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Twin sisters named co-valedictorians at Madison High School

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:16:17 GMT

MADISON, Ill. – It’s double success for twin sisters in the Metro East. Ariana and Briana Straughter graduated from Madison High School, earning top honors for the class of 2023. It’s the first time in the district’s history with twin co-valedictorians.The twins spent four years motivating each other, and sharing this honor has always been their dream.“We have encouraged each other continuously, we have studied together, made sure our projects were good together, and we have always received feedback from our teachers,” said Ariana, who is the older sister by one minute.Briana and Ariana used their commencement address to deliver a message of hope to their fellow graduates.“To never give up and strive for greatness,” Briana said. ‘Drought alert’ declared in Missouri, some relief possibly on way for St. Louis Briana and Ariana’s teachers and grandfather said all of their hard work paid off.“They were normal, but everybody is normal until given the opportunity to be something differe...

Orange air quality alert days pose risk to those with lung conditions

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:16:17 GMT

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Thursday’s bad air quality is due to high ozone content in the ground air, as well as a lot of pollutants and allergens in the air. Orange air quality alert days are unhealthy for people with lung conditions.“Mostly, the patients are preexisting patients that already have lung problems, are just feeling a lot more symptoms. A lot more coughing, a lot more wheezing, a lot more breathlessness,” said Dr. Shiraz Daud, a pulmonologist at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. “So, we’re getting lots of calls about that.”Daud says if the air quality if affecting you, stay indoors and use an air filter. If you have to be outside, there are things to consider.“Sometimes a mask can be helpful. Try to stay away from things that are really bad for the lungs, such as exhaust from cars, cigarette smoke, very polluted areas, grass, weeds, mold,” he said. “Those things just make it worse in this bad time.”Persistent exposure to bad air over time can pose serious health concerns.“...

After sixth straight loss, Rapids hit rock bottom in standings and must rebound to avoid embarrassing “trophy”

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:16:17 GMT

On the eve before one Kroenke Sports and Entertainment team was set to begin its quest for a first Larry O’Brien trophy, another team in the organization lost its sixth consecutive game to hit rock bottom of the Major League Soccer standings.After the Rapids 3-2 loss in Columbus Wednesday and results went final elsewhere, the team was first-place in a race no MLS team wants to compete for: The Wooden Spoon — “awarded” at the end of the season to the team’s supporters with the worst record in the league. The Nuggets are looking to win one of the most arduous trophies in all of sports. The Rapids, meanwhile, are looking to avoid one of the more humiliating ones at all costs.Despite the downturn in results, coaches and players alike were forthcoming Wednesday and here are takeaways from the loss, plus where the Rapids (2-8-6, 12 points) are at as a whole.Robin Fraser is going through itEven in the year-plus since Fraser signed a contract extension through ...

The Power of Human and AI Complementarity: H/AI C(x)

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:16:17 GMT

Dr. Martin TrevinoThe world is witnessing the pervasive integration of artificial intelligence, or AI, into a wide range of industries. We have reached a transformative stage where AI can soon become a symbiotic partner with humans—a stage reached partly because of our comprehension of the intricacies of human decision-making processes. In its current state, AI is emerging as a collaborative force, complementing human intellect in problem-solving, decision-making, and value generation. Our evolving comprehension of trust and the strategic employment of technology is crucial, experts say, in harnessing the symbiotic relationship between humans and rapidly advancing AI.With his background in cyberintelligence, Dr. Martin Trevino sits at the forefront of the interplay between data, analytics, and the human psyche. As a former cyberspy for the National Security Agency (NSA), Dr. Trevino led technical and analytical teams for the US government. Now serving as a scientist, tech executive,...

15 Book Coaches to Watch in 2023

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:16:17 GMT

Embarking on the journey of writing a book is an ambitious and often daunting task. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, the process requires dedication, skill, and a deep understanding of storytelling. However, many aspiring authors find themselves overwhelmed by the complexities of the writing process, unsure of where to start or how to navigate the challenges. This is where the invaluable role of a book coach comes into play.A book coach will help you by providing personalized support at every stage of the journey so you can achieve your book-writing goals. It’s all about finding the right fit! To help with that, here are the top 10 book coaches of 2023:Lauren EckhardtLauren Eckhardt is not only an award-winning and bestselling author but also a highly skilled book coach and ghostwriter. Lauren is the founder of Burning Soul Collective, a book coaching and publishing company that empowers aspiring authors to chase their book-writing dreams with confidence. With a focus on each wri...

Brook Taube: We Must Focus On Including Humans in the AI Loop

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:16:17 GMT

Image Credit: Brook TaubeArtificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most popular buzzwords in the worlds of business, art, and science, promising to unlock new opportunities and change life for everyone.  However, as more individuals and  companies explore the potential of AI, concerns have arisen regarding the possible human displacement it could represent in various fields. Serial entrepreneur and investor Brook Taube believes that AI will not replace humans entirely but rather make the human touch much more valuable.“There are many people who believe that AI can replace much of the human experience, which is incorrect. Unfortunately, this has not stopped many business owners from rushing to replace workers with automated systems,” says Taube, who has actively invested in the tech industry for decades. “This is problematic not only from an anthropological point of view but also from a political and economic standpoint.”The potential benefits of rapid AI development are wel...

FOLLOW GOD CHICAGO: THE VIRAL STREETWEAR BRAND SPREADING A POWERFUL MESSAGE

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:16:17 GMT

The streetwear industry has been experiencing a global surge in popularity, fueled by its ability to merge fashion, culture, and exclusivity. In Chicago, this energetic scene is characterized by many emerging brands that boldly push boundaries and showcase their unique expression. Like Los Angeles, the city’s streetwear culture thrives through collaborative efforts, pop-up shops, and community-driven events that foster a sense of excitement and engagement. Why is this important? Well, meet the brand making positive waves, Follow God.Follow God is an upcoming viral streetwear brand capturing hearts and resonating with many, sharing a faithful philosophy that transcends time. What’s their purpose? To spread an empowering message of Following God rather than conforming to the societal pressures being fed to the public from every angle.The streetwear brand, born in the vibrant cultural hub of Chicago, has rapidly gained recognition all across the U.S with an immense number of thei...

Settlement in power plant explosion is largest in the history of state energy commission

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:16:17 GMT

The city of Hayward will receive $1.25 million to fund clean energy projects as part of a $2.5 million settlement over an explosion at the Russell City Energy Company power plant two years ago.The settlement agreement comes just after the anniversary of an explosion that blasted dozens of pieces of metal up to a quarter-mile into the surrounding community on May 27, 2021. According to Hayward City Manager Kelly McAdoo, one 10-pound chunk of metal plummeted through the roof of the kitchen at a city homeless services center.“No one was in there because it was close to midnight, but if it fell into the sleeping quarters, someone probably would have died,” McAdoo said.Other pieces of metal ended up in the city’s wastewater treatment ponds and surrounding streets. The power plant, which has been in operation since 2013, was shut down for several months during a critical, energy-intensive period of the summer following the accident.The explosion quickly prompted an investigation by the Ca...

Column: A’s believe Las Vegas move is worth the gamble — but that’s what it is

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:16:17 GMT

BILL SHAIKIN | LOS ANGELES TIMESJohn Fisher has been thinking a lot about tourists lately.Las Vegas runs on tourists. Fisher, the owner of the presumptive Las Vegas Athletics, would like to cater to them. He has pondered whether his A’s should start home games at 4 p.m., the better for tourists to catch a game in the afternoon and a show at night.The legislation proposed to lure Fisher’s team from Oakland to Las Vegas runs 44 pages. The bill does not mention the A’s. The title of the bill: “The Southern Nevada Tourism Innovation Act.”The public-private partnership proposed between the A’s and Nevada, in which the team would get hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies toward a new stadium, does not involve much in the way of public input.The bill was introduced on the Friday night of Memorial Day weekend, with public comment reserved for a hearing on Memorial Day. Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo could sign the bill into law within a week or in a special legislative session soo...

Alameda County Superior Court judge robbed of his Rolex at gunpoint

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:16:17 GMT

OAKLAND — An Alameda County Superior Court judge was robbed of his Rolex watch at gunpoint Thursday morning while he was headed into a downtown Oakland courthouse.The robbery happened near a parking structure at 13th and Madison streets, mere blocks from the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse, authorities told this news organization. The judge was not injured.Authorities had not announced any arrests as of Thursday afternoon and descriptions of the assailants and any associated vehicle were not immediately available.The Alameda County Sherriff’s Office, which provides security at the courthouse, is investigating the brazen holdup.Check back for updates