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CO in fatal inmate beating from North Country; AG’s Office recuses itself from probe
ALBANY, New York (WWNY) – 7 News has confirmed one of the correctional officers implicated in the fatal beating of an inmate is from the North Country. This comes as state Attorney General Letitia James announced her office has stepped away from the investigation.
On the evening of December 9, body camera footage caught COs assaulting inmate Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility near Utica. Brooks died hours later at a Utica Hospital.
We reported earlier that one of those correctional officers was identified as 44-year-old David Kingsley. 7 News has confirmed that he lives in the village of Adams.
He and 13 other prison staff have been implicated in the fatal beating, which will now be investigated not by the state Attorney General’s Office, but by the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office.
On Thursday, AG Letitia James announced her office recused itself from the probe.
“Four of the correction officers under investigation in the Robert Brooks matter are currently defendants in other matters and are being represented by lawyers in the Office of the Attorney General,” said James in a prepared statement. “While we are confident in the firewalls set up between the Division of State Counsel and the Office of Special Investigation, even the possibility or mere appearance of a conflict could tie up a potential prosecution in lengthy legal challenges or get a potential prosecution outright dismissed. And I will not allow justice to be delayed or denied because of a conflict.”
The AG said Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick has been named the special prosecutor.
“District Attorney Fitzpatrick has served Onondaga County for over 30 years. His office is well-resourced to handle this complex and large investigation, and I thank him for taking on this case,” James said.
See James’ full statement below:
“Earlier today, after much consideration, research, and review, my office decided to recuse itself from the investigation of the correction officers involved in the events preceding the death of Mr. Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County.
“This decision is not one that was made lightly, but we believe this is the best course of action to protect the integrity of the investigation, and to ensure accountability and justice for Mr. Brooks, his family, friends, loved ones, and for all New Yorkers.
“My office’s Division of State Counsel, by law, represents state agencies in legal matters, including the Department of Corrections and correction officers.
“My Office of Special Investigation investigates matters where an officer of the law may have caused the death of a civilian.
“As part of our Office of Special Investigation cases, we do internal conflicts checks.
“After obtaining video and identifying the officers involved in the incident, we conducted this standard check.
“Four of the correction officers under investigation in the Robert Brooks matter are currently defendants in other matters and are being represented by lawyers in the Office of the Attorney General.
“While we are confident in the firewalls set up between the Division of State Counsel and the Office of Special Investigation, even the possibility or mere appearance of a conflict could tie up a potential prosecution in lengthy legal challenges or get a potential prosecution outright dismissed.
“And I will not allow justice to be delayed or denied because of a conflict.
“Earlier today, we filed papers in Onondaga County Supreme Court under County Law Section 701 to appoint Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick as a special prosecutor in this matter.
“When a prosecutor is unable to take a case, County Law Section 701 allows for the appointment of a district attorney in the same judicial department.
“District Attorney Fitzpatrick has served Onondaga County for over 30 years. His office is well resourced to handle this complex and large investigation, and I thank him for taking on this case.
“Additionally, my office’s Division of State Counsel will not represent the Department of Corrections and/or its officers in this investigation.
“Again, this decision was made with the utmost respect for the integrity of this investigation, and we will ensure that there will not be any delays.
“My Office of Special Investigation will hand over all records to the District Attorney’s office immediately.
“My office has spoken with representatives of Mr. Brooks’ family to explain this decision. And I want to take this opportunity again to express my sincerest condolences to them during this unimaginable, difficult time.
“It is critically important that justice is served. This decision ensures that it will be.”
Copyright 2025 WWNY. All rights reserved.
In a tragic incident in the North Country, a correctional officer (CO) was involved in the fatal beating of an inmate. The Attorney General’s Office has recused itself from the investigation, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system.The CO’s actions have sparked outrage and calls for justice, as the inmate’s family and advocates demand answers and accountability for this senseless act of violence. The recusal of the AG’s Office has only added to the skepticism surrounding the investigation process.
It is crucial that a thorough and impartial investigation is conducted to ensure that those responsible for this heinous crime are held accountable. The safety and well-being of inmates in correctional facilities must be prioritized, and incidents like this cannot be swept under the rug.
As we await further developments in this case, we must continue to demand transparency and accountability from those in positions of power. The lives of inmates matter, and justice must be served for the victim of this fatal beating.
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- Justice for slain inmate
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Judicial legacy: Carter nominees reshaped federal benches across the country
Former President Jimmy Carter served just a single term in the White House, but it proved to be an impactful one for the federal courts, which saw the appointment of more than 260 federal judges across the country, including some who would go on to wield considerable influence in the nation’s top courts.
His appointments were barrier-breaking and diverse, helping reshape the federal bench and paving the way for women and minorities to serve on the Supreme Court.
Here are just some of the ways Carter helped reshape the federal judiciary during his four years in office.
Diversifying the bench
Carter appointed a total of 262 federal judges during his four years in the White House, more than any single-term president in U.S. history. And despite never getting to appoint a Supreme Court nominee, Carter’s judicial appointments were history-making in their own right. That’s because he appointed a record number of minority and female jurists during his presidency, announcing 57 minority judges and 41 female jurists during his four years in office.
This was aided in part by Carter’s creation of the Circuit Court Nominating Commissions during his first year as president, which he tasked with identifying potential judicial candidates as part of an overarching effort to make the U.S. courts look more like the populations they represented.
These judges helped diversify the federal judiciary. More broadly, they also helped shape the hundreds of court opinions handed down at the district and appellate court level.
Supreme Court impact
Speaking to NBC News’s Brian Williams in 2005, Carter revealed that he had planned to nominate a woman to serve on the Supreme Court if a vacancy had opened up during his presidency.
In fact, Carter even had a name in mind: Judge Shirley Hufstedler, who in 1968 was appointed by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. She was the first woman to serve as an appellate court judge.
“Had I had a vacancy,” he told Williams, Hufstedler was “the foremost candidate in my mind.”
Carter did go on to choose Hufstedler for another role: the nation’s first secretary of education.
“If I had had a Supreme Court appointment, she was the one in my mind that I had in store for the job,” Carter said.
It would instead be Carter’s successor, Ronald Reagan, who would go on to nominate the nation’s first female Supreme Court justice, Sandra Day O’Connor, in 1981.
Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter and their children are shown during the 1980 Democratic National Convention in New York City. (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Though Carter did not directly appoint any judges to the Supreme Court as president, two of his appellate court nominees would go on to serve on the nation’s highest court: Stephen Breyer, who he tapped for the U.S. Appeals Court, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who Carter appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
Both were tapped by former President Bill Clinton to serve on the Supreme Court in the early 1990s and both were subsequently replaced by women jurists. Breyer retired in 2022, replaced by President Biden’s sole nominee to the court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Ginsburg died in September 2020 and was replaced by Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
CARTER EXPECTED TO LIE IN CAPITOL ROTUNDA
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster/File)
Ginsburg was praised for her trailblazing work on gender discrimination. In nominating her to the Supreme Court in 1993, Clinton lauded Ginsburg for being “to the women’s movement what Thurgood Marshall was to the movement for the rights of African Americans.”
In public speeches, Ginsburg often credited Carter for his work in reshaping the judiciary.
“Women weren’t on the bench in numbers, on the federal bench, until Jimmy Carter became president,” Ginsburg said in a 2015 speech at the American Constitution Society.
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Carter “deserves tremendous credit for that,” she said.
President Jimmy Carter appointed over 250 federal judges during his single term in office, leaving a lasting impact on the federal judiciary. These Carter nominees reshaped federal benches across the country, influencing the course of American jurisprudence for decades to come.Carter’s judicial legacy is particularly notable for his commitment to diversity and representation on the bench. He appointed the first African American judges to several federal courts, as well as the first female judges to some circuits. This commitment to diversity helped to ensure that the federal judiciary more accurately reflects the diverse population of the United States.
In addition to diversifying the federal bench, Carter’s nominees also brought a fresh perspective to the judiciary. Many of his appointees were known for their progressive views on civil rights, environmental protection, and consumer rights. These judges helped to shape important legal doctrines and decisions that have had a lasting impact on American law.
Overall, Carter’s judicial legacy is one of lasting influence and importance. His nominees reshaped federal benches across the country, leaving a mark on American jurisprudence that continues to be felt to this day.
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#Judicial #legacy #Carter #nominees #reshaped #federal #benches #countryChad Morgan, Australian country music star, dies aged 91 | Australian music
Australian country music singer Chad Morgan, known as the “Sheik of Scrubby Creek” after one of his most famous songs, has died aged 91.
Known for his humorous country songs and toothy smile – which inspired Barry Humphries’ design for his character Sir Les Patterson – Morgan’s music career spanned more than 70 years, releasing his first album in 1952. He was dubbed the “clown prince of comedy” by country music legend Slim Dusty.
Morgan died in a hospital at Gin Gin in Queensland on Wednesday, his son Chad Junior confirmed to the ABC.
Country music star Troy Cassar-Daley remembered Morgan as “so funny and whip smart”.
“He always surprised me when he hit the stage at how many generations loved him,” he wrote on Instagram. “Rest easy old mate, the show is over and the curtains are closed now.”
Morgan was born in Wondai, Queensland in 1933 and was working in the Royal Australian air force when he was went on talent quest radio program Australia’s Amateur Hour, having been dared to enter by his friends in his unit.
“Never dare me to do anything,” he told the State Library of Queensland in 2018. “I got into the semi-finals and I had to go to Sydney for that … when I did the show down there, someone from the record company heard me and they offered to record me … all my life that was my one ambition, was to record for [country label] Regal Zonophone.”
Morgan’s best known songs included The Sheik of Scrubby Creek, I’m My Own Grandpa, The Shotgun Wedding, Double Decker Blowflies and There’s Life In The Old Dog Yet. He also contributed one verse to the Gordon Parsons song A Pub with No Beer.
In 2009, he wrote a song about his Aboriginal heritage, The Ballad of Bill and Eva, named for his grandparents and recorded with his granddaughter Caitlin.
Morgan toured until 2024, announcing his retirement at the age of 91 in April. Over his long career he performed everywhere around Australia from tiny country festivals to the Sydney Opera House, where he played four encores.
After false rumours of his death began to spread in 2008, Morgan’s life inspired a documentary film titled I’m Not Dead Yet.
He was inducted into the Tamworth Hands of Fame in 1979 and the Roll of Renown in 1987. He received a medal of the Order of Australia in 2004, a lifetime achievement award at the 2010 Country Music Association of Australia awards, and another at the 2018 Queensland Music awards.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Australian country music legend, Chad Morgan, at the age of 91. Known for his distinctive bush ballads and comedic songs, Morgan was a beloved figure in the Australian music industry for over six decades.Born in Wondai, Queensland in 1933, Morgan began his music career in the 1950s and quickly rose to fame with hits such as “The Sheik of Scrubby Creek” and “The Shotgun Wedding”. His unique style of storytelling and humor endeared him to audiences across the country, earning him the nickname “The Clown Prince of Australian Country Music”.
Morgan’s impact on the Australian music scene was immense, with his influence being felt by generations of musicians. He was inducted into the Australian Roll of Renown in 1987 and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2003 for his contribution to the music industry.
Our thoughts are with Chad Morgan’s family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. His legacy will live on through his music, which will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come. Rest in peace, Chad Morgan.
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Chad Morgan, Australian country music star, dies, Australian music, Chad Morgan death, country music legend, Australian singer, Chad Morgan obituary, Australian music industry, Chad Morgan career, Australian music history
#Chad #Morgan #Australian #country #music #star #dies #aged #Australian #musicJASON ALDEAN SURPRISES LOCAL NASHVILLE MUSICIAN BY JOINING HER ON STAGE – KBOE 104.9FM Hot Country
Over the holidays, an aspiring musician in Nashville had no idea they’d be getting a Christmas gift from Jason Aldean. Cay Aliese is a young musician playing the bars in Nashville trying to get something going. While she was playing a Music City bar last week, Jason and Brittany Aldean stopped in and liked what they heard so much, Brittany made a request of the singer, asking her to play Miranda Lambert‘s “Tin Man.” Not only did Cay play the song, but she got to do it with some high-powered accompaniment, as Jason jumped up on stage and played guitar and sang backup while she played keyboards and sang lead. Talk about a special moment for a young artist.
Last night, country music superstar Jason Aldean made a surprise appearance at a local Nashville music venue, joining up-and-coming musician Emily Davis on stage for an unforgettable performance.The crowd at The Bluebird Cafe erupted into cheers as Aldean took the stage alongside Davis, who was in the middle of her set. The two musicians performed a duet of Aldean’s hit song “You Make It Easy,” wowing the audience with their incredible harmonies and chemistry.
Davis, who has been making a name for herself in the Nashville music scene, was clearly thrilled to have the opportunity to share the stage with one of her musical idols. Aldean, known for his chart-topping hits and electrifying live performances, was equally excited to collaborate with the talented young artist.
The impromptu duet was a truly special moment for both Davis and Aldean, and the audience was left buzzing with excitement long after the performance ended. It just goes to show that you never know what surprises are in store when you attend a live music event in Music City.
Stay tuned to KBOE 104.9FM Hot Country for more updates on this unexpected musical collaboration and all the latest news from the Nashville music scene.
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#JASON #ALDEAN #SURPRISES #LOCAL #NASHVILLE #MUSICIAN #JOINING #STAGE #KBOE #104.9FM #Hot #Country
Post Malone Reveals His Most-Streamed Artists of 2024 (They’re Both Country!)
Post Malone‘s love for country music runs deep.
During his Wild Horses Festival headlining set at Petco Park in San Diego, the “I Had Some Help” musician revealed the two artists he couldn’t get enough of in 2024.
Addressing the crowd, Malone, 29, first clarified he’s an Apple Music user and usually doesn’t pay much attention to those things. This year, however, he decided to share that his top two artists were “George Strait” and “Zach Top.”
After declaring his 2024 favorites, Malone introduced Top, 27, to the stage, and together they covered Vince Gill’s “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away.”
Top performed earlier in the night, in addition to Paul Cauthen and Vincent Neil Emerson.
Zach Top, Post Malone and George Strait.
AFF-USA/Shutterstock; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic; Charles Norfleet/FilmMagic
Meanwhile, Malone’s set featured a blend of country songs from his most recent album F-1 Trillion and older hits like “Circles,” “I Fall Apart,” “Rockstar” and “Sunflower.”
Malone’s headlining performance comes after his appearance during Beyoncé‘s epic Christmas Day halftime show at the Texans-Ravens game at NRG Stadium in Houston. Together, they performed their Cowboy Carter collab “LEVII’S JEANS.”
The “Better Now” singer expressed his appreciation for the moment in a message shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Dec. 28.
Post Malone and Beyoncé.
Katherine Bomboy/NBC via Getty; Kevin Mazur/Getty
“Thank you @Beyonce so much for havin me out in Houston, and on your beautiful record. Also, thank you for sharin your talent and art with the world. I love you,” he wrote.
Since the release of F-1 Trillion, which featured country stars like Morgan Wallen, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Tim McGraw, Lainey Wilson and more, Malone has been on a country music roll.
In November, he announced he’ll embark on The Big Ass Stadium Tour throughout North America in summer 2025 with Jelly Roll, whom he collaborated with on “Losers.”
Post Malone in August 2024.
Steve Jennings/FilmMagic
The massive tour kicks off April 29 in Salt Lake City and makes stops in cities including Las Vegas, Dallas, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, New York, Miami, Orlando, Denver, Seattle and more before wrapping July 1 in San Francisco.
F-1 Trillion was released in August, and the project reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Days beforehand, the “Chemical” performer marked a major milestone in his country music career when he made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
“He has a country heart and he is someone who immersed himself in the Nashville way,” Brad Paisley, who invited Malone to perform at the Opry, led off the performance by noting. “But you aren’t a country singer until you’ve played this.”
Post Malone Reveals His Most-Streamed Artists of 2024 (They’re Both Country!)In a recent interview, music superstar Post Malone opened up about his music tastes and revealed his most-streamed artists of 2024. Surprisingly, both of his top artists were from the country genre, showing a surprising shift in his usual hip-hop and rock influences.
The first artist on Post Malone’s list was none other than the legendary country singer George Strait. Known for his classic hits like “Amarillo By Morning” and “Check Yes or No,” George Strait has been a staple in the country music scene for decades. Post Malone praised Strait’s timeless music and heartfelt lyrics, saying that he finds himself listening to his songs on repeat.
The second artist on Post Malone’s most-streamed list was rising country star Kacey Musgraves. With her unique blend of traditional country twang and modern pop sensibilities, Kacey Musgraves has been making waves in the music industry. Post Malone expressed his admiration for Musgraves’ songwriting skills and her ability to capture raw emotions in her music.
It’s clear that Post Malone’s musical tastes are diverse and ever-evolving, and his love for country music is a testament to the genre’s enduring popularity. Who knows what other surprises he has in store for us in the future? Stay tuned for more updates on Post Malone’s music journey and his favorite artists of 2024.
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Post Malone, Most-Streamed Artists, 2024, Country Music, Music Streaming, Post Malone Reveals, Top Artists, Country Artists, Music Trends
#Post #Malone #Reveals #MostStreamed #Artists #Theyre #CountryWhich Country Celebrates New Year First, and Who Rings in Last Compared to India? Find Out Here!
Did you know that while India is getting ready to welcome the New Year, some countries have already celebrated it?
As the clock strikes midnight in one part of the world, another is just starting its countdown. The New Year is more than just turning a calendar page. It’s a moment of hope, fresh beginnings, and global celebrations.
So, who gets to ring in the New Year first compared to India? That honour belongs to Kiribati, a tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean, celebrating the New Year 7.5 hours before India.
And who has to wait the longest? It’s American Samoa, where the New Year arrives nearly a full day after Kiribati!
In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating time zones and uncover which countries celebrate the New Year first and last compared to India. Let’s get started!
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Why is New Year Celebrated at Different Times Across the Globe?
The New Year is celebrated at different times across the globe due to the Earth’s time zones.
As the Earth rotates, different parts of the world experience midnight at different moments, meaning each region celebrates the arrival of the new year at a unique time.
The Earth is divided into 24 time zones, and as one zone reaches midnight, it signals the start of the New Year for that area.
Because the world is divided along longitudinal lines, regions to the east of the Prime Meridian (Greenwich Mean Time) experience the New Year earlier than those to the west.
In comparison to India, the time difference between Kiritimati Island and India is 8 hours and 30 minutes ahead, meaning when it is 3:30 PM IST on December 31, 2024, it is already midnight in Kiritimati, welcoming the New Year.
In contrast, Baker Island operates on UTC -12, making it 6 hours and 30 minutes behind India. Therefore, when it is 12 AM IST on January 1, 2025, it is still 5:30 PM on December 31, 2024, in Baker Island.
Which Country Celebrates New Year First Compared to India?
Source: CIA
Here’s a detailed list of the top 20 countries that celebrate New Year 2025 before India:
Countries Celebrating New Year Before India
India celebrates the New Year at midnight on December 31, which corresponds to midnight IST on January 1.
Rank Country/Region UTC Time IST (UTC+5:30) 1 Kiribati (Kiritimati) 5:00 AM (Jan 1) 3:30 PM (Dec 31) 2 Chatham Islands (NZ) 5:15 AM (Jan 1) 3:45 PM (Dec 31) 3 New Zealand (Auckland) 6:00 AM (Jan 1) 4:30 PM (Dec 31) 4 Samoa 6:00 AM (Jan 1) 4:30 PM (Dec 31) 5 Tonga 6:00 AM (Jan 1) 4:30 PM (Dec 31) 6 Fiji 7:00 AM (Jan 1) 5:30 PM (Dec 31) 7 Russia (Kamchatka) 7:00 AM (Jan 1) 5:30 PM (Dec 31) 8 Australia 8:00 AM (Jan 1) 6:30 PM (Dec 31) 9 Papua New Guinea 9:00 AM (Jan 1) 7:30 PM (Dec 31) 10 Japan 10:00 AM (Jan 1) 8:30 PM (Dec.31 ) 11 South Korea 10:00 AM (Jan.1 ) -8 :30PM ( Dec.31 ) 12 North Korea 10 :00AM( Jan.1 ) -8 :30PM ( Dec.31 ) 13 China 11 :00AM ( Jan.1 ) -9 :30PM ( Dec.31 ) 14 Malaysia 11 :00AM ( Jan.1 ) -9 :30PM ( Dec.31 ) 15 Singapore 11 :00AM ( Jan.1 ) -9 :30PM ( Dec.31 ) 16 Thailand -12 :00PM ( Jan.1 ) -10 :30PM ( Dec.31 ) 17 Vietnam -12 :00PM ( Jan.1 ) -10 :30PM ( Dec.31 ) 18 Myanmar -12 :00PM ( Jan.1 ) -10 :30PM ( Dec.31 ) Who Waits the Longest to Ring in the New Year Compared to India?
The last places on Earth to celebrate the New Year are Baker Island and Howland Island, both uninhabited territories of the United States located in the Pacific Ocean. They ring in the New Year 2025 at 5:30 PM IST on January 1, 2025.
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Countries Celebrating New Year After India
Here’s a detailed list of countries that celebrate New Year after India:
Country/Region UTC Time IST (UTC+5:30) Baker Island 5:00 AM (Jan 1) 5:30 PM (Jan 1) Howland Island 5:00 AM (Jan 1) 5:30 PM (Jan 1) American Samoa 6:00 AM (Jan 1) 6:30 PM (Jan 1) Niue 6:00 AM (Jan 1) 6:30 PM (Jan 1) Kiritimati, Kiribati
Source: ThoughtCo
Kiritimati, also known as Christmas Island, is a significant atoll in the northern Line Islands of the Republic of Kiribati.
Covering approximately 388 square kilometres, it is the largest coral atoll in the world by land area. The island features a unique ecosystem, with a central lagoon and several smaller lagoons surrounded by sandy beaches.
It has a tropical climate, characterised by warm temperatures and seasonal rainfall. Due to its position just west of the International Date Line, Kiritimati is among the first inhabited places to celebrate the New Year.
7 Fun Facts About Kiribati
- Kiribati, a former British colony and a current member of the Commonwealth of Nations, is classified as one of the least-developed countries globally, with a Human Development Index score of 0.624.
- The island nation, particularly Kiritimati (Christmas Island), celebrates New Year’s in a more understated manner compared to the grand fireworks displays of cities like New York or Sydney, with a population of fewer than 10,000 residents.
- On New Year’s Eve, temperatures typically range from 25-30 degrees Celsius (77-86 Fahrenheit), allowing for outdoor activities such as snorkelling and fishing.
- Celebrations often occur at the maneaba, a traditional meeting place, featuring music and dancing.
- Kiribati, pronounced “Kiribass,” gained independence in 1979 and consists of 32 coral atolls spread over a vast ocean area.
- Kiritimati received its name from British explorer James Cook during his visit on Christmas Eve in 1777.
- The island is also notable for its unique position relative to the International Date Line, celebrating the New Year 24-26 hours before neighbouring islands like Baker Island.
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Baker Island and Howland Island, US
Source: Reddit
Baker Island and Howland Island are uninhabited territories of the United States located in the central Pacific Ocean. Baker Island, discovered in 1818, is situated approximately 1,650 miles southwest of Honolulu and is part of the United States Minor Outlying Islands.
It covers an area of about 1.4 square kilometres and features an equatorial climate with little rainfall and constant winds. The island is primarily a wildlife refuge, home to various seabirds and endangered species like sea turtles.
The U.S. took possession of Baker Island in 1857, initially mining its guano deposits until 1891. A short-lived colonisation attempt occurred in 1935 but was abandoned due to World War II.
Today, Baker Island is administered as part of the Baker Island National Wildlife Refuge, with access restricted to scientists and educators. Howland Island lies about 42 miles north-northwest of Baker Island and shares a similar history and ecological significance.
Both islands are characterised by their low-lying coral formations, sparse vegetation, and lack of freshwater sources. They serve primarily as habitats for nesting seabirds and marine wildlife, making them important for conservation efforts in the Pacific region.
7 Fun Facts About Baker Island and Howland Island
- Both Baker Island and Howland Island are uninhabited U.S. territories located in the central Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,650 miles southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii.
- They are designated as National Wildlife Refuges, providing crucial habitats for seabirds and marine life. Baker Island is particularly known for its large breeding colonies of seabirds, including masked gannets and frigates.
- The United States claimed both islands under the Guano Act of 1856 due to their guano deposits, which were mined until the late 19th century.
- Both islands experience an equatorial climate with minimal rainfall and consistent winds, making them hot and sunny year-round. The average temperature hovers around 80°F (27°C).
- Baker Island is a flat coral atoll with no central lagoon, while Howland Island is slightly larger and features a similar topography, surrounded by a narrow fringing reef.
- Entry to both islands is highly restricted and typically granted only to scientists and educators through special permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Although uninhabited today, both islands have remnants of early settlements from the 19th century and were briefly used as military bases during World War II before being abandoned.
Which Country Celebrates New Year First, and Who Rings in Last Compared to India? Find Out Here!New Year’s Eve is celebrated around the world with different traditions and customs. But have you ever wondered which country celebrates the New Year first and last compared to India?
The answer to the first question is Samoa and Kiribati. These two countries are located in the Pacific Ocean and are the first to welcome the New Year. They are 14 hours ahead of India, which means they ring in the New Year at 5:00 AM (IST) on January 1st.
On the other hand, American Samoa and Baker Island are the last to celebrate New Year’s Eve compared to India. They are located on the other side of the International Date Line and are 11 hours behind India. This means they ring in the New Year at 4:30 PM (IST) on January 1st.
So, while India falls somewhere in the middle of the New Year celebrations, it’s interesting to know which countries kick off the festivities and which ones bring them to a close. Cheers to a new year filled with joy, happiness, and new beginnings!
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- Time zones and New Year celebrations
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- New Year celebrations in India
- Global New Year celebrations.
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Lainey Wilson, more on CBS’ NYE show, ‘fueling the fire’ to ‘fall in love with country’
Many TV viewers tuning into the CBS New Year’s Eve “Big Bash” on December 31 might not be ready for the display of influence Nashville’s music stars are set to have on American pop culture, based on current hit songs and streaming trends.
The “Big Bash” will air from 8 to 10 p.m. ET/PT and from 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. ET/PT on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+. Live viewing is for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, while Paramount+ Essential subscribers can watch on-demand the day after.
Nashville’s Big Bash,’ how to attend:What to know about the 2024 ‘Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live
The celebration includes performances from Downtown Nashville at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, featuring artists like Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, Keith Urban, and the critically acclaimed Brittney Spencer, leading up to the midnight music-note drop.
Artists at the 2024 New Year’s Eve celebration reveal through their performances that country music traditions endure despite changes.
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Conversations with artists like Tyler Hubbard (formerly of Florida Georgia Line), 2023’s Country Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson, and Zach Top, nominated for CMA awards, underline the timeless appeal fueling Nashville’s cultural influence.
“We’re accomplishing everything that we told our fans and the music industry that we could achieve and because of that, we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” Wilson told a Tennessean reporter while breaking from rehearsals at Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge honky-tonk on Lower Broadway.
Lainey Wilson ‘fueling the fire’ behind country’s pop cultural surge
Wilson hosted the festivities last year alongside rockers Elle King and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Nashville’s country music scene has evolved, now emphasizing both its mainstream popularity and the widespread acceptance of country artists’ capabilities across America.
Wilson has won 14 awards from the Academy of Country Music and the CMA since 2021, alongside seven No. 1 country hits. Her ballads like the Jelly Roll duet “Save Me” and the solo “Watermelon Moonshine” have also found success on all-genre top-40 radio, showcasing her crossover appeal.
“We’re excited and proud to be on the platforms we’re on, but if they’re anything like me, we’re also thinking about what we can improve on because I’m my worst critic,” Wilson said. “With every song and performance, we’re sharing all of ourselves to set the groundwork to fuel the fire behind a culture that people can also live.”
‘Passing the torch’ of loving country music
Washington State native Zach Top will spend part of 2025 touring with Country Music Hall of Famer and “Chattahoochee” vocalist Alan Jackson, one of his greatest inspirations. He’s also a skilled bluegrass picker and a singer-songwriter co-signed by everyone from Wilson to Dierks Bentley and any of your favorite traditional-style country performers crafting hits in Music City.
Top acknowledges the surprise of his success amidst the current trend of rappers like Jelly Roll and Post Malone, and R&B-influenced artists like Kane Brown and Shaboozey, dominating country music discussions. He points out that country music’s “cyclical” evolution has historically enabled traditional artists like George Strait and Randy Travis to thrive even when pop-country figures like Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton were mainstream, akin to artists like the Pointer Sisters and Lionel Richie in the ’80s.
“Whenever the doors get blown off country music, eventually things settle down and fiddles and steel guitars slowly return traditions to the genre,” Top told a Tennessean reporter on the rooftop of Eric Church’s Chief’s honky-tonk on Lower Broadway.
Eventually, though, the pace quickens. Top’s 2024 album, “Cold Beer and Country Music,” was so well received that two of its singles, “Sounds Like The Radio” and “I Never Lie,” led him to be nominated for the CMA’s 2024 Best New Artist award. His growing appeal has also landed him forthcoming touring dates with Alan Jackson.
Top touts country’s latest hitmakers being well-schooled since childhood about how the genre’s stars primarily achieved renown with well-regarded material catalogs, as keying the genre’s potential for more significant pop cultural dominance.
“We already know how to pass the torch to more people to get them to fall in love with country music,” he said.
Nashville hitmakers fan country music buzz
Tyler Hubbard, five years post-Florida Georgia Line and the hit “Cruise,” is now a solo artist with two albums in 14 months, including platinum singles “5 Foot 9” and “Dancin’ In The Country.”
Amidst rehearsals for New Year’s Eve performances at Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa and The Ryman, he notes the exciting growth in country music’s global appeal. On December 31, he’ll join a lineup featuring Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, and icons like Luke Bryan and Eric Church, showcasing the genre’s expansive influence.
“The momentum the fans are giving our industry is awesomely fun,” he said. “Country’s growth has allowed the genre to appeal to more artists and fans than ever worldwide — and they’re all passionate about the music and the potential of the good feeling surrounding country music.”
Hubbard is proud to be included in that number and even prouder of the total accomplishments of their work.
“Nashville is the new New York City,” he said. “But it’s the uniqueness of how the world is responding to the city — and country music’s — energy and how it can memorably impact every part of someone’s life that’s important. In the two decades I’ve been here, Nashville and country music have changed and grown into something that is, more than anything, an excitingly cool experience.”
Lainey Wilson is set to bring her fiery country spirit to CBS’ New Year’s Eve show, “fueling the fire” for viewers to “fall in love with country.” With her powerhouse vocals and infectious energy, Wilson is sure to captivate audiences and leave them wanting more.Known for her hit songs like “Things a Man Oughta Know” and “Dirty Looks,” Wilson is a rising star in the country music scene. Her raw talent and authenticity shine through in every performance, making her a standout artist to watch in 2022.
Tune in to CBS’ New Year’s Eve show to see Lainey Wilson in action and get ready to be swept away by her undeniable talent and passion for country music. Let her music fuel the fire in your heart and fall in love with country all over again.
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