nighty night circus
Trump backs foreign worker visa program splitting his supportersWayne Rooney encourages I’m A Celeb viewers to vote for Coleen to do a trial
Jarrod Bowen held Antonio’s number nine shirt aloft after scoring the winner in support of the Hammers striker, who is recovering after a horror car crash on Saturday. Boss Julen Lopetegui said: “He is not in his best moment but he kept his humour. It was a special moment for us. “I think we have a lot of reason to win matches but this was one reason more. He’s alive so we are happy.” MA9 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fXwtdSQWYE — West Ham United (@WestHam) December 9, 2024 West Ham players wore ‘Antonio 9′ shirts while warming up and walking out before kick-off. The shirts will be signed by the players, including Antonio, and auctioned off with the proceeds going to the NHS and Air Ambulances UK. Tomas Soucek headed West Ham into the lead and held up nine fingers to a TV camera. The Czech midfielder told Sky Sports: “He’s been here since I came here. He is really my favourite. I said it would be tough for me to play without him. "He was here since I came and he's really my favourite" Tomáš Souček on dedicating his goal to Michail Antonio ❤️ pic.twitter.com/smNy26wmuX — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 9, 2024 “I was so scared what was going to happen. It was a really tough week for him, his family and us.” Matt Doherty equalised for Wolves, and boss Gary O’Neil felt they should have had two penalties for fouls on Goncalo Guedes and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, both of which were checked by VAR. But Bowen’s winner – O’Neil believed there was a foul in the build-up – condemned Wolves to a 10th defeat of the season and a third in a row. While under-pressure Lopetegui may have earned a stay of execution, O’Neil’s future as Wolves manager is now in serious doubt. “A lot of things went against us but ultimately we have not found a way to turn the game in our favour,” he said. “But the players showed they are still fighting for me, for the fans and the group. “Where does this leave me? In the same place I was. I’m aware of the noise. But if anyone expected this to be easy – I’m happy to be judged on results but it should be done in context. “Whenever this journey ends with Wolves I’ll be proud of it.” There was an acrimonious end to the match as captains Bowen and Mario Lemina scuffled after the final whistle, with the Wolves midfielder angrily shoving people including one of his own coaches, Shaun Derry. “I just went to shake his hand after the game,” Bowen said. “He didn’t want to shake my hand, two captains together just to say ‘well done’ after the game. “I know it’s difficult when you lose. I’ve been on the end of that situation.” O’Neil added: “Mario is calm now. He’s a passionate guy and something was said that upset him. “The instinct of the staff was to make sure he didn’t get into trouble, but he took some calming down.”
NEW YORK , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global mechanical connectors market size is estimated to grow by USD 4.77 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for mechanical connectors in automotive industry is driving market growth, with a trend towards product launches. However, fluctuating raw material prices of mechanical connectors poses a challenge.Key market players include 3M Co., ABB Ltd., Axis Electrical Components India Pvt. Ltd., Birkett Electric Ltd., Componect AG, Conex Metals, Connector Subsea Solutions, Conway, Electrofocus Electricals, HellermannTyton GmbH, Hirpara Metal Industries, Hubbell Inc., Nexans SA, NILED, NSI Industries LLC, Panduit Corp., Prysmian Spa, Raychem RPG Pvt. Ltd., STATS Group, TE Connectivity Ltd., and Tempo Communications Inc.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Type (Aluminum, Copper, Brass, and Others), Application (Automotive, Industrial, Aerospace and defense, and Others), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled 3M Co., ABB Ltd., Axis Electrical Components India Pvt. Ltd., Birkett Electric Ltd., Componect AG, Conex Metals, Connector Subsea Solutions, Conway, Electrofocus Electricals, HellermannTyton GmbH, Hirpara Metal Industries, Hubbell Inc., Nexans SA, NILED, NSI Industries LLC, Panduit Corp., Prysmian Spa, Raychem RPG Pvt. Ltd., STATS Group, TE Connectivity Ltd., and Tempo Communications Inc. Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The Mechanical Connectors market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for fixed broadband connections with higher bandwidth. Fiber optic connectors and coaxial cables are popular choices for high-speed data transfer in various sectors. Internal cables & connectors are essential for electronic systems integration in industries like Telecom, Defense, and Oil & Gas. External cables & connectors are crucial for power and signal transmission in Infrastructure Development and Data Centre Investments. Miniature connectors find applications in consumer electronics, automotive sector, and automation technology. Factors like urbanization, raw material prices, and governmental policies impact the market. Fiber optic connectors, copper, and high-speed connectors are key products driving the market. Emerging technologies like 5G, IoT, and autonomous vehicles also provide opportunities. Industries like Aerospace and Defense, Energy & Power, and Submarine Communication are significant consumers. The Mechanical Connectors Market is witnessing significant growth as key players are strategically expanding their product portfolios through new product launches. In February 2022 , Nexans introduced a new mechanical power connector to their GPH cable connectors and cable lugs range for medium-voltage cables. Likewise, HellermannTyton launched cast resin cable joints in May 2022 , featuring a cable connector and constant force springs with straight ends for effortless installation. These new offerings enable companies to cater to diverse end-user requirements and boost their market presence. International and local players dominate the market, with new product launches being a popular growth strategy. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This mechanical connectors market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Aluminum- Aluminum connectors are cylindrical components used for terminating electrical wires in machines and electrical equipment, particularly in applications where vibration is a concern. These connectors are commonly found in military, automotive, industrial, and medical equipment. Military-grade aluminum connectors have metal outer shells for sealing. Commercial-grade aluminum connectors are also widely used in industries and automotive applications. TE Connectivity Ltd. And 3M are notable vendors offering aluminum connectors like the AMPLIMITE Ultra-Lite D-Subminiature connector and the metal D-SUB aluminum lightweight connector, respectively. The increasing demand for lightweight miniature connectors is driving market growth, making aluminum connectors a significant segment in the overall market. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis The Mechanical Connectors Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for Fixed Broadband Connections with higher bandwidth. Fiber Optic Connectors and Coaxial Cables are the primary types of mechanical connectors, finding extensive applications in various industries. Internal Cables & Connectors and External Cables & Connectors are essential components in numerous systems, including those used in Military & Defense, Commercial, Civil, Oil & Gas, Energy & Power, Electronic systems, and Electrical systems. Signal transmission and power transmission are the major applications for mechanical connectors. Urbanization, Consumer electronics, Automation technology, Automotive segment, Advanced safety features, Autonomous vehicles, and the Telecom sector are some key areas driving the market's growth. The market is also influenced by raw material prices and technological advancements such as 5G technology and IoT technology. Market Research Overview The Mechanical Connectors Market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for Fixed Broadband Connections with higher bandwidth. Fiber Optic Connectors and Coaxial Cables are the primary types of mechanical connectors, with the former gaining popularity in telecommunications, data centers, and infrastructure development due to their superior signal transmission capabilities. Internal Cables & Connectors and External Cables & Connectors are essential components in various industries, including Military & Defense, Commercial, Civil, Oil & Gas, Energy & Power, Submarine Communication, Digital Data Storage, Automotive Sector, Electric Vehicles, and Infrastructure Development. The market is also driven by the growing demand for High-Speed Data Transfer, Urbanization, Consumer electronics, Automation technology, Autonomous vehicles, Telecom sector, 5G technology, IoT technology, Miniature connectors, PCB connectors, and Quick connectors. Raw material prices, Electronic systems integration, Copper's electrical conductivity, Industrialization, Governmental policies, High-speed connectors, and applications in Aerospace and defense are other factors influencing the market's growth. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mechanical-connectors-market-to-grow-by-usd-4-77-billion-2024-2028-driven-by-rising-demand-in-automotive-industry-ai-transforming-the-market-landscape---technavio-302313566.html SOURCE Technavio
Cam Ward breaks Bernie Kosar's single-season Miami passing yards and completions records
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire and fellow entrepreneur and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer’s comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar.” Musk and Ramaswamy, , weighed in, defending the tech industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump’s world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world’s richest man who has , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump’s movement but his stance on the tech industry’s hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent,” he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Trump’s own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump’s businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country” and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country,” he told the “All-In” podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump’s budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.Morant finishes with 22 points and 11 assists in his return as Grizzlies beat Trail Blazers 123-98DALLAS -- The Hilton Anatole has become Major League Baseball's top destination this week as teams converge for the winter meetings with writers, agents and even some fans circling the vast lobby floors. The biggest offseason news came down Sunday night, when the New York Mets and star free agent slugger Juan Soto reportedly agreed on a 15-year, $765 million deal, which would be the largest contract ever given to a professional athlete. That was a key talking point when managers started meeting with the media on Monday. Nationals manager Dave Martinez reflected on when he was Soto's first manager in the big leagues back in 2018. "This kid, he was different," Martinez said. "The ball comes off his bat differently. The way he approaches the hitting was way different than a lot of kids I've seen. But the one thing that I always remember about him, the first conversation I had, the first thing that came out of his mouth when I asked him what motivates him, what drives him, and he just came out and said, 'I love baseball.' Truly you can see it in him. He loves playing the game." The Red Sox were among the clubs in the mix for Soto. Boston manager Alex Cora didn't get into specific details, but he enjoyed the organization's pursuit of the four-time All Star. "It was fun in a way, you know, to get to know people and players of that status," Cora said. "It's amazing. The kid, he gets it. He gets it. Let me put it that way." Royals manager Matt Quatraro, meanwhile, spoke about the impact such a monumental contract may have on smaller market teams in order to compete in today's market. "We have to be creative. We have to put the best 26 guys on a roster or the best 40 guys on a roster, not the best one or two," Quatraro said. "At the end of the day, you have a chance to compete against those guys. Soto is going to hit four to five times a night. Those are impactful at-bats, but there's other ways to combat that with a full 26-man roster." Sasaki Posted Outside of the Soto reaction, Monday's other main storyline - at least going into the afternoon hours - centered on Japanese ace right-hander Roki Sasaki officially being posted. The 23-year-old phenom is available to sign as a free agent from Tuesday through 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 23. The rumor mill was churning with plenty of speculation and talk about where Sasaki might sign. He was just one of many big-name players being discussed on Monday. The list of top free agents behind Soto includes pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried and infielders Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso and Christian Walker. On the trade front, much attention is being placed on White Sox left-handed starter Garrett Crochet. It was a relatively quiet Day 1 through the standard working hours, although things are always subject to change at meetings of this nature. Tito is Back Terry Francona joked that his desire to manage again resurfaced when his daughters went on a 10-day trip to Europe. "I watched the grandkids. That was the one day I thought maybe I'll go back to baseball," Francona said, laughing. All joking aside, Francona said it simply happened that when the Reds reached out, the timing felt right. He's healthy and refreshed as he's set to enter his 24th season as a manager. "I had a really good year and maybe I just needed that," Francona, 65, said. "Then, when these guys called, it just felt right." Honoring Mays The winter meetings kicked off with MLB announcing that its annual charity auction during the event would help revitalize Willie Mays Park in the late Hall of Famer's hometown of Fairfield, Ala. At a news conference, April Brown, MLB's senior vice president of social responsibility and diversity, said the vision for the project includes access for all levels of players, from youth leagues to advanced levels. "This effort will not just be MLB alone," Brown said. "We have the blessing of so many connected to his legacy and that have the mission to instill the love of our game that Willie had to all of the youth in the area growing up in the neighborhood where he grew up." The auction, which features items from every major league club, runs through Thursday. --Drew Davison, Field Level MediaIf 2024 wasn’t the “Year of Artificial Intelligence,” then 2025 most certainly will be. In late 2023, CNHI and The Daily Item partnered for a two-month-long project looking at AI’s growing use in everything from education to emergency response. The technology has advanced so quickly that what was groundbreaking and earth-shattering last summer might be obsolete by the end of this year. The evolution of AI will unquestionably continue to impact our daily lives, even if we don’t know it. But understanding what AI can do — both good and bad — will remain a priority moving forward. AI continues to create efficiencies in industry, in education, in military affairs, in governance and numerous other lanes. Many of us already use AI in some capacity, in user-friendly ways boosted by algorithms we’ve long fed into. In the past week, The Associated Press has highlighted stories about growing concerns with AI-generated online business reviews and the view of students with disabilities that AI is a “game changer.” In the education story, the AP notes, “Schools everywhere have been wrestling with how and where to incorporate AI, but many are fast-tracking applications for students with disabilities,” and that the “U.S. Education Department, which has told schools they must consider whether students need tools like text-to-speech and alternative communication devices.” For business reviews, the AP reports, “The Transparency Company analyzed 73 million reviews in three sectors: home, legal and medical services. Nearly 14% of the reviews were likely fake, and the company expressed a ‘high degree of confidence’ that 2.3 million reviews were partly or entirely AI-generated.” Closer to home, officials in Union County are working on a new policy after a flood of AI-generated Right to Know requests hit the office. AI-generated scams are also becoming more prevalent, and in an era when more and more are caught up in what seem to be basic scams, higher-tech and more volatile efforts might snag more victims. The message here is to remain vigilant and proactive. Be aware that AI has its benefits and dangers, and both sides change almost daily. The goal of improving efficiencies in various outlets is worthy. Far too many people continue to exploit those growing efficiencies to create havoc and confusion. So be mindful of how you use AI and stay as informed as possible moving forward. NOTE: Opinions expressed in The Daily Item’s editorials are the consensus of the publisher, top newsroom executives and community members of the editorial board.
NoneQueens Wrongful Death Attorney Keetick L. Sanchez Publishes Comprehensive Article on Wrongful Death in Queens 11-25-2024 10:18 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire Queens wrongful death attorney [ https://accidentlawyer-queens.com/wrongful-death-attorney/ ] Keetick L. Sanchez of K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. has unveiled an insightful article on the complexities surrounding wrongful death claims in Queens. This piece provides a comprehensive overview of the legal landscape for families seeking justice after losing a loved one due to negligence or criminal actions. The article by Queens wrongful death attorney Keetick L. Sanchez highlights the profound impact of wrongful death claims, emphasizing that while financial compensation cannot replace a loved one, it can help alleviate some of the economic burdens left behind. According to Sanchez, wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to another's negligent or intentional acts, and it allows family members to claim compensation for their losses. In New York, wrongful death lawsuits can be initiated by specific family members or a personal representative of the deceased's estate. The Queens wrongful death attorney explains that these claims can arise from various situations including medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, and defective products. However, not all family members are eligible to file; typically, this right is reserved for the deceased's spouse, children, or parents. Sanchez elaborates, "It's crucial for families to understand who can file a wrongful death lawsuit and what constitutes a valid claim in Queens. Seeking legal counsel early can clarify these questions and assist families in handling this difficult process." Proving a wrongful death case involves demonstrating negligence. This includes establishing that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased, that this duty was breached, and that the breach directly caused the death. If successful, families may recover damages for pain and suffering endured by the deceased, medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of income. The article outlines the potential benefits of pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit, such as holding the responsible party accountable and obtaining financial relief for outstanding costs. However, Sanchez acknowledges the emotional difficulty involved in these cases, noting, "While discussing the details of a loved one's death can be painful, pursuing a claim can provide a sense of justice and financial support during a challenging time." Queens wrongful death attorney Keetick L. Sanchez also addresses potential complications, such as shared liability in accidents, which might affect the compensation amount. In New York's comparative negligence system, if the deceased is found partially responsible, the damages awarded may be reduced accordingly. Determining compensation involves assessing both economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses might include lost wages and funeral expenses, while non-economic losses cover aspects like loss of companionship and emotional suffering. Sanchez emphasizes the importance of working with experienced attorneys who can accurately quantify these damages, often with the help of economists and financial analysts. For families considering a wrongful death claim, seeking legal guidance promptly is crucial due to the two-year statute of limitations in New York. Sanchez advises, "Consulting with an experienced wrongful death attorney can provide clarity on one's rights and help make informed decisions about pursuing a claim." About K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C.: K.L. Sanchez Law Office, P.C. is committed to providing compassionate legal support to families facing the challenges of wrongful death. The firm focuses on personal injury law, helping clients through the legal process to secure the compensation they deserve. With a dedicated team of attorneys, K.L. Sanchez Law Office offers personalized guidance and advocacy tailored to each client's unique circumstances. Embeds: Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35gSUQ5sur0 GMB: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=2729652254808699760 Email and website Email: accidentlawny1@gmail.com Website: https://accidentlawyer-queens.com/ Media Contact Company Name: K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. Contact Person: Keetick Sanchez Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=queens-wrongful-death-attorney-keetick-l-sanchez-publishes-comprehensive-article-on-wrongful-death-in-queens ] Phone: (646) 701-7990 Address:3763 83rd St #1m City: Jackson Heights State: New York 11372 Country: United States Website: https://accidentlawyer-queens.com This release was published on openPR.
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DES MOINES — Iowa K-12 students would be barred from having their cellphones in the classroom under a proposal that Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds plans to present to state lawmakers. Reynolds mentioned her proposal Thursday during an interview with the Gray TV stations’ Washington, D.C. bureau. “Gov. Reynolds believes Iowa students deserve the opportunity to learn free from the distraction of personal electronic devices. Iowa kids should have the freedom to focus and be fully engaged in their education,” Reynolds’ spokesman, Mason Mauro, said in an email Friday night. Proponents of such bans say they prevent students from being distracted during school instruction time and also help address concerns about students’ mental health. Eight states had banned cellphones in classrooms as of Nov. 4, according to KFF, a nonprofit health care news and advocacy organization. The states with statewide bans on phones in the classroom are Minnesota, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, South Carolina, Louisiana and California, according to KFF. Another 12 states — including Iowa — have introduced legislation that would ban or restrict cellphone use in classrooms, and education departments in nine more states have recommended policies or pilot programs designed to ban or restrict cellphones in schools, according to KFF. It is unclear whether state lawmakers would support a ban on cellphones in the classroom, even with Reynolds’ fellow Republicans holding majorities in both chambers of the Iowa Legislature. State Sen. Ken Rozenboom, a Republican from Pella who chairs the Senate’s Education Committee, said he has not considered introducing a ban on cellphones in classrooms, nor has anyone contacted him about the issue. “I believe cellphone usage is a very significant problem in our schools, but I’m not convinced that this is something that should be governed by the state,” Rozenboom said. A spokeswoman for Iowa House Republicans pointed to legislation considered in that chamber during the 2024 session that would have required school districts to adopt a policy that restricts the use of cellphones during classroom instruction, but did not ban phones from the classroom. That bill did not advance far enough to be passed into law. Melissa Saitz, the spokeswoman for Iowa House Republicans, said she believes the topic will come up during the 2025 legislative session, and that House Republicans will be seeking feedback from Iowans on the topic. She said it is too early to say whether House Republicans will support a full ban on phones in the classroom, but it will “definitely be a discussion” during the session. “We have heard from so many teachers that cellphones are a huge distraction preventing kids from learning,” Saitz said. A spokeswoman for the Iowa State Education Association, the statewide union that represents public schoolteachers, said the union will not comment at this time since there is not yet a “specific proposal.” The 2025 session of the Iowa Legislature begins Jan. 13. Gov. Kim Reynolds likely will give her annual Condition of the State address on Jan. 14. Many Eastern Iowa schools are exploring policies about cellphones in the classroom, mirroring a national trend of school districts and states restricting students’ cellphone use in schools. Hillcrest Academy, a private school in Kalona, is one of the first Iowa districts to become phone-free this academic year to reduce distractions in the classroom and out of concerns for students’ mental health. Grace King of The Gazette contributed to this report. We all know that staring at screens constantly is bad for our health. So here are some easy ways to reduce screen time. At Bullard High School in Fresno, California, it's easy to see the benefits of banning students' cellphones. Bullying is down and socialization is up, principal Armen Torigian said. Enforcing the smartphone restrictions? That's been harder. Instead of putting their devices in magnetically locked pouches, like they're supposed to, some kids will stick something else in there instead, like a disused old phone, a calculator, a glue bottle or just the phone case. Others attack the pouch, pulling at stitches, cutting the bottom, or defacing it so it looks closed when it's really open. Most students comply, but those who don't create disproportionate chaos. "You should see how bad it is," Torigian said. "It's great to say no phones, but I don't think people realize the addiction of the phones and what students will go to to tell you 'No, you're not taking my phone.'" Bullard, which began restricting phones two years ago, is a step ahead of other schools around the state that have moved recently to prohibit cellphones in classrooms, CalMatters reports. Bullard and other pioneering schools offer a preview of how such bans might play out as they become more common. Educators who have enacted the smartphone restrictions said they help bolster student participation and reduce bullying but also raise challenges, like how to effectively keep phones locked up against determined students and how to identify and treat kids truly addicted to their devices. Citing Bullard as an example, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Aug. 13, urged school districts statewide to "act now" and adopt similar restrictions on smartphone use, reminding them that a 2019 law gives them the authority to do so. Los Angeles Unified, the nation's second-largest school district, recently approved plans to ban phones in January. One bill before the state legislature would impose similar limits statewide while another would ban the use of social media at school . Another would prevent social media companies from sending notifications during school hours as part of a broader set of regulations intended to disrupt social media addiction. Calls to limit how students use smartphones are driven in part by concerned educators. A Pew Research Center survey released in June found that one in three middle school teachers and nearly three in four high school teachers call smartphones a major problem. During school hours in a single day, the average student receives 60 notifications and spends 43 minutes — roughly the length of a classroom period — on their phone, according to a 2023 study by Common Sense Media. There is growing pressure to protect young people from excessive screen time generally: The moves to limit smartphone use in California put it near the forefront of an increasingly national trend. In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul has reportedly been mulling a statewide school smartphone ban for several months . Florida, Ohio and Indiana have all imposed some degree of statewide restrictions on phones in schools, and several other states have introduced similar legislation. Education Week in June said 11 states either restrict or encourage school districts to restrict student phone use. Teachers have had classroom phone policies for years; what's new at schools like Bullard are that their bans are blanket, campuswide restrictions. Many of the schools that moved early to adopt such bans are smaller and charter schools, like Soar Academy, a TK-8 charter school with 430 mostly low-income students in San Bernardino, California. Like Bullard, it also found enforcement of its ban was tough. Suspending students wasn't an option. Neither was yanking phones from students' hands. That left an honor system, which relied on students' willingness to accept that smartphones and social media are harmful to their mental health and a distraction from learning. "The key was that we needed 100% buy-in from teachers. There couldn't be a weak link," said Soar principal Trisha Lancaster. "It was scary, because we weren't sure it was going to work. But we were determined to try." Lancaster said it also helped not to give parents or students a choice in the matter. The school simply presented the new policy, alongside ample research on the harmful effects of cellphones and social media on young people, and made it clear what the punishments would be. For the first violation, staff would keep a student's phone for the day and call their parents. Punishments would escalate until the sixth offense, when a student would have to meet with the school board, whose members might suggest the student enroll elsewhere. At Soar, the idea originated at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, when teachers said they were fed up with distracted students and an overall dispiriting school climate. Students, Lancaster said, "had lost their social skills." So the staff decided to ban phones during class, at recess, at lunch and after school — essentially, all times except when in a special area where parents or others can pick them up from school. Students must keep phones off and in backpacks when they are not permitted. The first year of the ban went smoother than expected, Lancaster said. Some students and parents protested, but most understood the policy was in students' best interests. Test scores didn't budge much, but at the end of the school year, a survey of teachers showed much higher job satisfaction than they recorded previously. And walking across campus, the improvements are obvious, Lancaster said. "Everyone on campus is so much happier. You see kids actually socializing, problem-solving, enjoying themselves," Lancaster said, choking up as she described the school atmosphere. "It's true, it's one more thing to enforce. But education matters, and now kids are learning. That's the No. 1 reason we did this." Soar's experience has been mirrored on a larger scale in the San Mateo-Foster City School District, which serves 10,000 students at 21 TK-8 schools south of San Francisco. After a full-time return to campus in 2022, teachers in the district found many students were "interacting intensely with cellphones in a way we didn't see before the pandemic," said superintendent Diego Ochoa, and so the school district adopted a smartphone ban for four middle schools in 2022. Administrators were convinced to do so following a trip to a nearby high school with a smartphone ban. There, they saw students speaking to each other and looking at one another during break time instead of their phones. Ochoa said the benefits of locking smartphones away is evident from improved test scores and an anonymous annual student survey that found a decline in depression, bullying and fights in the 2023-2024 school year relative to prior years. But saying the smartphone ban led to those benefits is tricky because they could have also been caused by other policy changes that happened at the same time, including a "restorative" approach to discipline that relied less on detention and suspension and more on support from counselors. Still, when students were surveyed specifically about the policy and the biggest difference in their education since it was put into place, they said that they pay more attention in class. Ron Dyste also implemented a smartphone ban and, like Ochoa, recommends them. Dyste is principal at Urban Discovery Academy, a TK-12 charter school in San Diego, which banned cellphones during the 2023-2024 academic year amid an uptick in bullying, harassment and anxiety among students, staff told CalMatters. Nearly 90% of discipline cases, across Urban Discovery Academy and a school where he worked previously, could be traced to misuse of phones or social media, including students filming fights, spreading nude photos of classmates and encouraging students to kill themselves. "I may never get some of those images out of my head. It's horrible, what kids can do to each other," Dyste said. "The damage to our kids and our communities is real." Dyste got the idea to ban phones when he and his wife went to a Dave Chapelle performance where audience members were required to secure their phones in locked pouches. "My wife said, why don't we do this in schools?" he said. "We knew we had to do something." Over last summer, the school sent out notices to families about the new policy, explaining the rationale. Some students complained, but parents were thrilled, Dyste said. And the improvements in campus climate were almost immediate. Instead of "hiding away with their screens," said Jenni Owen, the school's chief operations officer, students spent their breaks talking, dancing, playing volleyball and having fun. They developed empathy and a sense of community, she said. At the end of the academic year, the school logged zero fights. The previous year, the school's suspension rate was 13.5%, almost four times the state average. "For schools that are wondering if they should take this on, I think the answer is, we have to," Dyste said. "If we don't educate kids on how and when to use this technology, we're going to continue seeing a rise in suicide, sexual harassment and anxiety." State legislators have recognized the importance of healthier technology use among children. California students are supposed to learn about "appropriate, responsible and healthy behavior... related to current technology" under a media literacy law passed in October . To enforce smartphone bans, some schools rely on smartphone lockers or locked pouches like the kind Dyste saw in use at the Dave Chappelle show. He tried using locked pouches from the Los Angeles-based company Yondr, but encountered numerous issues. Some kids were breaking and smashing the pouches to open them, or they'd listen to music all day by connecting their earbuds to their locked-away phones using Bluetooth. "We had to return what was left of the equipment," he said. Instead of going with Yondr, which wanted $6,000 to cover 110 kids, Dyste found clear, plastic phone lockers on Amazon that cost $50 each and put one in each classroom. Yondr told CalMatters: "Our pouches are designed to withstand heavy-duty usage, and we are continuously working to improve the durability of our solution. However, there will always be students who try to push boundaries, especially when policies are initially rolled out. For this reason, it is critical that our team works directly with districts and administrators in rolling out the Yondr Program, to ensure that the most effective policies and procedures are implemented for successful schoolwide adoption. Without adherence to strong policies, schools may struggle with student compliance." Soar Academy also considered purchasing Yondr phone pouches, but was discouraged by the $19,000 price tag. The San Mateo-Foster City School District paid $50,000 to obtain Yondr pouches for roughly 3,000 students. To use them, staff hand out pouches at school entryways each morning, then students swipe the pouch over a demagnetizer to unlock the pouch at the end of the day. Kids who want an exception to the rule — for a family emergency for example — must come to the school front office and ask for permission. Yondr pouches come with a hefty price tag, Ochoa said, but he thinks it's worth it to improve student focus. "Call up five random superintendents, I don't care where they're at and ask them, 'How much would you spend to have your students pay more attention?' It's worth millions," he said. Whether phones get locked in a clear box or a silver pouch, Oakland High School senior Leah West said she finds it punitive to require students to lock their phones away before they have broken any rules with the devices. While California's Oakland High School does not have a blanket smartphone ban, West's former English teacher sometimes locked student phones in Yondr pouches. "We should be given a chance to prove ourselves," she said, adding that such an approach can motivate a rebellious streak in students like her who like freedom and don't like when she isn't trusted to make a responsible decision. Louisa Perry-Picciotto, who graduated from high school in Alameda, California, in June, said students with jobs rely on their phones for work updates and all teens use their phones to communicate with their friends. Still, she's grateful her parents didn't get her a smartphone until she was in eighth grade. "I get distracted easily, and without a phone I was a lot more connected to the world," she said. Edamevoh Ajayi, who is a junior at Oakland Technical High School, said there's no question some students don't pay attention in class because they're busy texting or playing games. Those students would definitely benefit from rules surrounding cellphone use like the kind being implemented at her school this year. But she feels like she has a strong sense of self-control and a desire to learn, and doesn't need a phone ban. "When they take away my belongings, I feel like I'm being treated like a child," she said. At her school, policies vary by classroom. In general, students are free to use their phones between classes and at lunch. When students use their phones in class it can be frustrating for everyone else, said Fremont High School science teacher Chris Jackson. It puts teachers in a tough position: Either ignore that student and carry on for the sake of the students who are listening or disrupt learning for all students and confront them. In the long run, Jackson said he's worried that students of color, who have historically faced higher rates of punishment than other students , will again bear the brunt of disciplinary actions related to smartphone bans. Rather than punishment, Jackson would prefer to see solutions that address root issues, like addiction, that lead students to use their devices in violation of the rules. So no matter what policy school districts adopt, he wants the focus to remain on teaching students digital literacy and how social media can be a risk to their health. Some schools who helped pioneer smartphone bans have reassessed their initial approach. This year, Bullard is changing its policy to allow students to access their smartphones at lunch time. Torigian said school administrators wanted to make room for important communications, for example by allowing students who pick up younger siblings to text with their parents. They also hoped the looser rules would encourage more students to comply with the ban. If kids don't comply, teachers call parents, and if they still refuse, they're sent to what the school calls the re-engagement center. Starting last month, California began prohibiting suspensions for "willful defiance ." Torigian believes that schools need an exemption from the policy in order to enforce smartphone restrictions. He wants it back because he said he needs a way to hold kids accountable. "That's why the governor's got to give us some leeway on this willful defiance; you can't do one [smartphone restrictions] without the other." Ochoa said if he had to do it over again in San Mateo-Foster City he would devote more time to explaining to students why they adopted such a policy before putting it into place. Getting a smartphone is a big deal for middle school students, a milestone for adolescents that represents more freedom and autonomy, and it's counterproductive for the school environment if they feel punished or something they value is taken away with little explanation. "Our teenagers told us, 'You forgot to explain why we're doing this,'" he said, adding that even if a small percentage of kids violate the policy it can be really harmful academically and to school culture. "Even with your conviction to implement a policy like this, spend the time developing the language around the policy and explaining it to your students." Common Sense Media CEO Jim Steyer, whose nonprofit is focused on how children use media and technology, agreed that it works best to explain to kids why a rule to limit smartphone access at school is necessary. Parents and teachers need the same explanation so that they can help enforce some restrictions in order to keep kids safe and healthy. "Any even remotely engaged parent is going to want their kid to do well in school, and is going to want them to understand why phones and social media platforms get in the way of learning and can be really distracting and can affect your mental health," he said. This story was produced by CalMatters and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Parents of teenagers escorted onto trains out of Manchester city centre amid dispersal order hit out at GMP - as kids from traveller communities caught in crowds
The suspect in the high-profile killing of a health insurance CEO that has gripped the United States graduated from an Ivy League university, reportedly hails from a wealthy family, and wrote social media posts brimming with cerebral musings. Luigi Mangione, 26, was thrust into the spotlight Monday after police revealed he is their person of interest in the brutal murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a father of two, last week in broad daylight in Manhattan in a case that laid bare deep frustration and anger with America's privatized medical system. News of his capture in Pennsylvania -- following a tip from a McDonald's worker --triggered an explosion of online activity, with Mangione quickly amassing new followers on social media as citizen sleuths and US media tried to understand who he is. While some lauded him as a hero and lamented his arrest, others analyzed his intellectual takes in search of ideological clues. A photo on one of his social media accounts includes an X-ray of an apparently injured spine. No explicit political affiliation has emerged. Meanwhile, memes and jokes proliferated, many riffing on his first name and comparing him to the "Mario Bros." character Luigi, sometimes depicted in AI-altered images wielding a gun or holding a Big Mac. "Godspeed. Please know that we all hear you," wrote one user on Facebook. "I want to donate to your defense fund," added another. According to Mangione's LinkedIn profile, he is employed as a data engineer at TrueCar, a California-based online auto marketplace. A company spokesperson told AFP Mangione "has not been an employee of our company since 2023." Although he had been living in Hawaii ahead of the killing, he originally hails from Towson, Maryland, near Baltimore. He comes from a prominent and wealthy Italian-American family, according to the Baltimore Banner. The family owns local businesses, including the Hayfields Country Club, its website says. A standout student, Mangione graduated at the top of his high school class in 2016. In an interview with his local paper at the time, he praised his teachers for fostering a passion for learning beyond grades and encouraging intellectual curiosity. A former student who knew Mangione at the Gilman School told AFP the suspect struck him as "a normal guy, nice kid." "There was nothing about him that was off, at least from my perception," this person said, asking that their name not be used. "Seemed to just be smiling, and kind of seemed like he was a smart kid. Ended up being valedictorian, which confirmed that," the former student said. Mangione went on to attend the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where he completed both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science by 2020, according to a university spokesperson. While at Penn, Mangione co-led a group of 60 undergraduates who collaborated on video game projects, as noted in a now-deleted university webpage, archived on the Wayback Machine. On Instagram, where his following has skyrocketed from hundreds to tens of thousands, Mangione shared snapshots of his travels in Mexico, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. He also posted shirtless photos flaunting a six-pack and appeared in celebratory posts with fellow members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. However, it is on X (formerly Twitter) that users have scoured Mangione's posts for potential motives. His header photo -- an X-ray of a spine with bolts -- remains cryptic, with no public explanation. Finding a coherent political ideology has also proved elusive, though he had written a review of Ted Kaczynski's manifesto on the online site goodreads, calling it "prescient." Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, carried out a string of bombings in the United States from 1978 to 1995, a campaign he said was aimed at halting the advance of modern society and technology. Mangione called Kaczynski "rightfully imprisoned," while also saying "'violence never solved anything' is a statement uttered by cowards and predators." According to CNN, handwritten documents recovered when Mangione was arrested included the phrase "these parasites had it coming." Mangione has also linked approvingly to posts criticizing secularism as a harmful consequence of Christianity's decline. In April, he wrote, "Horror vacui (nature abhors a vacuum)." The following month, he posted an essay he wrote in high school titled "How Christianity Prospered by Appealing to the Lower Classes of Ancient Rome." In another post from April, he speculated that Japan's low birthrate stems from societal disconnection, adding that "fleshlights" and other vaginal-replica sex toys should be banned. ia/nro/dwDevonshire Colts 4 Young Men’s Social Club 0 Keino Burch scored twice to lead Devonshire Colts to victory against Social Club at a blustery Police Field on Saturday. Colts stamped their authority despite Social Club holding an extremely deep defensive line in an attempt to close down all passing lanes into dangerous positions. Their main objective was to utilise the pace and skill of Malique Wilson and Pierre Smith on the counter-attack, but they were unable to fire thanks to a lack of cohesion and quality they tried to play through their opponents. About ten minutes into the game Social Club decided to come out of their shell and set up in a mid-block, with the midfield positioned just inside their own half as Colts enjoyed the majority of possession. Social Club were far too predictable on the fleeting occasion they got into the opposition half, forcing the ball to the right at least 60 percent of the time in the opening stages. This made it extremely easy for Colts to shift their defensive shape across and shut down the little danger that Wilson and Trey Tucker posed on the right flank. Colts constantly probed with the majority of control and finally opened the scoring on 17 minutes after a poor defensive mistake. Jahkeylo Burgess found Daniel Ball in space on the left side and Jakida Richardson missed his challenge, allowing Ball to square to the six-yard box, where Burch bundled the loose ball through a congested area into the net. Social Club finally started to use the left side more often and their one promising attack in the first half came when Jinairo Johnston found Pierre Smith, but the winger failed to get the correct weight on his through pass to Josh Hardtman. Just before half-time, Colts doubled their lead in controversial circumstances as Brandon O'Connor attempted to find the diagonal run of Chemarl Henry. His pass was deflected into the sky by Callon Woolridge and Burch controlled it before driving into space and finishing low into the far corner past Tuzo. The linesman originally judged Burch offside but referee Kentoine Jennings overruled his assistant and allowed the goal to stand, much to the chagrin of Social Club supporters. Social Club created their best chance of the afternoon midway through the second half when Josh Hardtman switched the play to the left via Smith, who found the overlapping Richardson to cut the ball back for Johnson but his effort failed to test Colts goalkeeper Jaden Mills-Furbert. Colts captain Chemarl Henry made it three with 15 minutes remaining before Ball got his second assist of the day when he squared for O'Connor to wrap up the scoring in stoppage time with his third goal of the campaign. SCORERS Devonshire Colts: Burch 15, 42, Henry 74, O’Connor 90+1 TEAMS Devonshire Colts (4-2-3-1): J Mills-Furbert 6 – D Davis 6 (sub: I Greaves, 79min), J Dublin 7, M Selassie 6 (sub: A Van Duyne, 84), S Burgess 5 – J Burgess 6, J Paynter 5 – B O’Connor 6, K Burch 7 (sub: S Burchall, 79), D Ball 6 – C Henry 6. Substitutes not used: S Blair-Paynter, C Berkeley, J Saunders, E Weldon. Social Club (4-2-3-1): S Tuzo 5 – T Tucker 5, C Woolridge 6 (sub: T Butterfield, 79), K Butterfield 5, J Richardson 5 – J Johnston 5, M Hardtman 5 (sub: B Swan, 84) – M Wilson 5 (sub: A Matthews 63 4), G Butterfield 5, P Smith 5 (sub: M Rudo 79) – J Hardtman 5. Substitutes not used: K Gilbert, J James-Seymour, K Smith. Booked: M Hardtman, K Butterfield, Woolridge. Referee : K Jennings