Latest news with #Battaglia
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
3 Sterling High School students receive scholarship given in name of fallen firefighter
Jun. 5—STERLING — Three local high school students were named recipients of a scholarship honoring a Sterling firefighter who lost his life on the job almost four years ago. Sterling High School students Nico Battaglia, Brinley Francis and Esra Ramirez were named the recipients of the 2025 Garrett Ramos Scholarship during Monday's Sterling City Council meeting. Ramirez was not present for the meeting. Ramos, a SHS graduate, served for almost 10 years with the Sterling Fire Department and also served as the union president for Local 2301. Ramos died in the line of duty Dec. 4, 2021, after falling through the floor of a burning home in rural Rock Falls. Sterling Fire Lt. Vincent Morris and Ramos' wife, Brittney, presented Battaglia and Francis with a commemorative check for $1,000 each. Brittney said the scholarship, which typically opens in April, is available to SHS seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference is given to candidates considering a career in public service. "And then the two questions that we ask them are, 'How has a public servant affected your life in a positive manner?' and 'What do you currently do to improve your local community?'" Brittney said. Battaglia will attend Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he plans to play basketball and study psychology. "I hope to be either a counselor or work in forensics and help people," Battaglia said. "I go to a psychologist, and she helps me out, so I know how that makes me feel. I think I can make other people feel the same way and help them." Francis will attend Dixon's Sauk Valley Community College, where she plans to study nursing. "I want to do something with babies, and be a NICU nurse or something," Francis said. "I did a lot of clinicals this year, so I got to work with a lot of people, and it was nice to be able to help people." The Associated Firefighters of Sterling Local 2301 will host the first Garrett Ramos Scramble golf outing Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Deer Valley Golf Club, 3298 Hoover Road in Deer Grove. Registration opens at 9 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 10 a.m. The cost of entry is $240 per four-person team and includes a golf cart and dinner. The event also will include a silent auction, raffles and prizes. Sponsor packages are available for companies and organizations that would like to sponsor a hole. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Garrett Ramos Scholarship program. For more information on the event, contact Local 2301 through its Facebook page.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Blink Charging Announces Workforce Reduction to Accelerate BlinkForward Initiative and Strengthen Global Market Position
EV Charging Infrastructure Leader to Implement Operational Cost Reduction Plan Bowie, MD, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blink Charging Co. (NASDAQ: BLNK) ('Blink' or the 'Company'), a leading global owner, operator, provider, and manufacturer of electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and services, today announced a strategic restructuring plan designed to accelerate its BlinkForward objectives, enhance operational efficiencies, and position the Company for sustained long-term growth and profitability in the evolving global market. The core of this plan includes a difficult but necessary reduction of the Company's global workforce by approximately 20%. This action is designed to streamline operations, enhance agility, and align resources with the Company's BlinkForward strategic priorities. These adjustments are anticipated to result in annualized savings of more than $11 million. The Company estimates it will incur between $1 million and $1.5 million of related costs, consisting of cash severance, other severance benefits, and other related restructuring costs. The workforce reduction is expected to be completed by the end of 3Q25. The BlinkForward initiative represents Blink's commitment to innovation, efficiency, and a resilient future. By realigning its operational structure, the Company is taking decisive steps to build a more focused and agile organization, capable of rapidly responding to market dynamics and capitalizing on future growth opportunities. These measures are specifically designed to advance the BlinkForward vision, which prioritizes sustainable innovation, customer-centric solutions, and enhanced shareholder value. "Today's decisions, while challenging, are crucial for propelling our BlinkForward strategy and ensuring the long-term success of Blink," said Mike Battaglia, Blink's President & CEO. "We are deeply grateful for the contributions of our departing colleagues and are committed to supporting them through this transition. This restructuring is a proactive step to build a more efficient and robust organization, better aligned with our strategic goals and poised to lead in the next phase of our growth.' Blink Charging is committed to ensuring a seamless transition and will provide severance packages, outplacement services, and other forms of support to eligible affected employees. 'We are confident that this strategic realignment, under the banner of the BlinkForward initiative, will strengthen our competitive positioning, improve financial performance, and create a solid foundation for future innovation and market leadership,' added Battaglia.
Metro
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
GTA 6 is 30fps and ‘too big' for Switch 2 claim tech experts
Although there's no unedited gameplay of GTA 6 yet, it's already believed the game's impressive visuals are stuck at 30fps. If there's one thing you can take away from the newest GTA 6 trailer, it's that its visuals look really good. The graphics alone are impressive, but it's also clear a lot of work has gone into the lighting, ray-tracing, and rendering for what seems to be the best-looking video game ever. While Rockstar Games has yet to share unedited gameplay, it has said that the trailer contains a mixture of gameplay and cut scenes. Given how indistinguishable the two are, GTA 6 is set to be a technical marvel when it comes out next year, on May 26. However, those who prefer their games running as smoothly as possible best temper expectations for GTA 6's frame rate, as it's believed all the footage in the trailer was captured at 30 frames per second. Although performance specs have not been confirmed by Rockstar itself, the team at Digital Foundry does not believe GTA 6 will be capable of running at 60fps on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S when it launches. In a video breaking down the new GTA 6 trailer, Digital Foundry highlights some incredible attention to detail, with particular praise going to the ray-traced reflections and hair rendering. While he'd love to be wrong, senior staff writer John Linneman believes, as a result, GTA 6 will be locked to 30fps. Video producer Alex Battaglia points out that some games enable features for cut scenes to make them look better visually, which are then turned off for gameplay so it can run at a higher frame rate. But he does not think this is something Rockstar will do for GTA 6, especially with regards to the ray-tracing technology, since it's all over the trailer and likely something the game was built with in mind. 'You can't get rid of RTGI (ray traced global illumination). It's inherent to the way the game works. Even getting rid of RT reflections potentially could make scenes look quite a bit different…' explains Battaglia. 'As soon as you have ray-traced global illumination, a massive open world… those things tend to not run well at 60fps,' he adds, concluding that, at best, GTA 6 could run upwards of 40fps. You also have to remember that Rockstar needs to get the game running on the Xbox Series S, which is a deliberately weaker console and needs to have feature parity with the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 versions. Although if anyone could negotiate an exception with Microsoft it'd be Rockstar. It's for the same reasons that the team don't expect to see GTA 6 coming to Switch 2, describing it as 'too big', with Battaglia saying he doesn't think it could run on a Steam Deck either, if/when the game comes to PC. While Digital Foundry doesn't broach the subject, many fans have expressed hope that GTA 6 could run up to 60fps on the more powerful PS5 Pro, with some imagining a bundle and specific marketing tie-ins. More Trending However, the PS5 Pro isn't that much more powerful than the standard console, when it comes to frame rate, so any improvements would likely focus on the resolution. At best the 40fps mode (which won't make much difference) may be a PS5 Pro exclusive. None of this will come as a surprise to more technically savvy gamers, especially as it's rare for open world games to ever run at 30fps. Given how many different formats GTA 6 was released on though it's very easy to imagine 60fps being implemented for the inevitable PlayStation 6. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign-up to our newsletter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: GTA 6 character names confirmed as Rockstar explains story behind game MORE: 8 hidden details from GTA 6 Trailer 2 that show how the game will play MORE: GTA 6 delay sees rival publisher pick the exact same release date for its game
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
CBS' ‘Tracker': Fiona Rene on new episode and character growth
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — CBS' original series 'Tracker' follows Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw, a survivalist who driven by the troubles of his past, uses his instincts to find the missing, and collect rewards. In this next episode, which premieres Sunday at 8 p.m. EST on WROC, Shaw is helped by Reenie Green, played by Fiona Rene. She spoke with News 8's Gio Battaglia. News 8's Gio Battaglia: Take me into this season of 'Tracker,' where we are in the season and what's ahead? Fiona Rene, 'Reenie Green' in 'Tracker:' I mean, what a dramatic series. I literally watched last week, and I was like, at the edge of my seat, and I was in the show this season! I feel like it's been more action, more drama, more light heartedness, I mean, more of everything that we already had in season one, and it's just been a dream. I'm honestly the luckiest gal in the whole world. Battaglia: Tell me about what's coming up in this next episode. We see Colter hired to find a mother in Ohio who went missing after talking her son in for the night. How do you sort of help in this investigation? Rene: Well, Reenie has to go to Indianapolis for a deposition for one of her 'not problem clients,' and while she's there, she says, 'Hey, Colter, if you're in Ohio, you need boots on the ground. Let me know if I can help.' And of course, he needs a little bit of Reenie's assistance. So, she finds out that one of the suspects owns a storage unit, and we think maybe there's something in there that can help with the case. She has to go do some sly work. May get a little troublesome along the way. And, yeah, the story is really, really good, a little tearjerker, but good. Battaglia: With the tearjerker, you know, your character is very savvy, very fierce. How does that add to… Is it kind of a yin and yang with Coulter? How does that kind of play in? Rene: I think we bring out the best sides of each other, and maybe some of not the not best. Coulter's always very determined, very serious, and he gets the job done. Reenie does the same thing, but she's got a bit more fire and sass underneath her, and I think she brings that out in him, and he kind of keeps her grounded. Battaglia: Looking outside of the work that you do in the investigation, you also have a little bit of a love interest this season, which is exciting with Elliot. Tell me a little bit about that and how we can expect to see that progress or change throughout the rest of the season. Rene: I would love to know. When I find out, I'll let you know. In general, Elliot, played by Michael Rady. He's such a joy. Elliot is like a rock. I mean, he does not falter, and he's so emotionally available. And I think high powered businesswomen, she needs some of that emotional sensitivity to open up at the end of the day. And he really, he's really provided that. Battaglia: This show really took off after it premiered after the Super Bowl last year. How have you just seen and kind of grasped the success that has come from the viewers, and how has it resonated with you? Rene: Honestly, it's just been kind of like two sides of a coin. One. I'm just up in Vancouver shooting all the time, and so I'm in this little bubble, and I don't realize how it's affecting the world. And then I'll go home to Oklahoma or Texas, and I'll see family and they're like, 'Hey, we watched your show. And this is… we can't believe this happened!' And I'm like, 'Oh my gosh, my family gets to watch me on TV, that's insane.' So, yeah, it's just, it's been a whirlwind, and I and I still haven't wrapped my head around it, I don't think. Battaglia: Why do you think the storyline of the show resonates with fans so much, and the characters? Rene: People want to see someone else helping others and not doing it in a holier than thou way, but doing it in a way where he truly, truly wants to help and isn't really focused on any kind of recognition from it. So, I think that's just a breath of fresh air. And then too, you know, every episode is a new case, and we love to go through a new journey every single time we watch with characters that we feel comfortable with and that we love. Battaglia: We see obviously how the characters complement each other in the episodes, but what's it like on set, and how much of a family setting? Rene: Is it even better, if you could believe it even better, and not just the cast. I mean, Justin sets the tone for the whole set, and there's always so much playfulness, but everyone wants to do a good job, but the crew, honestly, Gio, I could not be luckier. The crew is truly become family. We started playing ping pong during breaks. I'm now a ping pong player. Battaglia: I love it. Outside of this episode, looking ahead, what can fans expect for the rest of the season? Rene: I think we'll get a little bit more growth in the back story of Coulter's history. I know everyone's dying to find out a little bit more there, including myself. And I think we'll see Reenie in some more intense and maybe dangerous situations. The next episode of 'Tracker' premieres Sunday at 8 p.m. on CBS and is available to stream next day on Paramount+. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
19-02-2025
- General
- USA Today
Baby seal found far from the beach in Connecticut city: 'Lucky' to be rescued
Baby seal found far from the beach in Connecticut city: 'Lucky' to be rescued Show Caption Hide Caption Adorable grey seal pup loses his way, found wandering the street A grey seal pup was spotted wandering the streets of New Haven. He's being cared for by Mystic Aquarium staff and will be released back to the wild. A lost baby seal that was found wandering the streets of a Connecticut city over the weekend is safe and recovering, police said Tuesday. The baby male gray seal was discovered Sunday near the downtown of New Haven, Connecticut, Officer Christian Bruckhart told USA TODAY in an email. Although the seal was far from its natural habitat, he was only several blocks away from some of the most famous pizza spots in the city. "We assumed he was here to try the clam pizza but I can't confirm that, we're just happy he's safe," Bruckhart said. Police officers had received a call at around 2:20 p.m. about a possibly injured seal pup, according to Bruckhart. Officers stayed with the seal until he was transferred to the Mystic Aquarium, a marine aquarium about 55 miles east of downtown New Haven, for rehabilitation. Animal Rescue Program professionals took the seal to the aquarium with support from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the New Haven Police Department. After checking in with the aquarium on Monday, Bruckhart reported that the seal was "recuperating." Officers also visited him Tuesday at the aquarium, Bruckhart said. "Mystic Aquarium is pleased to have rescued this misdirected young seal in need of help, and looks forward to hopefully returning the seal back to the ocean in the months ahead," Dr. Allison Tuttle, Mystic Aquarium's Chief Zoological Officer, said in a news release. "We are proud to provide marine mammal response, rescue, and rehabilitation for the state of Connecticut, and help marine animals in need." Baby seal was 'lucky' to have been rescued, Mystic Aquarium says The male seal, estimated to be only a few weeks old, is believed to have wandered a nearby beach to a 'potentially dangerous situation' on the streets of New Haven, according to the Mystic Aquarium. But it wasn't the first time the seal had been spotted in the city, WTNH reported. Mystic Aquarium animal rescue technician Francesca Battaglia told the television station that the seal was seen in Branford, a shoreline town just southeast of New Haven, last week. And on Saturday, he was discovered next to Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill on the waterfront in New Haven, according to WTNH. "We're like, he's still bright and alert and looking good," Battaglia told WTNH. "Maybe we can just relocate him to a safe beach, and so our team did do that. But then, unfortunately, the next day, he showed back up in the middle of the city there." Battaglia said it's likely the seal was initially following his "natural instincts" before he became lost, according to WTNH and NBC Connecticut. Battaglia told NBC Connecticut that while seals move up the beach, they typically don't venture far into the city. The veterinary team at the aquarium's clinic found that the seal was lethargic and dehydrated when he was admitted, according to the aquarium. He weighed just 28 pounds, less than the 35 pounds newborn gray seals typically weigh. The seal was 'lucky' to have been rescued, the aquarium said. Newborn seals will usually nurse on high fat milk for three weeks. The clinic has started him on fluid therapy and an individualized treatment plan. They will feed him a dilute fish formula that will provide him with the nutrition he needs to 'heal and grow.' 'The goal for this seal, along with every other rescued marine mammal and sea turtle patient, is to release the seal back to its ocean home once he is healthy and strong,' the aquarium said. What are gray seals? Gray seals are 'true seals' with short flippers and no external ear flaps, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As adults, they can weigh up to 880 pounds and be up to 10 feet long. The species are found in coastal waters throughout the North Atlantic Ocean and are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the NOAA said. They can be found on rocky coasts, islands, sandbars, ice shelves and icebergs. The NOAA estimates that there are about 450,000 gray seals in Canada and U.S. waters. "Gray seals gather in large groups during the mating/pupping and molting seasons," according to the NOAA. "Outside of this, they often share their habitat with harbor seals ... During the rest of the year, they can be found alone, in small groups or at large aggregations either on land or at sea." Graphics: As Florida experiences cold snaps, manatees migrate to warmer areas to avoid 'cold stress' 'Not uncommon' for marine mammals to be rescued in urban areas Thousands of stranded marine animals are reported to stranding networks each year, according to the NOAA. The National Marine Mammal Stranding Network consists of 100 organizations that work with NOAA Fisheries to respond to marine mammal strandings, such as seals and sea lions. The NOAA said "sporadic strandings of individual animals" are common in many areas while stranding events involving a larger number of animals are less frequent. "It's not uncommon for trained marine mammal response organizations in NOAA's West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network (Washington, Oregon and California) to rescue seals, sea lions, sea otters in more urban environments like coastal roadways, ports and harbor areas, state parks, etc. that border waterways," Giancarlo Rulli, associate public relations director for the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California, told USA TODAY in an email. Rulli noted that the majority of marine mammals rescued are on publicly accessed beaches and are reported by the public. If a stranded marine animal is spotted, the NOAA advises the public to not approach it and try to keep other people and pets from disturbing it. People should then call their local stranding network and wait for an authorized responder to arrive, according to the NOAA. "The public is critical in reporting marine mammals in distress and providing them a safe space on the beach (a minimum of 50 yards for seals, sea lions and otters)," Rulli added.
