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A forecaster says ripe avalanche conditions are expected to persist across much of British Columbia for the rest of the week. Large swaths of the province, stretching from the coast to the Alberta boundary, are under “considerable” or “moderate” avalanche danger warnings. Tyson Rettie with Avalanche Canada says the conditions are largely a result of a series of storms that have lead to temperature fluctuations and significant amounts of snow at high elevation points. “We’ve seen a pattern of a storm every 18 hours or so on the coast for over a week now,” Rettie said in an interview Tuesday. “Every time the storm comes through, it deposits significant amounts of snow, often with strong or extreme winds.” He said storms like these deposit wind and storm slabs, or layers of snow, on mountains. These deposits bond together on top of existing layers of snow, Rettie said, and when the top slab is stronger than the layer beneath it, the greater the risk for an avalanche. “We’re seeing formation of both storm and wind slabs that are large enough to justify a ‘considerable hazard’ (warning),” he said. “Even just the new snow itself can form what we call a storm slab problem or a wind slab problem.” As of Tuesday afternoon, Avalanche Canada had a “considerable hazard” warning covering Vancouver Island, a stretch of coastal B.C. from Powell River to Pemberton in the east, and more areas. There were also significant areas of the province covered under “moderate hazard” avalanche warnings. One of these moderate areas is east of Pemberton towards Lillooet, and Rettie noted a few avalanches have been reported in the area over the past week. On Monday, four backcountry skiers were buried in an avalanche on Ipsoot Mountain north of Whistler, B.C., and a fifth was partially buried. All were rescued. B.C. Emergency Health Services said in a statement that three of the skiers were transported to hospital in stable condition, while the other two didn’t require hospitalization. Premier David Eby shared his appreciation for the first responders in a social media post, calling it “an incredible rescue.” Const. Antoine Graebling with the Whistler RCMP detachment said the avalanche was a 2.5 on a five-point scale, which means it was large enough to seriously injure or kill people. Graebling said his detachment hasn’t been notified of any other avalanches. But he and Rettie both said conditions can change daily. “Each of these storms is bringing a significant amount of precipitation, often warmer temperatures and strong or extreme wind speeds,” Rettie said. “The more intense the storm, the higher the danger.” He said the storm pattern is expected to continue near the coast for the rest of this week. “The timing and intensity of it is a bit uncertain. But at least over the next three days, we’re expecting a couple of significant storms to impact the coast,” he said. He encouraged backcountry skiers to check the Avalanche Canada forecasts, which are updated daily, before they hit the slopes.

Are Prince William and Kate Middleton's children George, Charlotte and Louis allowed to keep gifts handed to them by well-wishers on Christmas Day?

Stock market today: Wall Street slips as the 'Magnificent 7' weighs down the market

Share Tweet Share Share Email This is an interview with Manasvini Krishna , Founder, Boss as a Service Manasvini, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming an expert in remote work? I’m a lawyer by training, but a coder and entrepreneur by passion and profession. I work on several different products at once—most of them centered around improving people’s productivity and accountability—so I can say I have some experience in making a remote working experience more effective and creating some strategies to keep it smooth-sailing. What key experiences have shaped your perspective on the benefits and challenges of remote work? I think for most working professionals anywhere in the world, COVID-19 was the biggest challenge and opportunity in remote working. From my own experience of working from home during the pandemic, I can say that the benefits and challenges of remote working are subjective—not everyone will have the same kind of issues in getting technology access, isolation, productivity, and focus. But no matter what situation you are in, there are a few simple things you can try to keep this system going well. This includes creating a detailed schedule, getting an accountability partner, or body doubling. You’ve previously mentioned the concept of ‘body doubling’ for productivity. How else can remote workers combat feelings of isolation and maintain a strong work-life balance? Isolation leads to a loss of motivation, which can affect your productivity and outcomes. Apart from body-doubling, going to a co-working space can be effective in preventing this feeling of being alone. If you’d rather stay at home, doing something simple like turning on instrumental music or “white noise” on the television can be helpful too, provided it is not distracting. Transitioning from an office environment to a home office can be challenging. What are some common pitfalls remote workers should be aware of, and how can they be avoided? One thing I think most workers don’t realize until they’ve started remote jobs is the shift in mindset they need. When you work in an office, you are in a professional environment, wearing “smart” clothes, and have a set schedule for the day. This changes when you are at home in your “comfy” pajamas and appear to have the whole day to do work and run personal errands. You need to consciously remind yourself that work needs to be done, even if you are not “in-office.” Many people believe that a dedicated workspace is essential for remote work success. What are your thoughts on this, and what tips do you have for creating a productive and inspiring home office environment? A dedicated workspace is absolutely beneficial for people who can set one up. Not only does it improve your focus when you’re working, but it also helps you create an invisible divide between your own work mode and relaxed mode, so you are able to change gears and have a better work-life balance. This workspace doesn’t need to be fancy—all you need is a desk, a point to plug in your devices, fresh air, sunlight, and enough distance from distractions. An added bonus would be motivational posters to keep you happy and focused while working. Technology plays a crucial role in facilitating remote work. What are your essential tech tools or software recommendations for effective communication and collaboration within a remote team? Slack, I think, is the most popular tool out there for remote teams. Others I would recommend are Notion, which lets you set up an internal portal for the team, and Trello, which lets a team create and edit kanban boards with tasks. Building a strong company culture can be more challenging with a dispersed team. How can leaders foster a sense of community and connection among remote employees? One thing leaders need to understand is that all the in-office strategies will not work for remote teams. Virtual “stand-ups” have replaced daily morning meetings and check-ins, but you need to ask yourself whether there may be times when they take away from productivity rather than add to it. Another strategy would be to keep employees motivated and help them bond by introducing “challenges”–set a monthly work or personal goal for the employees and let them track each other’s progress. The key here would be to not make it feel like “work”–let them have a bit of fun with it to help the community develop organically. What final piece of advice would you give to someone considering making the switch to remote work or those looking to thrive in a remote work environment? Remote work is subjective—just make sure you understand all of its benefits and challenges before you make the transition. Even if it does not start right, actively work to create a system that works for you, and bring in some novelty to stop it from getting monotonous. Related Items: Manasvini Krishna , Remote work , Remote Work Productivity , work life balance Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Unified Endpoint Management Solutions: The Key to Become Remote-First 5 Typical Issues Managers Have With Remote Work Remote Work Is Here to Stay. But How Will Companies Evolve? CommentsChase to break 96-year-old record in hands for India to win MCG TestMinisters have been accused of "burying their heads in the sand" about the potential benefits of a youth mobility scheme with the EU . Despite repeatedly citing economic growth as a number one priority , the Treasury and Home Office have refused to conduct an assessment of how a deal for young people to live and work across the bloc could boost the economy. Despite repeated requests, Sir Keir Starmer ’s cabinet have refused to look into the potential economic benefits of a deal with Brussels, or with the countries Britain has already signed agreements with. Liberal Democrat EU spokesman James MacCleary said: “It’s astonishing that ministers are burying their heads in the sand over the potential benefits of a youth mobility scheme with the EU. Such a scheme would not only deliver economic benefits but also help businesses address labour shortages in key sectors such as hospitality. “Young people contribute significantly to the economy while living and working here, and for a government that claims to prioritise growth, refusing even to assess this opportunity is deeply disappointing.” Asked to conduct an impact assessment of the UK’s existing youth mobility schemes, which include ones with Japan, Australia and New Zealand, Home Office minister Seema Malhotra declined. She said the schemes are “not designed, nor intended, to be a route for economic growth or to address any specific labour shortages”. It comes after the EU’s former chief negotiator piled pressure on Sir Keir to strike a deal with Brussels that would allow young people to live and work in Europe as part of his much-hyped post- Brexit reset. In a policy brief setting out the potential future EU-UK relationship, Ignacio Garcia Bercero called on the prime minister to strike an agreement on youth mobility and cultural facilitation as part of a series of deals with Brussels to complement the existing trade and cooperation agreement (TCA), which currently governs trade with the bloc. Sir Keir has so far ruled out agreeing to such a scheme, which would let under-30s live, study and work across the bloc for a period, despite it being one of the EU’s top priorities in renewed talks. When Britain was part of the EU, freedom of movement allowed people to live and work freely across the bloc. The deal on offer from Brussels would let British people live and work in Europe, with Europeans welcome to do the same in Britain, for two or three years. Emma Knaggs, Deputy CEO, European Movement UK, said: "The potential benefits of a Youth Mobility deal are huge. There is no price you can put on the opportunity for young people to experience cultural, educational and social exchanges by living and studying in other countries. That does not mean there aren’t also measurable economic benefits for the UK to be found in such a scheme, and it’s right that the Government should assess the potential economic boost that reaching an agreement with the EU could bring. “The UK has youth mobility schemes with 13 other countries - including Australia and Japan - so it makes sense to have one with our nearest neighbours and closest partners. And it makes sense to analyse the boost that could bring to our struggling economy. Dismissing the idea of reciprocal youth mobility simply means letting down British young people who face all sorts of difficulties and have seen their horizons curtailed by Brexit. Young people want and deserve the chance to study or work in Europe. The government owes it to them to make sure they get that chance." A government spokesman said: “There are no plans for a Youth Mobility Scheme and we will not return to freedom of movement.”

Smart Home Healthcare Market to See Rapid Expansion Over the Next Decade 2024-2032 12-19-2024 08:18 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Cognate Insights Smart Home Healthcare Market Latest Market Overview The global smart home healthcare market is projected to reach USD 62.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 15.3% from USD 22.5 billion in 2024. Rising demand for home-based healthcare solutions, coupled with advancements in IoT-enabled devices, has driven substantial growth. Key drivers include the aging global population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the growing adoption of smart technologies for personalized healthcare solutions. The Smart Home Healthcare Market has experienced steady growth in recent years and is expected to continue expanding at a strong pace from 2024 to 2032. This analysis offers a comprehensive overview, providing valuable insights into key trends and developments within the Smart Home Healthcare industry. These findings equip business leaders with the necessary knowledge to devise more effective strategies and enhance profitability. Furthermore, the report serves as a useful resource for new and emerging businesses, helping them make informed decisions as they navigate the market and seek growth opportunities. Major Players of Smart Home Healthcare Market are: Philips Healthcare: Netherlands, Revenue: USD 21.2 billion (2023) Honeywell Life Care Solutions: USA, Revenue: USD 8.9 billion (2023) GE Healthcare: USA, Revenue: USD 20.1 billion (2023) Resideo Technologies: USA, Revenue: USD 6.2 billion (2023) Medtronic: Ireland, Revenue: USD 31.7 billion (2023) Get Latest PDF Sample Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/request-sample/smart-home-healthcare-market-research Our Report covers global as well as regional markets and provides an in-depth analysis of the overall growth prospects of the market. Global market trend analysis including historical data, estimates to 2024, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) forecast to 2032 is given based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market segments involving economic and non-economic factors. Furthermore, it reveals the comprehensive competitive landscape of the global market, the current and future market prospects of the industry, and the growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and constraints in emerging and emerging markets. Global Smart Home Healthcare Market Landscape and Future Pathways: North America: United States Canada Europe: Germany France U.K. Italy Russia Asia-Pacific: China Japan South Korea India Australia China Taiwan Indonesia Thailand Malaysia Latin America: Mexico Brazil Argentina Korea Colombia Middle East & Africa: Turkey Saudi Arabia UAE Korea Speak to Our Analyst for A Discussion on The Above Findings, And Ask for A Discount on The Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/check-discount/smart-home-healthcare-market-research Key drivers and challenges influencing the Smart Home Healthcare market: Regional Analysis: The report involves examining the Smart Home Healthcare market at a regional or national level. Report analyses regional factors such as government incentives, infrastructure development, economic conditions, and consumer behaviour to identify variations and opportunities within different markets. Market Projections: Report covers the gathered data and analysis to make future projections and forecasts for the Smart Home Healthcare market. This may include estimating market growth rates, predicting market demand, and identifying emerging trends. Company Analysis: Report covers individual Smart Home Healthcare manufacturers, suppliers, and other relevant industry players. This analysis includes studying their financial performance, market positioning, product portfolios, partnerships, and strategies. Consumer Analysis: Report covers data on consumer behaviour, preferences, and attitudes towards Smart Home Healthcare This may involve surveys, interviews, and analysis of consumer reviews and feedback from different by Application. Technology Analysis: Report covers specific technologies relevant to Smart Home Healthcare. It assesses the current state, advancements, and potential future developments in Smart Home Healthcare areas. Reason to Buy this Report: -Analysis of the impact of technological advancements on the market and the emerging trends shaping the industry in the coming years. -Examination of the regulatory and policy changes affecting the market and the implications of these changes for market participants. -Overview of the competitive landscape in the Smart Home Healthcare market, including profiles of the key players, their market share, and strategies for growth. -Identification of the major challenges facing the market, such as supply chain disruptions, environmental concerns, and changing consumer preferences, and analysis of how these challenges will affect market growth. -Evaluation of the potential of new products and applications in the market, and analysis of the investment opportunities for market participants. For In-Depth Competitive Analysis - Purchase this Report now at @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/purchase-report/smart-home-healthcare-market-research Contact Us: Cognate Insights Web: www.cognateinsights.com Email: info@cognateinsights.com Phone: +91 8424946476 About Us: We are leaders in market analytics, business research, and consulting services for Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, financial & government institutions. Since we understand the criticality of data and insights, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. To be at our client's disposal whenever they need help on market research and consulting services. We also aim to be their business partners when it comes to making critical business decisions around new market entry, M&A, competitive Intelligence and strategy. This release was published on openPR.EAM Jaishankar, foreign secretary engage with Biden admin, team Trump

Naperville Township mental health funding available to qualified service providersLOS ANGELES , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cadiz, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDZI / CDZIP) ("Cadiz," the "Company"), a California water solutions company, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared the following cash dividend on the Company's 8.875% Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (the "Series A Preferred Stock"). Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will receive a cash dividend equal to $560.00 per whole share. Holders of depositary shares, each representing a 1/1000 fractional interest in a share of Series A Preferred Stock (Nasdaq: CDZIP), will receive a cash dividend equal to $0.56 per depositary share. The dividend will be paid on January 15, 2025 , to applicable holders of record as of the close of business on January 3, 2025 . About Cadiz, Inc. Founded in 1983, Cadiz, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDZI) is a California water solutions company dedicated to providing access to clean, reliable and affordable water for people through a unique combination of water supply, storage, pipeline and treatment solutions. With 45,000 acres of land in California , 2.5 million acre-feet of water supply, 220 miles of pipeline assets and the most cost-effective water treatment filtration technology in the industry, Cadiz offers a full suite of solutions to address the impacts of climate change on clean water access. For more information, please visit https://www.cadizinc.com . Safe Harbor Statement This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "anticipates", "expect", "may", "plan", or "will". Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections, predictions, expectations, or beliefs about future events or results and are not statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the Company's expectations regarding payments of dividends in the future. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These and other risks are identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), including without limitation our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings subsequently made by the Company with the Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management's assumptions and estimates as of such date. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events or otherwise. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cadiz-inc-declares-quarterly-dividend-for-q4-2024-on-series-a-cumulative-perpetual-preferred-stock-302339009.html SOURCE Cadiz, Inc.

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins LLP reminds investors that a class action was filed on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Five9, Inc. (NASDAQ: FIVN) securities, including call options, between June 4, 2024 and August 8, 2024. Five9 provides software for a cloud-based contact center. For more information, submit a form , email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003. The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that Five9, Inc. (FIVN) Misled Investors Regarding its Sales Execution and Efficiency Issues According to the complaint, during the class period, defendants failed to disclose that: (i) Five9’s net new business was not “strong irrespective of the macro” and was, in fact, hampered by macroeconomic issues such as constrained and scrutinized customer budgets; (ii) Five9 was in the midst of a challenging bookings quarter due, in part, to sales execution and efficiency issues, and the Company was not “seeing very strong bookings momentum”; and (iii) Defendants did not have “enough information in terms of [their] existing customers that are going live” such that the statements that Five9 would see a positive inflection in its dollar-based retention rate lacked a reasonable basis. Plaintiff alleges that on August 8, 2024, Five9 released its second quarter 2024 financial results in which the Company reduced its annual revenue guidance due to “recent bookings trends and the uncertain economic conditions.” During the earnings call held that same day, the Company revealed it “had a challenging bookings quarter” due to “constrained and scrutinized” customer budgets and sales execution issues. Defendants announced remedial changes to address Five9’s sales execution and efficiency issues. It was further revealed that “Q2 new logo bookings came in softer than expected” and that the Company was “no longer assuming” a dollar-based retention rate inflection in the second half of the year because of a “more muted seasonality in our service bookings[.]” On this news, Five9’s common stock price dropped over 26%, from $42.47 per share on August 8, 2024 to $31.22 per share on August 9, 2024. What Now: You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Five9, Inc. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their application to the court by February 3, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here . All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Robbins LLP: Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Robbins LLP does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. To be notified if a class action against Five9, Inc. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1fe5526f-ab2a-4e9b-b72d-5bc1058e1011

Geo Fact Check looks into claims of PTI supporters deaths during Islamabad protest

NoneAs the new year quickly approaches, many people are likely to be re-evaluating their work-life balance and looking for jobs that will provide them financial security and peace of mind. On December 16, Resume Genius released its list of the highest-paying jobs that also reported low levels of stress . Their study describes “low-stress jobs” as ones that typically require fewer demands, more predictable work hours, supportive environments, and manageable workloads. In some cases, these jobs also allow more remote options. Not only are these jobs considered to be less stressful, they also pay well. “Heading into 2025, prioritizing mental health in the workplace is essential for job seekers to feel more at ease,” said Eva Chan, a career expert at Resume Genius. “With remote work and hybrid setups becoming the norm, work-life boundaries are increasingly blurred. Our report on low-stress, high-paying jobs shows you don’t have to sacrifice a competitive salary to achieve a healthier work-life balance. With the right role, it’s possible to thrive both financially and mentally.” All of the jobs on the list require the person to have at least a Bachelor’s degree. The list was compiled using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the career site O*NET Online . The high-stress jobs were filtered out using O*NET and then cross-referenced against the BLS’s Occupational Outlook Handbook with the national median salary set at $48,060 and viewing jobs that showed “faster-than-average growth.” Here are the jobs ranked by salary: Water source specialists make a median annual salary of $157,740. There were 100,100 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of 8 percent within the next 10 years. The only requirement is to have a Bachelor’s degree. A water source specialist monitors both regional and municipal water supplies to make sure the water is clean and sustainably managed. Astronomers make a median annual salary of $149,530. There were 23,500 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of 7 percent within the next 10 years. The education required is typically a doctoral or professional degree. Astronomers study stars, planets, and other space-related incidents. Their job is largely based on research in an academic setting. Actuaries make a median annual salary of 120,000. There were 30,200 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of 22 percent within the next 10 years. The education required is typically only a Bachelor’s degree. Actuaries analyze financial risks using math, statistics, and other financial data. Environmental economists make a median annual salary of $115,730. There were 17,500 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of five percent within the next 10 years. The education required is typically a Master’s degree. Environmental economists typically work with governments or other organizations to evaluate the costs and benefits of specific sustainable projects. Mathematicians make a median annual salary of $104,860. There were 34,800 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of 11 percent within the next 10 years. The education required is typically a Master’s degree. Computer systems analysts make a median annual salary of $103,800. There were 527,200 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of 11 percent within the next 10 years. The education requirement is typically a Bachelor’s degree. Computer systems analysts aim to help businesses make the most out of the technology they use such as software and computers. Fuel cell engineers make a median annual salary of $99,510. There were 291,900 in 2023 with an expected growth of 11 percent within the next 10 years. The education requirement is typically a Bachelor’s degree. A fuel cell engineer designs, develops, and improves systems that generate clean energy for vehicles, buildings, and other applications. Remote sensing scientists and technologists make a median annual salary of $92,580. There were 26,000 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of five percent within the next 10 years. The education requirement is typically a Bachelor’s degree. Remote sensing scientists and technologists use satellite data to analyze various problems such as climate change and urban planning. Geographers make a median annual salary of $90,880. There were 1,600 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of three percent within the next 10 years. The education requirement is typically a Bachelor’s degree. Geographers study the Earth and the distribution of its land, features, and inhabitants with their studies being used to enhance aspects of urban planning and disaster management. Transportation planners make a median annual salary of $81,800. There were 45,200 jobs in 2023 with an expected growth of four percent within the next 10 years. The education requirement is typically a Master’s degree. Transportation planners come up with solutions to various transportation-related problems such as traffic and making cities more bike-accessible.

Cabinet approval has been granted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of India to facilitate cooperation in sharing successful digital solutions for digital transformation, Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced. Addressing the media during the weekly Cabinet briefing at the Government Information Department, Minister Jayatissa stated that the partnership would enable Sri Lanka to benefit from India’s expertise in e-governance, financial technology strategies, Artificial Intelligence and digital infrastructure. As a global leader in information technology and digital innovation, India’s specialist knowledge is expected to significantly contribute to Sri Lanka’s digital transformation efforts. A preliminary agreement has already been reached to sign the MoU between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Digital Economy and India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. This collaboration aims to foster institutional cooperation between the two countries, particularly in building the capacity of officers and implementing digital transformation solutions. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Digital Economy Minister to proceed with signing the proposed MoU.Continuity

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Wavering supporters of assisted dying bill ‘are not certain to vote it into law’For years, school bus driver Herman Cruse would drop off Middle Township, New Jersey, students in the morning and then find ways to pass the time until his next run to pick them up at the end of the school day. Cruse lives too far from the school district to return home between routes, and he wanted to do something more meaningful than running errands, working out or napping between shifts. Overhearing one of the kindergartners on the bus talking about troubles with a reading assignment, Cruse approached the student’s teacher at Middle Township Elementary School No. 1 in Cape May Court House to ask if he could help. It was 2021, and Alex Bakley had Cruse meet with the student to read. The two connected, and word spread at the sprawling school. Other students and teachers requested reading time with Cruse. “It caught on quickly,” said Cruse, 56. “It took on a life of its own.” Since he started reading to that first boy three years ago, Cruse estimates that he has read with hundreds of students, mostly kindergartners and first graders. The students have been dubbed “Mr. Herman’s Kids,” and they view Cruse as a beloved mentor, role model and father figure. Some ride the yellow school bus Cruse drives. “He’s not just picking up kids,” said Principal Chris Paskalides. “He’s just taken it to another level. He really cares about the kids.” A section in the kindergarten wing has been designated as “Mr. Herman’s Kids Corner.” Sitting at a round table, Cruse reads with students one-on-one for about 20 to 30 minutes during their school day three times a week. Students may select a title from a bookshelf stocked by Cruse or a book from their classroom. On a recent morning, Cruse had about 2 1⁄2 hours between shifts and reported for his reading assignments. Cruse listened patiently as Octavia Hebron, 6, read aloud from “I’m Thankful Each Day.” He gently offered assistance when she stumbled over a word, encouraging her to sound it out as she followed with her finger. “Good job! Awesome!” Cruse told her, giving her a high-five. Cruse recruited another bus driver, Dan O’Connell, 70, to help with reading to reach more students. Both men voluntarily use their downtime for reading with students. The school has about 700 students in pre-K through second grade. Sitting on a mini-size chair across the room from Cruse, O’Connell read to students or let them read to him. He chuckled when 5-year-old Melody Roberto-Hammond wanted to read a second book. “We’re not reading them all,” O’Connell told her. “Maybe next time.” Experts say reading helps with language comprehension, vocabulary building and story structure. With Cruse, reading also acts as a relationship-building activity, particularly important with a male role model when most children are exposed to female teachers in lower grades, said Valarie G. Lee, an associate professor in the critical literacy, technology, and multilingual education department at Rowan University. “I think what they’re doing is wonderful. The evidence is in kids wanting to read with him,” Lee said. “Building that foundation early on is really critical.” Veteran teacher Linda Bakley said Cruse has a special knack with students. Sometimes they ask to read with him instead of her, she said, laughing. Some of them refer to Cruse as “Pop Pop.” “This man is loving and caring. The kids feel it,” Linda Bakley said. “The kids do adore him. When they say it takes a village, he is the village.” Cruse reinforces skills that students learn in the classroom, and he questions them about what they’ve read to build comprehension, Bakley said. He also asks how they are doing outside of school, which has built their trust, she said. A grandfather and father of five adult children, Cruse said he became an avid reader at a young age. His mother purchased an encyclopedia set for the family, and he devoured the reference books, along with books, maps and atlases, he said. “I read pretty much everything I could put my hands on,” he recalled. Cruse passed on that love of reading to his own children. He applies the same approach to the students at Middle Township. “I want to nurture every gift these children are exuding in these classrooms,” he said. “Whatever they learn from me, whatever they get, I hope they just go further, do more and be more as they grow.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!