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(The Hill) — Syphilis rates have continued to surge, reaching levels the nation hasn’t seen since 1950, according to new federal data released Tuesday.
According to the report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), syphilis cases increased 17 percent in the past year and 80 percent in the past five years. With Congress set to cut the funding for workers who fight sexually transmitted infections, experts warn the record-setting epidemic isn’t likely to abate.
“The STI field has reached a tipping point. We have long known that these infections are common, but we have not faced such severe effects of syphilis in decades,” Laura Bachmann, acting director of CDC’s STD division, said in a statement.
“Recent public health emergencies diverted program resources and threatened the health of those already disproportionately affected by STIs. We must move now to pick up the pieces,” Bachmann said.
More than 2.5 million cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia were reported in the United States in 2022, though officials are most alarmed about the syphilis and congenital syphilis epidemics.
Reported gonorrhea cases declined for the first time in at least a decade while reported chlamydia cases were level. But the report noted that it’s not clear if 2022 marked a true decline, or merely a change in reporting and testing.
Syphilis was nearly eradicated in the 1990s in the U.S, but it’s come roaring back largely due to years of underfunding public health, along with increasing rates of substance use and the mental health crisis.
CDC reported 207,255 total syphilis cases across nearly every demographic group and region in 2022, including newborns. In November, health officials reported a concerning rise in congenital syphilis— when an untreated infection in a parent is passed to an infant during birth.
According to CDC, there were more than 3,700 infants born with syphilis in 2022, the highest level in at least 30 years and a tenfold increase over the past decade. It’s a disease that impacts red and blue states alike — Texas, California, Arizona, Florida, and Louisiana represented 57 percent of all reported congenital syphilis cases in 2022.
Cases of primary and secondary syphilis — the most infectious stages of the disease — increased 10 percent in 2022 and 68 percent since 2018.
Syphilis during pregnancy can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, infant death and lifelong medical issues for both mother and baby. The disease is easily preventable if people can be reached with screening and treatment.
However, public health officials said they are worried they don’t have the resources to combat the surge. Health departments are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and mpox outbreak, and Congress is poised to claw back $400 million in public health workforce funds as part of the debt ceiling agreement between President Biden and congressional leaders.
“There’s no question that during the pandemic, public health was busy doing a lot of other things and we diverted a lot of people and resources and just attention … and that probably caused us to lose some ground on the progress that we’ve been making,” said Scott Harris, the State Health Officer of Alabama.
The National Coalition of STD Directors found states would need to lay off about 800 disease intervention specialists if Congress doesn’t stop the cuts from taking effect.
“What HHS says we need to do, what CDC says we need to do … rapid testing, reaching out to people in alternative settings and in places like prisons, those are all absolutely correct. But communities can’t follow through on that advice without funding and people to do it,” said NCSD spokeswoman Elizabeth Finley.
Harris said Alabama will lose about 24 front-line staff who work directly with patients seeking treatment for STIs, which poses a problem for a rural state with a large Black population.
Racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by syphilis. Black Americans comprised about 30 percent of primary and secondary syphilis cases, but Native American/Alaska Native people had the highest rates with 67 cases per 100,000 people.
“Black Americans and Black Alabamians are disproportionately affected by STIs. People who are low income are disproportionately affected by STIs. Certainly, there are many low income Black Alabamians, who would then seem to be at risk … and so, we do have a lot of concern about what the what the future is going to hold there,” Harris said.
Don’t get me wrong, the Sixers are having a great season. It has been incredibly fun to watch after the less than optimal start to the season. Nick Nurse has been refreshing, and Embiid has played so well that I almost forgot James Harden was on the team this year; however, they still only sit at the third seed in the east with the Knicks close behind.
History of NBA Champions’ Seeding
Teams that finish the regular season with the 1 seed are the obvious favorites to win the NBA Finals. Teams with the 1 seed have made the finals 89 times, the 2 seed – 39 times, 3 seed – 16 times, 4 seed – 5 times, and the 5-8 seeds combined have made it 5 times.
So, historically, teams that fall out of the top 3 have a very tough time getting to the NBA finals. The Sixers are finding themselves falling into that territory right now. Between the rocky start with new players and a new coach, and Embiid missing his usual lot of games, they could find themselves as the road team in the second round of the playoffs if they aren’t careful.
What’s Gone Wrong So Far?
As usual, Joel Embiid has missed a ton of games so far this season. 12 to be exact. If he misses 5 more games, he will be ineligible to receive MVP even though he has dominated the league more than anyone has in years. This isn’t a “bash Embiid” session, but the big man needs to find a way to stay healthy. Home court advantage gives teams major advantages in the playoffs – as seen above.
Oubre and Melton have also missed 14 and 12 games respectively. These two should contribute heavily to this team, but with them missing so much time it has forced Nick Nurse to give more minutes to Korkmaz, Springer, and Martin, who will most certainly not see much time in the playoffs. These guys need to stay healthy to develop the chemistry needed for the playoffs and to give the team a boost to get better seeding before April 20th comes around.
A handful of others players have also missed a few games including Maxey, Tobias, Batum, and Beverly. Hopefully the team is getting the injury bug over with earlier so they can dominate down the road.
What’s Gone Right?
The Centers
First off: Paul Reed.
Out of all the injuries the Sixers have had, Reed has not missed a game. I don’t know why Glen Rivers hated this guy so much, but now that he has firmly taken the backup center position, he has done a great job. He is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, blocks, and assists this year. It is nice to see him get a real chance.
Also, even though it was a loss, he had a career night against Jokic, scoring 30 points and 13 rebounds with no Embiid, Maxey, Tobias, or Melton. Having games like that against a premier player like Jokic could get him a starting gig somewhere around the league.
This goes without saying, but Embiid has been the other shining positive this year. He has just been so dominant in every game he’s played. By the way, he still has more points than minutes on the season. He is well on his way to be the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to do so, AND he is averaging more points per minute than Wilt did in 1961. What a phenomenal player.
We’ll Have to Wait and See
We can look at the history of the NBA seeding and talk about Embiid’s playoff woes all we want, but none of it means this will not be Embiid’s year. Continuing to play at this level will cause a lot of problems for teams in the playoffs. He will have to stay healthy, but the future looks bright for Embiid and the Sixers this year.
A semester at a state university or community college would cost just $1,000 for many students under a proposal Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he will detail in his second budget address next month.
Shapiro won the governor’s office in 2022 campaigning, in part, on improving access to higher education and developing Pennsylvania’s workforce to boost the state’s economy. In his first budget address last February, Shapiro declared the state’s higher education system broken.
“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed,” Shapiro said in a statement. “For some, that means going right into the workforce – but for those who want to go to college or get a credential, we need to rethink our system of higher education.”
Pennsylvania’s public universities have suffered disinvestment for 30 years, Shapiro said, leaving students without enough affordable options to earn a degree and enter the workforce. Pennsylvania spends less on higher education than any other state except New Hampshire, the governor’s office noted.
Enrollment in state universities and community college has decreased by about a third, the governor’s office said. And colleges are competing for the same students, duplicating programs, driving up costs and reducing access.
On Friday, Shapiro announced a three-pronged plan to reinvigorate public higher education by:
• Uniting Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities with the state’s 15 community colleges under a new governance system
• Setting tuition at those schools at $1,000 per semester for low and moderate income students and increasing Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency grants for students attending private universities by $1,000
• Distributing state appropriations to Pennsylvania’s state-related universities – the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State, Temple and Lincoln universities – according to a performance-based formula
Democratic lawmakers spoke in support of the plan, noting that it would help Pennsylvanians avoid the burden of student debt.
“We need to make it easier and more affordable for students to attend our state schools, which provide vital job training and a quality higher education for tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians every year and remove barriers for students transferring between schools here in the commonwealth,” House Democratic leaders said in a statement.
While Republican lawmakers said the plan was short on details, they said they were glad to see the administration join Republicans in putting students first while acknowledging the state’s financial needs.
“We will work with education stakeholders, the administration, and Pennsylvania families to continue moving away from the endless funding of systems in Pennsylvania so we can move toward a student-first, family-focused, and taxpayer-accountable system of higher education,” Jason Gottesman, spokesperson for House Minority Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster), said.
Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) said ensuring that Pennsylvania is an economic leader depends on a strong workforce and jobs in the commonwealth and preserving access to higher education is a key to promoting economic growth.
Pittman said the changes that Shapiro proposed are substantial and his plan lacked information about how the state would fund them. Key considerations in implementing such changes include the cost to taxpayers and the impact on communities where state universities are located, Pittman added..
“Details matter and a proposal of this magnitude will require extremely close examination,” Pittman said, adding that he looks forward to discussing the proposal with Shapiro and fellow lawmakers.
For several years, funding for the state-related universities used only to provide tuition discounts for Pennsylvania residents, has stalled in the General Assembly during budget season. Republican lawmakers have cited objections to research using fetal tissue cells, gender affirming care, a lack of transparency, and rising tuition as reasons for withholding the two-thirds majority votes needed to approve appropriations to the private institutions.
State Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), who is the GOP’s ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, was less complimentary of Shapiro’s plan, however, describing it as a “three-step plan for financial disaster.” It would come with unsustainable spending increases, depletion of the state’s $12 billion surplus and future tax increases, Grove said.
“The bottom line is this plan creates more bureaucracy, necessitates more spending, and creates more questions than answers,” Grove said, adding that it doesn’t comport with the Republican position that the state should fund students, not institutions.
“Shapiro should propose direct grants so every child of God will have options for higher education. But given his track record on reneging on school choice, it appears the Governor is once again siding with unions over students,” Grove said.
Shapiro’s announcement included statements of support from the heads of the state university system and each of the state-related universities.
PASSHE Chancellor Dan Greenstein said the consolidation of several state universities over the last six years has shown that collaboration benefits students, communities and employers. Shapiro’s proposal would build on the strengths of state universities and community colleges.
“Together we can create a new, larger system with better collaboration that gives students more pathways to a degree or credential, rapidly adjusts to the changing knowledge and skills employers want, and provides the lowest-cost option for students throughout their lifetime,” Greenstein said.
Performance-based funding for the state-related universities would not only improve transparency and accountability, Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi said, but it would also help ensure positive outcomes for students.
“I am extremely pleased to see that part of Gov. Shapiro’s blueprint is a call to establish a predictable performance-based funding formula, and we look forward to working with the legislature to implement such a model,” Bendapudi said.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Pennsylvania Capital-Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kim Lyons for questions: info@penncapital-star.com. Follow Pennsylvania Capital-Star on Facebook and Twitter.
MODESTO, Calif. (KTXL) — A couple of Northern California TikTok users have posted about their storage unit finds before, but a unit they recently purchased in the city of Tracy could be extra special: it may have belonged to legendary artist MC Hammer.
The storage unit had parachute pants, a couple of fur coats, an old Mac computer, and over 30 master tapes labeled Death Row Records with possible unreleased music from MC Hammer, DJ Quick, and Snoop Dogg.
“In the pictures, it just looked like a bunch of clothes laying in the back of the unit,” Alex Stevens told Nexstar’s KTXL, explaining they often pick up these units for about $5 and make between $100 to $200 off them. “This one just happens to be different.”
However, the guys who bought the storage unit aren’t 100% convinced it has ties to the artists.
“Until I actually hear from MC Hammer himself or Snoop Dogg, I don’t believe it,” Stevens said. “People claim to be managers, but all we have is the documentation, the tapes, and people are contacting me [claiming to be] affiliated with them. So obviously, something’s going on to where it’s related.”
Stevens and Andrew Cordova, who go by Central Valley Picker on TikTok, said they have been in contact with people claiming to be from Death Row Records, the music label MC Hammer was signed to in the 1990s.
Those who claim to be from the label have contacted the guys about acquiring some of the stuff, but they have not yet agreed on a deal.
Stevens and Cordova believe the items in the storage could be worth millions, creating a massive opportunity from a unit they paid $30 for.
“It’s amazing. You just don’t know what you’re gonna find when you get inside the unit, but this is probably one of our most amazing finds.” Cordova said.
In response to a post on X, a verified account belonging to MC Hammer said, “if this be truth a man spent $50 for such a gift are they not his? God bless him.”
KTXL reached out to MC Hammer and Death Row Records but has not yet received a response.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Officials released new surveillance video Tuesday from last week’s deadly police-involved shooting that injured an officer and left a man dead in North Philadelphia.
Philadelphia police and the district attorney’s office partnered to release the video, sharing two angles from inside the store.
WATCH: Full surveillance video of deadly Philadelphia police-involved shooting
Police release new surveillance video from Friday’s deadly police-involved shooting that left an officer injured and one man dead.
“Today is the day for the public to see the truth about what it is that is visible and occurred inside of the store,” Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said during Tuesday’s press conference.
“I want to acknowledge my officers who were involved in a difficult and life-threatening situation,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, noting that the department remains extremely limited in the type of information they can release at this time.
The shooting happened on January 26 inside Jennifer Tavern on the corner of N. Mascher and W. Cambria streets.
Alexander Spencer, 28, was shot and killed during a scuffle with police. During that scuffle, officials say Spencer fired a shot, hitting one of the officers in the leg. This prompted the injured officer’s partner to return fire, according to police.
The officer who fired the shot has been identified as 33-year-old Ofc. Raheem Hall of the 24th Police District. He is a 6-year veteran of the force.
The officers were on routine patrol in the area while also keeping an eye out for a person wanted in a recent non-fatal shooting, Bethel said.
In the newly released video, one of the officers walks into the store, asking if anyone has a gun and checking waistbands.
WATCH: Police give update on deadly police-involved shooting
Philadelphia police provide new details and release new surveillance video from Friday’s deadly police-involved shooting.
“One of the bystanders apparently says something that alerted the group and that often heightened the officer’s presence,” Bethel said.
The officer then gets to Spencer and signals to his partner that he is armed.
The two officers and Spencer are seen in a short scuffle on the ground before you hear a shot and see blood coming from the leg of an officer.
Officials point out that at the time of the initial gunshot, both officers’ guns are holstered.
Seconds later, the wounded officer’s partner, now identified as Hall, fires at Spencer, killing him, before radioing for backup.
The injured officer, who was crouching, suffered four wounds when he was shot by a single bullet, Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said. He may have tried to fire back, but could not, he said.
“I think he tried, but it did not operate. The other officer did and that was the shot that struck Mr. Spencer,” Vanore said.
While officials did release surveillance video from inside the store, Bethel said the officers did not activate their body cameras, which were knocked off their clothing during the struggle.
A social media video circulating online is now part of the investigation. In the video, Spencer can be seen on the ground with officers on top of him moments before two gunshots are heard. The wounded officer’s partner can then be seen calling for help over the radio.
New video from the night of the shooting is being used in the investigation that left a man dead and an officer injured.
“We acknowledge the concerns of the community and the anger it has sparked by a video – a short video that was put online most recently. The dangerous rumors that come from that, the untruths that come from that are difficult to deal with. And so we’re working hard to disprove those rumors,” Bethel said.
Philadelphia police identify man sought for taking gun from scene of officer shooting
Quinones-Mendez is considered armed and dangerous. The Philadelphia FOP Lodge #5 is offering a $10K reward for any information that leads to his arrest.
The officer who was wounded was released from Temple University Hospital on Monday. The department has not yet released his name.
The officer who was shot was released Monday afternoon from Temple University Hospital.
In the last three years, Bethel noted that there have been five homicides, 17 non-fatal victims were shot 23 robberies, 62 aggravated assaults, 225 narcotics arrests and 14 illegal guns within 750 feet of the location.
“Where this incident happened is one of our primary districts that has a significant level of violence in that particular area. Where those officers are working is one of the most violent pockets in our area with almost 15 times the violence that we see in other areas of the city,” he said.
Philadelphia police are working with the DEA’s office and the two officers involved have been placed on administrative duties, per protocol.
“Our goal is to be transparent in this work. Our goal is to hold ourselves accountable for our work,” Bethel said.
While transparency was the main topic hammered home in this press conference, as well as the desire for the public to see what happened, the media was not allowed to ask any questions.
Action News has reached out to the police department to answer lingering questions, such as what happened in the store before the shooting, whether the “stop and frisk” was justified and if the officer’s actions before the shooting followed protocol. We have not yet heard back.
Hunter Biden again asked a judge to dismiss the federal gun case against him on Tuesday, arguing it is politically motivated and key evidence was tested after charges were filed.
Cocaine residue found on the pouch the president’s son used to hold his gun was only identified last year, after a scuttled plea deal and subsequent indictment, Hunter Biden’s defense attorney said in court documents.
The pouch was originally found in a trash can and not tested for fingerprints or to determine how long the residue had been there, defense attorney Abbe Lowell wrote. It had been in police evidence storage since 2018, and testing it last year to bolster the case is “’clear evidence’ of selective prosecution,” Lowell argued.
Prosecutors had been ready to strike a plea deal in the case, but Lowell argued they bowed to “political pressure” after the agreement hit the skids in court and was publicly pilloried by Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, as a “sweetheart deal.”
Hunter Biden has been charged on nine tax-related charges, including three felony counts, according to court documents filed Thursday
Prosecutors, meanwhile, have said there’s no evidence the case is politically motivated, while “the strength of the evidence against him is overwhelming.” The charges were “brought in spite of, not because of, any outside noise made by politicians,” they said in court documents this month.
Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to lying about his drug use in October 2018 on a form to buy a gun that he kept for about 11 days. He has acknowledged struggling with an addiction to crack cocaine during that period, but his lawyers have said he didn’t break the law and another non-violent, first-time offender would not have been charged.
The yearslong investigation had looked ready to wrap up with a plea deal last year, but the agreement fell apart and now the president’s son is facing a possible trial this year while his father, President Joe Biden, is campaigning for another term.
Hunter was indicted in Delaware after the plea deal broke down following a hearing where a judge who was supposed to approve it instead raised a series of questions. He is also facing tax charges in Los Angeles.
The Shapiro administration said this pitch is the first “comprehensive plan of its kind” to assist with Pennsylvania’s economic growth in nearly 20 years.
Beyond the often stereotyped rowdy behavior, there lies a community united by unparalleled love and loyalty for their teams.
The emotional connection runs deep, and the dedication of Philadelphia sports fans is legendary, spilling over into the world of betting and online gaming. As Philly sports enthusiasts embrace the thrill of live casino games, they find a new avenue to channel their passion. To discover the best live casino experiences in Pennsylvania for 2024, you can view more here.
The Unmistakable Characteristics of True Philadelphia Sports Fans
The city’s blue-collar attitude is a defining characteristic that has shaped the identity of its sports culture. Philadelphia is a town where hard work, grit, and determination are not just virtues; they are a way of life. This ethos extends seamlessly to the sports arena, where fans mirror the resilience of their beloved city. The dedication of Philadelphia sports enthusiasts is perhaps best exemplified by iconic figures like Brian Dawkins and Allen Iverson, whose tenacity and passion on the field resonated with the city’s spirit.
Brian Dawkins, a former safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, is remembered not just for his stellar performances but also for the raw emotion he brought to each game. His intensity and unwavering commitment mirrored the city’s own ethos, making him a beloved figure among fans.
Photo: Damir Kopezhanov/Unsplash
Similarly, Allen Iverson, a basketball icon who played for the Philadelphia 76ers, personified the city’s never-back-down attitude. His fearless approach and dedication to the game endeared him to the hearts of Philadelphia sports enthusiasts, forging an unbreakable bond between player and fans.
Philadelphia sports fans eagerly anticipate key events that showcase their teams’ prowess. The Eagles’ training camp is a hallowed ground where fans can catch a glimpse of their favorite players preparing for the upcoming season. The excitement in the air is palpable as fans watch with bated breath, hopeful for a successful campaign.
When the Flyers return to the ice, the city comes alive with the echoes of cheers reverberating through the streets. The fans’ passion for hockey is undeniable, and they rally behind their team with an energy that is infectious. The unity in the stands is a testament to the strong bond that connects the community through their shared love for the game.
As the Sixers pursue success on the basketball court, Philadelphia fans eagerly await news of free-agent signings. The anticipation and speculation around player acquisitions add to the excitement and build the foundation for the upcoming season. It’s a time when the entire city is buzzing with enthusiasm, fueled by the hope that the roster changes will bring about a championship-worthy team.
In Philadelphia, sports are not just a form of entertainment; they are a communal experience that binds the city together. The passionate and sometimes boisterous nature of Philadelphia sports fans is not merely a stereotype; it’s a reflection of the deep emotions and unwavering loyalty that define this remarkable community. Beyond the cheers and jeers, Philadelphia sports fans embody the heart and soul of a city that takes pride in its teams and stands by them through thick and thin.
What Other Nations Can Learn from Philadelphia Sports Fans
While the reputation of Philadelphia sports fans often precedes them, there’s much more to their fervor than meets the eye. Beneath the surface of their rowdy exterior lies a blueprint for sports fandom that other nations can learn from, enhancing the overall experience of supporting their teams.
Passion Knows No Bounds
Philadelphia sports fans exemplify an unmatched passion for their teams. Whether celebrating a victory or weathering a defeat, their dedication never wavers. Other nations can learn the importance of unwavering support, realizing that true fandom extends beyond the glory days and into the challenging times. Embracing the journey with resilience and enthusiasm strengthens the bond between fans and their teams.
Community Engagement
In Philadelphia, sports are not just a spectator sport but a communal experience. Fans gather in bars, homes, and stadiums, creating a sense of community that transcends individual differences.
Other nations can emulate this by fostering a sports culture that brings people together, emphasizing the shared joy and camaraderie that sports can provide. This collective experience enhances the emotional connection fans feel with their teams.
Identification with Players
Philadelphia sports fans identify not only with the success of their teams but also with the players who embody the city’s spirit. The connection with figures like Brian Dawkins and Allen Iverson goes beyond their athletic achievements; it’s rooted in shared values and a sense of belonging. Other nations can encourage a deeper connection between fans and athletes, emphasizing the personal stories and characteristics that resonate with the local community.
Anticipation and Hope
The anticipation surrounding key events, such as training camps and free-agent signings, creates a sense of hope and excitement that permeates the entire city. Other nations can learn the value of maintaining optimism and enthusiasm, even in the face of uncertainties.
The anticipation for upcoming seasons becomes a shared experience, fostering a positive outlook that enhances the overall enjoyment of sports.
Respect for Tradition
Philadelphia sports fans respect and celebrate the traditions of their teams. From the iconic Eagles’ fight song to the rituals associated with game day, these traditions create a sense of continuity and heritage. Other nations can appreciate the importance of preserving and honoring the traditions that make sports unique to their culture, reinforcing a sense of identity and continuity across generations.
In essence, the heart and soul of Philadelphia’s sports fans lie in their ability to turn sports into a unifying force, a source of pride, and a shared experience that goes beyond wins and losses.
Other nations aspiring to cultivate a rich sports culture can look to Philadelphia as a model, understanding that true fandom is a celebration of passion, community, and enduring loyalty.
The outpost that was hit had not been the target of previous attacks and thus its air defenses were not as strong as U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria that have been under constant threat of attack since October, the official said. The air defense system heading to the outpost is designed to intercept drones.
About 350 U.S. Army and Air Force personnel are stationed at the outpost, known as Tower 22, according to the Defense Department.
The Pentagon said Monday that the number of wounded had risen to more than 40 after a drone strike hit their sleeping quarters in the pre-dawn hours on Sunday.
“People were actually in their beds when the drone impacted,” Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters Monday.
This satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC shows the military base known as Tower 22 in northeastern Jordan on Oct. 12, 2023.
Planet Labs PBC / AP
Singh said the attack was inconsistent with prior strikes because it hit living quarters and was early in the morning. The Defense Department is investigating how the drone evaded air defenses, she said.
“We are trying to figure out how a one-way attack drone was able to evade air defenses and was able to kill three of our service members and injure dozens more,” she said.
Tower 22 did not have the same air defenses as the special forces base located about 15 miles north in al-Tanf, Syria, which has been under frequent attack. The deadly attack on Tower 22 was the first time a drone had landed on the Jordanian side of the border.
Since Oct. 17, there have been at least 165 attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq, Syria and now Jordan by Iranian-backed groups.
As the NFL playoffs surge ahead, they hint at the looming arrival of 2024’s grand sporting spectacle, i.e., Super Bowl LVIII.
Two formidable teams will compete for supremacy and the coveted Vince Lombardi trophy in Las Vegas, their every move scrutinized by millions worldwide.
As we navigate through the four playoff rounds, this piece aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all the essential information leading up to Super Bowl LVIII.
When and Where
Super Bowl LVIII is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 11, 2024. The NFL regular season recently added a game, which accounts for the departure from its traditional slot on the first Sunday of February. Regarding kickoff time, in the UK, it will be set at 11.30 pm. However, across continents and time zones alike – viewers can expect action to commence on US soil precisely three hours earlier: specifically, at 3.30 pm PST. This corresponds to an East Coast start time of 6:30 pm.
This year, the Super Bowl – notably held in Las Vegas – will kick off earlier than its usual time to align with the east coast’s prime-time viewing slot. The historic Allegiant Stadium, a $1.9 billion masterpiece and home of the Las Vegas Raiders, is serving as this game’s venue. Its regular capacity stands at 65,000, which can be exceeded for major events like The Super Bowl, potentially reaching over 70,000 spectators.
How to Watch
Photo: 3D Animation Production Company/Pixabay
The NFL in the United States has signed a revised 11-year contract with its four primary broadcasters, introducing a new rotational hosting system for the game. This year, CBS assumes the role of host broadcaster while Paramount+ provides streaming services.
We anticipate that Jim Nantz and Tony Romo, our esteemed commentary duo, will enliven the airwaves with their presence. ITV1 will broadcast Super Bowl LVIII in the UK; additionally, they’ll stream it online via ITVX. Coverage access extends to Sky Sports subscribers as well. Moreover, TalkSport plans to provide radio coverage for the game.
Half-Time Entertainment
Rihanna’s stellar performance at Super Bowl LVII fuels anticipation for an equally unforgettable show in Las Vegas. The duty of entertaining Allegiant Stadium and the global audience during the half-time spectacle has been conferred upon R&B sensation Usher. Coincidentally, he plans to release his highly anticipated album “Coming Home” on February 11 – the same day as the Super Bowl.
Recap of Super Bowl 2023
The Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious in the previous edition of the Super Bowl, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles with a score of 38-35. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, named as Super Bowl MVP, left an indelible mark on this championship game.
Super Bowl 2024 Contenders
Following the completion of the 18-week regular season, the Super Bowl culminates as a finale to NFL playoffs. Fourteen teams qualify for these playoffs; notably, by securing the top two seeds in both AFC and NFC – they earn byes in the initial playoff round.
Elevating Super Bowl LVIII: A Fan’s Guide to Interactive Thrills Through Sports Betting
Anticipating Super Bowl LVIII with a fever pitch, fans across the globe prepare not only for the titans’ clash on the gridiron but also seek ways to amplify excitement. They are engaging in NFL sports betting – transforming the championship game into an interactive, multifaceted experience.
This year’s Super Bowl finds its vibrant host city in Las Vegas, a locale long synonymous with the thrilling realm of sports gambling. So, gamblers can immerse themselves in myriad betting options – thus injecting further excitement into this already electrifying event.
Through player-focused bets, fans find one of their most popular avenues to engage with the game. This form of gambling on individual player performances during the Super Bowl has evolved into a dynamic and entertaining facet of sports betting. Fans now have options that range from predicting which player will score the first touchdown to wagering over total yards gained by star quarterbacks. They can tailor these bets, aligning them perfectly with their favorite players’ field prowess.
Prop bets, fondly cherished by strategic game enthusiasts for their plethora of options, enable fans to wager on various aspects that are not directly linked with the final outcome of a game; these range from predicting the national anthem’s duration to guessing post-game celebrations Gatorade shower color. Injecting an element of unpredictability and fun, such bets transform Super Bowl LVIII into a truly immersive experience— one that transcends the conventional dimensions of fandom.
As we stand at the edge of the greatest kinetic display known in sport, Super Bowl LVIII also bears a storied convergence of athleticism, spectacle, and exuberance that is life in Las Vegas.
The new date, the inaugural appearance of the Allegiant Stadium as a host venue and an exciting set of events thus are making this Super Bowl one-of-a-kind in NFL history.
An early morning car crash in North Philadelphia left a fiery mess of debris in front of a Family Dollar store.
At 2:50 a.m. Tuesday, a Mercedes-Benz sedan collided with a Dodge tow truck at 22nd and Cambria streets, police said. The impact caused the car to knock down a light pole and a traffic light before it crashed into the Family Dollar and caught fire.
According to police, the sedan ran through a red light as it was traveling westbound on Cambria Street, striking the truck, which had been driving northbound on 22nd Street.
The crash damaged the metal gates of the grocery store and caused the sedan to catch fire, investigators said. The Family Dollar also was damaged by the fire, including its sign, which was charred.
The sedan and the tow truck ended up on the sidewalk in front of the store. The driver of the sedan, a 24-year-old man, was taken to Temple University Hospital for treatment and is in stable condition, police said. The truck driver was not injured.
MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (WGN) — A therapy horse that helps kids with special needs almost suffered “catastrophic” injuries Saturday after he got stuck in a tree.
Joe the horse was in the pasture Saturday afternoon when it was time to go back into the barn at Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited, a non-profit based in Merrillville, Indiana.
“We went to go bring horses in from the pasture, their ankles were deep in mud from the rain and snow,” said Morgan Fields, an employee at Exceptional Equestrians. “We noticed Joe standing under the tree, but he wasn’t moving.”
Once staff members got closer, they noticed that Joe’s hoof was stuck in the “V” of the trunk.
“If he tried to jump through (the tree), there would have been catastrophic injuries,” Fields said. “We thought, ‘Are we going to have to watch this horse that we love die?’”
(Courtesy of Beth Gagliardi)
Joe has been a part of Exceptional Equestrians for the last eight years. The nonprofit helps kids with disabilities and says that in addition to helping to build self-confidence and communication skills, horse riding can improve muscle issues.
To help free Joe, frantic calls were made to 911 as well as to friends at Excelsior Equestrian Center.
The group knew it was crucial to keep Joe calm, but the pressure of the moment was one of the things that helped save him.
“A wonderful trainer showed up and Joe was so exhausted, he didn’t have enough room to expand his lungs, so he passed out,” Fields said.
Once he lost consciousness, the group lifted his hooves and used ropes to get Joe out of the tree.
The Hobart Fire Department helped flip Joe over so he wouldn’t injure himself on the tree getting up.
“Seeing Joe get to his feet and walk calmly back to the barn, bearing weight on all four legs was nothing short of a miracle,” Fields wrote on Exceptional Equestrians’ Facebook page.
Joe, who suffered some abrasions, is “not out of the woods” but is doing much better.
“Joe is doing well and might be enjoying just a little spoiling!” Exceptional Equestrians said on Facebook.
Joe after the incident
One of his abrasions
The tree was cut down Sunday to prevent this from happening again. The nonprofit said it is planning fundraising efforts to provide shelter from the elements for the horses “now that the natural shade in this pasture is no more.”
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court revived a case challenging Medicaid limits for abortion.
The finding is electrifying lawmakers in Harrisburg since political and legal watchers think it is laying a path to find that the right to choice is protected under the state constitution.
The court’s majority wrote that “reproductive autonomy” is fundamental and that when the government provides medical care, it cannot intrude on the right to terminate a pregnancy.
The decision comes nearly two years after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which held that individual states could make their own laws governing abortion access.
The lower Commonwealth court must now reconsider the case under a more stringent constitutional standard.
Pennsylvania’s Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to devote millions of dollars to creating a 10-year economic development plan.
His plan, announced Tuesday, would include developing commercial and industrial sites, revitalizing an aging workforce and better competing with neighboring states to entice big businesses to choose Pennsylvania.
The announcement comes as neighboring states are pouring incentives into luring multibillion-dollar microchip, electric vehicle and battery factories. Shapiro has been eyeing such a strategy since last year, when he told legislators during his inaugural budget address that he was “sick and tired of losing to other states.”
Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to devote millions of dollars to creating a 10-year economic development plan, including developing commercial and industrial sites, revitalizing an aging workforce and better competing with neighboring states to entice big businesses to choose Pennsylvania.
The plan, which Shapiro announced a week out from his formal budget address, seeks to address workforce shortages, ease challenges for startups and tech spinoffs and boost funding for economic development incentives.
Shapiro’s administration will focus its funding in five industries: agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing and robotics and technology.
Shapiro has been eyeing such a strategy since last year, when he told legislators during his inaugural budget address that he was “competitive as hell — and I’m sick and tired of losing to other states.”
The announcement comes as neighboring states are pouring incentives into luring multibillion-dollar microchip, electric vehicle and battery factories. That includes Ohio landing a $20 billion factory by chipmaker Intel in 2022, which officials say has the power to create a new technology hub in the state.
But business-sector officials say Pennsylvania lacks huge tracts of available land to attract such projects.
Shapiro has worked to shorten the wait time to receive licenses and permits, and he has touted Pennsylvania’s role in being awarded federal funding to establish two hydrogen hubs in the state as part of President Joe Biden’s effort to fight climate change.
But challenges still abound. Even though Pennsylvania’s payrolls hit a record high in December, the state’s labor force has lagged behind pre-pandemic levels. The state’s economy is less dynamic than some other states and its workforce is relatively older and slower-growing.
Shapiro has warned that being competitive would take money, and he plans to ask lawmakers for millions to kick start the plan.
A “major investment” would go to site development, building on a pilot program that provided grant funding to do site assessments and prepare land for remediation as a sweetener to commercial and industrial businesses.
For small businesses and commercial corridors, Shapiro is proposing $25 million. Another $3.5 million will create the new Pennsylvania Regional Challenge, which is aimed at incentivizing regional growth. To further develop the workforce and create more internships as a way to keep people in the state, he is asking for $2 million.
Other funds will support start-ups and entrepreneurs, with $10 million set aside for the agricultural industry.
In North Carolina, we learn how a once iconic American furniture company suddenly and unexpectedly folded. Then, in California, we meet the toy makers behind the push to manufacture more diverse and inclusive dolls. Watch these stories and more on Eye on America with host Michelle Miller.
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Montgomery County’s Joey Graziadei continued his journey as “The Bachelor” on Monday night, taking some of this season’s eligible bachelorettes on dates for the first time.
The second episode of Season 28 of the ABC dating show featured two large group dates, a one-on-one date and a drama-filled cocktail party. Graziadei, a 28-year-old tennis instructor from Collegeville, also parted ways with one of the contestants from Philadelphia.
The episode began with Graziadei giving a tennis lesson to host Jesse Palmer, who in turn gave Graziadei some advice on navigating the week ahead with the 22 remaining women.
“This is why you’re the Bachelor; being a good communicator,” Palmer told Graziadei. “Just be authentic and be yourself, and I know you’re gonna be that. If you navigate this as well as you teach tennis, you’re gonna find your person.”
Here are some highlights from this week’s episode:
(Spoilers ahead)
‘Here comes the brides…’
The first date of the season is a group date featuring nine of the contestants. The date card inviting the women reads, “Here comes the brides,” and the ladies chosen for the date are ushered into a dressing room where they pick out bridal dresses to wear for the day’s festivities.
It turns out Graziadei, who says he is “serious about finding my fiancé and future wife,” has invited the group to a faux-wedding reception where he is the groom and the nine women are his “brides.” The event features the usual wedding reception fare — like dancing, cake, champagne toasts and speeches — with each woman attempting to stand out to earn the coveted “first dance” with Graziadei.
A game of musical chairs — which would determined who got to sit next to Graziadei at the wedding’s “sweetheart table” —almost goes haywire when contestant Evalin Clark dives over the table to try to secure a seat, nearly knocking over Philadelphia’s Lauren Hollinger in the process.
John Fleenor/Disney
During a game of musical chairs on the group date, contestant Evalin Clark leaped over the table in hopes of scoring a seat next to ‘The Bachelor’ lead Joey Graziadei. She nearly knocked over fellow contestant, Philadelphia’s Lauren Hollinger (right).
Despite Clark’s feat of athleticism, Rachel Nance is the one chosen by Graziadei for the honor of the first dance. Special guest, Grammy-winning singer Michael Bolton, croons “When a Man Loves a Woman” as the pair dance and share a kiss.
Many of the contestants on the date take the goofy activities of the group date in stride, envisioning what it would actually be like to take Graziadei as their husband. But, one contestant isn’t feeling the celebratory vibes. Hollinger, a 28-year-old registered nurse who is on the show with her younger sister Allison, feels sorrowful emotions brought on by the date’s theme. That’s because the Hollinger sisters’ father passed away just months before “The Bachelor” began filming.
“That’s who walks you down the aisle,” Lauren Hollinger said of her father. “It’s like, what am I gonna do? Walk around alone? And then just being in a wedding dress and putting it on, and, like, him not being able to see me — I don’t know, it just brought up a lot of emotions and it just kind of put me in a weird vibe today.”
Later, once the ladies change out of their bridal wear, they have the chance to continue their conversations with Graziadei during an after-party. Some of the contestants who make impressions on Graziadei include Maria Georgas — who surprises Graziadei by changing into a risque, lacy black outfit — and Jess Edwards — who opens up about experiencing infidelity in a previous relationship and receives the group date rose from Graziadei.
One-on-one time with Daisy
For his first one-on-one date of the season, Graziadei chooses Daisy Kent, a 25-year-old nonprofit owner from Minnesota who captured his attention during night one. The pair take a scening helicopter ride to a musical festival, where they’re invited on-stage to dance (and smooch) along to the musician Bahamas’ set.
The day portion of the date is lighthearted for the pair, and Graziadei tells the cameras that there’s “something there that feels right” between them. But, Kent expresses apprehension about opening up to Graziadei about some more serious topics.
During the evening portion of the date, Kent tells Graziadei about some of her ongoing health struggles. She began having “stroke-like seizures” when she was about 11, and began losing her hearing when she was 17. She also felt sick all the time, she told Graziadei.
Kent was diagnosed with Lyme disease, and underwent a month-long treatment at a facility in Germany. She says she began feeling better, but her hearing continued to get worse. She then received a cochlear implant, which allows her to hear and communicate, and left her former job to focus on running a nonprofit that seeks to help people with hearing loss.
Graziadei gives Kent a rose at the end of the date, feeling more connected with her after learning more about her background.
“When Daisy started the conversation tonight, it took me by surprise initially,” Graziadei told the cameras. “But it takes a special type of person to be able to go through all these challenges in life and find a way to turn them into a positive. And she has done that in full force. … After this first date tonight, I could see Daisy being someone I end up with at the end of all of this.”
Protecting hearts
The final date of the episode is a group date hosted by former “Bachelor” contestants Jubilee Sharpe and Demi Burnett, during which the contestants are split up into teams for a paint battle. Specifically, they play a spin-off of “capture the flag,” in which they need to protect a giant heart from being stolen by members of the other team.
The pink team and blue teams are tied after the first two rounds, but the blue team pulls out the win in the final round. While the contestants initially think that the whole winning team will get the chance to have special time with Graziadei, he chooses only one member of the team, Edwina Dorbor, for a one-on-one hangout.
During their date, Dorbor, a 25-year-old entrepreneur from Atlanta, tells Graziadei about the pressures she felt growing up as the oldest girl in her Liberian immigrant family. Graziadei appreciates Dorbor getting vulnerable, and gives her a rose.
John Fleenor/Disney
On the second group date of the episode, the ladies have to protect their hearts, literally, during a unique game of ‘capture the flag’ involving paint.
Drama at the cocktail party
Leading up to the rose ceremony, the ladies don their finest dresses to make final impressions on Graziadei before the rose ceremony. During the party, drama brews between contestants after Sydney Gordon tells Madina Alam that Georgas was talking about her behind her back. The ladies squash the drama, for now, but teasers for next week reveal that the battle is far from over.
Along with the she-said-she-said drama, Lauren Hollinger is still feeling unsettled after her tough week. She says she’s planning a surprise (involving a cake) for Graziadei to make up for her bad mood during the wedding group date. But, as the cocktail party wears on and more time passes without getting a chance to talk to Graziadei, she reaches her wit’s end.
“So, I’m gonna go home,” she tells Graziadei when they finally get the chance to chat, becoming emotional as she cites her increasingly bad mood.
“I wish I could say or do something,” Graziadei replies. “But I can tell that you’ve gotten to a point where you’re over it, which is OK. And I’m sorry if I did anything … I’m sorry that a lot of this has been tough on you. That’s never my intention through this. But, yeah, maybe this setting wasn’t the best way for us to really get to know each other.”
The cake Hollinger ordered to share with Graziadei ironically arrives at that moment, adding to the awkwardness of the breakup. She tries a bite before lamenting that it’s not the red velvet flavor she wanted, and — in a move that has become increasingly common in the franchise — throws the cake onto the ground.
Lauren’s younger sister, Allison — who was on the second group date and connected with Graziadei during the cocktail party — expresses sadness at her sister’s exit. But, the 26-year-old realtor from Philly decides she wants to continue on the journey and focus on growing her relationship with Joey.
Who went home?
Along with Lauren’s self-elimination, three other women were sent home at the rose ceremony: Erika Cardenas, Marlena Haddad and Taylor Wiens. That leaves Graziadei with 18 eligible bachelorettes remaining heading into the third episode, with only one Philly contestant left standing.
“The Bachelor” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC. According to a teaser for next week’s episode, Delco’s Susan Noles may be making an appearance alongside some of her pals/fellow contestants from “The Golden Bachelor.” Check out a trailer for the rest of the season below:
AmeriHealth Caritas had planned to move its headquarters less than a half-mile to the new 106,000-square-foot office building from its existing Ellis Preserve location.
The Department of Defense identified the three fallen U.S. Army Reserve soldiers as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Willingboro, N.J.; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Ga.; Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Ga.
The soldiers died on Jan. 28, 2024, when a one-way unmanned aerial system impacted their container housing units near the Syrian border, the U.S. military said. The incident is under investigation.
Rivers, who lived in Carrollton, Ga., enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2011 as an Interior Electrician (12R). He was first assigned to the 990th Engineer Company at Fort McGuire-Dix in New Jersey after completing advanced individual training.
In 2018, Rivers completed a nine-month rotation to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
In 2023, Sgt. Rivers was assigned to the 718th Engineer Company, 926th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade, Fort Moore, Ga.
“Sergeant Rivers served with courage, honor, and a deep sense of duty, embodying the best of New Jersey and our nation. His death is a profound loss to his family, friends, colleagues, and our entire country, and a reminder of the heavy debt we owe to our military families for their sacrifice,” said New Jersey Senator Cory Booker in a statement.
Governor Phil Murphy said he would sign an executive order later this week lowering flags at half-staff to honor Rivers.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sergeant William Rivers of Willingboro, who was among three U.S. soldiers killed in the terrorist attack in Jordan this weekend,” said Murphy in a statement. “As parents, Tammy and I send our heartfelt sympathies to all three families who now face the unimaginable pain of losing a cherished loved one. As Americans, we share our gratitude for the soldiers’ bravery and sacrifice, and for the courage of every servicemember fighting terrorism at home and abroad, to whom we owe a debt we can never repay
River’s awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, two Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, and the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star.
Thirty-four American service members were also injured in the drone attack, according to U.S. officials.
The deaths are the first of U.S. troops in the line of fire since the Israel-Hamas War broke out in October.
The U.S. was collecting information on Sunday, but officials “know it was carried out by radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq,” President Joe Biden said Sunday.
Nasser Kanaani, an Iranian ministry spokesperson, on Monday said accusations that Iran was behind the attack amounted to a “repetition of baseless accusations.”
“The groups in the region do not take orders from Iran,” Kanaani said. “War is not a solution. An immediate cease-fire in Gaza can lead to the return of peace.”
Biden is weighing several options for a response to the strike, John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, said on “Good Morning America” on Monday. He said it was clear to the U.S. that Iran has been supporting Houthi, Hezbollah and Hamas militants in the region.
“We’re not looking for a broader war in the region,” Kirby told ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos. “We certainly aren’t looking for conflict with Iran.”
He added, “But make no mistake, Iran is supporting these groups. They’re resourcing them, training them, certainly not discouraging these attacks at all.”
(The Hill) — From chicken nuggets to tofu, American proteins have a microplastics problem.
An Environmental Pollution study published on Monday reviewed a wide range of meat, fish and vegetarian meat alternatives — and found that 88 percent of them contained some form of microplastics.
Based on annual protein consumption habits of Americans, the scientists found that the average American takes in 11,500 microplastics per year — with the highest protein consumers taking in as many as 3.8 million plastic fragments and fibers.
Those samples included fillets from wild fish; shrimp from the Gulf; prepared meats like beef and chicken; and tofu and plant-based ground beef alternatives.
The findings represented “a startling reminder of just how prolific plastic pollution has become – humans live on land and yet seafood samples are just as likely to be contaminated with plastics as are terrestrial derived proteins,” study lead author Dr. Britta Baechler, a marine biologist and Associate Director of Plastics Science at Ocean Conservancy.
“And there’s no escaping them no matter what you eat, it seems. The plastic pollution crisis is impacting all of us, and we need to take action to address its many forms,” Baechler added.
The source of the microplastics is unclear.
While highly processed products had “significantly” more microplastics — breaded shrimp had particularly high levels, followed by fish sticks and chicken or plant-based nuggets — scientists cautioned that there was no type of protein that was safer than any other.
“The ubiquity of MPs across protein types suggests that where proteins originate: ocean, land, and animal production facilities, does not have a clear influence on overall MP contamination,” they wrote in the paper.
One possible reason why processing leads to more plastics may simply be that processed foods spend far more time in contact “in contact with plastic food production equipment (e.g., conveyor belts, and worker clothing) than minimally-processed products,” they wrote.
As in much recent reporting on plastics pollution, the scientists were left with significant lingering questions about both the source of the contamination and its impacts on human health.
A recent survey by the World Health Organization listed a wide range of possible health risks from nano- and microplastics pollution — before concluding that there isn’t enough research to really know what they are doing to the human body and making an urgent call for more studies to nail that down.
“It’s tempting to want to draw conclusions like ‘eat less of this and more of that’ to avoid microplastics in your diet but right now we still know very little about the microplastic burdens in commonly consumed foods,” said first author Madeleine Milne, formerly of the Rochman Lab at the University of Toronto.
“Our study adds to this knowledge but also demonstrates the need for further research to better understand the bigger picture, including where these microplastics are coming from and the potential human health risks[HD1] ,” said primary co-author Madeleine Milne, who conducted the research while at the Rochman Lab at the University of Toronto in 2022.
