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Can Taylor Swift and Beyonce save local journalism?

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:59 GMT

It's no news flash that local journalism is on the ropes. Newspapers are shrinking and audiences are seeking information elsewhere, typically in video form.So it was more than a little attention-getting when Gannett, parent of USA Today, recently announced it was hiring reporters to cover pop icons Taylor Swift and Beyonce on a full-time basis.The publisher said it received close to 1,000 applications for the gigs, which, if nothing else, shows how desperate some journalists are for steady work.Gannett says covering Tay-Tay and Queen Bey on a regular basis may sound like a gimmick, but it's actually representative of the company's efforts to rethink its journalistic mission."This is how we save local journalism," Gannett's chief content officer, Kristin Roberts, told the Wall Street Journal. "This is what we need to do."It really isn't.While hitching your wagon to two of the planet's biggest stars may get people buzzing, it has little if nothing to do with salvaging local journalism...

Cannabis Travel Diaries: Copenhagen and Pusher Street

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:59 GMT

After spending 10 days in and around Copenhagen, I’m a total believer that Denmark may be the next country in Europe to legalize cannabis.Cannabis in Denmark is nothing new. Some of Europe’s most prolific smugglers and enthusiasts walk the streets of Copenhagen. Most of them learned the game on Pusher Street in their youth and either stuck around or went on to do crazy weed stuff all over the world. But the heart of Danish cannabis distribution’s days may be numbered.Christiania vs The GangsFor decades, Pusher Street has served as one of the main hubs of Danish cannabis. You could head there to score a personal-size bag or a ton of hash. It’s located a few hundred meters past the front gate of Christiania, the socialist commune squatters started on a retired Danish military base in 1971. At any given time roughly 1,000 adults call Christiania home and it’s one of the most pro-cannabis places on the planet.But regardless of how much they love weed, the Christianians’ relationship wit...

Alaina Gallegos and Eliseo Ochoa Killed in Red-Light Crash on 47th Avenue [Glendale, AZ]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:59 GMT

Two Pronounced Dead after Red-Light Collision near Northern AvenueGLENDALE, AZ (September 28, 2023) – Early Tuesday, Alaina Gallegos and Eliseo Ochoa lost their lives in a collision at the intersection of 47th Avenue, when a red-light violation occurred.Around 4:00 a.m., first responders arrived at the scene near Northern Avenue.According to police reports, the driver of one vehicle was recklessly speeding and disregarded a red traffic signal at the junction.Consequently, the speeding vehicle collided with another car before finally coming to a halt on the premises of Apollo High School, causing damage to the school’s perimeter fence.The injuries sustained by Gallegos, aged 34, and Ochoa, aged 32, were so severe that paramedics later pronounced them deceased. On the other hand, another individual suffered only minor injuries.Currently, an active investigation is underway to gather more information about the incident. Additional details will be provided as soon as they be...

Moqi Song: The Creative Visionary Behind Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:59 GMT

The evolution from traditional cinema to the digital age has ushered in a new era of cinematic possibilities, captivating audiences with stunning visual spectacles. One of the latest cinematic marvels to hit the big screen is Transformers: Beast Rise. One of the central figures in this stunning work is Song Moqi, a previs and post-visual artist whose indispensable talents played a key role in achieving the astonishing results. Mochi has made significant contributions to major studios such as Marvel’s “Thor: Love and Thunder” and is a rising star in the independent film world. We had the pleasure of interviewing Song Moqi to delve deeper into his experience on set. Transformers franchise and gain insight into his career’s key role in captivating audiences around the world. Our conversation with Song Moqi was an enlightening journey into an imaginary world where creativity knows no bounds.Moqi Song’s Journey as a Transformers Fan:Interviewer (INT): Moqi, ...

Student Hospitalized following Pedestrian Accident on Olive Street [Fresno, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:59 GMT

12-Year-Old Girl Hospitalized after Pedestrian Collision near Yosemite Middle SchoolFRESNO, CA (September 28, 2023) – Tuesday afternoon, a pedestrian accident on Olive Street injured one girl.The incident happened around 7:30 a.m., along Olive Street near 9th and Yosemite Middle School.Per reports, a 17-year-old driver struck the girl as he was turning onto the street. Additionally, the girl did sustain injuries but first responders determined they were not critical. She was hospitalized afterward.Moreover, the driver remained at the scene to cooperate with law enforcement. It was there when officers discovered the driver did not have a valid driver’s license.A portion of the roadway was temporarily shut down to allow for cleanup and preliminary duties.Those with additional information regarding the pedestrian accident are encouraged to contact local officers as soon as possible. Once available, further details will be provided.Operating a vehicle is a responsibility tha...

Empowering Language Acquisition: hihilulu Unlocks the Potential of Chinese Learning

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:59 GMT

Fluency in multiple languages opens doors to cultural enrichment, broader horizons, and cognitive growth. Starting the journey of second language acquisition early offers a particular advantage. Beyond its cognitive benefits, early language learning fosters cross-cultural understanding, setting the stage for future economic prospects.As young learners embark on the journey of acquiring a second language, they gain more than just communication skills. Research shows that early language learning enhances brain development, problem-solving, memory, and concentration—traits readily observed in children’s innate ability to grasp new sounds and patterns.Among the language options available, mastering Chinese stands out significantly. It goes beyond linguistic complexities; Chinese’s influence in diplomacy, trade, and culture is profound. Proficiency in this ancient language equips individuals with a distinct skill set, unlocking opportunities across various professions while f...

Luxurious low-maintenance living in the heart of Lafayette

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:59 GMT

Whether you’re tired of the time-consuming upkeep of a large single-family home, wanting to avoid an older home’s costly and inconvenient remodeling projects or simply yearning for a carefree, low-maintenance “lock-and-go” lifestyle, Woodbury Highlands has the perfect solution for everyone from working professionals to busy families to active empty nesters.Open and inviting great rooms with gourmet kitchens. Downsize your square footage while upsizing your lifestyle and free time at Woodbury Highlands, an upscale community of new luxury condominiums and townhomes in the heart of Lafayette. Whether your tastes lean toward candlelight and white tablecloths or shade trees and picnic tables, this vibrant community offers something for any age and every lifestyle. Woodbury residents can meet a friend for coffee, browse downtown’s shops and boutiques, visit the salon, stop by a gourmet market for lunch and groceries, take a brisk walk around the reservoir, and then enjoy a show at To...

San Jose Sharks coach not worried about recent injuries, at least not yet

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:59 GMT

SAN JOSE – Injuries have been an issue so far for the San Jose Sharks in training camp with defenseman Radim Simek becoming the latest player to be sidelined, at least in the short term.Simek was injured late in the first period of Wednesday’s preseason game with Anaheim as he collided with Ducks forward Nikita Nesterenko inside the Sharks’ zone. Simek was not able to put much weight on his leg as he remained on the ice for several seconds before he went to the bench and limped down the tunnel to the Sharks’ dressing room.Simek did not return to the game, a 4-2 Sharks loss, and is considered day-to-day with a lower-body malady, a relatively positive prognosis considering the defenseman’s injury history over his NHL career, which began in 2018.Simek suffered ACL and MCL tears in his right knee in March 2019 and has been sidelined at times with various ailments over the last four years. Last season, Simek was hampered by concussion issues and played only 44 of 82 games, averaging just...

Two of area’s biggest food and beverage companies settle over improper handling of ammonium

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:59 GMT

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week announced settlements with two Watsonville companies–S. Martinelli & Co. and Del Mar Food Products Corp., both of which employ a large number of South Santa Clara County workers–for mishandling of the toxic refrigerant anhydrous ammonia. As part of the agreements, the companies have updated their equipment which handles the chemical, and will pay out combined hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties.Del Mar Foods, which prepares frozen fruits and vegetables, and S. Martinelli & Co., which produces popular apple cider and juice products, both use anhydrous ammonium as a refrigerant. If handled improperly, it can lead to everything from severe respiratory injuries to death.“[It] is toxic and can threaten workers, first responders and the public, so it’s imperative that facilities using this chemical follow federal requirements to prevent accidents,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman in a pres...

‘Potter’ curse? Two dozen actors from the films have died

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:59 GMT

By Lisa Respers France | CNNThe “Harry Potter” franchise is beloved around the world, and the loss of anyone connected to it has been met with mourning.More than two dozen actors from the “Potter” films have died in the two decades since the franchise began, most recently Michael Gambon. The actor, who starred as Albus Dumbledore in the films, died of pneumonia this week at age 82.Below are some of the other memorable cast members who have also passed away.Alan RickmanRickman died at the age of 69 in 2016 following a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He played Severus Snape.Vern TroyerTroyer found fame playing “Mini-Me” in the Austin Powers film, but he also portrayed Griphook in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” He died in 2018 at age 49.Richard HarrisThe Irish actor originated the role of Dumbledore in the first two “Potter films. His death in 2002 at the age of 72 came after a battle with Hodgkin’s disease.Helen McCroryThe woman who portrayed Narcissa Malfoy died “pe...