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Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Corporations left Spokane Pride in the lurch. Then the community stepped up
Jun. 7—April was a tough month for Matthew Danielson, director of Spokane Pride. The annual celebration that draws tens of thousands of Inland Northwest residents to downtown Spokane was just a few months away, but some of the event's largest sponsors in past years had yet to recommit their support. "I'm not gonna lie, April was scary," Danielson said. Spokane Pride's main event is the Pride parade at noon Saturday in downtown Spokane, followed by festivities in Riverfront Park at 1 p.m. Multiple past sponsors of Spokane Pride opted not to return this June amid economic uncertainty, increased anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and pressure from the federal government to abandon diversity, equity and inclusivity efforts in the public and private sectors. It's a trend affecting Pride celebrations across the country, as some of the largest contributors in size and monetary donations have left organizers and communities of all sizes scrambling. The Inland Northwest was one of those communities, until locals stepped up in the eleventh hour. Nonprofits, businesses and community members have made up for the gap in funding over the last few months, allowing the event to go on without the cuts Spokane Pride had feared, Danielson said. "It's been pretty beautiful to watch," Danielson said. "I haven't ran the exact numbers, but I think we're actually in quite good shape. Not quite as good of shape as I thought we would be, because we had some big promises from a lot of those big corporate sponsors last year, but we're in a lot better place than we were a few months ago." In Spokane, the short list of big -ticket corporate donors who've walked away include Walmart, Verizon Wireless and Anheuser-Busch, according to a screen grab of last year's sponsors captured by the internet archiving platform Wayback Machine. Of those companies, Walmart was the sole respondent to a request for comment to The Spokesman-Review regarding why they decided not to lend their support despite doing so a year ago. In a written statement, Walmart spokesman Jimmy Carter said the company's focus "remains on creating an environment where our associates and customers feel they belong," before adding that employees in the region are volunteering with community organizations in June, "including those which support the LGBTQ+ community." "It's really hard to get straight answers out of any of them," Danielson said. "They're not incentivized to tell me why they actually dropped us." Speaking generally to the possible motivations for the groups, Danielson said some shared apprehension about the state of the economy, some nonprofits couldn't because of budget cuts as a result of state and federal funds drying up, and others indicated they were saving funding to provide to other community events. He also theorized some organizations are feeling the pressure put on by the federal campaign against DEI initiatives. "It's hard to tell, because they won't actually come out and say, 'Hey, we're not supporting Pride anymore,' " Danielson said. The withdrawals threatened community events throughout the Inland Northwest. Organizers of Coeur d'Alene's Pride in the Park shared a similar experience of losing sponsors this year, and events in smaller communities throughout the region were threatened as a result of Spokane losing support. Pride gatherings in Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint and Waverly are among communities that have received financial backing from Spokane Pride, Danielson said. "Part of our mission has expanded to helping with smaller, more rural prides," Danielson said. "... Helping to develop the smaller pride events out in these smaller towns and places, where I think we kind of need pride the most." The cavalry arrived around the start of May, Danielson said. The Episcopal Diocese of Spokane provided $10,000, which was followed by another large donation from Gonzaga University's Lincoln LGBTQ+ Resource Center. Then a wave of smaller donations from organizations and community members alike rolled in, ranging in values of tens, hundreds and thousands of dollars. Anheuser-Busch's usual $5,000 and beer garden equipment gave them sole product rights in the designated drinking areas of the park festival, so their departure has provided an opportunity for local breweries and distilleries to take their place. A number of craft brewers in the area have provided kegs free of charge to Spokane Pride, including Natural 20, Hat Trick and Humble Abode, as reported by the Inlander. Humble Abode co-owner Courtney Gilbreath said it was a no-brainer to lend a helping hand. She and her husband, Matt Gilbreath, have established relationships with some of the organizers, and they love supporting community events, she said. "We don't really get into politics and all that," Gilbreath said. Danielson said the influx of local support, particularly from faith-based organizations, was as meaningful to him personally as it was to Spokane Pride as an organization. "It almost made me cry as kind of a recovering Christian who was really hurt by the church and growing up gay," Danielson said. "... I love it; they became our largest sponsor just with that." The list of sponsors this year also includes several familiar names and logos from year's past. The Davenport Hotels and Amazon remain top-level sponsors, and a number of local advocacy groups chipped in. VIP Production Northwest is supporting once again by providing the stages and sound systems that will be located throughout the park at a generous rate, said Chief Operating Officer Triston Ward. He said the event company does the same for a number of events in Spokane, whether it's Pig Out in the Park or an Independence Day concert. "When they have financial struggles, we always work with them to figure that out, because we don't believe that sponsors and donors really should dictate the fun that the community has," Ward said. "We do what we can to help, and we've had a wonderful relationship with the people over at Pride for many, many years." Ward said the funding struggles are popping up for other community events as well, a trend he believes is from concerns about the state of the economy. VIP has seen some of those concerns, he said, in less equipment orders from customers and the challenge of providing accurate quotes. Still, there's value in an organization attaching itself to a community event like Spokane Pride, Ward said. It increases visibility and generates a new customer or client base. It also helps make the area a better place to live for all walks of life. "VIP is very community oriented, and we kind of exist to support all swaths of life," Ward said. "In the events industry, we have to work with all religions and all political decisions and all everything, so we don't discriminate. We're a bunch of creatives over here helping put a bunch of different events on for all sorts of people." The nonprofit Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance is another one of those returning sponsors. Executive Director Robin Hanes said their support aligns with the organization's mission of supporting local small businesses, which it does through educational outreach and training throughout the Inland Northwest. "It's our rural businesses, it's our LGBTQ businesses, it's our BIPOC businesses, it's our veteran businesses, it's our women in business; it's everyone who's an independent and local business owner," Hanes said, using an acronym for Black, Indigenous and people of color. "Because we think, for small business owners, there are more similarities than differences, regardless of where they came from and what they believe in and who they love." Despite their own funding challenges as a nonprofit, SIMBA prioritized being there for Danielson and company. "We think it's just really important, particularly to some of our community members, who are just facing some pretty ugly language and behaviors," Hanes said. "We want to make sure that we are supporting." Danielson said that in a roundabout way, all the scrambling and backfill led Spokane Pride to become more of the grassroots, community-supported affair he always envisioned. There will be local beers in the gardens, neighbors bumping into each other and friendly faces at the vendor booths to direct Spokane residents to local resources, opportunities and more. "We still have a little bit of work to do; it's not perfect, but we've shifted so far toward local money and just being community funded," Danielson said. "I cannot believe how much our community stepped up. I'm just so proud of everybody." The Pride parade will kick off noon June 14 in downtown Spokane, while the festivities at Riverfront Park officially begin at 1 p.m.
USA Today
21-04-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Tariff whiplash? Avoid the headache with up to $250 off when you switch to Total Wireless
Tariff whiplash? Avoid the headache with up to $250 off when you switch to Total Wireless Total Wireless, the official UFC partner and wireless provider, has affordable phone plans to help you save. Total Wireless 5G Unlimited Save $250 on select devices when you choose a 5G Unlimited+ plan with Total Wireless. Join Total Wireless It can be hard to keep track of current, proposed and paused tariffs on a day-to-day basis. One day an iPhone is predicted to cost around $2,300 and the next day, President Trump has issued an exemption for smartphones, computers and processing chips. If you're among the consumers who are worried about tariffs and re-examining your spending, switching to a more affordable phone plan might put your mind at ease. Right now, you can switch to Total Wireless and save up to $250, plus receive a free iPhone 13 or Galaxy A16 5G with select plans. If Total Wireless sounds familiar, it might be because the brand was recently named the official wireless partner of UFC. The new partnership brings two dynamic brands together to fight for better wireless and keep fans connected. Through this initiative, they will provide an annual Brand Ambassador program with creative content and campaigns with notable UFC athletes. Be sure to look for Total Wireless in a variety of main card Pay Per View broadcast features, including the must-see 'Fighter Walkouts' before the night's biggest fights. Total Wireless provides a range of affordable, prepaid phone plans with high data allotments, perfect for heavy data users. Here's what you can expect from the budget-friendly cell phone service: What is Total Wireless? Total Wireless is a prepaid phone service provider that uses the Verizon Wireless network. It's known for its budget-friendly plans with no data limits and no contracts. Total Wireless plans include: Unlimited Data Plans : Get your fourth line at no additional cost, ideal for families and multiple users : Get your fourth line at no additional cost, ideal for families and multiple users Unlimited Talk and Text: Keep in touch without worrying about exceeding limits Keep in touch without worrying about exceeding limits Unlimited Data: Monthly plans are unlimited, so you'll never run out of data Monthly plans are unlimited, so you'll never run out of data Nationwide Coverage: Extensive coverage on a reliable network Switch to Total Wireless and save What types of service plans does Total Wireless offer? Total Wireless offers three unlimited service plans. Each one includes unlimited talk, text and data, as well as 5G network covered by Verizon Wireless. Better yet, your price is guaranteed for five years with all taxes and fees included. Here's a look at all three unlimited plans: Base 5G Unlimited : For $40 per month, you get the unlimited plan, 5GB of hotspot data, $200 off your next 5G phone after 12 monthly payments. : For $40 per month, you get the unlimited plan, 5GB of hotspot data, $200 off your next 5G phone after 12 monthly payments. Total 5G Unlimited : You get the unlimited plan with 12x faster speeds, 15 GB of hotspot data, $200 off your next 5G phone after 12 monthly payments, roaming in over 15 countries, a fourth line at no additional cost and a Disney+ premium subscription free for six months. The Total 5G unlimited plan is $50 per month with autopay. : You get the unlimited plan with 12x faster speeds, 15 GB of hotspot data, $200 off your next 5G phone after 12 monthly payments, roaming in over 15 countries, a fourth line at no additional cost and a Disney+ premium subscription free for six months. The Total 5G unlimited plan is $50 per month with autopay. Total 5G Unlimited+: You get the same deal as the Total 5G Unlimited plan, with unlimited hotspot data for $60 per month on autopay. Can I keep my phone number if I switch to Total Wireless? Yes! If you love your phone and want to keep your number, you can bring them with you to Total Wireless. Visit a Total Wireless store near you, or the Total Wireless website to check the availability now. Worried about tariffs? Switch to a budget-friendly phone plan to save on monthly bills Right now, Total Wireless has several ongoing promotions. If you're shopping online, you can get up to $250 off select devices right now when you switch to a 5G Unlimited+ plan. You can also get a free Galaxy A16 5G when you switch to a Total 5G Unlimited or 5G Unlimited+ plan. Or, you can get a free iPhone 13 when you switch to a Total 5G Unlimited or 5G Unlimited+ three-month plan. Total Wireless also has several other offers with free devices available depending on the plan you choose. Shop Total Wireless devices
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Yahoo
Jury shown evidence from the day of Megan McDonald's murder; defense attorney calls it 'parade'
Prosecutors in the Edward Holley murder trial spent extensive time during the first week laying out the circumstances around the discovery of Megan McDonald's body. Holley, a former boyfriend of McDonald, is accused of murdering her in March 2003. He has pleaded not guilty to a charge of second-degree murder. The jury was shown numerous photos of McDonald's white Mercury Sable, which was found at Kensington Manor in the Scotchtown area of the town of Wallkill — 470 feet from where Holley lived at the time — on March 14, 2003. Retired New York State Police investigators Timothy Zeszutek and Joseph Barrett walked prosecutors through those photos, which showed numerous blood stains on the inside and outside of the car, including on the driver's seatbelt, which was hanging out the closed door. Barrett said no usable latent fingerprints were found on the car. A cigar butt was found in the ashtray with a mixture of DNA from McDonald and Paul Simpson, who was previously in a relationship with her. David Voelker, a resident of Kensington Manor who saw the Sable parked there while walking his dog on the morning of March 14, called its presence suspicious. Prosecutors and investigators believe McDonald was killed sometime in the early morning hours of March 14, although her body was not discovered in a field off Bowser Road in Wallkill until March 15. Barrett said he was assigned to go to that location around 3 p.m. on March 15. Around 10 p.m., he went to McDonald's residence, in a basement apartment of a ranch house on Karen Drive, to see if it might be a crime scene. It was not. One of the last things McDonald was known to have done was make a deposit at the HSBC on Route 211 in Middletown. Jurors were shown surveillance camera images from just after 3:30 p.m. on March 13. Representatives from Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile and Frontier Communications testified to the authenticity of phone records that the Orange County District Attorney's office had subpoenaed at the time of McDonald's murder. Those records are no longer in those company's computer systems, as such records are usually purged after a year or two. DOT study: NY may consider safety improvements at Rosendale intersection where pedestrian was killed The relationship of those phone records to the case was not explained at the time of their testimony. In opening statements, Laura Murphy, one of two special prosecutors, recounted how McDonald was found with multiple fractures to the back of her head, bleeding from the brain, a fractured jaw, multiple bruises on her body, a chipped tooth and broken fingernails. She said Holley has told false stories to police of his whereabouts during the time McDonald disappeared and was being murdered. She told the jury the prosecution's case will convince them to find Holley guilty of murder. Lead defense attorney Paul Weber, however, told jurors not to "fall for the parade" of witnesses the prosecution will call, and urged them to judge evidence based on quality, not quantity. Weber said state police did not become focused on Holley until 2017, while rejecting other suspects. He claimed state police to this day are still trying to get evidence against Holley. The trial is scheduled to continue in Orange County Court for several weeks. Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record and the Poughkeepsie Journal. Reach him at mrandall@ This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Testimony underway in murder trial for 2003 death of Megan McDonald
Globe and Mail
03-03-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Push to Talk Market Advance Technology, Share, Latest Trends, Growth Factors, Industry Analysis And Forecast
"Verizon Wireless (US), Motorola Solutions, Inc. (US), T-Mobile (US), Qualcomm Incorporated (US), Zebra Technologies Corporation (US), Telstra Group Limited (Australia), Hytera Communications Corporation Limited (China), Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Sweden), Bell Canada (Canada), Iridium Communications Inc. (US), Tait Communications (New Zealand), Airbus SE (Netherlands), L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US)." Push-to-talk Market by Offering (Hardware, Solutions, and Services), Network Type (LMR and Cellular), Vertical (Government & Public Safety, Aerospace & Defense, and Transportation & Logistics) and Region - Global Forecast to 2028. The global push-to-talk (PTT) market is expected to expand from USD 35.3 billion in 2023 to USD 57.4 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 10.2%. This growth is fueled by the convergence of technological advancements, rising demand in public safety and emergency services, and a strong focus on operational efficiency and sustainability. PTT technology plays a vital role in public safety and emergency response, enabling first responders, police, firefighters, and medical personnel to communicate instantly during critical situations. Its ability to enhance coordination and reduce response times makes it an essential tool for emergency operations, further driving market expansion. Download PDF Brochure@ By Vertical, government & public safety segment is estimated to account for the largest market share in 2023. PTT technology has seen significant adoption within government and the public sector in recent years. This technology has proven to be invaluable in enhancing communication and coordination among various agencies, first responders, and field personnel. PTT devices and applications allow instant voice communication over dedicated networks or cellular data connections, ensuring that critical information can be shared swiftly in emergency situations or during routine operations. Government agencies, such as law enforcement, fire departments, and public works, have embraced PTT for its reliability, simplicity, and the ability to facilitate interoperability among different organizations. By solution, over-the-top is expected to register the fastest growth rate during the forecast period. Over-the-top (OTT) PTT solutions revolutionize real-time communication by enabling instant voice conversations over the internet, bypassing traditional cellular networks. These solutions leverage data connectivity to deliver a PTT experience reminiscent of two-way radios, making them ideal for industries including logistics, public safety, and field services. Asia Pacific is expected to have the highest growth rate PTT technology has witnessed significant adoption and growth in the Asia Pacific region in recent years. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including the region's expansive and diverse geography, the need for efficient and reliable communication solutions, and the proliferation of smartphones and mobile data networks. Request Sample Pages@ Unique Features in the Push to Talk Market Push-to-talk technology enables instantaneous voice communication across multiple users with the press of a button. This eliminates the delays of traditional calling methods, making it ideal for mission-critical industries like public safety, logistics, and construction. Modern PTT solutions now leverage LTE and 5G networks, enhancing coverage, reliability, and voice clarity. Unlike traditional radio-based PTT, cellular PTT allows for nationwide and even global communication, breaking the limitations of geographic range. Security is a top priority in sectors like defense, emergency response, and enterprise operations. Advanced PTT systems offer end-to-end encryption, secure channels, and authentication mechanisms to protect sensitive communications from interception. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in PTT solutions allows for speech-to-text transcription, real-time translation, and voice-assisted command execution. This improves accessibility and efficiency, especially in high-noise environments. PTT solutions now support seamless interoperability between traditional Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems and modern broadband networks, ensuring a smooth transition for organizations upgrading their communication infrastructure. Major Highlights of the Push to Talk Market PTT technology plays a crucial role in law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, and disaster management. The ability to provide instant, secure, and encrypted communication is a key factor driving adoption in mission-critical operations. The AI-driven evolution of PTT is enabling features such as real-time voice transcription, language translation, and intelligent voice assistants. These innovations improve operational efficiency and accessibility for diverse workforces. The adoption of PTT over Cellular (PoC) is on the rise, enabling users to connect globally over 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi networks without the limitations of traditional radio frequency. This makes PTT solutions more accessible to commercial industries, enterprises, and first responders. Inquire Before Buying@ Top Companies in the Push to Talk Market Key and innovative vendors in the PTT market include AT&T Inc. (US); Verizon Wireless (US); Motorola Solutions, Inc. (US); T-Mobile (US); Qualcomm Incorporated (US); Zebra Technologies Corporation (US); Telstra Group Limited (Australia); Hytera Communications Corporation Limited (China); Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Sweden); Bell Canada (Canada); Iridium Communications Inc. (US); Tait Communications (New Zealand); Airbus SE (Netherlands); L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US); ServiceMax, a PTC Technology (US); Simoco Wireless Solutions (UK); GroupTalk (Sweden); Orion Labs, Inc. (US); Zello Inc. (US); Procore Technologies, Inc. (US); VoxerNet LLC (US); International Push to Talk Ltd (England); Enterprise Secure Chat (US); AINA Wireless (US); Azetti Networks (Spain); PeakPTT (US); RugGear (China); ProMobi Technologies (India); and TeamConnect (US). The market players have adopted various strategies such as development of advanced products, partnerships, contracts, expansions, and acquisitions to strengthen their position in the PTT market. The organic and inorganic strategies have helped the market players expand globally by providing advanced PTT solutions. Ericsson Ericsson is a Swedish multinational telecommunications company. It is one of the globe's largest telecommunications equipment manufacturers. It offers a wide range of products and services to telecom operators and enterprises. Ericsson is a global company with operations in over 180 countries. The company provides a wide range of products and services, including mobile networks, fixed networks, cloud services, and managed services. It offers mission-critical services, which are a suite of solutions that enable organizations to communicate reliably and securely in mission-critical situations. These solutions are based on Ericsson's leading 3GPP LTE and 5G technology. Ericsson's mission-critical services can be deployed on either LMR or cellular networks. Ericsson's mission-critical services are used by many organizations, including public safety agencies, utilities, and transportation. It has a global presence in Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific the Middle East, and Africa. Airbus Airbus pioneers' sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The company constantly innovates to provide the most efficient and technologically advanced solutions in aerospace, defense, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers the most modern and fuel-efficient airliners. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide. The company offers Agnet solution that is much more than an MCX solution. It is a critical collaboration platform that provides organizations with collaboration and communication features for integration. It has a global presence in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. Motorola Solutions, Inc.: Motorola Solutions is an American technology company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1928, the company provides mission-critical communication solutions and services for public safety and commercial customers. Motorola Solutions' portfolio includes two-way radios, broadband technologies, video surveillance systems, and software solutions for managing emergency response operations and improving operational efficiency. The company's products and services are widely used by government agencies, law enforcement, first responders, and enterprises worldwide to ensure public safety, enhance communication capabilities, and support digital transformation initiatives in various industries. T-Mobile US, Inc.: T-Mobile US, Inc. is a major telecommunications company based in Bellevue, Washington. Founded in 1994, T-Mobile is known for its wireless voice, messaging, and data services in the United States. The company offers a range of wireless plans and devices, including smartphones and tablets, and has been a key player in promoting competitive pricing and consumer-friendly policies within the telecommunications industry. T-Mobile has also been active in deploying 5G network infrastructure across the country, aiming to provide faster and more reliable mobile connectivity to its customers.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is cell service getting worse? One study shows that it is
(WJET/WFXP) — Cell service may be getting worse across the country according to a new J.D. Power study. The study showed a dramatic increase in reported wireless network problems between the first and the second half of 2024. For the first half of 2024, problems nationally were reported at 9 problems per use, and in the second half, that jumped to 11 problems per use. That represents a 22% increase less than one year, but several factors in the coming months and years will determine if this trend will continue upwards. These trends also come at a time when more than 1/3 of Gen X and Gen Y use their phone more than 8 hours every two days. Much of these 8 hours are spent streaming, gaming, or browsing, increasing the demand and stress on carriers 'Streaming has become ubiquitous and is straining networks,' said Carl Lepper, senior director of technology, media and telecom at J.D. Power. 'Network quality is a critical factor in the customer journey, specifically the second highest reason why they choose to leave their carrier and join another, behind price. As we have been experiencing this generational trend of increased usage, especially for streaming, gaming, and browsing, networks need to prioritize network quality.'. The study showcased the top-performing carriers across six regions: Mid-Atlantic, North Central, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and West. Verizon Wireless leads two regions and is tied in another, having the least amount of problems in the Mid-Atlantic and the West regions. Verizon and AT&T are both tied for the least amount of problems in the Southwest region. UScellular ranks the highest in the North Central region and T-Mobile ranks the highest in the Southeast Region. But are these problems a sign of more trouble to come, or is there steps in place to avoid more problems in the future? Laurent Therivel, the president and CEO of UScellular says in his 2025 predictions that as Americans continue to use more and more data, more investment and more frequency spectrusts are needed to help maintain the U.S.'s competitiveness on a global scale. In 2023 alone, Americans used a total of 100 Trillion MB, that's 100,000,000 Terabytes. That staggering figure is double what was used in 2021, and 33 times bigger than what was used in 2013. However, many industry experts believe that recent innovations can help bring high-speed wireless to more areas. These innovations help lower the complexity and scalability that can come with a large-scale deployment of wireless service in an area that can help meet the ever-growing needs of the customers. As we continue to grow and expand accessibility and availability of 5G coverage across the nation, another concern lingers in less than a decade, 6G service. The next generation of service is expected to be introduced by 2030, and even as soon as 2028. That's according to John Paleski, President of Subcarrier Communications, who continues citing concerns of the next generation and what will need to be done to support, physically, these new units. These upgrades to previous towers, and the construction of new ones, will not be a cheap endeavor for carriers and tower owners. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
