Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

The suit is now headlined by Kelly Wright, a black reporter and anchor who has been with Fox News since 2003. Wright claims that he "has been effectively sidelined and asked to perform the role of a 'Jim Crow' -- the racist caricature of a Black entertainer."

Wright's allegations involve, among others, recently fired Fox News host Bill O'Reilly and current network co-president Bill Shine.

The suit claims that Wright was shunned from O'Reilly's now-canceled program, "The O'Reilly Factor," and that Shine "has demonstrated an obsession with race when it comes to discussions with Mr. Wright, including regularly asking him, 'how do Black people react to you' and 'how do you think White viewers look at you?'"

In one alleged example, Wright claims that he was rebuffed in his efforts to show a series of positive stories about the African-American community on the "Factor" because, according to the complaint, "it showed Blacks in 'too positive' a light."

Wright is one of 13 plaintiffs, all people of color who are either current or former Fox News employees, to sue the network in the last month charging racial discrimination.

The litigation began last month, when two black women filed a lawsuit saying they faced "top-down racial harassment" from Judith Slater, Fox's now-former comptroller.

The two plaintiffs, Tichaona Brown and Tabrese Wright, accused Slater of making a number of racially insensitive remarks.

"These are meritless and frivolous lawsuits and all claims of racial discrimination against Ms. Slater are completely false. We have yet to see the alleged additions to the original lawsuit. Given how outrageous and offensive these suits are, it's incomprehensible to imagine how anyone has joined or would join these legal actions," Catherine M. Foti, an attorney for Slater, said in a statement.

Fox said that it fired Slater on February 28, upon learning of the allegations. Attorneys for the 13 plaintiffs say Fox's assertion that it acted swiftly is "completely false."

A separate complaint filed Tuesday on behalf of Adasa Blanco, a former senior disbursement coordinator in Fox News' accounts payable department, alleges that "Slater was terminated because Fox knew this would become a public matter and wanted to salvage its reputation."

Blanco, who claims her repeated complaints about Slater's behavior were ignored, is seeking redress for "substantial monetary damages and severe mental anguish and emotional distress." The suit targets Fox News' top lawyer, Dianne Brandi.

Fox News pushed back hard on the allegations levied in each complaint on Tuesday.

"FOX News and Dianne Brandi vehemently deny the race discrimination claims in both lawsuits," a Fox News spokesperson said. "They are copycat complaints of the original one filed last month. We will vigorously defend these cases."

The complaints filed Tuesday also included allegations from Musfiq Rahman, described in the court document as "a dark-skinned Bangladeshi" who previously worked in Fox's payroll department.

Rahman, the complaint asserts, "suffered unconscionable and unrelenting race discrimination," including an awkward encounter in 2014 with former Fox News chairman Roger Ailes.

According to the complaint, Rahman mistakenly entered Ailes's office on the second floor.

"The fallout for Mr. Rahman's 'mistake' was swift and severe," the complaint says. "Ailes was furious and his paranoia about being attacked came to the forefront. That same day, Ailes ordered that a wall be constructed immediately in his personal office to act as a barrier to entry."

It goes on to say that, the following day, Rahman and "a number of Black employees in the Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Departments, had their security passes to the second floor revoked."

Tuesday's filings represent a continuation of what has been a nightmarish month for Fox News and its parent company, 21st Century Fox. O'Reilly, long the top-rated host in cable news, was ousted last week following a New York Times report detailing settlements paid to five women who had accused him of sexual harassment or verbal abuse. O'Reilly has denied the merits of all the claims against him.

The revelations of O'Reilly's settlements came nine months after Ailes was forced out of Fox amid sexual harassment allegations against him. Ailes has vigorously denied the allegations.

Douglas Wigdor and Jeanne Christensen, the attorneys representing all 13 plaintiffs, said in a statement Tuesday that 21st Century Fox "has been operating as if it should be called 18th Century Fox."

"We sincerely hope the filing of this race class action wakes 21st Century Fox from its slumbers and inspires the Company to take a conciliatory and appropriate approach to remedy its wrongs," the attorneys said.

CNNMoney (New York) First published April 25, 2017: 6:19 PM ET

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Fox News anchor joins lawsuit alleging racial discrimination, harassment at network - CNNMoney

The Ravens hadnt taken a cornerback in the first three rounds in five straight drafts, a fact team officials attributed to their insistence on sticking to their board and selecting the best player available. With cornerbacks at a premium in the pass-happy NFL, theyve gone far earlier in recent drafts than the Ravens were prepared to select them.

But Ravens assistant general manager Eric DeCosta predicted this draft would be different because of how many talented cornerbacks were available. And when the Ravens were on the clock with the 16th overall pick Thursday night, their board stipulated that it was time to add another piece to their revamped secondary.

Eschewing an opportunity to bring in a linebacker or another target for quarterback Joe Flacco, the Ravens selected Alabama cornerback Marlon Humphrey, a relatively surprising pick given who else was available.

Three other higher-regarded Alabama players defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, tight end O.J. Howard and middle linebacker Reuben Foster were all available when the Ravens decided to take Humphrey.

Humphrey, the Ravens first-round selection, is the son of former NFL running back Bobby Humphrey, a first-round pick by the Denver Broncos in the 1989 supplemental draft.

A two-year starter for the Crimson Tide, Marlon Humphrey had five interceptions and 19 pass breakups in his college career. While there are some questions about his instincts and ball skills, Humphrey is 6 feet and 197 pounds and has the prototypical size, length and speed that teams are looking for in cornerbacks.

Humphrey, an Alabama native and a member of the Crimson Tides national championship-winning team in 2016, was the second cornerback off the board, following Ohio States Marshon Lattimore who went 11th to the New Orleans Saints.

It was well-documented that the Ravens would draft a cornerback, but it was expected to happen on either day two or three of the draft because of how much depth was available at the position. Evaluators have said that this is one of the deepest cornerback classes in draft history.

The Ravens had already signed veteran Brandon Carr in March to join top corner Jimmy Smith and 2016 fourth-round pick Tavon Young, who had a strong rookie year. However, the selection of Humphrey underscores their recent issues at the position as the Ravens have struggled to keep Smith and other cornerbacks healthy and several of their other cover guys have played poorly.

With the additions of Humphrey and Carr, the Ravens are as deep at cornerback as theyve been in a while. Behind their top four, they have three young corners who they believe have potential: Maurice Canady, a sixth-round pick last year, Robertson Daniel and Sheldon Price

Humphrey is the fourth cornerback the Ravens have taken in the first round in team history, following Duane Starks in 1998, Chris McAlister in 1999 and Smith in 2011. After taking Smith with the 27th overall pick, the Ravens had drafted six cornerbacks but all of them were taken in the fourth round or later.

Continuing their offseason secondary overhaul, the Ravens have now added Humprey, Carr and Tony Jefferson, arguably the top free-agent safety available. They re-signed safety Lardarius Webb, a 16-game starter last year, after releasing him earlier in the offseason. Cornerback Jerraud Powers retired and the Ravens moved on from safeties Kendrick Lewis, Matt Elam and Marqueston Huff, and cornerbacks Shareece Wright and Jumal Rolle.

One of the NFL cornerbacks that Humphrey is often compared to is Smith, now his teammate. At his best, Humphrey is extremely aggressive in press coverage at the line of scrimmage and is able to use his size and strength to knock receivers off their routes or funnel them toward the sideline where they cant make a play.

He posted a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine so he has the necessary speed to stay with receivers on deep routes, and he also has the acceleration to break on balls quickly. While playing two years in the Southeastern Conference he redshirted as a freshman Humphrey was tested by some of the top receivers in the country.

Humphrey is also a physical player who fights through blocks and is a willing tackler both down the field and taking on running backs at the line of scrimmage.

Humphrey did fight consistency issues at times and some scouts have expressed concern about breakdowns in his technique and eye discipline. His ball skills, an area the Ravens have focused on with their defensive backs in recent years to try to improve the number of forced turnovers, also dont stand out.

However, the Ravens obviously feel comfortable that his skills will translate well to the NFL, and hell provide even more depth to a defense that theyve spent considerable resources trying to improve this offseason.

They are also still expected to add a pass rusher to the group during the draft. The Ravens have six more picks in the three-day draft which continues with rounds two and three Friday. The Ravens have one pick in the second round and two in the third. Rounds four through seven will be on Saturday.

jeff.zrebiec@baltsun.com

twitter.com/jeffzrebiecsun

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Ravens select Alabama CB Marlon Humphrey with No. 16 overall pick in NFL draft - Baltimore Sun

Montana schools watch push for...

MISSOULA, Mont. - For Frenchtown School District Superintendent Randy Cline it is a story eight years in the making. It's also a story that could drag on far longer than it has already. With the Montana infrastructure bill failing to pass the State House by two votes on Thursday, the $426,408 Frenchtown is requesting is in jeopardy once again.

This is the fourth time Cline has requested the money to replace the aging and inefficient windows at Frenchtown Elementary. Staff say windows show up with new cracks all the time. The windows also help make it toasty in the summer and frigid in the winter.

Rather than replacing the whole heating a cooling system, which would probably cost near $1 million Cline opted to ask for window replacement starting four legislative sessions -- 8 years -- ago.

"We were very close to getting it funded the first year, but then we've dropped further down the (priority) list, as there's been more infrastructure needs in schools that have become more important," says Cline.

The Frenchtown request is now 39th out of 50 approved projects that could be funded by bonds if the bill passes. However, that's become less likely, as the amount of money set aside for school projects dropped from $30 million when the bill was first introduced to just $16.3 million.

The total bill will fund about $80 million for sewer, road and school projects as well as the Montana Veterans Home. Other schools higher on the priority list for funding include St. Ignatius, Stevensville, and Polson. Stevensville is looking for close to $2 million.

Read the latest version of the bill here.

Some legislators have tried to lower the cost of the infrastructure bills this session, arguing that school improvements were not as essential as roads, sewers and bridges in a tight budget environment.

Originally the Frenchtown window project cost north of $500,000, but around $150,000 was used to replace the windows in worst shape in 2016. That money was part of a $750,000 levy that passed by just 10 votes in late 2015. Cline says if the state money doesn't come through he will continue to scrape up money here and there to replace the windows gradually.

Cline says he would rather the legislature take on a little debt now than have to deal with the ever-growing pile of infrastructure problems in schools down the road.

"Just because you ignore it doesn't mean it will go away," he says.

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Montana schools watch last minute push for infrastructure bill - NBC Montana

"There are dozens of ways homeowners can make their homes more energy efficient," said Michael Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing & Heating. "From retrofitting an old hot water heating system with a tankless system to simply swapping out a water guzzling toilet, even a few small changes can have a significant impact on energy consumption. You're helping the Earth and helping to lower energy bills at the same time."

The experts at Petri Plumbing & Heating offer Brooklyn homeowners these five home upgrades to make their homes more energy efficient:

For Brooklyn residents who want a hand improving the energy efficiency of their homes, a professional from Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. can assess a home's current energy usage and recommend a variety of ways to make it more efficient.

For more information about energy saving tips and products, call Petri Plumbing at 718-748-1254.

About Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is a family owned and operated business serving Brooklyn and the New York City area. Founded in 1906, the company offers a 100 percent guarantee on all services, upfront pricing, and friendly and knowledgeable Service Experts for all kinds of home and business plumbing and heating needs. Services offered include water and gas pipe leak repair and installation, fixture installations, inspections, boiler repair, water heater installation, complete bathroom, kitchen, laundry & utility room remodeling and more. Petri is also licensed and certified by Green Plumbers USA, the first in New York City to receive this designation. For more information, please visit http://www.petriplumbing.com or call 718-748-1254.

MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Ripley Ripley PR 865-977-1973 hripley@ripleypr.com

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/energy-saving-tips-from-petri-plumbing--heating-inc-300446899.html

SOURCE Petri Plumbing and Heating, Inc.

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Energy Saving Tips from Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. - PR Newswire (press release)

In comparison to the bottoms that new residential construction and architecture billings reached during the Great Recession, the remodeling sector shrank less. In 2009, while many small builders went out of business and architects found themselves with fewer prospects, home improvements actually got a slight boost, backed by the Obama administration's economic stimulus package featuring tax benefits for remodeling projects. According to Metrostudy's Residential Remodeling Index (RRI), remodeling activity actually didn't hit its bottom until the tail end of 2011when the stimulus package ended, and the false dawn of a recovery in the sector was realized.

Since then, it's indisputable that remodeling activity has recovered at a far faster pace than new residential construction activity. The latest quarterly AIA Home Design Trends Survey (released in March) reported that amid the sectors responsible for work at architecture firms, remodeling still accounts for the largest share of business activity--a trend seen in results of the quarterly survey since the recession began. More specifically, demand for home additions and alterations account for the largest share of design activity, followed closely by kitchen and bath remodels.

According to REMODELING's annual Cost vs. Value report, the national average cost of a midrange kitchen remodel (minor or major), midrange bath remodel, and additions (be it a two-story, family room, or bathroom) are among the top 10 most expensive home improvement projects. They also are generally regarded as discretionary projects, as opposed to replacement work like installing a window or door when the old one breaks.

Craig Webb, editor-in-chief of REMODELING, says he has found that when times are hard and home prices are sluggish, the real estate professionals who provide value estimates in the Cost vs. Value project tend to be harder on discretionary rather than replacement work. After all, it's hard to sell a home at full price when the potential buyer can clearly see something that's broken. In addition, researcher at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University (JCHS) have found that people are less likely to commission discretionary projects during a downturn; the percentage of discretionary jobs as a share of all home improvement dropped from more than 40% in 2007 to around 33% in 2015. That makes sense, too: Consumers need to use their money for other things.

But since then, Webb says he's noticed that the payback at sales that real estate pros give for higher-priced remodeling projects have risen faster these past few Cost vs. Value surveys than has the payback for replacement work. Webb takes that as a sign real estate pros feel confident prices will keep rising, so an investment in a big-ticket project will be justified at resale. So remodelers should rejoice: Going forward, "investment in discretionary projects is expected to drive overall market growth," JCHS predicts.

High demand for the most expensive projects is nothing but good news for remodelers, as prices rise alongside demand. Over the past nine years, the national average cost for the 10 most expensive midrange projects in the Cost vs. Value report has grown significantly, following a dip after the fallout of the stimulus package. In 2017, the national average cost of the top three most expensive midrange projects all surpassed 2008 prices by over 20%.

The chart below breaks down the change in national average cost for the three most expensive midrange projects between 2008 and 2016, compared to 2017:

Compared to 2017, price growth of the three most expensive home improvement projects on average increased by double-digits in 2013 and 2014. While price growth has slowed in 2015 and 2016, it represents a much more stable growth that matches rising demand and is expected to continue.

The latest RRI release indicates that 2017 will be another big year for the remodeling sector, with the expectation that remodeling activity will rise 4.4%. The index has shown gains year-over-year for 19 consecutive quarters since 2011, but most significantly, the 4Q16 release reported that all 281 metropolitan statistical areas included in the index are expected to post annual gains in remodeling activity during 2017a first for the index.

Buyers face a tight resale market and new home prices continue to reach new highs (the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index exceeded its July 2006 peak in November 2016), making remodeling a favorable option for prospective buyers priced out of the new home market, and current homeowners hesistant to buy up. Compounded by employment growth and rising household income, Metrostudy chief economist Mark Boud anticipates the sector will continue to heat up over the next five years.

Remodelers are facing some of the same challenges as builders however, with labor shortages and the rising cost of materials threatening rising job costs that could turn off potential customers.

The drivers of potential growth in remodeling activity outnumber the deterrents, however. As droves of baby boomers prepare for retirement, rising mortgage rates (along with lack of affordable new homes and tight resale inventory) could deter boomers from uprooting in favor of making home modifications that allow aging-in-place.

Mortgage rates are forecast to increase through 2017 and beyond. We will be watching closely to see what happens in the remodeling market, when mortgage rates surpass the 5% mark," Boud said in the latest release of the RRI. "Higher rates will slow home sales and price appreciation, but the net positive for the remodeling industry will be a large number of households staying in the homes they locked-in at the 4%-or-below range, and choosing to renovate there."

And keep in mind that the baby boom generation has never operated in lockstep. Yes, a large number of boomers will want to stay where they areJCHS notes that health or financial reasons are likely to force boomers to leave as many as 12 million housing units between 2015 and 2025. "Many of these homes are well-suited for younger families in that they are typically older and more affordable," the Joint Center writes. "And given that older households generally live in their homes for some time and spend little on improvements in their later years, younger buyers of these homes will likely want to invest in significant upgrades."

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Better Projects, Faster Recovery? It's All About Cost. - Builder Magazine

A complete filtered-water kitchen sink faucet is designed to combine the benefits of a standard single-lever faucet with an option to deliver on-demand filtered water.

Q: Were planning to remodel our tiny kitchen. We can only fit a smaller one-bowl kitchen sink, but Id like to have some extra features. I remember in a past article you mentioned adding a filtered-beverage faucet to your kitchen sink. I like the idea of having filtered water for beverages and cooking, but I dont want to clutter my small sink area with two faucets. Do they make versatile kitchen faucets that also work like beverage faucets?

A: Many kitchens, especially in city areas, have limited sink space. So, it makes sense that there are a few faucet and add-on filter options you can follow up with at your local plumbing supply center.

Since you are remodeling and starting new, I recommend looking for a complete filtered-water kitchen sink faucet. These all-in-one kitchen faucets are designed to combine the benefits of a standard single-lever kitchen faucet with an option to deliver on-demand filtered water.

With the on-demand option, you can wash dishes and fill buckets with non-filtered water and only use the filtered water when needed for drinking and cooking. This can extend the life of the built-in filter cartridge and declutter your smaller sink area.

Even though an all-in-one kitchen faucet is pricey, it can be a clear choice for adding filtered water to your kitchen.

Master contractor/plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book Ed Del Grandes House Call, the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. For more information, visit eddelgrande.com.

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All-in-one faucet adds versatility in smaller kitchen - Seattle Times

Those shiny new office buildings downtown and trendy office parks under construction on Jefferson Highway may be good for the local construction industry. But theyve added a lot of space to the office market, which is a key factor behind the decrease in occupancy last year.

Overall occupancy decreased from 85% to less than 82.5% in 2016, while rental rates remained flat, according to Ty Gose with NAI/Latter & Blum in a presentation on the office sector at the annual TRENDS seminar.

The other factor affecting the slight downturn was the continued low price of oil, which fell to below $40 per barrel last year.

But oil is now stabilizing at $50 and BRAC has estimated we will gain 2% in employment this year, Gose says. So hopefully occupancy will go back up.

Among the other takeaways from Goses presentation:

In the local residential market, the flood has had a significant impact and in many respects it has been positive, according to Kyle Petersen of Keller Williams Realty First Choice, who made the residential presentation at the TRENDS seminar.

Home sale volume was up more than 10% in 2016 over the previous year, and demand outpaced supply, causing homes to fly off the market: 53% of homes sold within the first 30 days.

Two weeks ago, I listed a house at 6 p.m. Petersen says. I had two offers by 8 p.m. and had to cancel seven showings the next day. Homes are selling within hours of being on the market and at full asking price.

That said, average home sale prices in the Capital Region decreased 3% in 2016, after increasing a total of nearly 10% in 2014 and 2015.

Stephanie Riegel

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New available space, oil downturn cause Baton Rouge office occupancy rate to fall - Greater Baton Rouge Business Report

Before and after: The $44M transformation of a downtown Raleigh building Triangle Business Journal Built in 1970, the 192,370-square-foot state office building had been largely unchanged since its construction. It still had a large amount of asbestos a material commonly used in buildings before asbestos was banned for its risk of causing serious ...

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Before and after: The $44M transformation of a downtown Raleigh building - Triangle Business Journal

Apr 25, 2017 - (Newswire)

Many would think that there is nothing to consider when it comes to window replacement in Fitchburg WI. In reality, there is. If you have the need for replacing a window, then you have to think of getting the correct design. Just putting any window in the place of the existing one will not serve the purpose. Windows are not only for bringing in light and air, but they are also meant for enhancing the beauty of the space. For example, bay windows are appropriate for the living room. The clear glass bay windows look very elegant and enable you to enjoy the outside view without any problems. All the products from Kool View company are of high quality that is designed to last for a long time. The vinyl windows are engineered in a way that it will not only make your home comfortable but also help bring down the energy costs with improved home insulation.

You would always like to work with a company that can provide you with options. When you have chosen Kool View, be assured that you will find what you need. The company offers a variety of replacement windows that matches the interior and the exterior of your home. You can opt for Double Hung Replacement windows which is a common and number one choice with homeowners due to its easy maintenance and tilt in sashes. You can also opt for Bay Replacement windows that projects all natural light opening up a room by creating added dimensions, or you can go for Bow Replacement windows that are a style statement both for the interior and exterior of your home. The bow windows also help in increasing sunlight and space in any room.

Apart from window replacement in Fitchburg WI, Kool View also offers basement remodeling in Madison WI, window tinting, adding Sunrooms and Energy rooms, baths and showers and more.

Call 608-222-7777 for more details.

About The Company

Kool View has been offering their clients high quality, superior and affordable home improvement products since 1973. They can put up Sunrooms, take care of window replacement and also offer basement remodeling in Madison WI.

Original Source: https://www.newswire.com/news/opt-for-timely-window-replacement-in-fitchburg-wi-19373398

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Opt for Timely Window Replacement in Fitchburg WI | WireUpdate ... - WireUpdate

BROOKLYN, N.Y., April 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc., a leading plumbing and heating company serving Brooklyn and Manhattan since 1906, provides homeowners tips to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

The 115 million households in the U.S. today collectively account for nearly a quarter of the country's energy usage, according to Energy.gov, with the average family spending upwards of $2,300 per person a year on their utility bills. In New York, electricity costs are some of the highest in the nation, meaning higher than average utility bills for area homeowners.

"There are dozens of ways homeowners can make their homes more energy efficient," said Michael Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing & Heating. "From retrofitting an old hot water heating system with a tankless system to simply swapping out a water guzzling toilet, even a few small changes can have a significant impact on energy consumption. You're helping the Earth and helping to lower energy bills at the same time."

The experts at Petri Plumbing & Heating offer Brooklyn homeowners these five home upgrades to make their homes more energy efficient:

For Brooklyn residents who want a hand improving the energy efficiency of their homes, a professional from Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. can assess a home's current energy usage and recommend a variety of ways to make it more efficient.

For more information about energy saving tips and products, call Petri Plumbing at 718-748-1254.

About Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. is a family owned and operated business serving Brooklyn and the New York City area. Founded in 1906, the company offers a 100 percent guarantee on all services, upfront pricing, and friendly and knowledgeable Service Experts for all kinds of home and business plumbing and heating needs. Services offered include water and gas pipe leak repair and installation, fixture installations, inspections, boiler repair, water heater installation, complete bathroom, kitchen, laundry & utility room remodeling and more. Petri is also licensed and certified by Green Plumbers USA, the first in New York City to receive this designation. For more information, please visit http://www.petriplumbing.com or call 718-748-1254.

MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Ripley Ripley PR 865-977-1973 hripley@ripleypr.com

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/energy-saving-tips-from-petri-plumbing--heating-inc-300446899.html

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Energy Saving Tips from Petri Plumbing & Heating, Inc. - Yahoo Finance