Latest news with #Fayetteville
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Georgia Forestry Association Leverages Acres.com Data in Latest Land Use Report
Summer 2025 Feature Released Under Powered by Acres Initiative Georgia Forestry Magazine Powered by Acres Fayetteville, Ark., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Georgia Forestry Association's latest report, Shifting Ground, draws on land transaction insights from to examine how forest ownership and land use are evolving across the state. Featured in the Summer 2025 issue of Georgia Forestry magazine, the report carries the 'Powered by Acres' designation, a mark that signals credible, data-backed research built on the Acres platform. The analysis examines key trends influencing Georgia's forestland market, including generational turnover, external investment, and the emergence of diversified income streams, including hunting leases, carbon credits, and solar development. Acres' data shows forestland sales in Georgia have remained strong at $3.5 to $4 billion annually since 2020, with average price per acre holding firm despite broader economic fluctuations. 'Access to transparent, reliable data is essential to understanding how Georgia's forest landscape is changing,' said Tim Lowrimore, President and CEO of the Georgia Forestry Association. 'By leveraging insights from Acres, we're better equipped to support Georgia landowners and advocate for the long-term health of our working forests.' Acres' Vice President of Product and Data Science, Dr. Aaron Shew, added: 'Georgia's land market is shifting, not just in who owns the land, but in how it's valued and managed. We're proud to support analysis that helps bring clarity to those changes.' The Powered by Acres badge appears on reports and research outputs built using the Acres platform. It represents a shared commitment to transparency, accuracy, and high-quality interpretation of land data, whether for market insights, academic study, or public resource. To learn more: To read the entire article in Georgia Forestry magazine, click here. About is a land data and mapping platform built to bring transparency to America's biggest asset–land. With data for over 150 million parcels of land, Acres brings together the information you need to understand and value land with confidence. Access more accurate and comprehensive land intelligence, comparable sales, and easy-to-use mapping tools for fast, informed decision making. Visit to learn more About Georgia Forestry Association Founded in 1906, the Georgia Forestry Association represents forest landowners, forest product manufacturers, and related businesses. GFA works to ensure a thriving, sustainable future for Georgia's 22 million acres of working forests through advocacy, education, and industry engagement. Learn more at Attachment Georgia Forestry Magazine Powered by Acres CONTACT: Mary Mickel Acres 479.202.6167 while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
New York Times
11 hours ago
- Health
- New York Times
First Pill for Postpartum Depression Shows Varied Real-World Results
Depression descended on Samantha Cohn about two months after her baby boy was born. He was thriving, but she became convinced she was a terrible mother. 'I felt like I wasn't doing enough, I wasn't doing anything right,' she said. She began to think her son and husband might be better off without her. When the baby was about 5 months old, she tried to take her life with a gun. Ms. Cohn, 30, who lives near Fayetteville, N.C., was hospitalized for weeks and underwent surgeries to repair damage to her jaw, nose, tongue and face. But her postpartum depression remained challenging to treat. The hospital's maternal mental health specialists decided to have her try a medication that had recently become available: the first pill specifically for postpartum depression. Clinical trials had found that the drug, zuranolone, marketed as Zurzuvae and taken daily for 14 days, can ease symptoms for some women in as little as three days, while general antidepressants can take weeks. For Ms. Cohn, its impact was swift and striking. On her fourth day of taking it, she said she suddenly 'felt so much clarity in my head, like I didn't have nagging thoughts about not being good enough.' Now, a year and a half after the drug became available, thousands of women have tried it, and their experiences have run the gamut. For some, symptoms improved remarkably. Others described a modest benefit that didn't last or said their depression persisted. And others didn't complete the two-week regimen because profound drowsiness, a common side effect of the drug, interfered with their ability to care for their babies or to fulfill other responsibilities. One in eight women in the United States experiences depression during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates, and effective treatments are crucially needed. While the fast-acting pill shows promise, doctors say the challenge now is to determine which patients will benefit and why some don't. Clinical trials of the drug found that postpartum depression improved in about 60 percent of patients. 'It's not everyone,' Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody, a leader of the trials and director of the Center for Women's Mood Disorders at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said at a National Institutes of Health conference. 'So, what is it about the people that are going to respond versus those that don't?' Stacey, 42, of San Diego, who asked to be identified by her first name to protect her privacy, said Zurzuvae made her 'so tired' that after several days of taking it, 'I just felt like a zombie.' 'I actually felt more depressed while I was on it,' she said. To address Stacey's response to the medication, Dr. Alison Reminick, director of women's reproductive mental health at the University of California, San Diego, advised her to take half doses for the rest of the 14 days. But Stacey said she stopped Zurzuvae altogether, halfway through the regimen, because the sluggishness made it difficult to care for her baby. 'The medication is incredibly sedating,' Dr. Reminick said. 'There's a warning on the box. They can't drive for 12 hours after taking it and they can't really take care of their children without help.' Yet, some patients don't experience sedation and others welcome it because it helps them get much-needed sleep and feel less overwhelmed, said doctors who prescribe Zurzuvae. The week after Ms. Cohn started taking Zurzuvae, the turnaround of her symptoms was so obvious that she was discharged from the hospital. 'She had a really nice improvement of her postpartum depression with that medicine,' said Dr. Riah Patterson, a psychiatrist at U.N.C. Chapel Hill. Ms. Cohn finished the 14-day regimen at home and attended intensive outpatient therapy for months. Now, she has gone back to work as a tattoo artist, and she said that with weekly therapy and an anxiety medication, she is managing the aftermath of the crisis, including undergoing additional surgeries. 'I'm just excited to get a little bit closer to really being me again,' she said. She no longer feels anxious about her parenting ability and enjoys playing with her son and taking him to places like the local children's museum. 'He makes everything worth pushing through.' Importance of quick intervention Zurzuvae is a synthetic version of a steroid called allopregnanolone that originates in the brain. The theory behind the medication is that perinatal depression often arises as hormones that surge in pregnancy plummet during childbirth. Some women seem particularly sensitive to that sudden drop-off, which also lowers levels of the steroid, Dr. Meltzer-Brody said. Zurzuvae can be taken with other antidepressants, and, since it is prescribed for only a single 14-day course, some doctors use it as an adjunct or bridge to ease severe symptoms before longer-term use of antidepressants. Some patients who are breastfeeding have declined to take the drug because its penetration of breast milk has not yet been studied. Doctors said it is likely safe, but if patients are concerned, they might pump two weeks' worth of milk before starting Zurzuvae. Initial logistical hurdles in obtaining Zurzuvae frustrated doctors who said the delays undermined the purpose of a quick-acting medication. Some insurers initially set strict conditions for covering the drug, which has a list price of $15,900. Doctors said some insurers required patients to try other antidepressants first or to obtain prescriptions from psychiatrists, steps that went beyond the F.D.A. requirements for Zurzuvae. Joy Burkhard, chief executive of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, said most insurers and Medicaid no longer have such barriers, but a few still require extra steps. Zurzuvae is not available in retail pharmacies, only specialty pharmacies that require patients to take various measures to validate insurance and delivery information, according to a spokeswoman for the drug's manufacturer, Sage Therapeutics, which markets Zurzuvae in partnership with Biogen. Chris Benecchi, the chief operating officer of Sage, which is expected to be acquired by Supernus Pharmaceuticals later this year, said Sage had worked to resolve logistical issues and prescriptions had increased. More than 10,000 orders have been sent to patients so far, Sage said, adding that about 80 percent of the prescriptions were issued by obstetrician-gynecologists, Sage said. 'The majority of patients are able to get the medication within days,' Mr. Benecchi said, adding that if patients encounter delays, Sage will ship Zurzuvae directly 'as rapidly as possible.' Quick access is crucial, doctors say. Hannah Ginther was hospitalized for a week last summer at U.N.C. Chapel Hill for symptoms that included obsessively worrying that her second child, then 10 months old, had a neurological disorder, even though doctors said the baby did not. 'I just couldn't get out of that loop of jumping to worst-case-scenario,' Ms. Ginther, 36, said at her home in Wilmington, N.C. 'I would throw up. I struggled to get out of bed, struggled to do basic, daily-living things.' When she was discharged from the hospital, doctors prescribed Zurzuvae, but her insurance rejected coverage, saying she would qualify only if she had developed postpartum depression in her last trimester of pregnancy, or within four weeks after childbirth, Dr. Patterson said. Ultimately, the hospital appealed to Sage, which sent the drug to Ms. Ginther at no cost. But the insurance hiccups had caused a two-week delay, during which, Ms. Ginther said, her symptoms 'spiraled again.' She was rehospitalized for nine days. Dr. Julia Riddle, a psychiatrist at U.N.C. Chapel Hill, said the second hospitalization might have been avoided if the Zurzuvae had arrived sooner. By the time it reached Ms. Ginther, she had been stabilized with other medications and intensive therapy. She said Zurzuvae didn't add much, except possibly further improving her mood and sleep. 'I think if we had been able to have access to Zurzuvae sooner, it would have shortened some of the pain, but they were able to find other medications that helped me,' Ms. Ginther said. She has since reduced her workload and continues taking Prozac. She has no intrusive thoughts and is 'doing much better,' she said. Effective for some, but not all As doctors try to determine which patients Zurzuvae can help, Jenny Sharma's experience illustrates the complexity. Ms. Sharma, 43, of San Diego, had a history of depression, especially linked to menstruation, but it was not as severe as the depression she experienced after giving birth in August 2023. Several months later, she began feeling suicidal and she said she also had 'homicidal thoughts toward the baby,' vivid and terrifying images. She sought help from Dr. Reminick's program, trying different medications over several months. While taking Zurzuvae, her symptoms improved. 'I felt wonderful,' she said. Dr. Reminick said Ms. Sharma's response to Zurzuvae was 'the best I've ever seen her.' But, she said, about 11 days into the 14-day regimen, Ms. Sharma started speaking haltingly and appeared to have 'cognitive difficulties, whole body shaking and twitching, confusion and dizziness.' Dr. Reminick said it was unclear whether those symptoms were linked to Zurzuvae or to another medication. Overall, she said she considered Zurzuvae a 'good fit' for Ms. Sharma, but her improvement didn't last. 'About a month later, my symptoms all came raging back,' Ms. Sharma said. Afraid that she would harm her baby, she visited an emergency room and then had several psychiatric hospitalizations and electroconvulsive therapy. Eventually, with other medications and some supplements, her mental health stabilized, although she occasionally experiences brief periods of depressive thoughts, she said. In clinical trials, patients helped by Zurzuvae continued doing well 45 days later. About half of those who took Zurzuvae were considered to be in remission. Dr. Riddle is following patients to see if the benefit can last longer. 'No one's illness is exactly the same,' Dr. Riddle said. So far 'no one has said they'd never take it again, it's just varying levels of how helpful it was.' For Kara Fiscus, 37, of Sacramento, the benefit has lasted more than a year. Her depression began about five months after her son was born in May 2023. She felt so overwhelmed that she wrote in her journal, 'I should kill myself.' Ms. Fiscus, a former N.F.L. cheerleader, said she had been prepared for some depression because she had mental health challenges in her teens and 20s. But her postpartum symptoms, especially anxiety over not producing enough breast milk and about her baby's weight, were worse than anything she had experienced. 'When you have a child and you're not able to meet their needs, it's no longer that your life is not meeting your own standards — you feel like an impediment to other people,' she said. Her obstetrician, Dr. Hailey MacNear, prescribed Zoloft and, when that didn't work, Prozac. But before enough time had passed to know whether Prozac could help, Ms. Fiscus began planning to take her own life. After calling Dr. MacNear, she entered a partial hospitalization program followed by intensive outpatient treatment, but continued thinking of ending her life. Then, Dr. MacNear prescribed Zurzuvae, which had just become available. On the third day, Ms. Fiscus realized, ''Oh my god, I haven't thought about killing myself in at least 20 minutes.'' And 'by Day 7, I was feeling really, really great.' Dr. MacNear said that not every patient experienced similar improvement and that some declined to try it because of the sedative effects. But she said Ms. Fiscus called her and 'cried with relief' after taking it. While taking Zurzuvae, Ms. Fiscus continued breastfeeding and returned to work, eventually becoming an official at a nonprofit. She still takes Prozac, but credits Zurzuvae with ending her thoughts of self-harm. She even saved the box. 'It's a comfort seeing it,' she said. 'There's hope in that box.' If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach a lifeline for help, or go to If you or someone you know is struggling with a perinatal mental health condition like postpartum depression, call the Postpartum Support International Helpline (1-800-944-4773) or go to
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fayette County Superintendent reacts to the potential of AI in the classroom
FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WVNS) – AI technology remains a hot button topic across the country. Many businesses are finding new ways to utilize the technology. The same can be said about schools. David Warvel, the Superintendent for Fayette County Schools, said schools will have to find a way to embrace AI technology given how businesses are slowly adapting to the trend. The technology itself has the power to help educators enhance and better educate their classrooms. Warvel went on to admit, however, that this school year will be a first brush with AI for many teachers and students across the county. American Tax Company of Beckley celebrates 10 years He does remain adamant, though, as long as the technology is used for good, it can lead to a positive outcome. A lot of people know AI as kind of a negative, but there's a lot of positive with AI like a person like myself who's a Type-1 diabetic. I use an insulin pump and it gives me feedback every five mintues on my sugar level. That's real time so that's computing and delivering insulin or now delivering insulin.' Superintendent David Warvel of Fayette County Schools Warvel said so far, Fayette County Schools have done a small group sampling with teachers utilizing AI technology. He said the response from teachers was that they were 'grateful' to utilize it in their respective classrooms. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS NASCAR icon Rex White dies aged 95
Rex White, who was NASCAR's oldest living champion and a 2015 inductee into the Hall of Fame, has died. He was 95. NASCAR and the NASCAR Hall of Fame confirmed White's death on Friday. No additional details were provided. 'Rex epitomized the formative days of NASCAR - a true pioneer whose contributions helped shape the foundation of our sport,' NASCAR chairman Jim France said. 'His hard work, dedication and talent allowed him to make a living doing what he loved most - racing cars. He was the model of consistency - finishing in the top five in nearly half of his races - and dominated the short tracks. 'On behalf of NASCAR and the France family, I want to offer our condolences to the friends and family of Rex White.' White won the 1960 Cup Series title and 28 Cup races in a career that spanned 233 starts across nine seasons. He led the final five laps of the 1958 season opener at Champion Speedway in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to earn his first career victory and scored 13 top-five finishes in 22 starts. White won five more races the next season, but didn't earn his only championship until 1960, when he won six times in 44 starts. He won seven times the next year, when he was runner-up to fellow Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett in the championship standings. White then won eight times in 1962, but finished fifth in the standings as he competed in only 37 of the 53 races that year. White never contested a complete season at a time when NASCAR ran as many as 62 times a year. White notched a career-high six victories at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, where NASCAR this year returned after a lengthy absence. He also won three times at North Wilkesboro Speedway and two times at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia. Born during the Great Depression and raised in Taylorsville, North Carolina, White suffered from polio as a child and that altered his gait for most of his life. He had an early interest in cars and was working on the family Model T by the time he was 8. He had learned how to drive two years earlier using a neighbors truck. 'I was unaware the car on which I labored represented hope to people around me, frustration to those trying to stop illegal moonshine,' he said. 'I saw automobiles as transportation, not the symbol of an upcoming billion-dollar sport.' White purchased his first car in 1954 when a relative of his wife helped him with the $600 needed to buy a 1937 Ford. He immediately began racing as a means to earn a living. White ran his first race in the Sportsman division at West Lanham Speedway in Maryland. He went on to win the championship in his rookie season of the Sportsman division. He moved up to NASCAR two years later and by the time he won the championship five seasons later, he was named both NASCAR's most popular driver and driver of the year. 'Growing up on a North Carolina farm, Rex familiarized himself with all things mechanical and enjoyed driving anything with wheels,' said Winston Kelly, executive director for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 'Rex was among NASCAR´s pioneers who remained very visible at tracks and industry events for years. He was a dedicated ambassador who enjoyed supporting any event or activity he was requested to participate in. 'NASCAR has lost one of its true pioneers.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Braden for sheriff? Former Fayetteville police chief considers surprise comeback
Former Fayetteville Police Chief Kemberle Braden said he is considering applying to fill the vacant term of recently retired Sheriff Ennis Wright. "I'm about 90% there," Braden told The Fayetteville Observer by phone July 17 after users on social media began posting Braden's photo and claiming the veteran Fayetteville police officer had applied for the position. The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners announced July 16 that applications will be accepted through Aug. 4. The board will appoint someone to finish the 15 months left in Wright's term at its Aug. 11 meeting. More: Fayetteville police chief talks of upcoming retirement, gives advice to incoming chief Braden, 51, said that while he's enjoyed the months since retiring from the police force March 31, he's "dusted off" his resume. He said one of his biggest concerns is how it will affect his retirement with the Police Department. "I'm really trying to weigh all my options," Braden said. "I am leaning toward, if it's feasible, I would consider doing it, yes." He admitted that since leaving law enforcement — and despite the sunny days he's spent on the golf course — he's missed being a cop. "When you've lived with chaos all around you for the last 30 years, that's the room that you're most comfortable in," he said. "We've got another three or four weeks before I have to make the final decisions. For me, the message right now is that I'm still young. I still have the opportunity to make a difference. I think this is an opportunity on a bigger scale than where I was at to have a bigger influence on the county. "It's sort of like the old adage, 'If not you, then who?'" A resident of Cumberland County since he was 6 years old, Braden had worked for the Fayetteville Police Department since 1996 when he was hired as chief in December 2022. He is the son of a Korean mother and a U.S. paratrooper who met in Okinawa, and he was the first Asian-American police chief in Fayetteville's history. His father served in Special Forces and was assigned to Fort Bragg, bringing his young family here in the early '80s. Wright, who retired June 30 after serving more than 30 years in law enforcement, requested in his resignation that Maj. Jonathan Morgan be appointed to succeed him. Until a new sheriff is selected by the board, Chief Deputy C. Jack Broadus is serving as acting sheriff. Local news editor F.T. Norton can be reached at fnorton@ This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Ex-Fayetteville police chief Braden could seek Cumberland County sheriff Solve the daily Crossword
