Latest news with #Mote
Time of India
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Former Paranda MLA joins NCP; ex-AIMIM state working president set to join Ajit Pawar's party too
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Marathwada is seeing a flurry of defections among top politicians in the run-up to local body polls. Rahul Mote, a three-time MLA from Paranda in Dharashiv district, has joined Ajit Pawar's NCP in Mumbai. Mote, who had represented Paranda since 2004 before losing to Tanaji Sawant of Shiv Sena in the last two assembly polls, had previously stuck with Sharad Pawar's faction after the NCP split. He had anticipated that the Paranda seat would go to Shiv Sena as part of a seat-sharing agreement within Mahayuti. Speaking on the occasion of his formal entry into NCP, Mote requested deputy CM Ajit Pawar to help him address water issues in his area. "My only request to dada (Pawar) is to make available water from the Krishna Marathwada Lift Irrigation project to Sina Kolegaon dam via Ujjani," he said. With Mote now siding with Mahayuti, his cold war with arch-rival Sawant could intensify further, sources said. NCP is expecting another boost with former AIMIM state working president Gaffar Quadri also announcing his intention to join the party. Once considered a close aide of Imtiaz Jaleel, Quadri parted ways with the former Aurangabad MP during the last assembly election over the choice of assembly seat. Quadri said his formal entry into NCP was scheduled for Wednesday, but it was postponed for a brief period. "Ajit Pawar was expected to be present during my entry into NCP, but he is unable to visit the city on Wednesday. I have made up my mind to join NCP. It is up to the party leadership to give time for holding a formal event," he said. Quadri unsuccessfully contested the last two assembly elections from the Aurangabad East assembly seat. After leaving AIMIM, he joined Samajwadi Party during the last assembly polls and fought a multi-corner battle involving Atul Save of BJP and Jaleel. In Parbhani, speculations are rife that former two-time MLA and ex-MLC Babajani Durrani is likely to join Congress. Durrani, a powerful minority leader, sided with Sharad Pawar after the split within NCP. He later joined Ajit Pawar but returned to Sharad Pawar after not getting an MLC berth. Durrani did not respond to calls and text messages till going to press.
Miami Herald
14-07-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
A new Mote aquarium is rising in Florida. Here's the latest on an opening date
For two years, Mote Marine has been building a new Science Education Aquarium near a mall off Interstate 75 in Southwest Florida. Originally projected to open in early 2025, Hurricane Helene and Milton delayed the $130 million complex. An exact opening date hasn't been announced. Beyond the storms, why the uncertainty? Two reasons: getting the water chemistry in the new aquarium correct and getting the animals quarantined, transferred and acclimated to their new home, Mote Marine explains. MORE: A 3-story aquarium is rising along a Florida highway. What's going inside? Take a look General admission at Mote SEA won't open until the habitats prep is complete and the animals are acclimated. 'The health, safety and welfare of all animals under Mote's care is the top priority,' Mote said in a statement. Each animal will undergo a quarantine protocol, then a transfer to Mote SEA where they are 'monitored for veterinary acclimation signals,' the statement said. Mote Marine leaders have described the new aquarium, which will hold over 1 million gallons of water and provide hands-on learning opportunities for nearly 70,000 Manatee and Sarasota students, as a resource for marine science education 'unlike any other experience in the country.' 'Most aquariums are really focused on bringing the animals to life, but we're really going to bring that education to life here too,' Aly Busse, Mote Education's associate vice president, told the Bradenton Herald during a behind-the-scenes tour in April 2024. In its first year, the 110,000-square-foot, three-story Mote SEA facility is expected to attract more than 700,000 visitors, the Bradenton Herald has reported. That's more than double the annual attendance at the City Island location. Since 1980, Mote Marine's aquarium was open to the public on Sarasota's City Island. The last day for admission was Juky 6, but the City Island location will remain open for research, conservation and education programs, according to Mote. Mote Marine began as a marine research laboratory in 1955. Researchers with Mote Marine have been featured on the Discovery Channel's Shark Week. When Mote SEA's grand opening is announced, admission tickets will go on sale. Parking will be free to Mote SEA visitors, and there is a Sarasota County bus station next to the main parking lot.
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Adventurers Set Off On 4,500km ‘Alpine Odyssey' Across Aotearoa New Zealand
Australian adventurer Huw Kingston and former Kiwi representative cyclist Laurence Mote will set off on their 4500km human powered journey the length of New Zealand this week, in an effort to raise vital funds for climate-resilient classrooms in Vanuatu. Dubbed 'Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa', the pair will begin their ambitious 90-day ski, hike, cycle and sail winter journey from Cape Reinga on Wednesday (25 June) to Slope Point. The route covers skiing at all 24 outdoor ski fields across the country, as well as Snowplanet in Auckland, along with extensive cycling, hiking trails, and sailing the Cook Strait. For Mote, who is legally blind and continues to manage symptoms from a life-changing brain injury in 2013, caused by a bee sting, anaphylactic shock, and subsequent stroke, the expedition is expected to be exceptionally demanding. Kingston completed a 700km ski and trek journey through the Australian Alps to raise funds for an Indigenous literacy project, Our Yarning in 2022. He says Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa is even more ambitious. Says Kingston: "It's good to be in New Zealand, to have met up with Laurence and to be sorting a mound of equipment for the next three months. Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa is an adventure, a celebration of New Zealand, of mountain life and a call to action. Our Pacific neighbours are living on the frontline of the climate crisis and it's vital we all step up to make a difference. "I arrived across the Tasman just in time to attend the celebrations for Matariki, the Māori New Year, an auspicious start to our journey across the landscapes of this stunning country." Mote added that over the weekend he was "blessed with a perfect view of Matariki" which left him with a "shiver of anticipation of what was to come". The pair is aiming to raise more than $75,000NZD to support Save the Children's and the Vanuatu Government's Ministry of Education and Training's innovative climate classrooms pilot project in Vanuatu. Recent climate-related emergencies, including back-to-back and out of season cyclones, have caused widespread damage and destruction to schools across the country and disrupted children's learning. Save the Children Vanuatu Country Director Polly Banks says the forward-thinking shipping container classrooms will help children get back to learning and a sense of normality faster. "In times of crisis, children returning to normal routines as soon as possible, including school, helps with their recovery. "Our climate resilient classrooms will give children the chance to get back to school quickly, reconnect with friends and teachers, and help them feel better and safer. Huw and Laurence's fundraising efforts will be used to pilot these classrooms and, if successful, we will look to scale the concept to reach children around the country." The classroom design includes multiple facets of sustainability, such as locally sourced and sustainable building materials, improved natural light and ventilation, and renewable energy for lights and fans. People looking to support the ambitious journey can donate to the cause, or even buy a ski resort in a quirky fundraising initiative through the official website and fundraising page. To date, the pair have already raised $17,000NZD.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers weigh benefits of artificial intelligence in classrooms
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — As artificial intelligence rapidly advances, lawmakers are exploring ways to use the technology to strengthen education and make it more accessible. At the same time, concerns are growing over students using AI for shortcuts, and some members of Congress worry that cuts to the Department of Education will limit access to AI in rural and underserved areas. 'AI holds potential inside the classroom and outside the classroom,' said Rep. Kevin Kiley, (R-Calif.). 'This is a technology on par with electricity,' added Rep. John Mannion, (D-N.Y.). Lawmakers see AI as a necessity for improving education in the U.S. Rep. Glenn 'GT' Thompson, (R-Pa.), said AI, when paired with proper guardrails, can benefit schools and educators. 'AI without either HI or RI — human intelligence or real intelligence — is just not going to get it done,' Thompson said. A recent study found that 25% of U.S. teachers have used AI tools for instructional planning and teaching. Experts told lawmakers that properly implementing AI in education will require collaboration with Congress. 'If we're to meet this moment, we need to do it together,' said Erin Mote, an education technology expert. Rep. Jahana Hayes, (D-Conn.), supports the push for AI in education but said the recent elimination of the Office of Education Technology could slow its rollout. 'How has this office assisted states in the implementation of AI technologies in the classroom?' Hayes asked. Mote responded that the office played a critical role. 'Providing that necessary expertise and knowledge that, frankly, would be impossible for there to be an AI expert in every district,' Mote said. Mannion also voiced concerns about AI replacing teachers rather than assisting them. 'We have to ensure that it supports and not supplants the essential roles of teachers and the broader purpose of education,' he said. Lawmakers and experts agree that they must develop solutions to prevent students from using AI to cut corners and to address cybersecurity risks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Walton Family Foundation artist grant ends after 7 years
A grant program that supported NWA artists will end after the Walton Family Foundation did not renew funding. Why it matters: Mid-America Arts Alliance's Artists 360 program provided grants to artists of different mediums and was broader in the costs it covered than similar grants, Mid-America Arts Alliance spokesperson Sarah Mote told Axios. It wasn't tied to specific projects and could go toward expenses like studio space, Mote said. What they're saying:"As priorities evolve, we regularly assess and refine grantmaking," Walton Family Foundation spokesperson Kathryn Heller told Axios in an emailed statement. "We deeply appreciate Mid-America Arts Alliance for leading a remarkable program that has positively impacted artists across the region." By the numbers: The program received $2.4 million in grants since 2018, and gave money to 157 artists in Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian and Washington counties, according to the alliance. Zoom out: Mote expressed gratitude for the program's lasting effects on the art community, noting the professional development and mentorships it helped facilitate. Mid-America Arts Alliance will continue to grow its other programs in NWA and is always looking for funding for art programming, she said. What's next: A showcase to celebrate the grant recipients is set for April 27 at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville.
