Latest news with #ArtsandSciences
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Truly exceptional': LCCC celebrates largest graduating class in college's history
CHEYENNE — Laramie County Community College staff, administrators and students celebrated the largest graduating class in the college's 57-year history with 976 degrees and certificates awarded over the course of three different commencement ceremonies Saturday. 'That is truly exceptional,' said LCCC President Joe Schaffer. The schools of Arts and Sciences; Business, Agriculture and Technical Studies; and Health Sciences and Wellness each held a separate ceremony at the Blue Federal Credit Union Recreation and Athletics Complex on the Cheyenne campus. Parents, grandparents, daughters, sons, siblings and friends filled the bleachers on either side of the gymnasium. Many brought flowers for their grad, and a few others made giant poster boards with colorful lettering. Loved ones cheered from the side as each grad waltzed across the stage to accept their degree. To begin each ceremony, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Kari Brown-Herbst held a moment of silence to contemplate the accomplishments celebrated that day. After the moment of silence was a list of introductions and the national anthem. Faculty member Dave Zwonitzer was the base bearer for the graduation ceremonies, where he was also recognized as the longest-serving faculty member at LCCC. Brown-Herbst noted that this year marks Zwonitzer's 47th year teaching at the community college. Dreamers build After the introductions and a rendition of the National Anthem, sung by Dani Beightol and Taylor McCollum, Schaffer gave a welcome speech to the 2025 graduating class. 'We're here to recognize all that you've done here at LCCC,' Schaffer said. 'Upon your graduation, you will join thousands of LCCC alumni who share your accomplishments. And while you are similar in that fashion, you are unique in a very special way.' The power of dreams was the foundation of Schaffer's oration. He asked each of the sitting grads to picture a rancher on the high plains in Wyoming whose work established a multi-generational homestead. Or a woman from Mexico who immigrated to America for a chance at a better life. Or a man who escaped from Nazi Germany and devoted his life to teaching. Or a young Nigerian woman, who grew up in a place where access to health care and electricity is limited, but studied by candlelight to earn her medical degree. Or Thomas Jefferson, one of America's Founding Fathers, who wrote in the Declaration of Independence 'that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.' 'That dream launched a nation in perfect hope. It was, and still is, striving toward that idea,' Schaffer said. 'Five very different people — a rancher, an immigrant, a refugee of war, an international student, a Founding Father — all tied together by a belief that tomorrow could be better than today.' Hope for change is good, but not enough by itself, Schaffer said. Dreams are visions that demand 'clarity, direction and the courage to act.' 'Dream of stronger communities, of meaningful work, of lives with purpose,' Schaffer said. 'Dream not just of what you can take from the world, but what you can give back. And then act.' Persevere Student Government Association President Caius Krupp delivered the commencement address during the 9 a.m. graduation ceremony. Krupp reminded his peers that challenges are inevitable, but a little perseverance goes a long way. He began his college journey at a four-year institution, but quickly saw that he'd underestimated the level of homesickness and difficulty of classes he would face. When Krupp learned his father was sick, he returned home after the end of the semester. 'I started taking classes here as a promise to my mother that I would be the first one in our family to graduate,' Krupp said. But when he lost his father that semester, Krupp thought he lost any chances of graduating. An instructor pulled him aside after Krupp missed a month's worth of classes to ask what the problem was. 'It made me double down and realize what an opportunity this college is,' Krupp said. 'I tell you this story not to make you pity me, but to show you what Laramie County Community College has let me do, and hopefully has let many of you do.' He asked the graduates to remember their own challenges and how they've overcome them. Many of the college grads were in school during the pandemic. High schoolers missed out on proms and a traditional graduation, classes were online and some lost loved ones. This generation of students had to relearn how to navigate society and what it means to socialize when the world finally emerged from lockdown. 'For some of us, this is just the start of a broader education. ... For others, this is the start of a new career,' Krupp said. 'I want you all to remember … your ability to persevere through the challenges you face and the support of all those wonderful people along the way.'
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Time of India
B N College bomb blast: Main accused, another student held
Patna: Two youths, including the main accused in the bomb blast incident on B N College campus in Patna, which took the life of a student, were arrested from Gaya district on Saturday morning. The main accused was identified as Deepak Kumar from Sanda village in Gaya and a former student of the College of Commerce, Arts and Sciences, Patna. Confirming the arrest, Patna Town DSP Diksha told this reporter that Deepak, who hurled the 'sutli' bomb on B N College campus on May 13 during the exams, was arrested from his native Sanda village on Saturday. "The other arrested accused, identified as Shubhankar, is a second-year BA English (Hons) student of B N College. He was arrested from Jehanabad district on Saturday morning," she said. The DSP said the police are conducting raids to arrest the other four to five students accused in this case. "We are also identifying the people who supplied the bomb or explosive items to the accused," Diksha said. On May 13, a dispute broke out between two groups of students at B N College while the students were taking the CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) exam. After a heated argument and fight, the accused Deepak allegedly hurled two bombs, which created chaos in the college. He was also seen in the viral video of the incident. One bomb fell on the head of a student Sujit Kumar Pandey , a resident of Rohtas district. The incident occurred as soon as he came out of the exam hall. He suffered serious injuries and he died later during treatment. Sujit was a history student at BN College. The police are also raiding the hostels of PU to arrest the other accused involved in the clash. In this sequence, two former students were arrested from B N College hostels on Friday evening. They were identified as Chandan Kumar and Madhu, both residents of Jehanabad. Patna: Two youths, including the main accused in the bomb blast incident on B N College campus in Patna, which took the life of a student, were arrested from Gaya district on Saturday morning. The main accused was identified as Deepak Kumar from Sanda village in Gaya and a former student of the College of Commerce, Arts and Sciences, Patna. Confirming the arrest, Patna Town DSP Diksha told this reporter that Deepak, who hurled the 'sutli' bomb on B N College campus on May 13 during the exams, was arrested from his native Sanda village on Saturday. "The other arrested accused, identified as Shubhankar, is a second-year BA English (Hons) student of B N College. He was arrested from Jehanabad district on Saturday morning," she said. The DSP said the police are conducting raids to arrest the other four to five students accused in this case. "We are also identifying the people who supplied the bomb or explosive items to the accused," Diksha said. On May 13, a dispute broke out between two groups of students at B N College while the students were taking the CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) exam. After a heated argument and fight, the accused Deepak allegedly hurled two bombs, which created chaos in the college. He was also seen in the viral video of the incident. One bomb fell on the head of a student Sujit Kumar Pandey, a resident of Rohtas district. The incident occurred as soon as he came out of the exam hall. He suffered serious injuries and he died later during treatment. Sujit was a history student at BN College. The police are also raiding the hostels of PU to arrest the other accused involved in the clash. In this sequence, two former students were arrested from B N College hostels on Friday evening. They were identified as Chandan Kumar and Madhu, both residents of Jehanabad.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Is caffeine bad for the brain? Neuroscientist explains
Most people across the globe start their day with a cup of coffee . Be it a shot of espresso or a frothy cappuccino, that caffeine punch in the morning could really help to kickstart the day. Though caffeine is a staple in the morning, its effects on health have been long debated, especially on brain health. But is caffeine good or bad? Dr. Wendy A. Suzuki, a neuroscientist and Dean of Arts and Sciences at New York University, and a professor of Neural Science and Psychology at the Center for Neural Science, has explained the ongoing debate. 'Caffeine, is it good or bad? There's so much debate, but today, I'm setting the record straight. Whether you love coffee, tea, or matcha, you might be surprised,' the neuroscientist said in a post shared on her Instagram. There is good news for coffee lovers. The neuroscientist explained that moderate caffeine intake can enhance alertness and memory. 'It's like a little cheerleader for your neurons,' she said, addressing coffee, tea, and matcha enthusiasts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo But that's not all! Though coffee in moderate amounts is good for your brain, going overboard can kill the mood and even lead to deleterious effects. 'Too much caffeine, that's a different story. That leads to jitters, anxiety, and wrecked sleep, which leads to crankiness, brain fog, which is no good,' she shared. Caffeine can increase alertness by blocking the effects of adenosine, a brain chemical that makes you feel tired. This also triggers the fight-or-flight hormone adrenaline, which is linked with increased energy. But when you overdo coffee, the effects spike, leading to anxiety and nervousness. The American Psychiatric Association has listed caffeine-induced anxiety disorder as one of the four caffeine-related conditions recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). A 2017 study has suggested that caffeine consumption is safe for vulnerable populations such as pregnant and lactating women, children, young adults, and people with underlying heart or other health conditions, such as mental illness, as it can impair cardiovascular function and sleep. Her advice? 'Enjoy your caffeine in moderation and get good sleep to keep your brain in tip-top shape.' FULL I Big Update On Trump Tariffs; '18 Proposals On Paper. Terms With India...' I Karoline Leavitt So, how much caffeine is too much? In low-to-moderate amounts, caffeine is safe. So enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning or evening shouldn't be a problem at all. According to the Food and Drug Administration, for most adults, 400 milligrams a day, which is about two to three 12-fluid-ounce cups of coffee, is not generally associated with negative effects.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump hits China with 125% tariffs. What are tariffs and who pays for them?
China and the European Union unveiled stiff retaliation levies Wednesday aimed at countering President Donald Trump's latest tariff blitz, while Trump, unfazed, urged global companies to set up shop in the U.S. The Chinese Finance Ministry announced 84% tariffs on U.S. goods starting Thursday, up from the 34% previously announced, the finance ministry said Wednesday. On Wednesday − in the latest twist of the tariff saga that has roiled financial markets − President Trump said he was authorizing a 90-day pause in reciprocal fees while raising China's levy to 125%. Trump previously rolled out a flurry of reciprocal levies on trading partners, including one sky-high fee: a tax on Chinese goods of 104%. This was after implementing a sweeping tariffs plan that imposed 10% levies on almost all imports. Targeted U.S. tariffs of up to 50% on more than 50 nations went into effect Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. before being paused. Here is what to understand about tariffs. A tariff is a tax that a government imposes on goods imported from other countries. It is a type of trade regulation used to protect or generate revenue. Tariffs are not like income or sales taxes. Instead, they are levies — additional fees — placed on products imported to the country. Monica Morlacco, assistant professor of economics at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, explain its functions. "Tariffs are typically imposed for protection or revenue purposes," she said. "A protective tariff increases the price of imported goods relative to domestic goods, encouraging consumers to buy from local producers, who are thus 'protected' from foreign competition. A revenue tariff, on the other hand, is mainly used to generate money for the government." Some think the foreign companies that make the goods pay the tariffs, but the cost of a tariff is typically paid by the importer of the goods. When a tariff is imposed, it increases the cost of importing a product into a country. The importer may absorb the higher cost or pass it on to consumers through higher prices. This means that while the importer pays the initial bill for the tariff, the financial burden often shifts to businesses and consumers in the form of increased prices. For example, if the U.S. government wants to protect American car manufacturers from foreign competition, it may impose a 10 percent tariff on imported cars from other countries. If a car that's manufactured in Japan costs $20,000, an importer must pay an extra $2,000 in tax. The total cost of the imported car would increase to $22,000, which may be passed down to the consumer. According to the Tax Policy Center, higher prices of goods in the U.S. will lead to fewer consumers buying goods. "In the short run, higher prices for imported goods will reduce consumption of those goods," they explained. "But in the longer term, the decline in competition from foreign products makes domestic firms less efficient. And less competition will result in higher prices, not just for those goods subject to the tariff but for competing goods that are not — such as those made domestically. In the case of Trump's tariffs on China, that means US consumers will pay somewhat higher prices." So even though it doesn't feel like a direct tax because it's not added on to an individual purchase, buyers are the ones covering the extra cost in the price of the item. Soybeans Crude petroleum Natural gas Pork and beef Automobiles Wine Fruits Nuts Steel and aluminum Solar panels Washing machines Consumer electronics (e.g., smartphones, laptops) Toys Apparel and footwear Machinery and tech components In the U.S., tariffs have been implemented since 1789, with the first significant tariff law enacted to help finance the newly established government. Morlacco states that the U.S. has not relied heavily on tariffs for a long time. "For example, in 1900, tariffs accounted for more than 41% of U.S. government income, but by 2013, that number had fallen to just 2%," she said. "However, many developing nations, like the Bahamas and Ethiopia, still rely on tariffs for a significant portion of their revenue." In the U.S., Congress holds the authority to establish tariffs. However, certain laws permit the president to impose tariffs, especially in situations related to national security or economic emergencies. -USA TODAY Network contributed to this report. This story has been updated to include new information. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Who pays tariffs? How do tariffs work? Here's what you need to know
Los Angeles Times
19-03-2025
- Science
- Los Angeles Times
‘L.A. trees are kicking ass': Urban plants capture more CO2 than expected, study finds
Good morning. Here's what you need to know to start your day. A new study found they're surprisingly good at absorbing the carbon dioxide we spew into the air with all our cars, energy consumption and corporate industrialization. Researchers from USC's Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences published their findings in the journal 'Environmental Science & Technology' last month. Using an array of sensors set up across a swath of central L.A., the team tracked CO2 emissions during an 18-month period. Over the course of a year, trees absorbed up to 60% of CO2 emissions on average during daytime, according to the study — significantly more than expected. 'That's a huge number,' said Will Berelson, an earth sciences professor at USC who led the study. His initial reaction to the data wasn't quite scientific enough to include in the journal, but I think it works just fine for this newsletter: 'Wow … L.A. trees are kicking ass.' All aboard the CO2 Express Berelson's team approached the measurements similar to how a transit agency would measure ridership. That was possible, he explained, because of L.A.'s predominant wind, which moves from west to east, taking CO2 along for the ride. Using a dozen sensors, researchers tracked this CO2 Express across a roughly 30-square-mile section of the city, from about La Brea Avenue between 3rd Street and Obama / Exposition Boulevard and northeast into Boyle Heights and Lincoln Heights neighborhoods. 'We're actually watching as the air is moving across the city,' Berelson told me. 'We're seeing the change happening before our very eyes with these sensors — what's happening on the west side and then towards the middle of the city and then farther to the east side — we can actually see changes as the air is passing.' The data showed decreases in CO2 that indicated trees in the area were capturing up to 60% of emissions on average during daytime (trees and vegetation only absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, which requires sunlight). That works out to about 30% on average in a full 24-hour day, Berelson noted. What actions could the research help inform? Berelson is hopeful the model could be used by other cities looking to track and reduce CO2 emissions. He was also surprised how much CO2 trees in the area were able to capture, considering 'this is a part of L.A. that doesn't really strike you as being all that green.' That lack of trees has been an ongoing challenge in the city, with studies finding stark disparities in which communities experience the benefits trees provide through shade, heat mitigation and cleaning the air. Berelson said expanding on this study could help L.A. and other cities 'be quantitative [and] scientific about how we plan tree planting.' And while urban trees have demonstrated 'uncanny ability to take up a lot of CO2 quickly,' he emphasized that just planting a lot more trees isn't a solution to the region's air quality and climate crises. 'Emission reduction has to happen,' Berelson said. More tree studies are in the works A greenhouse study is underway at USC to see which species of trees capture the most carbon, which Berelson said has been 'fascinating' so far. 'We actually have to take a careful look at what types of trees we're planting, because it can make a big difference … in terms of how much CO2 we can take up,' he said. That study will also analyze how trees are affected by a warming climate, which Berelson said will affect CO2 uptake. And while this initial study area included major freeway intersections (including the 10, 110 and 5) it did not take a granular look at emissions near those emission-heavy roadways. Berelson's team will work to parse the data moving forward, he told me. The researchers also recently installed more sensors on each end of the initial study area, giving them 'a longer train to look at,' Berelson said. Those follow-up studies are likely a year or more away, so stay tuned! These California coastal cities face heightened flood danger from a tsunami, data show Newsom asks the California Legislature for another $2.8 billion to cover Medi-Cal cost overruns A California bill would restore wetlands protections in wake of Supreme Court ruling What else is going on Get unlimited access to the Los Angeles Times. Subscribe here. His impressive basement saloon was like 'Cheers' — until it burned in the Eaton fire. Before the January fires came, Brian Gardner had 300 Polaroids on the wall of his basement saloon, the Hye West Saloon of Santa Poco. He had over 1,000 bottles of booze too. But the Polaroids he hung around the perimeter of the 300-square-foot bar nestled in a storage room under some stairs at his Altadena home were more important to him. Other must reads How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@ Going out Staying in Victoria Loch writes: ''The Long Goodbye' by Raymond Chandler. As a born and bred NYer and long time Californian, this is the essence of the state (and state of mind) to me. Less convoluted than 'The Big Sleep,' this captures all the glory and sadness and insanity that is California.' Email us at essentialcalifornia@ and your response might appear in the newsletter this week. Show us your favorite place in California! Send us photos you have taken of spots in California that are special — natural or human-made — and tell us why they're important to you. Today's great photo is from Times photographer Genaro Molina at the site of Diane and Verne's Altadena home where they lived for 50 years. It was destroyed in the Eaton fire, and they are determined to rebuild it as a legacy gift to their family. Have a great day, from the Essential California team Ryan Fonseca, reporterDefne Karabatur, fellowAndrew Campa, Sunday reporterKevinisha Walker, multiplatform editorHunter Clauss, multiplatform editorChristian Orozco, assistant editorStephanie Chavez, deputy metro editorKarim Doumar, head of newsletters Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on
