No perjury charges for British soldiers accused of lying in Bloody Sunday probe

By

-

April 19, 2024

15 British soldiers accused of lying in an inquiry regarding Bloody Sunday will not be charged with perjury, prosecutors announced Friday.
Bloody Sunday was one of the deadliest days of the Troubles, a decades-long regional conflict. 13 civilians were killed by members of the British Parachute Regiment in Derry.
Victims’ families expressed outrage at the decision, with John Kelly — whose brother, Michael, was killed on Bloody Sunday — calling it an “affront to the rule of law.”

Fifteen British soldiers who allegedly lied to an inquiry into Bloody Sunday, one of the deadliest days of the decades-long Northern Ireland conflict, will not face perjury charges, prosecutors said Friday.

There was insufficient evidence to convict the soldiers or a former alleged member of the Irish Republican Army about their testimony before an inquiry into the 1972 killings of 13 civilians by Britain’s Parachute Regiment in Derry, also known as Londonderry, the Public Prosecution Service said.

An initial investigation into the slayings on Jan. 30, 1972 concluded the soldiers were defending themselves from a mob of IRA bombers and gunmen. But a 12-year-long inquiry concluded in 2010 that soldiers unjustifiably opened fire on unarmed and fleeing civilians and then lied about it for decades.

FORMER BRITISH SOLDIER TO STAND TRIAL FOR 1972 ‘BLOODY SUNDAY’ KILLINGS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Families of the victims were outraged by the decision. John Kelly, whose brother Michael was killed by paratroopers, spoke for the group and called it an “affront to the rule of law.”

“Why is it that the people of Derry cannot forget the events of Bloody Sunday, yet the Parachute Regiment, who caused all of the deaths and injury on that day, apparently cannot recall it?” Kelly said. “The answer to this question is quite simple but painfully obvious: The British Army lied its way through the conflict in the north.”

In this February 1972 file photo, a building burns in the bogside district of Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in the aftermath of Bloody Sunday, one of the most notorious events of “The Troubles.” Fifteen British soldiers who allegedly lied to an inquiry into Bloody Sunday, one of the deadliest days of the decades-long Northern Ireland conflict, will not face perjury charges, prosecutors said Friday. (AP Photo/Michel Laurent, File)

Although a quarter century has passed since the Good Friday peace accord in 1998 largely put to rest three decades of violence involving Irish republican and British loyalist militants and U.K. soldiers, “the Troubles″ still reverberate. Some 3,600 people were killed — most in Northern Ireland, though the IRA also set off bombs in England.

Only one ex-paratrooper from Bloody Sunday, known as Soldier F, faces prosecution for two murders and five attempted murders. He was among the 15 soldiers who could have faced a perjury charge.

While victims continue to seek justice for past carnage, the possibility of a criminal prosecution could soon vanish.

The British government passed a Legacy and Reconciliation Bill last year that would have given immunity from prosecution for most offenses by militant groups and British soldiers after May 1. But a Belfast judge ruled in February that the bill does not comply with human rights law. The government is appealing the ruling.

Attorney Ciaran Shiels, who represents some of the Bloody Sunday families, said they would not rule out further legal action.

“It is of course regrettable that this decision has been communicated to us only today, some 14 years after the inquiry’s unequivocal findings, but less than two weeks before the effective enactment date of the morally bankrupt legacy legislation designed specifically to allow British Army veterans to escape justice for its criminal actions in the north of Ireland,” Shiels said.

Senior Public Prosecutor John O’Neill said the decision not to bring criminal charges was based on three things: accounts given by soldiers in 1972 were not admissible; much of the evidence the inquiry relied on is not available today; and the inquiry’s conclusion that testimony was false did not always meet the criminal standard of proof.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“I wish to make clear that these decisions not to prosecute in no way undermine the findings of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry that those killed or injured were not posing a threat to any of the soldiers,” O’Neill said.

Savannah Chrisley on hope for parents’ future, raising teen brother and niece

By

Reporters News Wire

-

April 19, 2024

0

Savannah Chrisley is opening up about her life after her parents Todd and Julie Chrisley‘s imprisonment, and sharing her hope for their future.

The couple, who became famous for their show “Chrisley Knows Best,” were sentenced in November 2022 to a combined 19 years in prison on charges including fraud and tax evasion. Todd was sentenced to 12 years in prison and 16 months of probation while Julie was ordered to serve seven years in prison and 16 months of probation.

Their case returned to a federal appeals court in Atlanta on Friday as they seek an appeal to review what they consider a court error.

During the 30-minute hearing, Todd and Julie Chrisley’s attorney argued that they deserve a new trial. While the Chrisleys were not present in court, their attorney says they were both able to listen in via live-stream from prison.

“The primary issue we were arguing about is the questions if one of the witnesses testified falsely and if the prosecution had knowledge of it,” attorney Alex Little said.

Savannah, who traveled from her home in Nashville to support her parents, said this was a step toward getting her parents home because she believes in law and order.

“I believe we should have a system that holds people accountable, but the government needs to be held accountable as well,” she said.

In an interview with “Nightline’s” Juju Chang ahead of the appeal hearing and which airs in full tonight at 12:37 a.m. ET, Savannah reflected on the moment she bid farewell to Chris and Julie before the pair reported to prison in January 2023.

MORE: Savannah Chrisley details her ‘full-on breakdown’ after parents’ imprisonment

“Just watched them stand in their bedroom, just hugging and kissing and not knowing,” she recalled. “You know, at this point, you just hear 12 years, seven years. And that’s a long time to be away from someone that you’ve been together with for 30 years, almost.”

PHOTO: Savannah Chrisley interview airs on 'Good Morning America,' on April 19, 2024. (ABC News) — PHOTO: Savannah Chrisley interview airs on ‘Good Morning America,’ on April 19, 2024. (ABC News)

Since her parents’ imprisonment, Savannah, 26, has been raising her younger family members, her little brother Grayson, 17, and niece Chloe, 11. The latter has been raised by Todd Chrisley and Julie Chrisley due to their son Kyle Chrisley’s struggles with substance abuse.

Asked whether there was any doubt that she would be the one to take on the responsibilities as their guardian, Savannah replied, “Oh, I think it was just an unspoken thing that we just knew.”

Savannah said she and her family have been using therapy as a tool to help them adjust to their new normal.

“Both the kids are in therapy every week,” she shared. “Unfortunately, they have to grow up a lot faster, but I would rather help teach them what’s going on in the right way than have the world interject and maybe teach them something that isn’t factual.”

Following the Chrisleys’ sentencing in 2022, a lawyer for the couple said in a statement to several media outlets at the time that they planned to fight their convictions, claiming that the trial had been “marred by serious and repeated errors” and that they were “optimistic about the road ahead.”

The couple has also claimed poor conditions behind bars, including that the food was dated.

In a statement to ABC News, the Bureau of Prisons said they do not comment on particular individuals but wrote in part that the quality of food served is a priority and their mission is to “provide healthy, nutritionally sound, and appetizing meals.”

During the interview with “Nightline,” Little said he sees the hearing of their case on Friday as a small victory regardless of the outcome.

“It means the judges are taking this seriously,” Little explained. “They want to hear from both sides, and they’re digging into the record.”

As the legal challenge proceeds, Savannah said she is still holding out hope for her family to be reunited soon.

Until then she said she is keeping her head up and staying positive and motivated by “replaying the image of my parents coming home.”

ABC News’ Doc Louallen contributed to this report.

Savannah Chrisley on hope for parents’ future, raising teen brother and niece originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com

CDC warns of extreme heat dangers amid ‘record-breaking high temperatures’

By

Reporters News Wire

-

April 19, 2024

0

Join Fox News for access to this content

You have reached your maximum number of articles. Log in or create an account FREE of charge to continue reading.

Please enter a valid email address.

Many regions across the United States experienced “record-breaking high temperatures” in 2023 due to extreme heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Emergency room visits due to heat-related illness peaked in several regions in the U.S. and remained elevated for a prolonged duration compared to visits between 2018 and 2022, the agency’s recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report noted.

More males went to the emergency room for heat-related illnesses than females – especially those between 18 and 64 years old.

HEART ATTACK DEATH RISK CAN DOUBLE DURING HEAT WAVES AND HIGH POLLUTION, STUDY FINDS: ‘A PERFECT STORM’

Americans are experiencing “longer, hotter and more frequent episodes of extreme heat,” the report states.

Is extreme heat a public threat?

“Extreme heat could be considered an invisible killer in so much as many people become exposed and vulnerable to its dangers quickly and often without warning,” Patrick McHugh, M.D., an emergency medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Akron, Ohio, told Fox News Digital.

Many regions across the United States experienced “record-breaking high temperatures” in 2023 due to extreme heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (iStock)

Although McHugh said Americans “shouldn’t worry,” he emphasized the need to “be aware and prepared for the dangers of heat waves.”

An EPA spokesperson told Fox News Digital, “As average temperatures rise due to climate change, the risk of extreme temperatures, heat waves and record-breaking temperatures increases.”

SUMMER MELTDOWNS: HERE’S HOW EXTREME HEAT CAN AFFECT YOUR MOOD AND MENTAL HEALTH

Here’s what to know about extreme heat and how to stay safe.

What is extreme heat?

“Extreme heat can be defined depending on a variety of factors, including location, weather conditions (such as cloud cover, humidity and temperature), and the time of year,” said an EPA spokesperson in an email.

It typically occurs when the weather is much hotter and/or more humid than average in a particular area, the agency added.

Emergency room visits due to heat-related illness peaked in several regions in the U.S. and remained elevated for a prolonged duration compared to visits between 2018 and 2022. (iStock)

While summertime temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit might be normal for Phoenix, Arizona, for example — the same temperatures are considered extreme for Boston, Massachusetts.

“Where in the U.S. people are most susceptible to heat depends on what is normal for a given location and the type of infrastructure (such as access to air conditioning),” the EPA spokesperson noted.

“Extreme heat is becoming more common in places that have not historically experienced extreme heat … and don’t have the infrastructure to keep people cool, which has major consequences for health and safety.”

“Extreme heat could be considered an invisible killer … as many people become exposed and vulnerable to its dangers quickly and often without warning.”

A heat wave is typically defined as a “prolonged period of abnormally hot weather, usually lasting more than two days in a row,” the EPA spokesperson said.

Heat waves can occur with or without humidity.

The average global temperature has risen by more than 2 degrees Fahrenheit since the mid-1800s, according to McHugh.

Elderly adults, infants, individuals taking certain medications and people with disabilities are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses. (iStock)

“This results in greater extreme heat temperatures, increased variability in temperatures and an increase in the risk of heat illness,” he told Fox News Digital.

The EPA’s Heat Waves indicator, which monitors trends in heat waves for 50 cities across the U.S. over the past 60 years, shows that heat waves are occurring more often over a longer period of time — both in average number of days and season length — and are also becoming hotter over time.

Risk factors for extreme heat effects

Elderly adults, infants, individuals taking certain medications and people with disabilities are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses, according to McHugh, who has a specialty in wilderness medicine.

These individuals may not have adequate resources to escape the heat and protect themselves, he warned.

“Extreme heat is becoming more common in places that have not historically experienced extreme heat … and don’t have the infrastructure to keep people cool, which has major consequences for health and safety,” an EPA spokesperson said. (iStock)

“Many schools in northern parts of the U.S. do not have air conditioning, so when heat waves happen in May/June or [in] September, students and teachers can be at risk,” the EPA spokesperson noted.

Certain factors can also increase someone’s risk of developing a heat-related illness, including fever, dehydration, prescription drug use, alcohol use or sunburn, according to the CDC.

NEW YEAR’S EVE BEVERAGE COULD GO EXTINCT DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE, AI COMPANY PREDICTS

Healthy people can be at risk if they engage in strenuous physical activity when it’s very hot outside — which means it’s important to balance activities with actions that cool the body to prevent heat-related illness, the EPA advised.

Certain settings — such as inside cars, construction worksites and homes with little to no air conditioning — can also put people at greater risk, according to the CDC.

Heat island effect

Some urban areas experience higher temperatures compared to outlying areas.

“Structures such as buildings, roads and other infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes like forests and water bodies,” the EPA spokesperson said.

These highly concentrated areas, which have limited greenery, become “islands” of higher temperatures relative to outlying areas.

It’s important to balance activities with actions that cool the body to prevent heat-related illness, the EPA advised. (iStock)

“Daytime temperatures in urban areas are about 1 to 7 [degrees Fahrenheit] higher than temperatures in outlying areas, and nighttime temperatures are about 2-5 [degrees Fahrenheit] higher,” the agency noted.

People living and working in these areas are at higher risk of heat-related illness and death.

“Prolonged exposure to high temperatures is associated with increased hospital admissions for cardiovascular, kidney and respiratory disorders.”

As people lose control of their internal temperature amid extreme heat, they may experience a range of illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and hyperthermia, according to the EPA.

“Prolonged exposure to high temperatures is associated with increased hospital admissions for cardiovascular, kidney and respiratory disorders,” the spokesperson said.

A particular setting can also place people at high risk, including inside cars, construction worksites and homes with little to no air conditioning, according to the CDC. (iStock)

Some 1,220 people die of heat-related illness every year in the United States due to extreme heat, per CDC estimates.

“Heat islands also increase energy demand for cooling, which can increase greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution and can be a financial burden for many people — particularly low- or fixed-income households,” the EPA spokesperson said.

HOT SUMMER SAFETY: HOW TO KEEP YOUR PETS HEALTHY IN EXTREME TEMPERATURES THIS SEASON

Everyone should have a plan in case of extreme heat, McHugh advised. “Either an air-conditioned home or building where shelter from the heat is easily available should be used.”

Extreme cold is dangerous, too

Those who counter climate change claims warn of extreme temperatures at both ends of the spectrum.

Most studies have shown that extreme cold causes about 10 times more excess deaths than extreme heat, according to William Happer, PhD, professor emeritus of physics at Princeton University in New Jersey and a prominent critic of climate extremism.

Most studies have shown that extreme cold causes about 10 times more excess deaths than extreme heat, according to a physics professor. (iStock)

A 2015 international study that analyzed deaths between 1985 and 2012 in 13 countries, including the U.S., found that most of the deaths due to adverse temperatures were attributable to cold weather.

The study, which was published in The Lancet, also revealed that most deaths were caused not by extreme temperatures, but by exposure to moderately hot and cold temperatures.

A more recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health in 2021 found that for every death associated with heat, nine were connected to cold.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“No one knows how much of the modest recent warming, around 1 [degree Celsius] over the past century, has been due to greenhouse gases and how much is natural,” Happer told Fox News Digital.

He estimates that less than half of the warming is from increasing greenhouse gases.

“Whatever the cause, observations clearly show that there has been very little change in daily high temperatures,” Happer noted.

A more recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health in 2021 found that for every death associated with heat, nine were connected to cold. (Credit: Fox News)

“The warming is almost all due to warmer minimum temperatures at night and in the winter.”

Compared to lives lost due to the extreme heat, the warming should have saved more lives that would have been lost because of the extreme cold, he said.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

For local heat and health information, the EPA spokesperson recommended using the CDC’s Heat and Health Tracker.

Americans can also visit their local National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Offices for real-time heat-related warnings.

Fox Weather can also be consulted on a regular basis for up-to-date weather information and news.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Olympic organizers announce plans to use AI in sports ahead of Paris games

By

Reporters News Wire

-

April 19, 2024

0

Olympic organizers unveiled plans on Friday to integrate artificial intelligence into sports.
The International Olympic Committee shared its AI plan, including identifying talent, personalizing training and improving judging fairness.
IOC President Thomas Bach voiced the need for Olympic leadership in embracing AI responsibly.

Olympic organizers unveiled their plans Friday to use artificial intelligence in sports, joining the global rush to capitalize on the rapidly advancing technology.

The International Olympic Committee outlined its agenda for taking advantage of AI. Officials said it could be used to help identify promising athletes, personalize training methods and make the games fairer by improving judging.

“Today we are making another step to ensure the uniqueness of the Olympic Games and the relevance of sport. To do this, we have to be leaders of change,” IOC President Thomas Bach said at a press event at the former London Olympic Park, which hosted the summer games in 2012.

‘UNCONTROLLABLE’ AI SYSTEMS COULD TURN ON HUMANS, REPORT WARNS

“We are determined to exploit the vast potential of AI in a responsible way,” Bach said.

Thomas Bach, IOC President, speaks at the International Olympic Committee launch of the Olympic AI Agenda in London on April 19, 2024. Olympic organizers unveiled their plans on Friday to use artificial intelligence in sports, joining the global rush to capitalize on the rapidly advancing technology. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

The IOC revealed its AI strategy as it gears up to hold the Paris Olympics, which are set to kick off in just under 100 days.

The IOC’s AI plans also include using the technology to protect athletes from online harassment and to help broadcasters improve the viewing experience for people watching from home. The IOC earns billions of dollars through the sale of broadcast rights for the games.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The local organizers of the Paris games have already sparked controversy with their plans to use artificial intelligence for security, with a video surveillance system that includes AI-powered cameras to flag potential security risks such as abandoned packages or crowd surges.

Source link

American Revolution began 249 years ago: Here are 5 overlooked tourist sites about fight for independence

By

Reporters News Wire

-

April 19, 2024

0

The grand events and oft-told tales of the American Revolution are easy to find among sprawling reverent battlefields and national parks.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Virginia, Independence Hall in Pennsylvania, and Minuteman National Historical Park in Massachusetts, where the American rebellion exploded into deadly revolution 249 years ago today, April 19, 1775, top any list of highlights in the nation’s fight for independence.

But historical secrets, haunting reminders and the lingering traces of legend help tell a complete story of any event, even one as long and deeply chronicled as the American Revolution.

MEET THE AMERICAN WHO NEVER FLINCHED IN THE FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE, ABIGAIL ADAMS

Here are 5 often overlooked sites that helped pave the way for American independence.

1. Bayley-Hazen Military Road, Vermont

Colonial troops invaded Quebec, Canada in the first winter of the American Revolution, with Benedict Arnold among its leaders.

Hundreds of his men died on the rough journey through the frozen New England wilderness.

A new road was needed to bring men and supplies to Canada – a mission that ultimately failed.

The Bayley Hazen Road in Vermont was conceived to deliver supplies to American troops fighting in Quebec in the American Revolution. It was never completed. Remnants of the road today offer haunting reminders of the fight for American independence. Sign in Peacham, Vermont. (Kindra Clineff/Alamy Stock Photo)

“Proposed and started in 1776 by Colonel Jacob Bayley, continued in 1779 and later abandoned by General Moses Hazen, the road — and what remains of it — extends from Wells River in a northwesterly direction to what is now known as Hazen’s Notch,” reports the website CrossVermont.org.

“Small details, historical markers, grave sites and monuments that still recall the events of long ago may escape the eye when barreling along in a car.”

The warpath carves a lane through some of the most rural parts of the Lower 48 states. It is best explored by bicycle, the website adds.

“Small details, historical markers, grave sites and monuments that still recall the events of long ago may escape the eye when barreling along in a car but will not be missed by bike.”

2. French Cemetery, Yorktown, Virginia

Fifty unknown soldiers of France who gave their lives for the cause of American liberté are buried near this Yorktown battlefield.

Among other lessons, the graves are reminders of 50 French mothers — 50 French families — who never knew the fate of their son, father or brother when he shipped overseas to fight the British in North America.

This is the French Cemetery where 50 French soldiers who lost their lives in the Siege of Yorktown, 1781, are buried. Colonial National Historical Park, Historical Triangle, Virginia. (Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The 50 unknowns represent the 8,000-10,000 Frenchmen who fought at Yorktown, the final American victory in the war that forged the new United States.

Those thousands of men, supported by 29 French warships, and paired with years of American resolve, forced the British to surrender and admit defeat at Yorktown in October 1781.

COLUMBIA’S FORMER PRESIDENT DWIGHT EISENHOWER WARNED THE WORLD WOULD FORGET WWII HORRORS AGAINST JEWS

Several other historical markers are within walking distance, including those for French Artillery Park and Washington’s headquarters, and a tribute to the leading French military officer in Virginia, Comte de Rochambeau.

3. Nathan Hale execution site, Manhattan, New York

“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” Hale, just 21, reportedly uttered with stiff lip as he was hanged by the British for treason on Sept. 22, 1776 in Manhattan.

Dense urban development paved over the actual site of Hale’s death, but a bronze plaque visible from the sidewalk offers the only reminder of this seminal moment in patriotic defiance.

It’s located on Third Avenue, between East 65th and East 66th Streets, on the Upper East Side.

American patriot Nathan Hale reportedly uttered, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country,” before the captured spy was hanged by the British on Sept. 22, 1776 in Manhattan. (Kerry J. Byrne/Fox News Digital)

Little more than a photo-op stop, it offers an opportunity to explore some of the other interesting Revolutionary War sites in Manhattan — which was occupied by the British throughout most of the war.

Those interesting sites include the Alexander Hamilton Grange, a farmhouse in the middle of the city’s concrete caverns that the Founding Father built just before he was killed in a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr.

“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

Also, Fraunces Tavern is where George Washington delivered his farewell speech to his officers after the British final left New York City.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, DECEMBER 4, 1783, WASHINGTON BIDS FAREWELL TO HIS TROOPS AT FRAUNCES TAVERN IN NYC

It’s a real tavern today that doubles as a museum of early American history.

4. Prison Ship Martyrs Monument, Brooklyn, New York

This powerful monument in a verdant park offers chilling testimony that American independence was purchased by patriots at the price of hideous human suffering.

The 150-foot-tall Doric column at Fort Greene Park towers over the footprint of a colonial garrison of the American Revolution.

The Prison Ship Martyrs Monument in Brooklyn was dedicated on Nov. 14, 1908 in a ceremony attended by President William Howard Taft. (Kerry J. Byrne/Fox News Digital)

It’s dedicated to the estimated 11,500 American soldiers, sailors and privateers who died in hellish conditions aboard British prison ships on the nearby East River during the fight for nationhood.

A number of these patriots are buried in a crypt beneath the monument — the identities of many known only to God.

MEET THE AMERICAN WHO ROWED WASHINGTON ACROSS THE DELAWARE ON CHRISTMAS: SAILOR-SOLDIER JOHN GLOVER

“This is hallowed ground,” Brooklyn native and self-professed patriot Eddie Desmond told Fox News Digital.

“This is America’s original tomb of the unknown soldiers.”

5. Swamp Fox statue/Marion County Museum

Francis Marion, the legendary “Swamp Fox” of South Carolina, has fueled legend and tributes for nearly 250 years.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Most notably in recent times, he’s among the inspirations for the movie “The Patriot.” Mel Gibson plays the role of a colonial American father who fights the British from the misty swamps of the American south.

Illustration of Francis Marion (1730s-1795), an American military officer nicknamed the Swamp Fox, seated, greets a British officer, mid-to-late 18th century. (Stock Montage/Getty Images)

“Using tactics he learned from the Cherokee during his time as a soldier in the French and Indian War 20 years prior, Marion and his men outwitted countless British troops right from the swamps along the Pee Dee and Santee Rivers,” reports the website of the Pee Dee Tourism Commission.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The best place to get a picture of the man behind the legend is at the museum of the South Carolina county that bears his name.

The Marion County Museum includes a permanent exhibit of the Swamp Fox, while the highlight of a visit for many is a photo with the nearby larger-than-life statue of the American war hero.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

Kerry J. Byrne is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.

Planning a trip to Washington state? Don’t miss these national parks or Seattle sights

By

Reporters News Wire

-

April 19, 2024

0

Washington state is known for its wide range of stunning natural landscapes, from rugged coastlines to snow-capped mountain peaks to vibrant rainforests.

Cities like Seattle and Spokane offer their own array of cultural and culinary attractions.

Whether you are interested in outdoor adventure or simply taking in the scenery, the Evergreen State has something for every type of traveler.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL: 50 MUST-SEE LANDMARKS THAT TELL OUR NATIONAL STORY

Here’s a deep dive.

National Parks in Washington

Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park spans 70 miles of coastline and almost 1 million acres. This World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve offers anything you could want from a national park, like hiking, boating and the opportunity to see wild animals in their natural habitat in the temperate Hoh Rain Forest.

“It’s one of those places that really embodies what you would consider the Evergreen State,” Jennifer Coleman, publisher of the Scenic Washington road trip guidebook and the road map for Washington state , told Fox News Digital during a phone interview. “The beaches along the Pacific there are pretty wild. So, I always tell people, bring a raincoat and plan for wind. You know, it’s not like going to the beach even in Oregon, where you can really lay out in the sun.”

“I mean, OK, we do get sunny days, but it’s just not the same as a little further south,” Coleman added.

Visitors can observe ecosystems in miniature in the tide pools of Olympic National Park’s beaches. And while there might not be many sunbathers, the park is a well-known destination for stargazers. About 95% of the park is designated as wilderness and is devoid of human-caused light, making for a spectacular view of the night sky.

Diablo Lake is one element of Washington state’s North Cascades National Park that draws tens of thousands of visitors each year. Park-goers can take canoes or kayaks out on the water to experience the lake’s beauty up close. (Giulio Andreini/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

North Cascades National Park

This park is named for the many waterfalls along its hundreds of miles of trails. The clear, blue mountain waters of Lake Diablo and the park’s other lakes and rivers offer opportunities for boat tours and fishing and make North Cascades Coleman’s favorite of the state’s three national parks.

She pointed out that although the park is remote, its beauty is accessible to those not up for a hike, since a driving trip along the North Cascades Scenic Highway still affords gorgeous views of mountain peaks, verdant trees and rushing waterfalls.

And for those who want a hands-on experience, North Cascades National Park is known for its climbing opportunities.

SPRINGTIME TRAVEL: 5 FLOWER GARDENS ACROSS 5 TIME ZONES SHOWCASING AMERICAN BEAUTY

Naturalists can keep their eyes peeled for the gray wolves, wolverines and more than 200 species of birds that call one of Earth’s most diverse ecosystems home.

Mount Rainier National Park

“It’s sort of the iconic Washington thing, to go to Mount Rainier National Park,” Coleman said. The mountain lies along several officially designated scenic byways for the road trippers out there, and it is the highest peak in the Evergreen State, rising 14,410 above sea level.

Since the park is so highly attended, a timed entry system will be implemented during the busiest months, from May to September, beginning in 2024. Reservations open 90 days in advance.

NATIONAL PARK WEEK: 15 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT AMERICA’S PARKS YOU MAY NOT KNOW

This is the most popular state park for mountain climbing and skiing, with more than 20 climbing routes and ski descents. With its wilderness backpacking campsites and more than 260 miles of maintained trails, including some that are paved, hikers of all stripes can find the perfect trek.

Winter sports are popular in Mount Rainier National Park, but it is also known for its hundreds of species of wildflowers that bloom spectacularly over the summer.

Seattle, Washington

Washington’s largest city is also one of its main travel destinations and serves as the origin point for many of the road trips in Scenic Washington’s guides. The city itself offers plenty to do.

Seattle is known for shellfish and coffee

The Emerald City is known for its food and drink scene: Japanese cuisine, craft beer, wine and especially coffee and seafood.

Starbucks is based in Seattle, so naturally, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery is located there, too. Think Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory but for coffee, complete with a coffee bean library. Numerous smaller cafés are spread across the city as well for those who want a more unique espresso experience.

Tea houses and bakeries are in no short supply, either, in case you need to cool it on the caffeine.

Seattle sits on Puget Sound, where shellfish are readily available. The city is known for its oysters.

Seattle's waterfront and city skyline are seen, including the iconic Great Wheel and Space Needle

Seattle’s waterfront is seen here, including the Great Wheel and the Space Needle. Seattle’s name is derived from the Native American name “Sealth,” who was a chief of the Suquamish tribe at the time the first White settlers arrived in 1851. (Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Iconic Seattle attractions

Visitors to Seattle can stop at one of its many museums, like the Museum of Pop Culture, or look for the Fremont Troll, a giant sculpture under the George Washington Memorial Bridge. The colorful, if a bit gross, Gum Wall near Pike Place Market is worth seeing, and the market is itself well-known for its craftspeople, restaurants and fishmongers.

But few Emerald City attractions are more iconic than the Space Needle. The Space Needle was originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair and has become perhaps the most recognizable element of the city skyline. In just 43 seconds, you can ride the elevator all the way to the observation deck, where you can see far and wide over the rest of Seattle.

Few Emerald City attractions are more iconic than the Space Needle.

Across the street from the Space Needle is Chihuly Garden and Glass, home to the works of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. The breathtaking installations make this TripAdvisor’s top-rated Seattle attraction.

If the Space Needle is the most iconic component of Seattle’s Skyline, the Great Wheel is No. 2. This Ferris wheel was built in 2012 and offers a different way to get a bird’s eye view of the city and the surrounding mountains.

The Amazon Spheres provide an unexpected break from the hustle and bustle of the city with their four-story jungle-like interior, containing more than 40,000 plants. Another Washington-based company, Amazon, constructed the spheres to afford employees the tranquility of the rainforest without leaving the city. The Spheres are open to the public for free during the first and third Saturday of each month.

Kerry Park offers an extraordinary vista of the city skyline, Space Needle and all. On a clear day, Mount Rainier can be seen in the background. Photographers can often be found here as the sun goes down.

More from Washington state

Washington’s national parks and Seattle might be its most famous attractions, but you could see them all without even leaving the western half of the state — and even then, you would be missing other attractions in the west.

Mount St. Helens

In the southwest of Washington, visitors can find the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, just south of Mount Rainier. “And that’s a really cool place to go visit,” Coleman said, “Because you can actually drive right up into the blast zone.” The total devastation wrought by the volcano’s 1980 eruption contrasts with the new growth that has regenerated in the area, making for a thought-provoking trip to a natural wonder that could easily be overshadowed by Mount Rainier.

The Columbia River Gorge isn’t far away: “The Gorge is really a fantastic place. It’s basically along the Columbia River, which is the river that separates us from Oregon. That whole gorge region … both the Washington and Oregon sides, is kind of like waterfall central,” said Coleman.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Whale watching

Orcas, gray whales and humpback whales can be spotted in Washington’s Puget Sound all year round, and whale-watching boat tours are available at multiple locations along the coast. Most boats won’t get too close to the whales, as some are endangered and have been killed in collisions with ships. Make sure to dress warmly and bring your binoculars.

Eastern Washington

The eastern portion of the state is totally different from what many think of as the wet environs of the Pacific Northwest. On the other side of the Cascade mountain range, it gets dry and hot. The city of Spokane provides an urban hub for excursions eastward and, though smaller than Seattle, offers arts and culture, craft beer and wine, and other trappings of an urban center.

South of Spokane lies Pullman, where Washington State University is located. Further south still is Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. Though it lies mostly in Oregon and Idaho, a portion of it does fall in southeastern Washington. This gorge is popular for high-speed jet-boating during the hot summers.

The golden, rolling fields of wheat of Washington's Palouse region are seen beneath a blue sky with wind turbines in the background

Rolling wheat fields of Washington’s Palouse region are seen from Steptoe Butte. The Palouse region experiences short, warm, dry summers and cold, snowy, cloudy winters. The region is also home to Palouse Falls, the official state waterfall of Washington, located in Palouse Falls State Park. The falls cascade down 198 feet to the Snake River. (Bernard Friel/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The warm, sunny weather makes the region great for agriculture. “Wine country” is in the center of the southern portion of the state. The region, as you might be able to guess, is known for its more than 300 vineyards and wineries.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Road trips

There are many reasons to visit Washington state, but many visitors tend to fit within a certain profile, Coleman told Fox News Digital: “Everybody has their different thing that they’re wanting to accomplish when they visit, but overall … if they’ve chosen Washington as their destination, chances are they’re looking for outdoor recreation or, you know, scenic views, seafood or national parks.”

US NATIONAL PARK ATTENDANCE SOARED IN 2023 AS MILLIONS OF AMERICANS CONTINUE TO HEAD OUTDOORS

That is why Scenic Washington offers pre-planned road trip itineraries. The popular Cascade Loop begins from Seattle and circles the northern half of the state. The Palouse Scenic Byway explores Washington’s east, from its central desert lands to lakes and waterfalls to the rolling wheat fields of the Palouse region, which holds the largest concentration of wheat per acre in the world.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

Max Bacall is a Digital Production Assistant for the SEO team at Fox News Digital.

WHO approves updated cholera vaccine to combat surge in cases

By

Reporters News Wire

-

April 19, 2024

0

The World Health Organization has approved a new version of a widely used cholera vaccine that aims to address a surge in cases.
The new vaccine uses fewer ingredients and can be made more quickly and cheaply.
It remains effective at preventing the disease, according to recent research conducted in Nepal.

The World Health Organization has approved a version of a widely used cholera vaccine that could help address a surge in cases that has depleted the global vaccine stockpile and left poorer countries scrambling to contain epidemics.

WHO authorized the vaccine, made by EuBiologics, which also makes the formulation now used, last week. The new version, called Euvichol-S, is a simplified formula that uses fewer ingredients, is cheaper, and can be made more quickly than the old version.

The vaccine was shown to be help preventing the diarrheal disease in late stage research conducted in Nepal.

WORST CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN 2 DECADES SWEEPS THROUGH ZAMBIA, KILLING MORE THAN 400

WHO’s approval means donor agencies like the vaccines alliance Gavi and UNICEF can now buy it for poorer countries. Leila Pakkala, director of UNICEF’s supply division, said in a statement that the agency will be able to boost supplies by more than 25%.

A family enters a tent set aside for cholera patients at a clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Nov. 18, 2023. The World Health Organization has approved a version of a widely used cholera vaccine that could help address a surge in cases that has depleted the global vaccine stockpile and left poorer countries scrambling to contain epidemics. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi, File)

Gavi estimated there could be about 50 million doses for the global stockpile this year, compared with 38 million last year.

Dr. Derrick Sim of Gavi called WHO’s authorization “a lifeline for vulnerable communities around the world.”

More is still needed, however: Since January, 14 countries affected by cholera outbreaks have requested 79 million doses. In January, the U.N. agency said the global vaccine stockpile was “entirely depleted” until the beginning of March. As of this week, WHO said there were 2.3 million doses available.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Cholera is an acute diarrhea disease caused by a bacteria typically spread via contaminated food or water. It is mostly seen in areas that have poor sanitation and lack access to clean water. While most people infected with cholera don’t experience symptoms, those with severe cases need quick treatment with intravenous fluids and antibiotics. If left untreated, cholera kills about a quarter to half of people infected.

Since last January, WHO has reported more than 824,000 cholera infections, including 5,900 deaths worldwide, with the highest numbers of cases reported in the Middle East and Africa. The U.N. agency said warming temperatures that allow the cholera bacteria to live longer, have also worsened outbreaks and led to the highest death rates in a decade.

How to zoom in and out on PC

By

Reporters News Wire

-

April 19, 2024

0

Have you ever found yourself squinting at your computer screen to decipher tiny text or make out the details of an image? Well, you’re not alone.

Fortunately, there’s a nifty trick that can save your eyes: zooming in. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance your browsing experience, whether you’re working, shopping or just surfing the web.

If you want to zoom in and out on browser text on a Mac, we’ve got those step-by-step instructions here.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

A man on a PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to use the keyboard to zoom in and out on a PC

Let’s start with the basics. If you need a quick zoom in or out on your browser window on your PC, here’s how to do it.

Just hold down one of the Control keys and press the Plus (+) or Minus (-) key to zoom in and out, respectively.

10 TIPS TO SPEED UP YOUR PC’S PERFORMANCE

Using the keyboard to zoom in and out on PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: FIRST THINGS TO DO IF YOU GOT A NEW PC

How to use your mouse wheel to zoom in and out on a PC

Prefer using your mouse to zoom in and out? No problem.

Hold down Control again, but this time, use your mouse wheel.
Scroll up to zoom in and down to zoom out. This method gives you the same control as the keyboard method, with a twist of your wrist.

Using the keyboard and the mouse to zoom in and out on PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: 10 TIPS TO SPEED UP YOUR PC’S PERFORMANCE

The Magnifier: Beyond the browser

Sometimes, you need to see more than just the browser text on your PC.

For full-screen magnification, hold down the Windows button and press the Plus (+) key.

Using the Magnifier tool to zoom in and out on PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

This will open the Magnifier tool.

Using the Magnifier tool to zoom in and out on PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The Magnifier Tool allows you to zoom in and out by pressing the Plus (+) or Minus (-).

Using the Magnifier tool to zoom in and out on PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

You can also move your cursor to the edges of the screen to navigate around.

Using the Magnifier tool to zoom in and out on PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

When you’re done, simply click the X on the window to exit zoom mode.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Click the X to exit zoom mode (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW TO TIDY UP YOUR DESKTOP ON A PC OR MAC

Kurt’s key takeaways

Zooming in on your computer screen is more than just a trick; it’s a way to adapt technology to your needs. Whether it’s for accessibility or comfort, the ability to zoom in and out with ease ensures that everything you need to see is within view. So the next time you’re struggling to read that small print or want a closer look at a web page, remember these simple shortcuts.

See my Best Laptops for 2024 here .

How important is it for you to have control over visual elements like size, contrast and layout when using various devices, and how does this affect your choice of technology? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover .

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Source link

Utah mom fights for her daughter’s access to discontinued diabetes medication

By

Reporters News Wire

-

April 19, 2024

0

A Utah mother is fighting for her teenage daughter’s access to diabetes medicine.

Ruby Smart, 15, has been taking Levemir (detemir) insulin since she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes more than two years ago.

“Levemir is uniquely suited to her situation,” Alison Smart, the girl’s mother, told Fox News Digital in an interview.

The family was stunned when Novo Nordisk, the Denmark-based manufacturer of Levemir, announced in November 2023 that the drug was being discontinued.

YOUR DIABETES RISK MAY DOUBLE IF YOU EAT THIS FOOD TWICE A WEEK, SAY HARVARD RESEARCHERS

Smart has now made it her mission to convince Novo Nordisk to continue making Levemir — or to find a pharmaceutical company to create a biosimilar (generic) alternative.

Levemir is a long-acting basal insulin that’s injected once or twice a day to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes, according to Novo Nordisk’s website.

Utah mother Alison Smart (in green sweater, pictured with Ruby Smart, age 15) is fighting for her teenage daughter’s access to diabetes medicine. (Alison Smart/iStock)

For Smart’s daughter, an active athlete who plays on the tennis team at Woods Cross High School, Levemir has enabled her to continue with her regular activities while controlling her diabetes.

While there are a couple of other types of basal insulin on the market, Smart said Levemir is best suited to her daughter’s needs.

DEPRESSION IDENTIFIED AS ‘CONTRIBUTING CAUSE’ OF TYPE 2 DIABETES RISK, SAYS NEW STUDY: ‘IMPORTANT’ FINDINGS

“Levemir is unique in that it is a relatively shorter-acting basal insulin, making it ideal for those with fluctuating basal insulin needs, including teenagers, menstruating women, pregnant women and athletes,” she said.

“The two remaining insulins also have side effects we don’t worry about when using Levemir.”

“She’s super active and plays tennis almost every day,” Smart said of her daughter, pictured here. “The pump was fine for daily activity, but for tennis tournament days, it didn’t work.” (Alison Smart)

They did try an insulin pump for a few weeks, which is a wearable device that provides a steady flow of insulin to the body. But Smart said it was not compatible with her daughter’s high activity levels.

“She’s super active, and plays tennis almost every day,” Smart said. “The pump was fine for daily activity, but for tennis tournament days, it didn’t work.”

TYPE 2 DIABETES A MUCH GREATER RISK FOR ‘NIGHT OWLS’ THAN FOR EARLY BIRDS, A ‘STARTLING’ NEW STUDY FINDS

Smart is advocating for people to be able to choose.

“The bottom line is that Levemir works for us,” she said. “Our lives are much easier and less complex on a regimen of multiple daily injections using Levemir insulin.”

Reasons for discontinuation

Novo Nordisk provided three main reasons for why it’s discontinuing Levenir.

“After careful consideration, we made this decision because of global manufacturing issues, decreasing patient coverage, and because we are confident that patients in the U.S. will be able to find alternative treatments,” the company said in a press release.

Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk headquarters

Novo Nordisk announced in Nov. 2023 that Levemir would be discontinued. “During this time, we strongly encourage that health care professionals and patients discuss transitioning to alternative treatment options prior to the discontinuation date,” the company said in a statement. (LISELOTTE SABROE/Scanpix Denmark/AFP)

When contacted by Fox News Digital, Novo Nordisk provided the following recommendation to doctors and patients.

“During this time, we strongly encourage that health care professionals and patients discuss transitioning to alternative treatment options prior to the discontinuation date. Novo Nordisk, along with other companies, provides a number of alternative treatment options for people living with diabetes who require basal insulin.”

The company suggested that patients switch to other basal insulin options, including but not limited to Basaglar, Insulin Degludec, Insulin Glargine U-300, Lantus, Rezvoglar, Semglee, Toujeo and Tresiba.

“The other options for basal insulin are not equal and are not sufficient — they have different side effects and different qualities.”

Many parents, however, say these alternatives are not the same.

“The other options for basal insulin are not equal and are not sufficient — they have different side effects and different qualities,” Smart told Fox News Digital.

“They’re not as flexible, and not as easy to use with someone who has varying basal insulin needs, like a teenager.”

Alison Smart, far right, is pictured with two other parents of teens with type 1 diabetes in Washington, D.C. (Alison Smart)

Other parents are also concerned about being forced to switch medications.

Jaime Losinski, a mother in Tampa, Florida, has a 14-year-old son with type 1 diabetes. He’s been taking Levemir for years.

“Levemir is a valuable insulin for children and teens, who have ever-changing insulin needs as they grow,” she told Fox News Digital.

OZEMPIC-WEGOVY PILL MAY BE ON THE WAY: TRIAL SHOWS PROMISING RESULTS FOR NEW WEIGHT LOSS TABLET

“Levemir’s action profile makes it perfect for patients who need to make rapid and continual changes,” she went on.

“An insulin such as Lantus or Tresiba, which the industry tells us to ‘just switch to,’ lasts far too long in the system for someone like him and would be dangerous overnight,” she said. “They also come with side effects, all of which he experienced when we tried them both shortly after his diagnosis seven years ago.”

Smart teamed up with other parents to form the Alliance to Protect Insulin Choice. She has also visited Washington, D.C., twice to meet with senators and congressional representatives. (Alison Smart)

Although Levemir is expected to be available until Dec. 2024, Smart said providers have warned her to “expect supply disruption” in the meantime.

Some insurance companies have already stopped coverage of the drug due to the discontinuation.

Smart received a letter from her insurance company in November saying Levemir would not be on her plan any longer. They later agreed to add it back on — but only if she paid a premium.

‘Not as cut and dry as it might seem’

Erin Palinski-Wade, a certified diabetes educator in New Jersey, said the discontinuation of Levemir is “understandably surprising and frustrating” for patients who rely on this brand of insulin.

“Although there are other forms of long-acting insulin on the market, each has its own slight differences, such as peak times, which can have a significant impact on blood glucose management during the day,” she told Fox News Digital.

“For children and teens, there may be greater fluctuations in blood sugar.”

“Transitioning from one brand of insulin to another is not as cut and dry as it might seem, and can lead to periods of high blood sugar or hypoglycemia episodes (dangerously low blood sugars) as the adjustment occurs,” Palinski-Wade added.

For parents who rely on Levemir, the expert recommended working with a physician, endocrinologist and/or dietitian to create the “best transition plan possible” to minimize fluctuations in blood sugar while finding an alternative that works best.

“Levemir is a valuable insulin for children and teens, who have ever-changing insulin needs as they grow,” a mother said. (iStock)

When transitioning to a new insulin, increased testing of glucose levels is needed to prevent and correct highs and lows as they occur, Palinski-Wade noted.

“This is especially important for children and teens, as there may be greater fluctuations in blood sugar due to activity, growth and hormone fluctuations,” she said.

AI HEALTH CARE PLATFORM PREDICTS DIABETES WITH HIGH ACCURACY BUT ‘WON’T REPLACE PATIENT CARE’

Tanya Freirich, a certified diabetes educator in New York City working as The Lupus Dietitian, agreed that the closest replacement in terms of duration of action is Lantus (insulin glargine).

“One of the differences is the peak time,” she told Fox News Digital.

“Lantus peaks [or lowers the blood sugar the most] at six hours after administration, while Levemir peaks at eight to 10 hours after administration. This difference would affect the appropriate timing for the medication to prevent dangerous blood sugar lows.”

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, said he is also disappointed by the news of the discontinuation. (Fox News)

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, said he is also disappointed by the news of the discontinuation.

“It is based on supply chain and production issues rather than a problem with the product,” he told Fox News Digital.

“We definitely need biosimilar versions to replace it,” he said. “It can be life-saving.”

“It is based on supply chain and production issues rather than a problem with the product.”

“Some patients really need a version of insulin and Levemir may be their best option.”

Although Levemir is “very similar” to Lantus, Siegel said, it has two important differences: “It causes less weight gain and less hypoglycemia (low glucose).”

Advocating for access

After Novo Nordisk’s November announcement of the discontinuation, Smart sprung into action.

She set up an online petition and began contacting the Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization.

“This drug is on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines,” she said. “I just couldn’t wrap my head around the possibility of this happening and people not being as outraged as I was.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Smart also teamed up with other parents to form the Alliance to Protect Insulin Choice. She has visited Washington, D.C., twice to meet with senators and congressional representatives.

“Our goal is to have Novo Nordisk slow down the discontinuation, and produce Levemir insulin for a few years until a biosimilar is widely available,” she said.

“We would like to find a biosimilar manufacturer to make this insulin, so it stays available.”

An insulin pump, a wearable device that provides a steady flow of insulin to the body, was not compatible with her daughter’s high activity levels, said Smart of Utah. (iStock)

While Smart recognizes that the medication may not be available “forever,” she aims to slow down the discontinuation and keep Levemir available for a few more years — “because it will take that long to get a biosimilar up and running.”

Smart’s efforts have also caught the attention of billionaire Mark Cuban, who expressed his willingness to partner with Novo Nordisk to continue producing Levemir.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

When contacted by Fox News Digital, Cuban said that his pharmaceutical company, CostPlus Drug Company, is “trying to figure out a way to source [Levemir].”

“We aren’t there yet, but we are trying,” he said.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

Your guide to Virginia travel: From theme parks to national parks

By

Reporters News Wire

-

April 19, 2024

0

Virginia’s motto, “Virginia is for lovers,” captures only a fraction of its allure.

The state boasts a wide range of activities that cater to solo travelers, groups of friends and families alike.

Virginia has historical treasures like Colonial Williamsburg, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

THE BEST TOURISM SPOTS IN TEXAS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

The state’s landscapes and family-friendly theme parks offer ample entertainment for those looking for fun and outdoor adventures.

Here’s much more.

“Virginia is for Lovers” has been the slogan of Virginia since 1969. (Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group)

Historical sites in Virginia for an educational trip

Virginia offers a view into America’s past; visitors can journey through the nation’s historical narrative. The state encapsulates a significant part of Civil War history because the Confederacy moved its capital to Richmond, and the state witnessed more battles than any other.

This rich historical landscape of Virginia offers abundant learning experiences for families and history buffs.

Among the notable destinations is the district of Jackson Ward in Richmond, once heralded as the “Harlem of the South” and celebrated as a cradle of Black entrepreneurship. It stands as a monument to African American communities’ vital contributions and vibrant culture.

TENNESSEE TRAVEL GUIDE: WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN NASHVILLE AND THROUGHOUT THE STATE

Colonial Williamsburg is an immersive experience that allows visitors to travel back to the Colonial era. The historic park includes a living rendition of this period as actors re-enact Colonial life on a 301-acre backdrop of reconstructed shops, homes and other structures modeled after their original forms.

The changing of the guard is a ceremony held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. (Kevin Carter)

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery, renowned as a final resting place for many of the nation’s esteemed heroes, is the most famous cemetery in the world. Hosting more than 300,000 veterans who served in American conflicts spanning from the Revolutionary War to recent engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan, the cemetery has been a solemn sanctuary since 1864.

It allows visitors to pay respect to the sacrifices of the United States’ servicemen and women.

The cemetery has been a solemn sanctuary since 1864.

Arlington National Cemetery is accessible every day of the year without charge and welcomes guests to tour the grounds. The changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, occurring hourly from October to March and at 30-minute intervals from April to September, is an intricate observance many enjoy.

The grave of President John F. Kennedy stands among a host of other significant tombs available to visit.

Sites such as Historic Jamestowne

Virginia houses many prominent American landmarks, including Historic Jamestowne, which was recognized as North America’s initial permanent English settlement. Sent by the Virginia Company, explorers reached Virginia’s shores in quest of precious metals and to found an English colony in the New World.

BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL TRAVELER ON A BUDGET BY VISITING THESE 13 AFFORDABLE DESTINATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

A visit to this historic island typically lasts several hours to half a day, during which guests can explore the various historical landmarks. Historic Jamestowne offers a range of educational activities that family members of all ages can enjoy.

Theme parks and water parks in Virginia

Virginia offers much more than historical monuments. Virginia’s thrilling theme parks, including Massanutten WaterPark, Ocean Breeze Waterpark and Water Country USA, offer an array of adventures for travelers seeking fun and excitement.

Kings Dominion

Families, friends and lovers can experience world-class rides at Kings Dominion, a 400-acre combination theme and water park. The park features over 60 rides and attractions, boasting some of the largest on the East Coast. Admission includes access to Soak City, the park’s expansive 20-acre waterpark.

Virginia is home to numerous theme and water parks, including Kings Dominion. Visitors can also enjoy the sister water park, Soak City, which is included in the admission price. (Linda Davidson/Washington Post)

Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens, acclaimed by visitors as the world’s most beautiful theme park, indulges visitors with a European-themed experience. As guests travel through the park, they witness the cultural highlights of England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy through cuisine, roller coasters, live shows and other attractions.

Great Wolf Lodge

The Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg spans 55,000 square feet and is a premier indoor and outdoor family fun attraction. It features a lazy river, a children’s pool, and tube slides suitable for the young and the young at heart.

Outdoor activities

Virginia is a mecca for those who enjoy living life outdoors. From hiking in Shenandoah National Park to exploring the Grand Caverns, the state has an outdoor adventure for everyone.

MAKING CAMPING FUN FOR EVERYONE WITH S’MORES, GAMES AND MORE

Kayaking on the Potomac River

Adventurers of all ages will enjoy traveling down the Potomac River, which George Washington called the “Great Avenue into the Western Country.” With more than 300 miles designated as a National Recreation Trail, many sections exist for day or weekend trips. The Potomac River connects four states and the District of Columbia.

The Potomac River is around 405 miles long, making it the fourth-largest river along the Atlantic coast.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah, the first of Virginia’s national parks, offers visitors sights of all varieties. With cascading waterfalls, scenic vistas and majestic fields of wildflowers, the nature enthusiast will have no unsatiated appetite for exploration.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Shenandoah National Park offers hikes for all levels, starting at 2.5 miles. Visitors can take advantage of these walking paths and hiking trails to see all that the Shenandoah Valley has to offer.

The Natural Bridge

One sight that can’t be missed is Natural Bridge State Park, located in the Shenandoah Valley. The Natural Bridge is a natural geological formation that has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and Virginia Historic Landmark. Visitors can traverse under the bridge and then travel down 34 stories to explore the deepest caves on the East Coast.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Grand Caverns

Discovered in 1804 by Bernard Weyer, the Grand Caverns are the United States’ oldest show cave in continuous operation, as stated on the park’s official website.

Visitors can explore rock formations, Civil War-era treasures and above-ground adventures like a fitness trail and miniature golf course.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

Breana Scheckwitz is an SEO Editor at Fox News Digital.

Is extreme heat a public threat?

What is extreme heat?

Risk factors for extreme heat effects

Heat island effect

Extreme cold is dangerous, too

1. Bayley-Hazen Military Road, Vermont

2. French Cemetery, Yorktown, Virginia

3. Nathan Hale execution site, Manhattan, New York

4. Prison Ship Martyrs Monument, Brooklyn, New York

5. Swamp Fox statue/Marion County Museum

National Parks in Washington

Olympic National Park

North Cascades National Park

Mount Rainier National Park

Seattle, Washington

Seattle is known for shellfish and coffee

Iconic Seattle attractions

More from Washington state

Mount St. Helens

Whale watching

Eastern Washington

Road trips

How to use the keyboard to zoom in and out on a PC

How to use your mouse wheel to zoom in and out on a PC

The Magnifier: Beyond the browser

Kurt’s key takeaways

Reasons for discontinuation

‘Not as cut and dry as it might seem’

Advocating for access

Historical sites in Virginia for an educational trip

Arlington National Cemetery

Sites such as Historic Jamestowne

Theme parks and water parks in Virginia

Kings Dominion

Busch Gardens

Great Wolf Lodge

Outdoor activities

Kayaking on the Potomac River

Shenandoah National Park

The Natural Bridge

The Grand Caverns

Editor Picks

Must read

Popular categories