Sources: Frost set for return to UCF sideline
How much are tickets for Boise State’s Mountain West championship game? Open that wallet
Published 5:09 pm Friday, November 22, 2024 By Jan Griffey NATCHEZ — Natchez lost a native son on Nov. 14, when Aubrey Bernell “B.J.” Norman Jr. died after suffering a seizure. He was 41. Born and raised in Natchez to Aubrey Bernell Norman Sr. and Shirley Bland Norman, Norman was a proud graduate 2001 Natchez High School, where he was elected Mr. Natchez High. “He was a Natchez boy through and through. He was so proud of his hometown. He always told people how he was from Natchez,” said his former wife, Ashleigh Crosby Norman. The pair ended their marriage about a year ago, but remained best friends and co-parented their three children — Aubrey III, 16, and 10-year-old twins, Alton and Ava. Norman, who lived in Ridgeland, was known in the restaurant community in Jackson as a celebrity chef. During his young career, he opened and operated several restaurants, including the Downtown Cafe in 2010. Normal also hosted a cooking segment on Jackson’s Fox 40. After attending Hinds Community College and Jackson State University, where he studied business, Norman went to work as a night auditor at the Marriott. He learned every aspect of that business, Ashleigh said, and went to work at the popular upscale Steam Room Grill. “The owners took a liking to him and he worked as a bartender and server and became assistant manager. He learned everything from the front of the house to the back of the house,” she said. The two got married in 2007, which is when Norman began developing his vision of opening a restaurant. “That was the beginning of his entrepreneurship journey. He opened Downtown Cafe in 2010 and went on to open several restaurants,” she said. However, Norman had a health setback in 2021 when he suffered a stroke. “He suffered his first stroke in 2021 and was left with some physical impairments, but he was super positive,” Ashleigh said. “He was unable to do all of his catering, but he learned to pivot and turned Downtown Cafe into a consulting company and helped numerous businesses, particularly small Black businesses. He was an expert. He did everything from setting up payment systems to training staff.” In all, Norman is credited with helping open 20 restaurants in Mississippi. In fact, Norman was named recently to the Top 50 under 50 of Mississippi’s Urban Elite Professionals. He was to be presented that honor at a gala on Jan. 25, 2025. Norman was at his oldest son’s basketball game on Nov. 5 when he suffered a seizure from which he did not recover. He died on Nov. 14. “He loved his children. He did not miss a game or a match or a practice. He loved to cook, and our children get that from him. He was so proud of everything they did. He loved to watch people operate in their craft. He said people should figure out how they can use that and share it with the world,” Ashlee said. “He was a blessing to us all and he will be so, so missed. Family visitation for Norman is Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m. at Marshall Funeral Home, 225 Pilgrim Blvd., Natchez. A Good Times and Great Memories social hour will be held on Tuesday beginning at 7 p.m. at Doll Baby’s, 6 Saint Catherine St. A celebration of life is Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Pilgrim Baptist Church with reserved seating for the Natchez High School Class of 2001. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. A repast will follow at Pilgrim Baptist Church.
One of the game's most distinctive features is its emphasis on player creativity and experimentation. In "Serenade," there is no one right way to solve a puzzle. Players are encouraged to improvise, harmonize, and infuse their own style into the music, allowing for endless possibilities and unique outcomes. This freedom of expression not only enhances the gameplay experience but also fosters a deeper connection between the player and the world of "Serenade."None
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Trump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staffRashford, a product of United's youth academy, burst onto the scene as a teenager and quickly established himself as a key player for the club. His explosive pace, technical ability, and eye for goal made him a fan favorite and a valuable asset for the team. However, as his career progressed and his contract was renegotiated, Rashford's salary skyrocketed to a level that has become unsustainable for Manchester United in the current financial landscape of football.
TikTok ordered to divest U.S. operations to continue serving 170 million American users A U.S. federal appeals court on Friday upheld a law requiring ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, to divest its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban. The decision moves TikTok, which has 170 million American users, closer to being banned unless the divestment is completed in time. The Chinese Embassy in Washington criticized the law, describing it as “commercial robbery” and cautioning the U.S. to handle the issue carefully to avoid damaging bilateral relations. The embassy stated that the law undermines mutual trust between the countries and could impact future cooperation. The U.S. Justice Department, however, defends the law as necessary to counter national security risks it associates with ByteDance’s ownership. TikTok has announced plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. The law prevents app stores and hosting services from supporting TikTok if the divestment deadline is not met. Attorney General Merrick Garland called the ruling an important measure for addressing potential threats linked to Chinese influence on data and content accessed by Americans. Free speech groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have raised concerns over the ruling, stating that a TikTok ban would infringe upon the First Amendment rights of millions of Americans. In its analysis, the court highlighted that TikTok’s reach gives China influence over public discourse, which it said conflicts with the principles of free speech. The decision adds to heightened trade tensions between the United States and China. Recent actions include U.S. restrictions on China’s chip industry and China’s bans on critical mineral exports to the U.S. The Chinese government has warned that such measures could escalate tensions further. ByteDance, valued at $268 billion in late 2023, must navigate the complex divestment process while facing domestic restrictions from Beijing. If banned, TikTok’s absence may benefit platforms like Meta’s Instagram and Google’s YouTube, as indicated by their stock price increases following the ruling. The law also gives the U.S. government greater authority to restrict other foreign-owned apps seen as security risks. Chinese officials have described this broader effort as discriminatory and aimed at undermining Chinese companies’ global competitiveness. 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() );
One of the most intriguing aspects of the collaborative jersey is the choice between different designs proposed by fans. Each design offers a unique perspective and interpretation of the Barcelona x Kobe Bryant collaboration, making it a challenging decision for fans to choose their favorite. The diversity and creativity of the designs truly highlight the passion and dedication of fans towards both Barcelona and Kobe Bryant.Xie's story serves as a reminder of the power of love and the courage it takes to pursue one's dreams. His journey from Shenyang to Wuhan, from a stable job to selling ice cream on the streets, is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit.
It’s hard to wake up in America and read the words “Hunter Biden” in the news. On days like this, if you listen closely, you can hear the frustrated pangs of millions, crying, “God, who gives a shit?” to the heavens. Sadly, those looking to play “ utterly ineffective hypocrisy finder but for Democrats” live for this. On tonight’s The Daily Show , America’s favorite hypocrisy finder, Jon Stewart, also waded into the Hunter Biden pardon, had a flip-flop field day, and actually found a helpful takeaway. It didn’t start so well. Stewart nearly lost his audience as he transitioned from dunking on Kash Patel , Trump’s nominee for head of the FBI, to needling President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his beloved son, Hunter. The Daily Show audience doesn’t want to hear about the guy leaving the White House. He’s the guy that got us into this mess. However, it was Biden and the Democrat’s love affair with “the rule of law” and not Biden’s love for his children that stuck in Stewart’s craw. Well, that and the pardon’s specificity. Why does Hunter need a pardon going back 11 years for crimes he may or may not have committed? That’s a question for conspiracy theorists, and we’ll definitely be hearing about it in the not-so-distant future. Because Biden had spent the last few months telling people he wasn’t going to pardon his son, he opened himself up to the very criticisms the President and his party typically lob at Republicans. Why is Hunter getting a pardon and not “the J-6 hostages,” as the President-elect asked on his own publicly traded social media website? Well, it’s a question Stewart was interested in exploring. Not the “Why does our next president own a social media website” question, but rather, why do the Democrats lean on concepts like “the rule of law” as if they’ll never bend that rule? The Biden presidency has been filled with hypocrisy, creating a “purity test” that Democrats can’t live up to and leading to mealy-mouthed defenses and justifications. Biden would make concessions for Saudi Arabia and the Southern border while also campaigning against Trump for doing the same thing. While that’s nothing new in politics, Stewart is urging, once again, for the Democrats to start exploiting loopholes that would help people outside of the family. “Rules, loopholes, and norms,” Stewart said, echoing a monologue from a few weeks ago. “The distance between the systems Democrats say they are revering and the one that they’re using when they need to is why people think it’s rigged. Use the rules, use the loopholes, fuck the norms. But also use it to help people. Not just those related to you.”Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save When Katja Vogt considers a Jaguar, she pictures a British-made car purring confidently along the Italian coastline — a vision of familiarity that conveys "that dreaming, longing feeling we all love." She's not sure what to think about Jaguar now after the 89-year-old company announced a radical rebranding that featured loud colors and androgynous people — but no cars. Jaguar, the company says, will now be JaGUar. It will produce only electric vehicles beginning in 2026. Bad attention is good attention, Jaguar execs would appear to believe. The car brand has prompted mockery online for posting a glitzy ad without a single car in it. Say goodbye to British racing green, Cotswold Blue and black. Its colors are henceforth electric pink, red and yellow, according to a video that sparked backlash online. Its mission statement: "Create exuberance. Live vivid. Delete ordinary. Break moulds." "Intrigued?" @Jaguar posted on social media. Questions about Gillian’s Wonderland finances draw angry response from Mita Pleasantville man accused of murdering girlfriend Mainland Regional falls to Old Tappan in state final Northfield intersection to become four-way stop 4 Bridgeton men indicted in alleged sex trafficking ring Mays Landing man charged in hit-and-run that injured man, killed dog in Absecon Wonderland developer to pitch vision again Wednesday at Ocean City Tabernacle Atlantic City mayor waives first appearance on witness tampering charge Northfield Councilman Leeds resigns, citing concerns over Mayor Chau's criminal charges Former Galloway gymnastics co-owner accused of sex with minor to remain in jail Some Atlantic City casino workers call on union boss to resign for opposing a smoking ban Atlantic County suing NJ Juvenile Justice Commission over placement of youth offenders Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to Longport administrator and former police chief Scott Porter dies 9-year-old Margate boy wins tautog tourney in Ventnor: Shep On Fishing "Weird and unsettled" is more like it, Vogt wrote on Instagram. "Especially now, with the world feeling so dystopian," the Cyprus-based brand designer wrote, "a heritage brand like Jaguar should be conveying feelings of safety, stability, and maybe a hint of rebellion — the kind that shakes things up in a good way, not in a way that unsettles." By Nathaniel MeyersohnCNN Our brands, ourselves Jaguar was one of several iconic companies that announced significant rebrandings in recent weeks, upending a series of commercial — and cultural — landmarks by which many modern human beings sort one another, carve out identities and recognize the world around them. Campbell's, the 155-year-old American icon that artist Andy Warhol immortalized in pop culture decades ago, is ready for a new, soupless name. Comcast's corporate reorganization means there will soon be two television networks with "NBC" in their name — CNBC and MSNBC — that will no longer have any corporate connection to NBC News, a U.S. legacy news outlet. CNBC One could even argue the United States itself is rebranding with the election of former President Donald Trump and Republican majorities in the House and Senate. Unlike Trump's first election in 2016, he won the popular vote in what many called a national referendum on American identity. Are we, then, the sum total of our consumer decisions — what we buy, where we travel and whom we elect? Certainly, it's a question for those privileged enough to be able to afford such choices. Volumes of research in the art and science of branding — from "brandr," an old Norse word for burning symbols into the hides of livestock — say those factors do contribute to the modern sense of identity. So rebranding, especially of heritage names, can be a deeply felt affront to consumers. "It can feel like the brand is turning its back on everything that it stood for — and therefore it feels like it's turning its back on us, the people who subscribe to that idea or ideology," said Ali Marmaduke, strategy director with the Amsterdam-based Brand Potential. He said cultural tension — polarization — is surging over politics, wars in Russia and the Mideast, the environment, public health and more, creating what Marmaduke said is known as a "polycrisis": the idea that there are several massive crises converging that feel scary and complex. Campbell's soups "People are understandably freaked out by that," he said. "So we are looking for something that will help us navigate this changing, threatening world that we face." Trump's "Make America Great Again" qualifies. So did President Joe Biden's "Build Back Better" slogan. Campbell's soup itself — "Mmm Mmm Good" — isn't going anywhere, CEO Mark Clouse said. The company's new name, Campbell's Co., will reflect "the full breadth of our portfolio," which includes brands like Prego pasta sauce and Goldfish crackers. What is Jaguar? None of the recent activity around heritage brands sparked a backlash as ferocious as Jaguar's. The company stood as a pillar of tradition-loving British identity since World War II. The famous "leaper" cat Jaguar logo is pictured in 2019 at the Auto show in Paris, France. Jaguar said its approach to the rebrand was rooted in the philosophy of its founder, Sir William Lyons, to "copy nothing." What it's calling "the new Jaguar" will overhaul everything from the font of its name to the positioning of it's famous "leaper" cat. "Exuberant modernism" will "define all aspects of the new Jaguar world," according to the news release. The approach is thought to be aimed at selling fewer cars at a six-figure price point to a more diverse customer base. The reaction ranged from bewilderment to hostility. Memes sprouted up likening the video to the Teletubbies, a Benetton ad and — perhaps predictably — a bow to "woke" culture as the blowback intersected with politics. By Jordan Valinsky, CNN By Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.
The decrease in food prices not only reflects the current conditions in the agricultural sector but also has a direct impact on the overall cost of living for Beijing residents. As food prices account for a significant portion of the average household budget, any changes in food prices can have a substantial impact on consumer spending and inflation rates. The decrease in food prices in November may provide some relief for consumers, especially during a time when economic uncertainties and challenges are prevalent.
Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). It’s a day to promote the rights and wellbeing of those with disabilities and reflect on what we’re doing to make the world a more inclusive place. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: for many Australians with disabilities, inclusion still feels like a lot of lip service. Despite the progress in the last two to three decades, Australians with disabilities are still fighting uphill battles for access and opportunity. So, today, rather than patting ourselves on the back for what’s been achieved, we need to be honest. Are we doing enough? And if not, what’s stopping us? Leaders in the disability sector like , and are crystal clear on one thing: change doesn’t come from just talking about it. It comes from consistent, practical, unapologetic action. Inclusion or illusion? Australia is a global leader in recognising the importance of support systems for people with disabilities. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in particular, has transformed lives by providing funding for essential services and giving individuals the tools to participate fully in society. Australia has also made strides in embracing disability rights and increasing the presence of inclusive public infrastructure. But is it truly delivering? According to Chloe Kempe, CEO of , Australia hasn’t quite turned inclusion into a universal experience. “Many communities, especially in regional areas, still face challenges in accessing resources,” says Kempe. “We need a collective push to normalise inclusivity, not just as an ideal but as a lived reality”. Kerry Kingham, CEO of , agrees that while progress has certainly been made, many systemic challenges still remain. Simplifying NDIS processes, enhancing physical and digital accessibility and driving equity in employment are critical steps Australia must take, along with considering intersectional equity. “People need to understand thatdisability intersects with other factors such as age, gender and cultural background and create policies that address these intersections to ensure no one is left behind”, said Kingham. “Inclusivity is about more than just having a seat at the table. It’s about making sure the table works for everyone—and if it doesn’t, we’re ready to flip it over and build a better one.” Cheryl Drury, Director of , likewise believes that while Australia making progress, there’s plenty of room for improvement. “It’s hard to believe we’re still talking about inclusion as something to strive for, rather than something that just ” Drury said. “We’re seeing more conversations about disability rights and representation in media and leadership. But there’s still a way to go. Workplaces need to be more adaptable; communities need to be more accessible, and schools need to create environments where kids with disabilities can thrive socially and academically”. According to Kingham, while the NDIS has been life-changing for many, it’s still an overwhelming maze for participants and carers. “From complex claiming processes, to a lack of integration between providers, navigating the system is daunting,” Kingham said. Kerry and her team at are committed to removing barriers and empowering individuals with disabilities to live more independently. “We are taking the everyday frustrations of Australians with disabilities—confusing systems, inaccessible products, endless red tape—and replacing them with simple, empowering solutions,” says Kingham. “We are simplifying claiming processes by offering consolidated invoices and integrated workflows for Agency, Plan and Self-Managed participants”. Kerry also believes that many online platforms still fall short when it comes to providing user-friendly and accessible experiences for individuals with disabilities. To address this, The Chooze Shop is leveraging AI to build tools that ensure accessibility while innovating for the future of assistive technology. Employment opportunities and social skills programs Drury believes that while inclusive hiring practices are improving, individuals with disabilities continue to face barriers to meaningful employment. Australia must do more to incentivise businesses to adopt these practices. “For people with disabilities, the reality is often a world that feels closed off—one where opportunities to build connections, find meaningful work, and simply feel a part of the community are out of reach”, says Drury. “We want to break down barriers and make sure people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else. Whether it’s education, employment, or just the chance to meet new people and form relationships, the goal is to create a society that truly includes everyone”, she continues. “Loneliness is something we all feel at times, but for people with disabilities, it’s far too common. That’s why what we do at and our sister organisations, and , are just so important”. Inclusion by design Kempe believes that accessibility isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a cornerstone of inclusivity and dignity. Through ongoing , Chloe revealed they are setting new standards for care, creating environments that empower individuals living with disabilities to lead more independent, meaningful lives. “Our collaboration integrates The Chooze Shop’s innovative assistive technology and consumables into SACARE’s supported accommodations, enabling our clients to have greater control over their daily lives,” said Kempe. “From adaptive tools that support mobility to consumables that simplify day-to-day tasks, this partnership ensures our living environments go beyond basic accessibility, . And their vision doesn’t stop with homes. Together, SACARE and The Chooze Shop are making public spaces more inclusive too. “By providing our SACARE Carers Lounge, which includes a sensory room and purpose-built changing space at major events across SA, VIC, and QLD, we’re ensuring that people with sensory sensitivities and changing needs can enjoy these experiences with dignity and comfort”. SACARE and The Chooze Shop’s partnership exemplifies what’s possible when innovation meets advocacy. Together, they’re not only meeting immediate needs, but also reshaping how accessibility is defined—opening doors for individuals to fully engage in all aspects of life. Walking the talk: why women’s leadership matters Inclusion starts at the top, and the disability support sector is uniquely positioned to lead. As Kingham points out, women hold a significant number of senior leadership roles in this space. That’s a rarity in many industries, but it’s also a responsibility. “We have to set high standards and model them for everyone around us,” says Kingham. “It’s not enough to talk about inclusion—we have to live it, breathe it, and make it impossible to ignore.” Drury, echoes this sentiment, calling for action over rhetoric. “We need to move beyond words and focus on action. It’s about creating a society where everyone belongs, feels valued, and has the chance to contribute. Change happens when we all step up.” Kempe echoes this sentiment, highlighting that meaningful change requires a collective effort. “This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we encourage businesses, policymakers, and communities to join us in pushing boundaries for inclusivity and innovation,” she says. “The fight for equity is everyone’s responsibility. Only together can we create a world where no one is left behind.”Concerns have also been raised about the “renormalisation” of smoking. Dr Rachel O’Donnell, senior research fellow at the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health, said restrictions on smoking in outdoor places can “reinforce” a message that smoking “isn’t a socially acceptable thing to do” and could also help smokers to kick the habit. In November, it emerged that the UK Government is to scrap plans to ban smoking in the gardens of pubs and restaurants in England. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the hospitality industry has “taken a real battering in recent years” and it is not “the right time” to ban smoking outside pubs. But smoking and vaping could be banned in other public places in England – such as in playgrounds or outside of schools – under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. According to the World Health Organisation, there is no safe level of second-hand smoke exposure. In a briefing for journalists, Dr O’Donnell said decision-making “should be on the basis of all the evidence that’s available”. She added: “Any debate about legislation on smoking in outdoor settings shouldn’t only focus on air quality and second-hand smoke exposure levels, because the impacts of restrictions in outdoor settings are also evident on our social norms.” Smoke-free outdoor environments “reinforce smoke-free as the acceptable norm”, she said. “This, I think, is a critically important point at a time where in the media, over the last year, we’ve seen various reports and questions as to whether we might be on the cusp of renormalisation of smoking for various reasons, and so smoke-free public environments still have a critically important role to play. “If you reduce opportunities to smoke, it can also help individuals who smoke themselves to reduce the amount they smoke or to make a quit attempt.” Dr O’Donnell said visibility of tobacco products and smoking is a “form of marketing for tobacco companies” as she pointed to studies highlighting the increasing number of tobacco depictions on screen. She went on: “The more often young adults observe smoking around them, the more likely they are to believe that smoking is socially acceptable, which feeds back into this idea of renormalisation of smoking. “So, restrictions on smoking in outdoor public places have other positive knock-on effects, potentially for young people as well, just sending out that clear message that this isn’t a socially acceptable thing to do and see, and this could help to discourage smoking initiation among young people at quite a critical time.” On being exposed to second-hand smoke at work, she added: “I think sometimes when we think about exposure to second-hand smoke in outdoor settings, in pubs, in restaurants, we think about that sort of occasional customer exposure, the nuisance element of it when people are out enjoying a meal with friends, but we also need to be reminded that this is a repeated occupational exposure for those who are working in hospitality and serving drinks and food. “Now, as we’ve already seen, concentrations of second-hand smoke in these settings are generally low, and they’re likely to present a low risk to health for most healthy people. “But ... there’s no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke, and so any individual with pre-existing heart, lung or respiratory conditions may be particularly vulnerable even to low levels of exposure. “We know that second-hand smoke is its known carcinogen, and on that basis those exposed in the hospitality sector have a right to be protected. “On that basis, there’s a need to protect them, as there is anybody in any workplace setting from second-hand smoke exposure in all areas of workplaces and spaces.” Sean Semple, professor of exposure science at the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health, said: “I think that if I were a policy-maker, which I am not, then I would be looking at those occupational exposures as well. “I have asthma, if I was being occupationally exposed to SHS (second-hand smoke), and knowing that I was one of a very small number of workers now being legally exposed to SHS in the workplace, then I might not be very happy about that.” A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “As part of our 10 Year Health Plan we are shifting focus from sickness to prevention, including tackling the harms of smoking and passive smoking. “The landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill is the biggest public health intervention in a generation and will put us on track towards a smoke-free UK.”
One of the game's most distinctive features is its emphasis on player creativity and experimentation. In "Serenade," there is no one right way to solve a puzzle. Players are encouraged to improvise, harmonize, and infuse their own style into the music, allowing for endless possibilities and unique outcomes. This freedom of expression not only enhances the gameplay experience but also fosters a deeper connection between the player and the world of "Serenade."Zhao Liying and Her Son Bump into Lin Gengxin, Indulging in Two Different Zones to Avoid Suspicion - Heartwarming Mother-Son Reunion
The construction of the new metro line represents a significant investment in Beijing's future. By connecting the city subcenter to other parts of Beijing, the line will help alleviate traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and improve the overall quality of life for residents. In addition, the project is expected to spur economic growth and attract new businesses and residents to the area.When Katja Vogt considers a Jaguar, she pictures a British-made car purring confidently along the Italian coastline — a vision of familiarity that conveys "that dreaming, longing feeling we all love." She's not sure what to think about Jaguar now after the 89-year-old company announced a radical rebranding that featured loud colors and androgynous people — but no cars. Jaguar, the company says, will now be JaGUar. It will produce only electric vehicles beginning in 2026. Bad attention is good attention, Jaguar execs would appear to believe. The car brand has prompted mockery online for posting a glitzy ad without a single car in it. Say goodbye to British racing green, Cotswold Blue and black. Its colors are henceforth electric pink, red and yellow, according to a video that sparked backlash online. Its mission statement: "Create exuberance. Live vivid. Delete ordinary. Break moulds." "Intrigued?" @Jaguar posted on social media. "Weird and unsettled" is more like it, Vogt wrote on Instagram. "Especially now, with the world feeling so dystopian," the Cyprus-based brand designer wrote, "a heritage brand like Jaguar should be conveying feelings of safety, stability, and maybe a hint of rebellion — the kind that shakes things up in a good way, not in a way that unsettles." Jaguar was one of several iconic companies that announced significant rebrandings in recent weeks, upending a series of commercial — and cultural — landmarks by which many modern human beings sort one another, carve out identities and recognize the world around them. Campbell's, the 155-year-old American icon that artist Andy Warhol immortalized in pop culture decades ago, is ready for a new, soupless name. Comcast's corporate reorganization means there will soon be two television networks with "NBC" in their name — CNBC and MSNBC — that will no longer have any corporate connection to NBC News, a U.S. legacy news outlet. CNBC One could even argue the United States itself is rebranding with the election of former President Donald Trump and Republican majorities in the House and Senate. Unlike Trump's first election in 2016, he won the popular vote in what many called a national referendum on American identity. Are we, then, the sum total of our consumer decisions — what we buy, where we travel and whom we elect? Certainly, it's a question for those privileged enough to be able to afford such choices. Volumes of research in the art and science of branding — from "brandr," an old Norse word for burning symbols into the hides of livestock — say those factors do contribute to the modern sense of identity. So rebranding, especially of heritage names, can be a deeply felt affront to consumers. "It can feel like the brand is turning its back on everything that it stood for — and therefore it feels like it's turning its back on us, the people who subscribe to that idea or ideology," said Ali Marmaduke, strategy director with the Amsterdam-based Brand Potential. He said cultural tension — polarization — is surging over politics, wars in Russia and the Mideast, the environment, public health and more, creating what Marmaduke said is known as a "polycrisis": the idea that there are several massive crises converging that feel scary and complex. Campbell's soups "People are understandably freaked out by that," he said. "So we are looking for something that will help us navigate this changing, threatening world that we face." Trump's "Make America Great Again" qualifies. So did President Joe Biden's "Build Back Better" slogan. Campbell's soup itself — "Mmm Mmm Good" — isn't going anywhere, CEO Mark Clouse said. The company's new name, Campbell's Co., will reflect "the full breadth of our portfolio," which includes brands like Prego pasta sauce and Goldfish crackers. None of the recent activity around heritage brands sparked a backlash as ferocious as Jaguar's. The company stood as a pillar of tradition-loving British identity since World War II. The famous "leaper" cat Jaguar logo is pictured in 2019 at the Auto show in Paris, France. Jaguar said its approach to the rebrand was rooted in the philosophy of its founder, Sir William Lyons, to "copy nothing." What it's calling "the new Jaguar" will overhaul everything from the font of its name to the positioning of it's famous "leaper" cat. "Exuberant modernism" will "define all aspects of the new Jaguar world," according to the news release. The approach is thought to be aimed at selling fewer cars at a six-figure price point to a more diverse customer base. The reaction ranged from bewilderment to hostility. Memes sprouted up likening the video to the Teletubbies, a Benetton ad and — perhaps predictably — a bow to "woke" culture as the blowback intersected with politics. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.None
Wolf Carbon Solutions on Monday withdrew its petition with Iowa regulators for a carbon dioxide pipeline that would have stretched from Cedar Rapids to the state's eastern border. The company had proposed about 95 miles of pipe in four counties to transport captured carbon dioxide from two ethanol producers in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to Illinois, where it would be permanently stored underground. The southeast path is the preferred trunkline route. The northeast path is the preferred lateral route. Wolf withdrew its permit request in that state more than a year ago after an engineer for the Illinois Commerce Commission questioned whether the project qualified for approval, and state lawmakers later adopted a moratorium on new CO2 pipelines there. In Wolf's withdrawal letter to Iowa’s Public Utilities Commission, the company said a "number of factors" have delayed its project, but it did not specify what they are. An attorney for Wolf did not respond Monday to a request to comment for this article. People are also reading... "Wolf will make a determination concerning any required new filing with the commission once more certainty exists concerning its plans to proceed with the project," the letter said. The system was proposed to connect to two Archer Daniels Midland ethanol plants. ADM also did not respond to a request to comment. The second withdrawal Wolf is the second company to abandon a permit request for a carbon dioxide pipeline system that includes Iowa. Navigator CO2 also sought to transport carbon dioxide from ethanol plants to Illinois for underground storage or other commercial purposes, but its project was much larger. It was proposed to span more than 1,300 miles in four states. Navigator said last year that the "unpredictable nature of the regulatory and government processes" led it to halt its project. "Against all odds, we’ve stopped the Navigator and Wolf carbon pipelines," said Jess Mazour of the Sierra Club of Iowa, which has organized opposition to the projects and has challenged them throughout their regulatory processes and in court. Opponents argue the pipelines are unsafe, should not be eligible for eminent domain authority and are meant to enrich wealthy investors with the help of federal tax credits. Proponents say the pipelines would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sustain the ethanol industry as drivers shift to low-carbon fuels and electric vehicles. A third company, Summit Carbon Solutions, has obtained route permits in Iowa and North Dakota, where it plans to transport carbon dioxide from more than 50 ethanol plants for underground storage in North Dakota. Summit increased the size of its proposed five-state pipeline system this year by adding ethanol plants that previously had agreed to be part of Navigator's project. The plan now includes about 2,500 miles of pipe. None of it is in Illinois. Summit recently reapplied for a permit in South Dakota, which it needs to start construction in Iowa. The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission rejected Summit's first route. Its new permit request includes a modified route that the company says will reduce its effect on future development near Sioux Falls. Summit is asking the South Dakota commission to overrule county ordinances that restrict pipeline placement. No eminent domain Wolf began its permit process in Iowa in June 2022 and pledged not to use eminent domain to force landowners to host its project. The company noted in its Monday letter that it "has continued to build relationships with landowners and stakeholders," but it did not specify how many voluntary land easements it has obtained. Landowners in the path of a pipeline can sign agreements to allow a company to construct and operate on land it doesn’t own. If landowners refuse, a company that’s been granted eminent domain authority by regulators can seek eminent domain in exchange for compensation. The Iowa Utilities Commission approved the use of eminent domain for about a quarter of Summit's initial route. That approval is the subject of court challenges that might conclude next year. "Don't risk Iowans' land or Iowans' health over profits for a few companies," Brian Bowman, of Cedar Falls, wrote recently to the commission in an objection to the projects. "I firmly object to CO2 pipelines and eminent domain to accomplish (them)." Public meeting about Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline The southeast path is the preferred trunkline route. The northeast path is the preferred lateral route. Attendees look over a map of the proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. David Schmunk, president of Wolf Carbon Solutions, speaks during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. Nick Noppinger, senior vice president of corporate development at Wolf Carbon Solutions, speaks during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. Jeff Cook, an attorney with the Iowa Office of Consumer Advocate, speaks during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline Wednesday at the Adler Theater in Davenport. Geri Huser, Iowa Utilities Board Chair, speaks during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. David Schmunk, president of Wolf Carbon Solutions, speaks during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. Nick Noppinger, senior vice president of corporate development at Wolf Carbon Solutions, speaks during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. Scott County Supervisor Ken Croken asks a question during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline Wednesday at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. Gail Beech, an attorney with Iowa Utilities Board , speaks during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. Inside the Adler Theater during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. Gail Beech, an attorney with Iowa Utilities Board , speaks during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. Geri Huser, Iowa Utilities Board Chair, speaks during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. David Schmunk, president of Wolf Carbon Solutions, speaks during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. David Schmunk, president of Wolf Carbon Solutions, speaks during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. David Schmunk, president of Wolf Carbon Solutions, speaks during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. Jeff Cook, an attorney with the Iowa Office of Consumer Advocate, speaks during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. Nick Noppinger, senior vice president of corporate development at Wolf Carbon Solutions, speaks during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. A map of the preliminary pipeline route is displayed during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. David Schmunk, president of Wolf Carbon Solutions, speaks during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. Geri Huser, Iowa Utilities Board Chair, speaks during a public information meeting on a proposed Wolf Carbon Solutions pipeline, Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at the Adler Theater in Davenport. The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would connect ADM plants in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to an underground storage site in central Illinois slated to go through Clinton and Scott counties. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.'Unbelievable' Odegaard transforms Arsenal and gets Saka smiling again