Latest news with #Corson
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Democrat announces campaign for Kansas governor
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Kansas State Senator Ethan Corson announced on Tuesday that he is running for governor. Corson is a Democrat from the Kansas City area. According to his campaign, Corson earned a reputation in the Senate as a bipartisan problem solver focused on kitchen table issues – including stronger public schools, lower taxes for working and middle-class families, and recruiting new businesses to Kansas. 'I've always been laser-focused on the kitchen table issues that matter to Kansans: strong public schools and lower taxes for working and middle-class families,' Corson said in a news release. 'I'm not interested in the partisan battles you see on cable news – Kansans want leaders who work together – regardless of political party – to get things done. That's exactly what I've done in the State Senate, and that's the kind of common-sense, bipartisan leadership I'll bring to the Governor's Office. Other Republican candidates who have announced include Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, Secretary of State Scott Schwab, former governor Jeff Colyer, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, former school board member Joy Eakins, former Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte O'Hara, business owner Stacy Rogers, and conservative podcaster Doug Billings. Senator Cindy Holscher is running on the Democratic side. KDHE adds nine lakes to its blue-green algae advisory list For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
NZ Herald
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Herald
Cut EV costs with smarter charging
When choosing an EV, some owners give little thought to how they'll charge it. But they should. A smarter charging setup can cut your cost per kilometre by up to 80% and help reshape Aotearoa New Zealand's energy landscape. That's according to Kirsten Corson, chair of EV advocacy organisation Drive Electric. Asked if she's an EV enthusiast, Corson laughs. 'Absolutely, and for good reason. There are significant benefits to travelling by EV, whether it's a car, ute, or even one of those city scooters,' she says. 'EVs aren't just about driving. They could also hold the key to reimagining how we power our lives.' With over 82,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) already on the road in Aotearoa New Zealand and 550,000 expected by 2030, the charging infrastructure needs to keep up – easing range anxiety, cutting costs, and improving energy efficiency. Energy companies like Genesis are introducing plans to encourage EV uptake. Genesis offers a plan designed specifically for EV owners, with half-price variable charging rates from 9pm to 7am. Genesis has also partnered with ChargeNet (in which it owns a stake) to launch a first-of-its-kind feature that lets you fast charge at ChargeNet stations across Aotearoa New Zealand for the same rate you pay at home. It's a simple, more flexible way to keep your EV ready for the road without blowing the budget. Aotearoa New Zealand's charging network still lags behind OECD standards. The Government targets 10,000 public chargers by 2030, but only 1200 have been co-funded by EECA since 2016, with 702 in place by 2022. Rural areas and holiday hotspots remain underserved, exacerbating range anxiety despite EV ranges now exceeding 400km, with solid-state batteries promising 800km by 2027. Despite challenges, public charging is expanding, led by ChargeNet's network of over 450 fast-charging points, which includes 300kW hyper-rapid chargers that add hundreds of kilometres of range in 15 minutes. EECA's roadmap targets fast chargers every 75km on state highways, but rural grid limitations require costly upgrades. 'The infrastructure is maturing, but it's uneven as you might expect,' Corson notes. 'Rural and high-traffic areas need priority.' An expanding public infrastructure is good news, but given that most car journeys are well under 50km, it's no surprise that most people charge at home. The standard 240V 10-amp plug socket is the basic option, with more than 60% of EV owners habitually hooking up to one. These 'Level 1' chargers add just 10–15km of range per hour. Dedicated in-home Level 2 wall chargers (7–22kW) deliver around 100km per hour; a 7kW charger can fully charge a 60kWh battery in 8.5 hours, compared to 25 hours via a standard socket. But Corson advocates for home smart chargers, which enhance nearly every aspect of EV ownership. Advantages include elevated efficiency with scheduled off-peak charges (9pm–7am), when power prices are at their lowest. Depending on the type of electricity plan you are on this can cut costs by up to 30%, translating to $3–$5 for 100km of range versus $15–$20 for petrol equivalents. 'Price signals are probably the best motivation for making the move to an EV because we all understand cost,' Corson says. Public charging sessions typically cost $10–$20 for 20–40kWh, adding 100–200km, with providers like Jolt offering the first 7kWh free. Tools like EVRoam, PlugShare and ChargeNet's apps provide real-time charger availability, while EECA's Public EV Charging Dashboard offers regional insights. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology could revolutionise Aotearoa's energy system, with EVs storing power during low-demand periods and returning it during peaks. 'The idea is to charge your EV when power is cheap and abundant in times of low demand, then when power is expensive at peak times, you sell that power back into the grid at a higher price,' Corson explains. 'But the key here is a smart charger.' Trials by Evnex and Thundergrid show EVs storing solar or off-peak hydro energy, saving owners 10–20% on bills while reducing grid strain. Genesis Energy highlights that smart chargers optimise grid-friendly charging, but regulatory clarity and grid upgrades are needed. 'EVs could be a game-changer,' Corson says. 'Your car becomes a power bank, supporting the grid while parked 90% of the time.' By 2030, V2G could support the 47% of light vehicle kilometres travelled by EVs, reducing reliance on fossil fuel back-ups. Charging hubs, like Tauriko's planned solar-panelled site in Tauranga, further integrate renewables. However, Corson warns that fragmented regulations across 29 electricity distribution businesses hinder progress. The Electricity Authority's consultations on rewarding stored energy supply signal hope, but bold action is needed. Around 60% of public charging occurs at destination chargers (malls, workplaces), with 40% at high-speed DC stations. ChargeNet plans 34 chargers at 20 new sites in 2025, but rural gaps persist. Corson calls for streamlined regulations and transparency in funding to spur private investment, citing Canada's $1 billion annual investment in public charging as a benchmark. With smart chargers, hyper-rapid stations and V2G potential, Aotearoa's charging infrastructure is evolving beyond the 240V socket. As EVs are expected to dominate vehicle imports by 2030, strategic investments could see electrification of the fleet powering not just roads but the nation's energy future. 'It's a bit like the 1920s, maybe, when liquid fuel infrastructure didn't exist,' notes Corson. But the similarities end there, because, 'We do have major differences and advantages today, including home charging and steadily improving public infrastructure, as more people realise how primitive petrol power feels when they first drive an EV.'
Global News
09-05-2025
- Global News
Quebec junior hockey player Noah Corson's sex assault sentence a ‘wake up call' to young men, advocate says
Warning: This story contains sensitive subject matter. Discretion is advised. The recent sentencing of a Quebec junior hockey player has renewed calls for young men to better understand consent, says a sexual assault advocate. On Monday, former Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) player Noah Corson was sentenced to two years less a day in jail for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl during group sex involving two other players. Corson, the son of former Montreal Canadiens player Shayne Corson, received his sentence in Drummondville, Que., from Judge Paul Dunnigan. The assault happened in 2016, in Drummondville, with two other players who were both then 17-year-old minors. They both pleaded guilty in youth court and their identities are protected by a publication ban. Corson, now 27, was 18 at the time and played with the Drummondville Voltigeurs. Corson had testified he believed the girl was at least 16. Story continues below advertisement Dunnigan based his ruling not on the victim's claim that she did not consent to the group sex, but on Corson's failure to take reasonable steps to confirm the age of the victim, whose identity is also protected. In an interview with Global News on Thursday, sexual assault and exploitation advocate Jennie-Laure Sully with CLES, said, 'She was underage, she did not have the legal age of consent, so consent was not possible. It was his responsibility to check her age. Mistake number one is to presume.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The Criminal Code says a person must be at least 16 years old to consent to sex, though there is an exception for 14- and 15-year-olds when their sexual partner is less than five years older than them. However, Dunnigan cited legal precedent that states the exception does not apply to cases involving more than two participants in a sexual act. Sully agreed, saying this wasn't a simple sexual encounter between two people, but between a group of three junior hockey league players and one girl, which raises questions around power and coercion. While sex education programs should be teaching young people about consent and the law, Sully said those working with victims have seen a noticeable increase in sexual assault cases by young men and boys. 'Things were starting to change after the Me Too movement and the era that followed. It had a big cultural impact. But I think it effected older men who saw the consequences unfold and feared for themselves and their careers,' Sully said. Story continues below advertisement 'But today's younger men and boys, they were too young during that time, they didn't get that fear — the fear of repercussions. And there's a sort of backlash to that now, an overcorrection, an online Andrew Tate culture that is influencing this younger generation.' The Crown had sought a 30-month sentence, while the defence representing Corson argued for a sentence of two years less a day to be served in the community. During sentencing, the judge noted findings in a pre-sentence report that said, 'The accused's background being that of hockey, the internal culture linked to it could have influenced his thinking or that popularity and success could have given way to a relative feeling of impunity and a certain objectification of women.' Sully also spoke about what she called the 'negative influence of entitlement and a sense of impunity' that young boys can feel when in groups. This comes amid an ongoing high-profile world junior sexual assault trial in Ontario this week involving five former members of Canada's world junior hockey team. When it comes to addressing sexual violence embedded in junior hockey culture, Quebec's sports minister, Isabelle Charest, told Global News in a statement that she 'would first like to reiterate that we are actively working on these issues, particularly with regard to driving cultural change in hockey.' Story continues below advertisement She added that she strongly encourages victims to continue to come forward. When asked for comment on Corson's sentencing, the QMJHL spokesperson Raphaël Doucet said, 'Our thoughts are with the victim and we wish her all the best in the future.' Corson's lawyers say they will appeal the guilty verdict. Support is available for people who have been sexually assaulted or abused. You can access crisis lines and local support services. Visit the Department of Justice's Victim Services Directory for a list of resources in your area. — with files from The Canadian Press
Winnipeg Free Press
06-05-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ex-QMJHL player Noah Corson to serve jail time in Quebec sex-assault case
MONTREAL – Former Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League player Noah Corson has been sentenced to two years less a day in jail for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. Corson, 27, the son of former NHL player Shayne Corson, received his sentence from Quebec court Judge Paul Dunnigan on Monday in Drummondville, Que., about 100 kilometres northeast of Montreal. Dunnigan found Corson guilty on Feb. 9, 2024, saying he did not take all reasonable measures to verify the age of the victim, whose identity is protected by a publication ban. The English-language logo for the QMJHL is seen in an undated handout graphic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-QMJHL, *MANDATORY CREDIT* She was assaulted in 2016 in Drummondville during group sex involving two other minors accused in the case. The other two, both 17, pleaded guilty in youth court. Corson was 18 at the time of the assault and played with the Drummondville Voltigeurs. The Crown had sought a 30-month sentence, while the defence had argued for a sentence of two years less a day to be served in the community. Corson had testified he believed the girl was at least 16, which would have been a valid defence if he had done everything he reasonably could have to verify her age. His failure to do that was enough to determine his guilt, the judge said in his 2024 ruling. During sentencing, Dunnigan noted findings in a pre-sentence report that said, 'the accused's background being that of hockey, the internal culture linked to it could have influenced his thinking or that popularity and success could have given way to a relative feeling of impunity and a certain objectification of women.' Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Sign up for The Warm-Up Corson's lawyers are appealing the guilty verdict. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 6, 2025.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
Twin sister accused of lying to investigators after 2023 fatal Amish buggy crash sentenced
Mar. 31—PRESTON, Minn. — The twin sister accused of lying to investigators after a 2023 fatal Amish buggy crash was sentenced to 90 days in jail and 120 days of house arrest. Sarah Beth Petersen, 36, appeared in the Fillmore County Courthouse for her sentencing hearing on Monday, March 31. Petersen and her twin sister Samantha Jo Petersen are accused of attempting to switch places after Samantha's vehicle struck a two-wheeled horse-drawn buggy at 8:25 a.m. on Sept. 25, 2023, on Fillmore County Road 1 near the intersection with County Road 102. As a result of the crash, two children and a horse were killed. Two more children were injured. Sarah Petersen was charged in February 2024 with 16 felony counts, relating to aiding an offender and taking responsibility for criminal acts. One year later, she pleaded guilty to two felony counts of criminal vehicular operation that caused great bodily harm, both involving her taking responsibility for the criminal acts of another. "I am truly, deeply sorry to the Millers," Petersen said. "My actions caused further pain to the family who was already heartbroken." During her sentencing hearing on Monday, March 31, Fillmore County Attorney Brett Corson requested that Petersen would be ordered to serve six months in jail. A memorandum filed by the state earlier on Monday said both parties agreed that Petersen would serve no prison time. "Six months is a blessing for the defendant," Corson said to the court. Corson proceeded to inform the court of Petersen's previous convictions in 2016 and 2017 when she was charged with misrepresenting herself as her sister, Samantha Jo Petersen, when stopped by law enforcement. Due to her repeated history of attempting to deceive law enforcement, Corson argued that she serves 90 days in jail starting on Monday. A victim services advocate read a statement from the parents of the children who died. Their letter said it hurt them to see "how lightly" Petersen took the incident. "We've been given a life sentence, and our lives will never be the same," the letter read. Defense attorney Dan McIntosh argued that the court does not impose any jail time. Although Petersen deceived law enforcement by claiming she was the driver, McIntosh argued that Petersen was not the one to directly cause harm. "It was misguided and it was wrong, but she was trying to help out her sister," he said. McIntosh called Timothy Volz, Petersen's therapist, to the stand. Volz testified that Petersen has been dealing with the "emotional trauma" of the accident and plans to continue seeking treatment, regardless of the sentence. Petersen then addressed the court, apologizing to the family and law enforcement. Judge Jeremy Clinefelter accepted her guilty plea and ordered her to begin serving a 90-day jail sentence on April 25. She will also serve 120 days on house arrest and was ordered to pay a $1,500 fine. He dismissed the remaining 14 counts. "This conduct was not your conduct that caused the tragic events of that day," Clinefelter said. However, he told her that her lies to law enforcement still deserve consequences. He referenced that in the initial police reports, one of Petersen's children told their teacher what happened at the accident scene. "Even your kids knew better than you did," Clinefelter said. A hearing is scheduled for Samantha Jo Petersen on June 9. After Monday's hearing, Corson told the Post Bulletin that talks of a resolution in Samantha Jo Petersen's case is in the works. Witnesses who first arrived at the crash told a captain with the Fillmore County Sheriff's Office that they saw a woman they presumed involved in the crash on the scene on a phone. Later, another woman appeared at the scene who looked similar to the first woman, but wearing different clothes. As Sarah sat in the squad car, the car's audio recording equipment picked up a conversation between the sisters. The two discussed how law enforcement could not tell them apart. "There's no way they would ever know the difference between the two of us so they can't tell," Sarah could be heard saying. In a search of Samantha's phone, investigators found text messages from Samantha to friends including one where she wrote: "Made Sarah come and take the fall for it so I wouldn't go to prison." Samantha had also used her phone to search "What happens if you get in an accident with an Amish buggy and kill two people," "how to lock an iphone cops have," and "if you hit a buggy and kill two people are you going to prison?"
