Benton County News Now

GALAX New ‘Serious Gaming’ Graphics Card With Four Fans Has Been Leaked – VideoCardz.com https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/galax-new-serious-gaming-graphics-card-with-four-fans-has-been-leaked-videocardz-com/ GALAX new GPU has four fans A quick-follow up to our story on GALAX Serious Gaming teaser. We managed to obtain some renders of a possible candidate for this new card. While it is not confirmed which GeForce SKU this is, it is clear that the quad-slot design is of a high-end model. We can also see one 16-pin (12VHPWR) connector located right in the middle, so definitely something newer. Leaked renders of unannounced Galax GPU, Source: VideoCardz The packaging does not confirm the model name, in fact, it doesn’t even mention the series. However, only one Galax line had a fourth (optional) fan installed on the back, and that was SG series (Serious gaming). Therefore, it is safe to assume that this should be a successor. This card is a quad slot design and will likely be even thicker with the extra fan on the back. It is also worth noting that neither this, nor any of the cards that have already been leaked had NVLink connector, NVIDIA SLI may truly be dead. More info is likely to follow next week, when GALAX is expected to unveil the full details. Leaked renders of unannounced Galax GPU, Source: VideoCardz

The World Of Crypto: ICO To DAO To POS, A Quick Guide To Some Key Crypto Terms – The Indian Express https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/the-world-of-crypto-ico-to-dao-to-pos-a-quick-guide-to-some-key-crypto-terms-the-indian-express/ It’s no mystery that the world of cryptocurrency can be an intimidating one for anyone new to it. With so many unknown terms floating around, it’s easy to feel like you need an insider to understand what’s going on. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered. If you are reading this, chances are you have already heard of Bitcoin (and maybe Ethereum too). But beyond these two there is a whole world of other digital currencies — called altcoins or tokens — that are now available for online investors. And while newbies might find the terminology as confusing as trying to speak in Elvish, there is no reason why you shouldn’t dive in and learn about the world of “crypto” — whether it be investing or mining or simply knowing how this whole phenomenon works. Today, we will explain commonly used terms and phrases related to the topic of crypto assets and blockchain technology. ICO and airdrops Initial Coin Offering (ICO) is a way for startups to bootstrap their crypto business by issuing crypto tokens to the public.  EOS (Electro-Optical System), which has become one of the most popular blockchain protocols, began life as a project with a massive ICO (Initial Coin Offering), raising a whopping $4 billion. ICOs are used by blockchain startups to fund the creation and launch of their product. They do this by selling their own digital tokens to investors looking to make a profit in the future. Investors are typically rewarded with higher returns if the token’s value rises as more people use it. Airdrop: A free giveaway of tokens by a company to promote their business or to bootstrap their token economy by distributing tokens to existing crypto users. FUD and FOMO The crypto market is often a site for emotions of all sorts: greed, hope, confusion, and doubt. Whether you’re an investor or a trader, it’s important to identify these emotions and to try and keep them in check. FUD means Fear, uncertainty and doubt. It refers to spreading false information to create doubt in investors’ minds, causing them to sell their tokens which in turn depresses the price of the token in question. This is one of the most common ways for scammers to profit from crypto. FOMO is Fear of missing out. This refers to the “gotta catch ‘em all” mentality that is driving people to invest in every promising token they hear about. Hodl and shilling Both hodl and shilling are used as verbs in the crypto world. hodl is a misspelling of “hold” and is used to refer to keeping your investment despite the dips and bumps. HODL was first used in a Bitcoin forum in 2013 where one investor said: “I AM HODLING.” Ever since then, it became the battle cry of people who refused to give up on their investment and ride out the storm. Shilling is the paid promotion of a product or service, usually on social media. In crypto, shilling is usually done by scammers trying to drive up the price of a low-quality token by spreading fake news about its future. DAO and NFT A Decentralised Autonomous Organisation (DAO) is an organisation run through a smart contract on the blockchain. The idea was to create a venture-capital fund that would not be run by a central person but by a code that would be open-source, transparent, and rely on democratic voting. However, the first DAO turned out to be a disaster because it had a coding error that allowed someone to steal $50 million. NFTs are non-fungible tokens that are unique, such as tickets to a football game or a museum. They are used for rare items where you cannot create multiple copies, such as one-of-a-kind artwork. NFTs can be used for anything that has rarity. POW and POS A blockchain network is a ledger of all transactions that have ever been made between network members through their computers. It is accessible to anyone who uses the network. To ensure that everyone follows the rules and that transactions are secure, computers on the network must agree on what transactions have taken place and order them in a chronological way. This is called “mining”.  Proof-of-work (PoW) is the most commonly used consensus mechanism in the blockchain. The computers on the network compete to solve a mathematical puzzle. The first computer to solve the puzzle and verify the transaction receives a reward in the form of tokens. Proof-of-Stake (PoS): With this method, the network members have to lock up their tokens in order to get the right to verify transactions and receive a reward. The more tokens they lock up, the more they can verify. This method removes the need for computers to solve complex mathematical puzzles in order to secure the network. Altcoin Altcoin literally means another coin. You may have heard people refer to Bitcoin as the “king” of cryptocurrencies. And it’s true: It was the first digital currency, and it’s still the most popular one. But it’s hardly the only one — in fact, it’s far from it. The fact is that since Bitcoin was first released in 2009, more than 3,500 other coins and tokens have been created. Many of these “altcoins” are based on alternative blockchain technology, one that isn’t based on the same powerful computer systems that Bitcoin uses. Decentralised Apps (DApps) A decentralised application runs on a network of computers that aren’t controlled by a single authority. It’s a way to design software that isn’t controlled by a single company or person. It has become possible thanks to the rise of blockchain technology, which enables a system to run autonomously, with no central controlling source. The most prominent example is a cryptocurrency, which is run through a blockchain-based network that is largely decentralised. There is no single controlling source that regulates the network, and it is open source.

Documenting Russia’s Destructive Impact On Food Storage In Ukraine – U.S. Embassy Moscow https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/documenting-russias-destructive-impact-on-food-storage-in-ukraine-u-s-embassy-moscow/ MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 President Putin’s unjustified war against Ukraine puts millions around the globe at risk of increasing food insecurity. The Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, one of the world’s largest exporters of food, has led to the damage or outright destruction of many of Ukraine’s arterial roads, railways, ports, and food storage facilities that are essential to getting its agricultural goods to international markets. These actions guarantee that the pain of this war will also be felt by the world’s most vulnerable populations. Today the Conflict Observatory, which is supported by the U.S. Department of State, released an independent, first-of-its-kind, and detailed assessment of the devastating impact of Russia’s war on food storage sites in Ukraine. An estimated 15.7% of Ukraine’s crop storage facilities have been affected during the conflict — either due to seizure by Russia’s and Russia-aligned forces, or because facilities have been destroyed, damaged, or degraded to the point of compromising the stocks contained inside. The report notes that intentional destruction of such facilities may constitute a war crime and a violation of the 1977 Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of 1949; the United States calls for further investigation through appropriate mechanisms. This report and other analyses are available online at the Conflict Observatory website. Russia has exacerbated a global food security crisis, contributed to significant spikes in the cost of wheat, and forced a scramble to keep hungry and vulnerable populations fed. This summer, the United Nations and Turkey mediated an agreement with Russia and Ukraine to allow safe grain exports from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports. Since August 1, that agreement has reduced global food prices and brought more than 2.7 million metric tons of grain to global markets. But if agricultural infrastructure within Ukraine continues to be damaged in the war, this progress on global food security will be endangered. In 2022, Ukraine has become the scene of the worst mass-scale violence that Europe has seen in eight decades. Local hardships are compounded by its farmers’ strained ability to operate during wartime, replenish diminished food supplies, and prepare for planting seasons ahead. The ramifications of Russia’s aggression reverberate far outside Europe, and now affect the health and wellbeing of tens of millions of people worldwide. Since February, the United States has provided over $5.7 billion in humanitarian assistance to scale up emergency food security operations in food-insecure countries. The United States will continue to firmly stand with Ukraine as it defends its freedom, for the sake of its own people and of people across the globe who rely on the harvests from Ukraine’s farmlands. Our support for Ukraine remains unwavering. By U.S. Mission Russia | 16 September, 2022 | Topics: Agriculture, Europe & Eurasia, Fundamental Freedoms, Human Rights, News, Press Releases, Reports

YouTube Is Testing Up To 10 Unskippable Ads Before Videos – Ghacks https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/youtube-is-testing-up-to-10-unskippable-ads-before-videos-ghacks/ If you are still using YouTube, you may have been hit with an increase in unskippable advertisement recently. Up until now, YouTube viewers saw up to two so-called unskippable ads before the selected video. Now, YouTube is testing an increase to 5, 7, 8 or even 10 ads before the actual video. Unskippable ads are shown before videos. Unlike other advertisement on YouTube, these ads are shorter and can’t be skipped. YouTube may display other ad types, including longer ads, which viewers may skip after five seconds of watching. Unskippable ads have a play time of six seconds each. Having to sit through 5, 7 or even 10 of these ads increases the ad viewing time up to 500%. In seconds, the viewing time goes up from 12 seconds to 30, 42 or even 60 seconds, before the selected video starts to play. YouTube revealed on Twitter that the increase would only happen with a specific ad format, called bumper ads. hmm…this may happen with a certain type of ad format called bumper ads, since they’re only up to 6 seconds long. if you’d like, you can send feedback directly from YouTube via the send feedback tool Serving more advertisement on YouTube increases revenue on the platform significantly. Google is aware that the majority of users won’t just leave the site for another, as content may not be available on alternatives. Unless creators move to another platform in masses, YouTube is more or less free to do as it pleases on the site without having to fear major repercussions. An increase in ads on the site serves another purposes: users who are fed up with advertisement may subscribe to YouTube Premium, a paid subscription, to get rid of them. YouTube Premium is available for $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year in the United States; this is a lot, especially when compared to streaming services such as Disney+, Netflix (Basic) or Amazon Prime Video, which are all available for less. What YouTube viewers can do about it On desktop, installing a content blocker such as uBlock Origin, may help get rid of the majority of advertisement on the platform. Some browsers, such as Brave, include content blockers, which may also deal with the majority of ads on the platform. On mobile, browsers that include content blocking functionality, like Brave or Microsoft Edge, may do the job. Dedicated clients for YouTube like NewPipe or Revanced are another option. Here is another tip: don’t use Chrome. There are plenty of ways to support content creators on YouTube and elsewhere. Some tools come with options to turn off content blocking for specific channels, but there are other ways, such as donating. Now You: do you spend time on YouTube? Do you endure ads or use tools to skip them? Summary Article Name YouTube is testing up to 10 unskippable ads before videos Description YouTube is running tests on the site currently that increase the number of unskippable ads that are shown before videos to up to 10. Author Martin Brinkmann Publisher Ghacks Technology News Logo Advertisement

Saudi Crown Prince Unveils National Gaming And Esports Strategy – Gulf Business https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/saudi-crown-prince-unveils-national-gaming-and-esports-strategy-gulf-business/ Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has unveiled the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. The strategy aims to make the kingdom the global hub for this sector by 2030, which contributes in achieving Vision 2030 objectives to diversify the economy and create new jobs in various sectors, Saudi Press Agency reported. The strategy includes three main objectives, which include raising the quality of life by improving the players’ experience, providing new entertainment opportunities, and achieving an economic impact by contributing about SAR50bn to the GDP, directly and indirectly. The strategy also aims to create 39,000 new direct and indirect job opportunities by 2030. The strategy will be implemented through 86 initiatives covering the entire value chain, launched and managed by more than 20 government and private entities. The initiatives include launching business incubators and hosting major events for gaming and e-sports, to establishing educational academies and developing stimulating regulations. HRH the Crown Prince unveils the National Gaming and Esports Strategy that marks the beginning of a new era toward leading the gaming sector and making Saudi Arabia the global hub for this sector by 2030.https://t.co/c39vCchK1G#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/AFX15IwtA0 — SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) September 15, 2022 These initiatives are divided into eigh focus areas, including technology and hardware development, game production, e-sports, additional services, and other enabling aspects that include infrastructure, regulations, education, and talent acquisition, as well as financing and financial support, the statement added. Saudi Crown Prince said: “The National Gaming and Esports Strategy is driven by the creativity and energy of our citizens and gamers, who are at the heart of the strategy. We are delivering on the ambitions of the gaming community in Saudi Arabia and around the world, with an exciting new career, and unique entertainment opportunities; aiming to make Saudi Arabia the ultimate global hub for this sector by 2030.” The gaming and esports sector is considered the fastest growing among all media sectors and is expected to reach $200bn by 2023. Earlier this year, Saudi’s sovereign wealth fund took a 5.01 per cent stake in Nintendo Co., marking its third investment in a Japanese games company. Read: Saudi Arabia’s PIF adds to games push with 5% Nintendo stake The Public Investment Fund also launched Savvy Gaming Group to develop an integrated ecosystem for the sector. Read more: Saudi’s PIF launches Savvy Gaming Group to spur gaming, esports sector

Creating Civil Discourse In Communities – Community College Daily – Community College Daily https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/creating-civil-discourse-in-communities-community-college-daily-community-college-daily/ Megan Bahr (center), a recent graduate of Gateway Technical College and a student representative on the Wisconsin Technical College System board, spoke Thursday at an event in Washington, D.C., about civics education and engagement. (All images are screenshots from streamed event.) In general, communities tend to lean politically left or right, which reflects the views of most of their residents. Oregon’s Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC) pulls from both sides. Residents of Linn County lean more right and support Donald Trump; the county hasn’t voted for a Democratic president since Jimmy Carter. Meanwhile, residents in Benton County — which is home to Oregon State Unversity (OSU), one of the area’s largest employers — are more on the left and back Joe Biden. A recent college poll found the political breakdown at LBCC — which like most community colleges has a larger proportion of older adult students than at a typical four-year institution — was 27% independent, 27% Democrat and 24% Republican. The mix of political opinions at LBCC creates an ideal place for civil discourse, says Cheyanne Rider, a dual-enrolled junior at OSU and LBCC. She is a student leader in the two-year college’s Civil Discourse Program, which promotes dialogue to enhance understanding among individuals with diverse viewpoints in an open and respectful environment. Cheyanne Rider highlights the activities of the Civil Discourse Program at Linn-Benton Community College. Rider, who plans to attend law school to pursue a career as a public defender, was one of three college students who spoke about the importance of civics education and free speech on college campuses at an event on Thursday held by the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, D.C. LBCC’s Civic Discourse Program was started by four students in response to a controversial art piece in one of the buildings at the college, Rider said. An open discussion about the piece turned into a co-curricular program that engages students in discourse. For example, through the program, students write point/counter-point op-eds for the student newspaper. Some of those articles have drawn public comments, such as an op-ed about safe-use centers that offer clean needles to drug users. On the state stage In Wisconsin, Megan Bahr, who in May graduated from Gateway Technical College with a professional communications degree, helps to voice the viewpoints of two-year college students. At Gateway, she was a student leader active on campus as a peer advocate, a 2020 Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) ambassador, and Gateway’s first Newman Civic Fellow as a part of Campus Compact. Bahr also currently serves on the WTCS state board as a student representative. Bahr brings two-year students’ opinions to state leaders. A survey of two-year college students her colleagues conduct annually shows what’s on their minds. Last year, open educational resources and offering baccalaureates at two-year colleges were top of mind. This year, broadband access for rural students made the list. The ambassadors invite local and state leaders to their district meeting discussions. “That’s where we get our practice. That’s where we start having conversations,” Bahr said. “Representatives are really engaged and interested in this.” The group annually goes to the state capital for a two-day legislative seminar where students meet colleagues from across the state and test their advocacy skills on lawmakers. “We encourage students to be their authentic selves when speaking to these representatives and to share your own personal story, and connect it to those policies and those positions that you really care about,” she said. Students in the Civics Discourse Program at LBCC also reach into the local community, Rider said. For example, they visited a local boys and girls organization to hold mock debates. The youths argued about the benefits and drawbacks of school uniforms. The kids liked it so much that they held debates on two other topics. “I hope we can keep doing it,” Rider said. Advice to college leaders When asked what college leaders can do to foster civility on campus, the students agreed that modeling the behavior is important. Rider recalled an instructor who at the start of the term said the topics the class would discuss would draw strong opinions. But the message was clear that being disrespectful would get you the boot, she said. Bahr added that colleges can do a better job of promoting their civics programs and activities, especially in reaching populations who may have been out of higher education for a while, such as single mothers. Giving them the chance to speak their minds may allow them to tap an interest or skill they didn’t know they had, she said. A word from ED Nasser Paydar, assistant secretary for postsecondary education at the U.S. Education Department. Thursday’s talk, which promoted Constitution Day, also included Nasser Paydar, who was recently appointed assistant secretary for postsecondary education at the U.S. Education Department (ED). He previously served as chancellor of Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis before retiring this spring. Paydar noted the important role that colleges and universities play in civics education, which strengthens communities through listening and debating various ideas and views. He added that such discussions also encourage residents to vote. (ED in April released a Dear Colleague Letter outlining the federal requirement for certain institutions in most states to make a good faith effort to distribute voter registration forms to their students.) “The role of higher education is not just teaching in a classroom or working in a laboratory; it’s developing individual human beings–whole human beings–to prepare them to be civic leaders,” he said.

Travel Vlog: Kriti Sanon Jets Off For Family Vacation At France, See Full Video – IWMBuzz https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/travel-vlog-kriti-sanon-jets-off-for-family-vacation-at-france-see-full-video-iwmbuzz/ Check out how Kriti Sanon is getting off for family vacation Well, absolutely amazing and wonderful, right ladies and gentlemen? Let us know your views in the comments section below and for more updates, stay tuned to IWMBuzz.com %

Your Guide To Cyber Insurance Amid Rising Cyber Threats – The Indian Express https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/your-guide-to-cyber-insurance-amid-rising-cyber-threats-the-indian-express/ The rapid pace of digitisation and technological innovation keep making the world smaller and more close-knit. As per reports, India already has around seven crore internet users, which is expected to increase to around nine crores by 2025. So essentially, around half the population of the country already has some sort of data in the cyber-space. Moreover, online financial transactions are also on a sharp rise in the country. As per data from the Reserve Bank of India, over 46 billion UPI transactions were recorded in the country in the financial year 2021-2 (FY22) amounting to over Rs 84 trillion. This is a steep rise from around 22 billion transactions worth Rs 41 trillion during the previous year. With a major part of our lives moving to the cyber-space, it is natural that risks of the cyber kind would also increase, warranting the need for a plan to protect against such threats. Industry data estimates that just this year, over 6.7 lakh cyber-attacks have been reported till June alone. Out of these, over 50,000 cases were of online financial frauds amounting to Rs 167 crore, as per the government data. Out of this, only Rs 11.70 crore could be recovered. Amid rising cyber threats, it has become imperative to ensure one’s cyber security with cyber insurance. Let us understand in detail about this emerging insurance cover that is now available to individuals too. What is Cyber Insurance? As the name suggests, cyber insurance is a type of insurance cover that protects individuals as well as organisations against the implications of cyber attacks. Not only does it cover the insured against the financial loss due to the cyber-breach, but it also covers the expenses related to data recovery, privacy investigations, regulatory actions and litigation. There are different types of cyber-threats that one could be exposed to ranging from phishing to spyware, and even ransomware and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. A comprehensive cyber-insurance policy covers all such cyber-assaults. While business organisations have always been inclined to cover themselves against cyber-attacks through cyber insurance policies, several insurance companies these days offer exclusive covers to individuals for protection against cyber-risks. What do cyber insurance policies cover? Comprehensive plans of this kind cover everything ranging from malware, phishing and cyber extortion to identity theft, cyberstalking, and data and privacy breach by third-party. Most importantly, they cover financial fraud. This is the reason that these days, even banks encourage their customers to go for a cyber insurance policy. Typically, a cyber insurance policy covers the online loss of money not only from bank accounts and credit cards but also from payment wallets. However, cyber-assaults related to cryptocurrency are not covered under any cyber-insurance plan. Moreover, if the attack happens when the insured is accessing restricted sites, such events are also excluded from coverage. Apart from covering the policyholder against financial loss and litigation expenses, some of these policies even cover the cost of restoring the insured’s computer if it is damaged due to malware. The good news is that even though these plans provide comprehensive coverage against most cyber-risks, they are not very expensive. Several companies have launched cyber insurance plans which start at a premium as low as Rs 2 per day. Typically, a cyber insurance plan with Rs 1 lakh cover could cost somewhere between Rs 700 to Rs 2,000 depending on how extensive is the coverage. Moreover, there also exists a B2B2C model where employers provide cyber insurance coverage to their employees. Considering the massive and sensitive nature of data in the corporate world, this acts as a mutually beneficial protection cover. Who should opt for cyber insurance? Since we live in a digital era, our lives depend on the Internet. We shop online, book tickets online, pay for college online, and even buy our food online. Businesses are conducted online, plans are made online and when it comes to social media, our entire lives are shared online. So ideally, every individual with exposure to the digital world, which covers almost everyone, should have cyber insurance coverage. However, to put it simply, cyber insurance is crucial for every individual who is not too tech savvy and who does any kind of online financial transaction. To make it simpler, there are specific plans available in the market for students, working professionals, families, entrepreneurs and online shoppers, providing you with the specific kind of coverage that you may need. For instance, a student’s cyber insurance plan protects one from threats related to social media, cyberbullying, file transfers and online transactions. On the other hand, a plan for working professionals provides protection against identity theft and malware attacks, apart from covering you against fraudulent online transactions. One can also go for a comprehensive plan, or customise the plan to suit their needs, as many insurers these day offer. In a nutshell, a cyber insurance policy provides you protection in the online world by safeguarding your losses in case anything goes wrong. By doing so, it offers you peace of mind as you can carry out your online activities without worrying constantly about cyber threats and their financial implications. After all, when you go online, you are constantly exposed to different types of risks. So why take any chances? The author is Practice Leader – Liability & Financial Risk at Policybazaar.com. The views expressed are that of the author.

Philadelphia Voters Say Fetterman’s Health Won’t Impact Their Vote, Citing Biden’s Age And Health – Fox News https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/philadelphia-voters-say-fettermans-health-wont-impact-their-vote-citing-bidens-age-and-health-fox-news/ NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia voters shared whether they were concerned about Lt. Gov. John Letterman’s health if elected to the Senate and if it would impact their vote in the midterm elections, with some citing President Biden’s health as reassurance.  “He might not be healthy mentally, but he seems healthy,” Devon, from Philadelphia, said.  “Look at Joe Biden. He’s an older guy,” he continued. “You know he has his health problems, and he’s still able to run the country.” Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania and Democratic US Senate candidate John Fetterman on August 12, 2022 in Erie, Pennsylvania. – The event marked Fettermans first campaign rally since suffering a stroke caused by a blood clot on May 15, 2022.  (DUSTIN FRANZ/AFP via Getty Images) But Kevin, living in Philadelphia, said he’s concerned about Fetterman’s health and lack of campaign engagement.  MEDIA PUTS MORE EMPHASIS ON FETTERMAN’S HEALTH AS PENNSYLVANIA ELECTION HEATS UP “You can’t run for office telling people you’re okay if you’re not okay,” Kevin said. “If something shows up he should be providing some kind of documentation that he has a clean bill of health.”  Fetterman, serving as the 34th Lt. Gov of Pennsylvania, suffered a stroke in May, undergoing surgery on May 17 – the day Pennsylvania voters elected him as the Democratic candidate for Senate. Fetterman returned to the campaign trail in August and recently agreed to debate his opponent, Republican Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz, scheduled for Oct. 25.  “I have no issues with his health all, because I still think he’s able to do his job,” Betty, from Philadelphia, said. She said speech issues are expected after a stroke and mentioned Biden stammers in his speeches. DR. OZ DOUBLES DOWN IN PENNSYLVANIA SENATE FIGHT, SAYS FETTERMAN IS SCARED TO DEBATE OR LYING ABOUT HEALTH Betty, from Philadelphia, says John Fetterman has her vote in November midterm elections, despite health concerns.  (Megan Myers/Fox News Digital) Loreal, living in Philadelphia, said she has been less concerned about Fetterman’s health than Biden’s and older leaders. Joe Biden became the oldest president ever elected to office when he won in 2020, and will be 80 in November. Some Congressional leaders within the legislative branch are even older, including Senator Dianne Feinstein at 88, whose been reported to show signs of memory loss.  “We’ve had older people who’ve had other serious health concerns that have certainly been ones to be concerned about, but they’re doing just fine,” Loreal said. In the 2020 presidential election, Philadelphia, a strongly left-leaning city, was crucial to Joe Biden winning Pennsylvania. Yet Fetterman statewide only leads Oz, 52% to 47%, in the Pennsylvania Senate race, according to the latest CBS News poll. 2022 MIDTERM ELECTION NEWS AS REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS RACE TO NOVEMBER Pennsylvania Senate Democratic nominee John Fetterman and Pennsylvania Senate GOP nominee Dr. Mehmet Oz will debate live on Oct. 25, 2022 ahead of the midterm elections.  (Mark Makela, Hannah Beier/Bloomberg via Getty Images) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “It looks like he’s recovering,” Will, from Pennsylvania, said. “I’m gonna trust what he’s telling us.” “Even if it’s gonna take him a little bit of time while he’s in the senate to get it all the way back he’s by far the best option,” he said.  Megan Myers is an associate producer/writer for Fox News Digital Originals. Follow her on Twitter @meglmyers

Lynn Shines For F/CV Girls | News, Sports, Jobs – Evening Observer https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/lynn-shines-for-f-cv-girls-news-sports-jobs-evening-observer/ FALCONER — It did not take long for Falconer/Cassadaga Valley’s (4-2-0, 2-1-0) Kayla Lynn to make her presence felt in Thursday’s Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association Division 1 West girls soccer game against Southwestern (2-3-0, 1-1-0). Just four minutes in, the Golden Cougars senior forward used her speed to dart past the Southwestern defense and buried the opening goal on a breakaway, thanks to a through ball from Michaela Olson. Lynn’s goal was the first of three she would score as Falconer/Cassadaga Valley cruised to a 5-0 victory. “I don’t think it’s any surprise that we try to find the ball on Kayla’s foot any time we can,” Falconer/Cassadaga Valley head coach Brett Johnson said. “We look for that through ball. I think a lot of teams know it’s coming, but we have the speed so we take advantage of it. We try to play the ball on the outside where we have some speed, too. Then we can be a full-field threat, not just up the middle.” After the first goal, the Golden Cougars kept attacking with their speed and a few minutes later it worked again. A quick counter attack saw Lynn gain possession in the box again, but this time she dished a pass to Julianna Roth streaking in from the left side and she laced a ball into the bottom corner to give Falconer/Cassadaga Valley the 2-0 lead inside the first 10 minutes of the game. About 10 minutes later, Lynn scored her second goal on another breakaway, thanks to a pass from Bailey Olson and that 3-0 lead stood until halftime. “She’s someone you have to account for on the field every time,” Southwestern head coach Derek Houser said about Lynn. “She plays with a lot of aggressiveness. She did a lot on her own. There were times where we had players where they needed to be and she made a quick move. Speed is always something you try to account for and it’s always something that’s dangerous.” Falconer/Cassadaga Valley’s Mary Lundmark advances the ball up the field during Thursday’s CCAA West Division game at Bill Race Field in Falconer. OBSERVER Photo by Christian Storms As the game wore on, the Southwestern defense adjusted to the Falconer/Cassadaga Valley attack and was able to limit the high-danger chances. While the Golden Cougars were getting their chances toward net, it was not just a one-sided affair as Southwestern managed several good looks, but it was not able to get any in the back of the net. “We need to take those opportunities and put them in,” Houser said about Southwestern finishing on its chances. “Olean last week we had multiple chances and we only needed the one. When you play quality teams, if you don’t put in your chances there is a chance it’s going to come back and bit you.” Behind the strong on-ball defense for Falconer/Cassadaga Valley stood eighth-grade goalkeeper Ellyson Baglia and she was the biggest reason the Golden Cougars maintained the clean sheet. The first-year netminder turned aside several quality chances, including making a huge stop on a breakaway early in the second half which was the highlight of her seven save shut out. “Ellyson stepped up huge,” Johnson said of his goalie. “We talked to the defense at the beginning of the season about playing tight and not letting anything through because we’ve got to try and help her out as much as we can. But she’s been great. She’s stepping up huge for us this year.” Falconer/Cassadaga Valley closed out the second half with a goal from Roth, assisted by Lynn, and then Lynn scored the fifth with a pass from Natalie Dossey. Falconer/Cassadaga Valley’s Julianna Roth dribbles down the wing in Thursday’s game. Roth scored two goals in the Golden Cougars 5-0 victory. OBSERVER Photo by Christian Storms Southwestern’s Mallory Atwater knocks the ball away from Falconer/Cassadaga Valley’s Julianna Roth during Wednesday’s game. OBSERVER Photo by Christian Storms Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

US’ Lorr Launches Metaverse For Retailers – Fibre2fashion.com https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/us-lorr-launches-metaverse-for-retailers-fibre2fashion-com/ Lorr has launched a new metaverse for retailers, offering exclusive experiences and engaging storytelling in a virtual environment. The company offers a seamless opportunity for entering and growing in Web3 for brands. This includes guidance and approachable pricing, as well as design services. It will serve as a bridge for businesses in Web2 to Web3. Lorr’s end-to-end solution serves as a sustainable partner for luxury fashion real estate in the metaverse. Seventy-four per cent of adults in the United States have already joined or are considering the idea of joining the metaverse. This proportion is similar to the general acceptance and evolution of the original internet. In this context, Lorr is positioned as the ultimate hub to redefine e-commerce luxury. “Through the metaverse, the world has witnessed a technological revolution,” said CEO Nova Lorraine. “We are now in a space where we can re-imagine new realities in a bespoke virtual-reality space. Users interact in a new way within a bespoke computer-generated environment. The metaverse is paving the way for the next trillion-dollar market and we are on the cutting edge of something new and special. Now it’s your turn to enjoy online shopping again. Start the countdown because something really big is coming.” Named in honour of the rich lore of retailing and real estate experienced by its founders, the company will serve as a bridge for businesses in Web2 to Web3. Lorr is incorporating a way to focus on and help underserved communities, such as independent retailers, women, entrepreneurs and others potentially left behind in Web3. “Lorr is the entry point into Web3. We bring safety, interoperability and a community-first approach, advising and educating retailers about what the metaverse is and how they can interact with their customers as both sides become comfortable with a newly adopted, interactive platform,” added Nova. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)

Cool Eco-Friendly Gadgets For A Greener Tomorrow – The Hans India https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/cool-eco-friendly-gadgets-for-a-greener-tomorrow-the-hans-india/ Since 2000, the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer has been celebrated across the world on September 16. The day commemorates the date, in 1987, when nations signed the ‘Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer’. The theme for this year’s World Ozone Day is “Montreal [email protected]: global cooperation protecting life on earth” so why not commit to making more mindful choices when it comes to electronics and work towards a reduced carbon footprint? Here is our pick of a few next generation, smart and more importantly eco-friendly gadgets that are kinder to the planet and to the ozone layer protecting it. XGIMI Elfin Mini Projector XGIMI Elfin projector is a combination of stunning and flawless resolution, impeccable brightness, and thunderous sound. This eco-friendly device guarantees a safer viewing experience by limiting the blue light exposure. It also consumes less power and has an ultra-efficient LED light source that makes it durable and long lasting. Its slim, portable and lightweight design lets you carry it in your bag wherever you travel. Google Nest Learning Thermostat The Energy-star certified Google Nest Learning Thermostat learns the temperature setting of your home and adjusts accordingly. You can mount this up on a wall or place it on a shelf for added convenience. It will also help you to go for an energy-efficient temperature and through its safety alert, will let you know if your house is becoming too hot or cold. By switching to eco temperature, the thermostat will save energy when no one is at home. Vitamix’s FoodCycler FC-50 Waste disposal is now much easier and more organic with Vitamix’s FoodCycler FC-50. You can put your food scraps into the 50 cubic-foot machine with a cylindrical inner chamber and then discover that you now miraculously have nutrient-rich fertilizer for your plants! The carbon filter lid will prevent the foul smell of the food waste from spreading and its quieter cycles make it suitable for indoor use. Honeywell CO60PM Evaporative Air Cooler Are you looking for an environment-friendly and cost-effective cooling option for your home? Go for Honeywell’s Evaporative Cooler which produces a cool breeze through the natural process of evaporation. It uses 90% less energy than other air conditioners. This cools the temperature of the room up to 15 degrees by evaporating the water stored in a small tank of 60 litres capacity and blowing the cool air through the fan. It also uses very less electricity, mainly to power the fans. Philips Smart Wi-fi LED Hue Bulbs Have you ever felt that the light in a room is too bright or too dim? The Philips Smart Hue Bulbs can solve this issue by providing you with just the perfect ambient light. Thanks to a state-of-the-art programming facility, the lights turn on in the morning and turn off when you leave the house. The bulbs will last for more than 10,000 hours and also consume less power and thereby effectively reduce your carbon footprint.

Sales Of Hardware Crypto Wallets Decline In Russia With Easing Currency Restrictions – Bitcoin News – Bitcoin News https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/sales-of-hardware-crypto-wallets-decline-in-russia-with-easing-currency-restrictions-bitcoin-news-bitcoin-news/ Interest in hardware wallets allowing cold storage of cryptocurrencies is decreasing among Russian users after this year’s surge that followed the invasion of Ukraine. The sale volumes for these devices have almost halved, according to a report quoting leading marketplaces. Russians’ Demand for Cold Storage Wallets Cools Down After Spike This Spring Retailers selling hardware cryptocurrency wallets in Russia are now overstocked, market participants have told the leading Russian business daily Kommersant. That’s after earlier this year these products saw an explosive demand after Moscow’s decision to militarily intervene in neighboring Ukraine. In the spring months, many Russians sought to acquire a cold storage device for their crypto assets, amid expanding sanctions over the Ukraine conflict and currency restrictions imposed by the Bank of Russia. Some Russian citizens relocating to other countries also took their savings with them in crypto. According to stats compiled by the Moneyplace analytics service, hardware wallet sales on the Ozon and Wildberries marketplaces reached a record high of 16.5 million rubles in May (over $275,000). In August, the figure fell by half, dropping below 8 million rubles (less than $135,000). A spokesperson for Ozon, known as “the Amazon of Russia,” said that the number of units sold increased more than five times in the first half of 2022, compared to the same period last year. Sales peaked in March, the e-commerce platform M.Video-Eldorado added. The online tech store Citilink launched a hardware wallet developed by Tangem at the end of June and its sales reached their highs in July. Roman Nekrasov, founder of ENCRY Foundation, which represents IT companies providing services in the field of blockchain and tech innovations, commented that the decline has come due to the Central Bank of Russia easing restrictions on cross-border currency transfers. In addition, “those who wanted to transfer assets abroad, most likely, have already done so,” the expert remarked. Sale volumes were also affected by the decreasing cost of crypto wallets, against the backdrop of both the reduced demand and the appreciating U.S. dollar. According to the estimates of Moneyplace, the average price of Safepal products fell three times between April and September, Ledger and Trezor registered a two-fold drop, while Tangem’s price lost a quarter. The trend was confirmed by Wildberries. The use of crypto wallets is not restricted in any way by the current Russian law since cryptocurrencies are yet to be comprehensively regulated, the report notes, quoting Pavel Ganin, partner at the A.t.legal law firm. Aaron Chomsky, head of the Investment Department at ICB Fund, believes that a recovery in demand for hardware wallets can be expected with a future improvement of crypto markets. Tags in this story conflict, Crypto, crypto assets, Crypto markets, crypto wallets, Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrency, currency restrictions, Demand, Hardware Wallets, Prices, restrictions, Russia, russian, sales, Sanctions, Ukraine, War Do you agree that sales of cold storage devices will increase again in Russia if crypto markets improve? Share your expectations in the comments section below. Lubomir Tassev Lubomir Tassev is a journalist from tech-savvy Eastern Europe who likes Hitchens’s quote: “Being a writer is what I am, rather than what I do.” Besides crypto, blockchain and fintech, international politics and economics are two other sources of inspiration. Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

U.S. SEC’s Crypto Guidelines Push Up Costs For Lenders, Disrupting Projects – Reuters https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/u-s-secs-crypto-guidelines-push-up-costs-for-lenders-disrupting-projects-reuters/ WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) – Banks’ cryptocurrency projects have been upended by U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) accounting guidance that would make it too capital-intensive for lenders to hold crypto tokens on behalf of clients, according to more than half a dozen people with knowledge of the matter. A slew of lenders including U.S. Bancorp (USB.N), Goldman Sachs Group Inc , JPMorgan Chase & Co , BNY Mellon , Wells Fargo & Co , Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE), BNP Paribas (BNPP.PA) and State Street Corp (STT.N) offer or are working on crypto products and services for clients in a bid to tap in to the $1 trillion crypto market, according to their public statements and media reports. But on March 31, the SEC said public companies that hold crypto assets on behalf of clients or others must account for them as liabilities on their balance sheets due to their technological, legal and regulatory risks. read more Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com While the guidance applies to all public companies, it is especially problematic for banks because their strict capital rules, overseen by bank regulators, require them to hold cash against balance sheet liabilities. The SEC did not consult the banking regulators when issuing the guidance, according to four of the people. The SEC’s move complicates banks’ efforts to jump on the digital asset bandwagon, and could keep them on the sidelines even as they report increased demand from clients looking to access the burgeoning market. “This has thrown a huge wrench in the mix,” one of the sources said. Lenders building out crypto offerings have had “to cease moving forward with those plans pending any kind of further action from the SEC and the banking regulatory agencies,” they added. Custody banks State Street and BNY Mellon, which have been building digital asset offerings, are among those whose projects have been disrupted, according to three people with knowledge of the matter. While the accounting guidance does not stop State Street from offering crypto custody services, it would make doing so uneconomical, said Nadine Chakar, head of State Street Digital. “We do have an issue with the premise of doing that, because these are not our assets. This should not be on our balance sheet,” said Chakar. A spokesperson for BNY Mellon declined to comment on the status of its crypto custody project. “BNY Mellon believes digital assets are here to stay, and increasingly becoming part of the mainstream of finance,” he added. When asked about the SEC guidance, a U.S. Bancorp spokesperson said it is still servicing existing clients for which it offers bitcoin custody services. “However, we are pausing intake of additional clients in this service as we evaluate the evolving regulatory environment.” One executive at a European bank looking to launch crypto custody services said it would now be prohibitively costly for the bank to do so in the United States due to the SEC guidance. Spokespeople for the SEC and the other banks declined to comment. The problems the SEC guidance is causing for banks, which have not previously been reported, underscore the broader challenges lenders face in trying to capitalize upon the growing crypto market amid ongoing regulatory confusion and skepticism. “We’ve heard from a wide variety of stakeholders, banks among them, about how challenging this new staff accounting bulletin would be for them to be able to enter in to the space of custodying crypto assets,” U.S. Representative Trey Hollingsworth, who sent SEC Chair Gary Gensler a letter in July expressing concern about the guidance, said in an interview. “This edict came down without guidance, without input, without feedback, without conversation being had with industry.” CAPITAL PUNISHMENT? As the cryptocurrency market ballooned in 2020, financial institutions were eager to cash in. Despite the crypto market contracting significantly this year, lenders still see an opportunity for their services. Offering to hold clients’ digital assets appeared the safest way to enter the market. Banks commonly offer custody for a variety of financial instruments and have generally not been required to reflect them on their balance sheet, unless they are commingled with the bank’s own assets. read more The SEC guidance departed from that practice. At a conference last week, the SEC’s acting chief accountant said that custodied crypto assets present “unique” risks which meet the definition of a liability under U.S. accounting standards. In a June letter to bank regulators, however, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, American Bankers Association and the Bank Policy Institute said such risks are already mitigated by strict bank supervision and rules. Factoring in planned international Basel capital rules, the guidance could cost more than $1 of capital for every $1 of digital assets held, the groups estimated, meaning crypto custody “effectively would be prohibited.” The SEC guidance also appears to apply where lenders outsource the custody function to a third party, such as Anchorage Digital, the sources said. Diogo Mónica, president of Anchorage Digital, said the capital cost was “completely unsupportable” and that “every single bank” Anchorage works with is now waiting on regulators before proceeding to work with Anchorage on crypto custody solutions. Industry groups have been lobbying the SEC to carve banks out of the guidance, according to four of the sources and industry letters, although the agency appears unpersuaded, one of those people said. Some lenders, instead, are seeking individual exemptions, two people said. The industry is also lobbying the banking regulators to issue guidance that would neutralize the capital impact of the SEC guidance, although changing capital rules would be a major undertaking which looks unlikely in the short term, the people said. The Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corp declined to comment. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Hannah Lang and Michelle Price in Washington Additional reporting by Pete Schroeder in Washington Editing by Matthew Lewis Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Honors College Faculty Equipment And Technology Grant Applications Due Sept. 30 – University Of Arkansas Newswire https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/honors-college-faculty-equipment-and-technology-grant-applications-due-sept-30-university-of-arkansas-newswire/ Khawla Alharbi Dr. Adnan Alrubaye demonstrates the use of the incubator shaker to undergraduate Honors students Jaren Hernandez and Wesley Vaught You have a brilliant idea that will provide solid research experience for an honors student in search of a thesis topic — but need nationwide data so your student can crunch the numbers. Or perhaps a very small (and very pricey) lens will support a new line of undergraduate inquiry in your lab. The Honors College can help. U of A faculty members are encouraged to apply for the Faculty Equipment and Technology Grants.  These grants are designed to help clinical, tenured and tenure-track faculty purchase specialized equipment or technology to advance undergraduate research at the U of A. Grants will be awarded once per fiscal year; this year’s application deadline is Sept. 30. Starting this year, requests for up to $7,500 will be considered. The Honors College launched the new Faculty Equipment and Technology Grants in 2016 and has awarded more than $475,000 to date. Faculty members have used grant monies to purchase materials ranging from a world-class, cutting-edge petroleum dataset to a machine that can be used to develop new technologies for counterfeit detection in jewelry, apparel, art, drugs and more. This year up to $80,000 in grant funds will be awarded. For details on how to apply, please visit the Honors College Faculty Resources page of the Honors College sharepoint site. You may be prompted to login using your UARK credentials when visiting this site. Please submit your application here. The grant is funded by a portion of the $300 million gift made by the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation in 2002. The grants are designed to help tenured and tenure-track faculty, individually or in teams, purchase specialized equipment or technology that will make a transformational difference in their undergraduate research programs. For more information visit the Honors College website.

Examining The Nation’s Most Vulnerable Housing Markets – The MReport https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/examining-the-nations-most-vulnerable-housing-markets-the-mreport/ ATTOM has released a Special Housing Risk Report spotlighting county-level housing markets around the United States that are more or less vulnerable to declines, based on home affordability, unemployment and other measures in Q2 of 2022. The report shows that New Jersey, Illinois, and inland California continued to have the highest share of the most-at-risk markets in Q2 –with the largest clusters throughout the New York City and Chicago areas, leaving Southern and Midwestern states remaining less exposed. The second-quarter patterns –based on gaps in home affordability, underwater mortgages, foreclosures and unemployment– revealed that New Jersey, Illinois, and California had 33 of the 50 counties most vulnerable to potential declines. The 50 most at-risk included nine in and around New York City, six in the Chicago metropolitan area, and 13 spread through Northern, Central and Southern California. The rest of the top 50 counties were scattered across the U.S., including three in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, metro area. At the other end of the risk spectrum, the South and Midwest had the highest concentration of markets considered least vulnerable to falling housing markets. “The Federal Reserve has promised to be as aggressive as it needs to be in order to get inflation under control, even if its actions lead to a recession,” said Rick Sharga, Executive VP of Market Intelligence at ATTOM. “Given how little progress has been made reducing inflation so far, the Fed’s actions seem more and more likely to drive the economy into a recession, and some housing markets are going to be more vulnerable than others if that happens.” Counties were considered more or less at risk based on the percentage of homes facing possible foreclosure, the portion with mortgage balances that exceeded estimated property values, the percentage of average local wages required to pay for major home ownership expenses on median-priced single-family homes, and local unemployment rates. The conclusions were drawn from an analysis of the most recent home affordability, equity, and foreclosure reports prepared by ATTOM. Unemployment rates came from federal government data. Rankings were based on a combination of those four categories in 575 counties around the United States with sufficient data to analyze in Q2 of 2022. Counties were ranked in each category, from lowest to highest, with the overall conclusion based on a combination of the four ranks. The ongoing wide disparities in risks throughout the country comes during a time when the U.S. housing market faces headwinds that threaten to slow down or end an 11-year surge in home prices. Sales of both existing and new homes have declined as mortgage rates have almost doubled to 6% over the past year, and inflation remains near a 40-year high. However the most recent risk gaps do not suggest an imminent fall in housing markets anywhere in the nation. Home prices have risen more than 10% in most of the country over the past year, with new highs hit in the vast majority of metropolitan-area markets. That has kept homeowner equity and home-seller profits rising. Those numbers have continued to improve as demand, buoyed by increasing household formation by young adults and rising wages has continued to outpace an historically tight supply of properties for sale. Amid that mixed scenario, home affordability is worsening, lender foreclosures on delinquent mortgages are up and the number of home sales is slowing, with local housing markets heading into that uncertain future facing significant differences in risk measures. Most-vulnerable counties clustered in the Chicago, New York City and Philadelphia areas, along with sections of California Some 31 of the 50 U.S. counties considered most vulnerable in Q2 of 2022 to housing market troubles –from among 575 counties with enough data to be included in the report– were in the metropolitan areas around Chicago,  New York City; and Philadelphia, along with California. The California markets analyzed on the list were mostly inland, away from the coast. The top 50 counties included two in New York City (Kings and Richmond counties, which cover Brooklyn and Staten Island), seven in the New York City suburbs (Bergen, Essex, Ocean, Passaic, Sussex and Union counties in New Jersey and Rockland County in New York), and six in the Chicago metropolitan area (Cook, Kane, Kendall, McHenry and Will counties in Illinois and Lake County, Indiana). The three in the Philadelphia metro area that were among the top 50 most at-risk in Q2 were Philadelphia County, along with Camden and Gloucester counties in New Jersey. Elsewhere, California had 13 counties in the top 50 list: Butte County (Chico) Humboldt County (Eureka) Shasta County (Redding) Solano County (outside Sacramento) Fresno County (outside Fresno) Kings County (outside Fresno) Madera County (outside Fresno) Merced County (outside Modesto) San Joaquin County (Stockton) Tulare County (outside Fresno in Central California) Kern County (Bakersfield) Riverside County (Inland Empire in Southern California) San Bernardino County (Inland Empire in Southern California) Counties most at-risk continue to have higher levels of unaffordable housing, underwater mortgages, foreclosures and unemployment Major home ownership costs –mortgage payments, property taxes and insurance– on median-priced single-family homes consumed more than one-third of average local wages in 35 of the 50 counties that were most vulnerable to market problems in Q2 of 2022. The highest percentages in those markets were in: Kings County (Brooklyn), New York (102.9% of average local wages needed for major ownership costs) Riverside County, California (67.6% of average local wages needed for major ownership costs) Rockland County, (outside New York City) New York (66.2% of average local wages needed for major ownership costs) Richmond County (Staten Island), New York (61.8% of average local wages needed for major ownership costs) San Joaquin County (Stockton), California (58.7% of average local wages needed for major ownership costs) Nationwide, major expenses on typical homes sold in the second quarter required 31.5 percent of average local wages. At least 7% of residential mortgages were underwater in Q2 of 2022 in 23 of the 50 most at-risk counties. Nationwide, 5.9% of mortgages fell into that category. Those with the highest underwater rates among the 50 most at-risk counties were: Rockland County, (outside New York City) New York (19.2% of mortgages were underwater) Lake County, (outside Chicago) Indiana (18.9% of mortgages were underwater) Peoria County, Illinois (17.6% of mortgages were underwater) Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania (16.1% of mortgages were underwater) Saint Clair County, (outside St. Louis, Missouri) Illinois (16.1% of mortgages were underwater) More than one in 1,000 residential properties faced a foreclosure action in Q2 of 2022 in 40 of the 50 most at-risk counties. Nationwide, one in 1,559 homes were in that position. Foreclosure actions have risen since the expiration last July of a federal moratorium on lenders taking back properties from homeowners who fell behind on their mortgages during the early part of the Coronavirus pandemic that hit in 2020. These numbers are expected to continue increasing over the coming year. The June 2022 unemployment rate was at least 7% in 35 of the 50 most at-risk counties, while the nationwide figure stood at 3.5%. The highest levels among the top 50 counties were in: Tulare County, (outside Fresno) California (11.7%) Merced County,  (outside Modesto) California (11.5%) Kern County (Bakersfield), California (11.3%) Kings County, (outside Fresno) California (10.9%) Kings County (Brooklyn), New York (10.8%) Counties less at-risk concentrated in South and Midwest Twenty-five of the 50 counties least vulnerable to housing-market problems from among the 575 included in the second-quarter report were in the South, while another 14 were in the Midwest. Just five were in the West and six in the Northeast. Tennessee had six of the 50 least at-risk counties, including three in the Nashville metropolitan area (Davidson, Rutherford and Williamson counties), while Wisconsin had five –Brown County (Green Bay), Dane County (Madison), Eau Claire County, La Crosse County and Winnebago County (Oshkosh). Another four were in Arkansas: Benton County (Rogers), Craighead County (Jonesboro), Sebastian County (Fort Smith), and Washington County (Fayetteville). Counties with a population of at least 500,000 that were among the 50 least at-risk included King County (Seattle), Washington; Travis County (Austin), Texas; Salt Lake County (Salt Lake City), Utah; Wake County (Raleigh), North Carolina, and Cobb County (Marietta), Georgia. Least-vulnerable counties have more-affordable homes along with lower levels of underwater mortgages, foreclosure activity, and unemployment Major home ownership costs –mortgage payments, property taxes and insurance– on median-priced single-family homes consumed more than one-third of average local wages in just 24 of the 50 counties that were least vulnerable to market problems in the second quarter of 2022. The lowest percentages in those markets were in: Sebastian County (Fort Smith), Arkansas (16.5% of average local wages needed for major ownership costs) Potter County (Amarillo), Texas (16.5% of average local wages needed for major ownership costs) Sullivan County (Kingsport), Tennessee (21.5% of average local wages needed for major ownership costs) Winnebago County (Oshkosh), Wisconsin (22.8% of average local wages needed for major ownership costs) Craighead County (Jonesboro), Arkansas (23.3% of average local wages needed for major ownership costs) Less ...

These Steve Madden Slip-On Sneakers Are Great For Travel – Travel + Leisure https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/these-steve-madden-slip-on-sneakers-are-great-for-travel-travel-leisure/ They can be yours for just $50. Published on September 16, 2022 We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Steve Madden Gills Sneaker. Photo: Amazon, Zappos Here at Travel + Leisure, we never miss a deal, especially on a certified comfortable pair of sneakers that’s perfect for travel. The Steve Madden Women’s Gills Fashion Sneakers were included in our story on the most comfortable slip-on sneakers for women tested by T+L editors. And the best part? They’re actually affordable, since most pairs are around $60 or less, depending on which color you choose. Steve Madden Gills Sneaker. Amazon To buy: amazon.com, from $57 With 1.25-inch platforms, the leather sneakers provide a bit of height while still being easy to walk in, elevating any travel outfit instantly without compromising on comfort. And since they’re a slip-on style, they make going through airport security a breeze. Adding to the comfort features are the padded collars that will prevent dreaded heel blisters. The durable, thick soles offer traction to ensure stability, whether you’re traversing cobblestone streets or gravel paths. Shoppers have their choice of 14 colors and prints (although the black leather version has the most sizes in stock right now at Amazon), and sizes range from 5 to 14, including half and wide options.  While the look is cool and timeless, it’s the fit that makes these a pair that buyers “never want to take off.” The T+L editor who tested the sneakers agreed. “These were truly comfortable right out of the box,” Jamie Hergenrader, Editorial Director of commerce content, said. ​​Hergenrader also went on to say that there was no break-in period, a sentiment other reviewers felt as well. The shoes are “good quality and easy to clean [and they] fit comfortably from the start,” one wearer said. Our editor also noted that while the first few times wearing the sneakers, they were hard to slip into, but after a couple of wears, it became a true slip-on, hands-free experience.  A Zappos reviewer highlighted the shoes’ durability. “They are super versatile in color and my first pair lasted me three years with just summer [and] fall use,” they wrote. Also speaking to their versatility, a wearer shared, “I have two pairs and wear them all the time: casual, dressy or sporty.” To buy: zappos.com, $50 (originally $70) Steve Madden Gills Sneaker. Zappos To buy: zappos.com, $50 (originally $70) Versatility was a feature noted in the original article, since Hergenrader wrote, “They’re dressy enough for work but casual and comfy enough to walk the dog.” With that in mind, they’re easy to pair with wide-leg jeans, straight pants, fitted leggings, short or maxi dresses, so no matter what your vacation wardrobe looks like, you’ll be able to sport the sneakers in style. At the time of publishing, the price was $50. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Thanks for your feedback! %

Business News: Sept. 16 | Nvdaily | Nvdaily.com – Northern Virginia Daily https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/business-news-sept-16-nvdaily-nvdaily-com-northern-virginia-daily/ Worlds of Work Today is the deadline for businesses to register for the fall Worlds of Work 2022. WOW welcomes eighth-grade students to the James R. Wilkins Jr. Athletic and Events Center at Shenandoah University on Oct. 13 and 14 to learn about career opportunities at your business. Information, registration: email Jenna French at jfrench@shenandoahcountyva.us or visit https://tinyurl.com/56uapsvr. Paws & Purrs The Paws & Purrs, a new program developed by Blue Ridge Hospice that provides free pet services to patients, will be at Muse Vineyards from 5 to 8 p.m. today at 16 Serendipity Lane, Woodstock. The event will include a complimentary drink, snacks, pet photography, pet awards and more. Four-footed and furry friends welcome. Tickets, which are $30 per person, can be obtained at https://tinyurl.com/msfmuru2. DCCU shred day DuPont Community Credit Union in Woodstock will host a community shred day from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. EDC breakfast The Yellow Barn will host this year’s Shenandoah County Economic Development breakfast from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday at 470 Caverns Road, Shenandoah Caverns. Registration: https://tinyurl.com/5b3u9c4f. Banks Education Foundation Laurel Ridge Community College in Middletown is one of 13 community colleges benefiting from the Virginia Banks and Virginia Bankers Association Education Foundation’s new Virginia Banking Fellows Program that begins this fall in partnership with the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education. The mission of this new statewide program is to provide opportunities for deserving community college students to pursue academic goals, strengthen leadership skills and learn more about the banking industry. Thirteen students from 10 Virginia community colleges have been designated as Virginia Banking Fellows and will each receive a $7,000 scholarship to support tuition, books, fees and other expenses related to their education. The banking industry contributed an additional $3,000 per Fellow to cover educational elements and the administrative fees of the Program, for a total of $10,000 per Fellow and $130,000 in all. Seven Virginia banks have also committed a total of $70,000 to sponsor a student from each of the following community colleges for the 2022-2023 Virginia Banking Fellows Program: • Laurel Ridge Community College, sponsored by First Bank • Northern Virginia Community College, sponsored by the Bank of Clarke County Foundation The Fellows program launched Sept. 15-16 at an orientation in Richmond and will run through May. Commonwealth Senior Living Commonwealth Senior Living at Front Royal was named among the Best Memory Care Communities for 2022 by MemoryCare.com. Recipients of this recognition are judged in four main categories: providing a safe and secure environment for residents; maintaining cognitive abilities; managing behavioral challenges; and facilitating a high quality of life. In total, 18 Commonwealth Senior Living communities across the East Coast were named Best Memory Care Communities for 2022 by MemoryCare.com.

Sunset Photo Contest Selects 7 Winning Photos – SRQ Daily Sep 16, 2022 – SRQ Magazine https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/sunset-photo-contest-selects-7-winning-photos-srq-daily-sep-16-2022-srq-magazine/ Arts & Culture SRQ DAILY FRIDAY WEEKEND EDITION FRIDAY SEP 16, 2022 | Pictured: One of the winning submissions from the 2022 Sunset Photo Contest by Rachel Wells. Congratulations to the 7 winners of the 2022 Sunset Photo Contest sponsored by two local magazines, South County Healthy Living and Englewood Healthy Living. The winners include Rachel Wells, Shane Fowler, Marie Laforge, Katie Sontowski, Laura Roy-Fink, Patti Campbell, and Alison Belsan Horton. Fowler is a three-time winner of the annual contest, and both Laforge and Roy-Fink are two-time winners. “The sunset photo contest acknowledges the natural beauty of our region and the creative talent of locals enjoying the outdoors,” said Randy Moore with Triple 3 Marketing. “The contest is also an opportunity to thank the many individuals and organizations that maintain and protect our beaches, parks and preserves.” Pictured: One of the winning submissions from the 2022 Sunset Photo Contest by Rachel Wells.

Vesey Steps Up As RB For Golden Flashes – Warren Tribune Chronicle https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/vesey-steps-up-as-rb-for-golden-flashes-warren-tribune-chronicle/ Staff photo / Brian Yauger Champion senior Nick Vesey carries the ball during practice on Wednesday. CHAMPION — Champion’s Nick Vesey has had to make a quick adjustment. To start the year, the senior was being utilized as a wide receiver, but after the Golden Flashes’ Week 1 loss to Kennedy, he offered up his services in the backfield. That has panned out well for Champion so far as Vesey has tallied just shy of 500 yards across four games. He is averaging around 10 yards-per-carry and has five rushing touchdowns as well. Clad in a thick red hoodie under his practice jersey, there has been no lack of energy in the Champion ballcarrier. In fact, his energy has been one of the team’s biggest assets on and off the field this year. “Nick’s the kind of guy that shows up every day with a ton of energy,” Flashes coach Tom Conrad said. “He shows up with enthusiasm. It’s really hard for anybody to question Nick’s work ethic because he’s the hardest worker here. … I mean, today he’s wearing a stinking hoodie out here, because he wants to sweat more. I just can’t speak enough about the kid’s heart, his dedication to the program, his dedication to his teammates, his work ethic and he shoulders a lot of the burden on Friday night to go out there and move the ball for our football team when he’s called upon, so I’m very proud of him for that.” Just as eye-popping as his choice of practice attire are his rushing stats in such limited time. Vesey has rushed for a total of 496 yards this season on 50 carries with a longest carry of 70 yards. So what sparked this switch to the backfield? The pairing of quarterback Joey Fell and then-receiver Vesey was drawing a little too much defensive attention on the blitzes toward Fell. So, the Flashes needed that little extra spark coming out of the backfield. Enter Vesey, who as his numbers show, has been the exact spark Champion has needed. “We have some very competent runners in the backfield and we have some big bruising backs, but what we were trying to do on Friday nights was have explosive plays,” Conrad said. “We knew that if we had Nick outside on the edge, that we would have explosive plays in the pass game, but what we’re finding is that teams are just going to blitz us because they know we like to throw the ball. You have a couple options when teams really like to blitz you. We needed to find a way to run the football. Nick stepped up and said, ‘Hey, put me back there. Let me shoulder some of the burden. Let me take it upon myself to help our football team.’ We took a look at him there in practice moving into routes down and he really answered the call. “To learn a whole new position in five days, a whole new set of steps, a whole new set of rules. He was down here probably more than I was that week against Rootstown. Studying, watching film, going through the playbook and asking a million questions. It was great to see.” Vesey and the Flashes have their hopes turned toward Week 11, a feat that hasn’t been achieved since 1994. While the goal is in their heads, the approach is on whatever challenge is right in front of them. “We’re going one day at a time and getting better,” Vesey said. “The team’s looking better, the line’s blocking great, we’re all looking good. Hopefully, we make it to Week 11. It’d be amazing. It’d just be a dream come true. That’s our whole team mentality. Week 11 is what we’re shooting for.” In front of them this week, the challenge is rival LaBrae. Vesey got a little smile when asked about the excitement to face a rival like LaBrae. He and his teammates are ready for the fight. “It’s really special. Hopefully we can (get the win), do it together and then we have a good time after.” Vesey and the Flashes face off against the Vikings tonight at 7 p.m. in Leavittsburg. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

Week In Review: Glamour, Diversity And The Metaverse At NYFW – Glossy https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/week-in-review-glamour-diversity-and-the-metaverse-at-nyfw-glossy/ On the Glossy Week in Review podcast, senior fashion reporter Danny Parisi and editor-in-chief Jill Manoff discuss the biggest news in the fashion industry of the week. This week, on a special New York Fashion Week episode, the hosts discuss the vibe at NYFW this season, compared to the lackluster previous seasons. They also talk about see-now-buy-now, the return of big names like Fendi and Tommy Hilfiger, and the future of the fashion calendar. Also, this episode marks the 1-year anniversary of Week in Review, which started as a special episode recapping last September’s NYFW. Thanks to all for listening! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts • Stitcher • Google Play • Spotify

Gulf Shores City Schools Debuts New STEAM Collaborative Learning Center – Fox 10 News https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/gulf-shores-city-schools-debuts-new-steam-collaborative-learning-center-fox-10-news/ GULF SHORES, Ala. (WALA) – Gulf Shores City Schools debuted its newest addition, the STEAM Collaborative Learning Center at the elementary school, and it was full of gadgets. “You can’t find a dull moment in this building,” said one student. Students here get hands-on experience every day. STEAM stood for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, and it gave kids a new opportunity to engineer robots, learn public speaking, and bring textbooks to life. “We believe that letting students experience as many different career paths as possible is the key to help them find their passion in life,” said Kevin Corcoran, school board president. The center officially debuted Thursday, though kids have been in class since the beginning of the school year. The $4.8 million facility has their every dream with six eye-catching and tech-savvy classrooms and two STEAM labs. A basketball court sat outside, and there were even aquariums in the hallway. “The kids in here were so excited,” said Noel Hand, public works director for the City of Gulf Shores. “The parents were so excited. We just love the excitement and energy that was in this building.” Students were really looking forward to learning there. “It’s cool how everything is put together so beautifully,” said one student. “This whole building is beautiful. I love the architecture. I love the fish tank. I love the map.” Another agreed. “This is something new we’ve never, ever had, and the new high school is going to be like this, and we’re going to be in that high school, so we are really excited,” she said. “It’s just awesome to see how this community built this whole entire school.” A new eight classroom addition is coming in fall of 2023. — Download the FOX10 Weather App. Get life-saving severe weather warnings and alerts for your location no matter where you are. Available free in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Copyright 2022 WALA. All rights reserved.

HSBC’s CEO Explains Why Crypto Is Not In The Banking Giant’s Future – Finance Bitcoin News – Bitcoin News https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/hsbcs-ceo-explains-why-crypto-is-not-in-the-banking-giants-future-finance-bitcoin-news-bitcoin-news/ Banking giant HSBC will not be offering crypto services, according to CEO Noel Quinn. Noting that HSBC is more negative on crypto than other banks, the executive stressed: “I do worry about the sustainability of the valuations of crypto.” HSBC Will Not Get Into Crypto, CEO Says The chief executive of HSBC, Noel Quinn, talked about his bank’s cryptocurrency stance in an interview with CNBC-TV18 last week. He confirmed: As a bank, we’re not getting into the crypto world, crypto trading, crypto exchanges. Emphasizing that cryptocurrencies are too volatile, the HSBC chief said: “I do worry about the sustainability of the valuations of crypto and I have done for a while. I’m not going to predict where it will go in the future.” Quinn proceeded to explain why HSBC is more negative on crypto than other banks. He stated: As a product, I questioned its suitability for many of the consumers in the marketplace today. So that’s why HSBC is more negative on crypto than other banks. In May last year, Quinn told Reuters: “I view bitcoin as more of an asset class than a payments vehicle, with very difficult questions about how to value it on the balance sheet of clients because it is so volatile.” He added: “Given the volatility, we are not into bitcoin as an asset class … We are not promoting it as an asset class within our wealth management business.” As for stablecoins, Quinn said at the time: “For similar reasons, we’re not rushing into stablecoins.” He explained that stablecoins “do have some reserve backing behind them to address the stored value concerns, but it depends on who the sponsoring organization is, plus the structure and accessibility of the reserve.” In April last year, HSBC Canada notified clients that its crypto policy had changed, stating that it would not facilitate the buying or exchange of products related to virtual currencies. For example, clients could no longer buy shares of Microstrategy (MSTR-US) through HSBC Invest Direct. What do you think about the comments by HSBC CEO Noel Quinn about cryptocurrency? Let us know in the comments section below. Kevin Helms A student of Austrian Economics, Kevin found Bitcoin in 2011 and has been an evangelist ever since. His interests lie in Bitcoin security, open-source systems, network effects and the intersection between economics and cryptography. Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

U.S. General Warns Of China’s Expanding Nuclear Arsenal – The Washington Post https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/u-s-general-warns-of-chinas-expanding-nuclear-arsenal-the-washington-post/ President Biden’s nominee to take over the U.S. military’s nuclear arsenal and missile-defense operations warned on Thursday that China’s rise as a nuclear power poses historic threats and challenges requiring a reevaluation of current policies. Air Force Gen. Anthony Cotton, appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, told lawmakers reviewing his nomination to lead U.S. Strategic Command that the military’s assessment of China’s nuclear mettle had changed dramatically since 2018 when Beijing was judged as requiring “minimal nuclear deterrence.” At that time, the Pentagon’s nuclear posture review assessed China’s ambitions as being focused on “regional hegemony,” he explained. That impression started to shift in recent years, as China made concerted efforts to expand its nuclear capabilities, and stepped up its aggressive posture toward the United States and its regional allies. The Pentagon’s latest nuclear posture review was transmitted to Congress in March and has not yet been made public, but Cotton appeared to foreshadow some of its top-line findings during Thursday’s testimony. “We have seen the incredible expansiveness of what they’re doing with their nuclear force — which does not, in my opinion, reflect minimal deterrence. They have a bona fide triad now,” Cotton explained, meaning the Chinese military has nuclear-capable forces that operate on land, and in the air and sea. The nuclear threat posed by China, he added, cannot be sufficiently addressed by duplicating the approach the United States has taken toward Russia, whose nuclear aims are familiar to the United States and date back decades to the Cold War. Beijing and Moscow, the general said, “act differently, from a doctrine’s perspective.” After racing each other for years to build up their nuclear arsenals, the United States and the former Soviet Union struck several arms reduction pacts in the later part of the 20th century. Only one of those treaties — the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or New START, which applies to intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and nuclear capable bombers — remains in effect. Historically, Beijing did not possess the arsenal of the two major Cold War superpowers, nor were its nuclear ambitions regarded in Washington with the same intensity as Moscow’s. China was also never a party to the arms-control regimes that have defined the nuclear relationship between the United States and Russia — a fact that politicians and advocates insist must be remedied going forward. “We need to seriously consider that we are entering a new, trilateral nuclear competition era,” the committee chairman, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) told Cotton. “You will be responsible for continuing to ensure that the United States and its allies can deter not one, but two near-peer nuclear adversaries, something your predecessors did not face.” Cotton did not detail his plans for updating the military’s approach to China, but he acknowledged there was work to be done to correct the imbalance. “We understand Russian nuclear theory and nuclear doctrine,” Cotton said, citing President Vladimir Putin’s decision to put his nuclear forces on high alert days after the invasion of Ukraine — a move met largely with indifference by the Pentagon, and one that so far has not resulted in any direct assault on NATO. “We’re going to have to understand more deeply the Chinese nuclear strategy,” he added. Cotton was resolute, however, in assessing that “at the end of the day, Russia and China both understand that we have a strong, resilient nuclear force that is offering deterrence to ourselves and extended deterrence to our enemies.” But the United States must take seriously threats by Moscow or Beijing to use nuclear weapons, the general said — particularly when it comes to potential confrontation over Taiwan. “If you have a credible deterrent, it would make them think twice before engaging with us,” Cotton noted. Some senators challenged Cotton to say not only what he would do to expand and update the military’s portfolio of nuclear weapons, but how he would go about ensuring that U.S. proliferation won’t get out of hand. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) asked Cotton to say whether he agreed with the Biden administration’s recommendation to scrap the development of sea-launched low-yield nuclear cruise missiles over concerns about the program’s cost and efficiency. That position, which administration officials have said was informed by the most recent nuclear posture review, has inspired some controversy, with some fearing the program’s cancellation will negatively impact the U.S. military’s ability to compete with its adversaries’ nuclear capabilities. Earlier this year, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley publicly joined those criticizing Biden’s decision. When asked for his take Thursday, Cotton demurred, saying he wanted an opportunity to conduct a full review of the program after his expected confirmation. But when Hirono asked Cotton whether he believes the United States has a role to play in limiting the nuclear arms race, he answered: “I do.” “Whatever treaty that we could do to prevent proliferation is good, with a caveat: that it incorporates every aspect of what the signing agreement would be. Weapons that are currently not seen as strategic weapons need to be added to that calculus,” Cotton elaborated, before concluding: “Any treaty that would prevent proliferation across the globe, I am for.”

TECHNOLOGY NEWS – Collision Repair Mag https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/technology-news-collision-repair-mag/ MORE TECH, MORE TROUBLES New vehicle technology comes with an understandable learning curve for drivers, though a recent J.D. Power report suggests these additions affect driver satisfaction in ways more nuanced than it may seem. In its 2022 Tech Experience Index (TXI) studies and Initial Quality Studies (IQS), J.D. Power measured vehicle quality via a problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) model. The company claims that, while the “notion that advanced technologies always lead to significant problems is a misconception,” certain pieces of technology have been found to be easier for drivers to adapt to than others. “Of the advanced technologies included in the 2022 TXI Study, 46 percent had at least one problem with a PP100 score higher than the most problematic attribute included in the 2022 IQS, with some exceeding it several times over,” said the report. In its most recent study, J.D. Power found there was significant variation in meeting user expectations between different pieces of advanced technology. For example, rear seat reminder technology had a range of problems from 1.9 PP100 to 26.2 PP100, demonstrating that tech can be developed with minimal owner complaints. On the other hand, fingerprint reading technology was identified as the most problematic technology in driver satisfaction, scoring a PP100 of 54.3. J.D. Power expressed that they do not want to see automakers discouraged from developing more advanced technology based solely on how initial satisfaction is affected by change. FACT, NOT FICTION Autonomous vehicles (AVs) may lead to safer roads—a challenge the collision repair industry will have to seriously consider. CEICA hosted a webinar on Aug. 25 led by Tara Andringa, executive director at Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE), a non-profit organization promoting public education on AVs. When asked about how mass AV adoption will affect the collision repair industry, Andringa said collision repairers will need to join the conversation, given that this innovation has no real equivalents or historical precedents. She cites law enforcement as another industry that faces intense shakeups—police officers may have to pull over AVs or get information from an empty AV, while repairers need to learn about AV technology and prepare their industry for the shakeup. Given that AVs do not get tired, distracted and have more complete vision than the average driver, it is extremely likely this technology will make driving safer and accessible to more people. By the time it’s rolled out, truly autonomous AVs will be among the most vetted technologies in the world. NO KNOCK NEEDED According to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) West Region, four Dodge Ram 1500s were stolen on August 28 from the driveways of multiple residences, with relay attacks suspected. Unlike traditional entry methods, relay attacks use technology to duplicate key fob signals emanating from a nearby location. These duplicated signals, combined with a blank key fob, allows thieves to digitally copy the vehicle’s key. While earlier reports suggest that physical entry and mechanical breaches remain the most used technique, the rising prevalence of relay attacks in 2022 suggests that they are no longer as rare as initially believed. There is a simple defence against this technique though–faraday cages and key pouches can do the job for a considerable price, but a cookie tin will protect you just as well. A BITE OF THE APPLE Some high-tech nefariousness seems to be at play with the development of Apple’s mysterious autonomous vehicle, as a former engineer for the tech giant pleaded guilty to trade secret theft in U.S. federal court in August. Zhang Xiaolang was heading to the airport to catch a one-way flight to China in July 2018 when he was arrested under the charge of having downloaded a 25-page document to his wife’s laptop that included schematic drawings of a circuit board design for a portion of an autonomous vehicle. Zhang admitted to the accusation during a hearing in San Jose, Calif. Trade secret theft carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The former Apple engineer, who was hired on as a hardware engineer in the company’s autonomous vehicle division in 2015, was reportedly on his way to China to work with a startup company also operating in the electric and autonomous vehicles sector. THE MOD’ POD New research from the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) suggests that nearly half of all late-model pickup owners have modified their pickups—and these drivers are reportedly considering even more modifications in the future. The report found that pickup owners spent US$16 billion on specialty equipment parts in 2021, and that half of an estimated 29 million pickup trucks 2010 or newer are modified. SEMA also suggests that 62 percent of latemodel pickup accessorizers buy off-road parts, and that 84 percent of those accessorizers plan to make mods in the future. Further, SEMA says that 45 percent of specialty equipment business see electric pickup trucks as an “opportunity.”

GMC Hummer EV Goes Gaming In Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare II – Motor1 https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/gmc-hummer-ev-goes-gaming-in-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-ii-motor1/ An all-electric vehicle has joined Call of Duty for the first time. This is in the form of the GMC Hummer EV pickup truck, which has collaborated with the popular Activision first-person shooter video game franchise. Announced during the Call of Duty: Next event and teased by GMC a few days before, the Hummer EV pickup truck will be in two upcoming Call of Duty games. “The GMC Hummer EV Pickup is truly the world’s first all-electric supertruck. Now, it is entering the gaming world where it will define a new chapter of capability and bring players together across the globe,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick and GMC. “Bringing the supertruck into Call of Duty will allow players to elevate their experience and provide a new way to play, powered by a nearly quiet and fast-accelerating EV,” he added. The GMC Hummer EV will be appearing in the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. As mentioned, this is the first time that an EV has joined the Infinity Ward-developed video game. Moreover, the Hummer EV will also be a playable vehicle in the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0. Players will be able to use the truck to explore the massive play space of the online multiplayer vvideo game. “We’re excited to bring the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup into the fold for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0,” said William Gahagan, director of Global Partnerships at Activision. “There’s nothing like driving across Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 in an all-electric, 1,000 horsepower supertruck. I can’t wait for players to get their hands on it this fall.” The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will debut on October 28, 2022, while the Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 is coming this fall.

Clark County Sheriff Says County Angling To Run Jail – Oregon Public Broadcasting https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/clark-county-sheriff-says-county-angling-to-run-jail-oregon-public-broadcasting/ Sept. 15, 2022 11:42 p.m. Updated: Sept. 15, 2022 11:54 p.m. The county plans to create a new, separate department called the Clark County Corrections Branch. Sheriff Chuck Atkins said he wasn’t clear why. The entrance to the Clark County Law Enforcement Center pictured Oct. 28, 2020. Troy Brynelson / OPB Clark County leaders are considering taking over day-to-day operations of the local jail, a massive reshuffling that would take the department away from the sheriff. Clark County Sheriff Chuck Atkins told OPB that he was informed of the plan by County Manager Kathleen Otto on Thursday. Atkins said he was generally supportive, but he wasn’t entirely clear why the change was happening. “The council is looking at taking corrections and making it a countywide program,” Atkins said. “The reality is, if it makes the corrections branch better, it puts it under their control… and it’s safer for the employees and inmates, I’m all for it.” Next week, the Clark County Council will be presented with the idea of creating a new Clark County Corrections Branch, according to an email sent to county staff and signed by Otto and Atkins. “A safe, suitable jail facility for those housed in the jail as well as those who work and provide services in the jail continues to be the number one priority for this countywide service,” the email read. The jointly signed email said they don’t anticipate any changes for workers. It also underscored that the change is not “a reflection on the current Sheriff’s Office leadership, staff, and operations.” The news follows jail staff recently describing being overworked in a crowded jail. Phil Sample, the jail chief, said in an interview Wednesday that the jail currently has 27 unfilled job openings. According to Sample, the inmate population is also higher than recommended. While the population fluctuates, he noted, on Wednesday the jail housed roughly 450 inmates. The recommended number is closer to 350. The Clark County Corrections Deputy Guild, the union representing corrections officers, has in recent months decried being short staffed and working long hours. In January, the guild wrote to county leaders about being shorthanded, saying that “potential for serious injury or death to staff and inmates is real.” Payroll records obtained by OPB show jail staff have been working considerable overtime in recent months. In the month of August, about 120 staff clocked more than 2,900 hours of overtime. In that same time frame in 2019, 143 workers notched 1,520 hours. Atkins said in an interview that he wasn’t told that short staffing or dangerous working conditions played a role in the decision. “The county says it’s nothing to do with lack of management, or lack of ability to do it, that it’s a strategic plan,” Atkins said. “If there’s something more to it than that, they’re not telling me.” Representatives for the corrections guild could not be reached for comment. The move is not without precedent. Multiple Washington counties have placed their jails under the auspices of county officials, including King, Spokane and Cowlitz counties. Two of the most recent are Walla Walla and Benton counties. When asked about whether he considered the jail understaffed, Atkins agreed and said the same is true of many law enforcement branches. “Everyone is having trouble with staffing. All industries,” Atkins said. Atkins added that he has advocated repeatedly for an entirely new jail. Lately, talks have shifted to renovating the old one. In August, the council approved spending $10 million on jail renovations.

Shawmut Corp. Sued Over Mask Venture – The Boston Globe https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/shawmut-corp-sued-over-mask-venture-the-boston-globe/ LEGAL Shawmut Corp. sued over mask venture An affiliate of development firm The Fallon Co. has sued manufacturer Shawmut Corp. in Suffolk Superior Court, alleging that Shawmut has breached its contract with Fallon for a joint venture created two years ago to produce N95 masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both companies initially contributed $3.4 million for the 50-50 venture, according to the lawsuit, and procured a multimillion-dollar machine known as a Reifenhauser to make polypropylene for the masks. Developer Joe Fallon started the venture after learning about the pressing need for domestically manufactured N95 masks in the spring of 2020. The venture was announced in October 2020, and was supported by a $2.7 million state grant. Shawmut, according to the suit, had planned to start with making 5 million masks a month at its West Bridgewater plant, gradually ramping that up to 15 million a month. But Fallon claims Shawmut kept it in the dark about the venture’s finances and was surprised to learn in 2021 that Shawmut had only made a small fraction of that amount before essentially shutting down production. Fallon said it then learned that Shawmut is going into business on its own by making and selling N95 masks. Dan Tighe, a lawyer for Shawmut, said there’s no merit to Fallon’s lawsuit and Shawmut plans to fight it: “There’s another side to the story and we look forward to telling it in court.” Fallon Co. president Brian Awe issued a statement saying: “Unfortunately, our trust was misplaced and despite the grave need and significant demand, Shawmut, in breach of its commitments, failed to perform or deliver. We are deeply disappointed and unfortunately are left with no other choice but to seek resolution through the filing of this case.” — JON CHESTO Get Innovation Beat Boston Globe tech reporters tell the story of the region’s technology and innovation industry, highlighting key players, trends, and why they matter. ENERGY Shell CEO to leave Shell CEO Ben van Beurden is stepping down at the end of 2022 after nine years in charge, the energy giant said Thursday, a change that comes as oil and natural gas companies are under pressure to shift away from fossil fuels even as they see soaring profits from energy prices driven up by Russia’s war in Ukraine. Taking over Jan. 1 is Wael Sawan, who has worked for Shell for 25 years and is now director of integrated gas, renewables, and energy solutions. The choice signals the focus of the London-based company to take what it calls a leading role in the energy transition despite facing criticism that it’s been slow to reduce climate-changing emissions. — ASSOCIATED PRESS INTERNATIONAL EU proposes law to force cybersecurity standards The European Union’s executive arm proposed new legislation Thursday that would force manufacturers to ensure that devices connected to the Internet meet cybersecurity standards, making the 27-nation bloc less vulnerable to attacks. The EU said a ransomware attack takes place every 11 seconds, and the global annual cost of cybercrime is estimated at 5.5 trillion euros in 2021. In Europe alone, cyberattacks cost between 180 and 290 billion euros each year, according to EU officials. — ASSOCIATED PRESS RETAIL Kanye ends contract with the Gap Kanye West says he’s breaking up with the Gap. An attorney for Kanye West, who goes by Ye, told the Associated Press that a letter has been sent to the clothing chain Thursday seeking to terminate the contract between Gap and West’s company, Yeezy. The clash comes a little over a year after Yeezy’s first item— a blue puffer jacket — appeared in Gap stores. — ASSOCIATED PRESS RETAIL Bed Bath & Beyond to begin closing stores Bed Bath & Beyond will begin closing down and liquidating about a third of the approximately 150 stores it plans to shutter in a round of cost cuts, with the first round focused on the upper Midwest, New York, and New Jersey. The store closings come amid the retailer’s plan to let go about 20 percent of its workforce as it works to stay afloat. — BLOOMBERG NEWS AIRLINES Southwest says business travel still lags Southwest Airlines said Thursday that corporate travel is recovering more slowly than the airline had expected, although that is offset by continuing strong demand from leisure travelers even after the end of the traditional summer vacation season. Southwest said revenue from “managed” business travel in the quarter ending Sept. 30 will be down 26 percent to 28 percent from 2019 levels. That’s a retreat from Southwest’s earlier forecast of a 17 percent to 21 percent decline, which the airline attributed to “softer” last-minute business-travel bookings since late July. — ASSOCIATED PRESS FINANCE Bank of America to offer paid sabbaticals to longtime employees Bank of America is starting a paid sabbatical program to reward its long-term employees, starting with four weeks off for those who have spent 15 years with the company. Beginning next year, the bank will offer its workers four to six weeks off to “reinvest in their priorities in life,” according to a memo seen by Bloomberg News. The move is to recognize tenure at the company at certain career milestones, and to attract and retain talent. Sabbaticals increase over time, amounting to five weeks for those who have worked between 20 and 25 years, and six weeks for 30 years or more, according to the memo. The paid time off is in addition to normal vacation days, according to a person familiar with the program who asked not to be identified discussing the private details. — BLOOMBERG NEWS AIRPORTS Head of troubled Schiphol resigns The CEO of Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has quit after a summer that descended into chaos and flight cancellations amid staff shortages in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’ve done my very best, but we’re not there yet. I do hope it gets better soon,” CEO Dick Benschop said in a statement released by the airport Thursday, after he told the board of his decision on Wednesday night. The busy aviation hub on the outskirts of Amsterdam has been hit by huge queues and piles of unclaimed baggage over the summer vacation months as air travel roared back after the pandemic. — ASSOCIATED PRESS AUTOMOTIVE Ford bucks trend with new gas-powered Mustang Ford Motor’s glitzy introduction of a redesigned Mustang sports car powered by fossil fuels runs counter to the industry narrative of ditching gas-burning cars to make way for electrified models. Ford is betting there’s enough life left in the 58-year-old Mustang to help pay for the company’s electric-powered future, in which chief executive Jim Farley is investing $50 billion to build 2 million EVs annually by 2026. With the Mustang, Ford is also offering a plug-in version, the Mach-E, which has seen sales soar 49 percent this year. — BLOOMBERG NEWS %

Kanye West And Gap Splitting Up After 2 Years – 69News WFMZ-TV https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/kanye-west-and-gap-splitting-up-after-2-years-69news-wfmz-tv/ NEW YORK (AP) — Kanye West is breaking up with the Gap. An attorney for Kanye West, who goes by Ye, told The Associated Press that a letter has been sent to the clothing chain Thursday seeking to terminate the contract between Gap and West’s company, Yeezy. The clash comes a little over a year after Yeezy’s first item— a blue puffer jacket — appeared in Gap stores. The deal was announced in June 2020 to much fanfare. In the letter that West’s lawyer shared with The AP on Thursday, it said that Gap failed to meet obligations in the pact, including distributing merchandise to Gap store locations and creating dedicated YZY Gap stores. “Gap left Ye no choice but to terminate their collaboration agreement because of Gap’s substantial noncompliance,” said Nicholas Gravante, West’s attorney with Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft, in an emailed statement to the AP. “Ye had diligently tried to work through these issues with Gap both directly and through counsel. He has gotten nowhere.” Gravante said that Gap’s failure to comply with the terms of the contract has been costly. He said West plans to begin opening Yeezy retail stores. Gap confirmed that the pact was ending in a memo to its employees. “Simply put … while we share a vision of bringing high-quality, trend-forward, utilitarian design to all people through unique omni experiences with Yeezy Gap, how we work together to deliver this vision is not aligned,” Mark Breitbard, president and CEO of Gap Brand told employees in the memo. “And we are deciding to wind down the partnership.” The company plans to continue to sell the Yeezy Gap products that were in the pipeline. West has unleashed criticism on social media against Gap as well as Adidas AG where he has a similar deal. Adidas declined to comment. The San Francisco retailer had been hoping the partnership with West would resonate with customers in a period of declining sales. For Yeezy, being in more than 1,100 Gap stores worldwide would have put his brand in front of more people. West has had a history with Gap. He worked at one of its stores in Chicago as a teenager. And he told Vanity Fair magazine back in 2015 that he wanted to be creative director for the brand. Follow Anne D’Innocenzio on Twitter. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

‘Today’ Show Nutrition Expert Joy Bauer Offers Advice On Healthy Living During West Palm Beach Visit – WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm https://bentoncountynewsnow.com/today-show-nutrition-expert-joy-bauer-offers-advice-on-healthy-living-during-west-palm-beach-visit-wptv-news-channel-5-west-palm/ WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — “Today” show nutrition expert Joy Bauer believes what you eat affects your everyday life. She spoke Wednesday morning at the Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches breakfast event. The organization delivers meals to homebound seniors. Her presentation was interactive at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, showing guests how to incorporate healthy foods. Bauer has a heart for the organization. “When I was a little girl, my mom and my grandmother were both very involved. We had a local chapter in New York,” Bauer said. “They would put me in the car, and from elementary school up through high school, I would help my mom with the deliveries. And we had meaningful friendships that we developed with these seniors.” WPTV “Today” show nutrition expert Joy Bauer speaks at the Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches breakfast event in West Palm Beach on Sept. 15, 2022. Bauer, who has authored more than a dozen books, said whether you want to lose weight or increase your energy, write down your reason. “Put it down on paper. Put it on a Post-it Note, hang it on your bathroom vanity,” she said. “Put it on your screen saver. Put it on your refrigerator and remind yourself every single day what your reason is because that’s going to be your motivation.” She said it’s about including produce in every meal. “Vegetables and fruit are high volume, and they are low in calories, so they fill us up without filling us out,” Bauer said. “But even more importantly they are chock-full of the good stuff: antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. And they shower our body with things that help to reduce the risk for certain diseases and to just make us feel better and to thrive.” RELATED LINKS: Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches Joy Bauer Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sign up for the South Florida Sports Headlines Newsletter and receive up to date information.