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MOUNT CARMEL — Shazier Bethea scored nine of his game-high 20 points during the third quarter as the Miners handed the Red Tornadoes their first loss of the season in the non-league contest. Down 42-40 to start the fourth quarter, Minersville (6-2) outscored Mount Carmel 14-7 in the final frame. Dante Carr also finished in double figures with 10 points for the Miners. Sophomores Jaylen Delaney and Jude Lazicki each had 14 points for the Red Tornadoes (8-1). Minersville 54, Mount Carmel 49 Minersville (6-2) 54 Logan Hutsko 4 1-1 9; Chase Zimerofsky 1 0-0 2; Shazier Bethea 8 1-3 20; Bradley Kostishak 4 0-0 8; Dante Carr 4 2-2 10; Jordan Bowers 2 0-0 5. Totals 23 4-5 54. 3-point goals: Bethea 3, Bowers. Did not score: None. Mount Carmel (8-1) 49 Chase Balichik 2 0-0 6; Matthew Balichik 4 0-0 9; Jude Lazicki 5 2-4 14; Jaylen Delaney 6 2-5 14; Luke Blessing 1 0-0 2; Noah Shimko 2 0-0 4. Totals 20 4-9 49. 3-point goals: C. Balichik 2, Lazicki 2, M. Balichik. Did not score: Tait Adams. Score by quarters Minersville;12;7;21;14 — 54 Mt.Carmel;17;8;17;7 — 49

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South Korea's parliament impeached acting president Han Duck-soo yesterday, less than two weeks after suspending president Yoon Suk Yeol's powers over his short-lived declaration of martial law, plunging the country deeper into political chaos. The impeachment of Han, the acting president since Yoon was impeached on December 14 for declaring martial law on December 3, has pushed South Korea's once-vibrant democratic success story into uncharted territory. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok now assumes the role of acting president as the person next in line under the law. He is set to speak to the military chief and consult the foreign minister and acting defence minister, a spokesperson said. In a statement after the vote, Han said he was saddened by what the unfolding events meant for the next generation, but accepted the outcome. "I respect parliament's decision and in order to avoid further chaos and uncertainty, I will suspend my duties in accordance with relevant laws," he said. He added he would await the decision of the Constitutional Court to review the impeachment motion. The ruling People Power Party, which has objected to the opposition-led impeachment of Han, said it had filed a constitutional petition. The motion led by opposition parties passed with 192 of the 300 votes amid rowdy scenes by People Power Party members who surrounded the speaker's podium, chanting that the vote was invalid and parliament had engaged in "tyranny". Ahead of the parliamentary session, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, which has majority control of parliament, accused Han of "acting for insurrection". There has been overwhelming public support for Yoon's removal, opinion polls showed after his martial law attempt. The plan for a vote to impeach Han came after he declined to immediately appoint three justices to fill vacancies at the Constitutional Court, saying it would exceed his acting role. Until just before voting began, it was unclear how many votes were needed to impeach Han. The threshold for a prime minister is a simple majority, while a two-thirds majority is needed for a president. Speaker Woo Won-shik declared a simple majority would constitute parliamentary approval. Earlier, the new acting president Choi pleaded with parliament to withdraw the plan to impeach Han, saying it would do serious damage to the economy. The South Korean won retreated to 1,475.4 per dollar, down 0.53 percent by 0707 GMT ahead of the parliamentary vote. South Korea's parliament impeached acting president Han Duck-soo yesterday, less than two weeks after suspending president Yoon Suk Yeol's powers over his short-lived declaration of martial law, plunging the country deeper into political chaos. The impeachment of Han, the acting president since Yoon was impeached on December 14 for declaring martial law on December 3, has pushed South Korea's once-vibrant democratic success story into uncharted territory. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok now assumes the role of acting president as the person next in line under the law. He is set to speak to the military chief and consult the foreign minister and acting defence minister, a spokesperson said. In a statement after the vote, Han said he was saddened by what the unfolding events meant for the next generation, but accepted the outcome. "I respect parliament's decision and in order to avoid further chaos and uncertainty, I will suspend my duties in accordance with relevant laws," he said. He added he would await the decision of the Constitutional Court to review the impeachment motion. The ruling People Power Party, which has objected to the opposition-led impeachment of Han, said it had filed a constitutional petition. The motion led by opposition parties passed with 192 of the 300 votes amid rowdy scenes by People Power Party members who surrounded the speaker's podium, chanting that the vote was invalid and parliament had engaged in "tyranny". Ahead of the parliamentary session, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, which has majority control of parliament, accused Han of "acting for insurrection". There has been overwhelming public support for Yoon's removal, opinion polls showed after his martial law attempt. The plan for a vote to impeach Han came after he declined to immediately appoint three justices to fill vacancies at the Constitutional Court, saying it would exceed his acting role. Until just before voting began, it was unclear how many votes were needed to impeach Han. The threshold for a prime minister is a simple majority, while a two-thirds majority is needed for a president. Speaker Woo Won-shik declared a simple majority would constitute parliamentary approval. Earlier, the new acting president Choi pleaded with parliament to withdraw the plan to impeach Han, saying it would do serious damage to the economy. The South Korean won retreated to 1,475.4 per dollar, down 0.53 percent by 0707 GMT ahead of the parliamentary vote.Ravens QB Jackson leads first NFL Pro Bowl fan voting results— At the start of Tuesday's Frederick County School Board meeting, Vice Chair Dianna Klein reminded the audience that the board's rules for public comment had changed since they last met. "Pursuant to the policy, all members of the audience, and speakers, are expected to be courteous to others ... and model for our students how to respectfully participate in public meetings by speaking and behaving in a manner that adheres to our code of student conduct," Klein said. "The student code of conduct prohibits the use of profanity or slurs against people based on their perceived race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, weight, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or disability. It also prohibits disruptive behavior that interrupts or interferes with the orderly conduct of this meeting." Violators can be ruled out of order or removed from a meeting for repeated violations. The board has spent the past few months crafting changes to this policy to support orderly meetings without raising concerns about free speech violations. In the meantime, public comments at the board's meetings have been contentious at times. Last month, tensions reached a boiling point when a speaker's inflammatory remarks — and the crowd's reaction — prompted two board recesses as the chairman struggled to maintain order. On Tuesday night, the updated policy was used to remove two people from the meeting. The first speaker to approach the lectern was Christie Scarborough, the same speaker whose comments prompted outrage last month. When she began her comments on Tuesday with a derogatory term for people with disabilities, Chairman Edward "Scott" Sturdivant immediately used his gavel, ruling her out of order. "The speaker is out of order and will conduct herself properly," Sturdivant said numerous times. When Scarborough continued despite Sturdivant's admonishment, Red Bud School Board representative Brian Erskine made a motion for the board to enter a recess, but the motion failed. "Alright, we'll stay here," Sturdivant said. "I'm telling you (Scarborough) you're out of order." "I'm telling you you're in violation of my First Amendment rights," Scarborough replied. "This is my three minutes. You signed up for this." Opequon District School Board representative Daryl Bell then walked away from the dais, which prompted Scarborough to use an expletive. Sturdivant then banged his gavel again and asked her to sit down. Scarborough, however, refused to leave the lectern. "Mr. Chair," said Klein, "she is in violation of our policy. She is in violation of our policy. This is a limited public forum." Scarborough continued to yell from the lectern, and Sturdivant asked her to leave the meeting. "I'm not leaving," Scarborough said. Klein told Scarborough that she needed to sit down, to which Scarborough responded, "Come and make me sit down, [expletive]." Sturdivant then asked Frederick County Sheriff's Office deputies at the meeting to escort Scarborough out. A second person, Shaun Porter, was also escorted from the meeting after he protested being taken off the list of public speakers. Sturdivant maintained that Porter does not meet the residency requirements to participate in public comments at the board's meetings. "You are not a resident of the commonwealth," Sturdivant said. "You're a resident of Maryland." Porter's social media presence shows that he often records confrontations with public employees and officials in Washington County, Maryland. On Tuesday, he paced in front of the dais holding paperwork he indicated was a lease that should allow him to speak. "I have a copy of my proof of residency right in my hand," he said. "I have a ratified lease agreement." Shawnee School Board representative Miles Adkins tried to ask if the board could see the lease. Erskine interjected, saying, "Mr. Chairman, point of order. This is not an appropriate exchange for a member of the public to have with the board at this time." Gainesboro School Board representative Frank Funes said more than once that he thought the board should let Porter speak. When Porter refused to sit down, Sturdivant asked the deputies to escort him out as well. As he left, Porter suggested he had grounds to file a lawsuit against the board. As the public comment period continued, some speakers celebrated the board's actions, while others viewed the removals as encroaching on free speech. Reached by phone Wednesday, Sturdivant said the School Board's policy allowed for Scarborough and Porter to be removed. "I am following what my legal counsel is telling me to do," he reiterated. When asked if Tuesday's events set a precedent that profanities and other foul language will not be tolerated during public comments moving forward, Sturdivant said that would be up to the board's next chair, who will be chosen in January.

Artificial intelligence. Abortion. Guns. Marijuana. Minimum wages. Name a hot topic, and chances are good there’s a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges. Here’s a look at some of the most notable state laws taking effect: California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to and put some parameters around social media stars. New laws seek to prevent the use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers without permission and allow the estates of dead performers to sue over unauthorized AI use. Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. A new law also allows children to sue their parents for failing to do so. New social media restrictions in several states face court challenges. A Florida law bans children under 14 accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. But enforcement is being delayed because of a lawsuit filed by two associations for online companies, with a hearing scheduled for late February. A new Tennessee law also to open accounts on social media. NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires porn websites to verify that visitors are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a challenge. Several new California measures aimed at are also being challenged, including one requiring large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections and another allowing any individual to sue for damages over the use of AI to create . In a first nationally, California will start enforcing a law prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents if their . The law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to halt such policies passed by several districts. Many states have passed laws since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide right to the procedure in 2022. One of the latest is the Democratic-led state of Delaware. A law there will require the state employee health plan and Medicaid plans for lower-income residents , copayments or other cost-sharing requirements. A new Minnesota law prohibits guns with “binary triggers” that allow for more rapid fire, causing a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released. In Delaware, a law adds colleges and universities to a list of school zones where guns are prohibited, with exceptions for those working in their official capacity such as law officers and commissioned security guards. Kentucky is becoming the latest state to let people use . To apply for a state medical cannabis card, people must get written certification from a medical provider of a qualifying condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly four-fifths of U.S. states have now legalized medical marijuana. Minimum wage workers in more than 20 states are due to receive raises in January. The highest minimum wages will be in Washington, California and Connecticut, all of which will top $16 an hour after modest increases. The largest increases are scheduled in Delaware, where the minimum wage will rise by $1.75 to $15 an hour, and in Nebraska, where a in 2022 will add $1.50 to the current minimum of $12 an hour. Twenty other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. In Oregon, using drugs on public transit will be considered a misdemeanor crime of interfering with public transportation. While the measure worked its way through the legislature, multiple transportation officials said drug use on buses and trains, and at transit stops and stations, was making passengers and drivers feel less safe. In Missouri, law enforcement officers have spent the past 16 months issuing warnings to motorists that handheld cellphone use is illegal. Starting with the new year, penalties will kick in: a $150 fine for the first violation, progressing to $500 for third and subsequent offenses and up to 15 years imprisonment if a driver using a cellphone cause an injury or death. But police must notice a primary violation, such as speeding or weaving across lanes, to cite motorists for violating the cellphone law. Montana is the only state that hasn’t , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay , thanks to the repeal of a law that had allowed cities and towns to impose such taxes. While a victory for renters, the new law is a financial loss for governments. An analysis by Arizona’s nonpartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated that $230 million would be lost in municipal tax revenue during the first full fiscal year of implementation. Meanwhile Alabama will offer tax credits to businesses that help employees with child care costs. Kansas is eliminating its 2% sales tax on groceries. It also is by dropping the top tax rate, increasing a credit for child care expenses and exempting all Social Security income from taxes, among other things. Taxpayers are expected to save about $320 million a year going forward. An Oklahoma law expands voting privileges to people who have been convicted of felonies but had their sentences discharged or commuted, including commutations for crimes that have been reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors. Former state Sen. George Young, an Oklahoma City Democrat, carried the bill in the Senate. “I think it’s very important that people who have gone through trials and tribulations in their life, that we have a system that brings them back and allows them to participate as contributing citizens,” Young said.49ers give birthday-boy Purdy a patchwork offensive line for home finale

( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) SACRAMENTO, CA, UNITED STATES, December 27, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- The AIM Act phases down HFCs, which are commonly used as refrigerants in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, reducing greenhouse gases. It pushes the HVAC-R industry to adopt eco-friendly substitutes. What is the AIM Act? The American Innovation and manufacturing (AIM) Act, enacted on December 27, 2020, is a significant piece of environmental legislation in the United States. It directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 85% by 20361. The AIM Act provides the EPA with the authority to manage HFCs and their substitutes, and to facilitate the transition to next-generation technologies through sector-based restrictions. What are Hydrofluorocarbons? HFCs are synthetic organic compounds composed of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. They are widely used as refrigerants in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. HFCs were developed to replace ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). While HFCs do not harm the ozone layer, they are potent greenhouse gases with a high global warming potential, contributing significantly to climate change. Why is Reducing Emissions a Priority? Reducing emissions, particularly of greenhouse gases like HFCs, is crucial for mitigating climate change. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate-related impacts such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems. Achieving this target requires significant reductions in emissions from all sectors, including the HVAC-R industry, which heavily relies on HFCs. Focal Points of the AIM Act The AIM Act focuses on three main areas: - Phasing Down HFCs: The Act mandates an 85% reduction in the production and consumption of HFCs by 2036. - Managing HFCs and Substitutes: It provides the EPA with the authority to manage HFCs and their substitutes, ensuring a smooth transition to environmentally friendly alternatives. - Facilitating Technological Transition: The Act encourages the development and adoption of next-generation technologies that are more climate-friendly and energy-efficient. 5. How to Prepare for Automatic Leak Detection Requirements To comply with the AIM Act's requirements for automatic leak detection, businesses in the HVAC-R industry should take the following steps: - Understand Regulatory Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specific leak detection regulations outlined by the EPA. This includes understanding the types of systems that require leak detection and the standards they must meet. - Invest in Technology: Implement advanced leak detection technologies that can automatically detect and alert you to leaks. These systems should be capable of detecting even small leaks to prevent significant emissions. - Regular Maintenance and Calibration: Ensure that leak detection systems are regularly maintained and calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. This helps maintain their accuracy and reliability. - Training and Education: Train staff on the importance of leak detection and how to operate and maintain the systems. Proper training ensures that everyone understands their role in preventing emissions. - Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintain detailed records of leak detection activities, including inspections, maintenance, and any detected leaks. This documentation is crucial for compliance and can help identify patterns or recurring issues. By taking these steps, businesses can not only comply with the AIM Act but also contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Dimitar Dechev Super Brothers Plumbing Heating & Air +1 916-588-7767 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Other Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. MENAFN27122024003118003196ID1109036074 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.FBI director says he intends to resign at end of Joe Biden’s termLindsay Arnold has gifted herself a breast augmentation for Christmas. The 30-year-old dancer - who is best known for appearing on 'Dancing With The Stars' - has revealed via social media that she's feeling "excited" about the change, although she's still feels anxious about undergoing the procedure. The TV star said in a new TikTok video: "My Christmas present this year is that I’m getting a breast augmentation. "Guys, I’m freaking out. I’m freaking out okay, but I’m also so excited." Lindsay will turn 31 in January and she plans to undergo the surgery "a little over two weeks" after she and her husband, Samuel Cusick, celebrate her 31st birthday in Mexico. Lindsay - who has also appeared on 'So You Think You Can Dance' - conceded that the procedure is "kinda scary". She shared: "I am also getting a lift. So it’s gonna be a lift and augmentation. I’m very excited, but I’m not going to lie, like it is kinda scary." Lindsay - who has been married to Samuel since 2015 - is also fully aware that she will "have to live" with her decision. She said: "It’s just like - so many decisions. And it's hard [because] you make the choices for yourself and you have to live with those choices. So I’m hoping that I make the right decision." Lindsay has "always wanted" to have a breast augmentation - but she's conscious that there are "mixed opinions on this type of thing". The professional dancer explained: "It's something that I knew I always wanted to do ... I know there’s mixed opinions on this type of thing, and so I get it. If it’s not for you, it’s not for you."

BLOOMINGTON — Residents of the City of Bloomington Township at risk of eviction or disconnection who may not be eligible for the township's general assistance programs may have another lifeline. On Monday, Bloomington Township's Board of Trustees voted to reinstate the Housing Eviction Relief Efforts program, which would offer up to $150,000 for rent, mortgage or utility assistance through the end of the township's fiscal year. Under the Illinois Township Code, a township is authorized to expend funds for matters related to public safety, health and social services for those in need . And Bloomington Township has existing reserves in its general fund for such matters. Bloomington Township Supervisor Deb Skillrud and the township's board determined inflation and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic have created significant and unintended consequences for township residents who may not qualify for existing assistance programs. Skillrud Skillrud said in the wake of the pandemic, her office saw a number of clients with a large amount of overdue payments even after receiving emergency assistance. This prompted the township to create the COVID Emergency Relief Program in 2021, which has now become known as the Housing Emergency Relief Efforts program, or HERE. The township had been setting aside $150,000 for the program and had provided about half of that amount in fiscal 2023. But when it was made available from December 2023 to March 2024, the entire budget was used. "The need was there, and it showed because we maxed out the amounts," Skillrud said. However, the program was paused this fiscal year once Community Service Block Grant funding became available for these at-risk individuals through Mid Central Community Action. But once that funding ran dry, the township decided to reintroduce the HERE program using reserves from its general fund. Eligible township residents must have a minimum 30 days of documented income at the date of submission of their application, be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, hold a government-issued ID card for valid driver's license, be financially unable to alleviate a life-threatening circumstance which places the individual or family at risk of homelessness. Selected applicants may see relief funding of up to $3,000 through the end of the 2025 fiscal year on March 31. However, these funds would not go directly to an applicant. Payments would be made by the township directly to a vendor such as a landlord or utility company. For more information on how to apply for the HERE program, visit the Bloomington Township website . Inflation has hurt Americans financially in different ways, with the U.S. Census Bureau reporting that up to 45.8% of some households are having difficulty paying for essentials. In particular, inflation has put some Americans at higher risk for financial instability. With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked U.S. states according to where residents are struggling most financially. Data measures poverty rates, food insecurity, housing insecurity and elements of unemployment and unemployment benefits. To find the states where residents are financially hurting most, SmartAsset analyzed six metrics for U.S. states. The following metrics were half-weighted: unemployment rate and two-year change in the unemployment rate. This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Contact Drew Zimmerman at 309-820-3276. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DZimmermanLee Family of 1: $30,120 annually, $2,510 monthly Family of 2: $40,880 annually, $3,407 monthly Family of 3: $51,640 annually, $4,303 monthly Family of 4: $62,400 annually, $5,200 monthly Family of 5: $73,160 annually, $6,097 monthly Family of 6: $83,920 annually, $6,993 monthly Family of 7: $94,680 annually, $7,890 monthly Family of 8: $105,440 annually, $8,787 monthly Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Government Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Technology has always been a funny thing in the world of Wallace & Gromit —where Wallace’s wacky inventions, from literal spaceships to remote-controlled robo-trousers, sit alongside a classically low-fi vision of Britain. That’s also been the case for making Wallace & Gromit at Aardman too, as the studio’s triumphed traditional hand-animated features even as it’s dipped its toes into CGI aides and fully 3D projects across its long history. With Aardman’s return to Wallace & Gromit for the first time in 16 years on the horizon with Vengeance Most Fowl , you can see a glimpse of how the studio balanced both the traditional and the contemporary in this tiny snippet from the film’s new artbook. Due out December 31 from Titan Books, The Art of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl —penned by Richard Hansom, the development producer on the prior Wallace & Gromit TV film A Matter of Loaf and Death —takes you behind the scenes on the development process for Aardman’s long-awaited return to its most iconic creations , covering the return of Wrong Trousers ‘ beloved villain Feathers McGraw and more across a series of interviews with cast and crew, and tons of looks behind the creation of the film, from early concept art by Wallace & Gromit creator Nick Park himself, all the way to stills showcasing the legions of clay models created for the film. You’ll also be able to see much more of how Vengeance Most Fowl saw Aardman incorporate more technology into its production pipeline, like 3D-printed rapid-prototyping maquettes, in our exclusive spreads from the book below (don’t forget to click to see them in full resolution!). But you’ll also get a tiny glimpse of how Aardman is still prioritizing the hand-made feel on the film, even when it could use CG to achieve a shot—like a moment where Wallace’s latest invention, Norbot the Smart Gnome, finds himself basking in the hue of green Matrix -esque code on a computer screen. The Art of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl Exclusive Preview It’s an effect animators could’ve simply replicated entirely in post-production VFX, but as you can see in the spread above, animator Sean Gregory went for an in-camera effect instead: a teeny-tiny model scaled projector lighting up the scene to play a file of the animated code graphic that could be timed with shooting the stop-motion elements. A suitable blend of computer and hand-animation that even Wallace would be impressed by! The Art of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl will release on Titan Books December 31, after Vengeance Most Fowl airs in the UK and Ireland on Christmas Day—ahead of its release internationally on Netflix January 3.For “Hysteria!” actresses Anna Camp and Julie Bowen, horror is harder than comedy. “Horror is really hard actually because there is a fine line you have to walk; you have to make it feel grounded and you’re put in these extreme circumstances: You’re being possessed or pulled through the air, there’s nothing you can do to relate to that,” explained Camp of “Pitch Perfect” fame. “With comedy, you can have a relatable situation and go, ‘I’ve been in situations like that.’ There’s nothing you can compare (horror) to, so you have to use your imagination. I find it harder. Your imagination goes home with you at the end of the day. You’re still thinking crazy thoughts.” Bowen, best known for playing Claire Dunphy on “Modern Family,” agreed. “Comedy’s pretty binary because it’s like either you can make people laugh or you don’t. I can’t watch horror. I’m terrified, terrified! I am the easiest scare in the world, so as far as doing (horror), I want to make it as real as possible. It was hard because I had to be really, really crazy. There were times when I’d get back to my hotel room at 3 a.m., I didn’t want to be alone in my head,” said Bowen, laughing. Camp, Bowen, Royal Oak native Bruce Campbell (“Evil Dead”), showrunner David A. Goodman (“Futurama”), and Ypsilanti native/creator Matthew Scott Kane (“American Horror Story”) were promoting “Hysteria!” at the New York Comic Con in October. The horror series is streaming on Peacock. Set in the fictional Michigan town of Happy Hollow, the first episode of “Hysteria” begins with a popular quarterback’s disappearance and a pentagram is discovered on a garage door. As a result, rumors of the occult and satanic influence run rampant through the town. A trio of outcasts in a heavy metal band called Dethkrunch exploit this by rebranding themselves as a satanic metal band, which leads to them becoming the targets of the town’s witch hunt. “Something on my mind a lot in 2019 was we’re living in this post-factual age with social media. It seemed like decades and decades ago, you could trust the news. Now everything is in question. When lies end up getting disseminated as truth, that starts to warp people’s version of reality. Suddenly, they’re living in a world other people are not. That was going on in the world I was living in and I very quickly connected it to the 1980s satanic panic. It’s not really that different because people were saying Ozzy Osbourne, Jason Voorhees (of ‘Friday the 13th’), and the Smurfs were going to turn your kids into satanists and kill you in your sleep. That didn’t happen. It wasn’t true, but so many people got worked up into such a fervor over it, bad things happened. ... It was smoke without fire,” Kane said. “Disinformation is not new,” Campbell said. “Disinformation will tear a town apart.” Campbell portrays Happy Hollow Police Chief Ben Dandridge. “This guy’s a reasonable cop; he’s a rational person who doesn’t treat the teenagers like they’re idiots. It’s all very refreshing,” he said. “I want to play that guy again. I want cops to be that guy. I’m playing the cop (that) cops need to be. That’s my whole motivation for playing this guy: How would you like cops to be, especially the guy in charge, the chief of police? They’re lucky to have Chief Dandridge.” “It was truly an exciting moment when Bruce signed on,” Goodman said. By the end of the first episode, a supernatural phenomenon happens to Linda Campbell, played by Bowen. “Linda seems like one thing, then you realize she’s bananas. She’s either bananas or she’s possessed. Either way, it’s a complicated thing to play,” Bowen said. “With Julie, you can have your cake and eat it too,” Kane said. “She’s this fun, quirky mom. ... As the episode goes on, she’s pulled deeper into this thing and crazy stuff starts happening. That final act of the first episode was my favorite moment with her because this announced that this is not Claire Dunphy. We’re not doing that again; we’re pushing her as a performer. “Julie was so excited about doing stunts. She told us on many occasions she’s very sturdy and can take it. The same goes for Bruce and for Anna. We didn’t ask anyone to give us a flavor of the thing they did before. We cast people we loved so much (in their famous projects) that we wanted to give them the opportunity to do the exact opposite.” Added Bowen: “I got this script and was like, ‘Oh great. She’s a mom. How fun.’ I love moms. I’m a mom, but I felt this was not worth flying out of town to Georgia and being away from my kids. Then I got to the end of the pilot and was like, ‘She’s crazy!’ Is she possessed? There’s a lot more questions. It’s fun to just stretch again and do things I haven’t done in a while, which I found really exciting.” Kane said he felt lucky Bowen signed on at the beginning. “She was the first adult actor to sign on. That gave us such credibility to have a two-time Emmy-winning actor leading this show. Suddenly, it goes from this script from a relatively unknown writer into the new Julie Bowen show,” he said. It was the quality of the writing that attracted Camp, Bowen and Campbell to “Hysteria!” “I loved the script; it was incredibly well-written. It was immersed in the time period. It was such a good coming-of-age story, too — the feeling of being in high school again, being in the 1980s,” Camp said. “I talked to Matt who said my character (Tracy) was incredibly pivotal to the series and we’ll learn about why she is the way she is. So I was like, ‘I’d love to do this!’” For Campbell, the writing is everything. “A lot of times, I’ll get a script that could make the words interchangeable with every other character because the writing is very bland and just doesn’t have the detail you need. This was different. Every character was pretty distinct and pretty well-drawn,” he said. “It’s quality. It’s not a (expletive) show. It’s a real show that’s playing around with interesting themes. A lot of it is still relevant to this day.” “Hysteria!” has other Michigan connections, including University of Michigan alumnus Jonathan Goldstein (“Spider-Man: Homecoming”) and Dondero High School alumnus Jordan Vogt-Roberts (“Kong: Skull Island”), who both serve as executive producers. Kane explained why he set “Hysteria!” in Michigan. “You write what you know. I grew up in Ypsilanti, so that had a lot to do with it. More importantly, when you’re in a small town in the Midwest — somewhere like Michigan — these things don’t ever happen and word spreads fast and paranoia spreads quickly and (everything’s) blown out of proportion and takes up a lot of people’s minds,” he said. “Whether or not something is real doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if there are people willing to believe it does and willing it into the world. What does it matter if it’s objectively real or living rent-free in someone’s head?”

Bucks, even without stars, look for another win against Bulls

Karn Kalptinan, a candidate from the ruling Pheu Thai Party, secured a decisive victory in the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairman election on Sunday. Unofficial election results indicate Mr Karn, also a former PAO chief, received 387,456 votes, significantly outrunning his competitors. Independent candidate Jittawan Wangsuphakijkosol came second with 322,986 votes, followed by Sitthiphon Laohawanich of the main opposition People's Party (PP) with 138,837 votes. Athipatai Kuisrimongkol trailed behind with 3,620 votes. Mr Karn's supporters gathered late on Sunday at the Kriang Kalptinan Law Office in Ubon Ratchathani's Muang district to celebrate the win. Kriang Kalptinan, Mr Karn's elder brother, congratulated him with a garland of lowers and thanked the campaign staff and voters. He emphasised the importance of completing unfinished projects to develop the province and praised former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's influence in rallying support for him. Mr Kriang credited his brother's victory to the grassroots efforts and his dedication to community development over the past four years. He said Mr Karn once in office will push policies aligned with Pheu Thai's national agenda, including the 10,000-baht cash handout scheme and promote welfare for the elderly. "I feel proud that the people of Ubon Ratchathani have consistently valued our work," he said. "I firmly believe in the continued support of the public to allow us to carry on with our work," he added. Mr Sitthiphon and PP key party figures, including party executive Phicharn Chaowapatanawong, yesterday released a statement conceding defeat in the election. However, the party said the poll outcome shows its support base in Ubon Ratchathani has grown since last year's general election. Mr Sitthiphon urged the PAO leader-elect to consider adopting some of the PP's proposed campaign policies. The party reiterated its commitment to grassroots politics, highlighting its plans to field candidates in 17 provinces in the PAO elections early next year.