Latest news with #MichaelBell
The Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Florida Gov. DeSantis on pace to break death penalty record with execution of mistaken-identity killer Michael Bell
When Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the warrant for the state to execute convicted murderer Michael Bell, he tied the state's record for most executions within a year — with six months remaining. Bell, who was convicted of killing a Jacksonville couple in what prosecutors called a revenge killing gone wrong, is scheduled to die by lethal injection on July 15. He is expected to be the eighth person killed by the state so far this year alone. His execution will follow the state's scheduled killing of Thomas L. Gudinas on June 24. Gudinas was convicted of raping and murdering a woman in Orlando bar in 1994. Gudinas has appealed his sentence to the Supreme Court. Florida executed Anthony Wainwright on June 10, becoming the six person put to death by the state in 2024, averaging at least one killing every month since the beginning of the year. DeSantis, who briefly challenged Donald Trump for the Republican nomination for president, is set to break records set by former governors Bob Graham in 1984 and Rick Scott in 2014. Florida executed 196 people within a 40-year period from 1924 through May 1964. There were no state executions in the years that followed, until after 1976, when the Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment. Florida had executed more than 100 people since the late 1970s. More than 283 people are imprisoned on death row in jails across the state, according to the Death Penalty Information center, a research and advocacy group. Bell publicly swore revenge for his brother Lamar's murder after a man named Theodore Wright killed him in self-defense in June 1933, according to prosecutors. In December of that year, Bell, after buying an AK-47, found Wright's car in a parking lot and waited for the owner to return. But Bell didn't realize Wright sold his car to a relative, Jimmy West, who walked to the car with Tamecka Smith and another woman. Bell then fired 12 rounds at West and Smith. He was convicted of their murders in 1995. Death row inmates can choose their method of execution by either electrocution or lethal injunction. The first person electrocuted by the state was Frank Johnson in 1924. All state executions, including use of an electric chair nicknamed 'Old Sparky,' are carried out by a civilian executioner at Florida State Prison in Raiford. Advocates against the death penalty as well as the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops have urged the governor to end what is becoming a relatively swift series of executions. 'There is a way to punish without ending another human life,' bishops conference director Michael Sheedy wrote in a recent letter to the governor. 'Life-long incarceration without the possibility of parole is a severe yet more humane punishment that ensures societal safety, allows the guilty the possibility of redemption, and offers finality to court processes,' he added. Florida lawmakers also are considering legislation to expand convictions that are eligible for execution. Earlier this year, the Republican-controlled state legislature voted during a special session to mandate the death penalty for 'unauthorized aliens' found guilty of a capital offense. The governor has also signed legislation that opens the door executions by nitrogen gas, hangings, and firing squads, adding to a list of methods that includes electrocution and lethal injunctions. House Bill 903, among other things, allows any form of execution 'not deemed unconstitutional.' If lethal injection or electrocution is found to be unconstitutional, 'then any constitutional method will be administered,' according to the bill. The law takes effect July 1. The state's expansion of state-level executions follows signals from the Trump administration to resume executions of federal death row inmates and seek the death penalty in future cases. In the final weeks of his presidency, Biden commuted the death sentences of 37 of 40 people on death row in federal facilities. In an executive order, President Trump called on the Department of Justice to seek the death penalty in future cases 'for all crimes of a severity demanding its use.' Three remaining federal death row inmates include Robert Gregory Bowers, who killed 11 people in an antisemitic attack at a Pittsburgh synagogue; Dylann Roof, who killed nine African Americans during a prayer service in North Carolina; and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who helped coordinate the Boston Marathon bombing that killed three people and injured 264 others.
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Sport
- Telegraph
Royal Ascot day two: Tips and racecards for tomorrow's racing
After a suitably exciting opening day of Royal Ascot, it is time to draw breath and ready yourself for the second instalment. Day two of the meeting is all about the Prince Of Wales's Stakes (4.20), which pitches some of the best middle-distance horses in the world against one another around Ascot's round course Below, our experts give their selections for every race on the card as well their best bet (Nap) on Wednesday. Check back here once racing kicks-off for results. Royal Ascot day two tips 2.30pm: Queen Mary Stakes (Group Two) Charlie Brooks – Society Kiss broke track record on debut at Ascot. Classy recruit from breeze-up sales. Marcus Armytage – Spicy Marg was impressive on her Newmarket debut despite being the outsider of the field. Still going the right way at home. Marlborough – Trainer Michael Bell was bullish about Spicy Marg before her debut and it was an impressive win in a fast time. 3.05pm: Queen's Vase (Group Two) Charlie Brooks – Asmarani has shaped well over a shorter trip and has plenty of stamina on both sides of his pedigree. Marcus Armytage – From a shrewd Irish outfit who would not be bringing him for the benefit of his health, Carmers won both his starts and we definitely haven't seen the best of him yet. Marlborough – Shackleton was crying out for this sort of stamina test last year. Satisfactory return in May and Aidan O'Brien is stacked in this division. 3.40pm: Duke of Cambridge Stakes (Group Two) Charlie Brooks – Cinderella's Dream was really impressive when she quickened from the back of the field at Newmarket last start. (NAP) Marcus Armytage – It is hard to see a 3lb penalty stopping Cinderella's Dream in her current form. Marlborough – One Look was a filly destined for the top as a two year old and has returned this season threatening to fulfil her potential. 4.20pm: Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group One) Charlie Brooks – Anmaat can turn the tables with Los Angeles on a different track which might suit better. Marcus Armytage – See The Fire put in an extraordinary performance in at York winning by 12 lengths and unless that was a complete fluke she is over-priced here. Marlborough – Los Angeles is a quality colt who likes quick ground and has a great attitude in a finish. There are doubts about some of the others in that regard. 5pm: Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap) Charlie Brooks – Epictetus ran nicely for new trainer on only run this season. Marcus Armytage – Ancient Rome has been contesting Group races recently and will appreciate the return to a handicap off a reducing mark. A big price for a horse of his ability. Marlborough – Ancient Rome looks well handicapped having been dropped from 110 to 102 since finishing a close second in an Ascot Group Two last Summer. (NAP) 5.35pm: Kensington Palace Stakes Charlie Brooks – Rainbows Edge is a course-and-distance winner and officially top rated. Marcus Armytage – Rainbows Edge is the day's Royal representative. She's lightly raced, still improving and unbeaten over a mile. Marlborough – Unassuming sneaks into the bottom of the weights here having won last week and she will like the fast pace to aim at. 6.10pm: Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed) Charlie Brooks – Azizam should outrun his odds after a sparkling debut at Hamilton. Havanna Grey is a good sire for this race. Marcus Armytage – Tough Critic overcame all sorts of difficulties to win at Keeneland first time out, US horses are often undone by soft ground here but that, at least, won't happen today. Marlborough – This stiff five furlong test looks tailor-made for Shaman Champion who travelled supremely well when winning on debut. Royal Ascot results Tuesday, June 17 2.30pm: Queen Anne Stakes Docklands 14/1 Rosallion 5/2F Cairo 100/1 Notable Speech 4/1 3.05pm: Coventry Stakes Gstaad 7/2F Do Or Do Not 80/1 Coppull 66/1 Andab 5/1 3.40pm: King Charles III Stakes American Affair 11/1 Frost at Dawn 28/1 Regional 9/1 Starlust 9/1 4.20pm: St James's Palace Stakes Field of Gold 8/11F Henri Matisse 4/1 Ruling Court 4/1 5pm: Ascot Stakes Ascending 20/1 Nurburing 16/1 Comfort Zone 33/1 Leinster 25/1 Divine Comedy 28/1 5.35pm: Wolferton Stakes Haatem 8/1 Galen 13/2 King's Gambit 4/1F Enfjaar 5/1 6.10pm: Copper Horse Stakes French Master 5/2F Caballo De Mar 13/2 Samui 20/1 Barnso 14/1 Aeronautic 7/1 Royal Ascot racecards (Group/class, distance, age, prize money) Wednesday, June 18 2.30pm: Queen Mary Stakes (Group Two, 5f, two-year-old fillies, £150,000) 3.05pm: Queen's Vase (Group Two, 1m6f, three-year-olds, £265,000) 3.40pm: Duke of Cambridge Stakes (Group Two, round 1m, four-year-old and older fillies and mares, £225,000) 4.20pm: Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group One, 1m2f, four-year-olds and older, £1,000,000) 5pm: Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap Class Two, straight 1m, three-year-olds and older, £175,000) 5.35pm: Kensington Palace Stakes (Handicap Class Two, straight 1m, four-year-olds and older fillies and mares, £110,000) 6.10pm: Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed, 5f, two-year-olds, £110,000) Thursday, June 19 2.30pm: Norfolk Stakes (Group One, 5f, two-year-olds, £150,000) 3.05pm: King George V Stakes (Handicap Class Two, 1m4f, three-year-olds, £110,000) 3.40pm: Ribblesdale Stakes (Group Two, 1m4f, three-year-old fillies, £250,000) 4.20pm: Ascot Gold Cup (Group One, 2m4f, four-year-olds and older, £650,000) 5pm: Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap Class Two, straight 1m, three-year-old colts and geldings, £120,000) 5.35pm: Hampton Court Stakes (Group Three, 1m2f, three-year-olds, £150,000) 6.10pm: Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap Class Two, 7f, three-year-olds and older, £110,000) Friday, June 20 2.30pm: Albany Stakes (Group Three, 6f, two-year-old fillies, £125,000) 3.05pm: Commonwealth Cup (Group One, 6f, three-year-old colts and fillies, £650,000) 3.40pm: Duke of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap Class Two, 1m4f, three-year-olds and older, £110,000) 4.20pm: Coronation Stakes (Group One, round 1m, three-year-old fillies, £650,000) 5pm: Sandringham Stakes (Handicap Class Two, straight 1m, three-year-old fillies, £110,000) 5.35pm: King Edward VII Stakes (Group Two, 1m4f, three-year-old colts and geldings, £250,000) 6.10pm: Palace of Holyroodhouse (Handicap Class Two, 5f, three-year-olds, £110,000) Saturday, June 21 2.30pm: Chesham Stakes (Listed, 7f, two-year-olds, £110,000) 3.05pm: Hardwicke Stakes (Group Two, 1m4f, four-year-olds and older, £250,000) 3.40pm: Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (Group One, 6f, four-year-olds and older, £1,000,000) 4.20pm: Jersey Stakes (Group Three, 7f, three-year-olds, £150,000) 5pm: Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap Class Two, 6f, three-year-olds and older, £175,000) 5.35pm: Golden Gates Stakes (Handicap Class Two, 1m2f, three-year-olds, £110,000) 6.10pm: Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions Class Two, 2m6f, four-year-olds and older £110,000)
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AI Has Changed How Students Search—And Universities Are Paying the Price
Everspring's 2025 Report Analyzes 450,000+ Student Searches to Reveal the Collapse of Higher Ed Visibility CHICAGO, May 29, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Students aren't just searching differently—they're searching elsewhere. According to Everspring's new 2025 AI Search Trends Report, prospective students increasingly turn to AI tools like ChatGPT instead of traditional search engines. When they do use Google, AI-generated answers push universities out of view. These shifts are collapsing the old model of digital visibility, where top rankings and paid ads once guaranteed traffic. Today, AI sits between students and the information they're seeking, reshaping how—and whether—academic programs get discovered at all. Beth Hollenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Everspring, shared, "Search behavior has changed—and universities are disappearing from view. Effective marketing starts and ends with the human experience. Prospects are now using AI to get answers tailored to their specific needs. Universities that don't respond to these changes will become invisible, while those who adapt have an opportunity to turn AI into a competitive advantage." Based on over 450,000 real student search interactions across more than 60 academic programs, the report is the first of its kind to focus exclusively on the impact of generative AI on higher education visibility. The findings point to a new era of search, where AI-generated answers dominate results pages, sideline traditional SEO, and render paid search increasingly unreliable. Key findings from the report include: AI Is Now the First Stop for SearchTwo-thirds of people say they turn to AI tools like ChatGPT before using Google, and nearly half of ChatGPT users are 18–24—more than double Google's share. For younger audiences, discovery is starting in AI, not search engines. To Get Found, Schools Need to Show Up in AI ResponsesGoogle's AI-generated Overviews now appear in the majority of question-based searches, pushing organic and paid listings further down the page. For longer or more specific queries, AI answers dominate. High Google Rankings Don't Guarantee ClicksWhen AI Overviews are shown, click-through rates to top-ranked university pages drop by 70–90%. Even the best SEO can't compete if you don't appear in the AI summary. Paid Search Is More Expensive and Less ReliableThe average cost per click (CPC) for higher ed terms is up 45% year-over-year. At the same time, click-through rates are falling, especially when AI Overviews are shown. In short, institutions are paying more and getting less from traditional search ads. Why This Report Matters Much of the conversation around AI and search has focused on tools. This report focuses on people—specifically how prospective students are changing their habits and what that means for universities' ability to be found, considered, and chosen. Michael Bell, Chief Marketing Officer of Everspring, commented, "Higher ed enrollment marketing teams have spent years optimizing for Google, but the rules of discovery have changed. If your programs don't show up in AI results, your institution effectively disappears. It's not just a marketing problem; it's an existential threat." The 2025 AI Search Trends Report delivers the first sector-specific analysis of this shift, backed by first-party data from real student interactions and performance trends. For institutions navigating a competitive and fast-moving enrollment environment, it offers an urgent look at where student behavior is headed and what to do next. The full 2025 Everspring AI Search Trends Report is available at: To learn more about Everspring's AI Search Solution, visit: About Everspring Everspring is a technology-first strategy and solutions provider to higher education. We identify universities' greatest points of leverage and apply technology and know-how to solve their urgent challenges, capture their emergent growth opportunities, and help them build a lasting market advantage. Our proprietary platforms, performance-driven campaigns, and hands-on advisory capabilities help institutions grow enrollment, adapt to disruption, and stay visible in an increasingly AI-first world. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Rhea VitalisVP, Growth Marketing, Everspringrvitalis@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AI Has Changed How Students Search—And Universities Are Paying the Price
Everspring's 2025 Report Analyzes 450,000+ Student Searches to Reveal the Collapse of Higher Ed Visibility CHICAGO, May 29, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Students aren't just searching differently—they're searching elsewhere. According to Everspring's new 2025 AI Search Trends Report, prospective students increasingly turn to AI tools like ChatGPT instead of traditional search engines. When they do use Google, AI-generated answers push universities out of view. These shifts are collapsing the old model of digital visibility, where top rankings and paid ads once guaranteed traffic. Today, AI sits between students and the information they're seeking, reshaping how—and whether—academic programs get discovered at all. Beth Hollenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Everspring, shared, "Search behavior has changed—and universities are disappearing from view. Effective marketing starts and ends with the human experience. Prospects are now using AI to get answers tailored to their specific needs. Universities that don't respond to these changes will become invisible, while those who adapt have an opportunity to turn AI into a competitive advantage." Based on over 450,000 real student search interactions across more than 60 academic programs, the report is the first of its kind to focus exclusively on the impact of generative AI on higher education visibility. The findings point to a new era of search, where AI-generated answers dominate results pages, sideline traditional SEO, and render paid search increasingly unreliable. Key findings from the report include: AI Is Now the First Stop for SearchTwo-thirds of people say they turn to AI tools like ChatGPT before using Google, and nearly half of ChatGPT users are 18–24—more than double Google's share. For younger audiences, discovery is starting in AI, not search engines. To Get Found, Schools Need to Show Up in AI ResponsesGoogle's AI-generated Overviews now appear in the majority of question-based searches, pushing organic and paid listings further down the page. For longer or more specific queries, AI answers dominate. High Google Rankings Don't Guarantee ClicksWhen AI Overviews are shown, click-through rates to top-ranked university pages drop by 70–90%. Even the best SEO can't compete if you don't appear in the AI summary. Paid Search Is More Expensive and Less ReliableThe average cost per click (CPC) for higher ed terms is up 45% year-over-year. At the same time, click-through rates are falling, especially when AI Overviews are shown. In short, institutions are paying more and getting less from traditional search ads. Why This Report Matters Much of the conversation around AI and search has focused on tools. This report focuses on people—specifically how prospective students are changing their habits and what that means for universities' ability to be found, considered, and chosen. Michael Bell, Chief Marketing Officer of Everspring, commented, "Higher ed enrollment marketing teams have spent years optimizing for Google, but the rules of discovery have changed. If your programs don't show up in AI results, your institution effectively disappears. It's not just a marketing problem; it's an existential threat." The 2025 AI Search Trends Report delivers the first sector-specific analysis of this shift, backed by first-party data from real student interactions and performance trends. For institutions navigating a competitive and fast-moving enrollment environment, it offers an urgent look at where student behavior is headed and what to do next. The full 2025 Everspring AI Search Trends Report is available at: To learn more about Everspring's AI Search Solution, visit: About Everspring Everspring is a technology-first strategy and solutions provider to higher education. We identify universities' greatest points of leverage and apply technology and know-how to solve their urgent challenges, capture their emergent growth opportunities, and help them build a lasting market advantage. Our proprietary platforms, performance-driven campaigns, and hands-on advisory capabilities help institutions grow enrollment, adapt to disruption, and stay visible in an increasingly AI-first world. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Rhea VitalisVP, Growth Marketing, Everspringrvitalis@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
29-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
AI Has Changed How Students Search—And Universities Are Paying the Price
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Students aren't just searching differently—they're searching elsewhere. According to Everspring's new 2025 AI Search Trends Report, prospective students increasingly turn to AI tools like ChatGPT instead of traditional search engines. When they do use Google, AI-generated answers push universities out of view. These shifts are collapsing the old model of digital visibility, where top rankings and paid ads once guaranteed traffic. Today, AI sits between students and the information they're seeking, reshaping how—and whether—academic programs get discovered at all. Beth Hollenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Everspring, shared, 'Search behavior has changed—and universities are disappearing from view. Effective marketing starts and ends with the human experience. Prospects are now using AI to get answers tailored to their specific needs. Universities that don't respond to these changes will become invisible, while those who adapt have an opportunity to turn AI into a competitive advantage.' Based on over 450,000 real student search interactions across more than 60 academic programs, the report is the first of its kind to focus exclusively on the impact of generative AI on higher education visibility. The findings point to a new era of search, where AI-generated answers dominate results pages, sideline traditional SEO, and render paid search increasingly unreliable. Key findings from the report include: AI Is Now the First Stop for Search Two-thirds of people say they turn to AI tools like ChatGPT before using Google, and nearly half of ChatGPT users are 18–24—more than double Google's share. For younger audiences, discovery is starting in AI, not search engines. To Get Found, Schools Need to Show Up in AI Responses Google's AI-generated Overviews now appear in the majority of question-based searches, pushing organic and paid listings further down the page. For longer or more specific queries, AI answers dominate. High Google Rankings Don't Guarantee Clicks When AI Overviews are shown, click-through rates to top-ranked university pages drop by 70–90%. Even the best SEO can't compete if you don't appear in the AI summary. Paid Search Is More Expensive and Less Reliable The average cost per click (CPC) for higher ed terms is up 45% year-over-year. At the same time, click-through rates are falling, especially when AI Overviews are shown. In short, institutions are paying more and getting less from traditional search ads. Why This Report Matters Much of the conversation around AI and search has focused on tools. This report focuses on people—specifically how prospective students are changing their habits and what that means for universities' ability to be found, considered, and chosen. Michael Bell, Chief Marketing Officer of Everspring, commented, 'Higher ed enrollment marketing teams have spent years optimizing for Google, but the rules of discovery have changed. If your programs don't show up in AI results, your institution effectively disappears. It's not just a marketing problem; it's an existential threat.' The 2025 AI Search Trends Report delivers the first sector-specific analysis of this shift, backed by first-party data from real student interactions and performance trends. For institutions navigating a competitive and fast-moving enrollment environment, it offers an urgent look at where student behavior is headed and what to do next. The full 2025 Everspring AI Search Trends Report is available at: To learn more about Everspring's AI Search Solution, visit: About Everspring Everspring is a technology-first strategy and solutions provider to higher education. We identify universities' greatest points of leverage and apply technology and know-how to solve their urgent challenges, capture their emergent growth opportunities, and help them build a lasting market advantage. Our proprietary platforms, performance-driven campaigns, and hands-on advisory capabilities help institutions grow enrollment, adapt to disruption, and stay visible in an increasingly AI-first world. Learn more at
