Jessi Rochel, a dedicated runner and animal advocate from Carbondale, is set to participate in the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon with a noble cause. Her mission: to raise funds for rescue animals through various initiatives. Rochel's passion for helping animals find loving homes has driven her to organize an exclusive screening of the award-winning animated film "Flow" as part of her fundraising efforts. This unique event aims to combine entertainment with philanthropy, bringing together community members who share a common love for animals.
Rochel's journey to this marathon has been long and determined. For years, she has sought entry into the prestigious race, finally securing a spot this year. Her dedication to animal welfare led her to choose a fundraiser that resonates with her cause. The film "Flow," directed by Gints Zilbalodis, tells a heartwarming story of unity among animals in the face of adversity. Its recent accolades, including a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, have added excitement to the event. Rochel hopes that these prestigious awards will attract more attendees to support her initiative.
The screening of "Flow" will take place on Wednesday evening at the Crystal Theatre in Carbondale. Attendees can purchase tickets in advance or at the door, with all proceeds benefiting ALIVE Rescue, a nonprofit organization based in Chicago. This group focuses on rescuing and rehoming animals, particularly those often overlooked, such as senior pets and animals with special needs. Through their rehabilitation programs, ALIVE Rescue ensures these animals find loving homes.
To participate in the marathon, Rochel must raise a minimum of $1,500. As part of the "Alive and Running" team, she will join other passionate runners in training sessions, events, and celebrations. Her personal connection to rescue animals deepens her commitment; she adopted her beloved cat, Bergamot, from a local shelter in 2021. Burgie, as she affectionately calls her, has become an integral part of her life, inspiring Rochel to advocate for more animals in need.
Beyond the marathon and the film screening, Rochel's efforts highlight the importance of community involvement in supporting animal welfare. Her initiative not only raises funds but also fosters a spirit of generosity and compassion. By combining her love for running and animals, Rochel exemplifies how individual actions can make a significant difference in the lives of many.
The Boston Red Sox are reportedly considering innovative contract extensions for their emerging stars, offering substantial upfront payments in exchange for players foregoing arbitration and free agency. This strategic move aims to secure long-term commitments from promising young athletes while providing them with financial benefits early in their careers. The team's approach leverages deferred payment structures over extended periods, which can significantly impact tax liabilities under federal and Massachusetts state laws.
A key factor in these negotiations is the interplay between income taxes in Massachusetts and the potential tax savings through deferred compensation. Last year, the Red Sox successfully signed outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela and pitcher Brayan Bello to multi-year extensions before they were eligible for arbitration. Now, the team is exploring similar deals with other talented prospects like Triston Casas, Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer. Additionally, new ace Garrett Crochet may also be part of these discussions, though he has indicated a preference to focus on the upcoming season first.
Massachusetts imposes a 5% income tax rate, which increases to 9% for taxable income exceeding $1 million, indexed for inflation. This "Fair Share Amendment" was approved by voters in 2022 and applies to salaries, wages, and one-time earnings. Many professional athletes, including those from the Red Sox, face this higher tax rate. However, deferring compensation can provide tax advantages. Nicholas Rochedieu, a tax expert, explains that deferred payments made years after performance can be challenging for Massachusetts to tax, especially if the player resides in a state with lower or no income tax during the deferral period.
The use of deferred payments not only helps mitigate state income taxes but also aligns with federal tax regulations. For instance, Internal Revenue Code Section 114 prevents states from taxing certain deferred payments to non-residents under specific conditions. This provision could further enhance the attractiveness of signing with the Red Sox. While deferred payments offer significant tax benefits, they come with risks such as inflation reducing future value and missed investment opportunities. Despite these challenges, the strategy of using deferred money could increase the after-tax value of contracts, making it more appealing for players to sign with the Red Sox.
This forward-thinking approach by the Red Sox demonstrates a commitment to fostering a sustainable and competitive roster. By creatively addressing financial and tax considerations, the team is positioning itself to attract and retain top-tier talent. Such initiatives underscore the importance of strategic planning and innovation in professional sports, ultimately contributing to the long-term success and stability of the organization.
In the ever-competitive world of professional football, the Chicago Bears have emerged as one of the most active teams during the offseason. With a focus on strengthening their roster to compete in the challenging NFC North division, the Bears have made several high-profile acquisitions. These moves have not gone unnoticed by players from rival teams, particularly Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who expressed his candid thoughts on a recent episode of his podcast. The Bears' aggressive approach to free agency and trading has garnered attention across the league, signaling their intent to build a formidable team.
Bears Ramp Up Efforts with Strategic Additions
In the vibrant and unpredictable NFL landscape, the Chicago Bears have taken significant steps to bolster their lineup. Following a disappointing 5-12 season under rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears are focusing on fortifying their offensive and defensive lines. Under the leadership of new head coach Ben Johnson, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, the Bears have made substantial investments in key positions. Notable signings include veteran offensive linemen Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, along with tight end Drew Dalman. On the defensive side, they've added experienced players like Grady Jarrett and edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo. These additions aim to create a more balanced and competitive team, ready to challenge in the highly competitive NFC North.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, who worked closely with Ben Johnson in Detroit, shared his unfiltered thoughts on these developments. During a conversation with his brother Equanimeous on the St. Brown Podcast, he remarked on the Bears' seemingly limitless financial resources. St. Brown's comments highlighted the impact of these moves, noting that the Bears are making rapid and decisive changes. He also struggled briefly with pronouncing Odeyingbo’s name but quickly returned to expressing his amazement at the scale of the Bears' spending spree.
The Bears' strategy reflects a clear intention to build a solid foundation around their young quarterback, ensuring he has the support needed to succeed. By addressing critical areas of need, the Bears hope to improve their performance and become a stronger contender in a division that saw three teams reach the playoffs last year. This proactive approach has certainly caught the eye of players like St. Brown, who recognize the potential shift in the balance of power within the NFC North.
From a journalistic perspective, the Bears' offseason activities underscore the importance of adaptability and strategic planning in professional sports. Teams must constantly evaluate and adjust their rosters to stay competitive. The Bears' willingness to invest heavily in key areas demonstrates their commitment to building a winning culture. For fans and observers alike, this period of transformation offers an exciting glimpse into what the future holds for the franchise. It also serves as a reminder that in sports, change can be both necessary and invigorating.