Efforts to reduce the nation’s persistently high maternal mortality rates involve state panels of experts that investigate and learn from each mother’s death. The panels — called maternal mortality review committees — usually work quietly out of the public eye, but that’s not been the case recently in three states with strict abortion laws. Georgia dismissed all members of its committee in November after information about deaths being reviewed leaked to the news organization ProPublica. Days later, The Washington Post reported that Texas’ committee won’t review cases from 2022 and 2023, the first two years after the state banned nearly all abortions. In Idaho, the state let its panel disband in 2023 only to reinstate it this year. “They’ve become more of a lightning rod than they were before,” said epidemiologist Michael Kramer, director of the Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities at Mercer University in Georgia. Here’s what these committees do and what might happen next: “Maternal mortality review committees are important because they are the most comprehensive source of information about maternal mortality that we have,” said David Goodman, who leads the maternal mortality prevention team at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The panels review deaths that occur during pregnancy or within a year after it ends, whether related to the pregnancy or not. Causes of death can range from hemorrhage during childbirth to drug overdoses to traffic accidents. The goal, Kramer said, is to examine maternal deaths and help “decide what we can do about them.” All states, a few cities and Puerto Rico have these committees. Their membership varies and may include OB-GYNs, maternal-fetal medicine doctors, nurses, midwives, mental and public health experts and members of patient advocacy groups. Most have representatives from several areas of expertise, which the CDC recommends. How members are selected also varies; people may apply, submit letters of interest or be invited to serve. The selection shouldn’t be politically motivated, Kramer said, because “if there’s a systematic exclusion of certain data or certain perspectives” it’s difficult to truly understand what’s happening. The panels work with state vital statistics offices and epidemiologists to identify deaths associated with pregnancy by examining death certificates and looking for a pregnancy checkbox or a related cause of death. They also may search for links to birth and fetal death records, or delve into hospital discharge data, media reports and obituaries. Once they identify cases, they collect as much information as possible, such as prenatal care records, hospital and social service records, autopsy reports and interviews with family members. Professional “abstractors” distill all this into case narratives, which committee members pore over. Most use a standardized review process developed by the CDC — and all panels can get help and guidance from the agency. They consider questions such as: Was the death pregnancy- related? What was the underlying cause? Was it preventable? What factors contributed? States generally have privacy rules that protect committee members and people who provide information on the deaths. The groups then issue public reports that don’t name mothers or hospitals but include overall findings, trends and recommendations. Some come out a couple of years or more after the deaths. Across the nation in 2023, Goodman said, 151 recommendations from those reports were implemented by communities, hospitals, medical professionals and policymakers. Georgia will rebuild its committee through a new application process, the state public health commissioner said. Texas’ committee has been reviewing 2021 deaths and will start on 2024 cases at its next meeting, Texas Department of State Health Services spokesperson Lara Anton said. “Reviewing cases is a lengthy process and legislators have asked for more recent data. Starting the next review cycle with 2024 cases will allow us to provide that in the next report,” Anton said, adding that maternal and child health epidemiologists will continue to analyze and publish data for 2022 and 2023. In Idaho, the reconstituted review committee now falls under the state board of medicine, which licenses doctors, instead of the state’s health and welfare department. It will operate like it always has, said Bob McLaughlin, spokesperson for the medical board. Members met for the first time in November and plan to issue a report by Jan. 31. Because the legislature wanted the most up-to-date information, McLaughlin said the first report will cover only 2023 cases, and the group will review 2022 deaths next. Get local news delivered to your inbox!RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Thousands of revelers gathered alongside Copacabana beach for Rio de Janeiro’s annual pride parade on Sunday, many scantily dressed and covered in glitter. Rainbow-colored flags, towels and fans abounded among the crowd mostly made up of young people who danced and sang along to music blaring from speakers. While the atmosphere was festive, some spoke of the threat of violence LGBTQ+ people face in Brazil. “As the sister of a trans woman, I’m scared to death,” said Helen Karajá, a 32-year-old bisexual artist. At least 230 LGBTQ+ Brazilians were victims of violent deaths in 2023, according to the umbrella watchdog group Observatory of LGBTI+ deaths and violence in Brazil. And last year than in any other country, according to Transgender Europe, a network of global non-profits that tracks the data. To be sure, life for gay people is safer now than it used to be, said Carlos da Cunha, a 71-year-old hairdresser. “In the past, people had to go to ghettos to meet people, because you couldn’t just be anywhere,” said da Cunha. “Now, we can walk down the street without being attacked, without being insulted or humiliated.” One of the themes of this year’s pride march was sustainability. “Environmental justice will only be possible with racial and social justice, gender equality and sexual diversity” read one banner attached to a truck. Brazil has faced a series of environmental catastrophes this year, including , state, and across the country. “If we can’t respect the environment, how can we respect others?” said Alexia Soutinho, a 23-year-old student who identifies as pansexual and lives in the .Man City Set Unwanted UCL Record After Dramatic 3-3 Draw With Feyenoord
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Lea Miller-Tooley hopped off a call to welcome the Baylor women’s basketball team to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas, where 80-degree temperatures made it easy for the Bears to settle in on Paradise Island a week before Thanksgiving. About 5,000 miles west of the Caribbean nation, similar climes awaited Maui Invitational men's teams in Hawaii. They’ve often been greeted with leis, the traditional Hawaiian welcome of friendship. College basketball teams and fans look forward to this time of the year. The holiday week tournaments feature buzzworthy matchups and all-day TV coverage, sure, but there is a familiarity about them as they help ward off the November chill. For four decades, these sandy-beach getaways filled with basketball have become a beloved mainstay of the sport itself. “When you see (ESPN’s) ‘Feast Week’ of college basketball on TV, when you see the Battle 4 Atlantis on TV, you know college basketball is back,” said Miller-Tooley, the founder and organizer of the Battle 4 Atlantis men's and women's tournaments. “Because it’s a saturated time of the year with the NFL, college football and the NBA. But when you see these gorgeous events in these beautiful places, you realize, ‘Wow, hoops are back, let’s get excited.’” The Great Alaska Shootout was the trend-setting multiple-team event (MTE) nearly five decades ago. The brainchild of late Alaska-Anchorage coach Bob Rachal sought to raise his program’s profile by bringing in national-power programs, which could take advantage of NCAA rules allowing them to exceed the maximum allotment of regular-season games if they played the three-game tournament outside the contiguous 48 states. The first edition, named the Sea Wolf Classic, saw N.C. State beat Louisville 72-66 for the title on Nov. 26, 1978. The Maui Invitational followed in November 1984, borne from the buzz of NAIA program Chaminade’s shocking upset of top-ranked Virginia and 7-foot-4 star Ralph Sampson in Hawaii two years earlier. Events kept coming, with warm-weather locales getting in on the action. The Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Cancun Challenge in Mexico. The Cayman Islands Classic. The Jamaica Classic. The Myrtle Beach Invitational joining the Charleston Classic in South Carolina. Numerous tournaments in Florida. Some events have faded away like the Puerto Rico Tipoff and the Great Alaska Shootout, the latter in 2017 amid event competition and schools opting for warm-weather locales. Notre Dame takes on Chaminade during the first half of a 2017 game in Lahaina, Hawaii. Miller-Tooley’s push to build an MTE for Atlantis began as a December 2010 doubleheader with Georgia Tech beating Richmond and Virginia Tech beating Mississippi State in a prove-it moment for a tournament’s viability. It also required changing NCAA legislation to permit MTEs in the Bahamas. Approval came in March 2011; the first eight-team Atlantis men’s tournament followed in November. That tournament quickly earned marquee status with big-name fields, with Atlantis champions Villanova (2017) and Virginia (2018) later winning that season’s NCAA title. Games run in a ballroom-turned-arena at the resort, where players also check out massive swimming pools, water slides and inner-tube rapids surrounded by palm trees and the Atlantic Ocean. “It’s just the value of getting your passport stamped, that will never get old,” Miller-Tooley said. “Watching some of these kids, this may be their first and last time – and staff and families – that they ever travel outside the United States. ... You can see through these kids’ eyes that it’s really an unbelievable experience.” ACC Network analyst Luke Hancock knows that firsthand. His Louisville team finished second at Atlantis in 2012 and won that year’s later-vacated NCAA title, with Hancock as the Final Four's most outstanding player. “I remember (then-coach Rick Pitino) saying something to the effect of: ‘Some of you guys might never get this opportunity again. We’re staying in this unbelievable place, you’re doing it with people you love,’” Hancock said. “It was a business trip for us there at Thanksgiving, but he definitely had a tone of ‘We’ve got to enjoy this as well.’” Maui offers similar vibes, though 2024 could be a little different as Lahaina recovers from deadly 2023 wildfires that forced the event's relocation last year. North Carolina assistant coach Sean May played for the Tar Heels’ Maui winner in 2004 and was part of UNC’s staff for the 2016 champion, with both teams later winning the NCAA title. May said “you just feel the peacefulness” of the area — even while focusing on games — and savors memories of the team taking a boat out on the Pacific Ocean after title runs under now-retired Hall of Famer Roy Williams. “Teams like us, Dukes, UConns – you want to go to places that are very well-run,” May said. “Maui, Lea Miller with her group at the Battle 4 Atlantis, that’s what drives teams to come back because you know you’re going to get standard A-quality of not only the preparation but the tournament with the way it’s run. Everything is top-notch. And I think that brings guys back year after year.” That’s why Colorado coach Tad Boyle is so excited for the Buffaloes’ first Maui appearance since 2009. “We’ve been trying to get in the tournament since I got here,” said Boyle, now in his 15th season. And of course, that warm-weather setting sure doesn’t hurt. “If you talk about the Marquettes of the world, St. John’s, Providence – they don’t want that cold weather,” said NBA and college TV analyst Terrence Oglesby, who played for Clemson in the 2007 San Juan Invitational in Puerto Rico. “They’re going to have to deal with that all January and February. You might as well get a taste of what the sun feels like.” Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo argues a call during the first half of a Nov. 16 game against Bowling Green in East Lansing, Michigan. Mi The men’s Baha Mar Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, got things rolling last week with No. 11 Tennessee routing No. 13 Baylor for the title. The week ahead could boast matchups befitting the Final Four, with teams having two weeks of action since any opening-night hiccups. “It’s a special kickoff to the college basketball season,” Oglesby said. “It’s just without the rust.” On the women’s side, Atlantis began its fourth eight-team women’s tournament Saturday with No. 16 North Carolina and No. 18 Baylor, while the nearby Baha Mar resort follows with two four-team women’s brackets that include No. 2 UConn, No. 7 LSU, No. 17 Mississippi and No. 20 N.C. State. Then come the men’s headliners. The Maui Invitational turns 40 as it opens Monday back in Lahaina. It features second-ranked and two-time reigning national champion UConn, No. 4 Auburn, No. 5 Iowa State and No. 10 North Carolina. The Battle 4 Atlantis opens its 13th men’s tournament Wednesday, topped by No. 3 Gonzaga, No. 16 Indiana and No. 17 Arizona. Michigan State Hall of Famer Tom Izzo is making his fourth trip to Maui, where he debuted as Jud Heathcote’s successor at the 1995 tournament. Izzo's Spartans have twice competed at Atlantis, last in 2021. “They’re important because they give you something in November or December that is exciting,” Izzo said. Any drawbacks? “It’s a 10-hour flight,” he said of Hawaii. Mike Tyson, left, slaps Jake Paul during a weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight bout, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) In this image taken with a slow shutter speed, Spain's tennis player Rafael Nadal serves during a training session at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, in Malaga, southern Spain, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) A fan takes a picture of the moon prior to a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Uruguay and Colombia in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich) Rasmus Højgaard of Denmark reacts after missing a shot on the 18th hole in the final round of World Tour Golf Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) Taylor Fritz of the United States reacts during the final match of the ATP World Tour Finals against Italy's Jannik Sinner at the Inalpi Arena, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) fails to pull in a pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/ Brynn Anderson) Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, top right, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) India's Tilak Varma jumps in the air as he celebrates after scoring a century during the third T20 International cricket match between South Africa and India, at Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski warms up before facing the Seattle Kraken in an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Kansas State players run onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Arizona State Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) A fan rapped in an Uruguay flag arrives to the stands for a qualifying soccer match against Colombia for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico) People practice folding a giant United States flag before an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Marquinhos attempts to stop the sprinklers that were turned on during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Venezuela at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Georgia's Georges Mikautadze celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League, group B1 soccer match between Georgia and Ukraine at the AdjaraBet Arena in Batumi, Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili) Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque, right, attempts to score while Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (32) keep the puck out of the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt) Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario misses the third goal during the Nations League soccer match between Italy and France, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) President-elect Donald Trump attends UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Fans argue in stands during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Israel at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Thursday Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova hits a return against Danielle Collins, of the United States, during a tennis match at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Malaga, southern Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) St. John's guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) falls after driving to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against New Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) England's Anthony Gordon celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between England and the Republic of Ireland at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Katie Taylor, left, lands a right to Amanda Serrano during their undisputed super lightweight title bout, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner, right, tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington, left, on a punt return during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) UConn's Paige Bueckers (5) battles North Carolina's Laila Hull, right, for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Greensboro, N.C., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown) Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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HOW Kashmiri Brothers are treated in Himachal Pradesh. We Request administration of Himachal Pradesh that kindly look into this matter immediately. Video Source:-Social Media Important Update in the Himachal Pradesh Communal Harassment Case: The Himachal Pradesh Police have registered an FIR against the woman Block Development Council (BDC) member involved in the incident. Director General of Police (DGP) Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Atul Verma Sahab,...Emirates launches second daily flight between Dubai and Perth as Saffioti eyes of direct India flightsThe Indiana Pacers reached an agreement to acquire center Thomas Bryant from the Miami Heat, ESPN reported Friday. Bryant becomes trade-eligible this Sunday, and the Heat will ship him to Indiana for a swap of future second-round draft picks, according to the report. Bryant, 27, is in his eighth season in the NBA and his second with the Heat. Bryant got into 10 games this season and averaged 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per game, his lowest averages since his rookie year. In 277 career games (138 starts) with the Los Angeles Lakers (2017-18; 2022-23), Washington Wizards (2018-22), Denver Nuggets (2023) and Heat (2023-24), Bryant has averaged 9.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. The Pacers were seeking a new backup center after both Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman were lost to torn Achilles tendons. Bryant played collegiately at Indiana. --Field Level MediaReport: Heat agree to trade Thomas Bryant to Pacers
Crown Royal Paints Nashville Purple During "The 58th Annual CMA Awards" Week from launch of Crown Royal 31 Year Old in Partnership with Daniel Diamond to Generous Moment on CMA Awards Stage NASHVILLE, Tenn. , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In its seventh year as the exclusive whisky partner of the CMA Awards, Crown Royal spread generosity through Music City across the week, culminating in a special announcement on Country Music's Biggest Night. Woven into the fabric of country music, Crown Royal brings people together through shared values and experiences that define the genre. This year, the brand raised the bar and 'painted the town purple' like never before with a packed presence in Nashville . To kick off the week, the award-winning whisky brand partnered with Daniel Musto of fashion brand DanielxDiamond to debut Crown Royal Aged 31 Years. Musto shared a collection of iconic looks from country music's biggest stars along with his tips for luxury western styling. The duo adorned guests with their very own custom DanielxDiamond Crown Royal jacket, a perfect accessory for CMA Awards week. Side-by-side with this rare whisky, the two icons cheers to craftsmanship, excellence and country music. Continuing the star-studded week of celebrations, Crown Royal teamed up with New Artist of the Year nominee Nate Smith and veteran-turned-country-artist Scotty Hasting to raise a glass to Crown Royal partner, CreatiVets, a non-profit organization helping veterans navigate life after service through music. Last night, Crown Royal and Smith hit the stage at "The 58th Annual CMA Awards," highlighting the story of veteran Scotty Hasting's life-changing journey from Purple Heart recipient to one of country music's own. During an intimate conversation, Hasting shared how the support of CreatiVets led to him writing his first debut single and making his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage. He also recounted moments from a recent performance in Nashville . "I am so proud to be able to use music to reach people and help Veterans like myself, after returning home," said Hasting. "It's an honor to support CreatiVets and Crown Royal in their mission to continue to help people through music, too." Amid roaring applause and a standing ovation, Smith announced a $50,000 donation to CreatiVets on behalf of Crown Royal. Since the start of their partnership, Crown Royal has spearheaded efforts to raise over $370,000 in support for this cause.* "I'm humbled to put a spotlight on an organization as incredible as CreatiVets on country music's biggest stage," said Smith. "Crown Royal has been my go-to in the songwriting room and while on tour, and I've long admired their commitment to supporting veterans. Learning about CreatiVets' mission and Scotty's personal story is something I'll never forget." Crown Royal first partnered with CreatiVets in 2022, and through Crown Royal's continued commitment and support over the past two years, CreatiVets has significantly fueled their mission, nearly doubling their annual number of veterans served in 2024. The brand's support has also helped enable a thirty-five percent increase in songwriting programs, while also facilitating the launch of new chapters and community initiatives.* "As we returned to Music City for the seventh year, it was important for us to extend our presence and plant our purple flag in the heart of country music. We are proud to have celebrated the country music community from our new partnership with DanielxDiamond for Crown Royal Aged 31 to celebrating iconic artists at the 72nd Annual BMI Country Awards," said Jesse Damashek , Senior Vice President, North American Whiskeys at Diageo. "And of course, with generosity at the core of our brand we closed out the week with a memorable giveback moment. What an honor to have teamed up with Nate Smith and Scotty Hasting , to support our partner CreatiVets and highlight the incredible work they are doing for our veterans." CMA Awards viewers at home had the opportunity to join in on the generosity by scanning a QR code that appeared onscreen or by visiting https://stage.crownroyal.com/cmacreativets . Each visit to the website (including by QR code scan) on or before November 21 will result in the brand donating an additional $1 . These donations will be in addition to the $50,000 Crown Royal will contribute to CreatiVets mission.*** Crown Royal also sponsored the 72nd annual BMI Country Awards, the Creative Artist Agency watch party, and continued celebrations as a sponsor of William Morris Endeavor's official CMA Awards after party. Country stars and industry alike gathered to toast with specialty cocktails crafted exclusively for the occasions, rounding out a week of unforgettable moments. Crown Royal reminds everyone 21+ that living generously is not about what you have, but about what you give. And, most importantly, to always drink responsibly. About Crown Royal Crown Royal Canadian Whisky is the number-one selling Canadian whisky brand in the world and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal's smooth, elegant flavor and gift-worthy presentation reflect its regal origins – it is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information, visit crownroyal.com . Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly. About Diageo North America Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker , Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit diageo.com . Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, DRINKiQ.com , for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow on Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA. About the CMA Awards The first "CMA Awards Banquet and Show" was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards was broadcast for the first time – making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network television. The CMA Awards have aired on ABC since 2006. ABC is the network home of the CMA Awards and CMA's other two television properties, "CMA Fest" and "CMA Country Christmas." About Nate Smith Bursting onto the scene a few short years ago, country vocal powerhouse Nate Smith has accumulated over 2 billion career streams, scored three multi-week No. 1 records ("Whiskey on You," "World on Fire" and "Bulletproof"), garnered multiple gold and platinum records, sold-out shows across the US and received numerous nominations for best new artist from the CMA Awards, ACM Awards, CMT Awards, iHeart Radio Awards and so many more. Most recently, Smith received the award for ACM New Male Artist of the Year, Billboard's Rookie of the Year and Amazon's Breakthrough Country Artist for 2024. Smith's sophomore album, California Gold, was just released and debuted Top 15 on Billboard's Country Albums Chart. About Scotty Hasting In April of 2011, former Army Infantryman with the 1st Infantry Division 4th Squadron 4th Cavalry Scotty Hasting was left fighting for his life, flying out of Afghanistan on a medivac after being shot ten times. Narrowly escaping death, Hasting is now on a mission to help anyone struggling through his music. Despite only first picking up a guitar in 2020, Hasting signed with Black River Entertainment in 2023 and has already opened for incredible artists, including Dave Grohl , Tanya Tucker , Jelly Roll, Lee Brice , Chris Janson , and more. Hasting recently partnered with Operation Democracy and represented the U.S. with multiple performances in Normandy , France , during a week-long celebration commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day . Hasting released his debut EP, I'm America (5/3), stepped into the coveted Circle for his Grand Ole Opry debut (7/28), and shared the notable release, his own special version of "Til The Last Shot's Fired" with Lee Brice and Dolly Parton (10/15) . About CreatiVets CreatiVets' is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide wounded veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury with opportunities to use art, music, and creative writing to heal their unseen wounds of war. Their goal is to empower veterans with tools they can use for the rest of their lives and enable them to see their own capacity for success in an arena outside the battlefield. Learn more at creativets.org . Media Contacts: DIAGEO jazmine.settles@diageo.com TAYLOR crownroyal@taylorstrategy.com For Scotty Hasting : Dawn Delvo | Black River Entertainment ddelvo@blackriverent.com **Source: CreatiVets Financial Statements ***Diageo Americas, Inc. to donate up to $1,000,000 to national and local charities between 9/7/2024 & 6/30/2025, including this initiative in support of CreatiVets. Donation made via the Crown Royal Generosity Fund, a donor-advised fund administered by Fairfield County's Community Foundation, organized under IRS Section 501c(3). No minimum donation. Dispersal of funds subject to approval of Fairfield County's Community Foundation. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crown-royal-joins-forces-with-nate-smith-and-scotty-hasting-to-support-veterans-as-the-award-winning-whisky-donates-50-000-to-creativets-on-country-musics-biggest-night-302313677.html SOURCE Crown RoyalTrump's strategy is to create economic uncertainty in other countries: Freeland
It's been a while since fans have heard any big news about Blueface. This is mostly due to the fact that he's currently behind bars. The "Thotiana" rapper turned himself in earlier this year for an alleged parole violation. Unfortunately, it looks like he'll be in jail for at least another few months. That hasn't stopped him from making major changes, however, namely to his appearance. In new footage that surfaced online today, he looks to have gotten some new face tattoos. The last time supporters saw him, he didn't appear to have nearly as much ink on his face as he does now. At the time of writing, it remains unclear whether or not the tattoos are temporary or the real deal. Either way, the footage has sparked concern among social media users, who are now comparing him to Chrisean Rock . For those who don't recall, she debuted a huge tattoo of Blueface's face on her cheek after he was arrested. Read More: Blueface's Sister Kaliwae And Karlissa Saffold Get Into Heated Instagram Feud Over Kaliwae's Children While Blueface is wrapped up in his legal issues, Chrisean seems to have been caring for his youngest child Chrisean Jesus, who they welcomed in September of 2023. She's dealt with her own fair share of issues with the law in recent months, but now, it looks like she's committed to staying on a better path . For now, it's unclear whether or not Blueface plans to do the same when he's released. It's also uncertain exactly when he'll be able to reunite with his family, but he seems hopeful that it won't be too much longer. In October, his official Instagram account shared a post hinting at a potential release date. "I'll Ce Out JULY Don't Bink!!!!!" it read. This got fans' hopes up, as it was previously reported that he could be in jail for up to four years. Read More: Blueface Reveals New Prison Release Date And It’s Sooner Than ExpectedAs Naidu Govt bans recruitment of non-Hindus to TTD debate erupts over rule validity
India stands at the cusp of an energy revolution, with batteries playing an essential role in driving sustainable development across various sectors. As the country aims to lessen its dependence on fossil fuels and transition towards cleaner energy sources, the battery manufacturing and recycling ecosystem is likely to emerge as a critical component of this transformation. Presently, two primary types of batteries dominate the market, namely, lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). While lead-acid batteries have been used in consumer electronics for decades, LIBs on the other hand, have gained significant popularity due to their higher energy density and longer lifespan. The ministry of mines had identified 30 critical minerals in 2023 as risk in supply chain. Among them, lithium (Li), cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) are important under clean energy initiative for electric vehicle batteries. The government's further budget announcement to exempt 25 critical minerals from customs duty is likely to boost the production of these advanced battery types, particularly LIBs which rely heavily on such minerals. As of 2020, the estimated cumulative stock of LIBs in India was approximately 15 GWh, with consumer electronics charting the course at 61%, followed by stationary applications and transportation applications, respectively. India will be a major LIB consumer by 2030, the battery storage demand of 34GW in 2023 will be expected to reach 450GW by 2030. The majority of the rechargeable battery demand currently 90% are driven by automative applications. The consumer electronics sector, comprising tablets, laptops and smartphones, represents the largest share of LIB demand in India and this market is projected to double in the next two to three years, reaching an estimated value of ₹ 2 trillion. Demand for electric vehicles (EVs), LIB for electronic gadgets, linked and IoT-based devices, and automation and battery-operated material-handling equipment are the driver for the growth. Major demand LIB (80%) in EVs is seen due to the government’s push to replace 30% existing vehicles with EVs by 2030. This supremacy is expected to continue in the coming years and given the growing reliance of consumer electronics on LIBs, these batteries are crucial in achieving these projected growth figures. The exponential demand of LIBs system, expected to receive considerable investment in cumulative cell manufacturing capacity of 30GWh, as cell manufacturing cost in India is lowest $ 92.8/ kWh, China $98.2/kWh, Korea $ 98.1/kWh. Having said that, the current manufacturing focus in India is on assembling battery management systems (BMS) and battery packs with most sub-components produced domestically, except for key elements like some BMS components and thermal pads, which are imported, mostly from China. Currently, Li-ion cells or battery packs are predominantly imported from China, South Korea or Taiwan in India. However, challenges including a lack of key raw materials and limited research and development prevent in scaling up domestic battery cell manufacturing. The 70 % of the world’s lithium extracted from brine in Bolivia, Argentina, Australia, the United States, Chile and China and extraction is water and energy intensive process. Recently, reserves are found in Salal-Haimana area of the Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir. The Democratic Republic of Congo houses nearly 47 % of cobalt reserves, nearly 23 % in Australia, nearly 10 % in Indonesia and nearly 20% in rest of the world. Changing the battery chemistry, the manufacturers make a balance the cobalt supply with demand. Cobalt prices have declined by over 31% recently. Nickel-based lithium-ion batteries show a higher energy density than cobalt based one. Nickel reserves is 100 Mn MT, where Indonesia and Australia possess largest shares (21Mn MT). Due to the limited reserves of critical materials, the Circular Economy (CE) is preferred business model to create as alternative source. Urban mining gives the high returns with effective extraction efficiency, e.g. one tonne of battery grade lithium can be extracted from 750 tonnes of brine or 250 tonnes of ores, whereas, 1T battery graded lithium can easily be extracted from 28 tonnes of discarded LIB. Similarly, one tonne of battery grade cobalt can be recovered from 300 tonnes of ores, whereas, similar quantity of lithium may require five-15 tonnes of discarded lithium ion batteries. Though the scenario will be true only if battery grade recycling happens. Looking ahead, the total cumulative potential for battery storage in India is estimated to reach an impressive 600 GWh by 2030. Moreover, the estimated energy savings from recycling materials in consumer electronics is projected to be 14.7 GWh between 2022 to 2030. As a result, efficient recycling technologies dedicated to consumer electronics batteries becomes increasingly paramount. While the EV segment is estimated to contribute a large segment, the consumer electronics sector will also play a necessary role in the recycling ecosystem due to the shorter lifespan and higher turnover rate of these devices as compared to a car. Recognising this importance of battery recycling, the government had implemented various regulations to promote responsible disposal and recycling including the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001 and the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. These regulations outline the responsibilities of producers, dealers, consumers or entities involved in ensuring proper collection, transportation, and recycling of used batteries, including those from consumer electronics. Additionally, the recent budget announcement on the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) further emphasises this commitment. As announced by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, this mission will focus on domestic production, recycling of critical minerals, and overseas acquisition of critical mineral assets. Complementing this mission, a proposed Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for critical mineral recycling is under consideration by the ministry of mines. This scheme seeks to foster a circular economy by incentivising the recovery and reuse of critical minerals, thereby reducing reliance on imports and supporting the growth of domestic supply chain. However, despite these initiatives, challenges remain, including ambitious recycling targets, inadequate infrastructure, and a burdensome compliance process. Issues like daily upload of sales and procurement data and marking of EPR registration numbers are likely to disrupt global chains and make compliance burdensome. Furthermore, the regulations' emphasis on using domestically recycled content adds to the complexity, as India's manufacturing and recycling systems are still in the early phases of development. The effective addressal of these challenges requires the implementation of specialised recycling facilities and research in recycling technologies. This should be complemented with consumer awareness campaigns on proper battery disposal. Additionally, incentivising manufacturers to design devices with easily removable batteries is another essential component. To further bolster the battery ecosystem, strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be instrumental. By fostering collaboration between government bodies, industry leaders, and research institutions, India can accelerate innovation and establish robust supply chains. Investments in local manufacturing capabilities and R&D can reduce dependency on imports, thus enhancing self-reliance. On the international front, India can explore opportunities to engage with global initiatives and frameworks focused on sustainable energy and battery technology. Participation in international collaborations can provide access to advanced technologies, best practices, and funding opportunities. Furthermore, India must prioritise the development of a skilled workforce capable of driving the battery revolution. Educational and vocational training programs focused on battery technology, recycling processes, and sustainable practices can equip the workforce with the necessary skills to support the industry’s growth. India's journey towards a sustainable Bharat requires collaboration from stakeholders across sectors including the government, industry, and academia to overcome technological hurdles, establish efficient recycling infrastructure, and create a circular economy. Developing a comprehensive ecosystem for battery recycling will address India's needs and position the country as a global and a self-reliant hub for sustainable technology. This article is authored by Sandip Chatterjee, senior advisor, Sustainable Electronics Recycling International and adj. professor, IIT, Mandi and Dhawal Gupta, business director, Chase India.NEW YORK (AP) — Federal investigators in New York are seeking records from the manufacturer of an AI-powered weapons scanner that was briefly deployed this summer in New York City’s subway system. The tech company, Evolv, revealed in a public filing that it “received a voluntary document request from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York” on Nov. 1. It was unclear what the request was seeking. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan declined to comment on the request, which was first reported by the Daily News. In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for Evolv said the company was “pleased to cooperate with all government agencies and regulators who request information from our company.” The Massachusetts-based tech company, whose scanners have also been used at sports stadiums and schools, has faced allegations of misconduct. Last month, Evolv’s board of directors fired its chief executive following an internal investigation that found certain sales had been “subject to extra-contractual terms and conditions.” On Tuesday, the company announced it had resolved a previous probe launched by the Federal Trade Commission last year over allegations of deceptive marketing practices. The company is also under separate investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Despite the legal and regulatory scrutiny, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a pilot program this summer to bring a handful of scanners to the city's subways to deter gun violence. The initiative drew immediate criticism from civil liberties groups who said the searches were unconstitutional, along with questions about its efficacy. In October, the city revealed the scanners did not detect any passengers with firearms — but falsely alerted more than 100 times. At the time, a spokesperson for the New York Police Department said it was still “evaluating the outcome of the pilot” and had not entered into any contract with Evolv. Jake Offenhartz, The Associated Press
LSU outlasts UCF 109-102 in triple-OT affairThe hotel Moxy Lower East Side, NYC Moxy Lower East Side NYC. Check-in “This is Where the Magic Happens” reads the pink neon sign near the reception desk. Ain’t that the truth. The fourth, and most recent, Moxy to open in Manhattan doubles down on the brand’s design and style trademarks – funky, quirky, whimsical and aimed at the young and young-at-heart. Just to the right of the 303-room hotel’s entrance are two spiral staircases that take you down to on-site restaurant Sake No Hana. Inside to the left is the door to piano lounge Silver Lining. And to the right is The Fix, the open-plan all-day cafe, nighttime bar, co-working space and general hangout. It’s all in keeping with the brand’s MO to get guests out of their rooms and mingling. The look Interior fitout is unique and funky. The hotel occupies an impressive box of black steel, concrete and glass right on the former skid row – and now achingly hip – Bowery. Even before you take the elevator to your room, you’ll be playing a game of spot-the-quirk, taking photos and posting them to Instagram. Numerous unique touches from interior designers Michaelis Boyd and Rockwell Group include a statue of a hula-hooping bear, a hanging birdcage seat, a vintage Ms Pacman machine, a shuffleboard table, and lolly dispensers from Lower East Side institution Economy Candy. The room A King City View Room, compact but not cramped. The property has 10 room types – as well as the Factory Loft suite, just in case you’re feeling like king/queen of the world and want a 50-square metre haven with its own terrace. My King City View Room is compact but not cramped and, as with all Moxy hotels, it uses clever space-saving hacks including a fold-away desk, storage hutches under the bed and pegs for hanging clothes. A large flatscreen TV includes complimentary streaming apps. The bathroom has a rain shower, terrazzo floors, a lava stone sink, MUK bath products and a mirror framed with bulbs, making you feel as if you’re backstage and about to go on. The on-site 24/7 fitness centre has a range of Pelotons and state-of-the-art equipment. Food + drink The crowning glory... The Highlight Room rooftop bar. There are five food and beverage destinations, so good luck dragging yourself outside. The Fix has complimentary filter coffee, juices, muffins, yoghurt and fruit every morning, and there’s also a small cafe with espresso machine, baked goods and sandwiches. As the sun sets, the same space becomes an atmospheric and buzzy cocktail bar. Sake No Hana... there’s no shortage of bar or dining options at the Moxy. Downstairs, modern Japanese restaurant Sake No Hana is a huge space decorated with big kimono-like tapestries and hot air balloon-style light fittings. Food is next level, with shareable dishes including chili crunch edamame, black truffle steak tartare, and inventive sushi and teppanyaki dishes. Silver Lining is a speakeasy-style piano lounge inspired by Andy Warhol’s Factory from the ’60s, thus the mural that includes Edie Sedgewick and the famous banana design for the first Velvet Underground album. Settle into blue velvet upholstered chairs, order the Warhol Margarita, and enjoy the solo pianists and combos who keep the room humming. The hotel’s crowning glory, The Highlight Room rooftop bar festooned with explosions of hanging plants, has magnificent views of the Empire State Building uptown and the Freedom Tower downtown. In the basement, reached in true Lower East Side style by an alleyway, is subterranean nightclub Loosie’s, with mirror balls on the ceiling and lights synched to the DJ’s music. Out + about Katz’s Delicatessen, a Lower East Side institution, is a near neighbour. Credit: Getty Images If you had to choose the ideal base for exploring downtown Manhattan, your pin would land dead on the Moxy. Lower East Side favourites such as Katz’s Delicatessen, the Tenement Museum and the buzzy nightlife of Orchard and Ludlow Streets are in the ’hood, while the hip cafes, galleries and boutiques of NoLiTa and SoHo are just to the west, Chinatown is an easy walk downtown, and the East Village is a 15-minute stroll, just north of Houston Street. The verdict If ever a hotel reflected the buzz, energy and street style of the Lower East Side, then this is it. The essentials From $US199 a night. There are 30 accessible rooms, including those for wheelchair access and the hearing impaired. Moxy Lower East Side, 145 Bowery, New York. Phone +1 212 245 6699. See moxylowereastside.com Our score out of five ★★★★1⁄2 Highlight The dining experience at Sake No Hana is so good that you should consider making a booking even if you’re not staying at the hotel. Lowlight There is a $US32 destination fee each night, the benefits of which were only fully explained on my second day at the hotel – ask for details at check-in to make use of them. They include daily credits for laundry, for food and beverage at The Fix, and a CitiBike pass. The writer stayed as a guest of Moxy Lower East Side.
Vanquishing Bears, Thanksgiving losing streak tops Lions' holiday listTampa Bay (7-6) at Los Angeles Chargers (8-5) Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EST, FOX BetMGM NFL odds: Chargers by 3. Against the spread: Buccaneers 8-5; Chargers 9-4. Series record: Chargers lead 8-4. Last meeting: Chargers beat Buccaneers 38-31 in Tampa, Fla., on Oct. 4, 2020. Last week: Buccaneers beat Las Vegas 28-13; Chargers lost to Kansas City 19-17. Buccaneers offense: overall (3), rush (8), pass (6), scoring (5). Buccaneers defense: overall (28), rush (11), pass (30), scoring (22). Chargers offense: overall (24), rush (19), pass (25), scoring (13). Chargers defense: overall (11), rush (T-14), pass (8), scoring (1). Turnover differential: Buccaneers minus-2; Chargers plus-11. QB Baker Mayfield is trying to lead Tampa Bay to a fourth consecutive NFC South title. He’s already matched a career-best for touchdown passes with 28, but also hasn’t done as good a job of taking care of the football as a year ago. He threw for 295 yards and three TDs in last week’s 15-point win over Las Vegas. He also turned the ball over three times in the first half to help the Raiders stay close until the fourth quarter. WR Quentin Johnston bounced back from a couple of tough performances to make five catches for 48 yards and a touchdown against the Chiefs. But inconsistency has been the defining trait of the slow start to Johnston’s NFL career, so being able to follow it up will be telling. The Chargers needed the 2023 first-round pick to step up with rookie Ladd McConkey sidelined because of knee and shoulder injuries last week. With McConkey's status to play Sunday uncertain, Johnston could be called on again. Chargers RB Kimani Vidal vs. Buccaneers LB Lavonte David. Vidal, a rookie from Troy, seems to have increased his standing in the Chargers’ backfield that definitely missed J.K. Dobbins (knee). Vidal had eight carries for 34 yards while playing 53% of the offensive snaps in Kansas City, more than starter Gus Edwards. The Chargers are going to stick to the run under coach Jim Harbaugh, which means the newcomer Vidal will have to outfox a 13-season veteran in David. At 34, David remains a force, making seven tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss and recovering a fumble against the Raiders. He is eight tackles away from his 11th season of triple-digit stops. Bucs S Antoine Winfield Jr. left last week’s game with a knee sprain and is expected to be sidelined a couple of weeks. S Mike Edwards (hamstring), OLB Markees Watts (knee), LB K.J. Britt (ankle) and WR Kameron Johnson (ankle) will also miss Sunday's game. Leading rusher Bucky Irving has a back injury and is listed as questionable. ... Chargers QB Justin Herbert is dealing with a sprained left ankle, but was a full participant in practice Friday. TE Will Dissly (shoulder) and WR Jalen Reagor (finger) are out. While the Chargers won eight of the first nine meetings between the franchises, Tampa Bay took the past three. ... This will be the Buccaneers’ third trip to Los Angeles and second to SoFi Stadium, where they lost 34-24 to the Rams in September 2021. The Bucs are 7-1 in December/January regular-season games going back to last season. They’re 19-5 in those games going back to 2020, the first of Tom Brady’s three years with Tampa Bay. ... WR Mike Evans needs 17 receptions and 426 yards over the next four games to finish with his 11th consecutive season with at least 60 catches and 1,000 yards receiving. ... Evans had seven receptions for 122 yards and a TD the previous time Tampa Bay faced the Chargers (Oct. 4, 2020). ... The Bucs have rushed for 100-plus yards in 10 of 13 games. That’s after doing it just nine times over 34 games the past two regular seasons. ... With leading rusher Bucky Irving sitting out most of last week’s game against Las Vegas with a back injury, starter Rachaad White took up the slack with 90 yards rushing on 17 attempts — both season highs. He also scored two TDs, one receiving. ... White’s rushing TD was the 14th for Tampa Bay. That’s more than the Bucs scored on the ground in 2022 (five) and 2023 (eight) combined. ... The Chargers have turned the ball over a league-low six times. The franchise record for fewest giveaways in a season is 15, which they did in 2006 and 2017. ... Herbert hasn’t thrown an interception in 11 straight games. That is tied with Brady for the longest streak in NFL history. Brady closed out the 2010 regular season for New England without being picked off after Week 5. ... S Derwin James Jr. has three tackles for loss and two sacks in his past three games. ... PK Cameron Dicker has made 65 of 66 field goals under 50 yards in his career, with his 98.5% success rate the best in league history. Dicker has made all 30 attempts inside of 50 yards at home. ... The Chargers defense allowed 17 of 31 third down conversions (54.8%) in two games against the Chiefs. They have held their other 11 opponents to 45 of 146 (30.8%). The Buccaneers find ways to play shootouts, with eight of their games seeing the winner score 30 or more points. The Chargers find ways to play grinding affairs, with only two of their games seeing the winner score 28 or more points. Whoever dictates the style of play will determine how much fantasy value comes out of this game. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL