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DANIA BEACH, Florida (AP) — Border Patrol agents are tasked with enforcing hotly contested immigration policies as many Americans at both ends of the political spectrum look askance at the border — and the agents. That's taking a mounting toll, so the agency is training more among its ranks to become chaplains and provide spiritual care for their fellow agents on and off the job. “That’s a really hard thing to deal with, as things tend to flip from one side to the other, and we’re still in the crossfire,” said Border Patrol assistant chief and chaplaincy program manager Spencer Hatch. Unlike the police or military, which recruit faith leaders to serve as chaplains, the Border Patrol trains mostly lay agents endorsed by their faith denominations to become chaplains through a 2.5 week academy. Their numbers have grown to about 240 from 130 four years ago. Three times a year, an academy is held at a different Border Patrol station. About a dozen Border Patrol personnel, plus a few Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management officers, graduated from the most recent academy, held near Miami earlier this month. The program, and a nonreligious, mental-health focused peer support program, were started by grassroots efforts in the 1990s. Chaplains stay in their regular jobs, but are on call to assist. Border Patrol agents say they're motivated by the desire to protect U.S. borders from security threats, including the powerful cartels that control much of the border dynamics. They also often rescue migrants lost and dying in the harsh deserts that line the southern U.S. border. But many agents feel the American public sees them as obstacles to migrants seeking a better life in the United States. They often tell their children to say their parent does “government work” for fear of reprisals, especially in the border communities where they live. That dissonance between upholding a duty they feel proud of, and getting called “terrible names” for it, adds an emotional toll to the already dangerous, often isolating work the agents do. That's where the chaplains come in — to help their fellow 20,000 agents cope and prevent the trauma from degenerating into family crises, addiction or even suicide. While most chaplains are Christian, with a smattering of Muslim and Jewish agents, they don’t offer faith-specific worship and only bring up religion if the person they’re helping does first. Rather, they are a comforting presence during critical moments like assisting a suicidal colleague, notifying a family their loved one was killed on the job, and counseling those dealing with addiction, survivor guilt and other traumas. Those are the scenarios that chaplains-in-training practice role-playing at the academy. They also learn about communication and family dynamics, because constant redeployments — some up to 9 times over 18 months during the record border crossings early in the Biden administration — affect their families too. Hatch teaches about the need to maintain both the “hypervigilance” of law enforcement and the humanitarian instinct to empathize with fellow agents as well as migrants. Many agents say they are especially affected by the plight of migrant children at the hands of smugglers. “One tries to give them support within the limits of what your work allows. I always have the biggest smile,” said a newly minted chaplain, Yaira Santiago, a former schoolteacher who runs a Border Patrol migrant processing center in Southern California. By relying on their faith, their commitment to help their colleagues, and their training, chaplains can make a difference. "Even in moments of uncertainty, your presence is often enough,” said Matt Kiniery, an agent in El Paso, Texas, for 15 years and a graduate of the latest chaplain academy. Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.Businesses are generating vast amounts of event data across clouds, applications, and 3rd party SaaS. Too often this data is siloed, sampled, and thrown out to save cash. But here’s the thing: The companies that will win in the AI age will leverage as much of that data and context as possible. Data is the lifeblood of performant and reliable AI – and that’s where Axiom comes in. Axiom’s innovative, proprietary database helps companies store, manage, and pipeline event data at scale. The founders of Axiom worked together at a company called Xamarin, later acquired by Microsoft, and found themselves struggling to handle data at scale. Like most companies out there, they realized the cost of storing data was very high, forcing them to try sampling the data and other less-than-ideal solutions. Axiom was born as a response to this problem. To truly allow companies to store their data cheaply and query it on demand, they knew they needed to build a new kind of database from the ground up. So, they did what startups do: they raised some seed funding and have been heads down working for the past couple of years, acquiring big name customers along the way such as Asana, Netlify, and X.AI along the way. A Unique Architectural Advantage Axiom’s architecture sets it apart in the crowded observability space. By leveraging cloud-native technologies, the company offers infinitely elastic data storage and scalable computing power. Here are three stand-out components of Axiom’s platform: 1) A custom-built single datastore across logs, traces, and all event data. This data is always available and can be queried in real time, and 38X compression makes it possible to store the data forever. 2) By leveraging cloud native technologies, the data is infinitely scalable and can handle petabyte scale queries with sub-second response times. 3) The data can be routed wherever it is needed. This means that while the Axiom platform becomes your single source of truth for all of your data, it’s also simple to pipeline that data out to 3rd party applications and services. Seamless Data Handling With Axiom, companies can effortlessly ingest data across their various cloud services, in order to have a central source of truth and control plane. Businesses can then pipeline that data out on demand whenever and wherever they need to. This capability significantly improves analysis and decision-making, handing organizations the tools to harness the full potential of their data. As many businesses face the harsh reality of discarding valuable data due to high costs, Axiom provides a solution that allows for comprehensive data retention—enabling companies to prepare for future advancements in AI and analytics. Unlike other solutions, all data that comes into Axiom is stored in a single datastore and then can be routed elsewhere with a powerful processing language. The AI Advantage and Additional Integrations In an era fueled by artificial intelligence, having access to extensive datasets offers a competitive edge. Axiom’s platform facilitates data storage and even enhances its accessibility for future AI-driven insights. The ability to retain all data across multiple disciplines or departments can lead to more accurate outcomes and broader business insights, especially when addressing concerns around AI hallucinations and the reliability of data. Additionally, Axiom’s platform is built to integrate with Kubernetes and other cloud-native technologies, making it particularly advantageous for organizations adopting microservices. As data volumes continue to rise, Axiom’s architecture can manage this influx efficiently, allowing businesses to scale without compromise. Ethical Considerations in Data Retention Data retention is becoming increasingly vital across various industries––particularly finance, where regulatory compliance mandates long-term storage. Axiom addresses these ethical considerations by guaranteeing that businesses can retain data responsibly. By eliminating the outdated practice of data sampling (which reduces stored data and can lead to incomplete insights), Axiom empowers organizations to maintain a complete dataset for comprehensive analysis. Affordable and Centralized Solutions Centralized data storage is key to effective decision-making, but it must also be cost-effective. Axiom is enabling businesses to store vast amounts of event data affordably. This centralization leads to better business intelligence, so organizations can analyze everything from e-commerce user journeys to SaaS uptime and marketing efforts without the fear of incurring exorbitant costs. Axiom’s Future With a commitment to improving how companies manage their data, Axiom is poised to play a significant role in the AI-driven transformation of business intelligence. The upcoming presence at events like AWS re:Invent will showcase Axiom's infrastructure-agnostic platform and highlight its unique capabilities to potential users.
"The View" co-host Whoopi Goldberg said that billionaire X owner Elon Musk is President-elect Donald Trump’s "actual vice president" on Thursday, suggesting Vice President-elect JD Vance was a figurehead. "The View" co-host Whoopi Goldberg suggested on Thursday that billionaire X owner Elon Musk is President-elect Donald Trump’s "real" vice presidential pick. Goldberg made the claim during Thursday's episode of the ABC talk show, arguing that Musk has been making decisions as though he’s Trump’s real second in command. She then argued that he should be required to sell his social media platform . "Musk is the real, actual vice president. He’s making decisions. He’s doing things, so I think, why doesn’t he have to give up X with everything he’s done?" TRUMP WOULD NEED CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL TO DISSOLVE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, EXPERTS SAY During Thursday's episode of ABC's "The View," Whoopi Goldberg argued that billionaire Elon Musk is President-elect Trump's real vice president and that he should be required to give up X. (Screenshot/ABC) The co-host’s theory came up during a discussion on the recent exodus of liberals from X to the new social media site, "Bluesky." Fellow co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin remarked that people moving to the new app just further entrenches the country’s division. "So we had this, you know, this election that was tense. Donald Trump won, and the right is going to stay on X and then the left is going to be on Bluesky . How do we try to talk to each other?" Griffin asked. Whoopi responded, first by blaming conservatives for bullying liberals off the platform. She said, "Unfortunately, I will have to say the other side, I think, has driven people away, because – you know – it’s not just discourse. It’s nasty name-calling and coming after your family and ‘I’m going to do this to you,’ and I don’t think anyone should have to take that from anybody if they don’t have to." KIRK CAMERON, CHRISTIAN PARENTS FLOAT REPLACING DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AS TRUMP MULLS CABINET PICK President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk pose for a photo during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 16, 2024, in New York City. (Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) She added that Republican social media users are also fleeing X because they might have different opinions than most Republicans. "They’re moving as well," she said. Her other reason for the exodus was Trump appointing Musk to be part of his cabinet – as one of the heads of his proposed Department of Government Efficiency . "And I know why also, because, you know, as I believe, Elon Musk is the actual vice president," she told her co-hosts. "Yes, I believe that," she continued, and floated that Vice President-elect JD Vance is just an "interim" pick. "Because I think that Matt – not Matt – JD Vance. He’s kind of an interim." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP After asking why Musk shouldn’t have to ditch X while also having governmental power in Trump’s cabinet, co-host Sunny Hostin replied, "He should." "I know we got to go," Goldberg said as the show approached commercial break. "But I’m musing. I’m musing. We have to go." Gabriel Hays is an associate editor for Fox News Digital.Trump returns to world stage in Paris with Ukraine war on agendaAmerican Water Works Company, Inc. ( NYSE:AWK – Get Free Report ) has received an average recommendation of “Reduce” from the eight ratings firms that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $142.29. Several equities research analysts recently commented on AWK shares. Mizuho lowered shares of American Water Works from an “outperform” rating to a “neutral” rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $131.00 to $140.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 15th. Bank of America reissued an “underperform” rating and set a $140.00 price target on shares of American Water Works in a research note on Friday, September 20th. UBS Group upgraded shares of American Water Works from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and boosted their target price for the company from $151.00 to $155.00 in a report on Tuesday, November 19th. Wolfe Research upgraded American Water Works to a “hold” rating in a report on Wednesday, September 18th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on shares of American Water Works in a research report on Monday, October 7th. They set an “underperform” rating and a $124.00 price target for the company. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on AWK American Water Works Stock Down 0.7 % American Water Works Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 4th. Investors of record on Friday, February 7th will be given a dividend of $0.765 per share. This represents a $3.06 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.44%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 7th. American Water Works’s dividend payout ratio is currently 60.59%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On American Water Works A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in American Water Works by 0.6% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 969,016 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $141,709,000 after buying an additional 5,889 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its position in American Water Works by 129.6% in the 3rd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 502,391 shares of the utilities provider’s stock worth $73,470,000 after purchasing an additional 283,579 shares during the last quarter. Oddo BHF Asset Management Sas acquired a new stake in shares of American Water Works in the third quarter valued at approximately $1,988,000. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its holdings in shares of American Water Works by 3.0% during the third quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 1,034,221 shares of the utilities provider’s stock valued at $145,170,000 after buying an additional 29,961 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Synovus Financial Corp acquired a new position in shares of American Water Works during the third quarter worth approximately $221,000. Institutional investors own 86.58% of the company’s stock. American Water Works Company Profile ( Get Free Report American Water Works Company, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides water and wastewater services in the United States. It offers water and wastewater services to approximately 1,700 communities in 14 states serving approximately 3.5 million active customers. The company serves residential customers; commercial customers, including food and beverage providers, commercial property developers and proprietors, and energy suppliers; fire service and private fire customers; industrial customers, such as large-scale manufacturers, mining, and production operations; public authorities comprising government buildings and other public sector facilities, such as schools and universities; and other utilities and community water and wastewater systems. Read More Receive News & Ratings for American Water Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Water Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
(NAPSI)—The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but when the average American is spending nearly $1,000 on gifts, food, and decorations, they can also be the most stressful. For many, the pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday can stretch budgets a bit too far. Many of today’s shoppers seek advice from their favorite online influencers, sourcing creative hacks, recipes, DIY projects, and tips to keep the holidays magical without overspending. In fact, 69% of consumers say they value and actively seek out influencer recommendations. Now, questions don’t need to get buried in the comments. This December, TextNow is flipping the script on holiday stress by introducing the Holiday Hotline , a free resource to help you navigate the season, with advice a mere text away. Whether it’s finding affordable gifts, creating a festive dinner on a budget, or even learning how to save on your monthly bills, the Holiday Hotline can make things simpler, cheaper, and—perhaps most importantly—more joyful. TextNow Holiday Hotline: Expert Advice at Your Fingertips From December 5–10, TextNow’s Holiday Hotline connects you with relatable experts (aka some of your favorite influencers including social media creator and podcast host Remi Cruz, Kayla Savings, and Melissa Weiss) who will share their go-to tips for a budget-friendly holiday. Here’s what you can expect: • Holiday Budgeting 101: Learn simple ways to stretch every dollar and avoid those dreaded post-holiday bills. • Affordable Gift-Giving Ideas: Thoughtful, creative gifts that won’t break the bank. • Festive Decorating on a Dime: Transform your home into a holiday wonderland with budget-friendly hacks. • Stress-Free Holiday Cooking: Recipes and meal-planning tips to impress your guests. Need more advice? Just text the hotline at 310-299-3584, and you’ll get personalized, practical tips sent straight to your phone. Win $1,000 for Your Holiday Dinner As if free expert advice wasn’t enough, TextNow is also giving you the chance to win big this holiday season. Enter the $1,000 Dinner Giveaway for a shot at a $1,000 gift card to cover your holiday expenses—whether it’s for food, gifts, travel, or whatever else makes your season special. Entering is simple: 1.Head to TextNow’s Instagram . 2.Like the giveaway post. 3.Share your best holiday tip in the comments (bonus: share the post to your story for an extra entry). 4.The giveaway runs from December 5-12, with winners announced from December 13-16. Save More This Holiday Season TextNow is more than just a phone service—it’s a way to take control of your budget, not just during the holidays but year-round. • Free Phone Service: Unlimited calling and texting on the nation’s largest 5G network free. No gimmicks, no contracts. • Free Essential Data: Get free data for such essential apps as maps, rideshare, and email when you activate your SIM card. • Additional Flexible Data Plans: Add extra data only when you need it, with hourly, daily, or monthly passes. Getting started with TextNow is easy. Download the app to call and text for free over Wi-Fi or unlock free cellular service with a $4.99 SIM card. Learn More For more details, visit www.TextNow.com . Word Count: 491Trump selects special envoy for Ukraine and RussiaCartoons aren't just for kids. From the late 1990s and all through the early 21st century, TV saw a meteoric rise in animated shows aimed at adults. Channels like Comedy Central, Adult Swim, and later streaming services like Netflix and Hulu catered to a new audience who understand that animation isn't strictly for Saturday mornings. Contrary to popular knowledge, animation was an adult-oriented medium at first. Before the Hays Code in 1922, the first cartoons were actually quite risque. With the advent of television however, shows like The Flintstones (yes, really) popularized using animation and outlandish settings – in The Flintstone's case, prehistoric times – to poke fun at contemporary times. In 1989, The Simpsons premiered and became a massive hit on network television. While The Simpsons wasn't necessarily made for kids, with its jokes and references tailored to adults, its presence on network television meant it could only be so vulgar and graphic. It was only with cable television and streaming TV in the ensuing decades that explicitly made-for-adults animation flourished. From genre satires to deep interrogations of the human condition to hit anime from Japan, here are the 32 greatest animated TV shows that just aren't for the kiddos. 32. Aqua Teen Hunger Force MEATWAD! One of the most influential programs in Adult Swim history, Aqua Teen Hunger Force tells the absurd and surreal adventures of anthropomorphic fast food – pathological Master Shake, logical Frylock, and simple-minded Meatwad – who live as roommates, fight villains, and go on bizarre adventures. Today, the series is remembered for its towering influence over other adult-animated shows and even online YouTubers like The Angry Video Game Nerd and Videogamedunkey. A viral marketing campaign for the show in 2007 drew controversy in Boston when LED signs of the Mooninites inspired investigations by local authorities who shut down roads and freeways on the belief it was a terrorist bomb scare. 31. Metalocalypse The over-the-top excesses of heavy metal music and culture get roasted (with love) in Metalocalypse. In this hyperbolic black comedy, the heavy metal band Deathlok enjoys the perks of unmatched worldwide fame and fortune. But while the band is super famous with a devoted following, they're also dumb as rocks, which creates problems when the band gets up to no good. (Their concerts are also a riot, in a rather literal sense.) Comically violent that satirizes the heavy metal scene and celebrity worship, Metalocalypse slays. 30. Rick and Morty For a moment, audiences couldn't get enough of Rick and Morty. From the demented minds of Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, Rick and Morty is a sci-fi sitcom that follows nervous teenager Morty (voiced by Roiland for the first few seasons) who is often against his will whisked away by his drunk grandpa Rick (also Roiland) on adventures that take them all across time and space. Essentially an R-rated Doctor Who, Rick and Morty drew critical acclaim in its first few seasons, though the behavior of its overly zealous fanbase soured its reputation. Controversy around Roiland led to his exit from the show in its seventh season. 29. Ugly Americans Welcome to New York City... in Hell. In this overlooked gem that ran for an all-too-brief two seasons on Comedy Central, Mark Lilly (Matt Oberg) works for the Department of Integration, a government agency that helps acclimate monsters, creatures, and other demonic species into human society in Manhattan. A workplace comedy with novel worldbuilding, Ugly Americans is a satire of political correctness and government bureaucracy all wrapped up in the malaise of salaried employees just trying to get through the day. 28. Drawn Together At the height of empty calorie reality shows in the 2000s, Comedy Central unleashed Drawn Together. A satire that crosses cartoons with reality shows à la Big Brother and The Real World, Drawn Together follows a household of colorful caricatures (each a representative of a different genre or medium) who put up with each other as they live in the same home. From chauvinist superhero Captain Hero to alcoholic Toot to psychopathic anime mascot Ling-Ling, Drawn Together crams a whole lot of mischief and mayhem in its surprisingly short run of 36 episodes. 27. Star Trek: Lower Decks Almost every Star Trek series is about the main crew who command the bridge of a starship. But what about the people working, you know, in the lower decks? Star Trek: Lower Decks, which premiered in 2020, is the irreverent Star Trek show that follows the lowly support crew and ensigns aboard the USS Cerritos one year after the events of the film Star Trek: Nemesis. With a more outlandish sense of humor versus traditional live-action Star Trek programs, Lower Decks bucks tradition while making heroes out of zeroes. 26. The Venture Bros. Simultaneously the longest-running yet most compact animated show in Adult Swim history (we're talking seven seasons produced over 15 years), The Venture Bros. follows a family of scientist-adventurers who frequently find themselves in over their heads against evildoers and other challenges around the world. While the show lovingly satirizes classic '60s adventures shows like Jonny Quest and mysteries like Hardy Boys, creators Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer imbued the show with a philosophy of failure, stemming from the unfulfilled promises and broken dreams of the Space Age. The Venture Bros. remains renowned today for its sharp writing, unforgettable characters, and worldbuilding that synthesizes its influences into something totally fresh. 25. Inside Job What if global conspiracies were, in fact, all controlled by a shadowy organization? And what if that shadowy organization was a dead-end job? That's the hilarious conceit behind Netflix's Inside Job, a critically-acclaimed workplace comedy. Behind the doors at Cognito Inc. are its misfit employees, namely Reagan Ridley (voiced by Lizzy Caplan), an ambitious and brilliant yet socially inept robotics engineer who is reluctantly paired with a new coworker, a yes-man from Washington D.C. (Clark Duke). A colorful farce, Inside Job uses the familiar sitcom format to comically skewer our willingness to believe in anything but the truth. 24. Primal From animation auteur Genndy Tartakovsky, creator of Samurai Jack, Primal tells the ancient exploits of a Neanderthal named Spear and his uneasy partnership with a tyrannosaurus named Fang after they both suffer unimaginable loss. In Tartakovsky's imaginative fantasy, Spear and Fang survive and traverse an anachronistic world where dinosaurs, monsters, and more advanced civilizations roam the Earth. While there is a voice cast, most of the show is completely nonverbal. Living up to the legacy of Tartakovsky's Samurai Jack, Primal saw similar praise for its rich depth, artistry, and unique blend of science fiction, fantasy, history, and horror. 23. South Park One of the most successful adult animated shows ever made, Trey Parker and Matt Stone's South Park tells the surreal adventures of four Colorado school boys whose titular mountain town somehow winds up the center of the world's biggest events. Characterized by its abundant profanity, dark humor – do you know just how many times they've killed poor Kenny?! – and crude cutout animation style (which has only naturally gotten more sophisticated with the advent of computer animation), South Park has found evergreen appeal in its eagerness to cynically roast popular culture and politics. With over 320 episodes and counting, there's almost no stopping South Park, not even ManBearPig. 22. Blue Eye Samurai In this critically acclaimed historical action series, a half-white, half-Japanese onna-musha (female warrior) seeks to kill four white men, including her father, in isolationist Edo Japan. Maya Erskine stars as the blue-eyed Mizu, a bitterly cold warrior who disguises herself as a man on her bloody path to revenge. Hailed in its first season for its dazzling art style and deep characterization, Blue Eye Samurai is easily a cut above the rest. In 2024, the show won Outstanding Animated Program at the Primetime Emmys. 21. The Boondocks A bold American satire with an aesthetic resemblance to Japanese anime, The Boondocks follows the adventures of 10-year-old Huey (voiced by Regina King) after his Black family moves into an affluent white suburb. (The exact geographic location, whether it's Illinois or Maryland, is actually up for debate.) Originating from creator Aaron McGruder and his online comic strips, The Boondocks explores – and not without controversy – the often funny side of modern Black culture and political incorrectness. 20. Love, Death & Robots Following in the tradition of The Twilight Zone, Heavy Metal, and Black Mirror, Netflix's Love, Death & Robots is an anthology animation series that explores different artistic styles and storytelling genres – ranging from comedy to horror – while predominantly themed by mankind's contentious relationship to progress, technology, and the unknown. Spearheaded by Deadpool director Tim Miller and visual effects outfit Blur Studios (though every episode is handled by a number of different studios from around the world), Love, Death & Robots has stood out from the pack over its experimental filmmaking and fractured vision of humanity. A personal favorite: From Volume III, Episode 2, "Bad Traveling" directed by David Fincher. You'll never want seafood again. 19. Archer What if James Bond was an overgrown mama's boy? He'd be Sterling Archer. Created by Adam Reed and a huge hit for FX throughout the 2010s, Archer tells the misadventures of secret agent Sterling Archer (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin), whose employer at the spy agency ISIS (later CIA, on the basis of unfortunate real-world associations) also happens to be his wrathful, alcoholic mother Malory (Jessica Walter). Along with misfit coworkers, Archer takes on dangerous missions to defend America while making sure not to also blow up America. Originally an anachronistic spoof of Cold War spy fiction with modern pop culture references and humor, Archer later retooled into an anthology-esque series in the interest of changing things up. 18. Aeon Flux Predating the explosion of Japanese anime in the west, MTV unleashed the avant garde, thematically dense sci-fi series Aeon Flux in 1995. Set in a dystopian future on a barren world, Aeon Flux follows its mysterious titular assassin (voiced by Denise Poirier) who operates between two city-states separated by a border wall and frequently faces off with her rival and lover Trevor (John Rafter Lee). Created by Peter Chung, Aeon Flux took heavy artistic inspiration from anime and German Expressionism to give '90s TV junkies something they hadn't ever seen before, and frankly have never seen again. A live-action movie starring Charlize Theron hit theaters in 2005, to disappointing reviews. 17. Smiling Friends Spreading happiness can be a slog. That's the day-to-day routine of Smiling Friends, a charity whose well-intentioned but exhausted employees Charlie (voiced by Zach Hadel) and Pim (Michael Cusack) try to bring happiness to clients. With original and frequently off-putting character designs and bizarre humor that is perfectly in line with Adult Swim's established vibe, Smiling Friends – from creators Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack – is a modern classic that is keeping late-night cable television interesting. 16. Blood of Zeus Japanese-inspired anime and Greek mythology clash like the titans in this gory epic created by the Parlapinedes Brothers for Netflix. Blood of Zeus traces the coming-of-age adventurers of Heron (Derek Phillips), a young demigod and offspring of Zeus who must save the world from the evil Titans after they've returned to exact vengeance on their successors, the Olympians. Billed as a story "lost to history," Blood of Zeus is a liberal reinterpretation of classic Greek tales that sets out to tell its own story of good and evil, of revolution and annihilation. Majestic and visceral, Blood of Zeus is a standout in the small but notable canon of Western-made anime. 15. Futurama A critically acclaimed giant with nearly as big a profile as The Simpsons and Family Guy, Matt Groening's Futurama is one of the greatest science-fiction sitcoms that also happens to be an adult-oriented cartoon. The show follows pizza delivery guy Philip Fry, who is cryogenically frozen on January 1, 2000 and wakes up almost a thousand years later. Now employed at the delivery company Planet Express, Fry and his coworkers – including beautiful mutant Leela (Katey Sagal) and misanthrophic android Bender (John DiMaggio) – get caught up in all kinds of wacky adventures the future has for them. Canceled twice on network TV before finding a new home on Hulu, Futurama has grown into a beloved modern classic with hilarious and heartbreaking iconic moments. 14. Undone Reality feels elastic in Undone, the first adult animated series by Amazon's Prime Video and the first-ever TV show to predominantly use the classic technique of rotoscoping. Created by Kate Purdy and Raphael Bob-Waksberg, Undone follows 28-year-old Alma (Rosa Salazar) who survives a car crash and suddenly develops time-manipulating superpowers. Alma uses her new gifts to figure out the circumstances behind the death of her father Jacob (Bob Odenkirk), whose spirit comes to Alma and serves as her guide. Beyond its highly original animation style, which often evokes the feeling of watercolor paintings, Undone is an existential and cosmic odyssey that probes the deepest depths of the human spirit. 13. Daria Smack dab during MTV's cultural dominance, the channel aired some of the greatest animated TV shows ever made. Among them is Daria, one of the most realistic portrayals of adolescence and high school in a cartoon. Spinning off from Beavis & Butt-Head, Daria follows its title character Daria Morgendorffer (voiced by Tracy Grandstaff), a cynical and sardonic teenager who meets her painfully suburban surroundings with jaded apathy. The show's simplified animation and stylistic influences from '90s indie cinema – not to mention a lack of original score in favor of pop music – gave Daria the vibe of something far more real than even The Real World. A time capsule of the late '90s and early 2000s, Daria's authenticity to the trials and tribulations of teenage life make it timeless even years later. 12. Todd McFarlane's Spawn In the early 1990s, a number of rock star comic book professionals – including Todd McFarlane – left Marvel to form their own imprint, Image Comics. One of its biggest successes was McFarlane's original comic Spawn, which launched a media franchise that included an acclaimed animated series on HBO from 1997 to 1999. Adapting the comics, Spawn tells of decorated U.S. Marine, Al Simmons (Keith David) who is betrayed by his own government and whose soul is damned to Hell. He is resurrected by the demon Malebolgia as a member of his new "Hellspawn" army, but Spawn fights for himself and to return to his beloved wife Wanda. A unique blend of occult and urban horror with adult themes and graphic content, Todd McFarlane's Spawn boasts enough dark energy to make Batman and the X-Men shake in their boots. 11. The Legend of Vox Machina Talk about a critical hit. After a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign in 2019, the tabletop gaming personalities of Critical Role saw their Dungeons & Dragons adventure, first streamed on Twitch, evolve into a hit streaming series on Prime Video. The Legend of Vox Machina retells (and remixes) Critical Role's first D&D campaign with the show's original cast reprising their misfit heroes Vox Machina, who are tasked with saving the land of Tal'Dorei from predatory vampires and destructive dragons. Overflowing with gory violence and adult-oriented humor, but at no expense to quality, The Legend of Vox Machina rolls with advantage. 10. Castlevania Sink your teeth into Netflix's Castlevania. From iconoclast producer Adi Shankar and based on the Konami video game series, Castlevania takes audiences to 15th century Romania where Dracula (Graham McTavish) reigns supreme over his army of monsters. The last living member of the Belmont Clan, Trevor (Richard Armitage) teams up with sorceress magician Sypha (Alejandra Reynoso) and Dracula's vengeful son Alucard (James Callis) to put a stake through Dracula's heart and take back the night. Acclaimed for its overall production quality, including its exciting animation, compelling characters, and gothic atmosphere, Castlevania is one hell of a good time. 9. Harley Quinn When the DC Universe streaming platform launched in 2019, The Joker's main squeeze seized the spotlight in her self-titled animated series Harley Quinn. The unexpected darling of the DC franchise follows Gotham City's clown princess of crime Harley Quinn (voiced by Kaley Cuoco) as she reclaims her womanhood after breaking free from her abusive ex, The Joker (Alan Tudyk). While an official series by DC, Harley Quinn – created by Patrick Schumacher and Justin Halpern – was boldly unafraid to take pot shots at not only DC's vast universe but also modern superhero pop culture. When it wasn't being self-referential, Harley Quinn wisely stayed true to its anti-heroine, in her story about growth and overcoming trauma while strengthening personal bonds. 8. Attack on Titan There are lots of Japanese anime that make a splash with Western audiences. In the early 2010s, no anime was bigger – one might even say, colossal – than Attack on Titan. In this acclaimed dark fantasy horror hit based on Hajime Isayama's manga, Attack on Titan takes place in an apocalyptic world where humanity lives in walled-off cities to protect themselves from people-eating giants. When the threat of the giants return, vengeful soldier Eren Yeager seeks to find the truth behind the titans including his own strange ability to become one of them. Hailed as one of the greatest anime ever made, Attack on Titan stands heads and shoulders above the rest. 7. Arcane From the world of League of Legends comes Arcane. In this steampunk fantasy from 2021, sisters Violet (Hailee Steinfeld) and Powder (Ella Purnell) survive amid the conflict between the affluent residents of Piltover and the oppressed underclass in Zaun. A mesmerizing mix of hand-drawn animation and 3D complement Arcane's compelling (and most of all, accessible) story about class warfare, love, and tragedy. Even non-fans of League of Legends have vibed to Arcane, allowing the show to enjoy prestigious recognition including numerous Annie and Emmy awards. 6. Scavengers Reign An imaginative science fiction epic originally made for the then-named HBO Max platform, Scavengers Reign succeeds on the merits of its sheer originality, deep introspection, and eye-pleasing animation. Created by Joseph Bennett and Charles Huettner, the show follows the survivors of a damaged interstellar cargo ship who survive the elements on a strange, undiscovered planet. As the surviving crew work to continue their voyage, they are drawn into the planet and its mysteries, which at times traps them in their own distant memories. Sitting somewhere between a BBC nature documentary and Lost, Scavengers Reign is simply one of the most gorgeous adult-oriented animated shows ever crafted. 5. Neon Genesis Evangelion Never mind all those "Get in the robot, Shinji!" memes – Neon Genesis Evangelion is perhaps one of the greatest if not most important Japanese anime of all time. Created by Hideaki Anno, Neon Genesis Evangelion centers around anxious teenager Shinji, who moves to Tokyo-3 at the behest of his estranged father who oversees the paramilitary force Nerv. Set over a decade after a cataclysmic event, Shinji is forced into piloting a giant mech machine, Evangelion Unit-01, and battle extraterrestrial monsters called Angels. Replete with Freudian psychology and Christian symbolism, Neon Genesis Evangelion is a masterpiece for both its medium and genre – a serious coming-of-age drama wrapped in the heavy metal casing of a mech to serve as Anno's own condemnation against the arrested development of shonen anime and its audience. 4. Beavis & Butt-Head Is Beavis & Butt-Head actually one of the best animated shows ever? Eh-hehehehe. Uhh . Whether it's actually good or not is irrelevant, because Mike Judge's Beavis & Butt-Head is enviably brilliant in making the absolute most of a basic premise. The show follows two teenage idiot slackers who spend their days embarking on low-stakes adventures and watching music videos (on MTV, where else?). While contemporary critics bemoaned its dim-witted simplicity, the show has enjoyed acclaim for its endless cleverness and slapstick humor. (Seriously, the show gets so much mileage out of grunty giggles and good timing.) Between its multiple revivals and two movies, Beavis & Butt-Head have done so much without really doing anything at all. 3. Invincible The pages of Robert Kirkman's coming-of-age superhero epic come to life (kind of) in the Prime Video smash Invincible. Based on Kirkman's comic book series, Invincible chronicles teen superhero Mark Grayson (Steven Yuen), whose father is the world's greatest hero Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons). After Mark's powers manifest, however, he discovers the true nature of his father, which forces Mark to stand against one of his own. Created by Kirkman, with Simon Racioppa as showrunner and Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg among its executive producers, Invincible earns its name as an untouchable superhero epic that balances family drama with high-stakes planetary politics. 2. Cowboy Bebop Three, two, one, let's jam . One of the most acclaimed anime shows of all time, Cowboy Bebop is renowned for its stylish characters and pastiche of science fiction, cowboy Westerns, and film noir. In a future where space travel is common, bounty hunters Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, and Faye Valentine (and later, hacker Ed with corgi pup Ein) zigzag from planet to planet picking up freelance jobs to stay afloat. An overarching story is Spike's dark past with a criminal syndicate and a love triangle between rival Vicious and his lover Julia. Created by Hajime Yatate and directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, Cowboy Bebop was a major success on both sides of the Pacific, with Cowboy Bebop specifically appealing to viewers who were too old for other hit imports like Dragon Ball Z and Pokemon. 1. BoJack Horseman A social satire that balances mental illness, guilt, and addictions with nonstop animal puns and visual gags, Netflix's BoJack Horseman revolves around its title character, an anthropomorphic horse (voiced by Will Arnett) far past his glory days as a wholesome dad on a 1990s TV sitcom. Surrounded by eccentric characters like roommate Todd (Aaron Paul), his high-strung agent Princess Carolyn (Amy Sedaris), and biographer Diane Nguyen (Alison Brie), BoJack Horseman struggles to overcome his insecurities while pursuing a career revival. The show, created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, was unafraid to tackle hard subject matter – from trauma to depression – but it never forgot being a cartoon, with some of the most hilarious running bits ever on a show. (You've got to hear Diane's ringtones.) BoJack Horseman may want nothing more than to be a star, but his series was truly a critical darling throughout its six seasons on Netflix.
A Ukrainian girls hockey team is in Canada for a few days of peace and hockey in an arena that doesn't have a missile-sized hole in its roof. After 56 hours of travel to Calgary — including a 24-hour bus ride from Dnipro to Warsaw, Poland, that required an army escort at one point — the Ukrainian Wings will join Wickfest, Hayley Wickenheiser's annual girls' hockey festival, on Thursday. The squad of players aged 11 to 13 was drawn from eight cities in Ukraine, where sport facilities have been damaged or destroyed since Russia started its invasion in February 2022. "They all have a personal story of something awful happening," said Wickenheiser. "We give them a week of peace and joy here and I hope they can carry that with them. "We know full well they're going back to difficult circumstances. It's tough that way." Nine players are from Kharkiv, where pictures show a large hole in the roof of the Saltovskiy Led arena where the girls' team WHC Panthers once skated. "It was our home ice arena, and we played all our national team championships in this ice arena," said Kateryna Seredenko, who oversees the Panthers program and is the Wings general manager. Ukraine's Olympic Committee posted photos and wrote in a Facebook post Sept. 1 that Kharkiv's Sport Palace, which was home to multiple hockey teams, was also destroyed in an attack on the city. Assistant coach Tetyana Tkachenko, centre, attends a practice Wednesday with her hockey team of Ukrainian girls under-13 in Calgary. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press) Seredenko says the Wings' arduous journey to Calgary was worth it because it gives the girls hope. "It's not a good situation in Ukraine, but when they come here, they can believe that everything will be good, everything will be fine. Of course we will win soon and we must play hockey. We can't stop because we love these girls and we will do everything for them," she said. "So many girls on this Ukrainian team are future players of the national team." Wickenheiser, a Hockey Hall of Famer, is the assistant general manager of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs and a doctor who works emergency-room shifts in the Toronto area. The six-time Olympian and four-time gold medallist organized her first Wickfest after the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler, B.C. She's had teams from India, Mexico and Czechia attend over the last decade and a half but never a team that ran the Ukrainians' gauntlet of logistics. The Canadian Partnership for Women and Children's Health took on the task of arranging visas and paying for the team's travel. "We care about women and children's health. Sport is such a symbol. When you see a group of girls coming off the ice all sweaty and having worked hard on the ice, it's a symbol of a healthy girl," said chief executive officer Julia Anderson. "That's a healthy kid that's able to participate in sport. We really believe if we can get girls there, whether they're in an active war zone, or here in Canada, those girls will change the world." The Wings aren't the first Ukrainians to seek a hockey haven in Canada since the war began. An under-25 men's team played four games against university squads in early 2023 to prepare for that year's world university games. Ukrainian teams have also twice played in the Quebec City International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. "It's the first time in Ukrainian history where a girls' team is coming to Canada to a very good tournament," Seredenko said. "They can see how they can play in their future. And they can see how it is to play hockey in Canada."Alappuzha (Kerala), Dec 28 (PTI) U Pratibha MLA denied the reports that her son was arrested with ganja on Saturday, after the officials of the excise department arrested nine people for possessing the narcotics. Her son also rejected the allegations on social media. The Kayamkulam MLA on a Facebook live alleged that her son was only questioned when he was sitting with his friends, adding that the media was haunting her. “Since the news broke, I have been receiving many phone calls, ” she said. “When my son and friends were sitting together, the Excise officers came and asked questions, but the news came that my son was caught with ganja,” she said. “If the news is true, I will apologise. If not, the media should apologise publicly,” the MLA added. The Excise Department said that they have arrested nine people, including the son of CPI(M) MLA U Prathibha, with ganja from Thakazhi in Kuttanad in Alappuzha district. According to the officers, all nine were released on bail. “We seized ganja from a member of the group from under Thakazhi bridge. They were arrested for smoking and possessing weed. Since it was a small quantity, all were released on bail,”an Excise officer added. A case was registered and an investigation is underway. PTI ARM HIG HIG This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. var ytflag = 0;var myListener = function() {document.removeEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);lazyloadmyframes();};document.addEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);window.addEventListener('scroll', function() {if (ytflag == 0) {lazyloadmyframes();ytflag = 1;}});function lazyloadmyframes() {var ytv = document.getElementsByClassName("klazyiframe");for (var i = 0; i < ytv.length; i++) {ytv[i].src = ytv[i].getAttribute('data-src');}} Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );As President Joe Biden's term comes to an end, social media users are falsely claiming that his administration spent billions of dollars on the construction of just a handful of electric vehicle charging stations. Multiple high-profile figures, including sitting members of Congress, have promoted the claims. The claims misrepresent funding set aside by the 2021 Infrastructure and Jobs Act , also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for a national network of publicly available electric vehicle chargers . Biden has set a goal of creating 500,000 such chargers by 2030. Here's a closer look at the facts. CLAIM: The Biden administration spent $7.5 billion to build eight electric vehicle charging stations. THE FACTS: That's incorrect. The $7.5 billion figure refers to the total amount allocated through the 2021 law to build a network of charging stations across the U.S., not the amount that has already been spent. There are currently 214 operational chargers in 12 states that have been funded through the law, with 24,800 projects underway across the country, according to the Federal Highway Administration. A charger, often called a charging port, provides electric power to one vehicle at a time through a connector, which is plugged into the vehicle. Stations are physical locations that can have multiple chargers. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg called the claims spreading online “false” in a series of X posts. “$7.5B has not been spent, nor anything like that,” he wrote, adding that federally funded chargers are built by individual states, not the federal government, and that most will be built in the second half of the 2020s. The total $7.5 billion in funding consists of $5 billion distributed through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program , or NEVI, and $2.5 billion distributed through the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program , or CFI. NEVI funds, as determined by a formula, go annually to departments of transportation in all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, from 2022 to 2026. The funds will be available until 2030. Each year, 10% of NEVI funding is set aside for states and local governments that require additional assistance. CFI provides grants to states and other localities through an application process. It funds electric vehicle charging, as well as other alternative fueling infrastructure, with a focus on underserved and disadvantaged communities. Rep. Michael Rulli, a Republican from Ohio, was among multiple high-profile figures who falsely claimed this week that the entire budget has already been spent. “Pete Buttigieg will leave his post as Transportation Secretary having spend $7.5 BILLION to build 8 EV charging stations,” he wrote in an X post that had received approximately 62,900 likes and shares as of Wednesday. “His legacy will be squandering billions on something nobody wants, while millions struggle to afford the things they need.” Rulli's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. By early this year, only four states — Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania and Hawaii — had opened stations funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, The Associated Press reported in March . A Washington Post article published the next day said this amounted to just seven stations . Loren McDonald, an independent analyst tracking the electric vehicle charger buildout, told the AP that when assessing the progress that's been made it's important to understand that some states have extensive experience constructing electric vehicle charging infrastructure while others have little to none. He explained that Wisconsin, for example, had to pass a new law in order to comply with federal requirements. “This is a federal program, but at the end of the day, it's completely dependent on the states,” he said. “And so the real criticism probably needs to be directed at the states that are moving slowly or how the program was structure. But I don't know how else you would have done it.” Asked whether the federal government could do anything to help states move faster, McDonald suggested that it could have provided them with more guidance on how to manage their individual buildouts. All 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia have access to two rounds of NEVI funding totaling nearly $2.4 billion, according to the Federal Highway Administration. As of Friday, 37 states have access to their third round of funding, for an additional $586 million total. The agency explained, however, that this does not represent money that has already been spent — just the money that is available to fund projects. The Federal Highway Administration has announced more than $1.3 billion in awards through CFI and funds set aside by NEVI with $779 million in grants currently available under both programs. This also represents money that is available for projects rather than money that has been spent. There are currently more than 203,000 publicly available charging ports across the U.S., with nearly 1,000 being turned on every week, according to the agency. This is more than double the number available in 2021. In addition to NEVI and CFI, funding sources include federal tax incentives and private investments. Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck .
Jewish community to come together after firebomb attack at Melbourne synagogue as police investigate bullet found outsideGlobal to join forces with Motors & Armatures; Philip Windham named CEO of growing HVAC/R platform LOS ANGELES , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Platinum Equity announced today a significant investment in Global, the Source ("Global"), a leading master distributor of HVAC/R components, and its subsidiary AmRad Manufacturing LLC. The transaction marks Platinum Equity's second investment in the HVAC/R industry this year. In July, the firm invested in Motors & Armatures Inc. (MARS). Global and MARS, which have a longstanding history, will now join forces, helping strengthen the product and service offerings for both companies. Founded in 1982 and based in Universal City, Texas , Global is a leading master distributor of HVAC/R components such as capacitors, relays, transformers, contactors, disconnects, whips, and more. Global serves HVAC/R wholesalers throughout the United States. The company has vertically integrated design and manufacturing operations, including via its AmRad Manufacturing LLC subsidiary located in Palm Coast, Florida , which proudly manufactures USA -made capacitors and Turbo 200® products. MARS, based in Hauppauge, New York , is a leading distribution platform for HVAC/R parts, supplies and equipment in North America , and has been the exclusive sub-distributor for select Global products since 2012. "The partnership between MARS and Global is a natural one as both companies have worked together for decades," said Global Owner and President Dickie Sirotiak. "The investment from Platinum will allow us to introduce more products to market while continuing to maintain the outstanding service levels that both MARS and Global customers demand." In connection with the Global investment, Platinum Equity announced an integrated leadership structure for the combined platform: "We are thrilled to welcome Global to our growing platform," said Chernoff. "This move brings together two great family-owned businesses and will strengthen our position as a category leader in electronic components for the HVAC/R aftermarket." Chernoff praised Windham as a great fit to lead the combined platform. "Philip brings 25 years of industry experience to the job," said Chernoff. "He is passionate about developing people and building high-performance teams. He has a customer-centric mindset and I'm confident he's the right leader to guide these businesses into their next phase of growth." Windham said he's excited about the new role. "Both the Sirotiak and Chernoff families have built impressive businesses over the past several decades, becoming true leaders in the HVAC/R industry," said Windham. "I am honored to continue their legacies and work with both teams to expand our reach within the industry." Platinum Equity expects to continue pursuing additional opportunities to invest in the industry. "We are optimistic about the prospects for growth in the sector and will work with MARS and Global to add more value for their customers," said Platinum Equity Co-President Jacob Kotzubei and Managing Director Dan Krasner in a joint statement. "We will partner with the leadership team to identify and pursue additional opportunities to diversify and increase scale, both organically and through strategic M&A." Financial terms of the Global investment were not disclosed. O'Melveny & Myers served as legal counsel to Platinum Equity and MARS. About Platinum Equity Founded in 1995 by Tom Gores , Platinum Equity is a global investment firm with more than $48 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of approximately 60 operating companies that serve customers around the world. Platinum Equity specializes in mergers, acquisitions and operations – a trademarked strategy it calls M&A&O ® – acquiring and operating companies in a broad range of business markets, including manufacturing, distribution, transportation and logistics, equipment rental, metals services, media and entertainment, technology, telecommunications and other industries. Over the past 28 years Platinum Equity has completed more than 450 acquisitions. Contact : Dan Whelan Platinum Equity dwhelan@platinumequity.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/platinum-equity-invests-in-hvacr-distributor-global-the-source-302325210.html SOURCE Platinum Equity
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Authorities have identified the man suspected of killing UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson and are closing in on him, New York City Mayor Eric Adams says. or signup to continue reading "The net is tightening," Adams told reporters at a Police Athletic League holiday party in Harlem, was quoted as saying on Saturday by the New York Post. He declined to name the suspect. Thompson, 50, who became CEO of UnitedHealth's insurance unit in April 2021, was shot in the back early on Wednesday in what police described as a targeted attack by a masked assailant lying in wait. The murder occurred just before the company's annual investor conference at the Hilton hotel on Sixth Avenue. The shooting sparked a massive manhunt for the gunman, who fled on foot wearing a hooded jacket, balaclava and gray backpack before mounting an electric bike and riding into Central Park, police said. Adams was quoted by the Post as saying the police were withholding the suspect's name for now to deny him any advantage. "We don't want to release that now," the mayor said. "If you do, you are basically giving a tip to the person we are seeking and we do not want to give him an upper hand at all. Let him continue to believe he can hide behind the mask." "We revealed his face," he continued, referring to security camera photos and video released after the murder. "We're going to reveal who he is and we're going to bring him to justice." A backpack resembling the one worn by the suspect has been recovered near a playground in Central Park, according to media reports. MSNBC said on Saturday that police examining the bag and its contents found a jacket and Monopoly money, but no firearm. New York police said on Friday they believe the suspect had left New York City, after video emerged showing him climbing into a taxi that took him to a bus station. The circumstances of the attack suggested it was premeditated and planned, police said, with video showing the gunman ignoring other pedestrians while appearing to wait for Thompson. Security video showed the shooter behind Thompson, raising his handgun and firing at his back. Thompson, a married father of two, suffered gunshot wounds to his back and leg and was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after the attack. UnitedHealth is the largest U. health insurer, providing benefits to tens of millions of Americans, who pay more for healthcare than people in any other country. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement
Global to join forces with Motors & Armatures; Philip Windham named CEO of growing HVAC/R platform LOS ANGELES , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Platinum Equity announced today a significant investment in Global, the Source ("Global"), a leading master distributor of HVAC/R components, and its subsidiary AmRad Manufacturing LLC. The transaction marks Platinum Equity's second investment in the HVAC/R industry this year. In July, the firm invested in Motors & Armatures Inc. (MARS). Global and MARS, which have a longstanding history, will now join forces, helping strengthen the product and service offerings for both companies. Founded in 1982 and based in Universal City, Texas , Global is a leading master distributor of HVAC/R components such as capacitors, relays, transformers, contactors, disconnects, whips, and more. Global serves HVAC/R wholesalers throughout the United States. The company has vertically integrated design and manufacturing operations, including via its AmRad Manufacturing LLC subsidiary located in Palm Coast, Florida , which proudly manufactures USA -made capacitors and Turbo 200® products. MARS, based in Hauppauge, New York , is a leading distribution platform for HVAC/R parts, supplies and equipment in North America , and has been the exclusive sub-distributor for select Global products since 2012. "The partnership between MARS and Global is a natural one as both companies have worked together for decades," said Global Owner and President Dickie Sirotiak. "The investment from Platinum will allow us to introduce more products to market while continuing to maintain the outstanding service levels that both MARS and Global customers demand." In connection with the Global investment, Platinum Equity announced an integrated leadership structure for the combined platform: "We are thrilled to welcome Global to our growing platform," said Chernoff. "This move brings together two great family-owned businesses and will strengthen our position as a category leader in electronic components for the HVAC/R aftermarket." Chernoff praised Windham as a great fit to lead the combined platform. "Philip brings 25 years of industry experience to the job," said Chernoff. "He is passionate about developing people and building high-performance teams. He has a customer-centric mindset and I'm confident he's the right leader to guide these businesses into their next phase of growth." Windham said he's excited about the new role. "Both the Sirotiak and Chernoff families have built impressive businesses over the past several decades, becoming true leaders in the HVAC/R industry," said Windham. "I am honored to continue their legacies and work with both teams to expand our reach within the industry." Platinum Equity expects to continue pursuing additional opportunities to invest in the industry. "We are optimistic about the prospects for growth in the sector and will work with MARS and Global to add more value for their customers," said Platinum Equity Co-President Jacob Kotzubei and Managing Director Dan Krasner in a joint statement. "We will partner with the leadership team to identify and pursue additional opportunities to diversify and increase scale, both organically and through strategic M&A." Financial terms of the Global investment were not disclosed. O'Melveny & Myers served as legal counsel to Platinum Equity and MARS. About Platinum Equity Founded in 1995 by Tom Gores , Platinum Equity is a global investment firm with more than $48 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of approximately 60 operating companies that serve customers around the world. Platinum Equity specializes in mergers, acquisitions and operations – a trademarked strategy it calls M&A&O ® – acquiring and operating companies in a broad range of business markets, including manufacturing, distribution, transportation and logistics, equipment rental, metals services, media and entertainment, technology, telecommunications and other industries. Over the past 28 years Platinum Equity has completed more than 450 acquisitions. Contact : Dan Whelan Platinum Equity dwhelan@platinumequity.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/platinum-equity-invests-in-hvacr-distributor-global-the-source-302325210.html SOURCE Platinum Equity
Midweek goal fest: 35 strikes, thrilling tiesWar is often less seen than heard, and as a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel came into effect on Wednesday morning, Ibrahim Najdi marveled at the absence of one particular sound: the buzz of Israeli drones that had been a near-constant presence in Beirut over the last few months. "You can't hear them, can you? They're gone," he said. He gave a small smile, then picked his way through the mounds of rubble separating him from the remains of his two warehouses. Najdi, a 42-year-old home-supplies merchant, was one of tens of thousands of people Wednesday swarming the Hezbollah-dominated suburbs south of Beirut. He came to take stock of the damage wrought by 70 days of ferocious Israeli bombardment . Though his two warehouses were destroyed in an airstrike two weeks ago, his shop was in a nearby building survived. The blast wave nevertheless tossed all of his stock into a jumble of shower handles and hoses, boxes of masking tape and home repair tools — all covered in fine, metallic-gray dust. "I don't know if I can save any of it," Najdi said. Similar scenes were playing out across the country, as people began the journey to their towns and villages in Lebanon's devastated south. Shortly after the start of the ceasefire at 4 a.m., thousands of cars — many stacked on top with mattresses, suitcases and bags of vegetables — deluged the main highway leading out of Beirut in a reverse exodus that echoed their escape from the south only a few months before. Shelters in the southern city of Saida, a refuge for thousands of displaced, emptied by around 80%, Lebanese authorities say. "I know my house is bombed, but I don't care. We're all going back," said Haidar, 33, who was picking up shawarma sandwiches for his family at a roadside restaurant. Haidar, who did not want to give his full name, was from the village of Khirbet Selm, some 9 miles north of the Lebanese-Israeli border. He had already been hours on the road with his wife and two children in his rugged-looking SUV, but was intent on going on — even though he didn't know where the family would sleep. "We'll figure it out. Allah's earth can fit us all," he said. The ceasefire agreement , which came after intense mediation by the U.S. and France, was approved by Lebanon's government on Wednesday morning. It stipulates that Israeli troops conduct a phased withdrawal from south Lebanon over the next 60 days, while Hezbollah pulls back its fighters to north of the Litani River, a natural boundary that lies some 20 miles north of the border. According to the plan, around 5,000 Lebanese soldiers will take their place, Lebanese officials say. The Lebanese army said in a statement on Wednesday that it had begun "to reinforce its deployment" south of the Litani and would "extend state authority" in coordination with U.N. peacekeeping forces. (The Lebanese army remained neutral in the fight between Israel and Hezbollah.) Despite the calm on Wednesday, there were moments that highlighted the fragility of the truce. Israeli troops fired warning shots at people trying to approach their positions in southern villages from which they had yet to withdraw, the Israeli military said. Later, it imposed a nighttime curfew over much of south Lebanon and warned civilians not to return to their homes before being instructed to do so. Despite those reminders that the war is not fully resolved, many Lebanese were jubilant. Motorists driving through Beirut suburbs honked their horns as they drove in impromptu motorcades, while others waved flags and fired celebratory shots into the air. Many walked the streets, shaking their heads in amazement as they raised their smartphones to film the destruction. The war between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese armed group began last year after Palestinian militant faction Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people. The next day, Hezbollah began launching rockets into northern Israel, saying it was acting in support of Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza Strip. Israel and Hezbollah continued trading fire over the last year in an escalating tit-for-tat conflict that saw tens of thousands of people evacuated from both sides of the border. In September, Israel intensified its attacks on Hezbollah. It launched a punishing airstrike campaign on Lebanon's south, east and parts of the capital where Hezbollah holds sway, and invaded areas of Lebanon's south in what it said was a bid to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure. Since last October, more than 3,800 people have been killed in Lebanon, a quarter of them women and children, according to Lebanese health authorities; almost 16,000 have been injured. Israeli authorities say 45 civilians have been killed in Hezbollah attacks, and at least 73 soldiers killed in combat in south Lebanon, the occupied Golan Heights and northern Israel. Najdi, the merchant, was happy that the ceasefire was holding, but it was also bittersweet as he contemplated the difficult months ahead. "I was making something, building something. At 45 I thought I would slow down, take it easy," he said. He added that he had experienced five wars in his lifetime, the first — in 1982 — when he was still in diapers. "And now this one. I have to start again from nothing." More than a million people displaced in the fighting over the last year share his fate, with the World Bank estimating in November that nearly 100,000 housing units have been partially or completely destroyed, while the total cost of damage amounts to roughly $8.5 billion. It remains unclear how Lebanon — which before the war was suffering a multiyear financial crisis that had eviscerated the economy and left most of its population under the poverty line — intends to go about the reconstruction. International aid groups have urged governments to help, said Juan Gabriel Wells, Lebanon country director for the International Rescue Committee aid group. "It is vital that the international community now also invest in Lebanon's recovery," he said in a statement on Wednesday. "These efforts are not only about rebuilding infrastructure; they are also critical to restoring dignity and hope to families who have lost everything." The Lebanese government has yet to formulate concrete plans, officials said. "You know we were so busy, all of us, with the ceasefire," said Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib at a conference in Rome on Tuesday, a few hours before the truce. "Did we think very much about the day after? No." ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.