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BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union must be prepared to develop measures to protect trade and investment that China might exploit for its own security and military purposes, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned on Thursday.
Speaking before a trip to China planned for next week, von der Leyen said that it’s important to stop “sensitive technologies” that could be used in security crackdowns or to restrict human rights from falling into Beijing’s hands.
“China’s changing policies may require us to develop new defensive tools for some critical sectors,” she said. “Where dual-use purposes cannot be excluded or human rights might be implicated, there will need to be a clear line on whether investments or exports are in our own security interests.”
The commission, the EU’s executive branch, manages international trade on behalf of the 27 member countries and defends their interests at the World Trade Organization.
Von der Leyen said that the EU should focus its defenses on “sensitive high-tech areas” like microelectronics, quantum computing, robotics, artificial intelligence and the biotech sector.
“We need to ensure that our companies’ capital, expertise, and knowledge are not used to enhance the military and intelligence capabilities of those who are also systemic rivals,” she told academics at an event run by the European Policy Centre think tank and the Mercator Institute for China Studies.
“We have to look at where there are gaps in our toolbox which allow the leakage of emerging and sensitive technologies through investments in other countries,” von der Leyen said. The focus, she said, should be on tech that “can lead to the development of military capabilities that pose risks to national security.”
The commission president’s speech comes as the EU reconsiders its frequently testy relations with China, notably in light of Beijing’s support for Russia’s war on Ukraine. Von der Leyen said, though, that it’s important not to cut political, economic or scientific ties with such a “vital trading partner.”
French President Emmanuel Macron is also due to travel to China next week and will take part in some events involving von der Leyen. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was set to visit Beijing on Thursday and Friday at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. | 2023-03-31T12:15:40+00:00 | wjhl.com | https://www.wjhl.com/technology/ap-technology/eu-chief-urges-caution-in-tech-trade-with-china-2/ |
OXFORD, Mich., June 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Oxford Bank Corporation ("Oxford" or "the Company") (OTC Bulletin Board: OXBC), the holding company for Oxford Bank ("the Bank"), announced today that Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Richard K. Miller, will be retiring in 2023. The Company's Board of Directors have appointed, Jesse A. Deering, age 42, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of both the Bank and Company, effective June 20, 2022. During the past several months, the Company's and Bank's Board of Directors and executive management developed a comprehensive plan to ensure a seamless succession of the CFO position and continued development of financial systems. The plan calls for Mr. Miller to remain with the Company and Bank through a transition period.
Mr. Miller has served as SVP & CFO of Oxford and the Bank since September 18, 2017. He joined Oxford to lead the finance department through the transition and improvement of the accounting and financial reporting functions of the organization. Miller, with his 40+ years of broad experience with specific expertise in accounting, tax planning and regulatory reporting, was also a key contributor in the Company's recent acquisition related activities and overall organizational growth the past five years.
"Rich Miller has been integral part of our growth by completely rebuilding and automating our financial infrastructure to produce timely and accurate information which has been critical to our ability to move quickly and make good strategic decisions. He has been an important leader providing high quality advice on a broad range of issues to our executive team and Boards of Directors. We look forward to an extended transition to continue his work on creating a first-class management accounting system to reflect our increased complexity." said David P. Lamb, Oxford Chairman, President & CEO. "We are also gratified that Jesse Deering is joining our leadership team after a highly successful career with a very highly regarded former neighbor bank. Jesse's broad range of experience (both operational and financial) including bank M&A and crossing the one billion benchmark, is expected to be very important to our future growth and development."
Mr. Deering brings 20 years of diversified banking experience to Oxford. Most recently, he spent 17 years with the former Mackinac Financial Corporation and mBank where he served the last 5 years as the collective organization's Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer. In addition to his role overseeing the day-to-day financial operations and reporting at Mackinac and its wholly owned bank, he was also part of a management team that completed five whole bank acquisitions and a follow-on equity raise as the public company grew to over $1.5 billion in assets. He was involved in all aspects of the M&A activity including deal negotiations, financial modeling, pre-deal due diligence, expense and accretion analysis as well as post-transaction operational integration. Along with his corporate development and investor relations duties, Mr. Deering also led strategic planning initiatives for the company. Immediately preceding his time as CFO, Deering led retail branch banking, marketing and IT. Prior to this role, he managed all banking related activities in the Southeast Michigan region as the Senior Vice President & Southeast Michigan Executive which included oversight of the regional loan portfolio, commercial lending function and branch operations. He also worked closely with the credit department serving as Assistant Vice President / Senior Credit Administrator shortly after joining the company.
Mr. Deering holds an undergraduate degree from Albion College and a MBA from the University of Notre Dame. While at Notre Dame he worked with particular focus in the areas of strategic finance, corporate communications and change management.
Oxford Bank is a subsidiary of Oxford Bank Corporation, a registered holding company. It is the oldest commercial bank in Oakland County, MI, and operates seven full-service offices in Clarkston, Davison, Dryden, Lake Orion, Oakland Township, Ortonville and Oxford. The Bank also has Customer Experience Centers in Rochester Hills, Ann Arbor, and Macomb (late 2022), MI, with transactional services provided by Interactive Teller Machines only. In addition, Oxford Bank has business banking centers in Wixom, Oxford, and Flint, MI. The Bank's wholly owned subsidiary, Oxford Commercial Finance, also operates a commercial finance center in Phoenix, AZ. The Bank has operated continuously under local ownership and management since it first opened for business in 1884. For more information about Oxford Bank and its complete line of financial services, please visit www.oxfordbank.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in the Release may be deemed forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. Words or phrases "will likely result", "are expected to", "will continue", "is anticipated", "estimate", "project", or similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Factors which could cause actual results to differ, include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in interest rates, changes in economic conditions of the Bank's market area, changes in policies by regulatory agencies, the acceptance of new products, the impact of competitive products and pricing and the other risks detailed from time to time in the Bank's and Corporation's reports. These forward-looking statements represent the Bank's judgment as of the date of this report. The Bank disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
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SOURCE Oxford Bank Corporation | 2022-06-20T13:30:30+00:00 | kwtx.com | https://www.kwtx.com/prnewswire/2022/06/20/oxford-bank-corporation-announces-retirement-richard-miller-appointment-jesse-deering-chief-financial-officer-treasurer/ |
Texans to host Uvalde high school team at season opener
HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans will host the Uvalde high school football team and wear “Uvalde Strong” decals on their helmets when they open the season Sept. 11 against Indianapolis.
A contingent from the team, including coach Lovie Smith and linebackers Christian Kirksey and Kamu Grugier-Hill, visited Uvalde on Thursday night and surprised the team with new uniforms provided by Nike during a team dinner.
“It was just special to see the smiles on their faces because we know this city was impacted drastically,” Kirksey said in a television interview. “Being a leader and not just being a football player but being somebody that can be an extra shoulder to lean on, it definitely warmed something in my heart... (and) we’re just going to be here with the city and let them know that we support them in every way and we’re going to be here for them.”
This is part of the team’s continuing support for the community. The Texans donated $400,000 to the Robb Elementary School memorial fund after 19 children and two teachers were killed in a shooting there in May.
During the visit, the Texans also announced that they were joining with grocery store chain H-E-B to pay for the high school team to travel to the opener and take in the NFL game from a suite.
Kirksey and Grugier-Hill showed the team the decal on a Texans helmet during an interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
“You guys will be with us, and we’ll be with you,” Grugier-Hill told them while holding the helmet. “Words can’t even describe or help anything you’ve been through, so we can only try to empathize (with) you guys and be there for you guys.”
The visit continued Friday when team owners Cal and Hannah McNair joined members of the organization in town and the team hosted football camps and clinics for hundreds of children before attending Uvalde’s home opener.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | 2022-09-03T18:47:30+00:00 | wsfa.com | https://www.wsfa.com/2022/09/03/texans-host-uvalde-high-school-team-season-opener/ |
NEW YORK, March 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nielsen announced today the appointment of Warren Jenson as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective April 15, 2023. Reporting to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer David Kenny, Jenson will lead Nielsen's global finance organization and financial activities including financial planning and analysis, tax, controllership, and treasury. He will also lead the company's information technology, corporate development, and global strategy functions.
As CFO, Jenson will work closely with the leaders of Nielsen's three business units -Audience Measurement, Gracenote, and Analytics Portfolio– supporting their strategic initiatives, while driving sustainable growth for the company.
"We are delighted to welcome Warren. His impressive background, track record, and strategic vision will be instrumental in driving the growth and financial performance of our business, and supporting the digital transformation of Nielsen and our clients," said Kenny. "His growth mindset and global business perspective will contribute to our winning team."
Jenson replaces Linda Zukauckas, who left the company last month.
Jenson is a seasoned CFO and operations leader who brings over 34 years of experience in transformation and value creation in diverse industries, including data and media. He has a track record of driving growth, improving profitability and business development, and creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. He has served as CFO for several Fortune 500 companies including Amazon, Delta Airlines, NBC, and Electronic Arts, and most recently served as President, CFO, and Executive Managing Director of International for LiveRamp.
"I am thrilled to join Nielsen at such an exciting time in the company's history and development. It is encouraging to see the dynamic spirit of innovation, especially as I join the leadership team and associates as they work with clients and partners to reshape the industry," said Jenson. "Nielsen is in great shape and in a strong position for the years ahead."
About Nielsen
Nielsen shapes the world's media and content as a global leader in audience measurement, data, and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviors across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences—now and into the future. Nielsen operates around the world in more than 55 countries. Learn more at www.nielsen.com and connect with us on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram).
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SOURCE Nielsen | 2023-03-07T15:12:55+00:00 | uppermichiganssource.com | https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/prnewswire/2023/03/07/nielsen-appoints-warren-jenson-chief-financial-officer/ |
A group of Black students who created the “Know Justice, Know Peace” racial justice podcast at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College sued Denver Public Schools in federal court Monday, alleging the district is trying to trademark and “steal” the students’ brand name.
Alana Mitchell, Jenelle Nangah and two minors not named in the lawsuit — all current or former students at MLK Early College — sued DPS in U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, alleging the district is infringing on their trademark of the name “Know Justice, Know Peace.”
Denver Public Schools did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
But in a letter provided to The Denver Post by an attorney representing the students, a lawyer for Denver Public Schools argues the podcast was made with the help of MLK Early College’s then-principal with the use of school equipment. Because of this, the district said it owns all rights to the podcast series.
“Notably, it is your clients who are liable for trademark infringement,” attorney Tiffany D.W. Shimada wrote to the students’ lawyer in a letter dated Monday.
Jeffrey Kass, the attorney representing the students, said the school district threatened him with “sanctions for filing a frivolous lawsuit.”
“We sent a letter to the district before filing this lawsuit saying, ‘Let’s make this easy. Just return the trademark to the girls and this will all be over.’ Their response was to say that this belongs to the district and if you sue us, we’re going to seek legal fees from the students,” Kass said. “They, apparently, would like to fight.”
In the wake of the George Floyd murder in Minneapolis, a group of Black students at MLK Early College created and funded the podcast “Know Justice, Know Peace” to discuss “the seemingly never-ending racial problems facing America,” the lawsuit says.
The Black Student Alliance at the school announced the podcast on Juneteenth in 2020, and it premiered on July 4, 2020. “The podcast was an instant hit and got the attention of the national news, including ‘The Today Show’,” the lawsuit says.
The students raised $14,000 through the podcast to purchase Black history books “after DPS refused to provide funds for the books,” the lawsuit alleges.
According to the lawsuit, DPS filed two federal trademark applications and one Colorado trademark application for “Know Justice, Know Peace” in August. The school also allegedly changed the passwords and took over all related social media accounts.
In late August, Deputy Superintendent of Denver Public Schools Anthony Smith held a last-minute meeting with the students and their parents to “coerce and bully” the students into admitting DPS owns the trademark, the lawsuit alleges.
Kass said DPS told his clients that the district did not have finalized plans for use of the trademark.
“The irony of DPS’s attempts to steal and then use the “Know Justice, Know Peace” trademark to run a racial justice podcast is that DPS has for years fallen way short on Black history, racial justice and education around these important issues,” the lawsuit says. “That their newly found and significantly tardy desire to address racial issues had to come in this form is a sad commentary on the state of DPS.”
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We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. As of June 15, 2022, comments on DenverPost.com are powered by Viafoura, and you may need to log in again to begin commenting. Read more about our new commenting system here. If you need help or are having issues with your commenting account, please email us at memberservices@denverpost.com. | 2022-09-19T23:49:46+00:00 | denverpost.com | https://www.denverpost.com/2022/09/19/know-justice-know-peace-podcast-trademark-lawsuitst-trademark-infringement/ |
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) — Fayetteville police said they have arrested two people in connection to the deadly shooting of a Fort Bragg paratrooper from last week.
Detectives arrested 18-year-old Timothy Renae Nava and 19-year-old Nizer Marquise Bennett after they said the investigation led them to Durham.
Officers said the two men shot and killed Nicholas Antonio Bobo — a 22-year-old paratrooper in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg — the night of Sept. 13.
At about 11 p.m. that night, detectives said they were called to the 900 block of Enclave Drive to find Bobo unresponsive outside his apartment and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
He died from his injuries at the scene, reports said.
According to a release, Renae was arrested Monday and Bennett was arrested Thursday.
They are each charged with first-degree murder, felony conspiracy, robbery with a dangerous weapon and shooting into an occupied dwelling.
Both men are being held at the Cumberland County Detention Center under no bond.
In a release from the 82nd Airborne Division, officials said Bobo was an automated logistical specialist assigned to the 407th Brigade Support Battalion who joined the Army in 2018 and arrived at Fort Bragg in 2019.
His awards and decorations include the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, the Army Parachutist Badge, Driver Mechanic Badge-Driver Wheeled Vehicle and Marksmanship Qualification Badge Expert-Carbine.
Bobo was from Cordova, Tennessee, and is survived by his wife, a daughter and his parents.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Detective S. Shirey at (910) 751-3009 or Crime Stoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477). | 2022-09-23T10:58:35+00:00 | myfox8.com | https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/2-charged-with-murder-of-fort-bragg-paratrooper-north-carolina-police-say/ |
Bad customer service decreases customer loyalty by 28%, according to 9th annual Teleperformance Customer Experience Lab Global CX Survey
NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly one third of consumers worldwide said they are willing to pay more for a product or service if it came with better customer service, according to a survey by Teleperformance Customer Experience Lab (CX Lab).
The survey also revealed that 42% of consumers are more concerned about receiving good customer service when shopping for products and services after the pandemic, highlighting the importance of a good experience both pre- and post-purchase.
These findings derive from the 9th annual Teleperformance CX Lab's Global CX Survey, which was conducted across 20 sectors and 16 countries. The survey queried nearly 87,000 consumers across many topics ranging from customer service channel preferences and metrics.
Teleperformance, the global leader in outsourced customer and citizen experience management and related digital services, has more than 420,000 employees worldwide who deliver exceptional customer service in 170 countries on behalf of clients.
"The way customers interact with companies when they need support is ever-evolving as technology enables new communication channels. With years of insights from our research center, we set a higher innovation bar for our industry," said Luciana Cemerka, vice president of Global Marketing, Teleperformance. "Our clients can take full advantage of fact-based analysis and have a pulse of customer interaction trends to improve their customer service strategies through Teleperformance's CX Lab."
Other findings from the survey:
- 40% of consumers posted about their brands' customer service on social media in the last 12 months. Consumers mainly post on their personal pages to share experiences with peers rather than on brand-owned pages to request support.
- 14% of consumers fell victim to fraud or theft of personal information associated with their brands, causing a 3% decrease in loyalty.
- Bad customer service decreases loyalty by 28%. Customers dissatisfied with their last interaction expressed a 28% lower intention to remain or repurchase than those not contacting.
- A good customer service channel mix can boost loyalty by 37%. Customers happy with the channel options companies make available are 37% more likely to remain or repurchase than those who do not.
About Teleperformance CX Lab
Created in 2013, the Teleperformance CX Lab has gathered thousands of actionable data annually through its Global CX Survey. The annual survey analyzes the main trends in cx improvements and preferences by country, channel, segment, and generation. The CX Lab's Global CX Survey continues to conduct thousands of interviews annually to discover the top trends in customer service.
Through the CX Lab, Teleperformance can help brands and organizations learn in-depth data about customer behavior and preferences. Count on the CX Lab to transform actionable insights into positive business results to increase your revenue and growth. Harness the power of insights gathered through extensive research and data.
ABOUT TELEPERFORMANCE GROUP
Teleperformance (TEP – ISIN: FR0000051807 – Reuters: TEPRF.PA - Bloomberg: TEP FP), the global leader in outsourced customer and citizen experience management and related digital services, serves as a strategic partner to the world's largest companies in many industries. It offers a One Office support services model including end-to-end digital solutions, which guarantee successful customer interaction and optimized business processes, anchored in a unique, comprehensive high-touch, high-tech approach. Nearly 420,000 employees, based in 88 countries, support billions of connections every year in over 265 languages and around 170 markets, in a shared commitment to excellence as part of the "Simpler, Faster, Safer" process. This mission is supported by the use of reliable, flexible, intelligent technological solutions and compliance with the industry's highest security and quality standards, based on Corporate Social Responsibility excellence. In 2021, Teleperformance reported consolidated revenue of €7,115 million (US$8.4 billion, based on €1 = $1.18) and net profit of €557 million.
Teleperformance shares are traded on the Euronext Paris market, Compartment A, and are eligible for the deferred settlement service. They are included in the following indices: CAC 40, STOXX 600, S&P Europe 350, MSCI Global Standard and Euronext Tech Leaders. In the area of corporate social responsibility, Teleperformance shares are included in the CAC 40 ESG since September 2022, the Euronext Vigeo Euro 120 index since 2015, the EURO STOXX 50 ESG index since 2020, the MSCI Europe ESG Leaders index since 2019, the FTSE4Good index since 2018 and the S&P Global 1200 ESG index since 2017.
For more information: www.teleperformance.com Follow us on Twitter: @teleperformance
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SOURCE Teleperformance | 2023-02-07T13:24:16+00:00 | wbrc.com | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2023/02/07/third-shoppers-worldwide-are-willing-pay-more-good-customer-service/ |
PRAGUE (AP) — Slovak filmmaker Juraj Jakubisko, who was named the best movie director of the 20th century in his country, has died. He was 84.
Jakubisko died shortly before midnight on Friday in the Czech capital, Prague, where he had lived with his family since the 1993 split of Czechoslovakia, his daughter Janette told Slovak public radio and television. His death was also announced by the Czech Culture Ministry.
Jakubisko has dozens of feature films and shorts to his credit that won a number of awards at international film festivals.
For his movies, full of metaphors, symbols and poetry, he was sometimes called “Fellini of the East,” or “Slovak Fellini” after famed Italian director Federico Fellini.
Born April 30, 1938 in the village of Kojsov in what is now eastern Slovakia, Jakubisko graduated from Prague’s Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in 1966.
He debuted with the critically acclaimed “Crucial Years” the following year. With that, as well as “Deserters and Pilgrims” (1968) and “Birds, Orphans and Fools” (1969), he cemented his place as part of the Czechoslovak New Wave in cinema together with a number of other young directors of the time, including Milos Forman and Vera Chytilova.
All those films were banned by the hard-line communist regime that was established following the 1968 Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia that crushed a period of liberal reforms known as the Prague Spring.
For the next decade, he was allowed to make only documentary films. He returned to feature movies with “Build a House, Plant a Tree” in 1979 — which was soon also banned.
His major success was “The Millennial Bee,” in 1983, an epic family saga in the late 19th and early 20th century that won awards at film festivals in Seville, Spain, and Venice, Italy.
In 1985, Fellini’s wife, Giulietta Masina, starred in Jakubisko’s fairy tale for children “The Feather Fairy.”
His biggest box-office success after the 1989 collapse communism was “Bathory” in 2008, a historical drama starring English actress Anna Friel as Elizabeth Bathory, a Hungarian countess who according to legend used to kill virgins in order to bathe in their blood. It was at the time the most expensive motion picture production in Central Europe. | 2023-02-26T01:24:43+00:00 | pahomepage.com | https://www.pahomepage.com/entertainment-news/ap-slovak-movie-director-juraj-jakubisko-dies-at-84/ |
LONG ISLAND (PIX11)— A Long Island family was rudely awakened after a pick-up truck barreled into their Nassau County home early Thursday morning.
The vehicle crashed through the front of a home on Cypress Lane in Westbury just before 1 a.m., causing extensive damage to the property, officials said.
“We were sleeping around 12:40 (a.m.) and we heard boom,” the homeowner, Thu Phan, said. “We came down and the whole front is gone.”
There were no injuries. An unidentified driver was arrested a few hours later, and charges were pending, officials said.
The black truck went through the front of the home and ended up in the neighbor’s backyard, the homeowner said. Video footage shows sections of the home were littered with pieces of wood, sheetrock, and broken furniture. The truck was parked on a lawn and surrounded by broken patio furniture and other debris amid the wreckage. | 2022-05-12T19:05:01+00:00 | pix11.com | https://pix11.com/news/local-news/we-heard-boom-pick-up-truck-wrecks-long-island-home-after-crash/ |
AUSTIN, Texas – A federal appeals court Friday ruled in favor of a Texas law targeting major social media companies like Facebook and Twitter in a victory for Republicans who accuse the platforms of censoring conservative speech.
But the decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans is unlikely to be the last word in a legal battle that has stakes beyond Texas, and could impact how some of the world's biggest tech companies regulate content by their users.
The Texas law, signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott last year, has been challenged by tech trade groups that warn that it would prevent platforms from removing extremism and hate speech. A similar law was also passed in Florida and ruled unconstitutional by a separate appeal court.
The final say is likely to come from the U.S. Supreme Court, which earlier this year blocked the Texas law while the lawsuit played out.
“Today we reject the idea that corporations have a freewheeling First Amendment right to censor what people say,” U.S. Circuit Court Judge Andrew Oldham wrote.
NetChoice, one of the groups challenging the law, expressed disappointment in a statement that pointed out the ruling was the opposite of the decision made in the lawsuit over the Florida law.
“We remain convinced that when the U.S. Supreme Court hears one of our cases, it will uphold the First Amendment rights of websites, platforms, and apps," said Carl Szabo, NetChoice's vice president and general counsel.
Republican elected officials in several states have backed laws like those enacted in Florida and Texas that sought to portray social media companies as generally liberal in outlook and hostile to ideas outside of that viewpoint, especially from the political right.
Justice Samuel Alito wrote in May that is not clear how the high court’s past First Amendment cases, many of which predate the internet age, apply to Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and other digital platforms.
The Florida law, as enacted, would give Florida’s attorney general authority to sue companies under the state’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. It would also allow individual residents to sue social media companies for up to $100,000 if they feel they have been treated unfairly.
The Texas law only applies to the largest social media platforms that have more than 50,000 active users. | 2022-09-17T02:49:33+00:00 | ksat.com | https://www.ksat.com/tech/2022/09/16/court-rules-in-favor-of-texas-law-on-social-media-regulation/ |
NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of Fulgent Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLGT).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/fulgent-genetics-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=32455&from=4
The lawsuit seeks to recover losses for shareholders who purchased Fulgent between March 22, 2019 and August 4, 2022.
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until November 21, 2022 to petition the court. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
According to a filed complaint, Fulgent Genetics, Inc. issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Fulgent had been conducting medically unnecessary laboratory testing, engaging in improper billing practices in relation to laboratory testing, and providing or receiving remuneration in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law; (ii) accordingly, Fulgent was likely to become subject to enhanced legal and regulatory scrutiny; (iii) Fulgent's revenues, to the extent they were derived from the foregoing unlawful conduct, were unsustainable; (iv) the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to subject the Company to significant financial and/or reputational harm; and (v) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
Jakubowitz Law is vigorous in pursuit of justice for shareholders who have been the victim of securities fraud. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
JAKUBOWITZ LAW
1140 Avenue of the Americas
9th Floor
New York, New York 10036
T: (212) 867-4490
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SOURCE Jakubowitz Law | 2022-10-07T10:35:17+00:00 | ksla.com | https://www.ksla.com/prnewswire/2022/10/07/flgt-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-fulgent-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-november-21-2022/ |
U.S. regulators on Friday authorized the first COVID-19 shots for infants and preschoolers, paving the way for vaccinations to begin next week.
The Food and Drug Administration’s action follows its advisory panel’s unanimous recommendation for the shots from Moderna and Pfizer. That means U.S. kids under 5 — roughly 18 million youngsters — are eligible for the shots, about 1 1/2 years after the vaccines first became available in the U.S. for adults, who have been hit the hardest during the pandemic.
The FDA also authorized Moderna’s vaccine for school-aged children and teens. Pfizer’s shots had previously been the only ones available for those ages.
There’s one step left: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends how to use vaccines and its vaccine advisers are set to discuss the shots for the youngest kids Friday and vote on Saturday. A final signoff would come from CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky.
At a Senate hearing Thursday, Walensky said her staff was working over the Juneteenth federal holiday weekend “because we understand the urgency of this for American parents.”
She said pediatric deaths from COVID-19 have been higher than what is generally seen from the flu each year.
“So I actually think we need to protect young children, as well as protect everyone with the vaccine and especially protect elders,” she said.
For weeks, the Biden administration has been preparing to roll out the vaccines. States, tribes, community health centers and pharmacies preordered millions of doses. FDA’s emergency use authorization allows manufacturers to begin shipping vaccine across the country. Vaccinations could begin as early as Monday or Tuesday.
Some parents have been anxiously awaiting the chance to protect their little ones.
While young children generally don’t get as sick from COVID-19 as older kids and adults, their hospitalizations surged during the omicron wave and FDA’s advisers determined that benefits from vaccination outweighed the minimal risks. Studies from Moderna and Pfizer showed side effects, including fever and fatigue, were mostly minor.
The two brands use the same technology but there are differences.
Pfizer’s vaccine for kids younger than 5 is one-tenth of the adult dose. Three shots are needed: the first two given three weeks apart and the last at least two months later.
Moderna’s is two shots, each a quarter of its adult dose, given about four weeks apart for kids under 6.
The vaccines are for children as young as 6 months. Moderna next plans to study its shots for babies as young as 3 months old. Pfizer has not finalized plans for shots in younger infants. A dozen countries, including China, already vaccinate kids under 5.
Dr. Beth Ebel, professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington in Seattle, said the tot-sized vaccines would be especially welcomed by U.S. parents with children in daycare where outbreaks can sideline parents from jobs, adding to financial strain.
“A lot of people are going to be happy and a lot of grandparents are going to be happy, too, because we’ve missed those babies who grew up when you weren’t able to see them,” Ebel said. | 2022-06-17T13:59:34+00:00 | upmatters.com | https://www.upmatters.com/news/national/us-authorizes-1st-covid-19-shots-for-kids-under-5/ |
SINGAPORE, May 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stamford American International School received a Distinction Award for corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives at the American Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting last month. The AmCham CARES program promotes CSR among its members and recognizes companies that demonstrate outstanding commitment to the local Singapore community and beyond.
Two-time winner
For the second year in a row, Stamford was the only educational institution among 48 recipients to receive the award, presented by Singapore President Halimah Yacob.
Stamford's service program focuses on engaging students in making the changes they want to see in the world. Recent projects include:
- Raising funds for flood relief in Pakistan through UNHCR; support for YWCA of Singapore to assist families facing poverty; financial assistance for Guide Dogs SG; and providing funds for Doctors without Borders and Singapore Red Cross to aid earthquake victims
- Working with the charity organization Mad About Giving to deliver 47 care packs of toiletries and other items for the Bidadari worker dormitory located near the campus
- Partnering with Community Chest to purchase 100 educational books for Physics, English, Chinese and Math for Xinyuan Community Center
- Purchasing items and assembled gift bags for the holidays that included cookies, socks, Milo packets, tea and candy canes for Marymount Centre to support women and children in need
- Partnering with LooLa Eco Adventure on a mangrove planting project to have students plant and name their own mangrove trees as part of a school-wide sustainability initiative
Combining academic excellence and service learning
Stamford fosters a learning environment where classroom studies and service to the community serve as key educational pillars consistent with the IB curriculum. The school challenges students to develop a global mindset and act in ways where the school's values of compassion, integrity, courage and ingenuity shine bright.
In addition to its recent recognition by AmCham Singapore, Stamford has earned other recognitions for innovation and quality curriculum:
- Silver Winner, International School of the Year, HoneyKids Singapore, 2021 and 2022
- Asian Parent's Award for the Most Innovative International Preschool Curriculum
- Parents' Choice Award for International Preschool
"We appreciate the strong recognition from these outside groups," said Superintendent Mark Wenzel. "They correspond with the highest parent satisfaction scores in our school's history, and really positive feedback from the students themselves on recent surveys. Our goal is to inspire students, both in their learning and in their service to others. We think of Stamford as a place where students can find their excellence – and they're living up to it every day!"
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SOURCE Stamford American International School | 2023-05-26T09:35:45+00:00 | waff.com | https://www.waff.com/prnewswire/2023/05/26/stamford-american-receives-distinction-award-excellence-community-service/ |
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The stage is a familiar platform for Willow Newell. | 2023-02-25T12:00:49+00:00 | kenoshanews.com | https://www.kenoshanews.com/uncle-rico-courtesy-post/article_cb812069-5776-5f31-916a-a5cccd2baba5.html |
First home sold in Habitat for Humanity Meadowlands subdivision
ALANSON — The Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity recently celebrated the first Meadowlands home sale in Alanson.
The Meadowlands neighborhood will include 32 homes constructed by the Northwest Michigan Habitat Affiliate. The subdivision project is part of the affiliate’s Foundations for our Future capital campaign and project, which will see Habitat for Humanity build 43 homes by 2025. In total, 32 of these 43 homes will be built in the Meadowlands neighborhood.
The staff and board of the organization gathered at the VanSloten family’s new home last week to celebrate the fruits of their labors.
Board member Doug Mantha blessed the home, and the staff shared well wishes and kind words with the family before a quick ribbon cutting.
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“This home sale is huge for us,” said executive assistant Diana Joyce Scott. “Not only is it another family in an affordable and safe home, it’s our first family moving into The Meadowlands. This has been such a labor of love. The family signed their closing documents on May 26 and we’ve been celebrating ever since. We are just thrilled for our partner family.”
When the gathering at the VanSloten family home occurred just a week after their closing date, the family had already made strides in settling into their new space. Their children had decorated the walkway with sidewalk chalk doodles and were practicing using the doorbell.
When asked what was the most exciting part about purchasing a home from Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity, Katelyn VanSloten smiled at their two children and said, “These two. These two are the reason for it all. We can’t wait to watch them grow here.”
More:‘Exciting changes’: Planning commission hears update on housing needs
The Foundations for our Future campaign has raised $3.9 million of the $5 million in capital needed. The affiliate is building the homes as they raise the funds to fight the affordable housing crisis plaguing Emmet and Charlevoix counties.
For more information, visit northwestmihabitat.org/futurefoundations. | 2023-06-09T20:54:55+00:00 | petoskeynews.com | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/entertainment/house-home/2023/06/09/first-home-sold-in-habitat-for-humanity-meadowlands-subdivision/70299689007/ |
Sam Smith and Kim Petras became the first openly non-binary solo artist and first openly transgender solo artist, respectively, to ascend to No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 song chart.
Their song "Unholy" debuted at No. 3 on Oct. 8 and spent two weeks at No. 2 before surpassing Steve Lacy's "Bad Habit" on Monday. The song earned both artists their first No. 1 spot on the Hot 100, with Smith's "Stay with Me" reaching No. 2 in 2014.
"I just really don't want to be the last," Petras told Billboard last week about her then-No. 2 spot on the Hot 100 chart. "There's always been incredible and talented trans artists."
She pointed to trans artist SOPHIE, who helped usher in a new era of electronic pop music, and others such as Amanda Lear and Ayesha Erotica who she looked up to.
"That same story just keeps repeating over and over for trans girls who have been making exceptional music and have been pushed under the rug while someone else takes credit from them," she said. "I'm just happy that Sam gave me the chance to shine here. I hope I can help break the cycle — it feels like people are finally ready for us to succeed, and that fills me with a lot of joy."
"Unholy" is the German artist's first entry on the Hot 100. Petras has also toured with Camila Cabello, Charli XCX, and Rita Ora.
Smith has had six other songs reach the top 10 on the Hot 100 chart, including "Too Good at Goodbyes," "I'm Not the Only One," and "Dancing with a Stranger" with Normani.
Songs on the Billboard's Hot 100 chart are determined based on a mixture of data including streaming, sales, and radio airplay.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2022-10-26T11:23:09+00:00 | knkx.org | https://www.knkx.org/2022-10-25/sam-smith-and-kim-petras-make-lgbtq-history-on-billboards-hot-100-chart |
For more than two years, the main topic of conversation pretty much everywhere has been about the impact of Covid-19. Now that the worst of the pandemic seems to be over and people are traveling more freely again, another hot topic is on the tips of everyone’s tongues: expensive plane tickets.
People are looking for flights -- sometimes their first in years -- in a rush of what’s been termed “revenge travel.” Internet searches show sky-high airfares for many routes, yet travelers with wanderlust are opting to stomach the higher costs after being grounded for so long.
“The demand is off the charts,” Delta Air Lines Inc. Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian said at an industry conference last week, noting that fares this summer may be 30% higher than pre-pandemic levels. “It’s coming with leisure, it’s coming with premium customers, it’s coming with business, it’s coming with international. It doesn’t matter what the category is.”
Global Movement
The trend is across geographies, though some places are more squeezed than others. Searches for a return economy-class ticket between Hong Kong and London on Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. in late June turn up prices as high as HK$42,051 ($5,360), which is more than five times the typical cost before the pandemic. Direct flights between New York and London around the same time cost more than $2,000 in economy.
“Ticket prices are really expensive these days,” said Jacqueline Khoo, who works in tourism. Her company paid S$5,000 ($3632) for a colleague’s return trip with Singapore Airlines Ltd. to Hamburg later this month. That used to cost about S$2,000, she said. “It’s really amazing that an economy seat ticket would cost you so much.”
A Mastercard Economics Institute study found the cost of flying from Singapore was on average 27% higher in April than in 2019, while flights from Australia were 20% more. Increasingly, travelers are booking tickets months in advance as they’re worried about the cost of buying at the last minute, said David Mann, chief economist for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa at the institute.
There are several reasons for the higher fares, not all of which are within the control of airlines.
Giant Jets Parked
Carriers are cautious about bringing back all their idled jets, even though most countries have eased cross-border restrictions. That’s particularly true for giant aircraft like Airbus SE’s A380 superjumbos and Boeing Co.’s older 747-8s, as airlines turn to more fuel-efficient models like A350s and 787 Dreamliners. The pinch is most acute in Asia, which was the slowest to ease restrictions, and as China, the biggest market in the region, remains essentially closed.
After navigating varied and changing government policies for the past two years, it will take time for airlines to rebuild fleets given that many restrictions only eased in May, said Subhas Menon, director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines. “It’s still early days,” he said. “We’re just in June, so it’s not like turning on the tap.”
Carriers also scaled down their networks during Covid, none more so than Cathay, which has been hemmed in by Hong Kong’s onerous travel and quarantine rules. That’s left people considering lengthy journeys with one or more stopovers, whereas before they might have flown direct. British Airways Plc doesn’t even fly to Hong Kong at the moment.
With fewer planes in the skies, there are fewer seats to meet the recovery in demand, which in turn has pushed up fares.
Skyrocketing Fuel Prices
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has exacerbated a steady rise in crude oil prices over the past 18 months. Jet fuel now represents as much as 38% of an average airline’s costs, up from 27% in the years leading to 2019. For some budget airlines, it can be as high as 50%.
Spot jet fuel prices in New York have soared more than 80% this year, though prices vary from region to region depending on refining costs and local taxes. Many US carriers have been able to cover the increased fuel costs so far -- but only by passing them along to travelers in the form of higher fares.
Some investors believe airlines may seek to boost fuel surcharges as a way to cope, analysts at Citigroup Inc. said in March. Most of Asia’s airlines don’t hedge jet fuel, which means they are more vulnerable to price increases.
Deep-Pocketed Travelers
Higher ticket costs don’t seem to be dissuading people from making trips now that many travel restrictions have eased. Some consumers are tapping dormant holiday budgets and upgrading to more expensive aircraft cabins for leisure trips, the International Air Transport Association’s Director General Willie Walsh said last month.
The so-called revenge traveler is “an individual that has been emotionally affected by the lockdowns and has craved travel over the last two years and they’ve dreamt about it,” said Hermione Joye, sector lead for travel in Asia Pacific at Alphabet Inc.’s Google. “They are very spontaneous.”
Lack of Staff
Hundreds of thousands of pilots, flight attendants, ground handlers and other aviation workers lost their jobs over the past couple of years. With travel picking up, the industry now finds itself unable to hire fast enough to allow for seamless operations at its pre-pandemic levels.
Read more: Fewer Pilots Will Lead to a Summer of Flight Cancellations
Singapore’s Changi Airport -- regularly voted the world’s best -- is looking to recruit more than 6,600 people. Many workers who were let go have found other, less volatile careers, and aren’t willing to come back to a cyclical industry. An operator at Changi is offering a joining bonus of S$25,000 to auxiliary police officers, a job that pays a maximum of S$3,700 a month.
In the US, smaller regional airlines can’t fly at full capacity because bigger carriers have hired away too many pilots. Hundreds of flights have been canceled in the UK, scuppering holiday plans and leading to long delays and scenes of passengers sleeping at airports. In Europe, major airports have faced delays and cancellations after failing to hire adequate staff. That has disrupted airline schedules and added to costs.
Repairing Balance Sheets
Aviation is a capital-intensive industry with historically wafer-thin margins. Covid has made that operating climate even more challenging: globally, airlines lost more than $200 billion in the three years to 2022.
Elevated fares provide carriers with a path to recover from losses and return to the black.
Read more: US Airlines Face Crucial Summer Test in Quest for Profitability
“We’ve never seen a revenue environment like this, led by domestic leisure,” American Airlines Group Inc. Chief Executive Officer Robert Isom said at an industry conference last week. “On top of that, we see large corporates coming back in. Small- and medium-sized businesses have been really off the charts for a number of months now.”
How Much Longer?
It’s unclear how long these high prices will persist, even as many travelers seem willing to pay up.
“The rise in prices is a short-term phenomenon,” estimates Stephen Tracy, chief operating officer at Milieu Insight, a Singapore-based consumer insight and analytics firm. “Let’s all just hope that once these things equalize again, the prices come back down. I am fairly confident that they will.”
In a few cases, fares are actually lower than pre-pandemic levels, according to Michael O’Leary, chief executive officer of Ryanair Holdings Plc. While there’s a prospect of more fares returning to levels they were at before Covid, the war in Ukraine and virus outbreaks are still risks, he said.
More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
©2022 Bloomberg L.P. | 2022-06-07T04:35:07+00:00 | washingtonpost.com | https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/on-small-business/this-is-why-your-airline-ticketsare-so-expensive-right-now/2022/06/06/43be1baa-e5e6-11ec-a422-11bbb91db30b_story.html |
5 things to know for May 11: CNN town hall, Immigration, Covid, Sudan, Textbook ban
By Alexandra Meeks, CNN
The most popular search engine in the world will soon look a little different. The next evolution of Google’s homepage will feature an AI-powered chatbot to answer questions “you never thought Search could answer,” the company said this week.
Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
(You can get “CNN’s 5 Things” delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.)
1. CNN town hall
CNN hosted a town hall Wednesday with former President Donald Trump, the frontrunner for the GOP presidential nomination in 2024. Once again, he refused to concede that he lost the 2020 election and repeated false claims about it being stolen. Taking questions from New Hampshire Republicans at the town hall moderated by “CNN This Morning” anchor Kaitlan Collins, Trump similarly made false and unsubstantiated claims about the violence on January 6, 2021, the economy and his handling of records after leaving the White House. It was his first appearance on CNN since 2016, but analysts say it was also a display that his combativeness, election denialism and untamed fury remain much the same since his time in office.
2. Immigration
The Trump-era border restriction policy known as Title 42 is set to expire tonight, likely resulting in an influx of migrants at the US-Mexico border. Authorities encountered more than 10,000 migrants along the southern border on Tuesday, according to a Homeland Security official, surpassing government estimates for the aftermath of Title 42. Hundreds of US troops have arrived at the border as officials and migrants brace “for the unknown,” the mayor of El Paso, Texas, said. The 2020 policy has allowed US authorities to swiftly return migrants encountered at the border to their home countries or send them back to Mexico over pandemic-related reasons. It’s set to end at 11:59 p.m. ET today.
3. Covid-19
After more than three years, the United States’ declaration of a public health emergency due to Covid-19 ends today. However, this does not mean that the virus has magically disappeared. According to the CDC, there were more than 77,000 new Covid-19 cases last week — and this is likely an underestimate, given that many people are testing for coronavirus at home or not at all. The US declaration, which has been renewed 13 times, essentially gave the government wide-ranging flexibility to implement certain policies and actions. The expiration today means an immediate end to some programs as well as some changes to how Covid-19 data is collected. But the CDC said it will still keep a close eye on the virus by utilizing more novel approaches like genomic sequencing and wastewater testing.
4. Sudan
More than 1,300 Americans have departed Sudan since intense fighting broke out in April between warring Sudanese military factions. The violence over the past several weeks has left hundreds dead and thousands injured, caused tens of thousands to flee their homes and has left the country on the brink of a civil war. Several ceasefires between the parties have not yielded an end to the fighting and have prevented the flow of humanitarian aid into the country. However, the US is now “cautiously optimistic” that there may be an agreement to deliver desperately needed resources and services to the country in the coming days, a top State Department official said Wednesday.
5. Textbook ban
Florida has rejected dozens of social studies textbooks in K-12 schools that mention social justice, taking a knee and other content of “concern.” Several book publishers recently submitted materials to the state’s Department of Education, but nearly 35% were rejected due to “inaccurate material, errors and other information that was not aligned with Florida Law,” the department said this week, citing the state’s “rigorous standards.” The move by the Florida Department of Education comes as Republican lawmakers, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, have made widespread efforts to restrict how racism and history are taught in schools. It also comes amid a contentious national debate on the issue.
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When you’re fresh out of college or grad school, adulting in the “real world” can be overwhelming at times — especially when it comes to finances. Check out these smart money moves that can help you get started.
For more tips, sign up for CNN’s Adulthood, But Better newsletter series. You’ll receive a seven-part guide with tips to help you make more informed decisions around personal finance, career, wellness and personal connections.
TODAY’S NUMBER
17
That’s how many advisers for the FDA voted unanimously Wednesday in support of an over-the-counter birth-control pill, saying the benefits outweigh the risks. The FDA doesn’t have to follow its advisers’ advice, but it often does. If approved, it will be the first birth-control pill available over the counter in the US. The FDA is expected to make a decision on the matter this summer.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“I think he has other things to focus on in his life other than running for reelection.”
— House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, telling CNN on Wednesday that he will not support GOP Rep. George Santos running for reelection as the New York congressman battles a flurry of investigations. Santos is facing 13 federal charges: seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds and two counts of making materially false statements to the House of Representatives. Santos has pleaded not guilty and blasted the indictment as a “witch hunt.”
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local forecast here>>>
AND FINALLY…
Nike owes its success to a waffle
Watch this short video to see how a waffle maker helped inspire a running shoe revolution. (Click here to view)
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved. | 2023-05-11T17:07:45+00:00 | krdo.com | https://krdo.com/news/2023/05/11/5-things-to-know-for-may-11-cnn-town-hall-immigration-covid-sudan-textbook-ban/ |
LEWIS, Helen L.
Age 87, of Dayton, departed Sunday, May 15, 2022. She is survived by loving family and friends. Visitation 11:30 AM. Service to follow, 12:30 PM, Thursday, May 19, 2022, at
H. H. Roberts Mortuary. Interment West Memory Gardens. MASKS ARE REQUIRED.
Funeral Home Information
H. H. Roberts Mortuary, Inc.
38 S. Gettysburg Avenue
Dayton, OH
45417
https://www.hhroberts.com/?utm_campaign=legacytraffic&utm_source=legacy&utm_medium=referral | 2022-05-18T06:05:51+00:00 | springfieldnewssun.com | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/obituaries/lewis-helen/J2LQ66PPYZCSXDMLMYHQOYO4IQ/ |
The case against 21-year-old Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira raises questions about why he had access to sensitive material. He's scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.
Copyright 2023 NPR
The case against 21-year-old Air National Guardsman Jack Teixeira raises questions about why he had access to sensitive material. He's scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.
Copyright 2023 NPR | 2023-04-19T13:08:16+00:00 | wyomingpublicmedia.org | https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2023-04-19/amid-a-leak-the-pentagon-is-reviewing-the-way-classified-data-is-distributed |
- Baycrest is a global leader in research, innovation, education, and care for older adults, with a special focus on brain health and aging.
- Toi Labs developed TRUELOO®, a smart toilet seat that scans human output to enable better health and wellness.
TORONTO and SAN FRANCISCO, June 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Imagine a toilet seat that could save your life. That's the reality for residents of Baycrest Terraces' Memory Care community, thanks to a new partnership with Toi Labs – the innovators behind the TRUELOO® smart toilet seat.
Baycrest Terraces is an independent living community at Baycrest, Canada's largest academic research and care facility for older adults. In 2022, Baycrest Terraces was the first to implement Possibilities by Baycrest™ – a novel, innovative memory care model that creates tailored experiences for those living with dementia, enabling them to lead lives filled with purpose, inspiration, and fulfillment.
As part of the Possibilities by Baycrest™ mandate to leverage innovative emerging technologies, the Baycrest Innovation Office identified Toi Labs' TRUELOO® smart toilet seat as a means of augmenting patient care while returning dignity and freedom to its residents. TRUELOO® automates the process of identifying abnormal stool and urination patterns with zero effort on the part of the user or care staff. It has been shown to be 100x+ more accurate and timely than current practice.
Before implementing TRUELOO®, point of care staff would need to manually log toileting activity for residents, making it challenging to identify subtle changes in toileting behavior, trends, and associated chronic conditions.
"By using TRUELOO® toilet seats, staff can identify abnormalities sooner, leading to earlier detection of issues which may affect a resident's health. Baycrest is dedicated to providing exceptional health care, and innovations like TRUELOO® highlight our passion and commitment to provide state-of-the-art health care solutions for our aging population," says Dr. William Reichman, CEO, Baycrest Seniors Care.
As the first Canadian organization to partner with Toi Labs, Baycrest looks forward to scaling this high-impact innovation. "Our partnership with Baycrest, a globally recognized leader in aging care, reflects the use of AI in a way that truly transforms how care is delivered to our most vulnerable population," said Vik Kashyap, Founder and CEO of Toi Labs.
Toi Labs has developed the TRUELOO® toilet seat, a breakthrough technology that scans human output to enable better health and wellness. Every year, millions of preventable older adult hospitalizations are related to conditions that show up in stool and urine. More than 20 enterprises that provide senior care in more than 300 communities across North America use TRUELOO® technology. For more information, visit www.toilabs.com
Baycrest is a global leader in research, innovation, education, and care for older adults, with a special focus on brain health and aging. Baycrest is home to a robust research and innovation network, including the Rotman Research Institute; the scientific headquarters of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging, the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation and the Baycrest Innovation Office. Fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, Baycrest provides excellent care for older adults combined with an extensive clinical training program for future healthcare professionals. Founded in 1918 as the Toronto Jewish Old Folks Home, Baycrest continues to embrace the long-standing tradition of all great Jewish healthcare institutions to improve the well-being of people in their local communities and around the globe. For more information, visit baycrest.org.
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SOURCE Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care | 2023-06-22T12:34:24+00:00 | wagmtv.com | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/06/22/baycrest-toi-labs-partner-revolutionize-toileting-care-older-adults/ |
Stars vs. Blues Prediction & Picks: Line, Spread, Over/Under - April 13
The Dallas Stars (46-21-14, riding a five-game winning streak) host the St. Louis Blues (37-37-7) at American Airlines Center. The matchup on Thursday, April 13 begins at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN.
Catch over 1,000 out of market NHL games, plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle. Click here to sign up!
In the past 10 contests, the Stars are 8-2-0 while totaling 36 total goals (13 power-play goals on 37 power-play opportunities during that span, for a conversion rate of 35.1%). They have conceded 17 goals.
Prepare for this matchup by checking out our pick for who will emerge with the victory in Thursday's hockey action.
Stars vs. Blues Predictions for Thursday
Our computer model for this matchup predicts a final score of Stars 5, Blues 2.
- Moneyline Pick: Stars (-275)
- Computer Predicted Total: 6.6
- Computer Predicted Spread: Stars (-2.9)
Check out the latest odds for this game and place your bets with DraftKings.
Stars Splits and Trends
- The Stars are 46-21-14 overall and 8-14-22 in overtime matchups.
- Dallas is 8-6-11 (27 points) in its 25 games decided by one goal.
- The 12 times this season the Stars ended a game with only one goal, they went 2-8-2 (six points).
- Dallas has scored two goals in 15 games this season (5-4-6 record, 16 points).
- The Stars have scored more than two goals in 52 games (39-7-6, 84 points).
- In the 26 games when Dallas has scored a single power-play goal, it registered 35 points after finishing 14-5-7.
- In the 44 games when it outshot its opponent, Dallas is 27-11-6 (60 points).
- The Stars have been outshot by opponents in 33 games, going 15-10-8 to record 38 points.
Put your picks to the test and bet with DraftKings.
Stars vs. Blues Game Time and TV Channel
- When: Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo!
- Where: American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas
Not all offers available in all states, please visit DraftKings for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | 2023-04-13T19:52:06+00:00 | ksla.com | https://www.ksla.com/sports/betting/2023/04/13/stars-blues-nhl-picks-predictions/ |
Editor's note: This is the second email the Independent Record has received from Hands On Global Executive Director Valerie Hellermann, of Helena, who is offering aid and comfort to people in Ukraine and is making her third trip to the area since Russia launched a war in February 2022. This email from Hellermann arrived 1:58 a.m. Monday. Portions of this report have been edited for clarity.
Our team is now in Mukachevo, western Ukraine.
Our many bags of trauma supplies have been loaded into a van and are on the way to the front lines in Bekhmut where there are raging battles with many injuries of Ukrainians and Russians.
We have delivered critical orthopedic equipment to a trauma surgeon here. He is a pediatric trauma surgeon with experience in complex ortho surgeries.
He continues as chief of the Children’s Regional Hospital and volunteers at the military hospital.
People are also reading…
90% of the people treated are civilian “military."
They are mostly treating limb injuries because chest and head injuries do not usually survive. The ortho equipment is limb saving and allows for complex treatment of soft tissue and burns. Today we will be going to the hospital.
We have been told there is an American NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) sending prosthetics to Ukraine and it is near this town.
We’ll find out more about this and try to visit. This service is critical for theses amputees.
This town seems peaceful, we did see a number of military persons walking around and many Ukrainians flags flying.
But here, no battles, people are seemingly going about their normal activities. There have been no air raids since we have been here but a few days before we arrived there were 3.
We have just learned we cannot drink the tap water anywhere in Ukraine.
Have not figured out exactly why.
Editor's note: Later in the day Hellermann sent another update. She includes a photo where she is talking to a doctor and in the front of the photo is a leg that has been operated on:
(This is from) a war injury in Bakhmut about 5 months ago (she says of the leg). It was from artillery shells and was a severe tibia fracture and required complex soft tissue surgery as well as this apparatus, an external fixation, to align the bone.
It is a long and painful healing process.
This is the ortho equipment we bring. It is all donated from orthopedic specialists in USA. This man was young , not more than 30 …. And this is why we came! The hospitals are overwhelmed with injuries. Here in Mukachevo 100 - 140 patients arrive each week from various triage units.
They are transported as soon as they are stable.
For more on Hands On Global, go to https://www.facebook.com/handsonglobal/
A tagline at the bottom of Hellermann's email reads: Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now.
Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obliged to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it. | 2023-03-14T01:14:11+00:00 | helenair.com | https://helenair.com/news/local/on-the-ground-update-and-this-is-why-we-came-supplies-are-on-their-way/article_732dee9c-c1af-11ed-9628-cb767ce42d48.html |
SINGAPORE, Nov. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BingX, the world's leading social trading crypto exchange, is excited to introduce its Elite Copy Traders Program. With this new tiering system, BingX wishes to provide global traders with more opportunities and offer our users better services.
Elite Copy Traders Program is a trader incentive copy trading program launched by BingX, which all traders are welcome to apply for. Currently, BingX Elite Copy Traders Program Tiers are Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond. Bronze is entry-level. If traders wish to upgrade to the next levels, they need to meet the criteria which include minimum requirements on total assets, number of copiers (or total value of copy trading), and risk score. The Tier of trader accounts will be updated every Monday 00:00 (UTC+8), and traders can enjoy the benefits and privileges of the latest tier after that.
BingX aims to fuel elite traders with steady cashflows to help them in polishing their trading strategies. First of all, higher tier traders are able to enjoy higher profit share rate from copy trading. Secondly, Gold traders and above will receive a monthly salary up to USD 1,000 from BingX. Besides, the most thrilling incentive is Fund Management Remuneration, which is similar to rewards for traditional financial fund managers. BingX is the first crypto exchange that distributes cash bonus equivalent to a specific percentage of the total value of copy trading to traders on a daily basis. And this percentage scales up with traders' tier. A Diamond Trader who leads copy trading over USD 100 million would receive fund management remuneration of USD 2 million.
On one hand, the Elite Copy Traders Program enables professional and experienced traders to potentially generate a significant level of income by being copied by other users. It allows traders to turn trading skills into bankable income. By doing so, successful traders can build up businesses by sharing talents, expertise, and strategies in BingX community, thus, expanding influence and number of copiers.
On the other hand, as the name suggests this program recommends the best traders that BingX users can copy from. It helps copiers to identify traders that suit them the best. This program makes it easier for new users to start copy trading top trading pairs like BTC USDT, ETH USDT , XRP USDT & SHIB USDT. Through categorizing traders and minimizing potential loss from high-risk copy trading, new traders can learn with lesser risks involved.
"The program aims to provide more protection to users and attractive rewards to elite copy traders on BingX, and create a robust social trading environment where healthy competition is encouraged", said Elvisco Carrington, PR and Communications Director at BingX. "As the pioneer in copy trading, BingX has been digging into technology innovation and building up a talent pool. We are committed to helping both our traders and users maximize their profits in a sustainable way by keeping exploring novel solutions for a better trading experience. BingX is ready to embrace more talented traders in the future."
About BingX
Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange that offers spot, derivatives and copy trading services to more than 100 countries and regions worldwide with over 5 million users. BingX connects users with expert traders and the platform in a safe, leading, and innovative way.
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SOURCE BingX | 2022-11-09T14:29:28+00:00 | waff.com | https://www.waff.com/prnewswire/2022/11/09/bingx-first-initiate-elite-copy-traders-program-crypto-copy-trading/ |
Michigan State football stock watch: RB, QB rise as Payton Thorne struggles
EAST LANSING — Here are the Michigan State football players who helped or hurt their stock in the Spartans’ 52-0 win Saturday over Akron.
Three up
∙ S Kendell Brooks: With Xavier Henderson out after 34 consecutive starts, the transfer last year from Division II shined in his transition from primarily a special teams player a year ago to a starter Saturday. The 6-foot, 215-pound Brooks had a career-high seven tackles and made a couple bone-crunching hits, one of which dislodged a fumble in the first quarter. He also showed good closing speed in coverage for his pass breakup, which will be needed next week at Washington.
∙ RB Jarek Broussard: While Jalen Berger topped 100 yards for the second straight game, Broussard showed an electric ability to move his legs through and around traffic to generate yards. The Colorado transfer and 2020 Pac-12 offensive player of the year carried 15 times for 81 yards, a 5.4 per-carry average, and scored on runs 1 and 2 yards to show he can work in close.
MORE SOLARI:Michigan State football 'very realistic' about fixes needed in passing game
∙ QB Noah Kim: No, there isn’t a quarterback controversy, even with Payton Thorne’s early struggles. But his sophomore backup finally got a chance at some important extended playing, first coming in cold to replace Thorne after he took a big hit and left the game for a series. Kim rolled to his left on his second play of the drive and threw a bullet across his body while on the move to a cutting Tre Mosley for a 16-yard touchdown on his first official pass.
Three down
∙ QB Payton Thorne: Back to the junior starter, whose erratic accuracy continues to be a point of frustration for himself and a growing concern for the Spartans. Thorne has struggled with deep timing and distance on passes, completing 57.7% on the season. He hit on better than 60% of his throws last season with just 10 interceptions in 388 attempts, including two-interception games back-to-back against Indiana and Michigan.
Thorne had two against Akron on Saturday, both of which came when he got hit on blitzes and tried to force a throw rather than taking a sack. He now has three interceptions on the season and four touchdowns after just his second time as a starter not throwing a scoring pass.
∙ LB Ma’a Gaoteote: Even with Darius Snow out, the Spartans primarily used just three linebackers — Ben VanSumeren and Cal Haladay started, with Aaron Brule rotating in — for most of the game. Gaoteote, Mel Tucker’s first four-star signing in the 2021 class, didn’t get in until the game was well in hand. He finished with two tackles, one of them for a 9-yard loss, but finding snaps behind those three veterans right now is a challenge for the sophomore.
∙ Team health: Tucker didn’t specify Jayden Reed’s injury, which knocked him out of the game in the first half after he crashed hard into Akron’s bench. Henderson and Snow already were out, as were defensive tackles Dashaun Mallory and Jalen Hunt among others on the defense.
MSU lost defensive tackles Jacob Slade and Maverick Hansen and safety Angelo Grose at points to in-game injuries, and Thorne sat out a drive after taking a crunching hit on his second interception. Two games into the season isn’t optimal timing to be nursing this many maladies already, and the Spartans need to get as healthy as possible for the trip to Washington.
Contact Chris Solari:csolari@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrissolari. Download our Spartans Xtra app for free on Apple and Android devices! | 2022-09-11T16:04:58+00:00 | freep.com | https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/michigan-state/spartans/2022/09/11/michigan-state-football-stock-watch-noah-kim-kendell-brooks-jarek-broussard/69484933007/ |
ST PETERSBURG, Russia — An explosion tore through a cafe in Russia's second-largest city Sunday, killing a prominent military blogger who had supported the fighting in Ukraine and was speaking at a patriotic discussion event.
Russian news reports said blogger Vladlen Tatarsky was killed in the explosion at the Street Food Bar No. 1 cafe in St. Petersburg. Twenty-five people were wounded, and 19 of them were hospitalized, according to the regional governor, Alexander Beglov.
Russia media and military bloggers said Tatarsky was meeting with members of the public and that a woman presented him with a box containing a statuette that apparently exploded. A patriotic Russian group that organized the event said it had taken security precautions, but added that “regrettably, they proved insufficient.”
The reports did not mention any claim of responsibility. The Interior Ministry said everyone at the cafe at the time of the blast was being “checked for involvement.”
Since the fighting in Ukraine began on Feb. 24, 2022, various fires, explosions and apparent assassinations have occurred in Russia without any clear connection to the conflict.
Tatarsky had filed regular reports from Ukraine. Tatarsky is the pen name for Maxim Fomin who had accumulated more than 560,000 followers on his Telegram messaging app channel. He was known for his blustery pronouncements and ardent pro-war rhetoric.
After the Kremlin's annexation of four regions of Ukraine last year, Tatarsky posted a video in which he vowed: “That’s it. We’ll defeat everybody, kill everybody, rob everybody we need to. It will all be the way we like it. God be with you.”
Many countries have condemned the annexation as illegal.
A top Ukrainian government official speculated that internal Russian opposition to the Kremlin's invasion was behind the blast.
“Spiders are eating each other in a jar,” Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak wrote in English on Twitter. “Question of when domestic terrorism would become an instrument of internal political fight was a matter of time.”
Last August, Darya Dugina, a 29-year-old commentator with a nationalist Russian TV channel, died when a remotely controlled explosive device planted in her SUV blew up as she was driving on the outskirts of Moscow. She and her father — a philosopher, writer and political theorist — strongly supported Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to send troops into Ukraine.
Russian authorities blamed Ukraine for the attack, but Kyiv denied involvement. | 2023-04-03T02:08:21+00:00 | newscentermaine.com | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/nation-world/explosion-in-russian-cafe-kills-military-blogger/507-86de4f07-1032-44e2-b3f9-b3f8a0007a56 |
DNIPRO, Ukraine — Outside a morgue in the central eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro, a scene plays out all day, every day.
Coffin lids are brought out and leaned against a wall, along with large crosses and flowers. The coffins soon follow, the pale face of a dead soldier sometimes visible inside. They're slid inside a waiting van; the lids put on.
This is where Oleg Repnoy's journey begins. He's a volunteer for Evacuation 200, an organization that returns dead Ukrainian soldiers — or their remains — to their families.
"My job is to accompany these heroes on their last trip home," he says.
Since fighting began on Feb. 24, no one could keep up with the number of casualties, he says. So this special volunteer unit was created to help.
The former interior designer with the blue-eyed gaze has spent the past five months crisscrossing Ukraine with his precious cargo. The 55-year-old says he feels like he is helping in the fight.
"My work is important because I'm also taking care of all the bureaucracy and paperwork for families in grief and they are grateful," he says. "But you need to have strong mental health to do this job."
While President Volodymir Zelenskyy has said up to 200 soldiers a day could be losing their lives in the war with Russia, the exact number of Ukrainian casualties has been a preciously guarded government secret. Operations like this one give a glimpse into the true toll.
On the day NPR meets Repnoy, he's holding a soldier's paperwork. It has a number: 3,249. That's the number of dead since Feb. 24 in this morgue alone. This operation is playing out in morgues all over the country.
Repnoy is setting out for a small village several hours south of Dnipro, closer to the front lines. He's carrying two coffins with the remains of soldiers killed in early May, only recently recovered.
There's no air conditioning in the cab of the van. It's a hot day and he rolls down the window and smokes. He says sometimes he feels guilty bringing the young soldiers home.
"One day I drove the body of a very young guy born in 2002 and I thought, 'that young guy is dead and I'm much older than him and I'm alive.' It seems so unfair," he says.
But he says the families are never resentful, and always grateful to him when he arrives.
Out on the road, the vast Ukrainian plains stretch as far as the eye can see. There are shimmering wheat fields on one side, bright-yellow sunflowers on the other.
Repnoy listens to music and thinks about the soldiers he's carrying and the land he's crisscrossing. He says he's traveled extensively in his country and thought he knew it well.
"But when I started delivering dead soldiers, I began to think about how beautiful our country is," he says. "I just never imagined I'd discover my country going from morgue to morgue."
On the side of his white van — which was once used to deliver flowers — the number 200 is written in black. The name of this operation, Evacuation 200, is military jargon for the transport of dead soldiers.
The term made its way into public consciousness in the 1980s, when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union and Soviet soldiers' bodies were brought home from the war in Afghanistan. Each body in its zinc coffin was said to weigh around 200 kilograms — about 440 pounds.
When Repnoy stops for gas, people know what cargo he's carrying. Olga Bereza, 44, looks over as she fills her tank. But she doesn't feel reverence for the dead, she says.
"Honestly?" she asks. "We feel only hate. When the war came into our home and our people are being killed, right now we can feel only hatred, unfortunately."
When Repnoy pulls into the village of Apostolove, members of the soldiers' regiment are waiting to meet the coffins. They slide them out of the van one by one, along with the flags and the flowers and the crosses, readying them for their upcoming funerals.
One of the dead soldiers is 47-year-old Andriy Bilay, who is from Apostolove. His 70-year-old mother, Vira Bilay, has been waiting for him.
She says the last time she spoke with Andriy was on May 7, when he told her he was going on a special operation. She pulls a large photo of her boy out of a plastic bag and cries as she talks about him.
"He worked for the railroad and everyone loved him," she says.
Bilay says her son was furious about the invasion and was on the front lines within days.
There were also foreign soldiers fighting for Ukraine stationed here in the village, says Bilay, and she took care of them.
"They didn't speak Ukrainian but I used Google Translate and I brought them food. Borsch, pancakes, homemade dumplings — I fed the foreign soldiers. But," she cries, "who took care of my son?"
Asked if she has a message for the world, she wails:
"People, please don't fight, it is heartbreaking. It's very painful. Don't kill each other!"
There's a World War II tank in her village, a monument bearing the inscription: "To the combatants of the Soviet army, liberators of the town of Apostolove, February 1944. From its grateful citizens."
Those citizens aren't grateful to the Russian army now, but there are no plans to take the monument down.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | 2022-08-16T04:21:54+00:00 | kcbx.org | https://www.kcbx.org/npr-top-news/npr-top-news/2022-08-07/these-ukrainian-volunteers-recover-soldiers-bodies-to-return-them-to-their-families |
MIAMI (WSVN) - FBI investigators are seeking the public’s help in finding a bank robber.
The robbery took place at a Chase Bank branch at 15101 S. Dixie Highway, Monday afternoon.
Officials released photographs of the bank robber.
According to the FBI, the robber saw an employee who was servicing an exterior bank ATM. The suspect then forced the employee to the ground and took money from the ATM.
The amount of money stolen has not been disclosed.
Anyone with information about this robbery is urged to call investigators at 754-703-2000.
Copyright 2023 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. | 2023-04-03T20:13:54+00:00 | wsvn.com | https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/fbi-search-for-bank-robber-in-miami/ |
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — The Polish Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in protest Friday after a former Russian official suggested that it would be acceptable to assassinate Poland’s ambassador to Russia.
Pavel Astakhov, Russia’s children’s ombudsman from 2009 to 2016, spoke on a television program hosted by Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov. He was being interviewed after Polish authorities took over a school building in Warsaw on Saturday that was serving the children of Russian diplomats and the military.
Astakhov argued that murdering an ambassador in retaliation “for unfriendly actions … is within the framework of international law,” adding: “I was taught this well at the KGB school at the counterintelligence faculty.”
That school takeover was the latest of several incidents which have added to tensions between Russia and Poland, an ally of Kyiv which has been supplying Ukraine’s military with weapons.
In the interview with Solovyov, Astakhov referred to Poland’s seizure of other properties, its freezing of Russian bank accounts, and an incident last year in which an activist in Warsaw doused the Russian ambassador to Poland, Sergey Andreev, with a red liquid. Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau at the time strongly condemned that incident, calling it “highly deplorable.”
Astakhov said when Andreev was doused with the liquid, he waited to see “will they find Poland’s ambassador floating in the Moskva River?”
Poland’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it had summoned Andreev and handed him a protest note about Astakhov’s statement “calling for the murder of the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Moscow.”
“The Polish side protested firmly against this situation and urged that criminal proceedings be instituted immediately and the perpetrator be punished without delay,” spokesman Lukasz Jasina said.
Poland’s ambassador to Russia is Krzysztof Krajewski, who has had extra security protection since May 2022, Jasina said.
Poland has been the target of a series of incendiary statements recently by Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president who is now the deputy secretary of Russia’s Security Council chaired by President Vladimir Putin.
In a tweet that was briefly removed by Twitter, Medvedev said Saturday that he saw no point in maintaining diplomatic ties with Poland, and added: “This state must not exist for us while there is no one but Russophobes in power and Ukraine is full of Polish mercenaries, who should be ruthlessly exterminated like stinky rats.”
A Polish anti-hate organization, Never Again, has been monitoring Medvedev’s comments and working with some other groups to get Twitter to take them down, with mixed success. A previous tweet last month referring to Poles with the derogatory term “Polacks” and false accusations that Poland seeks to take parts of Ukraine was removed in Poland and some other countries upon the group’s complaint.
Rafal Pankowski, the head of the organization, said that he considers some of Medvedev’s language to be “genocidal” and worries that his comments, which are written in English for a global audience, could shift perceptions of the war in Russia’s favor. | 2023-05-06T15:19:43+00:00 | upmatters.com | https://www.upmatters.com/news/international/ap-international/poland-summons-russian-ambassador-over-assassination-comment/ |
LINCOLN, Neb., Oct. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest Sandhills Global market reports point to diverging trends between tractors in the 175-plus-horsepower range compared to compact and utility tractors under 100-HP within Sandhills marketplaces. Inventory for tractors 175-HP or higher has remained near historically low levels in recent months, resulting in sustained auction value increases. Many buyers of higher-HP tractors, however, remain undeterred. "Demand for tractors with 175-plus horsepower remains solid as we move towards the end of the year," says AuctionTime Manager Mitch Helman.
Inventory levels for compact and utility tractors, meanwhile, have increased substantially to pre-pandemic levels. Consequently, asking and auction values have dropped.
The key metric used in all of Sandhills' market reports is the Sandhills Equipment Value Index (EVI). Buyers and sellers can use the information in the Sandhills EVI to monitor equipment markets and maximize returns on acquisition, liquidation, and related business decisions. The Sandhills EVI data include equipment available in auction and retail markets, as well as model year equipment actively in use. Regional EVI data is available for the United States (and key geographic regions within) and Canada, allowing Sandhills to reflect machine values by location.
The percentage gap between asking and auction values is quantified in Sandhills market reports as EVI spread. During periods of accelerated EVI spread, such as what Sandhills is seeing now, assessing buying and selling strategies is crucial in order to mitigate risk.
Sandhills market reports highlight the most significant changes in Sandhills' used heavy-duty truck, construction equipment, and farm machinery markets. Each report includes detailed analysis and charts that help readers visualize the data. The new farm equipment market reports examine the underlying trends occurring in different tractor horsepower categories.
- Used inventory levels have slowly increased over four consecutive months for 175-plus-HP tractors. However, inventory was low compared to last year, down 32% year-over-year in September.
- The Sandhills EVI shows auction values for tractors in the 175-plus-HP range increased 1.6% month-to-month from August to September and were up 10.3% YOY.
- Asking values increased 1.4% M/M and were up 11.9% YOY.
- EVI spread varies by region. In the North Central region, asking values were 18% above auction values in September; that figure represents the lowest EVI spread among U.S. regions.
- EVI spread in the other U.S. regions ranged from 22% to 36%.
- The North Central region also recorded the highest M/M auction value (up 4.4%) and asking value (up 3.8%) increases for 175-plus HP tractors.
- Under typical market conditions, auction values depreciate as equipment ages. Tractors in the 175-plus-HP range manufactured between 2011 to 2017, however, have displayed remarkable auction value strength in recent months.
- Auction EVI for 2011-model-year tractors was $100,000 in September. This figure is up $7,000 over that of September 2021 ($93,000) and $18,000 over September 2020 ($82,000).
- Inventory for tractors in the under-100-HP range increased for eight consecutive months ending in September. Inventory levels were up 7.4% M/M and up 48% YOY in September.
- The Sandhills EVI shows models less than 10 years old displayed the largest inventory increase, up 63% YOY.
- Auction EVI for compact and utility tractors has cooled in recent months and is flat compared to September 2021. Auction values decreased 3.1% M/M from August to September.
- Asking EVI was down 1.1% M/M and increased 6.8% YOY.
For more information, or to receive detailed analysis from Sandhills Global, contact us at marketreports@sandhills.com.
Sandhills Global is an information processing company headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. Our products and services gather, process, and distribute information in the form of trade publications, websites, and online services that connect buyers and sellers across the construction, agriculture, forestry, oil and gas, heavy equipment, commercial trucking, and aviation industries. Our integrated, industry-specific approach to hosted technologies and services offers solutions that help businesses large and small operate efficiently and grow securely, cost-effectively, and successfully. Sandhills Global—we are the cloud.
The Sandhills Equipment Value Index (EVI) is a principal gauge of the estimated market values of used assets—both currently and over time—across the construction, agricultural, and commercial trucking industries represented by Sandhills Global marketplaces, including AuctionTime.com, TractorHouse.com, MachineryTrader.com, TruckPaper.com, and other industry-specific equipment platforms. Powered by FleetEvaluator, Sandhills' proprietary asset valuation tool, Sandhills EVI provides useful insights into the ever-changing supply-and-demand conditions for each industry.
Contact Sandhills
www.sandhills.com/contact-us
402-479-2181
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SOURCE Sandhills Global | 2022-10-14T13:59:35+00:00 | wymt.com | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2022/10/14/diverging-tractor-trends-values-remain-strong-175-plus-horsepower-models-compact-utility-tractor-values-cool/ |
Soon we'll all have something tasty to taco 'bout — Cleveland Taco Week is just around the corner. Think Taco Tuesday but a whole week long because we all know one day isn't enough.
The third annual Cleveland Taco Week kicks off Monday, May 9 and goes until May 15. For seven days, taco lovers can visit participating restaurants for $2 tacos with a minimum order of three tacos.
Participating in this year's taco week is:
- Anejo Tequila Joint
- Balance Pan Asian
- Barrio Tacos
- Blue Habanero
- Cafe Avalun
- Hail Mary's
- O'Toole's Tavern
- Twisted Taino
Taco passports will be available to encourage visits to as many restaurants as possible. Passports can be picked up at any participating location beginning on May 9.
A full taco order at a restaurant equals one stamp. Collect four or more stamps and you will be entered to win over $250 in gift cards.
Click here for more info.
Download the News 5 Cleveland app now for more stories from us, plus alerts on major news, the latest weather forecast, traffic information and much more. Download now on your Apple device here, and your Android device here.
You can also catch News 5 Cleveland on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, YouTube TV, DIRECTV NOW, Hulu Live and more. We're also on Amazon Alexa devices. Learn more about our streaming options here. | 2022-04-18T17:11:35+00:00 | news5cleveland.com | https://www.news5cleveland.com/lifestyle/food/cleveland-taco-week-enjoy-2-tacos-all-week-from-may-9-15 |
PROVO, Utah (KTVX) – A Brigham Young University fan has been banned for repeatedly calling a Duke player a racial slur and threatening her during Friday night’s women’s volleyball game at Smith Fieldhouse.
BYU released a statement on Saturday saying, “To say we are extremely disheartened in the actions of a small number of fans in last night’s volleyball match…is not strong enough language. We will not tolerate behavior of this kind. Specifically, the use of a racial slur at any of our athletic events is absolutely unacceptable. We wholeheartedly apologize to Duke University and especially its student athletes.”
The statement went on to say that although the fan was sitting in the BYU student section, he was not a student.
Lesa Pamplin of Fort Worth, Texas, originally tweeted about the incident, saying her goddaughter, Rachel Richardson, the only black starter on the Duke team, was called the N-word every time she served, and was threatened by the fan, as well.
“She was threatened by a white male that told her to watch her back going to the team bus,” Pamplin tweeted. “A police officer had to be put by their bench. You allowed this racist behavior to continue without intervening. Apologizing to her parents after the fact is not enough. She will soon be sharing her story.”
BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe told USA TODAY Sports that he spoke with Richardson and Duke volleyball coach Jolene Nagel and the decision was made to move Saturday’s match against Rider to an alternate site in Provo.
Both said they were hurt and disappointed at the incident not being stopped and also expressed they had no issues with the BYU players.
Holmoe said the school is looking into the incident and says no further discipline is expected except for the fan that was banned and anyone else identified in making the slurs.
“My concern is for Rachel and her well-being, and the school has investigated up to this point,” Holmoe said. “The bottom line is that we are going to have to do more. We are going to have to be vigilant and continue to say that this is not to be tolerated in any way.”
Holmoe also addressed the crowd at Smith’s Fieldhouse before Saturday night’s match against Washington State.
Duke’s game Saturday against Rider was moved to Mountain View High School, and was played without any fans in attendance.
“First and foremost, our priority is the well-being of Duke student-athletes,” said Duke athletic director Nina King in a statement from the school. “They should always have the opportunity to compete in an inclusive, anti-racist environment which promotes equality and fair play. Following extremely unfortunate circumstances at Friday night’s match at BYU, we are compelled to shift today’s match against Rider to a different location to afford both teams the safest atmosphere for competition.
“We are appreciative of the support from BYU’s athletic administration as we navigate this troubling situation. I have been in touch with the student-athletes who have been deeply impacted, will continue to support them in every way possible and look forward to connecting further upon their return from Provo.” | 2022-08-29T17:12:38+00:00 | wjhl.com | https://www.wjhl.com/news/national/fan-banned-for-racist-incident-at-brigham-young-university-volleyball-game/ |
Upcoming Collection Showcases Elegant New Designs Ahead of Mother's Day
SOUTH DEERFIELD, Mass., April 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Yankee Candle Company, Inc., part of the Newell Brands portfolio and the leader in home fragrance, announces the creation of a new, limited-edition collection with the iconic bag and luggage lifestyle brand, Vera Bradley. Just in time for Mother's Day celebrations, the unique collection will launch on April 10th and invite families to give the gift of charming floral patterns and true-to-life fragrances to a loved one.
"This collaboration between two iconic, heritage brands felt like the perfect tie-in for spring and Mother's Day gifting," said Michelle Favaloro, Vice President of Home Fragrance and Wellness at Newell Brands. "The pairing of the floral pattern and fan-favorite fragrances make this a great gift for yourself or someone you love."
"At Vera Bradley we continually strive to make the world a brighter place, and our latest design collaboration with Yankee Candle does exactly that—both literally and figuratively! We're proud to partner with another iconic American heritage brand that shares our entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to quality, and passion for creating beautiful solutions," noted Jennifer Bova, Vice President of Marketing for Vera Bradley.
The collection design was inspired by Vera Bradley's exclusive Sunlit Garden Sage pattern and includes a new Yankee Candle® fragrance specific to this collection for consumers to enjoy, featuring aromas inspired by scents of field-grown lavender, blooming rose, and fresh sage.
The full collection includes:
- Lavender & Sage 3-Wick Candle: An uplifting floral fragrance that captures the inspiring scents of field-grown lavender, blooming rose, and fresh sage.
- Pink Sands 3-Wick Candle: It's an exotic island escape in the beautiful mix of bright citrus, sweet florals, and spicy vanilla.
- ScentPlug Base + Refill: This limited-edition diffuser comes in an hourglass shape and is printed with Vera Bradley's Sunlit Garden Sage — a playful, floral pattern that makes a beautiful pair with our Lavender & Sage fragrance refill.
- Tote bag: Treat yourself — or someone you love — to our stylish, perfectly sized tote in Vera Bradley's Sunlit Garden Sage pattern. This will be included as a gift with purchase.
Celebrate Mother's Day with a ScentPlug Base for $11.99 (USD), ScentPlug Refill for $7.50 (USD), or a single 3-Wick Candle for $26.50 (USD) at YankeeCandle.com and select retailers on April 10th. The tote bag will be included as a gift with purchase.
To learn more about the Yankee Candle + Vera Bradley Collection and Yankee Candle® fragrances, please visit www.YankeeCandle.com and follow along on Instagram (@YankeeCandle), Facebook (facebook.com/YankeeCandle) or Pinterest (@YankeeCandle).
About The Yankee Candle Company
The Yankee Candle Company, Inc. is an American company with a unique 50-year history of creating evocative, ambiance-setting, and long-lasting fragrance for the home. The company offers a wide range of distinctive products, from the brand's iconic candles to home & car air fresheners, gifts and more. The Yankee Candle Company, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Newell Brands Inc. and is sold through mass and specialty retailers, online and in Yankee Candle retail stores. Outside of North America, the Company sells its products primarily through its subsidiary, Yankee Candle Company (Europe), Ltd., which has an international wholesale customer network.
About Vera Bradley
Vera Bradley, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a leading designer of women's handbags, luggage and other travel items, fashion and home accessories and unique gifts. Founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, the brand is known for its innovative designs, iconic patterns and brilliant colors that inspire and connect women unlike any other brand in the global marketplace. Visit www.verabradley.com and follow @verabradley to learn more.
About Newell Brands
Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL) is a leading global consumer goods company with a strong portfolio of well-known brands, including Rubbermaid, FoodSaver, Calphalon, Sistema, Sharpie, Paper Mate, Dymo, EXPO, Elmer's, Yankee Candle, Graco, NUK, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, Spontex, Coleman, Campingaz, Oster, Sunbeam and Mr. Coffee. Newell Brands' beloved, planet friendly brands enhance and brighten consumers lives at home and outside by creating moments of joy, building confidence and providing peace of mind.
This press release and additional information about Newell Brands are available on the company's website, www.newellbrands.com.
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SOURCE Newell Brands | 2023-04-10T16:40:47+00:00 | kalb.com | https://www.kalb.com/prnewswire/2023/04/10/yankee-candle-partners-with-vera-bradley-launch-new-limited-edition-collection/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Peiter “Mudge” Zatko, the Twitter whistleblower who is warning of security flaws, privacy threats and lax controls at the social platform, will take his case to Congress on Tuesday.
Senators who will hear Zatko’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee are alarmed by his Twitter allegations at a time of heightened concern over the safety of powerful tech platforms.
It’s Zatko’s second Capitol Hill appearance, and in some ways a 21st-century echo of his first. In 1998, he testified before a Senate panel along with fellow members of a hacker collective who warned about the security dangers of the then-emerging internet age.
Zatko, a respected cybersecurity expert, was Twitter’s head of security until he was fired early this year. He has brought the stunning allegations to Congress and federal regulators, asserting that the influential social platform misled regulators about its cyber defenses and efforts to control millions of “spam” or fake accounts.
Sen. Dick Durbin, the Illinois Democrat who chairs the panel, has said that if Zatko’s claims are accurate, “they may show dangerous data-privacy and security risks for Twitter users around the world.”
Zatko’s accusations are also playing into billionaire tycoon Elon Musk’s battle with Twitter. The Tesla CEO is trying to get out of his $44 billion bid to buy the company; Twitter has sued to force him to complete the deal. The Delaware judge overseeing that case ruled last week that Musk can include new evidence related to Zatko’s allegations in the high-stakes trial set to start Oct. 17.
The allegation that Twitter engaged in deception in its handling of automated “spam bot” accounts is at the core of Musk’s attempt to back out of the Twitter deal.
At the same time, many of Zatko’s claims are uncorroborated and appear to have little documentary support. In a statement, Twitter has called Zatko’s description of events “a false narrative.”
Also on Tuesday, Twitter’s shareholders are scheduled to vote on the company’s pending buyout by Musk. The vote is something of a formality given that the deal is on hold while the court case plays out. But if the measure passes as expected, it would also pave the way for a Musk takeover should Twitter prevail in court.
Zatko also filed complaints with the Justice Department, the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Among his most serious accusations is that Twitter violated the terms of a 2011 FTC settlement by falsely claiming that it had put stronger measures in place to protect the security and privacy of its users.
The SEC is questioning Twitter about how it counts fake accounts on its platform. Twitter uses counts of its presumably real users to attract advertisers, whose payments make up about 90% of its revenue. The “spam bots” have no value to advertisers because there’s no person behind them.
San Francisco-based Twitter has an estimated 238 million daily active users worldwide. The company says it removes 1 million spam accounts daily.
Zatko’s 84-page complaint alleges that he found “extreme, egregious deficiencies” on the platform, including issues with “user privacy, digital and physical security, and platform integrity/content moderation.”
It accuses CEO Parag Agrawal and other senior executives and board members of making “false and misleading statements to users and the FTC” about these issues. Twitter denies those claims and said that Zatko was fired in January for “ineffective leadership and poor performance.” Zatko’s attorneys say the performance claim is false.
Twitter also hinted that Zatko’s complaint might be designed to bolster Musk’s legal fight with the company. Twitter called Zatko’s complaint “a false narrative” that is “riddled with inconsistencies and inaccuracies, and lacks important context.”
News of Zatko’s complaint surfaced on Aug. 23, almost two months before the Twitter-Musk trial is scheduled to begin. . One of Zatko’s attorneys has said “he’s never met Elon Musk. Doesn’t know Elon Musk. They know people in common.”
The company also says it has significantly tightened security since 2020.
Among Zatko’s specific allegations:
— The company had such poor cybersecurity that it easily could have been exposed to outside attacks or attempts to siphon off its internal data.
—The company lacked effective leadership, with its top executives practicing “deliberate ignorance” of pressing problems. Zatko described former CEO Jack Dorsey as “extremely disengaged” during the last months of his tenure, to the point where he wouldn’t even speak during meetings on complex issues. Dorsey stepped down in November 2021.
—That Twitter knowingly allowed the government of India to place its agents on the company payroll, where they had “direct unsupervised access” to highly sensitive data on users. It makes a parallel but less detailed accusation that Twitter took funding from unidentified Chinese entities who may have gained access enabling them to access the identities and sensitive data of Chinese users who secretly use Twitter, which is officially banned in China.
Better known by his hacker handle “Mudge,” Zatko, 51, first gained prominence in the 1990s. He was the best-known member of the Boston-based collective L0pht, which pioneered ethical hacking, embarrassing companies including Microsoft for poor security. His work raised awareness in the computing world that forced such major companies to take security seriously. He co-founded the consultancy @Stake, which was later acquired by Symantec.
Zatko later worked in senior positions at the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and Google. He joined Twitter at Dorsey’s urging in late 2020, the same year the company suffered an embarrassing security breach involving hackers who broke into the Twitter accounts of world leaders, celebrities and tech moguls, including Musk, in an attempt to scam their followers out of bitcoin.
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AP technology writers Frank Bajak in Boston and Matt O’Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this report.
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Follow Marcy Gordon at https://twitter.com/mgordonap | 2022-09-12T19:54:13+00:00 | seattletimes.com | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/twitter-whistleblower-bringing-security-warnings-to-congress/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world |
CATAWISSA, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police pulled over an “erratic” driver where they say over $2,000 in cash, guns, and multiple drugs were seized from the car.
According to the Catawissa Borough Police Department, on April 30 around 8:50 p.m., officers issued a traffic stop on a car that was driving erratically, crossing over the center lane, slowing down then speeding up and swerving into traffic.
Police identified the driver as Thomas Kolifa Koroma, who was accompanied by a juvenile passenger. Officers said a smell of marijuana was immediately detected.
A search was conducted inside the car and investigators seized the following:
- Two illegally concealed firearms under the driver’s side and passenger side seats
- 30-round magazines with one in the chamber
- Several packets of marijuana
- Digital scale
- glassine baggies
- $2,451 in cash
Koroma was charged with firearms not to be carried without a license, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving on roadways laned for traffic. He was transported to the Columbia County Prison where he is being held on a $100,000 bail.
The juvenile was also charged with the same offenses and taken into custody by juvenile probation. | 2023-05-03T14:37:40+00:00 | pahomepage.com | https://www.pahomepage.com/news/crime-courts/traffic-stop-seized-over-2k-illegal-guns-drugs/ |
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Fijian police on Thursday said they were calling in the military to help maintain security following a close election last week that is now being disputed.
It was an alarming development in a Pacific nation where democracy remains fragile and there have been four military coups in the past 35 years. The two main contenders for prime minister this year were former coup leaders themselves.
Police Commissioner Brig. Gen. Sitiveni Qiliho said in a statement that after police and military leaders met with Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama they collectively decided to call in army and navy personnel to assist.
The commissioner said there had been threats made against minority groups who were “now living in fear following recent political developments.”
Reporters in the capital, Suva, said there were no immediate signs of any military presence on city streets.
The military move came after Bainimarama’s Fiji First party refused to concede the election, despite rival Sitiveni Rabuka’s party and two other parties announcing they had the numbers to form a majority coalition and would serve as the next government.
Fiji First Gen. Sec. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum told media Wednesday that under the nation’s constitution, Bainimarama would remain prime minister until lawmakers returned to Parliament within two weeks to vote on the next leader.
Sayed-Khaiyum questioned the validity of the internal voting which had led to one of the parties joining Rabuka’s coalition. And he lashed out at Rabuka, accusing him of sowing division in Fiji.
“The entire rationale of this man has been to divide Fiji to gain political supremacy,” Sayed-Khaiyum said. “And we can see that simmering through again. In fact it’s not simmering, it’s boiling.”
A day earlier, Rabuka and two other party leaders announced they were forming a coalition with a total of 29 seats against Fiji First’s 26 and would form the next government.
“A government we hope that will bring the change that people had been calling out for over the last few years,” Rabuka said at a news conference. “It’s going to be an onerous task. It will not be easy, and it was never easy to try and dislodge an incumbent government. We have done that, collectively.”
Rabuka’s announcement prompted New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta to send her congratulations on Twitter, saying New Zealand “looks forward to working together to continue strengthening our warm relationship.”
But New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern took a more cautious approach, saying she was waiting until the dust settled.
Bainimarama has been in power for 16 years. He led a 2006 military coup and later refashioned himself as a democratic leader by introducing a new constitution and winning elections in 2014 and 2018.
Rabuka, meanwhile, led Fiji’s first military takeover in 1987 and later served seven years as an elected prime minister in the 1990s.
Bainimarama and Rabuka were initially deadlocked after the election. Rabuka’s People’s Alliance Party won 21 seats and the affiliated National Federation Party won five seats, while Bainimarama’s Fiji First party secured 26 seats.
That left the Social Democratic Liberal Party, which won three seats, holding the balance of power. The party decided Tuesday in a close 16-14 internal vote to go with Rabuka — a vote that Fiji First is now questioning. | 2022-12-22T22:15:07+00:00 | kdvr.com | https://kdvr.com/news/nationalworld-news/ap-international/ap-fiji-calls-in-military-after-close-election-is-disputed/ |
NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Progyny, Inc. ("Progyny" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: PGNY). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Progyny and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
On December 7, 2022, Jehoshaphat Research published a short report addressing Progyny, entitled "A Love Child of Accounting Games & Credit Risk" (the "Jehoshaphat Report"). The Jehoshaphat Report alleges that Progyny "is deceiving the investor community via its financial reporting practices" and that Progyny "is actually unprofitable but masks this problem with accounting games." Among other items, the report alleges that Progyny "apparently decided to recently stop accruing allowances for customer cancellations, which . . . may have added up to another ~400bps to both revenues and gross profit margins" and that "credit losses" reported by Progyny "are more like reversals of inflated revenues," citing the Company's "corporate customer base of high quality." On this news, Progyny's stock price fell sharply during intraday trading on December 7, 2022.
The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com.
CONTACT:
Robert S. Willoughby
Pomerantz LLP
rswilloughby@pomlaw.com
888-476-6529 ext. 7980
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SOURCE Pomerantz LLP | 2022-12-13T05:44:07+00:00 | kxii.com | https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/12/13/shareholder-alert-pomerantz-law-firm-investigates-claims-behalf-investors-progyny-inc-pgny/ |
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - This local event is sure to be an evening of inspiration.
Terre Haute's YMCA of the Wabash Valley is hosting its Inspiration Gala fundraiser.
Guest speaker Evan Austin will share his journey to win a paralympic gold medal.
The gala will have a cash bar, raffle, and silent auction. Dinner will also be provided.
Proceeds from the event go to the YMCA's financial assistance program, giving scholarships to local kids.
"To really make sure that it's affordable for families who are working and going to school and really just making sure that the kids have a safe place to be," Nicole Fry from the YMCA said.
It's happening this Saturday from 5:30 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. at the Terre Haute Convention Center.
Tickets are limited. To get yours, call the YMCA at 812-232-8446. | 2022-11-01T20:26:09+00:00 | wthitv.com | https://www.wthitv.com/news/weekend-benefit-to-help-the-local-ymca/article_a1eb3f18-5a0e-11ed-a1b3-7f2e45273311.html |
HIGHLIGHTS + SOUND: 3 Chatfield vs. 1 Proctor - Class AA State Championship
Published: Jun. 11, 2022 at 12:15 AM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
MANKATO, Minn. (KTTC) –
Copyright 2022 KTTC. All rights reserved.
MANKATO, Minn. (KTTC) –
Copyright 2022 KTTC. All rights reserved. | 2022-06-11T06:38:52+00:00 | kttc.com | https://www.kttc.com/2022/06/11/highlights-sound-3-chatfield-vs-1-proctor-class-aa-state-championship/ |
The Viral and Best-Selling Supplement Brand Answers Increased Consumer Demand With Widespread Access To Wellness Product Offerings
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloom Nutrition, the fan-favorite wellness company with coveted, easy-to-use and effective health supplements, announced its expanding retail presence by launching into Walmart retail stores nationwide and online. Furthering Bloom's mission to provide approachable, accessible and delicious health products to all. The brand will specifically be stocking the shelves within Walmart's wellness aisles with their viral Greens & Superfoods powder.
Over the past year, Bloom products have grown tremendously in popularity, including the fan-favorite Greens & Superfoods, which has become one of the best-selling wellness products on the market for its delicious taste and daily gut health support," said Mari Llewellyn, CEO of Bloom, Mental Health Advocate, and Fitness Entrepreneur. "As we look to make our products more accessible to everyone throughout the country, we're thrilled to expand our retail presence into Walmart stores nationwide, ensuring we can continue to help everyone bloom into their best selves!"
As the brand quickly accelerates its retail distribution, consumers will be able to find Bloom products in more than 1787 Walmart locations. This new retail launch comes on the heels of the brand's unprecedented recent success. Bloom launched it's Greens & Superfood powder in Target stores across the country in late 2022 and is trending at the #1 Nutrition and Vitamins and has sold out at numerous locations. Bloom is also available direct-to-consumer nationwide through Amazon and is a best-selling supplement with over 21 thousand 5-star reviews. Consumers can also purchase Bloom's coveted products on the brand's own website, bloomnu.com.
The following Bloom products are currently available online to purchase and will be rolling out in Walmart stores within the coming weeks:
- 25 count Greens & Superfoods containers in both Mango and Berry flavors for $29.98
- 10 count Variety Stick Packs Box (including Mango and Berry flavors) for $14.98
Bloom's Greens & Superfoods are formulated with hand-picked ingredients to enhance your performance and everyday health, and are gluten-free, non-GMO, with no added sugar and 100% natural ingredients. The brand's hero product contains more than 30 key nutrients, including whole fruits and vegetables, fiber, probiotics, and more, to help fight bloat, aid digestion, increase natural energy levels, support the immune system, promote a healthy gut and lay the foundation for glowing skin.
To find a store near you or learn more about the brand, visit bloomnu.com, and follow @bloomsupps on Instagram and @bloomnu on TikTok.
About Bloom:
CEO, Mental Health Advocate, and Fitness Entrepreneur Mari Llewellyn founded Bloom. Bloom wellness products continue to grow in popularity and appeal to a wide demographic. The company first rose to fame as a result of the coveted Greens & Superfoods product. In addition to this fan-favorite product, Bloom also offers effective gym supplements, Mari's Matcha, collagen mixes and more - all of which are made with hand-picked ingredients to create benefit-driven products. During Mari's personal fitness and health journey, she struggled to find health supplements with high quality ingredients that tasted delicious, thus Bloom was born: approachable and delicious health supplements designed to fuel your fitness journey and give your body the nutrients it needs to bloom.
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SOURCE Bloom Nutrition | 2023-02-24T23:16:18+00:00 | kfyrtv.com | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/02/24/bloom-nutrition-rapidly-expands-retail-presence-entering-walmarts-growing-health-wellness-category/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — Rodarte brought dark, gothic glamour and opulence to New York Fashion Week on Friday with a shimmering show that transported the audience to a majestic Celtic fairytale land with a dark twist.
The grandiose show held at the Williamsburg Savings Bank featured dining tables decorated with silver candelabras and brimming with food and fruits covered in silver sparkles, lending a feel of performance art to the fall/winter collection display.
Rodarte sister-duo designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy, who worked on the tutus for 2010’s “Black Swan,” seemingly pulled inspiration from the film again. Rodarte’s line illustrated that the “balletcore” style trend may be headed down a darker path this year.
Models wore heavy, winged black eyeliner and black lipstick, matching their black gowns with long and pointy sleeves that draped to the floor for a dark fairy look.
In signature Rodarte fashion, buttery satin, ruffles, ribbons and lace were heavily present throughout some of the most visually pleasing gowns with simple silhouettes and puffy, broad shoulders and structuring. Some models wore capes and held grand bouquets of tulips.
“Winter” by Tori Amos set the haunting atmosphere as the gowns grew increasingly more avant-garde with hues of yellow, green and purple. A handful of models wore oversized black, blue and purple colored bonnets and veils like Tim Burton characters.
Celebrities such as Lana Condor, Brie Larson, Quinta Brunson, Maddie Ziegler and Rachel Zoe were in attendance Friday afternoon. Sitting front row was Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, who wore her sunglasses inside the dimly lit bank.
The forest-themed show also had models wearing silver fairy ears, crowns, and elaborate headpieces to add to the storytelling of the night.
Some of the most eye-catching looks of the afternoon were sported by four models who were draped in full- to medium-length colorful and iridescent tinsel gowns. Toward the end of the show, each model stood in the center of the sparkly tables for a moment of appreciation.
A weighted and structured golden tinsel dress that trailed about 20 feet (6 meters) behind its model closed out the wistful and folkloric show. | 2023-02-11T06:16:21+00:00 | krqe.com | https://www.krqe.com/entertainment-news/ap-ny-fashion-week-rodarte-stuns-with-dark-gothic-glamour/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down New York’s tight restrictions on who can carry a handgun, condemnation erupted from liberal leaders and activists.
But some public defenders, often allies of progressive activists, praised the court’s ruling, saying gun-permitting rules like New York’s have long been a license for racial discrimination.
By making it a crime for most people to carry a handgun, New York and a few other states have ended up putting people — overwhelmingly people of color — behind bars for conduct that would be legal elsewhere, the defense lawyers complain.
“New York’s gun licensing regulations have been arbitrarily and discriminatorily applied, disproportionately ensnaring the people we represent, the majority of whom are from communities of color,” said The Legal Aid Society, which represents criminal defendants who can’t afford their own lawyers.
The court’s decision Thursday concerned a century-old law that said New Yorkers seeking gun licenses had to show an unusual threat to their safety if they wanted to carry a handgun in public.
Simply wanting a gun for personal defense was not enough. And the police departments or judicial magistrates were given wide discretion to decide who needs and deserves to carry a gun.
Reasons could include being a retired law enforcement officer or working as an armed guard or in a business that transports valuables. A few other states have similar standards.
The Supreme Court, in a majority opinion by Justice Clarence Thomas, said New York’s system violated Americans’ Second Amendment right to “keep and bear arms.”
New York’s governor and New York City’s mayor, both Democrats, quickly began eying other potential guardrails for carrying guns. Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to convene with state lawmakers at the end of the month to push for new gun safety legislation.
Ideas include banning them in certain areas, such as subways, or requiring weapons training to get a permit. The officials argue that it’s perilous to make it easier to carry a gun. They envision more arguments turning into deadly confrontations at a time when the nation is already beset by gun violence.
Some civil rights leaders agree. The Rev. Al Sharpton called the Supreme Court ruling “devastating,” and the National Urban League and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund said it was particularly so for Black people.
In a friend-of-the-court brief, the two groups pointed to statistics showing that Black Americans, particularly Black male teens and young men, die from gunfire at a higher rate than do whites or the general population.
“If the Supreme Court actively were seeking out a way to make the nation more volatile and dangerous, it could not have devised a more damaging scenario,” league President Marc Morial said after the ruling.
But attorneys from nearly a dozen New York public defender agencies and organizations cited other statistics.
Black people faced 78% of felony gun possession charges in the state last year, while making up 18% of its population — compared to 7% of prosecutions and 70% of the population for non-Hispanic whites, the defenders said in their own friend-of-the-court brief. Over 90% of people arrested in New York City on charges of possessing a loaded firearm are Black and/or Latino, according to the filing, although non-Hispanic whites comprise nearly 1/3 of the city population.
The defenders argue that the numbers are rooted in a history of racist anxieties about racial and ethnic minorities having firearms and are furthered by an “expensive and onerous discretionary licensing process.”
According to New York Police Department statistics, about 3,500 civilians in the city of 8.5 million have “business carry” licenses, and another 2,000 guards have permits to carry guns while working. About 15,000 retired law enforcement officers have a type of license that’s specific to them. The department didn’t provide a breakdown of licensees by race.
“While white people throughout the nation amass firearm arsenals even as hobbies, Black and Latinx New Yorkers are arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned for simply possessing a single pistol for self-defense,” several of the brief’s authors wrote in an October article on Scotusblog, a legal news site.
One defendant was a working father and college student who carried a gun to a neighborhood where he’d been slashed in the face; he ended up serving eight months in jail and dropping out of college, according to the defenders. Another man contracted COVID-19 and died last fall while jailed on $100,000 bail in a case alleging he had a gun in his car, which he denied.
Another defendant, a military veteran who served in Iraq and legally owned a gun in her home state of Texas, was arrested for having the weapon in her car in New York. She was jailed for weeks before making bail and was subjected to a child-neglect proceeding that kept her away from her two small boys for a year. The criminal case was eventually dismissed.
“I lost everything: my job, my car, my home and my kids,” she said in the court filing.
In Chicago, Cook County Public Defender Sharone Mitchell Jr. has become convinced that Illinois’ firearms laws — which are strict but don’t include a New York-style “proper cause” standard — are doing less to keep guns off streets than to put people in prison. A quarter of his caseload involves no other charge but gun possession.
“We have a gun problem, full stop. But failed policies are part of the problem,” Mitchell said in a statement after the Supreme Court ruling in the New York case. “These laws facilitate racially targeted enforcement that sends thousands of Black people to prison because they do not have or cannot get the required licenses, not because they’ve been accused of harming someone.”
The high court indicated that states still can require licenses and can impose some conditions, and New York and other states with similar laws will surely look closely at what leeway they still have.
But some public defenders suggest lawmakers should take a broader view of gun safety.
“Regulation and criminalization are not our only options,” said Corey Stoughton, a Legal Aid Society attorney who focuses on legislative and regulatory reform. She points to such approaches as violence intervention programs.
“If we want to reduce guns, we need to make people feel safe,” Stoughton said. “And we have ways that are positive approaches to invest in our communities and make people feel safer.” | 2022-06-25T19:38:15+00:00 | wjhl.com | https://www.wjhl.com/news/national/to-some-defenders-gun-ruling-could-right-a-racial-wrong/ |
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The South Korean organizers of a regional rugby tournament have apologized for mistakenly playing a song embraced by Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters as China’s national anthem, an incident that sparked strong reaction from the city’s government.
“Glory to Hong Kong” — whose lyrics call for democracy and liberty — was played before the men’s finals between South Korea and Hong Kong in the second leg of the Asian Rugby Seven Series in Incheon, just west of Seoul, on Sunday.
Video of the song playing at the tournament went viral on social media in Hong Kong, where the song composed by a local musician and sung by demonstrators during widespread anti-government protests in 2019 is now highly sensitive.
The Hong Kong government early Monday issued a strongly worded statement to express its dissatisfaction over the incident. “The national anthem is a symbol of our country. The organizer of the tournament has a duty to ensure that the national anthem receives the respect it warranted,” a government spokesperson said.
The Seoul-based Korea Rugby Union said later Monday that the wrong song was played because of a human error and it wasn’t politically motivated.
Union officials said they’ve apologized to the Asia Rugby Union as well as to the Hong Kong and Chinese sides. They said staff of the mainland Chinese team also competing at the tournament notified them of the error.
The organizers announced an apology both in Korean and English at the stadium after the game, and the official Chinese national anthem was played for the winning Hong Kong team during the award ceremony, the officials said on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak to media on the matter.
According to the officials, a person handing the playing of the national anthems accidentally chose the protesters’ song saved in a computer file folder named “Hong Kong.” They had mistakenly saved that song without knowing it’s linked to protesters before each tournament competitor submitted the recordings of their countries’ respective anthems, the officials said.
Asia Rugby also apologized to the Hong Kong Rugby Union and the governments of Hong Kong and China, adding the song mistakenly played was downloaded from the internet.
While the Hong Kong Rugby Union accepted it was a case of human error, it said the mistake was still unacceptable. Pro-Beijing politicians in Hong Kong also voiced their discontent, with some demanding an investigation to see whether it was a deliberate act.
Ronny Tong, a member of the Executive Council — Hong Kong’s Cabinet — said if the mistake was unintended, the act would not constitute a criminal offense. But if an investigation later proves it was a deliberate act, those involved could face legal consequences linked to the city’s sedition charge, the National Security Law or the National Anthem Ordinance depending on the results, the veteran lawyer said.
The sweeping security law was imposed by Beijing in 2020 to crack down on Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement. It criminalizes succession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. The National Anthem Ordinance penalizes insults to the Chinese national anthem.
In 2019, thousands of Hong Kong soccer fans booed loudly at the Chinese national anthem when the song was played before a World Cup qualifier match. The crowd broke out into singing “Glory to Hong Kong” at the event and brought the city’s protests into the sports realm.
In September, a man who paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II near the British Consulate in Hong Kong was arrested for sedition. Local media reported he had played songs on a harmonica including “Glory to Hong Kong.”
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Leung reported from Hong Kong. | 2022-11-14T19:27:06+00:00 | wivb.com | https://www.wivb.com/news/world/ap-protest-song-played-for-hong-kong-rugby-team-in-south-korea/ |
Covenant Christian named back-to-back Class 1A state champions
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WAFF) - In a thrilling Class 1A state finals match-up, Covenant Christian edged past Oakwood Academy 50-46 to secure back-to-back blue maps.
The Eagles came out strong offensively, jumping to a 20-6 lead in the first quarter, but Oakwood Academy found its rhythm and rallied to get within one point of Covenant Christian in the second half.
Covenant Christian remained consistent, never giving up the lead. Jalen Chandler fouled out late in the fourth quarter, but he led the Eagles with 16 total points and seven rebounds. Covenant Christian Head Coach Bret Waldrep was overcome with emotions after the win.
“I really don’t know what to say, it’s still sinking in right now... You know I really hate clichés, I hate coaching clichés, and now I understand why they exist because I don’t know what else to say other than I’m really proud,” Waldrep said.
Coach Waldrep commended Oakwood Academy’s program for their effort on the court. Jayden Nesbitt led the Mustangs with 17 total points and 13 rebounds. Head Coach Melvin Allen was all smiles when he entered the press room.
“We truly believe that we’re a part of God’s plan, and we were really hoping that getting that blue trophy was a part of God’s plan, but... it’s nearly 80 [Class] 1A schools throughout the state. To be number two is an honor, and we want to cherish that,” Allen said.
This was the Mustang’s first state final game. As for the Eagles, the past two seasons they’ve went 59-9 overall to secure two blue maps their first two state appearances.
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Copyright 2023 WAFF. All rights reserved. | 2023-03-03T02:57:10+00:00 | waff.com | https://www.waff.com/2023/03/03/covenant-christian-named-back-to-back-class-1a-state-champions/ |
Audi on Tuesday revealed an extensive refresh for its large E-Tron electric SUV, with a renewed push toward better range and efficiency.
It also gets a name change: The E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback will from 2023 on be called the Q8 E-Tron and Q8 E-Tron Sportback.
The renaming strategy is part of what Audi is calling a new corporate identity, focused around high quality and modern design—and a move upscale and upmarket for this model, as the smaller, more affordable Q4 E-Tron SUV and Sportback sidle up to it.
The more formal SUV body style and the Sportback, with its somewhat tapered, coupe-like roofline, both carry over to the Q8 E-Tron lineup. Refreshed trims, colors, and materials, as well as a broadened tech feature set, should all go a long way to asserting that more upmarket position.
Cosmetics aside, Audi is aiming much higher for range this time: “around 300” miles, it said, noting how important it is to have “a range number that starts with a three” by U.S. EPA standards.
More range, faster charging
“Far and away, the number-one wish from our Audi E-Tron customers was simply more range and efficiency,” Carter Balkcom, a product marketing expert for E-Tron, in a background session outlining some of the basics for the Q8, referring to follow-ups that the brand did with early E-Tron SUV buyers.
The Q8’s predecessor, the outgoing E-Tron family, includes a 71-kwh battery and a 95-kwh battery. With the refresh, the Q8 E-tron, globally, will offer 95-kwh and 114-kwh battery packs, with the 114-kwh pack the only size offered for North America. Although actual EPA numbers are yet to come, Audi says it will allow a range of up to 600 km by WLTP standards.
Despite the greater battery-pack energy capacity, it’s also set up to charge quicker. Audi boosted the charge curve where people are most likely to notice it. The Q8 E-Tron’s charging peak has been increased from 150 kw (officially, although we observed 155 kw multiple times) to 170 kw, right in the middle of the battery’s state of charge. Audi says that this assured a 10% to 80% charge in as little as 31 minutes—even more meaningful given the additional battery and range.
It’s using the exact same battery box and location as before, as well as the same-size cells, but in order to fit more energy into it, the company is using a new stacking technology for the prismatic cells—the same size cells as in the current pack.
Cells were nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) in the outgoing model, while in the new one the cells switch to a nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) chemistry.
No weight gain (well, almost)
Even considering the additional energy, Audi has kept the weight gain to a minimum. The 114-kwh pack, at 1,602 pounds, is only about 44 pounds heavier than the previous 95-kwh pack. It’s offset most of that weight gain in other parts of the car, like a new lightweight underbody shielding configuration that saves about 15 pounds.
The larger battery pack packs 20% more energy, yet Audi sees a range boost of 30% or more. That’s because it’s picked up efficiency a range of other ways, some more granular than you might expect for a mid-cycle refresh.
For instance, the number of windings for the E-Tron’s rear induction motor unit have been increased from 12 to 14, allowing the motor to produce torque with less current than before, aiding efficiency. Likewise, there are some “new tricks,” the company says, that allow the motors to spin more freely when there is no load. And it’s changed the way that the E-Tron uses its front versus rear motor.
Audi is renaming the three-motor E-Tron S the SQ8 E-Tron, although performance numbers carry over—a 0-60 mph dash of 4.5 seconds for the SQ8, while the 55 variant expected for the U.S. will manage it in 5.6 seconds.
Tuned to be sportier
It’s worked to improve the Q8 E-Tron’s dynamics, too. A quicker steering ratio and new steering calibration, plus new suspension arms together aim for a sportier feel on the road—and the air suspension has been retuned to support that. Further, now 100% of all Q8 E-Trons worldwide will have the air suspension setup.
Digital matrix headlight technology is carried over to the Q8 E-Tron, with new functionality for turn indicators and lane lights, including specific black arrows for motorway use. The lamps now help inform and react due to upcoming accidents or breakdowns.
Audi emphasized that it’s still trying to get some of these advanced functions approved for the U.S.—including virtual side mirrors—so don’t expect them at launch.
The interior of the Q8 E-Tron is perhaps what carries over the most, although Audi notes that it’s shifted its emphasis on color and trim, with a new type of walnut wood for inlays, as well as a plastic fabric made of PET bottles and a new red stitching package. All the seats now have contrast stitching, and there’s also a suede substitute made of recycled materials.
Positioned as more of a flagship
Audi hasn’t yet detailed the E-Tron lineup for the U.S., or indicated how prices might change. But it’s fair to assume they’ll go up significantly. The lineup now starts with the mid-level Advanced line now, Audi said, with no more base-model E-Trons in the Q8 translation.
The new Q8 E-Tron lineup will go into production for Europe in mid-November, with first deliveries in late February there and U.S. deliveries arriving just two months later.
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- Review: 2023 BMW i7 EV cribs gas 7-Series, emerges shockingly good | 2022-11-09T18:50:57+00:00 | localsyr.com | https://www.localsyr.com/automotive/internet-brands/2023-audi-q8-e-tron-aims-for-300-miles-gets-faster-charging/ |
Hilton expands California portfolio with Conrad Hotels & Resorts' first Golden State hotel located at The Grand LA in downtown Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, July 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announces the highly anticipated opening of Conrad Los Angeles, marking the first California property for Conrad Hotels & Resorts, one of Hilton's three distinct luxury hotel brands. Anchored within The Grand LA, Related Companies' newest destination for shopping, dining, entertainment and a premiere place to live in downtown Los Angeles, the 305-room hotel will immerse guests in the dynamic energy that fuels the city's cultural corridor. Designed by legendary architect Frank Gehry with interior design from world-renowned Tara Bernerd & Partners, the contemporary Conrad Los Angeles is home to two original food and beverage concepts from Chef José Andrés and ThinkFoodGroup, the cutting-edge Conrad Spa Los Angeles and unparalleled views and proximity to some of the city's most prominent cultural venues including Walt Disney Concert Hall.
"We are excited to expand Hilton's West Coast presence with the debut of the first Conrad Hotels & Resorts property in California, one of our largest growing markets in the U.S. This is a monumental occasion as we open the doors to this incredible property amid downtown Los Angeles' development boom and we are looking forward to offering guests an unrivaled, luxury hospitality experience in this sought-after destination," said Danny Hughes, executive vice president and president, Americas, Hilton.
"As Conrad Hotels & Resorts' West Coast flagship property, Conrad Los Angeles encapsulates the bold, innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of the brand. The luxury hotel adds to the brand's expanding footprint which includes recent openings in Las Vegas, Tulum, Sardinia and Nashville. As with all properties in our portfolio, guests at Conrad Los Angeles can expect contemporary and sophisticated design, impressive culinary delights, exceptional spa offerings, a curated art collection and an unbeatable location in the city's cultural epicenter, further embodying Conrad Hotels & Resorts' boundary-pushing essence that inspires our guests globally," said Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer, Hilton.
Creative Culinary
Conrad Los Angeles welcomes award-winning chef and humanitarian José Andrés back to Los Angeles with original dining concepts and an elevated cocktail bar making their debut from ThinkFoodGroup.
- San Laurel, located on the 10th-floor with captivating views overlooking the iconic Disney concert hall, takes you on a tour of flavors that find their roots in Spain but take their cues from California by highlighting the fresh, local ingredients from the Golden State. Breakfast and dinner will be available at San Laurel and menu highlights include Bone-in Wagyu Ribeye; Grilled Romaine with Manchego Espuma; and Roasted Celeriac Carpaccio.
- Just across from San Laurel on the outdoor terrace is Agua Viva, Conrad Los Angeles' chic rooftop restaurant where Andrés makes Latin and Asian flavors mingle on the menu just as easily as diners mingle over shared plates and refreshing cocktails in an open-air dining room with sweeping panoramic views of the city. Menu highlights include Txule Ribeye Burger; DIY Handrolls; and Piña Borracha.
- On the property's roof deck, enjoy Airlight, a pool deck offering a vibrant menu of handheld bites, creative cocktails and stunning views of DTLA. Shareable menu items include Tiki Punch Bowls, Grilled Skewers and house-made Push Pops.
- An intimate respite for culinary and cocktail aficionados, SED, designed to celebrate the spirit of the desert and the Pacific Ocean, showcases popular spirits and flavors in addition to seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables from the west coast, inspired by Jose's travels around the world. Menu highlights include Tomato Rosette and Japanese Whisky Milk Punch.
Conrad Los Angeles' culinary concepts will be open for reservations as of Friday, July 8, 2022.
"The opening of Conrad Los Angeles establishes a new category of luxury hospitality in downtown LA inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the neighborhood's world-class art and entertainment venues like never before," said Rick Vogel, executive vice president, Related Companies. "Whether you are coming from across town or around the world, Conrad has delivered a one-of-a-kind, culture and wellness-infused experience that offers guests an entirely new perspective on our great City."
Daring Design
With Frank Gehry's visionary architecture and internationally-acclaimed interior design from Tara Bernerd & Partners, Conrad Los Angeles embraces the vibrant creativity of downtown LA. The interiors draw inspiration from and respond to the complexity of Gehry's captivating structure. Taking cues from the architecture of downtown Los Angeles itself, with its rich architectural heritage and vibrant art scene, the resulting interiors bring a layered warmth and timeless elegance for which Tara Bernerd is renowned.
Upon entering the hotel, guests will find themselves transported to a chic yet seductive atmosphere. An undulating ceiling in the lobby echoes the rhythms of the building's façade and lines are blurred between indoor and verdant outdoor spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows. The arrival bar offers a striking piece of history, made out of polished and glazed molten lava that is 11,000 years old as well as Ceppo di Gre stone in the lobby from the quarries of Lake Iseo in Lombardy. A rich palette of pale linens, interspersed with sophisticated blues, rich woven fabrics and pops of mustard yellow complements the wide-planked pale oak floors, polished concrete and Ceppo stone and contrasts pleasingly with the many planters placed throughout the lobby.
Throughout the reception and lobby spaces, artwork has been curated in collaboration with Judith Tatar of Tatar Art Projects, showcasing prominent local artists such as Mimi Jung, Ben Medansky, and Brian Wills. Casper Brindle continues the theme of California culture with his bright and inviting portal-glyph paintings and artist Jon Krawczyk brings his sculpture work to life on the property's event lawn. These modern art installations further build upon Conrad Hotels & Resorts' commitment to sparking connections between guests and strengthening the connection to the Los Angeles community, providing guests an inside look into LA's flourishing art industry.
Stunning guest rooms feature a calming mix of wide-planked pale oak floors and natural linen walls, in-suite dining, an open wardrobe with seat and mirror, an L-shaped sofa, and a personalized mini-bar. Accommodations range from standard guest rooms to presidential suites, which are designed to feel like the guest's own personal LA penthouse apartment. The Grand Avenue Suite is the ultimate expression of luxury, boasting a private terrace with unrivaled views of the city along with a dining room with six-seat dining table, a formal living room with built in bar, a spacious master bedroom with a five-piece bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, all designed by Tara Bernerd & Partners to showcase the elegance of a mid-20th century modernist home.
Serene Spa
Conrad Spa Los Angeles, led by director of spa Alina Medyanikova, redefines the art of relaxation by transforming the traditional spa into a deeper and more meaningful guest experience with a new boundary-free wellness concept. This has been reflected in Tara Bernerd & Partners' calm, inviting interior design. Through a hyper-personalized ethos, the spa allows guests to explore wellness through a variety of highly-tailored, ayurvedic, and innovative treatments featuring cult-beauty lines.
Spanning over 7,000 square feet and complete with seven treatment rooms, Conrad Spa Los Angeles is home to advanced skin care techniques, a curated wellness bar featuring quality body care and recovery products, an enlightenment lounge, infrared sauna, a Gharieni Welnamis wavetable, and recovery cabins, providing the perfect sanctuary for locals and guests alike. Guests can rediscover balance and restoration through knowledgeable master bodyworkers who provide personalized massage treatments that utilize specific techniques like Intuitive and Thai Massages, Ayurveda Dosha Balancing, and Body Couture Treatment.
Through emerging technologies combined with modern techniques, visitors of the spa will witness immediate, visible results from a range of services. Conrad Spa Los Angeles also features an array of exclusive treatments and premium products from leading avant-garde beauty brands like Angela Caglia, CODAGE, and Augustinus Bader. Additional partners include Esker Beauty and NuCalm, as well as Hyperice, which will offer Normatec Boots, Core Meditation Trainer, and Hypervolt percussion therapy.
Energetic Experiences
Channeling the energy that pulses through downtown LA, Conrad Los Angeles offers guests a variety of experiential opportunities, from meetings and corporate events to parties and celebrations of any size. With 12,000 square feet of contemporary events and meeting spaces for up to 300 guests, including a 4,800 square foot ballroom with pre-function space and a connecting terrace to accommodate any occasion, Conrad Los Angeles provides a space where groundbreaking ideas can become reality.
From the 16,000 square foot rooftop terrace with an expansive pool deck — overlooking downtown Los Angeles and The Grand LA — to the walking distance of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Park, LA Opera, and The Broad, Conrad Los Angeles is as much of a place to play as it is a place to stay.
Conrad Los Angeles is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton's 18 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app.
Conrad Hotels & Resorts combines sophisticated, bold design and purposeful, passionate service to provide inspiring travel experiences in destinations such as New York, Tulum, Las Vegas, Nashville, Punta de Mita, Fort Lauderdale, Washington, D.C., and other highly sought-after destinations around the world.
The contemporary hotel is located at 100 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California, 90012. To celebrate this opening, Conrad Los Angeles will be offering 25 percent off starting room rates through August 31, 2022*. *Blackout date and restrictions apply. To make a reservation, please visit Hilton.com or call +1 888 728 3029.
For more information about Conrad Hotels & Resorts or the hotel, please visit stories.hilton.com/brands/conrad-hotels or follow @conradlosangeles on Instagram and @conradlosangeles on Facebook.
About Conrad Hotels & Resorts
Spanning five continents with more than 40 properties, Conrad Hotels & Resorts has created a seamless connection between contemporary design, leading innovation and curated art to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit of the globally connected traveler. Conrad is a place where guests can experience service and style on their own terms — all while connecting with local and global culture. Experience a positive stay at Conrad Hotels & Resorts by booking at conradhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Conrad Hotels & Resorts at newsroom.hilton.com/conradhotels, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising nearly 6,900 properties and nearly 1.1 million rooms, in 122 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For list and been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for five consecutive years. Hilton has introduced several industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 133 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About The Grand LA
Located at the cultural epicenter of Los Angeles comprised of the Music Center (including the Walt Disney Concert Hall), The Broad museum, The Colburn School of Music and the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Grand LA is designed to become a 24-7 destination for shopping, dining, entertainment and hospitality, as well as a paradigm-shifting place to live. Developed by Related Companies, The Grand LA will include 164,000 square feet of retail space anchored by chef-driven restaurants; a collection of shops; a 305 room Conrad Los Angeles luxury hotel and more than 400 residences including affordable housing. The development will also include a large, vibrant public plaza with a series of landscaped, open terraces.
The Grand Avenue Project is a visionary public-private partnership with the Los Angeles Grand Avenue Authority to revitalize downtown LA's cultural and civic core with a mix of commercial, retail, cultural and residential uses stitched together with great public spaces and world class architecture. This multi-phased master planned development is re-envisioning and re-developing underutilized government-owned parcels directly adjacent to the Civic Center and key cultural institutions.
Media Assets
Digital assets available for download here. Courtesy of Conrad Los Angeles.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michelle Myers
Hilton
michelle.myers@hilton.com
+1 571 386 7523
Kelly Lavin
Bullfrog + Baum
conradla@bullfrogandbaum.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Conrad Los Angeles | 2022-07-06T17:19:37+00:00 | wafb.com | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2022/07/06/conrad-los-angeles-opens-today-bringing-bold-captivating-luxury-citys-cultural-epicenter/ |
Police: Ohio woman paid thief $30 to steal her car from auto body shop
CINCINNATI (WXIX/Gray News) - A woman in Ohio allegedly paid someone to steal her car from an auto shop rather than paying the full $3,500 she owed for repairs.
Surveillance video showed the hired suspect driver hit an employee with the car on their getaway.
Kitu Veal, owner of Kitu’s Auto Group in Cincinnati, says 28-year-old Terrella Lewis brought her car in for repairs, but when it came time to pay, she didn’t have the money.
The cost was also subject to rise without payment as Lewis risked accumulating additional storage fees while her car languished at Veal’s shop.
Veal says he offered to help her by moving the car to his secondary location, where it remained parked while she worked things out.
“I put it on the street right here for maybe ten minutes,” Veal said. “Then I went into the side of my building. I’m walking into the building, I hear the alarm go off, like the chirp of the alarm. So I turn around and saw a guy running to get into her front seat.”
Veal says he thought the person behind the wheel was attempting to steal from the car or steal the car itself.
“Everyone who comes to my business, I protect their car like it’s mine,” said Veal. “It would hurt my heart to know that someone’s property got taken while it was in my possession.”
But police claim in an affidavit that Lewis gave the suspect a key to her car and paid them $30 to steal it and avoid paying the repair costs.
Surveillance video showed Veal jogged to the entrance and stood directly in front of the car. He says he told the person to get out, but the driver then accelerated into him as he was dragged down Central Avenue.
“It was definitely an experience while on the ride,” Veal said. “Once he hit the brakes, that’s when the hard part kicked in. My back still hurts from it.”
Veal says if he had known that he would not have attempted to stop the driver.
“The only reason I stood in front of this car was so he didn’t take your property and put you in a worse position, and you were the person who sent them down here the whole time,” he said.
The person who hit Veal has not yet been identified.
Lewis is currently being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center on $10,000 bail for a charge of complicity.
She will appear before a grand jury June 30.
Copyright 2022 WXIX via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | 2022-06-22T06:10:16+00:00 | kswo.com | https://www.kswo.com/2022/06/22/police-ohio-woman-paid-thief-30-steal-her-car-auto-body-shop/ |
SAGINAW, MI — Summer is in full swing, and Saginaw has plenty of ways to celebrate this July.
From Jazz in the Garden to Old Town Saginaw’s Lawn Chair Film Festival, here are some events to mark on your calendar:
Jazz in the Garden
This free music event takes place at 7 p.m. on select Wednesdays in July and August at Saginaw’s Andersen Enrichment Center, 120 Ezra Rust Drive. Bring your own chair.
Here’s the lineup:
- July 12: Brush Street featuring Julie Mulady
- July 19: Saucecats
- July 26: Robert Lee Revue
- Aug. 2: Cool Lemon Jazz Band
Friday Night Live
This free outdoor summer concert series hosted by Positive Results Downtown Saginaw and celebrating its 25th anniversary this year takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays in downtown Saginaw’s Morley Plaza and features food and vendors.
Here’s are the July dates and concert themes:
- July 14: Journey on the River
- July 21: Downtown Hoedown
- July 28: Fiesta Grande
Lawn Chair Film Festival
This free outdoor film festival takes place Sunday evenings in Old Saginaw City at the corner of Ames and North Hamilton. Bring your own chair. Movies start at dusk.
Here’s the schedule:
- July 9: “Bend It Like Beckham”
- July 16: “Little Shop of Horrors”
- July 23: “Top Gun Maverick”
- July 30: “The Santa Claus”
Project Recreation Playdates
Saginaw County Parks and Recreation offers these free playdates with kids’ lunches/snacks provided by YMCA Mission Nutrition.
Mark these dates on your calendar:
- Thursday, July 6: Build It, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Bliss Park
- Thursday, July 13: Music on the Move, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Deindorfer Woods
- Thursday, July 13: Gaga ball/archery, 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Fordney Park
- Tuesday, July 18: Build It, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Otto Roeser Park
- Thursday, July 20: Art in the Park, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Bliss Park
- Thursday, July 20: Nothing but Net, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Vets McKinney Park
- Tuesday, July 25: Supersize Fun, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Otto Roeser Park
- Tuesday, July 25: Art in the Park, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Deindorfer Woods
Saginaw Children’s Zoo events
The Saginaw Children’s Zoo is hosting the following special events in July. Visit saginawzoo.com for more information and a full list of events.
- Saturday, July 8: Bugs & Slugs, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, July 15: Endangered Species Day, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Thursday, July 27: Butterflies & Bees, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, July 29: Birds, Bugs, Butterflies & Blooms, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saginaw Eddy Concert Band
A free evening concert series at 7 p.m. on Sundays in July at Jolt Credit Union Event Park, 300 Johnson St., near The Dow Event Center.
Summer Fun at the Castle Museum
Here’s a list of special events happening this month at the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History, 500 Federal Ave.:
- Wednesday, July 19: Michigan Animals, 11 a.m.
- Thursday, July 20: Storytime – Let’s Go to the Zoo, 10:30 a.m., preschool age
- Wednesday, July 26: Kite & Pinwheel Making
- Thursday, July 27: Storytime – Let’s Go to the Zoo, 10:30 a.m., preschool age
For more information about these and other upcoming events, visit castlemuseum.org.
All Together Now – Summer Reading Program Public Libraries of Saginaw
The Saginaw public libraries’ summer reading program is underway, and there are special events to look forward to, as well. Here’s a look at what’s to come:
- Monday, July 10: Bubbleman, 3 p.m. at Butman-Fish, 3 p.m.
- Monday, July 17: Paleo Joe, 3 p.m. at Butman-Fish
- Tuesday, July 18: Kindness Rocks!, 2 to 4 p.m. at Hoyt
- Tuesday, July 25: Captain Joel’s Magical Comedy Show, 2 p.m. at Wickes
- Wednesday, July 26: Paleo Joe, 2 p.m. at Hoyt
- Monday, July 31: Live Animal Show, 3 p.m. at Butman-Fish; STEAM Make & Take – all day at Hoyt
Japanese Cultural Center, Tea House and Gardens
Saginaw’s Japanese Cultural Center, 527 Ezra Rust Drive, is hosting the following festivals and classes this month:
- Friday, July 7: Tanabata Festival – Family activities, crafts and story time from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Wednesdays, July 12 and 19: Ikebana Class – A free class from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Register at www.japaneseculturalcenter.org.
- Saturday, July 29: Learn about Japanese-American internment camps during WWII from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- All summer long: Traditional Japanese tea ceremony – 2 p.m. every Saturday. Admission is $10 per person, and walk-ins are welcome.
Counter Cruise
The Counter Cruise group bike rides take place at 7 p.m. every Monday beginning at the corner of Cass and Hamilton. This guided family-friendly bike ride through Saginaw neighborhoods is open to everyone.
Find Counter Cruise on Facebook for more information and a route map.
Saginaw Art Museum
The Saginaw Art Museum, 1126 N. Michigan Ave., has special exhibits and events to check out this month and all summer. Here are a few:
- Matt Lewis: Time Being, on exhibit through Aug. 12
- Big Energy by Mickayel Thurin, on exhibit through Aug. 27
- Art Encounters, workshop-style drop-in art sessions from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays
Tai Chi
Tai Chi for Everyone takes place from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays at the Andersen Splash Park Pavilion, 1830 Fordney St. Classes are free and open to all.
Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free “3@3″ daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw.
Read more from MLive:
After providing free meals for years, Heart of Saginaw needs community’s help rebuilding after fire
Try barbecue, burgers and more at this food truck fest in Michigan’s Little Bavaria
Bay City State Park’s new nature-inspired playground now open by the Saginaw Bay
A throwback experience — with 2023 films — awaits at this Michigan drive-in theater | 2023-07-06T14:22:01+00:00 | mlive.com | https://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw-bay-city/2023/07/jazz-in-the-garden-lawn-chair-film-festival-and-more-saginaw-summertime-events-this-july.html |
‘In the hands of God’: One Venezuelan family’s journey to the US
Published: May. 14, 2023 at 10:52 AM CDT|Updated: 7 minutes ago
EL PASO, Texas (AP) — When Luis López was lost in Panama’s Darien Gap last year with his pregnant wife, their two children and her grandmother, he often knelt in the mud to beg God not to abandon them. Now safe in El Paso, Texas, after fleeing Venezuela and hosted by a Catholic bishop, the family awaits his sister and mother.
The two women also fled the country and crossed through the jungle, but with the end of U.S. pandemic-era asylum regulations and new migration rules looming over them. Despite that uncertainty, thousands like them are doing the same: fleeing poverty, violence and political persecution in their countries.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | 2023-05-14T16:01:20+00:00 | kcrg.com | https://www.kcrg.com/2023/05/14/hands-god-one-venezuelan-familys-journey-us/ |
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Josh Manson still had his bags half-packed from the Colorado Avalanche’s last time on the road, when they returned home with the chance to win the Stanley Cup.
That didn’t happen, and now he and his teammates are confronted with Game 6 Sunday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the arena they hoisted the Cup a year ago to become back-to-back champions.
Trying to win their first championship as a group and the organization’s first since 2001, the Avalanche know the immense challenge they have in front of them against a desperate opponent that has more experience this deep into the playoffs.
“You have to have that desperation because it’s the finals,” Manson said Saturday in Denver before flying to Tampa. “You can’t look at the amount of games that we have left. You have to be desperate every single game.”
Colorado would desperately like to avoid a second consecutive loss that sets up Game 7 back home Wednesday and Tampa Bay being one victory away from a three-peat. And it even has a recipe for handling this situation against a more seasoned playoff opponent.
That came in the second round when the Avalanche went up 3-1 in the second round against rival St. Louis — the last team to win the Cup before the Lightning’s run began in 2020. Much like Friday night, they lost a one-goal game at home to the Blues before bouncing back to close out the series on the road in St. Louis.
Manson said the Avalanche learned some desperation from that sequence, but the stakes are higher in the final with the Stanley Cup in the building.
“I know how much our guys want it now: They’ve worked for it,” coach Jared Bednar said. “There’s a certain amount of stress and anxiety that you have to try to put out of your head so you can bring your best performance.”
The Lightning know all about those mental gymnastics, including some new tricks they’ve picked up this postseason. The Eastern Conference final was the first time they trailed a series since getting swept in the first round in 2019 — the defeat that set the course for this run — and had not fallen behind 3-1 until now.
Having already staved off elimination once, and armed with the experience of winning 11 consecutive series, coach Jon Cooper and his team know exactly what to expect from each side in Game 6.
“There’s no doubt we’re better equipped in these situations because you kind of feel (like) you put yourself in the shoes of the other teams, too, and what they must be thinking, what you’re thinking when you’re in these situations and how games played out,” Cooper said. “It’s experience. … And experience matters.”
Freshest for the Avalanche is the painful experience of blowing the chance to join the Lightning as the only teams over the past seven years to win the Cup at home. But previous playoff disappointments have steeled this core group to handle adversity, and in the immediate aftermath of their 3-2 loss in Game 5, leaders were already putting it in the rearview mirror.
“We’ll bounce right back,” captain Gabriel Landeskog said, pointing to the importance of having a short memory in the playoffs. “It’s a seven-game series. It’s not supposed to be easy, and it’s not going to be.”
Star center Nathan MacKinnon echoed that sentiment before the final started. He was glad the Lightning stood in Colorado’s way of winning the Cup because it was a fitting test of a champion.
There’s no bigger test than needing to cap it off on the road in Tampa.
One source of confidence for the Avalanche is their road success this postseason: 8-1, including a win and a loss at the Lightning. They can also look at Tampa Bay the past two years, St. Louis in 2019 and other previous champions who missed their first opportunity to close out the final and then shut the door and raised the Cup the next time out.
“We have belief in our room that we can win every game that we go out and play,” defenseman Devon Toews said. “Especially being the back-to-back champs, we know it’s going to take our best game in order to close this one out.”
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Follow AP Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SWhyno
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More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2022-06-26T16:14:31+00:00 | krqe.com | https://www.krqe.com/sports/road-test-at-lightning-stands-between-avalanche-stanley-cup/ |
‘They’re not just beautiful’: Neighborhood split over peacock conundrum
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT/Gray News) - A Nebraska neighborhood is experiencing what one resident calls a peacock problem.
“You feel like you’re in a jungle,” Marianna DiStefano said. “And you know they’re not just beautiful. They’re a nuisance.”
WOWT first did a story on the peacocks in 2016, and since then the population has grown. Back in 2016, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium said the peacocks did not come from the zoo.
The Nebraska Humane Society said a resident may have had peacocks as pets nearby and the population grew over time, evolving into a wild flock.
“At any given time, we’ll have about 14 of them,” said Paul Graner, another nearby resident.
The neighborhood hasn’t come to a consensus on what to do with the non-native birds.
“I had a friend that was in the driveway and a peacock went to fly into my tree and almost clipped her head,” said DiStefano.
Graner is a bit more indifferent: “They become annoying, screaming all day long but no, they’re good animals.”
DiStefano wants them gone.
“Nobody seems to be able to do anything about it,” she said.
DiStefano tried the Mayor’s Hotline, Nebraska Game and Parks and the Nebraska Humane Society.
“I wish I had a hard and fast answer, but I really can’t say that,” said Steve Glandt, vice president of field operations at the Nebraska Humane Society.
If a peacock harmed a person or damaged property then they would step in. Otherwise, they have to treat it like a flock of wild turkeys and let them be.
The NHS website says, “Officers are not authorized to trap healthy or non-threatening wildlife simply for relocation.”
It directs residents to the Nebraska Wildlife Rehab Inc. for encroaching wildlife. However, when WOWT called Nebraska Wildlife Rehab Inc., a representative said they deal with Nebraska-native wildlife, which peacocks are not. She did say if a peacock is injured they will take it in to care for it.
“As far as the Nebraska Humane Society, we really don’t have the personnel strength or the resources with these cages and things like that to even attempt to trap something,” said Glandt. “And then if we do, we have to determine whether we are legally able to relocate, which I don’t think we are.”
State guidelines restrict how far NHS can release trapped wildlife away from their original habitat. Glandt also said it is illegal to kill or tranquilize the birds.
Without any clear process for handling the birds, some residents just have to deal with the situation.
Copyright 2023 WOWT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | 2023-05-24T18:13:31+00:00 | wafb.com | https://www.wafb.com/2023/05/24/theyre-not-just-beautiful-neighborhood-split-over-peacock-conundrum/ |
Salmonella in ground beef sickens 16, hospitalizing 6, in 4 states, CDC says
(AP) - Ground beef contaminated with salmonella has sickened at least 16 people, including six hospitalized, in four Northeastern states, federal health officials said Tuesday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said illnesses have been reported in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Ground beef is the only common food reported in the outbreak. People who recalled what they ate and where they bought it reported eating 80% lean ground beef purchased from ShopRite stores in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. No recall has been issued, and an investigation is continuing, the agency said.
The true number of people sickened is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to states with known illnesses. Many people who become ill recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella poisoning. Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration.
__
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | 2023-07-26T00:32:09+00:00 | kmvt.com | https://www.kmvt.com/2023/07/25/salmonella-ground-beef-sickens-16-hospitalizing-6-4-states-cdc-says/ |
Since the 1970s, Harrington Public Library has operated out of makeshift facilities, including a trailer and an old funeral home.
It’s the only public library in the state not operating out of a facility built to be a library - until now.
Work on a new Harrington Public Library is underway, fueled by a combined $11.9 million in state and federal dollars.
$5.6 million of this comes from the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund, championed by Delaware’s Congressional Delegation.
The Harrington Public Library is one of nine libraries in Delaware to receive this funding, which allocated a total of $40 million to library improvements throughout all three counties.
Gov. John Carney says every community needs a library.
“Many thought that libraries were going to be obsolete with the internet. You know what? They’re more important than ever. As a gathering place, as a palace where our citizens can get access to information, as a place for books, a place where our children can learn to read and appreciate it. There’s nothing more important, and we need to do a better job with it,” Carney explained.
For many, libraries are a major resource for education, work, and leisure.
Harrington Public Library director Marleena Scott says this project will boost an underserved Harrington community where the poverty rate is almost double that of the county’s.
“This is the only place for some people. The only place they can get internet. The only place they have access to books. The only place they have access to meeting spaces. And this is just going to give them what we are currently able to offer, but so make it so much more. And give them so much more than they’ve ever had access to, especially because transportation is an issue, too," said Scott.
The new facility will be 15,000 square feet - a major bump from its current 2,500 square feet home - making it large enough to adapt to the growing community and its needs now, and in the future. | 2023-06-14T23:04:24+00:00 | delawarepublic.org | https://www.delawarepublic.org/politics-government/2023-06-14/the-harrington-public-library-gets-a-new-home-one-of-9-state-libraries-to-get-a-federal-boost |
UT-Austin Students Can’t Afford the Rent
Rising prices in West Campus leave learners scrambling for affordable housing options, with some paying up to $2000 a month per room.
A weathered, yellow building stands tucked between two high-rises on 24th Street. It’s not an eye-catching sight, especially amongst the continuous development taking place in the neighborhood. However, with rents ranging from $700-$2000 per room in West Campus, this building is one of the last affordable housing options left for University of Texas at Austin students.
It took 20 tours and three real estate agents over the course of a couple of months for Kayla Angel to find an apartment that fell within her price range. In West Campus, where rent averages in the thousands, Angel was able to find a place for $425 per month—but it came at a cost. The building has been through a succession of management companies, leaving Angel in the dark about who’s responsible for her home.
“I don’t know who has our deposit money,” she told the Texas Observer. “And last year, we had a rat in our apartment [and] there was a big pipe that burst. It smelled terrible for weeks, and we received no notification of when this was going to get fixed [or] what was going on.”
West Campus, a neighborhood steps from the University of Texas at Austin, primarily houses college students due to its proximity to campus. A neighborhood that was once littered with colorful homes has become filled with high-rises that grow in size each year. The neighborhood’s zip code, 78705, is now the third most densely populated in Texas. With West Campus expanding at such a rapid rate, luxury student apartments have been popping up throughout the majority student neighborhood. While the city offers some affordable housing options within West Campus, these continue to be extremely limited and become more sparse each year.
With students having to take out loans and work excessive hours to keep up with ever-increasing rent prices, Angel said she finds it upsetting that the university isn’t taking the initiative to make college as accessible as it should be.
“The university holds so much power,” Angel said. “If they can make a law saying that nothing can be built between the tower and the Capitol, they can make some sort of policy where there’s a rent cap for students.”
To Angel, it’s incredibly troubling that students have to work long shifts coupled with their academic responsibilities, all while worrying about whether they’ll be able to afford rent.
“You should be able to have your college experience, it’s your first time away from home,” Angel said. “It would be nice if money wasn’t as big of a factor as it is. … They keep making it tough on everybody.”
This year, Democratic Representative Yvette Clark introduced an affordable housing bill that would create a federal low-income housing assistance program by lowering rent based on area median income while simultaneously aiming to increase the number of affordable housing options for purposes of a federal low-income housing assistance program. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services on May 12, 2022, and has languished there since.
Democratic state Representative Gina Hinojosa told the Observer that, as of now, the state doesn’t have any rent relief programs geared specifically towards student housing. In 2013 the city of Port Arthur passed legislation that allowed the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation to fund affordable housing leading to a $6 million investment in the construction of affordable student housing on Lamar State College’s campus. Hinojosa said she wonders whether a similar model could be reused at more universities.
“In getting the rent to be lowered, building affordable housing is a start,” Hinojosa said. “Because of affordable housing, they have a cap on what they can bill the student, and usually that cap is much lower than the average rate of rent in that area … making it affordable for the students to be able to live there on campus.”
After living in an apartment complex during his freshman year, Joey Samfield transitioned into a co-op in West Campus three years ago and hasn’t left since. While he lives with 25 other students, he still has his own space within the seemingly packed housing accommodation.
Samfield pays $870 per month, which includes Wi-Fi, utilities, and food. While other UT-Austin students’ rent has increased by hundreds over the past couple of years, his rent has only increased by $90 throughout his time at the co-op. While he originally switched to a co-op because of the social aspect, Joey doesn’t think he’d be able to afford an apartment within West Campus now if he didn’t have this option, especially thanks to the rising cost of living.
“Things have been tighter the last year of my degree,” Samfield said. “The amount I’d be working outside of my degree would completely burn me out. It would be physically possible.”
He feels discouraged after witnessing historic landmarks and apartments throughout West Campus get demolished with expensive high-rises sprouting up in their place. It’s disheartening to see how other students are struggling while the university essentially lets it happen.
“As an institution, UT has so much public power, you’d think they would do something to mitigate the rising cost of rent, in this iconic student neighborhood where people live and work to finish their degree,” Sanfield said. “They’re letting people get priced out. … I don’t think UT is doing nearly enough. In my eyes, it’s not just negligent, it’s evil.” | 2022-12-22T23:48:15+00:00 | texasobserver.org | https://www.texasobserver.org/ut-austin-students-cant-afford-the-rent/ |
Celebrity Chef Carla Hall Comes to Atlanta's Colony Square to Ring in the Holidays with Families and Fans and Kick off Children's Pajama Drive for Pajama Program Published: Nov. 30, 2022 at 9:01 AM EST | Updated: 1 hour ago
Ticketed and free events, including special reading and signing of Carla's best-selling children's book, "Carla and the Christmas Cornbread"
YAKIMA, Wash. , Nov. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
Cosmic Crisp® apples (PRNewsfoto/Cosmic Crisp®)(PRNewswire)
WHO:
Beloved celebrity chef and TV host Carla Hall, presented by Cosmic Crisp® apples.
WHEN:
Saturday, December 3, noon-3 p.m. ET. (details for the day below)
WHAT:
Carla will usher in the holidays with kids of all ages and celebrate the arrival of the new crop of Cosmic Crisp® apples, available nationwide in grocery stores December 1. She will make crafts, read from her book, and kick off a children's pajama drive, benefitting the Pajama Program . Fans are encouraged to bring new, packaged pajamas to Colony Square to meet Carla. The first 50 people to place pajamas in the collection bin will receive a free copy of Carla's book and have the opportunity to get it signed. Pajamas will be collected December 3-24 at Sprouts Farmers Market located on Piedmont Road (1845 Piedmont Avenue NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30324). Look for the Santa sacks near the Cosmic Crisp® display in the produce department.
WHERE:
Colony Square Atlanta Ticketed Event8 a.m.-10 a.m.
"Smiles For The Season Breakfast" 5Church Restaurant A festive holiday breakfast with Carla, Santa and friends, hosted by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased here .
Free Events Noon-1 p.m.
Crafts with Carla, Kids and Cosmic Crisp® The Front Loop (facing Peachtree Street) An avid crafter, Carla will get hands-on with children to make ornaments and hand-stamped gift wrap from apples.
.
1:45-3 p.m.
Book Signing and Continued Crafts with Carla and Kids The Front Loop (facing Peachtree Street)
Parking is available via the garage located off 14th Street and Juniper. (Peachtree Street will be closed.)
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SOURCE Proprietary Variety Management
The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc. | 2022-11-30T15:09:47+00:00 | live5news.com | https://www.live5news.com/prnewswire/2022/11/30/celebrity-chef-carla-hall-comes-atlantas-colony-square-ring-holidays-with-families-fans-kick-off-childrens-pajama-drive-pajama-program/ |
The nomination window for the third annual induction class of the Clinton County Walk of Fame is open now until Feb. 17, 2023. The public is encouraged to nominate successful and accomplished individuals who have a significant tie to Clinton County and meet the Walk of Fame criteria, a news release says.
The 2022 class included WHD Koerner (Fine Arts), Karen Schneider Ericksen (Athletics), David Hilmers (Professional Achievement), Marquis Childs (Professional Achievement), Dale Gardner (Professional Achievement), Julie Allesee (Humanitarian) and Frances & Robert Bickelhaupt (Humanitarian).
This year’s nomination form along with more information on the previous inductees can be found at the Clinton County Walk of Fame website or on the City of Clinton’s website under the latest news section.
The Clinton County Walk of Fame has been created to give visitors and residents an interesting and innovative way to experience the county’s indelible impact on the world. The Walk of Fame also inspires all generations from the community and outside the community to make a difference and to shed a positive light on Clinton County through their achievements, just like the nominated individuals have done.
Individuals can be nominated for:
- Fine Arts
- Professional Achievement
- Military
- Athletics
- Humanitarian Acts
A nominee for the Walk of Fame must have a significant tie to Clinton County. They may be born in or have lived in Clinton County and have made an impact locally or elsewhere in the nation or abroad. The nominee should have values and characteristics that demonstrate a significant positive impact on their field or to Clinton County.
The nomination form must be fully completed and must include: nominator contact information, the nominee’s contact information, the category for which they are being nominated, and an essay (maximum 500 words) which provides persuasive evidence and concisely explains how the nominee fits the criteria and why he/she should be selected. Additional materials to support the nomination essay, such as newspaper articles, awards, etc. are encouraged. Selections will be made on merit, not endorsements. A nominator is limited to nominating a maximum of three individuals in an annual nomination cycle.
If the nominee is chosen, the committee will notify the nominee or their family of their selection. There will be an induction ceremony for the nominees as well as a reception and an award will be given to the person or the selected representative along with a permanent public display. The induction celebration will be held at Eagle Point Lodge on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023.
Nominations may be made without any contact information for the nominee or the nominee’s next of kin. If no contact information is known for the nominee or their next of kin, please leave section two and three blanks of the nomination sheet. Nominations must be submitted to The Sawmill Museum at 2231 Grant St, Clinton, IA 52732 Attn: Matt Parbs. To be considered for the current year’s induction class, letters must be received by 4:30 p.m. Feb. 17. | 2023-01-30T01:32:20+00:00 | ourquadcities.com | https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/county-seeks-nominations-for-walk-of-fame/ |
Steel “is the backbone of our modern society,” Boulder serial entrepreneur Sandeep Nijhawan said, but unfortunately its creation is responsible for about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
As developing nations modernize and industrialize, “you need these foundational building blocks like steel, but with green solutions.”
That’s where Nijhawan’s latest venture Electra comes in.
Electrasteel Inc., founded by CEO Nijhawan and chief technology officer Quoc Pham, claims to have developed a process for making iron and steel using less energy and with more-abundant material.
The founders don’t have backgrounds in metallurgy or materials science but do have a gambler’s spirit when it comes to backing ambitious ventures.
“We pick big problems and see if we can solve them or not,” Nijhawan said.
The company this month stepped out of two years in stealth mode to announce an $85 million fundraising round led by Bill Gates-founded Breakthrough Energy Ventures.
“Decarbonizing ironmaking is essential for a zero carbon future and an unparalleled trillion-dollar market opportunity,” Breakthrough Energy Ventures investment lead Carmichael Roberts said in a statement. “Electrifying cost-effective ironmaking without carbon emissions is a paradigm shift in how steel has been made for centuries by burning fossil fuels.”
Electra’s mission, “which is to create green iron without a green premium for decarbonized steelmaking, is capital intensive,” Nijhawan told BizWest. Money raised from investors will be used “to continue to grow our team with engineers, scientists, business professionals, and to build our pilot plant.”
The pilot plant, which will serve as proof of Electra’s concept and technology, will be built at the company’s headquarters on Lookout Road. At buildout, the whole Electra operation in Boulder could take up nearly 55,000 square feet, according to Nijhawan.
Electra claims it can “produce low-temperature iron (LTI) from commercial and low-grade ores using zero-carbon intermittent electricity.” The production method is designed to be less expensive and less detrimental to the environment than conventional iron and steel-making processes.
“We are taking on one of the hardest-to-abate sectors of our economy,” Nijhawan said.
But there is some mystery surrounding the technological and chemical processes Electra uses to create its iron, which company officials refuse to publicly reveal.
Assuming the Boulder pilot plant pans out, Electra’s leaders hope to build a series of other plants in areas with easy access to iron ore and renewable electricity.
Those plants would likely be monitored by a control room in Electra’s Boulder headquarters.
Electra has a team of about 50 workers now and expects that number to triple in the next year or two.
“Every three months, we refresh our business plan and decide that we need more,” Nijhawan said.
In addition to building the business, Electra’s leaders aim to spark “discussions with folks at the state level and in (Washington) to start shaping policy on carbon-free or emission-free steel,” Nijhawan said, with the hope that the company can “help flatten the carbon emission curve and the trajectory of climate change.”
After spending nearly two decades in Silicon Valley, Nijhawan moved to Boulder in 2016 to launch an energy-storage technology company.
“My primary attraction to Boulder was to improve my quality of life,” he said, noting the magnetism of the Flatirons. “I was driving from Denver toward Boulder many years ago, and the closer I got to Boulder, I just felt an attraction that I couldn’t shake off.”
If the views and the vibes brought Nijhawan to Boulder, the tech talent coming out of places like the University of Colorado Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology kept him here and allowed him to build Electra.
“Boulder is a crown jewel, a well-kept secret that’s just getting out,” he said.
This article was first published by BizWest, an independent news organization, and is published under a license agreement. © 2022 BizWest Media LLC.
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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Moussa Djitté and Sebastián Driussi scored three minutes apart in the first half and Austin FC defeated FC Dallas 2-1 on Sunday night in a Western Conference semifinal of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
No. 2 seed Austin advances to the conference final against No. 1 seed LAFC on Sunday.
In the 26th minute, Djitté picked up a deflected corner kick at the top of the goalie box and zipped the ball past Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes for a 1-0 lead.
In the 29th minute, Driussi stole the ball near midfield, dribbled up field, juked a defender and blasted a shot from the top of the penalty area, beating Paes to his right side. It was Driussi's third goal of the playoffs after scoring 22 goals in the regular season.
Austin's 2-0 lead stood up until Alan Velasco got No.3-seed Dallas on the board in the 65th minute.
One week after rallying from a 2-0 deficit to get past Real Salt Lake, Austin did not allow Dallas to do the same. Austin beat their in-state rival for the first time, having gone 0-3 against Dallas in 2021 and 0-0-2 in the 2022 regular season.
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2022-10-24T03:16:00+00:00 | sfgate.com | https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Austin-holds-off-Dallas-2-1-to-make-Western-17529318.php |
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Feb. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDYA), a synthetic lethality focused precision medicine oncology company committed to the discovery and development of targeted therapeutics, announced its participation in the 2023 Guggenheim Oncology Conference.
2023 Guggenheim Oncology Conference
Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 7:45 AM PT (10:45 AM ET)
Fireside chat with Yujiro S. Hata, President and Chief Executive Officer and Michael White, Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, hosted by Charles Zhu, Ph.D. Vice President and Equity Research Analyst
A live audio webcast of the event will be available, as permitted by conference host, at the "Investors/ Events" section of the IDEAYA website at https://ir.ideayabio.com/events. A replay of the webcast will be accessible for 30 days following the live event.
About IDEAYA Biosciences
IDEAYA is a synthetic lethality-focused precision medicine oncology company committed to the discovery and development of targeted therapeutics for patient populations selected using molecular diagnostics. IDEAYA's approach integrates capabilities in identifying and validating translational biomarkers with drug discovery to select patient populations most likely to benefit from its targeted therapies. IDEAYA is applying its early research and drug discovery capabilities to synthetic lethality – which represents an emerging class of precision medicine targets.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements related to participation in and/or presentation at certain investor relations events. IDEAYA undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of IDEAYA in general, see IDEAYA's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 8, 2022 and any current and periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Investor and Media Contact
IDEAYA Biosciences
Paul Stone
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
investor@ideayabio.com
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SOURCE IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. | 2023-02-01T11:25:22+00:00 | witn.com | https://www.witn.com/prnewswire/2023/02/01/ideaya-biosciences-participate-2023-guggenheim-oncology-conference/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The head of the Food and Drug Administration has asked for a review of the agency’s food and tobacco programs following months of criticism over its handling of the baby formula shortage and e-cigarette reviews.
Tuesday’s announcement comes as FDA Commissioner Robert Califf attempts to push past several controversies that have dominated his second stint running the agency, including the delayed response to contamination problems at the country’s largest infant formula plant.
“Fundamental questions about the structure, function, funding and leadership need to be addressed” in the agency’s food program, Califf said in a statement. The agency’s tobacco center, which regulates traditional cigarettes and vaping products, is facing challenges navigating policy and enforcement issues from “an increasing number of novel products that could potentially have significant consequences for public health,” he said.
Califf said the Reagan-Udall Foundation — a non-governmental research group created by Congress to support FDA’s work — would convene experts to deliver evaluations within 60 business days of both the food and tobacco operations. The announcement came one day before Califf was scheduled to testify before the Senate about FDA’s oversight of food safety.
More than two dozen consumer groups have called on Califf to appoint one official to oversee all FDA food operations, which are dispersed across multiple centers responsible for nutrition standards, plant inspections and animal food. But Califf told The Associated Press in an interview that he believes more fundamental changes are needed.
“I don’t think structure alone is really the fix, or that leadership alone is the fix,” Califf said. “There’s a consistent concern out there that we need to really fix the fundamentals, which includes all those elements.”
Califf said he agreed with critiques that the food program has been underfunded compared with FDA’s drug program, which receives more than a $1 billion annually in industry user fees. The agency recently sought more food funding and authority to help track supply chains to try to head off future shortages.
Parents and politicians also have expressed frustration over the agency’s handling of a recent decision to ban all e-cigarettes from Juul, the leading U.S. vaping company. A federal court quickly blocked the agency’s order. FDA then backtracked further in court, saying it needed more time to review Juul’s application due to its “unique scientific issues.”
The FDA has also struggled to review millions of other applications from vaping companies, prompting multiple missed regulatory deadlines over the last two years.
Califf again cited funding challenges, pointing out that the FDA cannot collect user fees from vaping companies to review their products. The agency has asked Congress for that authority.
“I don’t think anyone anticipated that there would be 6.7 million vaping product applications that came rolling in during a pandemic that was stressing the entire agency,” Califf said.
Last week, the FDA announced it would miss another deadline to remove thousands of illegal e-cigarettes that use synthetic nicotine. FDA specifically asked Congress to give the agency authority over those products, which had used a legal loophole to skirt regulation.
Sen. Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, suggested Califf should resign if the agency can’t swiftly remove the products.
President Joe Biden tapped Califf for the FDA job largely because of his prior experience at the agency, which he briefly led during the Obama administration. A cardiologist and respected researcher, Califf planned to focus his time at FDA on fighting medical misinformation and streamlining the agency’s data systems.
But those efforts have been eclipsed by newer controversies, including political outrage over the formula shortage, which has forced the U.S. to airlift millions of containers of formula from Europe. Recently, the FDA said it would help foreign manufacturers stay on the U.S. market for the long term, in an effort to diversify the formula supply here.
Califf previously predicted the formula shortage could last until July. He said Tuesday that retail data show that supplies have improved due to increases in both U.S. production and imports.
“What you’re going to see is a gradual climbing out of the current situation as more and more formula becomes available,” Califf said.
In May, Califf testified before Congress about missteps that slowed the agency’s response to contamination problems at the Michigan formula plant. While many happened before Califf started on the job, he struggled to explain who was ultimately responsible for food safety within FDA’s bureaucracy.
FDA’s food program has a byzantine leadership structure in which there is a director for food and a separate deputy commissioner for “food policy and response.” The deputy commissioner has more of a safety focus, but has no direct authority over food center staff nor regional personnel who inspect plants.
“You have serious structural leadership issues,” Rep. Rosa DeLauro told Califf during the hearing.
DeLauro, a Connecticut Democrat, said Tuesday the FDA’s evaluation must contain input from non-FDA experts and interest groups to be credible.
“A report that includes recommendations to preserve the status quo is unacceptable,” she said in an emailed statement.
Responding to multiple crises is a standard part of leading the FDA, which regulates industries that account for an estimated one-fifth of all U.S. consumer spending.
Despite the recent controversies, some experts say Califf has done a good job, considering the increasing polarization surrounding the issues and products FDA oversees.
“Leading the FDA is becoming as complicated as, maybe more complicated than, leading a cabinet-level executive department,” said Daniel Carpenter, a professor of government at Harvard University. “I think Califf has navigated a pretty politically fraught environment and he has done it with remarkable skill.”
___
Follow Matthew Perrone on Twitter: @AP_FDAwriter
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | 2022-07-19T23:23:14+00:00 | ksn.com | https://www.ksn.com/news/politics/ap-politics/fda-weighs-oversight-changes-after-juul-formula-troubles/ |
The bottom of the third was an inning that just about everyone in the Rapid City Post 22 lineup contributed to, mostly because everyone in the lineup got to swing the bat.
The Hardhats ran through the order in the frame, including seven at-bats without an out to start it, earning six hits and picking up seven runs en route to an 10-1 win over Bellevue Post 339 on Thursday at Fitzgerald Stadium, in a game that lasted four and a half innings.
“We had really good approaches at the plate,” Post 22 head coach Kelvin Torve said. “We got some hits that were just flares, but that came from being aggressive and having good approaches, so I was really pleased with how we swung the bat tonight.”
Wyatt Anderson hit a home run as part of a two-run night for the Hardhats (13-9), while designated hitter Kai Jackson collected three RBIs in a 2 for 3 performance that included a double. Mars Sailer tallied two runs, and Zeke Farlee and Harrison Good both notched a pair of hits, including a triple for Good.
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“When we’ve got our bats, I think everything else comes together, we just need to hit the ball and we’ll win some games,” Anderson said. “I think when we see one guy do it, it gives us all confidence that everybody else can do it. We all know that we’re good hitters, it just takes one person to prove it.”
Pitch-to-contact starter Eli Kelley was clinical in the victory, allowing one earned run on four hits and no walks while striking out two on 58 pitches in all five innings. He threw 72% first-pitch strikes, and retired a stretch of 10 batters in a row.
“Eli is just pounding the zone with two to three pitches, and he’s getting hitters out. He’s letting hitters get themselves out, which is good pitching,” Torve said. “You don’t have to punch everybody out, just two two three pitches, get a ground ball or get a fly ball and you move on, and Eli’s been a master at that.”
Post 22 got on the board in the first when a throwing error on the Bellevue shortstop, trying to get the final out of the frame at first, allowed Sailer to cross the plate.
The Hardhats’ big third inning ignited when they tried a double steal attempt with runners on second and first. Farlee advanced to third easily, but Sailer got caught in the rundown between second and first. The Bellevue (2-2) first baseman, close to tagging out Sailer, looked over at Farlee leading off third base, rolled his ankle and tumbled to the infield turf, allowing Farlee to score.
On the next pitch, Anderson hit a pop-fly that the left fielder was unable to bring in, allowing Sailer to score.
Hayden Holec followed that up with an RBI-double, the back-to-back knocks from Good and Dylon Marsh loaded the bases with no outs. Jackson stepped up to the plate and sent a 2-2 pitch into shallow left field, driving in two and putting runners on second and third.
Wilson Kieffer, batting ninth, picked up an RBI on a squeeze bunt, then Farlee, getting his second plate appearance of the inning, blasted an RBI-single past the second baseman to cap off the frame.
“It’s a growing confidence. We’re getting better day by day, week by week,” said Torve, whose squad finished with 11 hits. “We’re still really young and we still have some mistakes we need to clean up, but we’re still getting a little more confidence, and we just need to build on that every day.”
Anderson recorded his homer in the fourth, sending a 2-2 pitch over the right-field fence to begin the inning.
“I saw a fastball,” Anderson said. “I went to my two-strike approach and I thought, ‘Just keep it simple,’ and it worked out.”
Good followed up the dinger with a first-pitch triple to center field, and Jackson drove him in two at-bats later on a single to left.
“They competed up there, they weren’t going to give in,” Torve said. “So when you compete and you don’t give in, you’re going to have success, and they did tonight.”
Bellevue, a team from outside Omaha, Nebraska, avoided a shutout in the fifth with two of its four hits coming back-to-back; a leadoff bunt-single, followed by a steal to second, and a two-out RBI-single to left.
Post 22 returns to the Fitz on Friday for a doubleheader, taking on Miles City at 4:30 p.m. and Laramie at 7 p.m.
Contact Matt Case at matt.case@rapidcityjournal.com | 2022-06-03T06:05:28+00:00 | rapidcityjournal.com | https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/seven-run-inning-powers-hardhats-to-mercy-rule-win-at-veterans-classic/article_b3d1de9d-a9e0-5a7a-9a66-48fdae644bc2.html |
ROCKY HILL, Conn. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Thursday evening's drawing of the Connecticut Lottery's "Play4 Night" game were:
9-4-4-6, WB: 6
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(nine, four, four, six; WB: six)
ROCKY HILL, Conn. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Thursday evening's drawing of the Connecticut Lottery's "Play4 Night" game were:
9-4-4-6, WB: 6
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(nine, four, four, six; WB: six)
By The Associated Press | 2023-01-13T05:44:30+00:00 | seattlepi.com | https://www.seattlepi.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Play4-Night-game-17715006.php |
Manchin says it’s a ‘mistake’ for White House to want Democrats to address debt ceiling without GOP
By Daniella Diaz and Paul LeBlanc, CNN
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia said Sunday that it’s a “mistake” for the White House to want Democrats to deal with the debt ceiling without negotiating with congressional Republicans.
“I think it’s a mistake because we have to negotiate. This is a democracy that we have. We have a two-party system, if you will, and we should be able to talk and find out where our differences are. And if they are irreconcilable, then you have to move on from there and let people make their decisions,” Manchin, a key Senate moderate, told CNN’s Dana Bash on “State of the Union.”
“Using the debt ceiling and holding it hostage hasn’t worked in the past,” Manchin continued, adding that he “respectfully” disagrees with his party’s No. 2 Democrat in the chamber, Majority Whip Dick Durbin, on not negotiating with Republicans.
“Every American has to live within a budget. If they don’t, they’re in trouble financially. Every business that’s successful has to live within a budget. Every state has to live within a budget. Shouldn’t the federal government have some guardrails that, say, ‘Hey, guys … you’re overreaching here and you’re overspending?’ But then pick your priorities. That’s all,” he added.
The US hit the debt ceiling set by Congress on Thursday, forcing the Treasury Department to start taking “extraordinary measures” to keep the government paying its bills and escalating pressure on Capitol Hill to avoid a catastrophic default.
The battle lines for the high-stakes fight have already been set. Hard-line Republicans, who have enormous sway in the House because of the party’s slim majority, have demanded that lifting the borrowing cap be tied to spending reductions. Manchin suggested Sunday he was open to spending cuts.
The White House, however, has countered that it will not offer any concessions or negotiate on raising the debt ceiling. And with the solution to the debt ceiling drama squarely in lawmakers’ hands, fears are growing that the partisan brinksmanship could result in the nation defaulting on its debt for the first time ever — or come dangerously close to doing so.
GOP Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania said Sunday on Fox News that the White House position against negotiating with House Republicans on spending cuts, in exchange for raising the debt ceiling, is “very irresponsible.” He said the first step in addressing the debt ceiling situation is for Speaker Kevin McCarthy to sit down with Biden.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a New Jersey Democrat, said in the same interview that he believes the White House will ultimately sit down with McCarthy, which he called “a good thing.”
Fitzpatrick and Gottheimer are the co-chairs of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus in the House.
As to whether Social Security and Medicare should be part of these negotiations, Manchin shared his interest in wanting to create a committee that would make the two programs “more financially secure and stable.” But he said no one who currently receives these benefits should receive any cuts.
“No cuts to anybody that’s receiving their benefits, no adjustments to that. They’ve earned it. They paid into it. Take that off the table,” Manchin said. “But everyone’s using that as a leverage.”
The senator indicated he was open to raising the income cap for Social Security taxes.
“I’m open to basically raising — the easiest and quickest thing we can do is raise the cap,” he said.
Meanwhile, Manchin on Sunday also offered support for fellow Senate moderate Krysten Sinema, calling her a “formidable candidate” for reelection in 2024.
Sinema announced last month she was leaving the Democratic Party and registering as a political independent, fueling fresh interest from Arizona Democrats to challenge her next year.
“I would think that she needs to be supported again, yes, because she brings that independent spirit,” Manchin said.
This story has been updated with additional information.
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™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
CNN’s Sarah Fortinsky and Tami Luhby contributed to this report. | 2023-01-22T22:17:53+00:00 | kyma.com | https://kyma.com/cnn-us-politics/2023/01/22/manchin-says-its-a-mistake-for-white-house-to-want-democrats-to-address-debt-ceiling-without-gop/ |
Former President Donald Trump and his allies have whipped up a relentless campaign of attacks against voting equipment since his loss in the 2020 election. After nearly two years, no evidence has emerged that voting machines were manipulated to steal the election or that there was any widespread fraud.
Conspiracy theories spread online and in forums across the country nevertheless have undermined public confidence in voting machines and election results, while leading some counties to consider ditching the equipment in favor of hand-marked and hand-counted ballots.
Elections have been held across the country this year during a busy primary season. While programming errors sometimes occur and equipment can malfunction, no major problems have been reported. Voting equipment is tested before and after to identify any problems, while audits done after the election confirm it worked correctly.
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The Associated Press explains how we got to this point, the efforts to increase security of the vote and the fallout from the false claims surrounding the 2020 presidential election.
VOTING TECHNOLOGY IN USE IN THE U.S.
The types of voting equipment used throughout the U.S. varies by location. For in-person voting, most people fill out ballots by hand, and those ballots are inserted into an electronic tabulator. In many cases, this happens at the polling location. Elsewhere, the ballots are collected in a secured box, with rules governing the chain of custody, and taken to an election office for electronic tabulation.
In some places, a specialized computer is used by voters to mark their ballots electronically. Those ballots are printed, reviewed by the voter for accuracy and then inserted into a tabulator at their polling location. A lawsuit in Georgia is challenging the use of these "ballot-marking" machines because they use bar codes to record votes.
Mailed ballots also are counted by tabulators at a local election office. A small number of jurisdictions, mostly small towns in New England, don't use tabulators and count their ballots by hand.
HOW HAS THIS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
After the “hanging chad” chaos of the 2000 election, Congress provided money for voting system upgrades. Many jurisdictions opted for electronic voting machines to replace their punch-card ballot systems. But those machines did not produce a paper record; instead, all votes were cast and recorded electronically.
For years, election security experts raised concerns about these “direct-recording” machines and the potential for someone to tamper with them. A more secure method, they say, is a system that uses paper ballots and electronic tabulation with post-election reviews and tests to ensure the machines faithfully recorded voters' choices.
Over the last decade, state and local governments began replacing their paperless machines, a process that accelerated after the 2016 election and revelations that Russia had scanned U.S. voting systems looking for vulnerabilities. Today, paperless machines are used only in Louisiana and a small number of jurisdictions in Indiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, Tennessee and Texas, according to Verified Voting, a group that tracks voting technology in the U.S.
CLAIMS MADE AFTER THE 2020 ELECTION
In the weeks after the 2020 election, Trump and his allies made numerous unsupported claims about voting machines, including that their software was created in foreign countries and designed to flip votes for desired candidates: “With the turn of a dial or the change of a chip, you can press a button for Trump and it goes to Biden,” Trump said in a Dec. 2 speech.
These claims have largely centered on Dominion Voting Systems, one of a handful of companies that dominate the U.S. voting technology market. In response, Dominion has filed defamation lawsuits against conservative media companies and Trump lawyers Sidney Powell and Rudy Giuliani, saying “lies and misinformation have severely damaged our company and diminished the credibility of U.S. elections.”
But rather than dissipate, conspiracies surrounding voting machines have only grown. Trump allies have been traveling the country to speak at conferences and with community groups, armed with algorithms and charts purporting to show machines have somehow been rigged.
Election technology expert Kevin Skoglund said part of the challenge is that voting systems are complex. It’s understandable that some people would be persuaded that something nefarious happened when it did not.
“If you are a person who is not technical, if someone is telling you the machines are cheating you, you might believe it because you don’t understand how the systems work,” Skoglund said.
ARE VOTING SYSTEMS SECURE?
Any device run by software -- a cell phone, a laptop or voting system -- is vulnerable to hacking. That’s why election experts have been pressing for the replacement of paperless voting machines.
Experts say the U.S. has taken steps to improve election security in recent years. That includes designating U.S. voting systems in 2017 as “critical infrastructure” -- on par with the nation’s banks, dams and nuclear power plants.
Congress has sent nearly $900 million in election security funding to states, which has been used to replace outdated voting systems, hire cybersecurity staff and beef up cybersecurity defenses.
“There is no such thing as an invulnerable system,” said Larry Norden, an election security expert at the Brennan Center for Justice. “That doesn’t mean we can’t do better. We should always be looking at how we can do better, but you can’t eliminate risk.”
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FALSE CLAIMS FUEL DOUBT AND SECURITY CONCERNS
The false claims have not only undermined public confidence in elections. They also have led to security breaches at some local election offices in Colorado, Georgia and Michigan.
Soon after the 2020 election, Trump allies seized on a programming error in a Michigan county and, through the courts, gained legal access to its voting system. But a copy of the county’s election management system was made available at an August 2021 event hosted by a Trump ally, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, according to attendees.
Also released at that event was a copy of the system used in Mesa County, Colorado. Details have surfaced recently of another suspected breach — in Coffee County, Georgia in January 2021 as Trump allies sought ways to overturn the result of the presidential election. And Michigan authorities are investigating after voting equipment in a handful of counties was made accessible to unauthorized people.
Those developments have prompted concerns that rogue election workers sympathetic to conspiracies might use their access to election equipment and the knowledge to launch an attack from within. A poll worker in Michigan was recently charged with inserting a personal thumb drive into an electronic pollbook during the state's primary, while authorities in Colorado are investigating a case in which a voter is suspected of tampering with a voting machine earlier this year.
Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency at the Department of Homeland Security, told reporters Monday that threats to the security of elections have never been more complex — citing misinformation, the insider threats and harassment of election workers.
THE “MOST SECURE” ELECTION
After the 2020 presidential election, a coalition of federal cybersecurity and election officials along with state election officials and representatives from voting machine companies issued a statement calling it the “most secure in American history.”
The group said there was “no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes, changed votes, or was in any way compromised."
This was due largely to paper records being available for an estimated 93% of all ballots cast and a system of post-election checks to test the accuracy of the electronic tabulators. In Georgia, the presidential vote was counted three times -- once entirely by hand -- and each tally affirmed President Joe Biden’s win in the state.
“It doesn’t matter what happens in the machine,” said Norden, of the Brennan Center. “We have a piece of paper that tells us whether votes were recorded accurately.” | 2022-11-02T22:47:46+00:00 | nbcmiami.com | https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/politics/explainer-voting-systems-reliable-despite-conspiracies/2898982/ |
3 Mesa children reported missing after being taken by non-custodial uncle
MESA, Ariz. - Three children have been reported missing out of Mesa after they were reportedly taken by their uncle, who does not have custodial rights.
Barbara, Saleen and Legend Demetro - ages 8, 5 and 3 - were last seen on May 22 near Broadway and Country Club Drive.
They are believed to be with their uncle, Tony Hallam, who does not have custodial rights to the children.
"Family is concerned for the kids welfare at this time," police said.
Hallam still might be in Arizona, but Mesa authorities say the group might be heading to Fort Worth, Texas.
The 44-year-old drives a burgundy 2000 Toyota Camry with license plate number TJA08N. He's described as a 6', 250 pound bald white and Hispanic male with a right eyebrow tattoo and a neck tattoo that says "SOUTH SIDE."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Mesa Police.
Where they were last seen: | 2023-05-28T15:37:23+00:00 | fox10phoenix.com | https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/3-mesa-children-reported-missing-after-being-taken-by-non-custodial-uncle |
Launch Event a Highlight of Summer Learning Week
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona today announced that the National Summer Learning Association will join dozens of organizations in a new partnership to ensure that all children have access to high-quality learning opportunities outside of school.
Cardona announced the Engage Every Student Initiative at an event celebrating National Summer Learning Week at the U.S. Department of Education (ED) headquarters, where youth and their mentors from across the country described how learning activities are helping their academic progress during the summer. The Secretary encouraged the partnership to take bold action to provide access to high-quality afterschool programs and summer learning activities.
"It is an honor to join other advocates for out-of-school learning to address the critical need to make up for lost learning during the pandemic," said Aaron Dworkin, the executive director of the National Summer Learning Association. "Through camps, library programs, and other engaging activities, children can continue their learning adventure during the summer and prepare to excel when they return to school in the fall."
For the new initiative, the U.S. Department of Education will invest $3.4 million to provide best practices in program implementation for summer and out-of-school time. ED's Institute for Education Sciences will create a new tool to support using evidence to implement afterschool and summer learning activities.
"For decades, researchers have documented the 'learning loss' that happens when children are out of school for more than two months as they wait for the next school year to begin," Dworkin said. "During the pandemic, education researchers have documented similar learning loss in children who attended school in virtual environments for a year or more. Today, out-of-school learning is more important than ever."
This summer, NSLA has created new and innovative ways to help students of all ages extend their learning experiences during the summer months.
More than 30 youth from award-wining summer learning programs were selected to meet this week at the inaugural NSLA Youth Leadership Institute. In a unique program, youth are experiencing the best of summer camps that focus on social emotional learning; academic success; arts; health and fitness; and
service and leadership The 8th and 9th graders, and their program leaders, met with their congressional leaders on Thursday before meeting with the US Secretary of Education.
Working with the American Camp Association and with the support of the New York Life Foundation, NSLA is supporting a free summer camp experience for children from 10 low-income communities. The camps are partnering with local schools to provide intentional learning programs where students develop life skills such as problem-solving, leadership, and communication. The New York Life Foundation has provided funding to expand the program in 2023.
In partnership with the NBA Foundation, NSLA has secured paid internships in the U.S. Congress for 10 college-age students and recent college graduates from minority backgrounds. The internships will give students of color a prestigious experience on their resumes that will help launch their careers. In addition to a stipend, the program pays for housing, travel to Washington, and food and clothing.
NSLA joins the Education Department and the Afterschool Alliance, the National Comprehensive Center at Westat, the National League of Cities, and AASA, the School Superintendents Association as coordinating partners for Engage Every Student. More than 20 allied organizations have signed on including the National Governors Association, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the American Camp Association, and the Y.
More information is available at engageeverystudent.org
For nearly 30 years, NSLA has worked to combat summer learning loss and close the achievement and opportunity gaps which research shows grow most dramatically between lower and higher income students over the summer months. Our vision is, and always has been, to ensure all young people in America, regardless of background, income, and zip code, can participate in and benefit from a high-quality summer learning experience, every year. NSLA supports and collaborates with a broad and ever-growing network of 15,000+ leaders of school districts, youth-serving government agencies, and non-profit and corporate partners from across the country focused on improving the lives of youth.
Aaron Dworkin, National Summer Learning Association, adworkin@summerlearning.org, 917-584-1835 OR Terri Ferinde, ferinde@collaborativecommunications.com, 202-271-8651
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SOURCE NSLA | 2022-07-14T18:35:37+00:00 | kwtx.com | https://www.kwtx.com/prnewswire/2022/07/14/national-summer-learning-association-joins-partnership-engage-every-student/ |
Lebanese banks close doors to customers to protest ruling
By KAREEM CHEHAYEB
Associated Press
BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon’s battered commercial banks have closed their doors to customers in protest of a recent court ruling that forced one of the country’s largest banks to pay out two of its depositors their trapped savings in cash. The Association of Banks in Lebanon, which lobbies for the banks, released a statement Tuesday calling the action an “open-ended strike.” It criticized the court ruling, claiming it was detrimental to all depositors, because the banks cannot afford to pay out everyone else’s savings in full. The demise of the banks is part of Lebanon’s economic meltdown and unprecedented financial crisis that erupted in 2019 following years of corruption and mismanagement by the country’s rulers. | 2023-02-07T12:50:03+00:00 | localnews8.com | https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national/2023/02/07/lebanese-banks-close-doors-to-customers-to-protest-ruling/ |
ORLANDO, Fla., May 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and entertainment company, today reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2023.
First Quarter 2023 Highlights
- Attendance was 3.4 million guests, a decrease of approximately 25,000 guests from the first quarter of 2022.
- Total revenue was a record $293.3 million, an increase of $22.7 million or 8.4% from the first quarter of 2022.
- Net loss was $16.5 million, the second smallest net loss in the first quarter and an increase of $7.5 million from the first quarter of 2022.
- Adjusted EBITDA[1] was a record $72.4 million, an increase of $6.5 million or 9.8% from the first quarter of 2022.
- Total revenue per capita[2] increased 9.2% to a record $86.84 from the first quarter of 2022. Admission per capita[2] increased 9.4% to a record $48.51 while in-park per capita spending[2] increased 8.9% to a record $38.33 from the first quarter of 2022.
Other Highlights
- Subsequent to March 31, 2023, the Company repurchased 235,000 shares for an aggregate total of approximately $13.9 million, leaving approximately $42.4 million remaining under the Share Repurchase Program as of May 4, 2023.
- During the first quarter of 2023, the Company came to the aid of 85 animals in need in the wild. The total number of animals the Company has helped over its history is more than 40,000.
"We are pleased to report another quarter of record financial results despite adverse weather across a number of our markets, particularly in our California market and a shift in the timing of the opening of our new rides," said Marc Swanson, Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. "This is the 8th consecutive quarter where we have generated record financial results. We continued to drive growth in total per capita spending in the quarter demonstrating the effectiveness of our revenue strategies, our pricing power and the strength of consumer spending in our parks."
"Looking ahead, we are very encouraged by our group booking trends which are running well ahead of 2022 and we are really excited about our 2023 lineup of new rides, attractions and events – several of which are some of the most anticipated rides of 2023 - and looking forward to most of them opening in the coming weeks. On the international front, we are also very thrilled for the opening of the fourth SeaWorld park and first SeaWorld branded park outside of the United States in Abu Dhabi on May 23, 2023."
"I am very excited about the significant investments we are making and the many initiatives we have underway across our business that we expect will improve the guest experience, allow us to generate more revenue and make us a more efficient and more profitable enterprise. We are building an even stronger and more resilient business that we are confident will deliver improved operational and financial results and meaningful increases in shareholder value. I want to thank our ambassadors for their ongoing efforts as we prepare for what we anticipate will be another busy summer season. We continue to expect to deliver meaningful growth and new records in revenue and Adjusted EBITDA for 2023," concluded Swanson.
[1] This earnings release includes Adjusted EBITDA, Covenant Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow which are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"). See "Statement Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Key Performance Metrics" section and the financial statement tables for the definitions of Adjusted EBITDA, Covenant Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow and the reconciliation of these measures for historical periods to their respective most comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
[2] This earnings release includes key performance metrics such as total revenue per capita, admissions per capita and in-park per capita spending. See "Statement Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Key Performance Metrics" section for definitions and further details.
For 2023, the Company has a truly exciting line-up of new rides, attractions, events and upgrades, including four of the most anticipated roller coasters of 2023 according to USA Today:
- In February, Busch Gardens Tampa opened the Serengeti Flyer, the world's tallest and fastest Screaming Swing that takes riders up 135 feet at speeds reaching 68 miles per hour.
- In March, Aquatica San Antonio opened Kata's Kookaburra Cove, a newly expanded and upgraded 3,000-square-foot area with multiple unique water play elements, water spouts, all-new private cabanas, a fully-themed splashpad and multiple shade structures.
- This month, SeaWorld Orlando will open Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, the first-of-its-kind surf coaster, with seats in a surfing position that rise and fall to mimic the sensation of riding a wave. The coaster will accelerate riders to 60 miles per hour through five air-time moments and an innovative 'wave curl' inversion; Busch Gardens Williamsburg will open DarKoaster, the first all-indoor straddle coaster in North America where riders experience four launches at speeds up to 36 miles per hour through over 2,400 feet of track; Aquatica Orlando will open Turi's Kid Cove, an all-new water play area will feature watering palms, tipping buckets, spraying jets, water bobbles, and more; and Sesame Place Philadelphia will open Bert & Ernie's Splashy Shores, a water play area featuring water umbrellas, tipping buckets, spraying jets, water bobbles and a spraying water tower.
- Later this spring and summer, SeaWorld San Diego will open Arctic Rescue, the fastest and longest straddle coaster on the West Coast that takes riders through three launches at speeds up to 40 miles per hour; Water Country USA will open Riptide Race, the first dueling pipeline slide in Virginia; and Sesame Place San Diego will open The Count's Splash Castle, an enhanced water play area and expanded play structure which features three tipping buckets, four water slides and over 100 other water play elements; and we anticipate that SeaWorld San Antonio will open Catapult Falls: the world's first launched flume coaster features the world's steepest flume drop, North America's only flume with a vertical lift, and the tallest flume drop in Texas.
The Company's results of operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2023 and 2022 continued to be impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic due in part to a decline in international attendance from historical levels.
First Quarter 2023 Results
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company hosted approximately 3.4 million guests, generated record total revenues of $293.3 million, net loss of $16.5 million and record Adjusted EBITDA of $72.4 million. Attendance decreased approximately 25,000 guests when compared to the first quarter of 2022. The decrease in attendance was primarily due to adverse weather across a number of our markets, particularly at our California parks, including during peak visitation periods. Attendance was also likely impacted unfavorably by the timing of new ride openings in 2023 compared with 2022.
The increase in total revenue of $22.7 million compared to the first quarter of 2022 was primarily a result of increases in admission per capita (defined as admissions revenue divided by total attendance) and in-park per capita spending (defined as food, merchandise and other revenue divided by total attendance). Admission per capita increased primarily due to the realization of higher prices in our admission products resulting from our strategic pricing efforts, along with the net impact of the admissions product mix when compared to the prior year quarter. In-park per capita spending improved primarily due to an increase in revenue related to the Company's international services agreements and pricing initiatives when compared to the first quarter of 2022. Adjusted EBITDA was positively impacted by the increase in total revenue resulting from improvement in total revenue per capita partially offset by an increase in expenses. The increase in expenses is primarily due to increased labor-related costs due to more optimal staffing, partially offset by decreased marketing-related costs and the impact of cost savings and efficiency initiatives when compared to the first quarter of 2022.
Share Repurchases
Subsequent to March 31, 2023, the Company repurchased 235,000 shares for an aggregate total of approximately $13.9 million, leaving approximately $42.4 million remaining under the Share Repurchase Program as of May 4, 2023.
Other
As of March 31, 2023, the Company's current deferred revenue balance was $212.8 million, an increase of approximately 2.3% when compared to March 31, 2022.
Rescue Efforts
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company came to the aid of 85 animals in need in the wild. The total number of animals the Company has helped over its history is more than 40,000.
The Company is a leader in animal rescue. Working in partnership with state, local and federal agencies, the Company's rescue teams are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Consistent with its mission to protect animals and their ecosystems, rescue teams mobilize and often travel hundreds of miles to help ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned wild animals in need of the Company's expert care, with the goal of returning them to their natural habitat.
Conference Call
The Company will hold a conference call today, Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 9 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its first quarter 2023 financial results. The conference call will be broadcast live on the Internet and the release and conference call can be accessed via the Company's website at www.SeaWorldInvestors.com. For those unable to participate in the live webcast, a replay will be available beginning at approximately 12 p.m. Eastern Time on May 9, 2023, under the "Events & Presentations" tab of www.SeaWorldInvestors.com. A replay of the call can also be accessed telephonically from 12 p.m. Eastern Time on May 9, 2023, through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 16, 2023, by dialing (877) 344-7529 from anywhere in the U.S., (855) 669-9658 from anywhere in Canada, or (412) 317-0088 from international locations and entering the conference code 9243691.
Statement Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This earnings release and accompanying financial statement tables include several non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA, Covenant Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow. Adjusted EBITDA, Covenant Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow are not recognized terms under GAAP, should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for a measure of financial performance or liquidity prepared in accordance with GAAP and are not indicative of net income or loss or net cash provided by operating activities as determined under GAAP.
Adjusted EBITDA, Covenant Adjusted EBITDA, Free Cash Flow and other non-GAAP financial measures have limitations that should be considered before using these measures to evaluate a company's financial performance or liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA, Covenant Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies due to varying methods of calculation.
Management believes the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA is appropriate as it eliminates the effect of certain non-cash and other items not necessarily indicative of the Company's underlying operating performance. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA in connection with certain components of its executive compensation program. In addition, investors, lenders, financial analysts and rating agencies have historically used EBITDA-related measures in the Company's industry, along with other measures, to estimate the value of a company, to make informed investment decisions and to evaluate companies in the industry.
Management believes the presentation of Covenant Adjusted EBITDA for the last twelve months is appropriate as it provides additional information to investors about the calculation of, and compliance with, certain financial covenants in the Company's credit agreement governing its Senior Secured Credit Facilities and the indentures governing its Senior Notes and First-Priority Senior Secured Notes (collectively, the "Debt Agreements"). Covenant Adjusted EBITDA is a material component of these covenants.
Management believes that Free Cash Flow is useful to investors, equity analysts and rating agencies as a liquidity measure. The Company uses Free Cash Flow to evaluate its ability to generate cash flow from business operations. Free Cash Flow does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures, as it excludes certain expenditures such as mandatory debt service requirements, which are significant. Free Cash Flow is not defined by GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities or other financial data prepared in accordance with GAAP. Free Cash Flow as defined above may differ from similarly titled measures presented by other companies.
This earnings release includes several key performance metrics including total revenue per capita (defined as total revenue divided by attendance), admission per capita (defined as admissions revenue divided by attendance) and in-park per capita spending (defined as food, merchandise and other revenue divided by attendance). These performance metrics are used by management to assess the operating performance of its parks on a per attendee basis and to make strategic operating decisions. Management believes the presentation of these performance metrics is useful and relevant for investors as it provides investors the ability to review financial performance in the same manner as management and provides investors with a consistent methodology to analyze revenue between periods on a per attendee basis. In addition, investors, lenders, financial analysts and rating agencies have historically used similar per-capita related performance metrics to evaluate companies in the industry.
About SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.
SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS) is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter, and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The Company is one of the world's foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry and veterinary care. The Company collectively cares for what it believes is one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The Company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld® rescue team has helped over 40,000 animals in need over the Company's history. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld®, Busch Gardens®, Aquatica®, Sesame Place® and Sea Rescue®. Over its more than 60-year history, the Company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection. The Company's theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.
Copies of this and other news releases as well as additional information about SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. can be obtained online at www.seaworldentertainment.com. Shareholders and prospective investors can also register to automatically receive the Company's press releases, SEC filings and other notices by e-mail by registering at that website.
Forward-Looking Statements
In addition to historical information, this press release contains statements relating to future results (including certain projections and business trends) that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. The Company generally uses the words such as "might," "will," "may," "should," "estimates," "expects," "continues," "contemplates," "anticipates," "projects," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "intends," "believes," "forecasts," "future," "guidance," "targeted," "goal" and variations of such words or similar expressions in this press release and any attachment to identify forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, including statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, expectations, beliefs, business strategies, future events, business conditions, results of operations, financial position, business outlook, earnings guidance, business trends and other information are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based upon current expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections, and various assumptions, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond management's control. All expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections are expressed in good faith and the Company believes there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs, estimates and projections will result or be achieved and actual results may vary materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors, many of which are beyond management's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including among others: a decline in discretionary consumer spending or consumer confidence, including any unfavorable impacts from Federal Reserve interest rate actions and inflation which may influence discretionary spending, unemployment or the overall economy; various factors beyond the Company's control adversely affecting attendance and guest spending at its theme parks, including, but not limited to, weather, natural disasters, labor shortages, inflationary pressures, supply chain delays or shortages, foreign exchange rates, consumer confidence, the potential spread of travel-related health concerns including pandemics and epidemics, travel related concerns, adverse general economic related factors including increasing interest rates, economic uncertainty, and recent geopolitical events outside of the United States, and governmental actions; failure to hire and/or retain employees; increased labor costs, including minimum wage increases, and employee health and welfare benefit costs; complex federal and state regulations governing the treatment of animals, which can change, and claims and lawsuits by activist groups before government regulators and in the courts; activist and other third-party groups and/or media can pressure governmental agencies, vendors, partners, guests and/or regulators, bring action in the courts or create negative publicity about us; incidents or adverse publicity concerning the Company's theme parks, the theme park industry and/or zoological facilities; a significant portion of the Company's revenues have historically been generated in the States of Florida, California and Virginia, and any risks affecting such markets, such as natural disasters, closures due to pandemics, severe weather and travel-related disruptions or incidents; technology interruptions or failures that impair access to the Company's websites and/or information technology systems; cyber security risks to the Company or the Company third-party service providers, failure to maintain or protect the integrity of internal, employee or guest data, and/or failure to abide by the evolving cyber security regulatory environment; inability to compete effectively in the highly competitive theme park industry; interactions between animals and the Company's employees and it's guests at attractions at the Company's theme parks; animal exposure to infectious disease; high fixed cost structure of theme park operations; seasonal fluctuations in operating results; changing consumer tastes and preferences; inability to remediate an identified material weakness on a timely basis; inability to grow the Company's business or fund theme park capital expenditures; inability to realize the benefits of developments, restructurings, acquisitions or other strategic initiatives, and the impact of the costs associated with such activities; the effects of the global Coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic, or any related mutations of the virus on the Company's business and the economy in general; adverse litigation judgments or settlements; inability to protect the Company's intellectual property or the infringement on intellectual property rights of others; the loss of licenses and permits required to exhibit animals or the violation of laws and regulations; unionization activities and/or labor disputes; inability to maintain certain commercial licenses; restrictions in the Company's debt agreements limiting flexibility in operating the Company's business; inability to retain the Company's current credit ratings; the Company's leverage and interest rate risk; the ability of Hill Path Capital LP and its affiliates to significantly influence the Company's decisions and their interests may conflict with the Company or yours in the future; inadequate insurance coverage; inability to purchase or contract with third party manufacturers for rides and attractions, construction delays or impacts of supply chain disruptions on existing or new rides and attractions; environmental regulations, expenditures and liabilities; suspension or termination of any of the Company's business licenses, including by legislation at federal, state or local levels; delays, restrictions or inability to obtain or maintain permits; financial distress of strategic partners or other counterparties; tariffs or other trade restrictions; actions of activist stockholders; the policies of the U.S. President and his administration or any changes to tax laws; changes in the method for determining LIBOR and any future replacement of LIBOR may affect the Company's cost of capital; changes or declines in the Company's stock price, as well as the risk that securities analysts could downgrade the Company's stock or the Company's sector; risks associated with the Company's capital allocation plans and share repurchases, including the risk that the Company's share repurchase program could increase volatility and fail to enhance stockholder value and other risks, uncertainties and factors set forth in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recently available Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such risks, uncertainties and factors may be updated in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Although the Company believes that these statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it cannot guarantee future results and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management's opinions only as of the date of this press release. There can be no assurance that (i) the Company has correctly measured or identified all of the factors affecting its business or the extent of these factors' likely impact, (ii) the available information with respect to these factors on which such analysis is based is complete or accurate, (iii) such analysis is correct or (iv) the Company's strategy, which is based in part on this analysis, will be successful. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events or circumstances that occur after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or otherwise. Readers are advised to review the Company's filings with the SEC (which are available from the SEC's EDGAR database at www.sec.gov and via the Company's website at www.seaworldinvestors.com).
CONTACT:
Investor Relations:
Matthew Stroud
Investor Relations
855-797-8625
Investors@SeaWorld.com
Media:
Lisa Cradit
SVP – Head of Communications
(646) 245-2476
Lisa.cradit@seaworld.com
Libby Panke
FleishmanHillard
(314) 719-7521
Libby.Panke@fleishman.com
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SOURCE SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. | 2023-05-09T10:58:34+00:00 | ksla.com | https://www.ksla.com/prnewswire/2023/05/09/seaworld-entertainment-inc-reports-first-quarter-2023-results/ |
EXPLAINER: What is the Strategic Petroleum Reserve?
DALLAS (AP) — President Joe Biden plans to release 15 million barrels of oil or more from the U.S. strategic reserves in an effort to stop gasoline prices from rising now that OPEC and its allies plan to cut production.
The administration hopes that tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a move that comes just weeks before the midterm elections, will bring relief to voters who have been struggling from high gasoline prices.
Global oil prices were rising even before Russia invaded Ukraine in February. When Biden announced a ban on Russian oil imports in early March, he acknowledged it would come at a cost to American consumers.
The drawdown being announced Wednesday would complete the release of 180 million barrels authorized by Biden in March that was initially supposed to occur over six months. That has sent the strategic reserve to its lowest level since 1984 in what the administration called a “bridge” until domestic production could be increased. The reserve now contains roughly 400 million barrels of oil.
Tapping the reserve is among the few things a president can do alone to try to control inflation, which makes Americans poorer and often creates a political liability for the party in control of the White House.
Here is a look at what’s involved:
___
WHAT IS THE PETROLEUM RESERVE?
America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve is a collection of underground salt caverns in Texas and Louisiana that can hold more than 700 million barrels of oil, although it is not currently full. The reserve held almost 409 million barrels earlier this month, down from more than 617 million barrels at the about the same point last year, according to the U.S. Energy Department.
The reserve was created after the 1970s Arab oil embargo to give the United States a supply that could be used in an emergency.
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WHY IS IT USED?
The U.S. now exports more petroleum than it imports, but the reserve remains and has been tapped for various reasons, from offsetting the impact of hurricanes and ship-channel closings to raising money for deficit reduction.
In 1991, President George H.W. Bush authorized withdrawing nearly 34 million barrels during the Gulf War, although only 17 million barrels were used. In 2011, President Barack Obama approved the release of 30 million barrels to offset the disruption of supply from Libya.
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HOW DO THEY GET THE OIL OUT?
Oil is lighter than water — that’s why disasters like those caused by the Exxon Valdez tanker and the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig create slicks on the surface. To remove oil from the reserves, water is pumped into the salt caverns, making the crude float to the surface, where it is captured and sent through pipelines to refineries.
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WHY IS BIDEN TAPPING THE RESERVE?
Supply and demand. Biden is hoping that by releasing more oil on the market, prices will fall. Prices did dip for nearly two weeks after Biden’s initial announcement about tapping the reserve back in November but they began to climb again before the month was over. U.S. crude is up more than 10% this year, but it has been falling steadily since June when a barrel cost more than $120. U.S benchmark crude futures were trading for around $83 Wednesday.
Whether Biden’s latest move works will depend on several factors. One factor to keep in mind: Even though 1 million barrels a day is a huge amount of oil, the U.S. consumed nearly 20 million barrels a day last year, and worldwide consumption topped 97 million barrels a day.
___
WILL GASOLINE GET CHEAPER?
What most people want to know is what’s going to happen to prices at the pump. Many factors go into the price of gasoline. Refineries buy crude oil in advance, so they could still be working with more expensive oil. States have differing tax rates that affect the price that motorists pay.
On Wednesday, the national average price for a gallon of regular was $3.85, up 18 cents from a month ago, according to auto club AAA.
The average lower than that in many states in the middle of the country, but it’s higher in the Northeast and highest in the West. In California, it’s $5.94 a gallon.
Even if those prices don’t drop, Biden can argue that by tapping the reserve he tried to help.
___
WHO GETS HURT MOST?
Gasoline prices are regressive — lower-income people are more likely to spend a higher percentage of their money on gasoline than are affluent Americans — so increases hurt the most price-sensitive consumers. Kevin Book, managing director at Clearview Energy Partners, says those consumers might not show up in measures of the nation’s economy, “but they show up in vote counts ... if we get down to it, that’s really what this is about.”
___
WHY DOES OIL MATTER?
The future of oil and gas in the U.S. is a political flashpoint and source of tension, especially as companies and government agencies grapple with climate change and the transition to cleaner sources of energy.
On one hand, the U.S. oil and gas industry has been praised by some political leaders for creating energy independence. Where the U.S. once relied heavily on imports, other nations now rely on the U.S. for oil. It’s also a job supplier: The oil and gas industry employs more than 10 million people in the U.S. and contributes about 8% of the nation’s gross domestic product, according to the American Petroleum Institute.
Companies that supply oil benefit from higher prices. But consumers don’t like it when those higher prices trickle down to the pump.
The institute has previously said that any release of oil from the strategic reserve should be paired with policy measures that encourage more U.S. energy production. That collides with Biden’s promise to reduce dependence on fossil fuels that contribute to climate change.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | 2022-10-19T19:00:10+00:00 | ksla.com | https://www.ksla.com/2022/10/19/explainer-what-is-strategic-petroleum-reserve/ |
DENVER (KDVR) – The February full snow moon will be illuminating the sky this weekend.
The snow moon will reach its peak illumination on Sunday, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.
The Almanac cited the National Weather Service in saying that February is the snowiest month in the U.S.
“In the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver, who had visited with the Naudowessie (Dakota), wrote that the name used for this period was the Snow Moon, ‘because more snow commonly falls during this month than any other in the winter,'” the Almanac stated.
Though the snow moon is so named due to the month’s typically heavy snowfall, it also goes by names that have a connection to animals and oftentimes come from Native Americans, the Almanac says.
For instance, the Cree called it the Eagle Moon, while the Ojibwe and Tlingit called it the Bear Moon and Black Bear Moon, respectively, since bear cubs are born during this time.
Other names were derived from the perspective of scarcity, including the Bony Moon and Hungry Moon, both of which originated with the Cherokee since “food was hard to come by at this time,” the Almanac says.
Incidentally, February’s rarest full moon is called the Black Moon, which occurs when there appears to be no full moon at all. This happens once every five to 10 years, according to the Almanac, and can occur during other months as well.
Here’s a look at when the 2023 full moons will take place:
- Feb. 5
- March 7
- April 5
- May 5
- June 3
- July 3
- Aug. 1
- Aug. 30
- Sept. 29
- Oct. 28
- Nov. 27
- Dec. 26
The March full moon is the final full moon of winter. It’s called the Worm Moon, since earthworms start to appear in the soil in spring. | 2023-02-02T18:36:25+00:00 | krqe.com | https://www.krqe.com/news/national/full-snow-moon-heres-when-you-can-see-it/ |
Top 10 Kinks Songs
More than any of their contemporaries, the Kinks stormed through three decades with a natural survival instinct that rarely compromised their ideals. Their early garage rock days are the most celebrated, and their greatest singles come from that era. But their late-'60s albums -- starting with the terrific Something Else by the Kinks and including the classic The Village Green Preservation Society -- are more sophisticated, reflecting singer and songwriter Ray Davies' interest in Victorian society, which he juxtaposed with hippie culture and a clear-cut vision of class division through the ages. The Kinks revived their classic power chord riffs in the late '70s, which led to an early-'80s comeback and their first Top 10 single in a dozen years. Our list of the Top 10 Kinks Songs is heavy on those classic '60s singles, but you should also check out their great albums from that decade.
- 10
"Celluloid Heroes"
From: 'Everybody's in Show-Biz' (1972)Ray Davies' wistful tribute to the golden age of Hollywood borrows inspiration from the classic movie Sunset Blvd., in which a faded star is chewed up and spit out by the studio system. The Kinks' version of the story isn't so cynical, but there's a cautionary tone to both the lyrics and melody -- one of Davies' prettiest.
- 9
"A Well Respected Man"
Single (1965)Ray Davies' growth as a songwriter started here. In addition to being his first foray into the British music hall tradition (which would have a greater impact on his work over the next few years), "A Well Respected Man" addresses for the first time the class system that would become a major element of Davies' best material. It's also just a really good song.
- 8
"Victoria"
From: 'Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)' (1969)By 1969 Ray Davies was well into his British class-consciousness period. The previous year's The Village Green Preservation Society is his undisputed classic, but the follow-up LP surveys the social implications of the politics and culture behind the issues even further. "Victoria," the album's lead single, kicks off Arthur with one of the Kinks' best mid-period songs. Great riff too.
- 7
"Till the End of the Day"
From: 'The Kink Kontroversy' (1965)"Till the End of the Day" is a pretty typical Kinks song from the era -- a two-and-a-half-minute blast of garage rock that even borrows a musical line or two from their earlier hits. But Dave Davies' mid-song solo is a quick, tidy hit of pure rock and roll adrenaline. There's not much to it, but that's his style and timeless contribution to rock history.
- 6
"Tired of Waiting for You"
From: 'Kinda Kinks' (1965)This early Kinks single was the first to ease up on the frantic guitar attacks established on previous hits like "You Really Got Me" (see No. 1 on our list of the Top 10 Kinks Songs). But there's still plenty of power in Dave Davies' ringing guitar riff and the band's super-tight performance. "Tired of Waiting for You" reached No. 6, the Kinks' highest-charting hit until "Come Dancing" came along in 1982 and tied it.
- 5
"All Day and All of the Night"
Single (1964)The follow-up to the breakthrough "You Really Got Me" is a similar-sounding distortion-fueled rocker based on basic, but totally effective power chords. Like in many of the Kinks' early hits, Dave Davies tosses off an ear-piercing solo in "All Day and All of the Night" that takes on a life of its own.
- 4
"Sunny Afternoon"
From: 'Face to Face' (1966)Barely a year into their career, and Ray Davies was already getting bored with the three-chord guitar assaults the Kinks were discharging. It started with "A Well Respected Man" (see No. 9 on our list of the Top 10 Kinks Songs), but the old-timey musical arrangement of "Sunny Afternoon" presages the more sophisticated song structures Davies would begin exploring on the group's next album, Something Else by the Kinks.
- 3
"Lola"
From: 'Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One' (1970)After a four-year commercial dry spell that coincided with Ray Davies' increasingly sophisticated songwriting, the Kinks rocketed back into the Top 10 with one of their most popular songs. The lyrical twist -- turns out Lola's a guy -- is certainly a doozy, but the great guitar riff that feeds the song is one of Dave's all-time greatest.
- 2
"Waterloo Sunset"
From: 'Something Else by the Kinks' (1967)Something Else by the Kinks, the band's fifth LP, is one of its greatest albums. And it's no accident that Ray Davies began sharpening his perceptions of British class division during this time. The string of albums the Kinks made starting with Something Else remains among the most focused and incisive of the era. "Waterloo Sunset" ends the album on a wistful, picturesque note.
- 1
"You Really Got Me"
From: 'Kinks' (1964)The Kinks' breakthrough single features one of the greatest opening guitar riffs ever recorded. "You Really Got Me" made the band stars and set the template for almost every hard rock band that formed over the next decade (and then some). The sloppy, stumbling solo -- all Dave, not Jimmy Page, as is often rumored -- also influenced countless generations of long-haired kids with guitars. A rock 'n' roll milestone on so many levels. | 2022-07-26T23:48:42+00:00 | 1019therock.com | https://1019therock.com/kinks-songs/ |
(NEXSTAR) – Actress Kirstie Alley has died at the age of 71, according to a statement from her family.
“We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce, and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered,” according to the statement published to her official social media channels Monday evening.
Alley was undergoing treatment at the Moffitt Cancer Center, whose staff her children, True and Lillie Parker, thanked in the statement.
“She was surrounded by her closest family and fought with great strength, leaving us with a certainty of her never-ending joy of living and whatever adventures lie ahead,” the statement continued. “As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother.”
Alley, a Wichita native who graduated from Southeast High School in 1969, is perhaps best known for her role as Rebecca Howe in the hit sitcom “Cheers,” for which she won an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe in 1991. She also won an Emmy in 1994 for her performance in the telefilm “David’s Closet” and received another nomination for her role as Veronica Chase in her own show on NBC, “Veronica’s Closet.”
Alley also appeared in several movies, including “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” and “Look Who’s Talking,” among others.
Alley frequently visited her hometown. In recent years she began displaying the Christmas village that was a set from her 1993 film “Look Who’s Talking Now” in College Hill.
“Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had,” John Travolta, her co-star in “Look Who’s Talking” and “Look Who’s Talking Too,” posted on Instagram Monday night. “I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again.”
“Our mother’s zest and passion for life, her children, grandchildren, and her many animals, not to mention her eternal joy of creating, were unparalleled and leave us inspired to live life to the fullest just as she did,” the statement read.
Alley’s children thanked her fans for their love and prayers and asked for privacy while they mourn. | 2022-12-06T14:12:12+00:00 | ksn.com | https://www.ksn.com/entertainment/cheers-star-kirstie-alley-dies-at-71-family-says/ |
JeffCo Sheriff’s Department urging parents to safely secure guns away from children
‘Out of sight is not the same thing as secure.’
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies are urging parents to double check all of their weapons for safety. This comes after a the death of a 12-year-old boy earlier this week from a gunshot wound.
Deputy Chief David Agee said they are asking all gun owners to do more than just hide your firearms. He said places like under your bed or in a nightstand or drawer are not secure, just hidden. He said to be safe, you need a safe and a gun lock that is only able to be removed with a key.
“You cant just hide it, you need to really secure that weapon,” Agee said. “Out of sight is not the same thing as secure.”
Agee said many children have natural curiosities, but it’s important to also tell them the firearm is not a toy and to explain the serious consequences.
“There’s different tension on different triggers,” Agee said. “You can have an accidental discharge by touching it, by dropping it, or by incidental contact, but the consequences of that trigger pulling, whatever is in front of that pathway to that bullet, it could be a vital organ and it could cost a life.”
New data shows that there were 73 trauma gunshot wounds at Children’s Hospital of Alabama last year. There were 82 in 2021.
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Copyright 2023 WBRC. All rights reserved. | 2023-01-25T13:15:10+00:00 | wsfa.com | https://www.wsfa.com/2023/01/25/jeffco-sheriffs-department-urging-parents-safely-secure-guns-away-children/ |
Browns QB Deshaun Watson suspended 6 games for violating NFL’s personal conduct policy
Posted/updated on: August 1, 2022 at 6:18 pmBy JAKE TROTTER
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will serve a six-game suspension without pay but will not be fined for violating the league’s personal conduct policy following accusations of sexual misconduct, disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson ruled Monday.
Robinson issued her ruling in a comprehensive 15-page report. She wrote that the NFL recommended Watson be suspended for the entire 2022 regular season and postseason.
The NFL Players Association and the league have until Thursday at 9 a.m. ET to file a written appeal of Robinson’s ruling. In a statement Sunday night, the union made it clear that it will “stand by” her decision and urged the NFL to do the same. The league, in a statement Monday, said it was determining its next steps.
If an appeal is made, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee “will issue a written decision that will constitute full, final and complete disposition of the dispute,” per terms of Article 46 in the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
In relying on precedent, Robinson sought to differentiate between violent and non-violent sexual conduct. Robinson concluded that Watson’s conduct “does not fall into the category of violent conduct that would require the minimum 6-game suspension” which the league had established as “by far the most commonly-imposed discipline for domestic or gendered violence and sexual acts.”
The ruling relied on 32 previous suspensions under the league’s personal conduct policy since 2015. In 21 of those instances, the league suspended the player for six games, including the cases of Derrius Guice and Johnny Manziel. Greg Hardy was suspended for four games.
The longest suspension — 10 games for Jarron Jones in 2021 — involved a criminal plea and multiple incidents of domestic violence. The two eight-game suspensions — of Kareem Hunt in 2019 and Mark Walton in 2020 — also took into account multiple incidents of domestic violence.
Robinson wrote that “the NFL carried its burden to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Mr. Watson engaged in sexual assault (as defined by the NFL) against the four therapists identified in the Report. Mr. Watson violated the Policy in this regard.”
Robinson also found that Watson’s “predatory conduct cast ‘a negative light on the League and its players.'”
Robinson ruled that Watson is “to limit his massage therapy to Club-directed sessions and Club-approved massage therapists for the duration of his career, and so [I] impose this mandate as a condition to his reinstatement.” She also ruled that Watson is “to have no adverse involvement with law enforcement, and must not commit any additional violations of the Policy.”
Watson is eligible to return for the Browns’ Oct. 23 game at Baltimore. Sources close to the quarterback told ESPN’s Dianna Russini that they believe six games is too much, but they respect the decision.
Watson was at practice later Monday, waving toward cheering fans while he and his teammates began their stretching period in Berea, Ohio.
He has continually denied all wrongdoing and has said he has no regrets for any of his actions during the massage sessions. Watson also said he cooperated with the NFL’s investigation and “answered every question truthfully” that he was asked by the league’s investigators.
“We respect Judge Robinson’s decision, and at the same time, empathize and understand that there have been many individuals triggered throughout this process,” Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement Monday. “We know Deshaun is remorseful that this situation has caused much heartache to many and he will continue the work needed to show who he is on and off the field, and we will continue to support him.”
In Robinson’s ruling, she noted that one of the aggravating factors in determining Watson’s discipline was his “lack of expressed remorse.” She noted that among the mitigating factors were him being a first-time offender and his “excellent reputation in his community prior to these events.”
Watson has been accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions in civil lawsuits filed by 25 women. The encounters alleged in the lawsuits took place from March 2020 to March 2021, while Watson was a member of the Houston Texans. One of the 25 lawsuits was dropped following a judge’s ruling in April 2021 that the plaintiffs needed to amend their petitions to disclose their names. In June, Watson settled 20 of the 24 lawsuits he was facing; on Monday, he agreed to settle three of the remaining four, according to Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents the women suing Watson.
Buzbee told ESPN’s John Barr that Ashley Solis, the first woman to sue Watson and the first to go public with her name and story, settled her case.
Last month, the Texans reached settlements with 30 women who made claims or were prepared to make them against the organization for its alleged role regarding the allegations against Watson.
Robinson heard arguments from the league, the union and Watson’s attorney during a three-day hearing held in her home state of Delaware in late June. The NFL had been pushing for a suspension of at least a year, while the players’ union and Watson’s attorney argued that the quarterback should not be suspended at all. The sides discussed a potential settlement all the way up through the hearing, but they could not agree to a deal.
In the days leading up to Robinson’s decision, the league and Watson’s side engaged in further settlement talks, sources told ESPN’s Dan Graziano, but neither side ever felt they were close to an agreement. The most Watson’s side indicated it was willing to offer was a suspension in the range of six to eight games, according to sources. The best the league indicated it was willing to offer was a 12-game suspension and a significant fine — in the range of $8 million, sources said.
If the league appeals and his suspension is upheld, Watson will still be able to participate in practices and games during the preseason. He will also be allowed to return to the Browns to practice during the second half of the suspension, in Week 4, according to the CBA. But he will not be allowed to be with the team during the first half of the suspension.
Since no additional fine was levied, Watson is slated to miss six of his $57,500 game checks in 2022 for a total of $345,000 lost off his $1.035 million base salary. Watson’s Browns contract guarantees him a league-high $230 million, with a base salary that will jump to $46 million in 2023 and a $44.965 million signing bonus.
Although two grand juries in Texas declined to pursue criminal charges against Watson earlier this year, the NFL has been investigating whether he violated its personal conduct policy since 2021. The league interviewed Watson over multiple days earlier this summer. The NFL’s investigators also spoke to several of the women.
The Browns traded for Watson in March, sending three first-round draft picks to the Texans. Cleveland then gave Watson a new five-year contract, the richest deal in NFL history for any player.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said at the start of training camp last week that Jacoby Brissett would become Cleveland’s starter in the event of a Watson suspension. Through the first week of camp, Watson took the majority of the snaps with the first-team offense. Speaking Monday, Stefanski said the Browns have a plan in how they’ll handle snaps going forward, “and we’ll stick to that again until more information becomes available.”
Asked if he had read Robinson’s full report, Stefanski noted that he hadn’t but planned to later Monday.
“Deshaun has said it: He’s working to be the best version of himself,” Stefanski said. “He’s said that publicly, he’s said that privately, and I believe that.” | 2022-08-01T23:36:49+00:00 | ktbb.com | https://ktbb.com/post/?p=1149590 |
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
© 2022 Good Karma Brands Milwaukee, LLC. | 2022-07-01T00:47:12+00:00 | wtmj.com | https://wtmj.com/ap-news/2022/06/30/ap-top-business-news-at-427-p-m-edt-17/ |
Created and distilled in San Francisco, America's Original Craft Gin brand will host the first-ever Martini Week to celebrate the classic cocktail for a good cause
SAN FRANCISCO, July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Junipero Gin, the San Francisco-based award-winning brand that is celebrated as America's first craft gin, announced today that it is hosting the first-ever San Francisco Martini Week. Junipero Gin is partnering with San Francisco Magazine to introduce a week-long celebration from August 1-6, 2022, as a tribute to where both the martini and Junipero Gin were born.
San Francisco Martini Week will not only shine a light on a great classic cocktail but it will also work to raise funds for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence®, a San Francisco-born non-profit and cutting-edge Order of queer and trans nuns devoted to community service and activism. Restaurants and bars across the city will invite consumers to try creative martini variations with Junipero Gin's bold unfiltered expression while raising donations for every glass raised.
Without a doubt, martinis have been instrumental to cocktail culture worldwide, but the history of the martini is shrouded in mystery. While there are many theories about the birth of the martini, the reigning one points to the town of Martinez, CA, in the mid-1800s Gold Rush. A gold miner looking to celebrate his good fortune walked into a saloon and ordered a glass of champagne. Upon discovering that they were out of champagne, the bartender created "something special" for the miner. That "something" consisted of two parts gin, one part vermouth and a dash of orange bitters poured over crushed ice and garnished with an olive. Thus, "The Martinez Special" was born, and as its popularity spread it became known as the martini, a drink that is seen as a symbol of sophistication and boldness that has defined cocktail culture around the globe.
As the Original San Francisco Craft Gin with roots in the Bay Area, Junipero Gin honors its strong connection to the history of the martini. Junipero's bold flavor enhances all the different martini variations, inviting you to take creative license when ordering the martini that you enjoy best. There is no one or right way to order a martini – whether you like it dry or dirty, shaken or stirred, or with an olive and/or a twist – the art of ordering a martini is something that is uniquely individual, much like the eccentric community of San Francisco. With San Francisco Martini Week, Junipero hopes to educate consumers on the martini and encourage everyone to discover which martini variation they like best.
"We cannot think of a better way to celebrate a cocktail with such rich history than by creating the first ever Martini Week with our San Francisco born Junipero Gin." said Brian Radics, CMO of Hotaling & Co. "We are proud to celebrate this classic cocktail while raising funds for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence®. This week brings together our value of Living Life Unfiltered with raising a martini to the Sisters, a great group that also boldly break with convention as they devote themselves to local activism and outreach to those on the fringe. We hope you will celebrate with us!"
During San Francisco Martini Week, Junipero Gin hopes to inspire consumers to get creative. With a bit of inspiration and a gin famous for challenging the norms, residents and visitors in San Francisco are encouraged to order a tried-and-true martini or mix it up to find the martini variation that they like best. In the spirit of giving, Junipero Gin will donate $10,000 to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence®, whose dedication to human rights, diversity, and spiritual enlightenment has been essential to shaping the San Francisco we know and love. Additionally, $2 from every signature Junipero martini sold during Martini Week at participating bars and restaurants will be donated to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence® to support the their grant program that funds progressive, grassroots organizations and projects that serve marginalized communities and promote wellness, joy, tolerance, and diversity in the Bay Area; community development and funding to important LGTBQ+ projects and movements including the Pink Triangle Memorial, The People's March, and Help Our Friends Outside (HOFO); and the Sisters' Ministry of Joy, a program in which the Sisters interact with the community in a joyous and loving way, from feeding those who live outside to hosting an annual Easter In The Park Celebration to picking up trash in the streets. Martini lovers can also donate to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence® directly by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/sistersofperpetualindulgenceinc.
Participating bars and restaurants include 15 Romolo, Bar Agricole, Bar Iris, Blondies, For The Record, High Horse, Kona Street Market, Pacific Cocktail Haven, Rye, Sushi Sato, Wilder and Wildhawk.
For more information, please visit https://juniperogin.com/martiniweek.
Based in San Francisco, Junipero Gin fearlessly led the birth of American craft gin in 1996. Junipero is Spanish for juniper berry, the main botanical in gin. Hell bent on elevating juniper & citrus flavors, the distilling team forged a new path by crafting each batch of Junipero in a small copper pot still, scouring the globe for the most expressive botanicals, and boldly bottling at an unfiltered 98.6 proof. Decades later Junipero is still made by hand in San Francisco and celebrates those who break with convention to pursue an original path. For more information on Junipero, visit JuniperoGin.com.
Hotaling & Co., the leading San Francisco distiller & importer, creates, curates, and builds artisanal brands of unmatched character and quality. Hotaling & Co., originally named Anchor Distilling Company, was established in 1993 and is credited with releasing America's first craft whiskey (Old Potrero) and American craft gin (Junipero Gin) after Prohibition. In 2010, Anchor Distilling Company was sold to a business partnership that included Tony Foglio and London's oldest wine and spirit merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd and began expanding to incorporate a collection of super-premium artisanal spirits imported from around the world. In 2017, Anchor Distilling became Hotaling & Co. The new name is a nod to one of Anchor Distilling's most beloved small batch whiskies (Old Potrero Hotaling's Whiskey) and to the San Francisco legend A.P. Hotaling, who came out West during the Gold Rush and quickly became one of the most reputable spirits dealers in the country. Today, Hotaling & Co. celebrates exciting growth and achievements; marking its 29th year of distilling and its 12th year of commercially uniting likeminded distillers from around the world to share the passion and raise the bar.
Hotaling & Co.'s portfolio includes Luxardo Liqueurs & Cherries, Nikka Whisky, Junipero Gin, HINE Cognac, Convite Mezcal, Kavalan Whisky, Denizen Rum, HIRSCH Selected Whiskeys, Writers' Tears Whiskey, Old Pulteney Whisky, Speyburn Whisky, Balblair Whisky, Arran Whisky, Old Potrero Rye Whiskey, and more. Visit www.HotalingandCo.com for a full list of brands.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence® are a cutting-edge Order of queer and trans nuns. Since their first appearance in San Francisco on Easter Sunday, 1979, the Sisters have devoted themselves to community service, ministry, activism and outreach to those on the fringe. The Sisters believe all people have the right to express their authentic identity and unique beauty. Following their vows to "expiate stigmatic guilt and promulgate universal joy," they use humor and irreverent wit to expose the forces of bigotry, complacency and guilt that chain the human spirit.
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SOURCE Hotaling | 2022-07-13T18:02:05+00:00 | kwtx.com | https://www.kwtx.com/prnewswire/2022/07/13/junipero-gin-introduces-inaugural-san-francisco-martini-week/ |
(The Hill) — The Chinese surveillance balloon that flew over the U.S. for days before it was shot down off the east coast earlier this year was able to gather intelligence from sensitive military sites, according to a new NBC News report.
China received the information collected by the balloon immediately, and was able to control its flight path, NBC News reported, citing two senior U.S. officials and a former senior administration official.
The intelligence Beijing was able to access was predominantly from electronic signals, according to the report, and the Biden administration’s work to limit the balloon’s ability to pick up those signals likely prevented much more sensitive intelligence from being gathered.
President Joe Biden ordered the U.S. military to shoot down a Chinese surveillance balloon that had spent days floating across the U.S., prompting concerns about what intel could have been gathered from the flight.
Beijing has said that the aircraft was a civilian weather balloon blown off-course and accused the U.S. of overreacting with the takedown, but defense officials said the balloon had clearly been crossing over sensitive U.S. sites with the apparent intent to monitor military areas.
U.S. officials said at the time that they’d taken steps to keep Beijing from accessing sensitive intel while the balloon was still crossing the count, but the NBC News report indicates the Biden administration’s efforts to protect against surveillance didn’t stop all of Beijing’s intelligence gathering. | 2023-04-03T15:16:06+00:00 | localsyr.com | https://www.localsyr.com/news/national/chinese-balloon-gathered-sensitive-intelligence-despite-biden-administration-efforts-report/ |
ST. PAUL, Minn., Dec. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced it will exit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) manufacturing and work to discontinue the use of PFAS across its product portfolio by the end of 2025. 3M's decision is based on careful consideration and a thorough evaluation of the evolving external landscape, including multiple factors such as accelerating regulatory trends focused on reducing or eliminating the presence of PFAS in the environment and changing stakeholder expectations.
"This is a moment that demands the kind of innovation 3M is known for," said 3M chairman and chief executive officer Mike Roman. "While PFAS can be safely made and used, we also see an opportunity to lead in a rapidly evolving external regulatory and business landscape to make the greatest impact for those we serve. This action is another example of how we are positioning 3M for continued sustainable growth by optimizing our portfolio, innovating for our customers, and delivering long-term value for our shareholders."
3M will:
- Exit all PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025: 3M will discontinue manufacturing all fluoropolymers, fluorinated fluids, and PFAS-based additive products. We will help facilitate an orderly transition for customers. 3M intends to fulfill current contractual obligations during the transition period.
- Work to discontinue use of PFAS across our product portfolio by the end of 2025: We have already reduced our use of PFAS over the past three years through ongoing research and development, and will continue to innovate new solutions for customers.
With these two actions, 3M is committing to innovate toward a world less dependent upon PFAS. 3M's products are safe for their intended uses. 3M will continue to remediate PFAS and address litigation by defending ourselves in court or through negotiated resolutions, all as appropriate.
Financial Information
As noted above, 3M will exit all PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025. The current annual net sales of manufactured PFAS are approximately $1.3 billion with estimated EBITDA margins of approximately 16%. In addition, as also noted above, 3M will work to discontinue the use of PFAS across our product portfolio by the end of 2025, which represents a small portion of 3M's overall revenue. Over the course of the exit from PFAS manufacturing, 3M expects to incur related total pre-tax charges of approximately $1.3 billion to $2.3 billion, including the fourth quarter 2022 amount below. Approximately 70-80% of the total is expected to be non-cash.
The company expects to take an estimated fourth quarter 2022 pre-tax charge in a range of $0.7 billion to $1.0 billion, primarily non-cash and related to asset impairments.
3M intends to reflect the fourth quarter 2022 costs as an adjustment in arriving at results, adjusted for special items. Beginning in 2023, 3M also expects to adjust for the results of manufactured PFAS in arriving at results, adjusted for special items.
About PFAS
PFAS are critical in the manufacture of many products that are important for modern life, including medical technologies, semiconductors, batteries, phones, automobiles, and airplanes. 3M's products are safe and effective for their intended uses. Additional details are available on 3M's website, www.3M.com/PFAS.
About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what's possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we're working to improve lives and make what's next at 3M.com/news or on Twitter at @3M or @3MNews.
Please note that the company announces material financial, business, and operational information using the 3M investor relations website, SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. The company also uses the 3M news center and social media to communicate with our customers and the public about the company, products and services, and other matters. It is possible that the information 3M posts on the news center and social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, the company encourages investors, the media and others interested in 3M to review the information posted on 3M's news center and the social media channels, such as Twitter at @3M or @3MNews.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking information about 3M's financial results and estimates and business prospects that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the use of words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "aim," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "will," "should," "could," "target," "forecast" and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance, future costs to be incurred or business plans or prospects. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: (1) worldwide economic, political, regulatory, capital markets and other external conditions and other factors beyond the Company's control, including natural and other disasters or climate change affecting the operations of the Company or its customers and suppliers; (2) risks related to public health crises such as the global pandemic associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19); (3) foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates; (4) liabilities related to certain fluorochemicals, including lawsuits concerning various PFAS-related products and chemistries, and claims and governmental regulatory proceedings and inquiries related to PFAS in a variety of jurisdictions; (5) legal proceedings, including significant developments that could occur in the legal and regulatory proceedings described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2021, as updated by the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 2022, and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q (the "Reports"); (6) competitive conditions and customer preferences; (7) the timing and market acceptance of new product offerings; (8) the availability and cost of purchased components, compounds, raw materials and energy (including oil and natural gas and their derivatives) due to shortages, increased demand or supply interruptions (including those caused by natural and other disasters and other events); (9) unanticipated problems or delays with the phased implementation of a global enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, or security breaches and other disruptions to the Company's information technology infrastructure; (10) the impact of acquisitions, strategic alliances, divestitures, and other unusual events resulting from portfolio management actions and other evolving business strategies, and possible organizational restructuring; (11) operational execution, including scenarios where the Company generates fewer productivity improvements than estimated; (12) financial market risks that may affect the Company's funding obligations under defined benefit pension and postretirement plans; (13) the Company's credit ratings and its cost of capital; (14) tax-related external conditions, including changes in tax rates, laws or regulations; (15) matters relating to the proposed spin-off of the Company's Health Care business, including whether the transaction will be completed, or if completed, will be on the expected terms; the risk that the expected benefits will not be realized; the risk that the costs or dis-synergies will exceed the anticipated amounts; the ability to satisfy the various closing conditions; potential business disruption; the diversion of management time; the impact of the transaction (or its pendency) on the Company's ability to retain talent; potential impacts on the Company's relationships with its customers, suppliers, employees, regulators and other counterparties; the ability to realize the desired tax treatment (including whether an Internal Revenue Service private letter ruling will be sought or obtained); the risk that any consents or approvals required will not be obtained; risks associated with financings that may be undertaken and indebtedness that may be incurred in connection with the transaction; (16) matters relating to the voluntary chapter 11 proceedings of the Company's subsidiary Aearo Technologies and certain of its affiliates (the "Aearo Entities"), including legal risks related to the chapter 11 proceedings; potential impacts to the Company's reputation and its relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, regulators and other counterparties and community members; potential impacts to the Company's liquidity or results of operations, including risks related to the amount that will be necessary to fully and finally resolve all of the Company's obligations to make payments to resolve such claims under the terms of its funding and indemnification agreement with the Aearo Entities; and the Aearo Entities' ability to navigate the chapter 11 proceedings to obtain approval and consummation of a plan of reorganization; (17) matters relating to the Company's plans to exit PFAS manufacturing and discontinue use of PFAS across its product portfolio (the "exit"), including the actual timing, costs and financial impact of such exit; the Company's ability to complete such exit, on the anticipated timing or at all; potential governmental or regulatory actions relating to PFAS manufacturing and production, or the Company's exit plans; the Company's ability to identify and manufacture acceptable substitutes for the discontinued products, and the possibility that such substitutes will not achieve the anticipated or desired commercial or operational results; potential litigation relating to the Company's exit plans; and the possibility that the planned exit will involve greater costs than anticipated, or otherwise have negative impacts on the Company's relationships with its customers and other counterparties. Changes in such assumptions or factors could produce significantly different results. A further description of these factors is located in the Reports under "Cautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Affect Future Results" and "Risk Factors" in Part I, Items 1 and 1A (Annual Report) and in Part I, Item 2 and Part II, Item 1A (Quarterly Reports). The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements discussed herein as a result of new information or future events or developments.
Investor Contacts:
Bruce Jermeland, 651-733-1807
or
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
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SOURCE 3M | 2022-12-20T13:08:45+00:00 | wagmtv.com | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2022/12/20/3m-exit-pfas-manufacturing-by-end-2025/ |
Bam Adebayo NBA Playoffs Player Prop Bets: Heat vs. Bucks - April 16
Bam Adebayo and his Miami Heat teammates match up versus the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2023 NBA Playoffs, at 5:30 PM ET on Sunday.
Let's break down the prop bets available for Adebayo, using stats and trends to make good predictions.
Bam Adebayo Prop Bets vs. the Bucks
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Bam Adebayo Insights vs. the Bucks
- This season, he's put up 15.9% of the Heat's attempted field goals, as he's averaging 14.9 per contest.
- Adebayo's Heat average 99.2 possessions per game, which ranks 29th among NBA teams, while the Bucks have a middling offense in terms of tempo, ranking 12th with 102.4 possessions per contest.
- The Bucks are the 14th-best defensive squad in the league, conceding 113.3 points per game.
- On the glass, the Bucks are 20th in the league, giving up 44.2 rebounds per contest.
- The Bucks are the fifth-ranked team in the league, giving up 23.9 assists per contest.
Bam Adebayo vs. the Bucks
Want another way to try to win cash prizes? Add Adebayo or any of his Heat teammates to your lineup in FanDuel Daily Fantasy NBA contests. Use our link to sign up and get a great offer for new users. (See website for offer details, not available in all areas.)
Not all offers available in all states. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has developed a gambling problem or addiction, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | 2023-04-16T16:51:58+00:00 | newschannel10.com | https://www.newschannel10.com/sports/betting/2023/04/16/bam-adebayo-nba-playoffs-player-prop-bets-heat-vs-bucks/ |
BEIJING (AP) — Chinese leader Xi Jinping was awarded a third five-year term as the nation’s president Friday, putting him on track to stay in power for life at a time of severe economic challenges and rising tensions with the U.S. and others.
The endorsement of Xi’s appointment by the ceremonial National People’s Congress was a foregone conclusion for a leader who has sidelined potential rivals and filled the top ranks of the ruling Communist Party with his supporters since taking power in 2012.
The vote for Xi was 2,952 to 0 by the NPC, members of which are appointed by the ruling party.
Xi, 69, had himself named to a third five-year term as party general secretary in October, breaking with a tradition under which Chinese leaders handed over power once a decade. A two-term limit on the figurehead presidency was deleted from the Chinese Constitution earlier, prompting suggestions he might stay in power for life.
No candidate lists were distributed, and Xi and those awarded other posts were believed to have run unopposed. The election remains almost entirely shrouded in secrecy, apart from the process in which delegates to the congress put four ballots into boxes placed around the vast auditorium of the Great Hall of the People.
Xi was also unanimously named commander of the 2 million-member People’s Liberation Army, a force that explicitly takes its orders from the party rather than the country.
In other voting, the party’s third-ranking official, Zhao Leji, was named head of the National People’s Congress. The vast majority of the body’s legislative work is headed by its Standing Committee, which meets year-round.
Zhao, 67, a holdover from the previous party Politburo Standing Committee, the apex of political power in China headed by Xi, won Xi’s trust as head of the party’s anti-corruption watchdog, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, pursuing an anti-graft campaign that has frozen all potential opposition to Xi.
Former Shanghai party boss and member of the last Politburo Standing Committee Han Zheng was named to the largely ceremonial post of state vice president.
Xi, Zhao and Han then took the oath of office with one hand on a copy of the Chinese Constitution. The session also swore in 14 congress vice chairpersons.
Wang Huning, a holdover from the last Politburo Standing Committee, was later named head of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the NPC’s advisory body that, in coordination with the party’s United Front Department, works to build Xi’s influence and image abroad. Wang has been a top adviser to three Chinese leaders and has authored books critiquing Western politics and society.
Xi’s new term and the appointment of loyalists to top posts underscores his near-total monopoly on Chinese political power, eliminating any potential opposition to his hyper-nationalistic agenda of building China into the top political, military and economic rival to the U.S. and the chief authoritarian challenge to the Washington-led democratic world order.
While six others serve with him on the Politburo Standing Committee, all have longstanding ties to Xi and can be counted on to see to his will on issues from party discipline to economic management.
The standing committee has only men and the 24-member Politburo, which has had only four female members since the 1990s, also has no women after the departure of Vice Premier Sun Chunlan.
Second-ranked Li Qiang is widely expected to take over as premier, nominally in charge of the Cabinet and caretaker of the economy. Li is best known for ruthlessly enforcing a brutal “zero-COVID” lockdown on Shanghai last spring as party boss of the Chinese financial hub, proving his loyalty to Xi in the face of complaints from residents over their lack of access to food, medical care and basic services.
Former head of the manufacturing powerhouse of Guangdong province, seventh-ranked Li Xi has already been appointed to replace Zhao as head of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.
The congress is also expected to pass a measures intensifying party control over national level government organs as part of Xi’s campaign of centralizing power under the party.
At the opening of the annual congress session on Sunday, outgoing Premier Li Keqiang announced plans for a consumer-led revival of the struggling economy, setting this year’s growth target at “around 5%.” Last year’s growth in the world’s second-largest economy fell to 3%, the second-weakest level since at least the 1970s.
Separately, the Ministry of Finance announced a 7.2% budget increase in the defense budget to 1.55 trillion yuan ($224 billion), marking a slight increase over 2022. China’s military spending is the world’s second highest after the United States.
In the days then, Xi and his new Foreign Minister Qin Gang have set a highly combative tone for relations with the U.S., amid tensions over trade, technology, Taiwan, human rights and Beijing’s refusal to criticize Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
On Tuesday, Qin warned in unusually stark terms about the possibility of U.S.-China frictions leading to something more dire.
“If the United States does not hit the brake, but continues to speed down the wrong path, no amount of guardrails can prevent derailing and there surely will be conflict and confrontation,” Qin said in his first news conference since taking up his post last year.
That echoed comments at a small group meeting of delegates from Xi on Monday, in which he said that “Western countries led by the United States have implemented all-round containment, encirclement and suppression of China, which has brought unprecedented grave challenges to our nation’s development.”
Xi followed up on Wednesday by calling for “more quickly elevating the armed forces to world-class standards.”
China must maximize its “national strategic capabilities” in a bid to “systematically upgrade the country’s overall strength to cope with strategic risks, safeguard strategic interests and realize strategic objectives,” Xi was quoted as saying to a meeting of delegates by the official Xinhua News Agency.
Asked about China’s future foreign relations under Xi, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning struck a relatively mild tone.
Beijing maintains an “independent foreign policy of peace” and will “continue to view and develop China-U.S. relations in accordance with the principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and win-win cooperation,” Mao said at a daily briefing.
“We hope the U.S. side can also meet us halfway and push China-U.S. relations back on the track of sound and stable development,” she said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom Xi has formed close ties, issued his congratulations, saying Xi’s new term is an “acknowledgement of your achievements as the head of state, as well as wide support of your policy focused on China’s socioeconomic development and protection of its national interests on the global stage.”
Under Xi, China and Russia announced a “no limits” relationship and China has pointedly refused to criticize Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while echoing Moscow’s claim that the U.S. and NATO were to blame for provoking the Kremlin. Beijing has also blasted sanctions imposed on Russia after it invaded Ukraine, while Russia has staunchly supported China amid tensions with the U.S. over Taiwan.
“We will continue to coordinate our joint work related to the most important issues on the regional and international agenda,” Putin said, according to the Kremlin.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, head of the ruling Worker’s Party, also sent congratulations, saying “the two parties and the two countries are defending and advancing socialism, the common cause, while supporting and closely cooperating with each other.” China is the impoverished and isolated North’s most important political ally and source of food and fuel aid.
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Associated Press writers Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow and Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea, contributed to this report.
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Find more of AP’s China coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/china | 2023-03-10T12:49:40+00:00 | nwahomepage.com | https://www.nwahomepage.com/news/national/chinas-xi-awarded-third-term-as-president-extending-rule/ |
MORTON GROVE, Ill., Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products to support the microbiome, today announced it will report financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022 on November 14, 2022 before market hours.
A pre-recorded conference call and webcast with Julie Smolyanksy discussing these results with additional comments and details will be made available through the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website at https://lifewaykefir.com/webinars-reports/ upon dissemination of the Third Quarter results on November 14, 2022 before market hours.
Lifeway Foods, Inc., which has been recognized as one of Forbes' Best Small Companies, is America's leading supplier of the probiotic, fermented beverage known as kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable kefir, the company also produces cheese, probiotic oat milk, and a ProBugs line for kids. Lifeway's tart and tangy fermented dairy products are now sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland and France. Learn how Lifeway is good for more than just you at lifewayfoods.com.
For media inquiries:
Derek Miller
Vice President of Communications, Lifeway Foods
Email: derekm@lifeway.net
Contact:
Lifeway Foods, Inc.
Phone: 847-967-1010
Email: info@lifeway.net
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SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc. | 2022-11-07T20:40:43+00:00 | wcjb.com | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2022/11/07/lifeway-foods-inc-report-third-quarter-financial-results-november-14-2022/ |
Eight years ago, Google’s founders split the company up into a series of separate entities and named the collection Alphabet. The idea was to separate the core business — the company’s giant advertising machine that made it one of the most powerful corporations in the world — from the side projects that needed time to develop but could one day become Google’s next big moneymaker.
But that next big moneymaker hasn’t materialized. Revenue still comes overwhelmingly from advertising. Google has shuttered most of its so-called moonshots — from internet-delivering balloons to glucose-measuring contact lenses.
And even the most advanced of its side projects — self-driving car lab Waymo and health care tech start-up Verily — are now confined by the limits of regular businesses. On Wednesday, Waymo laid off 8 percent of its workforce, adding to a previous round of cuts in January.
The Waymo layoffs are just the latest example of a new reality that has settled over Big Tech: The age of the moonshots is over. As the decade-long bull market came stuttering to an end and tech stock prices fell throughout last year, pressure to cut costs from Wall Street built and in the last few months a deluge of layoffs and cost-cutting has flooded Silicon Valley. The big-idea side projects that were supposed to become the revenue-drivers of the future have been particularly hard hit, with some of them being completely dismantled, and others facing deep cuts.
“They’ve assumed that everything that they touch is going to work. And in reality, it’s not,” said Roger McNamee, a veteran venture capitalist who was an early investor in Facebook before becoming a high-profile critic of social media’s impact on society.
Higher interest rates means the investment needed to keep spending on money-losing projects is getting harder to find, he said. Big Tech is “retrenching to protect their core business. And so I think you’re going to see them offloading one thing after another.”
Google, Meta and Amazon did not have immediate comment.
Giving up the moonshot dream marks another stage in the companies’ march into middle age. Google, Facebook and Amazon all grew rapidly from start-ups to tech giants through the first two decades of the millennium by upsetting the balance forged by companies that came before them. The ethos of “move fast and break things” and billions in venture capital funding from Silicon Valley investors helped them become goliaths in their own right. But for founders who began their businesses in dorm rooms and garages, the threat of the next nimble start-up coming to disrupt them too was ever-present.
Making a space for risky, bizarre and overly-ambitious ideas was their solution to avoid the stasis that had hit bigger companies from previous generations.
When Google went public in 2004, its founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin wrote a letter to potential investors, warning them not to expect the quarter-by-quarter financial focus that most public companies are forced to heed. They set up Google X, a research lab focused on only the weirdest and riskiest ideas, and told their employees they should spend part of their time on projects completely unrelated to their day jobs.
“Google is not a conventional company. We do not intend to become one,” they wrote. Page repeated the line in the 2015 announcement about the creation of the Alphabet holding company.
The biggest tech companies have indeed managed to stave off disrupters. But it wasn’t always through reinventing themselves with internally-created big ideas. Apple, Amazon, Google and Facebook made hundreds of acquisitions over the past two decades, buying both sizable up-and-coming competitors and tiny start-ups. Google’s Android operating system, Facebook’s mobile advertising business and Amazon’s audiobooks empire all initially came through acquisition.
In October, a month before announcing widespread layoffs, Amazon began winding down its exploratory internal incubator, Grand Challenge. The team — at one point so secretive employees weren’t supposed to utter its name — worked on projects like Echo Frames, Amazon’s stab at smart glasses, and even cancer research, CNBC first reported in 2018.
Team leader Babak Parviz, who came from Google X in 2014, left Amazon in October. His departure was followed by news that most of the group’s projects would be shut down, including Amazon Glow, a projector device for kids, and Amazon Explore, a virtual tourism product.
Amazon Care, a major telehealth play the company shut down in August, was also a product of Grand Challenge. Rather than continue to support that project, Amazon acquired start-up One Medical.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy replaced founder Jeff Bezos in the role in 2020. Where Bezos was known as a visionary risk-taker, Jassy — best known for running Web Services, Amazon’s successful cloud computing arm — has a reputation as a pragmatic businessperson.
Bezos made experimentation and bravery, or what he famously called a Day One mentality, a core part of the company's culture. But a former Amazon employee who worked on Grand Challenge and spoke on the condition of anonymity due to an NDA said that culture has changed in recent years.
Is Amazon “not just growing up, but getting old?” the former employee asked. “It does feel like Day 2.”
(Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post.)
Despite major investment, some of Amazon’s most ambitious projects have failed to get off the ground. In 2013, Bezos made headlines when he announced on 60 Minutes that Amazon was already testing delivery by drone. But ten years later, Bezos has moved on, and Amazon’s drone operation, tied up in regulatory red tape, has made few real world deliveries.
Economic pressures do have an impact on funding for moonshot labs, but that doesn’t mean the spark of innovation will die inside the companies, said Peter Diamandis, a tech entrepreneur and investor who in the mid 1990s founded the X Prize competition to encourage private companies to develop spacecraft, something that at the time was still mostly the realm of the world’s richest governments.
“We’re going to see these moonshot labs ebb and flow depending on corporate profitability, but that culture is never going away, it’s how these companies were born,” he said.
Google’s Waymo wasn’t the only one of the company’s side projects hit by recent cuts. Verily, which is one of a handful of healthcare-related projects the company launched over the years, worked on a range of topics including breeding sterile mosquitoes to lower the spread of insect-borne diseases and helping run covid-testing centers during the beginning of the pandemic. When Google announced its layoffs on Jan. 20, Verily was disproportionately hit, cutting 15 percent of its staff.
Area 120, a part of Google that served as an internal start-up “incubator,” lost most of its employees and will soon be completely shut down. The department represented one of Google’s defining quirks — letting some employees spend time on projects outside of their regular jobs, and even stay at the company sometimes to launch new start-ups rather than leave and do it on their own. Those days seem to be over now.
Bigger, more mature companies have bigger legal liabilities, making it harder to push out new products and keep up with start-ups, Diamandis said.
“That’s a really big dilemma for big companies,” he said. “It becomes harder to innovate and take real chances and risk.”
A similar dynamic has been playing out over the past year when it comes to new generative artificial intelligence tools that can produce text, images, sounds and videos that look and feel like they were created by humans. Start-ups like OpenAI and Stability AI pushed their products out to the public, capturing a wave of marketing attention and wonder at the new tools, even though much of the technology was based on ideas developed earlier by the Big Tech companies.
Microsoft spent billions on a deal with OpenAI to use the company’s technology in its new Bing search chatbot, and Google and Facebook are rushing to produce their own versions of the tech, pushing past guardrails they had instituted in the past to ensure the powerful tech was safe to use before getting it in the public’s hands.
Facebook parent Meta is still investing billions into its long-term gamble to build out immersive digital realms known as the metaverse, despite the slow traction among users. Chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg envisions that virtual and augmented-reality-powered service will become the next great computing platform, as people work, play and shop through their own avatars in the metaverse.
But even Zuckerberg has been forced to trim costs and refocus his existing employees on the company’s top business objectives in the face of falling revenue and an uncertain economic future. Over the last year, Meta has cut its investment in or halted the development of several products and services such as the Facebook News tab, its newsletter product, Bulletin, and its video calling device line, Portal.
Earlier this year, Zuckerberg proclaimed that 2023 would be the “year of efficiency” and pledged to trim management layers and speed up the company’s decision-making.
The shift is a major change for the tech industry’s culture, where employees would jump from well-paying jobs at Big Tech companies to risky start-ups, comfortable in the assumption that they could return if the smaller company didn’t work out.
“I think that’s being tested right now,” McNamee said. “If people working in Silicon Valley become more risk averse, the implications are profound.” | 2023-03-02T20:57:27+00:00 | washingtonpost.com | https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/03/02/big-tech-moonshots-google-meta-amazon/ |
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Officials from the Strong National Museum of Play have unveiled this year’s finalists for the National Toy Hall of Fame.
“These 12 toys span the history of play. The top is as old as civilization itself, and bingo has been played in some form for hundreds of years,” said Christopher Bensch, vice president for collections at The Strong museum in Rochester, where the hall of fame is housed.
The National Toy Hall of Fame recognizes toys that have “engaged and delighted multiple generations.” Criteria for induction include the toy’s “icon-status,” its popularity across many generations, how it enriches a child’s life, and its uniqueness.
This year’s nominees include game night favorites bingo, the board game Catan, and card games Phase 10 and Rack-O and two lines of figurines — Breyer Horses and Masters of the Universe figures, including He-Man and She-Ra.
A birthday party staple, the piñata, also made the list, as did Nerf toys. Other toys nominated include the Lite-Brite, Pound Puppies, Spirograph, and the top.
Voting to determine which of these toys will be formally inducted is now open to the public through Sept. 21. The three toys with the most votes from the public will make up the “Player’s Choice” ballot, which will be counted alongside those turned in by a national selection committee whose members include industry experts, academics and others.
You can cast your vote here. Inductees will be announced on Nov. 10.
To date, 77 toys have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, from American Girl Dolls and sand to Monopoly and the Nintendo Game Boy. If your favorite toy hasn’t yet been inducted, you can nominate it online. You will need to explain why the toy deserves to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame, and it must have icon-status, longevity, discovery, and innovation.
The National Toy Hall of Fame was established in 1998 and “recognizes toys that have inspired creative play and enjoyed popularity over a sustained period.” While anyone can nominate a toy to the National Toy Hall of Fame, final selections are made on the advice of historians, educators, and other individuals who exemplify learning, creativity, and discovery through their lives and careers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. | 2022-09-15T00:20:32+00:00 | ksn.com | https://www.ksn.com/news/these-are-2022s-finalists-for-the-national-toy-hall-of-fame-how-to-vote-for-your-favorite/ |
BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union countries agreed Wednesday to impose a price cap on Russian oil and other new sanctions after Moscow illegally annexed four regions in Ukraine amid its monthslong war, EU officials said.
Diplomats struck the deal in Brussels that also includes curbs on EU exports of aircraft components to Russia and limits on steel imports from the country, according to an official statement from the Czech rotating EU presidency.
The 27-nation bloc will impose a ban on transporting Russian oil by sea to other countries above the price cap, which the Group of Seven wealthy democracies want in place by Dec. 5, when an EU embargo on most Russian oil takes effect. A specific price for the future cap has yet to be defined.
A deal on the price cap was not easy to reach because several EU countries were worried it would damage their shipping industries. More details about the sanctions will be published as soon as Thursday.
The new package of sanctions was proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last week amid heightened security concerns over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s nuclear threats and his annexation of parts of Ukraine.
“We have moved quickly and decisively,” von der Leyen said as she welcomed the deal. “We will never accept Putin’s sham referenda nor any kind of annexation in Ukraine. We are determined to continue making the Kremlin pay.”
The new sanctions also include an “extended import ban” on goods such as steel products, wood pulp, paper, machinery and appliances, chemicals, plastic and cigarettes, the Czech presidency said.
A ban on providing IT, engineering and legal services to Russian entities will also take effect.
The package, which will also include new criteria for sanctions circumvention, builds on already-unprecedented European sanctions against Russia as a result of its invasion of Ukraine in February.
EU measures to date include restrictions on energy from Russia, bans on financial transactions with Russian entities, including the central bank, and asset freezes against more than 1,000 people and 100 organizations.
The 27-nation bloc already agreed to ban Russian oil that comes by sea, not pipeline, but some member countries still require Russian supplies at low prices. Hungary, which has questioned the efficiency of the previous measures and earlier said it could not support further energy sanctions, said it has been granted exemptions from any new steps that would have put its energy security at risk.
The EU’s planned ban on most Russian oil products could force Russia to lower prices to find new customers. OPEC oil-producing countries are meeting Wednesday to discuss cutting production to boost oil prices, which would help Russia.
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Associated Press writer Angela Charlton in Paris contributed to this report. | 2022-10-05T20:12:39+00:00 | kdvr.com | https://kdvr.com/news/nationalworld-news/ap-international/ap-eu-agrees-on-price-cap-for-russian-oil-over-ukraine-war/ |
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. | 2022-12-30T15:54:21+00:00 | wtmj.com | https://wtmj.com/entertainment/2022/12/30/ap-top-entertainment-news-at-749-a-m-est/ |
WILMINGTON, Del. - A 55-year-old woman from Ocean View has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison on federal wire fraud and tax evasion charges, says the Department of Justice (DOJ).
DOJ says that the woman, Joan Donald, was an administrative assistant and quasi-bookkeeper for Dovetail, Inc., which is a high-end interior design and construction business in Bethany Beach.
According to the DOJ, beginning at least in 2014, Donald started defrauding Dovetail and its owner by giving herself a shadow salary, using it to pay credit card bills using the business's bank account, and funneling money to her husband in several ways, including fraudulent checks and Square payments. The DOJ says Donald embezzled more than $1.1 million from Dovetail and its owner.
“The owner of Dovetail, Connie Britell, was a force of nature who built her business from the ground up," said U.S. Attorney Weis. "Over the years, Ms. Britell placed more and more trust in the defendant, eventually giving the defendant control over company finances. The defendant abused that trust. Month after month for at least seven years, defendant Donald drained Dovetail’s accounts until there was nothing left. In doing so, the defendant exploited an elderly woman in declining health who had placed full faith in her. The defendant’s conduct was not only criminal, it was also cruel. Today’s sentence stands as a stark warning to those who prey on the elderly.”
"Justice has been served today and this defendant is on her way to federal prison for stealing from her employer, the American public, and the government,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty. “Would-be criminals should take notice. A similar fate awaits anyone thinking about engaging in this type of criminal conduct.”
“Today’s sentence has put an end to Joan Donald’s flagrant actions and complete disrespect of the law. For years Donald was a trusted insider who preyed on her employer by stealing funds to financially enrich herself” stated Baltimore FBI Special Agent in Charge, Thomas J. Sobocinski. “Those who abuse their position of trust for their own financial greed will not be tolerated. The FBI and our partners will continue to uncover those committing fraud and causing harm to businesses and individuals for personal gain.”
The DOJ says Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Howland prosecuted the case, which was investigated by both the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. They also say District Judge Colm F. Connolly pronounced sentence. | 2022-09-29T14:46:29+00:00 | wrde.com | https://www.wrde.com/news/ocean-view-woman-sentenced-to-51-months-in-federal-prison-after-embezzling-1-1-million/article_0a5633dc-3ff7-11ed-a66a-07f148c14c0b.html |
DOHA, Qatar — Lionel Messi up against Virgil van Dijk. The youngest coach at the World Cup taking on the oldest. South America versus Europe. A back catalog of famous meetings.
And the possibility of it being Messi’s final game on soccer’s biggest stage just adds to the anticipation.
The seven-time world player of the year is three wins away from achieving his ultimate dream but he has two people, in particular, blocking his path.
First, the not inconsiderable frame of Van Dijk, who has been one of the world’s best defenders over the past five years. If there’s anyone able to stop Messi on one of his trademark dribbles, it is the graceful Liverpool center back who combines pace with a great reading of the game.
And then there’s Louis van Gaal, the wily tactician who is 71, has recently undergone successful treatment for prostate cancer, and is now plotting to win the World Cup in perhaps the final job of his 26-year coaching career.
Van Gaal, who has long been one of the most charismatic characters in soccer, is approaching this task with a lot of fun — even on the eve of one of the biggest matches of his career.
On Thursday, he was told that Angel Di Maria, who plays for Argentina, thinks he is the worst coach he has ever played under following their time together at Manchester United in 2014-15.
Van Gaal said it was a pity Di Maria felt this way — “he is one of the few players to have said that,” he remarked, “as usually it is the other way round” — and added he once had a falling-out with Netherlands captain Memphis Depay, who was sitting next to him.
“Now we kiss each other,” Van Gaal said, leaning toward Depay with his arms out.
Van Gaal was also asked how he was planning to stop Messi — a question for which many coaches down the years have failed to come up with an answer.
“It’d be pretty stupid to reveal your own tactics,” he said, smiling. “But it’s not that difficult to come up with any answer. You could have come up with an answer yourself. You may want to block and close the passing lines. Am I right, Memphis?”
As for his Argentina counterpart, the 44-year-old Lionel Scaloni is a comparative novice after taking charge of his country in 2018 for his first senior coaching role. Still, he has already led Argentina to the Copa America title last year — the country’s first major trophy since 1993 — and has managed to steady his team after a shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in its opening group game.
While Van Gaal was predicting a tight match that will be settled by a “decisive moment,” Scaloni said it will be a “beautiful game because we are talking about two national teams willing to attack but who can also defend.”
It’s set to be a clash of styles between two of soccer’s historic powerhouses, with Argentina — a two-time champion — preferring to play a possession game and the Dutch — three times a beaten finalist — now typically playing on the counterattack under Van Gaal.
They have met in some high-profile World Cup games, none bigger than the 1978 final won by Argentina on home soil. There was also a last-16 match in 1998, won by the Netherlands thanks to a wonderful 90th-minute goal by Dennis Bergkamp, and then a penalty-shootout win by Argentina in the semifinals in 2014.
Messi played in that game and was kept relatively quiet by a team also coached by Van Gaal. Eight years later, Messi is still Argentina’s star player and put in his best performance in this World Cup in the 2-1 win over Australia in the round of 16.
“The tournament is starting tomorrow for us, for real,” Van Gaal said. “Although I don’t want to downplay the importance of the other countries we have beaten, Argentina and then potentially Brazil in the next round are different countries than those we played up to now.”
Scaloni was pressed on the fitness of midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who might be a doubt according to some reports in the Argentine media, but gave little away.
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Steve Douglas is at https://twitter.com/sdouglas80
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | 2022-12-08T15:50:07+00:00 | washingtonpost.com | https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/soccer/messi-resumes-world-cup-quest-as-argentina-plays-netherlands/2022/12/08/421e9b92-770b-11ed-a199-927b334b939f_story.html |
Jaden Ivey, Top Pistons Players to Watch vs. the Rockets - March 31
The Houston Rockets (18-59) square off against the Detroit Pistons (16-60) at 8:00 PM ET on Friday at Toyota Center. Alperen Sengun of the Rockets and Jaden Ivey of the Pistons are two players to watch in this contest.
In the article below, we'll give you all the info you need to know about who to keep your eye on in this matchup, which you can watch on Bally Sports with a seven-day free trial to fuboTV!
How to Watch Pistons vs. Rockets
- Game Day: Friday, March 31
- Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Arena: Toyota Center
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Live Stream: Watch on fuboTV!
Watch Sengun, Ivey and tons of other NBA stars in action with a free trial to fuboTV.
Pistons' Last Game
In their most recent game, the Pistons lost to the Thunder on Wednesday, 107-106. Ivey scored a team-high 24 points (and added nine assists and two boards).
Want to include one of these players in your daily fantasy lineup? Sign up with our link and get a special offer from FanDuel!
Pistons Players to Watch
- The Pistons get 15.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game from Ivey.
- Killian Hayes tops the Pistons in assists (6.1 per game), and averages 9.9 points and 2.8 rebounds. He also posts 1.4 steals and 0.3 blocked shots.
- Jalen Duren is putting up a team-high 8.7 rebounds per game. And he is producing 8.9 points and 1.2 assists, making 64.2% of his shots from the floor.
- The Pistons get 12.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game from Marvin Bagley III.
- Cory Joseph is posting 6.4 points, 1.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per contest, making 42.3% of his shots from the field and 37.8% from 3-point range, with 1.0 triples per contest.
Watch live sports and TV without cable on all your devices with a seven-day free trial to fuboTV!
Top Performers (Last 10 Games)
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | 2023-03-31T19:51:48+00:00 | wnem.com | https://www.wnem.com/sports/betting/2023/03/31/pistons-vs-rockets-nba-players-to-watch/ |
LOS ANGELES, April 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The life trajectory of renowned Los Angeles attorney, Larry Litzky, was positively impacted in 2019 while he sat to watch a favorite show of his, NBC's The Voice. It was a performance of Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed" that brought Larry to tears as he witnessed the awe-inspiring sound and presence of 'Team Gwen Stefani' finalist, Rose Short.
Larry, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2009, has always been musically driven himself, earning a Bachelor of Music from the University of Miami (in addition to his law degree from Southwestern Law School). But on that cold November night, Larry couldn't imagine that Rose would sing a Gospel song he wrote almost twenty years prior.
"I wrote 'Oh God, You Rescued Me' in the year 2000, a song about having the tenacity and strength to overcome," says Larry Litzky. "Years later, watching The Voice, I was completely blown away by Rose's brilliant singing and charisma, and I never forgot about her. Of course, I didn't know it then that I'd later be working with her."
In October of 2021, dreams began to manifest when Larry underwent an intensive and serious brain surgery to combat his Parkinson's disease. It was successful!
"My newly revived health brought back memories of when I wrote 'Oh God, You Rescued Me', and I knew that I wanted nothing more than to revive my song and have Rose Short record it," Larry explains.
To help get in touch with Ms. Short, Larry signed with public relations, marketing, and branding firm, EKC PR, who propelled Rose to record the beautiful Gospel track after she heard Larry's heartwarming narrative and positive message behind the song.
"'Oh God, You Rescued Me' is about perseverance," says Rose Short. "We've all been at a place where we were at the bottom, and so it's a story everyone can relate to."
The compelling news of having Rose on board motivated Larry to launch his own production company, Level 22 Entertainment, which produces and distributes uplifting and inspiring music. Rose Short is the first artist to lend her soulful vocals for a Level 22 composition.
The goal for the song, which is available on all major streaming platforms, is that it can be utilized as an emblem of hope.
Media Contact
Eileen Koch
EKC PR
310-441-1000
eileen@ekcpr.com
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SOURCE Level 22 Entertainment | 2022-04-11T23:56:03+00:00 | kalb.com | https://www.kalb.com/prnewswire/2022/04/11/rose-short-nbcs-voice-releases-gospel-single-oh-god-you-rescued-me-level-22-entertainment/ |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Dutton and Wrenlee are on the rise but they're no match for champs Liam and Olivia as the top baby names in the U.S. last year.
The Social Security Administration released the annual list Friday. The agency tracks baby names in each state based on applications for Social Security cards, with names dating to 1880.
It's Liam's sixth straight year as No. 1. Olivia has reigned since the name unseated Emma four years ago. Emma is No. 2.
Coming in third for girls' names is Charlotte, followed by Amelia, Sophia, Isabella, Ava, Mia, Evelyn and Luna. For boys' names, Liam is followed by Noah, Oliver, James, Elijah, William, Henry, Lucas, Benjamin and Theodore.
Luna is the only newcomer in the Top 10, booting Harper.
The agency has been compiling the list since 1997, often revealing the impact pop culture has on baby naming trends. The smash hit “Yellowstone” has clearly influenced new parents. The neo-Western starring Kevin Costner debuted in 2018, with characters surfacing among baby names ever since.
Dutton moved up the Social Security list to 835, a change of 986 spots from 2021. It's the last name of the fictional family featured on the series, and it counts Costner's John Dutton in its ranks. Dutton is the fastest rising name in the Social Security rankings.
Another Dutton name follows actual Dutton as a star with a bullet among baby names. Kayce, as in Kayce John Dutton on the show, moved to the 587th most popular name, up from 1,077 the year before. Luke Grimes plays Kayce.
Rip, also from “Yellowstone,” has grabbed some naming attention, but it didn't crack Social Security's top 1,000. Cole Hauser's Rip Wheeler is Dutton adjacent as the son-in-law of John.
Other names rising fast for boys: Chosen, Khaza, Eithan. For girls, Wrenlee is followed by Neriah, Arlet, Georgina and Amiri.
The Social Security Administration's latest data shows 3.64 million babies in the U.S. were issued Social Security cards last year, up slightly from 2021.
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Online: https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ | 2023-05-12T15:46:54+00:00 | daytondailynews.com | https://www.daytondailynews.com/nation-world/liam-and-olivia-continue-reign-as-social-securitys-top-baby-names-in-the-us/4FFSWWWOFFF2NLX5GLPRWEHQDE/ |
Form 10 filing marks completion of independent audits for more than 90 percent of GPB Capital's assets
NEW YORK, May 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 13, 2022, GPB Capital Holdings, LLC ("GPB Capital") filed its Registration Statement on Form 10 ("Form 10") for GPB Holdings II, LP (the "Partnership") with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Form 10 filing confirms net assets of approximately $567.3 million in the Partnership as of December 31, 2021, a figure verified through an unqualified opinion from the Partnership's auditors and prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("US GAAP"). According to the filing, for the period ended December 31, 2021, the Partnership recognized total revenue of $153.4 million and produced net income of $168.7 million. The filing also shows year-end cash balances of approximately $356.6 million.
"The audited financial statements reflect a strong portfolio with significant cash and liquidity, and minimal long-term debt," said Rob Chmiel, Chief Executive Officer. "We continue to evaluate strategic options for how to best maximize value for our investors."
In 2021, GPB Capital effected the sale of two significant groups of the Partnership's assets: its Physical Therapy strategy (Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, LLC ("Alliance")) and its Automotive Retail strategy ("Auto"). The December 2021 sale of Alliance resulted in net proceeds to the Partnership of approximately $119.0 million, representing a nearly 2x multiple on invested capital. The November 2021 sale of the Auto businesses, primarily made up of retail dealerships operated under Prime Automotive Group, resulted in net proceeds to the Partnership of approximately $281.8 million.
The Alliance and Auto sales resulted in the Partnership's exit from two of its five reportable segments. The Partnership is now comprised of three reportable segments: (i) Technology-Enabled Services, (ii) Energy, and (iii) Corporate and Other. The Form 10 provides more detail about the strategies for these segments, as well as the portfolio companies contained within each segment. Additional information about the sales of Alliance and Auto are found at the links below:
- Alliance Physical Therapy link: https://prn.to/3kz2vt1
- Automotive Retail link: https://prn.to/3OWFK00
All of GPB Capital's public filings are available at the following link: https://gpb-cap.com/secfilings/. Additionally, updates regarding GPB Capital can be found in GPB Capital's investor resource center, which is available at the following link: https://gpb-cap.com/investor-updates/.
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release is not intended to be an offer to sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy, any security, or to participate in any GPB Capital Partnership, fund, or product. This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" which may describe, strategies, goals, outlooks or other non-historical matters, and may include words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "guidance," "project," "target," "potential," "will," "should," "could," "likely," or "may," and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and actual results can differ materially. Undue reliance on these forward-looking statements is cautioned against. Forward-looking statements are valid on the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise them. GPB Capital is a SEC registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about GPB Capital including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.
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SOURCE GPB Capital | 2022-05-16T22:27:51+00:00 | wlbt.com | https://www.wlbt.com/prnewswire/2022/05/16/gpb-capital-files-form-10-registration-statement-with-us-securities-exchange-commission-gpb-holdings-ii-lp/ |
Bryant receives highest honor for empowering communities through financial literacy on Wednesday, March 29 at the RISE Financial Pathways Power Luncheon 2023.
ATLANTA, March 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RISE Financial Pathways hosted its 2023 Power Luncheon on March 29 and presented Operation HOPE Chairman, Founder, and CEO John Hope Bryant with the 2023 Robert A. McNeely Trailblazer Award, the organization's highest honor.
RISE (Reach. Invest. Succeed. Earn.) is a nonprofit that serves communities within Los Angeles County, particularly South Los Angeles, a region that is suffering from some of the highest unemployment in the nation. The event, which was themed "RISE: The Reunion, The Resurgence!" also honored other business leaders. RISE and its CEO Forescee Hogan-Rawls celebrated 30 years of community economic investment at the Power Luncheon.
John Hope Bryant is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Atlanta-based Operation HOPE, Inc., a leading national nonprofit dedicated to financial literacy and economic empowerment. Since its inception in 1992, Operation HOPE has served over 4 million people and directed more than $3.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities.
"Three decades ago, when I first had the vision to help uplift our communities through the work of Operation HOPE, Los Angeles is where it all started. It's an honor to be back and celebrated in my hometown," said Bryant. "As we continue this important work together, I want everyone to remember that the 'Silver Rights' movement matters for all. I am grateful to RISE and its leadership for bestowing me with the distinguished McNeely Trailblazer Award."
The Robert A. McNeely award was named after one of the organization's cofounders who educated local banks on how they could invest in the community and profit at the same time. McNeely was a leader in the enforcement of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1978, a federal law that had not been properly implemented in low-income communities.
In addition to founding Operation HOPE, Bryant is also the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Bryant Group Ventures and Principal of The Promise Homes Company, which is the largest minority-controlled owner of single-family rental homes in the United States. Bryant has served as a member of the President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy under President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama. At the recommendation of Mr. Bryant, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew renamed the former U.S. Treasury Annex Building the Freedman's Bank Building.
Operation HOPE's mission promotes social justice through an economic lens. Today, the Atlanta-based organization continues to experience significant growth with a focus on providing resources to historically underserved communities. With more than 230 'HOPE Inside' locations across the country, HOPE's team of certified coaches supports a diverse group of clients through initiatives to help improve financial wellness, increase homeownership and build small businesses. For more information, visit OperationHope.org.
Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to "silver rights" with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through our community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the 2016 Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $3.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. For more information: www.OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Lalohni Campbell, for Operation HOPE
la@persemediagroup.com
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SOURCE Operation HOPE, Inc. | 2023-03-29T21:04:30+00:00 | kcbd.com | https://www.kcbd.com/prnewswire/2023/03/29/operation-hope-founder-chairman-amp-ceo-john-hope-bryant-receives-rise-financial-pathways-2023-robert-mcneely-trailblazer-award/ |
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Best RV Covers | 2022-09-23T09:25:32+00:00 | qcnews.com | https://www.qcnews.com/reviews/br/automotive-br/exterior-accessories-br/ |
MT. ZION, Ill. (WCIA) – Drew Petitt is about to be a senior in high school. Ever since he can remember, he’s been volunteering
“Right now, I’m currently involved in my schools SADD, Medics, Young Leaders in Action, I’m involved in Student Council and key club, and I also currently am a barista at Starbucks,” Petitt said.
It’s a long list of accolades for someone who is starting his senior year of high school.
“It actually started back in grade school. So, my grade school principal, she was very nice. She encouraged me to go apply for volunteer opportunities for the Children’s Museum of Illinois and Mt. Zion public library. So, she told me all about it and it sounded like a really good opportunity. And I was super surprised with how much I learned,” he said.
As soon as he could, it seems Petitt has been giving back to his community. Whether that’s helping other students, volunteering with different groups, or learning a new life skill.
“I’ve always loved giving back and I’ve always loved giving back to my community and I love seeing other people do it. And seeing that really gets me motivated,” he said.
He said it’s never too late, or early to start.
“Starting out at that younger age will help get you ready for other opportunities ahead,” he said.
It’s clear to see he’s a Kid to Know in Our Town Mt. Zion
“Have a fantastic day on purpose. I absolutely love living by that and I love I think about that all the time, every day. Having that smile on your face or going to meet someone new and you know, think having a fantastic day on purpose,” he said. | 2022-08-08T19:06:07+00:00 | wcia.com | https://www.wcia.com/news/mt-zion-kid-to-know/ |
Search for missing at-risk 14-year-old last seen Thursday morning in Old Colorado City area
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Police are searching for a missing and at-risk teen who was last seen early Thursday morning.
According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, 14-year-old Wednesday Phairchyld, who goes by “Max,” went missing around 3 a.m. April 13, in the Old Colorado City area.
The teen was last seen wearing a blue hoodie, gray sweats, and teal shoes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact 719-444-7000. | 2023-04-13T15:49:08+00:00 | krdo.com | https://krdo.com/top-stories/2023/04/13/search-for-missing-at-risk-14-year-old-last-seen-thursday-morning-in-old-colorado-city-area/ |
NEW BERLIN, Wis., May 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ECM Investors, LLC, the parent company of ECM Industries, LLC, announced today it has been acquired by nVent Electric plc (NYSE: NVT) ("nVent"). nVent is a leading global provider of electrical connection and protection solutions. With a team of 10,000+ people at more than 130 sites around the world, nVent designs, manufactures, markets, installs and services high-performance products and solutions that connect and protect mission critical equipment, buildings and essential processes. nVent has industry-leading brands that are recognized globally for quality, reliability and innovation, including nVent CADDY, ERICO, HOFFMAN, RAYCHEM, SCHROFF and TRACER. Its management office is in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
Mike Masino, CEO of ECM Industries, stated, "We are excited to be joining the nVent family of brands. nVent's focus on the electrification of everything, high-growth verticals, global expansion and complimentary products will benefit ECM Industries' customers, suppliers and employees."
ECM Industries will join the Electrical Fastening and Solutions segment. ECM will continue to operate its sales, engineering, operations and all customer support functions from its existing locations.
About ECM Industries
ECM is a global manufacturer and supplier of electrical products for construction and maintenance, irrigation and landscape supply and utility markets. The ECM Industries portfolio consists of leading brands ILSCO, Utilco, Gardner Bender, Sperry Instruments, Bergen Industries and King Innovation. These brands have been supplying electricians, do-it-yourselfers, contractors, and maintenance technicians with a wide variety of innovative products for over 125 years. The ECM brands are widely stocked and distributed through leading wholesalers, retailers, catalogs and e-commerce distributors. For more on ECM Industries please visit www.ecmindustries.com.
About nVent:
nVent is a leading global provider of electrical connection and protection solutions. We believe our inventive electrical solutions enable safer systems and ensure a more secure world. We design, manufacture, market, install and service high performance products and solutions that connect and protect some of the world's most sensitive equipment, buildings and critical processes. We offer a comprehensive range of enclosures, electrical connections and fastening and thermal management solutions across industry-leading brands that are recognized globally for quality, reliability and innovation. Our principal office is in London and our management office in the United States is in Minneapolis. Our robust portfolio of leading electrical product brands dates back more than 100 years and includes nVent CADDY, ERICO, HOFFMAN, RAYCHEM, SCHROFF and TRACER. Learn more at www.nvent.com.
nVent, CADDY, ERICO, HOFFMAN, RAYCHEM, SCHROFF and TRACER are trademarks owned or licensed by nVent Services GmbH or its affiliates.
For further information:
David Hackbarth
Marketing Manager - ECM Industries
262.317.8782
David.Hackbarth@ecmindustries.com
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SOURCE ECM Industries | 2023-05-18T22:42:14+00:00 | kalb.com | https://www.kalb.com/prnewswire/2023/05/18/nvent-acquire-ecm-industries/ |
RAPID CITY - Kathryn Elaine Larson, 100, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Avantara Arrowhead. A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow on Monday, May 22 at 11:00 a.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church. Burial will be held privately at Mountain View Cemetery. Please visit the online memorial for Kathryn at: www.OsheimSchmidt.com.
Kathryn Elaine Larson
Related to this story | 2023-05-17T06:58:56+00:00 | rapidcityjournal.com | https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/kathryn-elaine-larson/article_e25d57de-5cee-5512-939d-0e8fdf2ff5c8.html |
The company's rapid growth in the country continues with the addition of the latest all-inclusive property
Wyndham Grand Cancun All-Inclusive Resort & Villas sits oceanfront in Cancun's Hotel Zone and is the first Wyndham Grand in Mexico.
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across over 95 countries, announces today the upcoming opening of Wyndham Grand Cancun All-Inclusive Resort & Villas through a franchise agreement with Grupo Cancun. The resort, which will be the first Wyndham Grand in Mexico, is now accepting reservations and will open on November 1st, 2022.
The hotel will join the exclusive collection of approximately 65 Wyndham Grand hotels and resorts, which has a global presence in key regions such as China, Vietnam, Turkey, Germany, the United States. Wyndham Grand offers an approachable yet distinctive service. The brand is a unique choice for travelers seeking an exceptional, premium hospitality experience. This hotel opening continues the Company's rapid growth in Mexico, adding to the portfolio of more than 65 hotels and resorts in cities such as Mexico City, Monterrey, Tulum, Guadalajara, Playa del Carmen and Puebla.
Located in the Hotel Zone of this renowned beach destination, the oceanfront property features timeless Mexican architecture across its 364 guest rooms, suites and villas, and common spaces. Guests can choose from seven restaurants and indulge in cuisine ranging from Italian and Brazilian to Japanese and of course, traditional Mexican food. Additionally, the resort offers five bars, four pools, daily activities for all ages, a spa, gym, retail shops, beach club, tennis courts, a kids club, and more.
"With more than three decades of experience, we see that we are in an increasingly globalized world and recognized an opportunity to strengthen our international position through working with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts," said Abelardo Vara, President, Grupo Cancún. "As the world's largest hotel franchising company, Wyndham has a strong sales and reservation system, which helps guide guests who are dreaming of their next destination to visit. As the resort converts to Wyndham Grand Cancun All-Inclusive Resort & Villas, we look forward to partnering with their highly professional team."
"Wyndham Grand resorts offer everyday travelers experiences in some of the world's most sought-after destinations, which now includes Cancun," said Scott LePage, President, Americas at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. "Travelers can expect an upscale experience in the heart of the destination and immerse themselves in the Mexican culture through the resort's wide range of dining experiences and activities."
The opening of Wyndham Grand Cancun All-Inclusive Resort & Villas comes at a time when travelers are seeking easy-to-plan vacations. A recent survey, commissioned by Wyndham and conducted by OnePoll, found that 75% of travelers believe the best way to travel is booking an all-inclusive trip and 77% believe that an all-inclusive vacation is the least stressful way to travel.
Wyndham Grand Cancun All-Inclusive Resort & Villas will become part of the company's award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program on November 1 2022, offering over 95 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information or to make reservations visit Wyndham's website.
About Wyndham Grand
Travel is the best excuse to enjoy the grand things in life. With locations in some of the world's most sought-after vacation destinations – including Shanghai, Istanbul, Doha, Salzburg and Orlando – Wyndham Grand® hotels transform ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences. Approachable by design, this upper-upscale hotel brand helps travelers make every moment count. For information on developing a Wyndham Grand hotel, please visit www.development.wyndham.com.
About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world's largest hotel franchising company by the number of properties, with approximately 9,000 hotels across over 95 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 819,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 22 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Microtel®, La Quinta®, Baymont®, Wingate®, AmericInn®, Hawthorn Suites®, Trademark Collection® and Wyndham®. The Company's award-winning Wyndham Rewards® loyalty program offers over 95 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.
Contacts:
Scott Carman
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
+1 (973) 753-6590
scott.carman@wyndham.com
Carolina D'Elio
Communications Director LATAMC
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
O (+54 11) 5217-5777
carolina.delio@wyndham.com
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SOURCE Wyndham Hotels & Resorts | 2022-08-09T14:02:43+00:00 | ksla.com | https://www.ksla.com/prnewswire/2022/08/09/wyndham-hotels-amp-resorts-announces-first-wyndham-grand-mexico/ |
By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS and GEOFF MULVIHILL (Associated Press)
NEW YORK (AP) — Thirteen Republican state attorneys general are cautioning CEOs of the 100 biggest U.S. companies on the legal consequences for using race as a factor in hiring and employment practices, demonstrating how the Supreme Court’s recent ruling dismantling affirmative action in higher education may trickle into the workplace.
The state attorneys general sent a letter to the CEOs on Thursday arguing that the controversial June ruling declaring that race cannot be a factor in college admissions — consequently striking down decades-old practices aimed at achieving diverse student bodies — could also apply to private entities, like employers.
“Treating people differently because of the color of their skin, even for benign purposes, is unlawful and wrong,” they wrote. The GOP officials also suggested that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs could be a form of discrimination.
The letter and similar actions elsewhere have raised questions about the far-reaching consequences of the Supreme Court decision beyond higher education. But experts note the court’s ruling itself doesn’t directly change current employer obligations or commitments to DEI.
“The decision itself does not legally impact Title VII (of the Civil Rights Act), which is what governs employment discrimination or discrimination in the workplace,” Greg Hoff, associate counsel of the HR Policy Association, told The Associated Press.
Hoff and others say the court’s ruling only applies to higher education institutions and other entities that receive federal funding. They also note that affirmative action in college admissions is very different from DEI efforts in workplaces, which can include expanding outreach for new hires, creating employee resource groups for underrepresented workers, and reducing bias in hiring through such practices as “blind” applications.
“What we’ve been seeing a lot of since the decision came down is political opponents of DEI … conflating affirmative action with DEI more broadly — because it serves their political purposes,” said David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at New York University’s School of Law. “I think there’s a lot of quite deliberate attempts to muddy the waters here.”
Beyond DEI, affirmative action in the workplace is technically still upheld by Supreme Court precedent, Glasgow adds. But workplace affirmative action is rare, and he suspects today’s court would likely overrule those cases if challenged, mirroring the college admissions decision.
While Thursday’s letter doesn’t mark legal action, experts expect future litigation down the road. The attorneys’ general letter also isn’t the first time officials have argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling applies to private employers.
Last week, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, sent a letter to Target CEO Brian Cornell stating that the company’s DEI program and “racial quota for hiring” was discriminatory while also pointing to the affirmative action ruling. Target did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ request for comment on Friday.
“They’re starting with letters, but I don’t think that they’re bluffs,” Temple University assistant professor of law Zamir Ben-Dan said. “It’s going to be a problem.”
The attorneys general said they would be paying attention to companies’ practices in hiring employees and contractors — and called out companies including Airbnb, Facebook, Google, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft and Netflix for programs intended to increase racial diversity with hires and suppliers.
In response, employers may take steps to avoid litigation, Hoff and HR Policy Association president and CEO Tim Bartl said.
“The increased risk for employers is this increased risk of litigation as a result of the decision — but again, not because of any changing obligations under Title VII,” Hoff said.
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, one of the signatories, said that the letter isn’t a warning to companies as much as it is a heads-up that racial preferences could run afoul of the law. He added that the group decided to take action in part to respond to speculation about the Supreme Court ruling not applying to employment.
“The court was very clear,” he said in a Friday interview. “The appropriate response to racial discrimination is not more racial discrimination.”
Not all state attorneys general cheered last month’s ruling or are eager to apply it outside college admissions. Only about half the nation’s Republican AGs signed the letter. And Democrats have been condemning the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling.
“For decades the Supreme Court has upheld targeted affirmative action programs to increase diversity in higher education,” the co-chairs of the Democratic Attorneys General Association, Nevada’s Aaron Ford and Delaware’s Kathy Jennings, said in a statement June 29, calling that day’s ruling “a major step backwards that tramples on those ideals.”
Ben-Dan anticipates that the results of any action taken in the workplace to undercut DEI will mimic what already happened when affirmative action had previously been weakened in higher education, noting that enrollment for nonwhite students — particularly Black students — went down after California banned affirmative action in 1996, for example.
“I imagine that it’s going to lead to a decline in racial diversity in workforces,” he said. | 2023-07-15T00:04:25+00:00 | denverpost.com | https://www.denverpost.com/2023/07/14/gop-attorneys-general-shift-the-battle-over-affirmative-action-to-the-workplace/ |
OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- At his introductory news conference Tuesday, new Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken praised quarterback Lamar Jackson for an "elite skill set" and said he believes Jackson is underrated as a passer.
It's just unknown when Monken can tell that to Jackson face-to-face.
There's a possibility that Jackson will skip all of the offseason spring workouts and training camp if he receives the franchise tag. The Ravens are expected to place the tag on Jackson to keep him from becoming an unrestricted free agent if the sides are unable to agree on a new contract within the next two weeks. The window to use the tag started Tuesday and ends March 7.
Monken didn't sound worried that Jackson could wait until the week before the regular-season opener to report, which would give him little time to learn the new offensive system.
"Sure, he'll be behind, but it's still just football," Monken said. "Sometimes we make this out to be way too much. We'll cater to what he knows and play."
The biggest challenge to an extended holdout by Jackson is developing a rapport with him, Monken added.
"I mean it's like any player, the more time you spend with them, the more comfortable they get with any system. That's more relationship, and that's part of it. And there's a big part of that relationship from a quarterback, coordinator, playcaller, position coach where they're comfortable and there's a trust. And that's built over time."
It's been over two years since Jackson has been eligible for a contract extension. A new deal will likely occur only if one of the sides backs off its stance regarding guaranteed contracts. Jackson wants a fully guaranteed contract like the one that was given to Deshaun Watson last year, but Baltimore considers the Watson deal an outlier instead of a precedent, according to sources.
Monken was asked how Jackson's long-term availability played into his decision to leave Georgia, where he won back-to-back national championships, and come to Baltimore.
"Sure, any player that's part of a roster where you're going into, you have an interest of what the roster's gonna look like," Monken said. "But ultimately I want to be someplace where [there's] structure, organization, great on defense from top to bottom. And everybody I talked to said you want to be a Baltimore Raven, you wanna be a part of that organization moving forward."
Monken replaces Greg Roman, who resigned from the Ravens on Jan. 19 after the offense continued to struggle, especially in the passing game. In Roman's four seasons as Baltimore's playcaller, the Ravens' rankings in the passing game were: 27th, 32nd, 13th and 28th.
Over the past two seasons, Jackson has failed to develop as a passer, totaling 33 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions. Monken said he has never worked with a quarterback like Jackson.
"He's got an elite skill set," Monken said. "I think he's underrated as a passer in terms of his ability to make plays and throw it down the field. I'm no different than you. I've watched what you guys watch, and it's pretty amazing."
Still, it's unknown when Monken will start working with Jackson. If Jackson doesn't sign his franchise tag tender, he's not under contract and can't be fined if he is absent from all of the workouts and practices for the next six months.
Monken, who was hired a week ago, said he hasn't had time to speak to Jackson or any players yet.
"I'm just trying to figure out where I'm headed when I drive to the facility," Monken said. | 2023-02-21T21:59:09+00:00 | espn.com | https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/35707610/ravens-oc-todd-monken-not-worried-lamar-jackson-holds-out |
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