Latest news with #Vargas
Los Angeles Times
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
New mural at Dodger Stadium honors Fernando Valenzuela
Nine months after his death, Fernando Valenzuela stands immortalized in a new mural on the loge‑level wall at Dodger Stadium—a vibrant fusion of art and legacy unveiled Saturday. Painted by Mexican American artist Robert Vargas, the mural shows Valenzuela tipping his cap to the sky in a Dodgers Mexican‑heritage jersey — featuring a green sleeve, red sleeve, white center — alongside two striking images of Valenzuela in his pitching stance. Vargas said the mural is meant to symbolize unity within the Latino community. 'I felt it very important to show that the Latino community has a place within these walls and has had a place within these walls,' Vargas said. He wanted to reflect Valenzuela's spirit that still lives in the hearts of many fans and feature the man behind the player. 'What he did in the community, is what resonates so much more for me than just the player — but the man, the person that he was,' Vargas said. Valenzuela played for the Dodgers from 1980-90. He grew up in Etchohuaquila, a small town in Mexico, and took Major League Baseball by storm in 1981, earning rookie of the year and Cy Young honors. Latino fans who previously felt little connection to the Dodgers were thrilled to see one of their own winning, sparking Fernandomania. Valenzuela wore the No. 34 and it remains a popular jersey worn by fans at Dodger Stadium. Claudio Campo choked up as he gazed at the tribute. Traveling from Phoenix with his son to celebrate the boy's 11th birthday, Campo shared memories of a player whose greatness felt deeply personal. Valenzuela's nickname, 'El Toro,' are inked on Campo's left arm. 'He was a staple for the people that didn't have anything and then where he came from showed that anything is possible if you go ahead and revive what you are,' Claudio said. Fans holding Valenzuela bobbleheads given away by the Dodgers took their pictures in front of the new mural Saturday night. Longtime fan Dulce Gonzalez held back emotion as she showed off her shirt with the name 'Valenzuela' written across it, describing the reason she started watching baseball. 'He was the first Latino player I could truly connect with and be proud of,' she said. For Gonzalez, Valenzuela's story resonated because he came from the same roots, offering representation she had longed for. 'We are a melting pot of races here, people love baseball from all races, but because I am Latina, I feel a little bit more connected,' she said. Her son, Nicolas, dressed in a red and green Dodgers Mexican heritage jersey, said Valenzuela helped heal some wounds after Mexican American families were displaced from their homes in Chavez Ravine shortly before Dodger Stadium was built on the same land. 'He really opened the city up to the Dodgers after a long difficult entry and he really represented triumph over adversity,' Nicolas said.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Newsweek
Meet the Woman Spending Her Free Time Chasing ICE Vehicles
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When Angie Vargas set off to Home Depot last month to help her sister out of a tight spot, she didn't expect it to be the birth of a popular TikTok account in which she pursues Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in her car. Vargas's sister, a real estate agent in Los Angeles County, had been picking up materials from the Home Depot when ICE agents descended on the store. Vargas's mother called her in tears, telling her that her sister was stuck and being teargassed. She asked Vargas to go help her sister get home. "So I did, and I was able to get my sister out of that situation," Vargas told Newsweek in a phone interview. "But when I got there, I just saw how bad it was." California resident Angie Vargas. California resident Angie Vargas. Photo courtesy of Angie Vargas Vargas was also teargassed in the process, and she saw the extent of the operation—ICE, sheriff departments from multiple precincts and various task forces were all present. But Vargas also felt like she had discovered something about herself. "I saw what I could do," she explained. "If I were able to get my sister, it just really encouraged me to go out there and do more for others, for the community." Vargas's First Pursuit A few days after the Home Depot raid, Vargas pulled into a gas station in Downey, CA and saw ICE agents detaining workers who were painting. One worker was in zip ties while the other watched. Vargas approached the agents and started asking questions, and the agents tried to send her away. "I just told them I had the right to record," Vargas said. "I went on [TikTok] live and I started trying to make people aware that ICE agents were around in Downey." The agents, however, were upset that Vargas was recording them, and when she left, they blocked her off and wouldn't let her leave. 'It really upset me' "That really pissed me off," she said. "I wasn't thinking of following them, but since they did that, it really upset me." So Vargas began following the agents. For nearly an hour, she pursued the vehicle until finally they pulled onto the railroad tracks to escape, knowing that she wouldn't follow them with her Mercedes. Vargas, however, wasn't quite finished: She sat and waited for nearly 15 minutes, alerting passing vehicles that ICE was sitting in the middle of the tracks. "I know he was upset about that," she said. 'Someone's out here messing with ICE agents' Vargas's going live as she followed the car turned out to be a mistake—TikTok removed the video because she was driving as she took it, which meant she had no recording of her favorite pursuit. However, the experience demonstrated two things. First, viewers really enjoy watching Vargas follow and confront ICE agents. A two-part video of her pursuit of an ICE SUV (which culminated in the agents doing an illegal U-turn to get away from her) drew nearly 20 million views, and a commenter suggested she start a GoFundMe for gas that has now raised more than $23,000. Another video in which ICE agents dipped and dodged through traffic on and off the freeway drew 2.2 million views. "They're probably like, 'Not her again'," one commenter quipped. The second thing Vargas realized was, "The more time I spend with them, the less time they spend with my community. That's how I see it." Vargas's following swelled to more than 168,000, and even people who don't follow her are recognizing her work. In one video that drew more than 700,000 views, Vargas waylaid ICE agents who were about to transport an elderly man to a detention center. Vargas realized the man needed medical attention and called an ambulance, which came to treat the man and broke up the operation. "Are you the woman who's been following them around?" one commenter wrote. "Bless your heart for helping that man." Vargas said viewers have even reached out to tell her they are starting their own groups to pursue agents. "I get comments from people like, 'Oh, my grandma watches your videos and she laughs so hard, and it makes her feel so much better that someone's out here messing with ICE agents because she can't'," Vargas said. "So that makes me feel happy, just knowing that it's touching many generations." Vargas said she doesn't fear for her safety when she pursues ICE agents, although she admits she isn't sure why. 'The main thing is just humanity' "I'm pretty confident in what I'm doing," she said. "I've been told I'm very intimidating. I don't know why. The way that I speak, I'm very sure of myself. "I know that I'm a US citizen. I was born here. I have my rights. I know my rights, and I stand firm with what I believe. "And for the most part, I am respectful." She told Newsweek she is deeply grateful for the support, pointing out, "I'm only standing with what's right. Regardless of all the politics or whatever that people have, the main thing is just humanity. "That's what I stand by. Humanity."
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Ainnova Tech Reaches Major FDA Milestone in AI-Powered Diabetic Retinopathy Detection
Revolutionary Vision AI platform moves closer to US market approval following successful FDA pre-submission meeting The healthcare technology landscape took a significant step forward this week as Ainnova Tech, Inc., in partnership with Avant Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: AVAI) announced the successful completion of a crucial milestone meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This pivotal moment brings the company's groundbreaking Vision AI platform one step closer to revolutionizing early diabetic retinopathy detection in the United States. FDA Guidance Paves the Way Forward The pre-submission meeting represented a critical juncture for Ainnova and its Contract Research Organization (CRO), Fortrea. During this session, the team presented their comprehensive clinical trial plans for the Vision AI platform, focusing exclusively on diabetic retinopathy detection within the United States market. The FDA's response has been overwhelmingly constructive, providing essential guidance across multiple aspects of the clinical trial process. The regulatory body offered specific recommendations regarding clinical protocol development, the optimal number and types of clinics required for a successful trial, and the necessary number of retinologists needed to examine images generated by the AI platform. This detailed feedback enables Ainnova to accurately plan and budget for the complete clinical trial process, creating a clear pathway to their ultimate goal: FDA 510(k) submission and clearance to market Vision AI technology in the United States. A Game-Changing Approach to Diabetic Eye Care Vinicio Vargas, Chief Executive Officer at Ainnova and Board member of Ai-nova Acquisition Corp. (AAC), expressed enthusiasm about this next phase of development. 'We're truly excited about this next phase. We're getting ready to begin data collection across primary care clinics in the U.S. with a study that is simple, yet rigorous - comparing our AI-based retinal screening to the readings of three retinologists.' The clinical trial design reflects Ainnova's commitment to both simplicity and scientific rigor. By comparing AI-generated results directly with expert retinologist evaluations, the study will provide compelling evidence of the technology's effectiveness and reliability. Beyond Current Technology: The Automated Retinal Camera The Vision AI platform represents just one component of Ainnova's comprehensive technology portfolio. Vargas highlighted the upcoming approval of their automated retinal camera, which he believes will be truly transformative for the industry. 'This milestone not only brings us closer to validating our platform in the world's largest healthcare market, but it also paves the way for the upcoming approval of our new automated retinal camera, which we believe will be a game changer - making diabetic retinal screenings faster, more accessible, and available from virtually any point of care.' This automated camera technology promises to democratize diabetic retinopathy screening by making it available across diverse healthcare settings, potentially reaching patients who might otherwise lack access to specialized retinal examinations. Strategic Partnership Unlocks Global Potential The partnership between Avant Technologies Inc. and Ainnova Tech has created AAC (Ai-nova Acquisition Corp.), which holds worldwide licensing rights for Ainnova's entire technology portfolio. This strategic arrangement is particularly significant given the FDA's regulatory authority over drug and medical device development in the United States. Success in the U.S. clinical trial will unlock substantial commercial potential, with the early FDA engagement ensuring that AAC can enter the market with speed, credibility, and a thoroughly validated product. The U.S. healthcare market represents the world's largest opportunity for medical technology companies, making FDA approval a crucial milestone for global expansion. Innovation Rooted in Experience Ainnova Tech brings impressive credentials to this endeavor. Based in Nevada with headquarters spanning San Jose, Costa Rica, and Houston, Texas, the company was founded by an experienced team dedicated to leveraging artificial intelligence for early disease detection. The company's track record includes multiple global awards and established partnerships with hospitals and medical device companies worldwide. This recognition underscores the quality and potential impact of their technological innovations. The Broader Vision: Preventing Blindness, Detecting Disease The Vision AI platform represents more than just a diagnostic tool—it embodies a proactive approach to healthcare that prioritizes prevention over treatment. By enabling early detection of diabetic retinopathy, the technology has the potential to prevent blindness while simultaneously facilitating early diabetes detection. This dual benefit aligns with broader healthcare trends toward preventive medicine and early intervention, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes. Technology Partnership Driving Innovation Avant Technologies Inc., Ainnova's partner in this venture, brings complementary expertise in artificial intelligence and biotechnology solutions. As an emerging technology company focused on pushing the boundaries of what's possible in AI and biotechnology, Avant serves diverse industries while driving progress and efficiency through state-of-the-art technology. This partnership combines Ainnova's specialized healthcare focus with Avant's broader technological capabilities, creating a powerful platform for innovation and commercialization. Looking Ahead: The Path to Market With FDA guidance now in hand, Ainnova can begin the detailed planning phase for their clinical trial. The company will work to establish partnerships with primary care clinics across the United States, recruit the necessary retinologists for image evaluation, and implement the clinical protocol refined through FDA feedback. The data generated from this trial will form the foundation of their FDA 510(k) submission, representing the final regulatory hurdle before market entry. Success in this process would establish Ainnova as a leader in AI-powered diabetic retinopathy detection and position the company for significant growth in the expanding digital health market. Conclusion: A New Era in Diabetic Care The successful completion of Ainnova's FDA milestone meeting represents more than a regulatory achievement—it signals the beginning of a new era in diabetic eye care. By combining artificial intelligence with rigorous clinical validation, Ainnova is positioned to make diabetic retinopathy screening more accessible, efficient, and effective than ever before. As the company moves forward with their clinical trial, the healthcare industry will be watching closely. The potential to prevent blindness while enabling early diabetes detection represents a significant advancement in preventive medicine, with implications that extend far beyond individual patient care to broader public health outcomes. The partnership between Ainnova Tech and Avant Technologies, formalized through AAC, demonstrates how strategic collaboration can accelerate medical innovation and bring life-changing technologies to market. With FDA guidance secured and clinical trials on the horizon, Ainnova is well-positioned to transform the landscape of diabetic retinopathy detection and prevention. Other Active healthcare/tech companies active in the diabetes treatment industry include Abbott (NYSE: ABT), DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ: DXCM), iRhythm Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: IRTC), Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. (NASDAQ: TNDM). Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of COEP or its strategies. FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY; NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. Please ensure to fully read and comprehend our disclaimer found at Source: Media Contact Company Name: UsaStockReport Contact Person: Ash K Email: [email protected] City: Frisco State: Texas Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Ainnova Tech Reaches Major FDA Milestone in AI-Powered Diabetic Retinopathy Detection
Canada Standard
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Canada Standard
Idan Toklomati, Kerwin Vargas deliver for Charlotte over NYCFC
Field Level Media 13 Jul 2025, 08:49 GMT+10 (Photo credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images) Idan Toklomati scored early and Kerwin Vargas tallied late as Charlotte FC came away with a 2-0 victory against visiting New York City FC on Saturday night, winning for the first time in their past five matches. Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made three saves for the clean sheet. Charlotte (9-11-2, 29 points) won for the first time since May 31 at Toronto FC. Unlike a week earlier in a 2-2 draw with Orlando, Charlotte protected a two-goal lead. New York City (9-8-4, 31 points) was playing in the first of four consecutive road matches. The team remained winless in matches in Charlotte. Matthew Freese, who just returned from a stint with the U.S. national team at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, made one save for NYC. Toklomati's goal came in the 14th minute, assisted by Pep Biel. The pass from Biel on the left side connected with Toklomati, who was cutting toward the center of the goal mouth. It was the 20-year-old Toklomati's fourth goal of the season, with three coming in a four-match span. The third goal of the season for Vargas snapped his five-match scoreless stretch, finishing by turning and firing a shot from just inside the top of the box for a 2-0 lead in the 81st minute. It was quite an individual effort before Vargas first controlled the ball and was denied on an initial shot before trying again and converting. The start of the match was delayed for nearly 90 minutes because of weather concerns. --Field Level Media
Canada News.Net
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Canada News.Net
Idan Toklomati, Kerwin Vargas deliver for Charlotte over NYCFC
(Photo credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images) Idan Toklomati scored early and Kerwin Vargas tallied late as Charlotte FC came away with a 2-0 victory against visiting New York City FC on Saturday night, winning for the first time in their past five matches. Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made three saves for the clean sheet. Charlotte (9-11-2, 29 points) won for the first time since May 31 at Toronto FC. Unlike a week earlier in a 2-2 draw with Orlando, Charlotte protected a two-goal lead. New York City (9-8-4, 31 points) was playing in the first of four consecutive road matches. The team remained winless in matches in Charlotte. Matthew Freese, who just returned from a stint with the U.S. national team at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, made one save for NYC. Toklomati's goal came in the 14th minute, assisted by Pep Biel. The pass from Biel on the left side connected with Toklomati, who was cutting toward the center of the goal mouth. It was the 20-year-old Toklomati's fourth goal of the season, with three coming in a four-match span. The third goal of the season for Vargas snapped his five-match scoreless stretch, finishing by turning and firing a shot from just inside the top of the box for a 2-0 lead in the 81st minute. It was quite an individual effort before Vargas first controlled the ball and was denied on an initial shot before trying again and converting. The start of the match was delayed for nearly 90 minutes because of weather concerns.
