Latest news with #Prather
The Hill
02-07-2025
- Science
- The Hill
Scientists show how smarter flight decisions could help fight climate change
A team of University of California researchers say they have developed a tool that could help steer the aviation sector toward making smarter decisions when it comes to climate-related impacts. The Global Warming per Activity tool, highlighted on Wednesdaay in Nature, measures how long and how strongly each aviation activity affects the atmosphere — whether that activity lasts hours or a century. The scientists also quantified uncertainty in every component, enabling users to assess risk by calculating the probability that a given tradeoff would help mitigate warming. 'This new decision tool uses the information to provide accurate risk quantification for climate tradeoff decisions,' lead author Michael Prather, a professor of Earth system science at UC Irvine, said in a statement. For example, airlines could decide to reroute flights to avoid conditions that generate contrails — the line-shaped vapor trails produced by engine exhaust — but in doing so, they might need to consume more fuel. If the contrails were reduced sufficiently, however, there could be a net positive gain for the climate, according to the study. In general, civil aviation contributes to global warming via carbon dioxide from fuels, nitrogen oxides that impact ozone and methane levels and the creation of lingering contrails. Although each pollution source plays a role in trapping atmospheric heat, efforts to reduce one offender typically increase another. Using the new metric, the scientists determined that if aviation choices led to even a 3 to 5 percent decrease in contrails or in nitrogen oxide emissions, these declines could outweigh a 1 percent surge in carbon dioxide emissions over a 100-year period. Careful strategies that might increase fuel usage, they observed, could therefore bring a potential reduction in the long-term climate impacts of flying. The researchers stressed, however, that they considered only climate change tradeoffs and not economic costs. Nonetheless, they touted their method for its abilities to empower airlines and regulators to make smarter decisions, with more accurate, activity-based comparisons. By quantifying the probability of a positive climate outcome, the authors said they aimed to provide a way to evaluate climate tradeoffs with confidence and equip policymakers with clearer insight into the consequences of their actions. The tool could also be applicable to climate-related decisions made in other industries, such as shipping, agriculture or manufacturing, the researchers noted. 'This is a win for both science and society,' Prather said. 'Our findings show that we don't have to choose between reducing carbon emissions and tackling other warming pollutants. We can find a balance that leads to meaningful progress.'
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Big Brother Big Sisters of Siouxland appoints new executive director
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland will soon have a new executive director. Ciarra Prather will be taking over as executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland (BBBS), as Kristie Arlt will be relocating to Omaha. Prather brings a background in sales, leadership, marketing, public relations, strategic communication, and community engagement into her new role. Some of this experience was fostered here at KCAU 9. 'Originally from Utah and raised in Iowa, I've always felt connected to the values of hard work, integrity, and community,' said Prather. 'I'm honored to lead Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland and look forward to building on the strong foundation Kristie has created.' Story continues below Top Story: Local band to be featured on Saturday in the Park Main Stage Lights & Sirens: Part of roof collapses during fire at Dakota City boat dealer Sports: Construction of multi-sport complex west of Lewis and Clark Park proposed Weather: Get the latest weather forecast here Prather's appointment will be effective starting on June 30, and Arlt will be around until the end of July. Arlt voiced support in BBBS's decision. 'After nearly seven incredible years leading Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland, I am moving to Omaha with a heart full of gratitude,' Arlt said. 'It has been the greatest privilege to witness the impact our mentors have made on the lives of so many children. As I pass the baton, I am filled with confidence and joy knowing that Ciarra will lead with the same passion, determination, and heart. Her experience, energy, and vision will be an amazing gift to the organization and the community.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Winthrop Police officer credited with saving man's life while on vacation in Spain
A Winthrop Police officer is being recognized for his heroic efforts while on a family vacation last month. Officer Guy Prather is being credited with saving a man's life on April 28 in Arcade, Spain. According police, on that day around 9:45 a.m. Central European Time, Prather and his wife were on a hike when they noticed a man had fallen and was bleeding from his forehead. After approaching the injured man, Prather realized the man was in cardiac arrest and had no pulse. Prather immediately began CPR, providing chest compressions for six minute until paramedics arrived at the scene and took over. He also continued to assist with a bag valve mask until additional medical units arrived. The man regained a pulse and was taken to a local hospital via medical helicopter, according to police. Prather and his wife continued their hike and heard nothing of the man's condition, until a day later. On Tuesday, April 29, in the town of Caldas de Reis, Prather and his wife were approached by two men who were friends of the victim. They told Prather the victim, Alberto, survived, and that Prather's application of CPR likely saved his life. According to police, Alberto was part of a group of hikers who were participating in the same multi-day hike to the Cathedral of Saint James in Santiago. After exchanging contact info with Alberto's friends, Prather and his wife were able to meet up with him and spent two days with Alberto and his wife, Ana, even going out to dinner with them and some friends. 'This was a truly incredible, emotional experience,' said Prather. 'I feel lucky to have been in the right place at the right time to help.' Prather was presented with two badges from friends of Alberto, who work as police officers in Spain. In return, Prather intends on sending them Winthrop Police patches. 'I couldn't be more proud of Officer Prather, and the example that he sets for others,' said Chief John Goodwin. 'Even off-duty, our officers remain committed to saving lives and helping others.' Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fort Myers, Jacksonville make list of 10 best dinner theaters in United States
USA Today just announced its 10 best dinner theaters in the country — and two of them have Southwest Florida connections. Fort Myers' popular Broadway Palm came it at No. 10. And another dinner theater owned by the same company — Fort Myers-based Prather Productions — made it all the way to No. 3: The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Prather Productions CEO Will Prather, who also manages Broadway Palm, says he has 'no idea' how they got nominated, but he appreciates what he calls 'a very nice accolade.' 'Our family's been in this industry now for multiple decades…' he says. 'It's a testament to how resilient our family's been.' The ranking was announced Wednesday by the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, an ongoing series that highlights the best in travel, dining and lifestyle. For the series, USA Today invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorites in a wide variety of categories. Then 10Best editors select the nominees to be presented to the voting public for four weeks. Broadway Palm wasn't the only Florida place to land in USA Today's 10 best dinner theaters. Jacksonville's Alhambra Theatre & Dining took the top spot at No. 1. Not bad, considering there are only three professional dinner theaters left in the state, according to Prather. Naples Dinner Theatre along Immokalee Road closed in 2007 after opening in 1975. He says he appreciates the national attention for an industry that used to be much more widespread. There were 10 dinner theaters in Florida, he says, when he moved to Fort Myers in 1993. 'It was nice to see our industry acknowledged,' he says. 'These dinner theaters have survived all these ups and downs —- and the recessions, and COVID — and they've been able to keep their doors open and they're growing. They're maintaining their customer base.' USA Today's announcement described dinner theaters as 'a brilliant fusion of culture, cuisine, comfort and community.' 'There's no pairing more iconic for an evening out than dinner and a show,' said the article announcing the winners. 'And dinner theaters provide both fine dining and top-shelf entertainment under one roof.' Here's what the 10Best Readers' Choice Awards had to say about Broadway Palm, the Dutch Apple and the Alhambra: The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre has been putting on dinner theater shows for more than 30 years. Buffet meals are served before each show, and guests can order plated dinners on Friday and Saturday nights in the Main Theater. Menu offerings change with each show, and there's even a special kids' menu for productions in the Children's Theatre. The Main Theatre puts on concerts and Broadway shows like "Annie" and "Legally Blonde: The Musical." Since 1987, the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre has entertained the people of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The theatre's dining room only seats 320 people at a time and presents shows that range from "A Chorus Line" to "Hairspray" and "The Full Monty." Buffet-style meals include a wide range of options, and there's a full-service bar on hand as well. America's longest continuously-operating dinner theater, Jacksonville's Alhambra Theatre & Dining began putting on shows back in the 1960s. With a winning combination of concerts and Broadway favorites like "My Fair Lady" and "West Side Story," the theater's season runs year-round. They offer three-course gourmet meals, which are served as soon as the theater is open to seating. Many shows sell out quickly, so if you're going to Jacksonville on vacation, be sure to plan ahead for this much-beloved local experience. The News-Press and Naples Daily News are owned by Gannett, the same company that owns USA Today. Both papers are part of the USA Today Network. Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. To reach him, call 239-335-0368 or email crunnells@ Follow or message him on social media: Facebook(@ Instagram and Threads (@crunnells1) and X (@CharlesRunnells) This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: 10 best dinner theaters: Fort Myers, Florida's Broadway Palm makes cut
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Representative Lindsey Prather on how her region is faring six months after Hurricane Helene
Rep. Lindsey Prather (D-Buncombe Co.) It was six months ago that Hurricane Helene devastated much of western North Carolina with record-breaking rainfall and flooding. Since that time, federal, state and local officials have worked in determined — often heroic — fashion to help communities recover. Today, however, the situation is best described as mixed. As NC Newsline learned in a conversation with Buncombe County State Representative Lindsey Prather, while much of the region is back up and running, the situation varies widely from place to place. While most roads are clear and many homes and businesses back to normal, huge needs remain, and Prather says much more is needed from state government — particularly in the way of grants — to help get the region's economy back on its feet. Click here to listen to our full interview with Rep. Prather.
