Latest news with #JohnBlair
CBS News
5 hours ago
- CBS News
Taylor police unveil department's first autonomous flight drones
Taylor police said they're set to become Michigan's first department with autonomous flight drones, a move they hope will improve officer safety and response call times. "We can send this out to give us an eye in the sky, a huge advantage to our officers responding and to those who are on scene," said Taylor Police Chief John Blair. The drone's launchpad is on top of the department's headquarters on Goddard Road. "When we get a 911 call, what we do is we drop a pin on a map where that call is located at and send a signal to activate the drone. It takes about 60 seconds to activate, and then it goes to a predetermined altitude and autonomously flies to that location," said Lieutenant Jeff Adamisin. As the drone flies, it's gathering information about the scene and other responders to give police a fuller picture of what's going on. Devin Kachar, who was paralyzed after being shot in the line of duty in Detroit three years ago, said a tool like this will improve officers' safety on the job. "A device like that, that doesn't have to, you know, worry about getting hurt or injured in the line of duty," he said. "it's just a material thing that can be replaced it's nice to know those are up there helping you, getting you maybe different images increasing the safety of what you're doing every day in your job." Adamision and Blair said the drone won't be used for surveillance and is meant to help create a more nimble response for whatever police respond to. "A timesaver, officer safety, citizen safety, citizen safety all rolled up into one," said Blair.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vision Films to Posthumously Release Thomas Duncan's Feature-length Documentary 'Sound of The Surf'
LOS ANGELES, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vision Films Inc. ("Vision") has set July 1, 2025 for the North American Transactional VOD release of the documentary Sound of The Surf from the late Thomas Duncan and executive producer John Blair. Written, directed, and produced by Duncan and executive produced by John Blair and Isariya Duncan. A story 17 years in the making, John Blair, of Jon and The Nightriders fame, persevered to complete the film after Duncan's passing in 2021. The use of original music, rare archival footage, photos, and exclusive interviews defines the birth and legacy of the uniquely SoCal surf sound. Unknown to many, the innovative sound of surf music began as instrumental and became a cultural phenomenon almost overnight when the world of surfing claimed it as their own during the transitional time of the 1960's. Witness the rise and influence of the electric guitar and the relevance of the band in pop culture still today while rocking out to the soundtrack. Watch the trailer: HERE Synopsis: In the 1960's, surf music was born in southern California and quickly became a global cultural phenomenon. From the original pioneers to those who revolutionized it, surf music's influence helped to shape an entire generation. Journey back in time with original music, rare archival footage, personal photo collections, and exclusive interviews from surf music legends and their fans. Lise Romanoff, CEO and Managing Director of Vision Films says, "A perfect film for summer – this is one of the most thorough narratives about the birth and meteoric rise of one of the most fun and enduring music genres of our time. Sound of The Surf truly captures the nostalgia of an era but reminds us that the music is still relevant and enjoyable today." Executive Producer John Blair shares, "The development and spread of the surf music genre in the early 1960s had a pronounced effect on the music industry and popular culture. The story is a definitive example of the American Dream, told for the first time in Sound of The Surf." Sound of The Surf will be available on major streaming and cable platforms across North America, followed by DVD on July 1, 2025. About Vision FilmsVision Films is a leading independent sales and VOD aggregator specializing in the licensing, marketing, and distribution of over 800 feature films, documentaries, and series from some of the most prolific independent film producers in the world. Led by Lise Romanoff, Managing Director/CEO Worldwide Distribution, Vision Films releases 2-4 films a month across Theatrical, VOD, DVD, and television platforms. Contact:Andrea McKinnon8184159442396379@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Vision Films, Inc.
CBS News
06-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Metro Detroit's Taylor Police Department signs agreement with ICE
The Taylor Police Department has become the second law enforcement agency in Michigan to sign an agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In 1996, Congress passed an immigration reform law, which included the 287(g) program. The agreement allows officers to act as immigration agents. Under the agreement, there are three models, and the Taylor Police Department signed the Task Force version. "It does not change our day-to-day activities. There's no modification whatsoever to our department policies or procedures, and nothing changes. (It) doesn't cost us a penny," said Taylor Police Chief John Blair. Blair says if a Taylor police officer comes across someone during a criminal enforcement activity, such as drunk driving, they can be arrested and identified. "We are required by law to identify who they are. It's all common sense in the process of identifying who they are. If we determine that they're in this country illegally, we will contact ICE. That is the extent of our participation in this program," he said. Immigrant Rights advocates say there's more to it. "In addition to stopping someone for suspicion of a crime, they now can stop someone solely on the basis of immigration violations. That is dramatically different," said Christine Sauve, a policy, engagement, and communications manager at the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC). Blair says if he hadn't signed the agreement, the police department would have been impacted, such as losing federal funding. MIRC calls it an empty threat from the Trump administration. "First of all, it's not a mandate. So there's no federal policy that requires local jurisdictions to enroll in the program," Suave said. The chief insists that law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear. "We are not kicking in doors. We are not going to people's workplaces. We are not going to schools and questioning people. We're not watching people that are standing on corners and asking their immigration status. That is not what this is. And we have never done that, and we will never do that," Blair said.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Centauri Health Solutions acquires health information service provider MedAllies
US-based healthcare IT company Centauri Health Solutions has acquired MedAllies to expand its health data network for supporting 'mission-critical' use cases. MedAllies is a health information service provider (HISP) and qualified health information network (QHIN) focused on data connectivity and exchange. The acquisition adds 'industry-leading' integration, messaging and record location services to Centauri's capabilities, offering access to care and financial assistance for more patients, particularly those who are most vulnerable. MedAllies CEO Dr John Blair said: 'Centauri is the perfect partner for MedAllies. Our shared vision for interoperability and bi-directional exchange is essential to advancing healthcare. 'We are excited to offer our clients the broadest clinical exchange network to support mission-critical use cases.' MedAllies serves a network of more than 1,000 hospitals and health systems, 5,000 ambulatory organisations and 125,000 healthcare providers. The company aims to ensure the secure transmission of critical health information across national networks. Centauri Health Solutions co-founder and CEO Mike McNelis said: 'The addition of MedAllies strengthens our commitment to intelligently deliver clinical data solutions in a manner and form that facilitates value creation and empowers shared risk initiatives. 'Connecting the MedAllies HISP and best-in-class Care Enabled Network/QHIN with Centauri's network and AI solutions offers significant value to all our clients.' The acquisition has been supported by Centauri Health Solutions' lead investor, Abry Partners, as well as Silversmith Capital Partners and SV Health Investors. Santander served as financial adviser to MedAllies while HunterMaclean provided legal counsel to the company. Kirkland and Ellis acted as legal counsel for Centauri. Last year, health and safety IT company Beyond Lucid Technologies selected MedAllies as its QHIN partner. The partnership aimed to enable real-time information sharing within the mobile medicine ecosystem, linking ambulances, hospitals and public health entities. At that time, MedAllies had recently been designated as a QHIN under the US Government's Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement. "Centauri Health Solutions acquires health information service provider MedAllies" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
24-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Centauri Health Solutions Acquires MedAllies, Broadens Health Data Network to Support Mission Critical Use Cases
PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Centauri Health Solutions ('Centauri'), a Phoenix, Arizona-based health information technology company, announced its acquisition of MedAllies, a New York-based Health Information Service Provider (HISP) and Qualified Health Information Network® (QHIN™) focused on health data connectivity and clinical data exchange. 'The addition of MedAllies strengthens our commitment to intelligently deliver clinical data solutions in a manner and form that facilitates value creation and empowers shared risk initiatives." - Mike McNelis, Centauri Co-Founder and CEO A trailblazer in healthcare interoperability, MedAllies serves more than 1,000 hospitals/health systems, 5,000 ambulatory organizations, and 125,000 healthcare providers, ensuring the secure and seamless transmission of critical health information through national networks. This acquisition boosts Centauri's solutions with industry-leading integration, messaging, and record location services, enhancing access to care and financial support for patients, especially the most vulnerable. 'Centauri is the perfect partner for MedAllies. Our shared vision for interoperability and bi-directional exchange is essential to advancing healthcare,' said Dr. John Blair, CEO of MedAllies. 'We are excited to offer our clients the broadest clinical exchange network to support mission critical use cases.' Mike McNelis, Centauri co-founder and CEO, added, 'The addition of MedAllies strengthens our commitment to intelligently deliver clinical data solutions in a manner and form that facilitates value creation and empowers shared risk initiatives. Connecting the MedAllies HISP and best-in-class Care Enabled Network/QHIN with Centauri's network and AI solutions offers significant value to all our clients.' The acquisition was supported by Centauri's lead investor, Abry Partners, along with Silversmith Capital Partners and SV Health Investors. Santander served as the financial advisor to MedAllies with HunterMaclean as legal counsel. Kirkland and Ellis was legal counsel to Centauri for the transaction. About Centauri Health Solutions Centauri Health Solutions offers technology-enabled solutions to health systems and health plans for various healthcare programs including Medicare, Medicaid, Commercial and Exchange. Through collaboration with clients, we improve the lives and health outcomes of patients and members through compassionate outreach, sophisticated analytics, and intelligent clinical data delivery. Centauri addresses market issues such as uncompensated care in health systems; risk-adjusted revenue for specialized populations; and enhances access to and quality of care measurement. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Centauri Health Solutions employs 1,500 associates nationwide. Centauri has been listed on the Inc. 5000 from 2019-2022, and the 2020 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ list. More details can be found at About Abry Partners Abry Partners is one of the most experienced and successful sector-focused private equity investment firms in North America. Since its founding in 1989, the firm has completed over $90 billion of leveraged transactions and other private equity or preferred equity placements. Currently, the firm manages over $5.0 billion of capital across its active funds. For more information about Abry Partners, visit About Silversmith Capital Partners Founded in 2015, Silversmith Capital Partners is a Boston-based growth equity firm with $3.3 billion of capital under management. Silversmith's mission is to partner with and support the best entrepreneurs in growing, profitable technology and healthcare companies. Representative investments include ActiveCampaign, Appfire, Apryse, DistroKid, Iodine Software, LifeStance Health, Onbe, and Webflow. For more information, including a full list of portfolio investments, visit or follow the firm on LinkedIn. About SV Health Investors SV Health Investors ('SV') is a private equity firm dedicated to investments in the healthcare and life sciences sector. Founded in 1993, with offices in Boston and London, SV manages >$2.0 billion across multiple investment strategies. SV's dedicated healthcare growth-buyout strategy seeks to partner with experienced management teams to accelerate the success of innovative healthcare companies across outsourced services, life sciences and medical products, tech-enabled healthcare services, and healthcare information technology. Over the past 30+ years, SV has invested in 250+ healthcare companies. For more information about SV, visit
