden Crime Family and their Department of Justice to harass President Trump and those around him.”
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Trump property manager released on bond in Miami, will face formal arraignment next month
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/trump-property-manager-released-on-bond-in-miami-w/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:53:43+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 11:56:00
|
AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Sitting on the bench as her United States team played at the Women’s World Cup last week, Megan Rapinoe was sure that she was in the wrong spot. She was just as sure that her coach, Vlatko Andonovski, should see that, and fix it.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F30%2Funited-states-megan-rapinoe-is-not-going-quietly-a%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
Megan Rapinoe walks onto the field as she is announced as a member of the U.S. Women's National Team for the Women's World Cup tournament, after a preparatory match with Wales, in San Jose, Calif. July 9, 2023. For the first time in 12 years, the outspoken and accomplished leader of the U.S. team is in a reserve role for the World Cup, mostly watching from the bench instead of starring in it. (New York Times)
By Juliet Macur New York Times
AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Sitting on the bench as her United States team played at the Women’s World Cup last week, Megan Rapinoe was sure that she was in the wrong spot. She was just as sure that her coach, Vlatko Andonovski, should see that, and fix it.
“I’m always shocked when I don’t play,” Rapinoe said with a laugh, joking with reporters Sunday about her uneasy new role: reserve. “Every player who starts thinks they should play,” she added. “And everyone on the bench thinks they should be on the field.”
What else was Rapinoe supposed to think, having come to this World Cup as a marquee player who had been a game changer in its last three editions? For the first time in 12 years, Rapinoe, the outspoken and accomplished leader of the U.S. team for the past decade, is watching the World Cup instead of starring in it. In the first U.S. game at this tournament, a 3-0 victory over Vietnam that was her 200th appearance for the United States, Rapinoe came into the game as a substitute for the final half-hour. In the second game, she did not play at all, even as her team struggled to create space and scoring chances in a 1-1 tie with the Netherlands.
Rapinoe, 38, expected this World Cup to be a sort of changing of the guard, of course. She is the oldest player on the team, and on the eve of her team’s departure for New Zealand, she announced that this would be her final World Cup and her final professional season.
She will never be happy about sitting out, she said. But she also knows she has a role to play.
“Ultimately, we’re at the World Cup – this is where everybody wants to be, whether you’re playing 90 minutes or whether you’re a game changer or whatever,” she said. “I think it’s a lot similar to what I thought it would be, bringing all the experience that I can, all the experience that I have, and ultimately being ready whenever my number is called up.”
She is, she said, embracing her new role. Maybe the United States needs a player – a player like her, was the clear implication – who gives “20 minutes in two games that wins the team the tournament, or wins a team a game that gets it to the next round.”
The United States expects to have a long road yet at this World Cup, and no one – including Rapinoe – wants it to be a weekslong eulogy to her career. But Rapinoe’s teammates are already mourning her departure, no matter how many minutes she plays here. When Kelley O’Hara, the defender who has played with Rapinoe at the past three World Cups, was asked days before the tournament if she had started to consider what it will be like when Rapinoe is gone, she broke into tears.
“She’s done such incredible things for this team and for the world, so to be able to see the up close and personal Pinoe, and be close to that has been really special,” O’Hara said. “I hope that we all send her out on a high.”
Alex Morgan called Rapinoe a special player, one the team can still count on. “She makes things happen out of nothing,” Morgan said. “We’ve seen that time and time again.”
It is unclear if Rapinoe will have many more chances to make something out of nothing at the World Cup. Andonovski has committed to his new lineup, so much so that he declined to make changes even as it struggled to find a goal against the Netherlands. But Rapinoe made it clear that, from her seat, the United States missed out on controlling its fate.
The team could have set itself up to claim first place in its group if it had beaten the Dutch, most likely locking in an easier path in the knockout rounds. It still controls its destiny – a win, especially a big one, over Portugal on Tuesday would achieve the same result. But Rapinoe knows as well as anyone that World Cups are won or lost by the finest of margins. On the biggest stages, she said, the smallest details can matter, and so she will keep working, keep pushing to play.
Rapinoe and the rest of the U.S. reserves who didn’t play against the Netherlands had time to consider their fate as they gathered at training the day after the match. The starters were back at the hotel, resting, as is usual after a game. For Rapinoe, the substitute, there was training. It was a hard lesson, she acknowledged, but also an opportunity.
On Sunday, Rapinoe was quick to emphasize that just because she is OK with her role as a sage and helpful veteran, that doesn’t mean she is going any easier on the younger players during practices.
Every day in training, she said, her job is to try to take one of theirs. “And that makes them better,” she said. “That makes me better. That makes the whole team better.”
|
www.spokesman.com
|
United States' Megan Rapinoe is not going quietly at this World Cup
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/30/united-states-megan-rapinoe-is-not-going-quietly-a/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:50:32+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-29 00:00:00
|
Time’s right for SCOTUS reform
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F29%2Fletters-for-july-29-2023%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
Time’s right for SCOTUS reform
There is something the secular world uses successfully in public spaces allowing for vibrant trade of commerce and ideas necessary for a functioning modern society. It’s called a disclaimer.
Religious people and entities can use disclaimers, too. Disclaimers allow people and entities in the religious-industrial complex to engage in public space without necessarily endorsing the content and ideas or actions of others in the public space.
LGBTQ+ folks are taxpayers who contribute to the public space infrastructure, police and fire protection, national security, water and sewage treatment, transportation and education, all of which benefit religious people and entities operating in the public space. If we allow tax-supported religious entities to refuse service to the taxpaying public, it is forcing taxpayers to pay for their own discrimination. It’s barbaric.
As our current SCOTUS is going for shameful placement on hate watch lists, I’m following discussions examining solutions to present and future activist courts. On the table, we have term limits. I’m stubbornly on the fence about term limits for elected officials, but here I see one pasture is clearly safer than the other and I’m not suicidal.
Court expansion is a point with both pros and cons. It seems sensible to have one justice for each circuit court if only to handle the workload.
I favor a sworn board of legal experts (law professors and congressional scholars, perhaps) to nominate, vet and install SCOTUS to deflate the congressional political circus we currently endure.
Ethics and oversight? Yes, please!
Janet Marugg
Clarkston
Democrats allow GOP to spread lies
Since being elected, Joe Biden has been under constant GOP attack. With his approval numbers and election chances fading, Democrats are doing what they do best: absolutely nothing.
When a Democratic president has problems, his party, including Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, will always desert him, as we saw with Clinton, Obama and now Biden.
With 2024 being a referendum on Biden, down-ballot elections will hinge on voters’ perception of him. With Dems doing nothing, Republicans and Donald Trump will have no problem winning everything.
With Republicans in control of all branches of government, including the far-right Supreme Court, they will continue their assault on voter rights.
The right to vote is constitutionally guaranteed. Democrats should have gone ballistic when the GOP started attacking it. Instead, they went silent.
With the Supreme Court on their side, Republicans can eliminate the amendment that limits a president to two terms, allowing Trump to serve forever.
Biden has done more for the 99% than any Democrat since FDR. Plus, the economy is rapidly recovering, unemployment is at 3%, the stock market is rallying, and inflation is rapidly cooling. Independents and even conservatives have benefited from what he’s done.
Since Dems don’t message, voters have no way of knowing all this. It allows Republicans to lie about Biden. A lie told often enough will gradually be accepted as reality by most.
Democratic voters should fully expect a Republican sweep in 2024. It starts with their party’s spineless inability to defend their own.
Ray Simmons
Spokane
Exceptional people don’t bomb
The U.S. has always considered itself to be exceptional, which means, “Why should we do the right thing and sign the Geneva Convention outlawing cluster bombs, as have so many other countries around the world?” (Over 100 other countries who apparently have a conscience.) Republicans have convinced Biden that it is the thing to do. So, let’s face it, neither is a party of morality.
How is it moral to bomb indiscriminately, soldiers and perhaps civilians in the area and really, how is it moral to bomb at all? We should be negotiating, making compromises, not upping the ante, which could lead to WW III. But if not, the least we will do with giving Ukraine cluster bombs is create years of danger for those people (mostly children) who come into contact with cluster bombs that didn’t explode when they were supposed to, and instead explode when a child steps on them years later.
The cluster bombs used in Laos in 1964 are STILL a threat to civilians who are maimed or killed when they come in contact with them. I understand that Russia and Ukraine have both been using cluster bombs in the current fiasco. However, this does not justify our doing the same thing.
Remember? We are supposed to be exceptional. Maybe even moral.
Linda Greene
Spokane
Letter left out truth regarding dams
Jasen Bronec (“Snake River dams are important for grid reliability, clean energy,” July 15) argues against removing the lower four Snake River dams, arguing that they supply stability to the electric grid and necessitate an unfortunate compromise that disadvantages salmon.
Bronec casually papers over other details.
The four Lower Snake River Dams provide one-seventh of the generation capacity of Grand Coulee. They provide less than one-third of the wind generation capacity in the Pacific Northwest. A single natural gas-powered generation facility in Rathdrum provides nearly half the capacity of all four Lower Snake River dams. The lower Snake River dams are not a critical source of regional electricity.
Bronec mentions the importance of barge traffic through the locks of the lower Snake. Barge transportation is about 50% more fuel-efficient than rail. But that’s precisely the point: A compromise is available – it is not “barges or nothing.” And rail offers something that barges cannot: speed. It takes a bit over two days to barge from Lewiston to Portland; it takes about a day to travel by rail from Boise to Portland.
Bronec suggests that there is no proof that salmon runs would recover from dam removal. Contemplate the spectacularly rapid recovery of salmon on the Elwha River following the removal of those two dams – a matter of a couple of years, not decades, not centuries.
John D. Sahr
Otis Orchards
Judgment will come
Independence Day is one of the few days when Americans even think about their freedom. People put out flags and dust off their military uniforms.
Most people see freedom as an excuse to be self-indulgent. Heaven forbid that we should give up our assault rifles, or the Coors in your cup holder.
Mike Noble hit a bull’s-eye with his epistle. Homosexuality and adultery are both sins. Period. Nonthreatening abortions are nothing less than a continuation of Moloch worship. As part of this religion, pagans would incinerate their own children at the altar.
I considered it an honor to serve my country in the U.S. Navy. However, all the combined military forces will not stop God’s judgment. There are certain individuals who may bring down His wrath if they don’t repent.
In closing, I will lightly touch on homelessness. There will always be those who live on the streets. The best way to help them is to walk a mile in their shoes. Blessing Under the Bridge had the right idea.
Douglas Benn
Tum Tum, Washington
Good advice for Donald Trump
I have advice for Donald Trump, if he wants to gain support from independents.
Unless he truly aligns with them, I would suggest that he quit borrowing phrases familiar to us who know the history of communism, especially under Stalin, and of national capitalism under Hitler.
He has quoted Joseph Stalin and then Hitler’s, “The press is the enemy of the people,” supporting his claim of fake news.
The “America First” movement was touted by him during his 2016 campaign supporting nationalism and anti-immigration. Nationalism is a strong ideology in fascism. “America First” was a U.S. fascist movement supporting Germany and Italy in the 1930s. “America First” was led by America’s famous aviator Charles Lindbergh, who reviewed Hitler’s Air Force prior to our entry into World War II. (To Lindbergh’s credit, he supported the U.S. after our entry into the war in 1941.)
The slogan “Make America Great Again” is borrowed from the Nazis whose slogan was “Make Germany Great Again.”
His social media called “Truth Social” resembles the Soviet communist newspaper “Pravda” which meant “truth.”
Former President Trump spoke of reading Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” (My Struggle), though his first wife and others said it was Hitler’s speeches that he read. Having read Hitler’s speeches, I would say they appear to have influenced Trump.
I suggest he find something from someone who supports democracy if, indeed, he himself supports democracy.
Robert P. Crosby
Spokane
Florida curriculum alarms, disturbs
Recently adopted by its board of education, Florida accepts new curriculum standards for teaching Black history to include that Black people benefited from slavery. What if Germany decided to rewrite its history and included that Jewish people benefited from the Holocaust? Alarming, right? So, what makes this new curriculum standard in Florida any less disturbing?
Kath McChesney-Lape
Spokane Valley
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Letters for July 29, 2023
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/29/letters-for-july-29-2023/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:54:33+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 08:12:41
|
A GRIP ON SPORTS • By this time tomorrow, we will know the answer. Will the United States women, the favorite to three-peat as the World Cup began, advance from the group stage into the knockout rounds? The task is simple. Win and move on.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fa-grip-on-sports-youll-have-to-stay-up-late-or-get%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
A GRIP ON SPORTS • By this time tomorrow, we will know the answer. Will the United States women, the favorite to three-peat as the World Cup began, advance from the group stage into the knockout rounds? The task is simple. Win and move on.
•••••••
• The women are favored over Portugal in a match you can only watch if you are willing to stay up until the wee hours of Tuesday morning (it kicks at midnight PDT on Fox 28). But not as heavy a favorite, it seems, as angst over the result in today’s discussion.
The U.S. team has become so dominant – back-to-back World Cup victories does that sort of thing – they were expected to waltz through the only group in the tournament featuring two teams ranked in FIFA’s top 10 worldwide. That expectation was built during the lead-up to the Cup, despite this group being a transitional one in many regards. Out with the old(er players) and in with the new(er stars), so to speak.
The expected dominance hasn’t materialized. At least in the eyes of the talking heads who trot out on ESPN and the like every couple years or so. Is it fair? No. And it ignores a basic truth. Women’s soccer around the world has, thanks to an example set by the U.S. and a couple other nations, improved mightily in the eight years since the United States won its 2015 title.
That improvement, and the expansion of the World Cup to 32 teams, means tighter matches, better competition and more hope for the underdogs. Besides, soccer is a tough game designed for tight results. That close matches are happening should not be surprising.
And yet, the U.S., ranked No. 1 in the world by FIFA, earned a 3-0 victory over Vietnam and rallied for a 1-1 draw against 2019 runner-up Netherlands. Now Portugal, one of those countries that have improved mightily in the past decade and made the tournament for the first time, awaits.
If the U.S. wins, it moves through to the knockout stage (or, to put it in context many American sports fans need, an NCAA-tourney like bracket). A draw and the U.S. will finish second in the group, still move through and more than likely play Sweden – ranked third in the world – this weekend. A loss? Pack your bags. And spend the next four years trying to explain it.
Which makes the goal for Tuesday’s early morning match pretty simple. Win. And win by as many goals as possible, hoping already eliminated Vietnam can either upset the Netherlands – not likely – or keep it relatively close – possible.
The first tiebreaker that comes into play is goal differential. The U.S. enters today with a two-goal edge on the Dutch. The reward for winning the group is not having to play Sweden. Instead, the opponent will probably be Italy, ranked 13 spots lower by FIFA.
In other words, there is a lot at stake. Enough to keep you up until after midnight on a work night?
• Coffee is part of our plan. A nap too. A light dinner, so as to not get too groggy. Then snacks. Maybe a chocolate treat, mixing its caffeine with Dunkin’s.
All that being said, falling asleep is still a 1.5 goal favorite over staying awake. And you can get odds we’ll be out by halftime.
• The Mega Millions jackpot Tuesday will be more than a billion dollars. Or, if you want the money in cash up front, “only” $527.9 million (equal to the approximate free-agent contract Shohei Ohtani will sign this offseason).
What would you do with that type of money?
We thought about that a bit over the weekend. One thought we had concerns golf. How about if we used the money, or at least part of it, to build a Gozzer Ranch-like golf course somewhere in the region and make it open to the public? A beautiful, challenging track with exceptional views, great practice area, well-stocked and reasonably priced snack shacks, all available for any golfer with a USGA handicap. (The handicap? To help grow the game at public courses, the easiest place to get one.) And peg the price to that of, say, Spokane County courses.
Would you want to play a Pebble Beach-caliber course if you could afford it? Me too.
Then again, the $500 million would probably buy us at least a large piece of a tropical island somewhere. There’s always that.
•••
WSU: Around the Pac-12 and the nation, why have the changes to college football occurred? Greed and ambition. … How much do you want to know about Oregon’s early season opponents? Well, here you go. Something on Portland State, Texas Tech, Hawaii and Colorado, all courtesy of the Oregonian. And then there are position previews of tight ends, running backs and quarterbacks. … The breakout offensive player for Oregon State will be, well, you will have to read about it. … You know why we aren’t that high on Colorado? The offensive line is in flux. … Yes, Utah is the defending champs. But it has to answer some questions in preseason camp just like everyone. … Bill McGovern died last year but before he did, the UCLA defensive coordinator was able to bring the Bruins and USC together to fight cancer. … Arizona will be as good as its defense.
Idaho: No matter what happens this football season for the Vandals, it’s pretty exciting the expectations are high in Moscow. It’s been a while. Colton Clark has some storylines to keep your eyes on as preseason camp unfolds.
Indians: A two-game winning streak? Well, yep, if you call winning two consecutive games a “streak.” Spokane left Eugene on Sunday following its 6-5 extra-inning victory. But, as Dave Nichols tells us, it may have been a Pyrrhic one.
Seahawks: The best part of Sunday’s practice? Geno Smith threw a few touchdowns. And the defense also picked him off a few times. Success for both groups. … The running back group is pretty thin, already hit hard by injuries. … Devon Witherspoon was all over practice Sunday.
World Cup: If the U.S. were to lose, the career of one of the nation’s best players, Megan Rapinoe, would end in a pretty sad way. At 38, Rapinoe isn’t a huge contributor – thus far – for this group. A storybook ending would probably have to include a title and at least one moment of magic for the Reign star. … Others want to contribute as well.
Mariners: We’re starting to believe. A little. Another well-played game resulted in a 4-0 win over the hist Diamondbacks on Sunday and lifted our expectations a smidgen. Great pitching, a quick lead and no mistakes in the field will do that. Then again, the trade news from around the league – why is everyone sending players to the Rangers and the Angels? – has tempered the hopes a bit. … Hometown kid Corbin Carroll showed the M’s what he’s got over the weekend.
Storm: We wondered above whether two consecutive wins constitutes a streak. The answer doesn’t matter to the Storm, who are just happy to have won again. The second was a rout, defeating the host Indiana Fever 85-62 Sunday.
Sounders: An early two-goal lead made the needed three-goal victory seem possible. But that was a mirage as Seattle was eliminated in the Leagues Cup group stage by its 4-2 loss to FC Monterrey.
Golf: Another Spokane-area golf course has downsized. At least the Fairways didn’t disappear. Yes, the name changed. And seven holes are in the process of being turned into houses. But as Jim Meehan tells us in the column, nine remain to play and two are available for practice.
Auto racing: Nick Gibson won the Idaho 200 on Saturday at Stateline Speedway in Post Falls.
•••
• When we want to be up late at night or early, early in the morning (the U.S. match starts at midnight our time), we sometimes set an alarm. But it doesn’t work as well just taking a late long nap and doing something physical, like a nice walk, in the evening hours after. We can then fool our body into thinking we should be awake. But the darn eyes are too smart for that. They rebel, usually when we least want them to. See you in August …
|
www.spokesman.com
|
A Grip on Sports: You'll have to stay up late or get up early to find out if the U.S. women move on in the World Cup
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/a-grip-on-sports-youll-have-to-stay-up-late-or-get/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:00:26+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 06:57:00
|
Stocks posted small moves as risk appetite cooled from last week's rally. The yen weakened after the Bank of Japan made its first unscheduled bond purchases in months.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fstocks-waver-as-risk-appetite-cools-yen-falls%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Rita Nazareth Bloomberg
Stock traders refrained from making big bets in the final day of July as concern about an overheated market resurfaced amid a rally that drove the S&P 500 to its longest streak of monthly gains since August 2021.
Wall Street has looked past concern about an earnings recession as data bolstered hopes on a soft landing despite the Federal Reserve’s rate increases. While many investors are betting the great tech rally that drove this year’s advance in equities has staying power, there’s a growing view the sector is due for a breather – which could weigh on the broader market.
To Matt Maley at Miller Tabak, investors need to be careful about extrapolating what we’ve seen this year in stocks, and it’s essential to have a backup plan for when the “FOMO rally” fades or “some compelling cracks” start to form. He’s among those betting broad equity averages will see limited upside over the next couple of months.
“Is merely ‘avoiding a recession’ really enough to push the stock market a lot higher from its expensive level?” said Maley. “Investors need to be careful about trying to squeeze every last penny out of this rally in the stock market over the coming days and weeks given that many of the best stocks are quite expensive.”
The S&P 500 edged higher to around 4,590, hovering near a 16-month high. The megacap space also saw subdued action, with Apple and Amazon.com due to report earnings in the coming days. The Nasdaq 100 notched its longest streak of monthly gains since August 2020. Treasury 10-year yields traded close to 3.95% while the dollar was little changed.
Traders took a Fed survey of lending officers in stride. As hinted by Chair Jerome Powell, the central bank said financial institutions reported tighter standards and continued weak demand for loans in the second quarter, extending a trend that began before recent stresses in the banking sector emerged.
The stock market has been seasonally more muted in August, but if history is any guide, the S&P 500 could see more gains after a five-month winning run. In the prior 37 such streaks since 1928, the gauge extended gains into a sixth month almost 80% of the time, according to Bespoke Investment Group.
Signs are beginning to point to capitulation among bearish institutional investors, economists and Wall Street strategists as market returns and economic data continue to defy expectations, said Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide.
Citigroup’s Scott Chronert has joined the list of prognosticators who have revisited their gloomy outlooks in recent weeks. He raised his 2023 year-end call for the U.S. stock gauge to 4,600 and to 5,000 by mid-2024.
“The near-term hurdles we envisioned headed into Q3 are now behind,” Chronert wrote in a note to clients. “The new targets reflect increased probability of a soft landing in our scenario approach.”
Morgan Stanley’s Michael Wilson, one of the few Wall Street strategists to see last year’s equities rout coming, has been among the market’s leading pessimists throughout 2023. But on Monday, after months of soaring stocks, he changed his tone and now sees the rally running further.
Nationwide’s Hackett reckons that while earnings picture has been mixed, the challenges companies have endured – stubborn inflation, weak markets, and sluggishness internationally – are no longer head winds.
“Now, we’re not only seeing tail winds heading into 2024, but we’re getting less disruptive reactions in the stock market following earnings reports. These are very encouraging signs that a lot of the emotion that was driving markets has subsided,” Hackett added.
Indeed, U.S. firms beating profit estimates hasn’t been as impressive a feat as it once was. Companies whose earnings outpaced analysts’ expectations for the second quarter are still underperforming the S&P 500 Index by the most in 18 years on the day after results, according to Goldman Sachs strategists led by David Kostin.
“With lackluster earnings ‘beats’ mostly below historical averages, any breakaway from this sideways market will require additional fuel,” said Robert Teeter at Silvercrest Asset Management.
In corporate news, Exxon Mobil climbed as Bloomberg News reported it’s in talks with Tesla, Ford and other automakers about supplying them with lithium. SoFi Technologies surged 20% as the online bank raised its revenue guidance, citing benefits from deposit growth and lower funding costs on loans. Yellow, which hauls about 15% of major companies’ so-called less-than-truckload shipments, soared after ceasing operations and told union leaders that it plans to file for bankruptcy following years of financial struggles.
Traders also waded through the latest remarks from central bank officials.
Fed Bank of Chicago President Austan Goolsbee said Monday that data showing slower inflation is “fabulous news,” but he hasn’t yet decided on whether to support pausing rate hikes at the next policy meeting. Over the weekend, his Minneapolis counterpart Neel Kashkari said the inflation outlook is “quite positive,” though the central bank’s aggressive monetary tightening campaign will likely result in some job losses and slower growth.
Elsewhere, the yen dropped after the Bank of Japan announced an unscheduled bond-purchase operation to tamp down rates after adjusting policy on Friday to allow benchmark yields to climb as high as 1%. The purchases are another reminder that Japan’s slow retreat from ultraloose monetary policy brings a heightened risk of volatility.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Stock traders refrain from big bets after rally
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/stocks-waver-as-risk-appetite-cools-yen-falls/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:53:23+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 16:16:00
|
Now that a pause on student loan payments is ending in late August, and with President Joe Biden’s debt forgiveness proposal shot down by the Supreme Court, millions of Americans are facing the reality of resuming those payments.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F30%2Fstudent-loans-come-due-again-many-borrowers-will-l%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
Shantel Anderson, at her home in Collegeville, Pa., earlier this month, used the student loan grace period to help her mother avoid eviction. With student loan payments restarting, she had to have a conversation with her mother about not being able to help as much. (HANNAH YOON)
By Jacqui Germain New York Times
With her student loan payments on hold for three years, Ashley Dorn, a public school music teacher, found another use for the money she saved during the moratorium. She used the extra cash to pay off $10,000 in credit card debt, a bill that had been nagging at her for a decade.
“I could not have done it if it wasn’t for this student loan debt pause, and I’m worried that I’m just going to have to start racking it all up again,” she said of the credit card debt. She can’t imagine being able to afford payments unless she finds another job, she said, on top of her “already very time-consuming, already very stressful career.”
She earns around $50,000 a year, and her husband earns about $45,000 as a government employee, but they still live paycheck to paycheck. Since graduating in 2014 with a master’s in education from State University of New York Empire State College, Dorn and her husband, Jonathan, who live near Albany, had been making monthly payments on their more than $160,000 in student debt. They paused in March 2020 when, as part of a pandemic relief effort, the Trump administration said borrowers with federal student loans could stop making monthly payments.
The couple’s payments were nearly $900 a month, with Ashley Dorn on an income-driven repayment plan, or IDR, which adjusts payments to a borrower’s salary.
Now that the pause is ending in late August, and with President Joe Biden’s debt forgiveness proposal shot down by the Supreme Court, the Dorns and millions of others are facing the reality of resuming those loan payments.
For many of the 43.6 million borrowers with federal student debt, the three-year pause created a financial cushion that allowed them to use the money for other purposes: buying homes, paying off credit card debt, supporting family members, undergoing overdue medical procedures and booking vacations. Now they are figuring out how to cut back to fit those payments into their budgets.
The Dorns had always assumed they would have children someday, but the burden of their student loan debt has made them reconsider. For now, their two dogs, Micah and Oscar, and two cats, Ellie and William, will have to suffice.
“That conversation is, like, off the table indefinitely,” Dorn, 33, said. In addition to monthly expenses like their mortgage and car payments, her husband has Crohn’s disease, which adds an extra layer of financial stress.
The couple said they expected their new monthly payments, which will be calculated by their income-driven repayment plans, to be around $800. That may change with the Department of Education’s new IDR option, the Saving on a Valuable Education plan, or SAVE, which factors in income and family size.
Before the payment pause, Dorn had been relying on her credit card to cover expenses like an unexpected emergency room visit, veterinary bills, health care copayments and new car tires. She used credit to replace their water heater, cover a few car insurance payments and install a new transmission in her husband’s car. Within the last six months, she paid off her credit balance and closed the card using a debt-solution program.
For Shantel Anderson, 27, the pause was a lifeline that allowed her to support her mother and help her avoid eviction. The two struggled when Anderson was growing up in Philadelphia, bouncing from apartment to apartment until they were evicted; they ended up at a homeless shelter for a week just before she started college. Her mother had lost her job earlier that year, and Anderson, then 18, had deferred her first fall semester of college because she couldn’t afford to go. Having lost most of her possessions during the eviction, Anderson relied on donations from people in her life, including her school guidance counselor, for dorm supplies.
Anderson secured financial aid and student loans to study political science at Eastern University while maintaining a work-study job and other employment but still graduated in 2018 with $43,000 in debt. The moratorium, which freed up $455 a month, allowed her to cover her mother’s phone bill and some car repairs. Anderson also helped her mother with groceries, medication, gas and cat food. With these costs handled, her mother could put all of her income toward paying rent and utilities.
Anderson’s first full-time job out of school, at a veterinary hospital, paid $32,000 annually, and the hospital provided housing at the time. When the pandemic recession hit, her hours were cut. She made one last full student loan payment in March 2020, then a few more $50 monthly payments. But when she found out she would be losing her housing, she stopped making the debt payments to afford rent and other bills.
The pause allowed her to move into a three-bedroom high-rise apartment with a pool and a gym – amenities she thought she’d never be able to afford – paying $500 for her share of monthly rent with three roommates. She bought a car, which made running errands easier, and was able to cover about $400 in copayments for unexpected health issues and medical procedures.
Some borrowers were shocked last August when Biden’s debt relief plan was announced.
“That day was crazy to me,” Anderson said. She believed the plan would have cut her federal student debt in half. Her relief soon gave way to skepticism after Republican lawmakers filed a series of lawsuits to block the plan.
When payments resume, Anderson expects that her monthly bill will remain around $455, which she will add to her $250 monthly car and credit card payments. She has increased her income to more than $60,000 a year working as a data manager at a nonprofit, and signed up for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) last October – but she has already started cutting back on certain expenses.
She stopped going to therapy to save on out-of-pocket copayments and talked to her mother about not being able to help her out as much. In an emergency, Anderson said, she would sell her car.
She still helps with some of her mother’s expenses: the phone bill, gas money to commute to her part-time job at a nursing home and, occasionally, groceries. But her mother has already fallen behind on rent, and her landlord filed eviction paperwork.
“She had a court date,” Anderson said. “Her landlord didn’t show up, so the judge threw out her case. I was like, thank the lord; we have more time.”
Lifestyle gains
For others, the pause helped redirect money to items like home renovations and vacations. Elizabeth Burton and her husband, Kyle, carry private and federal student loan debt of about $175,000. The moratorium saved the couple, who live in Manchester, New Hampshire, around $650 each month. Her schedule as a sonographer allowed her to stay home during the day, saving them an additional $1,200 in child care costs during the pandemic, keeping their 8-year-old and 5-year-old at home.
While Burton, 39, and her husband, 38, a sales representative, still had to pay $500 each month toward private loans, the extra funds allowed them to put a second bathroom in their house, pay off credit card debt and book an eight-day family vacation to Disney World.
Now that Burton and her husband have higher-paying jobs, they believe an income-driven repayment plan would lead to a higher bill than before.
“There’s no money for my kids for college,” Burton said. “I’m still going to be paying down my loans. But you know, my son’s 8. I have 10 years left in my federal loans. There’s no money for him. He’ll either have to take out loans, he’ll have to live at home, he’ll have to get a scholarship – I’ve got nothing left for him.”
The Dorns used some of their saved student debt money to book a vacation, too – for July 2025. They plan to celebrate their anniversary in Jamaica, hoping to soak up the tropical atmosphere and explore the marine wildlife. The couple are on a payment plan for the trip, which offers the option to spread small payments over three years. It’s their dream vacation, Ashley Dorn said. But with the payment pause ending, they are considering giving that up, too.
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Student loans come due again: Many borrowers will lose a lifeline
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/30/student-loans-come-due-again-many-borrowers-will-l/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:57:55+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 08:17:00
|
The Mega Millions jackpot prize has grown to $1.05 billion ahead of Tuesday’s drawing. The prize is the fifth-largest in game history, according to Mega Millions, and the cash value is estimated to about $527.9 million.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fmega-millions-jackpot-surpasses-1-billion-ahead-of%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
Lana Ferguson The Dallas Morning News
The Mega Millions jackpot prize has grown to $1.05 billion ahead of Tuesday’s drawing.
The prize is the fifth-largest in game history, according to Mega Millions, and the cash value is estimated to about $527.9 million.
Tuesday’s drawing with be the 30th in the current sequence. The last jackpot, in which a player had all six matching numbers, was won on April 18.
Five tickets, had the five matching numbers worth the $1 million prize, according to the Mega Millions. Those tickets were purchased in Arizona, California, New York and Pennsylvania. One of the two Pennsylvania winners won an additional multi-million dollar Megaplier prize.
Drawings are 10 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, according to a Mega Millions release.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Mega Millions jackpot surpasses $1 billion ahead of Tuesday drawing
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/mega-millions-jackpot-surpasses-1-billion-ahead-of/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:53:03+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 16:42:00
|
In the middle of the first quarter during Sunday afternoon’s game against the Indiana Fever, the Storm surrendered an 11-2 run caused by turnovers and defensive miscues.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F30%2Fstorm-find-their-mojo-beat-fever-for-second-win-in%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
Michael Chavez Seattle Times
In the middle of the first quarter during Sunday afternoon’s game against the Indiana Fever, the Storm surrendered an 11-2 run caused by turnovers and defensive miscues.
The Storm (6-19) turned it around in the same quarter with a dominant offensive performance for their largest win this season, 85-62 against the Fever to wrap up their three-game road trip.
“Getting stops,” Storm coach Noelle Quinn said. “We were just on a string with our rotations. Bringing a lot of bodies to [Aliyah] Boston and [Kelsey] Mitchell put out our connectivity on that end which was great. It really impacted what we did on the offensive end. Knocking down open shots, creating for each other and really a lot of fluidity on both ends of the basketball.”
In the Storm’s last two games, both wins to follow a franchise-record 10-game losing streak, they have had a combined 48 points from their bench. Quinn sees that as a big provider for their well-balanced production on both sides of the court.
“When we have a balanced attack, we’re better,” Quinn said. “There’s been plenty of games this year where Jewell is our highest scorer, and we don’t have double-digit scoring from anyone else. So, for us to continue to find other ways to score the basketball.
“It helps our offense tremendously, but also it doesn’t allow defenses to just zone in on Jewell (Loyd), especially when we have shooters on the floor and players on the floor who can do a lot of great things. It is helpful when our group is playing at a high level.”
Jewell Loyd led the Storm in scoring with 26 points, and Gabby Williams scored in double-digits for the second straight game with 14.
“We made up our minds on this road trip that we’re gonna compete,” Loyd said. “We’ve kind of shifted our mindset to [being] really committed to hard-working players and staying in games no matter what the score is. … Our production, and our activity level has increased. I think we’re not so worried about the outcome.”
After missing most of the season because of injuries playing overseas, Williams is starting to find her offensive rhythm, scoring 10 or more for the third time in seven games.
“She’s able to play point guard a little bit, post up and be a facilitator, and those are all attributes that she has,” Quinn said. “We had to remember she was out for a while and getting herself into shape [with] practicing and getting into games and the reps, it’s going to take some time and I’m glad she’s finding rhythm and comfort with whatever group she’s on the floor with.
“But for me it’s confidence as well. Just like the experience that I had with her last year. I know what she brings, I know what she can do and her being on the floor her presence on the floor makes us better.”
Rookie Jordan Horston scored 15 points off the bench with 10 of those coming in the second quarter, helping the Storm keep some much-needed momentum.
“She felt really good,” Loyd said on Horston’s performance. “We were hyped for her. We kept giving the ball to her because she was in a really good groove. When she’s locked in, I believe she should be able to do these things.”
The Storm outscored the Fever 23-10 in the second quarter after hitting eight three-pointers, erasing the run and leading 47-27 at the half.
“I think our rotations are great,” Williams said. “I think it was pretty obvious that everyone was locked in on the scouting [report] and we executed well. I had trust in my teammates that they were going to make the next rotation and that they were going to do the right scheme.”
A small momentum swing turned in favor of Indiana who outscored the Storm 24-14 in the third quarter, cutting the lead to single digits. With the Fever surging, five late points from the hands of Loyd helped to stop the bleeding and pushed their lead back to double-digits 61-50 ending the quarter.
The Storm have won back-to-back games for the first time this season. They head back to Seattle to face the Dallas Wings on Wednesday.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Storm find their mojo, beat Fever for second win in a row
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/30/storm-find-their-mojo-beat-fever-for-second-win-in/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:51:02+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 10:29:00
|
A scorecard might come in handy to track the changes – some anticipated, some not – at The Fairways, starting with, well, The Fairways. It’s no longer the golf course’s name. It’s been changed to The Plains.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F30%2Fchanges-aplenty-as-the-plains-golf-course-swings-f%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
A scorecard might come in handy to track the changes – some anticipated, some not – at the Fairways, starting with, well, the Fairways.
That’s no longer the golf course’s name. It’s been changed to the Plains.
As expected, the course has downsized from 18 holes to nine this season. Most of the front side is in the early stages of a conversion into approximately 270 home sites. Golfers can still play 18 by touring the back nine two times. For $10, they can also play Nos. 8 and 9 off the front side twice for four practice holes.
A fire last November caused more than $100,000 damage to the restaurant and merchandise – smoke ruined golf shirts, hats, etc. – in the pro shop. An extensive remodel is nearly complete and the restaurant should be open again soon.
The restaurant also sports a new name: the Plains Public House.
The pro shop has moved from the main entry room into the space where the bar had been located.
That about covers it. It isn’t a change necessarily but the course’s legal dispute with the city over water rates is seven-plus years old and counting.
“Year eight for me (at the course),” head pro Dakota White said. “I have (run the gamut). I just turned 28. I’m going to have gray hair before I’m 30.”
White’s comment is equal parts good-natured and pragmatic. He’s capably rolled with the punches, including a few haymakers, and he’s still on his feet and hopeful about the course’s future.
Discussions started in September about a new name for the course.
“Honestly as soon as we went to nine holes, the thought was on my mind,” he said. “And then we had the fire in the restaurant so we had to tear a bunch of stuff out and empty the building. So it kind of makes sense. We’re not really the same place we’ve been with the nine holes. It’s all different.
“We settled on the Plains because our long-term future, we don’t know outside of 5, 10 years. There’s been lots of talks with the owner about keeping some semblance of the golf course. If you go through a name change, leave it open-ended so that way whatever stays here fits a lot of things, whether it becomes a shorter course or a driving range or it could stay a golf course. Who knows what’s going to happen.”
What’s happening right now is the course is doing pretty well as a nine-hole track. Part of the reason is that golf courses nationwide thrived for the most part during the COVID-19 pandemic, boosted by beginners taking up the game.
The Plains has maintained a fair share of its regulars and newcomers that were looking for something to do during pandemic. The course’s new set-up is ideal for instruction with the existing range and putting green, the two practice holes and a 70-yard area on the old No. 4 for fine-tuning wedges and chipping.
Weekends have been busy, so much so that there’s a marshal working Saturdays and there are plans to add a marshal on Sundays.
“So far so good,” White said. “We’re actually up in overall rounds. We used to run 80-20 for 18 holes (versus nine) before. Now it’s 55-45.”
That creates a juggling act as groups making the turn to replay the back nine intermix with existing tee times. If groups adhere to a two-hour pace, there’s few issues. For example, if you book for 18 holes at 10 a.m., you’re automatically rebooked (for the second nine) at 12:10 p.m. The flip side is one slow foursome falling 20-30 minutes behind delays groups on the course and messes with the upcoming tee times.
“Managing turn times is the big deal for us,” White noted.
The restaurant will feature an expanded menu. It figures to stay open year-round to accommodate golfers or area residents looking for a beverage and a nice meal without driving to Cheney or Airway Heights.
The Fairways, of course, was the long-time home of Lilac Open Invitational, a 72-hole event for pros and amateurs. The 57th Lilac was held in June, 2021. Last year’s event was canceled with uncertainty about the timing of the switch from 18 holes to nine.
The Plains obviously can’t host the fun-loving Lilac on a nine-hole layout and there doesn’t seem to be interest in shifting the tournament to another course.
“Nothing happening (regarding the Lilac),” White said. “With all changes it hasn’t even crossed my mind in a while.”
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Jim Meehan: Changes aplenty as The Plains Golf Course swings forward with nine holes
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/30/changes-aplenty-as-the-plains-golf-course-swings-f/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:01:26+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 11:19:00
|
PULLMAN – The award watch lists are starting to roll in at Washington State.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fwashington-state-qb-cam-ward-named-to-maxwell-awar%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
PULLMAN – The award watch lists are starting to roll in at Washington State.
The Cougars’ first such honor goes to quarterback Cameron Ward, who was named to the watch list for the Maxwell Award, which goes to the most outstanding player in college football.
Last fall, in his debut season at WSU, Ward completed 320 of 497 passes (64%) for 3,231 yards and 23 touchdowns. He led the Cougars to their seventh straight bowl game, where they fell to Fresno State in the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl, and he earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors.
Ward looks poised to build on that this fall. He’ll work with second-year head coach Jake Dickert and first-year offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle to run the Air Raid offense, which Arbuckle coached at his previous stop, Western Kentucky.
Other names on the Maxwell Award watch list include USC quarterback Caleb Williams (2022 winner), Brock Bowers (Georgia), Drake Maye (North Carolina), Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State), Bo Nix (Oregon), Cam Rising (Utah), Michael Penix Jr. (Washington) and Blake Corum (Michigan).
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Washington State QB Cam Ward named to Maxwell Award watch list
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/washington-state-qb-cam-ward-named-to-maxwell-awar/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:56:14+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 08:32:00
|
Heineken shares plunged after the Dutch brewer cut its earnings forecast on weakening consumption following double-digit price increases.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fheineken-drops-as-brewer-cuts-forecast-on-waning-c%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Andy Hoffman Bloomberg
Heineken shares plunged after the Dutch brewer cut its earnings forecast on weakening consumption following double-digit price increases.
Operating profit slumped 22% on an adjusted basis in the first half, the Amsterdam-based brewer said Monday.
Beer volume dropped more than expected as Heineken boosted pricing by almost 13%.
Brewers are struggling to pass high raw material costs onto consumers without driving them away to cheaper brands.
Heineken is the first of the big global beermakers to report first-half results, and its results may portend difficulties for rivals Anheuser-Busch InBev and Carlsberg.
“The start of the year was all about passing on the inflation on our input costs,” Chief Executive Officer Dolf van den Brink said in an interview.
“We front-loaded our pricing. We ran into a pretty strong economic slowdown in the key market of Vietnam, which is disproportionately important to us.”
The stock fell as much as 6.4%. Analysts were skeptical that the second-half rebound will be strong enough to meet the new lowered guidance.
For the full year, Heineken now forecasts stable to mid-single digit operating profit growth.
“The credibility of Heineken’s guidance is now in question,” Citi analyst Simon Hales wrote. He said the results are extremely disappointing.
The Dutch brewer forecast cost inflation to ease next year, which will reduce pressure to raise prices. Previously the guidance was for mid- to high-single digit earnings growth.
Vietnam and Nigeria accounted for more than half of the drop in first-half consumption, and demand in the Americas was soft, Heineken said.
The Dutch company is the largest premium brewer in Vietnam, where it has been active for three decades, selling brands such as Tiger.
“This is the worst set of results we’ve had so far,” wrote RBC analysts James Edwardes Jones and Emma Letheren, referring to the consumer companies they cover.
Russian woes
Heineken increased the impairment for its Russian business to €201 million ($221 million), writing down its entire value.
The company said it’s still working to sell the unit, and it doesn’t expect any financial gain from the ongoing business or any divestment.
“It is incredibly challenging to make an exit,” Van den Brink said. “We want to do it the right way, find a suitable buyer.”
Heineken predicted pricing will moderate and volumes will decline by a low single-digit percentage in the second half. The company is counting on a turnaround in profit during the period.
Demand for premium beer, the source of 40% of Heineken’s revenue, is more resilient, the CEO said on Bloomberg TV. “People are drinking less, but they are drinking better.”
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Heineken drops as brewer cuts forecast on waning consumption
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/heineken-drops-as-brewer-cuts-forecast-on-waning-c/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:54:43+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 11:46:00
|
A group of West African nations has threatened military intervention in Niger if ousted President Mohamed Bazoum is not returned to power by Aug. 6, ramping up pressure on the coterie of generals who deposed the elected leader and seized power there last week.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fafrican-nations-threaten-military-intervention-in-%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Leo Sands,Loveday Morris and Michael Birnbaum Washington Post
A group of West African nations has threatened military intervention in Niger if ousted President Mohamed Bazoum is not returned to power by Aug. 6, ramping up pressure on the coterie of generals who deposed the elected leader and seized power there last week.
The leaders of 11 members of ECOWAS – the Economic Community of West African States – issued a communiqué Sunday condemning Bazoum’s detention. They warned that the bloc would take “all measures necessary to restore constitutional order” in Niger, including the use of force, and ordered the defense chiefs of member nations to “meet immediately.”
The deadline came as Niger’s Western allies – including Britain, France, Germany and the European Union – all announced they were pulling aid to Niamey, Niger’s capital. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who visited Bazoum in March and had staked high hopes on the fledgling democracy, suggested Saturday that Washington might do the same if the president is not returned to office.
Western nations had worked closely with Bazoum and his predecessor, Mahamadou Issoufou, to battle a growing insurgency in the Sahel region, where Islamist extremists have attacked security forces, overrun villages and captured swaths of territory in recent years. The United States, France and Germany all have troops deployed to Niger.
But soon after the coup plotters took power Wednesday, barricading Bazoum in the presidential palace in Niamey, the chief commander of the presidential guard, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, declared himself the new head of state. He said Friday that the “harsh reality of insecurity in Niger” had led soldiers to overthrow the president and accused the elected government of not cooperating enough with neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso to combat insurgents.
In the capital over the weekend, thousands of pro-coup demonstrators marched through the streets, carrying signs calling on French forces to leave the country and throwing stones at the French Embassy. Niger gained independence from France in 1960.
But even as tensions flared between France and its former colony, the Biden administration said it was holding out hope that Bazoum will be restored to power.
The unrest so far has stayed quite localized, a senior State Department official said Monday, with the presidential guard surrounding Bazoum and his family in their official residence, but with life proceeding as normal elsewhere in Niamey and the rest of the country. The U.S. Embassy remains open, and no orders have been given to pull staff or diplomats from Niger.
According to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to frankly discuss the unfolding situation, the forces who overthrew Bazoum do not seem to have universal support within the Nigerien military.
“It doesn’t seem that Tchiani … has been able to fully build consensus among the military for his actions,” the official said, adding that the “forceful ECOWAS response” was designed to exploit the confusion and lack of planning on the part of the coup leaders.
Still, military intervention or a frontal assault on the presidential guard could lead them to kill Bazoum and his family.
“We believe the situation is really fluid,” the official said.
ECOWAS also announced a range of new sanctions placed against Niger – and member states closed their land and air borders and ordered all commercial transactions to be suspended.
In a statement Sunday, Blinken welcomed the measures but also urged all parties to find a peaceful resolution. “The legitimate, democratically-elected government must be reinstated immediately,” he tweeted.
Blinken has refrained from referring to the events as a coup because U.S. law would require an immediate suspension of aid, which could only be resumed following a democratic election. U.S. officials say that so long as there is a short-term hope that Bazoum will return as president, Blinken will probably avoid calling what happened in Niger a coup.
But E.U. officials have no such qualms – and on Monday, the bloc’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, issued a scathing statement denouncing the “unacceptable coup.”
Bazoum, he said, remains the sole head of state in Niger.
“The European Union supports all the measures adopted by ECOWAS in response to this coup and will support them quickly and resolutely,” Borrell said.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
African nations threaten military intervention in Niger after coup
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/african-nations-threaten-military-intervention-in-/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:59:46+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 10:16:00
|
A decade ago, Sheryl Sandberg wrote the bestseller “Lean In” for women navigating the corporate world. Now, she wants to inspire the next generation of female leaders.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2023%2Fjul%2F31%2Fsheryl-sandberg-sparks-lean-in-movement-for-teenag%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
By Emily Chang and Ella Ceron Washington Post
A decade ago, Sheryl Sandberg wrote the bestseller “Lean In” for women navigating the corporate world. Now, she wants to inspire the next generation of female leaders.
Sandberg’s nonprofit, LeanIn.Org, has launched a new leadership program for girls 11 to 15 called Lean In Girls, which aims to teach them lessons on resilience, positive risk-taking and leading boldly. In raising her own family, Sandberg said she noticed that girls lose confidence and their voice “somewhere around middle school,” an observation that is backed up by data. “These are the 10 years where I became a mother of older kids – as a parent of teenagers, boy do I see those differences,” she said.
The free program consists of 15 lessons that are based on social science research, expert input and feedback from girls. The first eight lessons are available for anyone who completes training. The remainder, which tackle more challenging issues, will be delivered through partner organizations such as Kipp Schools, Girls Inc. and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.
Sandberg said the project is part of her effort to increase the number of women in top career positions, which is still too low. “One of the thoughts we had was maybe we just need to start younger,” she said.
Rachel Thomas, chief executive officer of LeanIn.Org, said the program also aims to redefine what leadership means and move away from the traditional command-control style that doesn’t typically resonate with girls. She said it will give girls tools to identify and challenge the negative stereotypes and beliefs that hold them back. “Naming it and giving them tools to identify it and push back against it and reframe it can be really powerful,” she said.
Latricia Barksdale, vice president of Lean In Girls, said the program targets a critical moment in identity formation and development. “They may not know it’s not about them, but actually the world around them,” said Barksdale.
The material also provides additional advice and resources for adults. According to research compiled by the group, only one in five girls ages 8 to 17 believe they have the qualities to be a leader and almost half of high school girls think speaking their mind will make them unlikeable.
When it was published in 2013, “Lean In” became an international bestseller and has since sold millions of copies around the world. The book inspired Lean In Circles, where many women still gather regularly to debate, commiserate and discuss their aspirations. Sandberg’s philosophy has faced criticism for being elitist and out of date, and the book was seen as ignoring the struggles of lower-income women and single moms. The term “lean out” emerged as a counterpoint to Sandberg’s message.
Sandberg, 53, acknowledges the “lean in” slogan can be misunderstood. “We were never telling women to act like men. We were telling women to go lead in their own way,” she said.
Sandberg herself left as chief operating officer of Meta Platforms last year in part, she said, to work on more projects like Lean In Girls.
The launch comes after millions of women left the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic to care for their families, and disproportionately shouldered those responsibilities compared to men. American teens are under particular stress, with almost 3 in 5 teenage girls saying they feel persistently sad and hopeless, according to a recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – almost twice the rate of teenage boys.
Rainesford Stauffer, author of All the Gold Stars: Reimagining Ambition and the Ways We Strive, said that individual empowerment is part of supporting young people, but education should also address the systemic issues they’re worried about. “They’re aware that most of us are not going to achieve our way out of these larger systemic issues, but it feels like there’s an expectation to do that anyway,” said Stauffer.
Thomas says the new curriculum incorporates all of the feedback received over the past 10 years, good and bad. “We have a strong growth mindset as an organization. We’ve continued to evolve and be more of the moment, more intersectional and inclusive,” she said.
|
www.spokesman.com
|
Sheryl Sandberg sparks 'lean in' movement for teenage girls
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/jul/31/sheryl-sandberg-sparks-lean-in-movement-for-teenag/
|
|
[
"The West Australian"
] |
2023-08-01 01:29:48+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:38:05
|
The Federal Government has rejected a push by a group of crossbench senators to double the tax raised on reforms made to the petroleum resources rent tax, which applies to a number of offshore projects in WA.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fthewest.com.au%2Fbusiness%2Ftax%2Ftreasurer-jim-chalmers-quashes-greens-crossbenchers-push-to-double-tax-take-on-offshore-gas-c-11450591.json
|
en
|
_
|
Federal Labor has rejected a push by a group of crossbench senators to double the tax raised on reforms made to the petroleum resources rent tax, which applies to a number of offshore projects in WA.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the Government would not bow to pressure from an alliance of the Greens and independent senators David Pocock, Jacqui Lambie and Tammy Tyrrell to trim the cap on how much income companies can offset through deductions to 80 per cent.
|
thewest.com.au
|
Treasurer Jim Chalmers quashes Greens, crossbenchers’ push to double tax take on offshore gas
|
_
|
_
|
https://thewest.com.au/business/tax/treasurer-jim-chalmers-quashes-greens-crossbenchers-push-to-double-tax-take-on-offshore-gas-c-11450591
|
|
[
"Manjimup-Bridgetown Times"
] |
2023-08-01 01:30:22+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:39:18
|
A vital community resource in the Lower South West has received crucial funding after recording more than $30,000 in financial deficit in the 2022-23 financial year.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fthewest.com.au%2Fnews%2Fsouth-west%2Fnorthcliffe-visitor-centre-approved-for-20000-in-shire-funding-after-recording-significant-deficit-last-year-c-11417178.json
|
en
|
_
|
After first denying funding to support the ailing Northcliffe Visitor Centre, the Shire of Manjimup has now committed $20,000.
The Visitor Centre had it’s funding application rejected in May, but has since recorded a $30,000 deficit for financial year end and provided council projections of a dire outlook for the for 2023-24 financial year.
|
thewest.com.au
|
Northcliffe Visitor Centre approved for $20,000 in Shire funding after recording significant deficit last year
|
_
|
_
|
https://thewest.com.au/news/south-west/northcliffe-visitor-centre-approved-for-20000-in-shire-funding-after-recording-significant-deficit-last-year-c-11417178
|
|
[
"Nca Newswire"
] |
2023-08-01 01:25:07+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:21:07
|
The Prime Minister has turned his sights on Peter Dutton as the fight to deliver a key election promise kicks into another gear.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fthewest.com.au%2Fbusiness%2Fanthony-albanese-lashes-coalition-over-dire-housing-fund-stalemate-c-11450996.json
|
en
|
_
|
Anthony Albanese has lashed out at the Coalition for refusing to come to the table on Labor’s signature housing policy, insisting the opposition is “equally responsible” for the stalemate.
The Prime Minister turned his sights on the opposition after rejecting the Greens’ demands to co-ordinate action on rent increases with the states and inject more funding into social and affordable housing.
|
thewest.com.au
|
Anthony Albanese lashes Coalition over dire housing fund stalemate
|
_
|
_
|
https://thewest.com.au/business/anthony-albanese-lashes-coalition-over-dire-housing-fund-stalemate-c-11450996
|
|
[
"Nca Newswire"
] |
2023-08-01 01:25:10+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:35:53
|
A popular baby product has been urgently recalled over fears it presents a choking risk that could lead to serious injury or death.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fthewest.com.au%2Flifestyle%2Fkmart-recalls-unsafe-baby-chair-over-choking-hazard-c-11451099.json
|
en
|
_
|
Kmart has urgently recalled a popular baby product after a safety watchdog warned it posed a choking hazard.
The ACCC’s product safety division has advised parents the Anko Baby Activity Chair, sold at the discount retailer from September last year to July 2023, poses a choking hazard that could lead to severe injury or death.
“This product doesn’t comply with the mandatory standard for toys for children up to and including 36 months of age,” the watchdog states.
“The material stitching around the elephant’s ear that secures the small plastic mirror, may fail and release the mirror.
Camera Icon Kmart has urgently recalled a popular baby product after a safety watchdog warned it posed a choking hazard. Credit: News Corp Australia
“There is a risk of choking or suffocation in young children, leading to severe injury or death if they swallow the released small plastic mirror.”
Parents are advised to immediately stop using the chair and return it to a Kmart or K Hub store for a full refund.
The baby chair recall is the second Anko product Kmart has recalled this year.
In April, the retailer stopped selling the Anko Kids Digital Watch because the battery compartment was not adequately secured and so the button batteries could have been accessed.
“If young children gain access to the button batteries and ingest them, they may suffer internal burn injuries, which can result in serious illness or death. In addition, the batteries may pose a choking hazard.”
|
thewest.com.au
|
Kmart recalls unsafe baby chair over choking hazard
|
_
|
_
|
https://thewest.com.au/lifestyle/kmart-recalls-unsafe-baby-chair-over-choking-hazard-c-11451099
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:29:54+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:53:02
|
Former Beatle Paul McCartney is touring Australia for the first time in six years, ready to rock Down Under with his Got Back Tour.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fthewest.com.au%2Fentertainment%2Fpaul-mccartney-gets-back-to-australia-with-stadium-tour-c-11451268.json
|
en
|
_
|
Paul McCartney is bringing his Got Back Tour to Australia, with his first concerts Down Under in six years.
McCartney said he has amazing memories of his previous visits to Australia.
"Our last trip was so much fun,'' he said.
"We had such an incredible time. Each show was a party, so we know this is going to be incredibly special. Australia, we are going to rock! I can't wait to see you."
The former Beatle is playing half a dozen dates in October and November, including his first ever shows in Newcastle and on the Gold Coast.
The tour will start in Adelaide, the city that saw 350,000 people lining the streets between the airport and the town hall on The Beatles' first visit to Australia in 1964.
McCartney's last tour in Australia in 2017 was a series of epic three-hour shows that saw him beat the likes of Ed Sheeran to win a Helpmann Award for Best International Contemporary Concert.
The upcoming tour will have some elements that are very contemporary indeed, with expectations the 81-year-old former Beatle will perform a virtual duet with former bandmate John Lennon, created using AI technology.
At the Glastonbury festival in 2022, McCartney performed I've Got A Feeling, a song originally recorded during the Beatles' famous 1969 rooftop concert in London.
He sang along with a track of John Lennon's voice that had been extracted from an old demo tape using artificial intelligence, matched to historic vision of the concert.
McCartney told BBC Radio 4's Today program that AI is "something that we're all sort of tackling at the moment".
"When Peter Jackson did the film (The Beatles) Get Back, where it was us making the Let It Be album, he was able to extricate John's voice from a ropey little bit of cassette and a piano,'' he said.
"He could separate them with AI, he'd tell the machine 'That's a voice, this is a guitar, lose the guitar'.
"We were able to take John's voice and get it pure through this AI, so then we could mix the record as you would do."
The Got Back Tour began in February 2022, with 16 shows in the US receiving rave reviews.
The concerts will feature McCartney's longtime band, with Paul "Wix" Wickens on keyboards, Brian Ray on bass/guitar, Rusty Anderson also on guitar, and Abe Laboriel Jr on the drums.
Speaking about a recent exhibition of photographs at London's National Portrait Gallery, McCartney reflected on his late bandmates George Harrison and John Lennon, and manager Brian Epstein.
"It is very poignant, it's great because, whenever you lose someone, I think your natural thing is 'Well, we've got beautiful memories', and you hold fast those memories of the good times," he said.
Tickets go on sale August 11, with pre-sale starting on August 9.
|
thewest.com.au
|
Paul McCartney gets back to Australia with stadium tour
|
_
|
_
|
https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/paul-mccartney-gets-back-to-australia-with-stadium-tour-c-11451268
|
|
[
"Nca Newswire"
] |
2023-08-01 01:30:53+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:17:33
|
An NRLW star says she was shocked when she felt someone bite her arm during a game, an act she hopes to never see again on a footy field.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fthewest.com.au%2Fnews%2Fi-didnt-feel-like-there-was-much-remorse-nrlw-star-opens-up-on-biting-incident-c-11450941.json
|
en
|
_
|
Roosters winger Jayme Fressard has opened up on the shocking incident from the opening round of the NRLW season that resulted in Broncos rookie Ash Werner being suspended for biting.
Werner became the first player in NRLW history to be sent off and was banned for two games after she was referred directly to the judiciary last Tuesday and found guilty of biting Fressard on the arm.
It was an emotional night at Rugby League Central, with the former bobsledder adamant that she was innocent, with Werner inconsolable when the verdict was delivered.
Camera Icon Broncos rookie Ashleigh Werner was suspended two games for biting Jayme Fressard. NRL Photos Credit: Supplied
“There is not a single part of me in my life ever that would attempt to hurt, injure or do anything negative to another player,” she said on the night.
“I would never, ever, ever go out of my way to hurt anybody. It’s not in my nature.”
Fressard was just as adamant that she had been bitten, which is why she appeared via video link to give evidence on the night.
She provided several photos that showed bite marks and scabbing on her arm, while she was also grilled by both legal representatives about what had occurred.
Fressard, who made her NRLW debut for Brisbane back in 2020, immediately complained to the referee on the field and decided to follow through with the complaint.
“I just hadn’t heard from her so I didn’t feel like there was much remorse,” she said, revealing it was the first time she’d ever been bitten.
“It’s something we don’t want to see in the game, so I think it had to be handled by the right procedures.
“It’s not a good look for the game, but you have to take the emotion out of it.
“That’s not the standard we want to set in our game, so it’s important to scrap that out of the game as soon as possible. Whether it was an accident or not, it’s not something we want involved in the game.
“The scabs are still pretty much there, but it’s all good.
“It’s a bit confronting (the judicial process), but I obviously knew what happened, so I just had to be truthful with what happened. For me, I just had to stay composed through that process.
“It was just a case of shock (when it happened). It’s not a good look for the game, but it is what it is and I think we need to move on from it.”
The Roosters also have to move on from last week’s shock loss to the Raiders which few saw coming after they overpowered Brisbane in one of the best NRLW games ever played.
It was a different story last week, with the premiership favourites struggling to break down the competition newcomers early on that led to them getting more and more frustrated.
They have to regroup quickly with a big game on Thursday against the Dragons at the SCG where they’ll face former teammate Raecene McGregor, who was outstanding for the Red V last week.
“I just don’t think we stuck to our game plan. It was a bit of a grind, and because we didn’t score early, we might have gone into a bit of stress and pressure,” Fressard lamented.
“We didn’t stick to our plan and then we got a bit rattled, so this week we just need to focus on what we’re good at and go on from there.
“It’s not a sense of panic or anything like that, but sometimes if we make an error or two, then people start to freak out a little bit.
“We just didn’t stay composed as much as we’d like to, so it’s a big learning curve for us to stay settled in the grind, especially if we don’t score straight away.”
|
thewest.com.au
|
‘I didn’t feel like there was much remorse’: NRLW star opens up on biting incident
|
_
|
_
|
https://thewest.com.au/news/i-didnt-feel-like-there-was-much-remorse-nrlw-star-opens-up-on-biting-incident-c-11450941
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:29:42+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:49:58
|
Australia has the third highest beer tax on the world and brewers want the federal government to stop the "out of control" increases.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fthewest.com.au%2Fbusiness%2Ftax%2Fbitter-news-for-beer-lovers-as-tax-hits-pints-and-kegs-c-11451235.json
|
en
|
_
|
Beer drinkers are being warned to brace for more expensive pints as the industry is hit with another tax increase.
Alcohol prices are not exempt from rising costs of living and the tax is adjusted twice a year in line with inflation.
The latest increase represents a 2.2 per cent rise in just six months and since May 2022 the beer tax has gone up by more than 10 per cent.
It means Aussies partial to a full-strength pint will pay nearly $1 extra in tax while publicans will face an additional $80 tax for a keg.
Australia has also overtaken Japan to have the third highest beer tax in the world, behind notoriously expensive Norway and Finland.
Brewers Association John Preston said Australia’s tax hikes had become out of control.
“We don’t believe these increases are now actually raising any more money for the government, they are just hurting beer drinkers and our pubs and clubs,” he said.
“While the treasurer inherited these automatic half-yearly beer tax increases, we’re calling on the government to step in and take some action before a trip to the pub or a dinner out with the family becomes an unaffordable luxury for most Australians.”
It’s a similar story for spirits lovers with the tax tipping over the $100 per litre mark for the first time.
Distillers and spirits manufacturers are calling for a freeze on alcohol excise rises as the price peaks at a milestone it had not been expected to hit before 2029.
|
thewest.com.au
|
Bitter news for beer lovers as tax hits pints and kegs
|
_
|
_
|
https://thewest.com.au/business/tax/bitter-news-for-beer-lovers-as-tax-hits-pints-and-kegs-c-11451235
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:30:09+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:56:05
|
A new focus on Australia's colonial past including Indigenous perspectives is part of a revamp of the syllabuses for students in years 7 to 10 in NSW.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fthewest.com.au%2Fnews%2Feducation%2Fnew-syllabus-to-add-indigenous-view-to-colonial-history-c-11451292.json
|
en
|
_
|
High school students will take a broader view of Australia's colonial past as part of a reform of the NSW curriculum.
The NSW Education Standards Authority on Tuesday released freshly updated syllabuses for students from Kindergarten to year 10 and invited feedback.
|
thewest.com.au
|
New syllabus to add Indigenous view to colonial history
|
_
|
_
|
https://thewest.com.au/news/education/new-syllabus-to-add-indigenous-view-to-colonial-history-c-11451292
|
|
[
"Daniel Newell",
"Jordan Murray",
"Tegan Guthrie"
] |
2023-08-01 01:29:35+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:33:51
|
The US Department of Defence is bankrolling a processing plant under a beefed-up contract with Australia’s leading rare earths company.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fthewest.com.au%2Fbusiness%2Frare-earths-supply-chain-deal-to-usurp-chinas-monopoly-c-11451081.json
|
en
|
_
|
The US Department of Defence is bankrolling a processing plant under a beefed-up contract with Australia’s leading rare earths company.
Lynas Rare Earths, the largest rare earths producer outside of China, on Tuesday announced the updated contract for the construction of the heavy rare earths component of a processing facility in Texas.
Rare earths elements are vital for defence technology and industrial magnets, prompting US collaboration with Perth-headquartered Lynas.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence Halimah Najieb-Locke said the elements were an increasingly important part of any economy, with applications in virtually every industry, including defence and commercial markets.
“This effort is a cornerstone event in securing resilient supply chains by enabling the United States and its allies to gain an organic capability for critical minerals and materials, and depart from foreign dependence,” she said.
Lynas chief executive Amanda Lacaze said the plant was a “key pillar of (the company’s growth strategy” and demonstrates the priority being given to developing secure supply chains.
“Our heavy rare earths separation plant will be the first of its kind outside China and will help to establish a globally significant, safe and environmentally responsible rare earths supply chain,” she said.
The 149-acre greenfield site in the Seadrift industrial zone allows for two separation plants — for heavy and light rare earths — as well as future downstream processing and recycling to create a circular “mine to magnet” supply chain.
The updated expenditure-based contract will reimburse construction costs under an increased contribution by the US government.
Some $US258 million ($291m) is allocated to the project, up from $US120m announced in June 2022, reflecting detailed design work and cost updates.
Once operational, material for the facility will be sourced from the Lynas’ Mt Weld rare earths deposit and the Kalgoorlie Rare Earths Processing Facility.
The plant will serve government and commercial customers and is targeted to be operational in the 2026 financial year, Lynas said.
|
thewest.com.au
|
Rare earths supply chain deal to usurp China's monopoly
|
_
|
_
|
https://thewest.com.au/business/rare-earths-supply-chain-deal-to-usurp-chinas-monopoly-c-11451081
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:30:01+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 01:14:11
|
Suspended Wallaby Kurtley Beale wants to vary his bail on sexual assault allegations so he can play overseas, but prosecutors say there is no contract yet.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fthewest.com.au%2Fnews%2Fcrime%2Fbeale-seeks-bail-variation-amid-talk-of-rugby-contract-c-11451496.json
|
en
|
_
|
Suspended Wallabies fullback Kurtley Beale is seeking to vary bail conditions to potentially play rugby overseas as he awaits trial on sexual assault allegations.
The attempt to vary his bail has been opposed by NSW prosecutors, who say no playing contract has been tabled and there would be no oversight of Beale's compliance with his existing bail conditions outside the state.
The 34-year-old pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual intercourse without consent and two counts of sexual touching in July.
He allegedly sexually assaulted a 28-year-old woman at the Beach Road Hotel near Bondi Beach in December.
Beale's barrister Margaret Cunneen SC told the NSW District Court on Tuesday the allegations against Beale are a "pretty classic case".
Judge Warwick Hunt said he did not know anything about the allegations.
"I don't know much about Mr Beale but obviously he has a public profile and obviously he earns his living as a professional sportsperson," he said.
The bail variation reflected his desire to remain employed ahead of his trial, the judge inferred.
Crown prosecutor Darren Robinson said it was a slightly separate issue.
"At this stage there is no contract that has been tabled," he said.
Varying Beale's bail would allow him to leave the jurisdiction while facing very serious sexual assault allegations.
While not suggesting Beale would not return for his trial in the NSW District Court in January, Mr Robinson cautioned against letting him leave the state.
"When a person leaves the jurisdiction, this court has no control potentially over that person ... there are a number of things that can happen if a person leaves the jurisdiction," he said.
Beale's application to vary his bail will be heard on Tuesday.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
|
thewest.com.au
|
Beale seeks bail variation amid talk of rugby contract
|
_
|
_
|
https://thewest.com.au/news/crime/beale-seeks-bail-variation-amid-talk-of-rugby-contract-c-11451496
|
|
[
"Nca Newswire"
] |
2023-08-01 01:30:46+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:59:46
|
The Adelaide Strikers have landed a major BBL blow by signing a former player of the tournament for the next two seasons.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fthewest.com.au%2Fnews%2Fi-cant-wait-to-get-going-former-bbl-player-of-the-tournament-signs-big-deal-to-join-adelaide-strikers-c-11451341.json
|
en
|
_
|
The Adelaide Strikers have beefed up an already imposing squad by signing D’Arcy Short on a two-year deal as they look to bounce back from the disappointment of missing the finals last season.
Having also re-signed last season’s player of the tournament Matt Short, the Strikers have now landed a batting all-rounder who claimed the top gong in BBL|07 and BBL|08 when he was plundering runs for the Hurricanes.
Short is fourth on the all-time scoring list with 2706 runs at a strike rate of 132.45 and will bring plenty of international experience to a Strikers side that started last season well but faded badly to finish second last.
“Adelaide Oval is such an incredible place to play cricket and I look forward to running out with my new teammates in front of big crowds – I can’t wait to get going,” he said.
“The Strikers showed last year what they are capable off at their best and I will be giving everything to help take the team to the next level, with the ultimate goal always being to lift that cup at the end.
“I am so thankful to the Hurricanes for my time in Hobart, it has been an absolute joy and I will always cherish the friendships and memories formed there.
“This is a new challenge for me and I am excited to get to work in Adelaide.”
The 32-year-old can also bowl handy spin and will relish the shorter square boundaries in Adelaide, with the Strikers set to announce more signings in the coming weeks.
“We’re really excited that D’Arcy has decided to join the Strikers, he’s a strong T20 player and brings that Australian experience too,” Strikers coach Jason Gillespie said.
“As a two-time player of the tournament, we’ve all seen what he can do in the Big Bash. He’s a powerful batter with the ability to bowl valuable overs.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming D’Arcy to Adelaide and for him to strengthen our squad.”
|
thewest.com.au
|
‘I can’t wait to get going’: Former BBL player of the tournament signs big deal to join Adelaide Strikers
|
_
|
_
|
https://thewest.com.au/news/i-cant-wait-to-get-going-former-bbl-player-of-the-tournament-signs-big-deal-to-join-adelaide-strikers-c-11451341
|
|
[
"Nca Newswire"
] |
2023-08-01 01:31:08+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:08:25
|
A woman has suffered gruesome injuries after being dragged from her wheelchair and mauled by two dogs.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fthewest.com.au%2Fnews%2Fwoman-loses-ear-after-being-mauled-by-dogs-in-vicious-attack-on-palm-island-near-townsville-c-11450886.json
|
en
|
_
|
A woman has lost an ear after being dragged from her wheelchair and mauled by two vicious dogs on a remote island off Australia’s northeast coast.
Emergency services were called about 11.10pm on Monday night to Sailor St on Palm Island – off the north coast of Queensland, near Townsville – following reports of the attack.
|
thewest.com.au
|
Woman loses ear after being mauled by dogs in vicious attack on Palm Island, near Townsville
|
_
|
_
|
https://thewest.com.au/news/woman-loses-ear-after-being-mauled-by-dogs-in-vicious-attack-on-palm-island-near-townsville-c-11450886
|
|
[
"Bunbury Herald"
] |
2023-08-01 01:30:15+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 01:16:16
|
Tree Street residents will get to chance to speak “openly” with council next month, with the City of Bunbury announcing an information session to discuss its controversial heritage area proposal.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fthewest.com.au%2Fnews%2Fsouth-west%2Fcity-of-bunbury-to-host-information-session-for-tree-street-residents-c-11414687.json
|
en
|
_
|
Tree Street residents will get to chance to speak “openly” with council next month, with the City of Bunbury announcing an information session to discuss its controversial heritage area proposal.
It comes as many Tree Street residents descended on the council meeting last week to express their concerns, with 14 people listed to ask their questions of council, along with a crowd of concerned locals.
|
thewest.com.au
|
City of Bunbury to host information session for Tree Street residents
|
_
|
_
|
https://thewest.com.au/news/south-west/city-of-bunbury-to-host-information-session-for-tree-street-residents-c-11414687
|
|
[
"Nca Newswire"
] |
2023-08-01 01:31:00+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:56:33
|
One minister says she will not “sugar-coat” her warning to commuters, who will be forced onto buses once a major train line is shuttered.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fthewest.com.au%2Fnews%2Fsydney-commuters-warned-of-12-months-of-disruption-amid-south-west-metro-conversion-c-11451311.json
|
en
|
_
|
Sydney commuters have been warned of transport delays for at least 12 months, with buses to replace trains until the opening of a major metro line in late 2025.
On Tuesday, NSW Premier Chris Minns and Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the South West Metro line would open in stages, with the Sydenham to Sydney CBD stretch slated for delivery between July to October in 2024.
|
thewest.com.au
|
Sydney commuters warned of 12 months of disruption amid South West Metro conversion
|
_
|
_
|
https://thewest.com.au/news/sydney-commuters-warned-of-12-months-of-disruption-amid-south-west-metro-conversion-c-11451311
|
|
[
"The West Australian"
] |
2023-08-01 01:30:30+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:34:27
|
It’s one of the great post-series Ashes traditions: The Aussies & Poms getting together for a drink in the rooms. But beers weren’t shared between the two rival sides at The Oval. Here’s why.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fthewest.com.au%2Fsport%2Fcricket%2Fthe-ashes-australia-and-england-reportedly-fail-to-share-traditional-post-series-drinks-c-11450772.json
|
en
|
_
|
It’s one of the great post-series traditions after a hard-fought Ashes battle: The Aussies and Poms getting together for a drink in the changerooms after a titanic tussle on the field.
But beers weren’t shared between the two rival sides at The Oval following yet another epic finish to a series that has produced plenty of spice and controversy across the past two months.
|
thewest.com.au
|
The Ashes: Australia and England fail to share traditional post-series drinks
|
_
|
_
|
https://thewest.com.au/sport/cricket/the-ashes-australia-and-england-reportedly-fail-to-share-traditional-post-series-drinks-c-11450772
|
|
[
"The West Australian"
] |
2023-08-01 01:29:28+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:27:41
|
Ken Brinsden’s Patriot Battery Metals has underscored its growing potential as an emerging tier one Canadian lithium producer by attracting a multimillion-dollar equity stake from a Albemarle.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fthewest.com.au%2Fbusiness%2Fmining%2Fken-brinsdens-patriot-battery-metals-secures-albemarle-stake-with-c109m-private-placement-c-11450680.json
|
en
|
_
|
Ken Brinsden’s Patriot Battery Metals has underscored its growing potential as an emerging tier one Canadian lithium producer by attracting a multimillion-dollar equity stake from a Albemarle.
Just a day after delivering a solid maiden resource estimate of its Corvette prospect in Quebec’s James Bay, Patriot said the $37 billion US chemicals giant would take a private placement of $C109 million ($123m) in shares, giving it a 4.9 per cent stake in the company.
|
thewest.com.au
|
Ken Brinsden’s Patriot Battery Metals secures Albemarle stake with $C109m private placement
|
_
|
_
|
https://thewest.com.au/business/mining/ken-brinsdens-patriot-battery-metals-secures-albemarle-stake-with-c109m-private-placement-c-11450680
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:50:07+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 18:12:00
|
The Utah Utes are among the strongest brands in the Pac-12 conference, should they stay with a sinking ship or follow Colorado and join the Big 12?
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ktvb.com%2Farticle%2Fsports%2Flocked-on%2Flo-utah%2Futah-utes-show%2Fis-it-time-for-utah-utes-panic-about-state-pac-12-conference-realignment%2F535-27c2a1d4-767b-424a-853e-0a81097a99f6.json
|
en
|
_
|
The Pac-12 can withstand the loss of Colorado on its own, but the primary concern is if other programs will follow suit.
SALT LAKE CITY — After 14 months of silence from the 10 Pac-12 schools following USC and UCLA's departure to the Big Ten, another domino finally fell last week when Colorado rejoined the Big 12.
With no media rights deal announced, and no new members after things fell apart with San Diego State, the Pac-12 now finds themselves in an extremely precarious position with only nine member schools after 2024.
Locked on Utes host JT Wistrcill broke down the state of the conference on a recent episode, including whether Utah should be in panic mode following the latest maneuver from Colorado.
"The Pac-12 is not dead right now," Wistrcill said. "Anytime you have schools leaving your conference, that's not a good sign. But once again, the Pac-12 is not dead yet. It's not time to panic yet, there are still lots of strong teams still in the Pac-12."
The Pac-12 can withstand the loss of Colorado on its own, but the primary concern is if other programs will follow suit. Arizona and Arizona State have long been rumored to follow Colorado to the Big 12, and Oregon and Washington aren't keen on hanging around a sinking ship if they can avoid it.
Utah has had significant success on the gridiron the past few years, and with a healthy brand recognition, a solid media footprint in a big city in Salt Lake, and a sturdy alumni base, this is a program that should draw interest from other major conferences, should things fully fall apart in the conference of champions.
|
www.ktvb.com
|
Pac-12 conference loses Colorado, should Utah Utes be panicking?
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.ktvb.com/article/sports/locked-on/lo-utah/utah-utes-show/is-it-time-for-utah-utes-panic-about-state-pac-12-conference-realignment/535-27c2a1d4-767b-424a-853e-0a81097a99f6
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:49:48+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 16:17:00
|
The 25-year-old was best known for his breakout role in HBO's "Euphoria."
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ktvb.com%2Farticle%2Fnews%2Fnation-world%2Fangus-cloud-euphoria-star-dead-at-25%2F507-b78fb7c0-496b-4581-9880-a3f43b838278.json
|
en
|
_
|
Cloud's family said he had “intensely struggled” with the recent loss of his father.
Example video title will go here for this video
WASHINGTON — Actor Angus Cloud, known for his role in HBO's "Euphoria," has died. He was 25.
Cloud's publicist, Cait Bailey, said Cloud died Monday at his family home in Oakland, California. No cause of death was given. TMZ first reported the news.
“It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today,” Cloud’s family said in a statement. “As an artist, a friend, a brother and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways. Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss. The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad, who was his best friend. Angus was open about his battle with mental health and we hope that his passing can be a reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence."
The actor's death comes shortly after his father's death. Cloud had recently posted a picture of his father on Instagram with the caption "Miss you breh."
“We hope the world remembers him for his humor, laughter and love for everyone,” his family added.
"We are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Angus Cloud," the post read. "He was immensely talented and a beloved part of the HBO and Euphoria family. We extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time."
Cloud hadn’t acted before he was cast in “Euphoria.” He was walking down the street in New York when casting scout Eléonore Hendricks noticed him. Cloud was resistant at first, suspecting a scam. Then casting director Jennifer Venditti met with him and series creator Sam Levinson eventually made him a co-star in the series alongside Zendaya for its first two seasons.
The part made Cloud the breakout star of one the buzziest shows in television. He was recently cast to co-star in “Scream 6." The third season of “Euphoria” hasn't yet begun filming.
|
www.ktvb.com
|
'Euphoria' star Angus Cloud dead at 25
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/nation-world/angus-cloud-euphoria-star-dead-at-25/507-b78fb7c0-496b-4581-9880-a3f43b838278
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:50:01+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 17:17:00
|
Tammy Daybell's sister was first to deliver a victim impact statement in Lori Vallow Daybell's murder trial.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ktvb.com%2Farticle%2Fnews%2Fspecial-reports%2Flori-vallow-trial%2Fno-angels-coming-to-rescue-you-brief-impactful-statement-for-lori-vallow-from-tammy-daybells-sister%2F277-d57361d7-2397-497d-ba68-2d8484dbbb27.json
|
en
|
_
|
Tammy Daybell's sister, Samantha Gwilliam, was the first to deliver a victim impact statement prior to sentencing in Lori Vallow Daybell's murder trial.
Example video title will go here for this video
ST ANTHONY, Idaho — “You are a liar, an adulteress and a murderer. No angels are coming to rescue you.” That was the message for Lori Vallow Daybell as victim impact statements began at her sentencing hearing.
Lori Vallow Daybell, 50, was convicted in May of 2023 for conspiracy to commit murder and first-degree murder of two of her children, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan – their remains were found on Vallow’s current husband, Chad Daybell’s, property on June 9, 2020. The remains of Tylee, 16, were found in charred, burnt pieces. JJ, 7, was found suffocated and bound in duct tape. Vallow was also found guilty of grand theft and conspiracy to murder Tammy Daybell, Chad Daybell’s wife at the time of the murder. A jury convicted Vallow in a six-week trial that ended May 12.
Prior to Lori Vallow's sentencing, several family members gave powerful victim impact statements in the high-profile murder trial.
First to have a statement heard was Tammy Daybell's sister, Samantha Gwilliam.
Gwilliam told Vallow during sentencing that she will never be exalted; she will never see heaven. Tammy Daybell was killed in 2019 by suffocation, a medical examiner previously testified in Vallow’s trial. Prosecutors said Vallow and Chad Daybell conspired to kill Tammy so that he and Vallow could be together.
Gwilliam spoke directly to Vallow on Monday, calling her a liar and a murderer, stating that "no angels are coming to rescue (her)." “Tammy was one thousand times the woman (Lori Vallow) will ever dream of being,” Gwilliam continued. Vallow made no eye contact during the statement.
Vicki Hoban, Tammy Daybell’s aunt, was next to deliver a victim impact statement.
“She will never see another sunrise or a sunset. See her grandchildren stomp through a mud puddle. Not another birthday, Christmas, or the birth of a grandchild,” Hoban told the court through tears. “For you to turn her home where she lived and slept into a cemetery… She would've been horrified to know what you have done.”
Vallow's only surviving son, Colby Ryan, along with Kay Woodcock, the grandmother of JJ Vallow; Summer Shiflet, sister of Lori Vallow and aunt of JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan; and Vicki Hoban, Tammy Daybell's aunt, were permitted by Fremont County Judge Steven Boyce to deliver victim impact statements and address the court prior to Lori Vallow Daybell’s sentencing. Although approved, Ryan was absent from the hearing and opted to have his statement read by a representative. Vallow's younger sister, Summer Shiflet, did not attend the hearing.
Following the emotional impact statements from the victims, Lori Vallow was also offered an opportunity to make a statement - of which she accepted.
Watch more Lori Vallow Trial:
Watch more coverage of the Lori Vallow trial on the KTVB YouTube channel:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
|
www.ktvb.com
|
'No angels are coming to rescue you': Impact statements begin
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/special-reports/lori-vallow-trial/no-angels-coming-to-rescue-you-brief-impactful-statement-for-lori-vallow-from-tammy-daybells-sister/277-d57361d7-2397-497d-ba68-2d8484dbbb27
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:49:42+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 20:59:00
|
The Sixty Fire has burned 6.6 acres and is 30% contained as of Monday morning. The fire is located close to the Timber Rim subdivision.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ktvb.com%2Farticle%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fsixty-fire-burning-near-cascade%2F277-d8585536-b80f-4f3f-a16e-9ff82e91c6c7.json
|
en
|
_
|
The Sixty Fire has burned 6.6 acres and is 30% contained as of Monday morning. The fire is located near the Timber Rim subdivision.
CASCADE, Idaho — The Sixty Fire has burned 6.6 acres near Cascade as of Monday morning. Fire officials warned that the fire is close to several structures. The Valley County Sheriff's Office issued an evacuation notice, deputies are manning a check point for people at Timber Rim and Grey Lane, and residents on Timber Rim are being urged to leave the area.
According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the fire is close to the Timber Rim subdivision, south of Sixty Lane and north of Round Valley Road. Crews were able to contain some of the fire overnight. The Sixty Fire is 30% contained, and crews are hopeful that they can reach full control of the fire by the end of day.
The fire department said they have deployed two engine air tankers, one helicopter, a hot shot crew and fire investigators, as well as the potential for additional aircraft. A 20-person crew and water tenders from Cascade, Donnelly and McCall are working on extinguishing the fire.
The department also mentioned that people should never fly drones near wildfires because if a drone is flying, they must ground their aircrafts. The cause of the fire is still being determined.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
|
www.ktvb.com
|
Sixty Fire burning near Cascade
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/sixty-fire-burning-near-cascade/277-d8585536-b80f-4f3f-a16e-9ff82e91c6c7
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:49:30+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 18:07:00
|
The remains were found by two young men digging on the east shore line of the lake.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ktvb.com%2Farticle%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fidaho%2Flocal-human-jawbone-found-at-bear-lake%2F277-8ee29b06-6c6a-464c-9702-94a3d8eb1a33.json
|
en
|
_
|
The remains were found by two young men digging on the east shore line of the lake.
Example video title will go here for this video
BEAR LAKE, Idaho — Human remains, more specifically a human jawbone, were found on the east shore of Bear Lake by two young men digging in the shoreline, according to KIFI Local News 8. Bear Lake County Sheriff Bart Heslington said the remains were found about two feet deep on Thursday, July 27, and they still don't know the gender or age of the person.
"Researching the files from the Bear Lake County Sheriff's Office, we do not have any cold cases involving unrecovered remains or unrecovered subjects. We have not had cases where someone has gone missing on the lake, whether in a boating or swimming accident or anything like that, that have not been recovered. I've also coordinated with Sheriff Stacey on the Utah side, and they do not have any outstanding cases of that nature either," Heslington said in an interview with KIFI.
Police don't know how long the remains were in the sand before being found but they have contacted the Idaho State University Anthropology Department. The university has created a team that will go out to the site and investigate the remains.
Heslington said there were no cold cases in his county or on the Utah side that might allude to who the person is. Which is why they contacted the anthropology department.
KTVB will update this article as information becomes available.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
|
www.ktvb.com
|
Human jawbone found at Bear Lake
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho/local-human-jawbone-found-at-bear-lake/277-8ee29b06-6c6a-464c-9702-94a3d8eb1a33
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:49:36+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 16:50:00
|
A mechanical failure has created water flow and pressure issues.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ktvb.com%2Farticle%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Flocal-city-of-mccall-asking-residents-to-reduce-lawn-watering-irrigation%2F277-d7eddf2c-8413-455c-b645-f2375dacb75f.json
|
en
|
_
|
A mechanical failure has created water flow and pressure issues.
MCCALL, Idaho — A mechanical failure on July 28 at the City of McCall's water treatment plant has resulted in water flow and pressure issues. The city issued a news release asking residents to reduce/suspend their lawn watering and irrigation until further notice.
"Our City Public Works and Water Team sincerely value the cooperation and patience of our residents during this time of repair and restoration. We are reminded during events like these of the importance in staying connected to the city's notification channels," Erin Greaves, Communications Manager, said.
The release furthered that if people can conserve water, it will prevent McCall having a city-wide boil water order. The water department is working on repairs and residents will be notified when they can freely water again.
"In light of this unforeseen situation, the City of McCall is grateful to the community for promptly reducing and/or ceasing all irrigation activities and understands the impact of this request on residents' daily routines and appreciates the collective effort to conserve water during this challenging period," the release stated.
People can go to the website mccall.id.us for updated information.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
|
www.ktvb.com
|
City of McCall asking residents to reduce lawn watering, irrigation
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-city-of-mccall-asking-residents-to-reduce-lawn-watering-irrigation/277-d7eddf2c-8413-455c-b645-f2375dacb75f
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:49:54+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 03:57:00
|
The heat in Phoenix began to ease slightly last week with the city’s first major storm since the monsoon season began June 15.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ktvb.com%2Farticle%2Fnews%2Fnation-world%2Fextreme-heat-phoenix-31-dau-streak-over%2F507-efea35e9-b4b8-4b7f-bdd4-a7f63724d923.json
|
en
|
_
|
The historic heat began blasting the lower Southwest U.S. in late June, stretching from Texas across New Mexico and Arizona and into California’s desert.
Example video title will go here for this video
PHOENIX — A record string of daily highs over 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees Celsius) in Phoenix ended Monday as the dangerous heat wave that suffocated the Southwest throughout July receded slightly with cooling monsoon rains.
The historic heat began blasting the region in June, stretching from Texas across New Mexico and Arizona and into California’s desert. Phoenix and its suburbs sweltered more and longer than most, with several records including the 31 consecutive days of 110 degrees Fahrenheit-plus (43.4 degrees Celsius) weather. The previous record was 18 straight days, set in 1974.
The streak was finally broken Monday, when the high topped out at 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42.2 Celsius) at 3:10 p.m.
“The high temperature for Phoenix today is 108 degrees,” Jessica Leffel, meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said at 5 p.m. “I’m just getting ready to post it on our social media.”
Phoenix also sweated through a record 16 consecutive days when overnight lows didn’t dip below 90 degrees (32.2 degrees Celsius), making it hard for people to cool off after the sun went down.
The reprieve was expected to be brief, with the forecast calling for highs again above 110 for several days later in the week. And National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Hirsch said August could be even hotter than July.
In California, Death Valley, long considered the hottest place on Earth, flirted in July with some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded, reaching 125.6 degrees Fahrenheit (52.5 Celsius) on July 16 at the aptly named Furnace Creek.
The planet’s hottest recorded temperature ever was 134 F (56.67 C) in July 1913 at Furnace Creek, according to the World Meteorological Organization, the body recognized as keeper of world records.
And in Nevada, also on July 16, Las Vegas briefly reached 116 degrees (46.6 degrees Celsius) to tie the record for that date set in 1998.
The heat in Phoenix began to ease slightly last week with the city’s first major storm since the monsoon season began June 15.
The Southwest heat wave was just one kind of extreme weather events that hit the U.S. in July. Fatal flash floods swept people and cars away in Pennsylvania, and days of flooding led to dangerous mudslides in the Northeast.
At several points during the month, as many as a third of Americans were under some type of heat advisory, watch or warning. While not as visually dramatic as other natural disasters, experts say heat waves are deadlier — heat in parts of the South and Midwest killed more than a dozen people in June.
Maricopa County, Arizona’s most populous and home to Phoenix, reported 25 heat-related deaths this year as of July 21. Another 249 deaths are listed as under investigation, and results from toxicological tests that can take weeks or months after an autopsy could lead to many being confirmed as heat-related.
|
www.ktvb.com
|
Phoenix ends record 31-day streak of daily highs of 110 degrees
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/nation-world/extreme-heat-phoenix-31-dau-streak-over/507-efea35e9-b4b8-4b7f-bdd4-a7f63724d923
|
|
[
"Daja Clayton"
] |
2023-08-01 00:45:58+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 17:46:00
|
PAXTON, Ill. (WAND) — A new program in Ford County is helping those with addictions avoid a prison sentence while staying sober.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wandtv.com%2Fnews%2Fnew-program-in-ford-county-helps-defendants-avoid-prison-obtain-sobriety%2Farticle_26cff2da-2ff4-11ee-a930-03014ff6d628.html.json
|
en
|
_
|
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!
Your notification has been saved.
There was a problem saving your notification.
{{description}}
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
|
www.wandtv.com
|
New program in Ford County helps defendants avoid prison, obtain sobriety
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.wandtv.com/news/new-program-in-ford-county-helps-defendants-avoid-prison-obtain-sobriety/article_26cff2da-2ff4-11ee-a930-03014ff6d628.html
|
|
[
"Carlee Bronkema"
] |
2023-08-01 00:45:52+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 18:00:00
|
(WAND) — Governor JB Pritzker gathered state healthcare and policy leaders to announce new initiatives that expand access to reproductive healthcare. The Governor says this is especially important after a
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wandtv.com%2Fnews%2Fnew-healthcare-initiatives-lower-barriers-to-reproductive-care-access%2Farticle_6fc4937e-2fea-11ee-8f9b-73a4573207be.html.json
|
en
|
_
|
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!
Your notification has been saved.
There was a problem saving your notification.
{{description}}
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
|
www.wandtv.com
|
New healthcare initiatives lower barriers to reproductive care access
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.wandtv.com/news/new-healthcare-initiatives-lower-barriers-to-reproductive-care-access/article_6fc4937e-2fea-11ee-8f9b-73a4573207be.html
|
|
[
"Doug Wolfe"
] |
2023-08-01 00:45:46+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 18:00:00
|
SAVOY, Ill. (WAND) — U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was in Champaign County Monday to highlight a federal infrastructure grant for a rail improvement project in the Village of Savoy.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wandtv.com%2Fnews%2F22-6-million-for-savoy-rail-crossing-fix%2Farticle_c3b82e50-2fea-11ee-bb0e-3ff5aa18e2a4.html.json
|
en
|
_
|
Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!
Your notification has been saved.
There was a problem saving your notification.
{{description}}
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
|
www.wandtv.com
|
$22.6 Million for Savoy rail crossing fix
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.wandtv.com/news/22-6-million-for-savoy-rail-crossing-fix/article_c3b82e50-2fea-11ee-bb0e-3ff5aa18e2a4.html
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:18:08+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 23:35:00
|
_
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kplctv.com%2Fprnewswire%2F2023%2F07%2F31%2Ffibra-prologis-announces-change-its-technical-committee%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
MEXICO CITY, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FIBRA Prologis (BMV:FIBRAPL 14), a leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico, today announced that after having served as a member of the Technical Committee for the past years, Gimena Peña Malcampo, will step down as an independent member.
"We appreciate the time and effort that Gimena put on our Technical Committee meetings. Her perspective, in particular on the ESG initiatives, was highly valued," said Luis Gutiérrez, CEO, Prologis Property Mexico.
"Serving on the FIBRA Prologis Technical Committee has been a rewarding experience. I have always admired the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability, and I'm particularly proud of the progress that has been made toward advancing our sustainability-centered goals. It has been my privileged to serve as a board member of this impactful organization," said Mrs. Peña Malcampo.
FIBRA Prologis Manager will announce a replacement to Gimena Peña Malcampo as an independent member of the Technical Committee.
ABOUT FIBRA PROLOGIS
FIBRA Prologis is a leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico. As of June 30, 2023, FIBRA Prologis was comprised of 228 logistics and manufacturing facilities in six industrial markets in Mexico totaling 44.2 million square feet (4.1 million square meters) of gross leasable area.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which FIBRA Prologis operates, management's beliefs and assumptions made by management. Such statements involve uncertainties that could significantly impact FIBRA Prologis financial results. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to rent and occupancy growth, acquisition activity, development activity, disposition activity, general conditions in the geographic areas where we operate, our debt and financial position, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained and therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that may affect outcomes and results include, but are not limited to: (i) national, international, regional and local economic climates, (ii) changes in financial markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, (iii) increased or unanticipated competition for our properties, (iv) risks associated with acquisitions, dispositions and development of properties, (v) maintenance of real estate investment trust ("FIBRA") status and tax structuring, (vi) availability of financing and capital, the levels of debt that we maintain and our credit ratings, (vii) risks related to our investments (viii) environmental uncertainties, including risks of natural disasters, (ix) risks related to the coronavirus pandemic, and (x) those additional factors discussed in reports filed with the "Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores" and the Mexican Stock Exchange by FIBRA Prologis under the heading "Risk Factors." FIBRA Prologis undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements appearing in this release.
Non-Solicitation - Any securities discussed herein or in the accompanying presentations, if any, have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. Any such announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities discussed herein or in the presentations, if and as applicable.
(PRNewsfoto/FIBRA Prologis) (PRNewswire)
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE FIBRA Prologis
|
www.kplctv.com
|
FIBRA Prologis Announces Change to its Technical Committee
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.kplctv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/fibra-prologis-announces-change-its-technical-committee/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:04:51+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:40:05
|
The Elon Musk-owned company, which has been rebranded as X, had removed the Twitter sign and iconic blue bird logo from the building last week.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kplctv.com%2F2023%2F08%2F01%2Fbrightly-flashing-x-sign-removed-san-francisco-building-that-was-twitters-headquarters%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A brightly flashing “X” sign has been removed from the San Francisco headquarters of the company formerly known as Twitter just days after it was installed.
The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection said Monday it received 24 complaints about the unpermitted structure over the weekend. Complaints included concerns about its structural safety and illumination.
The Elon Musk-owned company, which has been rebranded as X, had removed the Twitter sign and iconic blue bird logo from the building last week. That work was temporarily paused because the company did not have the necessary permits. For a time, the “er” at the end of “Twitter” remained up due to the abrupt halt of the sign takedown.
The city of San Francisco had opened a complaint and launched an investigation into the giant “X” sign, which was installed Friday on top of the downtown building as Musk continues his rebrand of the social media platform.
The chaotic rebrand of Twitter’s building signage is similar to the haphazard way in which the Twitter platform is being turned into X. While the X logo has replaced Twitter on many parts of the site and app, remnants of Twitter remain.
Representatives for X did not immediately respond to a message for comment Monday.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
|
www.kplctv.com
|
Brightly flashing ‘X’ sign removed from the San Francisco building that was Twitter’s headquarters
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.kplctv.com/2023/08/01/brightly-flashing-x-sign-removed-san-francisco-building-that-was-twitters-headquarters/
|
|
[
"Gray News Staff"
] |
2023-08-01 01:17:55+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 01:09:55
|
Barbora Zdanska, 14, was last seen in the area of the 100th block of Boynton Boulevard in Daytona Beach.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kplctv.com%2F2023%2F08%2F01%2Famber-alert-issued-14-year-old-last-seen-daytona-beach-florida%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
DAYTONA BEACH, FL. (Gray News) - An Amber Alert has been issued for a 14-year-old who was last seen in Daytona Beach, Florida.
According to the alert, Barbora Zdanska, 14, was last seen in the area of the 100th block of Boynton Boulevard in Daytona Beach.
Zdanska is 5′5, weighs about 136 pounds, and has blonde hair and blue eyes.
She was last seen wearing a black Adidas sweatshirt with white stripes on the sleeves and black jean shorts.
According to the alert, Zdanska may be traveling in a 2014, blue Dodge Caravan with a Florida tag number CZ8613. The vehicle has a butterfly sticker in the top right rear window and a University of Florida “F” sticker in the top left rear window.
Zdanska may also be traveling with a companion who is unknown at this time.
Anyone who may have seen Zdanska should call 9-1-1.
Copyright 2023 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
|
www.kplctv.com
|
Amber Alert issued for 14-year-old last seen in Daytona Beach, Florida
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.kplctv.com/2023/08/01/amber-alert-issued-14-year-old-last-seen-daytona-beach-florida/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:18:27+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:11:00
|
_
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kplctv.com%2Fprnewswire%2F2023%2F08%2F01%2Fmakers-wholly-avocado-are-giving-10-fans-chance-win-one-years-supply-products-more-national-avocado-day%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
The Makers of WHOLLY® AVOCADO are Giving 10 Fans a Chance to Win One Year's Supply of products - and more - for National Avocado Day
The Makers of WHOLLY® AVOCADO are Giving 10 Fans a Chance to Win One Year's Supply of products - and more - for National Avocado Day
America's No.1 refrigerated guacamole and avocado brand also taps beloved Olympian, Shawn Johnson East, to spotlight versatility and convenience of WHOLLY® AVOCADO products
ORANGE, Calif., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of National Avocado Day, the makers of WHOLLY® AVOCADO are celebrating by giving 10 lucky fans a year's supply of WHOLLY® AVOCADO products — made with real ingredients and hand-scooped Hass avocados — and a $350 gift card.
(PRNewswire)
"National Avocado Day is one of our fans' favorite times of the year, and we wanted to make it extra fun for people everywhere with this incredible giveaway that will have them celebrating all year long," said Chris Monahan, brand manager of WHOLLY® products. "Our refrigerated avocado products are always ripe and always ready, and they make everyday snacking simpler and more convenient for our valued fans."
To amp up the fun, the makers of WHOLLY® AVOCADO are partnering with Olympic gold medalist and mother of two Shawn Johnson East to spotlight the versatility and convenience of WHOLLY® AVOCADO products. Johnson East will be helping current and new brand aficionados get involved in the sweepstakes via content on her Instagram page.
Fans may register for one of 10 chances to win a year's supply of free WHOLLY® products and a $350 gift card by following the brand on Instagram (@eatWHOLLY), liking Shawn Johnson East's WHOLLY® AVOCADO reel, and tagging @eatwholly and @shawnjohnson in your own "not my hands" challenge attempts using WHOLLY® AVOCADO products. Contest rules and information here.
Finally, fans can indulge in a number of easy and tasty recipes while they're celebrating National Avocado Day. For example:
Avocado Sushi Roll : The perfect recipe for an at-home sushi night. This recipe is super easy, kid-friendly and a total crowd-pleaser.
Burrata Avocado Pizza : Who doesn't love an easy pizza recipe? This vegetarian pizza has avocado, burrata and tomatoes. Vegetarian lunch or dinner in just 20 minutes.
Avocado-Chickpea Mediterranean Salad : Fast, delicious and filled with robust flavor, this chickpea salad will have you buying the same ingredients every week.
Chicken-Avocado Rollups : These easy chicken-avocado rollups are fantastic for lunch, a midday snack or an appetizer for groups. With creamy avocado and a little bit of Greek yogurt and lime juice, they have the perfect balance of satisfying ingredients and zesty flavor.
Avocado Pudding : With less than five ingredients and in just five minutes, you can whip up this thick and creamy avocado pudding, a fun and delicious dessert you can even serve as an after-school snack.
Too busy to prep a dish? The WHOLLY® brand line features ready-to-serve avocado in three varieties: diced, smashed and chunky. All products are gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher, keto-friendly and contain no added preservatives. Available in 4-ounce trays, as well as convenient 2-ounce single-serve minis, WHOLLY® AVOCADO can be used as a salad topper, in poke bowls, on avocado toast, as a sandwich spread or as a dip.
WHOLLY® products are available at retailers throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.eatwholly.com.
ABOUT THE WHOLLY® BRAND
The WHOLLY® brand, leader in ready-to-eat avocado innovation, is best known for WHOLLY® GUACAMOLE, America's No. 1 refrigerated guacamole, and WHOLLY® AVOCADO. Known for food safety and quality, all WHOLLY® products are made with hand-scooped Hass avocados and are gluten free with no preservatives added. High-pressure technology (HPT) is used to help extend the shelf life of the products and maintain the avocado's delicious flavors and nutrients, while eliminating potentially harmful bacteria. The WHOLLY® brand is part of MegaMex Foods, one of the fastest growing Mexican food companies in the U.S. focused on re-imagining Mexican flavor. For more information and recipe ideas, visit www.eatwholly.com, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
ABOUT MEGAMEX FOODS, LLC.
MegaMex Foods, one of the fastest growing Mexican food companies in the U.S., is focused on re-imagining Mexican flavor in restaurants and home kitchens across the country. MegaMex Foods is proudly committed to authentic ingredients and providing a real solution for achieving true Mexican flavors with trusted products, including WHOLLY®, LA VICTORIA®, HERDEZ®, EMBASA® , DOÑA MARÍA®, BÚFALO® and DON MIGUEL® brands. Founded by Herdez del Fuerte and Hormel Foods (NYSE: HRL), MegaMex Foods is headquartered in Orange, California, with facilities in Texas and Mexico. MegaMex Foods has two operating plants, numerous manufacturing partners and over 4,000 employees. For more information, visit www.megamexfoods.com and www.mmxfoodservice.com.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE The WHOLLY Brand
|
www.kplctv.com
|
The Makers of WHOLLY® AVOCADO are Giving 10 Fans a Chance to Win One Year's Supply of products - and more - for National Avocado Day
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.kplctv.com/prnewswire/2023/08/01/makers-wholly-avocado-are-giving-10-fans-chance-win-one-years-supply-products-more-national-avocado-day/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:18:14+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 23:38:00
|
_
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kplctv.com%2Fprnewswire%2F2023%2F07%2F31%2Fstellus-capital-investment-corporation-schedules-second-quarter-2023-financial-results-conference-call%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
HOUSTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stellus Capital Investment Corporation (NYSE: SCM) will release its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023 on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, after the close of the stock market.
(PRNewsFoto/Stellus Capital Investment Corp) (PRNewswire)
Stellus Capital Investment Corporation will host a conference call to discuss these results on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 10:00 AM, Central Time. The conference call will be led by Robert T. Ladd, Chief Executive Officer, and W. Todd Huskinson, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, Treasurer, and Secretary.
Conference Call Details
Via Phone: Dial 888-506-0062 (domestic). Use passcode 810825. Starting approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call, a replay will be available through Thursday, August 24, 2023 by dialing 877-481-4010 and entering passcode 48865.
Via Live Webcast: Connect via the Public Company (SCIC) section of our website at www.stelluscapital.com, under the Events tab. A replay of the conference will be available on our website for approximately 90 days.
About Stellus Capital Investment Corporation
The Company is an externally-managed, closed-end, non-diversified investment management company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The Company's investment objective is to maximize the total return to its stockholders in the form of current income and capital appreciation by investing primarily in private middle-market companies (typically those with $5.0 million to $50.0 million of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization)) through first lien, second lien, unitranche and mezzanine debt financing, and corresponding equity investments. The Company's investment activities are managed by its investment adviser, Stellus Capital Management, LLC. To learn more about Stellus Capital Investment Corporation, visit www.stelluscapital.com under the Stellus Capital Investment Corporation link.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements included herein may contain "forward-looking statements" which relate to future performance or financial condition. Statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.
Contacts
Stellus Capital Investment Corporation
W. Todd Huskinson, (713) 292-5414
Chief Financial Officer
thuskinson@stelluscapital.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Stellus Capital Investment Corporation
|
www.kplctv.com
|
Stellus Capital Investment Corporation Schedules Second Quarter 2023 Financial Results Conference Call
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.kplctv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/stellus-capital-investment-corporation-schedules-second-quarter-2023-financial-results-conference-call/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:18:21+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:35:00
|
_
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kplctv.com%2Fprnewswire%2F2023%2F08%2F01%2Feverest-medicines-announces-completion-patient-enrollment-nefecon-china-open-label-extension-study%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
SHANGHAI, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK, "Everest", or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative medicines and vaccines, announced today the completion of patient enrollment for the China open-label extension (cOLE) of the Phase 3 NefIgArd study. The cOLE study offers an additional 9 months of treatment with Nefecon® to all qualifying patients who have completed the NefIgArd study and will evaluate the efficacy and safety of extended and repeated Nefecon® treatment in patients with IgA Nephropathy (IgAN).
The Phase 3 NefIgArd clinical trial is a randomized, double-blind, multicenter study which assessed the efficacy and safety of Nefecon® versus placebo on a background of optimized RAS inhibitor therapy. The study met its primary endpoint, with Nefecon® demonstrating a highly statistically significant benefit over placebo (p value < 0.0001) in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over the two-year period of 9-months of treatment with Nefecon® or placebo and 15-months of off drug follow-up. Patients in the cOLE study will continue on RAS inhibitor therapy (ACEs and/or ARBs) and be treated for 9 months with Nefecon® at 16mg/day. At the end of the treatment period, change in eGFR and urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPCR) will be evaluated.
"The results of the cOLE study will offer insight into the value of extended and repeated use of Nefecon® and provide very important guidance for doctors in clinical practice," said Rogers Yongqing Luo, Chief Executive Officer of Everest Medicines.
The China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) accepted Everest's New Drug Application (NDA) for Nefecon® for the treatment of IgAN in November 2022. The NMPA has also granted Nefecon® break-through therapy designation and NDA priority review. Nefecon® was the first non-oncology drug to receive break-through therapy designation in China.
About Nefecon®
Nefecon® is a patented oral, delayed release formulation of budesonide, a corticosteroid with potent glucocorticoid activity and weak mineralocorticoid activity that undergoes substantial first pass metabolism. The formulation is designed as a delayed release capsule that is enteric coated so that it remains intact until it releases budesonide to the distal ileum. Each capsule contains coated beads of budesonide that target mucosal B-cells present in the ileum where the disease originates, as per the predominant pathogenesis models.
In June 2019, Everest Medicines entered into an exclusive, royalty-bearing license agreement with Calliditas, which gives Everest Medicines exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Nefecon® in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Singapore. The agreement was extended in March 2022 to include South Korea as part of Everest Medicine's territories.
Nefecon® was approved in the United States under accelerated approval based on a reduction in proteinuria. Recently announced topline results from the global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 clinical trial NefIgArd demonstrated a statistically significant benefit for Nefecon® over placebo in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a measure of renal function.
About Everest Medicines
Everest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing transformative pharmaceutical products and vaccines that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in Asian markets. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record from both leading global pharmaceutical companies and local Chinese pharmaceutical companies in high-quality discovery, clinical development, regulatory affairs, CMC, business development and operations. Everest Medicines has built a portfolio of potentially global first-in-class or best-in-class molecules, many of which are in late-stage clinical development. The Company's therapeutic areas of interest include renal diseases, infectious diseases, mRNA platform and autoimmune disorders. For more information, please visit its website at www.everestmedicines.com.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law.
View original content:
SOURCE Everest Medicines
|
www.kplctv.com
|
Everest Medicines Announces Completion of Patient Enrollment in Nefecon® China Open Label Extension Study
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.kplctv.com/prnewswire/2023/08/01/everest-medicines-announces-completion-patient-enrollment-nefecon-china-open-label-extension-study/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:49:27+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 23:58:27
|
Children in Louisiana will soon be limited to what they can check out from public libraries.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kplctv.com%2F2023%2F07%2F31%2Fnew-law-coming-louisiana-libraries%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Children in Louisiana will soon be limited to what they can check out from public libraries.
Senate Bill 7 was signed into law and goes into effect on August 1. The law will limit what minors can access at the library, specifically, LGBTQ+ materials and other books deemed sexually explicit.
Libraries will have to create a policy that includes a card system for parents and guardians to choose whether or not their child can check out certain materials.
Calcasieu Parish Library Director Marjorie Harrison explained what could be implemented in the new policy.
“In the case that we would develop a policy, there would be a library card, and then it would limit access to collections, so that those that are not sexually explicit, and has that library card wouldn’t be able to access those materials,” Harrison said.
Libraries across the state still have a lot to discuss when it comes to creating the new policy.
“So there’s the policy aspect and there’s the technology aspect. So all of that still needs to be worked out, and we have to develop a policy first, and then of course the board has to approve that, and then based on the policy we would look at our software and how we can make it work,” Harrison said.
If Libraries do not comply, they could lose out on state funding.
Libraries will have until January 2024 to create and adopt their policy, but the policy has to be implemented in June 2024.
Copyright 2023 KPLC. All rights reserved.
|
www.kplctv.com
|
New law coming to Louisiana libraries
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.kplctv.com/2023/07/31/new-law-coming-louisiana-libraries/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:18:02+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 01:08:23
|
Lori Vallow-Daybell is sentenced to five life sentences without chances for parole. She was convicted of murdering her children J.J. Vallow and Tylee Ryan and conspiracy to murder her romantic rival, Tammy Daybell.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kplctv.com%2F2023%2F08%2F01%2Flake-charles-couple-idaho-sentencing-doomsday-mom-lori-vallow-daybell%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) -It was a day of reckoning for Lori Vallow-Daybell--convicted of murdering two of her children and conspiring to murder her romantic rival, Tammy Daybell..
The judge imposed five life sentences without parole plus fines and penalties of more than $100-thousand.
Four relatives of murder victims J.J. Vallow, Tylee Ryan and Tammy Daybell gave victim impact statements to the court, including Kay Woodcock of Lake Charles. She and her husband, Larry Woodcocks are the grandparents of J.J. Vallow. The stationary camera in court did not show the victim’s relatives as they spoke, but did provide audio. In her statement, Kay talked about what she called Vallow-Daybell’s cruel campaign of terror that she says began with greed. Woodcock says she would have given Lori a million dollars from her brother’s life insurance if she had just let J.J. And Tylee live.
“I would have given her the money. She could have let j. J And Tylee live and had a million dollars. She could have been free to be Chad’s mistress and foot the bill with the money from spilled blood. J. J And Tylee could have been with us and had happy lives. Instead, she took all that away all because she is a money hungry, power mongering monster,” said Kay.
She and others described the tremendous suffering of so many who knew and loved the victims. Woodcock talked about the day they found out the children were dead.
“When the call came a sound escaped from me that can only be described as guttural. Our worst fears were confirmed, and we were destroyed. The grief my family and I have endured is immeasurable. Lori cruelly took my big brother, charles; my adorable grandson, J.J.; and my beautiful niece Tylee and sweet Tammy, whose family I have come to know and love,” said Woodcock
. Before sentencing, Vallow Daybell was allowed to speak. She quoted from scripture and said that she mourns her children and Tammy Daybell and said Jesus Christ understands her.
“Jesus Christ knows the truth of what happened here. Jesus Christ knows that no one was murdered in this case,” said Vallow-Daybell. she went on to say her children have communicated with her from heaven.
“One of the times Tylee came to me as a spirit after she died, she said, she commanded me and she said, ‘Stop worrying Mom. We are fine.’ She knows how I worry and how I miss her. The first-time J.J. visited me after he passed away, he put his arm around me and said to me, ‘You didn’t do anything wrong Mom. I love you and I know you loved me every minute of my life,’ she said.
Vallow received five life sentences without the chance for parole, plus fines and penalties of more than $100,000.
Vallow-Daybell faces trial in Arizona on charges stemming from the shooting death of her husband, Charles Vallow Daybell’s husband Chad faces trial in Idaho next year. The state is seeking the death penalty for him.
Copyright 2023 KPLC. All rights reserved.
|
www.kplctv.com
|
Lake Charles couple in Idaho for sentencing of ‘Doomsday Mom’ Lori Vallow-Daybell
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.kplctv.com/2023/08/01/lake-charles-couple-idaho-sentencing-doomsday-mom-lori-vallow-daybell/
|
|
[
"Paul Bois"
] |
2023-08-01 01:30:22+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:09:55
|
A poll shows former President Donald Trump leading President Joe Biden by three points nationwide and six points in swing states.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.breitbart.com%2F2024-election%2F2023%2F07%2F31%2Fpoll-trump-leads-joe-biden-three-points-nationwide-six-points-swing-states%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
A poll shows former President Donald Trump leading President Joe Biden by three points nationwide and six points in swing states.
Probing 1,013 likely voters between July 24-27, an Echelon poll showed the former president leading the current president by healthy margins where it will matter come the 2024 election.
Among those polled nationwide, 42 percent supported Donald Trump while just 39 percent supported Joe Biden. In swing states, Trump’s lead doubled to six points: 44 percent to Biden’s 38 percent. Support for an independent or third-party candidate stands at just nine percent.
The news comes after Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) said former President Donald Trump still has strong political pull in his state of Pennsylvania, adding that he sees “Trump signs everywhere.” Fetterman issued his comments about Trump’s status in Pennsylvania when speaking with the New York Times last week about the political fallout surrounding the former president’s indictment.
“It doesn’t matter. I’m a senator, and I’m not sure how many times he’s been indicted. He’s been impeached twice. Has that changed anything? You’re still seeing Trump signs everywhere in Pennsylvania. You have to respect his strength in all of that,” he said.
Fetterman said that Trump could even be “competitive” in the state of Pennsylvania based on what he sees from voters, though he feels that Trump has to break a difficult ceiling.
“Trump would be very competitive in Pennsylvania. But Trump has to perform above his ceiling. I think there’s a hard ceiling in Pennsylvania he can’t get past,” he said.
A recent Quinnipiac University poll showed Donald Trump and Joe Biden in a tight race in Pennsylvania.
“In a head-to-head rematch, Trump edges out Biden by a single percentage point in the Keystone State, garnering 47 percent to Biden’s 46 percent support,” reported Breitbart News.
“Predictably, most Democrats, 94 percent, and Republicans, 89 percent, support their respective party’s potential nominee. However, Trump boasts a strong lead among independents in Pennsylvania, as more than half, 51 percent, said they would support Trump over Biden. Biden garnered support from 37 percent of independents — 14 points behind Trump,” it added.
Paul Roland Bois joined Breitbart News in 2021. He also directed the award-winning feature film, EXEMPLUM, which can be viewed for FREE on YouTube or Tubi. A high-quality, ad-free stream can also be purchased on Google Play or Vimeo on Demand. Follow him on Twitter @prolandfilms or Instagram @prolandfilms.
|
www.breitbart.com
|
Poll: Trump Leads Biden by 3 Points Nationwide, 6 Points in Swing States
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.breitbart.com/2024-election/2023/07/31/poll-trump-leads-joe-biden-three-points-nationwide-six-points-swing-states/
|
|
[
"John Hayward"
] |
2023-08-01 01:30:28+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:48:01
|
U.S. chipmaker Intel on Saturday announced the launch of its Greater Bay Area Innovation Center in the Chinese tech hub of Shenzhen.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.breitbart.com%2Fasia%2F2023%2F07%2F31%2Fintel-opens-innovation-plant-china-u-s-chip-wars%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
U.S. chipmaker Intel on Saturday announced the launch of its Greater Bay Area Innovation Center in the Chinese tech hub of Shenzhen.
The project, a partnership with the government of Shenzhen’s Nanshan district, arrives at a time when tensions between China and the United States are running high over semiconductor technology.
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) described Intel’s announcement as undermining the Biden administration’s chip policies, which include tougher restrictions on exporting products with potential military applications:
Intel is one of multiple US tech giants trying to maintain business in the world’s second-largest economy amid the souring of US-China ties that has seen Washington ramp up chip export restrictions. The tech war has also bolstered demand for electronic components in China, and for chips in particular. Intel CEO Patrick Gelsinger concluded a low-key trip to China earlier this month, his second to the country in three months. For the Shenzhen center, Intel will partner with six local tech firms including gadget maker Ugreen and fabless integrated circuit firms Senary Technology Group and Chipsea Technologies, which all signed an agreement with the chip giant during the launch event. The companies will set up multiple joint labs to research areas including low-carbon and energy-saving IT solutions, PC and server chips, and smart transport.
China has been attempting to develop its domestic chip industry to reduce its reliance on U.S. imports, an endeavor that will undoubtedly be assisted by Intel’s “innovation center” in Shenzhen.
“The new innovation center comes just two weeks after Intel launched a processor designed to train AI systems that meets U.S. export requirements so that it can be sold to Chinese clients. Many in the country are in dire need of advanced AI chips since the U.S. limits on the sale of semiconductors to China cut off access to Nvidia’s popular A100 and H100 graphic processing units,” the SCMP noted.
Intel and several other tech companies recently dispatched representatives to Washington to discuss the effect of export restrictions on their Chinese business operations. More restrictions could be coming, including a proposed tightening of rules for selling high-end chips to China’s tech giant Huawei — a major customer for the next-generation Intel A.I. chips mentioned by the SCMP.
“Many U.S. chip firms get more than one-fifth of their revenue from China, and industry executives have argued that reducing those sales would cut into profits that they reinvest into research and development,” Reuters reported in July.
Chinese officials in April pressured Intel to make bigger investments in China to “preserve the resilience of the global industrial supply chain” — in other words, to protect China from U.S. export restrictions and sanctions. The new Intel innovation center in Shenzhen was precisely the sort of cooperation Beijing had in mind.
In June, Chinese manufacturer Powerleader Computer System was accused of stealing old Intel technology to produce a new CPU chip. The Chinese company claimed Intel was a voluntary partner in developing the chip, even though the American company’s involvement had never been mentioned before.
In mid-July, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger visited China in an effort to persuade regulators to approve his company’s takeover bid for Tower Semiconductor Ltd., an acquisition that would give Intel a quick infusion of chip foundry market share.
The far-left New York Times (NYT) reported that an obscure Commerce Department agency called the Bureau of Industry and Security published “139 pages of dense bureaucratic jargon and minute technical detail” in October that amounted to a declaration of chip war on Beijing — an effort to “cripple China’s ability to produce, or even purchase, the highest-end chips,” with an eye toward thwarting China’s march to A.I. weapons.
“If the controls are successful, they could handicap China for a generation; if they fail, they may backfire spectacularly, hastening the very future the United States is trying desperately to avoid,” the NYT predicted, quoting experts who considered the October 7 publication of these chip restrictions to be an event of historic significance comparable to Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine.
It seems likely this chip war agenda did not envision major U.S. companies opening “innovation centers” in partnership with Chinese Communist municipal governments, with the clear goal of making China’s chip industry less dependent on American suppliers.
|
www.breitbart.com
|
Intel Opens ‘Innovation’ Plant in China amid U.S. Chip Wars
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.breitbart.com/asia/2023/07/31/intel-opens-innovation-plant-china-u-s-chip-wars/
|
|
[
"Neil Munro"
] |
2023-08-01 01:30:40+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:15:26
|
Hundreds of migrants are drowning in the Caribbean as they try to reach the welcome dangled by Biden and his pro-migration deputies.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.breitbart.com%2Fimmigration%2F2023%2F07%2F31%2Fhundreds-of-migrants-drown-as-joe-biden-dangles-open-borders-welcome%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
Hundreds of migrants — including many women and children — are drowning in the Caribbean as they try to reach the American life dangled by President Joe Biden and his pro-migration deputies, according to a report in the Washington Post.
“The U.N. Missing Migrants Project estimates at least 349 people either disappeared or died in Caribbean waters last year, nearly twice as many as the year before,” the Post reported on July 27, adding:
That’s the highest toll since the agency began tracking them in 2014 and is probably an undercount, said Edwin Viales, a data and research assistant for the U.N. project. “In the bottom of the Caribbean Sea,” Viales said, “there are thousands of remains of migrants who remain unidentified.”
Cuban-born Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas has enacted Biden’s Hunger Games-style policy. He repeatedly argues that the welcome policies are justified by “equity” between Americans and migrants and claims that Americans cannot fill the needed jobs in the U.S. economy.
Republicans “absolutely should be showing the public what the tragic consequences of these policies are” to both Americans and migrants, Jessica Vaughan, the policy director at the Center for Immigration Studies, told Breitbart News, adding:
They absolutely should be putting a human face on the consequences of these [easy migration] policies; they need to talk about this disaster in terms of the humans who are suffering from it … [because] there are some some Democrat politicians who are hearing it from constituents … The only opinions that Biden and [border chief Alejandro] Mayorkas care about — if there are any that they care about — are their donors and the political allies that they may need to accomplish other parts of their agenda.
The Post showed the face of two dead migrants as it described the 2022 deaths of at least 17 Haitians when their 33-foot boat sank while crossing the 50-mile gap between the Bahamas and Florida.
RELATED — SHOCK VIDEO: Nearly 400 People Rescued from “Unsafe, Overloaded” Haitian Sailboat
U.S. Coast Guard District 7
The Bahamanian coastal patrol force rescued 25 migrants of the roughly 65 passengers, said the Post, adding:
Authorities laid the bodies of the [recovered] dead facedown on a tarp and took photos. One of those images reached the cellphone of [Haitian native] Lenise Georges as she sat in a Nassau church pew and listened to Sunday services. There, on WhatsApp, was the body of her 43-year-old sister, Altanie Ivoy, a mother of three, in a pink zigzag shirt. Georges recognized her back and the shape of her arm, the elbow she’d known since they were children. Next to her, wearing red polka-dot pants, was Ivoy’s 1-year-old daughter Kourtney, who had just begun to say her first words. She was the only child on the boat.
The “migrants bear some responsibility for their own choices,” Vaughan said, adding:
But they are being enticed into these bad choices or dangerous choices by the [administration’s welcome] policy. Biden and Mayorkas and their allies in the media would like [Americans] to believe that this kind of migration is like a force of nature and inevitable and that we simply have to accommodate it, and there’s nothing that can be done about it. Because they do not want to bear any responsibility for the consequences or even to limit it. I don’t think it’s possible to shame Biden and Mayorkas and everyone else who is defending these policies. I don’t think they feel any shame over it. They’re going to keep doing it. They are diehards, like the sanctuary [city] mayors who — no matter how many people get harmed by a criminal who has been released by sanctuary policy — [just rationalize it] as an unintended consequence of the policy or deflect and blame something else. They won’t accept responsibility for these policies.
Most progressives hide the U.S and foreign body count created by their welcome for illegal economic migrants, said Vaughan:
They’re either in denial about or indifferent to the human consequences and the human tragedies that result from their policies, or they think that it is outweighed by what they think is a benefit to the United States for allowing this illegal migration.
Many more migrants have died on the Darien Gap trail or in the rivers and scrubland along the U.S. border with Mexico.
Some Republicans also dismiss the migrants’ deaths. When George W. Bush was governor of Texas, for example, he waved away the deaths of migrants in southern Texas. “Hell, if they’ll walk across Big Bend [in Texas], we want ‘em,” he told advisers, according to author Jan Reid.
The greatest damage of the migration, however, is inflicted on ordinary Americans.
A massive number of Americans lost wages and decent housing because of the economic chaos caused by Mayorkas’s huge migration.
Roughly 70,000 Americans died in 2022 from the drugs imported by Mexican cartels. So far, Biden’s deputies have not pressured Mexico’s government to crack down on the cartels — although they have just negotiated a migration-management deal with Mexico.
RELATED — DHS Chief Mayorkas Refuses to Support Designating Mexican Drug Cartels as “Foreign Terrorist Organization”
C-SPAN
Mayorkas and his allies defend the easy migration policies as safer for migrants than the alternative of being smuggled by the cartels. But Americans suffer more when Mayorkas welcomes more migrants through quasi-legal channels.
Moreover, Mayorkas has minimized the deportation of illegal migrants who take jobs. This enforcement loophole creates an incentive for myriad migrants to take expensive and often risky journeys to the United States border. For example, one of Mayorkas’s deputies told the Washington Post that water-born migration to Florida quadrupled in 2022.
“The wealthiest migrants rent boats and sail into Miami Beach undetected, wearing fancy watches and bathing suits,” the Post added.
Americans are not morally responsible for the migrants’ deaths, said Vaughan, because Biden’s deputies are defying the federal immigration law, even when testifying on the Hillills. “You have Mayorkas up there before Congress saying, ‘We have operational control [of the border] — as I define it.’ That’s a problem because he doesn’t get to define it; it is the law that defines it.”
“This is pure contempt for the law in an attempt to substitute his wishes for the law, no matter the consequences,” she added.
|
www.breitbart.com
|
Hundreds of Migrants Drown as Biden Dangles Open-Borders Welcome
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2023/07/31/hundreds-of-migrants-drown-as-joe-biden-dangles-open-borders-welcome/
|
|
[
"Pam Key"
] |
2023-08-01 01:30:34+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 23:49:33
|
Former CIA Director John Brennan said Monday on MSNBC's "Deadline" that it is "horrifying" former President Donald Trump is the leading Republican candidate for president. | Clips
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.breitbart.com%2Fclips%2F2023%2F07%2F31%2Fbrennan-horrifying-trump-is-the-leading-republican-candidate-for-president%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
Former CIA Director John Brennan said Monday on MSNBC’s “Deadline” that it is “horrifying” former President Donald Trump is the leading Republican candidate for president.
Guest anchor Ayman Mohyeldin asked, “How do you envision this ending, this saga of the national security lapse because of Donald Trump? Jack Smith waited to add this charge even though he’s had this Iran document and we’ve known about it and this could significantly add to Trump’s criminal exposure and how do you envision this particular situation ending?”
Brennan said, “What I find most horrifying is Donald Trump is the leading Republican candidate for president. It is clear that anybody who did this could not have achieved any type of security clearance, but he has the potential to be back in the White House and the Oval Office with access to the most sensitive secrets and the most sensitive national security information that our country has.”
He added, “So I know that our intelligence community and our law enforcement community and others are trying their best to try to understand the extent of the damage that has been done, but what I worry about is that somebody as reckless, as careless and irresponsible as Donald Trump continues to lead the Republican PAC in terms of the presidential election. That to me is what’s most concerning and most worrisome about our country’s national security in the future.
Follow Pam Key on Twitter @pamkeyNEN
|
www.breitbart.com
|
'Horrifying' Trump Is the Leading Republican Candidate for President
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2023/07/31/brennan-horrifying-trump-is-the-leading-republican-candidate-for-president/
|
|
[
"Joel B. Pollak"
] |
2023-08-01 01:30:52+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:13:20
|
Devon Archer's testimony implicated President Biden in a bribery scheme with a clear quid pro quo as well as a "stream of services."
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.breitbart.com%2Fpolitics%2F2023%2F07%2F31%2Fpollak-devon-archer-testimony-provides-evidence-of-bribery-implicating-joe-biden%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
The closed-door testimony Monday of former Hunter Biden business associate Devon Archer has produced evidence implicating President Joe Biden in a bribery scheme in which a foreign company paid his son in return for saving its “brand” from legal peril.
House Oversight Committee chair Rep. James Comer (R-KY) summarized Archer’s testimony in a press statement afterwards:
Devon Archer’s testimony today confirms Joe Biden lied to the American people when he said he had no knowledge about his son’s business dealings and was not involved. Joe Biden was “the brand” that his son sold around the world to enrich the Biden family. When Joe Biden was Vice President of the United States, he joined Hunter Biden’s dinners with his foreign business associates in person or by speakerphone over 20 times. When Burisma’s owner was facing pressure from the Ukrainian prosecutor investigating the company for corruption, Archer testified that Burisma executives asked Hunter to ‘call D.C.’ after a Burisma board meeting in Dubai.
Comer added:
In December 2015, Mykola Zlochevsky, the owner of Burisma, and Vadym Pozharski, an executive of Burisma, placed constant pressure on Hunter Biden to get help from D.C. regarding the Ukrainian prosecutor, Viktor Shokin. Shokin was investigating Burisma for corruption. Hunter Biden, along with Zlochevsky and Pozharski, “called D.C.” to discuss the matter. Biden, Zlochevsky, and Pozharski stepped away to make the call. This raises concerns that Hunter Biden was in violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
Archer’s testimony about Shokin confirms the Republican version of events explaining Joe Biden’s bizarre boast in 2018 that he had Shokin fired. Democrats tried to argue, during the 2019 impeachment investigation of then-President Trump, that Shokin was himself corrupt, and that his firing was “the position of the U.S. government and basically the entire global community.” But Trump’s version of events — that because of “Biden’s son, that Biden stopped the prosecution” — turns out to have been correct.
This is the “quid pro quo” in the allegation that Joe Biden, through his family, took bribes from foreign companies, using his son as a conduit. Even without an explicit quid pro quo, however, there are also legal grounds for prosecuting bribery based on a so-called “stream of services” over time. As Fox News, via the New York Post, noted:
[F]ormer FBI official Chris Swecker, who led the bureau’s criminal investigations division from 2004 to 2006, said that things didn’t look good for President Biden, noting the many alleged speakerphone calls. “As head of the criminal division, we saw this quite a bit in bribery cases, it’s called stream of services,” Swecker told Fox News as Archer left Capitol Hill. “You sell access or something of value and you get something back in return, but it’s not an express quid pro quo. It’s just an understanding but if you can match up the services within a reasonable period of time, with the thing of benefit, in this case, $10 million, or whatever it is, then you then you have bribery,” Swecker said.
President Biden would not be saved just because the money went to his son instead of to him; politicians are routinely convicted of bribery for arrangements benefiting their relatives.
Even Democrats now admit that Joe Biden did speak to Hunter Biden’s business associates. They can no longer ignore the facts.
As Breitbart News noted in January, March, June, and July, sufficient evidence already existed to support an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden for bribery, one of two offenses specifically enumerated in the Constitution as impeachable.
Archer’s testimony provides an explicit quid pro quo implicating Joe Biden. The Department of Justice, which would have granted a sweetheart plea deal to Hunter Biden to keep him from being investigated for any of these deals, cannot be trusted.
Only a congressional committee with the subpoena powers of an impeachment inquiry can uncover the truth about the Bidens.
Joel B. Pollak is Senior Editor-at-Large at Breitbart News and the host of Breitbart News Sunday on Sirius XM Patriot on Sunday evenings from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT). He is the author of the recent e-book, Neither Free nor Fair: The 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. His recent book, RED NOVEMBER, tells the story of the 2020 Democratic presidential primary from a conservative perspective. He is a winner of the 2018 Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship. Follow him on Twitter at @joelpollak.
|
www.breitbart.com
|
Pollak: Devon Archer Testimony Provides Evidence of Bribery, Implicating Joe Biden
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/07/31/pollak-devon-archer-testimony-provides-evidence-of-bribery-implicating-joe-biden/
|
|
[
"John Binder"
] |
2023-08-01 01:30:46+00:00
|
_
|
2023-08-01 00:53:53
|
Mayor Eric Adams (D) is calling on Biden to "control the border," warning that "there is no more room" in New York City for illegal aliens.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.breitbart.com%2Fpolitics%2F2023%2F07%2F31%2Fmayor-eric-adams-joe-biden-must-control-the-border-because-there-is-no-more-room-in-nyc%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) is calling on President Joe Biden to “control the border,” warning that “there is no more room” in the city for border crossers and illegal aliens.
Since the spring of last year, more than 90,000 border crossers and illegal aliens have arrived in New York City. Under Adams’ vast migrant hotel scheme, thousands have been put up for free in luxury hotels like the Roosevelt Hotel, but room has since run out, spurring migrants to flood out onto the city streets.
The Roosevelt Hotel NYC
100s of migrants are sleeping outside of the hotel due to no more rooms at the hotel. Some have been out here since 10 am . This is extremely dangerous, and NYC can't handle this migrant crisis.
🎥 by @LeeroyPress
For licensing email… pic.twitter.com/TXS6i5Mxlu — Viral News NYC (@ViralNewsNYC) July 29, 2023
The Roosevelt Hotel NYC
Chaos erupts at the hotel when migrants try to rush the door of the hotel. Security and the NYPD keep the crowd from going in
🎥 by @LeeroyPress
For licensing email viralnewsnyc@gmail.com pic.twitter.com/zbsow9BSMA — Viral News NYC (@ViralNewsNYC) July 30, 2023
During a press conference on Monday, Adams called on Biden to “control the border” and called the waves of illegal immigration under the president’s watch a “national crisis” that needs to be addressed with a state of emergency declaration.
“We need to control the border. We need to call a state of emergency, and we need to properly fund this national crisis,” Adams said, suggesting that the future for New Yorkers is grim, as there are no signs showing the migrant surge to the city will end anytime soon:
We need help. And it’s not going to get any better. From this moment on it’s downhill. There is no more room. I was at the Roosevelt on Saturday, and I went there on Sunday. They lined up around the block, hurting the businesses there; this is not going to get better. We put buses there for cooling systems, but it is just not sustainable. And I’m just real. [Emphasis added]
WATCH: Migrants Sleep On Sanctuary New York City Streets
Saul Acevedo
Adams, though, said he did not want New York City to devolve into a state of chaos like other sanctuary cities such as San Francisco, California, and Seattle, Washington, where tent cities have wrecked the quality of life for residents.
“We have to localize this madness. We have to figure out a way of how we don’t have what’s in other municipalities where you have tent cities all over the city,” Adams said.
In the coming days and weeks, Adams said his office will unveil the “next phase” for the city’s handling of illegal immigration that ultimately grapples with the fact that “there’s no more room indoors.”
“I can assure you that this city is not going to look like other cities where there are tents up and down every street,” Adams said.
Also on Monday, local officials and Queens residents held a protest in opposition to plans by Adams’ office that would have 1,000 single male migrants put into a tent city on the grounds of the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center.
Was proud to stand with the people of Eastern Queens against the proposed migrant tent city in their community. Migrant shelters don’t belong near schools. I will fight to control our border. pic.twitter.com/zGZwLk9DgH — Daniel Norber (@NorberForNY) July 31, 2023
For New Yorkers, illegal immigration is set to cost billions.
Every day, for instance, illegal immigration is costing New Yorkers nearly $8 million, and by the middle of next year, Adams predicts it will have cost locals more than $4.2 billion.
John Binder is a reporter for Breitbart News. Email him at jbinder@breitbart.com. Follow him on Twitter here.
|
www.breitbart.com
|
Biden Must 'Control the Border,' 'No More Room' in NYC
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2023/07/31/mayor-eric-adams-joe-biden-must-control-the-border-because-there-is-no-more-room-in-nyc/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:45:22+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-31 20:33:53
|
A gag order requested by prosecutors in the case of Karen Read, the woman charged with second-degree murder in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer...
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcboston.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fjudge-denies-gag-order-in-karen-read-case-that-was-requested-by-prosecution%2F3102555%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
A gag order requested by prosecutors in the case of Karen Read, the woman charged with second-degree murder in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, was denied by a judge on Monday.
Read is accused of killing O'Keefe on Jan. 29, 2022, after a night out at the bar. Police said she ran him over with her SUV while dropping him off at a house party in Canton, after they had been arguing. Her attorneys have argued that someone else had to have killed O'Keefe and alleged a coverup.
The case's rising media attention has recently become a part of the legal arguments. Prosecutors filed a motion last Tuesday asking her and her attorneys to stop speaking to the media.
The latest hearing in the murder case of Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, came a day after a part of an exclusive "Dateline" interview with Read aired on the TODAY show.
Get Boston local news, weather forecasts, lifestyle and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Boston’s newsletters.
Judge Beverly Cannone said in her ruling Monday that, "Although it is true that the statements by the defendant's counsel cited by the Commonwealth are arguably inflammatory and appear to have fueled much of the publicity in this case, the Court does not find, at this time, that there is a substantial likelihood that the statements will materially prejudice the proceedings."
"The statements at issue can generally be characterized as responses to the accusations against the defendant and as pertaining to the theory of her defense. They are therefore permitted under the rules," the judge wrote. "Further the likelihood that they could cause any material prejudice is minimized by the fact that no trial date has been scheduled."
The court did note that the defense counsel's statements to the media "have at times arguably crossed the line of permissibility."
Going forward, the judge said the defense counsel should ensure that "their statements are limited in conformity with the rules." She also said neither side should interpret Monday's decision as precluding a future court order limiting counsel's statements.
Karen Read, who's been charged with killing her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O'Keefe with her SUV in Canton, Mass., said that when she found his body, "I was the only one trying to save his life"
The prosecution has said the defense is taking a "trial by media' strategy by sharing what they call unsubstantiated claims that could risk the impartiality of potential jurors. Assistant Norfolk District Attorney Adam Lally said last week that he found out about some motions made by the defense from his press officer, because they'd been shared in the media before they were filed in court, and also said that some witnesses have been harassed and intimidated.
One of Read's lawyers, David Yannetti, took umbrage over the motion and said that the prosecution has been able to speak publicly about the case, leading to a public pronouncement from Boston police after Read's arrest that O'Keefe's killer had been caught — damaging her reputation before she had a chance to make her case in the court of public opinion.
"They were quite happy with the press this case was getting when it was in their favor," Yannetti said.
In an interview with "Dateline" that aired on the TODAY show, Karen Read said she dropped off O'Keefe and drove home assuming that he went inside. The next morning, she said she went back looking for him and found his body in the snow in front of the home.
"His eyes were swollen shut. He had blood dripping out of his nose," Read said to "Dateline" correspondent Dennis Murphy.
"I have an innocent client, period," defense attorney Alan Jackson told NBC. "John walked into an element of hostility in that house. John O'Keefe got out of a car, walked into the house, was sucker punched, fell, hurt himself, and then ultimately his body was moved."
An air date for the upcoming "Dateline" episode has not been announced.
Prosecutors in the Karen Read case are firing back saying her defense team is on a fishing expedition as Read's lawyers continue to push a theory that Read is being framed in the death of her boyfriend Boston police officer John O'Keefe.
|
www.nbcboston.com
|
Judge denies gag order in Karen Read case
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/judge-denies-gag-order-in-karen-read-case-that-was-requested-by-prosecution/3102555/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 00:45:28+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-27 18:08:10
|
An arrest warrant has been issued for Travis J. Moseley, 23, of Portsmouth, the man police believe is responsible for the acts of vandalism
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcboston.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fman-wanted-for-smashing-car-windows-in-new-hampshire%2F3100195%2F.json
|
en
|
_
|
_
|
www.nbcboston.com
|
Man wanted for smashing car windows in New Hampshire
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/man-wanted-for-smashing-car-windows-in-new-hampshire/3100195/
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:20:00+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 00:00:00
|
See the official race results for the CL horse race at Del Mar on 30/07/2023.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.racenet.com.au%2Fresults%2Fhorse-racing%2Fdel-mar-us-20230730%2Frace-6-claiming-race-6.json
|
en
|
_
|
_
|
www.racenet.com.au
|
Del Mar Results
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.racenet.com.au/results/horse-racing/del-mar-us-20230730/race-6-claiming-race-6
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:21:20+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 00:00:00
|
See the official race results for the CL horse race at Hipodromo Chile on 30/07/2023.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.racenet.com.au%2Fresults%2Fhorse-racing%2Fhipodromo-chile-cl-20230730%2Frace-10-inca-toro-race-10.json
|
en
|
_
|
_
|
www.racenet.com.au
|
Hipodromo Chile Results
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.racenet.com.au/results/horse-racing/hipodromo-chile-cl-20230730/race-10-inca-toro-race-10
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:26:25+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-29 00:00:00
|
See the official race results for the CL horse race at Kochi on 29/07/2023.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.racenet.com.au%2Fresults%2Fhorse-racing%2Fkochi-jp-20230729%2Frace-1-cond-race-1.json
|
en
|
_
|
_
|
www.racenet.com.au
|
Kochi Results
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.racenet.com.au/results/horse-racing/kochi-jp-20230729/race-1-cond-race-1
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:15:49+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-29 00:00:00
|
See the official race results for the CL6 horse race at Busan on 29/07/2023.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.racenet.com.au%2Fresults%2Fhorse-racing%2Fbusan-kr-20230729%2Fclass-6-special-weight-a-race-3.json
|
en
|
_
|
_
|
www.racenet.com.au
|
Busan Results
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.racenet.com.au/results/horse-racing/busan-kr-20230729/class-6-special-weight-a-race-3
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:15:23+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-29 00:00:00
|
See the official race results for the CL5Hcp horse race at Busan on 29/07/2023.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.racenet.com.au%2Fresults%2Fhorse-racing%2Fbusan-kr-20230729%2Fclass-5-handicap-race-4.json
|
en
|
_
|
_
|
www.racenet.com.au
|
Busan Results
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.racenet.com.au/results/horse-racing/busan-kr-20230729/class-5-handicap-race-4
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:21:13+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 00:00:00
|
See the official race results for the CL horse race at Hipodromo Chile on 30/07/2023.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.racenet.com.au%2Fresults%2Fhorse-racing%2Fhipodromo-chile-cl-20230730%2Frace-1-isidoro-race-1.json
|
en
|
_
|
_
|
www.racenet.com.au
|
Hipodromo Chile Results
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.racenet.com.au/results/horse-racing/hipodromo-chile-cl-20230730/race-1-isidoro-race-1
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:21:34+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 00:00:00
|
See the official race results for the CL horse race at Hipodromo Chile on 30/07/2023.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.racenet.com.au%2Fresults%2Fhorse-racing%2Fhipodromo-chile-cl-20230730%2Frace-12-ilight-race-12.json
|
en
|
_
|
_
|
www.racenet.com.au
|
Hipodromo Chile Results
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.racenet.com.au/results/horse-racing/hipodromo-chile-cl-20230730/race-12-ilight-race-12
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:24:12+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 00:00:00
|
See the official race results for the RTG 70+ Handicap horse race at Kalgoorlie on 30/07/2023.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.racenet.com.au%2Fresults%2Fhorse-racing%2Fkalgoorlie-20230730%2Fdwe-electrical-handicap-race-3.json
|
en
|
_
|
_
|
www.racenet.com.au
|
R3 RTG 70+ Handicap
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.racenet.com.au/results/horse-racing/kalgoorlie-20230730/dwe-electrical-handicap-race-3
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:17:47+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-29 00:00:00
|
See the official race results for the CLMd horse race at Clairefontaine on 29/07/2023.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.racenet.com.au%2Fresults%2Fhorse-racing%2Fclairefontaine-fr-20230729%2Fdes-naiades-maiden-stakes-race-1.json
|
en
|
_
|
_
|
www.racenet.com.au
|
Clairefontaine Results
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.racenet.com.au/results/horse-racing/clairefontaine-fr-20230729/des-naiades-maiden-stakes-race-1
|
|
[] |
2023-08-01 01:13:56+00:00
|
_
|
2023-07-30 00:00:00
|
See the official race results for the Maiden Plte horse race at bet365 Bairnsdale on 30/07/2023.
|
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.racenet.com.au%2Fresults%2Fhorse-racing%2Fbet365-bairnsdale-20230730%2Flife-members-of-lindenow-racing-club-maiden-plate-race-1.json
|
en
|
_
|
_
|
www.racenet.com.au
|
bet365 Bairnsdale
|
_
|
_
|
https://www.racenet.com.au/results/horse-racing/bet365-bairnsdale-20230730/life-members-of-lindenow-racing-club-maiden-plate-race-1
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.