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PETERSON William V. Bill, Age 67 Of Stillwater, Passed away on April 2 ,2024. He was preceded in death by his parents Donald P. Peterson and Eileen R. Peterson. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Marivie Aquino Peterson, his daughter Sarah A. Arnold (Joshua) and two grandsons Zachary and Jacob; brother Paul Peterson; cousins; and other relatives.
There will be a graveside memorial ceremony held with family and friends for Bill at Fairview Cemetery in Stillwater, MN at a later date.
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William V. "Bill" PETERSON Obituary - - St. Paul Pioneer Press
Heather (Jensen) Peterson, passed away peacefully on April 2nd, 2024, after a 17 year battle with cancer, at the age of 59.
Heather was born March 4th, 1965 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Elsie and Reid Jensen, the youngest of their 3 children. She worked as a chemist for Kennecott Copper Mine And Salt Lake City Corp. She was an aide with the Cache County School District and was the Library Director at the Cache County Library in Providence, Utah. Her favorite job of all, however, was raising her 3 children.
She married her first husband Newton Holmquist on March 16th, 1991. They have 2 children, Holly and Bailey.
Heather married her current husband and eternal companion, Ronald Peterson, on January 24, 2003, and they were sealed on October 1, 2004 in the Logan, Utah Temple. Together, they have one daughter, Miranda.
Heather was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her testimony of the gospel was ever growing. She attributed her successes in life, whether they were big or small, to that testimony.
She loved to craft, and sing, and she was an expert at the sewing machine. She made everything from clothing to costumes and bags to organizers. She even designed and created her eldest daughter's wedding dress. Heather was amazingly loving, caring, and wise both as a wife and a mom. She had the best advice and raised smart, strong, and independent children. She adored being a grandma and spent her time playing, reading, and singing with her grandchildren. She possessed endless love and care for everyone she met regardless of their background or lifestyle.
Heather was preceded in death by her parents, Reid and Elsie Jensen, her brother, Bryce Jensen, and her father-in-law Robert Peterson.
Heather is survived by her loving husband Ronald Peterson, and her children Miranda Peterson, Holly (Kolby) Naef, and Newton Bailey (Lisa) Holmquist. She is also survived by her sister Heidi Jensen, mother-in-law, Cornelia Peterson, and sister-in-law Brenda (Peterson) Brown, her nephews, Jordan and Ashton Brown, as well as her beautiful grandchildren Finley Naef and Emery Holmquist.
Heather and her family are so grateful for the love and support they have received over the many years from friends, neighbors, and ward members. She wanted to give a special thanks to Julie, Mitzi, and Gina from her chemotherapy who made a difference in her life.
Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at http://www.allenmortuaries.com
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Heather Jensen Peterson | Obituaries | cachevalleydaily.com - Cache Valley Daily
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Very heartbreaking news to report asJosh Waring, the son of the Real Housewives of Orange County alum Lauri Peterson, has passed away at the age of 35.
Just moments ago, Lauri took to her Instagram page to announce that Josh died on Easter Sunday.
It is with a shattered heart that I write this post to let you know that my sweet Josh left this earth Easter Sunday, shared Lauri on April 6.
She continued, No one can ever prepare you for this feeling of such deep loss. Every fiber in my body hurts. Josh fought every single day for most of his adult life, for his life, but this past Sunday, the challenge was too great.
Lauri then went on to describe the kind of person Josh was.
Even during adult hardship, Josh continued to maintain his sense of humor, continued to be optimistic, continued to be kind to others, defended those that were unable to defend themselves and continued to love his family so so much! He received the most joy, pride and purpose through his daughter Kennady and watching her grow and thrive over the years, she wrote.
Lauri also shed some light on substance abuse issues, something Josh struggled with throughout his adult life in addition to his run-ins with the law, as she thanked those who tried to help him over the years.
Thank you to all of the people that have tried to help Josh along the way. I am witness to many Angels on earth. Not everyone understands those suffering from substance abuse disorder, but I am forever grateful for your understanding and the impact you made on his life. I also thank those who have supported me through this journey and offering kind words of encouragement by sharing their stories of living with substance abuse disorder and the many parents that have shared their stories over the years with me about the children they have sadly lost due to this illness, shared Lauri.
Lastly, she shared some sweet words for her son.
She wrote, Josh I love you so much and I will miss you terribly! I will forever be your Mama Bear & Mama Dukes and every time the clock turns to 11:11, I will expect your call to tell me to make a wish! What will I wish for now? My heart is with you and I pray you have found the peace that you so deserve. Heaven has gained the coolest angel and you have gained your freedom at last sweet boy. Love always and forever, Mom Joshua-Michael Phillip Waring 12/20/88-3/31/24.
Lauri welcomed Josh in 1988, followed by daughters Ashley and Sophie. Josh is also survived by his young daughter, 11-yr-old Kennady.
RIP Joshua.
Originally posted here:
Lauri Peterson is mourning the loss of her son.
On Saturday (April 6), the 63-year-old former Real Housewives of Orange City star announced on Instagram that her son Joshua-Michael Waring had passed away at the age of 35.
It is with a shattered heart that I write this post to let you know that my sweet Josh left this earth Easter Sunday, Lauri wrote along with photos of Joshua-Michael over the years. No one can ever prepare you for this feeling of such deep loss. Every fiber in my body hurts. Josh fought every single day for most of his adult life, for his life, but this past Sunday, the challenge was too great.
Keep reading to find out moreJoshs childhood was filled with deep intellect, humor, pranks, athletics, snow boarding, body boarding mountain hikes, reading, friends and his love for music, Lauri continued. Even during adult hardship, Josh continued to maintain his sense of humor, continued to be optimistic, continued to be kind to others, defended those that were unable to defend themselves and continued to love his family so so much! He received the most joy, pride and purpose through his daughter Kennady and watching her grow and thrive over the years.
She added, Thank you to all of the people that have tried to help Josh along the way. I am witness to many Angels on earth. Not everyone understands those suffering from substance abuse disorder, but I am forever grateful for your understanding and the impact you made on his life. I also thank those who have supported me through this journey and offering kind words of encouragement by sharing their stories of living with substance abuse disorder and the many parents that have shared their stories over the years with me about the children they have sadly lost due to this illness.
Josh I love you so much and I will miss you terribly! I will forever be your Mama Bear & Mama Dukes and every time the clock turns to 11:11, I will expect your call to tell me to make a wish! Lauri concluded. What will I wish for now? My heart is with you and I pray you have found the peace that you so deserve. Heaven has gained the coolest angel and you have gained your freedom at last sweet boy. Love always and forever, Mom Joshua-Michael Phillip Waring 12/20/88-3/31/24
After Lauri shared the post, Andy Cohen took to the comments to send his condolences.
Lauri I am so sorry. This is heartbreaking, Andy wrote. You tried so hard to save him, and by sharing Joshs story you would up educating people around the world about the tragedy of addiction for those who are touched by it. May Joshs memory be a blessing to you always. Sending your family all my love.
Lauri appeared in the first eight seasons of RHOC. She and husband George Peterson welcomed Joshua-Michael in 1988, followed by daughters Ashley and Sophie.
Joshua-Michael leaves behind 11-year-old daughter Kennady.
Our thoughts are with Joshua-Michaels loved ones during this difficult time. RIP.
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'RHOC' Alum Lauri Peterson Reveals Son Joshua-Michael Waring Passed Away at Age 35 - Just Jared
State and federal law enforcement in Maine on Tuesday announced the arrest of a Massachusetts man who was wanted in connection with the shooting that killed his brother in Brockton on Easter morning. Jeremiah Abreu, 20, of Brockton, was arrested at 2:30 p.m. after leaving a home in Lewiston, Maine, according to the office of Plymouth District Attorney Tim Cruz. The arrest warrant for a charge of murder was executed by members of the U.S. Marshals Service and Maine State Police.The Lewiston Police Department said Abreu was taken into custody following a coordinated traffic stop. Abreu was transported to the Androscoggin County Jail, where he will await extradition.Abreu's brother, Sedrick Abreu, 27, was found with a gunshot wound to the chest inside a home at 36 Hoover Ave. in Brockton at 2:17 a.m. on Sunday. He was taken to Good Samaritan Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead of his injuries.Two other suspects, Sirick Amado, 24, and Antonio Dejesus, 26, were already arrested and charged with accessory to homicide. Amado and Dejesus were arraigned Monday in Brockton District Court.During the arraignment, prosecutors said surveillance video shows Amado give a gun to Jeremiah Abreu before Abreu went inside the Hoover Avenue home."At that time is when officers believe that Mr. Abreu shot and killed his brother," Assistant District Attorney Kristina Zanini said in court.Prosecutors also said surveillance video shows Abreu exit the home and give the gun to Dejesus, who then placed an item in the back of an SUV. Attorneys representing Amado and Dejesus said the surveillance video does not definitively show what happened, and that investigators did not find a gun when they searched the SUV.Amado and Dejesus are being held without bail until a dangerousness hearing, which is scheduled for Thursday.Lewiston police also said they arrested 22-year-old Dominic Peterson, also of Brockton, Massachusetts, during the coordinated traffic stop.According to Lewiston police, Peterson was in the vehicle that Jeremiah Abreu was traveling in Tuesday and he refused to identify himself.Police said Peterson was found to be in possession of a firearm and was taken to the Lewiston Police Station, where he was identified with the use of fingerprint analysis.Lewiston police said Peterson was wanted on numerous warrants out of Massachusetts, including assault and battery of a family members, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of ammunition without an FID card, carrying a firearm without a license and carrying a loaded firearm without a license.Peterson was also charged with failure to provide corrected name/address/DOB, illegal possession of a firearm and fugitive from justice by Lewiston police
State and federal law enforcement in Maine on Tuesday announced the arrest of a Massachusetts man who was wanted in connection with the shooting that killed his brother in Brockton on Easter morning.
Jeremiah Abreu, 20, of Brockton, was arrested at 2:30 p.m. after leaving a home in Lewiston, Maine, according to the office of Plymouth District Attorney Tim Cruz. The arrest warrant for a charge of murder was executed by members of the U.S. Marshals Service and Maine State Police.
The Lewiston Police Department said Abreu was taken into custody following a coordinated traffic stop. Abreu was transported to the Androscoggin County Jail, where he will await extradition.
Abreu's brother, Sedrick Abreu, 27, was found with a gunshot wound to the chest inside a home at 36 Hoover Ave. in Brockton at 2:17 a.m. on Sunday. He was taken to Good Samaritan Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead of his injuries.
Two other suspects, Sirick Amado, 24, and Antonio Dejesus, 26, were already arrested and charged with accessory to homicide.
Amado and Dejesus were arraigned Monday in Brockton District Court.
During the arraignment, prosecutors said surveillance video shows Amado give a gun to Jeremiah Abreu before Abreu went inside the Hoover Avenue home.
"At that time is when officers believe that Mr. Abreu shot and killed his brother," Assistant District Attorney Kristina Zanini said in court.
Lewiston Police Dept.
Prosecutors also said surveillance video shows Abreu exit the home and give the gun to Dejesus, who then placed an item in the back of an SUV.
Attorneys representing Amado and Dejesus said the surveillance video does not definitively show what happened, and that investigators did not find a gun when they searched the SUV.
Amado and Dejesus are being held without bail until a dangerousness hearing, which is scheduled for Thursday.
Lewiston police also said they arrested 22-year-old Dominic Peterson, also of Brockton, Massachusetts, during the coordinated traffic stop.
According to Lewiston police, Peterson was in the vehicle that Jeremiah Abreu was traveling in Tuesday and he refused to identify himself.
Police said Peterson was found to be in possession of a firearm and was taken to the Lewiston Police Station, where he was identified with the use of fingerprint analysis.
Lewiston Police Dept.
Lewiston police said Peterson was wanted on numerous warrants out of Massachusetts, including assault and battery of a family members, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of ammunition without an FID card, carrying a firearm without a license and carrying a loaded firearm without a license.
Peterson was also charged with failure to provide corrected name/address/DOB, illegal possession of a firearm and fugitive from justice by Lewiston police
Link:
Victim's brother arrested in connection with deadly shooting - WCVB Boston
Douglas Countys probate judge should be removed from office in response to a host of ethics charges, a panel of the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission has said in a report.
Christina Peterson, who became a probate judge in an uncontested November 2020 election, has been fighting the ethics charges since they were filed by the director of the states judicial watchdog in July 2021. At one point, Peterson faced 50 separate charges accusing her of violating the Georgia Code of Judicial Conduct, but 20 have been withdrawn or dismissed.
Peterson, a University of Georgia School of Law graduate who practiced as an attorney for several years before taking the bench, was accused of inappropriate social media posts, unnecessarily jailing and fining a woman who sought to amend her marriage license and letting wedding participants into Douglas Countys courthouse after hours without permission. She was also abusive toward a fellow judge and other county officials, obstructed access to public records and had improper contact with a litigant, among other things, the judicial commission alleged.
(Petersons) actions demonstrate a troubling pattern of ineptitude and misconduct, the panel wrote in a 54-page report Sunday. She is not fit to serve.
The Georgia Supreme Court will decide whether Peterson remains on the bench.
Petersons attorney, Lester Tate, said they reject the panels recommendation and look forward to arguing the case before the court.
Throughout the ethics case, Peterson has said that she has faced unfair criticism as the first Black probate judge in Douglas County. During a trial before the commission panel last year, Peterson admitted to making mistakes in her first year as a judge while learning the ropes and said she was trying to do better.
Peterson acknowledged that it was harsh of her to jail and fine the woman who sought, without an attorney, to amend her marriage license in 2021. She also expressed regret about sending an April 2021 email to David Emerson, who at the time was the chief judge of the Douglas County Superior Court, questioning his judicial authority and competency, records show.
The commission, which is tasked with investigating complaints of judicial misconduct, has twice sought Petersons suspension. Both requests were denied by the state Supreme Court.
In its report, the panel said Peterson had been disingenuous, if not outright dishonest, during the investigation process. It said her testimony during last years trial was untruthful and evasive.
This persistent unwillingness to apply to herself the rules that apply to everyone else is deeply troubling, the panel said. Moreover, she has demonstrated a steadfast unwillingness to accept moral accountability in nearly all the episodes of misconduct.
Given Petersons stance that the ethics case against her has been unfair, biased and intentionally obstructive to her career, no sanction less than removal from office will have a meaningful impact, the panel said.
(Petersons) actions in the courtroom and outside it demonstrate a consistent and persistent pattern of misconduct comprised of intemperance, judicial incompetence, and danger to the rights of litigants, it said. And so she must go.
Courtney Veal, the commission director who has led the ethics case against Peterson, said the panels report speaks for itself. Veal said she looks forward to a final ruling by the state Supreme Court.
Peterson and Veal have 20 days to file responses to the panels report. Its unclear when the court will make a decision.
Peterson has qualified for reelection this year as Douglas Countys probate judge. She is being challenged in the Democratic primary in May by Douglasville attorney Valerie Vie. No Republican candidates have qualified in the race.
After becoming a lawyer in 2013, Peterson worked at a private law firm then as a prosecutor in Douglas and Fulton counties, records show. She had no prior experience as a judge.
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Judicial watchdog wants metro Atlanta judge off the bench - The Atlanta Journal Constitution
Travis Kelce is out here promoting something called the Kelce Jam (aka his music festival!!!), which means he's blessing everyone with a buncha interviews. And as much as we all want to know more about the Kelce Jam, we're obviously here for the Taylor Swift contentand Travis didn't hold back!
In response to Entertainment Tonight straight-up asking, Is it the Bahamian sun or the Bahamian love that has you just glowing right now, Travis said, You know what? Its just the lovely place down there, isnt it? You can get it all down there. All the love in the world.
Coy! But cute!
Meanwhile, Travis told the outlet that Taylor has hugely influenced his taste in music. Ahem: It's definitely been fun to experience her taste in music, for sure. She's so amazing at what she does. And to find that creativity to see where she likes to pull things from and just, really, how she listens to music is very eye-opening for me. It's been fun to hear her take on it.
I'll tell you what, I'm a real music lover and it goes all over the place, especially when it comes to a game day playlist because I go all over, he added. Things from my childhood. My high school pep band used to play 'SpottieOttieDopaliscious' from Outkast. On top of that, Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz back in the day had a song called 'Duffle Bag Boy' and I loved that. I play everything, from the old school jock jams from being a little kid. It goes all over the place. It's definitely a variety of music. I just can't pick one thing.
And when it comes to Taylor Swift's tracks? That's my everyday playlist, he gushed. Not just my game day.
My heart? Just casually melting out here, NBD!
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Visiting the Bahamas is bound to be fun, especially if you stay at the
I had the chance to experience the magic of NPIWFF for myself last month, and one of the most memorable events was a dinner hosted by none other than Martha Stewart. The TV personality, businesswoman, and hostess with the most-ess helped curate a three-course menu, complete with wine pairings.
The dinner was hosted at Oceans Edge, an outdoor venue with expansive views of Nassaus turquoise waters. The space was fitted with warmly lit lanterns, floral table linens, and a live band playing soft jazz. It felt like I was walking into the fanciest wedding reception of my life.
And, like the name of the festival implies, the wine always comes first. Every guest was greeted with a glass of wineMarthas Chard from 19 Crimes, obviously. Ive had my fair share of celebrity wines, and Marthas Chard is definitely one of the better ones, especially when you consider the fact that you can buy a bottle for under $20.
My fellow guests and I were all seated at a round, banquet-style table and offered chic and sophisticated canaps. The first was a bite of lobster accompanied by a chili mayonnaise and charred pineapple, which struck the ideal balance of sweet and spicy. The second hors doeuvre was just as decadent: filet mignon with Boursin and caramelized onion. And at the table was an overflowing bread basket with adorable balls of butter.
After a few snacks and a refill of Chardonnay, Martha took the microphone to give us a warm welcome. And she said that focusing on the wine was just as important as curating the nights menu.
I know what good wine is, she says. She revealed that she bought a home in Seal Harbor, Maine, in 1997 that was originally built for Edsel Ford of Ford Motors fame. And aside from the sprawling 63 acres of land, she also acquired an extensive wine collection left in the houses cellar.
According to Martha, drinking her way through the collection was one of the best learning experiences. Weve been going through the 82 Bordeauxs little by little, and not just regular old bottles, she said. Some of the bottles in her collection contain 15 liters of wine (FYI, thats enough to fill a dozen standard bottles).
My son-in-law at the time would walk around the house cradling a magnum of Lafite Rothschild, she said. He was drinking like $20,000 a night. I dont think he really knew that, they were just having a good time.
After hearing some more of Martha's wine takes (she's a big Pinot Noir fan, BTW), it was time for dinner. Here's everything we ate:
The first course was described as a King salmon ceviche with burnt orange segments, micro greens, and citrus dressing. The fish wasn't seasoned with as much citrus as you'd expect from a standard ceviche, but you got pockets of brightness and tang from the fresh orange, the vinaigrette, and the little dollops of crme frache dotted across the plate.
My favorite element of the dish was the salmonwe were on an island, after all. The King salmon likely traveled to Nassau from the Pacific, but it still tasted super fresh, mild, and buttery. It was the perfect counterpoint to all of the sauces and garnishes.
The second course was much more traditional. We were served a slice of beef tenderloin with mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a rich, savory jus. Alongside the wedding-esque ambience, this course really solidified the reception vibes.
But unlike most meals I've had at weddings, this dish was actually enjoyable to eat. The beef was super tender and delicate, with a nice level of pink in the center. The vegetables were cooked gently enough that they still retained their snap. And that jus? I could drink an entire vat of it.
Anything Martha Stewart does has a level of sophistication, but that doesn't mean there's no room for a little drama. And the dessert course was no exception. It was served to us in the form of a dark chocolate sphere, with all of the magic hidden inside. Once you broke open the mold, there was a chocolate custard and coffee streusel. It was so rich, creamy, and decadent. And the berries on the plate provided a nice burst of freshness and acidity to balance out each bite.
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I Went To A Dinner Hosted By Martha Stewart In The Bahamas - Delish
Kayakers in Lucayan National Park kayaking, The Bahamas (The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation)
The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is June, though it is historically not an active month for storms. You may find cruise deals on Bahamas sailings, encouraging vacationers to spend their summer holidays at sea.
The crowds are thinner in June because you may have to endure inclement weather. The average temperature stays in the 80s, and the humidity can rise quickly. On average, it rains 15 days a month in June, making it not the best month for a sunny cruise but an excellent month for a cruise deal.
If you plan on visiting the Bahamas during the rainy season, you can enjoy indoor activities like shopping in the port or dining at the best restaurants in Nassau.
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Best Time to Cruise to the Bahamas: A Month-by-Month Guide - Cruise Critic
Royal Caribbean Internationals Radiance of the Seas recently resumed service following a routine drydock in the Bahamas.
Now cruising in the Caribbean, the 2001-built cruise ship spent over two weeks at the Grand Bahama Shipyard.
During the period, the Radiance underwent general maintenance, in addition to class work and technical overhaul.
The 2,000-guest ship also saw updates to its hotel side, including the replacement of upholstery and carpets in public areas.
Before resuming service on March 28, the Radiance of the Seas met with the Grandeur of the Seas at the shipyard.
Also operated by Royal Caribbean International, the 1996-built ship is currently undergoing a similar project in drydock.
For its first departure following the work, the Radiance of the Seas is offering a seven-night cruise to the Western Caribbean.
Cruising roundtrip out of Tampa, the itinerary features visits to destinations in Mexico, Honduras and Belize including Cozumel and Costa Maya, Roatn and Belize City.
The 90,000-ton ship is then set to offer a short cruise to Mexico from its Florida homeport before starting a repositioning voyage to the West Coast.
Starting in late April, the Radiance of the Seas offers a series of one-way cruises that sail between Alaska and Canada.
Cruising between Seward and Vancouver, the itineraries feature visits to Skagway, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Ketchikan and Haines. Every sailing also features scenic cruising at the Hubbard Glacier.
See the article here:
Radiance of the Seas Completes Drydock in the Bahamas - Cruise Industry News
Travis Kelce gushed about the Bahamas after he and girlfriend Taylor Swift enjoyed a romantic vacation there.
While speaking to Entertainment Tonight on Tuesday, April 2, interviewer Nischelle Turner told Travis, 34, that he appeared to have gotten some sun recently. Is it the Bahamian sun or the Bahamian love that has you just glowing right now? she asked, referencing their recent trip.
You know what? Its just a lovely place down there, isnt it? the Kansas City Chiefs star said. You can get it all down there. All the love in the world.
Travis didnt mention going on the getaway with Taylor, 34, though the couple was photographed soaking up the sun during a beach outing in late March. Their trip was revealed when photographs circulated of the couple packing on the PDA as they spent time in Bahamas Harbour Island at the end of March.
Neither the professional athlete nor Cruel Summer singer have shared much insight into the trip, though a source exclusively told Life & Style that the pair wanted to get away while her Eras tour is on hiatus.. They wanted a break from their busy schedules to be alone and enjoy the sun, water and sand, the insider explained.
The couple who confirmed their romance in September 2023 spent quality time together while staying in a suite that cost $975 per night. Their intent was to get away from the spotlight that follows them wherever they go, the source shared.
Taylor loves the Bahamas for the pristine beaches, climate, cuisine and privacy, of course, the insider explained. She knows shell be treated with the utmost respect by the locals, who are used to catering to celebrity clientele.
While Travis didnt share any specific details about their vacation, the Ohio native recently hinted that their relationship is in a good place. Im the happiest Ive ever been, he told People in an interview published on April 2. Im a guy that some people say is glass half full, half empty, and my glass is all the way full. Its all the way full.
Despite not mentioning Taylor by name, the Super Bowl champ added that hes oozing life right now.
Following their trip to the Bahamas, Travis and Taylor reportedly went to Pennsylvania to celebrate Easter with his brother, Jason Kelce, and his family. The trip marked the first time that Taylor met Jason, 26, and wife Kylie Kelces three daughters, according to Daily Mail.
The rest is here:
Travis Kelce Recalls 'Lovely' Bahamas After Taylor Swift Trip - Life&Style Weekly
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Paralyzed man who can walk again shows potential benefit of stem cell therapy - ABC News
Neurosciences
April 1, 2024
ROCHESTER, Minn. A Mayo Clinic study shows stem cells derived from patients' own fat are safe and may improve sensation and movement after traumatic spinal cord injuries. The findings from the phase 1 clinical trial appear in Nature Communications. The results of this early research offer insights on the potential of cell therapy for people living with spinal cord injuries and paralysis for whom options to improve function are extremely limited.
In the study of 10 adults, the research team noted seven participants demonstrated improvements based on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale. Improvements included increased sensation when tested with pinprick and light touch, increased strength in muscle motor groups, and recovery of voluntary anal contraction, which aids in bowel function. The scale has five levels, ranging from complete loss of function to normal function. The seven participants who improved each moved up at least one level on the ASIA scale. Three patients in the study had no response, meaning they did not improve but did not get worse.
"This study documents the safety and potential benefit of stem cells and regenerative medicine," says Mohamad Bydon, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon and first author of the study. "Spinal cord injury is a complex condition. Future research may show whether stem cells in combination with other therapies could be part of a new paradigm of treatment to improve outcomes for patients."
No serious adverse events were reported after stem cell treatment. The most commonly reported side effects were headache and musculoskeletal pain that resolved with over-the-counter treatment.
In addition to evaluating safety, this phase 1 clinical trial had a secondary outcome of assessing changes in motor and sensory function. The authors note that motor and sensory results are to be interpreted with caution given limits of phase 1 trials. Additional research is underway among a larger group of participants to further assess risks and benefits.
The full data on the 10 patients follows a 2019 case report that highlighted the experience of the first study participant who demonstrated significant improvement in motor and sensory function.
Watch: Dr. Mohamad Bydon discusses improvements in research study
Journalists: Broadcast-quality sound bites are available in the downloads at the end of the post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Name super/CG: Mohamad Bydon, M.D./Neurosurgery/Mayo Clinic.
In the multidisciplinary clinical trial, participants had spinal cord injuries from motor vehicle accidents, falls and other causes. Six had neck injuries; four had back injuries. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 65.
Participants' stem cells were collected by taking a small amount of fat from a 1- to 2-inch incision in the abdomen or thigh. Over four weeks, the cells were expanded in the laboratory to 100 million cells and then injected into the patients' lumbar spine in the lower back. Over two years, each study participant was evaluated at Mayo Clinic 10 times.
Although it is understood that stem cells move toward areas of inflammation in this case the location of the spinal cord injury the cells' mechanism of interacting with the spinal cord is not fully understood, Dr. Bydon says. As part of the study, researchers analyzed changes in participants' MRIs and cerebrospinal fluid as well as in responses to pain, pressure and other sensation. The investigators are looking for clues to identify injury processes at a cellular level and avenues for potential regeneration and healing.
The spinal cord has limited ability to repair its cells or make new ones. Patients typically experience most of their recovery in the first six to 12 months after injuries occur. Improvement generally stops 12 to 24 months after injury. In the study, one patient with a cervical spine injury of the neck received stem cells 22 months after injury and improved one level on the ASIA scale after treatment.
Two of three patients with complete injuries of the thoracic spine meaning they had no feeling or movement below their injury between the base of the neck and mid-back moved up two ASIA levels after treatment. Each regained some sensation and some control of movement below the level of injury. Based on researchers' understanding of traumatic thoracic spinal cord injury, only 5% of people with a complete injury would be expected to regain any feeling or movement.
"In spinal cord injury, even a mild improvement can make a significant difference in that patient's quality of life," Dr. Bydon says.
Stem cells are used mainly in research in the U.S., and fat-derived stem cell treatment for spinal cord injury is considered experimental by the Food and Drug Administration.
Between 250,000 and 500,000 people worldwide suffer a spinal cord injury each year, according to theWorld Health Organization.
An important next step is assessing the effectiveness of stem cell therapies and subsets of patients who would most benefit, Dr. Bydon says. Research is continuing with a larger, controlled trial that randomly assigns patients to receive either the stem cell treatment or a placebo without stem cells.
"For years, treatment of spinal cord injury has been limited to supportive care, more specifically stabilization surgery and physical therapy," Dr. Bydon says. "Many historical textbooks state that this condition does not improve. In recent years, we have seen findings from the medical and scientific community that challenge prior assumptions. This research is a step forward toward the ultimate goal of improving treatments for patients."
Dr. Bydon is the Charles B. and Ann L. Johnson Professor of Neurosurgery. This research was made possible with support from Leonard A. Lauder, C and A Johnson Family Foundation, The Park Foundation, Sanger Family Foundation, Eileen R.B. and Steve D. Scheel, Schultz Family Foundation, and other generous Mayo Clinic benefactors. The research is funded in part by a Mayo Clinic Transform the Practice grant.
Review thestudyfor a complete list of authors and funding.
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Study documents safety, improvements from stem cell therapy after spinal cord injury - Mayo Clinic
Sarasota, FL (WorkersCompensation.com) While stem cell therapy has shown much promise in treating some medical issues, the use of stem cell therapy has been somewhat controversial over the years. One reason for the controversy is due to the large number of businesses offering unlicensed and unproven stem cell treatments that are not approved by the FDA. However, one recent miraculous case study announced by Mayo clinic may have patients lining up for treatment.
According to statistics from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, there are around 18,000 new Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs) per year. In the U.S., around 302,000 people currently live with an SCI, most of which have occurred from automobile accidents, falls, acts of violence, or sports activities.
Around 1.7 percent of the U.S. population has some kind of paralysis, of which 33.7 percent is caused by stroke and 27.3 percent is caused by an SCI. Besides impacting physical ability, households of paralyzed people earn around $15,000 per year less, and have lower percentages of employment. The ability to treat SCIs and other paralysis injuries to help them return to a normal life could have monumental implications.
Researchers from Mayo Clinic treated ten SCI patients with stem cells that were harvested from fat in their abdomen or thigh. The stem cells were expanded for a period of four weeks to 100 million cells, and then injected into the lower spine lumbar region.
Included in the study were six patients with neck injuries, and four patients with back injuries, none of which had significant changes in MRIs at one year. All patients were followed for a period of two years, with ten examinations occurring during that time period.
In SCI cases, the most recovery is experienced within the first twelve months after an injury occurs. Then the improvement gradually tapers off or stops at 12 to 24 months after the injury. In the Mayo study, the average time from injury to treatment was 11 months. However, one patient received the stem cell treatment 22 months after the injury and still improved one point on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale.
Overall, the researchers noted 7 out of the 10 patients made improvements on the ASIA scale. The improvements noted included increased sensation to pinpricks and light touch, increased strength in muscle motor groups, and improvements and recovery in bowel function including voluntary contraction.
Two out of three patients with no feeling or sensation below mid-spine or thoracic region improved by 2 points on the ASIA scale, with sensation and voluntary contraction abilities in their lower regions. The researchers estimate that only 5 percent of people with a complete thoracic injury would be expected to regain any feeling or movement.
According to a recent report from Beckers Spine Review, Chris Barr who was paralyzed from the neck down for seven years after a surfing accident, participated in the study. In the five years since his treatment, he has improved his independence, and has gained the ability to walk and stand on his own, with continued improvements in walking speed.
Stem cells are known for moving towards inflammation, however their ability to interact with the spinal cord - which has very limited ability to repair or make new cells - is not fully understood. While the results of the study are promising, it may take years before the treatment becomes a common option for patients.
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Ground-Breaking Stem Cell Therapy Helps Paralyzed Patient to Walk - WorkersCompensation.com
Summary: A phase 1 clinical trial has revealed that stem cells derived from patients own fat may safely enhance sensation and movement in individuals with traumatic spinal cord injuries. In the study, seven out of ten adults showed measurable improvements on the ASIA Impairment Scale, experiencing increased sensation, muscle strength, and improved bowel function without serious side effects.
The findings challenge the longstanding belief that spinal cord injuries are irreparable, offering new hope for treatments. With the spinal cords limited repair capability, this research signifies a crucial step towards innovative therapies, emphasizing the need for further studies to unlock the full potential of stem cell treatments.
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Source: Mayo Clinic
AMayo Clinicstudy shows stem cells derived from patients own fat are safe and may improve sensation and movement after traumaticspinal cord injuries.
The findings from the phase 1 clinical trial appear inNature Communications.
The results of this early research offer insights on the potential of cell therapy for people living with spinal cord injuries and paralysis for whom options to improve function are extremely limited.
In the study of 10 adults, the research team noted seven participants demonstrated improvements based on the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale. Improvements included increased sensation when tested with pinprick and light touch, increased strength in muscle motor groups, and recovery of voluntary anal contraction, which aids in bowel function.
The scale has five levels, ranging from complete loss of function to normal function. The seven participants who improved each moved up at least one level on the ASIA scale. Three patients in the study had no response, meaning they did not improve but did not get worse.
This study documents the safety and potential benefit of stem cells and regenerative medicine, saysMohamad Bydon, M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon and first author of the study.
Spinal cord injury is a complex condition. Future research may show whether stem cells in combination with other therapies could be part of a new paradigm of treatment to improve outcomes for patients.
No serious adverse events were reported after stem cell treatment. The most commonly reported side effects were headache and musculoskeletal pain that resolved with over-the-counter treatment.
In addition to evaluating safety, this phase 1 clinical trial had a secondary outcome of assessing changes in motor and sensory function. The authors note that motor and sensory results are to be interpreted with caution given limits of phase 1 trials. Additional research is underway among a larger group of participants to further assess risks and benefits.
The full data on the 10 patients follows a 2019case reportthat highlighted the experience of the first study participant who demonstrated significant improvement in motor and sensory function.
Stem cells mechanism of action not fully understood
In the multidisciplinary clinical trial, participants had spinal cord injuries from motor vehicle accidents, falls and other causes. Six had neck injuries; four had back injuries. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 65.
Participants stem cells were collected by taking a small amount of fat from a 1- to 2-inch incision in the abdomen or thigh. Over four weeks, the cells were expanded in the laboratory to 100 million cells and then injected into the patients lumbar spine in the lower back. Over two years, each study participant was evaluated at Mayo Clinic 10 times.
Although it is understood that stem cells move toward areas of inflammation in this case the location of the spinal cord injury the cells mechanism of interacting with the spinal cord is not fully understood, Dr. Bydon says.
As part of the study, researchers analyzed changes in participants MRIs and cerebrospinal fluid as well as in responses to pain, pressure and other sensation. The investigators are looking for clues to identify injury processes at a cellular level and avenues for potential regeneration and healing.
The spinal cord has limited ability to repair its cells or make new ones. Patients typically experience most of their recovery in the first six to 12 months after injuries occur. Improvement generally stops 12 to 24 months after injury.
One unexpected outcome of the trial was that two patients with cervical spine injuries of the neck received stem cells 22 months after their injuries and improved one level on the ASIA scale after treatment.
Two of three patients with complete injuries of the thoracic spine meaning they had no feeling or movement below their injury between the base of the neck and mid-back moved up two ASIA levels after treatment.
Each regained some sensation and some control of movement below the level of injury. Based on researchers understanding of traumatic thoracic spinal cord injury, only 5% of people with a complete injury would be expected to regain any feeling or movement.
In spinal cord injury, even a mild improvement can make a significant difference in that patients quality of life, Dr. Bydon says.
Stem cells are used mainly in research in the U.S., and fat-derived stem cell treatment for spinal cord injury is considered experimental by the Food and Drug Administration.
Between 250,000 and 500,000 people worldwide suffer a spinal cord injury each year, according to theWorld Health Organization.
An important next step is assessing the effectiveness of stem cell therapies and subsets of patients who would most benefit, Dr. Bydon says. Research is continuing with a larger, controlled trial that randomly assigns patients to receive either the stem cell treatment or a placebo without stem cells.
For years, treatment of spinal cord injury has been limited to supportive care, more specifically stabilization surgery and physical therapy, Dr. Bydon says.
Many historical textbooks state that this condition does not improve. In recent years, we have seen findings from the medical and scientific community that challenge prior assumptions. This research is a step forward toward the ultimate goal of improving treatments for patients.
Dr. Bydon is the Charles B. and Ann L. Johnson Professor of Neurosurgery. This research was made possible with support from Leonard A. Lauder, C and A Johnson Family Foundation, The Park Foundation, Sanger Family Foundation, Eileen R.B. and Steve D. Scheel, Schultz Family Foundation, and other generous Mayo Clinic benefactors. The research is funded in part by a Mayo Clinic Transform the Practice grant.
Review thestudyfor a complete list of authors and funding.
Author: Megan Luihn Source: Mayo Clinic Contact: Megan Luihn Mayo Clinic Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access. Intrathecal delivery of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in traumatic spinal cord injury: Phase I trial byMohamad Bydon et al. Nature Communications
Abstract
Intrathecal delivery of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in traumatic spinal cord injury: Phase I trial
Intrathecal delivery of autologous culture-expanded adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSC) could be utilized to treat traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).
This Phase I trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03308565) included 10 patients with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade A or B at the time of injury.
The studys primary outcome was the safety profile, as captured by the nature and frequency of adverse events.
Secondary outcomes included changes in sensory and motor scores, imaging, cerebrospinal fluid markers, and somatosensory evoked potentials. The manufacturing and delivery of the regimen were successful for all patients.
The most commonly reported adverse events were headache and musculoskeletal pain, observed in 8 patients. No serious AEs were observed. At final follow-up, seven patients demonstrated improvement in AIS grade from the time of injection.
In conclusion, the study met the primary endpoint, demonstrating that AD-MSC harvesting and administration were well-tolerated in patients with traumatic SCI.
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Stem Cells Spark Hope in Spinal Cord Recovery - Neuroscience News
Apr 08, 2024 Newsdesk Latest News, Macau, Top of the deck
The number of tourist arrivals to Macau during a four-day period encompassing the Ching Ming Festival, stood at above 425,428, according to data released by the citys Public Security Police. The local authorities did not provide any year-on-year comparison.
On the day of the Ching Ming Festival this year April 4 Macau recorded a total of 136,363 visitor arrivals. In Macau, mainland China, and Hong Kong, that day also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day in English is a public holiday. The timing for it is calculated under the lunar calendar.
The mainland takes some additional days as public holiday during the period. There, the authorities had designated this years Ching Ming holiday period as running from April 4 (a Thursday) to April 6 (a Saturday) inclusive.
During the four days from April 4 to April 7 inclusive, Macau received an average of 106,357 visitors per day.
That was slightly above the daily average of 100,000 visitor arrivals observed during the four-day Easter period, from Friday (March 29) to Monday (April 1) inclusive. The aggregate of Macau arrivals for the March 29 to April 1 period inclusive was 406,329.
Regionally, Easter Monday is only a public holiday in Hong Kong, while Easter Friday is a holiday in Hong Kong and Macau. The Easter season is not a break period on the Chinese mainland.
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GGRAsia Over 425k visitor entries to Macau in Ching Ming period - GGRAsia
Gambling revenue in Macau reached MOP19.50bn (1.02bn/2.25bn/$2.42bn) in March, the joint highest monthly total since before the pandemic.
Revenue was 53.1% higher thanMarch last yearand 5.4% ahead of MOP18.49 in Macau in February. The figure also equalled the post-pandemic high of MOP19.50bn that was posted inOctober 2023.
While this is good news for the region, Macaus casinos remain some way behind pre-Covid levels. Before the pandemic started, the Special Administrative Region would regularly produce monthly revenue in the mid MOP20.00bn range.
Revenue has not exceeded MOP20.00bn since January 2020, shortly before the pandemic started and restrictions were imposed.
Looking at the year to date, revenue in the first three months of 2024 reached MOP57.33bn. This is 65.5% ahead of MOP34.64bn at the same point in 2023.
It is also comfortably more than the MOP42.40bn generated inall of 2022. Full-year revenue for 2023 amounted toMOP183.1bn a 333.8% year-on-year increase.
Macau has been free of pandemic-related restrictions since January 2023 after China ended its zero-Covid policy.
This post-pandemic recovery is likely to continue in 2024. Last month, Fitch Ratings affirmed Macaus AA long-term foreign currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR), predicting the regions gaming industry torecover to nearly 80% of pre-pandemic levels in 2024.
Fitch also gave Macau a stable outlook as the regions economy continues to rebound from the pandemic.
Gross gaming revenue is forecast to be around 79.5% of 2019 levels in 2024, compared to 62.6% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Fitch is predicting revenue to be 7.6% higher than assumed in the budget.
Several leading Macau casino operators said the decision to remove pandemic measures helped their performances in 2023.
Among these brands isGalaxy Entertainment Group, which reported a 211.0% increase in revenue to HKD35.68bn. This, it said, was driven by the full reopening of the Macau market. Revenue at the Galaxy Macau alone rocketed 274.3% year-on-year in 2023, with gaming revenue here up 312.1%.
Elsewhere,Wynn Resortsalso said that this reopening boosted the business during 2023. Operations in Macau accounted for $3.10bn of all revenue up 329.7% year-on-year. Group revenue was 73.9% higher at $6.53bn.
Furthermore, Fitch pointed to Macaus strong rebound after the pandemic in predicting apositive financial outlook for Wynnin the longer term.
Also benefitting was MGM Resorts International, which reported a 23.7% rise in revenue to $16.20bn for 2023. MGM noted significant growth in Macau, with revenue rocketing 368.1% to $3.15bn.
Last week, MGM CEO and president Bill Hornbuckle attended the China Development Forum alongside a number of leading US executives to discuss the countrys relationship with China.
MGM Resorts International has been proud of our role in supporting US-China relations through increased bilateral travel and tourism, Hornbuckle said in aLinkedIn post. I was honoured to be part of the meeting convened by President Xi to discuss how to use these ties to strengthen the US-China relationship.
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Macau casinos equal post-pandemic revenue record in March - iGaming Business
The implementation of smart gaming tables and RFID chips into Macaus casinos is expected to organically grow gaming revenues without the need to increase footfall, according to a research note from Citibank.
Observing that smart table technology has become one of the hottest topics in the local gaming industry in recent months, Citi analysts George Choi and Ryan Cheung said the ability to speed up games was one of the key benefits of utilizing the technology, which they estimate can translate into organic GGR growth of 5.9% for every five seconds saved per game of baccarat.
Adding that around 10% of all tables in Macau are currently smart tables, they wrote, If the use of smart gaming tables becomes more widespread we will be much more confident than we already are in the long term growth prospects of the Macau gaming industry.
Inside Asian Gaming understands that operators are broadly planning to implement the technology across all baccarat tables, with some to complete the rollout by the end of this year.
According to Citi, other benefits of smart gaming tables and RFID chips include the ability to capture data on players betting patterns, which allows more accurate valuation on these players and more cost-effective player comping.
For example, it makes sense for casinos to increase their comps on players who consistently spend 10% of their baccarat wages on the Lucky 6 exotic bet as these players are on our estimates worth 125.5% more than players who strictly do main bets, they wrote.
The technology can also prevent the use of counterfeit chip use for many years a significant issue in Macaus casinos while allowing operators the ability to introduce new exotic and higher hold bets.
On the current state of rollout, Citi said, Based on observations in our latest monthly table survey, we believe all must baccarat tables at the two MGM China casinos are smart gaming tables.
We saw 140 smart gaming tables at the mass concourse at the Londoner casino of Londoner Macau. We also saw 24 smart gaming tables at the grind mass area at Wynn Macau, but we did not see any at Wynn Palace.
Galaxy, Melco and SJM have already placed orders with smart gaming table suppliers per management comments during their most recent earnings calls.
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Macaus 1Q24 EBITDA could come in below the 6% quarter-on-quarter GGR growth of 6%, suggesting operators are still heavily focused on deleveraging, according to investment bank Morgan Stanley.
In a note previewing the upcoming earnings season, to be kicked off by Sands China parent Las Vegas Sands later this month, Morgan Stanley analysts Praveen Choudhary, Gareth Leung and Stephen Grambling said they believe industry corporate EBITDA to be around 5% higher quarter-on-quarter at US$1.9 billion putting it at 81% of 1Q19 levels.
However, while some operators have confirmed that their short-term focus post-pandemic was deleveraging, the analysts said they expect to see smaller operating leverage benefits in Q1 due to wage increase and some companies increasing promotions to attract customers.
As such, key trends to keep an eye on during results season will be gambler spending power; updates on opex, reinvestment costs and committed investment guidance; and any changed views on dividend resumptions given that Sands, Melco and SJM are yet to declare any dividends since the pandemic.
We think relative EBITDA performance and mass share gains will be key, and continue to prefer MGM China and Wynn Macau, the analysts said. We also think SJM share will benefit from better EBITDA growth, driven by Grand Lisboa Palace.
We dont prefer Sands or Galaxy just for 1Q24 earnings trade we expect both to have lost market shares in 1Q24 [as] Sands does not have turnover rent benefit in 1Q24, while Galaxy may be hurt by more cost increases.
Morgan Stanley added that Melco Resorts may have also improved its market share in February and March but that higher costs could have impacted margins.
Melco stated in its 4Q23 earnings call that reducing its debt remained its key focus in 2024.
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