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, /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of nearly 200,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and medical students in the U.S., more than 20 states and cities across the nation are observing as Osteopathic Medicine Month. This designation recognizes the 150 anniversary of osteopathic medicine, which applies a distinctive philosophy and approach to caring for patients in all areas of medicine, including primary care, surgery and specialty fields. DOs are fully licensed physicians who are trained to provide comprehensive care with a focus on preventive medicine and whole-person wellness. DOs hold some of the most distinguished positions in medicine today, caring for the U.S. President, overseeing the NASA medical team and leading some of the nation's top-ranked hospitals and health systems. The profession is one of the fastest-growing in health care, making up more than 10% of physicians and 28% of medical students in the U.S. Earlier this month, U.S. President issued a congratulatory letter to the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, recognizing the osteopathic profession's tremendous contributions to health care during the past 150 years. "As you celebrate this milestone anniversary, it is my hope that you are filled with pride in all the progress the osteopathic medical community has achieved—from pioneering medical discoveries to improving the health and well-being of Americans across the nation and so much more," the letter states. To date, more than 20 state and city leaders have issued proclamations declaring as Osteopathic Medicine Month, including , , , , , , , , , and . "This remarkable achievement not only honors the rich history of our profession but also highlights the profound role of osteopathic medicine in health care today," said American Osteopathic Association President , DO, FACOOG (Dist). "Through patient-centered care and a commitment to understanding the root causes of illness, osteopathic physicians are shaping the future of medicine." For more information, visit . The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents more than 197,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students; promotes public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; and is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical schools. To learn more about DOs and the osteopathic philosophy of medicine, visit . View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE American Osteopathic AssociationThe military's tradition of tracking Santa Claus on his gravity-defying sweep across the globe will carry on this Christmas Eve, even if the U.S. government shuts down, officials said Friday. Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online. “We fully expect for Santa to take flight on Dec. 24 and NORAD will track him," the U.S.-Canadian agency said in a statement. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats, such as last year's Chinese spy balloon. But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs, Colorado, are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” The endeavor is supported by local and corporate sponsors, who also help shield the tradition from Washington dysfunction. Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer, told The Associated Press that there are "screams and giggles and laughter” when families call in, usually on speakerphone. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, "Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early." NORAD's annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War, predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics. Here's how it began and why the phones keep ringing. The origin story is Hollywood-esque It started with a child's accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy's mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80-foot (18-by-24-meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from "those who do not believe in Christmas.” Is the origin story humbug? Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup's story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy's call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo cited an International News Service story from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child's call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. "When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,'" Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine doubted the flood of calls to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children told the StoryCorps podcast in 2014 that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. "People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” A rare addition to Santa's story NORAD's tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa's story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada — known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That's when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, www.noradsanta.org, that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, mountain standard time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.
Social Security tackles overpayment ‘injustices,’ but problems remainNetwork problems delay flights at two oneworld Alliance airlines
It might've been Christmas, but it sure feels like Groundhog Day for the reeling SteelersWhen you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Blundstone is an Australian heritage footwear brand with a long history of producing rugged slip-on leather boots beloved by adventurers, farmers, and fashionistas alike. The 154-year-old company remains family-owned and is based in Tasmania. While Blundstone's rugged boots are known worldwide, the brand has a dressier version of its iconic Chelsea boot , and I was sent a pair to put through its paces. The Chelsea boot is a laceless leather ankle boot with elastic sides that allow you to easily slip them on and off. The style dates back to the Victorian era when the invention of vulcanized rubber allowed J. Sparkes-Hall to create the iconic footwear for the House of Queen Victoria in 1851. These boots fit for royalty were made for the Queen who wanted a simple, low-slung riding boot. While they've gone through some changes over the years, they're still basically the same boot created more than 170 years ago. How are these Blundstones different? The first thing you'll notice about the Dress Ankle Boots when compared to the Blundstone Original 500 series or Classic 550 series, which are the traditional styles the company is best known for, is the shape. This dress version has a leaner silhouette and a chisel toe, where the traditional Blundstones have a wider toe bed and a chunkier outsole. Additionally, the new ankle boots, which come in chestnut brown, tan, and black, have monochromatic stitching while the 500s often sport contrast stitching. It's a handsome boot that manages to achieve an upscale feel while still looking like a Blundstone. Putting the Blundstone Dress Chelsea Boot to the test Blundstones are known for being really comfortable, and this dress boot maintains that high standard. The break-in period was short, about a day, and they've gotten more and more comfortable over the four months I've been testing them out. They're great for all-day wear, whether you're at work or on the move. I've worn them on 10-mile walking excursions in LA (I know, who walks 10 miles in LA?) and San Francisco. The latter included a long trek through the woods in Golden Gate Park. I don't recommend these for serious hikes in the actual woods or as rugged work boots since the leather is a little softer than the Blundstone 500s, but they still held up on my long walks. I'm notoriously hard on footwear and I've managed to rack up several small scratches and scuffs on the boots. They were easily fixed with a good cream shoe polish. Construction The boots are constructed with the same level of care as the rest of the company's products, including twin-needle reinforced stitching with a high tensile strength thread. The outsoles are made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is lightweight, long-lasting, flexible, and resists splitting, abrasion, and most oils. These are cemented-construction boots, meaning the leather upper is glued to the outsole, a method that is typically seen in sneakers. And as with sneakers, this allows for the addition of technology aimed at making the boots more comfortable, including XRD Technology , a flexible, lightweight material that's in the boot's heel-strike zone and is designed to absorb impacts. The midsole is made from polyurethane, which you'd typically see in hiking or work boots. It's also good at impact absorption and cushioning. Blundstone's boots can't be resoled, according to the company , but I've found a few shoe repair places, including one online, that say they can replace Blundstone soles for around $80. Since the boots retail for $225, it may be worth at least trying to get them resoled when the time comes. How long the boots will hold up You can expect a pair of Blundstones to last between two and five years, depending on the amount of wear and what you're using them for, according to the Canadian footwear retailer the Australian Boot Company . My last pair of Blunnies (as they're colloquially known) lasted well beyond that, more than eight years, but I didn't wear them as work boots. They were my go-to boots during the fall and winter but I stayed on top of their upkeep (basically just cleaning and polishing them once a month). Here's a good Reddit thread about customers' experiences with how long their Blundstones lasted. Since the new dress ankle boot isn't meant to be worn at a construction site or on the farm, you'll probably get a longer life out of these than you would a Blundstone 500 or 550 used as work boots. How to style the Blundstone Dress Chelsea Boots These boots are very versatile and look as good with jeans and a fisherman's sweater as they will with a T-shirt and chinos come springtime. I'd consider them three-season boots (it's not likely you'll be wearing these in the summer due to their colorways and warmth). The company does make a summer version , dubbed the Active series; they're made from lighter-weight leathers and suedes in more summer-appropriate tones and are cut slightly shorter at the ankle. It should be noted that because the dress ankle boots, like the 500 and 550 styles, have front and back pull-on tabs with the company name, some super slim-fit suit pants or cropped pants may not cover the tabs, which could take away from the formality of your look. The bottom line Overall, I found the new dress ankle boots to be really comfortable, strikingly handsome, and constructed to the same quality standards as other Blundstone shoes. I'd recommend them for business-casual work environments, weekends, and everything in between. Pros: Handsome, very comfortable, with the same quality construction Blundstone is known for. Cons: The pull-on tabs may be seen when wearing very slim suit pants; the leather requires some upkeep; resoling them may not be easy.
Even while we are all eager for some holiday pleasure, we must remember that Santa Claus’s presence will not exonerate us from some of our financial responsibilities. The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) continued payments throughout December may qualify as a gift. Likewise, the administration will not forget its responsibilities and will continue to ensure that all payments reach their destination on time, just like Santa, even if they make some adjustments and close offices so that employees can spend some time with their families and loved ones. This month’s payment schedule will come with some important changes due to all the upcoming holidays. The SSA will close all offices and not process claims starting tomorrow Those who require service on the major Christmas dates, such as December 25 and January 1, will not be able to get in-person or individual phone service because the SSA offices will be closed on those days. All tasks must be transferred to the website, which will remain accessible throughout these periods. Also, keep in mind that you should contact your local office as soon as possible to schedule a face-to-face meeting, as the SSA has instituted an appointment system that will begin on January 6, 2025. Although walk-ins are still welcome, wait times will increase because those with appointments will be given precedence. SSA’s main financial and insurance programs in the US Most American beneficiaries may already know that the SSA has different financial and insurance programs that provide monthly benefits to retired workers, survivors, disabled people, and SSI recipients . Here are the main important things you need to know about the four programs from Social Security: According to the Social Security payment schedule for this year, all Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of each month, and recipients after May 1997, receive the remaining payment on December 24, a non-holiday day. Even though the 25th is Christmas Day and is a federal holiday, the payment is scheduled to be made on that day. This indicates that to protect beneficiaries from possible delays, the payment will be made early. Moreover, beneficiaries should understand that weekends and national holidays can occasionally cause these payments to be delayed, as they will be in December. For this reason, payments will be adjusted to ensure timely delivery. Recipients will still receive their payments on time, as the change will move them to the day before when banks are open and the U.S. Postal Service is operating. In light of this, at the end of the month, we will observe an extra payment as January 1st falls on a holiday, and thus, the SSA will distribute this payment on December 31st. Besides receiving an early payment, beneficiaries from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program will be the first Americans to receive their increased benefits from the cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2025.SALT LAKE CITY -- A Department of Homeland Security agent who the FBI says conspired with another agent to sell an illicit drug known as “bath salts” pleaded not guilty to a drug distribution conspiracy charge Friday in federal court. A grand jury in Salt Lake City brought the criminal charge against Special Agent David Cole of the Homeland Security Investigations unit earlier this week. The indictment alleges that Cole abused his position as a federal law enforcement agent to obtain and sell drugs for profit. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Cole took drugs that had been seized as evidence, telling colleagues he was using them for legitimate investigations, and instead sold them to a confidential informant who resold the drugs for profit on the streets of Utah, according to the indictment. The informant, who has a lengthy criminal history, had been recruited by federal agents to work for them upon his release from prison. But in addition to conducting controlled buys from suspected drug dealers as directed by investigators, the informant said he was compelled by Cole and another agent to also engage in illegal sales. The investigation began after the informant’s defense attorney contacted the U.S. Attorney in Utah in October to report that agents had required him to engage in potentially illegal acts dating from last spring to early December. Details of drug sales offered by the informant were confirmed through surveillance and other sources, the FBI said. Cole and the second agent — identified in court documents only as “Person A” — profited up to $300,000 from the illegal scheme, according to an FBI affidavit filed in the case. FBI spokesperson Sandra Barker said Friday that “Person A” had not been arrested or charged, but the investigation was ongoing. Cole, 50, of South Jordan, Utah, entered the courtroom Friday handcuffed and hunched over, wearing a white and gray, striped jumpsuit. U.S. Magistrate Judge Dustin Pead accepted Cole's not guilty plea and scheduled a trial for the week of Feb. 24. Federal officials say Cole’s indictment sends a message that officers who break the law and undermine the public’s trust in law enforcement will be prosecuted. “A drug dealer who carries a badge is still a drug dealer — and one who has violated an oath to uphold the law and protect the public,” said Nicole Argentieri, head of the U.S. Justice Department’s Criminal Division. "No one is above the law.” Special Agent Shohini Sinha, who leads the FBI's Salt Lake City field office, said Cole’s alleged actions helped fuel an already devastating drug crisis . Ingestion of synthetic bath salts, also known as Alpha-PVP or cathinone, can lead to bizarre behavior such as paranoia and extreme strength, according to authorities who say it’s similar to methamphetamine, cocaine or ecstasy. They are unrelated to actual bathing products. Cole’s attorney, Alexander Ramos, has declined to directly address the criminal allegations but said his client has a strong reputation within the federal law enforcement community. Ramos did not immediately respond Friday to emails seeking comment on the not guilty plea. The Homeland Security Investigations department where Cole worked conducts federal criminal investigations into the illegal movement of people, goods, money, weapons, drugs and sensitive technology into, out of and across the U.S. Cole and the second agent had their credentials suspended but have not been fired, according to court documents.
Nutanix Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial ResultsHelen Flanagan on 'love' for Tulisa and who she wants to win I'm a CelebrityDecember 26 - New York Giants star rookie wideout Malik Nabers (toe) missed practice Thursday and termed himself a game-day decision. He also is unsure if he will be able to participate on Friday. The Giants host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. "I'm hoping so, it all depends on how it feels tomorrow, that's really it," Nabers said Thursday. Nabers, 21, has been one of the few bright spots for the Giants and leads the team with 97 receptions for 969 yards and four touchdown catches in 13 games (12 starts). Selected sixth overall out of LSU, Nabers has caught 10 or more passes on three occasions but has just one touchdown catch over the past 10 games. Though the Giants (2-13) are mired in a franchise-worst 10-game losing streak, Nabers isn't down about the situation. "We're happy where we're at," Nabers said. "Continue to grow every day. A lot of things to fix, a lot of things we can look back on in our rookie year and continue to try to get better for next year." In addition to Nabers, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle), center John Michael Schmitz (ankle), linebacker Micah McFadden (neck), cornerbacks Greg Stroman (shoulder/shin) and Dee Williams (toe) and safety Raheem Layne (knee) sat out practice Thursday. Quarterback Drew Lock (right shoulder) was a limited participant. --Field Level Media Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab
Autodesk appoints Janesh Moorjani as chief financial officerA team from the World Health Organization (WHO), including its director-general, came under fire in an Israeli attack on the international airport in Yemen's capital on Thursday. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the bombardment occurred nearby as he prepared to board a flight in Sanaa, with a crew member injured. "The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge – just a few meters from where we were – and the runway were damaged," Ghebreyesus said on the social media platform X. He added that he and his U.N. colleagues were safe. "We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave," he said, without mentioning the source of the bombardment. U.N. spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay later said the injured person was with the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service. The new round of Israeli airstrikes targeted the Yemeni capital, multiple ports and infrastructure. They came several days after launches by Iran-backed Houthi rebels that set off sirens in Israel. The Israeli military said it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa and ports in Hodeida, Al-Salif and Ras Qantib, along with power stations. Israel's military didn't immediately respond to questions about Tedros' post but issued a statement saying it had "capabilities to strike very far from Israel's territory – precisely, powerfully, and repetitively." The Houthis-controlled satellite channel al-Masirah reported multiple deaths. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes. The U.S. military also has targeted the Houthis in Yemen in recent days. The U.N. has noted that the targeted ports are important entryways for humanitarian aid for Yemen, the poorest Arab nation that plunged into a civil war in 2014. Over the weekend, 16 people were wounded when a Houthi missile hit a playground in Tel Aviv. Last week, Israeli jets struck Sanaa and Hodeida, killing nine people, calling it a response to previous attacks by Houthis. The Houthis have also been targeting Israeli cargo ships or those associated with Tel Aviv in the Red Sea with missiles and drones in a show of support with the Gaza Strip, where nearly 45,400 people have been killed in Israel's genocidal war since Oct. 7, 2023. Meanwhile, an Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in Gaza overnight, the territory's Health Ministry said. The strike hit a car outside Al-Awda Hospital in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Associated Press footage showed the incinerated shell of a van, with press markings visible on the back doors. Sobbing young men attended the funeral. The bodies were wrapped in shrouds, with blue press vests draped over them. The Committee to Protect Journalists says more than 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the start of the war. Israel hasn't allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza except on military embeds. Israel has banned the pan-Arab Al Jazeera network. The Qatar-based broadcaster denies the allegations and accuses Israel of trying to silence its war coverage, which has focused heavily on civilian casualties from Israeli military operations. Health authorities say more than half the fatalities in Gaza have been women and children. The offensive has caused widespread destruction and hunger and driven around 90% of the population of 2.3 million from their homes. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid tent camps along the coast, with little protection from the cold, wet winter.
The passing of former , widely recognised for his pioneering role in steering India towards globalisation, privatisation, and economic liberalisation, marks a significant loss to the political, social, and economic fabric of the country, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said on Thursday. "Singh, whose revolutionary decisions laid the foundation for transforming India into an emerging economic superpower, is being remembered for his leadership and vision," he added expressing grief over the former Union Finance Minister's death. Noting Singh's contributions, noted that his leadership during difficult times, particularly during global recessions, played a pivotal role in stabilising and strengthening the Indian economy. In his condolence message, Pawar praised Singh’s deep understanding of the global economy, his farsighted decision-making, and dedication to the welfare of ordinary citizens. “With his leadership, the Indian economy was brought back on track, and the foundation was laid for the country’s future economic success,” Pawar said. "The strong economy that enjoys today owes much to Dr Manmohan Singh’s efforts," the state finance minister said. Pawar also commended Singh’s trustworthiness, integrity, and cultured leadership, acknowledging that the nation has lost a leader who will be remembered for his successful tenure as Finance Minister and PM. "He was a courageous Prime Minister and a leader who earned the trust of the people. The country has lost a son," said Pawar. "Singh’s passing leaves behind a legacy of transformative policies that reshaped India’s economic landscape, and he will be remembered as a key architect of the country’s growth and prosperity," he said. Earlier, also condoled the death of the former prime minister Singh saying the country has lost a great scholar, statesman and economist. "With the demise of former PM Manmohan Singh, we have lost a great scholar, economist and statesman. His contributions to Indian economic reforms, serving the nation as PM for ten years, will be remembered forever," he said on X. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said he was deeply saddened. "My brief meeting with him, at his residence, made an everlasting impression on me, of how PMs can be truly humble, graceful and dignified, despite the very many achievements marked out against their name and tenure," Thackeray said. "For someone like me, born in the 90s, the opening up of India to the world and vice versa, was like growing up in a decade where each day was new, and the world was brought closer to home, thanks to him," said Aaditya.
BALTIMORE, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Urological Association (AUA) is pleased to announce Michael Davis, MD, MBA, MHA, FACS, has been named the 2025 AUA Gallagher Health Policy Scholar. A highly competitive award, the Gallagher Health Policy Scholar Program is a rigorous year-long training initiative aiming to equip urologists for leadership roles in health policy. Established in 2007, the program pays tribute to G. James Gallagher, former Executive Director of the AUA. The program sponsors the current scholar each year to participate in national conferences and meetings and provides mentorship from senior AUA physicians. Additionally, scholars engage in a week-long health policy seminar for surgeons supported by the American College of Surgeons. The program organizes educational activities yearly to enhance scholars' comprehension of contemporary health policy issues affecting urology care. "Dr. Davis embodies the excellence and leadership the Gallagher Scholar Award recognizes. With over three decades of transformative contributions to the field of urology, his dedication to clinical innovation, education and service is unparalleled,” said AUA Public Policy Council Chair Dr. Mark Edney. "His extensive expertise, leadership roles and commitment to advancing health care make him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.” Dr. Davis is a distinguished urologist, educator and health care leader with over 30 years of experience. He serves as chief of the Division of Urology, vice chair of Clinical Affairs and surgical director of the Renal Transplant Program at the University of New Mexico. A certified abdominal transplant surgeon, Dr. Davis has performed over 600 kidney transplants and has been repeatedly recognized as a “Top Doc” in urology. Dr. Davis holds advanced business and health care administration degrees and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is deeply committed to education, serving as a mentor to students, residents and colleagues and has contributed extensively to professional organizations, including the AUA, where he has been a member since 2003. In the last 20+ years, he has been a state representative for the South Central Section, an AUAPAC champion for the South Central Section and has presented posters and abstracts at numerous annual meetings. “I am incredibly excited and deeply honored to be nominated as the next Gallagher Health Policy Scholar,” said Dr. Davis. “I look forward to this prestigious opportunity, which will give me a broader understanding of the health care policy that affects our ability to care for patients and the skills to advocate for urology as a specialty.” Read more information on the Gallagher Scholarship on our website at auanet.org/gallagher About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology, and has more than 25,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health policy. Attachment Corey Del Bianco American Urological Association 2678854989 cdelbianco@auanet.orglive Updated 51s ago Seahawks-Bears start time Getty Images Kickoff of Seahawks-Bears is 8:15 p.m. ET/7:15 p.m. local time. Advertisement Welcome to our live coverage! Getty Images Greetings NFL fans! Welcome to The Athletic 's live coverage of tonight's game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Bears. The Seahawks need a victory to remain in the NFC playoff race with a chance to win the NFC West. Standing in their way are the Bears, eliminated from playoff contention. Follow live updates as we build up to the game!
Here are some of the headlines from this past week in the Missoulian. To read the full stories, click the link on each headline: Montanans encouraged to select health insurance plan by Jan. 15 deadline Montanans have until Jan. 15 to purchase a health insurance plan on the federal marketplace . Most people who miss the deadline will not be eligible to sign up again until November of next year. Cover Montana, an initiative to help people sign up for health insurance, and other advocates are encouraging people to look at their options and make sure they have health insurance plans that make sense for their needs going forward. This period, known as open enrollment, is especially critical for those who lost Medicaid coverage during the redetermination process over the last year. Montana Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides health care coverage to low-income earners, adults with disabilities, seniors, children and new birthing parents for 12 months postpartum. Of those, some are eligible under Medicaid expansion, which the state first passed in 2015 and renewed again in 2019. Adults earning below 138% of the federal poverty level can enroll in the government-funded health insurance program as well as children and pregnant people earning a bit more. — Carly Graf, carly.graf@missoulian.com Board of Regents approves UM grad student labor union The Board of Regents voted unanimously Nov. 22 to approve a labor agreement with the newly formed Graduate Employee Union at the University of Montana. The Graduate Employee Union, which falls under the Montana Federation of Public Employees, already reached a tentative bargaining agreement with the University in September after just one meeting. This agreement was partially based off of the contract used by unionized graduate students at MSU. In a letter sent to the University of Montana earlier this year , union leadership expressed that they sought to improve working and living conditions for graduate employees, who often take on teaching and research work in addition to their studies, but often cannot pay for their costs of living through existing stipends. — Andy Tallman, andy.tallman@missoulian.com Missoula land use plan heads to final vote A new land use plan that will guide development in Missoula for the next two decades received strong support during a Missoula city-county planning board hearing this week, with all nine board members approving the years-long project. The Our Missoula 2045 Land Use and Code Reform plan most notably has a goal to add an additional 19,000 to 23,000 housing units to the Garden City over the next two decades . In total, the city expects 39,000 more residents by 2045. The plan now just needs final approval from city council, which is set for Dec. 9. The plan also simplifies how the city views zoning, allowing city planners to streamline and diversify new development, according to Ben Brewer, a long-range planning supervisor with the city. — Griffen Smith, griffen.smith@missoulian.com Two large Missoula housing projects approved for TIF assistance to be scaled down A Missoula developer has significantly scaled down a proposal for a large apartment complex in Missoula, and city officials say another massive proposed housing complex will also be revised down. On Thursday, the Missoula Redevelopment Agency reviewed plans for a scaled-down version of Bissinger Place, which was originally proposed in the spring of 2022 . Back then, the MRA board unanimously approved $269,000 in Tax Increment Financing for Bissinger Place to help the developers with asbestos remediation, deconstruction of aging homes on the site, utility relocation and right-of-way improvements. The board also approved $50,000 in Facade Improvement Program grant funds for paint removal, windows, doors, an overhead door replacement and awnings. The project is located at 903 S. 1st W. near Loyola High School's football field. Back in 2022, the project was proposed to be a 61,500-square-foot, four-story, mixed-use development with 42 rental housing units and commercial space. The lot was deconstructed, but no construction has started on the project. — David Erickson, david.erickson@missoulian.com American Prairie donates land along Missouri, Judith rivers for possible state park A historic parcel of land along the Missouri and Judith rivers in central Montana has been donated to the Montana State Parks Foundation for a possible state park “benefiting outdoor enthusiasts and protecting natural resources and cultural heritage,” the group announced. "This donation and potential state park could benefit those who enjoy floating and fishing on the Judith and Missouri rivers, enrich the surrounding communities and honor Montana’s rich ranching heritage and Indigenous history,” said Angie Grove, president of the foundation’s board of directors, in a press release. The 109.43 acres of land located about 23 miles northwest of Winifred was offered by the Bozeman-based nonprofit American Prairie. "This donation represents an important step towards preserving the historical and cultural legacy of the area,” said Alison Fox, CEO of American Prairie, in a press release. The group bought the 47,000-acre PN Ranch , encircling the donated parcel, in 2016. — Brett French, bfrench@billingsgazette.com Livingston artist examines cartoonish colonialism Who is John Henry Haseltine? You could try to answer that question in a few ways. For starters, there’s his biographical information. Haseltine lives in Livingston now and has become a mainstay on the Gallatin Valley theatrical stage, but he was born in New York City and grew up all over, with stops in Jackson Hole and Kalispell. You could look up his IMDb page. Haseltine got a degree in film production from Boston’s Emerson College, one of America’s most prestigious liberal arts universities, which has produced creatives like David Cross, Paul Thomas Anderson, Norman Lear and, of course, the guy who wrote “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.” After graduation Haseltine lived in L.A. for years. His credits include behind-the-scenes work on HBO’s “Silicon Valley,” directing the music video for a Chromeo remix of Donna Summer’s “Love is in Control” and a few films of his own. The most notable of those is “Spring: The Fairest of the Seasons,” a bonkers 30-minute short he shot in Montana in 2016. But if you really want to know who Haseltine is, what he likes and what makes him tick, you need to see his new art exhibition, “The Mountain Clown and Other Foul Animals,” which is at the Yellowstone Art Museum until February. — Jake Iverson, jiverson@billingsgazette.com At the Roxy: Ariana Grande gets 'Wicked,' 'RRR' roars back Missoula's community cinema is screening the new adaptation of the Broadway hit. They're also bringing back the head-spinning cult favorite "RRR." — Charlotte Macorn, for the Missoulian Things to do: Star-struck theater, vibey brewery jazz You can see a contemporary play about astronomy on campus, a bingo-themed production at the Senior Center, or hear a new Khruangbin-style band with local members of touring soul acts. — Cory Walsh, cory.walsh@missoulian.com Citizen grand juries and county militias: The quiet rise of Tactical Civics in Montana EAST HELENA — Steve Wagner stepped on the stage and gazed out over the pews. He was at the Canyon Ferry Road Baptist Church to baptize a few dozen believers in a new Christian nationalist movement, one that’s crystalized around the idea that citizen-spurred grand juries and county militias are the instruments against omnipresent government corruption. The stakes, Wagner told them through a wired microphone headset, could not be higher. "We know we are sitting ducks. This criminal gang in Washington, D.C., right down through the channels of our state in the temples of government, we know that they could pick any one of us off at any minute, and there’s not a lot we can do about it," Wagner told the audience. At the meeting that night in April 2021, Wagner marshaled the simmering resentment in the room over public health measures to stem the spread of COVID-19, the 2020 election results and Black Lives Matter riots. He told the few dozen seated before him that these events had primed them all. "They can shut our business down; they can drain our bank account. Won’t be long before they have their way. You can’t go hardly anywhere unless you’ve got your little card that say’s you’ve been vaccinated — that’s what’s coming, we all know it, if we stay on the course that we are." Wagner, who lives in Whitehall, told the group they were now all on the forefront of turning the tide back, if they were willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work. — Seaborn Larson, seaborn.larson@missoulian.com Missoula Fairgrounds to get up to $120K from hosting Zootown Music Festival The Missoula County Fairgrounds will get a rental fee of at least $50,000 — and up to $120,000 depending on the number of tickets sold — for allowing concert promoters to host the two-day Zootown Music Festival at the fairgrounds on July 4-5, 2025. Fairgrounds events and operations manager Billie Ayers shared the 21-page facility use agreement the Fairgrounds signed with Always On LLC, the main concert promoter for the new festival. The term of the lease is for six days every year starting in 2025 and ending in 2029, meaning the festival could be held every summer through 2029. There are stipulations in the contract that state the concert promoters must pay for any delays in cleanup or damage to the Fairgrounds. Ayers said that the county won’t be liable if there’s, for example, damage to fencing or to the turf or arena. — David Erickson, david.erickson@missoulian.com Kalispell-based Rat's Army owner accused of illegally selling drugs to bodybuilders The owner of Rat’s Army LLC, a defunct online company based in Kalispell, has been charged in federal court with illegally distributing a class of pharmaceuticals popular among some bodybuilders. Tyler J. Hall was charged earlier this month in U.S. District Court in Missoula with the introduction of unapproved drugs into interstate commerce, a violation of federal law that requires approval by the federal Food and Drug Administration to sell the chemicals for human consumption. A plea agreement has been filed in the case, according to court documents, and Hall is scheduled for a change-of-plea hearing on Dec. 3. The agreement calls for Hall to admit to the single charge in the case, and in exchange prosecutors will move for a reduction in his offense level at sentencing. — Sam Wilson, sam.wilson@missoulian.com Missoula authorized campsite proposals in works, city tweaks strategy with shelters Missoula's homelessness service providers are working on a cost and workload estimate to establish and operate an authorized campsite to serve the city's homeless population, but it is unclear if that could become a reality any time soon. The city's urban camping law passed in June directs Missoula's mayor to propose an authorized camping site if it is "feasible, practicable, and in the public interest." There hasn't been an authorized campsite for the homeless in Missoula since summer 2022 . Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis said during a Wednesday city committee quarterly update on homeless programs that city council would need to approve any proposed authorized campsite, and discussions taking place now are only preliminary. "Folks are taking a look at what it would take," Davis said, adding current law allows for one to be established. — Griffen Smith, griffen.smith@missoulian.com 'The best scenario': The Last Best Ride gravel race continues in '25 under new owner This was almost the last best year for The Last Best Ride. The gravel road bicycle race, in its fourth running this past July, drew about 600 cyclists from around the state and continent to compete on a mostly unpaved course of mountainous roads around Whitefish. Behind the scenes this late summer and fall, organizers and their friends — primarily western Montana locals — worried the event wouldn't happen in 2025. Riders from Montana-based Frontiers Racing line up at the start of the 2024 edition of The Last Best Ride gravel race. But on Nov. 14, race founder and organizer Jess Cerra, a Whitefish native and former professional racer, announced the event wasn't going away. Shaun Radley of Missoula-based MTCX Skis, Bikes and Events had agreed to buy The Last Best Ride, Cerra wrote in a social media post . She and other original organizers like Stella Hobbs, a rising pro rider and owner of Great Northern Cycle & Ski shop, would continue their involvement in the race. — Joshua Murdock, joshua.murdock@missoulian.com 'Very disheartening': Deer and elk poached in Potomac, Bitterroot A white-tailed buck deer was shot and left to waste in Potomac last week, and state game officials are offering a cash reward for tips about the incident. Separately, the agency is also seeking tips on the poaching of at least three mule deer bucks and one bull elk found killed and left to waste around the West Fork Bitterroot River. According to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, a Potomac resident reported the buck on Nov. 13, and it was likely shot the day before. The animal was found dead in a field on private property. The agency announced Monday evening that Warden Chris Hamilton was seeking information about the killing, and that people who submit tips could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 cash. Tips can submitted directly to Hamilton at 406-210-7513 or anonymously online at tipmont.mt.gov . Hamilton said in a phone call Tuesday afternoon that there was a small chance the deer was wounded by a legal hunting shot, moved locations and wasn't recovered, but "it doesn't seem as likely" because of where it was found. — Joshua Murdock, joshua.murdock@missoulian.com Business Buzz: New CEO at Western MT Mental Health; Small Business Saturday Small Business Saturday, which encourages shopping local instead of at "big box" stores, will be held on Nov. 30 and there's specials in downtown Missoula. — David Erickson, david.erickson@missoulian.com New Lewis and Clark art exhibit opens at Travelers’ Rest State Park Nov. 29 LOLO — Travelers’ Rest State Park is hosting a temporary exhibit, “Pop! Goes the Expedition: Pictures of an Expedition,” from Friday, Nov. 29 through March 25. The display is centered on the theme of how Lewis and Clark's Expedition is represented in art and pop culture. Visitors to Travelers’ Rest State Park can view the free exhibit during regular winter visitor center hours, Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Celebrate the exhibit opening with a special family-friendly activity available any time on Nov. 29 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. “Pop! Goes the Expedition” includes reproductions of some of the most famous paintings of the expedition by artists like Charles M. Russell, Frederic Remington and N.C. Wyeth. Additional works by contemporary Montana artists, including Robert Morgan and Courtney Blazon, offer different viewpoints. Display cases contain a carefully curated selection of objects from pop culture including movie posters, novels, toys and collectibles. More than 50 books and objects, as well as 17 original and reproduction works of art, will be on display from Nov. 29 through March 25. — Montana FWP Gianforte says he'll cut income taxes; critics say it fails to help working Montanans Gov. Greg Gianforte released details on his proposed roughly $18 billion budget last week, giving state lawmakers and residents a glimpse into his vision for the state over the next two years. His self-described "conservative" plan features decreased property taxes, investments in public safety and boosts to teacher pay. House Bill 2, the major appropriations bill, charts a plan for the majority of the state government's earnings and spending every two years. The governor works with the state Legislature to craft and pass the budget. During a press conference Nov. 13, Gianforte pitched his plan as a balanced budget that avoids cuts to essential services and caps spending increases at a level below inflation, which he repeatedly blamed on White House policy. — Carly Graf, carly.graf@missoulian.com New fishing regulations implemented to protect bull trout in northwest Montana The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission recently approved changes it says will add protections for bull trout in northwest Montana as officials report seeing record low numbers of spawning nests, known as redds, in one of the last places they thrive in the state. The new changes will affect the South Fork of the Flathead River, the Hungry Horse Reservoir, Big Salmon Lake and Big Salmon Creek. Bull trout were listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act in 1998, and the South Fork of the Flathead River is one of the last strongholds for the fish in Montana because the Hungry Horse Dam has limited the encroachment of nonnative species. “These changes are intended to be a proactive measure that maintains limited fishing opportunity but reduces the amount of handling stress on bull trout,” said Leo Rosenthal, a Fish, Wildlife & Parks fisheries biologist based in Kalispell. “These fish are important ecologically and culturally, but they are also an important sport fish. We want to maintain opportunity for anglers to pursue this unique native species.” — David Erickson, david.erickson@missoulian.com One year after attack on neighbors, Polson man set to stand trial A man who drove his pickup truck into his neighbor's home in Polson in 2023 is set to stand trial for attempted murder next month, more than a year after he was arrested and treated for extreme burns from the incident. Paul Ailport, 65, faces charges for attempted homicide, arson and criminal mischief stemming from a multi-year feud with the Schiele family in a rural Mission Valley neighborhood near Polson. The Schieles, who lived next door, described a multi-year saga of aggression from Ailport leading up to the morning he drove his truck into their home in a story published by the Missoulian in February. Paul Ailport's truck smolders after he crashed it into his neighbors' home on Nov. 10, 2023. The vehicle was filled with fireworks and covered with gasoline. Ailport and his wife moved into the rural neighborhood between late 2021 and early 2022, the Schieles said. Things were normal until Ailport started moving his car business of 30-40 vehicles onto the property. — Griffen Smith, griffen.smith@missoulian.com Public backlash sends Missoula street project back to planning Missoula's city council delayed a project to build sidewalks and boulevards along Eaton Street on Monday night after several residents brought concerns of costs and a lack of effectiveness to calm area traffic. The council agreed to send the project back to committee for more work to address resident concerns and the project design. About a dozen residents spoke against the project during the meeting. The project comes with a shared cost for homeowners, which could cost up to $9,000 per homeowner under city policy. Residents shared concerns that the price could be too much for them to afford. — Griffen Smith, griffen.smith@missoulian.com City council approves Missoula Southgate Crossing land purchase The city of Missoula approved the purchase of 13 acres of vacant land behind Southgate Mall for $5.88 million on Monday night, turning the page toward a planned redevelopment for housing, commercial and park space on the property. The council approved the Southgate Crossing purchase 9-2, with councilors Bob Campbell and Sandra Vasecka opposed. The city has eyed the land for decades as a "catalyst" for adding density to Missoula's Midtown. "This is one of the rare times that we get to be really proactive, and we get to make decisions for what's going to happen on that block," Ward 2 Councilor Sierra Farmer said. "This is the time where we can bring infrastructure in before it's too late." The money for the purchase comes from the Missoula Redevelopment Agency via Tax Increment Financing, which was approved by the MRA board on Oct. 31. — Griffen Smith, griffen.smith@missoulian.com City approves land purchase for new Missoula park on Northside Missoulians will soon get a new park on the Northside after the city council approved spending more than $2 million to purchase roughly 5 acres on North Scott Street on Monday night. The new Northside park is meant to add open space capacity to a growing residential district. The city purchased the 5.4 acres of land from the Resurrection Cemetery Association, which will retain a small cemetery on the northeast corner of the plot. — Griffen Smith, griffen.smith@missoulian.com Missoula County Fairgrounds to host two-day Zootown Music Festival in 2025 A group of entertainment production companies have announced a music festival slated to be held at the Missoula County Fairgrounds on Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5, 2025. The Zootown Music Festival will feature musical artists Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Mt. Joy, Lake Street Dive, Modest Mouse, Julien Baker and Torres and perhaps a dozen more yet-to-be announced smaller acts. The festival's organizers sent out a press release this week and are having a press conference to answer questions on Tuesday afternoon. It will be organized by Always On LLC, Knitting Factory Presents and Shore Sound Entertainment in partnership with Destination Missoula and the University of Montana’s Entertainment Management program. — David Erickson, david.erickson@missoulian.com Financing, weather, inflation, lack of labor: Construction experts explain challenges There are plenty of vacant pieces of property or older, under-utilized buildings around Missoula, so why don’t developers just build new housing on these parcels to address the housing shortage? It turns out it’s complicated, according to three panelists at the City Club Missoula forum on Monday who all discussed the challenges of infill construction and the barriers to building diverse housing. “All the easy projects have already been done,” explained Chris Chitty, the president of Hone Architects and Builders in Missoula. “All the low-hanging fruit has been picked. All the projects that are left need creativity. They need head-scratching. They need back-and-forth with regulators. They’re not straightforward.” Chitty said his company mostly does smaller infill housing projects, like a small row of townhomes. Developers have to bring a considerable amount of upfront cash equity to a project in order to get a bank loan, he said. “Nobody just loans you all the money,” he said. “It’s more than 20% like you would have for a home mortgage. You need 25% to 30%, sometimes more if you’ve got a riskier development.” — David Erickson, david.erickson@missoulian.com Community Medical Center targeted for alleged role in Hurst sex abuse case At least 14 women who have accused former Missoula doctor Tyler Hurst of sexual abuse have filed claims against Community Medical Center with the Montana Medical Legal Panel — a required first step toward a malpractice lawsuit against the hospital for its role in the alleged assaults. Community Medical Center wasn’t named in a civil complaint against Hurst, filed by AVA Law Group in Missoula in August. But attorneys for the women wrote in that complaint that the hospital had failed “to act on a lot of red flags.” Tyler J. Hurst, 40, has been previously accused in Missoula County District Court of raping or sexually assaulting 15 women during his time as an emergency room doctor at Community Medical Center. He has pleaded not guilty to eight criminal charges, including six felonies, in Missoula District Court. Hurst’s next court appearance in his criminal case is scheduled for Thursday. — Sam Wilson, sam.wilson@missoulian.com Whitefish music fest Under the Big Sky rolls out 2025 lineup The Under the Big Sky Festival in Whitefish has announced its lineup for 2025, including headliners Tyler Childers, Mumford and Sons, and the Red Clay Strays. The festival’s sixth installment lands on July 18-20 at Big Mountain Ranch, a 360-acre working ranch that can accommodate multiple stages and even a rough-stock rodeo, according to a news release sent on Monday from promoter Outriders Present. Last year, the festival drew 20,000 attendees per day, the company said. Childers, a rootsy Kentucky songwriter who’s risen to the top of the country genre, is returning to Montana fresh from a sold-out concert at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in August. British folk act Mumford and Sons haven’t performed in the state since a 2019 appearance at Ogren Park at Allegiance Field. Alabama rock ‘n’ roll band the Red Clay Strays went viral on TikTok and channeled the attention into a new album, “Live at the Ryman.” Almost 40 acts in the country, roots, folk and bluegrass vein will perform over three days at the family-friendly event. Other artists include Grammy winner Wynonna Judd, online sensation Oliver Anthony, up-and-comer Wyatt Flores, “Yellowstone” star Luke Grimes and more. — Cory Walsh, cory.walsh@missoulian.com Sentencing set for Benson in Superior double-homicide case A man found guilty last month of fatally shooting his wife and their friend in a Superior bar in 2023 will be sentenced on Jan. 3. Kraig W. Benson, 48, was convicted of two counts of deliberate homicide at the end of a weeklong jury trial in October. He admitted to killing his wife , Jenny Benson, and their friend, Logan Gardner, at the Four Aces Bar on Aug. 27, 2023. Kraig W. Benson enters the courtroom at the Ravalli County Courthouse on Monday, Oct. 21 in Hamilton. With surveillance footage from the Four Aces Bar clearly showing Benson shooting the two victims multiple times with a handgun, Benson's defense attorneys had sought to obtain convictions on a lesser charge , mitigated deliberate homicide. — Sam Wilson, sam.wilson@missoulian.com Tribes, US and Canada agree on Lake K selenium study board Eleven governments — two countries, two states, a province and six Indigenous tribes — have a stake in the Elk and Kootenai rivers that flow through Montana, Idaho and British Columbia. Now, for the first time, all 11 are officially working together to address toxic mining contamination from Canadian coal mines that flows into the Elk, which empties into the Kootenai (Kootenay in Canada) and Lake Koocanusa, and pollutes a broad watershed spanning states and countries. The issue is being addressed by the International Joint Commission, a bi-national body created under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty between the U.S. and Canada. The IJC exists to address trans-boundary water management or quality disputes. Waste rock piles form a terraced landscape at Teck Resources' mothballed Coal Mountain Operations mine southeast of Sparwood, British Columbia. The company owns four active mines to the north. The governments of Canada and its province of British Columbia had long resisted joining the U.S. to issue a joint reference of the issue to the IJC. But, under more than a decade of pressure from the trans-boundary Ktunaxa Nation and, more recently, Sen. Jon Tester of Montana, the Canadian governments relented and joined a reference in March . The Ktunaxa Nation announced Wednesday that all 11 governments tapped by the IJC to form a governance body for the Elk-Kootenai/y Watershed had approved the terms of the reference — the document that outlines the group's structure, function, rules and goals — with Canada doing so only recently, months after a June 30 deadline. — Joshua Murdock, joshua.murdock@missoulian.com Tribal housing authority invites non-Native support amid housing crisis The Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority has launched a new program that invites non-Natives to “join a community of solidarity,” where members both commit to learning about tribal history and culture and make financial or other contributions to support tribal members in need of housing on the reservation. Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority (SKHA) Executive Director Jody Cahoon Perez said the initiative “brings people together to meet two different needs.” “Some tribal members need housing, and some non-Natives need a way to engage with the people who have stewarded this land since time immemorial.” Communities nationwide face housing crises, and the problem is exacerbated in Indian Country, where people must engage with slow and opaque government processes, where Termination Era policy contributes to widespread inequity and where limited federal funding does not come close to meeting infrastructure needs or community demand. — Nora Mabie, nora.mabie@missoulian.com Missoula 2045 growth plan scheduled for final votes The long-term framework document for growth within the city of Missoula is set for final votes in the next month, which would solidify the valley's new land use plan for the next decade. The Our Missoula Growth Policy Update and Code Reform plan has been under development for the past two years and residents are encouraged to comment on the plan as the final touches are made. The land use plan calls for 22,000 new homes in Missoula by 2045 to keep up with population growth. The new zoning would allow for more land uses in neighborhoods, like duplexes and multi-use buildings . "The Our Missoula 2045 Land Use Plan builds on the foundation of the current Our Missoula 2035 Growth Policy, which establishes Missoula’s policy to focus growth inward toward existing services and amenities and away from costly sprawl," the city said in a press release Friday. "The proposed Plan outlines a vision for Missoula that can meet community needs and desires; support housing supply; attract new businesses; protect the environment; and plan infrastructure effectively." Missoula's Consolidated Planning Board is set for final consideration of the plan on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Sophie Moise Room of the Missoula County Courthouse. — Griffen Smith, griffen.smith@missoulian.com After-school program helps Missoula students bring dream projects to life It can be hard for families of teenagers to find something for them to do after school. Families First is trying to fill that gap with the Dream Bigger Afterschool Program that launched in September, which is aimed at helping seventh through 12th graders pursue their passion projects at Missoula and Lolo’s public libraries. For the kids, that means time, mentorship and resources to work on anything from SCUBA certification to filmmaking. The goal is that they’ll create something that’ll do more than just gather dust, teen program director Nick Ehlers said. For Allyson Curran, a seventh-grade student at C.S. Porter Middle School, that hopefully means launching a game for horror enthusiasts to play. That game, currently titled "Catfe," takes place at a cat cafe, where players will be able to play as either a worker or customer. They’ll uncover the cat-sacrificing demon-dealing mysteries of the nefarious cafe owner, all while running from monstrous cats. During a recent day at the program, Curran had sketches of possible cafe logos, playable characters and possessed villains strewn across her desk, showcasing a cute yet unsettling style for the game’s art direction. Allyson Curran, left, and Bella Curran, center, work with program instructors at the Dream Bigger Afterschool Program at the Missoula Public Library on Tuesday, Nov. 12. On another table sprawled a black and white photo of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming. That photo was taken by Chris Taylor, and will be auctioned off as part of the program to pay for his daughter, Selene Taylor, to get SCUBA certified. — Andy Tallman, andy.tallman@missoulian.com A Carousel for Missoula reunited with a new vintage pony A Carousel for Missoula has added a new pony to its herd. Technically, it’s more of a reunion. The wood-carved horse, about a hundred years old, was part of a carousel at Ponderosa Ranch, an amusement park outside Lake Tahoe, Nevada, where some parts of the Western television show “Bonanza” were filmed. The frame for that carousel was eventually sold separately from the animals and ended up here in Missoula at Caras Park, where it was outfitted with horses hand-carved by local volunteers. John Thompson, an original carver for the Carousel for Missoula, looks up at the newly installed vintage pony on Tuesday, Nov. 12. This new addition took a circuitous route. Years ago, it was bought at auction by a private collector in California, said Tracy Ursery, the executive director of the nonprofit carousel. The donor is moving to the East Coast and felt “it was time to let the horse go,” Ursery said. The donor looked up the history of that horse and carousel frame and then reached out to Missoula and thought it was the best place for it to land. While the horse, complete with an intact patina, was installed on Tuesday, no one’s allowed to ride it to ensure it stays in good shape. Thankfully, there are the many other options that volunteers have maintained since it opened. — Cory Walsh, cory.walsh@missoulian.com When a theater company plays bingo, anything can happen A bingo game in honor of the dead should not be funereal, but celebratory. Think dance numbers, satirical music, surprise guests, unprovoked confessions. There will also be prizes, raffles and drinks. At least, that’s the card you’ll play if you show up at the Missoula Senior Center for a memorial game in honor of Lula Mae Johnson, a wealthy Missoula resident, avid bingo fan and somewhat of a free spirit. She’s also a fiction, the centerpiece of “Bingo! A Night of Theatre, Dance, and Prizes,” an interactive dramatic experience put on by the Montana Repertory Theatre the next two weekends. Eliza McNelly, playing Young Lula Mae, and Amy Ragsdale as Marion during a rehearsal for Montana Repertory Theatre’s production of “Bingo! A Night of Theatre, Dance & Prizes” at the Missoula Senior Center on Wednesday evening. The Rep’s series “Plays on Tap” is intended to bring theater out of the physical theater and make it a more immersive, more casual experience. In this case, you step into the Senior Center, buy a beer and take a seat with your bingo card. Your emcee is an actor, Monroe Ayers, playing Lula Mae’s agreeable but visibly stressed nephew, Jeff. Once the show gets started, real rounds of bingo are played along with the unfolding story, written by four professional playwrights. The player sitting next to you could very well be an actor from the University of Montana or a local professional, but you might not realize that until the right moment. Like any funeral in a movie, things don’t go as planned but the results are funny and moving in ways you might not expect. — Cory Walsh, cory.walsh@missoulian.com Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter.
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