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Denver to pay $557,000 to settle case of police officer who hit pedestrian while texting and driving

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:13:18 GMT

The Denver City Council approved settlements payments Monday worth a combined $557,000 to an Arapahoe County man and his wife stemming from a 2019 incident in which a Denver police officer who was texting and driving struck him with her patrol vehicle as he walked along Colfax Avenue.Eric Szakmary and his wife Kimberly filed a lawsuit against the city, the Denver Police Department and Officer Jamie Taft last year centered on the events of Sept. 17, 2019.In the lawsuit, attorneys for the couple say Szakmary was in a crosswalk just after 11 a.m. that day when Taft made a left turn in the Denver Police Department SUV she was driving and hit him. Szakmary, who was 51 years old at the time, suffered serious injuries including fractures to two of his vertebrae and required several surgeries after the collision, according to the complaint.An active bicyclist, hiker and backpacker before he was hit, complications from the collision left Szakmary with potentially permanent injuries that have...

Hamas releases video of 21-year-old woman taken hostage

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:13:18 GMT

Hamas has released what is believed to be the first video of an Israeli hostage kidnapped during its surprise incursion on Oct. 7.“Hi, I'm Mia Shem, 21 years old from Shoham. Currently, I'm in Gaza,” the young woman says in Hebrew, according to The Jerusalem Post. “I returned early Saturday morning from Sderot; I was at a party. I was seriously injured in my hand. I underwent surgery on my hand at the hospital [in Gaza] for 3 hours.”The video, which was posted on Hamas’s Telegram channel on Monday, shows Shem apparently receiving medical treatment to her right arm.Hamas released video of Mia Shem, 21, one of the hostages taken during the Oct. 7 attack.“They are taking care of me, giving me medicine, everything is fine. I only ask that they bring me home as soon as possible to my parents, to my siblings. Get me out of here as soon as possible. Please,” she pleads.The video’s caption says Shem was captured on the first day of the attack dubbed the Al-Aqsa Flood Battle. She was among t...

12 arrested in undercover prostitution sting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:13:18 GMT

Officials with the Claremont Police Department, in cooperation with several neighboring law enforcement agencies, arrested 12 men during a prostitution enforcement operation last week.The enforcement detail, which took place on Oct. 13, was planned after the Claremont PD received multiple complaints from residents, business owners and others about prostitution in the area of Indian Hill Boulevard and the 10 Freeway.  As part of the operation, five undercover officers posed as prostitutes and solicited subjects attempting to pay for sex acts, according to a Claremont PD news release.  Among the 12 arrested was a 64-year-old Pomona man, identified as Maher Salama, who is a registered sex offender for sexual battery, police said. Salama was arrested for being out of compliance of his “sex registrant conditions” and for soliciting a “prostitute.”  Yet another individual, identified as 33-year-old Jeremiah Salcedo from Big Bear, was arrested for soliciting a “prostitute” and fo...

Ontario Airport continues to see higher number of travelers

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:13:18 GMT

One of America's fastest growing airports continues to reach new milestones.On Monday, officials for the Ontario International Airport announced an 11.6% increase in passenger volume during the first nine months of 2023. That includes a 7.6% increase in September 2023 from the previous year. Last month, Ontario saw more than 550,000 passengers — an increase of nearly 40,000 travelers in September 2022.The month of September also saw a 151% increase in international travel compared to the previous September. Ontario Airport visitors can say goodbye to loved ones at the boarding gate In all, nearly 4.7 million passengers opted to fly from the Inland Empire gateway between January and the end of September. Domestic fliers made up 4.4 million, while international travelers made up the rest — but international travel is up more than 116% from 2022, likely spurred by growing desires and high-demand for travel experiences following months of pandemic lockdowns and restrictions across the...

A Guide to Freedom: Francis Marion’s

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:13:18 GMT

For those who’ve ever questioned the dogmas and creeds of organized religion, there’s a new guide in the form of Francis’s book. In a world where faith and spirituality often feel like a magic act, Francis Marion’s latest book, Hokus Pokus: A Practical Guide To Deconstruction, aims to reveal the secrets behind the curtain. The book provides a common-sense approach to addressing the complex questions surrounding faith, belief, and spirituality.Who Is Francis Marion?Francis Marion, the author of Hokus Pokus, prefers to remain anonymous, adopting a pen name to share his journey of self-discovery along the proverbial yellow brick road. His quest started when he decided to challenge his fundamental Christian faith, setting off a series of events that would eventually lead to the publication of this groundbreaking book. His story is one of personal awakening, driven by an insatiable curiosity to uncover the truth behind the veils of man-made religion.Peeling Back the Layers of “Hokus Poku...

Beasen Home Unveils Innovative Smart Blinds, Setting a New Standard in Home Automation

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:13:18 GMT

Beasen Home, a leader in home automation technology, has unveiled its newest line of smart blinds, taking convenience and intelligence to bold new heights. With advanced features like app and voice control, scheduling, automation, and seamless smart home integration, Beasen Home’s revolutionary blinds aim to redefine the modern living experience.Founded in 2010 to develop the most advanced smart window solutions, Beasen Home spent over a decade refining its products. After eliminating tangled cords and wires, simplifying remote functions, and connecting their motorized blinds to popular smart home platforms, the company earned a reputation for its elegantly designed, easy-to-use automated window coverings.Beasen Home’s new line of smart blinds allows homeowners to control their window coverings from their smartphones or through voice commands. The blinds can be scheduled to raise or lower at certain times of day or in response to changing light conditions, creating the o...

Breaking Chains: Lizzy Capri on Navigating Gender Bias and Mental Health Challenges in the Digital Age

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:13:18 GMT

The constant demand for fresh content in the digital age has unsurprisingly taken its toll on creators, setting off a rising tide of burnout and other mental health issues. As the pace quickens and pressure mounts, countless individuals seeking their own slice of the virtual paradise are left wrestling with challenges that often go unnoticed by their audience.Among them, a concerning number of female creators have revealed an additional layer of this troubling reality. As Lizzy Capri, a  content creation powerhouse known for her infectious energy, points out, women tend to face more stumbling blocks in the digital realm than men, for the simple fact women are subjected to society’s scrutiny to a much greater extent.“Unfortunately, there are many double standards regarding how women are perceived compared to men. We’re often reduced to a ‘pretty face’, with our true potential either ignored or completely cast to the sidelines,” she says. “We also have to be constantly mindful about o...

Streaming Wars: top performers and trends on streaming platforms

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:13:18 GMT

In the ever-evolving landscape of streaming services, PlumResearch, a company specializing in measuring viewership on streaming platforms, took a closer look at the top performing shows and movies on the most popular subscription-video-on-demand (SVOD) streaming services during the month of August: Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, and Max. The streaming platforms landscape in the U.S. When comparing unique viewership numbers, Netflix continues to dominate the SVOD landscape in the U.S., capturing approximately 200 million active unique viewers (UVs) during August. Disney+ follows with roughly half of Netflix’s audience. Max and Prime Video trail well behind, only witnessing about a third of Netflix’s strong UV numbers.Releasing shows on the most popular platform gives access to more potential viewers, it makes comparing shows from different platforms difficult. To account for this, PlumResearch has ranked shows by share of viewing, or the percentage of viewers in a given p...

Music Artist Buddy Morsello’s Refreshing Take on Popular Music

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:13:18 GMT

Photo Credits: Mercury CrownIn the ever-evolving world of music, where genres blend and boundaries crumble, musical maverick Buddy Morsello stands out with a unique approach to creating tunes that resonate with the soul. Hailing from the suburban Metro Detroit area and currently calling Santa Monica home, Buddy’s journey in the realm of music is a testament to the transformative power of inspiration and the unyielding commitment to self-expression.Buddy‘s musical voyage began with a childhood revelation, one that many of us can relate to – the sheer, unadulterated joy of listening to a song that sends shivers down your spine and makes your heart race. For Buddy, that pivotal moment was sparked by Michael Jackson’s iconic album, “Thriller.” It’s incredible how a single album can change the course of one’s life, igniting a passion that would drive Buddy’s musical journey.As he grew, Buddy‘s musical tastes expanded, mirroring the ka...

How Sasha Anne Is Making Her Mark Through Social Media

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:13:18 GMT

Social media has become a realm of fast-changing trends where brands and influencers grapple to keep up with the flow. Amid this competitive space, a name shines brighter with her gifted talent and creativity. It isSasha Anne, a popular social media influencer, rising singer, and actress. This multi-talented sensation is captivating thousands on her Instagram account and her YouTube channel.Born and raised in the bustling city of New York, Sasha Anne’s journey began as a young girl with a dream to become a digital influencer. She was only 13 when she launched her YouTube channel, and now she boasts an impressive 263K followers on her Instagram handle. Sasha never limited her talent to social media only. Driven by her passion, she explored other fields to expand her talent. Now, she is a singer, actress, and makeup artist.Sasha’s versatile skills earned her several accolades in only a few years. One of her early achievements was a Shorty Award finalist in 2018, followed b...