Denton County News Online

Massena Town Councilor Questions Status Of Casino Gaming Compact Funds – NNY360 https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/massena-town-councilor-questions-status-of-casino-gaming-compact-funds-nny360/ MASSENA — It’s been three years since the town of Massena received casino gaming compact funds, just as COVID-19 started impacting revenues at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort. When those will start flowing again is still up in the air. During Wednesday’s Massena Town Board meeting, Councilor Thomas C. Miller told St. Lawrence County Legislator Rita E. Curran, R-Massena, that the town is dependent on those funds. Ms. Curran represents District 15, which includes the town and village of Massena. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nvidia’s New Gaming GPUs, Up To $1599, Prompt User Outrage: ‘Capitalist Greed Knows No Limits,’ Gamer Posts On Twitter – FierceElectronics https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/nvidias-new-gaming-gpus-up-to-1599-prompt-user-outrage-capitalist-greed-knows-no-limits-gamer-posts-on-twitter-fierceelectronics/ Nvidia’s new gaming GPUs, up to $1599, prompt user outrage: ‘Capitalist greed knows no limits,’ gamer posts on Twitter  FierceElectronics

Hopkins County Records — Sept. 23, 2022 – KSST https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/hopkins-county-records-sept-23-2022-ksst/ Home » App » Hopkins County Records — Sept. 23, 2022 Land Deed Transactions The following land deed records were filed and posted at Hopkins County Clerk’s Office: Record books at Hopkins County Clerk’s Office Paul J. Lyons and Sherry Ann Lyons to Donald Edwin Brewer, Paul J. Lyons and Sherry Ann Lyons; tract in the William B. Jordan survey BP America Production Company to VR4-Moria LP David Petty and Stephanie Lynn Petty to Jeff Dudley and Julie Dudley; tract in GC Roberts survey Kason Childress, Kris Childress and Lisa Childress to Craig Johnson; tract in the MA Bowlin survey David E. Black to Kaytlin Black known by Kaytlin Meadows, Mark Meadows and Nancy R. Perkins to Dusty Rhoades and Jeremy Jason Strange; tract in the Nacogdoches University survey Charles Tutt III and Sarah Tutt to Karen Spalter; tract in the MA Bowlin survey Christopher Adam Lynch to James Daniel Gleason and Suzanne Marie Gleason; tract in the Jonas Vemooy survey Ashley Smith and Christopher Smith to Jalyn F. Vaughn and Hunter R. Vaughn; tract in the GW Downing survey Craig Anderson to Carol Jean Palmer Randall Keith Speight to Juan Martin Ortega and Maria Engracia Ortega; tract in the Johnson Wren survey Daniel Lee Smith and Betty Jean Smith to Logos Holdings LLC Jalayne Crystal Minter and Zachary Scott Minter to Jessica A. Farrias and Matthew L. Farrias; tract in the Helena Nelson survey Cody Elliott and Johnny Elliott to Juan Pablo Ugalde and Maria C. Ugalde; tract in the AB Koontz survey Consepcion Almendarez, who is the same person as Consepcion Gasca, to Jose Luis Gasca; tract in the MA Bowlin survey Lawrence R. Hall Estate also known as the Randy Hall Estate, Ruthmary Hall independently and as independent executor, to Jackson McLain Massek; tract in the Josiah Thompson survey Titus Holdings LLC to Tres Padres Investments LLC; tract in the AJ Butts survey Marisa Jones known as Marisa Kelley to Emilie Vaughn; tract in the Josiah Pettyjohn survey Linda Buchanan to Maria Claudia Machado; tract in the Newman McGee survey Mary Beth Morrison Barcus and Cynthia Kay Morrison, independent co-executors for the Mary Camp Estate and the Margaret Morrison Estate, to the Carla Frazier Family Trust and Rick Frazier Family Trust, Carla Fay Frazier and Richard Anthony Frazier co-trustees; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey Juan Faunce and Traci Faunce to Inocencio Barrientez and Jean A. Barrientez; tract in the David Harris survey Andrew Larsen and Renee Larsen to Charles Tull III and Sarah Tull; tract in the MA Bowlin survey Ashley Patterson and Bodie Patterson to Anita Samson, James Samson, John Samson and Stefanie A. Samson; tract in the Jesse Odom survey Bryan J. Johnson to Parker L. Johnson and Preston M. Johnson; tract in the RP Boswell survey Alan J. Tiemeyer and Bonnie S. Tiemeyer to Tara Alison Jackson, Brian Scott Tiemeyer, Jeffrey Alan Tiemeyer and Joel Todd Tiemeyer; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey Susan Miner and Thomas Miner to Rising Phoenix Real Estate LLC; tract in the E. Melton survey Rising Phoenix Real Estate LLC to Casa Grande LLC; tract in the E. Melton survey David Oberlender, Deborah Kay Oberlender, David A. Vaughan and Timothy C. Vaughan to Kassandra Dejanira Hernandez and Ruben Hernandez Jr.; tract in the J. Y’Barbo survey Ashlei Thomas and Edwin A. Thomas to Nubia Denisse Ardis; tract in the Jose Y’Barbo survey The Ranches at River Ridge LLC to Channa Jayasinghe and Vasana C. Weerasinghe; tract in the Francis Hopkins survey Cody Williams and T. Williams to Melissa H. Forsythe; tract in the Westbrook Circle Addition Mary Lee Clark to Journey Properties LLC; tract in the Mary Ann Bowlin survey Kathryn Lynn Stuart, independent executor for the Michael Larry Stuart Estate, to Clete Mackey and Laura Stuart Mackey Ashley Marie Painter and Tristen C. Painter to Alan Screws and Kim Screws; tract in the MA Bowlin survey Joe Arnold who is the same person as Joseph Kent Arnold to Daisy Daze RV Park LLC; tract in the J. Pettyjohn survey Raymond Higgins and Theresa J. Higgins to Cassie Grider and Nathan Grider; tract in the Elizabeth Melton survey Jason Tully and Samantha Tully to Juan Rivas and Melinda Rivas; tract in the Jose Zunega survey Cindy Neighbors to Wood Investment Group LLC; tract in the MA Bowlin survey Christopher Todd Higginbotham to Carol Elaine Cowley and James Brice Cowley; tract in the M. Ballanova survey Robbie Horton and Stanley Horton to Robert H. Friedman; tract in the John Bryan survey Anthony Todd Bernhard who is also known by Anthony Todd Hughes and Kathy Ann Bernhardt who is also known by Katherine Ann Hughes, to Deryl Leewright and Nancy Leewright; tract in the Thomas Lee survey Kenneth Sanchez and Tonya Sanchez to Andrews Fouse, Leah Fouse and Schylar Nicole Fouse Applications for Marriage Licenses Record books at a clerk’s office The following individuals applied for marriage licenses at Hopkins County Clerk’s Office during the week of Sept. 16-22, 2022. Mason Daniel Virgel and Jacie Renee McGraw Jeffery David Cook and Crystal Lynn Wilson Denton Deewayne Winchester and Hannah Marie Chaney Juan Carlos Alvarez and Maliyah Savette Diaz Fred Andrew Bowers and Brenda Kay Taylor Hayden Kenneth Burnett and Tatum Renea Murphey Octavio Morales Gonzalez and Dioselina Guadalupe Cervantes Author: Faith Huffman

A New Semi-Private Charter Is Launching First-Class Trips From The West Coast To Hawaii – Robb Report https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/a-new-semi-private-charter-is-launching-first-class-trips-from-the-west-coast-to-hawaii-robb-report/ West Coasters just got a tantalizing new way to visit their tropical vacation homes. This week, ROAM Maui, a West Coast semi-private charter, has unveiled its routes to Hawaii. The charter runs on a unique membership structure that is renewed annually. Members can book their flights from Los Angeles, San Jose, or Seattle to Maui. Perks of the program include unlimited flights with no dreaded blackout dates, so you can be as flexible as you like regarding vacation planning. The service will target homeowners from Maui’s exclusive residential communities, including the Kapalua Resort Association, Kaanapali Golf Estates, Kula Community Association, Wailea Resort Association and Makena Golf & Beach Club. The new fleet comprises VIP-configured Boeing 737s that can comfortably accommodate up to 56 people in first-class seats. In addition, travelers can expect 14 rows of partially lay-flat seats. As you might expect, there is also an on-demand entertainment system and an open bar serving top-shelf spirits and Napa Valley wines. In-flight meals will be prepared by James Beard winner of Best Chef in America, Charlie Palmer. There will also be an onboard Air concierge, so you can hammer out all the itinerary details of your trip before you even land. The Boeing 737s can accommodate up to 56 passengers. ROAM Maui Pet owners will also be happy to know that your furry companions don’t have to miss out on the luxury vacation. The charter club comes with the PAWS club to welcome pets with first-class treatments, including a special welcome kit and treats to keep them entertained for the ride. “ROAM Maui provides a clear alternative to a private charter for homeowners on Maui who frequently travel between their homes and businesses at a far more economical price point,” wrote David Young, ROAM Maui’s Managing Partner, via email to Robb Report. “And we provide an upgrade in the convenience, time savings and onboard service experience for those accustomed to first-class commercial.” To become a part of the exclusive club, members can inquire about pricing on the website. See you in paradise.

Strong Voices, Strong Future | CU Denver Business School News – University Of Colorado Denver https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/strong-voices-strong-future-cu-denver-business-school-news-university-of-colorado-denver/ “Who are we doing business with?” “What drives us?” “How do we impact our organizations for the better?” Rona Fourté, Vice President of Global Supplier Diversity at CBRE, posed many pivotal questions to the CU Denver Business School community, imparting her passion for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for all industries. As the first speaker in CU Denver’s Multicultural Business Series, “Align with America’s Emerging Majority,” Fourté discussed how supplier diversity could advance an organization’s commitment to DEI, serving as a starting point or expansion to those initiatives. She encouraged active outreach beyond traditional supplier networks. Fourté emphasized how a robust and widespread focus on DEI initiatives through all channels helps create a holistic change. “You have to break away from the norm and build inclusivity even if you have something that works or is comfortable.” -Rona Fourté (CBRE) Rona Fourté speaks to CU Denver about the importance of DEI initiatives. Don’t be fooled; this change doesn’t happen overnight. Fourté cited a 60-year history of advancing social change in and out of the workplace, “…six decades of evolution to create supplier diversity.” However, Fourté did note that bursts of quick acceleration can help catalyze progress. She notes that “ESG was born out of corporate responsibility.” A key component in making positive waves is breaking the mold: “You have to break away from the norm and build inclusivity even if you have something that works or is comfortable.” An about-face from business-as-usual produces effective results and showcases businesses that walk the walk beyond a mission statement. Fourté not only walks the CBRE walk but visibly expresses her investment in her organization. Speaking to the crowd at CU Denver Business School’s Jake Jabs Center, she donned a statement-worthy dark green suit as she asserted the value of how people represent their brand (she noted the intentional color choice of her ensemble). People want to see themselves in the workplace, within their brand, and feel valued. She reminded the audience, “When people don’t feel valued, they check out.” That thread of values runs through five primary areas of impact: workforce, workplace, customers, community and suppliers. Here, Fourté asks those critical questions about who we are doing business with and what drives us. Requirement? Empowerment? Amplification of diversity? She challenges industries to use businesses that align with their DEI focus, to bring along stakeholders, and to cleanse and enrich the data while investigating their vendor base to get at the heart of how organizations can transform. Businesses can build solid DEI efforts through procedures, tracking, development, and communication. Fourté asked listeners to embrace the realization that “diverse business is today, not tomorrow.” She states that ownership and inclusion matter. Giving smaller operations a chance to interact and thrive in more advanced and established spaces is equally important. Fourté encourages organizations to welcome opportunities for others’ growth, “Give them a chance and access even if small while holding vendors to the same standard.” DEI efforts are becoming increasingly vital to the success of Colorado. Q&A moderator and Denver native Armando Martín from XL Edge built on Fourté’s impassioned wisdom with a challenge of his own. Martín is excited for the emerging majority-minority, with intel indicating Colorado is a mere 17 years away from housing predominantly minority groups. Sixteen counties in Colorado already report minority majorities, and school systems are trending similarly, with DPS 75% minority and 87% in Aurora. With this burst of ever-increasing diversity, Martín says that Colorado is still passive. Martín said, “This work isn’t mandated… this is on us. We’re all advocates enlisted to be champions in our sphere of influence.” Fourté agreed, “You have to have that thought leadership in the room, the opportunity to give safe space to voice your opinion.” Fourté advises that a difference-maker’s strength isn’t determined by which position or title they hold. Instead, she says, “Get out of your comfort zone. Meet with your leaders. You can do the right thing regardless of where you sit.” Fourté’s last pearl of professional wisdom pointed toward the future of business leadership, the CU Denver Business School student body: “Get involved in a business resource group in your DEI office. It’s important to get educated around these initiatives, know how you can impact the work that is going on and how you can voice what you see in your data.” She suggests it might be the best place for student cultivation and growth as they enter the workplace. “Start with your business resource group’s education and speak up. Say what’s going on, what you would like to see better, and that will help you perpetuate the work we’re doing in DEI.”

Balanced Meal Timing May Benefit Cognitive Health, Study Shows – Medical News Today https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/balanced-meal-timing-may-benefit-cognitive-health-study-shows-medical-news-today/ A new study suggests that eating three relatively similar meals throughout the day may help prevent cognitive decline. AzmanL/Getty Images A new study finds that meeting our daily energy needs through three relatively similar meals may be the best way to avoid cognitive decline. Skipping breakfast, according to the study, is associated with a decline in cognitive health. The study also finds that tilting your energy intake toward one meal or another is not associated with a rapid cognitive decline, but it does not benefit your cognition as well as a balanced three meals. Food is fuel. It provides us the energy our bodies need to function and also to remain healthy. Previous research has focused on how the quality of the energy — the food — we consume can affect our health, and experts have investigated and health outcomes associated with when we eat. However, there has been little research exploring the ways in which the distribution of our daily energy intake may influence long-term cognitive health, and whether it has any impact on the risk of developing dementia. According to the , around 55 million people worldwide have dementia, with 10 million new cases being diagnosed each year. As the world’s population is aging — the proportion of older people is rising steadily — the WHO estimates 78 million people will have dementia by 2030, and 139 million by 2050. To better understand the effects that energy intake and meal timing have on cognition, a new study takes a look at the potential effect on cognitive decline of different meal schedules, or temporal patterns of energy intake (TPEI). The results show that consuming three balanced meals each is associated with better cognitive function, compared to other, less evenly distributed ways of consuming one’s total energy intake, or TEI. “To our knowledge, this study is one of the few population-based studies that explore the association of TPEI and cognitive decline, although accumulating studies have linked TPEI to health outcomes, including , , and ,” the authors wrote. The study also demonstrates that skipping breakfast is associated with worse cognitive function and faster cognitive decline. The study was recently published in Life Metabolism. The researchers drew their conclusions from an analysis of data from the 1997–2006 China Health and Nutrition Survey. Included in that data were the meal habits of 3,342 people in China for whom the survey had collected up to four repeat entries over 10 years. Individuals were at least 55 years of age, with the average age being 62.2. The authors note that 61.2% lived in rural areas, and 13.6% had high school or higher degrees. People with severe cognitive decline were excluded from the study. At the start of the study period, each participant received both a dietary assessment and a phone-based cognitive test in which they were rated for their immediate and delayed word recall, backward counting, and their agility at subtracting 7 from supplied figures. Cognitive scores ran from 0 points to 27 points, with 27 points representing the highest level of cognitive health. The researchers categorized individuals’ meal timing into six eating patterns: Evenly distributed: People balanced their energy intake across three roughly equivalent meals per day. They consumed 28.5% of their daily energy at breakfast, 36.3% at lunch, and 33.8% at dinner. Breakfast-dominant: People ate three meals, but consumed the greatest share of energy, 49.5% at breakfast. Lunch-dominant: People ate three meals, but consumed the greatest share of energy, 64.3% at lunch. Dinner-dominant: People ate three meals, but consumed the greatest share of energy, 64.5% at dinner. Snack-rich: People consumed 36.8% of their TEI from snacks. Breakfast-skipping: People ate little or no breakfast, consuming just 5.9% of their TEI. The breakfast-skipping pattern was linked to a cognitive decline of 0.14 cognitive-test points a year, compared to the evenly distributed pattern. No other similar declines were seen for other patterns. Dr. Clifford Segil, a neurologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, not involved in the study, described this finding to Medical News Today as “fascinating.” “I think the take-home would be that skipping a meal is worse if you choose to skip the meal at breakfast,” he said. However, when the researchers modified the possible TPEIs into just four patterns — evenly distributed, breakfast-dominant, lunch-dominant, and dinner-dominant — all of them except for the first were linked to lower cognitive function. None of them were associated, however, with an accelerated loss of function. According to Dr. Segil, the study might “unintentionally support that we have excess calories, and assuming we have excess calories, we have obesity. And I think that’s where most of this kind of research has been done, on excess calories in general health.” Still, he noted, the study generally aligns with other research indicating that “dividing your energy and taking it in even meals improves short-term cognitive function.” “That’s supportive of what we’ve heard for other medical conditions.” has indicated that meal timing . In mammals, the circadian clock resides in two clusters of nerve cells called the , which are located in a region at the base of the brain called the anterior hypothalamus. Dr. Hoon-Ki Sung, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology at the University of Toronto, explained to MNT: “We have two different kinds of internal clock (circadian rhythm). One is located in the brain (central clock or central circadian clock), and the other clock in some peripheral tissues, including fat, liver, intestine, and retina (peripheral circadian clock). While the central clock is mainly regulated by light, the peripheral clock can be regulated by multiple factors, including central clock and feeding.” Dr. Sung suggests circadian nutrition may refer “to a circadian rhythm diet or circadian diet.” He said this means “you are keeping the feeding rhythms synchronized with your internal clock.” He noted that eating this way can include three meals, “as well as meal [or] energy intake between meal times.” have linked meal timing to short-term cognitive function improvement. The Western three-meals-a-day schedule grew out of the needs of employers and workers during the Industrial Revolution. Before that, two large meals a day, based on household and farming tasks, were more common. “I think common sense says you should eat a meal before the time of the day that you’re going to be the busiest,” added Dr. Segil. “Some people are busy in the morning, and that’s why a big breakfast [is often] advised, especially for school-age kids.” Be that as it may, more research on the long-term benefits of meal timing on cognitive health is still needed. “Cognitive issues are multifactorial, and there’s still a very limited understanding,” Dr. Segil concluded.

Drugs, Weapons Found Again At Westfield Home | News, Sports, Jobs – Evening Observer https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/drugs-weapons-found-again-at-westfield-home-news-sports-jobs-evening-observer/ Items located at 7617 Felton Road in a search warrant. Another search warrant at a home in the town of Westfield has led to drug charges against nine individuals. Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigators along with the assistance of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office SWAT, city of Dunkirk Police Department and city of Jamestown Police Department and K-9, executed the warrant at 6:50 a.m. Friday at 7617 Felton Road. Alexis Campbell, Mark Baker, Daniel Hornburg, Neale Brown, Mark Jackson, Kristen McTaggart and John Houser were all detained while attempting to flee the residence. As a result of the search, investigators found 42.52 grams of fentanyl, 20.48 grams of methamphetamine, $2,062 U.S. currency, a sawed off shotgun, a .22 caliber rifle and a .22 caliber pistol. Campbell, 28, of Westfield was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. Baker, 34, of Westfield, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. Hornburg, 42, of Stockton; Brown, Jackson, 34, of Westfield; McTaggart, 30, of Stockton; and Houser, no age or address listed, were all charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and second-degree criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. Hornburg also had an active arrest warrant out of the city of Dunkirk. During the investigation Rachel Blanchard and Edward Wood were found hiding in a wooded area near the residence. Both Blanchard and Wood had active arrest warrants. Blanchard was also found to have a quantity of meth on her and was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Two of the subjects who were charged Friday had been arrested as a result of the first search warrant. They were both arraigned and released on their own recognizance from the charges that came from that search warrant. All subjects were transported to the Centralized Arraignment Program at the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Jail. Authorities continue to ask members of the community to call and report suspicious or narcotics related activity within their neighborhoods. For the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigators Tip line call either 800-344-8702 or 716-664-2420, for the Dunkirk Police Department Tip line call 716-363-0313, for the Jamestown Police Department Tip line call 716-483-8477. Today’s breaking news and more in your inbox

This Bluetooth Projector Tries To Bring The Metaverse To Your Room – Yanko Design https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/this-bluetooth-projector-tries-to-bring-the-metaverse-to-your-room-yanko-design/ Although the hype around the buzzword seems to have dialed down a bit, it’s hard to deny that the metaverse or something like it will eventually become our reality. The merging of the physical and the digital is something that will happen eventually, pending the development of hardware and people’s mindsets. Most of the rhetoric around the metaverse involves placing ourselves in the digital realm through avatars. It can, however, also involve placing digital assets into our physical spaces. That could become possible with holograms of the future, but until then, this stylish home projector system could bridge the gap by transporting some parts of the metaverse into your living room or bedroom. Designer: Gyung Min Lee Home projectors have become trendy these days, especially for people pressed for space or simply want to have flexibility. Naturally, these projectors prioritize displaying videos and sometimes photos on a rectangular space that recreates a TV screen. Their primary target, after all, is entertainment, so their designs and hardware are geared toward that purpose. The Light House projector concept might be capable of that as well, but its raison d’être is really to set the mood in a room with different visuals and, if needed, different worlds. Rather than a typical box-type projector, Light House is made of one or two cylindrical projectors hanging from a pole stand. It has a typical projector lens in the middle, surrounded by an array of six bright LED lights. Together, these pieces can project not only images but also different colors that match a specific theme or mood. While Light House can probably function as a normal projector for watching videos, it really shines in transforming a room into a lively party or a calming space. The ambient lights can set the mood, flooding the area with vibrant colors or soothing hues as desired. It can even try to recreate natural light, giving you a proper wake-up call while mimicking the sunrise. The metaverse comes into play when you start projecting virtual objects onto walls, ceilings, and floors. Rather than having your avatar go to a beach or into space, you can bring those scenes right into your bedroom. Of course, you can also project screens and other pieces of UI that show information, though you won’t be able to interact with them directly except through a smartphone or a computer. Although it’s not the most efficient use of a projector, Light House makes an interesting proposition on how we can build a bridge between the real and the virtual without having to wear headsets or touch screens. We’re still a long way from creating convincing room-wide holograms, so until then, we’ll have to make do with projectors like these, though hopefully with some form of hand gesture control in the near future.

What Does A Cricut Do? – 12 Creative Ideas For Decor And Gifts – Bob Vila https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/what-does-a-cricut-do-12-creative-ideas-for-decor-and-gifts-bob-vila/ What can you make with a Cricut? Anything you want! Learn how to design and cut your way to a more organized, festive, colorful home. Photo: cricut.com Whether you’re new to crafting and designing or have years of experience under your belt, you may be wondering whether a Cricut machine is a worthy investment. While some crafters invest in a Cricut for their business, there are also plenty of ways that this handy tool can be used around the home for DIY projects. If you’re asking, “what does a Cricut do?” you’re in the right place. Read on to learn more about the different ways you can beautify your home, keep your life organized, and craft thoughtful gifts for friends and family using a Cricut. What is a Cricut machine? Cricuts are electronic cutting machines. You may also hear them referred to as craft plotters or die-cutter machines. They are able to cut various patterns and designs with great speed and accuracy, making them very popular with DIYers and professionals alike. Cricut machines are able to cut designs into various types of materials including cardstock, vinyl, paper, foil, and fabric. Some of the best Cricut machines are even capable of cutting intricate designs into wood, leather, and other thick materials. Wannabe crafters can find Cricuts both online and at brick-and-mortar stores—and even at places you may not expect, such as Lowe’s. Our Recommendation: Cricut Maker Machine at Walmart for $229 This versatile Cricut is able to cut through hundreds of different materials, comes with a rotary blade and knife blade, and offers 12 different capabilities including cutting, writing, and scoring. DIY Cricut Projects for the Home There are tons of cool ways to use a Cricut maker around the home. Once you get one and start experimenting with it, you’re likely to think of numerous ways you can use it to simplify your life or make creative masterpieces. Below you’ll find 12 project ideas to help you get started. 1. Labels for Organization If you’re tired of never being able to find anything in the pantry, long for a more organized laundry room, or are frustrated that your kids’ toys never make it into the correct bin, try creating custom labels with a Cricut. Attach these labels to the different containers in your pantry, bins, shelves, or any other areas of your home that are prone to clutter or messiness. 2. Party Decorations Photo: cricut.com Party decorations can get expensive, especially when you need to purchase them multiple times a year for different friends or family members. What’s more, it can sometimes be difficult to find something premade that matches your vision for the occasion. With a Cricut, you can cut your expenses and turn the designs in your head into reality. Use the machine to craft personalized banners, cake toppers, table and food signs, photo booth props, and even party favors for guests. RELATED: How to Organize an Epic Block Party 3. Iron-On T-Shirts Photo: circut.com Pair your Cricut maker with a heat press machine, and the number of potential projects you can pull off multiplies. Creating iron-on transfers for T-shirts is one popular way to use a Cricut. First, create an original T-shirt design, choose one of the premade design options in Cricut’s Design Space, or upload a pattern you found or purchased online. Next, size the design using the shirt template in the Cricut software. Prepare and cut the iron-on vinyl using your machine, weed the excess vinyl pieces out of the design, and use a heat press to transfer the design to a T-shirt. Follow this same process to create custom tote bags, or to transfer patterns to other fabrics using your Cricut. 4. Leather Jewelry Photo: cricut.com While all Cricut machines are not able to cut leather, the Cricut Maker and Cricut Explore machines can. With these models, you can design and craft leather earrings, bracelets, and other jewelry items. Wear the handcrafted jewelry pieces, give them to a friend, or even try selling them at local artisan craft shows. 5. Greeting Cards Photo: cricut.com Rather than purchasing a generic (and expensive!) greeting card from the store, take the time to craft a custom card that will convey exactly how special the recipient is to you. With a little practice, you’ll be able to design and make stunning 3-D cards to share birthday greetings, express your love, say thank you, or convey condolences to a friend or loved one. 6. Custom Signs Photo: cricut.com With a Cricut, crafters can make custom signs for hanging around your home or at weddings or other events. Use your machine to design and prepare vinyl lettering or images for your sign, adhere the vinyl with heat, and add greenery or other embellishments, if desired. Consider all the different ways you can add a personal touch to your home—why not create a sign to welcome guests, or display your favorite quote? RELATED: What is Farmhouse Style? 7 Key Characteristics Photo: cricut.com Make Cricut gift tags using your Cricut cutter to add a more personalized touch to a birthday or holiday gift. The brand’s Design Studio offers several gift tag templates to help you get started. You can personalize these templates by adding your own text and modifying the font and color. Once you’re done designing, print the tags and attach them to your gifts. 8. Personalized Mugs and Tumblers Photo: cricut.com If you’re searching for Cricut for beginners projects, personalizing mugs and tumblers is a good place to begin. After choosing the perfect font for your text and designing your project, print the design onto vinyl. Then, just use some transfer tape to place the image on the mug or tumbler. Enjoy your creativity as you sip your morning coffee or share it as a gift of custom art for a loved one. 9. Car Decals Photo: cricut.com DIY car window decals (and decals for the auto’s body!) are another of the numerous projects you can make with a Cricut. Whether you want to advertise a personal business, support your favorite sports team, or write something witty to catch the attention of other drivers, the design possibilities are nearly endless. RELATED: Best Car Accessories: 19 Gadgets Your Ride Really Needs 10. Upcycled Furniture Photo: cricut.com Give an old piece of furniture a new life with an upgraded, updated look. There are a couple of ways that a Cricut can transform your decor on the cheap: The first is to use your machine to cut a vinyl stencil, and then paint over the design to transfer it to the piece. Another option is to create vinyl decals to decorate the furniture, which can be a good project for a child’s room or nursery. 11. Closet Dividers Photo: thehomesihavemade.com If your closet is out of control and you want to be able to find things in it again, try using your Cricut to make closet dividers. Separate clothing by season, type, or size—these are especially useful for a child’s closet that may hold several sizes of clothing to grow into. Keep your dividers simple, or make them more elaborate with fancy fonts and images. The design is up to you. 12. Vinyl Kitchen Backsplash Photo: thehomesihavemade.com Beautify your kitchen with a vinyl backsplash. A Cricut machine can help you create a variety of designs, including subway tiles, herringbone tiles, hexagonal tiles, and geometric shapes. The best thing about a vinyl backsplash? It is removable. If your tastes change in a few months or you simply decide you’re ready for a change, you can use your Cricut to whip up a new design.

CFO Of Insolvent Crypto Lender Voyager Resigns – CoinDesk https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/cfo-of-insolvent-crypto-lender-voyager-resigns-coindesk/ Nelson Wang is CoinDesk’s news editor for the East Coast. He holds BTC and ETH above CoinDesk’s disclosure threshold of $1,000. The chief financial officer of crypto lender Voyager, which filed for bankruptcy in July, is leaving to pursue other opportunities, the company announced Friday. CFO Ashwin Prithipaul will leave Voyager after a transition period, with Voyager CEO Stephen Ehrlich handling Prithipaul’s duties for an interim period, the company said. According to Prithipaul’s LinkedIn profile, he had only been Voyager’s CFO since May. Prithipaul was previously the CFO at crypto exchange DriveDigital for nine months, and prior to that was the CFO at crypto investment firm Galaxy Digital. Voyager’s assets are currently being auctioned off by a bankruptcy court, with crypto exchanges Binance and FTX reportedly submitting the highest bids of around $50 million. Sign up for Market Wrap, our daily newsletter explaining what happened today in crypto markets – and why. By signing up, you will receive emails about CoinDesk product updates, events and marketing and you agree to our terms of services and privacy policy. DISCLOSURE Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated . The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups. As part of their compensation, certain CoinDesk employees, including editorial employees, may receive exposure to DCG equity in the form of stock appreciation rights, which vest over a multi-year period. CoinDesk journalists are not allowed to purchase stock outright in DCG . Nelson Wang is CoinDesk’s news editor for the East Coast. He holds BTC and ETH above CoinDesk’s disclosure threshold of $1,000. Nelson Wang is CoinDesk’s news editor for the East Coast. He holds BTC and ETH above CoinDesk’s disclosure threshold of $1,000.

‘Heavy Lifting’ Needed To Pass U.S. Energy Permitting Bill -Manchin – Reuters.com https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/heavy-lifting-needed-to-pass-u-s-energy-permitting-bill-manchin-reuters-com/ U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) holds up a visual aid while speaking to reporters at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., September 20, 2022. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com PITTSBURGH/WASHINGTON Sept 23 (Reuters) – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin on Friday warned that bipartisan opposition to his bill to overhaul energy permitting could derail his plan to attach it to temporary spending legislation and pass it by the end of the month. Manchin, a West Virginia centrist Democrat important swing vote in the 50-50 Senate, will likely need 10 Republicans for the permitting bill he introduced this week. The bill would speed approvals of fossil fuel projects like natural gas pipelines but also for electricity transmission lines needed to bring power from wind and solar farms to cities. However, getting enough support to include it in the spending bill is an uphill battle, with opposition from Republicans who want a bill more favorable to fossil fuels and progressive Democrats who fear the speeding up of permitting will degrade bedrock environmental laws and harm communities overburdened by pollution. Emissions from fossil fuel projects are a major cause of climate change. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com “By next week we’ll either have a permitting process that accelerates and lets us compete on a global basis of how we do things and bring things to market or not and politics get in the way,” Manchin said at the Global Clean Energy Action Forum in Pittsburgh. He said it will take “an awful lot of heavy lifting” over the next two or three days to overcome opposition by “strange bedfellows” ranging from progressive Senator Bernie Sanders to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The permitting reform bill comes as a result of a compromise Manchin made with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to secure the West Virginian’s support for the Inflation Reduction Act, a $430 billion bill seen as the biggest climate package in U.S. history, designed to cut domestic greenhouse gas emissions and lower prescription drug prices. Manchin, who was interrupted by protesters opposed to the fossil fuel focus of his permitting plan, said if Congress fails to reform the permitting process, it would jeopardize the clean energy investments the larger bill incentivizes. “With the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), everything’s based on a 10-year window. If it takes seven to eight years or longer to permit something, we are going to miss the window for having those investments come to fruition,” he told the conference. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on Friday said the Biden administration continues to support congressional efforts to reform the energy permitting process. “We are very excited at DOE about the potential for streamlining permitting on clean energy projects,” Granholm told reporters. She said the permitting deal holds the “greatest promise” for delivering the administration’s goal of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035. Heather Zichal, the chief executive of American Clean Power said without permitting reform such as Manchin’s bill, there will be more carbon emissions, less money invested in the energy transition and fewer clean energy jobs expected to result from the IRA. “We must put politics aside and come together to pass common-sense and overdue permitting reforms,” Zichal said in an opinion piece in The Hill. “As Congress considers potential reforms to the permitting system, we can’t let this unprecedented opportunity pass us by.” An aide to Schumer on Thursday said a procedural vote on the government funding bill is expected to take place on Tuesday. Congress faces a Sept. 30 deadline to pass legislation to approve funding to keep the government operating beyond the current fiscal year. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Valerie Volcovici and Timothy Gardner in Washington; Editing by Mark Porter, Jonathan Oatis and Josie Kao Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Durham Public Schools Won’t Let ShotSpotter Install Sensors – Raleigh News & Observer https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/durham-public-schools-wont-let-shotspotter-install-sensors-raleigh-news-observer/ You don’t have permission to access “http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/durham-county/article266235211.html” on this server. Reference #18.4b3b2f17.1663972186.14ba6b7d

Homeland Security Funds Initiative To Prevent Gamers From Becoming Terrorists – Dexerto https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/homeland-security-funds-initiative-to-prevent-gamers-from-becoming-terrorists-dexerto/ The Department of Homeland Security recently announced it would be awarding a $700k grant to fund research into how video games can be used to radicalize adolescents into becoming terrorists. There has been an ongoing debate between gamers and government leaders over how video games affect the actions of young adults. A common argument is that violent games like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto can lead to young gamers enacting real-world violence. However, multiple scientific studies have claimed that there is no evidence to support that playing violent video games leads to real-world violence. But the DHS isn’t targeting video games as the root cause of adolescent violence. Instead, a recent grant awarded to the Middlebury’s Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism is meant to help identify extremists who use video games to radicalize players. $700k awarded to video game counterterrorism The Counter-Terrorist team in CS:GO The Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant is intended to provide funding to establish or enhance capabilities to prevent targeted violence and terrorism. The Department of Homeland Security awarded Middlebury $699,763 with which they intend to accomplish three goals. Raise societal awareness Establish media literacy and online critical thinking initiative Produce civic engagement The official DHS TVTP page states that this is a joint endeavor between the CTEC, Take This, and Logically to develop a shared framework to better understand extremism in video games. With this grant, the trio of organizations hopes to develop a set of practices and resources for those involved in developing and maintaining games. Specific positions were named including community managers, multiplayer designers, lore developers, mechanics designers, and trust and safety professionals. The resource will include a series of training workshops that will teach the necessary personnel how to monitor, detect, and prevent extremist exploitation of young gamers.

Man Turns Self In After Shooting Stepson – The Gila Herald https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/man-turns-self-in-after-shooting-stepson-the-gila-herald/ Contributed Photo/Courtesy GCSO: Richard Denton, 73, has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the shooting of his stepson. Victim hospitalized, treated, and released By Jon Johnson jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com GRAHAM COUNTY – An elderly male self-surrendered to the Graham County Sheriff’s Office last Saturday night after allegedly shooting his stepson.  Richard Denton, 73, was subsequently arrested and booked into the Graham County Adult Detention Facility on charges of aggravated assault, discharging a firearm at an occupied structure, disorderly conduct, and endangerment. On Tuesday, The Graham County Attorney’s Office officially filed charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and disorderly conduct with a weapon. Denton was assigned Dennis McCarthy as his public defender.  The 56-year-old victim was taken to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and released.  According to Graham County Sheriff’s Office reports, the shooting took place inside a manufactured home in the 7000 block of E. San Jose Road. A subsequent search of the residence yielded a black Cold .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun with a loaded magazine and one in the chamber; a silver Colt semi-automatic pistol with a loaded magazine and one in the chamber; and a .38 caliber silver Smith & Wesson revolver with blood on it. The revolver had five expended .38-caliber casings loaded with one chamber completely empty.  Investigators also located two bullet holes in pillows at the head of a bed and two more on top of the mattress. Multiple bullets and bullet fragments were also collected from the scene, as well as a blood sample from a puddle located next to the bedroom door.  After shooting the victim, Denton apparently drove himself to the Sheriff’s Office in a silver Chevy Silverado wearing clothes bloodied from the victim. Upon finding the Sheriff’s Office closed and locked, Denton left on foot toward 8th Avenue.  Shortly afterward, Graham County Dispatch received a call at 9:16 p.m. regarding a man shot in the arm at a residence on San Jose Road. One minute later, a deputy located Denton walking south on the 8th Avenue Bridge. Upon contact, Denton allegedly replied, “I’m the one you’re looking for” and then said he had shot at his stepson five times and struck him once. He also allegedly told the deputy that he had gone to the jail to turn himself in and locked up his truck with the keys in it so he wouldn’t commit further attacks. “I just didn’t want to hurt anyone else,” Denton allegedly said. He was then taken into custody.  During subsequent police interviews, Denton allegedly said that he shot his son-in-law because he was “a prick and he wanted him out of the house.” Denton described kicking the window-unit AC out of the window and then entering the bedroom and shooting the victim in the arm. Denton allegedly said he wasn’t intentionally trying to kill the victim and that he was just shooting to scare him and was actually aiming over his head. Denton said he got the gun from the victim and said he was told it had previously been used in a homicide in Reno, Nevada. Denton also advised that he had recently stopped taking his prescribed medication and he is prone to fits of blind rage. The Smith & Wesson revolver, along with its shell casings and bullet fragments were placed into evidence.  Please follow and like us: Post navigation

Consider These Black Heritage Tours For Your Next Vacation – TheTravel https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/consider-these-black-heritage-tours-for-your-next-vacation-thetravel/ One of the many beautiful things about slow travel is the opportunity to enjoy and learn about different cultures in their absolute authenticity, and that’s what Intrepid’s culturally enriching experiences in the USA are offering. From learning Cajun cuisine from New Orleans’ only female-owned African American cooking school to enjoying a Native American river-to-table lunch in Warm Springs, Intrepid’s new experiences amplify and celebrate Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) perspectives in the United States. Each new activity listed here has been made possible and successful by collaborations and partnerships with several BIPOC groups and representatives, such as the National Blacks in Travel & Tourism Collaborative and representatives from the Crow Nation and the Lakota tribes. Why It Is Essential To Go On These Tours General Manager of Purpose at Intrepid Travel, Sara King, defines regenerative travel as educating travelers on why it’s crucial to not just take from but also invest in the communities they visit. According to King, these tours aim to give people “deep information about Black history and culture” through firsthand experience. “Travelers vote with their wallets every day they are on a trip, so it is best to ensure they stay in locally owned properties and support locally owned businesses, which Intrepid takes seriously. Keeping money in a community and supporting job creation and social and environmentally conscious businesses must become the norm,” King adds. Stephanie Jones, Founder & CEO of the Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance, Inc. (CHEA), Founder of Black Cultural Heritage Tours, and the National Blacks in Travel & Tourism Collaborative, shed more insight on the significance of these tours for visitors. “Our Black cultural heritage itineraries give transforming experiences for travelers wishing to get a fuller narrative about the Black experience, including the Civil Rights Movement,” Jones added. “Travelers experience both historical and contemporary cultural experiences celebrating Black history, exploring historic places and becoming immersed in the rich Black culture through food, music, art, dance and meeting and hearing stories told by locals.” Intrepid Travel has just introduced a new tour in Southeast Asia that focuses on the rich cultural heritage of West and Central Africa. Within these tours are several new BIPOC-centric activities that enable visitors to gain a more diverse and inclusive perspective of America. The eight unique excursions offered by Intrepid Travel in 2022 include the following: Explore Rich West And Central African Cultural Heritage Along The Gullah Geechee Corridor *New Trip* from Intrepid Travel: Charleston to Savannah: Exploring Gullah Geechee Culture This six-day tour from Charleston to Savannah covers the culture, history, and impact of the descendants of enslaved West and Central Africans, the Gullah Geechee. They are famed for guarding, preserving, and passing on their culture and legacy. Learn about Charleston’s Black heritage, tour the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church (an important figure in the Civil Rights Movement) and participate in a sweet grass weaving workshop. Additionally, travelers will witness a soul-stirring performance in Beaufort, where music and dance share the experience of enslaved Africans brought to South Carolina, indulge in a seafood boil with the locals, and attend Sunday worship at one of Savannah’s Black churches.This tour is one of the most impacting and culturally significant itineraries Intrepid has included in its new range of U.S. tours. Learn To Cook Cajun And Creole Food at Deelightful Roux School Of Cooking Included on the following Intrepid Travel tour: Tennessee Music Trail to New Orleans In New Orleans, visitors can learn how to prepare authentic Cajun and Creole dishes at the Deelightful Roux School of Cooking, the only African American woman-owned cooking school in the city. Chef Dwynesha Lavigne, a native of New Orleans and award-winning baker who helps produce a weekly food feature on a local television station and presents a monthly baking demonstration at the world-famous Southern Food and Beverage Museum, will educate visitors. Tour Charleston, South Carolina, With Professor Damon Fordham Included on the following Intrepid Travel tours: Georgia History trail to Nashville and Best of the South: Atlanta to New Orleans. This unique “Lost Stories of Black Charleston” walking tour will have guests accompanied by local professor and author Damon Fordham. Professor Fordham expertly tells tales at various locations around Charleston based on archival research, oral histories, and his own experiences as a Black resident of the city. Join 2nd Line Tours For A Visit To The Whitney Plantation In New Orleans Offered on the following Intrepid Travel tours: Tennessee Music Trail to New Orleans, Best of the South: Atlanta to New Orleans, and Best of the South: Louisville to New Orleans. Visitors to New Orleans can join 2nd Line Tours, a Black-owned business committed to sharing the city’s authentic history, to gain insight into the daily lives of enslaved people on a Louisiana sugarcane plantation. Exploring this estate, which puts more emphasis on the life of the enslaved people than on the luxurious mansion of the enslavers, is a sobering and eye-opening experience. Go On An Emotional Journey From the Past With Civil Rights Tours Civil Rights Tours bring Black and Indigenous American History, Music, and Culture to Life through unique, authentic, and cultural travel experiences that contribute to intercultural understanding and speak to the heart and soul of multicultural audiences. As this is untold American history, Leon Burnette, Founder and President of Media Art’s Institute of Alabama and Certified Tour Director of Civil Rights Tours, stresses the importance of telling the truth, presenting it publicly, and then discussing it. Address: Several locations in the US Phone: +1 256-525-1203 Email: civilrightstours@gmail.com

Business News – AgUpdate https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/business-news-agupdate/ Smart-harvest market forecasted The smart-harvest market is projected to reach more than $15.5 billion by 2023, according to MarketsandMarkets. The market is driven by factors such as scarcity of labor and efficiency benefits offered by smart-harvest systems, according to the market analyst. Harvesting requires a great amount of bending and lifting through manual labor. The labor shortage affects overall yield output. Manufacturers have introduced autonomous harvesters that harvest fruits and vegetables with little or no human intervention. The smart-harvest market in Europe is projected to witness significant growth due to the prospect of increasing production, labor shortage, development of smart technologies and their adoption in agriculture. Development of smart-harvest technologies is being encouraged. It’s driven by public and private programs to bring about the commercialization of technologies. Projects such as the Clever Robots for Crops, Sweet Pepper Harvesting Robot, and the Handsfree Hectare project highlight industry efforts to develop and commercialize smart-harvest systems in the region. Some of the key players in the U.S. market are Deere and Company, Harvest Automation, Root AI, Abundant Robotics and Energid Technologies Corp. Visit MarketsandMarkets.com for more information. USDA invests in infrastructure The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $121 million in infrastructure to combat climate change in rural areas. The investments include $111 million for 289 projects to help people living in vulnerable communities. The USDA is making investments through three programs designed to help people and businesses in rural areas.  Community Facilities Disaster Grants Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audits and Renewable Energy Development Grants The investments are intended to help state- and local-government entities, nonprofits and federally recognized Tribes. The funding may be used to construct, renovate or purchase and install equipment for rural community facilities. The funding also is intended to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable-energy systems as well as make energy efficiency improvements. Visit rd.usda.gov for more information. Herbicide-tolerance, herbicide pact formed Corteva Agriscience and BASF Agricultural Solutions recently agreed to develop future herbicide-tolerant soybeans and complementing herbicides. The collaboration aims to bring alternatives to manage resistant and tough-to-control weeds through trait stacks and long-lasting modes of action. Farmers are expected to receive more weed-management options and germplasm choices from both BASF and Corteva seed brands. BASF will license its protoporphyrinogen-oxidase gene for herbicide tolerance to Corteva to develop a new herbicide-tolerant trait stack. The stack will feature tolerance to BASF’s Liberty, Corteva’s Enlist herbicides and various glyphosate-herbicide solutions. It also will feature BASF’s existing and pipeline protoporphyrinogen-oxidase inhibiting herbicides. The stack of four herbicide-tolerant traits is expected to be available in all Corteva seed brands. Corteva has licensed the stack for use in BASF seed brands. Corteva anticipates licensing the new trait stack to independent seed companies in North America. Both companies plan to offer exclusive and proprietary germplasm options with the stack. The companies expect to commercialize the products in the early 2030s, pending regulatory reviews and completion of field testing. Visit agriculture.basf.us and corteva.com for more information. On-seed nitrogen introduced Pivot Bio recently introduced on-seed application of microbial nitrogen for crops such as corn, sorghum and spring wheat. “Proven 40 On-Seed” and “Return On-Seed” have been developed to enhance a crop’s potential all season long by providing a nitrogen source with no loss to leaching, denitrification or volatilization. Microbes adhere to the root of the plant without any waste, Pivot Bio states. The company measured and verified product performance across more than 2,100 on-farm fields, encompassing 1.3 million acres. Side-by-side comparisons show that plants where its microbes were used have 14 percent more nitrogen in the plant and 12 percent more plant biomass compared to untreated plants, the company stated. Visit pivotbio.com for more information. Canada boosts swine fever-prevention funds Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is investing more than $45 million to enhance efforts to prevent African swine fever from entering Canada and to prepare for a potential outbreak. The government is investing as much as $23.4 million to support the pork industry’s prevention and mitigation efforts. The funding is intended to support biosecurity assessments, coordination for wild-pig management, retrofitting of existing abattoirs, sector analysis and African swine fever-related research. In addition as much as $19.8 million will be invested in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s prevention and preparedness efforts. The funding is intended to support work such as further enhancing laboratory capacity, establish zoning arrangements with additional trading partners, and contributing to international efforts to develop a safe and effective vaccine. Canada has never had a case of African swine fever, but the disease continues to spread in several regions around the world, the agency stated. A single case of the disease in Canada would result in the closure of Canada’s borders to pork exports, which accounts for 70 percent of Canadian pork production, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada stated. Visit agriculture.canada.ca for more information. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

It’s Finally Mask Optional Workouts At Mayo Clinic’s Gym – Duluth News Tribune https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/its-finally-mask-optional-workouts-at-mayo-clinics-gym-duluth-news-tribune/ Dylan Kalscheur runs on a treadmill at Mayo Clinic’s Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Rochester. As of Monday, Sept. 12, mask-wearing for members at the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center is optional. Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin ROCHESTER, Minn. — The need for masking is highest within health care, but masking hits some activities harder than others. Like working out at the company fitness center. So for users of Mayo Clinic’s Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center, the lifting two weeks ago of a mask requirement within nonpatient areas on the Rochester campus has been a long time coming. “A few members have reached out to me to say that they have been waiting for this and are excited to return,” said Heather Smith, manager at the center. “I’ve had members come to my classes specifically, like a cycle class, and say this feels so amazing … Just to take off a mask when they come up stairs, workout hard and feel like they can give their best effort. It’s been a joy to see their smiles.” “This concept of joy is important for our organization,” said Beth Riley, director of Human Resources at the center. “And (the policy change) is something that has created joy for our membership here.” The clinic in Rochester, Arizona and southwest Wisconsin announced the new policy on Sept. 9, one making masking optional for vaccinated staff in nonpatient-care areas of patient-care buildings, according to Mayo spokesperson Ginger Plumbo. A mask mandate has been in effect for the last couple of years. “To protect our patients, visitors and staff, masking continues to be required in any physical location where patients or visitors may be present, including common spaces like hallways, waiting areas and patient cafeterias,” she said in an email. As a result, those who enter the Dan Abraham center still must wear masks in the elevator lobby servicing its upper floors, but can work out in the upstairs fitness area mask-free. That said, the center still hosts a sizable percentage of users who prefer to exercise with masks. “I would say right now it’s about 25%,” Riley said, “just depending on where they are at. You’ve got some of the active older adults who still prefer to mask … as well as those folks who work in direct patient care who still prefer to mask. But it’s so nice to provide the option.” With the exception that users must show proof of vaccination for membership, it’s the last concession to COVID-19 mitigation to fall on the center fitness floor. Tape lines that once kept participants distanced have been lifted since the start of this year, Smith said, and exercise classes have long since returned to pre-COVID capacity. Contacted outside the facility, several users said they liked the new policy but had become used to masking while sweating. “I like it,” said Emily Stuart, a student in the clinic’s medical lab science program. “It’s much easier to work out without the mask on … But I’m definitely aware of other people around me and try to go during times where there’s not a lot of people.” “It’s nice to be a part of Mayo community but not having to wear masks,” said Tony Watts, an RN. “That definitely wasn’t ideal when you got your heart rate up you started sucking in the mask and sweating all over it.” “But I’m just following their guidelines and whatever they decide I understand and respect.” “I’m used to it man,” said Graham Jaensch-Frie, a researcher who plans to remain masked while at the center. “Obviously the cardio was the hardest. I think a lot of people have been waiting for this because the second that mandate came out, I went in there and nobody had a mask on after that.” “I’m OK with it,” he said. “I know people are going to do what they want to do. All you can really do is protect yourself and that’s what it boils down to. I’m going to keep rocking the mask.” Paul John Scott is the health correspondent for NewsMD and the Forum News Service. He is a novelist and was an award winning magazine journalist for 15 years prior to joining the FNS in 2019.

Florida Vs. Tennessee: Prediction, Pick, Spread, Football Game Odds, Live Stream, Watch Online, TV Channel – CBS Sports https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/florida-vs-tennessee-prediction-pick-spread-football-game-odds-live-stream-watch-online-tv-channel-cbs-sports/ Florida has defeated Tennessee in 16 of the last 17 games they have played. However, when the No. 20 Gators travel to face the No. 11 Volunteers in the SEC on CBS Game of the Week on Saturday it will be the first time in series history Florida will be double-digit underdogs to Tennessee. The Vols are off to a 3-0 start in Year 2 under coach Josh Heupel, but if it wants to keep the momentum rolling, it will have to exorcise the demons of seasons past and take care of a Florida team that has already seen its share of ups and downs. The Gators began the season with a bang by knocking off then-No. 7 Utah 29-26 in first-year coach Billy Napier’s debut. But after rising to No. 12 in the wake of that win, Florida lost 26-16 at home to No. 8 Kentucky the following week before squeaking out a 31-28 win over South Florida in Week 3. Which version of Florida will show up at a sold-out Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a mystery, and the legitimacy of the Volunteers is a fair question as well. Wins over MAC foes Ball State and Akron revealed little about their fortitude, and an overtime win at Pittsburgh came as the Panthers dealt with injuries to their top two quarterbacks. This meeting once helped decide the winner of the SEC East on an annual basis. No. 1 Georgia is the unquestioned favorite in the division now, but this meeting nonetheless shapes up as a fascinating top-20 battle between long-time rivals. Florida vs. Tennessee: Need to know Anthony Richardson’s performance: Which version of Florida shows up depends in large part on which version of Anthony Richardson shows up. Florida’s redshirt sophomore quarterback is 24 of 53 for 255 yards with four interceptions and no touchdown passes in the last two games. In the Utah victory, though, he put the Gators on his back by repeatedly delivering in clutch moments on the ground and through the air. If Richardson is near his best, Florida’s improve dramatically. Tennessee’s defense: After finishing 99th nationally last season in total defense, the Volunteers appear to be improved this season. They rank 51st nationally in total defense at the moment, but that could be a mirage. While holding Pitt to 415 yards in an overtime win during Week 2 appeared to mark progress, the Panthers lost starting quarterback Kedon Slovis to injury just before halftime, and backup Nick Patti played through an injury in the second half. A strong showing here would go a long way toward legitimizing the signs of progress seen for the Vols defensively. Checker Neyland: Tennessee is encouraging its fans to “Checker Neyland” for the game, assigning fans to wear either orange or white based on their section. While the pattern created in the stadium makes for an impressive visual, Tennessee’s history when Neyland is checkered is well … checkered. The team’s Checker Neyland game last season was an infamous loss to Ole Miss when play was paused after fans threw items onto the field. Tennessee is 1-1 against Florida in Checker Neyland games but just 1-4 overall since the tradition started in 2014. How to watch Florida vs. Tennessee live Date: Saturday, September 24 | Time: 3:30 p.m. ET Location: Neyland Stadium — Knoxville, Tennessee TV: CBS | Live stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App (Free) Florida vs. Tennessee prediction, picks Featured Game | Tennessee Volunteers vs. Florida Gators Florida has won 16 of the last 17 games in this series, and the Volunteers have only won this game by more than 10 points once in the past 30 years. History aside, Tennessee’s status as a double-digit favorite seems to overvalue its win against a hobbled Pitt team and undervalue Florida’s win over Utah. The Gators have looked bad the last two weeks, but there is enough talent on the roster — as shown in that win over the Utes — for them to keep things close against a Tennessee program that is earlier in its rebuild than a No. 11 ranking might suggest. Prediction: Florida +10.5 Which college football picks can you make with confidence in Week 4, and which Top 25 favorite will go down hard? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the spread — all from a proven computer model that has returned more than $3,300 in profit over the past six-plus seasons — and find out.

What’s Hot In The Metaverse For Consumers – MarTech https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/whats-hot-in-the-metaverse-for-consumers-martech/ Consumers engaging with metaverse-style virtual environments are interested in a number of industries and activities. Topping the list of interests is music, according to a new study by Reach 3 Insights, which polled 401 consumers over the summer. The findings explain some of the live events and tie-ins that brands are launching in the metaverse, on platforms like Decentraland and Roblox. For marketers still in the wait-and-see or planning phases of their metaverse debut, this might help focus the effort based on where the interest is. Earlier this year, our own MarTech survey found that over half of marketers are planning a metaverse activation either in the upcoming year (25.8%) or in the next five years (25.4%). Dig deeper: How brands are joining the metaverse Get MarTech! Daily. Free. In your inbox. Hot metaverse topics. Consumers were asked what topics they would be interested in related to virtual experiences or products. Here are the topics, in descending order: Music, 68% Travel/ tourism, 58% Shopping/virtual stores, 53% Live events, 53% Gaming, 52% Training/learning, 52% Social/virtual get-togethers, 51% Food, 42% Health, 41% Tech, 35% Fashion, 29% Beauty, 27% Beverages, 20% Something else, 3% The high interest in music explains why iHeartMedia recently launched a hub in the popular 3D game Fortnite. And the interest in gaming shows some crossover appeal with game audiences who are early adopters of metaverse experiences. Dig Deeper: How the gaming universe is preparing marketers for the metaverse Age demographics. The survey was distributed relatively evenly across Gen Z (88 participants), Millennials (101), Gen X (136) and Boomers (76). Older participants raised the average for interest in travel, with only 48% of Gen Z, and 50% of Millennials, interested in that topic. Younger participants were more interested in beauty and fashion, with Gen Z at 43% and 44% interested in those topics, respectively. Clearly, younger consumers are interested in metaverse activations related to fashion and beauty. Under Armour’s ongoing Curry Brand activations demonstrate deep engagement and sales potential on the metaverse. (They sold thousands of $333 NFT virtual wearables in minutes.) Why we care. If your brand is lower on the list of hot topics, think of how you can tie your brand to an interest higher up. Take beverages (20%), for instance. PepsiCo has spent over a decade carving out a space in the gaming community, so they’re poised to attract users in the metaverse. And from the Under Armour playbook, star power can also draw their audience to your brand in the metaverse. Just as in the real world, all kinds of categories sponsor live music events, we expect a similar force at play with virtual concerts celebrity meet-and-greets. About The Author Chris Wood draws on over 15 years of reporting experience as a B2B editor and journalist. At DMN, he served as associate editor, offering original analysis on the evolving marketing tech landscape. He has interviewed leaders in tech and policy, from Canva CEO Melanie Perkins, to former Cisco CEO John Chambers, and Vivek Kundra, appointed by Barack Obama as the country’s first federal CIO. He is especially interested in how new technologies, including voice and blockchain, are disrupting the marketing world as we know it. In 2019, he moderated a panel on “innovation theater” at Fintech Inn, in Vilnius. In addition to his marketing-focused reporting in industry trades like Robotics Trends, Modern Brewery Age and AdNation News, Wood has also written for KIRKUS, and contributes fiction, criticism and poetry to several leading book blogs. He studied English at Fairfield University, and was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. He lives in New York.

Fancy Campers: Recipes For Tiny Kitchens – The Guardian https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/fancy-campers-recipes-for-tiny-kitchens-the-guardian/ Living in a van or a home that doesn’t have mains electricity, you learn to navigate and adapt and do things differently. Cooking and preparing food may take a little longer, but it’s incredible how quickly you start finding joy in preparing meals a little slower using your hands rather than appliances. To get you started on your tiny kitchen, here’s a list of equipment of what I use in mine almost every day – and three recipes to make. Heavy-based frypan: for any meal that doesn’t require cooking a lot of sauce: eggs, french toast, fish, searing meat, and even pancakes. Cast iron pot: for boiling pasta and rice, making cakes, cooking on the fire, boiling water, making curries and soups, or as a second frypan if it’s needed. A sharp knife (or two): I have a simple stone for keeping my knives sharp, but you can get plenty of handy gadgets that do the same job. Butler cooking in her trusty campervan. Photograph: Todd Thimios Utensils: my go-to 95% of the time is a wooden spoon for cooking. I also use tongs a lot, and I have a little egg flip which I find perfect for scrambled eggs. Strainer or colander: great for rinsing grains and legumes and for making cheese, draining pasta, or rinsing salad greens and herbs. Chopping boards: we carry two, one for meat and one for everything else. Bowls and plates: although these are a given, I want to point out that we don’t use anything “camping” specific. Our bowls, plates, cups, and serving ware are all things we could use in our house. Measuring cups and spoons: having a whole set of measuring cups and spoons will take up too much space, so just have measures for one cup, one tablespoon and one teaspoon. Different sized jars: for making salad dressings, storing grains, spices and other pantry items. Also essential for homemade ferments and pickles. Different sized containers: for storing leftovers and food scraps to make stocks and broths. Mortar and pestle: great to have for making pesto, nut and seed-based sweets, aioli, dips, salad dressings and curry pastes, especially if you don’t have electricity in your kitchen. A grater: I would suggest getting a good quality, small, but sharp grater that you’ll use for cheese, veggies and zesting citrus rinds. Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning Yoghurt flatbread These are super affordable, full of protein from the yoghurt, contain very few ingredients and are quick to make as the resting time is minimal. We also use them to replace store-bought wraps and fill them with our favourite sandwich ingredients. Makes 6Prep 25 minsCook 15 mins Eat them with curries, barbecues, or as alternatives to store-bought wraps: Butler’s flat bread. Photograph: Todd Thimios 1 cup bread flour, plus extra for dusting¾ cup full-fat Greek yoghurt2 pinches flaky sea saltOlive oil or butter for pan frying Combine the flour, yoghurt and salt in a small bowl and stir it to combine. Lightly flour the bench or a chopping board and bring the dough together until you reach a non-sticky and smooth dough. This will only take a minute. You don’t need to knead this flatbread. Place the dough back in the bowl with a little flour in the bottom. I have found that it’s easier to roll out these breads once the dough has had a little time to rest, either in the fridge or in a cool place in your small kitchen. It doesn’t need much rest time; about 20 minutes is fine. Once the dough has rested, divide it into six equal parts. Form them into balls and then roll them out with a rolling pin or a floured wine bottle (or any other glass bottle you have handy). Next, place your frypan on medium heat and add a small splash of oil or butter – just enough to lightly grease the pan. Cook the dough until golden on both sides – it should only take a couple of minutes. Wrap the breads in a clean dish towel to keep them warm as you cook. These are best served immediately, sprinkled with dukkah. Dukkah with walnuts and almonds Dukkah is an essential condiment in our campervan. We add it to salads and sprinkle it on eggs, dips and flatbreads. Macadamia, Brazil nut and pistachio are excellent substitutes for walnut and almond here. Makes ¾ cupPrep 5 minsCook 5 mins The mortar and pestle is put to good use in this hand-ground dukkah recipe. Photograph: Todd Thimios ¼ cup almonds¼ cup walnuts3 tbsp sesame seeds1 tbsp coriander seeds1 tsp fennel seeds1 tsp ground cumin½ tsp flaky sea salt Toast the almonds, walnuts, and sesame seeds in a frypan on medium heat until the nuts are golden and fragrant. It should take about five minutes. Be sure to toss the pan regularly to prevent the nuts and seeds from burning. Add the coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cumin and salt and heat the mixture for another one to two minutes before removing it all from the heat and allowing it to cool. It will be much easier and more effective to grind the nuts and seeds once they have cooled. Using a mortar and pestle, grind your dukkah down as fine as you like, but be careful not to blend it for too long, or it will turn into a fragrant nut butter. I like to leave it a little bit chunky for additional texture. Dukkah will store indefinitely in an airtight container or jar. Pan-fried pizza with zucchini, ricotta and cherry tomatoes There were many nights camping in the bush that we’ve craved a delicious, hot pizza. So with some time, wine and our favourite kitchen staples on hand, we came up with this recipe. Makes 2Prep 15 mins Cook 1 hr 15 mins No-bake pizza: simply pop it in a pan and sizzle away. Photograph: Todd Thimios For the dough1½ tsp dried yeast1 tbsp raw sugar 150ml lukewarm water1 tsp salt250g strong bread flour For the topping1 red onion, finely slicedExtra virgin olive oilFlaky sea salt2 tbsp balsamic vinegar1 tbsp coconut sugar or raw sugar (optional)2 small zucchinis, finely sliced lengthways400g cherry tomatoes, wholeCracked pepper1 garlic clove2 cups ricotta (store-bought or make your own)1 handful flat-leaf parsley and basil1 handful rocketSalt and pepper Add the yeast and sugar to the lukewarm water and stir to dissolve. Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Allow the yeast to activate for a few minutes. The top should start to bubble and foam a little. Once it has, add the yeast-sugar water to the bowl of flour and salt. To cut down on mess in your small kitchen, begin mixing them in the bowl until you have a rough, sticky dough. Once all the liquid has absorbed into the flour, transfer it to a floured surface and knead it until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough back into the bowl with a dusting of flour. Cover it with a tea towel and leave it for about 45 minutes to rise, until it has almost doubled in size. Meanwhile, finely slice the red onion and fry it with two good glugs of olive oil and a few cracks of salt. Add the balsamic vinegar and sugar and stir it regularly until onions have cooked right down and are sticky and sweet to taste. Fry the cherry tomatoes with some olive oil, salt and pepper until they have softened and charred on the outside. Add a splash more oil and fry the sliced zucchini until golden. Cut the dough in half and roll it out to as thick as you like. I recommend it to be around the same size as a dinner plate. Keep your frypan on the stove and, if it needs it, add a splash more olive oil; not too much as you don’t want your bases to be too oily. Cook the pizza bases until golden. Keep the heat low, so the dough becomes golden outside but still cooks right through. Once the dough begins to bubble, flip it over and cook the other side. Keep it warm and repeat with the other pizza base. Give each base a rub of the garlic clove to add a subtle garlic flavour. Spread on the ricotta, then top with the charred cherry tomatoes, zucchini and onions. Garnish with parsley, basil, fresh rocket, salt and pepper. This is an edited extract from The Small Kitchen Cook by Ashleigh Butler, published by Exploring Eden (RRP$39.95)

World Economic Forum Launches A New Crypto Sustainability Coalition – Kitco NEWS https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/world-economic-forum-launches-a-new-crypto-sustainability-coalition-kitco-news/ Editor’s Note: With so much market volatility, stay on top of daily news! Get caught up in minutes with our speedy summary of today’s must-read news and expert opinions. Sign up here! (Kitco News) – The World Economic Forum (WEF) has announced the launch of a new Crypto Sustainability Coalition, which will investigate how Web3 and blockchain tools can be utilized to achieve positive climate action.  The Switzerland-based non-government organization revealed the new coalition on Wednesday, outlining that it will include 30 partners within the intersection of sustainable development and web3, crypto, and blockchain technologies, during a panel discussion titled “Web3’s Climate Impact.” Members of the coalition will explore the potential positive impacts technologies like blockchain, cryptocurrency, and nonfungible tokens (NFTs) have on environmental and social agendas.  “The coalition launch is timely as there is an urgent need to support the decarbonization of cryptocurrency and ensuring the industry is part of the climate solution,” Madeleine Hillyer, U.S. media specialist for the WEF, said in a press release. “Furthermore, there needs to be regulatory clarity that promotes web3 innovation, protects consumers, and improves financial inclusion.” To help further these efforts, the coalition will support research and development, share best practices, and influence regulation pertaining to climate-related matters.  The crypto industry as a whole is relatively energy intensive. Just Bitcoin alone has an annualized carbon footprint equal to the country Greece, and its energy consumption is equivalent to that of the United Arab Emirates, according to the Digiconomist Bitcoin Energy Consumption Index. The coalition will be divided into working groups that will focus on three main areas of interest: energy usage, Web3’s potential for climate action, and “On-chain” carbon credits.  The energy usage group will analyze the crypto industry’s consumption of energy and materials to better understand its impact on climate and nature. The Web3 working group will “investigate ways in which web3 innovations could tackle challenges facing the low-carbon transition at the pace required to hit the Paris Agreement’s targets.” The on-chain carbon credits working group will explore the ability of blockchain-based carbon credits to address the current flaws in global carbon markets. The list of partners joining this new endeavor includes Accenture, Avalanche, Avatree, CC Token, Circle, Climate Collective, Crypto Council for Innovation, Emerge, Energy Web Foundation, eToro, EY, Flowcarbon, Heifer International, KlimaDAO, Lukka, NEAR Foundation, Nori, PlanetWatch, Plastiks, Rainforest Partnership, Recykal, ReSeed, Ripple, Solana, Stellar Development Foundation, STEWARD, Sustainable Bitcoin Standard, The Global Brain, Toucan Protocol, University of Lisbon, and Zero Labs. The wider aim of the coalition is to “foster a broad education campaign on what web3’s potential and capacity look like, to better inform governments on how they regulate these technologies and incentivize investment and research into their development,” the WEF said.  This new coalition was made possible by the Crypto Impact and Sustainability Accelerator (CISA), a grant-funded initiative launched by the Forum in January 2022 with a mission to encourage a greater understanding of the environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts of crypto technologies. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Biden To Announce $1.5 Billion To Fight U.S. Opioid Crisis – Reuters.com https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/biden-to-announce-1-5-billion-to-fight-u-s-opioid-crisis-reuters-com/ Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com WASHINGTON, Sept 23 (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden will announce on Friday nearly $1.5 billion to fund access to medications for opioid overdoses, sanctions against traffickers, and increased funding for law enforcement, the White House said. The Biden administration is keen to show it is taking action on a worsening nationwide opioid crisis, which according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data fueled more than 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021, a nearly 15% increase from the previous year. “Our nation is facing 108,000 overdose deaths in just 12 months. That’s one life lost every five minutes around the clock,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of National Drug Control Policy at the White House. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com “The Biden-Harris administration is announcing several key investments and actions to reduce overdose deaths, ensure public health and law enforcement officials on the front lines have the resources they need, support people in recovery, and finally beat this epidemic,” Gupta told reporters on a press call. Biden will announce nearly $1.5 billion in grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to states, tribal lands and territories, said Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, assistant secretary for mental health and substance use. A Cataldo Ambulance medic holds used doses of naloxone after medics revived a man in his 40’s who was found unresponsive from an opioid overdose in the Boston suburb of Salem, Massachusetts, U.S., August 9, 2017. REUTERS/Brian Snyder The funds will go toward treating substance-use disorders and removing barriers to key tools like naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, Delphin-Rittmon said. The grants will also fund recovery support services, overdose education efforts, peer support specialists in emergency departments, and care for stimulant use and misuse disorders including cocaine and methamphetamine, she added. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will release new guidance to ease restrictions on naloxone, said Gupta. Currently, there are legal barriers limiting access to naloxone in some states, and in others it is not always available to those most at risk of an overdose because patients are more likely to receive a prescription if they had a prior diagnosis of opioid misuse or dependence along with an overdose than if they have had those diagnoses without an overdose. Biden is also announcing an additional $12 million in funding for law enforcement in areas suffering the worst of drug trafficking, on top of $275 million announced in April, and sanctions on individuals and groups involved with drug cartels. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Reporting by Ahmed Aboulenein; Editing by Leslie Adler Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Ahmed Aboulenein Thomson Reuters Washington-based correspondent covering U.S. healthcare and pharmaceutical policy with a focus on the Department of Health and Human Services and the agencies it oversees such as the Food and Drug Administration, previously based in Iraq and Egypt.

Florida Petitions Supreme Court In Fight With Big Tech Over Social Media Access Rules – Washington Times https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/florida-petitions-supreme-court-in-fight-with-big-tech-over-social-media-access-rules-washington-times/ Florida is urging the Supreme Court to intervene in the state’s dispute with big tech companies over how social media platforms may restrict or bar people and content online, teeing up a major legal battle over free speech rights in the digital age.   Republican Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody asked the Supreme Court to overturn a lower court decision that blocked a Sunshine State law which would have prevented social media companies from banning candidates and removing content.  The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit decided in May that social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook likely had a First Amendment right to decide what ran on their platforms and kept in place a federal court ruling blocking the enactment of some of the law’s provisions.  Ms. Moody petitioned the Supreme Court to reverse the lower courts’ actions. She also pressed the justices to answer whether the Constitution prevents states from forcing social media companies to host content and stops states from forcing tech platforms to explain their censorship decisions.  “Under the Eleventh Circuit’s reasoning, social-media behemoths have a First Amendment right to cut any person out of the modern town square, for any reason, even when they do not follow their own rules or otherwise act in bad faith,” Ms. Moody wrote in a petition filed Wednesday. “That ruling strips states of their historic power to protect their citizens’ access to information, implicating questions of nationwide importance.” Tech trade groups challenging Florida’s law are welcoming the high court showdown.  NetChoice Vice President and General Counsel Carl Szabo said his trade group agrees that the Supreme Court should hear Florida’s case and he said his team is confident it will prevail. His organization published Ms. Moody’s petition on its website. The tech firms argue in essence they should not be forced to put on their sites posts that violate their terms of service and guidelines. “We look forward to seeing Florida in court and having the lower court’s decision upheld,” Mr. Szabo said in a statement. “We have the Constitution and over a century of precedent on our side.” Ms. Moody also cited a split among federal appeals courts over cases involving social media content moderation in petitioning the Supreme Court to take up her case now. The Florida attorney general noted that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled in favor of a similar Texas law and rejected the argument that companies have a constitutional right to restrict speech on their online platforms.

Nebraska Gaming Commission Approves First Casino In The State – KLKN https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/nebraska-gaming-commission-approves-first-casino-in-the-state-klkn/ September 23, 2022 2:15 pm LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska’s first-ever casino will open on Saturday. On Friday, the Nebraska Gaming Commission approved WarHorse Casino’s gaming application at a hearing on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s east campus. Lincoln’s WarHorse Casino will be the first casino in the state to open, despite construction not being complete. The casino, which is near Homestead Expressway and Denton Road, will have 400 slot machines for its 10 a.m. opening. Once the casino is complete, WarHorse said it will have 1,300 gaming stations, a 196-room hotel, event space, several restaurants and live horse racing. Officials estimate it will generate around $5 million a year in property tax relief for our area. They are also building a casino in Omaha. In June, WarHorse said both casinos would take around 18 to 24 months to complete. SEE ALSO: WarHorse submits gambling license application for Lincoln, Omaha casinos Tags: Ho-Chuck Inc., Lancaster County Casino, Lancaster County Gambling, Lance Morgan, lincoln casino, Lincoln Gambling, lincoln race course, Nebraska Casino, nebraska gambling, nebraska racing and gaming commission, warhorse, Warhorse Casino, WarHorse Gambling, WarHorse Lincoln

GOP Critics Say Politics Drives ESG Choices For Investment Firms – Indianapolis Business Journal – Indianapolis Business Journal https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/gop-critics-say-politics-drives-esg-choices-for-investment-firms-indianapolis-business-journal-indianapolis-business-journal/ A little-known piece of legislation surfaced earlier this year that would have banned Indiana government and its pension funds from working with investment firms that boycott coal and gas companies. Ultimately, the bill didn’t have enough support to clear the Indiana General Assembly. But conservative Republican blowback continues to grow against a concept known as ESG investing, which takes environmental, social and corporate governance concerns into consideration when assessing the value of companies. ESG investing often eschews companies believed to contribute to climate change or human-rights violations. Proponents of ESG investing argue that investment firms are merely responding to market forces and customers’ desires for “socially-responsible” investment options. The firms often offer some “green” funds that favor solar and wind companies over fossil-fuel providers, for example. But critics say banks and investment firms such as New York City-based BlackRock Inc., the world’s largest asset manager (which has $10 trillion under management), are using activist investing to control board seats of major companies and push their political agenda instead of prioritizing their clients’ financial interests. Ed Soliday “You have three entities [BlackRock among them] that control $20 trillion—more than the whole budget of the United States—walking into your boardroom and saying, ‘Here is our political agenda. You either carry it out, or we’re going to take board seats,’” said Rep. Ed Soliday, a Republican from Valparaiso who co-sponsored a bill in the 2022 session that pushes back against investment firms that are actively divesting from fossil fuel companies. House Bill 1224, modeled after a Texas law, would have prohibited state government and the Indiana Public Retirement System from working with investment firms that boycott fossil fuel companies. Despite clearing the finance committee by a 7-5 vote—both Republicans and Democrats voted against it—the bill was never brought to the House floor. But it could emerge again in the 2023 session. “We’re looking at what some other states are doing,” said Rep. Ethan Manning, a Republican from Miami County who authored the 2022 bill. Ethan Manning Manning said firms pulling money out of fossil fuels amounts to “setting energy policy for the state,” which should be the duty of lawmakers. “These investment firms are taking away options that we need for a reliable and affordable grid,” he added. Still, it’s not clear exactly what “boycotting” fossil fuels means in the context of investment firms. BlackRock executives might advocate for wind and solar energy, The Washington Post recently reported. But in Texas, it still invests more than $100 billion in Texas energy companies on behalf of its clients. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita added some momentum to opposition to ESG investing when he issued an advisory opinion this summer. It argued that state law prohibits INPRS, which uses investment firms that engage in ESG investing, from choosing investment strategies based on ESG considerations. Todd Rokita “We must root out investment-management companies that scheme to leverage Hoosiers’ retirement funds to advance leftist social and economic agendas that otherwise cannot be implemented through the ballot box,” Rokita said. An INPRS spokesperson declined to say whether the law would hinder its ability to ensure financial returns for its members. “If a bill were introduced changing the law, INPRS would evaluate the fiscal impact of that bill at the time it is introduced and provide this information to the Legislative Services Agency pursuant to the established legislative process,” INPRS spokesperson Dimitri Kyser told IBJ. Kyser said the INPRS board recently passed a governance risk policy that will be incorporated into the agency’s Investment Policy Statement, affirming its commitment to “invest its assets in the best interests of INPRS’ members and beneficiaries.” ‘A devastating blow’ Matt Bell Lobbyists for the fossil fuel industry also are pushing back against ESG investing. During a recent meeting of the 21st Century Energy Policy Task Force, a legislative summer study committee tasked with making energy policy recommendations, Matt Bell, CEO of Reliable Energy Inc. (formerly known as the Indiana Coal Council), said ESG investing is “starving cost-effective fossil fuel energy and capital by pressuring companies to divest” from coal and gas. “We encourage Indiana to join the growing force of states who are recognizing that ESG discrimination delivers a devastating blow to fossil fuel companies seeking to meet the demand for affordable and reliable energy, and it does so at the expense of the state’s pension,” Bell said. Rep. Matt Pierce, a Democrat from Bloomington who also serves on the task force, said divesting from major banks creates confusion and uncertainty in the financial marketplace, which is why banking lobbyists in Indiana spoke out against HB 1224 last year. He said he also understands why the fossil fuel industry supports the legislation. Shelli Yoder Matt Pierce “The coal and the fossil fuel industry really wants this protection. They can see the market is moving away from them,” Pierce told IBJ. “They’ve got a motivation to try to limit anything that’s going to reduce their access to capital.” Sen. Shelli Yoder, also a Democrat from Bloomington and a member of the energy task force, introduced a bill last year that would have done just the opposite: Require the board of trustees of INPRS to divest from the top 200 largest fossil fuel companies. “We have to think about the security threats that the climate crisis is going to continue to have on Hoosiers. It’s beyond smart investment,” Yoder said. Growing movement In recent years, several Republican-controlled states have sought to penalize banks and investment firms that have made public commitments to shift away from fossil fuel companies. Kelly Mitchell In May 2021, 15 state treasurers signed a letter expressing concerns that members of the Biden administration were reportedly pressuring U.S. banks and financial institutions to refuse to lend to or invest in coal, oil and natural gas companies. Indiana Treasurer Kelly Mitchell did not sign the letter. “As a collective, we strongly oppose command-and-control economic policies that attempt to bend the free market to the political will of government officials,” the letter read. “It is simply antithetical to our nation’s position as a democracy and a capitalist economy for the Executive Branch to bully corporations into curtailing legal activities.” That August, Texas passed a law banning some financial firms from doing business with the state. State Comptroller Glenn Hegar prohibited BlackRock, as well as some investment funds within large banks such as Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, from entering into most contracts with state and local governments because they avoid the fossil fuel sector. Earlier this year, West Virginia followed suit with similar legislation, and Arkansas recently stopped using BlackRock for certain services due to its stance on climate change. Last month, 18 state attorneys general joined Missouri’s investigation into ESG investing ratings company Morningstar Inc. and its subsidiary Sustanalytics for alleged consumer fraud or unfair trade practices. Rokita was among the signatories. ‘Fundamentally flawed’ Some say it’s easy to see why Indiana—the eighth-largest coal-producing state—could be next in line to take a public stance against so-called green investing. Kerwin Olson “I would certainly expect a piece of legislation this year,” said Kerwin Olson, executive director of Citizens Action Coalition, an Indiana consumer and environmental advocacy organization. “We know that the fossil fuel industries are lobbying hard on this idea and this piece of legislation that we see in other places across the country.” Idaho, Oklahoma and Florida have also created policies that restrict whom they will do business with, which some Democrats argue will result in financial costs to taxpayers. Earlier this month, 14 state treasurers from mostly Democratic-controlled states crafted a missive of their own in response to the anti-ESG movement. Mitchell also did not sign this letter. “The blacklisting states apparently believe, despite ample evidence and scientific consensus to the contrary, that poor working conditions, unfair compensation, discrimination and harassment, and even poor governance practices do not represent material threats to the companies in which they invest,” the letter reads. “They refuse to acknowledge, in the face of sweltering heat, floods, tornadoes, snowstorms and other extreme weather, that climate change is real and is a true business threat to all of us.” When asked for her views on legislation banning the use of ESG-focused investment firms, Mitchell urged a thoughtful review. “The Treasurer’s Office performs duties enjoined to it by state law,” Mitchell said in a written statement to IBJ. “Any legislative directive that narrows free market options impacts investment of Hoosier funds, and the potential ramifications of such actions should be thoughtfully considered.” Banks and investment firms are increasingly offering ESG funds to their customers; in 2021, ESG funds in the United States attracted nearly $70 billion in new assets, up from $51.1 billion in 2020 and $5.4 billion in 2018, according to Morningstar Direct, an investment analysis firm. Dax Denton Dax Denton, chief policy officer for the Indiana Bankers Association, said restricting investments or state commerce based o...

Our Family Does ‘trips Instead Of Gifts’ For The Holidays—and It Has Been Life-Changing – Motherly Inc. https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/our-family-does-trips-instead-of-gifts-for-the-holidays-and-it-has-been-life-changing-motherly-inc/ I love birthdays and the holidays, but I don’t love the post-holiday clutter and extra stuff. So a few years ago, our family started leaning into experiences instead of gifts—and it has been a game-changer. Not only does clutter make me feel prickly and overwhelmed, but all that extra “stuff” (much of which ends up in the landfill) leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Eventually I decided to say enough. Enough with the post-holiday gift-giving hangover. Enough with the mental gymnastics to figure out my holiday shopping list. Enough with the piles of toys and clothes and games. We would do experiences instead of gifts. Instead of exchanging things none of us really need or want, we go on extended family vacations together. Instead of buying my kids gadgets, we go to sporting events together. Instead of wracking my brain to find the latest toy for my nieces and nephews, we give them tickets to a trampoline park or a membership to the zoo.  Related: 50+ awesome experience gifts to give—instead of toys  For the first few years, I worried that it would be a wet blanket on the holiday spirit. But giving experiences instead of gifts has only increased the holiday spirit—here’s why. 1. Experiences foster more gratitude Researchers at Cornell University found that even though people might feel happy about material goods, they feel more grateful for experiences. “We feel more gratitude for what we’ve done than for what we have—and that kind of gratitude results in more generous behavior toward others,” researchers wrote. What’s more, studies have found that giving your kid too many toys actually causes them to be less happy. Researchers have found that too many toys and games can cause kids to play less because they are distracted and overwhelmed. Sensory overload can thwart the concentration needed to play with the toys and games. 2. Vacations really are the gift that keeps on giving Research shows that family vacations can be “happiness anchors” for our kids, bringing them enjoyment for years—or even decades—to come. And these vacations can be happiness anchors for us parents too. On days when I’m feeling sluggish and blah, scrolling through vacation photos can give me the boost I need.   It’s important to note that trips and family vacations don’t have to be extravagant or involve faraway travels. A family vacation could be camping near home. A trip could be an afternoon road trip to a town near you that you haven’t been to before. It could be an outing to the local museum or regular trips to the zoo with an annual membership.  3. Experiences instead of gifts are better for the environment According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, household waste usually increases by about 25% and equates to about 1,000 extra pounds of trash. The increase in trash comes from the packaging used to ship items, gift wrapping (which is often not recyclable), and unwanted gifts that are tossed in the garbage (instead of donated).  Returning unwanted gifts is its own environmental nightmare too. “Shipping returned inventory across the United States generates an estimated 15 million tons of carbon emissions every year, the equivalent of three million cars’ annual emissions,” Fast Company reports. “After these returned products arrive at warehouses, retailers will dump five million tons of it in the trash, since this is often cheaper than trying to resell it.” 4. Experiences are better for kids’ brains (and our own) An Oxford University study found that the academic success of young children ages three to five was more dependent on their home environment and parental involvement than toys or electronic devices. Children with fewer toys and no electronics who had parents who spent more time with them did better in school and had stronger social-emotional skills. In other words, it isn’t what our kids have that matters, but who they interact and spend time with. Family vacations are a great way to spend time with children without the distractions of our day-to-day lives.  Studies have shown that international travel increases cognitive flexibility, enabling our brain to move more efficiently between different ideas. Child development experts and psychologists say that cross-cultural experiences can boost a sense of connection and empathy. You don’t need to travel the globe to get these benefits, however. Exposure to different cultures and people happens when we step outside of our bubble and immerse ourselves in a new culture or get to know people who have a different cultural background that ours. 5. Giving experiences doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition If you love having a few gifts under the tree or want your child to have something to unwrap on their birthday, rest assured, this doesn’t need to be an all-or-nothing approach. While the bulk of our gifts might be family vacations and in-town experiences, there are still some fun trinkets and gifts that I am confident my kids need or will enjoy. And since we don’t have a money tree in our backyard and need to stick to a budget, some years are lighter on the experiences while others are lighter on the “stuff.”  Related: 10 best experience gifts for kids & families  If you’re considering giving experiences instead of gifts this holiday season, let me tell you, it is a holiday game-changer—and a life-changer too. Without the last-minute holiday shopping panic, you can enjoy holiday baking shows while eating cookies and looking forward the adventure you have planned. And the experiences you enjoy with your family will provide benefits for years to come.

This Week In Washington – Chamber Business News https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/this-week-in-washington-chamber-business-news-2/ Latest news from Washington, D.C. produced by Total Spectrum/SGA exclusively for members of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry More Info: Michael DiMaria | Partner and Vice President of Business Development | 602-717-3891 | [email protected] Thanks for your interest in Washington, D.C., and thanks for reading This Week in Washington. Special thanks to those who participated in this week’s Arizona Chamber Fly-in. Congressman Erik Paulsenand I enjoyed visiting with each of you who attended. The pandemic robbed members of Congress from interacting with Americans… and the pandemic robbed Americans from interacting with members of Congress and their staff.  Thankfully, that’s all in the rearview mirror.  Both the Senate and the House returned to Washington right after Labor Day, and both are scheduled to leave town by the end of September. Patrick Robertson has written an excellent summary of Congress’ legislative agenda – what’s possible in the next 7 days and what is going to get pushed off until the lame duck session.  Patrick’s Washington Whispers articles are always good, and this week’s is exceptionally well done.  Ramona Lessen monitored the September 20th hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, entitled “Tightening the Screws on Russia.”  While Patrick summarized the legislative agenda, the political agenda is also on the front burner, and the water is boiling.  Republicans expect to take back the House of Representatives; the question is how many seats they will hold next January. The very conservative low is about 220, and the realistic high is around 230.  Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy will present the House Republicans’ ‘Commitment to America’ today in Pittsburgh, which they hope will help them achieve the biggest majority possible in the next Congress. The Senate is way too close to call. The key states have been – and still are – Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Republicans had momentum through the spring, but Democrats took some back over the summer. Republicans now sense a slight breeze at their back as inflation, interest rates, and the economy become more impactful. Senate Republicans are beginning to feel cautiously optimistic that they could hold a one or two seat majority next January. Today’s Total Spectrum Spotlight interview is with Nathan Gonzales, the Editor and Publisher of Inside Elections, which provides nonpartisan analysis of Senate, House, and gubernatorial, and presidential elections. Nathan provides important context and fascinating observations on November’s elections.   Congressman Erik Paulsen has planned a number of really important interviews for our Total Spectrum Spotlight series.  The next interview should be distributed next week, and as always, we welcome your thoughts and comments.We’ll be back in two weeks with the next issue of This Week. Steve Gordon Total Spectrum Managing Director Total Spectrum Spotlight Labor Day starts the final lap toward the finish line for this year’s elections. n this week’s Total Spectrum Spotlight, Congressman Erik Paulsen speaks with Nathan Gonzales, Editor and Publisher of Inside Elections, a publication which provides nonpartisan analysis of campaigns for Senate, House, governor and president. Mr. Gonzales also serves as Elections Analyst for CQ Roll Call. Mr. Gonzales shares his insights on the GOP’s momentum going into November’s midterm election and how the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision may have changed that momentum. He also explores whether results from special elections should be considered as trend indicators, and which Senate races are surprising analysts – and the potential for another runoff in Georgia All this and more in today’s Total Spectrum Spotlight. Washington Whispers By Patrick Robertson, Total Spectrum Strategic Consultant Congress returned after Labor Day from its summer break and its to-do list has narrowed as September marches on.  Coming into the month, the Senate had hoped to vote on a bill to codify the right for same-sex couples to marry, pass the annual defense authorization bill, pass a permitting reform bill authored by Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), and pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government beyond the end of Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22), which ends at midnight on September 30.  But since Congress returned, a number of these items have been pushed until after the election or even later. First, Democratic and Republican Senators announced that they would put off a vote on the same sex marriage bill until after the election. The bill negotiators, who include Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Susan Collins (R-ME), have been working for months to agree on a product that will get 60 votes in the Senate. This delay will give them more time to find the 60 votes they will surely need to clear the filibuster. Congress has passed an annual defense authorization bill for the better part of six decades. The Senate has not debated this year’s version, but the House passed a bill with almost 330 votes and defense negotiators have decided to conference a final product that both chambers can pass in a lame duck session following the November election. This strategy has been used in years past and observers expect that the bill will eventually pass. In exchange for his vote on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) got assurances from Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to consider a permitting reform bill that would make it easier to get federal permits for infrastructure projects, especially in the energy sector. This agreement was necessary because the changes Senator Manchin is seeking could not be considered under the Senate’s limited budget reconciliation rules that the Senate used to pass the IRA. Senator Manchin released his bill this week which proposes these permitting changes: A maximum time to consider federal permit requests; Concurrent review of permit application by multiple federal agencies; A new designation of projects of “strategic national importance” to receive expedited consideration; Some shorter timelines for legal challenges to federal permitting actions; and Enhance federal government authority over interstate transmission lines. Leader Schumer and Senator Manchin are working to insert these changes into the extension of government funding because it is a bill that will get 60 votes. They are banking on Republican support for both the funding bill and the permitting reform bill carrying over to make this package pass the Senate. But there are a few warning signs. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) has released her own permitting reform bill with 46 Republican Senate cosponsors, which gives those Republicans cover for opposing the Manchin plan if they want to do so. Some Republican Senators are suggesting they could tank the deal as revenge on Democrats who used budget reconciliation to pass their priorities. In addition, 72 House Democrats have said they oppose the Manchin plan. Just yesterday, Sen. Capito announced she will vote in favor of Sen. Manchin’s bill if it is included in the CR. Finally, in addition to some of the concerns being raised on the left, top House Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy is currently urging House Republicans to oppose the CR over their concerns on border funding. On Friday, Leader McCarthy will be in Pittsburgh, PA to announce Republicans’ unified message, called “Commitment to America.”  In short, there are a lot of twists and turns remaining in the debate to pass a funding bill before September 30 and the Congress has left a lot of work for itself when it returns after the November midterm elections. Lame duck sessions of Congress go one of two ways – either a lot of bipartisan dealmaking happens or Congress does the bare minimum, sometimes even punting decisions to the new Congress in the new year.   At this point, Congress is banking on having some cooperation in the lame duck but no one can know if that will be true until the political dynamic is set post-election. As a reminder, the 2020 Senate landscape was not clear until January 2021 with runoffs and recounts, so there could be an even more compressed timeline.Most observers predict that Congress will pass a short-term funding bill before September 30 to fund the government until either December 9 or December 16, and then decide if anything else can ride on that bill or if all items will need to wait until after the midterms.   Hearing Report By Ramona Lessen, Executive Director, Total Spectrum  Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on “Tightening the Screws on Russia” Tuesday, September 20, 2022; 9:00 a.m.  To view a livestream of the hearing please click here.  Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chairman Majority Statement Senator Patrick J. Toomey (R-PA), Ranking Member Minority Statement Witnesses: The Honorable Elizabeth Rosenberg Assistant Secretary For Terrorist Financing And Financial Crimes U.S. Department of the Treasury Testimony Mr. Andrew C. Adams Director, Task Force KleptoCapture United States Department of Justice Testimony Congressional Calendar All times ET Monday, Sept. 19 2 p.m. House Rules Committee business meeting to consider a bill, S. 1098, that would authorize federal direct consolidation loan borrowers to separate joint consolidation loans. Tuesday, Sept. 20 9 a.m. Senate Banking Committee hearing on “tightening the screws on Russia,” focusing on smart sanctions, economic statecraft and next steps. 9:30 a.m. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on U.S. nuclear strategy and policy. 10 a.m. House Agriculture Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee hearingon a 2022 review of the Farm Bill, with respect to stakeholder persp...

Community Calendar: Sept. 30-Oct. 7 – Portland Press Herald – Press Herald https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/community-calendar-sept-30-oct-7-portland-press-herald-press-herald/ Benefits Thursday 10/6 Inside Wayside: A Celebration & FUNdraiser: 6 p.m., Wayside Food Programs, 135 Walton St., Portland. $50, waysidemaine.org. Books/Authors Patten Free Library Writing Contest: Open to adults and teens grades 7 and up in library’s service, RSU 1 and other schools for short fiction and nonfiction. Deadline Dec. 3, cash prizes, .patten.lib.me.us/2022-writing-contest. Gulf of Maine Books will host Portland author Philip Hoose at Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick Oct. 3. Gordon Chibroski Monday 10/3 Portland Author Phillip Hoose: Reading and discussion of his new book “Duet – Our Journey in Song with the Northern Mockingbird,” 7 p.m., Curtis Memorial Library, Brunswick. Free and open to the public. Wednesday 10/5 “Angel of the Garbage Dump” book launch: 6:30 p.m., First Parish Unitarian Church, 425 Congress St., Portland. Features the late Yarmouth native Hanley Denning, who launched a school in the Guatemala City garbage dump. angelofthegarbagedump.com. Thursday 10/6 NEA Big Read: “Infinite Country”: 6 p.m., series of five book discussions on “Infinite Country” by Patricia Engel. Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Portland. Free, portlandlibrary.com. Friday 10/7 Maine Lit Fest Day: Rebecca Traister with Kerri Arsenault: 7 p.m., Maine Charitable Mechanic Association, 519 Congress St., Portland. Free, mechanicshallmaine.org. Ongoing Blurb Club in Congress Square Park: noon to 1 p.m., every other Thursday in Congress Square Park, Portland. Hosted by Portland Public Library, Riverton Branch, 1600 Forest Ave. portlandlibrary.com. Books and Brews: 6 p.m., fi3333rst Thursday, Flight Deck Brewing, Brunswick Landing. Books on Tap: 5:30 p.m. third Monday of the month via Zoom, hosted by Scarborough Public Library. Contact Tom Corbett at [email protected] Casco Bay Writers’ Project at the Hall: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Thursday, Maine Charitable Mechanic Association, 519 Congress St., Portland. mechanicshallmaine.org. Great Books Discussion: 10 a.m. to noon second Saturday, Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road. Always looking for new members; email [email protected] Guerilla Poetry Whoop: 6:30 p.m., second Thursday of the month via Zoom, hosted by Thomas Memorial Library in Cape Elizabeth, thomasmemoriallibrary.org/poetry-at-tml. Just Desserts Mystery Group: 6:30-7:30 p.m. virtual meeting first Tuesday of the month, presented by Curtis Memorial Library. curtislibrary.com. Midcoast Indigenous Awareness Group Book Club: 10 a.m. Fridays via Zoom, hosted by Curtis Memorial Library. Email [email protected] for Zoom invitation. Monday Afternoon Book Group: 1 p.m., first Monday of the month at Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick. Email [email protected] Racial Equity Book Group: 7-8 p.m. third Thursday of the month, hosted by Curtis Memorial Library. Books provided. Email [email protected] with questions. Registration and book list at curtislibrary.com (if registration is full, submit the form to be put on the waiting list). Read Your Mind: 12:30 p.m. last Wednesday of the month, virtual from Portland Public Library. Features new books, topics and resources about teen mental health, portlandlibrary.com. Reading Challenge 2022: Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland. List of 18 reading prompts to challenge readers throughout the year, princememorial.org. Road Scholars Walking Group: 10-11 a.m. Thursday. Do you want to read more? Do you want to walk more? Would you like to do both at the same time? Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main St., Yarmouth. yarmouthlibrary.org. Sci-fi Book Club: 5-6 p.m. via Zoom second Thursday of the month, hosted by Curtis Memorial Library. Email Marian Dalton at [email protected] to sign up. South Portland Public Library Writers’ Group: 2-4 p.m. first and third Saturdays via Zoom, southportlandlibrary.com/writers-group. World War II Commemoration: free military history, African-American history and Latino history downloads at ebooksforstudents.org. Writers’ Meet-Up: 6 p.m. second Thursday of the month via Zoom through Portland Public Library, portlandlibrary.com/series/writers-meet-up/ for more, including monthly writing prompts. Bulletin Board Freeport Fall Festival: Sept. 30-Oct. 2, L.L.Bean, KeyBank lawn, Freeport Village, over 180 New England artists, makers and local food producers,  visitfreeport.com. Saturday 10/1 Blessing of the Animals: 10-10:30 a.m., St. Mary Church parking lot, 144 Lincoln St., Bath; 10-10:30 a.m., St. Louis Church, 279 Danforth St., Portland; 1-2 p.m., St. Joseph Church lawn, 673 Stevens Ave., Portland; 2-2:30 p.m., Sacred Heart Church, 326 Main St., Yarmouth. Farm Tours: Wagon Ride: 2:30 p.m., Wolfe’s Neck Center, 184 Burnett Rd, Freeport. visitfreeport.com. Yard sale: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. North Pownal United Methodist, Lawrence Road, Pownal. Sunday 10/2 Pettengill Farm Day: 10:30 a.m., hosted by Freeport Historical Society, visitfreeport.com. Wednesday 10/5 Successful Aging Expo: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Park St., Freeport. Free, maineseniorguide.com. Thursday 10/6 Snowmobile Club meeting: 6 p.m., Tri-Town Penguins, Acacia Lodge, Route 136, Durham. Ongoing Board Game Social: 3-5 p.m. Fridays, Slot Car Junction, Brunswick. brunswickdowntown.org. Cafe en Français – French Conversation Club: 2:30 p.m., fourth Tuesday of the month, People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick. peopleplusmaine.org. Calico Quilters: 7 p.m. first and third Mondays, North Yarmouth Congregational Church, Route 115, 7-9 PM. All are welcome to attend; contact Lorna Clark, [email protected] Chess Club: 6 p.m. first and third Wednesdays of the month, Curtis Library Chess Club open to all ages, younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult helper. Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick. curtislibrary.libcal.com. Citizens Climate Lobby Portland Chapter: 9-10:30 a.m. via Zoom first Saturday of the month, Facebook or citizensclimatelobbymaine.weebly.com. Connected: nondenominational social group for widowers, widows, divorced and singles 55 and over, 7 p.m. first Monday of the month, St. Charles Borromeo Church Hall, 132 McKeen St., Brunswick. Guest speaker, light refreshments, 725-1266 or 725-8386. Craft Meetup: 4:30-6 p.m. Mondays, Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St, Brunswick. curtislibrary.libcal.com. Critical Home Repair program: Habitat for Humanity partners with low-income homeowners who require safety and structural repairs, including accessibility issues, unsafe roofing or flooring, lack of heat, electrical or plumbing hazards. Cumberland County residents only, habitatportlandme.org/critical-home-repair. Down East Ship Modelers Guild: 1 p.m. second Thursday of every month, 200 Congress St., Bath, rear of the American Legion Hall. 751-2453. Freeport American Legion: 5:30 p.m. every 2nd Thursday of the month, Freeport Masonic Lodge, 33 Mallot Drive. ALL Veterans welcome. Freeport Classic Car Cruise Night: 5-7 p.m. every Wednesday through Aug. 17, 31 Maine St., Freeport Antiques and Heirlooms Showcase with food, live music, 50/50, giveaways. Game Night: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Sunday, Foreplay Sports Pub, 436 Fore St., Portland. Free. Maine Irish Heritage Trail: self-guided historical Portland tour, map at maineirishheritagetrail.org. Maker’s Market: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, Brick South at Thompson’s Point, 15 Resurgam Place, Portland. Local farms, artisans, artists, thompsonspoint.com. Makers on Main: 10 a.m., first Saturday of each month through September. Freeport. visitfreeport.com. Monument(al) Square Market: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Thursday in Portland, goods crafted by Portland makers. Museum Passes: Merrill Memorial Library in Yarmouth has passes for patrons to Maine Maritime Museum, Maine Wildlife Park, Portland Museum of Art, Children’s Museum of Maine, Farnsworth Art Museum and Maine State Parks. Reserve at 846-4763 or [email protected] Portland ReStore: 659 Warren Ave., restoreportlandmaine.org. Scarborough 55-plus Program Senior Drop-In: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday. Get together for coffee, snacks, games and camaraderie. Registration not necessary. SCS Hub, 418 Payne Road, Scarborough. Free, scarboroughmaine.org. Scarborough Kiwanis: noon lunch meeting Fridays, Cowbell Wood-Fired Grill, 185 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough. scarboroughkiwanis.org. Senior Bingo: noon, every Monday, Scarborough Community Center Hub, 418 Payne Road, Scarborough, 55-plus, free, registration not necessary, scarboroughmaine.org. Stump Trivia: 8-10 p.m., Sea Dog Brewing Company, 125 Western Ave., South Portland. sopo.seadogbrewing.com. Topsham ReStore: 126 Main St., 504-9340. Trivia: 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Stroudwater Distillery, 28 Resurgam Place, Portland. Free, stroudwaterdistillery.com. Trivia Night: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays, Byrnes’ Irish Pub, 38 Centre St. Bath. byrnesirishpub.com. Vigils for Peace and Justice: 5-5:30 p.m. Fridays, Brunswick Town Mall, Maine Street at Park Row. Dining Saturday 10/1 Saturday Supper: 5-6 p.m., Brunswick Post 20 American Legion Hall, 1 Columbus Drive (next to the Brunswick U-Haul). $12, [email protected] Ongoing Brunswick Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday and Friday, Brunswick Mall, Park Row and Maine Street. Cumberland Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Town Hall, 290 Tuttle Road. Curbside Souper Supper: 5 p.m. second and fourth Fridays of the month. Masks and social distancing. Free to all. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 43 Foreside Road, Falmouth. smary.org. Deering Center Community Church in Portland: Call 773-2423 for more information. Freeport Community Services Food Pantry: open for in-person shopping 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday at 55 Depot St., Freeport, see fscmaine.org. Freeport Farmers Market: hosted by Freeport Climate A...

2022 Presidents Cup Scores, Results: Live Coverage, Standings, Golf Updates, Schedule For Day 2 On Friday – CBS Sports https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/2022-presidents-cup-scores-results-live-coverage-standings-golf-updates-schedule-for-day-2-on-friday-cbs-sports/ The United States takes a commanding 4-1 lead into Day 2 of the 2022 Presidents Cup at Quail Hollow Golf Club. The U.S. looked right at home in Charlotte, and the Americans appear primed to win their 12th Presidents Cup if all goes according to plan. Adding to their dominance in foursomes on Thursday, they now shift their attention to four-ball where the U.S. side has drawn square with the International team since 2007. The Internationals squad is sending out Adam Scott first, once again, despite the eldest member of the away team struggling mightily alongside Hideki Matsuyama on Day 1. He will be paired with his fellow Australian Cameron Davis as the pair aims to take down the American duo of Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. In total, five four-ball matches will be contested as Trevor Immelman’s squad attempts to claw its way back into contention. Despite all the naysayers, falling behind by three points early in the competition is not insurmountable for an away team as showcased by the U.S. in 2019 at Royal Melbourne. In Australia, the U.S. lost the first session at the exact same 4-1 score  only to raise the Presidents Cup by week’s end with a 16-14 victory. While the likelihood of the International team replicating this feat is faint, it remains a possibility heading into the second day of event. 2022 Presidents Cup scores, results Day 2 — Four-ball 1 Jordan Spieth & Justin Thomas 3 UP thru 8 Adam Scott & Cameron Davis 2 Scottie Scheffler & Sam Burns TIED thru 8 Sungjae Im & Sebastian Munoz 3 Cameron Young & Kevin Kisner 1 UP thru 7 Mito Pereira & C. Bezuidenhout 4 Patrick Cantlay & Xander Schauffele 4 UP thru 7 Hideki Matsuyama & Tom Kim 5 Billy Horschel & Max Homa 2 UP thru 6 Corey Conners & Taylor Pendrith CBS Sports will be with you the entire way updating this story with the latest from the second day of the Presidents Cup. Keep it locked here for live scores, updates and highlights. See New Posts Pinned Pinned U.S. extending its margin in matches Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele will have an opportunity to go 4 UP through seven and they are not alone in this international drubbing. Spieth and Thomas are 3 UP on the ninth green and Homa and Horschel just went 2 UP through six. The good news for the away team is they just tied a match, but they will need more than that if they want to have a heartbeat over the weekend. Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Cantlay and Schauffele rolling The duo again looks unbeatable. They might play the role of Morikawa and DJ or Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari this week and just go out and never lose en route to a rout. Pinned Pinned Three U.S. flags on the board Leading in the first match of the day, slowly but surely other U.S. partnerships have followed the way of Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele command a 2 UP lead through five while Max Homa and Billy Horschel are 1 UP through four. The internationals need to start making putts and fast. Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned JT and Spieth picking up where they left off Now 2 UP thru five, the American frontmen are one of two pairs to command a lead on the golf course. Thomas continues to find his stride with the putter in hand while Australians Cam Davis and Adam Scott can’t seem to figure out the greens of Quail Hollow. Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay recently went 1 UP in their match. Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Pinned Keep an eye on the internationals’ putting The visiting team made just one putt outside 15 feet on Day 1 and just three holes into fourball, they have already matched that total. Sam Burns and Sebastian Munoz traded birdies on the par-4 third to remain tied. Up ahead, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth take a 1 UP lead thanks to a Thomas birdie. Pinned Pinned Kisner gets his first taste of 2022 Presidents Cup Dapping up George W. on the first tee, Kisner later got up-and-down for par on No. 1. He is paired with Cameron Young and will take on Mito Pereira and Christiaan Bezuidenhout in the third match of the day. Pinned Pinned Pinned Presidents in attendance It always makes this event feel bigger. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush are on the first tee this morning to watch the festivities. See More

The Metaverse Is ‘really Dangerous’ When It Comes To Privacy, Attorney Jay Edelson Says – Fast Company https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/the-metaverse-is-really-dangerous-when-it-comes-to-privacy-attorney-jay-edelson-says-fast-company/ The metaverse has risen to become one of tech’s biggest focuses for the next decade. Just look at Facebook, which was renamed Meta last year as part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s vision for the immersive technology. But the rise in the metaverse also coincides with an increased focus on consumer privacy. Users and lawmakers have become more concerned with how their data is being used, tracked, and sold. Having people work, play, and live in a virtual world that users enter through a type of headset is likely going to be a disaster when it comes to data collection, argues attorney Jay Edelson, who has brought previous privacy suits against Google and Facebook. From left: Harry McCracken, global technology editor, Fast Company; Jay Edelson, attorney and founder, Edelson law firm [Photo: Maja Saphir for Fast Company] Headset devices are able to record things like a person’s movements, facial attributes, blinking, surroundings, and their activities when they’re in the metaverse. “The metaverse is really dangerous on privacy because if the idea is that we’re going to be wearing stuff that is tracking everything from our heartbeat to where we go and who we talk to, it is just gold for data companies,” Edelson told the audience at the Fast Company Innovation Festival on Thursday. That’s where the importance of privacy laws come in, he said. Proponents of data privacy are pushing for companies to either share their data collection practices with consumers because they want to or because they’re compelled to by law. “The key thing is for companies to actually talk about publicly and disclose what they’re collecting,” Edelson said. “I’m not looking to sue everyone. I’d rather they just change their behavior. If there’s a reason you’re not willing to say it in your contracts or on stage or anywhere else, maybe that’s because it’s stuff that you shouldn’t be doing. That’s a key thing with the metaverse.” [Photo: Maja Saphir for Fast Company] It’s still the early days of the metaverse. The ability to transition seamlessly from the digital world to the physical is still unrealized. But it’s clear that many believe it to be one of the biggest growth opportunities in the next decade. In just the first five months of 2022, companies and venture capital and private equity firms have invested more than $120 billion in the metaverse, according to a report from McKinsey & Company. That’s more than double what was invested in all of 2021. The investments come with good reason: McKinsey anticipates that the metaverse could generate up to $5 trillion in impact by 2030. “It’s fine to innovate. It’s fine to do kind of cool things,” Edelson said, “but you’ve got to tell people what actually you’re collecting, who you’re giving it to, and what’s going to happen with the data. It’s about disclosures and consent, to me.”