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ESPN strikes $1.5B deal to jump into sports betting with Penn Entertainment

Posted on by Sam Parsons

BRISTOL (AP) — You know ESPN the sports media giant. Now brace yourself for ESPN Bet, a rebranding of an existing sports-betting app owned by Penn Entertainment, which is paying $1.5 billion plus other considerations for exclusive rights to the ESPN name.

The deal, announced Tuesday, could take Walt Disney Co.-owned ESPN into uncharted waters. Disney is fiercely protective of its family-friendly image, not typically associated with the world of sports gambling.

Penn will operate ESPN Bet, which ESPN has agreed to promote across its online and broadcast platforms in order to generate “maximum fan awareness” of the app. ESPN Bet will also have unspecified “access” to ESPN talent, the companies said.

Penn’s rights to the ESPN brand will initially run for a decade and can be extended for another decade by mutual agreement. In addition to the $1.5 billion licensing deal, which will be paid out over a decade, Penn will also grant ESPN rights worth about $500 million to purchase shares in Penn.

“Penn Entertainment is the perfect partner to build an unmatched user experience for sports betting with ESPN Bet,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement.

Disney has wrestled with the issue of adult-oriented entertainment in the past. Until about 15 years ago, its Walt Disney World park in Orlando, Florida, featured a gated late-night area known as Pleasure Island — actually a reference to the 1940 film “Pinocchio,” whose characters visited a den of iniquity by that name. Pleasure Island featured bars, music venues and nightclubs in addition to restaurants, shopping and a nightly countdown to “New Year’s Eve” complete with fireworks.

When attendance waned, Disney closed down the Pleasure Island nightclubs in 2008 and redeveloped the site as a restaurant and shopping district now known as The Landing at Disney Springs.

ESPN added that it will use its platforms “to educate sports fans on responsible gaming” — for instance by continuing to cover the sports betting industry with “journalistic integrity,” creating a “responsible gaming” committee within the company and developing marketing guidelines that “safeguard” fans.

Penn also announced that it sold Barstool Sports, an irreverent sports media site, back to its founder Dave Portnoy. Penn took a 36% stake of Barstool Sports in February 2020 for about $163 million and subsequently acquired the remainder of the company for about $388 million in February 2023. Neither Penn nor Portnoy disclosed terms of the divestment deal.

In a video posted on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, Portnoy radiated excitement over the site’s regained independence. The regulated gambling industry, he said, “was probably not the best place for Barstool Sports and the kind of content we make.” Portnoy added that he will “never” sell the company. As part of the divestment deal, Penn would be owed 50% of the gross proceeds from any future sale or “monetization” of Barstool.

Gas prices continue rising, but drop could be coming as temperatures cool

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Pat Powers (Radio Iowa)

Gasoline prices rose almost 50 cents a gallon in Iowa in the past month, and they’re still climbing.

Brian Ortner, spokesman for  AAA Iowa, says prices should start to level off very soon. “We’re at $3.78 a gallon, up 13 cents from a week ago which isn’t the greatest news, but as the weather starts to cool — and that’s a big component of this — hopefully, we’ll see some relief coming,” Ortner says. “As the summer travel season ends, the demand for gasoline will also help with the amount of supply that’s currently available.” A month ago, gas was averaging three-30 a gallon in Iowa.

Ortner says the steamy weather is key in the pump price hike. “A big factor in those prices going up is the extreme heat that we saw last month,” he says. “It played a role in the recent spike in prices because some refineries had to pull back their production. Some of those refineries work in 100-degree weather, but we were seeing temperatures of 103, 110 in the areas where the refineries are.” So far, no tropical storms have hit the oil-producing states of the Gulf Coast region this year.

AAA’s spokesman Gene LaDoucer says international issues are also driving factors in the price increases. “Russia and Saudi Arabia have agreed to further their production cuts,” LaDoucer says. “That is coupled with extreme heat in the United States, which is resulting in additional maintenance, requirements at refineries and reduced output. Couple that with the extremely high travel volumes this summer.”

Prices vary widely across the state, as Council Bluffs is averaging $3.68 a gallon, while Dubuque is at $3.88. Triple-A says the national average is $3.82.

Leadership Red Rock Accepting Applications

Posted on by Sam Parsons

KNOXVILLE — The Marion County Development Commission (MCDC) is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 Leadership Red Rock class.  Leadership Red Rock is an issue-oriented leadership program that develops leadership skills and increases community awareness of participants.  The 5 sessions provide interaction with area decision makers and discussions on key local issues.  Leadership Red Rock is great for young professionals and new residents to become involved within the community.   If you are interested in learning how to maximize your leadership skills, meeting a variety of people, discovering new opportunities for volunteering, or examining key community issues; send in your application to the MCDC before September 20, 2023 to be considered for this year’s program.  You can apply online at https://marioncountyiowa.com/work_live/leadership_red_rock/

Sessions will be held this year on October 24, November 14, December 12, January 25, and February 15.  Sessions are held at various locations around the county and run from 5:30-8 p.m.   Class size is limited to 20 participants.   “Our people are a very important resource within Marion County.   It is our people that will develop ideas to grow our businesses.  It is our people that will find solutions to community needs.  And it is our people who make the area a unique destination to visit,” stated Carla Eysink, MCDC Executive Director.  “Leadership Red Rock allows people who live and work in this area an opportunity to examine the role each of us plays in developing Marion County into an outstanding place to live, work and visit.”  If you would like information about the Leadership Red Rock program contact Carla Eysink at the Marion County Development Commission, ceysink@marioncountyiowa.gov or go to marioncountyiowa.com.

Endangered Person Advisory Issued by Davis County Sheriff’s Office

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DAVIS COUNTY — An endangered person advisory is being issued for 13-year-old Kaylee Arnold. Kaylee was reported missing on the evening of August 8, 2023. She was last seen at about 7:00 p.m. at the Casey’s Store in Eldon, Iowa. Based on information discovered during the investigation, law enforcement considers Kaylee endangered.

Kaylee is 4’11” tall and weighs 90 pounds. She has dark brown eyes and hair that is dyed red. She was last seen wearing blue jeans, dark shoes, and a gray shirt with “Camp Wapello 2011” on the back. Both of her ears and her left nostril are pierced.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kaylee Arnold is asked to call their local law enforcement or the Davis County Sheriff’s Office at 641-664-2385.

$1.55 billion Mega Millions jackpot is the 3rd largest in US history

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES (AP) — Lottery players will have another shot Tuesday night at a massive Mega Millions prize that ranks as the third-largest jackpot in U.S. history.

The estimated $1.55 billion prize has been gradually building for months thanks to 31 straight drawings without a jackpot winner. The last time someone won the game’s top prize was April 18.

Each drawing without a winner pushes the prize closer to the record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot that someone in California won last year.

Mega Millions jackpot winners are so rare thanks to odds of 1 in 302.6 million.

The $1.55 billion payout would go to a winner who opts for an annuity, doled out over 30 years. But people usually prefer a lump sum option, which for Tuesday’s jackpot would be an estimated $757.2 million.

The money would be subject to federal taxes. Many states also tax lottery winnings.

Mega Millions is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Students First ESA applications approved in 96 of Iowa’s 99 counties

Posted on by Sam Parsons

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Education today announced that 18,627 Students First education savings accounts (ESAs) have been approved as of August 4. Less than 1,000 applications remain in review while parents or guardians provide additional information or documentation to confirm eligibility.

In addition to applying and being approved for an ESA, families must separately apply to the accredited private school of their choice and, if accepted, their ESA account will be funded.

Students have been approved for ESAs in 96 of Iowa’s 99 counties. Iowa’s most populous counties primarily account for the highest number of approved student applications. Also as of August 4, the top 10 counties include: Polk, 3,144; Linn, 1,318; Scott, 1,306; Sioux, 1,183; Black Hawk, 942; Woodbury, 916; Dubuque, 882; Johnson, 572; Dallas, 505; and Carroll, 427.

  • Additional counties with 300 or more approved applications: Cerro Gordo, 338; Webster, 369; Pottawattamie, 383; and Plymouth, 411.
  • Counties with 200-299: Lee, 212; Clinton, 217; Marshall, 231; O’Brien, 250; Delaware, 282; and Marion, 297.
  • Counties with 100-199:  Jones, 111; Wapello, 111; Jefferson, 112; Story, 112; Allamakee, 113; Floyd, 113; Bremer, 118; Washington, 140; Clay, 142; Jasper, 144; Jackson, 145; Crawford, 152; Buena Vista, 152; Des Moines, 157; Muscatine, 159; Winneshiek, 168; Boone, 170; Kossuth, 183; Mahaska, 188; Lyon, 196; and Warren, 197.
  • Counties with 50-99: Union, 52; Poweshiek, 55; Iowa, 64; Benton, 71; Palo Alto, 75; Humboldt, 83; Howard, 87; and Buchanan, 93.
  • Counties with 25-49: Clayton, 25; Butler 26; Franklin, 26; Winnebago, 27; Sac, 29; Calhoun, 30; Madison, 35; Fayette, 37; Pocahontas, 43; Page, 46; Chickasaw, 46; Hamilton, 49; and Shelby, 49.
  • Counties with 1-24: Emmet, 1; Clarke, 2; Cass, 2; Montgomery, 2; Monroe, 2; Wayne, 2; Fremont, 2; Mitchell, 3; Guthrie, 3; Appanoose, 3; Taylor, 4; Van Buren, 4; Adams, 5;  Keokuk, 6; Tama, 7; Wright, 7; Davis, 7; Audubon, 7; Lucas, 7; Worth, 8; Greene, 9; Harrison, 10;  Dickinson, 12; Monona, 13; Ida, 14; Adair, 15; Cherokee, 17; Hardin, 17; Hancock, 17; Osceola, 18; Henry, 20; Mills, 21; Grundy, 21; and Cedar, 23.
  • Counties with no approved applications: Decatur, Louisa, and Ringgold.

Parents and guardians of students who have been approved for an ESA and accepted at an accredited nonpublic school will receive an invoice from their child’s school through their ESA account. When parents or guardians approve the payment, funds are transferred from the ESA account to the school to pay tuition and fees. ESA funds remain in the state’s possession until approved for payment to the school.

If an approved ESA student does not attend an accredited nonpublic school by September 30, the ESA account will be closed for the school year. The funds remain with the state and are returned to the general fund.

Additional information regarding the final number of approved applicants will be available after September 30. Details about ESA program participants will be available when certified school enrollment numbers are finalized later this fall.

Ottumwa Man Arrested for Sexual Abuse of 4 Children

Posted on by Sam Parsons

OTTUMWA — On June 6, 2023, the Ottumwa Police Department started an investigation involving 4 female juvenile victims who had been sexually assaulted by the same male.  Three victims were 14 years old and the other victim was age 13.    

On June 20, 2023, officers from the Ottumwa Police Department executed a search warrant at the residence of the suspect located at 315 E. 4th, Apt. 3, in Ottumwa.  During the course of the investigation officers also obtained search warrants for Facebook records, records from Snapchat, and the cellular devices that were seized during the initial search at the apartment.    

On August 7, 2023, at approximately 12:35 p.m., police arrested Simplice Maggloire Nguepnang, age 25, of Ottumwa. Nguepnang was charged with the following offenses:  

  • Sexual Abuse 3rd Degree (3 Counts), all Class “C” Felonies
  • Sexual Abuse 2nd Degree (13 year old victim), a Class “B” Felony
  • Human Trafficking (4 counts), all Class “C” Felonies
  • Distribution of a Controlled Substance to Person Under Age 18 (3 Counts), all Class “B” Felonies  

Nguepnang is being held in the Wapello County Jail.  

Oskaloosa City Council Approves New Recreation and Entertainment Facility, Zoning Code Changes

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By Sam Parsons

The Oskaloosa City Council met last night and formally approved the site plan application for a new recreation and entertainment facility at Gateway Commercial Park. The proposed 46,000 square foot facility is currently being referred to as the “Oskaloosa Entertainment Venue” and would include a bar & grill restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, a 3-screen movie theater with concessions, 2 tennis courts, 4 pickleball courts, and 3 golf simulators. 

Construction of the facility is expected to begin this fall and the city says it could be finished in late 2024. The facility will be developed and managed by EVOLVE Hospitality, the same entity that manages the adjoining Fairfield Inn. 

The council also approved the first reading of an ordinance amending their zoning code. Development Services Director Shawn Christ said that the updates were guided by the goals and recommendations of the “Plan Osky” comprehensive plan, which was approved by the city in November 2022. Some of the changes included extending the city’s zoning to its 2-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction, streamlining approval processes, and meeting legal requirements.

And in other business, the council approved agreements between the city and Iowa State University’s Community Design Lab, as well as the city and the Mahaska County Conservation Board, for the development of a new comprehensive park plan, and they approved a contract with Iowa Dredging, LLC to perform the dredging of the Edmundson Park pond.

The next regular meeting with the Oskaloosa City Council will be held on August 21.

Musk says his cage fight with Zuckerberg will be streamed on X

Posted on by Sam Parsons

NEW YORK (AP) — Elon Musk says his potential in-person fight with Mark Zuckerberg would be streamed on his social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.

The two tech billionaires seemingly agreed to a “cage match” face-off in late June. Zuckerberg is actually trained in mixed martial arts, and the CEO of Facebook’s parent company Meta posted about completing his first jiu jitsu tournament earlier this year.

“Zuck v Musk fight will be live-streamed on X,” Musk wrote in a post Sunday on the platform. “All proceeds will go to charity for veterans.”

On his Threads social media account, Zuckerberg responded: “Shouldn’t we use a more reliable platform that can actually raise money for charity?”

Musk said earlier Sunday he was training for the fight by lifting weights.

“Don’t have time to work out, so I just bring them to work,” Musk wrote.

Zuckerberg replied on Threads: “I’m ready today. I suggested Aug 26 when he first challenged, but he hasn’t confirmed. Not holding my breath. I love this sport and will continue competing with people who train no matter what happens here.”

Whether or not Musk and Zuckerberg actually make it to the ring in Las Vegas has yet to be seen — especially as Musk often tweets about action prematurely or without following through. But even if their cage match agreement is all a joke, the banter has gained attention.

It all started when Musk, who owns X, responded to a tweet about Meta preparing to release a new Twitter rival called Threads. He took a dig about the world becoming “exclusively under Zuck’s thumb with no other options” — but then one Twitter user jokingly warned Musk of Zuckerberg’s jiu jitsu training.

“I’m up for a cage match if he is lol,” Musk wrote.

Representatives of X, Meta and Ultimate Fighting Championship, which owns the venue where the fight might take place, didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

Musk’s push to stream the video live on X comes as he aims to turn the platform into a “digital town square.” However, his much-publicized Twitter Spaces kickoff event in May with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announcing his run for president struggled with technical glitches and a near half-hour delay.

Musk had said the problems were due to “straining” servers because so many people were trying to listen to the audio-only event. But even at their highest, the number of listeners listed topped out at around 420,000, far from the millions of viewers that televised presidential announcements attract.

Attorney General may endorse a GOP presidential candidate closer to Iowa Caucuses

Posted on by Sam Parsons

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis will headline a fundraiser this Saturday for Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird. Bird, the first Republican in 40 years to serve as Iowa’s attorney general, has appeared with other G-O-P presidential candidates, too.

“When they come to Iowa, I’m glad to show them around, whether that’s showing them around the farm or around the State Fair that’s coming up,” Bird said during a recent appearance on “Iowa Press” on Iowa PBS. “I look forward to hosting all of them.”

A few dozen Republicans in the Iowa legislature have endorsed candidates in the 2024 presidential race, but statewide elected officials have not. “Right now, I am neutral — not endorsing in the Caucuses,” Bird said. “My focus is really on doing the job that I’ve got before me. It’s a big job. I’ve got changes to make since my predecessor had been there for four decades.”

Bird, who defeated incumbent Democrat Tom Miller in last fall’s election, indicatd she may endorse a candidate as the January 15, 2024 Caucuses draw closer. “I’m somebody that loves the Iowa Caucuses. I went to my first caucus when I was just 13, so I think the most important thing about the Caucuses will be about the people who go and show up and vote and persuade their neighbors about who they should vote for,” Bird said. “That’s the beauty of the Caucus.”

Bird, by the way, was a junior delegate when she was a pre-teen attending her first caucus and did not vote.

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