Collin County News Online

CA Emissions Cops Want To Slam The Brakes On Diesel Rigs – Los Angeles Magazine https://collincountynewsonline.com/ca-emissions-cops-want-to-slam-the-brakes-on-diesel-rigs-los-angeles-magazine/ California regulators now hope to ban the sale of diesel rigs by 2040 in their ongoing cleaner air crusade. While the diesel dinosaurs may not be environmentally friendly, they do perform the small task of feeding and clothing most Americans, and providing them with awesome gadgets. Still, a recent proposal by the staff of the California Air Resources Board said that eliminating the mighty machines is a “moral obligation.” As the Los Angeles Times reports, the plan, which is scheduled for consideration by CARB at a public hearing on October 27, also calls for medium- and heavy-duty trucks entering California ports and railyards to be zero emission by 2035, and that state and local government fleets go zero by 2027. Such sky-high goals would require a massive overhaul and upgrade of the state’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure at a time when California’s power grid is already being pushed beyond all previous expectations. Breathing advocates and other green types say it’s a fair trade. “Pound for pound, heavy-duty trucks are putting out far more pollution than anything else on the road,” Will Barrett, national senior director for clean air advocacy with the American Lung Association, told the Times. “And that’s really directly contributing to the fact that California has the worst air pollution in the country.” The anti-rig proposal follows CARB’s vote last month to forbid the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. Trucking industry professionals submit that there’s no way in hell California is ready for any such prohibition on the diesel road warriors. “There is no infrastructure to support this,” Chris Shimoda, vice president of the California Trucking Association, told paper, arguing that even if the state built up the charging infrastructure starting immediately, good luck providing enough power to run the 400,000 big rigs traversing the state by the deadline. Currently, there are 1,900 medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles operating in California, most of which are transit buses, the Times notes. Proponents of the measure counter that the big rigs are doing more damage than most people realize, or believe. “The rule truly is monumental,” Andrea Vidaurre, a policy analyst at Inland Empire nonprofit, the People’s Collective for Environmental Justice, tells the Times. “This is the only way we can get diesel out of our community.” According to Vidaurre, “Right now you have 1,000 trucks an hour driving next to schools or communities in the Inland Empire. It is like hundreds of streets throughout the Inland Empire that are dealing with diesel spewing onto windows, in people’s houses, diesel spewing into the lungs of the kids playing, diesel causing people not to be able to go play outside. This is all real stuff. And we’re talking about people’s lives.” Stay on top of the latest in L.A. food and culture. Sign for our newsletters today

NFTs ‘biggest On-Ramp’ To Crypto In Central, Southern Asia And Oceania — Report – Cointelegraph https://collincountynewsonline.com/nfts-biggest-on-ramp-to-crypto-in-central-southern-asia-and-oceania-report-cointelegraph/ Nonfungible tokens (NFTs) may be the biggest driver of crypto adoption in Central, Southern Asia, and Oceania (CSAO), a new report has found.  According to a Sept. 21 Chainalysis post titled “Crypto Adoption Steadies in South Asia, Soars in the Southeast,” NFT-related actions accounted for 58% of all web traffic going to cryptocurrency services from this region in the second quarter of 2022. Meanwhile another 21% of traffic in the quarter went to websites of play-to-earn (P2E) blockchain games, with major titles including Axie Infinity, STEPN and Battle Infinity.  Chainalysis noted that P2E blockchain games are “intimately related” to NFTs, as most P2E games feature in-game items in the form of NFTs that can be sold on marketplaces like MagicEden and OpenSea, thus meaning:  “NFTs are perhaps the biggest on-ramp to cryptocurrency in CSAO today.” CSAO countries include India, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia, among 25 others, and is home to seven of the top 20 countries in Chainalysis’ crypto adoption index. According to a web traffic heatmap, NFT-related websites accounted for the majority of web traffic in almost every country in the CSAO region, though blockchain games and entertainment also saw a significant share of traffic. Web traffic heatmap in Central, Southern Asia and Oceania regions. Source: Chainalysis  Chainalysis noted this is “not necessarily surprising: CSAO is a hub for innovation in blockchain-based entertainment,” adding:  “Game-centric blockchain developers Polygon and Immutable X are headquartered in India and Australia, for example, and Axie Infinity and STEPN, the two largest play-to-earn games, are operated in Vietnam and Australia, respectively.” Vietnam topped the Chainalysis cryptocurrency adoption index for the second year in a row, but the Philippines made a surprise appearance at second after ranking 15th in the last report. “Both of these countries have similar growth drivers: play-to-earn (P2E) games and remittances,” explained the blockchain analysis firm. On the other hand traffic to websites related to other subjects, such as decentralized exchange contracts, have declined in recent quarters, according to Chainalysis — which it said is likely connected to the bear market and ongoing crypto winter. Related: Emerging markets lead global adoption index: Chainalysis report The report also touched on crypto adoption in India and Pakistan, noting that while both ranked as second and third highest adopters of cryptocurrency worldwide in 2021, the two countries have fallen this year to fourth and sixth respectively. Recent regulatory developments are listed as possible reasons for the change. In January, Pakistan’s central bank and government recommended a crypto ban, while the Indian government implemented a 30% tax on all crypto gains in April and an additional 1% fee on every crypto transaction in July.

Stewart, Debuting Thomas Help US Beat Belgium In WCup Opener – The Associated Press – En Español https://collincountynewsonline.com/stewart-debuting-thomas-help-us-beat-belgium-in-wcup-opener-the-associated-press-en-espanol/ SYDNEY (AP) — It’s been a whirlwind week for Alyssa Thomas. She went from losing in the WNBA Finals on Sunday to flying 10,000 miles to Australia a day later to play for the United States in the World Cup. Thomas had 14 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in her debut for the Americans, who beat Belgium 87-72 in the tournament opener on Thursday. After finding out she’d be on the U.S. roster, she never gave any thought to skipping the World Cup. “Excited to be a part of this, been waiting a long time,” the 30-year-old Thomas said. U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve was impressed with what Thomas was able to do with the short turnaround time. “It’s what I expected Alyssa to do, as it’s just what she does. She’s a competitor and knows how to (play),” Reeve said. “WNBA players don’t get enough credit for how well that they transition from overseas play to WNBA play to national team play.” Breanna Stewart scored 22 points and Jewell Loyd also scored 14 for the short-handed U.S. team, which was still missing Las Vegas Aces players A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Kelsey Plum. They were on their way to Australia after celebrating the franchise’s first WNBA championship with a parade on Tuesday. The trio is expected to be in Sydney on Friday. Thomas and her UConn teammate Brionna Jones, who also arrived on Wednesday, were two of six players on the roster who hadn’t played for the U.S. in either the World Cup or Olympics. This team is very different from the one that won a third straight gold in Spain in 2018. Sue Bird is retired and Diana Taurasi is out as well. Brittney Griner, who would have been on this team, is in a Russian jail after being convicted of drug possession last month in a politically charged case and sentenced to nine years in prison. The U.S. government is trying to secure her release. These teams met in the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup, with the Americans using a big third quarter to pull away and win by 16. The Americans jumped out to a quick 12-0 lead before Belgium settled down to get within one. The U.S. lengthened the lead again behind Stewart and Loyd and was up 48-39 at the half. The Americans went on a 12-4 run to start the third quarter and put the game away. The U.S. did a stellar job defensively on Belgian Emma Meesseman. The Chicago Sky star led the Olympics in scoring last year, averaging 26.8 points. She had four against the U.S, which has now won 23 consecutive World Cup games since losing in the 2006 semifinals to Russia. The Americans are three wins short of matching their record 26-game run from 1998-2006. Julie Vanloo scored 13 points to lead Belgium. “Really proud of this young team,” Meesseman said. “Sometimes we lacked focus but a lot to be proud of and looking forward to the next few games.” NEW NUMBER USA Basketball decided to have no one wear Griner’s No. 15 in this tournament. The Americans have used numbers 4 to 15 for a long time. Brionna Jones, who would have been 15, was wearing No. 16. SCOREBOARD Puerto Rico beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 82-58 for the country’s first-ever World Cup win. TRIPLE-DOUBLE WATCH Thomas, who had a triple-double in each of the last two games in the WNBA Finals, fell just short of getting the first one at the World Cup since Erika Dobrovicova did it in 1994 for the Slovak Republic against Spain. Assists and rebounds weren’t kept before 1994. TIP-INS The U.S. had 25 assists on 30 baskets. … The Americans forced 25 Belgium turnovers that led to 27 points. … Belgium hit 11 3-pointers to stay in the game. UP NEXT Belgium: Faces South Korea on Friday. U.S.: Plays Puerto Rico on Friday. ___ More AP women’s basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-basketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Destination IAA: Cummins Unveils New Technology For Zero-Emissions Power Solutions – Business Wire https://collincountynewsonline.com/destination-iaa-cummins-unveils-new-technology-for-zero-emissions-power-solutions-business-wire/ COLUMBUS, Ind.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) is showcasing its platform of zero-emissions technologies this week at the IAA Transportation show, the world’s largest mobility show, in Hannover, Germany. A range of new Cummins technologies and the recently acquired Meritor ePowertrain technologies are available publicly together for the first time. With over a century of experience as a global power leader, Cummins is solidifying its commitment to providing comprehensive zero-emissions technology on a global scale. “Cummins has deep application expertise, and we are uniquely positioned to deliver solutions that truly fit the needs of commercial applications,” said Amy Davis, Vice President and President of New Power at Cummins. “Realizing a net-zero future will require a range of technologies. Our extensive zero-emissions portfolio is how we will meet varied customer demands across the hardest-to-abate industries and make the energy transition possible.” One key zero-emissions product Cummins revealed at IAA is its fourth-generation hydrogen fuel cell engine. Designed to meet the duty-cycle, performance and packaging requirements of medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses, the fuel cell technology is available in 135 kW single and 270 kW dual modules. Scania in Europe and Daimler Trucks North America have each announced collaborations with Cummins to develop and integrate these next-generation fuel cell engines into demonstrator vehicles. The systems use fourth-generation variable pressure technology to provide higher power density, power nodes and operating temperatures for easier system integration into vehicles. They also have strong operating cycle efficiency and durability for a lower total cost of ownership. “We know our customers have diverse needs and complicated duty cycles to support, which is why we focus on continued innovation and improvement,” said Amy Adams, Vice President of Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies at Cummins. “We’re developing hydrogen fuel cell technology that demonstrates the capacity and flexibility required to meet or exceed the power needs for on-highway commercial vehicles – proving hydrogen as a viable solution to decarbonize the economy.” Attendees at IAA will also get the first glimpse of a drivetrain assembled with a newly introduced Cummins lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, Meritor’s 17xe ePowertrain and Meritor’s Power Control and Accessory System (PCAS). Cummins recently added the ePowertain and PCAS solutions to its portfolio through its acquisition of Meritor. The ePowertrain leverages market-leading technologies in the axle, motor and inverter, delivering performance, efficiency and packaging advantages at a competitive cost. Additionally, the PCAS provides power where needed and control of necessary sub-systems while reducing packaging size and simplifying integration. Cummins is adding an LFP battery to its line of lithium-ion battery products to expand support of electrified commercial vehicle applications. The LFP solution gives customers access to faster charging and longer-life batteries, targeting the medium-duty truck and school bus markets. By using a multi-chemistry strategy, Cummins is positioned to expand its manufacturing capacity further and diversify its supply chain, providing customers with more cost-effective electrification solutions. “We are giving customers options to enable them to adapt to a zero-emissions future faster,” said Brian Wilson, General Manager of Electrified Components at Cummins. “With the recent acquisition of Meritor and our new multi-chemistry approach, we will be able to tailor our solutions and offer a one-stop-shop for customers’ powertrain needs.” Cummins’ portfolio includes four batteries, each of which targets a different duty cycle and use case and complement each other. In addition to the LFP option, this includes three nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries – the BP95E, BP74E and BP30E. The BP95E is Cummins’ next-generation solution that prioritizes greater energy density in applications for customers who need more weight-sensitive solutions or have longer ranges. The BP30E is ideal for meeting limited-space applications and rugged demands, and the BP74E is the foundation for Cummins’ BEV innovation and progress. Download Cummins product photos. About Cummins Inc. Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains, and powertrain-related components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, batteries, electrified power systems, hydrogen generation and fuel cell products. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 59,900 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment, and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves its customers online, through a network of company-owned and independent distributor locations, and through thousands of dealer locations worldwide and earned about $2.1 billion on sales of $24.0 billion in 2021. See how Cummins is powering a world that is always on by accessing news releases and more information at https://www.cummins.com/always-on.

JourneyTEAM’s 10th Annual Business Technology Summit – PR Newswire https://collincountynewsonline.com/journeyteams-10th-annual-business-technology-summit-pr-newswire/ Searching for your content… , /PRNewswire/ — Microsoft Partner, JourneyTEAM, is inviting business decision makers of all industries to join the Upcoming Business Technology Summit and learn how Microsoft Technologies can improve their businesses operations. This exclusive event on November 2nd and November 3rd 2022, is designed to help businesses reach their unique goals, decrease potential security risks, and most importantly, do so while reducing costs and saving money. This year’s two-day, virtual event features over 30 breakout sessions, product offerings, and top insider tips from JourneyTEAM senior consultants to help you identify and implement the tools you need while keeping costs down. As JourneyTEAM specializes in all three Microsoft Clouds, the event sessions are broken up into these categories: Business Technology Summit Day 1 (November 2): Microsoft Business Apps Day (ERP, CRM, and Power Platform) Day 2 (November 3): Modern Work and Microsoft Azure Day (Productivity, Collaboration, and Security) JourneyTEAM’s Business Technology Summit provides an atmosphere for business leaders to create a customized digital transformation strategy for their business. JourneyTEAM consultants and developers have over 20 years of experience implementing Microsoft technologies within businesses of all sizes and aim to answer any questions you might have throughout the sessions. This event will specifically include: 30+ Technology Breakout Sessions covering hot topics like robotic process automation (RPA), embedding Power Apps inside other Power Platform tools, finding the pure-cloud directory path with Azure AD, and so much more (full agenda coming soon). Discussions with JourneyTEAM experts about Microsoft Business Applications and hear the latest updates announced at Microsoft Ignite. A deep dive into Microsoft 365’s suite of tools and how to use them best at your company. Crucial and up-to-date Azure infrastructure insight to set up proper security protocols. An in-person event at Top Golf in Salt Lake City, Utah. If attendees can’t attend the in-person portion, JourneyTEAM is shipping a care package full of goodies to enjoy while viewing the event virtually. Eric Beins, COO of JourneyTEAM, shares: “Since I joined JourneyTEAM over 6 years ago I’ve witnessed the Business Technology Summit become one of the premier events covering Microsoft’s technology. It is geared directly to end users and clients by showcasing real-world scenarios. I have loved seeing the value of our sessions make a difference in our client’s day to day operations as they ask engaging questions that spark innovative solutions. Each year we continue to grow our knowledge and coverage of Microsoft’s Business Applications, Modern Workplace and Azure, and this event is an opportunity to share those learnings back to the community. It’s also a great time for catching up with friends, colleagues and customers to see how we can continue making a positive impact.” In JourneyTEAM’s upcoming Business Technology Summit, business leaders are sure to gain powerful insights on how to reach their desired business outcomes using technology, while keeping costs low. Register for this event today , we can’t wait to see you there! Moriah Spainhower Content Manager JourneyTEAM 801-565-9199 [email protected] This release was issued through WebWire®. For more information visit http://www.webwire.com. SOURCE JourneyTEAM

Marvel Games Will Not Have Its Own MCU – ComicBook.com https://collincountynewsonline.com/marvel-games-will-not-have-its-own-mcu-comicbook-com/ Marvel video games will not have their own connected universe like the MCU. Marvel has pioneered something truly unique (or at least, it was at one point) with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. When Iron Man was released in 2008, not many people knew it was the anchor for what would become an interconnected universe with multiple superheroes. For four years, Marvel built up to The Avengers and then continued to expand with new characters such as Spider-Man, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and Ant-Man. It has been a roaring success thus far and shows no signs of slowing down, as it has led to some of the most successful films of all time. When Marvel Games started to hone in on more premium games starring its heroes, many wondered if this would all lead to a video game version of the MCU. However, it seems like Marvel Games is adamantly against the idea. Marvel Game VP and creative director Bill Rosemann told GamesIndustry.biz that it is not mandating any kind of connected universe, as it wants the studios to have the freedom to tell the stories they want. Rosemann noted that it wants creatives to feel like they can make drastic moves in their story without it impacting someone else’s game. “The world is, amazingly, very familiar and accepting of the multiverse,” Rosemann said. “We have all these different realities. Now they’re all real, and we want to give everyone the freedom to tell their story. We don’t want to say ‘you can’t blow up the moon, because this game over here by another studio needs the moon’. We want to give everyone the freedom and the clear lane to tell their story.” EA recently confirmed it is working on a new Iron Man game, but it won’t stop there. EA also confirmed it has multiple Marvel games in the pipeline, but didn’t reveal what they would be. Of course, it’s possible that if a publisher or developer wanted to create its own universe of games (i.e. EA’s Marvel universe), it could do that. There are already questions of whether Insomniac’s Wolverine game will cross over with the developer’s version of Spider-Man. 0comments Would you want to see a Marvel Games universe? Let me know in the comments or hit me up on Twitter @Cade_Onder.

Register Now For Select Old Time Saturday Events – Farmersville Times https://collincountynewsonline.com/register-now-for-select-old-time-saturday-events-farmersville-times/ In just a few weeks, downtown Farmersville is going to be bustling with activity as the community gathers for its annual Old Time Saturday celebration. The event, set for Saturday, Oct.1, still has several opportunities to sign up to sponsor this year’s event, starting at $100 up to $3,000, or register as a vendor, runner, car show or parade participant. To register for any of the OTS events or vote on the Silver Centennial Citizen, links can be found on the Old Time Saturday Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OldTimeSaturdayFarmersville According to OTS organizers, booth spaces for non-food vendors cost between $50 and $125 depending on electricity needs, which are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. All arts and crafts vendors will be located on the downtown square this year. Food vendors are provided electricity and prices range from $140-$160 for a booth. All food vendors are required to obtain a Collin County Food/Service health permit, at http://collincountytx.gov which must be submitted five days before the event. Running enthusiasts can register from now until the day of the race for the Audie Murphy Hero Run. Registration is $30 for the 5K and $15 for the Fun Run. Those who register in advance will receive a T-shirt. “Race day registration is available, said organizers, “but we cannot guarantee you a shirt or a shirt in your size.” Register for the race at https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=137471&fbclid=IwAR2_LFC9LCwyTjFNpddNYItn1YTSC2pezpUO73CNTzf3cOmrZRaqOMECUWo The race begins at 101 McKinney St. at 8 a.m. for the 5K and 8:10 a.m. for Fun Run participants. Parade entries are still being accepted for those who wish to register to walk or ride in a vehicle, bicycle, horse, float or “other.” The registration form on the OTS Facebook page must be filled out and returned by mail or emailed to OTS organizers. Get the form here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fbT7lvkr8VTbEscat0ZMTrrJcDePwyeu/view?fbclid=IwAR0xiCokaL4srV617JPmkP7uWEtrHaBVqiPuN5mGth0vPwC1g0ktmQZ8jXQ Car enthusiasts who wish to register for the OTS Car Show still have time. The fee is $10 and is open to all cars. The show starts at 8 a.m. on the square and ends at 1 p.m. Register for the car show at https://carshowpro.com/event/1128 Also considered timely is the fact that voting is now live for this year’s Silver Centennial Citizen. Voters can select one of the following citizens: Judy Brandon, Johnny Bratcher, Jim Foy, Joe Helmberger, John Klosterman, Elaine Smith or Doris Williams. Voting ends Saturday, Sept. 24. Vote here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VQS32FP If you like prizes and want to support a great cause, anyone can purchase a $5 square (or more) and be entered to win one of the following prizes: handmade quilt, shotgun, $500 cash or Yeti Tundra cooler. Squares can be purchased at Independent Financial Bank, Bob Tedford Chevrolet, Dyer Drug and Farmersville Grain prior to the event or during the day at Old Time Saturday. “The raffle drawing will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Old Time Saturday,” organizers said. “You do not have to be present to win.” This year marks the 42nd year for the event and proceeds benefit Farmersville Centennial Inc., a nonprofit that aids the Rike Library, the Senior Center, the Civic Center and other organizations and improvements around Farmersville.

The Big List Of The Best Disney Tips (2022) – No-Guilt Disney https://collincountynewsonline.com/the-big-list-of-the-best-disney-tips-2022-no-guilt-disney/ Since we eat, breathe, travel, and runDisney we know a thing or two about Disney tips. If you’re looking for the best Disney tips in 2022, look no further. This list will help you plan your next Disney World, Disneyland, or runDisney vacation with ease! And if you need any additional help, don’t be afraid to ask in the No-Guilt Disney Facebook group. About Our Disney Experience We’ve been going to the Disney Parks all our lives (seriously- our first trip to Disneyland was at 6 weeks old!). We’ve been blogging about the experiences since 2011 on No-Guilt Life. Since Disney was quickly becoming ALL we wanted to talk about, the No-Guilt Disney site was born. You’ll find we have experience in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and our beloved runDisney races. If you’re looking for tips for any of these kinds of trips, you’ve found the right place. What Kinds Of Disney Tips You’ll Find On This List We cover a little bit of everything with an eye to making your Disney trip easier. We suggest you start here because Disney people speak in Disney abbreviations and acronyms. A lot. So keep this post handy. Need to know how to make Disney World Park reservations? We’ve got that. How about a Disney packing list? A runDisney packing list? Yep, we’ve got those too. Heading to Disneyland for the first time and want to know what you can score for free? Check out this Disney tips list. Listen To The No-Guilt Disney Podcast For More Disney Tips 2022 We also have a podcast. If you’d like to listen to the best Disney tips rather than read this, we’ll take great care of you! Episodes are released twice a month and you can find us on all the major podcast services. We talk about it all: Disney news, special events, Disney fashion, runDisney (of course!) and Disney Holidays. We don’t try to sell you on anything and offer the most honest recommendations based on our personal experiences. Find all the No-Guilt Disney Podcast episodes here. Need More Disney Tips In 2022? Find Us On Facebook Have More Questions? Join us in the No-Guilt Disney Facebook Group. The Big List Of The Best Disney Tips (2022)

LIVE: Russia Not Serious About Ending Ukraine War, Zelensky Says At UNGA – Hindustan Times https://collincountynewsonline.com/live-russia-not-serious-about-ending-ukraine-war-zelensky-says-at-unga-hindustan-times/ Live Updated on Sep 22, 2022 07:39 AM IST Breaking news today September 22, 2022: Get latest news, breaking news, latest updates, live news, top headlines, breaking business news and top news of the hour. Get latest news, breaking news, latest updates, live news, top headlines, breaking business news and top news of the hour. Welcome to hindustantimes.com updates platform where you can find breaking news from India and across the world. Find fast updates about the latest news as it breaks. Follow all the updates here: Sep 22, 2022 07:39 AM IST On RJD leader’s ‘open ashram in 2025’ advice to Nitish, JD(U)’s Kushwaha says… Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Shivanand Tiwari has advised Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar to open his “ashram” apparently meant to provide political training after handing over the top post to his deputy Tejashwi Yadav in 2025- when the next assembly elections in the state are due. Read more Sep 22, 2022 05:39 AM IST PM Modi’s practical attitude has key role in transforming US ties: Jaishankar It has taken a “lot of effort” to overcome the “wariness… suspicion and caution” of the past when it comes to the relationship with the United States (US), and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s background, lack of “ideological baggage” and practical attitude has played a key role, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday. Read more Sep 22, 2022 05:37 AM IST Russia not serious about ending Ukraine war, Zelensky says at UNGA Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia is not serious about ending the war in his country, which will soon enter the eighth month. Read more Subscribe to our best newsletters NIA raids premises of people involved in terror-related activities: Report Published on Sep 22, 2022 07:39 AM IST In the “largest ever investigation till date”, the searches are taking place at the premises of those allegedly involved in terror funding, organising training camps, and radicalising people to join proscribed organisations, according to officials. NIA conducting searches nationwide at premises of people involved in terror-related activities. (Representative Image/File Photo) Project location: Mumbai; walk-in interview: Chennai. Aaditya Thackeray asks why Published on Sep 22, 2022 06:52 AM IST Aaditya Thackeray said he has no problem with the walk-in interview for engineers for the Versova Bandra Sea Link project in Mumbai is being held in Chennai, but why not take local people, he asked. ‘Shinde has gone to perform Mujra in Delhi’: Uddhav on Vedanta-Foxconn fiasco Published on Sep 22, 2022 06:36 AM IST Thackeray’s remarks come at a time when the Shinde-Fadnavis government is facing the ire of the opposition for losing Vedanta-Foxconn semiconductor plant to Gujarat. India slams Pakistan on minority rights: ‘Ironic that Islamabad even raises it’ Published on Sep 22, 2022 06:02 AM IST Slamming Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto’s comments on “Islamophobia in India”, India’s joint secretary at the UN Srinivas Gotru said, “For a country that has even stopped publishing its data to hide its shameful record, it is amazing that they have even brought up the subject. LIVE: Russia not serious about ending Ukraine war, Zelensky says at UNGA Updated on Sep 22, 2022 07:39 AM IST Breaking news today September 22, 2022: Get latest news, breaking news, latest updates, live news, top headlines, breaking business news and top news of the hour. Cabinet approves second tranche of PLI scheme to boost manufacturing of solar modules Published on Sep 22, 2022 12:37 AM IST New Delhi: The Union cabinet on Wednesday approved the second tranche of the Performance Linked incentive (PLI) scheme to boost manufacturing of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules in India, Union minister Anurag Thakur announced in a press briefing Alert after dam gate opens due to ‘snag’ in Kerala Published on Sep 21, 2022 11:56 PM IST Security officials camping in the area noticed the snag at 2 am and immediately alerted officials of the two districts who took immediate measures to shift people in low-lying areas and issued an alert. Row as Jagan renames NTR health varsity after his father Published on Sep 21, 2022 11:54 PM IST The state legislative assembly passed a bill changing the name of NTR University of Health Sciences to Dr YSR University of Health Sciences by a voice vote, opposing which the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) created a ruckus in the House and 17of its members were suspended for the entire day. Centre prepares draft bill that aims to replace Telegraph act Updated on Sep 22, 2022 07:28 AM IST The draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022, covers not just conventional phone calls and text messages, but also over-the-top (OTT) applications, which will include services such as WhatsApp. ByDeeksha Bhardwaj, Hindustan Times, New Delhi 17 from Tamil Nadu trapped in Myanmar: Stalin seeks PM’s help Published on Sep 21, 2022 11:53 PM IST A senior official from the department of rehabilitation and welfare of non-resident Tamils told HT on the condition of anonymity that they have tracked down one family from the state who had sent their son to Dubai for work. TTD unveils app to help pilgrims overcome language problem Published on Sep 21, 2022 11:52 PM IST TTD executive officer A V Dharma Reddy, who had the trial run of the new QR code facility at his camp office on Wednesday, said pilgrims coming from different parts of the country and speaking in different languages won’t have to struggle to get any information about the facilities being offered on the holy hills. Govt taking away IT panel from Congress, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury tells Speaker Updated on Sep 22, 2022 07:29 AM IST In his letter, a copy of which HT has seen, Chowdhury said he was “dismayed” to learn from parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi that “a decision has been taken to withdraw the allocation of the role of chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, which, as you know, is chaired by Dr Shashi Tharoor of the Indian National Congress.” 3 killed as fire breaks out in Andhra Pradesh manufacturing unit, say police Published on Sep 21, 2022 11:51 PM IST The incident happened at Rangachari Street in Chittoor town at around 11.30 pm. The bodies of Bhaskar Naidu (65) and Dilli Babu (35) and another employee Balaji (25) were recovered on Wednesday morning, Chittoor Town-II police inspector C Yatindra told HT. Story Saved New Delhi 0C Thursday, September 22, 2022

Eating Healthy Like The Mediterraneans – The Star Online https://collincountynewsonline.com/eating-healthy-like-the-mediterraneans-the-star-online/ I recently took a trip to Italy and loved the food there. I had pizzas, pastas, tiramisu and gelato. None of it seems very healthy to me, so what exactly is this Mediterranean diet that so many people say is super healthy? The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional foods that people used to eat in those countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. These countries include France, Spain, Greece and Italy. It was noted that the people living around this area had a low risk of many chronic diseases, especially heart disease. They are also relatively healthy. It is a diet that encourages you to eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and heart-healthy fats. You are discouraged from eating processed foods, added sugar and refined grains. Mediterranean people also do a lot of physical activity, and they like sharing meals and eating slowly so that they do not eat too much. They also have a lot less stress. All of these factors contribute to their overall health. Tiramisu and gelato came later, so many would not exactly consider those traditional foods! Wait, so what exactly should I be eating for this Mediterranean diet? Because there are so many cuisines in the countries around the Mediterranean sea, there are a lot of things that you can include for such a diet. They include: Vegetables – eat plenty of tomatoes and other vegetables like broccoli, kale, onions and sweet potatoes. Fruits – include all sorts of fruits like oranges, bananas, grapes, melons and peaches, among others. Nuts, seeds and nut butters Legumes – these include beans, peanuts, pulses, lentils, peas and chickpeas. Whole grains – eat brown rice, not white rice; oats, corn, whole wheat bread and whole wheat pasta are also good. Seafood – the Mediterranean sea is rife with seafood like salmon, clams, mussels, sardines, tuna and shrimp. Poultry – this includes both chicken and eggs. Dairy – milk, cheese and yoghurt are rife in all types of Mediterranean foods. To flavour your dishes, you can put in herbs and spices like garlic, basil, rosemary, sage, pepper and cinnamon. Mediterranean food also tends to be cooked in healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil. All of these are natural and wholesome. Do avoid refined carbohydrates like sweets and white bread. Butter can also be fattening if eaten too much. Do note that Mediterranean people dip their bread in olive oil, rather than smother it with butter. OK, it sounds like a diet I can stick to because there are plenty of options in it. What are the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet? According to studies, a Mediterranean diet can reduce heart disease risk by 28% to 30%. In a 2013 study by researchers in Johns Hopkins University in the United States, it was found that a Mediterranean-style diet, together with regular exercise, healthy body weight and not smoking, protected people against early heart disease by slowing the build-up of plaque in their artery walls. This reduced risk of an early death by 80%. A Mediterranean diet can reduce your blood cholesterol levels, enhance your body’s ability to absorb blood sugar, and slow down inflammation. But I don’t live near the Mediterranean sea. How do I maintain this Mediterranean diet while living in Malaysia? You don’t need to always eat out at an expensive Italian restaurant to have a Mediterranean diet in Malaysia. Malaysian food, good as it tastes, is not always the healthiest option. You can change your current diet to a Mediterranean one by simply switching a few options at a time. Johns Hopkins recommends replacing one unhealthy item with a healthy item for three weeks. Then replace two more unhealthy items with healthy ones, and stick with the changes for another three weeks. The idea is to take it slowly and steadily, instead of making a drastic switch that you cannot stick to. Oh, how? For instance, if you currently eat white bread and butter for breakfast and drink whole milk, you can simply switch to oatmeal and fresh fruit. Or you can have an omelette with tomatoes, mushrooms and onions. Instead of whole milk, you can switch to fat-free milk. For lunch, instead of eating curry mee or laksa, try having a salad. And instead of piling on a creamy sauce for your salad dressing, try just drizzling it with olive oil. Plain olive oil on salad or bread is extremely delicious. For dinner, try to eat a fruit instead of a sugary dessert after the main meal. On a Mediterranean diet, you do not need to count calories. Is pizza considered healthy then? And don’t many Mediterranean people drink a lot of wine? Pizza is not healthy if you consume too much of it! But also, do note that the original pizza – known as pizza Margherita – comes from Naples, and its crust is actually very thin, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, and is only covered with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and basil. It was only after people started adding all sorts of other ingredients, like processed meat (pepperoni), that pizza started becoming less healthy. Wine, if taken in moderation (like one glass a day), is also healthy. Dr YLM graduated as a medical doctor, and has been writing for many years on various subjects such as medicine, health, computers and entertainment. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

Montgomery Adds Safety Rules For School Sporting Events After Football Fight – The Washington Post https://collincountynewsonline.com/montgomery-adds-safety-rules-for-school-sporting-events-after-football-fight-the-washington-post/ Montgomery County Public Schools announced more stringent safety protocols around athletic events Wednesday following a brawl that erupted at a football game last week. Under the new rules, students and spectators will be required to remain in the stands during games, and reentry will not be allowed. The rules also prevent anyone from being admitted after halftime. Students enrolled at one of the two schools competing will have to show a student ID or copy of their school schedule to attend a game. Students who don’t attend one of the two schools playing will have to be accompanied by an adult chaperone. The new rules take effect Friday. Schools Superintendent Monifa B. McKnight said Wednesday that the school system’s core values for athletic events are respect and sportsmanship. “We recognize that when we see unruly, displeasurable behavior happening in our games, it’s contrary to those values,” McKnight said. Some schools already had added extra security measures for sports events, Chief Operating Officer Brian Hull said Wednesday during a news conference. But a districtwide plan was created after a large fight at a football game between Northwest and Gaithersburg high schools Friday, Hull said. That fight led to four juveniles and a 19-year-old man being charged with assault. Both football teams’ operations were suspended after the fight and will remain suspended until an investigation of the altercation concludes, school officials said. The investigation is expected to end Friday. Neither team will play Friday, officials said. Gaithersburg Athletic Director William Gant has also filed assault charges against Northwest’s football coach, Travis Hawkins. Gant says Hawkins struck him during the brawl. In Maryland, residents can file criminal charges against each other by submitting a signed statement to a court commissioner. Commissioners then determine whether there is probable cause to issue a charging document. That is what happened in this case, according to court records. Gant submitted a complaint against Hawkins, and a court commissioner issued a criminal summons. It is not clear from court records whether Hawkins has been served with the complaint. Prosecutors have the ability to dismiss such citizen-generated cases. In Montgomery County, the state’s attorney’s office runs a citizen complaint bureau that screens complaints to determine whether the office will prosecute the case or dismiss it, said Lauren DeMarco, a spokeswoman for the office. A preliminary hearing is set for November, according to court records. McKnight declined Wednesday to comment on Gant’s or Hawkins’s employment status or whether they had faced any disciplinary measures, saying that it was a personnel issue and under investigation. “While the most recent situation brought us together today, we have and will continue to monitor the safety at all of our school events,” McKnight said. McKnight said the guidelines were developed after meeting with principals, students, staff and police. Under the plan, specific schools or the district as a whole can impose harsher rules — as part of a second and third tier of guidelines — if there are “additional behavioral concerns” or incidents. In the second tier, only students from one of the schools competing and families of student-athletes could attend games. Crowd size could be limited and game times and days could be changed. Teams that engage in brawls could also be excluded from postseason competition or suspended for multiple contests, according to the guidelines. The third tier — which is the most extreme — outlines that concession stands could be closed and only families of student-athletes and other participants (such as marching band members) could attend. In the most serious circumstances, no spectators would be permitted. The safety protocols will be in place through the rest of the football season, officials said, but they could be extended into other athletic seasons — such as basketball — depending on the outcome. Dan Morse contributed to this report.

The Metaverse, Cryptocurrency And NFTs Set To Revolutionise Retail – ChannelLife New Zealand https://collincountynewsonline.com/the-metaverse-cryptocurrency-and-nfts-set-to-revolutionise-retail-channellife-new-zealand/ BigCommerce has released its Global Consumer Report: Current and Future Shopping Trends, a consumer survey designed to give retailers insight into current and emerging trends shaping the way consumers buy from brands. According to the researchers, the metaverse, cryptocurrency and NFTs are poised to revolutionise commerce in some form or another, while personalised shopping experiences and incentives, such as free shipping and discounts, are key factors driving purchases. Fashion and apparel was by far the most popular category for online shoppers. Key insights from the survey revealed: More than half of consumers shop online at least once a week (55%), with fashion and apparel as the most purchased items. As for discounts, they prefer free shipping above anything else. Consumers who use buy now, pay later (BNPL) do so because they say it helps to fit purchases into their budget. Consumers want personalised shopping experiences and advertisements, and are most willing to share their email, gender and name with brands. Honesty and transparency are the brand values consumers look for most, but providing fair wages and benefits to employees was a close second. The majority of consumers (84%) rated sustainability as important when making a purchasing decision. Almost half (46%) of consumers are willing to shop on the metaverse, and of those, 51% are interested in buying both virtual and physical goods. Lisa Eggerton, Chief Marketing Officer at BigCommerce, says, “BigCommerce is powered by innovation that gives our merchants the competitive advantage to outperform their competition and thrive in the new era of ecommerce. These findings show technological advances are reshaping the shoppers journey and providing new and better ways for brands to engage with their customers. The future of commerce is here, and brands have a vibrant opportunity for remarkable growth.” The report uncovered many consumers are shopping online multiple times per week, with 55% of respondents indicating they shop online at least once a week if not more. Of course this shouldn’t be that surprising considering people are shopping on Google more than a billion times a day. As for what consumers are buying online, the report shows that fashion and apparel was by far the most popular category (80%), with electronics coming second (56%) and entertainment and media in third (55%). When consumers were asked which payment methods they’ve used when shopping online, 16% said they’ve used BNPL. Helping consumers fit purchases into their budget was revealed as a primary reason for choosing BNPL. In fact, of those who’ve used BNPL, 34% were more likely to complete a purchase if BNPL was an option, while 49% would find it easier to complete a purchase if BNPL was an option. Digging deeper into shopper motivations, the survey sought to understand how personalisation impacts the decision to buy, as well as what information consumers are willing to share in order to get a personalised shopping experience. 37% of respondents were willing to share data depending on what information was requested, while 30% said it depended on brand and 28% were not willing at all. The survey also revealed that metaverse, cryptocurrency and NFTs are all poised to revolutionise commerce in some form or another. When it comes to metaverse shopping, consumers were about evenly split between willing (46%) and not willing (52%). Yet, a small percentage (2%) had already shopped on the metaverse. Unlike the metaverse, the majority of consumers say they don’t have a good understanding of NFTs, with 26% saying they don’t even know what NFTs are. When asked which payment methods were used when shopping online, 5% of consumers said they have used cryptocurrency. While most people weren’t yet using cryptocurrency, of those who do, a strong majority (66%) preferred it as a payment method. Eggerton concludes, “Our aim in sharing data from the Global Consumer Report is to help brands across these regions better understand consumer buying behaviours. Brands must put consumers at the heart of everything they do or risk losing market share.”

Apple Just Improved Messaging On Your IPhone With 26 New Must-Try Features – Gadget Hacks https://collincountynewsonline.com/apple-just-improved-messaging-on-your-iphone-with-26-new-must-try-features-gadget-hacks/ If you haven’t noticed yet, there are a lot of new features hiding in your iPhone’s Messages app, and some of them are things users have been requesting for a long time. While iMessage is getting a lot of attention by letting us edit and unsend messages, it’s only just the start of a pretty big update. Some of the new tools and enhancements that come with iOS 16 take direct aim at messaging competitors like Messenger, Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp, while others take advantage of other services available on iOS, like Siri, Dictation, and Focus. There’s carrier-specific spam reporting, more Memoji options, cool Siri tricks, helpful measurement conversions, and even a few secret actions that’ll be useful in any conversation. Don’t Miss: Your iPhone’s Contacts App Just Got Its Biggest Update Ever Most of these changes also appear on iPadOS 16 for iPad and macOS 13 Ventura for Mac, which are still in beta. 1. Edit Messages You can now edit iMessages after sending them. It’s a helpful tool that can help you quickly correct spelling snafus, auto-correct mistakes, and other erroneous content without bombarding people with follow-up messages to explain the issue. A message can be edited up to five times within 15 minutes of sending it. After five edits or 15 minutes, the option will disappear from the quick actions menu. When edited, an “Edited” label will appear under the message. You or the recipient can then tap “Edited” to view the history of changes. It only works with iMessage, so you can’t correct anything in SMS chats. And recipients using older Apple software will see each edit as a separate iMessage. Full Guide: How to Edit Your Sent iMessages to Fix Spelling Errors and Other Mistakes 2. Unsend Messages Taking back a message you sent is another new feature. When you select “Undo Send” from the quick actions, it shows a “poof” animation that “pops” when the sound is on, disappearing from the conversation for good. It only works in iMessage conversations, and you only have up to two minutes to unsend the message. When you unsend an iMessage, an alert will say “You unsent a message” where the message was. On the other end, it will say, “[Your Name] unsent a message.” Recipients using older Apple software will continue seeing the iMessage you attempted to take back. Full Guide: How to Take Back iMessages You Already Sent So Your Recipients Never See Them 3. Mark Messages as Read or Unread I’ve been waiting for this feature for a long time: the ability to mark messages as unread. That way, you don’t forget to return to that message or group of messages later when you have time to respond. When you mark a message as unread, you only mark it unread on your end. So it’ll still say when you initially read the message if you have “Send Read Receipts” enabled. If you want to skip reading a message but wish to label it as read, you can do that too. The feature works for both iMessage and SMS/MMS texts. To mark messages as read or unread, swipe right on the conversation from the list view (which previously would pin chats). You can also long-press a discussion and choose “Mark as Unread” or “Mark as Read,” which comes in handy for pinned conversations. And you can use the “Edit” button, pick “Select Messages,” choose the discussions, and hit “Read” or “Unread.” If you have “Filter Unknown Senders” enabled in your Messages preferences, you’ll also see a new “Unread Messages” section when you tap “Filter” to switch between unknown and known senders. Full Guide: How to Mark Texts and iMessages as Unread on Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac 4. Show and Recover Deleted Messages Similar to Notes, Photos, and Mail, iOS 16 gives you a “Recently Deleted” section in the Messages app. It’s like a trash bin on your computer or email account, only for texts and iMessage. Deleted messages will be wiped from Apple’s servers automatically after 30 days. You can manually erase deleted content sooner too. You can also recover messages if you accidentally delete something or change your mind. Tap “Edit” in the conversations list, then “Show Recently Deleted” to view, delete, or recover content. If you have “Filter Unknown Senders” enabled in your Messages preferences, tap “Filter” and open the “Recently Deleted” folder. Full Guide: How to Erase or Recover Deleted Texts and iMessages on Your iPhone, iPad, or Mac 5. Mark SMS/MMS as Spam You could always report iMessages from unknown senders as junk to Apple, but you had to report SMS and MMS texts as junk to your carrier, which isn’t always the most straightforward task. Now, Apple’s included the “Report Junk” feature for SMS and MMS texts, which reports the message as spam to Apple and a supported carrier. Not all carriers support the feature, so if you don’t see it, that’s why. 6. Mention Suggestions When you’d use the @ symbol to mention someone in a group chat — or even if you just spelled their name out without the @ sign — iOS 15 wouldn’t show you anything except the color change animation when you hit enter. You could also tap the name in the text field to show their profile picture. That all still applies on iOS 16, but now you’ll also see the person’s name and profile icon in the suggestions on the keyboard. 7. More Memoji Styling Options If you like using Memoji, more customization options are available on iOS 16. Specifically, there are 14 new hairstyles, three updated hairstyles, nine new nose designs, a bonnet headwear option, and three new neutral lip colors. Full Guide: Memoji Gets a Big Update on iOS 16 — Here’s Everything That’s New 8. New Expressions for Memoji Stickers What kind of update would it be without something new for Memoji?! On iOS 16, six new expressive poses exist for all your custom Memoji. As long as you have “Memoji Stickers” enabled in your keyboard settings, these options will be available in their usual “Frequently Used” spot to the left of the emoji. You can also access them via the Memoji Stickers button in the app drawer. 9. Assign Any Memoji Sticker as a Contact Picture Before, there were 12 unique sticker poses for Animoji and Memoji when using them as profile pictures for contacts or as your iMessage photo, but you couldn’t use any of the stickers available from Memoji Stickers. That’s no longer the case. Now, you can use any of those unique poses for profile photos or any one of the available Memoji Sticker options. You’ll see the ones you’ve assigned to contacts in the Message app. As before, you can change profile pictures for your contacts right from the Messages thread; Tap the user at the top of the conversation, choose “info,” then “Edit,” tap the profile image, and choose the Memoji you want. To change your iMessage photo, go to Settings – Messages – Share Name and Photo. 10. More Poses for Contact Pictures Speaking of unique sticker poses for contact photos and profile pictures, there are three more unique poses available. While you won’t get to message them to people in chats, you can still assign the poses to your profile or a contact’s profile. 11. Unread Messages Alerts in the Contacts Widget While it’s not a Messages-only feature, the updated Contacts widget will now tell you if you have any unread messages or missed FaceTime or phone calls from them. More Info: Contacts Shows Unread Messages/Missed Call Alerts in the Widget 12. SharePlay While Messaging Apple introduced SharePlay starting with iOS and iPadOS 15.1, which lets you share synchronized experiences in other apps with other people over FaceTime. Now, you can also share synchronized activities in other apps via Messages. You could watch a movie together, listen to music, play a game, and work out side by side while chatting in Messages, to name just a few examples, complete with shared playback controls. To start a SharePlay, bring up the share sheet for the content, tap “SharePlay,” and choose the contacts to invite. Then, instead of tapping “FaceTime,” tap “Messages” and send the message. You’ll each see a “Start” button in the floating SharePlay controls when they join. Don’t Miss: Every App You Can Use FaceTime’s SharePlay Feature with Right Now Image via Apple 13. Richer Collaboration on Projects Starting with iOS 16, you can work on projects more efficiently with coworkers, students, and collaborators from within Messages. To invite a person or group in Messages to collaborate on your project, you select them from the share sheet, then send the invite. Everyone in that chat gets immediate access to start working on the project in real time. You’ll get notifications for any changes to the document you miss, and new activity will be at the top of the conversation in Messages. You can tap “Show” to jump to the document and see the changes. From the project, you can return to Messages or start a FaceTime call with everybody. Richer collaboration via Messages works with Apple apps like Keynote, Numbers, Pages, Notes, Reminders, and Safari (for Tab Groups). Third-party developers can use Apple’s Messages Collaboration API to include support for the feature in their apps. Image via Apple While not yet available in the betas, Apple will also use Messages Collaboration in its new Freeform product. The new whiteboarding app will let everyone with access to a shared project make notes on a digital whiteboard canvas, draw diagrams, embed images, and more. It’s “coming later this year.” 14. New Audio Messages App On iOS 15, you could record and send voice messages via the audio button in the text entry field of conversation. The option in the text entry field is now for dictation on iOS 16, and there’s a new app just for audio messages, available from the Messages app drawer. A microphone button appears when you tap the i...

First Mover Asia: Cryptos Yo-Yo After Hawkish Rate Hike; Ether’s Price Is Down, Regulators May Soon Be Circling. What’s Next For Post-Merge Ethereum? – CoinDesk https://collincountynewsonline.com/first-mover-asia-cryptos-yo-yo-after-hawkish-rate-hike-ethers-price-is-down-regulators-may-soon-be-circling-whats-next-for-post-merge-ethereum-coindesk/ Good morning. Here’s what’s happening: Prices: Cryptocurrency prices climbed and then plunged following the Federal Reserve’s latest 75 basis point interest rate hike. Insights: Four crypto experts weighed in on Ethereum’s future post-Merge. Catch the latest episodes of CoinDesk TV for insightful interviews with crypto industry leaders and analysis. And sign up for First Mover, our daily newsletter putting the latest moves in crypto markets in context. ● Bitcoin (BTC): $18,483 −2.2% ● Ether (ETH): $1,254 −5.6% ● CoinDesk Market Index (CMI): $915 −2.9% ● S&P 500 daily close: 3,789.93 −1.7% ● Gold: $1,665 per troy ounce +0.0% ● Ten-year Treasury yield daily close: 3.51% −0.06 Bitcoin, ether and gold prices are taken at approximately 4pm New York time. Bitcoin is the CoinDesk Bitcoin Price Index (XBX); Ether is the CoinDesk Ether Price Index (ETX); Gold is the COMEX spot price. Information about CoinDesk Indices can be found at coindesk.com/indices. Crypto Prices Sink During Seesaw Day The Fed decreed and crypto markets scrambled, sending assets higher in the initial hours following the U.S. central bank’s latest, hefty interest rate hike, and then spiraling. Bitcoin was recently trading at abut $18,500, a more than 2% decline over the past 24 hours, although the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization dipped well below $18,400 at one point Monday (UTC), its lowest level since early June. A year ago, BTC’s price was more than double its current level. Ether was recently changing hands at roughly $1,250, a roughly 5.5% drop from the previous day. The price of the second largest crypto by market value has been tumbling in the aftermath of last week’s Merge, the landmark technological overhaul of the Ethereum network as investors prioritize its potential, longer-term benefits over immediate price impact. Investors will soon be eyeing next year’s Ethereum’s “Shanghai” upgrade, which will allow users to withdraw staked ETH. Other cryptos followed a similar price pattern, rising immediately after the rate announcement before plummeting, with EOS recently off more than 10% and YGG and ADA both down over 4%. Crypto prices tracked major stock indexes, which also seesawed during the day, rising early before plunging post-announcement. The tech-heavy Nasdaq and S&P 500, which has a robust technology component, each dropped 1.7%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) fell 1.8% as markets chewed over Federal Reserve comments indicating more harsh inflationary medicine to come. The declines did not sweep up exchange giant Coinbase and other crypto-exposed companies, which rose on the day. The Fed raised interest rates a robust 75 basis points for a third consecutive time after the most recent price data showed inflation remaining stubbornly high and the economy slowing more gradually than the bank had hoped, including a still torrid job market. The consensus among officials involved in the latest policy decision is for the bank to raise rates a total of 1.25% at its two remaining Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings this year. The Fed hopes to lower inflation to 2% from its current, near four-decade high over 8%. “My main message has not changed at all,” Fed Chair Jerome Powell said during a press conference, referencing his speech at the Fed’s Economic Symposium last month in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. “The FOMC is strongly resolved to bring inflation down to 2% and we will keep at it until the job is done.” The rate increase highlighted a day of concerning events for the global economy. Two-year Treasury yields, which have moved in opposite direction of crypto prices, soared over 4% following the Fed announcement, their highest level in 15 years. And home sales declined for a seventh straight month. With 30-year-fixed mortgage rates already soaring to 6% for the first time in almost 15 years, the drop-off should continue. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin ratcheted up macroeconomic uncertainty, announcing the call-up of 300,000 troops to bolster the country’s rapidly faltering invasion of the Ukraine. The unprovoked attack has affected energy prices and global supply chains. Yet inflation and monetary policy remained central for most crypto investors and observers of the space. Riyad Carey, a research analyst at crypto data firm Kaiko noted “a sharper price reaction to the CPI release than to the [Ethereum upgrade] Merge.” “I don’t foresee crypto, especially BTC and ETH, bucking the Fed’s influence any time soon,” he said. Biggest Gainers There are no gainers in CoinDesk 20 today. Biggest Losers What’s Next for Ethereum Post-Merge? Last week’s Ethereum Merge drew 40,000 viewers to one popular viewing party but the long-awaited shift to a faster, more environmentally friendly proof-of-work protocol did little to impress many traders. In a textbook sell-the-news scenario, they’ve sent ether prices tumbling more than 15% during the past week. The decline has dovetailed with plunging equity markets and rumblings about possible centralization of the Ethereum network in the Twittersphere. “Lido and Coinbase alone represent just under 45% of total validation,” Paul McCaffrey, crypto strategist at KBW, highlighted in an email to CoinDesk. “Lido leads at 30.1% with ~ 4.16M ETH, followed by Coinbase at 14.5% with 2M ETH.” Ether’s decline has raised fundamental questions about Ethereum’s future, and while optimism runs high about the platform’s potential long-run benefits, some prominent observers also have concerns that the Merge will create new obstacles. A lure for ESG investors? McCaffrey said he remained “in the bullish camp” over the medium-to-long term, as more network validators join the network and alleviate such concerns over time. “The Merge represents a landmark industry event and has the potential to draw ESG investors into the mix who will appreciate the energy efficient angles and the opportunity ETH brings to the masses (especially the unbanked),” he explained. Others shared the sentiment, stating that they viewed the Merge as a long-term indicator of strong fundamentals despite recent price hiccups. “The Merge could be more of a longer-term playout in the price as the upgrade is likely to attract more institutions, which could benefit ETH/USD price over a longer term,” Austin Kimm, director of strategy at Choise, said. “Ethereum is still the granddaddy of all blockchains with approximately half of all tokens being created on and using the network.” Elsewhere, Anto Paroian, executive director at the crypto hedge fund ARK36, told CoinDesk that Ethereum’s “big test” had only just begun. “Although the proof-of-work and the proof-of-stake blockchains have successfully merged, only now would it be possible to discover the full impact of the Merge on the vast ecosystem of apps built on top of the Ethereum blockchain,” Paroian said, referring to the billions of dollars worth of cryptocurrencies locked up on Ethereum-based applications. “This includes the DeFi space which is currently valued at around $56 billion. We should all be prepared for strong downside volatility in case of any glitches and previously unforeseen mishaps,” Paroian noted. Apart from the near-term market and technological impact, some observers say ether is likely to receive legal scrutiny in the coming months due to the rewards that the network awards to users to run nodes, or specialized blockchain software, to process transactions on Ethereum. “(There’s) the possibility of recognizing ETH as a security token. On the one hand, after the transition to PoS, the coin will have signs of security, such as, for example, the expectation of making a profit. And many financiers say that such an outcome is possible,” Serhii Zhdanov, CEO of crypto exchange EXMO, said in a Telegram message. Zhdanov warned that such an outcome would create a “disaster for ordinary users,” one that could even see “delisting of its token from crypto exchanges” in the worst-case scenario. In case you missed it, here is the most recent episode of “First Mover” on CoinDesk TV: Joining “First Mover” to discuss the central bank’s policy meeting and his crypto markets outlook was Ben Emons of Global Macro Strategy. Also, the Blockchain Foundation’s Cleve Mesidor weighed in on crypto regulation, and Zappos founder and Golden State Warriors co-owner Nick Swinmurn talked about his new NFT-based prediction game, Play Hellebore. Wall Street Bank CEOs Tell Congress They’re Unlikely to Finance Crypto Miners: The chief executives of Citigroup, Bank of America and Wells Fargo were questioned Wednesday at a congressional hearing. Crypto-Linked Stocks Rally After Fed Rate Hike: Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks rose along with bitcoin and ether following the Federal Reserve’s announcement Wednesday to boost the interest rate 75 basis points. Amid Market Rout, Crypto Miners Are Still Building: Crypto miners are still developing innovative data centers despite a souring market that has some miners struggling to survive. Fed Hikes Rates to Highest Since 2007; Bitcoin Slides Toward $19K: This is the third consecutive time that members of the Federal Open Market Committee raised rates by 75 basis points, signaling how serious inflationary pressures have gotten in the U.S. The bitcoin market doesn’t like it.

U.S. Appeals Court Says Trump Criminal Probe Can Resume Classified Records Review – Reuters https://collincountynewsonline.com/u-s-appeals-court-says-trump-criminal-probe-can-resume-classified-records-review-reuters/ Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends a rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, U.S., September 3, 2022. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com WASHINGTON, Sept 21 (Reuters) – The U.S. Justice Department can resume reviewing classified records seized by the FBI from former President Donald Trump’s Florida home pending appeal, a federal appellate court ruled on Wednesday, giving a boost to the criminal investigation into whether the records were mishandled or compromised. The Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted a request by federal prosecutors to block U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon’s stay barring them from using the classified documents in their probe until an independent arbiter, called a special master, vets the materials to weed out any that could be deemed privileged and withheld from investigators. The appeals court also said it would agree to reverse a portion of the lower court’s order that required the government to hand over records with classification markings for the special master’s review. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com “We conclude that the United States would suffer irreparable harm from the district court’s restrictions on its access to this narrow—and potentially critical—set of materials, as well as the court’s requirement that the United States submit the classified records to the special master for review,” the three-judge panel wrote. The decision is “limited in nature,” the panel wrote, as the Justice Department had asked only for a partial stay pending appeal, and that the panel was not able to decide on the merits of the case itself. The three judges who made the decision were Robin Rosenbaum, an appointee of Democratic former President Barack Obama, and Britt Grant and Andrew Brasher, both of whom were appointed by Trump. Trump’s lawyers could potentially ask the U.S. Supreme Court, whose 6-3 conservative majority includes three justices appointed by him, to intervene in the matter. In filings on Tuesday, Trump’s lawyers urged the court to keep the stay in place and to allow them under the supervision of the special master, U.S Judge Raymond Dearie, to review all of the seized materials, including those marked classified. A Justice Department spokesperson did not have an immediate comment. Attorneys for Trump could not be immediately reached for comment. In an interview on Fox News Wednesday night, Trump repeated his claim without evidence that he declassified the documents and said he had the power to do it “even by thinking about it.” The FBI conducted a court-approved search on Aug. 8 at Trump’s home at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, seizing more than 11,000 documents including about 100 marked as classified. The search was part of a federal investigation into whether Trump illegally removed documents from the White House when he left office in January 2021 after his failed 2020 re-election bid and whether Trump tried to obstruct the probe. Cannon, a Trump appointee herself, appointed Dearie to serve as special master in the case at Trump’s request, despite the Justice Department’s objections about a special master. Cannon tasked Dearie with reviewing all of the materials, including classified ones, so that he can separate anything that could be subject to attorney-client privilege or executive privilege – a legal doctrine that shields some White House communications from disclosure. However, Trump’s lawyers have not made such claims in any of their legal filings, and during a hearing before Dearie on Tuesday, they resisted his request to provide proof that Trump had declassified any records. read more Although the appeals court stressed its ruling was narrow in scope, it nevertheless appeared to sharply rebuke Cannon’s ruling from top to bottom and many of Trump’s legal arguments. “[Trump]has not even attempted to show that he has a need to know the information contained in the classified documents,” the judges wrote. “Nor has he established that the current administration has waived that requirement for these documents.” The Justice Department previously also raised strong objections to Cannon’s demand that Dearie review the seized records for documents possibly covered by executive privilege, noting that Trump is a former president and the records do not belong to him. While it voiced disagreement, however, the Justice Department did not appeal that portion of Cannon’s order. It is not clear if prosecutors may separately seek to appeal other parts of Cannon’s ruling on the special master appointment. “We decide only the traditional equitable considerations, including whether the United States has shown a substantial likelihood of prevailing on the merits, the harm each party might suffer from a stay, and where the public interest lies,” the appeals court said. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; additional reporting by Eric Beech, Mike Scarcella and Jacqueline Thomsen; Editing by Leslie Adler & Shri Navaratnam Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Boulder County Partners With Pano AI On Fire Detection Technology – Boulder Daily Camera https://collincountynewsonline.com/boulder-county-partners-with-pano-ai-on-fire-detection-technology-boulder-daily-camera/ Boulder County is employing new technology meant to help first responders detect fires faster. The new partnership with Pano AI — the first of its kind in Boulder County — will use high-definition cameras and artificial intelligence to help spot fires, check fuel conditions and zero in on a specific location. And it’s happening almost a year after Boulder County experienced the most destructive fire in state history and at a time when Colorado is reported to be among the top five states in the country for homes most vulnerable to wildfire damage because of a drier and hotter climate. “Wildfire threat is surging in our county,” Sheriff Joe Pelle stated in a news release. “We are seeing longer and more severe wildfire seasons each year due to our warming climate.” The idea has been in the works for more than two years, and it was at least in part inspired by the fact Pano’s Chief Commercial Officer Arvind Satyam grew up experiencing bushfires in Australia and now lives in California, where some of the largest fires in the United States have occurred. Through conversations with fire departments, utility and insurance companies and other entities across the country, Satyam said Pano AI determined that a lack of technology is one of the challenges first responders face. “We need more technology. It needs to be better. It needs to get into the hands of people on the front lines,” he said. “There’s a lot of disparate technology that doesn’t really connect together.” According to information from Pano AI, the company offers a fully-integrated wildfire detection solution that combines advanced hardware, including satellites and ultra high-definition 360-degree cameras, computer vision and artificial intelligence. This is all meant to help first responders get to the scene faster and more safely to stop an ignition before it spreads. “Minutes matter. Every large fire starts as a small fire,” Satyam said. Boulder County’s Fire Management Officer Seth McKinney echoed this. “Pano AI gives our fire managers and incident commanders greater visibility of hard-to-monitor terrain and real time situational awareness to help us determine an early action plan for emerging and escalating incidents, enabling quick deployment of the right resources to the right location,” McKinney stated in the release. “This immediate, tactical intelligence will be a valuable tool to aid in our decision making.” There are currently operational cameras at Eldora and Lee Hill with a third set to come online soon. According to Boulder County, in areas where the cameras are close enough to see people, for example, a ski run at Eldora, Pano AI will use pixilation to blur the video/photo to protect privacy. In choosing locations for the cameras, Pano AI consults with people on the ground to determine the areas at highest risk for wildfire. Pano AI also hopes to expand the use of its technology to areas outside Boulder County, given that fires don’t have jurisdictional boundaries, Satyam noted. He also said the company expects the technology to one day make an impact on insurance rates and insurability of properties in high-risk areas. “If you have the ability to respond to incidents faster, contain them, keep them smaller, then you have the opportunity to make (an area) more insurable,” Satyam said.

Fall Nintendo Direct Treats Fans To Major Gaming Announcements – Oswegonian https://collincountynewsonline.com/fall-nintendo-direct-treats-fans-to-major-gaming-announcements-oswegonian/ One thing fans of the video game company Nintendo always look forward to is its announcements of upcoming game releases. The most well-known example of this is the Nintendo Direct, an online event that is held by the company at points throughout the year. The most recent Direct was held on Sept. 13, and was filled with a lot of announcements ranging from new releases to upcoming updates and downloadable content (DLC).  The Direct started off with a major reveal, which was the next installment in the “Fire Emblem” franchise. The game, known as “Fire Emblem Engage,” features a protagonist with a colliding color palette of blue and red. It also appears to be calling back characters such as Marth. The announcement also revealed that along with the standard version of the game, there will also be a collector’s edition called the “Divine Edition,” which will feature the game, an artbook, a steel book, art cards and a poster.  The next big announcement was for the recent release of “Splatoon 3,” which included the next Splatfest theme. Players were asked what they would bring to a deserted island, and the three teams would be based on what they would most likely bring: “Gear, Grub, or Fun.” After that announcement, Nintendo unveiled the release date of “Octopath Traveler II,” a pixel-style RPG that will release on Feb. 24 next year. Some more minor announcements followed with a farming game including dungeon-crawler elements with “Fae Farm,” another trailer for “Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope,” and more N64 games for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack library. These new N64 games include “Pilot Wings,” both “Pokemon Stadiums,” the first three “Mario Party” games, and a surprise with “Goldeneye 007.”  The next big announcement was an upcoming teaser for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass with its third wave coming out this holiday season. The teasers included two tracks that will be featured in its third wave with Merry Mountain from “Mario Kart Tour” and Peach Gardens from “Mario Kart DS.” “Nintendo Switch Sports” was also given an update on the development of the golf sport for the game being pushed back to this holiday as well. Next announcement was quite a shocker with Shigeru Miyamoto (“Super Mario Maker”) coming out and announcing the long requested “Pikmin 4” coming out next year. Rounding out the Direct was a surprise reveal of “Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe.” A remake of the popular Wii game, “Dreamland Deluxe” features updated visuals, such as a new design for King Dedede, a new copy ability with Mecha and new sub-games like Magolor’s Tomb Trackers and the return of Quick Draw.  The final announcement was for the long-awaited “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” sequel, “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.” Featuring lore and new gameplay for the much-anticipated game, the Nintendo Direct finished with a bang, at least for most fans. “The Legend of Zelda,” “Kirby,” “Pikmin” and fans of farming games and visual novels were each treated to big reveals. But even then, it did feel a small bit lacking considering the large amount of farming games, to the point where viewers coined it “Nintendo’s Farm Direct.” Other than that, there is a lot to look forward to gaming-wise this holiday season and next year. Image from Nintendo via YouTube

Hispanic Texans Likely Largest Demographic Group | East Bernard Express | Journal-Spectator.com – Wharton Journal Spectator https://collincountynewsonline.com/hispanic-texans-likely-largest-demographic-group-east-bernard-express-journal-spectator-com-wharton-journal-spectator/ The U.S. Census Bureau released its latest estimate, which indicates Hispanic residents in Texas make up more of the state’s population than white residents. The new population figures from the American Community Survey indicate Hispanic Texans comprise 40.2% of the state’s population last year, while non-Hispanic white Texans made up 39.4%, as reported in the Texas Tribune. The estimates, from July 2021, are not considered official but reflect trends that demographers have been tracking for years. Hispanics accounted for nearly half of the state’s population increase of 4 million residents since 2010. Census figures indicate almost half of Texas residents under the age of 18 are Hispanic. The survey showed that Hispanic residents are more than twice as likely as white resident to live below the poverty line. The median income for a white household last year was $81,235, compared to $54,857 for a Hispanic household. More than 10,000 migrants bused elsewhere With Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis grabbing headlines by flying migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard, Gov. Greg Abbott’s office announced that is has now bused more than 10,000 migrants to what he terms “sanctuary cities” such as Washington, D.C., New York and Chicago. Last week, at Abbott’s behest, two buses of migrants from Texas were dropped off outside Vice President Kamala Harris’ residence at the United States Naval Observatory in the nation’s capital. Abbott has long criticized the Biden administration’s approach to migrants seeking asylum in the United States, and Texas has boosted border security funding by $4 billion. Biden last week said the administration has a process to deal with migrants at the border. “Republicans are playing politics with human beings, using them as props. What they’re doing is simply wrong,” he said at a gala for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, according to Politico. Disaster assistance approved after North Texas flooding The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved Abbott’s request for disaster assistance for seven North Texas counties affected by flooding last month. As much as 10 inches of rain fell in the Dallas area in late August, causing widespread damage to businesses and homes. Counties included in the disaster declaration are Dallas, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall, and Tarrant. Applicants can download applications and get further information at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. ‘Moderate’ deer hunting season predicted Biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are predicting a moderate season for deer hunters, with archery season kicking off on Oct. 1. “Overall, 2022 year is expected to be good in terms of harvest numbers and opportunities, so don’t let the chance to spend time afield with family, friends and fellow hunters pass you by,” said Alan Cain with TPWD. The statewide drought, while now largely in remission, has adversely affected natural forage for deer in late summer, especially in the central, south, and western parts of the state, according to Cain. Wildfires caused significant habitat loss, but those areas are quickly rejuvenating, especially with the recent rains. “Where fires have occurred, there’s been new grass and weed growth providing some much-needed nutrition and cover for deer,” Cain said. “Although habitat conditions have improved immensely with recent rains, the timing was a bit late to have any meaningful influence on antler quality.” TABC busts 131 retailers for underage alcohol sales A statewide sting of alcohol retailers in college towns across Texas netted 131 retailers accused of selling alcohol to minors. The effort by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission coincided with the start of the college fall semester. Minor-aged volunteers under the supervision of undercover TABC agents attempted to buy alcohol from licensed retailers at 1,131 locations. They found a total of 131 violations, or 14% of the locations visited. Businesses cited for selling booze to a minor could face civil fines and possible suspension of their liquor license. Individual employees would face misdemeanor charges as well. Pop-up COVID-19 vaccine locations announced While new cases of COVID-19 cases continue to wane, with 36,856 reported in Texas by the Coronavirus Resource Center at Johns Hopkins University in the past week, along with 144 deaths, parking lot pop-up vaccine sites are taking place at select Walmart locations across Texas until Sept. 25. Updated booster vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna address the newer variants, according to officials with the Texas Department of State Health Services. “Vaccination remains our most important tool in the fight against severe illness and death from COVID-19,” said DSHS Commissioner Dr. John Hellerstedt. “And the new bivalent vaccines promise an even more effective and safe protection from Omicron variants, which continue to be the leading cause of COVID-19 illness in Texas and across the U.S.” DSHS reported 2,161 lab-confirmed COVID-19 hospitalizations as of Sunday, down slightly from the previous week. Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published several community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches and Cedar Park. Email: gborders@texaspress.com.

3 Stocks To Benefit From Travel Industry Spending – Zacks Investment Research https://collincountynewsonline.com/3-stocks-to-benefit-from-travel-industry-spending-zacks-investment-research/ With inflation at a 40-year high, the travel industry will certainly not be immune to the effects this has on consumers. However, declining Travel Price Index numbers (TPI) was a bright spot for the travel industry. August TPI number declined by 1.8%, showing that the cost of travel away from home in the U.S had gone down. Decreasing TPI numbers is a good sign for consumers and companies that benefit from travel and leisure services. Despite falling TPI numbers, many companies have been able to charge a premium for travel and leisure services due to the pent-up demand and delayed trips from the Covid-19 pandemic. This has also helped revenue by offsetting the cost of rising wages and other operating expenses.  Let’s take a look at three stocks that have a chance to fight inflation and experience growth from consumers who are seeking travel and leisure experiences.  Airbnb (ABNB – Free Report) Airbnb is a leading platform for unique stays and experiences. The company provides a marketplace for connecting hosts and guests online or through mobile devices. Airbnb has become quite popular for vacation and travel experiences as people crave privacy and unique experiences outside of hotels. ABNB currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) with EPS estimate revisions on the rise. Airbnb earnings are expected to climb swing from an adjusted loss of -$0.57 per share to +$2.25 a share in 2022, based on Zacks estimates. Fiscal 2023 calls for another 23% earnings growth. Top line growth is expected as well, with sales set to jump 39% this year and another 15% in FY23 to $9.65 billion. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Despite the stellar earnings growth outlook, ABNB is down -30% year to date. ABNB has underperformed the S&P 500’s -20%. However, the near-term earnings growth could propel the stock. ABNB’s P/E of 51.9X is much lower than the high of 561.5X it saw earlier in the year and the median of 64.6X. Plus, ABNB’s price-to-sales ratio is starting to come down considerably, as shown in the above chart. We can see that ABNB’s P/S of 10.8X is well below the high of 33.3X it saw over the last two years and the median of 19.4X. Airbnb’s Internet-Content Industry is also in the top 21% of over 250 Zacks Industries. Plus, the average Zacks Price Target of $142.93 offers 22% upside from current levels. Also, investors historically want to look for companies that will disrupt an industry. Airbnb while not in the same breadth yet as Amazon or Apple, is helping usher in a new era for hospitality and travel lodging. The more intimate and at-home feeling of Airbnb properties provides a different experience for vacation travelers. Hyatt Hotels (H – Free Report) Even with inflation at 40-year highs, upscale hotel chains such as Hyatt have the advantage of pricing power and are able to benefit from premium prices in current market conditions Hyatt stock has outperformed the benchmark YTD, with it down only -9%. And Hyatt is up +63% over the last two years to crush the S&P 500’s +17%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Hyatt Hotels currently trades around $87 a share, roughly 19% below its 52-week highs. At current levels Hyatt has a forward P/E of 131.5X, which is very high for a hotel chain. The industry average is 20.4X, but Hyatt is expected to have substantial earnings growth. Hyatt Hotels currently lands a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) with earnings swinging from an adjusted loss of -$5.24 per share to +$0.68 a share in 2022. Hyatt is regaining its pre-pandemic operations with earnings expected to jump 179% in FY23. Top line growth is also expected to be up 89% this year and another 7% in FY23 to $6.13 billion. It is also important to note that estimate revisions have gone up in the last 60 days. Better yet, Hyatt’s projected revenue for this year and FY23 are now higher than its 2019 pre-pandemic revenue.  TripAdvisor (TRIP – Free Report) TripAdvisor is one of the largest online travel research companies in the world, providing a platform for users to share reviews, ratings, and opinions on hotels, destinations, attractions and restaurants. The company also facilitates bookings between hotel suppliers and consumers using its web portals. TripAdvisor’s platform has become important to consumers looking for reviews from other consumers that sought similar experiences. The site is beneficial in the decision-making process for travel planning.   TRIP is down -13% this year but its earnings growth shows that the company is getting back to pre-pandemic levels. Plus, over the last two years, TRIP is up a respectable +20% to outperform the benchmark. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From the chart above we can see TripAdvisor’s sharp peak over the last two years. Wall Street began to ponder the premium it was paying for TRIP and the stock started to fall to compress its valuation alongside the broader market drop. Trading around $24 a share, TRIP has a P/E of 30.5X, much lower than the 183.1X high over the last two years. This is also getting closer to the industry average of 23.6X. The earnings growth is starting to show TRIP is more reasonably valued than it was in the past. According to Zacks estimates, TRIP earnings are projected to swing from an adjusted loss of -$0.30 to +$0.81 a share in 2022. Fiscal 2023 earnings are expected to grow another 76%, with top line growth expected to climb 63% this year and another 16% in FY23 to $1.71 billion. TripAdvisor’s revenue is edging closer to pre-pandemic levels with FY23 projections expected to surpass 2019 revenue.   TRIP currently lands a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and the Internet-Commerce industry is in the bottom 36% of Zacks Industries. Despite being overvalued in the past, the company’s growth is starting to look more attractive. Plus, the average Zacks price target suggests 9% upside from current levels. Bottom Line The travel industry is certainly not immune to the ramifications of inflation. Instead of booking a flight and hotel for a vacation, consumers usually hold off on leisure spending amidst high inflation. However, higher-income consumers are still spending, with travel and leisure being a bright spot. With that being said, gas prices also declined considerably in August by 10.5%. This was the strongest monthly decline since April 2020. Lodging fares and recreation remained virtually unchanged, but airfare declined 4.6% from July. The broader travel industry is slowly but surely edging back to pre-pandemic levels, presenting opportunities for investors to capitalize on the continued recovery.

Senate Candidates Square Off At Business Breakfast – Mid Hudson News Website https://collincountynewsonline.com/senate-candidates-square-off-at-business-breakfast-mid-hudson-news-website/ POUGHKEEPSIE – Mayor Rob Rolison and his Democratic opponent for the State Senate’s 39th District, Julie Shiroishi, had a brief debate at the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce breakfast in Poughkeepsie on Wednesday morning. Rolison, a Republican who has been the mayor of Poughkeepsie since 2016, told the audience that “The one-party rule in Albany isn’t working,” when it comes to regulating business, creating energy policies, and keeping the public safe.  Prior to becoming mayor, the lifelong Poughkeepsie resident served on the Dutchess County Legislature for 12 years, including a tenure as the body’s chairman. Julie Shiroishi speaking to members of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Shiroishi, a Beacon resident since 2007, had a career in newspaper and book publishing until transitioning to a freelance writer to spend more time with her young children. In 2019 she became the Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson.  Shiroishi stayed with Jacobson until May of this year when she decided to make her first run for public office.  “It was a tremendous opportunity to have worked in state government,” Shiroishi said.  “I’ve had the opportunity to see how state government works and I have had the opportunity to help constituents.” Rolison blamed state policies for the rise in crime across New York.  The mayor intimated that changing the laws would help reduce crime and giving businesses a chance to thrive in a safe environment.  “There is a crime problem in this state,” he said, adding “bail reform has limited the capabilities of police officers to do their jobs of keeping the public safe.” Shiroishi called on the need for changes in public education.  The need, according to Shiroishi, is for middle-school students to be presented with opportunities and training that make them ready to enter the regional workforce when they graduate high school.  “Too many people are graduating from college with hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt,” she said, noting that many jobs in the region do not require college degrees and still pay good wages. The new 39th senate district includes the Dutchess County municipalities of Beacon, Beekman, East Fishkill, Fishkill, LaGrange, Pawling, City of Poughkeepsie, Town of Poughkeepsie, Union Vale, and Wappinger.  In Putnam County, the district includes Philipstown and Putnam Valley.  In Orange County, the Towns of Montgomery and Newburgh along with the City of Newburgh are in the 39th senate district.

Isabella Rossellini, 70, Says She Is ‘too Old’ For Plastic Surgery: ‘My Skin Will Not Sustain It’ – Yahoo Life https://collincountynewsonline.com/isabella-rossellini-70-says-she-is-too-old-for-plastic-surgery-my-skin-will-not-sustain-it-yahoo-life/ Isabella Rossellini has no regrets when it comes to her decision not to have plastic surgery in her 40s and 50s. In a recent interview with Vulture, the Death Becomes Her actress revealed that she has never gone under the knife for cosmetic procedures. “I feel ambivalent. I haven’t done any plastic surgery,” she said, admitting that she did consider it in the past but always backed out. “Some day I woke up and said, ‘We have all these new technologies in surgery. Why don’t I take advantage of it? I’m going to call a plastic surgeon,’ Then when I started to call a plastic surgeon, I ran out of courage,” she said. Her decision was based on a fear of succumbing to the patriarchal precedents. “Most of the time, I have to say, I’m thinking, ‘Is this based on misogyny?’” she asked. Now, Rossellini simply feels she has outgrown the need or desire for plastic surgery. “I’m too old. I’m not going to do plastic surgery at 70; my skin will not sustain it. But in the years before — around 45 or 50 — I didn’t do it. Now I look back and say, ‘Maybe I was right,’ I think it is misogyny,” she said. Despite her personal stance on having work done, Rossellini is not opposed to the concept of plastic surgery — it’s just for other people. “I had a friend, for example, who always hated her nose. Luckily, she fell and broke her nose. She said, ‘I took advantage of it!’ So that I understand,” she said. Currently, Rossellini runs Mama Farm in Brookhaven, New York, and finds that filler and other procedures simply don’t align with the genesis of her life at the moment. “I always say, jokingly, because I run an organic farm and try to eat healthy, that I can’t reconcile eating organically and having Botox. How do you reconcile the two?” she says. Beyond her penchant for healthy living, Rossellini enjoys serving as a representation for older women opting out of going under the knife for the illusion of youth. “Meanwhile, I became old and I’m working with Lancôme. They hired me back, and a lot of people send emails and comments saying they feel represented by me. The photos are all about cosmetics and looking your best, and they’re very appreciative that there is a 70-year-old woman doing it and not even attempting to look like what I’m not. I think I was right not to do it,” she said. And despite working in a notoriously vain industry, Rossellini has had no issue staying booked and busy without the help of cosmetic enhancements. “I have many friends and relatives who have done plastic surgery, and I’m not against it. Also, I can gladly announce that even though I haven’t done it, I am still working all the time. The fear is that maybe if I don’t do plastic surgery, I’ll work less. But it hasn’t happened to me. Wellness, parenting, body image and more: Get to know the who behind the hoo with Yahoo Life’s newsletter. Sign up here.

Judge Grants Protective Order In Rushdie Case | News, Sports, Jobs – Evening Observer https://collincountynewsonline.com/judge-grants-protective-order-in-rushdie-case-news-sports-jobs-evening-observer/ AP Photo Hadi Matar, 24, center, arrives for an arraignment in the Chautauqua County Courthouse in Mayville, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022. MAYVILLE — The lawyers representing a New Jersey man accused of stabbing famed author Salman Rushdie last month at Chautauqua Institution will be provided the names and contact information of potential witnesses. But that information cannot be shared with their client, Hadi Matar, until just prior to trial. Following a closed hearing Wednesday, Chautauqua County Court Judge David Foley granted a protective order at the request of District Attorney Jason Schmidt. The DA had sought to shield the names and contact information of potential witnesses due to concerns over their safety following the Aug. 12 attack at Chautauqua. Schmidt has alluded to a fatwa that was issued on Rushdie’s life for a book he wrote in 1988, “The Satanic Verses.” Matar’s attorney, Public Defender Ned Barone, opposed the protective order and has stated multiple times that prosecutors have failed to show that potential witnesses faced a threat. Barone, though not Matar, was inside the courtroom during Wednesday’s hearing, which lasted about a half hour. Afterward, and with Matar present, Foley granted Schmidt’s request for the protective order. “I do find that Mr. Schmidt has made a good cause showing of a risk of potential threats or intimidation,” Foley said. “I am mindful of the fact that Mr. Matar does need to participate and to be able to discuss matters with Mr. Barone and the defense team regarding the discoverable material.” Foley said prosecutors will have to provide the contact information on “factual witnesses” to the defense team. Those include “live witnesses to the incident, those individuals who rendered aid to Mr. Rushdie, rendered aid to Mr. (Henry) Reese, assisted in subduing Mr. Matar, medically treated Mr. Rushdie, medically treated Mr. Reese, provided hospital transport services for Mr. Rushdie and Mr. Reese, and to individuals who observed Mr. Matar prior to and immediately following the incident, excluding any law enforcement officers who responded to the scene.” While Barone and his defense team will be provided the information shortly, Foley said it cannot be shared with Matar until just prior to the trial. Schmidt will have to turn over redacted information that Matar can review. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

Nedbank Enters The Metaverse – Finextra https://collincountynewsonline.com/nedbank-enters-the-metaverse-finextra/ Nedbank is to become the first African bank to enter the metaverse, buying 144 plots in yet-to-be-built Unbutuland to create a virtual financial services village. The Nedbank village has a focus on “customer value and services” and aims to contain numerous experiences ranging from virtual gaming to a sports lounge. The bank is joining other early settlers in Ubuntuland, including MTN, World Data Lab, and M&C Saatchi Abel. Nedbank’s entry into the metaverse follows similar investments from the likes of DBS Bank, HSBC, JP Morgan, and Fidelity Investments. Khensani Nobanda, group executive for marketing and corporate affairs at Nedbank Group says: “Our entry into the metaverse is not merely about having a presence in this space, it’s about meeting the needs of our clients on platforms that resonate with them.”

40 Cool Tech Gifts – National Today https://collincountynewsonline.com/40-cool-tech-gifts-national-today/ We are in an age where tech materials and gadgets are becoming increasingly prominent features in our daily lives and activities, from our phones to computers, bikes, and cars. Hardly any day passes without us coming in contact with any tech material or gadget.  While it’s a standard part of our lives, choosing a gift for your friend is a complicated job. Most of our friends love technology and all that comes with it. So we’ve put together this gift guide to best aid you in making a decisive decision. So kick back, relax, have a good read, and we’re sure we will have your mind made up when you’re done. Our Top 3 Picks Best Mountrax Foot Massager It provides an experience that you’ll never get enough of. Buy it! Also Great Smart Wi-Fi Mini Projector A gift the whole family would enjoy. Buy it! Good on a Budget Sleep Headphones An option almost everyone would appreciate. Buy it! Cool Tech Gifts Under $50 Infinity Cube Fidget Toy This is perhaps the most fascinating low-budget tech you would ever see. Most people would classify it as a toy rather than a tech material due to its lack of electrical components. Any child would love playing with it as the ergonomic and creative aspect of a gift like this never fails to excite. Get it from Amazon. Sleep Headphones Most of us have or have had a period where we’ve had trouble falling asleep. That’s where this gift comes in. With a budget as low as $50, you can get this helpful tech that would give that special person of yours a long and sound sleep when next they go to bed. Get it from Amazon. Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook Have you ever heard of a reusable tech notebook? Well, it exists. Suppose the curiosity of knowing what this book is about isn’t enough to convince you to check it out. What if we told you that not only can you wipe off previously taken notes, but you can also download the said notes as PDFs for later use. Get it from Amazon. Wired 1080p HD Indoor/Outdoor Video Camera The reason for having a personal home camera is something a lot of people only see one way. Security. With a camera like this, you can also get quality video moments with friends and family. Why use a camera for security purposes only when you can have one perfectly suited to match both needs. Get it from Amazon. Accessory Organizer For the nerdy tech lovers! If you have a friend or family member that can’t stand a messy or disorganized area, you should probably get them this as a gift. With conveniently placed elastic straps, they’ll have more than enough space to put whatever tech material they need. Get it from Amazon. Cool Tech Gifts Under $100 CREATIVE XP Night Vision Goggles Having night vision goggles has been pretty much every kid’s dream. Give this to any remarkable fella in your life and have them experience night exploration and views like they’ve never seen before. It also comes with a premium set of handy tools that you’ll find helpful more often.  Get it from Amazon. 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer with Tripod We are in the age of content creation, and any gift that will improve a content creator’s experience would be more than welcomed. With the promise and assurance of steady video recording, it’s fair to say it’s a no-brainer if your recipient is a content creator. Get it from Amazon. Baseus Power Bank Power banks are not new tech considering when they were first introduced and how far they’ve come, but when you have one as powerful and well-refined as this, it’s hard not to take your eyes off it. It is capable of super-fast charging of up to 65w. Let’s not forget that with a battery capacity of 20,000 mAh, it’s one of the more durable power banks on the market today. Get it from Amazon. Smart Watches for Men From one not-so-new tech to one which has taken the world by storm! Seven of every ten people you see wearing a watch are wearing smartwatches these days. That’s how popular it is now. Getting someone a gift like this would mean a great deal to them. Get it from Amazon. Viozon Extendable Selfie Stand Speaking of popular trends. Did you know that 50% of content creators today use something like this? At this price range, this is a gift that would be more useful than people give credit for. Not only would you be able to stabilize your phone for pictures or videos. But you would also have a light behind your phone to provide better lighting conditions. Get it from Amazon. Cool Tech Christmas Gifts Smokeless Wood & Charcoal Burning FirePit and Grill We all know how cold Christmas days can be, which is why a gift like this could never miss out on this category. It can serve as a smokeless fire pit for those chilly Christmas periods and a grill to whip up some of your favorite delicacies. Get it from Amazon. Bluetooth Beanie Hat Make the best out of the cold winter periods with this head warmer that productively doubles up as a Bluetooth speaker. Plus, it comes with a pair of gloves, making it a complete package. It’s a gift that would be useful for almost every recipient. Get it from Amazon. Smart Wi-Fi Mini Projector Watching classic Christmas movies during Christmas periods never gets old. This mini projector allows you to treat your recipient’s family to memorable nights of Christmas movie drama. Wi-Fi is its primary source of connectivity, so you can expect robust and seamless connectivity. Get it from Amazon. USB Clock Fan with Real Time Display This USB Clock fan would go well with any Christmas tree decor. Its color accents are as though they were made for Christmas use specifically. Waking up to a clock like this to confirm that Christmas has truly arrived would be a gift. Get it from Amazon. Sleep Aid Device An insomnia attack on Christmas eve is not the rarest thing in the world, considering the excitement levels surrounding the occasion. This is one of the few gifts that would be useful past Christmas. It gives you a variety of functional exercises to do to help you fall asleep quicker  Get it from Amazon. Cool Tech Gifts for Guys Electronics Organizer Travel Cable Bag For that tech lover friend of yours who always loves an expedition! With various compartments, straps, and pockets for the handiest tools any tech lover can think of, this gift would be a dream for the right recipient. Get it from Amazon. Personalized Dock Station Talk about a gift you would never know you needed. Who wouldn’t want a personal dock station to properly arrange their tech gadgets and materials? It has specific spaces you can use however you feel like. Get it from Etsy. Gillette Heated Razor for Men Shaving has never felt smoother with this premium heated shaving stick. Its temperature is adjustable to best soothe your desires. It charges wirelessly with a magnet, so you should have no problems with the battery. It’s a gift that would be put to good use. Get it from Amazon. High Performance Wired Gaming Mouse We are pretty sure you’ve never seen an eleven-buttoned mouse before. Well, there’s a first time for everything. This gaming mouse is loaded with helpful buttons that would take your PC gaming to a new level. Plus, the buttons are clicky too, which is always a plus. Get it from Amazon. Mechanical Gaming Keyboard From mouse to keyboard, we go, and it just gets better. Wouldn’t you want this with your personal computer set, even if you’re not a gamer? Although nongamers wouldn’t find much joy with this one as it has various buttons and functions programmed mainly for gaming. Get it from Amazon. Cool Tech Gifts for Teens AOMEKIE Telescopes Ever dreamt as a kid of getting incredible close-up shots at the moon and beyond? Well, now you can fulfill another kid’s dream with this telescope as a gift. It is a complete set with all the necessary items to make the best of the telescope. Get it from Amazon. Levitating Bluetooth Speaker Now, doesn’t this look cool? A levitating Bluetooth speaker would be a dream gift to receive as a teen. With cool glowy lights and clear and loud speaker sounds, it’s a gift that any music or movie lover would more than appreciate. Get it from Amazon. UranHub Mini Drone Getting a teen a drone for a gift might sound cliche and old, but when that child comes of age, it’ll be all they’ll ever think about. It’s a safe drone set, hence the protection around the blades. There’s no danger to having a gift like this around a kid. Get it from Amazon. Rechargeable Laser Tag Set A rechargeable laser Tag set! Your recipient wouldn’t be able to get enough of a gift like this. This is as perfect a gift for a teen as it gets. We all know the popularity of laser tag, and this would be a dream gift for any teen. Get it from Amazon. Razer Kishi Mobile Game Controller Mobile games have always been a prominent part of most teens’ lives. Perhaps introducing a mobile game controller is not as bad an idea as people first feared. This game controller comes with personalized buttons and controls to make gaming more manageable, smoother, and enjoyable. Get it from Amazon. Cool Tech Gifts for Tweens Glow Sketch Glow In The Dark Doodle Pillowcase Looking for a fabulous tech gift for tweens is not the most straightforward process, but you can never go wrong with this glow-in-the-dark pillowcase. They can draw on the pillowcase and watch as their drawing glows when light is shone on it. They’ll love it! Get it from Etsy. NexiGo Enhanced Charging Dock with LED Light for Oculus Quest 2 Treat those unique tweens you know with virtual reality experiences on the next level. With its enhanced charging dock, they’ll have no problems charging the device as they can conveniently place it on the charger when they complete a gaming session.  Get it from Amazon. Long Range Walkie Talkies This gift would help them keep tabs on each other whenever they want. Provided they can stay w...

Assemblywoman Kelles And Advocates Push For Crypto-Currency Moratorium – WENY-TV https://collincountynewsonline.com/assemblywoman-kelles-and-advocates-push-for-crypto-currency-moratorium-weny-tv/ ALBANY, NY (WENY) — Wednesday morning, Assemblywoman Anna Kelles and advocates called for Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the crypto-currency moratorium bill that was passed back in June. And advocates who have pushed for this bill for more than a year emphasized that Climate Week is perfect and is the perfect time to sign it.  “There are so many people across the state who are watching this bill in particular. Voters who are watching this bill in particular. The only reason to not sign it then would be political and I think that message is important to watch for,” said Kelles.  The bill will essentially partially limit certain types of proof-of-work based crypto-mining operations in New York for two years. This would apply to any operations using “behind the meter” electricity generation using fossil fuels.  This does not impact existing operating crypto-mining operations, like Greenidge Generation in Yates County. Last week Ethereum switched from energy-intensive proof-of-work mining to proof-of-stake, which uses less energy. Assemblywoman Kelles said this reduces Ethereum’s mining energy consumption by 99.95%.  Ethereum’s co-founder, Vitalik Buterin, estimated that global energy consumption could go down by 0.2% as a result.  “Although that sounds small, this is not even an entire industry. This is one fraction of one industry, and it had that profound of an impact,” said Kelles.  If Gov. Hochul signs the moratorium, New York would become the first state to ban certain cryptocurrency mining technology infrastructure.

Russian Mobilization May Spur U.S. To Accelerate Aid To Ukraine – The Washington Post https://collincountynewsonline.com/russian-mobilization-may-spur-u-s-to-accelerate-aid-to-ukraine-the-washington-post/ The United States signaled Wednesday that it wouldn’t be cowed by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s latest steps to escalate his war effort in Ukraine, vowing to continue to arm Kyiv for its advancing counteroffensive, even as Putin ordered up more forces for battle and threatened to use nuclear weapons. President Biden, in an address to the U.N. General Assembly, said, “We will stand in solidarity with Ukraine. We will stand in solidarity against Russia’s aggression. Period.” The comments came hours after Putin, in a speech aired early Wednesday, announced plans to mobilize about 300,000 Russian reservists for the front and hold “referendums” in occupied areas of Ukraine that could presage a broad annexation of Ukrainian land. Should Russia’s territorial integrity and people be threatened, Putin warned, “We will certainly make use of all weapon systems available to us. This is not a bluff.” The escalation, analysts said, represents an attempt by Moscow to freeze its gains in eastern Ukraine and deter further Western support for Kyiv, before losing any more occupied land to a Ukrainian force that has seized the initiative in recent weeks. It is also an effort by Putin to solve a troop numbers problem that is preventing Russia from conducting offensive operations and risking the further collapse of its positions on the battlefield. Kyiv has said the orchestration of staged referendums and annexations will not prevent Ukrainian forces from taking back the country’s territory. “Russia wants war — it’s true. But Russia will not be able to stop the course of history,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a prerecorded address to the United Nations on Wednesday evening. The White House said the flow of weapons to Ukraine would continue. “We are going to continue to support Ukraine with security assistance and other financial aid, as the president said, for as long as it takes,” John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications at the White House National Security Council, said in an interview with ABC News. “That is Ukrainian territory. It doesn’t matter what sham referendum they put in place or what vote they hold. It is still Ukrainian territory.” Kirby decried Putin’s nuclear threat as irresponsible, warning of severe consequences if Moscow used such arms in the conflict. Kirby said the United States is monitoring Russia’s nuclear complex and sees no reason at this point for Washington to alter its strategic posture. Kori Schake, the director of foreign and defense policy at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, who visited Kyiv last week, said the Russian reinforcements would take months to train and deploy and wouldn’t necessarily alter the outcome of the war. She noted that Putin’s threats to use nuclear weapons do not register the same way in Ukraine, after months of combat, as they do in the United States. “There, I was struck by the unanimity and attitude both among government people and among civil society that Russia using a nuclear weapon in Ukraine would not change the outcome of the war,” she said. “It would simply raise the costs.” In response to Putin’s nuclear threat, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called an emergency meeting Wednesday evening of E.U. foreign ministers. He said he expects to issue an E.U. response to Putin’s statements at Thursday’s U.N. Security Council meeting on Ukraine, which Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to attend along with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “What President Putin announced today constitutes another major escalation in the unprovoked war,” Borrell told reporters at the United Nations. “It looked like he’s speaking in a measure of panic and desperation … by threat of using nuclear weapons, he’s trying to intimidate Ukraine and all the countries that support Ukraine. But he will fail. He has failed, and he will fail again.” If Putin formally annexes the occupied territory his military holds, he could characterize future Ukrainian military operations as attacks on Russia itself, giving him license to take more extreme measures in response and again brandish the nuclear threat. Russian doctrine permits a nuclear response to a conventional attack that threatens the existence of the state. Though Russian draftees are technically excluded from being sent to war zones such as Ukraine, they could be deployed to the occupied territories, should Moscow deem the lands part of Russia. Putin’s nuclear saber rattling, analysts say, is an attempt to make Ukraine’s Western backers think twice about enabling Kyiv to inflict a resounding Russian defeat on the battlefield for fear of the possible consequences. “It’s designed to get us to send less to Ukraine and certainly not to increase the amount of assistance we provide both in quantity and in quality,” said John E. Herbst, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center. He argued that the administration should provide long-range missiles, tanks, air defense systems and fighter jets — weapons the administration has so far refused to send — to ensure Ukrainian victory regardless of Russian threats. Biden has declined to specify how the United States would respond to the use of a nuclear weapon in Ukraine, saying only: “It’ll be consequential. They’ll become more of a pariah in the world than they have ever been. And depending on the extent of what they do, will determine what response would occur.” His administration has made averting any risk of a direct conflict with Russia a cornerstone of its policy response to the conflict. According to a congressional official familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations, the United States will continue to provide Kyiv with more of the same weapons that have helped Ukraine make gains against Russian forces, but it isn’t immediately considering new types of weapons. One senior U.S. official said it is unlikely that Putin’s announcement does anything other than “steel resolve for continued support” in defense of Ukraine within the administration. The administration’s decision to supply Ukraine with High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) significantly altered the situation on the battlefield this year in Kyiv’s favor. Previously, Ukrainian forces suffered territorial and personnel losses because they were outgunned by Russia’s longer-range artillery. Putin’s partial mobilization will help placate nationalist hard-liners at home, who have been calling on the Kremlin to unleash the full force of Russia’s power against Ukraine. But the move also risks domestic discontent in other quarters, as Russia calls up reservists and sends them into a badly managed military campaign, in some cases against their will. It’s a “sign of desperation,” said Dmitry Gorenburg, who studies Russian security issues for CNA, a defense research group in suburban Washington. Gorenburg noted a confluence of several troubling factors for Putin in recent days, including the Russian military’s stunning rout in northeastern Ukraine, the lack of support for Putin during an international security summit last week in Uzbekistan, and building frustration with the Russian military’s failures among more extreme Russian nationalists. Russia will probably use the additional forces in an effort to prop up units in Ukraine that already have suffered heavy combat losses, rather than attempting to build new units to deploy, Gorenburg predicted. Doing so, he said, can be accomplished more quickly and could help the Russian military dig in where it is, even if it is unlikely that it can go back on the offensive. “I’m not convinced it will work everywhere,” Gorenburg said. “And even with relatively limited training, it will take some weeks to get people there.” The result is an opportunity for Ukrainian forces to try to advance their counteroffensive as aggressively as possible before any Russian reinforcements arrive. The Ukrainians have been steadily chipping away at Russian defenses outside the southern city of Kherson and in the northern part of the Donetsk region. Karen DeYoung contributed to this report. War in Ukraine: What you need to know The latest: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “partial mobilization” of troops in an address to the nation on Sept. 21, framing the move as an attempt to defend Russian sovereignty against a West that seeks to use Ukraine as a tool to “divide and destroy Russia.” Follow our live updates here. The fight: A successful Ukrainian counteroffensive has forced a major Russian retreat in the northeastern Kharkiv region in recent days, as troops fled cities and villages they had occupied since the early days of the war and abandoned large amounts of military equipment. Annexation referendums: Staged referendums, which would be illegal under international law, are set to take place from Sept. 23 to 27 in the breakaway Luhansk and Donetsk regions of eastern Ukraine, according to Russian news agencies. Another staged referendum will be held by the Moscow-appointed administration in Kherson starting Friday. Photos: Washington Post photographers have been on the ground from the beginning of the war — here’s some of their most powerful work. How you can help: Here are ways those in the U.S. can help support the Ukrainian people as well as what people around the world have been donating. Read our full coverage of the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for updates and exclusive video.

BS Report – September 21st – Tech: Collins Has To Go – 41 NBC News https://collincountynewsonline.com/bs-report-september-21st-tech-collins-has-to-go-41-nbc-news/ Talk to 41NBC/WMGT’s anchors, reporters and meteorologists. When you see news happening, share it! We’d love to hear from you. (478) 745- 4141 | Share It

Corsicana Main Street Up For Two Awards | News | Corsicanadailysun.com – Corsicana Daily Sun https://collincountynewsonline.com/corsicana-main-street-up-for-two-awards-news-corsicanadailysun-com-corsicana-daily-sun/ Finalists for the 2022 President’s Awards Program were recently announced in Austin. For over 30 years the awards program, sponsored by Texas Downtown, has recognized outstanding projects, places, and people of downtowns across the state. Corsicana Main Street was recently chosen as a finalist for two awards: In the design category, Best Commercial Interior: The Collin Club. In the achievement category, Best Promotion-Digital Campaign: The New Faces, New Places Video Series. Texas Downtown was established in 1985 and its mission is to provide members with resources, advocacy, education, and connections to develop vibrant districts. The organization is an independent, statewide nonprofit that represents cities and towns of all sizes, economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, local associations, small businesses, and individuals. “I am proud to see the efforts of our Main Street Program recognized on a state level. Michelle and Tim Hogan’s exquisite work in The Collin Club is a perfect example of how to transform a space and create a full experience for our community,” said Amy Tidwell, Main Street Director. “I am also humbled to see the video series recognized as it embodies the spirit and passion of our new business owners downtown. The video series would not have been possible without the positive partnership with Legacy Recording Studio and RAD Designs. No matter the outcome on Nov. 2, Corsicana Main Street is reaching great lengths in growth and development and it is truly an honor to be a part of this program.” One hundred and twenty-nine entries were submitted in twelve different categories from communities across the state. Design and achievement categories were judged by separate panels. Winners will be announced on Nov. 2 at the President’s Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the 2022 Texas Downtown Conference scheduled for Nov. 1 through 4 in San Marcos. The finalists will also be eligible for a People’s Choice Award where the Corsicana community can go to Texas Downtown’s Facebook page and “like” the Corsicana nominations from noon Oct. 17 and end at 5 p.m. Oct. 21. For more information about the President’s Awards, the Texas Downtown Conference, or other programs of Texas Downtown, please visit www.texasdowntown.org.

Hidden Links, Golfpac Travel Sponsor Charity Event – The First Call https://collincountynewsonline.com/hidden-links-golfpac-travel-sponsor-charity-event-the-first-call/ September 21, 2022—Hidden Links and Golfpac Travel are pleased to be a sponsor of the 24th Annual Ann Liguori Foundation Charity Golf Classic on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at Maidstone Golf Club in East Hampton, N.Y. The Ann Liguori Foundation raises funds and awareness for cancer research and care, and each year Ann organizes and hosts the Ann Liguori Foundation Charity Golf Classic in New York. The event has raised more than $1 million dollars funding at least 12 organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation; KIDS NEED MORE, camps and programs for children with cancer; East End Hospice; and many other not-for-profit organizations. Hidden Links and Golfpac Travel has been supporting this great event and the cause to put an end to cancer for the past 4 years and this year donated a $12,000 golf trip in partnership with The Phoenician Resort, Toon North, and We-Ko-Pa golf courses. The trip includes three nights and three rounds of golf for four players at: The Phoenician a Luxury Collection AAA Five Diamond resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Troon North, 36 award-winning holes designed by Tom Weiskopf. We-Ko-Pa, featuring a Coore Crenshaw award-winning course.  Widely viewed as the best modern day architects. “It always feels great to support meaningful causes and with our unique position in and around the world of golf, it’s ingrained in our culture to give back” said Marc Bender and Adam Wachter, Managing Partners at Hidden Links and Golfpac Travel. In 2021, Hidden Links & Golfpac Travel sponsored this event along with Streamsong Resort by donating a fantastic three night and three round trip for four golfers valued at $6,000. That package included three rounds of golf on the Blue, Red, and Black courses, designed by Tom Doak, Coore Crenshaw, and Gil Hanse. Hidden Links and Golfpac Travel have been a high-level sponsor, donating more than $200,000 in golf trips, hotel stays and cash support supporting many local and national charities over the past 10 years including American Cancer Society’s Gus Machado Golf Classic, Spectrum 360 for Autism, Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Annual Golf Classic, Northwell Health Foundation Cohen Children’s Circle Golf Classic, Long Island Council On Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD the R. Brinkley Smithers Golf Invitational), Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County, Fairways for Warriors (supporting wounded veterans as well as their families), the Jay Sigel Invitational benefiting cancer research at the Abramson Family Center Research Institute @ The University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center and Gratitude America Veteran’s Day Golf Tournament as a Silver Sponsor, as well as several others. Hidden Links & Golfpac Travel are your #1 source for domestic and international golf travel. About Hidden Links: Hidden Links is one of the most experienced golf tour operators in the business. With industry leading service, we work with many destinations and countries around the world, specializing in golf tours to Scotland & Ireland. We customize our tours, based on our own collective travel to the destinations that we serve. www.hiddenlinksgolf.com. About Golfpac Travel: Our domestic destinations have grown steadily to include 14 areas throughout Florida; Charleston, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Las Vegas, Nevada; Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona; San Diego and Palm Springs, California; Alabama and Williamsburg, Virginia. Each year, Golfpac carefully chooses new and exciting destinations to offer to their wide base of proven golf travelers. Behind our technology stands a caring staff of golf vacation experts who are just a phone call away throughout the booking experience. And, because we’re one of the country’s trusted leaders in golf vacations, we have access to the best deals and those “hard-to-get” tee times, even on some private clubs. www.golfpactravel.com. Contact: Marc Bender, managing partner, Hidden Links & Golfpac Travel, marcb@golfpactravel.com

AP Top Business News At 4:28 P.m. EDT – WTMJ https://collincountynewsonline.com/ap-top-business-news-at-428-p-m-edt-wtmj/ AP Top Business News at 4:28 p.m. EDT  WTMJ