Latest news with #Oldenburg
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
German minister backs equipping police with Tasers
Police throughout Germany should be equipped with Tasers, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has said. Dobrindt told the Funke media group of newspapers he would ensure that the legal framework for equipping officers with the electric shock devices was established this year. He described the use of the devices as "a suitable means" of responding to the increased threat to police in public. Tasers would also better protect officers if they were attacked with stabbing weapons, such as knives, he said. The devices operate at a distance of between 2 and 5 metres, temporarily incapacitating people with an electrical shock. However, their use is controversial as they can pose a risk to the heart and potentially cause cardiac arrest or death. Dobrindt's comments follow a call made by the Lower Saxony branch of the German Police Union to equip officers with Tasers following a fatal police shooting of a 21-year-old black man. The young man, only identified by his first name - Lorenz - under Germany's strict privacy laws, was shot four times by a police officer in April in Oldenburg. Investigators said that the German man had previously sprayed irritant gas outside a nightclub and injured several people before fleeing from the scene. When patrol officers tried to confront him, he apparently approached them in a threatening manner and sprayed irritant gas in their direction. The case sparked outrage across Germany, with protests against racism and police violence taking place throughout the country.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Committee advances two Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission appointees, one favorably
State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln addresses a group at Duffy's Tavern during the launch of the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana's 2024 petition on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, on Lincoln, Neb. To her left is campaign manager Crista Eggers and former State Sen. Adam Morfeld, who Wishart co-chairs the group with. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN — A legislative committee on Thursday advanced the governor's two appointees to the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission, but just one secured the committee's support before heading to the full Legislature. The roughly three-hour confirmation hearing and 15-minute executive session to consider and vote on the appointments came just 48 hours after the defeat of Legislative Bill 677 to provide additional guardrails to the commission. That bill sought to aid implementation of the voter-approved laws and delay a July 1 deadline for rules and regulations to be in place. Gov. Jim Pillen, who opposed the ballot measures legalizing and regulating medical cannabis, appointed Dr. Monica Oldenburg of Lincoln, an anesthesiologist, and Lorelle Mueting of Gretna, prevention director at Heartland Family Service in Omaha, to the commission. The General Affairs Committee voted 5-2, with one member 'present, not voting,' to recommend Oldenburg but tied 4-4 on favorably advancing Mueting. Under legislative rules, all gubernatorial appointments reach the full Legislature anyway. Committees can recommend to approve or reject an appointment, or lawmakers can make no recommendation, which happens in the event of a tie. Either appointee would need 25 votes to be confirmed to a six-year term. They would join the members of the Liquor Control Commission, whom voters also placed on the Medical Cannabis Commission: Bruce Bailey of Lincoln, Harry Hoch Jr. of Omaha and Kim Lowe of Kearney. Liquor commissioners, too, are appointees of the governor. Hoch's term ends Saturday. Mueting said her role as a prevention specialist for 24 years has been to prevent people from having problems with alcohol and other substances. She said she has looked at medical cannabis from a '360-degree view,' and as a self-described 'solutions-focused' person, she said she views the Nebraska medical laws as helping patients with 'debilitating' health conditions. 'Helping to guide the rulemaking process around the needs of the people it's intended to serve is my goal,' Mueting said. 'There's nothing about that goal that says we need to sacrifice public health and safety to attain it.' Mueting has a psychology and health promotion management degree from Hastings College and has a master's degree in kinesiology from Kansas State University. Oldenburg said she is 'not a prohibitionist' of cannabis but is 'pro-research.' She said cannabis has 'a place in pain management' for certain ailments that cause suffering. 'Nebraska needs to seize the opportunity to be slow and deliberate in the manner in which we determine how best to designate appropriate conditions for medical cannabis and regulate those entities that will dispense medical cannabis in our state,' Oldenburg said. 'I look forward to working with various parties to ensure that we in the State of Nebraska get this right.' Oldenburg graduated from the University of Dallas with a degree in biochemistry and chemistry before getting her medical degree from Creighton University. She has been an anesthesiologist for 18 years, first in Colorado and returning to Nebraska in 2017 with her family. Part of the move, she said, was because of how the 'evolution' of medicinal to recreational marijuana went in Colorado. She said there weren't many medical regulations at the start. Pillen has described the women as 'experienced, well-qualified individuals' who would ensure strong regulations 'to the letter of the law the people of Nebraska enacted.' He and other LB 677 opponents, such as State Sen. Jared Storm of David City, say the commission can meet its July 1 deadline. Oldenburg declined to talk with the Nebraska Examiner prior to the Thursday hearing. Mueting did not respond to repeated requests for comment before or after the hearing. Of the appointees, Oldenburg said she was encouraged to apply by Storm, a member of the General Affairs Committee, who called and asked if she had considered the position. Mueting listed Storm as a personal reference on her application to the governor. Under legislative questioning, Mueting at first said she didn't know 'exactly how the governor got my name' before clarifying she applied. She said she didn't know appointments would go before the General Affairs Committee, just that full legislative approval was needed in the end. During the closed-door executive session, which is open to reporters, Storm defended the appointees and said they showed up for a hostile and intimidating environment. State Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue spoke for the first time to criticize what he viewed as a conflict of interest. Storm said the application process was public and flipped the question on Rountree and other committee members for not reaching out to possible applicants, too. In addition to Mueting and Oldenburg, Pillen interviewed Erin Bone, a prevention specialist in North Platte. The governor did not interview a fourth applicant: Ogallala City Manager Kevin Wilkins, according to records shared with the Examiner. Mueting and Oldenburg are registered Republicans. Bone is a registered Democrat. Wilkins is a registered nonpartisan. During Tuesday's debate on LB 677, Storm acknowledged he had talked with Mueting but said he hadn't talked about the bill with Mueting. Mueting, when she testified against LB 677 in March, answered questions from Storm about what she'd like to see from medical cannabis in Nebraska. Her answer included limiting allowable forms of cannabis (not smoking or vaping), limiting qualifying conditions and placing restrictions on tetrahydrocannabidiol potency, serving size or servings per package in cannabis products. Mueting was 'neutral' on a Storm bill, LB 483, to reduce the allowable possession down to 300 milligrams, 0.21% of what voters approved, and only allow pills or tinctures for the medicine. Much of Thursday's hearing focused on opposition to the appointments because Oldenburg and Mueting have both consistently opposed the legislative proposals that long-time medical cannabis advocates in Nebraska have supported in the Legislature. Oldenburg testified against proposals in 2018, 2019 and 2021, while Mueting opposed legislation in 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2025. 'Absolute failure': Medical cannabis regulatory bill stalls in Nebraska Legislature After more than a decade of legislative attempts, advocates succeeded last fall by ballot measure at legalizing up to 5 ounces of medical cannabis with a health care practitioner's recommendation. 'Exclusive' regulatory authority is vested in the Medical Cannabis Commission, per voter directive. Crista Eggers, executive director of Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, which led the campaign, said the appointments seemed like a 'calculated act' by Pillen. She said lawmakers have an 'ethical responsibility' to approve individuals committed to the program's success, 'not its obstruction.' 'I don't think an arsonist should be in charge of the fire department,' Eggers testified. Cavanaugh asked whether that meant Eggers should be appointed. She said, 'Absolutely not.' 'I do not believe that this commission should be made up of anyone that has spent time, energy, in their personal or professional capacity, being opposed or supportive to this,' Eggers said. Shelly Gillen of Bellevue, testifying on behalf of her 23-year-old son Will, said that for people 'enamored' with requiring U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval first — as has been the consistent policy for Mueting's Heartland Family Service — Gillen said those people should ask what FDA-approved meds have done to Will Gillen, making him 'an innocent, unintentional addict.' 'We were told by a neurologist that weaning him off one of his meds would be similar to weaning off someone on heroin. FDA-approved meds landed him in the hospital for two weeks in complete somnolence that made him develop pneumonia and silent aspiration on his own saliva,' Gillen testified. The Gillens were among the first families to consistently fight for medical cannabis, back to 2015 legislation from former State Sen. Sue Crawford of Bellevue. Mueting supported that bill. Gillen said there was 'no doubt in my mind' that the appointees would 'do everything they can to derail, stall and sabotage access to medical cannabis for as many patients as possible.' Angelica Marsaglia of Lincoln, who would benefit from medical cannabis, opposed both appointees and noted Mueting is part of an organization in part to help addicts. Marsaglia urged senators to see patients and 'please hear us.' 'We are not addicts. We are medical patients,' Marsaglia said. 'We just want access to a plant, a plant that grows freely and only the government has made illegal.' Maggie Ballard and Mary O'Neill, both of Heartland Family Service, defended Mueting, as did Sarpy County Sheriff Greg London. London attested to Mueting's character and integrity and said she's 'perfect' for the appointment because she understands the importance of rules and regulations. London was one of 53 sheriffs to join Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers in opposition to LB 677. The AG's Office has vowed to sue the Medical Cannabis Commission if it begins licensing medical cannabis dispensaries, which could begin by Oct. 1 under the laws. Advisement to law enforcement is still a 'work in progress' when it comes to medical cannabis, London said, and he argued no one has a medical cannabis recommendation card yet. Cavanaugh said some people do have a card, to which London asked how many. 'I've met at least one,' Cavanaugh said. 'Oh. Congratulations,' London responded. Keith County Attorney Randy Fair, in his personal capacity, said that while both appointees may be very good people, he said appointees should be neutral-minded individuals who can support good regulations. Fair said that cops will do the same thing they do now during traffic stops: Pull people over now if they smell marijuana for probable cause, search vehicles and issue arrests or tickets if people have more than 5 ounces of marijuana, or not if someone has a recommendation. 'We don't try to arrest tons of people for that because, quite frankly, it would be a waste of resources,' Fair said. 'I do think that a lot of these concerns are blown over.' It would be Fair's 'ethical duty,' he said, not to prosecute someone unless they have actually violated the laws of Nebraska. Ballard said she's served on Heartland Family Service's prevention team with Mueting for 11 of Ballard's 13 years with the organization. When learning that there might have been an overflow room because of widespread opposition, Ballard said, 'Honestly, that hurts my heart.' While Mueting and Ballard have different backgrounds and don't see eye-to-eye on everything, Ballard added, Mueting 'has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I've ever met.' 'I just can't think of anyone better than her to serve on this commission, because she will do a very good job of balancing public health and public safety against people who need help with their debilitating conditions,' Ballard said. Ballard and Mueting said voters have spoken, despite the Heartland Family Service position. Ballard said her coworker's job would be to oversee and 'try to do things as well as possible and not to just bang her head against the wall saying, 'No, we can't do this here.'' 'That's not practical, and it's not in Lorelle's nature either,' Ballard continued. Nothing in the law requires 'debilitating' conditions, Cavanaugh noted. Any health care practitioner, including out-of-state, can recommend cannabis if they feel a patient could benefit. While no one spoke in favor of Oldenburg's appointment, multiple senators said after the hearing that they were impressed with her credentials. State Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney, who opposed Mueting but supported Oldenburg, said there were some unfair shots taken at Oldenburg whose skill set he highlighted. He did not specify his reservations on Mueting's appointment. State Sen. Bob Andersen of north-central Sarpy County said he was 'very impressed' by Mueting's 24 years in the prevention field and that she was qualified for the role. Mueting said she didn't view her appointment as trying to 'squash' the law, 'because I don't have the power to do that.' 'My goal is not to make this harder for people,' Mueting said. 'My goal is to put some rules around the substance as we were given in statute.' Oldenburg noted that in residency, she was taught to never be afraid of prescribing opioids for patients' pain, but that's changed. She added that Nebraska can learn from other states in the interest of health, safety and well-being for a better program. Multiple opponents of the appointees, including Angela Cornett of Norfolk, a nurse, said patients were tired of waiting, including for new research. Cornett said her mom was one of dozens of advocates who died waiting for possible relief over the past decade. Oldenburg stayed for the whole hearing, but Mueting left after her invited witnesses testified. State Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue said she had a previously scheduled appointment. Cavanaugh grilled both appointees over what they view as the commission's role, such as whether commissioners should list qualifying conditions, limit permissible forms of using cannabis, restrict how many dispensaries can be licensed and more. Mueting and Oldenburg, noting they are 'one of five' on the commission, said they didn't know and weren't attorneys. They said they would seek guidance as a team, though both said they opposed smoking as a form of using cannabis. 'I'm a law-abiding citizen of the State of Nebraska, and I have to follow the will of the people, and I have to follow the statutes,' Oldenburg said. Andersen, who also opposed LB 677, criticized Cavanaugh's line of questioning about Mueting's personal views on medical cannabis and compared it to asking a public defender whether a client is guilty. 'They're going to do a job and defend the person,' Andersen said. 'That's a really good analogy,' Mueting responded. Storm said that at the end of the day, he and others want to help Nebraskans in the right way. 'If cannabis can help people with ailments, we should do that, very much should do that,' Storm said. 'But we have an obligation to protect society, and we can't let this get out of control.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
NBC Sports
19-04-2025
- Automotive
- NBC Sports
Mitchell Oldenburg renews with Beta Motorcycles through 2026.
Mitchell Oldenburg and the Liqui Moly Beta Race Team have renewed their contract through the 2026 SuperMotocross League schedule. This announcement comes one week after teammate Benny Bloss also renewed his contract. In addition to their full time Monster Energy Supercross campaigns, Bloss and Oldenburg will also compete in select outdoor Pro Motocross events. 'I'm beyond grateful and excited to be with the Beta Factory Race Team for another year,' said Mitchell Oldenburg in a news release. 'We have had some good finishes so far, and everyone has been really fun to work with! It's a relief to get a deal done this early in the year, and I'm fired up for 2026!' Oldenburg turned pro in 2013 and has accumulated multiple top-five and podium finishes in the 250SX class. 'We are excited to have Mitchell back next season. His work ethic and performance have exceeded our expectations, and we look forward to achieving even more success together in the future,' said Carlen Gardner, Supercross Race Team Manager. Oldenburg is currently 12th in the Supercross standings.
Forbes
03-04-2025
- General
- Forbes
3 Reasons Why You Should Find Your ‘Third Place' — By A Psychologist
The key to social well-being might lie in finding your 'third place.' Here's why these social hubs ... More are essential for happiness in an increasingly lonely world. Between the demands of work and the comfort of home, there's another space where life happens — a place where you can unwind and connect. This is what sociologist Ray Oldenburg called the 'third place' — a setting outside of home (the first place) and work (the second place) that offers community and a sense of belonging. Oldenburg introduced the concept of the 'third place' in The Great Good Place (1989), highlighting how public spaces like coffee shops, bars and bookstores facilitate social connection. He later expanded on this in Celebrating the Third Place (2000), showcasing real-world examples of their impact. Oldenburg identified key traits of third places: they are neutral ground, open to all, free from status pressures and encourage lighthearted conversation. Think of Central Perk from the TV show Friends — the coffee shop where the characters gathered daily, not just for coffee but for connection, comfort and a break from their everyday lives. This is a classic example of a third place: familiar yet energizing, social yet pressure-free. Whether it's a café, a park, a library or a gym, your third place is somewhere you frequent — a space that allows you to reset and recharge. Here's how having a third place impacts your well-being and how to find your own. A third place can be a powerful tool for combating loneliness by offering individuals a space to connect with others. For many, especially those who may lack strong social support networks, third places offer a sense of belonging. Engaging in social interactions in these settings provides a sense of community, making people feel seen and connected. Research published in the Journal of Service Research found that third places, like malls, diners or cafés, help combat loneliness by providing spaces for social interaction and emotional support. Researchers suggest these environments can create 'commercial friendships' between consumers and staff, especially in older adulthood. Additionally, third places can help create rituals and traditions among friends, which are vital for nurturing strong friendships. By routinely meeting up in the same place — whether it's a weekly coffee at a café or an afternoon walk in the park — individuals create a sense of consistency and connection. These rituals offer a structured way to maintain and deepen friendships, providing both emotional and social benefits. Over time, these traditions become more than just meetings; they evolve into significant emotional touchstones, contributing to overall well-being and combating loneliness. Research published in Applied Research in Quality of Life shows that when third places are accessible to a community, it enhances their quality of life. The sense of community and belonging that comes from engaging with such spaces plays a crucial role in shaping your emotional well-being. These spaces provide a sense of security where you can connect with others freely, knowing you can be yourself without the pressures of life. In a third place, you're also more likely to find yourself surrounded by people who share common interests or values, which creates a safe environment where people tend to feel understood and appreciated. This can contribute to feelings of comfort and confidence, as you might be able to find solace in knowing you belong to a group that values you, whether it's a group of regulars at a coffee shop or a group at a local gym. Additionally, third places allow you to engage in activities you enjoy, often with those you care about. Whether it's participating in a local book club, enjoying creative workshops, attending a fitness class or simply spending time in familiar spaces with friends, these places offer opportunities for both self-expression and creativity. The shared experience of doing something enjoyable together enhances the bond between individuals, providing a foundation for lasting friendships and community ties. Ultimately, third places allow supportive social networks and individual well-being to thrive. In these settings, people often engage in meaningful conversations that offer emotional support and motivation. These interactions can be incredibly valuable, especially in times of stress or uncertainty. A third place serves as an essential refuge, providing individuals with a much-needed break from the demands of daily life. These spaces are intentionally designed to offer a sense of comfort and detachment from routine pressures of work, home or other responsibilities, encouraging people to unwind and recharge. Oldenburg's The Great Good Place (1989) highlights how third places function as 'neutral ground,' where people can socialize informally and experience a sense of belonging. By engaging in relaxed conversations and communal activities, individuals can enjoy moments of reprieve from life's stresses. This is especially important for emotional well-being, as social support and interpersonal connections play a vital role in relieving feelings of anxiety and tension. The relaxed nature of third places provides a sanctuary where people can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment or expectations. Whether it's through casual chats with familiar faces or engaging in group activities that spark creativity and joy, these spaces encourage a sense of emotional relief. This sense of emotional support, paired with the physical act of relaxing in a comfortable setting, can significantly reduce stress and promote mental clarity. Finding a third place that suits your needs can significantly enhance your social connectedness and overall well-being. Here's how you can find your own: By intentionally finding a third place that resonates with you, you cultivate a space that nurtures both your social and mental health. Wondering how connected you are to those around you? Take this science-backed test to find out: Social Connectedness Scale
Associated Press
19-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Chadino Officially Licensed by Oldenburg, Selle Français & Zangersheide
Petaluma, CA March 18, 2025 --( Zeitgeist Equestrian is proud to announce that Chadino, one of the most successful sons of the legendary Chacco-Blue, has officially been licensed by three of the world's leading breed registries: Oldenburg, Selle Français, and Zangersheide. A standout in the showjumping world, Chadino's impressive resume includes performances at the Olympic Games, World Cup Finals, Global Champions Tour, and World Championships. His consistency, power, and scope at the highest levels of international sport make him an elite addition to any breeding program. 'We have been patiently working through the licensing process to ensure everything was in place,' said Sanjay Bagai of Zeitgeist Equestrian. 'We are exhilarated to now offer breeders the chance to access Chadino's exceptional genetics.' Celebration Offer: Frozen Semen Available for $500 To celebrate this milestone, Chadino's frozen semen is being offered at a special price of $500 for a limited time. Breeders interested in adding proven performance and world-class lineage to their programs are encouraged to act quickly. Sanjay Bagai 510-599-5272
