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Croatia's president faces conservative rival in election run-off
(BPT) - The holidays are almost here! It means parties and events, hustle and bustle ... and figuring out what to buy for everyone on your list. Sometimes it's hard to get inspired with great ideas that your nears and dears will love at a price you can afford, right? The good news? Inspiration + savings are covered this year. One of the top gifts of Holiday 2024 is technology, and there are a lot of deals out there right now. Done and done! Here are 5 ideas for hot tech gifts for everyone on your list. Smartphones for the family T-Mobile is running a hot deal right now. Get four new smartphones at T-Mobile — this includes Samsung Galaxy S24 and other eligible devices — and four lines for just $100/month . It doesn't get better than that! These new Galaxy phones are tech-tastic, too, with features like AI, Circle to Search with Google, which can be used to help solve math problems and translate entire pages of text in a different language, and Note Assist with Galaxy AI, which lets you focus on capturing your notes and then Note Assist will summarize, format and even translate them for you. High tech spiral notebook for students We've got to admit, this is pretty cool. The Rocketbook looks (a bit) like a regular spiral, paper notebook. Here's the high tech twist: You can take notes, capture ideas, brainstorm, draw — whatever you do on paper — on the pad, and the Rocketbook digitizes your doodles and saves to the cloud device of your choice. Then you simply wipe the pad clean and it's good to go. Look for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at your favorite online retailer. Wrist-worthy smartwatches for athletes (or those who want to be) Everyone loves smartwatches (if you're not already tracking your sleep and heart rate, where have you been?) and the Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm & 45mm) takes it to the next level with features for athletes or anyone who may be setting fitness goals for the coming year. The watch has workout prompts like Real Time Guidance — audio and haptic cues for when to sprint, cool down or maintain pace. It gives you the ability to program your workouts and even monitors your cadence and stride. It also has Offline Maps, with driving navigation, search and maps. Here's the deal of the century: Get it for free at T-Mobile when adding a qualifying watch line. Cute wireless keyboard for people who are all thumbs Who else is annoyed by typing email or texts or social posts on a smartphone? The Logitech Multi-Device Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard solves that problem with style! It comes in sweet colors like lavender, it's wireless, it's small and portable, and it works with just about any device. Pop it into your backpack or purse and you'll never have to thumb-out a message again. Speakers perfect for hosting and giving Have a music lover in your life or need the perfect hosting gift? T-Mobile has you covered. For a limited time, you can get the JBL Clip 5 for free when you pick up a Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 . The JBL Clip 5 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker perfect for those on the go and the Onyx Studio 9's sleek design and booming sound will take care of all your holiday hosting needs. For more tech-tastic holiday gift inspiration, check out T-Mobile's holiday gift guide at t-mobile.com/devices/tech-gifts .Jesse Marsch’s need for speed has had everyone in Canadian soccer circles coiled. On a frigid Toronto Tuesday last month, the final match of a breakneck 2024 campaign was near its end when striker Cyle Larin raced into the box and fired away with what looked a fourth goal. BMO Field’s pyrotechnic triggerman reacted — but a little too rapidly. Larin’s shot crashed off the post and away from the Suriname goal as the fireworks were already lighting up the November night. Call it premature exclamation. Even without the goal, Canada put a resounding punctuation mark on its 2024 campaign with the most emphatic win of the Marsch era. Afterward, under the West Stand, Suriname coach Stanley Menzo put it plainly: “Things went too fast for us.” In private, Marsch himself marvels at just how quickly everything has clicked for him and the Canadian men since he took over a listing program in mid-May. To be fair, he’s been very public about his feelings, too. As a first calendar year at the helm comes to an end, this most rapid revolution has seen the team lifted to an all-time high in the world rankings at 31st. Background noise of carry-over dysfunction in the national federation and knock-on turmoil across the sport here hasn’t halted the pace of the turnaround one bit. The Canadian men faced elite opposition in 2024 and can expect more of the same next year in the lead-up to co-hosting the World Cup in 2026, ... The Canadian men faced elite opposition in 2024 and can expect more of the same next year in the lead-up to co-hosting the World Cup in 2026, ... Marsch has moulded a team clear in its approach and intent with effusive buy-in across the board. Remarkably, given how tight of a window international coaches have to be hands-on with a squad, he has elevated numerous players. Five mainstays earned big-money moves to more illustrious European surrounds in the summer. With the European transfer window opening again on Jan. 1, it would be no surprise to see another handful of Canadians in demand. And speed has been central, elemental even, to the American’s strides. “We’re a fast team,” said winger Jacob Shaffelburg, one of those whose stock rose highest in 2024, after that victory over Suriname. “Our speed is dangerous,” concurred defender Richie Laryea. “I think it’s maybe the fastest team I’ve ever coached,” Marsch observed. “I’ve been lucky to coach some pretty athletic teams, but from the start I have advertised with how we’re building things, how we want to play is about speed and power. When we play like that, our goal is to overwhelm opponents.” Time was already of the essence when Marsch said yes to the ambitious approach from Canada Soccer’s new CEO Kevin Blue last spring. The 2026 men’s World Cup loomed larger with each passing team window. While already part of his coaching DNA at the club level, speed was essential to the coach’s international transition. It helped that this generation of Canadian talent had fast-twitch fibres ready to be flexed. In the wake of the Paris Olympics drone bombshell, now the two architects of the golden age of Canadian soccer are hell and gone. In the wake of the Paris Olympics drone bombshell, now the two architects of the golden age of Canadian soccer are hell and gone. While the pacy play of capt ain Alphonso Davies and others such as Laryea had been a feature of the John Herdman era, Marsch gave less-heralded talents Shaffelburg, Ali Ahmed and Moïse Bombito the opportunity of green grass ahead and watched them gallop away. No one has pinned their ears back and progressed as swiftly as Bombito — literally. A breakdown by the soccer division of analytics firm Pro Football Focus this past week found that the defender, who swapped MLS for French outfit Nice on the back of Canada’s Copa America odyssey, has already established himself as the fastest player in Europe. Suddenly, however, the pace has dropped. If the festive season is about slow living, rest and reflection for us all, Marsch is joining in. Christmas was spent at the family base in coastal Tuscany. They’ll swap the Mediterranean for the Mexican Pacific in time for the new year. But the huge four-month winter gap between international camps is merely at the quarter mark and the coach is doing his best to stay busy. Marsch and Canada Soccer staff are planning for 2025, eager to secure the kind of high-quality friendly opposition he sees as essential for 2026 preparations. In his 13 matches in charge, Canada has lost just three within 90 minutes, two of those to world No. 1 Argentina during the historic Copa run. There are four international windows along with the summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup and the Nations League, next up in the diary in mid-March. Marsch has acknowledged that a first piece of silverware for the program in 25 years could be a seminal moment for this generation. Jonathan David and Vanessa Gilles, two of the first names on the Canadian team sheet, have been named Canada Soccer Players of the Year. Jonathan David and Vanessa Gilles, two of the first names on the Canadian team sheet, have been named Canada Soccer Players of the Year. There are myriad sides to the job of national team manager and Marsch is embracing this period as an opportunity for gospel spreading and glad-handing, too. It’s needed. The summer’s drone scandal dragged Canada Soccer back to familiar negativity which will only lift slowly. Its impact spread far with Herdman implicated and stepping aside at Toronto FC, leaving MLSE with yet another turbulent off-season after four straight years of failure. Out west, the surprise decision of Vancouver Whitecaps ownership to sell raised relocation fears. Marsch’s nationwide coaching workshop tour in early 2025 will be part PR push. He’ll continue to be busy on the roads in Europe, too. Not all transfers have been as fruitful as Bombito’s. Ismaël Koné and Derek Cornelius both joined Marseille in late summer, but game time has been scant, particularly for Koné, Canada’s midfield engine at the Copa. Marsch travelled to France in recent weeks to check in with the duo and their manager, Roberto De Zerbi. A loan move to Rome’s Lazio has been mooted for Koné when the transfer window opens in January. Inter Milan’s Tajon Buchanan is another who may seek playing time elsewhere. Two other Canadians, however, will dominate transfer talk: captain Davies and top scorer Jonathan David, in particularly prolific form. Both are out of contract next summer and among the most coveted free agents in the game. Rumour mills will run feverishly from first light on New Year’s Day. The time for slow living will soon pass. It would be wise to expect Marsch to be back up to speed in a hurry.Chimerix Reports Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)
Lighting a Christmas tree is an old-fashioned tradition but it was the intersection of new-fangled technology and Christmas spirit that was on the mind of Bobby Clue Thursday night. Clue, executive director of the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, was one of those to share words of greeting to those assembled on the Fountain Square for the ceremonial lighting of the community Christmas tree in the center of downtown Somerset. And Clue took the occasion to remind those observing about the importance of peace and goodwill — particularly this time of year, and particularly via the online channels that often provide individuals the opportunity to share less than charitable thoughts about their neighbors. “In today’s world, I fear we are often consumed with negative and hurtful comments, comments that are often hurled from a distance on social media,” said Clue. “We must do better with our comments that we use toward others.” Despite the frigid temperatures braved by those who came out for the ceremony, which dropped down into the low 20s, the message of keeping one’s heart warm like the glowing bulbs on the tree itself was Clue’s focus on the evening. Bobby Clue, Executive Director of the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, speaks at Thursday’s tree lighting ceremony on the Fountain Square. “Be the reason someone smiles today. Be the reason someone feels loved. Be the reason someone sleeps better tonight, not worse,” he said. “If we want better in the world, we must all work to be a better version of ourselves, and practicing kindness can have more of an impact on a person than you could ever imagine.” Clue then wished everyone a “wonderful Christmas” and expressed hope that people “truly remember the reason for the season” and that they take him up on his challenge to make a positive impact in someone’s life this holiday season. Merry sentiments were also shared by City of Somerset Mayor Alan Keck and Pulaski County Judge-Executive Marshall Todd, both of whom received the opportunity to speak at the tree lighting ceremony. “This is one of the most special nights of the year, regardless of the weather, for a lot of reasons,” said Keck. “... We get to celebrate a real light, and we get to do it in a country where we get to do that freely, largely free of persecution. I pray, I hope and trust that we never take that for granted, but also tonight, we get to celebrate these kiddos, we get to celebrate community, coming together to celebrate a beautiful cause — not just Christmas, but again, that sense of community.” The “kiddos” mentioned by Keck were there to see Santa Claus, who made one of his multiple scheduled stops in Pulaski County this holiday season on Thursday. Santa — assisted by local musician Tommy Cate — read aloud from Clement Clarke Moore’s beloved “A Visit from St. Nicholas” or “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and also sang favorite tunes with kids while playing the guitar for his annual “Santa Jam.” Todd was pleased that the crowd was bigger than he expected considering the chilly weather. “This is where memories are made,” said Todd. “I was thinking previously ... back when I was much younger, we would come to town around Christmastime, and all these streets, if you remember back far enough, they all had tinsel and stuff across all the lights and the wires across the street, and it was all decorated ... “We’re here to make memories, to play on family traditions, and lots of things that go on in the holiday season, but we just want to remember that the reason for the season is the birth of our savior,” he added. “Just remember that, and don’t get caught up in all the hoopla of shopping and doing all the things we do at Christmas. Just remember the main reason for the season.” Somerset Mayor Alan Keck and Pulaski County Judge-Executive Marshall Todd flip the ceremonial switch that turns on the lights of the community Christmas tree on Thursday. Keck and Todd pulled the ceremonial switch together, as is local custom, to officially turn on the lights for the community Christmas tree for the 2024 holiday season. The lights typically remain on though Christmas to the new year, and provide an attractive sight for those driving around the Fountain Square. The tree — an 18-foot-tall artificial pine — has been up since November 15, largely due to timing issues and the opportunity to do the work in favorable weather. In recent years, the lighting ceremony has taken place a couple days before the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, so that the tree would be lit already for the parade; in the past, the lights were turned on at parade’s end. This year’s Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade will take place this weekend, Saturday, December 7, beginning at 5 p.m. at Meece Middle School and following the same route as in past years, ending at the Judicial Center parking lot. The parade travels a route of approximately 1.4 miles, west along East Mt. Vernon Street, turning north onto College Street, west on Oak Street, then south on Main Street and around the Fountain Square and back onto East Mt. Vernon Street and South Central Avenue, ending at the Judicial Center parking lot. U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers and his wife Cynthia are scheduled to appear as the parade’s Grand Marshals this year. For those who didn’t want to brave the cold, the tree lighting ceremony was broadcast on the Chamber’s Facebook page with co-emcees Laura Glover and Angie Travis, co-chairs of the Christmas Parade. The parade will be broadcast online as well for those who wish to view from home. A view of the community Christmas tree on the Fountain Square following Thursday's lighting ceremony. It’s a busy time of year for the Chamber’s Clue — almost as busy as for Santa Claus himself — but he was happy to be on hand for Thursday’s tree lighting and happy that so many others came out as well to share in the fellowship and festivities. “It’s a surprisingly large crowd, considering how cold it is; I think that we have as many people (on Thursday) as we did last year, and it’s at least 30 degrees cooler,” said Clue that night following the event’s conclusion. “So I’m very happy with the crowd, and if you didn’t make it out, that’s okay. We’ve given those people at home a really good experience (watching online) as well.”
A Farmingdale High School and Stony Brook University graduate is President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to oversee the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and if confirmed, he’d replace another Long Island native. The nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon, a former Republican congressman from Florida, has provoked concern from public health experts. He sponsored a bill to limit the use of vaccines containing mercury because of concerns the mercury-based preservative thimerosal could cause autism despite the CDC’s and leading health experts’ insistence that it does not, and sponsored a 2007 bill to strip the CDC of vaccine-safety responsibilities and move it to another agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. He would replace Dr. Mandy Cohen, a Baldwin native who in a statement released by the CDC after vaccine critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for secretary of health and human services, but before Weldon’s, wrote: "I don't want to go backward and see children or adults suffer or lose their lives to remind us that vaccines work, and so I am concerned. Any misinformation coming from places of influence or power are concerning." K.C. Rondello, a clinical associate professor of public health at Adelphi University in Garden City, said in an email that he and others working in public health "are tremendously concerned about the potential impact of appointing a vaccine skeptic and conspiracy theorist to the role of CDC director. [Former] Rep. Weldon espouses beliefs that are contrary to the overwhelming mountain of evidence on vaccine efficacy and safety that has been garnered over decades." The CDC states that many studies have examined potential links between vaccines and autism and "continue to show that vaccines are not associated with ASD," or autism spectrum disorder. Children’s Health Defense, an organization that Kennedy founded, said in a statement: "We believe Dr. Weldon is eminently qualified as a former member of Congress and physician." The organization referred Newsday to an article on its website in which critics of the CDC praised Weldon for his criticism of the CDC’s vaccine safety oversight. Weldon was not available to comment, a Trump transition team spokeswoman said in an email. Weldon was born in Amityville, according to his official congressional biography , and graduated from Farmingdale High in 1971. He was among the first 16 Farmingdale alumni with their names inscribed on the school’s Wall of Honor, Newsday reported in 1998. He graduated from Stony Brook in 1978 with a bachelor of science in biochemistry, earning "high honors," university records show. He received his medical degree from the University at Buffalo in 1981. Weldon was a part-time clinical professor at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, from 2012 to 2019, and served on the university’s board of trustees from 2021 until January, the university said in an email. Weldon represented an east-central Florida congressional district from 1995 to 2009. His 2004 bill regarding thimerosal didn't pass. Thimerosal is added to vaccines to prevent germ growth and, according to the CDC , contains a type of mercury different than the one that is found in some fish. Studies have shown that low doses of thimerosal in vaccines are not harmful, other than minor reactions like redness at the injection site. Thimerosal was removed from childhood vaccines in 2001. It is in flu vaccines for adults and children, but there are thimerosal-free options. Weldon also has expressed concern about the safety of other vaccines, including those against measles, mumps and rubella, multiple news reports said. Dorit R. Reiss, a professor at University of California Law San Francisco and an expert on vaccine policy and law, said, "Weldon isn’t quite as extreme as Kennedy." But, she said, she is concerned that Weldon would push to no longer recommend certain vaccines and change CDC vaccine guidance. A committee of medical and public health experts, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices , advises the CDC on vaccines, but the CDC director can reject those recommendations, Reiss said. In addition, as health and human services secretary, Kennedy would have the power to appoint committee members. Recommendations are critical, because states generally follow them, she said. "Given the way this topic is politicized — which is a really sad thing, because viruses don't care about your politics — if the recommendations change suddenly, the reception would probably vary across states by political approach, and we may end up with a tragic national experiment in which some states stop recommending some vaccines and others don’t," Reiss said. In addition, the Affordable Care Act requires that most insurance plans pay for CDC-recommended vaccines if administered in-network. Many people won’t take vaccines if they must pay for them, Reiss said. "Some [insurance companies] will continue to cover vaccines that are not recommended because it's more cost effective for them to prevent disease than to treat it, but some won’t," she said. The CDC releases other advisories and recommendations. For example, the CDC website currently states that research shows that vaccines do not cause autism. If that changed, it could affect public trust in the CDC and put an official government stamp on baseless information, she said. A Farmingdale High School and Stony Brook University graduate is President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to oversee the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and if confirmed, he’d replace another Long Island native. The nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon, a former Republican congressman from Florida, has provoked concern from public health experts. He sponsored a bill to limit the use of vaccines containing mercury because of concerns the mercury-based preservative thimerosal could cause autism despite the CDC’s and leading health experts’ insistence that it does not, and sponsored a 2007 bill to strip the CDC of vaccine-safety responsibilities and move it to another agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. He would replace Dr. Mandy Cohen, a Baldwin native who in a statement released by the CDC after vaccine critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for secretary of health and human services, but before Weldon’s, wrote: "I don't want to go backward and see children or adults suffer or lose their lives to remind us that vaccines work, and so I am concerned. Any misinformation coming from places of influence or power are concerning." K.C. Rondello, a clinical associate professor of public health at Adelphi University in Garden City, said in an email that he and others working in public health "are tremendously concerned about the potential impact of appointing a vaccine skeptic and conspiracy theorist to the role of CDC director. [Former] Rep. Weldon espouses beliefs that are contrary to the overwhelming mountain of evidence on vaccine efficacy and safety that has been garnered over decades." WHAT NEWSDAY FOUND The CDC states that many studies have examined potential links between vaccines and autism and "continue to show that vaccines are not associated with ASD," or autism spectrum disorder. Get the latest stories every week about health and wellness, covering topics from medicine and mental health to updates on the coronavirus and new research. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . Children’s Health Defense, an organization that Kennedy founded, said in a statement: "We believe Dr. Weldon is eminently qualified as a former member of Congress and physician." The organization referred Newsday to an article on its website in which critics of the CDC praised Weldon for his criticism of the CDC’s vaccine safety oversight. Weldon was not available to comment, a Trump transition team spokeswoman said in an email. Weldon was born in Amityville, according to his official congressional biography , and graduated from Farmingdale High in 1971. He was among the first 16 Farmingdale alumni with their names inscribed on the school’s Wall of Honor, Newsday reported in 1998. He graduated from Stony Brook in 1978 with a bachelor of science in biochemistry, earning "high honors," university records show. He received his medical degree from the University at Buffalo in 1981. Weldon was a part-time clinical professor at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida, from 2012 to 2019, and served on the university’s board of trustees from 2021 until January, the university said in an email. Weldon represented an east-central Florida congressional district from 1995 to 2009. His 2004 bill regarding thimerosal didn't pass. Thimerosal is added to vaccines to prevent germ growth and, according to the CDC , contains a type of mercury different than the one that is found in some fish. Studies have shown that low doses of thimerosal in vaccines are not harmful, other than minor reactions like redness at the injection site. Thimerosal was removed from childhood vaccines in 2001. It is in flu vaccines for adults and children, but there are thimerosal-free options. Weldon also has expressed concern about the safety of other vaccines, including those against measles, mumps and rubella, multiple news reports said. Dorit R. Reiss, a professor at University of California Law San Francisco and an expert on vaccine policy and law, said, "Weldon isn’t quite as extreme as Kennedy." But, she said, she is concerned that Weldon would push to no longer recommend certain vaccines and change CDC vaccine guidance. A committee of medical and public health experts, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices , advises the CDC on vaccines, but the CDC director can reject those recommendations, Reiss said. In addition, as health and human services secretary, Kennedy would have the power to appoint committee members. Recommendations are critical, because states generally follow them, she said. "Given the way this topic is politicized — which is a really sad thing, because viruses don't care about your politics — if the recommendations change suddenly, the reception would probably vary across states by political approach, and we may end up with a tragic national experiment in which some states stop recommending some vaccines and others don’t," Reiss said. In addition, the Affordable Care Act requires that most insurance plans pay for CDC-recommended vaccines if administered in-network. Many people won’t take vaccines if they must pay for them, Reiss said. "Some [insurance companies] will continue to cover vaccines that are not recommended because it's more cost effective for them to prevent disease than to treat it, but some won’t," she said. The CDC releases other advisories and recommendations. For example, the CDC website currently states that research shows that vaccines do not cause autism. If that changed, it could affect public trust in the CDC and put an official government stamp on baseless information, she said. David Olson covers health care. He has worked at Newsday since 2015 and previously covered immigration, multicultural issues and religion at The Press-Enterprise in Southern California.
PHOTO GALLERY | Nine area players selected to Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association all-state teamsCroatia’s incumbent President Zoran Milanovic has a sweeping lead in Sunday’s election and could win the five-year presidency in the first round, according to an exit poll released immediately after the voting. The poll by the Ipsos polling agency and released by the state HRT television showed Milanovic winning over 50% of the votes, while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the conservative HDZ ruling party trailed far behind with 19%. Milanovic thanked voters in a post on social networks. The first official results are yet to be published. Pre-election polls predicted that the two would face off in the second round on Jan. 12, as none of all 8 presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote. Left-leaning Milanovic is an outspoken critic of Western military support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. He is often compared to Donald Trump for his combative style of communication with political opponents. The most popular politician in Croatia, 58-year-old Milanović has served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, he has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and continuous sparring between the two has lately marked Croatia’s political scene. Plenković, the prime minister, has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatia’s future in the EU and NATO. He has labeled Milanović “pro-Russian” and a threat to Croatia’s international standing. “The difference between him and Milanović is quite simple: Milanović is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West,” he said. Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme military commander. Milanović has criticized the NATO and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, though it is a member of both NATO and the EU. Milanović has also blocked Croatia’s participation in a NATO-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that “no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody else’s war.” His main rival in the election, Primorac, has stated that “Croatia’s place is in the West, not the East.” His presidency bid, however, has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatia’s health minister in jail last month and featured prominently in pre-election debates. During the election campaign, Primorac has sought to portray himself as a unifier and Milanović as divisive. “Today is an extremely important day,” Primorac said after casting his ballot. "Croatia is going forward into the future. Croatia needs unity, Croatia needs its global positioning, and above all Croatia needs peaceful life.” Trailing a distant third in the pre-election polls is Marija Selak Raspudić, a conservative independent candidate. She has focused her election campaign on the economic troubles of ordinary citizens, corruption and issues such as population decline in the country of some 3.8 million. Sunday’s presidential election is Croatia’s third vote this year, following a parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June.
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FAIRVIEW, N.C. (AP) — Vice President-elect JD Vance on Friday assured residents of western North Carolina still cleaning up from Hurricane Helene that they haven't been forgotten as he surveyed storm wreckage and talked to first responders in one of his first public appearances since the election. Vance said he was visiting because the holidays are approaching and he wants to provide some comfort to those affected by the hurricane as they go about trying to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. “My simple message to the people of Appalachia is that we haven’t forgotten you — we love you,” said Vance, who made a name for himself writing about the region in his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.” He added, “Certainly when this administration changes hands in the next 45 days, we’re going to do everything that we can to help people rebuild, to get them back on their feet, to bring some commerce back to this area, but, most importantly, to allow people to live in their homes.” The hurricane struck in late September and caused at least $53 billion in damage in North Carolina, according to a state government estimate. More than 100 North Carolina residents died from the storm, which the state estimates damaged over 120,000 homes, at least 6,000 miles (9,700 kilometers) of roads and over 160 sewer and water systems. The incoming vice president and his wife, Usha, visited the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department, where they heard that the building flooded with 4 to 6 inches of water and that roughly a dozen people contracted walking pneumonia as they responded to the hurricane's destruction. Power outages meant that some first responders and their families could not check in on each other for several days. At least one firefighter lost his life while trying to save lives in the storm. Vance also toured a two-story house that is being rebuilt after the storm. The construction is being undertaken by Samaritan's Purse, an evangelical Christian charity led by Franklin Graham, son of the late pastor Billy Graham, who was known for his close relationships with U.S. presidents. “We want you to have the best Christmas as you possibly can have, despite the circumstances,” he said in a message to residents while speaking to reporters after touring the damaged home. More than 60% of voters in Buncombe County, where Vance visited Friday, backed Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, in November's presidential election. Liberal-leaning Asheville is known for its vibrant arts scene and the Biltmore Estate tourist attraction. The city’s arts district faced substantial damage from Helene. But the majority of North Carolina voters supported President-elect Donald Trump, and he generally fared better among voters hurt by Hurricane Helene. The Republican gave a blistering critique of the Biden administration's relief efforts, which President Joe Biden characterized as “un-American” misinformation. AP VoteCast, an extensive survey of the electorate, found that 26% of North Carolina voters said the hurricane affected their lives by damaging their homes, causing extended power outages or interfering with their ability to cast a ballot. Trump won 53% of those voters. Vance has largely stayed out of the public eye since the Nov. 5 election aside from shepherding Trump's Cabinet nominees around Capitol Hill. Vance defended Pete Hegseth after his tour of the region, saying that Trump's defense secretary nominee deserved a Senate confirmation hearing rather than a “sham hearing before the American media” over allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking of alcohol. The incoming vice president also said he did not know whether he would be escorting Kash Patel, Trump's pick for FBI director, around the Senate next week. In North Carolina, state lawmakers have already allocated more than $900 million in disaster relief, but Gov. Roy Cooper has sought at least $3.9 billion. The Democratic governor and other state leaders have asked the federal government for $25 billion in aid. Hundreds of miles of roads have been reopened and water systems are back online, but the work has been slow-going. More than 100,000 western North Carolina residents were told just two weeks ago that they could once again use water coming out of Asheville’s water system to bathe and to drink from the faucet. A destroyed water system in at least one isolated county could take years to rebuild. Many Republicans and residents were critical of the initial recovery operations by the federal government and Cooper’s administration. Housing for displaced residents for the winter has become a concern, and some allies of Cooper have blamed GOP lawmakers for failing to provide grants to small businesses at risk of failing and housing renters faced with eviction. Darlene Superville And Gary Robertson, The Associated PressFirst Period_None. Penalties_None. Second Period_1, Los Angeles, Kempe 10 (Kopitar, Turcotte), 4:19. 2, Los Angeles, Byfield 3 (Fiala, Kopitar), 6:03 (pp). Penalties_Gourde, SEA (Interference), 5:03; Clarke, LA (Roughing), 12:41; Kartye, SEA (Roughing), 12:41; Kempe, LA (Interference), 14:16; Spence, LA (Holding), 17:30. Third Period_3, Seattle, Montour 6 (Bjorkstrand, Gourde), 18:26. Penalties_Laferriere, LA (High Sticking), 16:03. Shots on Goal_Seattle 5-7-8_20. Los Angeles 4-12-5_21. Power-play opportunities_Seattle 0 of 3; Los Angeles 1 of 1. Goalies_Seattle, Daccord 9-4-1 (21 shots-19 saves). Los Angeles, Rittich 7-5-0 (20-19). A_18,145 (18,230). T_2:21. Referees_Tom Chmielewski, Brandon Schrader. Linesmen_Mitch Hunt, Kiel Murchison.Monish Katari: Redefining Hardware Engineering with Precision and InnovationNew Report Highlights Piana's Continued Momentum in Leading Sustainability Practices and Successfully Shrinking its Environmental Footprint CARTERSVILLE, Ga. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Piana Technology , the 442-year-old Italian-made textile company renowned for its innovations in the fiber and nonwovens markets, proudly announced it has published its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. Piana Technology's report is a reflection of the company's continued commitment to building a better future for our planet through an ethical and caring approach to technological growth and application. "2023 has been a year of transformation and growth. We have deepened our commitment to sustainability, not only in our products but in every aspect of our operations," said Andrea Piana , CEO of Piana Technology. "This year, we achieved significant milestones, from reducing our carbon footprint across all facilities to pioneering new technologies that align with our zero-waste vision. Our innovations are driven by a steadfast belief that the future of industry lies in responsible stewardship of our planet's resources." In 2021, Piana Technology established benchmark sustainability metrics that enable the company to reduce its overall organizational, facility, and product-level environmental impact, especially its greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint. Piana Technology's 2023 ESG report highlights the company's tremendous growth in implementing new programs and systems to lessen its impact on all fronts. "At Piana Technology, ESG priorities are at the heart of our mission," said Silvia Galasso , Executive Vice President of Piana Sleep , the bedding division of Piana Technology. "We aim to lead and inspire as we make meaningful improvements in our environmental footprint and the wellbeing of our people." Piana Technology is dedicated to leading change through example, transforming into a business for good, and working with those who share the Piana vision. For more information on Piana Technology's 2023 ESG report, visit: https://www.piana.tech/sustainability About Piana Technology The Piana family's roots began in the textile business in 1582 in Biella, Italy , evolving over centuries to develop innovative solutions in the industry, starting with traditional textile dyeing in 1950 and opening their first American factory in Cartersville, Georgia in 1995. Today, Piana Technology is a multinational company addressing common problems with unique solutions in nonwovens, digital printing, and fiber treatments. Piana provides the hidden technology behind many everyday consumer products—from automotive to home furnishings—replacing conventional materials with socially and environmentally responsible technologies. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/piana-technologys-annual-environmental-social-and-governance-esg-report-underscores-its-unwavering-commitment-to-sustainability-and-innovation-302316825.html SOURCE Piana Technology
New Report Highlights Piana's Continued Momentum in Leading Sustainability Practices and Successfully Shrinking its Environmental Footprint CARTERSVILLE, Ga. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Piana Technology , the 442-year-old Italian-made textile company renowned for its innovations in the fiber and nonwovens markets, proudly announced it has published its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. Piana Technology's report is a reflection of the company's continued commitment to building a better future for our planet through an ethical and caring approach to technological growth and application. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
VANCOUVER — A Federal Court judge has dismissed an appeal by a “deeply religious” British Columbia health executive who said he was wrongfully denied employment insurance after being fired three years ago for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Darold Sturgeon was fired as executive director of medical affairs for Interior Health in November 2021 after refusing to get the vaccine based on his Christian beliefs. He applied for employment insurance benefits but was denied due to being fired for “misconduct,” with appeals to two levels of the Social Security Tribunal also failing, leading him to seek a judicial review in Federal Court in August 2023. The ruling says Sturgeon believed the tribunal should have examined his assertion under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that the term “misconduct” did not apply to his case “because he was exercising his freedom of religion.” Justice William Pentney says “recent, abundant and unanimous case law” defined a specific and narrow role for the tribunal’s appeal divisions, focusing on an employee’s conduct, and not justification for and employer’s policies or compliance with the Charter. The ruling says Sturgeon’s appeal fell “outside the mandate” of the tribunal and he could have challenged Interior Health’s mandatory vaccine police “through other avenues.” These included advancing a Charter claim, lodging a wrongful dismissal suit or labour grievance, or complaining to the British Columbia Human Rights Commission. “The point is, there were other avenues available to pursue the Charter question; this decision does not cut off the only avenue of relief,” the ruling says. It added of Sturgeon, who represented himself, that “no one has doubted that he acted based on his understanding of his religious obligations,” and that he had “ably advanced his arguments.” “However, despite his sincere and thoughtful arguments, the binding jurisprudence requires that I find against him,” the ruling says. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Darryl Greer, The Canadian PressAlgorhythm Holdings, Inc. Announces Closing of $9.5 Million Public Offering
NEW YORK, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Insight Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: INAQ) announced today that its stockholders have approved an extension of the time period by which the Company has to consummate an initial business combination (the “Business Combination Period”) from December 7, 2024, to March 7, 2025 (the "Extended Termination Date"). The extension was made through the adoption of the Fourth Extension Amendment to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation (the “Charter”), which was filed today with the Delaware Secretary of State. Adoption of the Fourth Extension Amendment required approval by the affirmative vote of at least 65% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The proposal was approved by the Company’s stockholders holding 4,950,037 shares, representing approximately 75.93% of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock. About Insight Acquisition Corp. Insight Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: INAQ) is a special purpose acquisition company formed solely to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Insight Acquisition Corp. is sponsored by Insight Acquisition Sponsor LLC. For additional information, please visit insightacqcorp.com. About Alpha Modus Alpha Modus is engaged in creating, developing and licensing data-driven technologies to enhance consumers' in-store digital experience at the point of decision. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Cornelius, North Carolina. Alpha Modus is party to a business combination agreement with Insight Acquisition Corp. ( INAQ ) whereby Alpha Modus plans to become a publicly trading company (the “Business Combination”). For additional information, please visit alphamodus.com . Contacts: Insight Acquisition Corp. Chelsea Saffran csaffran@Insightacqcorp.com Alpha Modus Shannon Devine MZ Group +1(203) 741-8841 shannon.devine@mzgroup.usIndiana 72, Columbia 62
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