Greenbelt, MD — A recent, unannounced inspection blitz of trucks and buses resulted in 14.1% of those checked being placed out of service for brake-related violations, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance announced June 22.

Parking lots can be a safety risk for workers, especially with the sun setting earlier during the winter months.

With zero calories, no added sugar, and a commitment to natural ingredients, PATH provides a guilt-free and crisp taste. 

Greenbelt, MD — The results of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual Brake Safety Week are in.

Nashville, TN — A lack of safe places for truck drivers to stop and rest continues to trouble the transportation industry, with the issue coming in near the top of the American Transportation Research Institute’s annual list of top trucking industry concerns.

Loverboy, the pioneer and innovation leader in premium sparkling hard teas, spritzes and canned cocktails, is ringing in 2024 with non-alcoholic versions of two of its original, top-rated sparking tea flavors.

Weller’s launch of its first non-CBD product, Sparkling Immunity, is a sparkling elderberry product that delivers essential vitamins and minerals with refreshing flavor while providing core, daily immunity support for people on the go.

QUINN announced its participation in the Soil Carbon Initiative (SCI). Since 2020, QUINN has worked with Nebraska sorghum grower Steve Tucker, an SCI farmer partner, as he transitions to regenerative practices. Sorghum, a nutrient-dense and inherently sustainable crop, has been a crucial ingredient for Quinn’s supply chain since the company debuted whole-grain, gluten-free pretzels in 2016.

PSILLI™ will use a variety of mushroom types to create five distinct formulations: Brain Boost to support cognitive and immune function; Study Buddy, a Nootropic supplement; Energizer, a natural energy enhancer; Good Mood a mood optimizer and appetite moderator; and Bedtime, for relaxing.

Formulated with healthy ingredients, including 180mg of natural caffeine from coffee bean extract, prebiotic fiber and functional ingredients, like lychee extract, apple cider vinegar, l-theanine and B vitamins, each can of Bloom Sparkling Energy delivers on taste  and clean energy, with just 10 calories and zero grams of sugar.

The addition of Park 100 will complement OSI’s existing business while providing a significant presence in the attractive soup, sauce, and macaroni and cheese categories.

Korea Ginseng Corp. US announced the introduction of the six-year-old Korean Red Ginseng-infused sparkling herbal drink HSW to the health-conscious consumers of WaBa Grill, a healthy rice bowl chain.

heywell's functional beverages are made with adaptogens, antioxidants and organic caffeine to support energy, immunity, focus, hydration and stress.

With this launch, GoodBelly continues to pioneer thoughtfully crafted beverages that are good for bodies and sustainably sourced. 

Packed with antioxidants to combat oxidative stress and thereby enhance immune function, amaí’s Sparkling Hibiscus Flower Water offers a guilt-free way to stay hydrated, according to the company.

AB 863 will replace the current carpet recycling program, which has consistently met state goals, with a complicated new program that is both untested, unproven, and more costly, said The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), which opposes the measure. See previous coverage here. 

Set in the hills of Echo Park, a bungalow, designed by OWIU, is a serene yet versatile space that integrates natural beauty with modern living.

Shakespeare in Clark Park celebrates its 20th season with a light-hearted and musically-inclined As You Like It. Set in...

Trampled By Turtles will be headlining an all-day concert Saturday at Bayfront Park in Duluth.

Four residents of a central Minnesota mobile home park are suing its owner, claiming a faulty sewer system caused sewage to back up into their homes. The suit also claims the park’s owners installed inaccurate water meters that wildly overcalculated the amount of water residents used, and deceived them into signing new leases with stricter terms.

Hundreds of hikers and skiers started the new year outside as part of New Hampshire State Parks' First Day Hikes program. Five parks throughout the state - Monadnock, Franconia Notch, Odiorne Point, Milan Hill, and Bear Brook - welcomed visitors with trail maps, campfires, and hot chocolate.

A woman entered an enclosure with three lions to clean it, but did not close the door bar. The predators attacked and killed her, the Investigative Committee said. In 2021, a tiger bit a one-year-old child in the same park. An employee of Taigan Lion Park in Crimea died after predators attacked and mauled her. A criminal case was opened into the incident. On the afternoon of October 16, the woman who had worked in the park for almost 17 years entered the enclosure with three lions to clean it. However, she did not close the bolt of the door between the two sections of the cage, and the predators attacked her. The woman died. The case was opened into violation of labor protection requirements that resulted in the death of a person through negligence.

Vyacheslav Akhmedov, director of Moscow's Patriot Park, was arrested as part of the investigation into fraudulent activities. Deputy head of the Main Directorate for Innovative Development of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Major General Vladimir Shesterov, was detained as well, the Investigative Committee of Russia said on its Telegram channel. The arrested individuals, together with their accomplices, are responsible for the theft of funds allocated for the operation of the Patriot Park. Army-2024 international military and technical forum was supposed to be held in the Patriot Park in August 2024. Now the event has been put into question.

Army General Pavel Popov, former Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia, was detained. He appears on the fraud case related to Moscow's Patriot Park. General Popov is accused of fraud on an especially large scale. According to the investigation, in 2021-2024, while he was responsible for the development, maintenance, and operation of the Patriot Park, he enriched himself at the expense of this institution — he used building materials to build his own house in the Krasnogorsk District (Moscow region) and forced park employees to work at his three-hectare dacha for free. According to the Investigative Committee, the director of the park, Vyacheslav Akhmedov, and deputy head of the Main Directorate for Innovative Development of the Ministry of Defense, Vladimir Shesterov, were also involved in the fraudulent scheme. General Pavel Popov was detained based on their testimony. Akhmedov and Shesterov said that they received money following the general's orders and paid him about three million rubles.

Scientists have made a breakthrough in the field of bioelectronics by successfully injecting gel polymers inside leeches and zebrafish, which organized themselves into functional electrodes.  The study was published in Science journal. It was revealed that when the gel molecules came in contact with enzymes inside an animal's body, they became electrically conductive.  This innovation could lead to better treatments for people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's and epilepsy by allowing scientists to stimulate areas of the body with an external voltage. Professor Magnus Berggren at the Laboratory for Organic Electronics, LOE, at Linköping University, Sweden, noted that for decades, they have tried to create electronics that mimic biology, but now they let biology create the electronics for them.

Singer Lena Park released her new EP "Stay With Me."The album was dropped at six p.m. Thursday, according to the singer's management Bonboo Entertainment."Stay With Me" is Park's first album...

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MPK Night Market. ; Credit: MPK Night Market (via YouTube)

Ahhhhh. Can you feel that breeze? Cool temps are here to stay through Sunday and we're going ham (in a totally respectable, public radio kind of way). Because frankly, we all deserve a break after sweating ourselves through this near-awful workweek. 

Here's everything you need to know: 

1. Pro volleyball at Hermosa Beach

Video: NVL highlights

These people are serious about volleyball — and they look damn good doing it. Take a trip to Hermosa Beach this weekend, where the National Volleyball League will be hosting its fifth tour stop of the season. The championship will feature 32 elite men’s and women’s teams, all competing for a prize of $50,000. Come by at noon Saturday for a free juniors’ clinic (all ages welcome). Sign up here. 

When: Friday through Sunday | Schedule here

Where: Hermosa Beach Pier | MAP

Price: Free

2. #DTLA salsa dancing

Video: Music Center's Dance Downtown

We know you're dying to show off your salsa skills. Join dancers of all levels at the Music Center's last Dance Downtown of the summer on Friday night. Temps are dropping (hallelujah!) so pack a picnic and get movin'.

When: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday 

Where: The Music Center Plaza | MAP 

Price: Free

3. Shades and Shadows 

Looking for something a little different and a bit creepy? The reading series Shades and Shadows focuses solely on horror, sci-fi, fantasy and any other form of dark literature that you’re afraid to put down. To honor its one-year anniversary, the group will be haunting the California Institute of Abnormalarts. (Yes, this exists. It's in North Hollywood). Stop by for an all-female lineup, including Nancy Holder of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and the Internet's most famous mortician, Caitlin Doughty.  

When: 8 p.m. Saturday

Where: California Institute of Abnormalarts | MAP

Price: $10

4. Oktoberfest at Angel City

It doesn't feel like fall. The sun is blazing and the thought of drinking a pumpkin-spice latte is just gross. That's why we're sipping on cold beer instead. Savor seasonal craft brews with sausage, sauerkraut and soft pretzels at Angel City Brewery's Oktoberfest on Sunday. Festivities will include keg races, live polka music, ping pong and brewery tours. The best part? You're drinking for a good cause — a portion of the event’s beer and retail store sales will go to the Downtown Women’s Center.

When: Noon to 8 p.m. Sunday

Where: Angel City Brewery | MAP

Price: Free admission

5. Monterey Park Night Market 

Video: Every food you ever wanted

Have your pick of tacos, sliders, pressed juice or even a sushi burrito at Monterey Park's Night Market on Friday. That's not all — other highlights include food and dessert from Sticky Rice and Ice Cream Lab. After indulging, walk it off while viewing funky art prints, interesting hand-painted rocks and L.A.-inspired oil pantings. 

When: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Barnes Park | MAP

Price: Free admission; eat at your own will 

6. Friday Night Flicks 

Watch: The best of Johnny Depp

Take a break from Netflix and catch classic Johnny Depp in "Benny and Joon" at Pershing Square on Friday. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch the '90s flick on a 20-foot inflatable screen. Pro tip: Dogs are welcome (if on a leash). For quick easy access to Pershing Square take the Metro (Pershing Square 5th street stop) or park in the Pershing Square Garage.

When: 8 p.m. Friday

Where: Pershing Square | MAP

Price: Free 

7. Kayaking in Malibu

(Photo: Benjamin Brayfield/KPCC)

Spend a leisurely day kayaking the waves of the Pacific. Head to Malibu Surf Shack and grab a one- or two-seater before staking your spot on Malibu Lagoon State Beach. The state park has shallow tide pools and a lagoon with pelicans — plus, it's home to the Malibu Pier. Pro tip: Wear sunscreen and don't drop your phone in the ocean while taking selfies, people.

When: The Surf Shack is open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Where: Malibu Lagoon State Beach | MAP

Price: $35 per day for single kayak; $50 per day for double kayak

8. Feline Film Festival 

Video: We are gonna have a cat party

Imagine watching "America's Funniest Home Videos," but every entry includes a cat. That's what's happening Sunday at the L.A. Feline Film Festival. Sit back and enjoy over an hour of the most popular feline flicks from the Internet. Special guests include Lil Bub, Tara the Hero and Dusty Klepto Kitty. There will also be music, cat adoptions, a cat costume contest, food and drink. Pro tip: Cat flair is obviously encouraged.

When: 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday

Where: Exposition Park | MAP

Price: $15 admission; $15 parking | Purchase tix here

What'd we miss? Let me know on Twitter @KristenLepore.

Edgar Wright attends the 55th Annual International Cinematographers Guild Publicists Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 2, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California.; Credit: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

The joke about Sparks — if you’ve even heard of them — is that it’s the best British band to come out of America. That confusion is why Edgar Wright, the director of “Baby Driver” and “Shaun of the Dead,” wanted to make his first documentary about the group, headed by brothers Ron and Russell Mael. Quite simply, Wright was tired of explaining who the band was and why he loves them. His documentary, called “The Sparks Brothers,” premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. John Horn talked with Wright after its January premiere about his personal connection to the band, how he connected with the brother, the editing process of the documentary and more. The film is in theaters now.

With guest host John Horn

Guest: 

Edgar Wright, director of the new documentary “The Sparks Brothers;” he tweets @edgarwright

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Do you have any unwanted household products, such as paints, cleansers, solvents, antifreeze, batteries or used motor oils; or electronics like computer equipment, old radios, mobile phones, TVs, VCRs, calculators or copiers? Dispose of them properly, free of charge, on May 7th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The North Carolina Veterans Park in Fayetteville includes a visitor�s center, gardens, fountains, sculpture and displays. Five Catawba County residents, including World War II veteran Carmie Cook, had a �hand� in the park�s creation.

A new report from the Institute of Medicine finds suggestive but limited evidence that exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides used during the Vietnam War is associated with an increased chance of developing ischemic heart disease and Parkinsons disease for Vietnam veterans.

With a call for a concerted effort to build a more robust native seed supply and industry, a recent National Academies report helped spur important local, state, and federal action. The momentum continues as native seed stakeholders gather in Washington, D.C., for the 2023 National Native Seed Conference.

Noam Shazeer, an AI pioneer who left Google in 2021, has returned to the company after Google paid $2.7 billion to acquire his startup, Character.AI. Shazeer is now a vice president at Google and will lead the development of their next-generation AI project, Gemini. This move highlights the intense competition for top AI talent in Silicon Valley.

​​​​​​Parker Products, a provider of inclusions and other specialty ingredients for the baking, dairy, beverage, confectionery, RTE and snack, and foodservice industries, has announced that cookie manufacturer Creative Food Ingredients (CFI) has joined the Parker portfolio.

Whether new or retrofit construction, parking structures and shipping and loading bays are often crucial to the viability and efficient use of residential, commercial, industrial and multi-use developments. 

Time savings, cleanliness and ease of installation — there were many advantages to CRW Mechanical’s use of Viega MegaPressG recently on a large project in Virginia.

Parker will discuss OSHA's latest activities before taking questions from attendees and media members.

At ASSP Safety 2024, he addresses enforcement efforts, new and upcoming rulemaking, and the importance of a holistic approach to worker well-being.

In his three years on the job, Parker said he has been surprised by the number of companies that simply don’t care about worker health and safety, even some large, well-known companies. 

Mingle Mocktails announced the release of its new Sparkler Pack. The festive new variety pack will feature a selection of best-selling flavors from the female-founded mocktail brand.

Celsius Holdings Inc. announced two new refreshing flavors inspired by summertime: CELSIUS Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade and CELSIUS Sparkling Kiwi Strawberry.

Bloom Nutrition unveiled Bloom Sparkling Energy, the brand’s first ready-to-drink (RTD) canned beverage. 

CELSIUS, the premium, lifestyle energy drink, announced the launch of CELSIUS Sparkling Cherry Cola. 

Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks announced the expansion of its beverage collection with the launch of Sanpellegrino Zero Grams Added Sugar.

Sparkling Ice announced the launch of a new marketing campaign: Anything But Subtle, featuring Emmy Award-winning actress Annie Murphy, best known for her role as over-the-top celebutante Alexis Rose in “Schitt’s Creek.”

To help consumers through Dry January, bubly sparkling water is making it a little easier for consumers with its “press for bubly” campaign. Consumers have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win their very own, limited run press for bubly button.

Sparkling Ice, a brand of Talking Rain Beverage Co., announced the launch of Sparkling Ice STARBURST — a new line of flavors that capture the taste of STARBURST original fruit chew candy with zero sugar.

Purchase, NY-based PepsiCo once again is shaking things up in the sparkling water category with a brand-new product: bubly burst.

Sparkling Ice is rolling out all new packaging labels on its iconic bottles. The refreshed label prominently positions a bold, clean, and more modern-looking Sparkling Ice logo above the familiar fruit-filled ice cube. 

Waterloo Sparkling Water, Austin, Texas, announced three new flavors with the launch of its All Day Rosé, Pi-Ño Colada and Mojito Mocktail Sparkling Waters.