lucky zodiac signs in 2024 Austin Ekeler is still dealing with concussion symptomsSocial media users are misrepresenting a Vermont Supreme Court ruling , claiming that it gives schools permission to vaccinate children even if their parents do not consent. The ruling addressed a lawsuit filed by Dario and Shujen Politella against Windham Southeast School District and state officials over the mistaken vaccination of their child against COVID-19 in 2021, when he was 6 years old. A lower court had dismissed the original complaint, as well as an amended version. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was filed on Nov. 19. But the ruling by Vermont's high court is not as far-reaching as some online have claimed. In reality, it concluded that anyone protected under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, or PREP, Act is immune to state lawsuits. Here's a closer look at the facts. CLAIM: The Vermont Supreme Court ruled that schools can vaccinate children against their parents' wishes. THE FACTS: The claim stems from a July 26 ruling by the Vermont Supreme Court, which found that anyone protected by the PREP Act is immune to state lawsuits, including the officials named in the Politella's suit. The ruling does not authorize schools to vaccinate children at their discretion. According to the lawsuit, the Politella's son — referred to as L.P. — was given one dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination clinic held at Academy School in Brattleboro even though his father, Dario, told the school's assistant principal a few days before that his son was not to receive a vaccination. In what officials described as a mistake, L.P. was removed from class and had a “handwritten label” put on his shirt with the name and date of birth of another student, L.K., who had already been vaccinated that day. L.P. was then vaccinated. Ultimately, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that officials involved in the case could not be sued. “We conclude that the PREP Act immunizes every defendant in this case and this fact alone is enough to dismiss the case,” the Vermont Supreme Court's ruling reads. “We conclude that when the federal PREP Act immunizes a defendant, the PREP Act bars all state-law claims against that defendant as a matter of law.” The PREP Act , enacted by Congress in 2005, authorizes the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a declaration in the event of a public health emergency providing immunity from liability for activities related to medical countermeasures, such as the administration of a vaccine, except in cases of “willful misconduct" that result in “death or serious physical injury.” A declaration against COVID-19 was issued on March 17, 2020. It is set to expire on Dec. 31. Federals suits claiming willful misconduct are filed in Washington. Social media users described the Vermont Supreme Court's ruling as having consequences beyond what it actually says. “The Vermont Supreme Court has ruled that schools can force-vaccinate children for Covid against the wishes of their parents,” reads one X post that had been liked and shared approximately 16,600 times as of Tuesday. “The high court ruled on a case involving a 6-year-old boy who was forced to take a Covid mRNA injection by his school. However, his family had explicitly stated that they didn't want their child to receive the ‘vaccines.’” Other users alleged that the ruling gives schools permission to give students any vaccine without parental consent, not just ones for COVID-19. Rod Smolla, president of the Vermont Law and Graduate School and an expert on constitutional law, told The Associated Press that the ruling “merely holds that the federal statute at issue, the PREP Act, preempts state lawsuits in cases in which officials mistakenly administer a vaccination without consent.” “Nothing in the Vermont Supreme Court opinion states that school officials can vaccinate a child against the instructions of the parent,” he wrote in an email. Asked whether the claims spreading online have any merit, Ronald Ferrara, an attorney representing the Politellas, told the AP that although the ruling doesn't say schools can vaccinate students regardless of parental consent, officials could interpret it to mean that they could get away with doing so under the PREP Act, at least when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines. He explained that the U.S. Supreme Court appeal seeks to clarify whether the Vermont Supreme Court interpreted the PREP Act beyond what Congress intended. “The Politella’s fundamental liberty interest to decide whether their son should receive elective medical treatment was denied by agents of the State and School,” he wrote in an email to the AP. “The Vermont Court misconstrues the scope of PREP Act immunity (which is conditioned upon informed consent for medical treatments unapproved by FDA), to cover this denial of rights and its underlying battery.” Ferrara added that he was not aware of the claims spreading online, but that he “can understand how lay people may conflate the court's mistaken grant of immunity for misconduct as tantamount to blessing such misconduct.” John Klar, who also represents the Politellas, went a step further, telling the AP that the Vermont Supreme Court ruling means that “as a matter of law” schools can get away with vaccinating students without parental consent and that parents can only sue on the federal level if death or serious bodily injury results. — Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck . By Melissa Goldin, The Associated Press

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell says it was a really easy decision to sign with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the presence of three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani played a part, too. Snell was introduced Tuesday at Dodger Stadium accompanied by his agent Scott Boras. The left-hander finalized a $182 million, five-year contract last Saturday. “It was really easy just cause me and Haeley wanted to live here, it’s something we’ve been talking about for a while,” Snell said, referring to his girlfriend. “Then you look at the team. You look at what they’ve built, what they’re doing. It’s just something you want to be a part of.” Last month, Snell opted out of his deal with San Francisco to become a free agent for the second consecutive offseason after he was slowed by injuries during his lone year with the San Francisco Giants. Snell gets a $52 million signing bonus, payable on Jan. 25, and annual salaries of $26 million, of which $13.2 million each year will be deferred . Because Snell is a Washington state resident, the signing bonus will not be subject to California income tax. “It just played out the way that people around me felt comfortable with, I felt comfortable with, they felt comfortable with,” Snell said. “We talked and found something that could work for both of us. You want your worth, you want your respect, and you want enough time to where you can really make a name for yourself. I've made a name for myself outside of LA, but I'm going to be invested.” Two-way star Ohtani, who signed a record $700 million, 10-year deal a year ago, had a historic first season with the Dodgers. He helped them win the franchise's eighth World Series while playing only as designated hitter and became MVP in the National League for the first time after twice winning the award while in the American League. “It helps with him in the lineup for sure. That’s big motivation,” Snell said. “You want to be around players like that when you’re trying to be one of the best in the game. Yeah, it played a big part.” Snell joins Ohtani and fellow Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto atop Los Angeles’ rotation. All-Star Tyler Glasnow will be back after having his first season in LA derailed by a sprained elbow. Ohtani didn’t pitch this year while recovering from right elbow surgery but is expected back on the mound in 2025. The rest of the rotation includes Tony Gonsolin, Landon Knack, Dustin May, Bobby Miller and Emmet Sheehan. “I pitched on six-man, five-man, four-man rotations,” Snell said. “I'm good with it all as long as we have a plan, we'll execute it.” Snell, who turns 32 on Wednesday, went 5-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts this year, throwing a no-hitter at Cincinnati on Aug. 2 for one of only 16 individual shutouts in the major leagues this season. He struck out 145 and walked 44 in 104 innings. He was sidelined between April 19 and May 22 by a strained left adductor and between June 2 and July 9 by a strained left groin. Snell won Cy Young Awards in 2018 with Tampa Bay and 2023 with San Diego. He is 76-58 with a 3.19 ERA in nine seasons with the Rays (2016-20), Padres (2021-23) and Giants. He has known Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations, since he was 18. In the aftermath of winning the World Series and discussing how the Dodgers could repeat next year, Friedman said, “All conversations kept coming back to Blake.” “Usually in major league free agency, you're buying the backside of a guy's career, the accomplishments that they have had,” he said. “With Blake, one thing that's really exciting for us is, as much success as he's had, we feel like there's more in there." Snell was 2-2 against the Dodgers in his career. “We couldn’t beat him, so we’re going to have him join us,” Friedman said. .___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLBThe latest environmental, social and governance (ESG) information can be found at avistacorp.com . SPOKANE, Wash., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Avista (NYSE: AVA) published its latest Corporate Responsibility report and other environmental, social and governance (ESG) information on its corporate website, avistacorp.com . The content reports on Avista’s operations and includes commitments in four areas: environment, people, customers and communities, and ethical governance. The latest report includes progress updates regarding Avista’s aspirational goals for Clean Energy, for workplace Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity, for Supplier Diversity, and the publication of Avista’s current Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) 2023 Employer Information Report EEO-1 Consolidated Report. The website also provides links to Avista’s continued reporting on a series of key ESG reporting frameworks and industry specific ESG disclosures and metrics that include new reports adhering to the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and the American Gas Association (AGA) ESG and sustainability reporting frameworks. “Our mission is to enable vibrant communities through safe, responsible, and affordable energy. Avista’s annual Corporate Responsibility Report is an opportunity for us to provide information and concrete examples that demonstrate our company’s commitments to our stakeholders in support of this mission. From ensuring robust energy supply and delivery systems, partnering in the shared clean energy economy, inspiring engaged and thriving employees, to committing to financial strength, these are just some of the ways we are delivering upon our mission,” said Avista CEO Dennis Vermillion. Avista’s Corporate Responsibility report and ESG disclosures can be found here and at avistacorp.com . About Avista Corp. Avista Corp. is an energy company involved in the production, transmission, and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. Avista Utilities is our operating division that provides electric service to 418,000 customers and natural gas to 382,000 customers. Our service territory covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.7 million. AERC is an Avista subsidiary that, through its subsidiary AEL&P, provides retail electric service to 17,000 customers in the city and borough of Juneau, Alaska. Our stock is traded under the ticker symbol “AVA”. For more information about Avista, please visit www.avistacorp.com . Avista Corp. and the Avista Corp. logo are trademarks of Avista Corporation. To unsubscribe from Avista’s news release distribution, send reply message to dalila.sheehan@avistacorp.com . SOURCE: Avista Corporation Contact: Media: Lena Funston (509) 495-8090 lena.funston@avistacorp.com Investors: Stacey Wenz (509) 495-2046 stacey.wenz@avistacorp.com Avista 24/7 Media Access (509) 495-4174

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The new year is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to start thinking about those fitness goals. Whether you’re looking to improve your health or just stay on track, having the right tools makes all the difference. If you’re searching for something stylish yet practical, the Fitbit Sense 2 might just be what you, or someone on your gift list, needs. Apart from the basic smartwatch features, such as tracking steps, calories burned, and distance traveled, the Fitbit Sense 2 takes everyday activity tracking to the next level. It keeps an eye on your heart rate 24/7, offering real-time insights into your fitness levels and progress. It is also capable of tracking your stress levels and provides a Stress Management Score to help you understand how your body is responding. Pair that with tools for mindfulness, and you have a tool to monitor both your physical and emotional well-being. It doesn’t stop there. Sleep plays a huge role in overall health, and Fitbit Sense 2 takes your nightly rest seriously. With personalized Sleep Profiles and a Sleep Score, it helps you understand how well you’re sleeping and what you can do to improve. You can even set a smart wake alarm to ensure you start your mornings feeling your best. Fitness enthusiasts are also going to appreciate more than 40 exercise modes and Active Zone Minutes to track progress in real time. Everyone will love that the battery time that is built to last over six days on a single charge. This smartwatch comes in three stunning color options: Blue Mist/Pale Gold, Lunar White/Platinum, and Shadow Grey/Graphite. Each one is sleek enough to pair with any outfit, making it perfect for everyday wear. Grab the Fitbit Sense 2 at a 28% discount for just $179.95. Fitbit Sense 2 Make Tech Easier may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Our latest tutorials delivered straight to your inbox Zainab is an Actuarial Sciences graduate from Pakistan with a passion for technology. When she's not busy writing insightful pieces on Windows and the latest tech trends, you'll find her with her nose buried in a productivity book, always on the lookout for ways to optimize her workflow and stay ahead of the curve.

Police contacted suspect before Christmas market attackTottenham continue to be lavished with praise following Saturday’s sensational victory against Premier League champions Manchester City. Spurs romped to a 4-0 win over City to breathe fresh hope into their season. Ange Postecoglou’s plans to establish his side as genuine contenders have frequently been undermined by inconsistencies, but the emphatic manner of their victory was quite the statement of intent. While much will be made of the state of crisis Pep Guardiola’s side find themselves in, Spurs went to the Etihad Stadium – where the champions hadn’t lost in almost two years – without a raft of key players. Both first choice central defenders in Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero missed the game, while Rodrigo Bentancur served the first of his seven-match suspension . Postecoglou was forced into changes as a result, pairing Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin together at the heart of his defence to great effect. The Spurs boss also risked moving Dejan Kulusevski back out wide after a productive spell in midfield to bring James Maddison into the starting lineup following his recent dropping. The moves certainly paid off, with Maddison bagging a brace on his 28th birthday while Kulusevski played a starring role in two of the four goals. Guardiola was full of praise for the duo after the game , while Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville believes the pair were just two of five Spurs players who ran “all over” City in midfield. “He’s [Guardiola] obviously put in Rico Lewis on the right of midfield to make it a bit more solid with Bernardo Silva, [Ilkay] Gundogan and Savinho on the left, Phil Foden just in front of them. “They’ve been obliterated in midfield. I mean Kulusevski, [Heung-min] Son, Maddison, even [Pape Matar] Sarr and [Yves] Bissouma, they’ve really run all over them. They really have.”

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