Latest news with #Bessette
USA Today
5 hours ago
- Health
- USA Today
U.S. Open winner J.J. Spaun's health issues posed greater threat than Oakmont
U.S. Open winner J.J. Spaun's health issues posed greater threat than Oakmont As soon as J.J. Spaun won the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont on Sunday, Andy Bessette fired off an email to Spaun to congratulate him. 'For a man with Type 1 diabetes to win the U.S. Open with four days of pressure – pressure is the enemy of Type I diabetes – I said with your burden there is nothing more amazing than you winning the U.S. Open,' said Bessette, executive vice president and chief administrative officer at Travelers and a hammer thrower on the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team. 'To me, it's one of the greatest accomplishments in sports given the burden he lives with.' In the fall of 2018, Spaun was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. 'I wasn't feeling great, so I knew something was up,' he said Wednesday during his press conference ahead of the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut. The 34-year-old started taking medicine for Type 2 but still felt lethargic, kept losing weight and, most concerning, losing distance. By mid-2021 his ranking dipped to No. 584 in the Official World Golf Ranking. Before COVID canceled the 2020 Players Championship, Bessette was chatting with pro Harold Varner III, who expressed his concern that his pal Spaun was struggling with diabetes. Bessette's son, Chris, had been diagnosed with Type I diabetes at age 18, and Bessette was familiar with the disease – the beta cells in the pancreas stop working and produce zero insulin. Spaun goes into insulin shock if he doesn't control his insulin levels. Varner called Spaun via FaceTime to connect him with Bessette, who listened to his list of symptoms. 'I said, 'Are you sure you have Type 2?' You should get yourself checked by a good endocrinologist to make sure,' Bessette recalled advising. He made some calls on Spaun's behalf to the CEO of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (since renamed Breakthrough T1D), which funds research for the development of new therapies and treatments for type 1 diabetes. Spaun eventually discovered he was misdiagnosed. 'I just was kind of going through the whole learning experience of what diabetes is and how to treat it and how to approach this disease,' Spaun said. He has been approved by the Tour to wear a Libre blood-sugar monitor and check his levels while competing. If his blood sugar is low, he can faint. If it gets too high, his vision starts to blur. Later that year at the Travelers Championship, Spaun wedged to 19 inches in a closest-to-the-pin contest at the red floating umbrella in the middle of a lake dubbed hole No. 15 ½ at TPC River Highlands. As the winner, Spaun could donate $10,000 to the charity of his choice. He chose JDRF. Bessette was touched by Spaun's gesture and personally matched the donation. 'So that initiated our connection,' Spaun said. 'He's kind of been there for me the whole way, where if it was doctors I needed to get in touch with or CEOs of JDRF, it's been nice to have that connection and his network to kind of help me along this journey because I had just been diagnosed with it, but diagnosed incorrectly. Even when I got my diagnosis corrected, I guess, it was even more so helpful to have JDRF and Andy on my side to kind of help me navigate another new territory.' Bessette was moved again Sunday when Spaun achieved a career-defining moment at Oakmont – Type I Diabetes be damned. 'It changed his life,' Bessette said of being diagnosed correctly. 'It's a brutal disease.'
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ryan Murphy defends American Love Story after backlash to Carolyn Bessette looks: 'That was just a camera test'
The American Horror Story maestro is now battling a horror of his own: fashion critics. After releasing sneak peeks of actors Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Kelly in their American Love Story roles as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and JFK Jr., the internet went feral. The Cut even declared the wardrobe 'fast-fashion knockoffs,' comparing the pieces to Zara and Mango. ah... the power of social media! ryan murphy for variety on the way people reacted to the wardrobe of his carolyn bessette: Internet drags American Love Story wardrobe for missing the Bessette mark From the jeans and jacket to the Birkin bag, everything Pidgeon wore in the images got roasted. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's die-hard fashion girlies were not having it. One major gripe? The use of a No. 35 Birkin when Bessette allegedly carried a No. 40. The critique hit harder when Vogue also published a savage quote from Bessette's hairstylist, Brad Johns, who called Pidgeon's wig a disaster and accused her of having 'one-colour, ashy' hair. yeah the wardrobe for carolyn bessette in the ryan murphy series is certainly... a (bad) choice. why is it so hard to get some vintage prada/yohji/issey/ck clothes? Ryan Murphy says, 'that was a camera test, not the final look' Now Murphy has come clean: those images were not meant to be official stills. 'They were just thrown-together outfits for lighting tests,' he explained. He dropped the pics only to get ahead of the paparazzi who were ready to hound the NYC shoot. That Birkin? Borrowed from another costume department on a different sound stage. ryan murphy bffr dpmo To set the record straight, Murphy confirmed a style dream team is working behind the scenes, 10 experts forming a 'style advisory board' to perfect every fashion moment. The production has even bought original Bessette pieces and is reconstructing her iconic Narciso Rodriguez wedding dress from scratch. He also clarified that Sarah Pidgeon was wearing a wig, not her real hair—despite Johns's claims. Murphy compares backlash to real-life scrutiny faced by Bessette-Kennedy Murphy says the social media rage is eerily similar to how the public dissected the real Carolyn. 'It is not fair,' he stated. 'They're doing to our Carolyn what they did to her back then.' The show is not due until Valentine's Day 2026, but Murphy plans to release 20 short videos showing Pidgeon in final wardrobe alongside actual Bessette photos to silence the fashion police. Until then, let's maybe chill on the Birkin hate?
Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
The Legacy Paper Group Announces Restart of Paper Machine #8 in Port Huron, Michigan
30,000 Tons of Specialty Paper Capacity Returns Online to Meet Growing Demand for Sustainable Food Packaging PORT HURON, Mich., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - The Legacy Paper Group, a subsidiary of BMI Group US, today announced plans to restart Paper Machine #8 (PM8) at its Port Huron facility, bringing 30,000 tons of annual production capacity back online after a four-year shutdown. The restart addresses growing market demand for sustainable, lightweight specialty papers used in food packaging and other critical applications. The mill has operated continuously since 1888 under various owners including Port Huron Sulphite and Paper Co., Port Huron Paper, Pentair, EB Eddy Paper, and Domtar Specialty Papers. PM8 itself specializes in producing high-quality, ultra-lightweight papers for quick-serve restaurant packaging, candy wrappers, medical table covers, tissue overwraps, and other sustainable applications. 'The fundamentals driving specialty paper demand have never been stronger,' said Mark Bessette, Managing Director of The Legacy Paper Group. 'Consumer behavior shifts accelerated by the pandemic, combined with intensifying focus on packaging sustainability, have created a significant supply-demand imbalance that PM8 is uniquely positioned to address.' Market Dynamics Drive Restart Decision The COVID-19 pandemic permanently altered consumer dining habits, with food delivery and takeout services experiencing sustained growth through platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. This shift created enduring demand for functional, compliant packaging materials that meet the standards of leading global food brands. Simultaneously, public scrutiny of packaging sustainability has intensified, particularly through social media channels. Paper-based packaging offers distinct advantages over plastic alternatives, providing renewable, biodegradable, and compostable solutions without the environmental concerns associated with oil-based plastics and microplastic pollution. 'Our customers are demanding sustainable packaging solutions that don't compromise on performance,' added Bessette. 'The specialty grades we'll produce on PM8 deliver both environmental benefits and the functional properties required for demanding food service applications.' Strategic Investment in Growing Market The PM8 restart represents a strategic investment in the expanding lightweight food-grade paper sector. The facility's geographic location provides cost-effective access to key markets throughout the Midwest and Northeast, while established supply chains and experienced workforce enable rapid production ramp-up. 'Legacy Port Huron Paper represents the rebirth of our community's rich history of making quality paper. The good-paying jobs created are well needed and will bolster our economic position in the state,' said James Freed, Port Huron City Manager. 'The restart builds on nearly 140 years of papermaking expertise at the Port Huron site', said Bessette. 'We're combining that legacy with new investment to meet evolving customer needs while strengthening our position in the specialty packaging sector.' About The Legacy Paper Group The Legacy Paper Group, a BMI Group US company, specializes in producing high-quality specialty papers for packaging and industrial applications. The Legacy Paper Port Huron Mill focuses on sustainable, lightweight paper solutions for food service, medical, and consumer markets. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Legacy Paper Group
Cision Canada
11-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
The Legacy Paper Group Announces Restart of Paper Machine #8 in Port Huron, Michigan
30,000 Tons of Specialty Paper Capacity Returns Online to Meet Growing Demand for Sustainable Food Packaging PORT HURON, Mich., June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - The Legacy Paper Group, a subsidiary of BMI Group US, today announced plans to restart Paper Machine #8 (PM8) at its Port Huron facility, bringing 30,000 tons of annual production capacity back online after a four-year shutdown. The restart addresses growing market demand for sustainable, lightweight specialty papers used in food packaging and other critical applications. The mill has operated continuously since 1888 under various owners including Port Huron Sulphite and Paper Co., Port Huron Paper, Pentair, EB Eddy Paper, and Domtar Specialty Papers. PM8 itself specializes in producing high-quality, ultra-lightweight papers for quick-serve restaurant packaging, candy wrappers, medical table covers, tissue overwraps, and other sustainable applications. "The fundamentals driving specialty paper demand have never been stronger," said Mark Bessette, Managing Director of The Legacy Paper Group. "Consumer behavior shifts accelerated by the pandemic, combined with intensifying focus on packaging sustainability, have created a significant supply-demand imbalance that PM8 is uniquely positioned to address." Market Dynamics Drive Restart Decision The COVID-19 pandemic permanently altered consumer dining habits, with food delivery and takeout services experiencing sustained growth through platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. This shift created enduring demand for functional, compliant packaging materials that meet the standards of leading global food brands. Simultaneously, public scrutiny of packaging sustainability has intensified, particularly through social media channels. Paper-based packaging offers distinct advantages over plastic alternatives, providing renewable, biodegradable, and compostable solutions without the environmental concerns associated with oil-based plastics and microplastic pollution. "Our customers are demanding sustainable packaging solutions that don't compromise on performance," added Bessette. "The specialty grades we'll produce on PM8 deliver both environmental benefits and the functional properties required for demanding food service applications." Strategic Investment in Growing Market The PM8 restart represents a strategic investment in the expanding lightweight food-grade paper sector. The facility's geographic location provides cost-effective access to key markets throughout the Midwest and Northeast, while established supply chains and experienced workforce enable rapid production ramp-up. "Legacy Port Huron Paper represents the rebirth of our community's rich history of making quality paper. The good-paying jobs created are well needed and will bolster our economic position in the state," said James Freed, Port Huron City Manager. "The restart builds on nearly 140 years of papermaking expertise at the Port Huron site", said Bessette. "We're combining that legacy with new investment to meet evolving customer needs while strengthening our position in the specialty packaging sector." About The Legacy Paper Group
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Legacy Paper Group Announces Restart of Paper Machine #8 in Port Huron, Michigan
30,000 Tons of Specialty Paper Capacity Returns Online to Meet Growing Demand for Sustainable Food Packaging PORT HURON, Mich., June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - The Legacy Paper Group, a subsidiary of BMI Group US, today announced plans to restart Paper Machine #8 (PM8) at its Port Huron facility, bringing 30,000 tons of annual production capacity back online after a four-year shutdown. The restart addresses growing market demand for sustainable, lightweight specialty papers used in food packaging and other critical applications. The mill has operated continuously since 1888 under various owners including Port Huron Sulphite and Paper Co., Port Huron Paper, Pentair, EB Eddy Paper, and Domtar Specialty Papers. PM8 itself specializes in producing high-quality, ultra-lightweight papers for quick-serve restaurant packaging, candy wrappers, medical table covers, tissue overwraps, and other sustainable applications. "The fundamentals driving specialty paper demand have never been stronger," said Mark Bessette, Managing Director of The Legacy Paper Group. "Consumer behavior shifts accelerated by the pandemic, combined with intensifying focus on packaging sustainability, have created a significant supply-demand imbalance that PM8 is uniquely positioned to address." Market Dynamics Drive Restart Decision The COVID-19 pandemic permanently altered consumer dining habits, with food delivery and takeout services experiencing sustained growth through platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. This shift created enduring demand for functional, compliant packaging materials that meet the standards of leading global food brands. Simultaneously, public scrutiny of packaging sustainability has intensified, particularly through social media channels. Paper-based packaging offers distinct advantages over plastic alternatives, providing renewable, biodegradable, and compostable solutions without the environmental concerns associated with oil-based plastics and microplastic pollution. "Our customers are demanding sustainable packaging solutions that don't compromise on performance," added Bessette. "The specialty grades we'll produce on PM8 deliver both environmental benefits and the functional properties required for demanding food service applications." Strategic Investment in Growing Market The PM8 restart represents a strategic investment in the expanding lightweight food-grade paper sector. The facility's geographic location provides cost-effective access to key markets throughout the Midwest and Northeast, while established supply chains and experienced workforce enable rapid production ramp-up. "Legacy Port Huron Paper represents the rebirth of our community's rich history of making quality paper. The good-paying jobs created are well needed and will bolster our economic position in the state," said James Freed, Port Huron City Manager. "The restart builds on nearly 140 years of papermaking expertise at the Port Huron site", said Bessette. "We're combining that legacy with new investment to meet evolving customer needs while strengthening our position in the specialty packaging sector." About The Legacy Paper Group The Legacy Paper Group, a BMI Group US company, specializes in producing high-quality specialty papers for packaging and industrial applications. The Legacy Paper Port Huron Mill focuses on sustainable, lightweight paper solutions for food service, medical, and consumer markets. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Legacy Paper Group View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
