Angelic Organics in Caledonia closes

Shareholders consider legal action against Angelic Organics Farm after sudden closure

By Nathaniel Langley

Published: May. 29, 2024 at 7:48 PM CDT|Updated: 17 hours ago

CALEDONIA, Ill. (WIFR) - Green buds escape brown dirt off a Caledonia gravel road. Near the farm fields rests a sign announcing “Angelic Organics Association.”

On Memorial Day weekend, those who purchased a slice of Angelic Organics’ crops received news the farm would close – effective immediately. An email from “Farmer John,” who oversaw the direct farm-to-consumer relationship for decades, notified shareholders as far as Chicago.

“I didn’t pay $500 for an onion,” says Katherine Ford. The finance worker lives in downtown Chicago but became a first-time shareholder this year. However, the weekend’s announcement means the Chicagoan won’t see any produce: “I was going to get my first delivery in June, so I guess I would be a negative shareholder at this point.”

Alicia Hernandez enjoyed the fresh veggies since 2020 – even working remotely for Angelic’s customer service for a year.

“I just really liked being part of that history and it also gave a sense of security,” says Hernandez, commenting on the farm’s nearly hundred-year history. “They know what they’re doing? They’ve been around for so many years.”

Angelic is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) endeavor: “shareholders” pay between a couple hundred to thousands of dollars each year for the Stateline-grown produce. Veggies include garlic bulbs, onions, brussels sprouts, spinach, kale and more. The farm has supplied the greater Chicago area for more than three decades.

In the email, nevertheless, Farmer John detailed a career-ending stroke he suffered in March. Due to deteriorating health, and no replacement, the decision arrived to a closure.

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Shareholders across Northern Illinois weigh legal action against the former Community Supported Agriculture endeavor.(Nathaniel Langley)

Above is from:   https://www.wifr.com/2024/05/30/shareholders-consider-legal-action-against-angelic-organics-farm-after-sudden-closure/

FOXCOM didn’t to it but Big Softie will

Microsoft announces $3.3 billion investment in Wisconsin to spur artificial intelligence innovation and economic growth

May 8, 2024 | Microsoft Source

President Joe Biden to join Microsoft for announcement in Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant, WI – May 8, 2024 – Microsoft today announced a broad investment package designed to strengthen the role of Southeast Wisconsin as a hub for AI-powered economic activity, innovation, and job creation. These investments include $3.3B in cloud computing and AI infrastructure, the creation of the country’s first manufacturing-focused AI co-innovation lab, and an AI skilling initiative to equip more than 100,000 of the state’s residents with essential AI skills. President Joe Biden will join Microsoft President Brad Smith at Gateway Technical College to announce the new investment.

“Wisconsin has a rich and storied legacy of innovation and ingenuity in manufacturing,” said Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft. “We will use the power of AI to help advance the next generation of manufacturing companies, skills and jobs in Wisconsin and across the country. This is what a big company can do to build a strong foundation for every medium, small and start-up company and non-profit everywhere.”

These investments will be rolled out in a four-part strategy designed to create long-term benefits for the state’s economy and job market.

Investing in cloud and AI infrastructure

First, Microsoft will invest $3.3B between now and the end of 2026 to expand its national cloud and AI infrastructure capacity through the development of a state-of-the-art datacenter campus in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. The project is expected to bring an influx of 2,300 union construction jobs to the area by 2025, as well as providing long-term employment opportunities over the next several years. This new infrastructure will help enable companies in Wisconsin and across the country to develop, deploy and use the world’s most advanced cloud services and AI applications to grow, modernize and improve their products and enterprises.

Along with building a physical data center, Microsoft will partner with Gateway Technical College to build a Data Center Academy to train and certify more than 1,000 students in five years to work in the new data center and IT sector jobs created in the area.

“This is a watershed moment for Wisconsin and a critical part of our work to build a 21st-century workforce and economy in the Badger State,” said Governor Tony Evers. “Microsoft is a blue-chip corporation that recognizes the strength of Wisconsin’s workers, infrastructure, economy, and our quality of life. Microsoft has chosen to locate and invest here because they know the future is here in Wisconsin.”

Transforming businesses of all sizes in every industry

Second, to help build a thriving regional AI innovation economy, Microsoft will establish a manufacturing focused AI Co-Innovation Lab on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the first of its kind in the United States. This lab will connect Wisconsin manufacturers and other companies with Microsoft’s AI experts and developers to design and prototype AI and cloud solutions to improve and accelerate their work and grow their business. This lab will aim to serve 270 Wisconsin companies by 2030, including 135 manufacturing businesses.

The lab will connect with TitletownTech in Green Bay, which was co-founded in 2017 and is funded in part by Microsoft and the Green Bay Packers. Microsoft and the Packers are similarly partnering to help fund the new lab in Milwaukee, which will be staffed in part by Microsoft AI experts and venture experts from TitletownTech.

“The Green Bay Packers are excited to continue our partnership with Microsoft, which we first established with TitletownTech near Lambeau Field, and now will expand and enhance as we collaborate with the AI Co-Innovation Lab,” said Mark Murphy, President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers.

Creating a future-ready workforce

Third, reflecting the critical role of education and training in AI transformation, Microsoft will partner with United Way Wisconsin, United Way Racine, and other community partners, to upskill more than 100,000 people across Wisconsin by 2030 on generative AI. This curriculum will help train residents to use new applications, including Microsoft Copilot, a suite of Microsoft AI services that enhance productivity and creativity.

In addition, Microsoft will work with Gateway Technical College to train and certify 3,000 local AI software developers and provide opportunities for 1,000 local business, civic and government leaders to participate in immersive bootcamps where they can learn how to effectively adopt generative AI into their organizations.

These initiatives underscore Microsoft’s commitment to equipping the workforce with the tools needed for success in an increasingly AI-driven economy.

Reinforcing the community’s central role

And finally, a strong and vibrant economy isn’t possible without a strong and vibrant community. That’s why Microsoft will invest in a series of long-term local education and youth employment programs to support the very community that is supporting us.

In partnership with the Racine Unified School District (RUSD), Microsoft will work with Girls in STEM to expand its program to two additional RUSD middle schools. This expansion will provide access to STEM education for more than 500 middle school-aged girls over the next five years. Working with Racine County, Microsoft will support their Summer Youth Employment Program, matching at least 125 young people (16-18 years old) with local employers to receive soft skills and on the job training annually.

Microsoft will also continue to distribute Equity Through Technology and STEAM Grant Funds to the more than 12,000 people across Racine County engaged in United Way programs. Announced in 2023, these grants help local nonprofits address disparities and support under-resourced communities through the use of technology. Through investment and partnerships with local community organizations, Microsoft will look to contribute to a thriving and growing Southeastern Wisconsin, helping support a community where opportunity is available for everyone.

These announcements build on Wisconsin’s heritage of business innovation and Microsoft’s history of investment in the state. In 2017, Microsoft announced TechSpark, an ecosystem building program to accelerate economic opportunity and job creation now active in all 50 states. Microsoft has invested in the startup ecosystem in Wisconsin through TitletownTech, a partnership with the Green Bay Packers, in computer science and digital skilling with local partners like gener8tor, in digital inclusion with Microsoft Airband, and even local journalism with the Northeast Wisconsin News Lab.

Investing in the environment

Mindful that the expansion of its business must be done in a manner consistent with protecting the environment and expanding affordable energy access for everyone, Microsoft has partnered with National Grid to build a new 250 megawatt solar project in Wisconsin that will begin operating in 2027. This additional solar power means that by 2027, Microsoft will exceed 4,000 megawatts of flowing into the local grid – an amount of power equivalent to what’s needed to power more than 3 million homes. As part of this work, Microsoft and National Grid will jointly contribute $20 million over the term of the agreement to a community fund to support under-resourced communities and communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.

We are working to ensure water is managed responsibly. The new datacenter will use recycled water by employing a closed loop cooling system that does not require any additional water after startup. This is a major step towards sustainability and responsible resource management. A relatively small portion of the facility will use water for cooling, but only when the temperature outside is very warm.

For more information, press only:

Microsoft Media Relations, WE Communications, (425) 638-7777, rapidresponse@we-worldwide.com

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit Microsoft Source at http://news.microsoft.com/source. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication but may since have changed. Shareholder and financial information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/investor.

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Below is from:  https://www.wisn.com/article/racine-co-approves-microsoft-data-center-near-foxconn-land-wisconsin/43646214

Racine Co. approves Microsoft data center on Foxconn land

The Racine County Board of Supervisors voted 18-1 on Tuesday to approve the $1 billion project on 315 acres of land in Mount Pleasant.

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Updated: 3:19 PM CDT Apr 19, 2023

Infinite Scroll Enabled

The Associated Press

Under the proposed deal, Microsoft would invest $1 billion to build a data center on 315-acres of land of the current Foxconn site. Racine County still needs to sign off to make it official.

SOURCE: WISN 12 News

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RACINE, Wis. —

Local leaders have approved plans for a massive Microsoft data center in a southeast Wisconsin village where the world's largest electronics manufacturer has a huge campus.

The Racine County Board of Supervisors voted 18-1 on Tuesday to approve the $1 billion project on 315 acres of land in Mount Pleasant.

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Mount Pleasant is already home to a production site for Taiwan's Foxconn Technology Group.

Microsoft must begin the first phase of construction by July 2026 and begin the second phase by July 2033. Microsoft must purchase the land for $50 million by July 31, 2023, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

According to a fact sheet describing the project compiled by southeastern Wisconsin economic development groups, the 315-acre (127-hectare) parcel is part of a tax-increment financing district that includes the Foxconn campus. Property taxes collected in such districts can be used to subsidize development in the district.

Foxconn would receive the proceeds from the land sale to Microsoft as partial reimbursement of what Foxconn spent to acquire land for the district in 2017, according to the fact sheet. Microsoft would be eligible to recoup 42% of property taxes paid on new construction, up to $5 million annually.

Now COVID FLiRT’s with us

1. 
   
• FLiRT COVID-19 Variants Are Spreading: What to Know About KP.2 and KP.1.1 Strains

Experts warn these strains may lead to a summer surge.

BY KORIN MILLERPUBLISHED: MAY 07, 2024 8:30 AM EDT

• FLiRT COVID-19 variants, KP.1.1 and KP.2, are spreading in the U.S.
• The current COVID vaccine may not protect against them as well as previous variants.
• It’s not clear if these are more infectious than other variants.

---

SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, keeps churning out new variants. The latest is a duo, KP.2 and KP.1.1, known as the FLiRT variants, and they’re sparking speculation about a summer wave of new COVID-19 infections.

One FLiRT variant, KP.2 is now the dominant variant in the U.S., and it’s been quickly increasing in cases over the past few weeks. KP.2 now makes up nearly 25% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Meet the experts: Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York; Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security

But KP.2’s sister variant KP.1.1 is also rising in the ranks and currently makes up 7.5% of COVID-19 cases in the country. So, what are the FLiRT variants and how concerned should you be? Infectious disease doctors break down the latest COVID-19 strains.

What are the FLiRT variants, KP.2 and KP.1.1?

The FLiRT variants are the collective name given to KP.2 and KP.1.1. These are descendants of JN.1.11.1, a spinoff of JN.1, which was the most common variant in the U.S. until last week, explains Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York.

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The name “FLiRT” isn’t random—it’s based on the technical names for their mutations, according to the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA). “These are part of the Omicron family,” Dr. Russo says. “They’re like siblings.”

There’s not a lot of detail about these variants available at the moment, but preliminary research shows that KP.2 has three changes in its spike protein compared to JN.1, Dr. Russo says. (In case you’re not familiar, the spike protein is what SARS-CoV-2 uses to latch onto your cells and infect you.)

How contagious are the FLiRT variants?

It’s worth pointing out that the portion of cases caused by KP.2 is increasing while the portion of cases caused by other variants is decreasing. That implies that there is something about KP.2 that gives it an advantage over the others, Dr. Russo says.

“It looks like KP.2 is less infectious than JN.1 but more immune evasive, which is why it’s increasing in prevalence,” Dr. Russo says.

Should I be concerned about the FLiRT variants?

As of now, doctors say there’s nothing to suggest that the FLiRT variants are any more concerning to the general population than other recent COVID-19 variants. However, Dr. Schaffner points out that there is some early data that show KP.2 may be able to evade the protection from the vaccine a little more than previous COVID vaccines. (More on that in a moment.)

“As SARS-CoV2 continues to circulate, it will always be generating new variants,” says infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

How can I distinguish FLiRT from other variants?

Doctors say that’s pretty tough. There’s nothing that you or your doctor would notice that would indicate that you have a FLiRT variant as opposed to another COVID-19 variant, Dr. Russo says.

In fact, the only way that the CDC has data on different variants is through genomic sequencing, which looks at the genetic code of the virus to see which variant you have—and that’s not something you’d get from even the best at-home COVID-19 tests or that your doctor would get from a rapid test in their office.

What are the symptoms of the FLiRT variants, KP.1.1 and KP.2?

Doctors say it’s hard to tell for sure right now, but Dr. Schaffner points out that previous variants haven’t looked that different when it comes to symptoms, either.

According to the CDC, these are the most common symptoms of COVID-19:

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• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Still, “the loss of taste and smell seems less common now,” Dr. Schaffner says. It could be because of changes in the virus itself or because people have developed more immunity, either through vaccinations or being infected, he says. “We’re all experienced now with COVID,” he adds.

Is there a vaccine for the FLiRT variants?

Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine is protective against the FLiRT variants, although there is data to suggest that it might not be as effective as it’s been against other strains.

“It may be off to the side a little bit in regards to protection from the vaccine,” Dr. Schaffner says. “Protection is not zero, but it’s not quite as good as it was before.”

If you’re in a high-risk group and you haven’t gotten the updated vaccine, Dr. Schaffner recommends getting it to increase your protection throughout the summer. “For sure when the new vaccine comes out in the fall, we should all get it,” he says.

Do the FLiRT variants increase the risk for long COVID?

That’s not clear. “This is still very early days,” Dr. Schaffner says. As of right now, there is no indication that the FLiRT variants are any more risky for developing long COVID than other variants. However, that may change over time.

The bottom line

The FLiRT variants are just the latest in a long line of new variants that have surfaced from SARS-CoV-2. These strains are new to the scene and researchers are still learning more about them. However, they do seem to be more infectious than previous variants.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, doctors recommend testing yourself and doing your best to prevent the spread of the virus, especially if you spend time around people who are high risk for severe complications of the virus. “We’re underestimating the severity of COVID,” Dr. Russo says. Stay up to date with the latest COVID guidelines and if you test positive, wear a well-fitting mask to protect others.

This article is accurate as of press time. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly evolves and the scientific community’s understanding of the coronavirus develops, some of the information may have changed since it was last updated. While we aim to keep all of our stories up to date, please visit online resources provided by the CDC, WHO, and your local public health department to stay informed on the latest news. Always talk to your doctor for professional medical advice.

Above is from:  https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a60701402/flirt-new-covid-variants/

April 25, 2024: Johns Hopkins Health Report

Roundup and analysis of the top headlines on health security, pandemic preparedness, COVID-19, and other news from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security

Please note that some links may require subscription or registration.

April 25, 2024



Note: Health Security Decoded is taking a 2-week hiatus. We will resume publishing on May 16, 2024. In the meantime, follow the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security on LinkedIn and X to keep in touch.

TOP NEWS

Avian flu outbreak in US dairy cows appears more widespread than initially believed; USDA releases genetic sequencing data, issues federal order for more testing

Several important developments have occurred since our reporting last week on the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus among dairy cows. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which first reported HPAI in dairy cows in Texas and Kansas in late March, has detected the virus in 33 affected herds in 8 states as of April 24.

Genetic data

Late on April 21, the agency made publicly available 239 genetic sequences from the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b influenza virus found in samples associated with the ongoing outbreak among poultry, wild birds, and dairy cattle. Based on analysis of those sequences, the cattle outbreak likely began with a single transmission from bird to cow, probably in Texas in late 2023 or early 2024.

Based on sequencing, the USDA has identified spread of H5N1 between cows within the same herd, from cows back to poultry, and between dairies associated with cattle movements. Additionally, a genetic mutation was detected in an H5N1 sample from a sick cow in Kansas that could indicate better adaptation to mammals, but further analysis did not change the US CDC’s overall risk assessment for the public. Additionally, at least one cow destined for slaughter had signs of the virus in its lung tissue, but it did not enter the food supply.

Commercial milk supply

On April 24, the US FDA announced it found genetic evidence of H5N1 virus in commercially purchased milk samples. The testing, conducted with polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cannot distinguish between whole virus or viral fragments. H5N1 viral remnants have also been identified in milk samples by NIAID-funded researchers and a team from Ohio State University. The results indicate the H5N1 outbreak in dairy herds is likely far more widespread than official counts indicate. Preliminary culture tests are so far negative for viable virus in the milk supply, but tests are ongoing.

The FDA and USDA have said that based on currently available information, the US commercial milk supply is safe because it undergoes the pasteurization process and milk from cows known to be sick is diverted from the supply and destroyed. Pasteurization is likely to inactivate the virus but not eliminate the presence of viral particles that could be detected using PCR testing. HPAI H5N1 has been found almost exclusively in raw milk in the current outbreak, and the FDA reiterated its longstanding recommendation to avoid its consumption.

Test before transport

Also on April 24, the USDA issued a federal order requiring lactating dairy cows to test negative for H5N1 before interstate transport, and for labs and state veterinarians to report positive results. Cows that test positive must be held for 30 days before movement. The order aims to limit viral transmission and fill data gaps on asymptomatic infections in cows

Vaccines for cattle and humans

The USDA's Agricultural Research Service has started assessing the potential to develop an H5N1 vaccine for cows, but it's unclear how long development would take given remaining questions about transmission and infection characteristics in cattle.

While there is no way to predict whether the virus will evolve to spread efficiently between humans, that ability would trigger a scramble to produce human vaccines to prevent a pandemic. At least 3 H5N1 vaccines for humans are already approved in the US, but ramping up production likely would take weeks to months. Federal officials asserted that Tamiflu would be an effective treatment, and the US has a stockpiled supply. So far, only 1 human case has been reported this year in the US.

Federal response criticized

Scientists have criticized the federal response to the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle, especially the slow and opaque response from USDA, noting the limited and slow sharing of genetic information with scientists and a lack of mandatory testing for cattle. The USDA has been reimbursing farmers for testing only the visibly sick cows, up to 20 per farm, and the agency has met some resistance from farmers who are reluctant to allow information gathering from their farms.

“Given this is a novel outbreak, testing needs to be done widely and rapidly, investigators need to be on affected farms, and scientists and policymakers need to be bringing it all together to set a coordinated plan of action.” – Center for Health Security Director Dr. Tom Inglesby told the Washington Post

WHO concerns

Last week, the WHO’s chief scientist called HPAI H5N1 an “enormous concern.” The virus has an “extraordinarily high” mortality rate in humans who have been infected through contact with sick animals over the past 20 years. So far, there is no evidence that H5N1 is spreading between humans.

MORE HEADLINES

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US NIH director misspeaks about viral persistence in long COVID; chronic condition advocates criticize Sen. Sanders’ narrow focus on long COVID in call for US$10B in research grants

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Community notes on X provide accurate information in response to vaccine misinformation, study says

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Introduced legislation in US Senate, opinion piece, research article highlight need for US to lead in AI, biotechnology innovation, policy development

US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation: Cantwell, Young, Hickenlooper, Blackburn Introduce Bill to Ensure U.S. Leads Global AI Innovation

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Health Security: Seven Opportunities for Effective Biosafety and Biosecurity Governance

In report critical of US federal mpox response, GAO recommends HHS implement coordinated after-action program to identify, resolve challenges

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Republic of the Congo declares mpox epidemic; new data from DRC showing virus can spread through sexual contact concerns researchers; public health officials intensify efforts against disease

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Many gay men affected by mpox report stigma, shame; WHO publishes risk communication, community engagement toolkit

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Number of US measles cases reach 125; West Virginia, Vermont report cases for first time in more than a decade

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‘Emergency situation’ in Americas amid surge in dengue, PAHO says; climate change will drive more outbreaks, expert warns

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As humans interact, encroach more on primate areas, risk increases for disease transmission

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Several articles highlight importance of vaccination, new global communication campaign amid World Immunization Week

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FROM THE CENTER

March/April issue of Health Security now available, including second part of special feature on threat agnostic approaches to biodefense and public health

The new issue of Health Security is now online! The March/April 2024 issue includes Part 2 of the Threat Agnostic Approaches to Biodefense and Public Health special feature, which begins with an introduction by guest editors Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar with the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security; Kelsey Lane Warmbrod, previously a research analyst with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; and Dr. Mary Lancaster, a senior scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

You can find the issue, which includes many open access articles, here: https://www.liebertpub.com/toc/hs/22/2

Editor: Alyson Browett, MPH

Contributing Editor: Prarthana Vasudevan, MS, MSPH, DrPH (c)

Boone County Board postpone decision on Mexican-style rodeos

Boone County Board votes to postpone decision on the fate of Mexican-style rodeos

Northern Public Radio | By Maria Gardner Lara

Published March 26, 2024 at 9:08 AM CDT

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Maria Gardner Lara

The Boone County board took a pause on its drive to ban a rodeo event hosted by Hispanic families in the county. It’s just the latest development in an ongoing contentious issue in the county.

The board voted nine to three to table, or postpone, a vote on whether to ban steer tailing.

Rodeo owner Gracie Robles was hesitant to call it a victory. For two years, she’s led the defense in fending off the board’s attempt to ban steer tailing.

“I don't know how long that can be tabled for,” Robles said. “I mean, they were saying that it could come back next month, in two months. So, I think we still have to be watching and making sure that doesn't happen.”

The board also put a pause on consideration of a ban on all rodeo events. Instead, they approved moving language that banned horse tailing and tripping, including similar animals like mules, from the zoning code to the county code. They also adopted the Illinois Humane Cares For Animals Act.

Boone County Board Chairman Rodney Riley said these actions help to get to “medium ground” on what’s been a polarizing issue for the board.

Above is from:  https://www.northernpublicradio.org/wnij-news/2024-03-26/boone-county-board-votes-to-postpone-decision-on-the-fate-of-mexican-style-rodeos

Also, he alluded to legal troubles the board may face in consideration of their vote.

“We certainly don’t want to put ourselves through unnecessary litigation,” Riley said. “We already have litigation going already. I’m sure we’ll have more. “

The county’s pending lawsuits include one from the animal rights groups claiming the county has not enforced animal protection law, and from a Hispanic property owner whose special use permit request was denied.

It was just earlier this month the board openly spoke about a letter sent last year from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, which warned the board from taking action that targets Mexican-style rodeos as it may violate anti-discrimination laws.

County Board member Dave Wiltse made the motion to table the options, which was significant because he’s been an adamant supporter of the ban on steer tailing.

“It's off the immediate list, it's not going to be on next time," Wiltse said. "And so that we have time to look at it.”

Wiltse says over the last 48 hours the board received new information but wouldn't say what it entailed.

Some of it came from the Winnebago-Boone County Farm Bureau.

During public comments, Cody Book, the organization's vice president, asked the board to adopt motions in which the board eventually approved.

One exception though was a proposal to increase the minimum number of people at a certain event that requires a special use permit from 10 to 100. The board voted to make no changes to the existing policy.

For 25 years, Hispanic families have held coleaderos, or the Mexican style rodeos in the county, in which the sole event is steer tailing.

Steer tailing entails a horse rider attempting to knock down a castrated bull by the tail.

Reports say the drive for a ban on steer tailing stemmed from a noise complaint. Nevertheless, animal rights activists have led the charge who say steer tailing is an egregious form of animal cruelty, while rodeo fans and community leaders argue that the opposition toward Mexican-style rodeos is racially motivated.

And though the board may have thrown water on the flames, there were folks still feeling heated.

Among them was Rick Borrett Jr., the Boone County Director of Animal Services, who spoke as a private citizen during the meeting. He asked the board members to consider the animal’s standpoint.

“I think if you could ask the animals that are forced to participate, ‘Hey, do you want people to do this to you or do you want to just be left alone?’" Borrett Jr. asked. “They would choose to be left alone, stay home at the pasture and mind their own business.”

And Borrett doesn’t limit his ire to steer tailing held at Mexican-style rodeos, but all animal events, including those at the American-style rodeo hosted annually at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

“Yes, any event anywhere," he said, "where an animal is required, or forced to perform any act that they would not normally choose to do on their own free will should not be allowed."

Others who favored a ban on steer tailing said it was an appropriate measure since, they argue, the sheriff’s department and animal services couldn’t enforce the law on animal safety.

Borrett, though, said since last summer, he’s now been able to field an animal services officer from 8am to 7pm, 365 days a year.

“So, we are in a better position now than we were in the previous couple of years,” Borrett said. “And hopefully that will make a difference moving forward if these events are going to be allowed to be continued.”

Rodeo owner Gracie Robles said with the board’s latest decision, they plan on kicking off the rodeo season in April.

“I think we will definitely do our part to keep the rodeos going,” Robles said. “So, if it means being stricter with our spectators, with our participants, we’re all willing to do it.”

In the meantime, the head of an animal rights activist group told WNIJ they’ll continue to seek a ban on steer tailing in the county, and beyond that, at the state level.

NPR: Trump’s Truth Media

Trump is on the verge of a windfall of billions of dollars. Here are 3 things to know

By Rafael Nam

Published March 22, 2024 at 7:35 AM CDT

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Former President Trump stands to win over $3 billion if his social media company goes public — but he may not be able to cash in immediately.

Former President Trump is on the verge of a windfall of billions of dollars — but it may not come soon enough to help him fend off his mounting legal problems.

Trump stands to make over $3 billion as the company behind his social media platform Truth Social — Trump Media and Technology Group — goes public.

Trump Media is accomplishing that by merging with an existing shell company called Digital World Acquisition Corp. It's a process that allows a company to bypass all the hoops of a traditional initial public offering.

Digital World shareholders formally approved the merger with Trump Media on Friday.

But the process of listing Trump Media has been a rather convoluted saga, much like the business and political career of the former president, marked by investigations, lawsuits and general chaos.

Here are three things to know about how Trump stands to earn billions of dollars.

All eyes are on the Digital World shareholders

The vote by Digital World shareholders should be simple.

If the shareholders of the shell company do approve the deal, Digital World would become Trump Media in the stock markets as early as next week, trading under the stock symbol DJT, short for Donald J. Trump.

But Digital World has struggled to find enough shareholders to show up in previous key votes, so there are no guarantees that they can get enough of a quorum on Friday to approve the merger.

And the process to this point has been far from easy in other ways. Digital World has also faced scrutiny from the Securities and Exchange Commission, and it has also facedlawsuits from key shareholders that are still pending

Trump stands to earn billions

If enough Digital World shareholders approve the deal, the windfall for Trump could be big.

Trump would own over 50% of the new merged company, a stake that would be worth over $3 billion at current market valuations.

Analysts agree those kinds of valuations are far removed from the actual value of Trump Media. Truth Social had just over $3 million in revenue in the first nine months of last year and losses of nearly $50 million.

But a lot of the value comes from the hundreds of thousands of rabid Trump supporters who have bought into Digital World in anticipation of the merger with Trump media.

And that's why the stock is widely seen as a "meme stock," meaning shares that are driven by the whims of individual investors and not for any fundamental factors.

Stock markets have seen clear examples of this in recent years, like retailer Gamestopor movie chain AMC, both of which have caught Wall Street by storm by experiencing spectacular rallies during the pandemic.

Jay Ritter, Cordell professor of finance at the University of Florida says Digital World is not much different from the craze that enveloped those two stocks.

"This is largely a meme stock where the price is divorced from the fundamental value of the company," he says.

Olivier Douliery / AFP Via Getty Images

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AFP Via Getty Images

Trump Media, the company behind Truth Social, could be valued at billions of dollars when it goes public, even if analysts believe the valuations are well above its financial fundamentals.

There are professional investors, too, looking for opportunities to profit from the deal. Take Matthew Tuttle, chief executive of Tuttle Capital Management.

"While fundamentally. I don't get it, I'm going to trade it because it's going to move," Tuttle says. "It's going to have a rabid following and it's going to be a fun stock."

But Trump might not be able to sell his shares soon

The potential windfall comes at a time when Trump is in dire need of cash.

On Monday he needs to post over $400 million in bond to settle a civil fraud case, and Trump has been unable to secure a company to put up the cash.

However, how soon the former president can cash in on his stake in Trump Media is uncertain.

Under the current agreement, Trump faces a six-month lock-up period, meaning he won't be able to sell his shares in Trump Media during that period.

He could, however, try to work out a deal that would allow him to sell some or all of his holdings earlier, though a big sale at once would risk sending Trump Media shares sharply lower.

Trump could also try to find somebody who would loan him the money using his Trump Media shares as collateral.

But the Trump Media shares would be trading at above what many analysts think it's actually worth, making it difficult for a lender to justify lending him the money.

Then again, this is former President Trump, as Tuttle notes.

"All I know," Tuttle says. "Whenever Trump is involved in something, I think you got to assume to expect the unexpected."

Copyright 2024 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.