Latest news with #Bean
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
State investigators visited Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center in April
Investigators with the state's watchdog agency conducted interviews at the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center on April 7, Knox News has learned. Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury investigators talked to the facility's only nurse, Stefani Clowers, for an hour and a half that day. One month later, Bean, the superintendent of the facility named for him, gave Clowers a choice: Resign or be fired for "turning him in," she told Knox News. Clowers, a registered nurse, sounded alarms that facility leaders failed to follow medical best practices. She told Knox News she contacted six local and state agencies about errors in medication distribution and several instances where she felt children's lives were in danger. She repeatedly raised concerns to Bean and his lieutenant, Kay McClain, she said. Clowers refused to resign, was fired and then reinstated a day later under pressure from Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and Juvenile Court Judge Tim Irwin, who warned Bean his dismissals of Clowers and information technology specialists Thomas Cordell exposed the county to potential lawsuits that could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Cordell also took the offer for reinstatement. Medication intended for the juveniles incarcerated at the facility regularly went missing, Clowers told Knox News, especially when she returned to work on Mondays after being away for the weekend. An entire bottle of Qelbree, a nonstimulant used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, was stolen, she said. Two types of medication belonging to another juvenile went missing for almost a month before showing up unused. "Mom brought them in as new meds on Oct. 4 and then they showed up on (Oct. 27) with the original receipt that she had brought them in on Oct. 4," Clowers said. "I reached out to the worker and verified they were brought in on the 4th. Where'd they go? They disappeared for 23 days." One time, in early 2024 when a tablet of hydrocodone prescribed for a juvenile went missing, Bean and McClain simply thanked Clowers for informing them, Clowers said. Hydrocone is a semisynthetic opioid that can be habit forming and its distribution is rigorously regulated by medical professionals. Before state watchdog investigators came to the facility April 7, no one followed up on Clowers' concerns, she said. Bean and McClain repeatedly ignored requests from Clowers to create a uniform medical protocol. "You can't say, 'There's going to be accountability here, but we're not going to have accountability here,'" Clowers said. Separate from the comptroller's inquiries, Jacobs asked Gov. Bill Lee on May 29 to direct the Department of Children's Services to take over operations at the facility. The move would buy time for the county to shift legal control to the Knox County Sheriff's Office, and the Knox County Commission will consider at its June 23 meeting an emergency measure to do so. Bean announced his retirement May 30 in a press release. Trustee Board member Billy Stokes said Bean told the chair of the facility's board of trustees that a "loss of confidence" in his administration "hastened his intent to retire." Clowers said she was confused when investigators arrived at the center. It's not like "comptroller of the treasury" is a widely known agency, she said. Ten investigators spent most of the day at the detention center, Clowers said, and Bean gave them a tour. Besides the time investigators spent interviewing her and the center's Prison Rape Elimination Act specialist, they spent most of their time in the administrative part of the building. Investigators asked Clowers about patients' medical charts, if there were specific cases they should examine, and how day-to-day operations such as recordkeeping and patient checkups were handled. When Bean fired Clowers, she said he referenced her cooperation with state investigators. Clowers worried about the safety of the children and teens in the center's care (the facility holds juveniles from the ages of 12-17). When children arrived at the detention center, they didn't go through a medical intake process. Those who came to the detention center through the Department of Children's Services arrived with a packet of medical information, Clowers said, but not those who were brought in by local police. Clowers told Knox News that only McClain, Bean's lieutenant, had access the medical packets from Department of Children's Services detainees. The only way Clowers could treat a detainee was if the child initiated a request through a handwritten request that was left in an unsecured basket. Bean, 84, has been the superintendent of the detention center since 1972. He's known for his old-fashioned way of running the center. Day-to-day operations are archaic, Clowers said. There's no buildingwide medical protocol, Clowers told Knox News. Hours worked are tracked through punch cards, and when Clowers requested time off, she filled out a form and left it in a basket. "You just take the day off and then you get the slip of paper back later," Clowers said. In her absence, no qualified medical staffers stepped in to treat juveniles, she said. A corrections officer fills in. "It's just so archaic, it's hard to explain to someone else," Clowers said. Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: State investigators visited Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center
Time Business News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Church Hurt: The 6-Part Series by Meosha Bean – A Raw Journey of Pain, Faith, and Healing
In the heart of every community lies a sacred space — the church. It's where people seek hope, guidance, and spiritual connection. But what happens when the very place meant to heal becomes the source of deep emotional pain? Church Hurt: The 6-Part Series , created by award-winning filmmaker Meosha Bean, tackles this rarely spoken but widely felt issue. Drawing from her personal experience with the tragic loss of a loved one to the silent suffering caused by institutionalized religion, Bean turns the camera on a topic that has lived too long in the shadows. Through powerful storytelling, real testimonies, and expert commentary, Church Hurt becomes more than a docuseries — it's a movement. It invites viewers to question, reflect, and, most importantly, begin to heal. Whether you're deeply religious or exploring spirituality, this series speaks to the heart, addressing the pain that sometimes grows in the very soil of faith. Every meaningful project has a spark. For Meosha Bean, that spark was a loss so painful it demanded attention. Losing someone close due to the emotional aftermath of religious trauma forced Bean to confront hard truths — not only about her loved one's experience but also about the faith communities that often fail to address emotional and spiritual pain. 'Church Hurt' is more than a film — it's a cry for help, a platform for truth-telling, and an attempt to bridge the gap between faith and emotional health. Bean's bold choice to expose this vulnerable subject speaks to her strength as a filmmaker and her compassion as a human being. It's not just about pointing fingers — it's about starting conversations and creating safe spaces for healing. In her own words during a press interview, Meosha explains, 'This series is not an attack on faith. It's a call to look inward, to understand how sometimes good intentions can still lead to harmful outcomes. And it's a chance for us all to grow.' 'Church hurt' refers to the emotional, mental, or spiritual pain caused by individuals or systems within a religious institution. This could include judgmental behavior, abuse of power by church leaders, exclusion, or manipulation in the name of scripture. For many, the result is deep-rooted trauma that can lead to depression, anxiety, or a complete loss of faith. In Church Hurt: The 6-Part Series , viewers hear firsthand from individuals who've been silenced, dismissed, or emotionally crushed by the very communities they once trusted. These are not just stories — they are lived experiences, shared with raw honesty. The series uses a docudrama format, blending real interviews with scripted reenactments to make the emotional stakes unmistakable. Through this structure, viewers see both the visible and invisible scars carried by victims of church hurt. It's a chilling reminder that spiritual trauma is real, and that the church, like any institution, must be accountable for the emotional well-being of its members. The six episodes of Church Hurt each address a different layer of religious trauma. Although each installment stands on its own, together they weave a powerful narrative of broken trust, survival, and the path toward healing. Episode 1: The Breaking Point This introductory episode sets the emotional tone. We meet survivors whose stories echo the silent screams of many others. From emotional manipulation to toxic leadership, the episode lays out the landscape of church hurt and invites viewers into the conversation. This introductory episode sets the emotional tone. We meet survivors whose stories echo the silent screams of many others. From emotional manipulation to toxic leadership, the episode lays out the landscape of church hurt and invites viewers into the conversation. Episode 2: Shamed in Silence Here, the focus is on how shame is used as a tool for control. Victims speak about being publicly humiliated or privately coerced under the guise of 'godly correction.' The emotional damage left by such practices is profound. Here, the focus is on how shame is used as a tool for control. Victims speak about being publicly humiliated or privately coerced under the guise of 'godly correction.' The emotional damage left by such practices is profound. Episode 3: When Faith Becomes Fear For some, religious teachings can become a source of anxiety and fear rather than peace. This episode explores how doctrines, when misapplied, lead to mental health struggles like panic attacks, obsessive guilt, and spiritual confusion. For some, religious teachings can become a source of anxiety and fear rather than peace. This episode explores how doctrines, when misapplied, lead to mental health struggles like panic attacks, obsessive guilt, and spiritual confusion. Episode 4: The Leaders Who Failed Us Not all church leaders are abusers — but the series doesn't shy away from confronting those who misused their influence. This episode dives into stories of pastors, elders, and mentors whose actions crossed ethical lines, leaving lasting harm. Not all church leaders are abusers — but the series doesn't shy away from confronting those who misused their influence. This episode dives into stories of pastors, elders, and mentors whose actions crossed ethical lines, leaving lasting harm. Episode 5: Losing My Religion, Finding Myself Some survivors choose to walk away from the church entirely. This installment is about rediscovery — of self, of purpose, and of a new way to relate to spirituality. For many, leaving the church was not the end of faith, but the beginning of freedom. Some survivors choose to walk away from the church entirely. This installment is about rediscovery — of self, of purpose, and of a new way to relate to spirituality. For many, leaving the church was not the end of faith, but the beginning of freedom. Episode 6: The Healing Circle The final episode is a message of hope. Through group therapy, community dialogue, and personal growth stories, we see how healing is possible. Viewers leave with tools and encouragement to begin their own journey toward recovery. Meosha Bean is no stranger to using film as a mirror to society. As the founder of MVB Films, Bean has consistently pushed boundaries with projects that blend art, social justice, and raw emotion. With Church Hurt , she steps into even deeper waters — unafraid to tackle a subject many avoid. Her filmmaking is more than a career — it's a mission. Bean's work has been featured on platforms such as Spotify and iHeartRadio, where she expands the conversation through in-depth podcast episodes tied to the series. You can listen to the full series on Spotify or iHeartRadio. Beyond the screen, she connects with audiences through interviews, live talks, and social media. With trailers available online and a full soundtrack on Bandcamp, the series is reaching viewers across multiple platforms and changing hearts along the way. Why should we care about church hurt? Because silence allows cycles of abuse and shame to continue. Because people are walking away from their faith — not because they don't believe in God, but because they were wounded by those claiming to represent Him. Church Hurt: The 6-Part Series is timely in an era where mental health and spiritual health are finally being talked about in the same breath. It reminds us that religious trauma is real and deserves real attention. It also emphasizes that healing is possible when truth is spoken, and wounds are acknowledged. This series opens up space for faith leaders, parents, and communities to ask hard questions: Are we truly listening to the hurting? Are we prioritizing image over integrity? Are we willing to change outdated, harmful systems in the name of love and justice? By highlighting these issues, Meosha Bean is helping not only individuals but institutions grow in accountability and compassion. Church Hurt: The 6-Part Series is more than a documentary — it's a lifeline for those who've felt abandoned, judged, or wounded by religious institutions. Through Meosha Bean's courageous storytelling, a light is shining on the pain that too often gets buried under rituals and tradition. But with truth comes freedom. With empathy comes transformation. This series is a call to action — for churches to do better, for survivors to find their voices, and for communities to embrace healing over hiding. As the series proves, church hurt doesn't have to be the end of the story. It can be the beginning of something beautiful — a deeper faith, a renewed sense of self, and a community rooted in genuine love. Watch the trailers: 🎬 Trailer 1 🎬 Trailer 2 Listen to the full podcast series: 🎧 Spotify 🎧 iHeartRadio Hear the official soundtrack: 🎵 Bandcamp Director Interview with Meosha Bean: 🎙️ Watch here Let this series be the beginning of a conversation we can no longer avoid. Let's heal — together. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
LINE FRIENDS Partners with UK IP 'Ketnipz' to Accelerate Global IP Expansion
Global character brand LINE FRIENDS partners with social media sensation Ketnipz to expand its footprint in North America and Asia LINE FRIENDS (corporately known as IPX) has officially partnered with Ketnipz, the popular character-driven brand with over 10 million fans across social media platforms. This highly-anticipated collaboration aims to grow the Ketnipz IP on a global scale, leveraging LINE FRIENDS' storytelling expertise, global infrastructure and creative vision. The partnership will focus on expanding Ketnipz's presence in key markets such as North America and Asia through licensing opportunities, brand collaborations and original content development. LOS ANGELES, May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With a strong fanbase in Europe and the U.S., Ketnipz brings a unique cultural resonance that, combined with LINE FRIENDS' global reach, is expected to strengthen both brands' influence in the international IP landscape. LINE FRIENDS (corporately known as IPX) is proud to announce its partnership with Ketnipz, the UK-born character IP that has captured the hearts of over 10 million fans worldwide, through its unique illustrations, relatable story-telling and always-uplifting messages. The partnership grants rights for Ketnipz in South Korea and China, with plans to scale IP activities across various countries and regions, including North America. Ketnipz, created by Welsh artist Harry Hambley in 2016, has gained viral popularity primarily in Europe and North America through its genuine, relatable content, with themes of self-love and positivity. The brand began with just one character "Bean" but has since expanded its universe with additional characters such as 'Nana Bean', 'Catto' and 'Doggo'. Ketnipz holds a strong online presence through social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, with over 10 million global fans following. The brand has extended its IP global footprint through collaborations with major global companies like McDonald's, Instagram, Casetify and Samsung. LINE FRIENDS, with over a decade of expertise developing its globally loved original character IPs like LINE FRIENDS and BT21, is well positioned to partner with Ketnipz and expected to bring the unique identity of Ketnipz through Gen Z trends worldwide. The partnership will expand its business not only in Asia but in Europe and North America. LINE FRIENDS plans to leverage its IP business capabilities to expand Ketnipz's presence across Asia while solidifying its leadership in the global IP market. By utilizing its broad network of LINE FRIENDS flagship stores, partnerships with major global brands and diverse business models including licensing, collaborations and content development, LINE FRIENDS will be expanding Ketnipz's business in Asia and North America. LINE FRIENDS has previously led the successful expansion of South Korean IPs such as JOGUMAN, DINOTAENG and MONAMHEE, offering unique IP experiences to fans beyond the home country. The company expects partnering with Ketnipz will further strengthen its presence in the Western market. LINE FRIENDS representative stated, "Ketnipz IP has delivered joy and connection with their audience through its heartwarming messages and storytelling. As a leader in global IP business, we believe the company can bring great success with Ketnipz in Asia as well as global markets. Building on our successful global expansion with South Korean IPs, we expect to lead the UK-based IP Ketnipz into the Asian market and will continue to discover character IPs to bring new IP experiences for global fans." ABOUT LINE FRIENDS (corporately known as IPX) LINE FRIENDS is a global character brand that originally started from Original Characters including BROWN, CONY, SALLY created for use as stickers for the leading mobile messenger app, LINE, and its 200 million active users worldwide. LINE FRIENDS has been accelerating its strategy to expand its IP businesses by diversifying its IP portfolios targeting all ages and advancing its digital and retail business. With its diverse IP experiences, LINE FRIENDS is winning hearts of over 50 million Millennials and Generation Zs worldwide. IPX currently operates in 18 markets worldwide including Seoul, New York, LA, Tokyo, and Shanghai, and operates in 8 online sale platforms. For more information, please visit Media Contact:Emily FletcherPublic Haus Agencyemily@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE LINE FRIENDS
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Retired Lansing firefighters will see healthcare cost increase
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — City of Lansing retired fighters will see a significant increase in the cost-sharing portion of their healthcare. The reason for the increase? 'H.R. [Human Resources] had been calculating their healthcare wrong,' Scott Bean, spokesman for the City of Lansing, tells 6 News in a phone call. The erroneous calculations date back to a new collective bargaining agreement struck in 2013 under former Mayor Virg Bernero. The deal saw retirees contributing more for their healthcare as part of economic belt-tightening following the housing crash and subsequent financial crisis for municipalities. 'The Mayor was shocked to learn of this issue and is upset that the calculations were not properly implemented in 2013,' Bean wrote in a statement to 6 News. 'Labor staff identified this cost-sharing provision in the contracts with the IAFF [International Association of Fire Fighters] after the recent closure of an insurance provider. Under the law, now that this has been discovered, the City will be required to implement the contracts, as approved by the union and City Council. While this means cost sharing between retirees and the city going forward as required by the contract, under Mayor Schor's direction, the City will not move to recover these costs.' Bean is referring to underbilling for cost sharing since 2013, but retirees will be on the hook for an increase to their cost-sharing portion starting July 1, 2025. How much taxpayers have been improperly paying for retirees from the Lansing Fire Department is unclear. It could be millions of dollars, city council members say, their 'back of the envelope' math shows. Council members say under the new Humana insurance and the bargaining agreement, retirees with the basic healthcare coverage will see their cost-sharing increase from no cost sharing a month to $500. Those with the so-called 'Cadillac' plans will see an increase of $700 in cost-sharing to about $900 a month. City Council officials were briefed last week about the error, confirmed Lansing City Councilmember At-Large Peter Spadafore. He was on a trip to Japan and Korea when he was briefed. Other council members who did not wish to be named in this reporting confirmed the briefing. They did not wish to be quoted because the implementation of collective bargaining agreements is in the purview of the administration, not a city council responsibility. The error was discovered as Human Resources officials were preparing for the 2025-2026 budget, which is due for approval at Monday night's meeting of the council. The review of the payments related to firefighter retirements arose from a loss of the Physicians Health Plan as a provider. PHP was taken over by U-M Health Plan when Michigan Medicine and the University of Michigan bought Sparrow Health Systems. In 2024, U-M Health Plan announced it was ceasing operations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wellborn senior honored with Rising Star scholarship
WELLBORN — Bentley Bean, a senior at Wellborn High School, has been named one of six recipients of the 2024–2025 Rising Star Scholarship, a $5,000 award sponsored by AmFirst Credit Union and WBRC Fox 6. The scholarship honors students across central Alabama for their academic excellence, leadership and community service. 'I'm very excited that I was chosen,' Bean said . ' I didn't even think I would get the scholarship out of how many kids were selected for it.' Bean was selected from a competitive pool of 30 'Rising Star' nominees who were featured throughout the academic year by WBRC. Each honoree was chosen for demonstrating perseverance, passion and a commitment to bettering their communities. 'From that pool, six students were selected to receive the $5,000 Rising Star Scholarship to support their educational journey,' the organizations said in a joint announcement. The winners were announced during an awards ceremony in Birmingham. Along with Bean, scholarship recipients included Kimora Dejarenette of Sylacauga High School, Carleigh Lipscomb of Gadsden City High School, LeeAnn Satterfield of Southside High School, James Murphy Jr. of Minor High School, and Lana Todd of Holly Pond High School. 'We're incredibly proud to continue our partnership with WBRC to highlight and support the next generation of leaders through the Rising Star program,' said Kevin Morris, president and CEO of AmFirst. 'These students are a powerful reminder of the promise our future holds.' The scholarship program also included the Bill and Pat Connor Scholarship, named in 2025 to honor the legacy of former AmFirst CEO Bill Connor and his wife, Pat. That award went to Ryan Kozlek of Oak Mountain High School, a dependent of an AmFirst employee. For Bean, the honor represents years of hard work and a promising start to the next chapter of his academic journey. Each scholarship recipient plans to attend a full-time college or trade school beginning in fall 2025. Bean said she will attend Jacksonville State University and study physical therapy and sports medicine. Bean's mom, Dia Webb, who is also the principal at Wellborn High School, said she was amazed because there were over 200 applicants for the scholarship. 'We were just floored when we received the call that she was getting the award,' Webb said. 'As one of the recipients we were kind of speechless and I'm so proud that she did this on her own.' More information on the Rising Star program and this year's honorees is available at
