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(NerdWallet) – Inflation has rattled nearly every aspect of Americans’ finances, including vacation budgets. But one major travel cost isn’t just lower than it was last year — it’s even lower than pre-pandemic.
June 2023 airfares are 18.9% lower than what they were in June 2022, according to July 2023 consumer price index data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Considering that booming demand — alongside other factors like high jet fuel costs — led to record-high airfares last summer, it’s not surprising to see prices normalize. Not only have air travel costs come back down to earth from 2022’s highs, they’re even lower than pre-pandemic prices.
According to BLS data, June 2023 airfares are down 1.33% from what they were in 2019, when airfares were already trending lower. Relative to what prices were a decade ago, they’re even cheaper.
Pandemic aside, airfares have been trending cheaper
Before the pandemic, airfares had steadily been trending downward since 2014, save for a small bump in 2019. In 2020, prices dropped sharply with the onset of the pandemic, with June 2020 airfares averaging 27% lower than June 2019 airfares.
But as travel returned, so did higher prices. June 2021 airfares spiked 25% over the prior year, and airfares rose 34% more between June 2021 and June 2022.
If you take a long-term view, those increases aren’t necessarily as big as they seem. In fact, in June 2022, airfares averaged just 0.4% more than in 2014.
Here’s a look at how airfares have changed relative to prices in 2014, using June prices from BLS inflation data:
In 2023, airfares are 19% lower than a decade ago.
Compare that with something like the cost of milk, which is up 9% over that same period, according to BLS data. Hotel prices are up 28%. Admission to movies, theaters and concerts is up 33%.
If airfares are lower, why do they feel so high?
Over the past decade, prices for most items have increased. But if airfares are down 19%, why do they feel so expensive?
For starters, not every route is necessarily cheaper. Data from travel booking app Hopper indicates airfares to Europe this summer are averaging nearly $1,200 per ticket, the highest prices in the past six years. That’s perhaps a response to people who might usually book a low-cost domestic flight finally taking extravagant bucket list trips.
And given recent major flight cancellations on airlines including United and Southwest, more travelers might opt for more expensive direct flights to reduce risk of flight disruptions.
Hayley Berg, Hopper’s lead economist, has her own theories as to why people feel like airfares are higher, including recency bias, shorter booking windows and unbundling.
Recency bias
Berg pointed to how many people traveled for this summer’s major holidays.
For example, Fourth of July weekend set records for U.S. air travel, with more than 2.884 million people passing through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints on the Friday before July 4, according to TSA checkpoint data. That topped the previous record of 2.882 million people flying on the Sunday after Thanksgiving 2019.
“A lot of times, we anchor the cost of travel to our most recent trips,” Berg says. “For many, that meant July Fourth and Memorial Day. It’s always expensive to travel on those weekends.”
Shorter booking windows
Airfares typically get more expensive the closer they’re booked to departure, and Berg says people are booking trips later than usual — perhaps a holdover from those pandemic times when people intentionally booked last minute given the extreme uncertainty.
Berg recommends typically booking one to two months in advance for domestic travel and three to four months ahead for most international travel.
“Now, people are searching for travel three weeks later than they did pre-pandemic, and they’re subsequently booking later,” she says. “If I’m booking a trip today that I intend to take two weeks from now, it’s going to be expensive because it’s always more expensive to book at the last minute.”
Unbundling
Then there’s unbundling, where airlines advertise lower fares, often in the form of basic economy seats that offer few frills. But low base fares typically entail upcharges in the form of ancillary fees to check bags or to guarantee a window seat or early boarding.
“On the whole, unbundling is a good thing because you’re not paying a premium for things you may not necessarily want,” Berg says. “I don’t care if I’m in the middle seat if it means I save $100.”
Berg acknowledges that it can be painful when you search for a flight that has a low advertised price but doesn’t turn out to be that cheap.
“It feels like death by a thousand cuts when you add in all those fees,” she says. | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/airfares-are-back-to-normal-so-why-do-they-feel-so-high/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:06 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/airfares-are-back-to-normal-so-why-do-they-feel-so-high/ |
BOSTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 25, 2023, Fosun Health Capital established by Fosun Pharma (stock code:600196.SH), reached a strategic partnership with Medicilon (stock code: 688202.SH). Meanwhile StarMab Biology (Suzhou) (jointly invested by the innovation drug research fund of Fosun Group and Yaopharma) and Medicilon entered into a strategic cooperation for innovative drug IND research and application services. This strategic partnership indicates a significant step forward in the cooperation between Fosun Health Capital and Medicilon, with milestone for both parties' development.
Cui Zhiping, Co-CEO and General Manager of Fosun Health Capital, Chen Chunlin, Founder and CEO of Medicilon, along with members from both sides attended the signing ceremony together and witnessed the contract.
According to the strategic cooperation agreement, Medicilon will leverage its international perspective and rich experience in R&D to provide innovative drug enterprises invested by Fosun Health Capital with services，such as drug discovery, pharmaceutical research, preclinical research, IND registration declaration, etc., aiming to facilitate cooperation in 10 innovative drug IND projects. Medicilon will also provide professional opinions on the rationality of product development clinical programs, product success probability analysis, product market potential, etc.
Furthermore, Medicilon will facilitate investment cooperation and create an ecosystem linking innovative drug investment and business cooperation. As for StarMab Biology, Medicilon will provide comprehensive and high-quality preclinical research services. Through this strategic cooperation, all parties will integrate respective technology, market and talent advantages, embrace the trends and technological changes in bioengineering and pharmaceutical industry, promote deeper and broader exploration in various fields, and explore the possibilities of new drug development.
About Fosun Health Capital:
As the first VC fund in the field of new drugs initiated by Fosun Pharma, Fosun Health Capital primarily invests biopharmaceutical sector projects in early-stage and expansion-stage, which have technological innovation and rapid growth potential. It is committed to incubating high-quality projects from universities and research institutes and introducing leading overseas biotechnology technologies and products to China through introduction and cooperation models.
About Medicilon:
Medicilon as an integrated CRO provides comprehensive one-stop R&D services for pharmaceutical enterprises and scientific research institutions around the world. Medicilon has built an integrated platform covering key technologies in drug discovery, pharmaceutical research, and preclinical research, to provide comprehensive preclinical R&D services for the global biomedical industry.
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SOURCE Medicilon Inc. | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/fosun-health-capital-reached-cooperation-agreement-with-medicilon-explore-innovative-drug-research-development-together/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:08 | 0 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/fosun-health-capital-reached-cooperation-agreement-with-medicilon-explore-innovative-drug-research-development-together/ |
20 elite teams battled to be crowned Riyadh Masters 2023 champion, and Team Spirit claimed a share of the $15,000,000 prize pool
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dota 2 Riyadh Masters 2023 competition wrapped up yesterday after 12 days of thrilling matches featuring 20 elite teams vying for victory and taking home a share of the $15,000,000 prize pool. As one of the premier tournaments in the Dota 2 calendar, Riyadh Masters 2023 ran the globe's greatest teams through a round-robin group stage and then double-elimination playoffs in the popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA).
Among the teams competing for the top prize was Dota 2 powerhouse Team OG, the first team in Dota 2 history to win four Dota Major Championships. Team Tundra Esports, reigning champions of Dota's iconic "The International" tournament, also headed into the 2023 Masters amongst the favorites. Of course, there could only be one winner, and this achievement went to Team Spirit, who triumphed in the final, beating Team Liquid in an encounter for the ages.
The $15,000,000 prize pool is the largest available of any Dota 2 competition this season, and the action did not disappoint, with the stakes being so high. Over 120,000 fans tuned in to the official broadcast on Twitch to witness the epic showdown. Team Spirit reached the Grand Final for the second year in a row, knocking out the season's most dominant performer, Team Gaimin Gladiators, along the way and beating Team Liquid 2-1 in the upper-bracket final as the team looked to banish last years demons and finish in first place rather than second. Team Liquid earned a shot at their redemption by crushing Team Talon 2-0 in the lower bracket final. But the result of this eagerly anticipated rematch in the five-game Grand Final went to Team Spirit, an unassailable 3-1. As champions, Team Spirit left Gamers8 and Boulevard Riyadh City $5,000,000 richer, the runners-up collecting $2,500,000 from the overall prize pool.
Faisal bin Homran, Chief Esports Officer at the Saudi Esports Federation, said: "The Dota 2 Riyadh Masters tournament at Gamers8: The Land of Heroes has captured the imagination of the thousands in attendance at Boulevard Riyadh City's Esports Arena and the tens of millions watching avidly across the globe. Since July 19th, the global gaming and esports scene has been captivated by the exploits of the best Dota 2 teams and players in the world. Competing for a $15 million prize pool – the biggest third-party prize pool for a tournament ever – the action has been even more dramatic than anticipated and epitomizes the level of standard for which Gamers8 has become renowned. We congratulate Team Spirit on their success and thank all the teams, players, fans, sponsors, and partners at the Dota 2 Riyadh Masters for being part of a special moment in Saudi Arabian gaming history."
Although the Riyadh Masters may have finished, there's plenty more action on offer as part of Gamers8: The Land of Heroes in its 2023 edition. Esports athletes from around the world are competing in a 12-tournament lineup with a prize pool of $45 million to the soundtrack of musical superstars like Imagine Dragons, Alan Walker, and Metro Boomin', who are putting on a show for the crowds at Gamers8. The festival, the world's largest for gaming and esports, has been full of action since it kicked off in July, with seismic impacts such as Pakistan winning the Nations Cup in Tekken against a well-favored Korean team. Among the other titles taking center stage at Gamers8's home in Boulevard Riyadh City are Rocket League, PUBG Mobile, FIFA, and Counterstrike.
Fans can enjoy further exciting events as the festival continues through August 27th, following which the Gamers8 festival will conclude with a gaming and esports forum. Known as the 'Next World Forum,' it brings together sector leaders and experts from around the world to Saudi Arabia. Gamers8 is playing a key role in developing the grassroots esports scene in Saudi Arabia and providing opportunities for esports athletes around the world. Over 67% of Saudi citizens are gamers, and multiple world champions have come from the Kingdom already to win on the world's largest stages.
Media Kit: http://bit.ly/3QXvndE
Contact: jack@biggamesmachine.com
About Gamers8 – The Land Of Heroes:
Gamers8 is the world's largest gaming and esports festival and the destination for elite esports champions and gaming universe lovers. It's the ultimate place to compete for glory and become a hero walking among the worlds of your chosen story. Located in Riyadh at the heart of Saudi Arabia, Gamers8 spans a period of eight weeks from July to September 2023, with new challenges and experiences unlocked every week. You can watch the world's top esports teams compete for the highest prize pools, attend performances by global music artists, experience your favorite gaming platforms come to life, and learn the mysteries behind the creation of video games. Gamers8 is your world, and it's your adventure to choose.
Gamers8: The Land of Heroes follows the success of last year's Gamers8 at Boulevard Riyadh City. Gamers8 2022 saw the world's best teams and players battle it out across five top titles – Rocket League, Dota 2 Riyadh Masters, Fortnite, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege, and PUBG Mobile – for a prize pool of $15 million. The 2022 festival was visited by more than 1.4 million visitors and watched by more than 132 million people around the globe. A total of 391 professional players – representing more than 61 nationalities – and 113 international teams took part in world-class esports competitions. Gamers8: The Land of Heroes has a total prize pool of over $45 million – triple last year's grand prize total – and will host the elite of esports in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built venue at Boulevard Riyadh City. The festival will conclude with a gaming and esports forum, known as the 'Next World Forum', that brings together sector leaders and experts from around the world.
About SEF:
The Saudi Esports Federation is the regulating body in charge of nurturing elite gaming athletes and developing the gaming community and industry in Saudi Arabia.
The Federation's activities are categorized into two complementary streams. The first stream works to develop all levels of competitive gamers, starting with the grassroots community level and moving up to professional esports athletes that can achieve global excellence. The second stream works to develop the entire gaming/esports value chain by catalyzing the industry and enabling talent.
Since its establishment in late 2017, the federation has organized multiple world-class national and international tournaments and events, attracted investment from local private sector actors, and worked with international developers on opportunities in the Saudi market.
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2097764/GAMERS8_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE Saudi Esports Federation | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/champions-crowned-riyadh-masters-2023-wraps-up-dota-2-action-gamers8/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:08 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/champions-crowned-riyadh-masters-2023-wraps-up-dota-2-action-gamers8/ |
(The Conversation) – Should smartphones be allowed in classrooms? A new report from UNESCO, the education arm of the United Nations, raises questions about the practice. Though smartphones can be used for educational purposes, the report says the devices also disrupt classroom learning, expose students to cyberbullying and can compromise students’ privacy.
About 1 in 7 countries globally, such as the Netherlands and France, have banned the use of smartphones in school – and academic performance improved as a result, particularly for low-performing students, the report notes.
As school leaders in the U.S. wrestle with whether or not to ban smartphones, The Conversation has invited four scholars to weigh in on the issue.
Daniel G. Krutka: Use smartphones to encourage ‘technoskepticism’
While the issue of smartphone use in schools is complicated, evidence suggests that spending more time on smartphones is associated with young people being less happy and less satisfied with life.
Technology scholars have long argued that the key to living well with technology is in finding limits. However, in banning smartphones, I worry educators might be missing opportunities to use smartphones to encourage what I and other researchers refer to as technoskeptical thinking; that is, questioning our relationship with technology.
For example, students might be encouraged to consider the benefits and drawbacks of using navigational apps to travel from one place to another, as opposed to old-fashioned paper maps. Or, students might explore their social media feeds to critique what algorithms feed them, or how notifications get their attention.
In my research, I have looked at how teachers can encourage students to go on techno-fasts – that is, abstaining from the use of technology for a certain period of time. This, I argue, will give students time to reflect on the time they spend away from their devices.
Policy debates often focus on whether or not to put smartphones out of reach during the school day. But I believe educators might find it more beneficial to make the phones an object of inquiry.
Sarah Rose: Consult parents, teachers and students
While there is evidence that classroom phone usage can be a distraction, it can also promote engagement and learning. While research about the potential positive and negative consequences of classroom phones can be used to inform school phone policies, the views of those who are most directly impacted by the policies should also be taken into account.
The views of parents matter because their views may influence the extent to which their children follow the policy. The views of children matter because they are the ones being expected to follow the policy and to benefit from it. The views of teachers matter because they are often the ones that have to enforce the policies. Research shows that enforcing cellphone policies is not always a straightforward issue.
In my research, I have found that children – aged 10 and 11 years old – in collaboration with their parents, were able to come up with ideas for ideal policies and solutions to help enforce them. For example, one parent-child pair suggested mobile phone use in school could be banned but that a role of “telephone monitor” could be given to an older pupil. This “telephone monitor” would have a class mobile phone that children and parents could use to contact each other during the school day when necessary.
This recommendation reflected how parents and middle and high school students – whether from rural and urban areas – felt cellphones were important to keep in touch with each other during the school day. Beyond safety, children and parents also told us that phones were important for keeping in touch about changing plans and for emotional support during the school day.
I believe policies that simply ban phones in schools may be missing an opportunity to educate children about responsible mobile device use. When parents and children are involved in policy development, it has the potential to increase the extent to which these policies are followed and enforced.
Arnold L. Glass: Cellphone use in college lectures hurts performance in ways that are hard to see
The intrusion of internet-enabled electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets and cellphones, has transformed the modern college lecture. Students now divide their attention between the lecture and their devices. Classroom studies reveal that when college students use an electronic device for a nonacademic purpose during class, it hurts their performance on exams.
When attention is divided between an electronic device and the classroom lecture, it does not reduce comprehension of the lecture – at least, not when measured by within-class quizzes. Instead, divided attention reduces long-term retention of the classroom lecture, which hurts performance on unit exams and final exams.
When some students open electronic devices, it also negatively affects the performance of all the students around them. Research has shown that student performance on final exams was worse when electronic devices were permitted during classes that covered exam material versus when the devices were not.
Many students won’t think their divided attention is affecting their retention of new information. It may not be for the moment, but a couple of weeks later or down the line, research shows, it does.
Louis-Philippe Beland: Bans help low-achieving students the most
Numerous studies indicate that low-achieving students stand to benefit the most from the implementation of mobile phone bans in schools.
In a 2015 study, my co-author, Richard Murphy, and I examined the impact of banning mobile phones on student performance in high schools, using data from England. By comparing schools with phone bans to similar schools without the bans, we isolated the effect of mobile phones on performance. Our study found that banning mobile phones significantly increased test scores among 16-year-old students. The effect is equivalent to adding five days to the school year or an extra hour per week. Low-achieving students benefited more, while high-achieving students remained unaffected.
Similar studies in Spain and Norway using a similar approach demonstrated compelling evidence supporting the benefits of banning mobile phones. In Spain, grades improved and bullying incidents decreased. In Norway, the ban raised middle school students’ grade-point averages and their likelihood of attending academic high schools while reducing bullying. Evidence from Belgium suggests banning mobile phones can be beneficial for college student performance.
Psychological research sheds light on potential mechanisms behind the impact of mobile phones and technology on student performance. Multitasking, common with mobile phone use, has been found to hinder learning and task execution. Taking notes by hand has been shown to better enhance memory retention compared to typing on a computer.
In sum, banning mobile phones in schools can yield positive effects, improve academic performance and narrow the achievement gap between high- and low-achieving students. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that mobile phones and technology can also be valuable educational tools when used appropriately. | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/do-smartphones-belong-in-classrooms-four-scholars-weigh-in/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:12 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/do-smartphones-belong-in-classrooms-four-scholars-weigh-in/ |
New video spot, "Dear Kitten: Modern Technology" finds Grey Cat and Orange Kitten all grown up and dealing with the digital age.
ST. LOUIS, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dear reader, are you ready for adorable internet feline nostalgia? Friskies, the popular cat food and treat brand, has launched the revival of the playful 'Dear Kitten' series, which took the internet by storm when it was first released nearly 10 years ago. In partnership with BuzzFeed, the new installment, titled 'Dear Kitten: Modern Technology,' takes a humorous look at how technology has evolved over the years through the eyes of the original wise and experienced narrator, Grey Cat, while highlighting the special bond between humans and their feline companions.
Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9185151-purina-friskies-buzzfeed-dear-kitten-campaign-video/
In 'Modern Technology,' Grey Cat, voiced again by Ze Frank, shares valuable insights with Orange Kitten, now referred to as Orange Cat, as they navigate the rapidly changing landscape of modern devices. The video takes viewers on a comical journey, showcasing the entertaining and often perplexing situations cats experience when faced with today's advanced technology – including another daring encounter with Vacuum.
"It's been nearly a decade since you've heard from me, which I'm sure has been tough for you," said Grey Cat. "Although I am now older, I am also even wiser – like a furry sensei. I've witnessed advancements in technology that have both fascinated and bewildered me, so, it is once again my duty to get Orange Cat (and you, my feline friends) up to speed on the facts about this great big, weird world. Buckle up."
The original 'Dear Kitten' series, which captivated audiences with its witty storytelling, amassed hundreds of millions of views and resonated with pet lovers worldwide. The collaboration between Friskies and BuzzFeed provided an opportunity to once again create engaging and entertaining content that celebrates the unique bond between humans and their pets.
"Friskies is all about providing your cat with variety to feed their playfulness and curiosity, and with 'Dear Kitten', we brought that same playful spirit to life for cat lovers," said Kelly Roberts, Purina Brand Manager. "As we approach the 10-year anniversary of the original series, it felt like the perfect time to check-in to see what life is like today for our favorite feline duo and welcome a new generation of cat lovers into the 'Dear Kitten' family."
The 'Modern Technology' video was officially released on July 27, 2023, on BuzzFeed. The next video installment, titled 'Day in the Life of an Influencer' will be released later this Summer. To stay updated on the series visit BuzzFeed's official channels or follow Friskies on social media.
About Nestlé Purina PetCare
Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. Purina manufactures some of the world's most trusted and popular pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Friskies and Tidy Cats. Our more than 10,000 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 46 million dogs and 68 million cats every year. More than 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.
Purina promotes responsible pet care through our scientific research, our products and our support for pet-related organizations. Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive.
Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.
About BuzzFeed, Inc.
BuzzFeed, Inc. is home to the best of the internet. Across food, news, pop culture and commerce, our brands drive conversation and inspire what audiences watch, read, buy, and obsess over next. Born on the internet in 2006, BuzzFeed, Inc. is committed to making it better: providing trusted, quality, brand-safe news and entertainment to hundreds of millions of people; making content on the internet more inclusive, empathetic, and creative; and inspiring our audience to live better lives.
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SOURCE Friskies® | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/friskies-buzzfeed-reboot-dear-kitten-hit-video-series-after-nearly-decade/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:15 | 0 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/friskies-buzzfeed-reboot-dear-kitten-hit-video-series-after-nearly-decade/ |
NEW YORK , July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Right now, in the United States, there are about 34.8 million kids aged 0 to 17 who are going through really painful times called adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The scariest part is that a CDC ACE Study found that going through six or more ACEs can take away almost 20 years from a person's life. But their stories can have a different ending. There is hope for positive change and healing.
Fred Scarf, the founder and CEO of BioFormula Select, turned his childhood scar into a successful company selling dark spot removal products called Stop Guessing. This journey brought him remarkable results, profitable success, and personal closure.
"When I was born, I had a dark spot on my face mistaken for dirt, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It helped me handle life's challenges, discover my strengths, and make meaningful contributions to my community. If I was going to carry childhood scars into adulthood, I wanted to finally heal the wound," says Scarf. Scarf graduated as the salutatorian in high school, earned a scholarship to UC Berkeley, and worked as a model in California.
BioFormula Select's Stop Guessing Dark Spot Removal products achieved impressive customer results and brought significant profits in Q2. The company's revenue surged by 320% compared to the earnings in Q2 of the previous year.
"My dark spot dilemma is solved, and my childhood wound is healed," says Scarf.
The CDC estimates that 21 million depression cases and 1.9 million heart disease cases potentially could have been avoided by preventing ACEs. ACEs cause $748 billion economic burden annually in the US, Canada, & Bermuda.
"I can't change my past and tell my younger self that the dark spot won't always be so dark, but I can tell the 34 million kids facing trauma and the 114 million Americans dealing with skin issues that their stories can still have a beautiful ending. A tiny spark of light can illuminate the way forward out of our darkest moments. Right now, darkness can turn into light, and dark spots can be removed," says Scarf.
With heat making dark spots worse and cold weather creating hyperpigmentation, Stop Guessing Skincare is ready to solve dark spot dilemmas in the upcoming fall and winter.
CONTACT: Fred@skedtap.com
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SOURCE BioFormula Select | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/childhood-scar-skincare-stardom-entrepreneur-transforms-pain-into-profitable-success-with-bioformula-selects-brand-stop-guessing-skincare/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:15 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/childhood-scar-skincare-stardom-entrepreneur-transforms-pain-into-profitable-success-with-bioformula-selects-brand-stop-guessing-skincare/ |
PYEONGTAEK, South Korea (AP) — The dogs bark and stare as Kim Jong-kil approaches the rusty cages housing the large, short-haired animals he sells for their meat. Kim opens a door and pets one dog’s neck and chest.
Kim says he’s proud of the dog meat farm that has supported his family for 27 years but is upset over growing attempts by politicians and activists to outlaw the business, which he is turning over to his children.
“It’s more than just feeling bad. I absolutely oppose these moves, and we’ll mobilize all our means to resist it,” Kim, 57, said in an interview at his farm in Pyeongtaek city, just south of Seoul.
Dog meat consumption is a centuries-old practice on the Korean Peninsula and has long been viewed as a source of stamina on hot summer days. It’s neither explicitly banned nor legalized in South Korea, but more and more people want it prohibited. There’s increasing public awareness of animal rights and worries about South Korea’s international image.
The anti-dog meat campaign recently received a big boost when the country’s first lady expressed her support for a ban and two lawmakers submitted bills to eliminate the dog meat trade.
“Foreigners think South Korea is a cultural powerhouse. But the more K-culture increases its international standing, the bigger shock foreigners experience over our dog meat consumption,” said Han Jeoungae, an opposition lawmaker who submitted legislation to outlaw the dog meat industry last month.
Prospects for passage of an anti-dog meat law are unclear because of protests by farmers, restaurant owners and others involved in the dog meat industry. Surveys suggest that one in three South Koreans opposes such a ban, though most people don’t eat dog meat anymore.
Dogs are also eaten in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, North Korea and some African countries, including Ghana, Cameroon, Congo and Nigeria.
Earlier this month, Indonesian authorities announced the end of dog and cat slaughter at an animal market on the island of Sulawesi following a yearslong campaign by local activists and world celebrities. The Tomohon Extreme Market will become the first such market in Indonesia to go dog and cat meat-free, according to the anti-animal cruelty group Humane Society International.
South Korea’s dog meat industry receives more international attention because of its reputation as a wealthy, ultra-modern democracy. It is also the only nation with industrial-scale farms. Most farms in South Korea have more than 500 dogs, according to a dog farmers’ association.
During a recent visit, Kim’s farm, one of the country’s largest with 7,000 dogs, appeared relatively clean but there was a strong stench in some areas. All dogs are kept in elevated cages and are fed with food waste and ground chicken. They are rarely released for exercise and typically are sold for meat one year after they are born.
Kim said two of his children, age 29 and 31, are running the farm with him, and that business has been going pretty well. He said the dogs bred for their meat are different from pets, an idea opposed by activists.
It’s difficult now to find dog meat restaurants in Seoul’s bustling downtown, though many still exit in the countryside.
“I only earn one-third of the money I used to make. Young people don’t come here. Only ailing old people come for lunch,” said Yoon Chu-wol, 77, the owner of a dog meat restaurant in Seoul’s Kyungdong traditional market. “I tell my elderly customers to come and eat my food more frequently before it’s banned.”
Farmers also face growing scrutiny from officials and increasingly negative public opinion. They complain that officials visit them repeatedly in response to complaints filed by activists and citizens over alleged animal abuse and other wrongdoing. Kim said more than 90 such petitions were filed against his farm during a recent four-month span.
Son Won Hak, general secretary of the dog farmers’ association, said many farms have collapsed in recent years because of falling dog meat prices and weaker demand. He thinks that’s a result of activist campaigns and unfair media reports focusing on farms with inferior conditions. Some observers, however, say consumption of dog meat was already declining, with younger people staying away from it.
“Quite honestly, I’d like to quit my job (as a farmer) tomorrow. We can’t confidently tell our children that we’re raising dogs,” Son said. “When my friends called me, they said ‘Hey, are you still running a dog meat farm? Isn’t it illegal?’”
The number of farms across South Korea has dropped by half from a few years ago to about 3,000 to 4,000, and about 700,000 to 1 million dogs are slaughtered each year, a decline from several million 10 to 20 years ago, according to the dog farmers’ association. Some activists argue that the farmers’ estimates are an exaggeration meant to show their industry is too big to destroy.
In late 2021, South Korea launched a government-civilian task force to consider outlawing dog meat at the suggestion of then-President Moon Jae-in, a pet lover. The committee, whose members include farmers and animal rights activists, has met more than 20 times but hasn’t reached any agreement, apparently because of disputes over compensation issues.
Agriculture officials refused to disclose the discussions in the closed-door meetings. They said the government wants to end dog meat consumption based on a public consensus.
In April, first lady Kim Keon Hee, the wife of current President Yoon Suk Yeol, said in a meeting with activists that she hopes for an end to dog meat consumption. Famers responded with rallies and formal complaints against Kim for allegedly hurting their livelihoods.
Han, the lawmaker, said she “highly positively appraises” influential figures speaking out against dog meat consumption.
Han said her bill offers support programs for farmers who agree to close their farms. They would be entitled to money to dismantle their facilities, vocational training, employment assistance and other benefits, she said.
Ju Yeongbong, an official of the farmers’ association, said farmers want to continue for about 20 more years until older people, their main customers, die, allowing the industry to naturally disappear. Observers say most farmers are also in their 60s to 70s.
Borami Seo, a director of the South Korea office of the Humane Society International, said she opposes the continued killing of millions of dogs for such a prolonged period. “Letting this silent cruelty to (dogs) be committed in South Korea doesn’t make sense,” Seo said.
“(Dog meat consumption) is too anachronistic, has elements of cruelty to animals and hinders our national growth,” said Cheon JinKyung, head of Korea Animal Rights Advocates in Seoul. | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/eat-my-food-dog-meat-farmers-in-s-korea-resist-push-to-ban-industry/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:18 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/eat-my-food-dog-meat-farmers-in-s-korea-resist-push-to-ban-industry/ |
300PPM leads investment in the only proven solution to decarbonize process heat at scale
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, GlassPoint, the leader in decarbonizing industrial process heat, closed an $8M series A investment led by 300PPM and joined by former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, former Alcoa COO Tomas Sigurdsson and several additional industrial leaders. GlassPoint will use the investment to expand operations to help industrial companies decarbonize and meet looming net-zero commitments with the only solution proven to decarbonize industrial process heat at scale.
This is the first investment by 300PPM, which was founded in 2023 to accelerate the path to net-zero by deploying climate infrastructure globally at speed and scale. Howar Talabany, 300PPM founding partner and head of business development, led the investment and will join GlassPoint's board of directors.
"More than 40% of the Fortune 500 have set net-zero goals as leaders increasingly internalize the business and investor value that accompanies decarbonization," said Talabany. "They're also realizing that to deliver on these goals they need to scale viable solutions now. GlassPoint stands out in a sea of innovators as the only solution proven at scale to decarbonize the $444B industrial process heat market. With a robust customer pipeline and impressive executive team, GlassPoint is well positioned to lead essential decarbonization efforts across industries."
The funding comes on the heels of GlassPoint's groundbreaking memorandum of understanding with Ma'aden to develop the world's largest solar process heat plant to convert bauxite into alumina and help Saudi Arabia meet sustainability goals. GlassPoint has deployed more than half of all the solar steam for industry in the world and the company has been reliably producing solar steam for over a decade.
New regulations from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission will soon require publicly listed companies to disclose climate-related risks as well as information around direct and indirect carbon emissions, increasing pressure on leaders to develop actionable carbon-reducing strategies. Moreover, a recent Fortune 500 CEO survey found that a strong majority of business leaders believe focusing on climate will help deepen relationships with employees and customers.
"We are seeing strong interest around the world as consumer demand for sustainable goods, soaring ESG goals and the Inflation Reduction Act drive unprecedented investment in carbon-reducing technologies," said GlassPoint CEO and founder Rod MacGregor. "Every major industrial company is reassessing their supply chain, and GlassPoint provides the most cost-effective option to reduce carbon emissions immediately by delivering renewable heat at the scale they need. We look forward to putting this investment to work to help industrial leaders across the Middle East and North America decarbonize materials essential to the energy transition and combat climate change."
GlassPoint's solar steam solution is available for a range of hard-to-abate industries, including mining and metals. The company is accelerating adoption with a steam-as-a-service model that eliminates the need for capital allocation, streamlines customer decision making and reduces business risk.
About GlassPoint
GlassPoint decarbonizes the production of materials essential to the energy transition and makes a substantial impact on combating climate change. The company builds, owns and operates large-scale solar steam facilities to reduce carbon emissions in hard-to-abate industries such as mining and metals, chemicals, construction materials, desalination and more. GlassPoint is the only solution proven at scale to reduce carbon emissions from industrial process heat and has built more than half of the industrial solar steam capacity in the world. Learn more at glasspoint.com.
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SOURCE GlassPoint | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/glasspoint-closes-8m-series-help-industry-meet-pressing-net-zero-goals/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:22 | 0 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/glasspoint-closes-8m-series-help-industry-meet-pressing-net-zero-goals/ |
BEIJING, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chindata Group, ("Chindata" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CD), an industry leader in carrier-neutral hyperscale data center solutions, recently released its 2022 Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) report, showing the Company's impressive achievements in ESG management and green transformation. Most notably, Chindata's annual operating power usage effectiveness (PUE), a standard efficiency metric for power consumption in data centers, reached 1.21, significantly better than the industry average. The Company also announced the enterprise's supply chain carbon emissions for the first time.
Chindata is fully committed to the goal of zero carbon, integrating green concepts into the entire lifecycle of data center site selection, planning, design, construction, and operations, and continues to achieve carbon reduction goals. Highlights from the 2022 ESG report include:
Environmental: Chindata adheres to a zero-carbon principle and fully implements the concept of green environmental protection, while striving to achieve green development through technological innovation. According to the report, the Company's annual operating PUE showed a 1.21 energy efficiency level which is a significantly better number than the industry average. Additionally, by the end of 2022, Chindata had obtained and applied for 423 patents, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 50 percent, and its proprietary waterless cooling technology which can reach a water use efficiency (WUE) of zero had been put into use. From a green electricity standpoint, 220 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity were purchased in 2022, and accumulated green electricity obtained through transactions has reached almost 770 million kilowatt-hours.
Social: Chindata is committed to creating an era of value sharing that is inclusive, reciprocal, and beneficial, adheres to a diverse, open, and inclusive corporate culture, provides equal opportunities for employees, and builds a fair talent training system and believes that corporate development dividends can benefit employees, customers, value chain partners, and local communities. Women filled one-third of the Company's senior management roles in 2022, and close to 40 percent of employees saw promotion in the same year. Additionally, Chindata actively promotes sunlight capture and conversion and promotes the improved sustainable performance of its supply chain. In 2022, the company's overseas subsidiary Bridge Data Centres (BDC) received the esteemed 'Malaysia Digital Status' award, acknowledging significant contributions to Malaysia's digital economy.
Governance: Over the past year, Chindata has taken solid steps toward sustainable development by optimizing its governance structure, promoting technological innovation, and expanding the use of clean energy. Its ESG value model places stability and transparency, creative excellence, a mutually beneficial future, and green development as cornerstone elements. Moving forward, the Company will continue to build a new regional ecosystem and will also evolve the green gene in its DNA, drive low-carbon computing through technological innovation, and lead and promote the technological development of green data centers throughout the industry.
Huapeng Wu, Chief Executive Officer of Chindata Group, said, "The thriving global digital economy is witnessing an unprecedented surge, driven by rapid advancements in cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI). This growing focus on environmental sustainability has led to stringent green norms in data center construction. Consequently, the Internet Data Center (IDC) industry finds itself at the forefront of a transformative industrial shift, where the principles of eco-friendliness, low carbon footprint, resource efficiency, and operational intensity are paramount. By adhering to these principles, Chindata is fostering a symbiotic alliance between the green and digital economies, propelling a new era of green sustainable development."
At this pivotal juncture of digital economy advancement and energy transformation, Chindata leverages its core values of Stable, Advanced, Forward, Eco-friendly (SAFE) to enhance its ESG strategy. With a strong foundation in arithmetic and data, these four elements are ingrained in the Company's DNA, empowering Chindata to offer abundant computing power in a reliable, environmentally friendly, and high-quality manner. This transformation of electricity into superior computing power ensures Chindata's pivotal role in fueling the digital economy and shaping a promising digital future.
About Chindata Group
Chindata is a leading carrier-neutral hyperscale data center solution provider in Asia-Pacific emerging markets and a first mover in building next-generation hyperscale data centers in China, India, and Southeast Asia markets, focusing on the whole life cycle of facility planning, investment, design, construction and operation of ecosystem infrastructure in the IT industry. Chindata provides its clients with business solutions in major countries and regions in Asia-Pacific emerging markets, including asset-heavy ecosystem chain services such as industrial bases, data centers and network services.
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SOURCE Chindata Group | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/chindata-releases-2022-esg-report-revealing-above-industry-average-pue-121-with-accelerated-green-transformation/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:22 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/chindata-releases-2022-esg-report-revealing-above-industry-average-pue-121-with-accelerated-green-transformation/ |
DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — The FBI has issued arrest warrants and released disturbing details in the armed home invasion and kidnapping of an elderly North Carolina couple and the theft of more than $150,000 of their cryptocurrency in April.
The incident took place at gunpoint at the couple’s home the morning of April 12 after thieves allegedly posed as construction workers and forced their way into the home, according to the Durham Police Department and the FBI.
According to an FBI criminal complaint obtained by Nexstar’s WNCN, the incident began when two men, dressed as construction workers, came to the victims’ home around 7:30 a.m. The duo claimed they would be inspecting pipes for damage and told the husband they would be “walking around the house.”
After a few minutes, the pair knocked on the door again and the wife answered the door. The suspects, who allegedly both had guns, then pushed their way inside.
“The men restrained and zip-tied the husband’s hands and the wife’s hands,” the FBI complaint said.
A man armed with a pink gun showed the wife it was loaded by opening the cylinder and then dragged her into a bathroom by her legs, the criminal complaint said.
The husband was taken to his Apple iMac and forced at gunpoint to log in and install a remote desktop application called AnyDesk. A person on the phone with a thief already knew “details about the account without being told,” the FBI complaint said.
The FBI believes the husband’s email account was compromised in the past, allowing the thieves to learn the details ahead of the trip to Durham and the home invasion.
The suspects were able to transfer $156,853 worth of cryptocurrency during the next 45 minutes, the FBI said. Before leaving, the thieves allegedly smashed the couple’s cellphones and the iMac.
The elderly couple managed to get out of their home and ask neighbors to call 911 for help. The pair suffered minor injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital, Durham police said.
The arrest warrants released Thursday for kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping indicate two West Palm Beach, Florida, men are wanted — Jarod Gabriel Seemungal and Remy Ra St. Felix.
According to the FBI criminal complaint filed the same day, the suspects began targeting retirees who had cryptocurrency as early as February. The accused men even had the license plate number for the husband’s car, authorities said. A third man is also named in the criminal complaint, but no arrest warrant was issued for him as of Thursday.
Messages sent between those involved identified actual cryptocurrency amounts and their locations, the criminal complaint said. One suspect had a photo of the husband’s North Carolina driver’s license in his email account, according to the FBI.
The two suspects also discussed in internet messages how potential victims “have so much” money in accounts that it would be “retirement licks” — the FBI explained in the complaint that “licks” is slang for a robbery.
The thieves apparently rented a car in Florida and visited the Millennium Hotel in Durham a couple of days before the actual robbery, according to the complaint. Video from a home near the victims’ showed the thieves’ BMW SUV “conducting surveillance” at the couple’s home each of the three days before the alleged kidnapping, the FBI said.
The FBI also noted that a person driving a similar vehicle purchased costumes — a clipboard, reflective vest, sunglasses and a pair of khaki pants — at a nearby Walmart that allowed the suspected thieves to get into the victims’ home. Both suspects were seen on surveillance video from the store.
Additional details about potential victims wasn’t immediately available. As of Sunday, authorities have not said whether either man is in custody. | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/elderly-couple-bound-held-at-gunpoint-during-north-carolina-home-invasion-fbi-investigating/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:24 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/elderly-couple-bound-held-at-gunpoint-during-north-carolina-home-invasion-fbi-investigating/ |
Biden goes west to talk about his administration’s efforts to combat climate change
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will travel to Arizona, New Mexico and Utah next week and is expected to talk about his administration’s efforts to combat climate change as the region endures a brutally hot summer with soaring temperatures, the White House said Monday.
Biden is expected to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act, America’s most significant response to climate change, and the push toward more clean energy manufacturing. The act aims to spur clean energy on a scale that will bend the arc of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
July has been the hottest month ever recorded. Biden last week announced new steps to protect workers in extreme heat, including measures to improve weather forecasts and make drinking water more accessible.
Members of Biden’s administration also are fanning out over the next few weeks around the anniversary of the landmark climate change and health care legislation to extol the administration’s successes as the Democratic president seeks reelection in 2024.
Vice President Kamala Harris heads to Wisconsin this week with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to talk about broadband infrastructure investments. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack goes to Oregon to highlight wildfire defense grants, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will go to Illinois and Texas, and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona heads to Maryland to talk about career and technical education programs.
The Inflation Reduction Act included roughly $375 billion over a decade to combat climate change and capped the cost of a month’s supply of insulin at $35 for older Americans and other Medicare beneficiaries. It also helps an estimated 13 million Americans pay for health care insurance by extending subsidies provided during the coronavirus pandemic.
The measure is paid for by new taxes on large companies and stepped-up IRS enforcement of wealthy individuals and entities, with additional funds going to reduce the federal deficit.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2023/07/31/biden-goes-west-talk-about-his-administrations-efforts-combat-climate-change/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:28 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2023/07/31/biden-goes-west-talk-about-his-administrations-efforts-combat-climate-change/ |
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Herbalife, a premier health and wellness company and community, today introduced Herbalife V, its latest science-based product line, to better support consumers seeking plant-based options to benefit their overall health.
"Plant-based is no longer limited to vegans but has expanded to the general population looking to incorporate healthier options as part of their daily nutrition," said Humbi Calleja, vice president and general manager of Herbalife, North America. "Today's consumer is savvy, reads labels, and understands healthy ingredients, and with the launch of the Herbalife V, we are meeting their goals whether they eat only plants or mostly plants, want to add more plants to their diet, or are plant curious."
According to studies, plant-based lifestyles are on the rise. In fact, approximately 3% of Americans consider themselves vegan, up from 2% in 2012, while 5% are vegetarian. Additionally, almost half of Americans call themselves flexitarians.
"While following a plant-based lifestyle can be a very healthy way of eating, it may be tough to meet all your goals. For example, vegans seek good options to increase or meet their protein goals, including supplementation," said Dr. Luigi Gratton, vice president of Training at Herbalife. "Plant-based certified products like the shakes in the Herbalife V line can help you hit your macro target while taking out the guesswork of plant-based living."
Herbalife V is backed by science and rigorously tested for quality. All products are certified USDA Organic, non-GMO-verified, Kosher, and Plant-based and Vegan by FoodChain ID. Additionally, they are formulated with no soy or dairy and made with no artificial sweeteners or flavors. The product line offers five plant-based certified products that help simplify plant-based nutrition, including:
- Plant-based Protein Shakes
- Greens Booster
- Immune Support*
- Digestive Support*
Herbalife V is available in the U.S. and Puerto Rico exclusively through Herbalife independent distributors. Click here to learn more about this product.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
About Herbalife Ltd.
Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company and community that has been changing people's lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life.
For more information, please visit www.Herbalife.com or follow us on Twitter @HerbalifeUSA and Instagram @HerbalifeUSA.
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SOURCE Herbalife North America | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/herbalife-introduces-herbalife-v-new-product-line-meet-increased-consumer-demand-plant-based-options/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:28 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/herbalife-introduces-herbalife-v-new-product-line-meet-increased-consumer-demand-plant-based-options/ |
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (KLAS) — An accused murderer in Las Vegas is also accused of living with the body for two months, believing the female victim could come back from the dead, police said Friday.
Officers took George Bone, 31, into custody Wednesday after discovering Beverly Ma’s body during a welfare check in the 5300 block of Railroad River Avenue near Lindell Road and Eldorado Lane, they said.
Bone told officers he knew Ma was dead and what caused her death and based on those statements, police took Bone into custody, Lt. Jason Johansson said Wednesday. Police suspect Bone strangled Ma in May, documents said.
On Wednesday, police received a 911 call from a family member who said Bone had told her Ma “was in the closet and had been there for two months,” documents said. Police found Ma’s body in the closet shortly after.
A family member told police Ma and Bone were friends and that she was not close with family, documents said. Police said Ma and Bone met in high school and moved in with each other last summer.
A witness told police they entered the home on Wednesday after seeing an unusually high air conditioning bill, police said. Bone led her upstairs to the body, documents said.
“She noticed a cooler against the bedroom closet door and the bottom of the door had a towel, which covered the gap,” police said. “George told her that she can open it and see.”
Bone told police Ma had died sometime in May, police said. On May 4, dispatchers received a 911 call from Ma and heard a man and woman screaming at each other, they said. Police responded that day and knocked on the door but no one answered, they said. Investigators suspect Ma died that day.
“Bone went about living at the house with Beverly deceased in the upstairs closet for the next two months and began ordering several items on Beverly’s Amazon account using her funds for his own gain,” police said. “When asked why he didn’t call for help, Bone’s response was ‘I was afraid of going back to jail… for being found with a dead body.” Bone admitted that his behavior since the death of Beverly Ma was ‘not normal.’ When asked why he placed a cooler in the master bedroom near the closest, Bone stated that he put it there so that he would be alerted if Beverly rose from the dead like the movie ‘The Grudge.’”
Even though Ma was believed to have been deceased, someone texted from her phone in late July, saying she could not attend a July 4 party because she “wanted to be sober, not travel and not be around people,” police said.
Bone was being held at the Clark County Detention Center without bail.
In 2013, Bone took an Alford plea on a charge of attempted lewdness with a child under the age of 14, records showed. An Alford plea is similar to a no-contest plea, where a defendant accepts prosecutors have enough evidence to convict him or her but does not admit guilt.
In 2012, Henderson police initially arrested Bone on charges of sexual assault and lewdness with a child stemming from allegations a teenager made about an assault two years prior when she was 11, documents said.
The student told a school employee that Bone had “inappropriately touched” her while he was living in a home with her, documents said.
In addition to an open murder charge, Bone also faces a charge of failing to register as a sex offender, records showed. Bone is listed in the Nevada Sex Offender Registry under a different address than where police responded on Wednesday, records showed.
The Clark County coroner’s office had not released Ma’s cause and manner of death as of Friday afternoon. | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/las-vegas-man-accused-of-murder-lived-with-womans-body-for-months-police/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:30 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/las-vegas-man-accused-of-murder-lived-with-womans-body-for-months-police/ |
Yellow is shutting down and headed for bankruptcy, the Teamsters Union says. Here’s what to know
NEW YORK (AP) — Trucking company Yellow Corp. has shut down operations and is headed for a bankruptcy filing, according to the Teamsters Union and multiple media reports.
After years of financial struggles, reports of Yellow preparing for bankruptcy emerged last week — as the Nashville, Tennessee-based trucker saw customers leave in large numbers. Yellow shut down operations on Sunday, according to the Wall Street Journal, following the layoffs of hundreds of nonunion employees on Friday.
In an announcement early Monday, the Teamsters said that the union received legal notice confirming Yellow was ceasing operations and filing for bankruptcy.
“Today’s news is unfortunate but not surprising. Yellow has historically proven that it could not manage itself despite billions of dollars in worker concessions and hundreds of millions in bailout funding from the federal government,” Teamsters general president Sean O’Brien said in a statement. “This is a sad day for workers and the American freight industry.”
The Associated Press reached out to Yellow for comment on Monday. No bankruptcy filings had gone live as of the early morning.
The bankruptcy reports have renewed attention around Yellow’s ongoing negotiations with unionized workers, a $700 million pandemic-era loan from the government and other bills the trucker has racked up over time. Yellow, formerly known as YRC Worldwide Inc., is one of the nation’s largest less-than-truckload carriers. The company’s reported closure puts 30,000 jobs at risk.
Here’s what you need to know.
WHAT WOULD BANKRUPTCY MEAN FOR YELLOW?
According to Satish Jindel, president of transportation and logistics firm SJ Consulting, Yellow handled an average of 49,000 shipments per day in 2022. Last week, he estimated that number was down to between 10,000 and 15,000 daily shipments.
With customers leaving — as well reports of Yellow stopping freight pickups last week — bankruptcy would “be the end of Yellow,” Jindel told The Associated Press, noting increased risk for liquidation.
“The likelihood of them surviving and remaining solvent diminishes really by the day,” added Bruce Chan, a research director at investment banking firm Stifel.
Yellow declined to comment when contacted by The Associated Press on Friday. In a Wednesday statement to The Journal, the company said it was continuing “to prepare for a range of contingencies.” On Thursday, Yellow said it was in talks with multiple parties about selling its third-party logistics organization.
Even if Yellow was able to sell its logistics firm, it would “not generate a sufficient amount of cash to keep them operational on any sort of permanent basis,” Chan said. “Without a major equity injection, it would be very difficult for them to survive.”
HOW MUCH DEBT DOES YELLOW HAVE?
As of late March, Yellow had an outstanding debt of about $1.5 billion. Of that, $729.2 million was owed to the federal government.
In 2020, under the Trump administration, the Treasury Department granted the company a $700 million pandemic-era loan on national security grounds. Last month, a congressional probe concluded that the Treasury and Defense Departments “made missteps” in this decision — and noted that Yellow’s “precarious financial position at the time of the loan, and continued struggles, expose taxpayers to a significant risk of loss.”
The government loan is due in September 2024. As of March, Yellow had made $54.8 million in interest payments and repaid just $230 million of the principal owed, according to government documents.
Yellow’s current finances and prospect of bankruptcy “is probably two decades in the making,” Chan said, pointing to poor management and strategic decisions dating back to the early 2000s. “At this point, after each party has bailed them out so many times, there is a limited appetite to do that anymore.”
In May, Yellow reported a loss of $54.6 million, a decline of $1.06 per share, for its first quarter of 2023. Operating revenue was about $1.16 billion in the period.
A Wednesday investors note from financial service firm Stephens estimated that Yellow could be burning between $9 million and $10 million each day. Using a liquidity disclosure from earlier this month, Yellow had roughly $100 million in cash at the end of June, the note added — estimating that the company has been burning through increasing amounts of money through July.
“It is reasonable to believe that the Company could breach its $35 mil. liquidity requirement at any moment,” Stephens analyst Jack Atkins and associate Grant Smith wrote.
DID THE COMPANY JUST AVERT A STRIKE?
Last week’s reports of bankruptcy preparations arrived just days after a strike from the Teamsters, which represents Yellow’s 22,000 unionized workers, was averted.
A series of heated exchanges have built up between the Teamsters and Yellow, who sued the union in June after alleging it was “unjustifiably blocking” restructuring plans needed for the company’s survival. The Teamsters called the litigation “baseless” — with O’Brien pointing to Yellow’s “decades of gross mismanagement,” which included exhausting the $700 million federal loan.
On July 23, a pension fund agreed to extend health benefits for workers at two Yellow Corp. operating companies, averting a strike — and giving Yellow “30 days to pay its bills,” notably $50 million that Yellow failed to pay the Central States Health and Welfare Fund on July 15, the union said. While the strike didn’t occur, talks of a walkout may have caused some Yellow customers to pull back, Chan said.
“The financial struggles of Yellow are not related to the union and the contracts,” Jindel said, pointing to management’s responsibility around its services and prices. He added the union wages from Yellow are “lower than any competitor.”
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YELLOW WENT UNDER?
As Yellow customers take their shipments to other carriers, like FedEx or ABF Freight, prices will go up.
Yellow’s prices have historically been the cheapest compared to other carriers, Jindel said. “That’s why they obviously were not making money,” he added. “And while there is capacity with the other LTL carriers to handle the diversions from Yellow, it will come at a high price for (current shippers and customers) of Yellow.”
Chan adds that we’re in an interesting time for the LTL marketplace — noting that, if Yellow liquidates, “the freight would find a home” with other carriers, which may not have been true in recent years.
“It may take time, but there’s room for it to be absorbed,” he said.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2023/07/31/yellow-is-shutting-down-headed-bankruptcy-teamsters-union-says-heres-what-know/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:30 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/2023/07/31/yellow-is-shutting-down-headed-bankruptcy-teamsters-union-says-heres-what-know/ |
Global leaders pioneer secure use of generative AI in contracting through Icertis ExploreAI Early Adopter Program
BELLEVUE, Wash., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Icertis has delivered Icertis Contract Intelligence (ICI) Copilots, the first generative AI applications for enterprise contract management. Built on Icertis ExploreAI™ Service, ICI Interactive Insights Copilot and ICI Risk Assessment Copilot enable executives, legal teams, and business users alike to responsibly harness the transformational power of generative AI to turn their commercial agreements into interactive assets that achieve a step-change in contract efficiency and insights. Backed by the security and trust of Microsoft Azure, ICI Copilots leverage Azure OpenAI Service and Icertis proprietary AI models with the rich data from a company's contracts, its enterprise systems, and the Icertis Data Lake to accelerate the pace of business, galvanize profits, and safeguard enterprises from risk.
Icertis customers include 30 percent of the Fortune 100 and global leaders such as Accenture, Best Buy, Humana, Johnson & Johnson, Mercedes-Benz, and Microsoft. Select customers engaged as early adopters of Icertis ExploreAI Service, catalyzing the launch of both ICI Copilots and a development roadmap of unmatched generative AI capabilities designed to address contracting challenges for the world's largest enterprises.
"Contracts are a massive untapped opportunity for the application of large language models because they are universal across industries, geographies, and businesses of all sizes, and imperative to any and all commerce as we know it," said Samir Bodas, Co-founder and CEO of Icertis. "Icertis has delivered the first generative AI Copilots in the market to lead the next era of transformation in enterprise contracting, balancing innovation with the trust and responsibility that comes with recognizing that regardless of industry – contracts are one of the most confidential and valuable assets in an enterprise."
The first two ICI Copilots are:
- ICI Interactive Insights Copilot
ICI Interactive Insights Copilot enables decision-makers to easily engage with contracts and rapidly uncover insights via pre-defined, hierarchical prompts as well as free-form prompts that highlight key provisions and identify related contract information. With role-based summaries created through a unique combination of secure data sources, including the company's contract portfolio, integrated business systems, and the Icertis Data Lake, leaders are equipped to increase the speed and effectiveness of negotiations while instantly gaining answers to critical questions about the business. - ICI Risk Assessment Copilot
Risk Assessment Copilot automates and accelerates high-volume contract reviews by comparing contract attributes with a company's standard playbook and practices, enabling enterprises to more effectively manage risk by ensuring required clauses and approved language are present in every agreement. In addition to providing a risk score, guided prompts allow legal teams to quickly identify and address missing or noncompliant attributes, while also eliminating time-consuming, error-prone processes by earmarking agreements that do not require further review.
"I am delighted for the BCG Legal Team to test Icertis ExploreAI Service and ICI Copilots as part of the Early Adopter program," said Ulrike Schwarz-Runer, Global General Counsel at Boston Consulting Group. "We aim to unlock deep data-driven insights in our contracts through an agile approach. It's exciting to see the early results and we're eagerly looking forward to continuing the journey to unlock value for our clients, firm, and lawyers."
Icertis has a rich history of AI innovation and was the first to embed AI in contract lifecycle management to enable true contract intelligence and unlock the potential of AI in contracting. ICI Interactive Insights and ICI Risk Assessment Copilots signal the next transformative milestone in the company's AI innovation journey as the first generative AI applications to join the Icertis AI portfolio, which also includes Icertis AI Studio, Icertis NegotiateAI, Icertis DiscoverAI, and Icertis VisualizeAI.
About Icertis
With unmatched technology and category-defining innovation, Icertis pushes the boundaries of what's possible with contract lifecycle management (CLM). The AI-powered, analyst-validated Contract Intelligence (ICI) platform turns contracts from static documents into strategic advantage by structuring and connecting the critical contract information that defines how an organization runs. Today, the world's most iconic brands and disruptive innovators trust Icertis to govern the rights and commitments in their ten million+ contracts worth more than $1 trillion in 40+ languages and 90+ countries.
Media Contact
Michelle Rodriguez
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
corpcomm@icertis.com
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SOURCE Icertis | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/icertis-brings-generative-ai-enterprise-contracting-with-delivery-first-contract-intelligence-copilots/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:35 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/icertis-brings-generative-ai-enterprise-contracting-with-delivery-first-contract-intelligence-copilots/ |
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. (OTCMKTS: CMGR) ("CMGR"), a social media firm and digital agency, announced that they have finalized another brand promotional deal with fitness model and iconic social media star, Sommer Ray. Ray was born in Colorado and has won several bodybuilding and fitness competitions. In recent years she has amassed an impressive social media following, boasting 25M+ followers on Instagram, 12M+ followers on TikTok and 1.75M+ followers on YouTube.
"It is always a pleasure to work with Sommer and her team" said a representative of CMGR. "We have a long-standing history with Sommer and have worked on many deals in the past couple of years. We are excited for the future and will continue to build on this relationship and the alike."
Visit us at www.clubhousemediagroup.com
About Clubhouse Media Group, Inc.
CMGR offers management, production, and deal-making services to its handpicked influencers, a management division for individual influencer clients, and an investment arm for joint ventures and acquisitions for companies in the social media influencer space.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This release contains "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements also may be included in other publicly available documents issued by CMGR and in oral statements made by our officers and representatives from time to time. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management's current expectations or plans for our future operating and financial performance, based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. They can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "would," "could," "will" and other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance.
Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to future sales, earnings, cash flows, results of operations, uses of cash and other measures of financial performance.
Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause CMGR's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others such as, but not limited to economic conditions, changes in the laws or regulations, demand for CMGR's products and services, the effects of competition and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or represented in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking information provided in this release should be considered with these factors in mind. We caution investors not to rely unduly on any forward-looking statements and urge you to carefully consider the risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, which are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at sec.gov. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
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SOURCE Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/clubhouse-media-group-inc-closes-another-promotional-deal-with-sommer-ray/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:35 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/clubhouse-media-group-inc-closes-another-promotional-deal-with-sommer-ray/ |
The Industry's Only End-to-End Platform Will Help Businesses Streamline the Compliance Journey
TAMPA, Fla., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A-LIGN, the leading cybersecurity compliance solutions provider, announced today the groundbreaking news that its award-winning compliance automation platform, A-SCEND, will be available at no charge.
"We enable businesses to build trust with their customers – whether they are getting ready for their first audit or consolidating multiple audit frameworks. We are thrilled to enable more organizations to experience the power of compliance automation on our platform," said Giles House, Chief Marketing & Product Officer at A-LIGN. "A-SCEND is the only solution on the market backed by a team of experienced audit professionals that can provide end-to-end services to streamline the entire compliance lifecycle."
Businesses can now harness the power of A-SCEND's automation and audit-readiness capabilities to streamline their compliance efforts. With the platform, users can:
- Automate evidence collection for their audit with the click of a button by leveraging 90+ integrations
- Streamline policy management with industry-best-practice templates
- Complete a readiness assessment to find out how prepared they are for the next audit
- Receive a real-time health check of their compliance posture with the Compliance Hub, which tests controls against CIS benchmarks on a scheduled basis
This announcement comes at a time of remarkable growth for A-SCEND. The platform has been leveraged to collect over two million pieces of evidence for thousands of users, while achieving an 80+ NPS score. A-LIGN has made significant investments into the platform with notable SaaS industry veteran new hires including House as CMPO and Raya Cleary as VP Product.
To learn more about A-SCEND and get started today for free, visit https://www.a-lign.com/lp/a-scend-signup.
About A-LIGN
A-LIGN is the only end-to-end cybersecurity compliance solutions provider with readiness to report compliance automation software paired with professional audit services, trusted by more than 4,000 global organizations to help mitigate cybersecurity risks. A-LIGN uniquely delivers a single-provider holistic approach as a licensed CPA firm to SOC 1 and SOC 2 Audit services, accredited ISO 27001, ISO 27701 and ISO 22301 Certification Body, HITRUST CSF Assessor firm, accredited FedRAMP 3PAO, authorized CMMC C3PAO, PCI Qualified Security Assessor Company, and PCI SSC registered Secure Software Assessor Company. Working with growing businesses to global enterprises, A-LIGN's experts and its compliance automation platform, A-SCEND, are transforming the compliance experience.
CONTACT:
Abigail Rodrigues
abigail.rodrigues@a-lign.com
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SOURCE A-LIGN | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/a-lign-sets-new-standard-compliance-automation-with-free-access-a-scend-software/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:36 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/a-lign-sets-new-standard-compliance-automation-with-free-access-a-scend-software/ |
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A man died at a Disney Resort in Orlando on Wednesday.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a call around 5:30 a.m. regarding an unresponsive person at Disney’s Contemporary Resort near Magic Kingdom.
The man, identified as 39-year-old Jeffrey Vanden Boom of Greendale, Wisconsin, was pronounced dead on the scene.
The Orange County Medical Examiner determined Vanden Boom fell from a hotel room balcony, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. The fall was ruled as accidental.
Walt Disney World did not immediately respond to Nexstar’s request for comment.
The death remains an ongoing investigation.
Last fall, an 83-year-old man died after riding the Tomorrowland Authority PeopleMover at Disney World. Authorities said he experienced a “cardiac event,” and his death was “deemed natural” by medical officials.
Earlier this year, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Disneyland, accusing park employees of laughing at a 66-year-old disabled woman who fell while getting off the Jungle Cruise ride in 2021 and later died. | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/man-dies-at-disney-resort-deputies-investigating/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:36 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/man-dies-at-disney-resort-deputies-investigating/ |
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX) ("Ideanomics" or the "Company") will release its 2023 first-quarter financial results on Friday, August 4, 2023 at approximately 4:00 p.m. ET, followed by a prerecorded conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET. A link of the conference call and earnings materials will be available on the Company's investor relations website: https://investors.ideanomics.com
About Ideanomics
Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX) is a global group with a simple mission: to accelerate the commercial adoption of electric vehicles. By bringing together vehicles and charging technology with design, implementation, and financial services, we provide the completeness of solutions needed for the commercial world to commit to an EV future. To keep up with Ideanomics, please follow the company on social @ideanomicshq or visit https://ideanomics.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," or similar expressions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and include the statement regarding the completion of the business combination within a certain period of time, if ever. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of risks and uncertainties, such as risks related to: our ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and similar disclosures in subsequent reports filed with the SEC, which are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these risk factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.
Contact:
Tony Sklar, SVP of Investor Relations
1441 Broadway, Suite 5116, New York, NY 10018
ir@ideanomics.com
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SOURCE Ideanomics | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/ideanomics-announces-q1-2023-earnings-conference-call-details/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:36 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/ideanomics-announces-q1-2023-earnings-conference-call-details/ |
The Official Committee of Talc Claimants Applauds Decision to Dismiss LTL Management Second Bankruptcy Attempt
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Official Committee of Talc Claimants (the "Committee"), which has been tirelessly pursuing justice for its constituency of talc victims injury by Johnson & Johnson's ("J&J's") talc products, is pleased with the court's decision to dismiss the second bankruptcy attempt. We believe the decision of the Honorable Chief Judge Kaplan was thoughtful, well-reasoned, and well-supported by the facts and law. This outcome now frees tens of thousands of victims to seek their justice through the tort system and, either before juries of their peers or by settlement on terms acceptable to them. The Committee has consistently contended the tort system is the rightful place for these claims to be resolved. Today's ruling validates the Committee's belief that J&J manipulated the bankruptcy system by using the "Texas Two-Step" legal maneuver and wrongfully sought to manufacture financial distress in its "Legacy Talc Liabilities" (LTL) Management subsidiary, solely to carry out a bad faith bankruptcy case. The company will now face the full weight of its conduct in the appropriate judicial forums.
"This ruling sends a clear message: multibillion-dollar, wholly solvent companies like J&J should not be allowed to use and in fact abuse bankruptcy laws to avoid accountability," said Brown Rudnick's David Molton, one of the co-counsels representing the Committee. "We are reassured by the Bankruptcy Court's reaffirmation that it will not allow solvent corporations to abuse the system and impose coercive, low-value and cram-down solutions on nonconsenting claimants. Justice should and now will triumph over corporate greed and legal chicanery."
"The claimants have waited long enough. Untold numbers of cancer victims have died while Johnson & Johnson attempted to manipulate the bankruptcy system to limit its liabilities," added Molton. "Now victims and their families can seek justice through the tort system – by presenting their case before a jury of their peers in courts of their own choosing."
The TCC filed its motion to dismiss on April 24, 2023, alongside several other movants, including the Office of the United States Trustee, numerous State Attorneys General, and other plaintiff groups, who shared a vision for this outcome. Chief Judge Kaplan's Opinion can be viewed on the case docket, available at: https://document.epiq11.com/document/getdocumentbycode?docId=4202926&projectCode=LCN&source=DM
About The Official Committee of Talc Claimants
The Official Committee of Talc Claimants (TCC), appointed by the Office of the United States Trustee (UST), an arm of the US Department of Justice, represents and acts as a fiduciary for all mesothelioma and ovarian cancer victims, as well as all subrogation claimants who have claims based on or derivative to the victims' talcum powder claims. For more information about the TCC, please view our website at https://www.ltltalccommittee.org/
The TCC is advised by counsel, an investment banker, a financial advisor, and claims estimation experts well-versed in mass tort, asbestos, talc, bankruptcy, and victim advocacy. These entities include Genova Burns L.L.C., Brown Rudnick L.L.P., Otterbourg PC, Massey & Gail L.L.P., Miller Thomson L.L.P., MoloLamken L.L.P., Compass Lexecon, FTI Consulting, and Houlihan Lokey.
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SOURCE Ashcraft & Gerel | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/ashcraft-amp-gerel-llp-partners-michelle-parfitt-james-green-two-co-counsels-representing-committee-members-share-thoughts-expressed-by-tcc-committee-their-public-statement/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:41 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/ashcraft-amp-gerel-llp-partners-michelle-parfitt-james-green-two-co-counsels-representing-committee-members-share-thoughts-expressed-by-tcc-committee-their-public-statement/ |
New expert-level certifications, learning products and training curricula planned for 2024
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CompTIA, the world's leading certifying body in information technology (IT), announced today it is developing a new series of expert-level certifications and learning products in data, cybersecurity and cloud networking.
The CompTIA Xpert Series certifications are scheduled for release throughout 2024. The certifications are intended for IT professionals with multiple years of work experience who are interested in validating their expert-level knowledge of business-critical technologies.
"Each certification exam will validate deep expertise in job roles recognized as being at the expert level," said Thomas Reilly, chief product officer, CompTIA. "Beyond validating technical skills, IT pros who earn a CompTIA Xpert Series certification will have demonstrated their ability to understand, implement and articulate advanced technology solutions in any business environment."
The CompTIA Xpert Series will debut with three certifications.
- CompTIA DataX, an advanced-level data science credential.
- CompTIA CloudNetX, intended for advanced network and systems architects who design and manage complex, hybrid IT infrastructures.
- CompTIA SecurityX, the next iteration of the current CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), aimed at security architects, senior security engineers and others responsible for an organization's cybersecurity readiness.
"The first set of Xpert Series certifications will establish a foundation for a broader expansion into expert-level credentials and learning," Reilly said. "This may include additional CompTIA certifications, CompTIA training for credentials issued by other organizations or training on expert-level skills that may not be associated with a specific certification."
Two IT professionals who are participating in the certification development process as subject matter experts believe the CompTIA Xpert Series will be welcomed by the IT community, especially among mid-level and advanced level professionals.
"The Xpert Series exams are a great addition to CompTIA's portfolio," said Alex Cher, who has worked in IT and cybersecurity since 2006. "CompTIA has an advanced-level certification in cybersecurity, so it makes sense to create similar, advanced exams for infrastructure and other certification categories. The Xpert Series will perfectly fill that void."
"Ongoing career professional development by gaining new skills and experiences is vital to anyone working in IT," said Riaz Khimji, who heads the IT Support Staff Services and Business Relationship Management Collegiate IT, at the University of Oxford. "Individuals can be even more successful in their current role and gain further knowledge in other areas of interest as they progress in their careers. Certifications such as those offered by CompTIA allow them to validate their newly acquired skills."
CompTIA is also developing learning resources and training curricula aligned with the Xpert Series certifications. Learn more at https://www.comptia.org/certifications/xpert-series.
About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the world's leading information technology (IT) certification and training body. CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career. Each year CompTIA, directly and through its global network of partners, provides millions of people with training, education and certification. To learn more visit https://www.comptia.org/
Media Contact
Steven Ostrowski
CompTIA
sostrowski@comptia.org
630.678.8468
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(NerdWallet) – On July 14, 804,000 longtime student loan borrowers began receiving word that their $39 billion in remaining debt would be forgiven as the result of the Education Department’s income-driven repayment (IDR) account adjustment. This one-time program, first announced in April 2022 to repair past missteps in the IDR system, is counting more past repayment periods toward income-driven repayment (IDR) forgiveness. Many borrowers will be at least three years closer to IDR forgiveness — and some will automatically see their loans forgiven altogether.
“At the start of this Administration, millions of borrowers had earned loan forgiveness but never received it. That’s unacceptable,” Department of Education Under Secretary James Kvaal said in a July 14 press release announcing the news. “Today we are holding up the bargain we offered borrowers who have completed decades of repayment.”
This is just the tip of the iceberg. More than 4.4 million borrowers have been repaying their loans for at least 20 years, and 2.3 million of these borrowers have never defaulted or been delinquent on their loans, according to April 2021 Education Department data provided to Sen. Elizabeth Warren. However, there’s not yet a final count of total borrowers who will receive the IDR account adjustment forgiveness, says Mike Pierce, executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center (SBPC).
While the Supreme Court recently struck down President Joe Biden’s up-to-$20,000 student debt cancellation plan, no one has challenged this account adjustment since it was introduced in April 2022, and future legal roadblocks are highly unlikely, Pierce says.
“If I were a borrower, I would feel pretty good about this happening, but you know, we never say never,” Pierce says. “This is something that has never been put in front of a federal judge, and we have not seen any signs that it’s going to.”
All this is occurring as borrowers gear up for student loan payments to resume in October. Here’s what you need to know about the next waves of loan forgiveness under the IDR account adjustment and what qualified borrowers can do to prepare for it.
When will IDR adjustments be made?
The Education Department said it will notify waves of loan forgiveness recipients about every two months. Since the first major batch was announced on July 14, borrowers can expect the next announcement by mid-September.
The department plans to apply the account adjustment by the end of 2023 to all borrowers who’ve reached enough payments for forgiveness; all other borrowers will receive at least three additional years of credit toward IDR loan forgiveness in 2024.
Will I get IDR account adjustment forgiveness?
To find out whether you’ll receive loan forgiveness under the one-time IDR account adjustment, you must count your past payments yourself.
Generally, borrowers with undergraduate loans will receive loan forgiveness if they’ve made at least 240 monthly student loan payments, and those with some graduate loans will reach forgiveness if they’ve made at least 300 payments, Pierce says.
From July 1994 onward, the adjustment counts the following periods toward the 240 or 300 payments needed to reach forgiveness:
- Any month a borrower was in repayment, even if the payments were late or partial. The type of repayment plan also doesn’t matter.
- Time spent in forbearance, either periods lasting 12 or more consecutive months or a cumulative 36 or more months.
- Any month spent in deferment other than in-school deferment before 2013.
- Any month spent in economic hardship or military deferments on or after Jan. 1, 2013.
- Any months in repayment, forbearance or a qualifying deferment before a loan consolidation.
Months spent in default will generally not be included in the recount, though borrowers who enroll in the temporary Fresh Start program to get out of default will get IDR credit from March 2020 through the date they leave default.
Log in to your Federal Student Aid (FSA) account at StudentAid.gov to see how long you’ve been in repayment. To see detailed information, including descriptions of the specific forbearance or deferment periods, request your account history from your servicer.
How to prepare for the IDR account adjustment
The loan forgiveness will be largely automatic for most eligible federal borrowers with older direct loans, federally held Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans and parent PLUS loans. These borrowers don’t need to take any action to qualify or receive loan forgiveness.
“The good news is, for most people, you don’t actually need to be an expert on this program to benefit from it,” Pierce says. “If you have a loan that’s owned by the Department of Education, it’s just gonna work for you.”
But there are some small steps you can take to be proactive.
Update your contact information
Regardless of the type of federal student loans you have, check that your current contact information is listed in both your FSA and servicer accounts. While you’re at it, make sure you still have the password to these accounts, and reset your login credentials if needed.
Forty-four percent of federal borrowers were transferred to a new servicer during the pandemic payment pause, according to a June estimate from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, so now is also a good time to see if your servicer changed.
You’ll likely be notified by email if and when your loans are forgiven under the IDR account adjustment, but student loan communications may also arrive by mail.
Consolidate commercially managed federal loans
Some federal loans are not held by the government, but by a private entity. Borrowers with these commercially managed federal loans won’t benefit from the recount automatically — they’ll need to consolidate these loans to qualify. The account adjustment will count periods of repayment prior to consolidation toward IDR forgiveness.
Commercially held loans include certain FFELP loans, Perkins loans and Health Education Assistance Loan (HEAL) Program loans. You can see what type of loans you have on the dashboard of your FSA account or servicer portal.
You have until the end of 2023 to consolidate commercially held loans, but don’t delay. The full consolidation process can take from 30 to 60 days, Pierce says. Get started by submitting a direct loan consolidation application on the Federal Student Aid office website.
Consolidate newer parent PLUS loans
Parent PLUS loans are included in the IDR account adjustment. If you reach 300 payments — or 120 payments if you’re eligible for PSLF — your parent PLUS debt will be discharged automatically this year, regardless of whether or not your PLUS loans are consolidated.
But if you have fewer payments than that, you’ll need to act. Consolidate your parent PLUS loans before the end of 2023 to benefit from the adjustment, and enroll in an IDR plan called Income-Contingent Repayment to continue making progress toward forgiveness.
Apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Borrowers eligible for PSLF are also eligible for the account adjustment; they can receive IDR loan forgiveness after just 10 years, or 120 eligible payments. PSLF-eligible borrowers with direct loans, including parent PLUS loans, will benefit automatically. Those with either federally or commercially managed FFELP loans must consolidate them into a direct consolidation loan by the end of 2023 to get PSLF credit under the account adjustment.
After the adjustment is applied to your account, you’ll see credit toward PSLF for any month after October 2007 during which you were in repayment and had qualifying employment.
“If you’ve applied or will apply for PSLF and certify your employment, you may see the benefits of this adjustment to your qualifying payment count,” writes the office of Federal Student Aid. Do so as soon as possible to ensure you benefit from the recount.
Check your state’s tax policy
The federal government won’t tax any debt forgiven as a result of the IDR account adjustment.
However, certain states, including Indiana and Mississippi, treat forgiven student loans as taxable earned income, and thus may tax the amount of forgiven debt you receive. The vast majority of states don’t do this, so check the rules in your state.
If you’re concerned about a state tax bill, you can opt out of loan forgiveness. You have 30 days to do so after you receive notice that your remaining debt will be forgiven under the IDR account adjustment. | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/more-student-loan-forgiveness-coming-for-longtime-borrowers/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:42 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/more-student-loan-forgiveness-coming-for-longtime-borrowers/ |
SEATTLE, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
On September 18, 2018, the SEC filed a Complaint against SeaWorld and Atchison. The SEC alleged that the defendants made untrue and/or misleading statements or omissions in SEC filings, earnings releases and calls, and other statements to the press regarding the impact of the documentary film Blackfish on the Company's reputation and business (i.e., "Blackfish effect"). According to the Complaint, released in July 2013, Blackfish criticized SeaWorld's treatment of its orcas (killer whales) and received significant media attention that escalated as the film became more widely distributed. The SEC alleged that, in connection with the offer and sale of SeaWorld stock, the defendants engaged in a course of business that by failing to disclose the Blackfish effect to investors they should have known would operate as a fraud or deceit upon the purchasers of the Securities.
According to the Complaint, from January through March 2014, Atchison sold shares of SeaWorld stock, resulting in the inflation of the Security and allowed Atchison to avoid losses of approximately $730,860. As alleged in the Complaint, on August 13, 2014, SeaWorld acknowledged for the first time that its declining attendance was, among other factors, partially caused by negative publicity connected to Blackfish. According to the Complaint, SeaWorld's stock price fell approximately 33% following this announcement, causing a loss of approximately $830 million in shareholder value.
On September 18, 2018, the SEC also filed a Complaint against Jacobs. The SEC alleged that, on January 13, 2014, Jacobs made an untrue statement of material fact and/or omitted material facts from his statement just before selling his SeaWorld stock and avoided losses of approximately $84,885.
On October 4, 2018, the Defendants, without admitting or denying the allegations, consented to the entry of final judgments against each of them that imposed a total of approximately $5.1 million in financial remedies. The Court ordered SeaWorld to pay a civil penalty of $4,000,000; Atchison to pay disgorgement of $730,860, prejudgment interest of $119,323 and civil penalty of $150,000; and Jacobs to pay disgorgement of $84,885 and prejudgment interest in the amount of $14,720. The Defendants paid in full, and the funds have been deposited in a Commission designated account at the United States Department of Treasury. On December 4, 2020, the Court entered an Order consolidating the two civil actions for the purposes of distributing the funds paid by the Defendants to harmed investors.
On December 15, 2020, the Court entered an Order establishing a Fair Fund for the $5,266,679.31 in funds collected from Defendants, appointing Miller Kaplan Arase LLP as Tax Administrator, appointing JND Legal Administration as the Distribution Agent, and authorizing payment of administrative fees and expenses and tax obligations without further order of the Court.
Company (Trading Symbol) [Relevant Period start and end dates (inclusive)]:
- SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. (SEAS) [12/20/13 through 8/12/14]
If you purchased the security set forth above during the Relevant Period and would like to be considered for eligibility for a distribution from the SeaWorld Fair Fund, you must submit a completed and signed Proof of Claim Form ("Claim Form"), including adequate supporting documentation of your transactions and a completed tax certification, to the Distribution Agent by the Claims Bar Date.
The Claim Form is available at www.SeaWorldFairFund.com. You may send your Claim Form to the Distribution Agent; Claim Forms must be postmarked no later than October 19, 2023, if sent by First Class Mail; and if not by First Class Mail, received by the Distribution Agent by October 19, 2023. Claim Forms should be directed to the following address:
SeaWorld Fair Fund
c/o JND Legal Administration
PO Box 91190
Seattle, WA 98111
Brokers, Dealers and other nominees that may have records of purchasers of the Eligible Security during the Relevant Period must notify the respective beneficial owners within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the Notice Packet so that beneficial owners may timely file a claim or provide to the Distribution Agent within fourteen (14) days of receipt a list of last known names and addresses for all beneficial owners for whom the record holders purchased the Eligible Security during the Relevant Period.
Additional information regarding the SeaWorld Fair Fund, including the Distribution Plan, the Distribution Plan Notice, the Claim Form, relevant deadlines, and related materials are available on the Distribution Website at www.SeaWorldFairFund.com. You may obtain additional information or request copies of the Claim Form by contacting the Distribution Agent toll-free at (855) 533-0228 or by emailing info@SeaWorldFairFund.com or writing to:
SeaWorld Fair Fund
c/o JND Legal Administration
PO Box 91190
Seattle, WA 98111
Please check the website www.SeaWorldFairFund.com frequently for updates.
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SOURCE JND Legal Administration | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/if-you-purchased-seaworld-securities-between-december-20-2013-august-12-2014-you-may-be-eligible-distribution-seaworld-fair-fund/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:43 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/if-you-purchased-seaworld-securities-between-december-20-2013-august-12-2014-you-may-be-eligible-distribution-seaworld-fair-fund/ |
(NewsNation) — While questions remain about a mystery company buying 52,000 acres of land near an Air Force base, a congressman says farmers in the area are being targeted in a lawsuit.
Rep. John Garamendi, D-Calif., has been speaking out over the past five years about the $800 million in land acquisitions by Flannery Associates near Travis Air Force Base in Northern California.
In an interview with NewsNation, Garamendi said he’s been in contact with the families of farmers who handed over their land to Flannery. He said they didn’t want to sell in the first place.
Since no California laws require them to sell, the land was bargained for by both parties at a much higher price. But now, Flannery is suing those families for $510 million, accusing them of conspiring together to inflate the value of the land.
“It’s a suit designed to force the farmers to lawyer up, spend tens of thousands of dollars on lawyering and maybe at the end of the day, bankrupt themselves,” Garamendi said. “In fact, that has happened to at least one family that I know of and I’ve heard rumors that another family simply said we can’t afford the lawyers.”
NewsNation reviewed a copy of the lawsuit. Attorneys for Flannery said they believe “this is a simple case about a group of wealthy landowners who saw an opportunity to conspire, collude, price fix and illegally overcharge Flannery.”
But Garamendi said there was no viable economic reason to justify spending several times more than what the land is worth in the first place.
The suit comes as companies with ties to China have been ramping up efforts to buy American farmland in recent years.
Public records show “Flannery Associates” has invested more than $800 million on more than 50,000 acres of land surrounding the Travis Air Force Base since 2018.
Legal representation for Flannery said the group is controlled by U.S. citizens, with 97% of its capital coming from U.S.-based investors. But after eight months of investigation, federal officials can’t confirm or deny this to be true and have not been able to determine exactly who is backing the company.
The Air Force’s Foreign Investment Risk Review office is currently investigating Flannery Associates. Garamendi said there are valid concerns that Flannery’s land acquisitions could be tied to foreign enemies.
“The fact they chose to buy all three sides of the Travis Air Force Base even raises immediate questions about national security,” Garamendi said. “So, is this Chinese money? We don’t know, but we do know that the Chinese money was being used in North Dakota and we have a very deep suspicion, given the amount of money, given the lack of attention to values, that they simply want to acquire all of this land.”
NewsNation investigated the now thwarted deal with a Chinese-owned company in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Last year, 300 acres of farmland were purchased near the Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota by Chinese-owned Fufeng – a deal that raised red flags about potential spying.
After pushback from the community, the city council ultimately voted to end the project, citing national security risks.
Garamendi said local residents near Travis Air Force Base are riled up, just like the residents in Grand Forks, due to how critical the area is for the U.S. military.
“Travis Air Force Base is absolutely essential. It is the gateway to the Pacific,” Garamendi said, later adding, “A good deal of the munitions that are going to Ukraine also passed through Travis Air Force Base.”
China has been buying up American farmland for years. Nearly 384,000 acres of agricultural land in the U.S. is controlled by China, and the rate at which they are purchasing land is growing, the USDA reports.
Chinese ownership of American farmland has increased 55% in the past five years, with almost 75% of it located in the South and about 16% on the West Coast. | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/mystery-group-buying-land-near-air-force-base-is-suing-farmers-congressman-says/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:48 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/mystery-group-buying-land-near-air-force-base-is-suing-farmers-congressman-says/ |
SINGAPORE, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Asia Innovations Group (ASIG) announced today that its Technology Center of Excellence (TCE) is now fully operational after five months of rigorous testing and development. The TCE's official launch marks a significant milestone in ASIG's ongoing AI development.
The TCE is an AIGC-centric engineering shared services hub that unites a skilled team of technical specialists, product experts, project managers, and a Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) platform. Based on Ray Serve, MLflow, K8s and ASIG's self-built hybrid cloud, the MLOps platform has gathered an extensive assortment of both open-source and proprietary AI models, enabling engineers, product developers, and professionals in operations and marketing to seamlessly access the platform via API interfaces.
ASIG has been at the forefront of adopting AI and has heavily invested in AI technologies in recent years. By providing multimodal models and solutions for natural language processing and computer vision, the TCE has enabled ASIG to accelerate the development of AI technologies across a wide range of applications.
The TCE has strengthened ASIG's e-commerce capabilities by utilizing Stable Diffusion technology. With this technology, users can match clothes with models while streamlining image processing and reducing production costs. Even with granular features such as model head swapping and skin changing, AI image extraction is exceptionally fast, delivering 100 images in just five seconds. Additionally, SEO copywriting generates marketing content for 3C products by simply inputting keywords and SKU information, helping to reduce promotion costs, increase product exposure, and boost organic traffic.
The TCE has also enhanced Orbit, ASIG's new social discovery product, by incorporating large language models that enable users to engage in conversations and play games with Obi, an AI-powered chatbot. These models provide for other innovative features such as icebreaking during one-on-one chats between users, as well as an in-app text-to-image tool that allows users to produce captivating images that express their emotions, ideas, and thoughts in a creative and personalized fashion. In essence, these enhancements strengthen genuine connections and elevate the overall user experience on the platform.
"The TCE showcases our strong capabilities in AIGC application, as well as our unwavering commitment to create innovative, impactful products," said Ouyang Yun, Chairman and CEO of ASIG. "AI is not just a new technology, it has the power to better connect people and positively impact users worldwide."
Finally, the TCE increases ASIG's operational efficiency by providing AI-powered administrative and financial services internally. This strengthens the company's overall functionality and streamlines its processes.
About Asia Innovations Group
Asia Innovations Group (ASIG) is a global leader in the mobile social industry, serving over 700 million registered users in over 150 regions worldwide as of July 2023. With eighteen offices around the globe, ASIG leverages its proven record of innovation, cutting-edge technology, scalable infrastructure, and global insights with local expertise in emerging markets to deliver stakeholder value based on the most exciting trends and growth opportunities in the social marketplace. ASIG has built a comprehensive and diverse portfolio since its founding in 2013, including leading apps such as Uplive, the global live video platform; CuteU and Lamour, the dominant dating apps in emerging markets; as well as other fast-growing voice and game-based live social apps. ASIG continues to be focused on integrating emerging technologies, including the latest AI applications, into all of its products to achieve its mission of enriching people's lives through innovative and enjoyable social products that foster meaningful human connection.
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SOURCE Asia Innovations Group | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/asigs-technological-center-excellence-advances-ai-applications-with-unparalleled-innovation/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:48 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/asigs-technological-center-excellence-advances-ai-applications-with-unparalleled-innovation/ |
The show promotes discrimination and bias against little people and other disabled persons
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. , July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Marin Center for Independent Living and Little People of America, Inc. are calling on the Sonoma County Fair (SCF) to cancel the "M"[slur] wrestling show scheduled for August 3, 2023 at the fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, CA. The SCF is hosting this event for the second year, even though local disability advocates communicated opposition to last year's performance. "The show must go!" said Eileen Norman, President of Little People of America, Inc., a third generation resident of Santa Rosa.
Norman added, "our opposition is not solely about the use of the "m"[slur] and its offensiveness, it is to the show itself - which is a visual expression of bias - and the marginalization it incites from the audience members. The visual performance showcases disabled persons chosen specifically for their disability as a form of entertainment."
According to a 2022 story in the Sonoma Press Democrat during last year's performance, audience members characterized as "the opposite of woke" shouted "We want the 'm'[slur]s" and "Give us the 'm'[slur]s."
Eli Gelardin, CEO of the Marin Center for Independent Living said "I believe that the intent of it is to be amusing for others who are not disabled, which is exploitation and dehumanizing. The violence displayed in the program, whether real or acted, shows plot and characterizations that could validate bias against people with disabilities." Gelardin is also a lifelong resident of the North Bay region, having lived previously in Santa Rosa. He continued by saying "I am a little person, my wife is disabled, we have a child. What happens if someone gets the message that it's ok to act out the sentiments in this show. I am not just being an advocate here, I need to protect my family."
On Tuesday Marin CIL, LPA sent a letter to the SCF Chief Executive Officer and the Sonoma County Board of supervisors calling for the removal of the performance from the fair's schedule. The letter was co-signed by fifteen (15) international, national, and California statewide and local disability rights organizations.
Following the letter several disabled advocates spoke during public comment at the SCF Board of Directors meeting. Olivia Glaubiger, a young woman born and raised in Santa Rosa summed up her experience by saying "I grew up in this community and continue to live here. I've experienced bullying, strangers taking pictures of me and mistaking me for other little people. I've always loved the fair, when I was young I entered the art contest for the new fair logo. Now the fair has changed for me, I don't feel welcome anymore."
The Sonoma County Fair has consistently attempted to divert meaningful discussion about the issue to the performers and away from their own responsibility in deciding to host this show. Ted Jackson, Sr. Advisor-Public Policy & Engagement for Marin CIL said "from the initial email and at each connection point the fair's executive has responded with diversion to the performers. This is not about the performers. This is about the fair taking ownership for their actions. If they had the power to make this mistake, they have the power to fix it. When people have to gaslight, they know they've done something wrong."
Marin CIL, LPA National and our coalition will continue to advocate without compromise.
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SOURCE Marin Center for Independent Living | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/disability-advocates-call-sonoma-county-fair-cancel-mslur-wrestling-warriors-performance-this-years-fair/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:48 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/disability-advocates-call-sonoma-county-fair-cancel-mslur-wrestling-warriors-performance-this-years-fair/ |
SYRACUSE, N.Y., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mohawk Global, a leading supply chain services provider, is excited to announce their collaboration with worldwide leaders in the freight forwarding industry to start a new sister company, MGL Europe. The first MGL Europe office opened in Stuttgart, Germany in April 2023. This month, the European team expanded by welcoming Master International Logistics to the joint venture—with their rebrand to MGL Europe Italy.
Gar Grannell, Mohawk Global CEO says, "This partnership is the result of trusting relationships built over the last 30 years with people of like values and growth strategy. We are excited about the business we will develop together, while focusing on enriching the lives of our people."
MGL Europe has officially begun operations and has become Mohawk Global's exclusive partner for client's cargo in and out of Europe. MGL Europe currently has three German offices located in Stuttgart, Bremen, and Munich, in addition to three Italian offices located in Milan, Genova, and Vincenza.
"Having our own offices in Germany and now Italy, gives us a presence at key port locations for both North Europe and Mediterranean trade," says Chris Lindstrand, Mohawk Global Director of International Transportation. "Through these key gateways, we're strategically positioned to enhance our offerings not just in these countries or throughout continental Europe, but in all regions that utilize these important trade centers."
Mohawk Global is excited to elevate its client's experience through the expansive network this growing partnership provides. "Our strategic partnerships in Asia align well with our move into Germany and Italy, allowing Mohawk Global to seamlessly bridge North America, Asia, and Europe with diverse transportation solutions in a rapidly expanding global supply chain," says Anthony Pagnotto, Mohawk Global Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing.
Mohawk Global is a team of experts in supply chain solutions and trade compliance. Since its foundation in 1993, Mohawk Global has grown beyond its headquarters in Syracuse, New York to nine offices in six states, with a worldwide reach. We strive to create an environment of growth, and as a family-owned and operated business, everything we do is guided by our core values – Enrich. Care. Deliver. Please contact us for further information.
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SOURCE Mohawk Global | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/introducing-mgl-europe-mohawk-global-european-venture/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:49 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/introducing-mgl-europe-mohawk-global-european-venture/ |
Biden goes west to talk about his administration’s efforts to combat climate change
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will travel to Arizona, New Mexico and Utah next week and is expected to talk about his administration’s efforts to combat climate change as the region endures a brutally hot summer with soaring temperatures, the White House said Monday.
Biden is expected to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act, America’s most significant response to climate change, and the push toward more clean energy manufacturing. The act aims to spur clean energy on a scale that will bend the arc of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
July has been the hottest month ever recorded. Biden last week announced new steps to protect workers in extreme heat, including measures to improve weather forecasts and make drinking water more accessible.
Members of Biden’s administration also are fanning out over the next few weeks around the anniversary of the landmark climate change and health care legislation to extol the administration’s successes as the Democratic president seeks reelection in 2024.
Vice President Kamala Harris heads to Wisconsin this week with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to talk about broadband infrastructure investments. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack goes to Oregon to highlight wildfire defense grants, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will go to Illinois and Texas, and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona heads to Maryland to talk about career and technical education programs.
The Inflation Reduction Act included roughly $375 billion over a decade to combat climate change and capped the cost of a month’s supply of insulin at $35 for older Americans and other Medicare beneficiaries. It also helps an estimated 13 million Americans pay for health care insurance by extending subsidies provided during the coronavirus pandemic.
The measure is paid for by new taxes on large companies and stepped-up IRS enforcement of wealthy individuals and entities, with additional funds going to reduce the federal deficit.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/biden-goes-west-talk-about-his-administrations-efforts-combat-climate-change/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:51 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/biden-goes-west-talk-about-his-administrations-efforts-combat-climate-change/ |
SUV driver intentionally hit 6 migrant workers, police say
Published: Jul. 31, 2023 at 7:26 AM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
LINCOLNTON, N.C. (AP) — Six migrant workers were intentionally hit by an SUV in a Walmart parking lot in North Carolina on Sunday, police said.
The workers were hit at a Walmart in Lincolnton in what appears to have been an intentional assault with a vehicle, but the Lincolnton Police Department said in a statement posted on social media that the driver’s motives are still under investigation. The workers were taken to a hospital with various injuries, but police said none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening.
Police are asking the public for help identifying the driver and the vehicle, described as an older model black sport utility vehicle with a luggage rack.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/suv-driver-intentionally-hit-6-migrant-workers-police-say/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:52 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/suv-driver-intentionally-hit-6-migrant-workers-police-say/ |
NEW YORK (AP) — Trucking company Yellow Corp. has shut down operations and is headed for a bankruptcy filing, according to the Teamsters Union and multiple media reports.
After years of financial struggles, reports of Yellow preparing for bankruptcy emerged last week — as the Nashville, Tennessee-based trucker saw customers leave in large numbers. Yellow shut down operations on Sunday, according to the Wall Street Journal, following the layoffs of hundreds of nonunion employees on Friday.
In an announcement early Monday, the Teamsters said that the union received legal notice confirming Yellow was ceasing operations and filing for bankruptcy.
“Today’s news is unfortunate but not surprising. Yellow has historically proven that it could not manage itself despite billions of dollars in worker concessions and hundreds of millions in bailout funding from the federal government,” Teamsters general president Sean O’Brien said in a statement. “This is a sad day for workers and the American freight industry.”
The Associated Press reached out to Yellow for comment on Monday. No bankruptcy filings had gone live as of the early morning.
The bankruptcy reports have renewed attention around Yellow’s ongoing negotiations with unionized workers, a $700 million pandemic-era loan from the government and other bills the trucker has racked up over time. Yellow, formerly known as YRC Worldwide Inc., is one of the nation’s largest less-than-truckload carriers. The company’s reported closure puts 30,000 jobs at risk.
Here’s what you need to know.
WHAT WOULD BANKRUPTCY MEAN FOR YELLOW?
According to Satish Jindel, president of transportation and logistics firm SJ Consulting, Yellow handled an average of 49,000 shipments per day in 2022. Last week, he estimated that number was down to between 10,000 and 15,000 daily shipments.
With customers leaving — as well reports of Yellow stopping freight pickups last week — bankruptcy would “be the end of Yellow,” Jindel told The Associated Press, noting increased risk for liquidation.
“The likelihood of them surviving and remaining solvent diminishes really by the day,” added Bruce Chan, a research director at investment banking firm Stifel.
Yellow declined to comment when contacted by The Associated Press on Friday. In a Wednesday statement to The Journal, the company said it was continuing “to prepare for a range of contingencies.” On Thursday, Yellow said it was in talks with multiple parties about selling its third-party logistics organization.
Even if Yellow was able to sell its logistics firm, it would “not generate a sufficient amount of cash to keep them operational on any sort of permanent basis,” Chan said. “Without a major equity injection, it would be very difficult for them to survive.”
HOW MUCH DEBT DOES YELLOW HAVE?
As of late March, Yellow had an outstanding debt of about $1.5 billion. Of that, $729.2 million was owed to the federal government.
In 2020, under the Trump administration, the Treasury Department granted the company a $700 million pandemic-era loan on national security grounds. Last month, a congressional probe concluded that the Treasury and Defense Departments “made missteps” in this decision — and noted that Yellow’s “precarious financial position at the time of the loan, and continued struggles, expose taxpayers to a significant risk of loss.”
The government loan is due in September 2024. As of March, Yellow had made $54.8 million in interest payments and repaid just $230 million of the principal owed, according to government documents.
Yellow’s current finances and prospect of bankruptcy “is probably two decades in the making,” Chan said, pointing to poor management and strategic decisions dating back to the early 2000s. “At this point, after each party has bailed them out so many times, there is a limited appetite to do that anymore.”
In May, Yellow reported a loss of $54.6 million, a decline of $1.06 per share, for its first quarter of 2023. Operating revenue was about $1.16 billion in the period.
A Wednesday investors note from financial service firm Stephens estimated that Yellow could be burning between $9 million and $10 million each day. Using a liquidity disclosure from earlier this month, Yellow had roughly $100 million in cash at the end of June, the note added — estimating that the company has been burning through increasing amounts of money through July.
“It is reasonable to believe that the Company could breach its $35 mil. liquidity requirement at any moment,” Stephens analyst Jack Atkins and associate Grant Smith wrote.
DID THE COMPANY JUST AVERT A STRIKE?
Last week’s reports of bankruptcy preparations arrived just days after a strike from the Teamsters, which represents Yellow’s 22,000 unionized workers, was averted.
A series of heated exchanges have built up between the Teamsters and Yellow, who sued the union in June after alleging it was “unjustifiably blocking” restructuring plans needed for the company’s survival. The Teamsters called the litigation “baseless” — with O’Brien pointing to Yellow’s “decades of gross mismanagement,” which included exhausting the $700 million federal loan.
On July 23, a pension fund agreed to extend health benefits for workers at two Yellow Corp. operating companies, averting a strike — and giving Yellow “30 days to pay its bills,” notably $50 million that Yellow failed to pay the Central States Health and Welfare Fund on July 15, the union said. While the strike didn’t occur, talks of a walkout may have caused some Yellow customers to pull back, Chan said.
“The financial struggles of Yellow are not related to the union and the contracts,” Jindel said, pointing to management’s responsibility around its services and prices. He added the union wages from Yellow are “lower than any competitor.”
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YELLOW WENT UNDER?
As Yellow customers take their shipments to other carriers, like FedEx or ABF Freight, prices will go up.
Yellow’s prices have historically been the cheapest compared to other carriers, Jindel said. “That’s why they obviously were not making money,” he added. “And while there is capacity with the other LTL carriers to handle the diversions from Yellow, it will come at a high price for (current shippers and customers) of Yellow.”
Chan adds that we’re in an interesting time for the LTL marketplace — noting that, if Yellow liquidates, “the freight would find a home” with other carriers, which may not have been true in recent years.
“It may take time, but there’s room for it to be absorbed,” he said. | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/yellow-is-shutting-down-and-headed-for-bankruptcy-the-teamsters-union-says-heres-what-to-know/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world | 2023-07-31T13:51:51 | 1 | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/yellow-is-shutting-down-and-headed-for-bankruptcy-the-teamsters-union-says-heres-what-to-know/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world |
MUNCIE, Ind. (WXIN) — A street party in Muncie, Indiana, turned into the scene of a deadly shooting early Sunday morning.
One man died and nearly two dozen others were injured. Of those wounded, 19 were treated at Ball Memorial Hospital’s emergency room, and four were taken to other hospitals. Thirteen victims remained hospitalized in stable condition Sunday afternoon.
After the mass shooting, police announced that there was no further danger to the general public.
”Stranger comes up and decides to take it personal on somebody he knows in the crowd,” said one anonymous man who claimed his nephew was the block party’s disc jockey. “And you can’t fight against an AR. He let loose in the crowd. Everywhere in the crowd.”
The Delaware County coroner identified the deceased victim as 30-year-old Joseph Bonner. There’s no indication if Bonner played an active role in the shooting, whether any other victims are suspected of firing guns, or if any firearms were recovered.
A witness at IU/Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie described a scene of emergency department chaos with more than 100 people descending on the facility — many of whom were victims that were taken to the hospital by private vehicles.
Officers from several agencies — including a Muncie-based FBI agent — secured the crime scene and collected evidence while doctors and nurses treated the wounded from the mass casualty event.
By midday, detectives were still walking the debris-strewn street and parking lot with brown bags filled with collected evidence. A tow truck was also seen hauling away a bullet-riddled red Buick that appeared to have crashed during an attempt to leave the scene.
The Muncie Homecoming Festival committee said the street party where the shooting happened was not part of the official MHF celebration going on this week.
Muncie Parks Superintendent Carl Malone told Nexstar’s WXIN he chaired a neighborhood crime watch meeting last Thursday, and residents expressed fear that this weekend could turn volatile.
”We was a little concerned about violence that we thought might happen,” said Malone, who described Muncie Homecoming as a city-wide welcome home celebration held once every four years for former residents and family members to reconnect with their hometown. ”You had a lot of people congregating in one area, just hanging out and wanting to be part of the neighborhood activities. And then, at that point at time, it got into late night, and when you get into late nights, you usually have some sort of curfew violations, alcohol, guns and drugs seem to be a problem.”
Malone said Muncie has not had a community-wide gun violence initiative since 2015.
”We’ve always had concerns about this area and teenagers involved with handguns,” said Malone, whose niece attended the party. ”She just got out of surgery. She’s doing well. She’s whole. And then my godson was being treated out at Ball Hospital.”
Malone said he will meet with the city’s police leadership Monday morning to review the shooting and plans for keeping Muncie streets safe the rest of the summer.
”The mayor knows my push for gun violence, the lack of gun violence education, the lack of gun violence awareness, the lack of how to report gun violence in and out of our homes,” Malone said. “There’s a way to report crime, there’s a way to report guns, and we just have to report guns in and out of our backpacks and homes.”
Muncie is about 60 miles northwest of Indianapolis. The city is home to about 65,000 people. | https://www.pahomepage.com/news/1-dead-23-wounded-after-street-party-shooting-in-indiana/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:53 | 0 | https://www.pahomepage.com/news/1-dead-23-wounded-after-street-party-shooting-in-indiana/ |
YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) — Armenia's authorities on Friday called on the country’s international allies to put pressure on Azerbaijan after accusing it of carrying out a three-day blockade of humanitarian aid to Nagorno-Karabakh.
The accusations mark another flashpoint in the tense relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan which have fought over the breakaway region for decades.
The Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister, Vahan Kostanyan, accused Azerbaijan of blocking the so-called Lachin Corridor and demanded international allies step in to allow 19 trucks with 400 tons of humanitarian aid to pass. According to Armenian authorities, the trucks have been stuck there since the evening of July 26.
“The additional pressure of our international partners on Baku is very important. We have heard statements from our various colleagues, but we don’t think this is enough,” he said.
Kostanyan previously also accused Azerbaijan of ignoring a ruling by the International Court of Justice ordering Azerbaijan authorities to ensure unimpeded movement in the Lachin Corridor, the only road from Armenia into Nagorno-Karabakh.
The ongoing dispute over the road has impeded food supplies to the region and aggravated tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which have fought two wars since the end of Soviet rule.
Nagorno-Karabakh had substantial autonomy under the Soviet Union and came under control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by the Armenian military in 1994 at the end of years of separatist fighting. Armenian forces also took sizable territory surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh itself.
In 2020, Azerbaijan regained most of that surrounding territory and pieces of Nagorno-Karabakh itself in a war which killed about 6,800 soldiers. Under a Russia-brokered armistice, transit along the Lachin Corridor was to continue under the guarantee of Russian peacekeepers.
According to Armenian media, trucks and foreign diplomats are currently in the village of Kornidzor on Armenia’s border with Nagorno-Karabakh, which is at one end of the Lachin Corridor.
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry said that it viewed Armenia’s attempt to send a convoy to Nagorno-Karabakh “under the guise of ‘humanitarian aid’” as a violation of Azerbaijan’s “territorial integrity and sovereignty.” Azerbaijan also accuses Armenia of smuggling weapons into Nagorno-Karabakh.
The latest flare-up comes weeks following talks in Brussels and Washington aimed at calming tensions between the two countries after Azerbaijan opened a checkpoint on the Lachin Corridor in April. At that point, the road had already been blocked for four months by demonstrators who were protesting what they claimed to be illegal mining and other ecological abuses by Armenians in the area.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-top-news/2023/07/28/armenia-calls-on-allies-to-help-get-aid-to-nagorno-karabakh-during-tensions-with-azerbaijan | 2023-07-31T13:51:53 | 0 | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-top-news/2023/07/28/armenia-calls-on-allies-to-help-get-aid-to-nagorno-karabakh-during-tensions-with-azerbaijan |
Yellow is shutting down and headed for bankruptcy, the Teamsters Union says. Here’s what to know
NEW YORK (AP) — Trucking company Yellow Corp. has shut down operations and is headed for a bankruptcy filing, according to the Teamsters Union and multiple media reports.
After years of financial struggles, reports of Yellow preparing for bankruptcy emerged last week — as the Nashville, Tennessee-based trucker saw customers leave in large numbers. Yellow shut down operations on Sunday, according to the Wall Street Journal, following the layoffs of hundreds of nonunion employees on Friday.
In an announcement early Monday, the Teamsters said that the union received legal notice confirming Yellow was ceasing operations and filing for bankruptcy.
“Today’s news is unfortunate but not surprising. Yellow has historically proven that it could not manage itself despite billions of dollars in worker concessions and hundreds of millions in bailout funding from the federal government,” Teamsters general president Sean O’Brien said in a statement. “This is a sad day for workers and the American freight industry.”
The Associated Press reached out to Yellow for comment on Monday. No bankruptcy filings had gone live as of the early morning.
The bankruptcy reports have renewed attention around Yellow’s ongoing negotiations with unionized workers, a $700 million pandemic-era loan from the government and other bills the trucker has racked up over time. Yellow, formerly known as YRC Worldwide Inc., is one of the nation’s largest less-than-truckload carriers. The company’s reported closure puts 30,000 jobs at risk.
Here’s what you need to know.
WHAT WOULD BANKRUPTCY MEAN FOR YELLOW?
According to Satish Jindel, president of transportation and logistics firm SJ Consulting, Yellow handled an average of 49,000 shipments per day in 2022. Last week, he estimated that number was down to between 10,000 and 15,000 daily shipments.
With customers leaving — as well reports of Yellow stopping freight pickups last week — bankruptcy would “be the end of Yellow,” Jindel told The Associated Press, noting increased risk for liquidation.
“The likelihood of them surviving and remaining solvent diminishes really by the day,” added Bruce Chan, a research director at investment banking firm Stifel.
Yellow declined to comment when contacted by The Associated Press on Friday. In a Wednesday statement to The Journal, the company said it was continuing “to prepare for a range of contingencies.” On Thursday, Yellow said it was in talks with multiple parties about selling its third-party logistics organization.
Even if Yellow was able to sell its logistics firm, it would “not generate a sufficient amount of cash to keep them operational on any sort of permanent basis,” Chan said. “Without a major equity injection, it would be very difficult for them to survive.”
HOW MUCH DEBT DOES YELLOW HAVE?
As of late March, Yellow had an outstanding debt of about $1.5 billion. Of that, $729.2 million was owed to the federal government.
In 2020, under the Trump administration, the Treasury Department granted the company a $700 million pandemic-era loan on national security grounds. Last month, a congressional probe concluded that the Treasury and Defense Departments “made missteps” in this decision — and noted that Yellow’s “precarious financial position at the time of the loan, and continued struggles, expose taxpayers to a significant risk of loss.”
The government loan is due in September 2024. As of March, Yellow had made $54.8 million in interest payments and repaid just $230 million of the principal owed, according to government documents.
Yellow’s current finances and prospect of bankruptcy “is probably two decades in the making,” Chan said, pointing to poor management and strategic decisions dating back to the early 2000s. “At this point, after each party has bailed them out so many times, there is a limited appetite to do that anymore.”
In May, Yellow reported a loss of $54.6 million, a decline of $1.06 per share, for its first quarter of 2023. Operating revenue was about $1.16 billion in the period.
A Wednesday investors note from financial service firm Stephens estimated that Yellow could be burning between $9 million and $10 million each day. Using a liquidity disclosure from earlier this month, Yellow had roughly $100 million in cash at the end of June, the note added — estimating that the company has been burning through increasing amounts of money through July.
“It is reasonable to believe that the Company could breach its $35 mil. liquidity requirement at any moment,” Stephens analyst Jack Atkins and associate Grant Smith wrote.
DID THE COMPANY JUST AVERT A STRIKE?
Last week’s reports of bankruptcy preparations arrived just days after a strike from the Teamsters, which represents Yellow’s 22,000 unionized workers, was averted.
A series of heated exchanges have built up between the Teamsters and Yellow, who sued the union in June after alleging it was “unjustifiably blocking” restructuring plans needed for the company’s survival. The Teamsters called the litigation “baseless” — with O’Brien pointing to Yellow’s “decades of gross mismanagement,” which included exhausting the $700 million federal loan.
On July 23, a pension fund agreed to extend health benefits for workers at two Yellow Corp. operating companies, averting a strike — and giving Yellow “30 days to pay its bills,” notably $50 million that Yellow failed to pay the Central States Health and Welfare Fund on July 15, the union said. While the strike didn’t occur, talks of a walkout may have caused some Yellow customers to pull back, Chan said.
“The financial struggles of Yellow are not related to the union and the contracts,” Jindel said, pointing to management’s responsibility around its services and prices. He added the union wages from Yellow are “lower than any competitor.”
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YELLOW WENT UNDER?
As Yellow customers take their shipments to other carriers, like FedEx or ABF Freight, prices will go up.
Yellow’s prices have historically been the cheapest compared to other carriers, Jindel said. “That’s why they obviously were not making money,” he added. “And while there is capacity with the other LTL carriers to handle the diversions from Yellow, it will come at a high price for (current shippers and customers) of Yellow.”
Chan adds that we’re in an interesting time for the LTL marketplace — noting that, if Yellow liquidates, “the freight would find a home” with other carriers, which may not have been true in recent years.
“It may take time, but there’s room for it to be absorbed,” he said.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/yellow-is-shutting-down-headed-bankruptcy-teamsters-union-says-heres-what-know/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:54 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/yellow-is-shutting-down-headed-bankruptcy-teamsters-union-says-heres-what-know/ |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — When viewed through a wide lens, renters across the U.S. finally appear to be getting some relief, thanks in part to the biggest apartment construction boom in decades.
Median rent rose just 0.5% in June, year over year, after falling in May for the first time since the pandemic hit the U.S. Some economists project U.S. rents will be down modestly this year after soaring nearly 25% over the past four years.
A closer look, however, shows the trend will likely be little comfort for many U.S. renters who’ve had to put an increasing share of their income toward their monthly payment. Renters in cities such as Cincinnati and Indianapolis are still getting hit with increases of 5% or more. Much of the new construction is located in just a few metro areas, and many of the new units are luxury apartments, which rent for well north of $2,000.
Median U.S. rent has risen to $2,029 this June from $1,629 in June 2019, according to rental listings company Rent, which tracks rents in 50 of the largest U.S. metropolitan areas. Demand for apartments exploded during the pandemic as people who could work remotely sought more space or decided to relocate to another part of the country.
The steep rent increases have left tenants like Melissa Lombana, a high school teacher who lives in the South Florida city of Miramar, with progressively less income to spend on other needs.
The rent on her one-bedroom apartment jumped 13% last year to $1,700. It climbed another 6% to $1,800 this month when she renewed her lease.
“Even the $1,700 was a stretch for me,” said Lombana, 43, who supplements her teaching income with a side job doing educational testing. “In a year, I will not be able to afford living here at all.”
Lombana’s rent is now gobbling up nearly half her monthly income. That puts her in a category referred to as “cost-burdened” by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, denoting households that pay 30% or more of their income toward rent. Last year, the average rent-to-income ratio per household rose to 30%. This March, it was 29.6%.
Lombana hasn’t had any luck finding a more affordable apartment. While South Florida is one of the metropolitan areas seeing a rise in apartment construction, the units are mostly high-end and not a viable option.
That scenario is playing out across the nation. Developers are rushing to complete projects that were green-lit during the pandemic-era surge in demand for rentals or left in limbo by delays in supplies of fixtures and building materials. Nearly 1.1 million apartments are currently under construction, according to the commercial real estate tracker CoStar, a pace not seen since the 1970s.
Increasing the supply of apartments tends to moderate rent increases over time and can give tenants more options on where to live. But more than 40% of the new rentals to be completed this year will be concentrated in about 10 high job growth metropolitan areas, including Austin, Nashville, Denver, Atlanta and New York, according to Marcus & Millichap. In many areas, the boost to overall inventory will be barely noticeable.
Even within metros where there’ll be a notable increase in available apartments, such as Nashville, most of it will be in the luxury category, where rents average $2,270, nationally. Some 70% of the new rental inventory will be the luxury class, said Jay Lybik, national director of multifamily analytics at CoStar.
That will leave most tenants unlikely to see a big enough reduction in rent to make a difference, industry experts and economists say.
“I think we’re in a period of rent flattening for 12 or 18 months, but it’s certainly not a big rent decline,” said Hessam Nadji, CEO of commercial real estate firm Marcus & Millichap.
“We’re building a multi-decade record number of units,” Nadji said. “It’s going to cause some softening and some pockets of overbuilding, but it’s not going to fundamentally resolve the housing shortage or the affordability problem for renters across the U.S.”
The surge in rents has made it difficult for workers to keep up with inflation despite solid wage gains the past few years and exacerbated a long-term trend. Between 1999 and 2022, U.S. rents soared 135%, while income grew 77%, according to data from Moody’s Analytics.
Realtor.com is forecasting that rents will drop an average of 0.9% this year. But while down nationally, rents are still rising in many markets around the country, especially those where hiring remains robust.
In the New York metro area, the median rent climbed 4.7% in June from a year earlier to $2,899, according to Realtor.com. In the Midwest, rents surged 5.6% in the Cincinnati metro area to $1,188, and 6.9% to $1,350 in the Indianapolis metro area.
The current spike in apartment construction alone isn’t going to be enough to address how costly renting has become for many Americans.
“For the rest of the 2020s rents will continue to grow because millennials are such a big generation and we’re very much in the hole in terms of building housing for that generation,” said Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin. “It will take many good years of new construction to build adequate housing for millennials.”
The bigger challenge is building more work force housing, because the cost of land, labor and navigating the government approval process incentivize developers to put up luxury apartments buildings.
Expanding the supply of modestly priced rentals would help alleviate the strain from so many new apartments targeting renters with high incomes, “although additional subsidies will be needed to make housing affordable to households with the lowest incomes,” researchers at Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies wrote in a recent report.
Despite the overall pullback in U.S. rents, Joey Di Girolamo, in Pembroke Pines, Florida, worries that he’ll face more sharp rent increases in coming years.
Last year, the web designer left a two-bedroom, two-bath townhome he rented for $2,200 a month to avoid a $600 a month increase. This year, his rent went up by $200, a nearly 10% jump.
“That blew me away,” said Di Girolamo, 50. “I’m just kind of dreading what it’s going to be like next year, but especially 3 or 4 years from now.” | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/renters-get-relief-from-rising-prices-except-in-certain-us-cities/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:54 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/renters-get-relief-from-rising-prices-except-in-certain-us-cities/ |
50% Off Glasses Sitewide from July 31 to August 14 for All
DTC Vision Products Startup Helps You See Easy with a New Pair of High-Quality, Impact-Resistant, and Anti-Scratch Handcrafted Glasses
New York, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As the 2023 school year approaches, Hubble Contacts, the leading direct–to–consumer brand providing high-value and affordable daily contact lenses, eyeglasses, sunglasses, and other eye care accessories, is excited to announce the launch of its Back-to-School See Easy, See More campaign, celebrating the kickoff of the new school year.
Recognizing the immense dedication and effort put forth by teachers, Hubble Contacts wants to show appreciation and support for their essential role in shaping the future of our world.
Starting July 31, the first 100 teachers to submit a photo of their current teacher ID badge or LinkedIn profile URL to teachers@hubblecontacts.com will receive a promo code that can be redeemed for a free pair of high-quality, impact-resistant and anti-scratch handcrafted prescription glasses.
Teachers will receive a complimentary pair of Hubble's stylish, durable frames to help them see their students through the entire school year. This exclusive giveaway, valued between $78-$138, depending on the add-on features, will run for two weeks only or until supplies last.
Don't fret if you didn't get a pair of glasses in time, as Hubble Contacts has got everyone covered with a 50% off discount on all eyeglasses.
Hubble's handcrafted prescription eyeglasses start at just $78, making them an affordable and stylish choice for everyone. With features such as anti-reflective, anti-glare, anti-scratch, hydrophobic, and oleophobic coatings, along with optional add-ons like reader magnification and blue light filtering, Hubble's eyeglasses offer exceptional functionality and versatility.
Students, parents, or anyone looking for a new pair of glasses can use the promo code "BACKTOSCHOOL50" at checkout from July 31 through August 14 to take advantage of this offer.
"Back to school is the perfect time to invest in a new pair of eyeglasses. And at Hubble, we aim to make this buying experience as hassle-free and as affordable as possible for you," said Steve Druckman, CEO of Hubble Contacts. "This campaign is our way of showing our support in helping you cross a new pair of eyeglasses off your new school year checklist."
Hubble's frames are proudly designed in the U.S., meticulously crafted with premium materials, and come with a tri-fold Hubble frames case and microfiber lens cloth. The glasses feature impact-resistant lenses, durable barrel hinges, and padded temple tips, ensuring durability and comfort.
The See Easy, See More Back-to-School campaign will be promoted on Hubble Contacts website, Instagram, through email marketing and PR.
For more information, please visit Hubble Contacts' website at www.hubblecontacts.com or follow us on Instagram.
SEE EASY, SEE MORE BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIVEAWAY TERMS + CONDITIONS:
- Entries must be received by midnight Pacific Time on August 14, 2023 to be eligible.
- No purchase is necessary.
- Entrants must be teachers in the U.S.A. and at least 18 years old.
- One entry per person.
- Hubble employees and their family members are not eligible.
- Winners will be notified by email beginning July 31 through August 14, 2023, or until supplies last.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Hubble@lvpr.com
ABOUT HUBBLE CONTACTS:
Founded in 2016, Hubble Contacts is on a mission to create the easiest, most accessible, and most affordable contact lens and glasses buying experience in the world. Leveraging its vision care expertise and passion for customer service, Hubble offers high-quality, made-to-order daily wear contact lenses, eyeglasses, sunglasses, and other eye care accessories direct-to-consumers nationwide. To date, Hubble has sold over 400 million lenses.
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SOURCE Hubble Contacts | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/attention-teachers-hubble-contacts-is-giving-away-free-eyeglasses-educators-this-back-to-school-season/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:54 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/attention-teachers-hubble-contacts-is-giving-away-free-eyeglasses-educators-this-back-to-school-season/ |
Astros vs. Guardians: Betting Trends, Odds, Records Against the Run Line, Home/Road Splits
Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros head into the first of a three-game series against Steven Kwan and the Cleveland Guardians at Minute Maid Park, Monday at 8:10 PM ET.
Oddsmakers list the Astros as -190 moneyline favorites, while giving the underdog Guardians +155 moneyline odds to win. A 9-run over/under has been set for the game.
Rep your team with officially licensed Astros gear! Head to Fanatics to find jerseys, shirts, and much more.
Astros vs. Guardians Odds & Info
- Date: Monday, July 31, 2023
- Time: 8:10 PM ET
- TV: SportsNet SW
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Venue: Minute Maid Park
- Live Stream: Watch on Fubo!
Bet with King of Sportsbooks and use bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers! Check out the latest odds and place your bets with BetMGM Sportsbook. Use bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
Astros Recent Betting Performance
- In eight games as the favorite over the last 10 matchups, the Astros have a record of 5-3.
- In their last 10 games with a total, the Astros and their opponents have failed to hit the over five times.
- The Astros did not cover its most recent game with a spread.
Discover More About This Game
Astros Betting Records & Stats
- The Astros have compiled a 40-29 record in games they were listed as the moneyline favorite (winning 58% of those games).
- Houston has a 17-7 record (winning 70.8% of its games) when playing as moneyline favorites of -190 or shorter.
- The implied moneyline probablility in this matchup gives the Astros a 65.5% chance to win.
- In the 106 games in which oddsmakers have set an over/under for Houston, it has combined with opponents to go over the total 52 times (52-53-1).
- The Astros have an 8-8-0 record against the spread this season (covering 50% of the time).
Check out the latest odds and place your bets on and the with BetMGM Sportsbook. Use bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
Astros Splits
Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM 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. | https://www.wafb.com/sports/betting/2023/07/31/astros-vs-guardians-mlb-betting-trends-stats/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:55 | 0 | https://www.wafb.com/sports/betting/2023/07/31/astros-vs-guardians-mlb-betting-trends-stats/ |
EEIQ is Committed to Student Success at Davis College and EduGlobal College,
its Two Owned and Operated Colleges
MIDDLETOWN, Ohio, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EpicQuest Education Group International Limited (NASDAQ: EEIQ), ("EpicQuest Education", "EEIQ" or the "Company"), a provider of comprehensive education solutions for domestic and international students seeking college and university degrees in the US, Canada and the UK, today announced that on July 19, 2023, Davis College and Northeastern University signed an Articulation Agreement (the "Agreement") whereby upon admission, Davis College students can transfer credits earned at Davis College to Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies Bachelor of Science programs.
"Our agreement with Northeastern University offers our students a pathway for achieving Bachelor of Science degrees in three distinct programs," said Diane Brunner, President of Davis College. "Northeastern University is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in the US, and we are pleased to enter this agreement given their history of academic excellence and commitment to innovation. And while Davis College will begin to offer a four-year Bachelor of Science in Business degree in the Fall of 2023, we are pleased to provide our students with an academic pathway with Northeastern University as both schools are well aligned in providing elite career-oriented professional training."
As described in the Agreement with Northeastern University, Davis College students would be required to complete applicable Associate of Applied Business degrees. Upon admission to Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies programs, Davis College students would be able to transfer the credits earned at Davis College towards achieving Bachelor of Science degrees at Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies in Management, Digital Media and Communication, and Project Management. Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies has full discretion as to the acceptance of each Davis College student into these programs. The Agreement is effective beginning in Spring 2023 and will be in effect for an initial period of three years, and will be automatically extended unless terminated by either party.
About Northeastern University
Northeastern University is a prominent private research university located on an urban campus in Boston, and is a global research university as well as a recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Northeastern University's approach is to integrate real-world experience with education, research, and innovation that empowers its students. The university has one of the largest co-op programs in the world where students alternate periods of academic study with periods of professional employment related to their major. With more than 36,000 full-time and part-time students, Northeastern University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in 10 colleges and schools across its 14 campuses worldwide. Northeastern University is ranked #44 in the current US News annual ranking of top US universities, which can be seen online at https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities. For more information about Northeastern University, please visit www.northeastern.edu.
About Davis College
Davis College was founded in 1858 and is a private career-training college located in Toledo, Ohio. Davis College offers a specialized professional career training curriculum in numerous fields, and its mission is to provide marketable skills that enhance the employability of its graduates. Davis College offers coursework flexibility to ensure program success as well as externship opportunities that provide its student population with real-world skill sets prior to graduation. In addition to its offering a four-year Bachelor of Science in Business degree, expected to begin in the Fall of 2023, Davis College has agreements with several four-year US universities for 'transfer pathways' that pave the way for its associate degree students to gain admission with the ability to transfer earned course credits. Davis College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools with programs authorized by the Ohio Board of Higher Education. For more information, please visit www.daviscollege.edu/.
About EpicQuest Education Group International Limited
EpicQuest Education Group International Limited ("EpicQuest Education" or the "Company") provides comprehensive education solutions for domestic and international students seeking university and college degrees in the US, Canada and the UK. The Company owns and operates EduGlobal College, based in British Columbia, Canada, which focuses on English proficiency educational programming for students pursuing academic degrees. The Company operates and is a 70% owner of Davis College, a career training college located in Toledo, Ohio. In addition, the Company has a recruiting relationship with the Miami University Regional campuses, where it maintains residential facilities, a full-service cafeteria, recreational facilities, shuttle buses and an office for the regional campuses that provides study abroad and post-study services for its students; these facilities are not owned, maintained, operated or are a part of Miami University. The Company is also a recruiting agent for the University of the West of Scotland (through The Education Group (London) Ltd) and Coventry University, both of which are located in the UK. For more information, please visit www.epicquesteducation.com/.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain of the statements made in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning and protections of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions, and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control, and which may cause the actual results, performance, capital, ownership or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as "may," "will," "anticipate," "assume," "should," "indicate," "would," "believe," "contemplate," "expect," "estimate," "continue," "plan," "point to," "project," "could," "intend," "target" and other similar words and expressions of the future.
All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice, including, without limitation, those risks and uncertainties described in our most recent Form 20-F and otherwise in our SEC reports and filings. Such reports are available upon request from the Company, or from the Securities and Exchange Commission, including through the SEC's Internet website at http://www.sec.gov. We have no obligation and do not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements after the date hereof, or after the respective dates on which any such statements otherwise are made.
Contacts:
EpicQuest Education Group International Limited
+1 513-649-8350
info@epicquesteducation.com
Investor Relations:
Precept Investor Relations LLC
David Rudnick
+1 646-694-8538
david.rudnick@preceptir.com
Source: EpicQuest Education Group International Limited
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SOURCE EpicQuest Education Group International Limited | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/epicquest-educations-davis-college-announces-articulation-agreement-with-northeastern-university-ranked-by-us-news-top-50-us-university/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:54 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/epicquest-educations-davis-college-announces-articulation-agreement-with-northeastern-university-ranked-by-us-news-top-50-us-university/ |
Firm Unveils New Office and Managing Director in Austin, Texas
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Jensen Partners ("the Firm"), a leading global distribution-focused executive search and corporate advisory firm, today announced an important expansion with the opening of a new office in Austin, Texas and the appointment of Stacy Schiffman to Managing Director of Distribution. Schiffman, who recently assumed her new role and now leads Jensen Partners' Austin office, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of search execution, including candidate generation and engagement, as well as client management and interview preparation, with a particular focus on investment and capital raising roles. Schiffman is also playing an integral role in driving the Firm's business development outreach, research and market intelligence to help guide hiring decisions and foster greater client outcomes.
Austin is a burgeoning financial center home to major private markets participants in the Southwestern US. As Jensen Partners' Austin office head, Schiffman is responsible for solidifying the Firm's relationships with clients and candidates in the area, and her appointment marks the latest development in Jensen Partners' global growth journey. In January 2023, the Firm announced the opening of a new office location in Miami, Florida to serve its growing list of clients who expanded their footprint in the region; and in October 2022, Jensen Partners announced a strategic investment from JB Capital to accelerate data integration and scale key product offerings that address a wider range of talent challenges including diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), recruiting, hiring and retention.
"Stacy's role in Austin is the latest step towards enhancing our Firm's commitment to maintaining a strategic presence in major financial centers in both the U.S. and across the globe," said Sasha Jensen, Founder and CEO of Jensen Partners and Jensen DiversityMetrics™. "Her decades of insight will help us continue to build deeper relationships with the best talent in the industry and further solidify our capacity to drive superior long-term human capital solutions for our clients globally. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team."
Schiffman joins Jensen Partners from PIMCO, where she led marketing recruiting. Prior to PIMCO, she launched Highline Staffing, a firm that specialized in the recruitment and placement of capital raising and investment professionals for leading asset management firms globally. From 2005 to 2009, Schiffman was an institutional relationship manager for marketing and client management at Prisma Capital Partners, where she focused on business development and raising assets across strategies in the alternative investment industry. She was also involved with recruiting on the buyside, helping to expand global footprints. Schiffman began her career on the buyside with Sanford C. Bernstein, managing the firm's esteemed research department.
"I'm excited to join such a dedicated and passionate group at Jensen Partners, whose unique vision and platform has solidified its place as the industry's leading data-driven talent solutions resource," said Schiffman. "Jensen Partners' mission-driven and highly impactful integrated recruitment strategy has quickly become the gold standard in the alternative asset management space, and I look forward to contributing to the important work that Sasha and her team are doing."
About Jensen Partners
Jensen Partners is a global advisory, corporate development and executive search firm that leverages its extensive relationships in the investor and alternative asset management community to source and recruit leading capital raising and investment candidates. The Firm takes a data-driven approach, combining quantitative and qualitative insights to source and place the ideal human capital. In addition to executive search, Jensen Partners offers LP/GP referencing, proprietary 360° Investor Referencing™ methodology, and compensation benchmarking and analysis. Known globally as a leader in the asset management space for its transformative talent and DEI solutions, Jensen Partners has been named one of the world's most innovative companies with fewer than 100 employees by Fast Company; the "Best Recruiter" in Europe by Hedgeweek and Private Equity Wire; and the top DEI provider within Operations and Service by Fund Intelligence. To learn more, please visit www.jensen-partners.com.
About Jensen DiversityMetrics™
Jensen DiversityMetrics™ combines rich diversity analytics with the latest research from the field of human capital management, providing an objective, 360 degree view of where a firm stands on DEI and how they can make meaningful progress towards a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, including: verified demographic data for more than 25,000 investment and distribution professionals from across the industry, a candidate pipeline of over 8,000 investment and distribution professionals who self-identify as having a diverse background and a proprietary scoring algorithm that enables objective DEI comparisons across firms and industries. With Jensen DiversityMetrics™, firms can benchmark against competitors, develop diverse candidate pipelines, analyze hiring and retention practices, identify biases in workplace culture and report progress to investors.
Jensen Partners publishes JensenDiversityMetrics™ data and insights in its quarterly newsletter. To sign up for Jensen Partners' newsletters, please visit: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tbmquk0.
Media Contacts
Prosek Partners
Max Berger
mberger@prosek.com
215-595-3696
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NEW YORK (AP) — Six straight days of 12-hour driving. Single digit paychecks. The complaints come from workers in vastly different industries: UPS delivery drivers and Hollywood actors and writers.
But they point to an underlying factor driving a surge of labor unrest: The cost to workers whose jobs have changed drastically as companies scramble to meet customer expectations for speed and convenience in industries transformed by technology.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated those changes, pushing retailers to shift online and intensifying the streaming competition among entertainment companies. Now, from the picket lines, workers are trying to give consumers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to produce a show that can be binged any time or get dog food delivered to their doorstep with a phone swipe.
Overworked and underpaid employees is an enduring complaint across industries — from delivery drivers to Starbucks baristas and airline pilots — where surges in consumer demand have collided with persistent labor shortages. Workers are pushing back against forced overtime, punishing schedules or company reliance on lower-paid, part-time or contract forces.
At issue for Hollywood screenwriters and actors staging their first simultaneous strikes in 40 years is the way streaming has upended entertainment economics, slashing pay and forcing showrunners to produce content faster with smaller teams.
“This seems to happen to many places when the tech companies come in. Who are we crushing? It doesn’t matter,” said Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, a screenwriter and showrunner on the negotiating team for the Writers Guild of America, whose members have been on strike since May. Earlier this month, the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists joined the writers’ union on the picket line.
Actors and writers have long relied on residuals, or long-term payments, for reruns and other airings of films and televisions shows. But reruns aren’t a thing on streaming services, where series and films simply land and stay with no easy way, such as box office returns or ratings, to determine their popularity.
Consequently, whatever residuals streaming companies do pay often amount to a pittance, and screenwriters have been sharing tales of receiving single digit checks.
Adam Shapiro, an actor known for the Netflix hit “Never Have I Ever,” said many actors were initially content to accept lower pay for the plethora of roles that streaming suddenly offered. But the need for a more sustainable compensation model gained urgency when it became clear streaming is not a sideshow, but rather the future of the business, he said.
“Over the past 10 years, we realized: ‘Oh, that’s now how Hollywood works. Everything is streaming,’” Shapiro said during a recent union event.
Shapiro, who has been acting for 25 years, said he agreed to a contract offering 20% of his normal rate for “Never Have I Ever” because it seemed like “a great opportunity, and it’s going to be all over the world. And it was. It really was. Unfortunately, we’re all starting to realize that if we keep doing this we’re not going to be able to pay our bills.”
Then there’s the rising use of “mini rooms,” in which a handful of writers are hired to work only during pre-production, sometimes for a series that may take a year to be greenlit, or never get picked up at all.
Sanchez-Witzel, co-creator of the recently released Netflix series “Survival of the Thickest,” said television shows traditionally hire robust writing teams for the duration of production. But Netflix refused to allow her to keep her team of five writers past pre-production, forcing round-the-clock work on rewrites with just one other writer.
“It’s not sustainable and I’ll never do that again,” she said.
Sanchez-Witzel said she was struck by the similarities between her experience and those of UPS drivers, some of whom joined the WGA for protests as they threatened their own potentially crippling strike. UPS and the Teamsters last week reached a tentative contract staving off the strike.
Jeffrey Palmerino, a full-time UPS driver near Albany, New York, said forced overtime emerged as a top issue during the pandemic as drivers coped with a crush of orders on par with the holiday season. Drivers never knew what time they would get home or if they could count on two days off each week, while 14-hour days in trucks without air conditioning became the norm.
“It was basically like Christmas on steroids for two straight years. A lot of us were forced to work six days a week, and that is not any way to live your life,” said Palmerino, a Teamsters shop steward.
Along with pay raises and air conditioning, the Teamsters won concessions that Palmerino hopes will ease overwork. UPS agreed to end forced overtime on days off and eliminate a lower-paid category of drivers who work shifts that include weekends, converting them to full-time drivers. Union members have yet to ratify the deal.
The Teamsters and labor activists hailed the tentative deal as a game-changer that would pressure other companies facing labor unrest to raise their standards. But similar outcomes are far from certain in industries lacking the sheer economic indispensability of UPS or the clout of its 340,000-member union.
Efforts to organize at Starbucks and Amazon stalled as both companies aggressively fought against unionization.
Still, labor protests will likely gain momentum following the UPS contract, said Patricia Campos-Medina, executive director of the Worker Institute at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, which released a report this year that found the number of labor strikes rose 52% in 2022.
“The whole idea that consumer convenience is above everything broke down during the pandemic. We started to think, ‘I’m at home ordering, but there is actually a worker who has to go the grocery store, who has to cook this for me so that I can be comfortable,’” Campos-Medina said. | https://www.pahomepage.com/news/customers-want-instant-gratification-workers-say-theyre-on-the-brink/ | 2023-07-31T13:51:59 | 1 | https://www.pahomepage.com/news/customers-want-instant-gratification-workers-say-theyre-on-the-brink/ |
BENGALURU, India (AP) — The final meeting of climate and environment ministers from the world's largest economies ended without an agreement or joint statement Friday despite pleas from leading figures for nations to show a united front on climate change as weather records shatter across the globe.
In a gathering in Chennai in India, ministers from the Group of 20 countries — who emit around 80% of the world's planet-warming gases — failed to agree on four of 68 points of discussion.
A document published by the group shows countries did not agree on aiming to peak emissions by 2025, moving to clean energy and a tax on carbon as a way to reduce emissions.
“We couldn't get a consensus but we agreed on a lot,” said Canada’s climate minister Steven Guilbeault at a virtual press conference after the meeting.
The ministers' decisions will now be passed on to country leaders ahead of a summit in New Delhi in September this year. It will be the group's last chance to issue a joint statement on climate this year.
On Thursday, the president of the upcoming United Nations climate talks Sultan al-Jaber and the U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell attended the Chennai meeting to urge countries to issue an ambitious statement that will make sure the world is on track to keep global warming within the agreed temperature limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit).
The world has currently warmed around 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.2 Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times and effects are already being felt all over the world, with hosts India especially vulnerable. Earlier this year, more than 100 people died during a heat wave in the center of the country and last week at least 27 people died in western India due to landslides triggered by heavy rains.
Since India took over the G-20 presidency last December, none of the meetings that deal with various policy areas like foreign affairs, finance, energy and climate change have come out with a joint communique but their announcements may form part of a final document released at the leaders' summit in September.
Earlier this month, a meeting of finance chiefs and central bank governors of the G-20 leading economies ended in Gandhinagar in the western state of Gujarat without a consensus because of differences between countries over the war in Ukraine.
Similarly, a meeting of energy ministers in Goa last week ended unsuccessfully with the final summary failing to mention a phase down of fossil fuels and ministers did not agree to raise ambition to treble renewable energy targets.
The meeting in Chennai was the last of four meetings of G-20 climate ministers. They had earlier met in Bengaluru, Gandhinagar in Gujarat and Mumbai.
___
Follow Sibi Arasu on Twitter at @sibi123
___
Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-top-news/2023/07/28/g20-ministers-reach-agreement-on-most-but-not-all-climate-issues | 2023-07-31T13:51:59 | 1 | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-top-news/2023/07/28/g20-ministers-reach-agreement-on-most-but-not-all-climate-issues |
BANGKOK (AP) — Myanmar’s military-controlled government has extended the state of emergency it imposed when the army seized power from an elected government 2 1/2 years ago, state-run media said Monday, forcing a further delay in elections it promised when it took over.
MRTV television said the National Defense and Security Council met Monday in the capital, Naypyitaw, and extended the state of emergency for another six months starting Tuesday because time is needed to prepare for the elections. The NDSC is nominally a constitutional government body, but in practice is controlled by the military.
The announcement amounted to an admission that the army does not exercise enough control to stage the polls and has failed to subdue widespread opposition to military rule, which includes increasingly challenging armed resistance as well as nonviolent protests and civil disobedience, despite the army having a huge advantage in manpower and weapons.
The state of emergency was declared when troops arrested Aung San Suu Kyi and top officials from her government and members of her National League for Democracy party on Feb. 1, 2021. The takeover reversed years of progress toward democracy after five decades of military rule.
The military said it seized power because of fraud in the last general election held in November 2020, in which Suu Kyi’s party won a landslide victory while the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development party did poorly. Independent election observers said they did not find any major irregularities.
The army takeover was met with widespread peaceful protests that security forces suppressed with lethal force, triggering armed resistance that U.N. experts have described as a civil war.
As of Monday, 3,857 people have been killed by the security forces since the takeover, according to a tally kept by the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
The army-enacted 2008 constitution allows the military to rule the country under a state of emergency for one year, with two possible six-month extensions if preparations are not yet completed for new polls, meaning that the time limit expired on Jan. 31 this year.
However, the NDSC allowed the military government to extend emergency rule for another six months in February, saying the country remained in an abnormal situation. The announcement on Monday is the fourth extension.
The state of emergency allows the military to assume all government functions, giving the head of the ruling military council, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, legislative, judicial and executive powers.
Monday’s report did not specify when the polls might be held, saying only that they would occur after the goals of the state of emergency are accomplished.
According to the constitution, the military must transfer government functions to the president, who heads the NDSC, six months before the polls. That would mean Acting President Myint Swe, a retired general.
The military originally announced that new polls would be held a year after its takeover and later said they would take place in August 2023. But the extension of the emergency in February made that timing impossible.
The MRTV report said Myint Swe told members of the NDSC that the government still needs to do more to achieve stability and the rule of law to prepare for the election.
Critics say the polls will be neither free nor fair under the military-controlled government, which has shut independent media and arrested most of the leaders of Suu Kyi’s party.
Her party was dissolved along with 39 other parties by the election commission in March for failing to re-apply under a political party registration law enacted by the military government early this year. The law makes it difficult for opposition groups to mount a serious challenge to army-backed candidates.
Suu Kyi, 78, is serving prison sentences totaling 33 years after being convicted in a series of politically tainted cases brought mostly by the military government. | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/myanmars-military-led-government-extends-state-of-emergency-forcing-delay-in-promised-election/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world | 2023-07-31T13:51:59 | 1 | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/myanmars-military-led-government-extends-state-of-emergency-forcing-delay-in-promised-election/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world |
Russia has entered a dangerous new phase of its war against Ukraine since it exited the Black Sea grain deal earlier this month, weaponizing global food exports, stepping up attacks on Ukrainian ports and cities and increasing the risk of spillover into NATO countries.
Russia’s escalation is unlikely to deter the U.S. and allies from following through on delivering F-16 fighter jets and long-range missiles to Ukraine in the coming months, which Moscow has repeatedly warned against.
But it comes as Ukraine is struggling to make major gains in its grinding counteroffensive, and Russia’s strategy appears aimed at straining U.S. and European partners who have provided billions in assistance to Ukraine over the course of 16 months.
“Certainly, it’s an escalation,” said Thomas Graham, a distinguished fellow with the Council on Foreign Relations and who served as a senior director for Russia on the National Security Council under former President George W. Bush.
“Russia, I think, is clearly making an effort to continue to deepen the damage to the Ukrainian economy,” he added. “It has implications for Ukraine’s ability to continue the war effort, it raises concerns about attacks on NATO territory … so it’s a reason to be concerned.”
Since pulling out of the Black Sea grain deal July 17, Russian President Vladimir Putin has targeted attacks on Ukraine’s southern city of Odesa, damaging the seaport and grain storage facilities and hitting residential and historical buildings, including an Orthodox cathedral.
The grain deal, negotiated by the United Nations and Turkey, allowed for the export of Ukrainian grain through a Russian blockade on the Black Sea, clearing the way for 33 million metric tons of foodstuffs to move across the world, largely to developing countries, since it took effect in July 2022.
But now, Putin is warning he views commercial ships in the Black Sea as legitimate military targets. The U.S. and the United Kingdom are warning Russia is plotting “false flag operations,” covertly mining the sea with the purpose of blaming Ukraine for any explosions.
NATO and member countries bordering Ukraine are on high alert.
“Russia bears full responsibility for its dangerous and escalatory actions in the Black Sea region,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday during a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council.
“Russia’s actions also pose substantial risks to the stability of the Black Sea region, which is of strategic importance to NATO,” he added. “Allies are stepping up support to Ukraine and increasing our vigilance. We remain ready to defend every inch of Allied territory from any aggression.”
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Monday condemned a Russian attack on a civilian port on the Danube River in Ukraine near his country, tweeting that the “escalation pose[s] serious risks to the security in the Black Sea.”
And Putin last week delivered a threat to NATO member Poland, accusing Warsaw of having designs on Belarus and saying an attack against Minsk would trigger a response from Moscow.
Poland is dispatching an additional 1,000 troops to its borders with Belarus, concerned over Wagner mercenary forces exiled to the country after retreating from a short-lived rebellion against Moscow in June.
Mary Beth Long, who served as assistant secretary of Defense during the George W. Bush administration, said Russia is seeking to maximize pressure on Kyiv and its allies in the lead-up to a slowdown of military operations by the winter.
“You can’t escalate your way in or out of this, I think both sides know that. But there’s more consequences to Ukraine because Russia is bigger, Russia is willing to strike civilians and its infrastructure, and it has shown that it can successfully do so,” she said.
“There’s no real consequences to Russia, from Ukraine or NATO, there’s no penalty to be paid for that, so that clears the way for him [Putin] to continue to not only strike against critical infrastructure and these nodes but to expand it.”
Long warned that Russia views the month of August as the best opportunity to inflict the most damage without a coherent response from the West, as American lawmakers are absent from Capitol Hill, European capitals are similarly quiet and NATO has no major meetings.
“I think Russia’s made the assessment that it has freedom of movement, in the next couple of months in particular,” she said. “It is doing everything it can to set the playing field before winter and it will continue to do so.”
While Russia is ramping up military tensions in the Black Sea, experts said its withdrawal from the grain deal is focused on the economic realm: sanctions relief and increasing trade.
“Russia really wants to make a deal,” said Mark Cancian, a senior adviser with the International Security Program of the Center for Security and International Security (CSIS).
“The difficult trade-offs for the U.S. and the West are not going to be the military equipment ones, but the ones about economics and sanctions. Are we willing to ease those restrictions in the interests of opening up grain shipments?” he asked.
Putin has long criticized the deal as failing to meet his demands for the export of Russian grains and fertilizer and has given little to no signal that he’s open to rejoining the agreement.
During a meeting with African leaders in St. Petersburg on Thursday, the Russian president committed to delivering nearly 300,000 tons of grain to six African countries “free of charge.”
The Russian president is also calling for sanctions relief on Russia’s agricultural bank, Rosselkhozbank, wanting it reconnected to the SWIFT international payment network.
Absent Moscow’s cooperation, the options for shipping grain out of Ukraine are not attractive.
While Ukraine is shipping grain and foodstuffs by rail and road, that amount is hundreds of thousands of tons less than can be moved through the Black Sea.
The U.K. Ministry of Defense tweeted Wednesday that Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is altering its position in preparation to enforce a blockade against Ukraine, warning the “potential for the intensity and scope of violence in the area to increase.”
Still, Cancian from the CSIS was optimistic that a solution surrounding grain exports from Ukraine would be reached in a relatively short time frame.
“They’re likely to make a deal in a week or so,” he said. “This is, I think, unlikely to sort of linger for weeks or months.” | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/russia-takes-a-dangerous-turn-in-its-war-on-ukraine/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:00 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/russia-takes-a-dangerous-turn-in-its-war-on-ukraine/ |
SEATTLE, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Avalara, Inc., a leading provider of cloud-based tax compliance automation for businesses of all sizes, today announced the appointment of channel leader Meg Higgins as SVP of Global Partners.
In her new expanded role, Higgins will be responsible for growing Avalara's channel and technology partner business to deliver a best-in-class experience. Higgins has been at Avalara for four years and most recently served as VP and GM of Global Partner Business Development and Strategy at Avalara and oversaw the acquisition of new partners and commercial negotiations. Prior to that she was the company's VP and GM of Ecommerce and Global Marketplaces and expanded Avalara's presence in the space by establishing partnerships with the world's leading ecommerce and marketplace platforms.
With more than 20 years of experience in the technology sector, Higgins has successfully led and scaled business development and channel programs for companies in the ecommerce and shipping industries. Her experience includes more than a decade of leadership roles at Pitney Bowes, where she co-founded the company's global ecommerce business unit and served as SVP of client and partner management for North America.
"Meg is critical to growing and scaling Avalara's worldwide partner program and has an outstanding track record at our company," said Kimberly Deobald, Chief Revenue Officer at Avalara. "Her deep understanding of our business model and the channel will strengthen how we work with our existing partners, engage with new partners, and deliver industry-leading tax compliance automation to our mutual customers."
The appointment of Higgins follows the April 2023 announcement of Sean Flynn as the company's SVP of Global Sales, who leads the company's go-to-market sales teams.
About Avalara
Avalara makes tax compliance faster, easier, more accurate, and more reliable for 30,000+ business and government customers in over 90 countries. Tax compliance automation software solutions from Avalara leverage 1,200+ signed partner integrations across leading ecommerce, ERP, and other billing systems to power tax calculations, document management, tax return filing, and tax content access. Visit avalara.com to improve your compliance journey.
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SOURCE Avalara, Inc. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/avalara-appoints-meg-higgins-senior-vice-president-global-partners/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:01 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/avalara-appoints-meg-higgins-senior-vice-president-global-partners/ |
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- We the Veterans and Military Families, a non-profit, non-partisan, pro-democracy organization (formerly We the Veterans), today announced that Jeremy Butler will join the team as the Chief Growth Officer, effective July 24, 2023. He will serve on We the Veterans' Executive Team, working with Executive Director Ellen Gustafson and Executive Chairman Ben Keiser.
"Jeremy's extensive experience in the veteran community will be an invaluable addition to our team as we expand our pro-democracy work nationally," said Ellen Gustafson, Executive Director of We the Veterans and Military Families. "Jeremy has an incredible track record of success advocating for America's veteran community as a transformative leader."
Jeremy Butler, a U.S. Navy veteran, joins We the Veterans and Military Families after a distinguished term as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Jeremy served on active duty in the Navy from 1999 to 2005 as a surface warfare officer. He currently serves in the U.S. Navy Reserves. Jeremy attended Knox College in Galesburg, IL, where he majored in International Relations. He later received his M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College.
"I'm excited to join We the Veterans and Military Families and help advance their important mission to strengthen our democracy for all Americans," said Mr. Butler. "Our nation does its best work when we come together and work for the common good."
About: We the Veterans and Military Families was founded in 2021 by veterans and military family members. Our mission is to empower the veteran and military family community to strengthen American democracy by promoting patriotic civic engagement. In 2022, WtV&MF organized the +30 member Vet the Vote coalition and recruited more than 63,500 veterans and family members to serve as volunteer election poll workers nationwide.
Media Contact
Joe Plenzler
LtCol, USMC(ret.)
joe.plenzler@wetheveterans.us
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SOURCE We the Veterans and Military Families | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/jeremy-butler-joins-newly-renamed-we-veterans-military-families-chief-growth-officer/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:02 | 0 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/jeremy-butler-joins-newly-renamed-we-veterans-military-families-chief-growth-officer/ |
SAN FRANCISCO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Farallon Capital Management, L.L.C. (with its affiliates and exclusive sub-advisers, "Farallon") announced the final closing of its fourth US-focused opportunistic real estate fund structure, Farallon Real Estate Partners IV ("FREP IV"), raising in total over US$650 million of aggregate investor commitments, exceeding its original target of US$500 million.
Farallon has an extensive 30-year track record investing in commercial real estate and has deployed approximately US$7.4 billion of capital in 263 investments over that period. FREP IV's investment strategy will continue the Farallon Real Estate team's approach to investing in inefficient segments of the U.S. real estate market with a focus on industrial, multi-family, retail and office sub-sectors. FREP IV will employ a value- driven/opportunistic strategy while targeting equity, preferred equity, and distressed debt investments in relevant assets within the core sub-sectors.
FREP IV will be managed and operated by the 12 dedicated members of Farallon's Real Estate team led by Rocky Fried and Josh Dapice. Additionally, FREP IV will be supported by Farallon's global team and institutional infrastructure of over 200 operational professionals.
Limited partners in the fund structure consist of both existing and new investors, including endowments, public and corporate pension plans, insurance companies, family offices, and investment advisory firms.
"We are deeply appreciative of the support from our limited partners and look forward to deploying this new capital into what we believe to be a very attractive market. Farallon's long history of completing transactions throughout market cycles and its established global relationships position us to benefit from the current scarcity of capital in the U.S real estate markets," said Rocky Fried, Partner at Farallon and Head of US Real Estate.
Josh Dapice, Partner at Farallon, described the US real estate environment as one where "we believe we are in the early innings of a widespread correction that will lead to attractive acquisition opportunities, particularly as it relates to working with owners in need of flexible and creative capital solutions."
About Farallon®:
Farallon Capital Management, L.L.C. is a global institutional investment management firm founded in 1986. Farallon manages approximately $39 billion in capital and commitments for institutions, including college endowments, charitable foundations, pension plans and sovereign wealth funds, and high net worth individuals and family offices. Farallon is headquartered in San Francisco and has offices in New York, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and São Paulo. Farallon seeks investments across asset classes and around the world through a process of bottom-up fundamental research and analysis emphasizing capital preservation. More information about Farallon is available at www.faralloncapital.com.
Media Contacts
ASC Advisors
Taylor Ingraham / Steve Bruce
tingraham@ascadvisors.com / sbruce@ascadvisors.com
203 992 1230
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http://www.faralloncapital.com
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SOURCE Farallon Capital Management | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/farallon-capital-management-closes-fourth-real-estate-fund-with-over-650-million-aggregate-investor-commitments/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:03 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/farallon-capital-management-closes-fourth-real-estate-fund-with-over-650-million-aggregate-investor-commitments/ |
(NEXSTAR) – When it comes to retirement, where you live can greatly affect just how golden your post-career years actually are.
A new study from Bankrate ranks all 50 U.S. states when it comes to affordability, overall well-being, healthcare quality/cost, weather and crime. With soaring inflation and a volatile stock market, affordability was given the most statistical weight, with the others decreasing respectively.
Iowa is the best state in which to retire, the study found, thanks to its affordability (3), quality/cost of health care (11) and crime (12).
“Choosing where to retire is deeply personal, but Iowa’s affordable cost of living, inexpensive but high-quality health care and low crime make it a compelling option for retirees looking to stretch their retirement income in this economy,” said Bankrate analyst Alex Gailey. “In our overall ranking, the best and worst states for retirees are split geographically. The Midwest and the South claim the top five states, while the Northeast and West claim the bottom five states, primarily because of the differences in cost of living.”
For some residents nearing retirement in Alaska – ranked 50 out of 50 – New York (49), California (48), Washington (47) and Massachusetts (46), a move toward the middle of the country could pay off, Bankrate’s findings suggest.
While all five of the least favorable states scored poorly when it came to affordability, Alaska also ranked last for weather and 49th for crime.
“For many Americans, a comfortable retirement may feel out of reach,” Gailey said. “After battling elevated inflation over the last two years, relocating to find cheaper housing or a lower cost of living may be a good alternative for retirees who have tighter budgets but want to retire comfortably. If you’re considering a late life move to lower your cost of living in retirement, our rankings provide some food for thought.”
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reports that an increasing number of retirees left their home state to find cheaper housing in 2022.
The annual study from Hire A Helper, an online moving-services marketplace, found that 12% of American retirees moved for that reason in 2022, the highest percentage since 2014.
“That kind of cost consciousness is something we haven’t seen at this level since 2014,” Miranda Marquit, chief data analyst at Hire A Helper, told AARP, citing Census data. | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/these-are-the-5-worst-states-to-retire-in-study-finds-2/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:05 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/these-are-the-5-worst-states-to-retire-in-study-finds-2/ |
(The Hill) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), a 2024 GOP presidential candidate, said that fellow presidential candidate and rival, former President Donald Trump’s, “juvenile insults” toward him have helped him.
DeSantis made the remarks during a campaign stop in New Hampshire on Sunday.
“First of all, I mean, I think a lot of this stuff when he hits me with it with juvenile insults, I think that helps me,” DeSantis told reporters. “I don’t think voters like that. I think they look at it and they realize, like, you know what, that’s not effective. And so I don’t think it’s effective.”
DeSantis also said Trump’s insults are just another reminder that millions of voters will not vote for him during this election cycle.
“So I actually don’t mind that at all,” DeSantis added. “I think it’s just a reminder, why there’s so many millions of voters who will never vote for him going forward.”
Trump has targeted DeSantis with a slew of insults throughout the campaign cycle, referring to the governor as “Ron DeSanctimonious”. Trump took his latest shot at DeSantis during the Iowa GOP’s Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines, Iowa last week, telling constituents that he “wouldn’t take a chance on that one.”
This comes as DeSantis, who was once seen as a real rival to Trump for the Republican Party’s nomination in 2024, has fallen in polls since announcing his presidential campaign in May.
The 44-year-old politician recently laid off 38 staff members as his campaign seeks to revamp itself in the race for the presidency. | https://www.pahomepage.com/uncategorized/desantis-says-trumps-juvenile-insults-help-him/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:05 | 0 | https://www.pahomepage.com/uncategorized/desantis-says-trumps-juvenile-insults-help-him/ |
MOSCOW (AP) — Russian military says it shot down a Ukrainian missile over a southern Russian city, accuses Kyiv of a "terror attack."
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-top-news/2023/07/28/russian-military-says-it-shot-down-a-ukrainian-missile-over-a-southern-russian-city-accuses-kyiv-of-a-terror-attack | 2023-07-31T13:52:05 | 0 | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-top-news/2023/07/28/russian-military-says-it-shot-down-a-ukrainian-missile-over-a-southern-russian-city-accuses-kyiv-of-a-terror-attack |
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will travel to Arizona, New Mexico and Utah next week and is expected to talk about his administration’s efforts to combat climate change as the region endures a brutally hot summer with soaring temperatures, the White House said Monday.
Biden is expected to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act, America’s most significant response to climate change, and the push toward more clean energy manufacturing. The act aims to spur clean energy on a scale that will bend the arc of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
July has been the hottest month ever recorded. Biden last week announced new steps to protect workers in extreme heat, including measures to improve weather forecasts and make drinking water more accessible.
Members of Biden’s administration also are fanning out over the next few weeks around the anniversary of the landmark climate change and health care legislation to extol the administration’s successes as the Democratic president seeks reelection in 2024.
Vice President Kamala Harris heads to Wisconsin this week with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to talk about broadband infrastructure investments. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack goes to Oregon to highlight wildfire defense grants, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will go to Illinois and Texas, and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona heads to Maryland to talk about career and technical education programs.
The Inflation Reduction Act included roughly $375 billion over a decade to combat climate change and capped the cost of a month’s supply of insulin at $35 for older Americans and other Medicare beneficiaries. It also helps an estimated 13 million Americans pay for health care insurance by extending subsidies provided during the coronavirus pandemic.
The measure is paid for by new taxes on large companies and stepped-up IRS enforcement of wealthy individuals and entities, with additional funds going to reduce the federal deficit. | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/biden-goes-west-to-talk-about-his-administrations-efforts-to-combat-climate-change/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world | 2023-07-31T13:52:05 | 0 | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/biden-goes-west-to-talk-about-his-administrations-efforts-to-combat-climate-change/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world |
The expansion of permanent jewelry gives even more consumers a new long-term way to express themselves
DALLAS, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Banter by Piercing Pagoda, the jewelry and piercing leader, announces the expansion of its permanent jewelry program. Available in an anklet, bracelet, or whatever curated length the consumer prefers, the new permanent jewelry service offers a customized fit and long-term wear through quick and safe metal welding. The service is now available at 62 Banter by Piercing Pagoda storefronts nationwide — the most of any jewelry retailer.
The expansion of Banter's permanent jewelry offering follows the initial pilot program which received a positive response from consumers. Customers can choose from eight (8) unique chain styles and 12 charms in 14k gold that are then welded together to provide long-term wear. The permanent jewelry experience is available by appointment or walk-ins.
"We are extremely excited to expand our permanent jewelry services to be accessible to more customers nationwide," says Amy Robinson, President of Banter by Piercing Pagoda. "Banter by Piercing Pagoda has been an innovator and pioneer in the jewelry industry through our piercing services and jewelry styles for over 60 years. The expansion demonstrates our continued, strategic effort to be at the forefront of jewelry trends and help customers find their ideal, responsibly sourced pieces to express and celebrate who they truly are."
The permanent jewelry experience will be available at locations in Brooklyn, Charlotte, Columbus, Dallas, Las Vegas, Orlando, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Santa Monica, and more. The full list of Banter permanent jewelry locations may be found online.
The purchase price of chains in the permanent jewelry collection ranges from $80 to $330, with charms starting at $25. Initial use cases show customers gravitating to permanent jewelry for themselves, joint bracelets with their partner or best friend, and bachelorette and wedding parties. For more information, please visit Banter.com.
About Banter by Piercing Pagoda
Banter by Piercing Pagoda is the leader in ear and other piercings. As the nation's largest specialty kiosk retailer, Banter by Piercing Pagoda has a history of serving and satisfying customers with an extensive selection of popularly priced 10K and 14K gold chains, charms, bracelets, rings, and earrings, as well as a variety of silver and diamond jewelry. Visit www.banter.com to view Banter by Piercing Pagoda's latest styles or to find a location near you. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Banter by Piercing Pagoda is part of Signet Jewelers Limited, the world's largest retailer of diamond jewelry.
PRESS CONTACT
Lividini & Co.
signet@lividini.com
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SOURCE Banter by Piercing Pagoda | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/banter-by-piercing-pagoda-expands-its-permanent-jewelry-services-nationwide/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:08 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/banter-by-piercing-pagoda-expands-its-permanent-jewelry-services-nationwide/ |
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- First Citizens Bank today announced that its Healthcare Finance business, part of the CIT division, provided a $50.3 million loan to a joint venture led by Rethink Healthcare Real Estate to refinance the Medical Pavilion at White Oak, an on campus medical office building located adjacent to the Adventist White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Opened in 2019, the Medical Center is located approximately seven miles northeast from Washington D.C. in an emerging healthcare and life science hub off Interstate 95. The Pavilion, which is directly connected to the hospital and to covered parking, houses a comprehensive cancer center, primary care services, and cardiology and other specialists.
"Once again, we are pleased with the execution by First Citizens Bank's Healthcare Finance team in providing financing that supports our focus on maintaining high-quality medical office buildings and specialized care facilities," said John Winer, President & Chief Investment Officer, Rethink Healthcare Real Estate.
"We are delighted to again work closely with Rethink, who has a proven track record of developing and managing high quality medical office buildings and outpatient medical facilities in attractive markets," said William Douglass, who leads the bank's Healthcare Finance business.
"We are pleased to continue to grow our banking relationship with Rethink Healthcare Real Estate through the financing of this state-of-the-art, Class A medical office building," said Steven Reedy, a managing director for First Citizens Bank Healthcare Finance business.
Healthcare Finance, part of the First Citizens Bank's Commercial Finance division, provides comprehensive financing and banking solutions to middle market healthcare companies across the U.S. By using a client-focused and industry-centric model, Healthcare Finance can tailor its products and services to help clients meet their needs for capital.
About First Citizens Bank
First Citizens Bank helps personal, business, commercial and wealth clients build financial strength that lasts. Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., and now celebrating the 125th anniversary of its founding, First Citizens has built a unique legacy of strength, stability and long-term thinking that has spanned generations. First Citizens offers an array of general banking services including a network of more than 550 branches in 23 states and commercial banking expertise delivering best-in-class lending, leasing and other financial services coast to coast. Parent company First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA) is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. Discover more at firstcitizens.com.
MEDIA RELATIONS:
Ella Bristow
212-461-5322
Ella.Bristow@firstcitizens.com
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SOURCE First Citizens Bank | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/first-citizens-bank-provides-503-million-refinance-medical-pavilion-white-oak-campus-adventist-white-oak-medical-center/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:09 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/first-citizens-bank-provides-503-million-refinance-medical-pavilion-white-oak-campus-adventist-white-oak-medical-center/ |
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- J.P. Morgan Asset Management today announced the firm has successfully completed the conversion of four mutual funds to ETFs. The conversion of these funds to actively managed ETFs will provide investors with active investment options in markets traditionally available to ETF investors through mostly passive solutions.
The following four ETF conversions means shareholders will benefit from intraday trading, liquidity and reduced fees and may benefit from greater tax efficiency.
"Investors are looking for differentiated active capabilities in the ETF wrapper. As conversions, these ETFs have a track record and scale from Day 1 and add to our active range of ETF providing tools for investors to meet their investment goals," said Bryon Lake, Global Head of ETF Solutions, J.P. Morgan Asset Management. "We are excited to provide shareholders with greater choice and access to the benefits that active ETFs can provide, including additional trading flexibility, increased transparency and reduced fees through transparency at attractive price points."
The combined assets of the four active, transparent funds converted are approximately $1.5 billion. J.P. Morgan Asset Management ranks as a top ten ETF issuer in the U.S. with respect to AUM1, and number one year to date2 in net active flows across active ETFs in the U.S.
About J.P. Morgan Asset Management
J.P. Morgan Asset Management, with assets under management of $2.67 trillion (as of 3/31/2022), is a global leader in investment management. J.P. Morgan Asset Management's clients include institutions, retail investors and high net worth individuals in every major market throughout the world. J.P. Morgan Asset Management offers global investment management in equities, fixed income, real estate, hedge funds, private equity and liquidity. For more information: www.jpmorganassetmanagement.com. J.P. Morgan Asset Management is the marketing name for the asset management businesses of JPMorgan Chase & Co., and its affiliates worldwide.
J.P. Morgan Asset Management is the marketing name for the asset management businesses of JPMorgan Chase & Co., and its affiliates worldwide.
J.P. Morgan ETFs are distributed by JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc., which is an affiliate of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Affiliates of JPMorgan Chase & Co. receive fees for providing various services to the funds. JPMorgan Distribution Services, Inc. is a member of FINRA. More information is available at https://am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/gim/adv/products/etfs.
Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives and risks as well as charges and expenses of the funds before investing. The summary and full prospectuses contain this and other information about the funds and should be read carefully before investing. Call 1-844-4JPM-ETF or visit www.jpmorganETFs.com to obtain a prospectus.
1 Data according to ETF.com as of 06/09/2022
2 Data according to Simfund as of 06/10/2022
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SOURCE J.P. Morgan Asset Management | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/jp-morgan-asset-management-completes-conversion-four-mutual-funds-etfs/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:09 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/jp-morgan-asset-management-completes-conversion-four-mutual-funds-etfs/ |
(NEXSTAR) – When it comes to retirement, where you live can greatly affect just how golden your post-career years actually are.
A new study from Bankrate ranks all 50 U.S. states when it comes to affordability, overall well-being, healthcare quality/cost, weather and crime. With soaring inflation and a volatile stock market, affordability was given the most statistical weight, with the others decreasing respectively.
Iowa is the best state in which to retire, the study found, thanks to its affordability (3), quality/cost of health care (11) and crime (12).
“Choosing where to retire is deeply personal, but Iowa’s affordable cost of living, inexpensive but high-quality health care and low crime make it a compelling option for retirees looking to stretch their retirement income in this economy,” said Bankrate analyst Alex Gailey. “In our overall ranking, the best and worst states for retirees are split geographically. The Midwest and the South claim the top five states, while the Northeast and West claim the bottom five states, primarily because of the differences in cost of living.”
For some residents nearing retirement in Alaska – ranked 50 out of 50 – New York (49), California (48), Washington (47) and Massachusetts (46), a move toward the middle of the country could pay off, Bankrate’s findings suggest.
While all five of the least favorable states scored poorly when it came to affordability, Alaska also ranked last for weather and 49th for crime.
“For many Americans, a comfortable retirement may feel out of reach,” Gailey said. “After battling elevated inflation over the last two years, relocating to find cheaper housing or a lower cost of living may be a good alternative for retirees who have tighter budgets but want to retire comfortably. If you’re considering a late life move to lower your cost of living in retirement, our rankings provide some food for thought.”
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reports that an increasing number of retirees left their home state to find cheaper housing in 2022.
The annual study from Hire A Helper, an online moving-services marketplace, found that 12% of American retirees moved for that reason in 2022, the highest percentage since 2014.
“That kind of cost consciousness is something we haven’t seen at this level since 2014,” Miranda Marquit, chief data analyst at Hire A Helper, told AARP, citing Census data. | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/these-are-the-5-worst-states-to-retire-in-study-finds/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:11 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/these-are-the-5-worst-states-to-retire-in-study-finds/ |
PYEONGTAEK, South Korea (AP) — The dogs bark and stare as Kim Jong-kil approaches the rusty cages housing the large, short-haired animals he sells for their meat. Kim opens a door and pets one dog’s neck and chest.
Kim says he’s proud of the dog meat farm that has supported his family for 27 years but is upset over growing attempts by politicians and activists to outlaw the business, which he is turning over to his children.
“It’s more than just feeling bad. I absolutely oppose these moves, and we’ll mobilize all our means to resist it,” Kim, 57, said in an interview at his farm in Pyeongtaek city, just south of Seoul.
Dog meat consumption is a centuries-old practice on the Korean Peninsula and has long been viewed as a source of stamina on hot summer days. It’s neither explicitly banned nor legalized in South Korea, but more and more people want it prohibited. There’s increasing public awareness of animal rights and worries about South Korea’s international image.
The anti-dog meat campaign recently received a big boost when the country’s first lady expressed her support for a ban and two lawmakers submitted bills to eliminate the dog meat trade.
“Foreigners think South Korea is a cultural powerhouse. But the more K-culture increases its international standing, the bigger shock foreigners experience over our dog meat consumption,” said Han Jeoungae, an opposition lawmaker who submitted legislation to outlaw the dog meat industry last month.
Prospects for passage of an anti-dog meat law are unclear because of protests by farmers, restaurant owners and others involved in the dog meat industry. Surveys suggest that one in three South Koreans opposes such a ban, though most people don’t eat dog meat anymore.
Dogs are also eaten in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, North Korea and some African countries, including Ghana, Cameroon, Congo and Nigeria.
Earlier this month, Indonesian authorities announced the end of dog and cat slaughter at an animal market on the island of Sulawesi following a yearslong campaign by local activists and world celebrities. The Tomohon Extreme Market will become the first such market in Indonesia to go dog and cat meat-free, according to the anti-animal cruelty group Humane Society International.
South Korea’s dog meat industry receives more international attention because of its reputation as a wealthy, ultra-modern democracy. It is also the only nation with industrial-scale farms. Most farms in South Korea have more than 500 dogs, according to a dog farmers’ association.
During a recent visit, Kim’s farm, one of the country’s largest with 7,000 dogs, appeared relatively clean but there was a strong stench in some areas. All dogs are kept in elevated cages and are fed with food waste and ground chicken. They are rarely released for exercise and typically are sold for meat one year after they are born.
Kim said two of his children, age 29 and 31, are running the farm with him, and that business has been going pretty well. He said the dogs bred for their meat are different from pets, an idea opposed by activists.
It’s difficult now to find dog meat restaurants in Seoul’s bustling downtown, though many still exit in the countryside.
“I only earn one-third of the money I used to make. Young people don’t come here. Only ailing old people come for lunch,” said Yoon Chu-wol, 77, the owner of a dog meat restaurant in Seoul’s Kyungdong traditional market. “I tell my elderly customers to come and eat my food more frequently before it’s banned.”
Farmers also face growing scrutiny from officials and increasingly negative public opinion. They complain that officials visit them repeatedly in response to complaints filed by activists and citizens over alleged animal abuse and other wrongdoing. Kim said more than 90 such petitions were filed against his farm during a recent four-month span.
Son Won Hak, general secretary of the dog farmers’ association, said many farms have collapsed in recent years because of falling dog meat prices and weaker demand. He thinks that’s a result of activist campaigns and unfair media reports focusing on farms with inferior conditions. Some observers, however, say consumption of dog meat was already declining, with younger people staying away from it.
“Quite honestly, I’d like to quit my job (as a farmer) tomorrow. We can’t confidently tell our children that we’re raising dogs,” Son said. “When my friends called me, they said ‘Hey, are you still running a dog meat farm? Isn’t it illegal?’”
The number of farms across South Korea has dropped by half from a few years ago to about 3,000 to 4,000, and about 700,000 to 1 million dogs are slaughtered each year, a decline from several million 10 to 20 years ago, according to the dog farmers’ association. Some activists argue that the farmers’ estimates are an exaggeration meant to show their industry is too big to destroy.
In late 2021, South Korea launched a government-civilian task force to consider outlawing dog meat at the suggestion of then-President Moon Jae-in, a pet lover. The committee, whose members include farmers and animal rights activists, has met more than 20 times but hasn’t reached any agreement, apparently because of disputes over compensation issues.
Agriculture officials refused to disclose the discussions in the closed-door meetings. They said the government wants to end dog meat consumption based on a public consensus.
In April, first lady Kim Keon Hee, the wife of current President Yoon Suk Yeol, said in a meeting with activists that she hopes for an end to dog meat consumption. Famers responded with rallies and formal complaints against Kim for allegedly hurting their livelihoods.
Han, the lawmaker, said she “highly positively appraises” influential figures speaking out against dog meat consumption.
Han said her bill offers support programs for farmers who agree to close their farms. They would be entitled to money to dismantle their facilities, vocational training, employment assistance and other benefits, she said.
Ju Yeongbong, an official of the farmers’ association, said farmers want to continue for about 20 more years until older people, their main customers, die, allowing the industry to naturally disappear. Observers say most farmers are also in their 60s to 70s.
Borami Seo, a director of the South Korea office of the Humane Society International, said she opposes the continued killing of millions of dogs for such a prolonged period. “Letting this silent cruelty to (dogs) be committed in South Korea doesn’t make sense,” Seo said.
“(Dog meat consumption) is too anachronistic, has elements of cruelty to animals and hinders our national growth,” said Cheon JinKyung, head of Korea Animal Rights Advocates in Seoul. | https://www.pahomepage.com/uncategorized/eat-my-food-dog-meat-farmers-in-s-korea-resist-push-to-ban-industry/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:11 | 1 | https://www.pahomepage.com/uncategorized/eat-my-food-dog-meat-farmers-in-s-korea-resist-push-to-ban-industry/ |
PHOENIX — Patients with heat stroke and burns from the asphalt are swamping hospitals. Air conditioners are breaking down at homeless shelters. The medical examiner’s office is deploying trailer-sized coolers to store bodies, for the first time since the early days of COVID-19.
For 31 straight days — from the last day of June through Sunday, the second-to-last day of July — Phoenix has hit at least 110 degrees, not merely breaking its 18-day record in 1974, but setting a significant new one. The city smashed through another record last week, racking up the most 115-degree days ever in a calendar year, part of a global heat wave that made July Earth’s hottest month on record.
This has been Phoenix’s July in hell — an entire month of merciless heat that has ground down people’s health and patience in the city of 1.6 million, while also straining a regionwide campaign to protect homeless people and older residents who are most vulnerable.
“I’m so sick of this,” Rae Hicks, 45, said this past week as she sat with her 7-year-old son on the floor of a clammy cooling center in Tempe, their suitcases clustered around them.
It was 118 degrees outside, and they had nowhere to stay after the center closed down that evening, like thousands of other people around Phoenix left homeless by rising rents and a resurgence of evictions. The record heat has made their summer a desperate game of survival — bouncing between libraries, supermarkets and relief centers during the day, and sleeping in motels, cars or shelter beds at night to avoid the scorching streets.
With at least two more hot months ahead, some residents said they did not know how much more they could take.
“It’s wearing on people,” said Kevin Conboy, a physician assistant with Circle the City, a medical charity that treats homeless people across Phoenix. “Everyone’s temperatures are hovering at 100. Everyone. is complaining of feeling so fatigued, and tired.”
Even the group’s mobile medical buses are succumbing to the heat, forcing them out of service to get repaired.
The medical examiner in Phoenix has reported 25 heat-related deaths this year, and said it is also investigating an additional 249 deaths for ties to heat. There were a record-breaking 425 heat-related deaths last year across Maricopa County.
Hospitals around Phoenix also say they treated more people for heat ailments and burns in July compared with previous summers, infusing them with cold saline or packing them into ice-filled body bags that sometimes leak and cause nurses to slip in icy puddles.
“We are very full,” said Dr. Kara Geren, an emergency-medicine doctor at Valleywise Health Medical Center in central Phoenix. “We have everything from heat cramps to heat stroke and death.”
Geren said the emergency department was treating more homeless patients and drug users with heat-related illnesses this summer, as well more people who burn their legs and backs by falling on pavement that can heat up to 180 degrees. This week, a woman in her 80s came to the hospital for burn treatment after falling outside her home, then lying on the searing pavement for two hours before anyone heard her calls for help.
Towering saguaro cactuses are collapsing from the heat, and the agaves, creosote bushes and stubby barrel cactuses that spangle highways are turning yellow. Hiking trails have been closed at midday for more than a month to protect hikers (and the paramedics who have to rescue them).
Even the local news media seemed to hit a breaking point this past week, when The Arizona Republic cried out: “Will the inferno never end?”
Austin Davis, who runs a tiny homeless-outreach charity called AZ Hugs, spends his days trying to answer calls from unsheltered people desperate to avoid sleeping out in the heat.
“I can’t tell you how many people called me crying, asking for a hotel room, saying, I can’t make it through another day like this,” he said.
Many of Phoenix’s shelters are full, and waiting lists for publicly funded housing are weeks or months long, families said in interviews. They find Davis’ number scrawled on whiteboards at cooling centers, get it from shelter employees or other people on the street, and call in a last bid for help. On Thursday afternoon, he had 268 unread text messages.
“My family is sleeping in the park right now myself my husband and our 7 children,” read one. Davis responded by asking for birth dates, income levels and other information he would need to start connecting them with housing and shelter programs and signed off with two heart emoji.
Another call came from Melissa Duckett, 40, who had been sleeping in her car with her wife and their 11-year-old son since being evicted in the spring. Duckett said they had been in a subsidized apartment, but had fallen behind on the rent when she got sick.
When the heat waves first started to bake central Phoenix in late June, they had talked about driving up to Flagstaff, where it was cooler. Then their car died in the heat. Their new respite was a trailer that Davis had fitted out with bunk beds and a working air conditioner as an emergency stopgap for families.
“We’re just going to be happy to be out of the heat,” Duckett said. | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/phoenixs-month-in-hell-31-days-of-extreme-heat-tests-the-city/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world | 2023-07-31T13:52:12 | 1 | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/phoenixs-month-in-hell-31-days-of-extreme-heat-tests-the-city/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world |
HOMER, Alaska, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Discovery Channel's Charlotte Kilcher (Alaska: The Last Frontier) will be joining her childhood friend Corky Parker for an upcoming event as Parker returns to Alaska for a book tour of her memoir La Finca: Love, Loss, and Laundry on a Tiny Puerto Rican Island.
Before moving to Washington state and spending her time between Seattle and the inn she owned on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques, Parker spent the 70s in Alaska where she helped to start up the radio station KSKA and the Alaska Bluegrass Festival; worked at her brother's iconic del Mundo cafe; waited tables for future governor Tony Knowles at the Downtown Deli; and spent time as a paralegal for Brian Shortell at the Alaska Public Defender Agency. Somewhere around all that she also starred in Tom Sadowski and Jimmie Froehlich's cult Alaskan postcard collection and film "Trailer Court," and served a short stint as executive director to the Alaska Wilderness Guides Association.
La Finca, winner of this year's Nancy Pearl Award for memoir, is a self-illustrated chronicle of the twenty-plus years Parker ran La Finca Caribe, an off-beat eco-lodge in Vieques, Puerto Rico, beloved by visitors worldwide, including legendary chef Alice Waters. The book covers the challenges and rewards of tropical innkeeping and hurricanes to divorce and bankruptcy. It's about how much we can learn from a place, a culture; learning how to listen to our own spirit.
Parker will be doing her tour through Alaska August 2–10, and her appearances will include an interview with KSKA about the station's upcoming anniversary as well as events with the Homer Public Library, the Georgia Blue Gallery in Anchorage, and the Writer's Block Bookstore and Café in Anchorage. Kilcher will join Parker for the Homer Library event to be in conversation with her about their experiences and memories in Alaska.
Fans are encouraged to join the Aug. 8 Homer Library event with Parker and Kilcher via Zoom. More information here: https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/library/author-talk-corky-parker-la-finca-love-loss-and-laundry-tiny-puerto-rican-island.
Contact: Jessie Glenn
Jess@mindbuckmedia.com
Mindbuckmedia.com
503-998-8770
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SOURCE Corky Parker | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/bffs-award-winning-author-corky-parker-discovery-channels-charlotte-kilcher-team-up-alaskan-book-tour/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:14 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/bffs-award-winning-author-corky-parker-discovery-channels-charlotte-kilcher-team-up-alaskan-book-tour/ |
FAST Accelerator program to empower local startups and small/medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
AUSTIN, Texas, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Flapmax, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company, announced today its strategic partnership with Intel, the global technology leader, to foster AI innovation and drive economic empowerment in Africa. The collaboration will provide technology access, training, mentorship, and funding opportunities to entrepreneurs in emerging markets, starting with Africa, through the FAST Accelerator program. FAST is designed to help startups that are building cloud-based and AI-enabled products and services supporting communities, companies, and governments.
"Flapmax has been working with Intel to develop sustainable digital solutions that readily expand AI accessibility in underserved communities, and we are excited to build on our momentum with the FAST Accelerator program," said Dr. Dave Ojika, Founder and CEO of Flapmax. "Bridging the knowledge gap in technological advancement is key to creating meaningful social impact. Through this partnership with Intel, Flapmax will bring cutting-edge technology and advanced curricula, including generative AI, robotics, and deep tech, to innovators in Africa and other technologically underserved communities."
Created by Flapmax in partnership with Microsoft, FAST Accelerator combines business development, AI integration, funding, and community building opportunities designed to enable startups to scale more rapidly and sustainably. More than 800 startups from 25+ countries applied to join the inaugural program. Startup leaders are encouraged to apply to this year's FAST Accelerator program. The top startup participants will embark on an enriching five-week program in Silicon Valley, California, forging relationships with industry experts, potential investors, and global partners through Flapmax's vibrant ecosystem of over 600 corporate partners.
"Intel's mission to shape the future of computing and enable a more intelligent, connected, and productive world aligns perfectly with Flapmax's vision to bring AI technology to all aspects of life, inclusive of underserved populations in Africa and other emerging markets," said Michael Campbell, General Manager, Education Client Division, Intel Corporation. "The partnership with Flapmax will greatly accelerate AI adoption for these communities, driving scalable business growth, optimized operations, and contributing to a more sustainable world."
Program participants will collaborate closely with Intel through extensive mentorship and coaching, ranging from co-innovation projects to sales & marketing support and go-to-market enablement to expand their reach to a broader audience. Members of the Flapmax engineering team will help startups apply new Intel-optimized AI hardware and software solutions as well as scale and fine-tune their AI models on Microsoft Azure cloud platform. Participants will benefit from additional perks, including Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub (up to $150,000 of cloud credits) and Azure OpenAI (including ChatGPT, DALL·E 2, and other Large Language Models: LLM releases), as well as access to Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 developer sandboxes.
About Intel
Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is an industry leader, creating world-changing technology that enables global progress and enriches lives. Inspired by Moore's Law, we continuously work to advance the design and manufacturing of semiconductors to help address our customers' greatest challenges. By embedding intelligence in the cloud, network, edge and every kind of computing device, we unleash the potential of data to transform business and society for the better. To learn more about Intel's innovations, go to newsroom.intel.com and intel.com.
About Flapmax
Flapmax is a data and AI technology company partnering with leading technology providers around the globe to identify and accelerate sustainable technology solutions to improve communities worldwide. Our mission is to empower and transform lives through the widespread adoption of AI technology. Flapmax is scaling collaboration across borders and connecting entrepreneurs and innovators with digital transformation solutions, advanced AI models, and global partnerships.
For media inquiries, please contact: team@fastaccelerator.com
Website: www.fastaccelerator.com
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SOURCE Flapmax | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/flapmax-partners-with-intel-accelerate-ai-innovation-africa/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:16 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/flapmax-partners-with-intel-accelerate-ai-innovation-africa/ |
(The Hill) – Northwestern is the latest in a long line of universities to come under public scrutiny due to a scandal over hazing, a practice that has refused to go extinct in colleges and high schools despite multiple concerted efforts to end it.
Hazing, which in rare instances has proven fatal, in particular plagues sports teams and Greek Life.
Experts say education on the issue and increased consequences are needed to create a real change, although they are skeptical the dangerous practice will exit school life anytime soon.
“Hazing has always been prevalent in society, not just in colleges. It’s anywhere that you see a different power dynamic between people who are trying to join a group [and] people who are in the group,” said Todd Shelton, executive director of the Hazing Prevention Network. “There’s research that shows that hazing starts long before college and in those younger ages. It’s especially prevalent in athletic teams camps, performing arts groups.”
The latest high-profile hazing incident comes from Northwestern University, where the head football coach was recently let go and a barrage of lawsuits have fallen on the school.
One of the reported rituals of hazing on the school’s football team was younger players getting restrained in the locker room by older ones while others dry humped the individual. Another incident described in a lawsuit against the school was a ritual called “carwash” where players were forced to rub themselves against a line of naked men in the showers.
“Certainly, it is typical hazing activities that we’ve seen before and it’s not unusual that they’re shrouded with secrecy. So I applaud the people who came forward and reported because that’s — that’s key for institutions to be able to make changes,” Shelton said. “I think those acts are horrible and examples of how hazing can quickly escalate from what individuals think is something that’s mild and or funny, to quickly being something that’s dangerous, either mentally or physically, to the victims.”
Experts say preventing hazing incidents has to start by educating people about its warning signs and dangers.
A study in 2008 showed 73 percent of students who have been in a sorority or fraternity said they experienced behaviors that meet the definition of hazing, such as being forced into drinking games or getting screamed at by other members.
The same study showed 74 percent of athletes in athletic programs also experienced behaviors that amount to hazing.
“Hazing is specific to that group context where someone is seeking inclusion or a sense of belonging in a club, team or organization. They’re a newcomer typically coming into this group situation, and because of that group dynamic there can be an incredible amount of peer pressure and sometimes a coercive environment. And so that can impede or be a barrier to recognizing and or reporting hazing because there can be a lot of fear,” Elizabeth Allan, a professor at the University of Maine, said.
These rituals and desires to be part of the in-group have led to some deadly consequences for young people.
In 2019, five Penn State University students were sentenced to jail after a 19-year-old student at a Beta Theta Pi fraternity house died at a party after hazing-based binge drinking.
While most hazing incidents don’t result in incarceration, there are other consequences for students who are caught for the crime.
“Financial, monetary damages. People have lost their jobs. People have gone to jail or had, criminal penalties, fines and so forth. Let’s say sometimes when it’s a student organization or a team so with a student organization, they’re often suspended or lose their recognition with the campus for a period of time, and with an athletic team sometimes a portion of the season is put on hold or canceled entirely sometimes at the high school level, we’ve seen that recently.” Allan, who also leads the organization Stop Hazing, said.
And yet, even as schools ramp up their efforts, hazing persists.
Allan says a multifaceted strategy is needed to tackle the problem, and her group has developed a “Hazing Prevention Framework” for schools to follow.
“They can use it to also do some strategic planning and set some goals for the improvements they want to make, and all this is really … based on a public health approach to organizational change and promoting healthy behaviors in a community setting,” Allan said.
Shelton said his group also advocates for hazing to be treated as a felony, whereas many states look at it as a misdemeanor.
“The problem is it’s not taken seriously in the law, and we’ve seen a lot of hazing cases, even when there’s been a death… [where] prosecutors don’t consider it hazing or don’t consider hazing to be a serious crime to go through the measures of prosecuting,” Shelton said. “And so that’s why we’ve been working hard to strengthen those state laws.” | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/why-is-hazing-so-hard-to-eliminate/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:17 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/national-world/why-is-hazing-so-hard-to-eliminate/ |
Achieves Autism Double-Checked certification for select resort brands in Mexico and the Dominican Republic
MIAMI, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, Karisma Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Autism Double-Checked, is pleased to announce the introduction of the world's first-ever Autism Concierge. providing a dedicated contact for all autism-related questions and serving as an extension of the Autism Double-Checked comprehensive three-part training program.
Karisma Hotels & Resorts is the first hotel group to offer an Autism Concierge, which encourages guests traveling with a child with autism or adult guests with autism to ask about specific needs through a concierge contact found within the resort's visitor guide. Guests looking for support as they plan their vacation can contact the Autism Concierge by emailing autism_concierge@karismahotels.com.
"We continually work to exceed our guests' expectations by adapting ourselves to their needs," said Daniel Lozano, Vice President of Operations at Karisma Hotels & Resorts. "In addition to ongoing training, this added resource will assure guests that we take their concerns seriously and that we want them to feel at home at our resorts."
Every member of Karisma Hotels & Resorts staff has completed a number of Autism Double-Checked courses in "Assisting Guests with Autism" and all staff that are in contact with guests have been trained in the specific situations that guests with autism may face during their stay. In 2023, Karisma Hotels & Resorts also plans to introduce temporary door alarms (available to guests upon request). These alarms will allow guests to vacation with peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe and secure. These initiatives exist as part of Karisma Hotels & Resorts overarching inclusion efforts.
Autism Double-Checked was created to prepare the travel industry to better serve guests with autism through industry-specific and job-specific training for all public-facing staff. It also assists the autism community to confidently select travel opportunities that best fit their needs. The autism community in the U.S. is approximately 25 million people who, according to Autism Double-Checked, are eager to travel and are brand loyal to companies that understand their needs. The training includes three stages: general basic training for all staff, specific training per department, and the development of a site-specific visitor guide to assist parents, caregivers, and visitors with autism. Once a hotel has completed all three phases, it obtains the "Autism Double-Checked" Certificate, indicating that it is ready, willing, and able to welcome families and guests impacted by autism.
"Inclusion is only possible if you truly understand the population you wish to include," said Autism Double-Checked Co-Founder and CEO Alan Day. "It takes specialized training to understand and address the specific needs of travelers with autism, and we're proud to help bring understanding and compassion to our travel industry partners. Karisma Hotels & Resorts has been truly dedicated to undertaking this training and pursuing their vision of diversity and inclusion."
In Mexico, staff at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Cancún, Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancún, Generations Riviera Maya, El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Casitas Royale, El Dorado Maroma, El Dorado Seaside Suites, and Palafitos Overwater Bungalows, and in the Dominican Republic, staff at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana and Margaritaville Beach Resort Cap Cana, have now completed the more intensive stage of training that allows them to be certified as Autism Double-Checked.
For more information about Karisma Hotels & Resorts or for questions about an upcoming stay, visit karismahotels.com/austimdoublechecked or email the Autism Concierge directly at autism_concierge@karismahotels.com.
About Karisma Hotels & Resorts
Karisma Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning luxury hotel collection that owns and manages an impressive portfolio of properties in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Property brands include Margaritaville Beach Resorts, part of the Island Reserve® Inclusive Collection by Karisma; Margaritaville St. Somewhere by Karisma; El Dorado Spa Resorts by Karisma; Azul Beach Resorts by Karisma; Generations Resorts by Karisma; Hidden Beach Resort by Karisma; and Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts. Properties have been honored with the industry's top accolades, including Conde Nast Traveler's "Top 100 Hotels in the World," Conde Nast Traveler's "Top 30 Hotels in Cancun," TripAdvisor® Traveler's Choice "Best Hotels for Romance," and AAA's "Five Diamond Award" and "Four Diamond Award." Karisma Hotels & Resorts is committed to employee and community support while delivering authentic experiences to guests, receiving worldwide recognition for its compassionate and creative approach to hospitality management and product innovations.
About Autism Double-Checked
Autism Double-Checked provides an online autism awareness training and certification program that has been specifically designed to make autism inclusion simple and profitable for the travel industry - airlines, hotels, tour operators and travel agents. Based in Connecticut, the organization was founded in 2015 by two lifetime travel professionals and leading experts on traveling with autism who are also parents to special needs children. Studies show that one in 36 children, in the United States, is impacted by autism (per CDC 2023). Most families with an autistic child avoid taking family vacations due to concerns about their child's reaction to all the unfamiliar stimuli they will confront outside of their routine 'comfort bubble' at home. Autism Double-Checked works with its travel industry partners to ensure training and resources are in place to give this travel segment confidence that they are included and welcomed as travelers.
Media Contact:
Karisma Hotels & Resorts
McKenzie Pickett, Alliance Connection
mckenzie@allianceconnection.com
Autism Double-Checked
Matt Harrison, August
ADC@augustco.com
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SOURCE Karisma Hotels & Resorts | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/karisma-hotels-amp-resorts-launches-autism-concierge/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:16 | 0 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/karisma-hotels-amp-resorts-launches-autism-concierge/ |
(The Hill) — A popular narrative suggests young people are liberal and getting more liberal. Thus, social media buzzed when a chart surfaced in spring that seemed to suggest that 12th-grade boys had become overwhelmingly conservative.
As with many Reddit posts and viral tweets, the truth was more complicated. But the numbers do say this: Twelfth-grade boys are nearly twice as likely to identify as conservative versus liberal, according to a respected federal survey of American youth.
In annual surveys over the last three years, roughly one-quarter of high school seniors self-identified as conservative or “very conservative” on the Monitoring the Future survey, a scholarly endeavor that dates to the 1970s. Only 13 percent of boys identified as liberal or very liberal in those years.
The figures represent a striking shift in the political views of boys. As recently as the late 2000s, liberal boys occasionally outnumbered conservatives. Back in the Carter era, both boys and girls leaned liberal.
Nowadays, it is girls who are drifting to the left. The share of 12th-grade girls who identified as liberal rose from 19 percent in 2012 to 30 percent in 2022. Only 12 percent of girls identified as conservative in last year’s survey, administered by the University of Michigan.
Young women, too, are trending liberal. Women ages 18 to 29 are more likely to identify as liberal now than at any time in the past two decades, according to Gallup surveys. Young women are almost twice as likely as young men to claim the liberal tag, a widening gender gap in political beliefs.
The political leanings of young men have changed little over the past two decades, according to an analysis by the Survey Center on American Life. Last year, 43 percent of young men identified as moderate, 31 percent as conservative and 24 percent as liberal. Twenty years earlier, the numbers were more or less the same.
But the leftward drift of young women alone has sufficed to move the needle on young adults as a whole. Generation Z favors liberalism over conservatism by a 48-to-33 margin, according to NBC News polling from 2022. Ten years earlier, young adults split evenly between the two political camps.
The rightward drift of high school boys is comparatively subtle. Indeed, when it comes to politics, most boys seem reluctant to pick a side. In the 2022 Monitoring the Future survey, the largest group of senior boys, more than two-fifths, claimed no politics at all, answering the liberal-conservative question with “none of the above” or “I don’t know.” Nearly one-fifth identified as moderate. Only 36 percent selected liberal or conservative as an ideology, and only there did the trend emerge.
Jean Twenge, an author and professor of psychology at San Diego State University, presented the data in her new book, “Generations.” To spotlight the growing gender gap, she couched the numbers in a chart that split boys and girls along ideological lines, omitting moderates and the undecided.
“Among liberals, the future is female,” she wrote. “And among conservatives, the future is male.”
In April, someone posted Twenge’s chart to Reddit. The image also circulated widely on Twitter, the platform formerly known as X. Other researchers took note.
The chart gave the impression, at least on first glance, that two-thirds of 12th-grade boys were now conservative. In the small print beneath, Twenge noted that she had omitted moderates.
The full story is messier and murkier. High school seniors, boys and girls alike, are more likely to claim no political identity than to throw in with either liberals or conservatives.
Much has been written about the liberal drift of young women. The Donald Trump presidency mobilized millions of women, outraged over words and alleged deeds that, to Trump’s critics, suggested unrepentant misogyny. More women embraced liberal politics in response to the conservative drift of the U.S. Supreme Court, a movement emblemized by a 2022 ruling that struck down the constitutional right to abortion.
Less has been said about the politics of 12th-grade boys.
Trump himself may be a key to the conservative trend in that group. The 45th president energized male voters with his rhetoric: his “overt hypermasculinity,” as one NPR analysis put it, and his frequent use of language one might overhear in a high school cafeteria.
“Donald Trump talks like a high school student. Maybe there’s a connection there,” said Robert Palacios, 21, a student at the Catholic University of America and president of District of Columbia College Democrats.
“If you grew up playing video games that were not age-appropriate, and you were sitting in the [virtual] lobby, screaming at the mic, Trump was your president,” said Ethan Benn, also 21, a student at the George Washington University (GWU). “He really channeled that energy.”
More broadly, the conservative wing of the Republican party has made pointed appeals to disaffected men of all ages.
Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other conservative beacons have derided “woke” ideology, accusing the left of overreach in seeking redress for injustices involving race, gender and sexual orientation.
Liberal politicians, of course, are just as eager to win the vote of young men. Yet, the progressive agenda seeks equality in gender and race, a platform that costs them some male support, especially among white people. In the 2020 election, Black and Hispanic men voted for Joe Biden at much higher rates than non-Hispanic white people, according to Pew Research data.
As one recent Politico article put it, Democrats have a masculinity problem.
“I believe that traditional notions of masculinity are much more accepted within conservativism,” while feminist values “are clearly one of the driving forces of liberalism,” said Delano Squires, a research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.
“I could see male and female students saying, ‘I’m choosing sides.’ Do you want matriarchy, or do you want patriarchy?”
Defenders of the patriarchy reach young men where they live, on social media and in gaming circles. Benn, the GWU student, notes a “sort of intersection of Internet culture and gaming culture with conservative politics” that draws some apolitical young men into conservatism.
Conservative icons Dennis Prager, Ben Shapiro and Steven Crowder boast millions of followers on YouTube, a platform whose ads and viewing suggestions make it easy for a young, male YouTuber “to get sucked into a very conservative sphere of politics and media,” Benn said.
“You could be watching a video about the latest Star Wars movie, and then the next video would be, ‘Here’s how women are ruining Star Wars,’” he said, referencing his own experience. “Even if you aren’t seeking it out, it will come and find you.”
That said, Benn doesn’t remember many of his high school friends talking much about politics.
Neither does Tyler Brown-Dewese, 20, a student at American University (AU).
Brown-Dewese identifies as a “Bill Clinton Democrat.” Back in high school, however, he was a conservative.
“I went to an all-boys Catholic school in New York, and so, a majority of us were Republicans,” he said. Classmates took their cues from parents, friends and social media sites such as Millennial Republicans. “That’s an Instagram page I still follow,” Brown-Dewese said.
But that is not to say he and his friends spent the lunch hour discussing politics. “A lot of them weren’t politically active,” he said. “They didn’t want to talk politics. But if you brought it up, they were going to defend Trump.”
Brown-Dewese’s own politics drifted left when he arrived at AU. “What changed me was, I go to the most liberal university,” he laughed. “Had I known that, I probably wouldn’t have gone.”
Though he is now a Democrat, Brown-Dewese doesn’t really like the word “liberal,” and he suspects other young men feel the same way. Generations of conservatives have equated liberalism with weakness.
Asked to estimate the quotient of liberal women at AU, he laughed again.
“Oh, my goodness. All of them?” | https://www.pahomepage.com/uncategorized/high-school-boys-are-trending-conservative/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:17 | 0 | https://www.pahomepage.com/uncategorized/high-school-boys-are-trending-conservative/ |
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A state-run oil giant in the United Arab Emirates said Monday it has moved up its target for achieving net zero emissions in its operations to 2045, as the country prepares to host U.N. climate talks later this year.
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, known as ADNOC, said it is also committed to acheiving zero methane emissions by 2030. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term.
Earlier this year, ADNOC earmarked $15 billion for an array of green initiatives, including the development of hydrogen power, carbon capture facilities and the planting of mangroves.
The company had previously committed to net zero — the balancing of greenhouse gas emissions to the point that the amount removed from the atmosphere is equal to the amount emitted — by 2050.
The UAE, an OPEC member that produces over 3 million barrels of crude oil a day, will host the global climate talks known as COP28 from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12 in Dubai. It has appointed Sultan al-Jaber, the head of ADNOC, to chair the meeting, a move that drew criticism from some environmentalists.
Al-Jaber has emphasized the need to cut emissions, rather than end fossil fuel use itself. It’s prompted fears that he might seek loopholes for untested carbon-capture technologies and so-called offsets that experts say distract from the need to end the release of greenhouse gases.
Governments agreed eight years ago in Paris to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) — ideally no more than 1.5C (2.7F). With average global temperatures already about 1.2C (2.2F) above pre-industrial levels, experts say the window to meet the more ambitious target is closing fast and even the less stringent goal would be missed if emissions aren’t slashed sharply soon.
The UAE, a global hub for business and tourism, has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2050 — a target that remains difficult to assess and one that authorities haven’t fully explained how they’ll reach. Analysts believe the Emirates is trying to maximize its profits as the world turns to renewables. | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/world/uae-state-oil-firm-moves-up-net-zero-climate-target-to-2045/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world | 2023-07-31T13:52:18 | 0 | https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/world/uae-state-oil-firm-moves-up-net-zero-climate-target-to-2045/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world |
TORONTO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Spin Master Corp. (TSX: TOY) (www.spinmaster.com), a leading global children's entertainment company, today announced the launch of an all-new Bakugan series, introducing a revamped anime style. Bakugan will premiere on Netflix (US, Canada, Australia, Nordics and Middle East) on September 1, 2023, and will air on Disney XD in the U.S. on September 23, 2023. Alongside the series' fresh aesthetic, characters and storyline, fans will be able to immerse in the brawling action with a new spin on Bakugan toys - engineered for great battling action.
The all new, enhanced animation will be first revealed on Roblox, the global immersive platform where millions of people connect and communicate daily, uniting fans once again in a shared streaming experience first trailblazed by Bakugan within Roblox in 2021. Fans can converge within All-Star Tower Defense, a top experience on the platform developed by metaverse game developers Gamefam, to stream the first two episodes of Bakugan in both English and Japanese, starting Friday, August 4 at 4:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. PT through until Sunday, August 13 - four weeks ahead of the Netflix premiere.
Relaunched in 2019, a decade after its first reign as a global phenomenon, Bakugan has proven to be an evergreen brand with a strong following. "The Bakugan franchise will elevate to epic new heights as we further enhance the experience across entertainment and power up the gameplay through toys," said Jeremy Tucker, Spin Master's EVP and Global Chief Marketing Officer. "We'll deliver these new and unique experiences, driving collectability, and introducing new ways for Bakugan fans of all ages to battle and connect with the brand."
Reaching the number one property in the battling toys and playsets class in the US and Australia in Q1 2023 (Source: Circana / Retail Tracking Service / US, Australia / Projected USD / Q1'23) fans are loving Bakugan's brawling action. The Bakugan series toy line introduces a whole new way to brawl.
Highlights include:
- Bakugan Special Attack: Spin into battle like never before with the all-new customizable Special Attack Bakugan toys. Combine and stack the Special Attack Bakugan, then brawl into action with all new hyper spin action, ripping the cord to spin the Bakugan on the metal Gate CardTM and watch the Bakugan transform with its iconic pop open transformation. Combine the character with the Special Attack Card for new stats to level up the gameplay. (SRP $9.99; Age 6+)
- Bakugan Battle ArenaTM: Step into the ultimate space for battles with the Battle Arena playset. Featuring multiple launch points, obstacles, storage, and built-in camera stands to film all the action on your mobile device. This new playset is ready for an epic Bakugan Brawl. (SRP $39.99; Age 6+)
The new Bakugan toy collection will also include Power Gear tokens found in pack and redeemable for a digital Bakugan-themed accessory or power-up within Roblox. Eagle eyes can also spot hidden Power Gear codes within content on the official Bakugan YouTube channel.
The new Bakugan toy line is available at all major retailers August 1, 2023.
In the exciting new season of Bakugan, the VESTROIAN galaxy is made up of six planets each home to a different species of Bakugan (Avian, Dragon, Insect, Beast, Aquatic and Dinosaur). Constantly at WAR with one another, the use of experimental weaponry causes the Bakugan to be inadvertently transported to EARTH. Baku-balls rain down from the sky like meteors and crash into cities, forests, and oceans. And when the balls unroll, humans meet the 10 FEET TALL Bakugan for the very first time. Thankfully, humanity welcomes these displaced creatures, embraces their culture, and particularly falls in love with their long-standing tradition of BRAWLING. That is until teenagers start PAIRING with Bakugan and miraculously give them the ability to grow to giant KAIJU size! The world was filled with fear, and it was during this time THE CATASTROPHE happened.
Spin Master Corp. (TSX:TOY) is a leading global children's entertainment company, creating exceptional play experiences through its three creative centres: Toys, Entertainment and Digital Games. With distribution in over 100 countries, Spin Master is best known for award-winning brands PAW Patrol®, Bakugan®, Kinetic Sand®, Air Hogs®, Hatchimals®, Rubik's Cube® and GUND®, and is the global toy licensee for other popular properties. Spin Master Entertainment creates and produces compelling multiplatform content, through its in-house studio and partnerships with outside creators, including the preschool franchise PAW Patrol and numerous other original shows, short-form series and feature films. The Company has an established presence in digital games, anchored by the Toca Boca® and Sago Mini® brands, offering open-ended and creative game and educational play in digital environments. Through Spin Master Ventures, the Company makes minority investments globally in emerging companies and start-ups. With 26 offices in close to 20 countries, Spin Master employs more than 2,000 team members globally. For more information visit spinmaster.com or follow-on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @spinmaster.
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SOURCE Spin Master | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/calling-all-brawlers-spin-master-presents-an-all-new-generation-bakugan-premiering-netflix-september-1-disney-xd-september-23/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:21 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/calling-all-brawlers-spin-master-presents-an-all-new-generation-bakugan-premiering-netflix-september-1-disney-xd-september-23/ |
(NerdWallet) – Labor Day may mark the unofficial end of summer in the U.S. — but it’s hardly the end of airport crowds. In fact, given record-breaking crowds already this year, there’s a good chance this Labor Day weekend could be busier than any prior Labor Day weekend.
Already this summer, U.S. airports have set fresh passenger records. June 30, the Friday before July 4, marked a new record high of passengers on a single day when more than 2.884 million people passed through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints.
That figure topped the previous record of 2.882 million people from the Sunday after 2019’s Thanksgiving, according to a NerdWallet analysis of TSA data showing the number of passengers screened at U.S. TSA checkpoints over the last four years.
Roughly 12% more people passed through U.S. airports in June 2023 versus June 2022, which is perhaps unsurprising given the lingering effects of the pandemic through 2022.
The more impressive feat, though, is that 2023’s crowds have exceeded 2019 levels. TSA screened 0.6% more passengers in June 2023 versus June 2019, proving that summer is back and bigger than ever.
Expect Labor Day 2023 crowds to be no different, but some days around the long weekend are significantly busier than others.
The best and worst days to fly Labor Day weekend
TSA checkpoint data suggests most people use Labor Day — which is observed on the first Monday of September — as a long weekend. They depart on Friday, bask in two full days of vacation and return home on Monday.
To avoid crowds, and likely save money, book Labor Day travel on days that aren’t the start and end of the weekend. Based on an average of the past four years, here were the most to least crowded days for the week surrounding Labor Day, ranked:
- Friday before Labor Day (most crowded).
- Thursday before.
- Labor Day Monday.
- Sunday after.
- Friday after.
- Monday after.
- Monday before.
- Thursday after.
- Tuesday after.
- Wednesday before.
- Sunday before.
- Saturday before.
- Wednesday after.
- Tuesday before.
- Saturday after (least crowded).
When broken out by pre- and post-Labor Day travel, here are the three least crowded days to travel ranked from least to most crowded:
Pre-holiday:
- Tuesday before (overall least crowded day pre-holiday).
- Saturday before.
- Sunday before.
Post-holiday:
- Saturday after (overall least crowded day post-holiday).
- Wednesday after.
- Tuesday after.
During the seven days after and before Labor Day (including the holiday itself), the Friday before Labor Day has been the single busiest day to fly over each of the past four years.
As far as the period starting on Labor Day itself and spanning the subsequent seven days, Labor Day Monday has been the busiest day to fly over the past three years. If Labor Day Monday is excluded from the rankings, the Sunday after has been the busiest over the past three years. In 2019, the trends were flipped: the Sunday after was the busiest, and the holiday itself was the second busiest.
The smarter, cheaper Labor Day weekend itinerary
If you work a standard Monday-Friday workweek and have the holiday off, leaving Friday after work and returning on Labor Day seems logical. But following the same itinerary as everyone else means you’ll likely pay — both in airfares and navigating airport crowds. For lighter crowds (and perhaps better deals), try these travel days instead:
Fly on the Tuesday or Wednesday before: Let Labor Day weekend become closer to a week by jetting off earlier than the folks leaving Thursday or Friday, assuming you have enough vacation days to use (or can work remotely). You’ll have more time away from home and be more relaxed without the big airport crowds.
Travel on Saturday: Crowds are light on Saturdays before and after the holiday. So, rather than rushing out of work on Friday afternoon to catch a flight, opt for the morning flight the next day.
That Saturday morning flight might also reduce your risk of delays, too. According to travel booking site Hopper’s Flight Disruption Outlook for Spring 2023, flights departing after 9 a.m. are twice as likely to be delayed than departures scheduled from 5-8 a.m.
Fly home the Sunday before: While most folks fly home on Labor Day Monday, you might get a head start by flying home on Sunday. Sure, you’ll have one less vacation day than folks following your same itinerary departing Monday, but that’s not a bad thing. By returning Sunday night, you’ll have a whole day to refresh and prepare for the week ahead by doing laundry, meal prepping or catching up on potential jetlag. Sometimes the nicest way to relax is by taking a vacation from your vacation. | https://www.ksn.com/news/the-busiest-days-to-fly-around-labor-day-2023/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:23 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/the-busiest-days-to-fly-around-labor-day-2023/ |
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- FlyHouse, a leading private aviation company, proudly announces the addition of two state-of-the-art aircraft to its luxury fleet - N25GV Gulfstream V and N435HC Gulfstream IV-SP. With these new additions, FlyHouse continues its mission to revolutionize the private aviation industry, offering discerning travelers an unmatched experience of luxury, comfort, and convenience.
"We are thrilled to welcome these exceptional aircraft to our growing fleet," stated Jack E. Lambert, Jr., CEO at FlyHouse. "As a company dedicated to setting new standards for unrivaled luxury and service, these additions perfectly embody our vision for the future of private aviation. Our discerning clientele recognizes the value of our transparent and application-based charter approach."
The Gulfstream V (N25GV) is a remarkable aircraft designed to accommodate up to 16 passengers with Domestic Wi-Fi for a connected flying experience. Enhanced with new paint and interior, the Gulfstream V ensures its passengers a stylish and technologically advanced journey. The aircraft is based on PBI, providing travelers with a convenient departure point.
FlyHouse's Gulfstream IV-SP (N435HC) caters to up to 13 passengers and also features Domestic Wi-Fi for connectivity during the flight. This aircraft is based on TEB, further expanding the company's accessibility for its valued clientele.
FlyHouse's innovative approach to transparent aircraft management, technology-based chartering model, and unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service have attracted experienced private aircraft owners and discerning travelers since its inception.
The company's dedication to excellence extends beyond fleet expansion. FlyHouse's rapidly growing team of highly skilled and experienced pilots, attentive crew members, and dedicated ground staff work tirelessly to ensure every flawless journey, offering clients a peaceful and unrivaled flying experience.
About FlyHouse:
FlyHouse is a leading private aviation company based in Los Angeles, California, disrupting the old industry model by offering transparent aircraft management, a technology-based chartering model, and exceptional customer service. With a growing fleet of luxury aircraft, FlyHouse provides discerning travelers and experienced private aircraft owners with an unparalleled flying experience, seamlessly combining luxury, comfort, and convenience. For more information, visit https://www.flyhouse.us/.
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SOURCE FlyHouse | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/flyhouse-elevates-private-aviation-with-two-new-gulfstreams-its-luxury-fleet/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:22 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/flyhouse-elevates-private-aviation-with-two-new-gulfstreams-its-luxury-fleet/ |
(NEXSTAR) – When it comes to retirement, where you live can greatly affect just how golden your post-career years actually are.
A new study from Bankrate ranks all 50 U.S. states when it comes to affordability, overall well-being, healthcare quality/cost, weather and crime. With soaring inflation and a volatile stock market, affordability was given the most statistical weight, with the others decreasing respectively.
Iowa is the best state in which to retire, the study found, thanks to its affordability (3), quality/cost of health care (11) and crime (12).
“Choosing where to retire is deeply personal, but Iowa’s affordable cost of living, inexpensive but high-quality health care and low crime make it a compelling option for retirees looking to stretch their retirement income in this economy,” said Bankrate analyst Alex Gailey. “In our overall ranking, the best and worst states for retirees are split geographically. The Midwest and the South claim the top five states, while the Northeast and West claim the bottom five states, primarily because of the differences in cost of living.”
For some residents nearing retirement in Alaska – ranked 50 out of 50 – New York (49), California (48), Washington (47) and Massachusetts (46), a move toward the middle of the country could pay off, Bankrate’s findings suggest.
While all five of the least favorable states scored poorly when it came to affordability, Alaska also ranked last for weather and 49th for crime.
“For many Americans, a comfortable retirement may feel out of reach,” Gailey said. “After battling elevated inflation over the last two years, relocating to find cheaper housing or a lower cost of living may be a good alternative for retirees who have tighter budgets but want to retire comfortably. If you’re considering a late life move to lower your cost of living in retirement, our rankings provide some food for thought.”
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reports that an increasing number of retirees left their home state to find cheaper housing in 2022.
The annual study from Hire A Helper, an online moving-services marketplace, found that 12% of American retirees moved for that reason in 2022, the highest percentage since 2014.
“That kind of cost consciousness is something we haven’t seen at this level since 2014,” Miranda Marquit, chief data analyst at Hire A Helper, told AARP, citing Census data. | https://www.pahomepage.com/uncategorized/these-are-the-5-worst-states-to-retire-in-study-finds/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:23 | 0 | https://www.pahomepage.com/uncategorized/these-are-the-5-worst-states-to-retire-in-study-finds/ |
Customer stories from Boeing, Bell Canada, CVS Health, and ServiceNow added to 2023 SAFe Summit Nashville lineup
BOULDER, Colo., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Scaled Agile, Inc. has announced the lineup of keynotes and speakers for the 2023 SAFe® Summit Nashville which takes place August 15 - 18, 2023 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. The event represents the world's largest convergence of SAFe professionals and industry thought leaders focused on using SAFe to stay resilient amidst a rapidly-changing world by practicing Agile methods and cultivating strong organizational cultures.
The multi-day event offers keynotes, technical talks, customer stories, Lighting Talks, post-event workshops, and the popular SAFe Experts Coaching Station. Other opportunities include Partner Marketplace, Product Labs, Industry Roundtables, and Women in Agile.
Key Dates
- August 16 - 17: Main conference and evening receptions
- August 18: Post-conference workshops
"With tech modernization a critical focus for business leaders, smart portfolio management has become increasingly important to ensure that technology improvements impact the entire organization," said Chris James, CEO of Scaled Agile, Inc. "With that in mind, we're delighted to welcome leaders from FedEx and Accenture to share how FedEx's innovative approach to portfolio management at the top level of the corporation enabled them to apply full force to the most important investments in a way that would make a big difference to the whole company."
Highlights include:
- Keynote: The Power of True Enterprise Business Agility. FedEx's EVP Global IT, Ken Spangler, and Steve Davis, Managing Director, Accenture, will explore the challenges faced by FedEx, the breakthroughs that made agility possible, and the powerful results they achieved with SAFe
- Keynote: Vinicius Pabon, CDO GM Digital Transformation of Petrobras, shares how one of the world's largest producers of oil and gas leveraged SAFe to shift mindsets and language among leaders and engineers
- Customer stories from Boeing, Bell Canada, CVS, and ServiceNow provide rare behind-the-scenes stories of collaboration, challenges, and wins
- Keynote: Chief Methodologists Dean Leffingwell and Andrew Sales will present "The Secret to Empowering Teams and Accelerating Flow"
- Post-conference workshops: Applying SAFe Across the Enterprise, Coaching Flow & Kanban in SAFe, Measure What Matters, Unsticking Your SAFe Transformation: A Change Leadership Perspective, and Value Stream Identification for Really Big Systems
Attendees seeking SAFe consulting, training, or platform solutions can connect with more than 30 sponsor exhibitors, including Accenture, Apptio, Broadcom, Inc., Cornerstone Agility, Inc., monday.com, NTT Data, and Seibert Media GmbH (Agile Hive).
Registration is open at safesummit.com/2023nashville.
About Scaled Agile, Inc.:
Scaled Agile, Inc. is the provider of SAFe®, the world's most trusted system for business agility. Through integrated solutions that help teams unlock better ways of working, Scaled Agile is redefining the way the world's leading organizations identify and deliver customer value, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and improve business outcomes. Over 20,000 businesses and government agencies rely on SAFe and Scaled Agile's Global Partner Network to accelerate digital innovation and compete in a fast-changing marketplace. Learn more at scaledagile.com.
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SOURCE Scaled Agile, Inc. | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/leaders-fedex-petrobras-headline-2023-safe-summit-nashville-august-15-18/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:23 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/leaders-fedex-petrobras-headline-2023-safe-summit-nashville-august-15-18/ |
Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic because of his strident opposition to vaccines. Yet, he insists he’s not anti-vaccine. He has associated with influential people on the far right – including Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon and Michael Flynn – to raise his profile. Yet, he portrays himself as a true Democrat inheriting the mantle of the Kennedy family.
As he challenges President Joe Biden, the stories he tells on the campaign trail about himself, his life’s work and what he stands for are often the opposite of what his record actually shows.
Though Kennedy’s primary challenge to a sitting president is widely considered a long-shot, he’s been sucking up media attention due to his famous name and the possibility that his run could weaken Biden ahead of what is expected to be a close general election in 2024. He’s drawn praise from Republican presidential candidates like Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Meanwhile, Trump supporters, including his longtime ally Roger Stone, have ginned up interest by floating a Trump-Kennedy unity ticket.
Debra Duvall, 62, who lives in Fort Myers, Florida, and said she serves on the Lee County GOP executive committee, described herself as a longtime Trump supporter, but said she’s torn for 2024.
“I’ll take Trump or RFK. Either one,” she said, explaining that she was drawn to both because she believes they can’t be bought.
That kind of support has demonstrated some of the contradictions in Kennedy’s candidacy. He has said he wants to “reclaim” the Democratic Party, while aligning himself with far right figures who have worked to subvert American democracy. He touts his credentials as an environmentalist, yet pushes bitcoin — a cryptocurrency that requires massive amounts of electricity from supercomputers to generate new coins, prompting most environmental advocates to loudly oppose it.
And though he peppers his speeches, podcast appearances and campaign materials with invocations of the Democratic Party legacies of his uncle President John F. Kennedy and his father Robert F. Kennedy, his relatives have distanced themselves from him and even denounced him.
“He’s trading in on Camelot, celebrity, conspiracy theories and conflict for personal gain and fame,” Jack Schlossberg, President Kennedy’s grandson, said of his cousin in an Instagram video earlier this month. “I’ve listened to him. I know him. I have no idea why anyone thinks he should be president. What I do know is, his candidacy is an embarrassment.”
Kennedy’s recent comments that COVID-19 could have been “ethnically targeted” to spare Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people — which he denies were antisemitic but concedes he should have worded more carefully — also drew a condemnation from his sister, Kerry Kennedy.
The contradictions between what Kennedy says and his track record were nowhere more apparent than when he testified before a congressional committee this month at the invitation of Republican members.
Anti-vaccine activists, some who work for Kennedy’s nonprofit group Children’s Health Defense, sat in the rows behind him, watching as he insisted “I have never been anti-vaxx. I have never told the public to avoid vaccination.”
But that’s not true. Again and again, Kennedy has made his opposition to vaccines clear. Just this month, Kennedy said in a podcast interview that “There’s no vaccine that is safe and effective” and told FOX News that he still believes in the long-ago debunked idea that vaccines can cause autism. In a 2021 podcast he urged people to “resist” CDC guidelines on when kids should get vaccines.
“I see somebody on a hiking trail carrying a little baby and I say to him, better not get them vaccinated,” Kennedy said.
That same year, in a video promoting and anti-vaccine sticker campaign by his nonprofit, Kennedy appeared onscreen next to one sticker that declared “IF YOU’RE NOT AN ANTI-VAXXER YOU AREN’T PAYING ATTENTION.”
A close examination of Kennedy’s campaign finance filings shows that the anti-vaccine movement lies at the heart of his campaign.
Several of his campaign staff and consultants have worked for his anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense, including Mary Holland, the group’s president on leave, campaign spokeswoman Stefanie Spear, and Zen Honeycutt, who hosted a show for the group’s TV channel, CHD TV.
Children’s Health Defense currently has a lawsuit pending against a number of news organizations, among them The Associated Press, accusing them of violating antitrust laws by taking action to identify misinformation, including about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines.
The campaign paid KFP Consulting, a Texas-based company run by Del Bigtree, head of the anti-vaccine group ICAN, and a leading voice in the movement, more than $13,000 for communications consulting, the AP found. Bigtree appeared to still be working for the campaign last week, when an AP reporter saw him helping facilitate a Kennedy event in New York.
Kennedy also has received substantial support from activists who have spread misinformation about the coronavirus and vaccines, including Steve Kirsch, an entrepreneur who has falsely claimed COVID-19 vaccines kill more people than they save, chiropractors Patrick Flynn and Kevin Stillwagon, and others.
Ty and Charlene Bollinger, who run an anti-vaccine business and who the AP has previously reported have had a financial relationship with Kennedy, gave more than $6,000. The couple, along with Kennedy’s communication consultant Bigtree, were involved in hosting a rally near the Capitol on Jan. 6, and Ty Bollinger has said he was among the people who crowded at the Capitol doors in an attempt to get inside, though he said he did not enter.
The couple is a part of the Children’s Health Defense lawsuit against AP and other media outlets.
American Values 2024, a super PAC supporting Kennedy, is run by close associates to Kennedy who have propped up anti-vaccine ideas — the former head of the New York chapter of Children’s Health Defense John Gilmore is its CEO and Kennedy’s publisher Tony Lyons is its co-chair.
The Kennedy campaign did not return emails seeking comment about a number of questions, including how he can say he is not anti-vaccine given his record and his support from anti-vaccine activists.
Kennedy’s run is also getting plenty of financial support from the right. A super PAC supporting Kennedy’s presidential run, called Heal the Divide PAC, has deep ties to Republicans, F ederal Election Commission records show.
The committee’s address is listed in the care of RTA Strategy, a campaign consulting firm that has been paid for its work to help elect Republicans including Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and the former Georgia Senate candidate Herschel Walker.
The PAC’s treasurer, who works for RTA Strategy, is Jason Boles, a past donor to Trump and many other Republicans who includes “MAGA” and “AmericaFirst” in his bio on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Kennedy denied knowing Boles or the Heal the Divide PAC when it came up at the congressional hearing, saying, “I’ve never heard of Mr. Boles, and I’ve never heard of that super PAC.”
But video available online shows he was a guest speaker at a Heal the Divide event just two days earlier. The video features a “Heal the Divide 2024” logo with clips of him speaking at length about plans to back the U.S. dollar with bitcoin and precious metals.
Kennedy says that as president, he would fight for government honesty and transparency, heal the political divide, reverse economic decline, end war and preserve civil liberties. He has made freedom of speech a major part of his platform, arguing that the government’s communication with social media companies unfairly censors protected speech.
Kennedy’s press office did not respond to several messages asking about his support from the far right.
It also did not respond to questions about whether his stance on bitcoin was at odds with being an environmentalist.
Kennedy lists the environment as one of six top priorities on his campaign website and has spent many years speaking against pollution and climate change as an environmental lawyer. Yet he has made supporting the energy-intensive cryptocurrency bitcoin a key part of his platform.
Bitcoin mining, the process of generating new coins, uses massive amounts of electricity — more than some entire countries use, said Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group.
That’s because it works by tasking a network of supercomputers with solving complex mathematical puzzles — even as some other cryptocurrencies have adopted far more energy efficient mining methods.
“No one who claims to be an environmentalist could support a digital asset that needlessly consumes more electricity than all Americans use to power the lights in our homes,” Faber said. “In fact, bitcoin produces more climate pollution than any other digital asset.”
Despite the environmental downsides of bitcoin, some Democrats, including elected officials, have advocated for the currency.
Kennedy, for his part, told a crowd at Bitcoin 2023 that environmentalists like himself “will continue to pressure you to improve.” Online, he has promoted the argument that demand for bitcoin will boost investment in new renewable energy projects.
Regardless, his financial disclosure documents show he has already personally invested between $100,001 and $250,000 in bitcoin, and he promised at Bitcoin 2023 that he wouldn’t let the environmental argument hinder the currency’s use.
“As president, I will make sure that your right to hold and use bitcoin is inviolable,” he said.
During the past several years, Kennedy has cultivated his ties to the far right. He has appeared on Infowars, the channel run by Sandy Hook conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. He has granted interviews to Trump ally Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson. After he headlined a stop on the ReAwaken America Tour, the Christian nationalist road show put together by former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, he was photographed backstage with Flynn, Charlene Bollinger and Trump ally Roger Stone.
Those appearances have led to goodwill on the right, and he has found enthusiastic support among a segment of Trump’s base, with some suggesting him as a potential vice presidential pick.
At a July 1 rally in the tiny town of Pickens, South Carolina, Adrian Palashevsky – a small businessman who described himself as more of a “libertarian” than a Republican – posited a unity ticket, with Kennedy as his top pick for Trump’s VP.
“I think they would get along just fine,” he said. “They’re both anti-establishment, and that’s why they’re under so much attack.”
DeSantis, one of Trump’s Republican challengers, has also indulged in praise for the fringe candidate, saying in a recent interview that while he wouldn’t make Kennedy vice president, he would consider appointing him to one of the federal agencies that regulates vaccine safety and protects public health.
“If you’re president, you know, sic him on the FDA if he’d be willing to serve, or sic him on CDC,” DeSantis said.
Not everyone is buying the Kennedy mystique.
At the annual meeting of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in New York earlier this month, Kennedy leaned heavily on his family legacy, mentioning his father’s alliance with labor leader Cesar Chavez and his uncle’s work in Latin American countries.
But in his nearly 20-minute speech, he didn’t lay out any plan or policy proposals of his own, or talk about specific issues facing the Latino community. He spent most of his time telling a story about getting arrested with the Mexican American actor Edward Olmos in 2001, an attempt at relating with the community that disappointed both Republicans and Democrats in the audience.
Mario Ceballos, president of a PAC representing LGBTQ+ Latinos, said Kennedy’s speech — and the candidate’s conspiracy theory beliefs — saddened him.
“When I was living in Mexico, Kennedy was an American president that my whole family respected,” Ceballos said. “And what he is presenting are esoteric, dangerous options that are actually going to hurt the same people that his father and uncle wanted to help.”
___
Associated Press writers Jill Colvin in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Meg Kinnard in Pickens, South Carolina, contributed to this report.
___ The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about AP’s democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/rfk-jr-says-hes-not-anti-vaccine-his-record-shows-the-opposite-its-one-of-many-inconsistencies/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world | 2023-07-31T13:52:25 | 0 | https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/rfk-jr-says-hes-not-anti-vaccine-his-record-shows-the-opposite-its-one-of-many-inconsistencies/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_nation-world |
SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Capewell, a global leader in custom-engineered survivability and aerial delivery solutions, proudly announces it has received the prestigious AS9100 certification for its technical sewing and survivability campus in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. The certification, which is a globally recognized standard for quality management systems (QMS) in the aviation, space, and defense sectors, underscores Capewell's unwavering dedication to exceptional quality and superior solutions for the Armed Forces around the world.
"We are immensely proud to have been ISO 9001 certified, and now AS9100 certified," said Thomas Weidley, Capewell's CEO. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Virginia technical sewing and survivability team, who consistently strive to deliver excellence in every aspect of our operations. AS9100 not only validates the effectiveness of our quality management systems but also demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with the safest, most reliable, and highest-quality products."
Built upon the foundations of ISO 9001, a globally recognized standard that sets the requirements for exceptional quality management systems and the most widely used standard in the world, AS9100 is specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of the civilian and military aviation sector.
AS9100 provides organizations with a strategic approach to address quality enhancement goals by creating a comprehensive system to help organizations design, create, and deliver safe and reliable products while adhering to customer, legal, and regulatory requirements. This certification ensures that manufacturers are consistently producing safe and reliable products.
"By obtaining the AS9100 certification, Capewell demonstrates that the highest standards of quality management are in place for all products manufactured at our facilities," said Cathy Roberts, Quality Assurance and Contract Manager who oversaw the certification application process. "This achievement represents a significant milestone in our pursuit of continuous improvement and reinforces our commitment to meeting and exceeding the expectations of our valued customers."
On average, it takes three to six months for a company to complete the strict and rigorous internal and external audits required to be certified.
Achieving the AS9100 certification now at all our facilities in the U.S., places Capewell among the ranks of the world's leading aerospace companies, showcasing the organization's adherence to the highest industry standards. As an AS9100 certified company, Capewell's presence will be featured in the Online Aerospace Supplier Information System (OASIS), which is maintained by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQC). OASIS serves as a vital resource for the industry, enabling customers and suppliers alike to connect efficiently and explore potential partnerships.
About Capewell
Founded in 1881, Capewell is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of survivability and aerial delivery products and services for the defense community. With locations in the United States and Europe, Capewell supplies the Department of Defense, Allies, and Partners around the world with the most innovative, most effective custom-engineered solutions capable of withstanding today's dangerous operating environments. The company also offers training and doctrine development as part of its mission to save lives and increase success. Capewell maintains strong relationships with large government prime contractors and is a vital part of the global supply chain.
To learn more, visit www.capewell.com.
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SOURCE Capewell | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/capewell-achieves-as9100-certification-strengthening-commitment-quality-safety-aerospace-industry/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:28 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/capewell-achieves-as9100-certification-strengthening-commitment-quality-safety-aerospace-industry/ |
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — Right now, there are three active meteor showers. Their peak viewing times are approaching in the next few weeks, and they are, conveniently, all going to be on Saturday and Sunday.
For optimal meteor shower viewing, it’s best to be in an area with little or no light pollution.
Perseids
According to NASA, the Perseid Meteor Shower is the best one happening this year, and viewers can see up to 100 meteors per hour. The shower became visible in the northern hemisphere on July 14 and will be around until Sept. 1.
If you want to see the Perseids at its peak, plan a night of stargazing for Aug. 12 or 13, according to NASA. For best viewing, NASA says to look during the pre-dawn hours, although meteors and fireballs could be visible as early as 10 p.m. The meteors will originate near the Perseid constellation and will be more easily-found constellation Cassiopeia.
The Perseids shower is expected to be very visible this year because the moon will not be as bright. This means the sky will be darker, making meteors more visible.
Delta Aquariids
The Delta Aquariids are not usually as impressive as the Perseids, but without a noticeable peak, you have a longer window for possibly seeing meteors from this shower. According to the American Meteor Society, the shower will be visible primarily in the southern tropics between July 18 and Aug. 21, with an estimated peak around Sunday, July 30. The northern hemisphere is less likely to see the Delta Aquariids than the southern.
July 30 is also a full moon, making 2023 less favorable for seeing the Delta Aquariids. Those who want to look for them should look toward the Delta Aquarii constellation from around 2 a.m. to dawn.
Alpha Capricornids
If you want a double chance to see more fireballs, July 30 might be your night, because in addition to the Delta Aquariids, the Alpha Capricornids are also expected to peak that night in 2023. The Alpha Capricornids are visible from July 7 to Aug. 15 but are considered much weaker than the other showers listed above, with only about five meteors visible per hour, but according to the AMS, the shower can have some pretty impressive fireballs in lower quantities.
The shower can also be seen equally as well in the northern and southern hemispheres. | https://www.ksn.com/news/the-next-3-meteor-showers-peak-on-weekends-what-to-know/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:29 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/the-next-3-meteor-showers-peak-on-weekends-what-to-know/ |
BOSTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 25, 2023, Fosun Health Capital established by Fosun Pharma (stock code:600196.SH), reached a strategic partnership with Medicilon (stock code: 688202.SH). Meanwhile StarMab Biology (Suzhou) (jointly invested by the innovation drug research fund of Fosun Group and Yaopharma) and Medicilon entered into a strategic cooperation for innovative drug IND research and application services. This strategic partnership indicates a significant step forward in the cooperation between Fosun Health Capital and Medicilon, with milestone for both parties' development.
Cui Zhiping, Co-CEO and General Manager of Fosun Health Capital, Chen Chunlin, Founder and CEO of Medicilon, along with members from both sides attended the signing ceremony together and witnessed the contract.
According to the strategic cooperation agreement, Medicilon will leverage its international perspective and rich experience in R&D to provide innovative drug enterprises invested by Fosun Health Capital with services，such as drug discovery, pharmaceutical research, preclinical research, IND registration declaration, etc., aiming to facilitate cooperation in 10 innovative drug IND projects. Medicilon will also provide professional opinions on the rationality of product development clinical programs, product success probability analysis, product market potential, etc.
Furthermore, Medicilon will facilitate investment cooperation and create an ecosystem linking innovative drug investment and business cooperation. As for StarMab Biology, Medicilon will provide comprehensive and high-quality preclinical research services. Through this strategic cooperation, all parties will integrate respective technology, market and talent advantages, embrace the trends and technological changes in bioengineering and pharmaceutical industry, promote deeper and broader exploration in various fields, and explore the possibilities of new drug development.
About Fosun Health Capital:
As the first VC fund in the field of new drugs initiated by Fosun Pharma, Fosun Health Capital primarily invests biopharmaceutical sector projects in early-stage and expansion-stage, which have technological innovation and rapid growth potential. It is committed to incubating high-quality projects from universities and research institutes and introducing leading overseas biotechnology technologies and products to China through introduction and cooperation models.
About Medicilon:
Medicilon as an integrated CRO provides comprehensive one-stop R&D services for pharmaceutical enterprises and scientific research institutions around the world. Medicilon has built an integrated platform covering key technologies in drug discovery, pharmaceutical research, and preclinical research, to provide comprehensive preclinical R&D services for the global biomedical industry.
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SOURCE Medicilon Inc. | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/fosun-health-capital-reached-cooperation-agreement-with-medicilon-explore-innovative-drug-research-development-together/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:29 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/fosun-health-capital-reached-cooperation-agreement-with-medicilon-explore-innovative-drug-research-development-together/ |
Expert shares advice for navigating dating and relationships in the digital age, from distractions to jealousy and more
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dating.com – part of Dating Group, the company behind over 40 online dating sites – today released newly collected survey data that sheds light on the impact that social media has had on dating in recent years. According to the findings, it's going down in the DMs, with 47% of respondents admitting that their relationship began because their partner decided to shoot their shot in a private social media message. Additionally, 55% of men reported that they believe "sending likes" is an effective tactic to make a connection online that can move into real life.
Other key survey findings include:
- 58% of respondents shared that they have used a social networking site that is not primarily for dating (such as Instagram and LinkedIn) to find and meet new partners.
- 60% looked through their partner's social media apps without that person's knowledge.
- 40% felt their current significant other's social media profile was "an ick."
- 72% shared that social media has been a cause of conflict either in their current or previous relationship.
- 42% have experienced infidelity from a partner as a result of connections made through social media.
- 79% used social media to "hard launch," or announce, their relationship.
- 40% found out their current partner had been leaving "thirsty" comments under someone else's posts, before their relationship started.
- 50% admitted to fighting with their partner about still having an ex's photos visible on their Facebook or Instagram pages.
- 55% say their partner is often distracted by social media on their cell phone while they are trying to have a conversation with them.
"In some cases, social media sites can still be seen as the cause of conflict in relationships," said Maria Sullivan, Vice President and Dating Expert of Dating.com. "However, social media use should not consistently be a cause of stress in a healthy relationship. Instead, it should mostly be a fun way to connect with friends and family - and to show off your relationship, if that's your vibe - without creating worries about your partner making new romantic connections. It can even serve as another way to bond with your partner if you're using it to send funny memes or informational posts about your shared interests. Socials are often blamed as the root cause of conflict, however a person's overall behavior while they're in a committed relationship is what should be under the microscope. Whether they're using their social media profiles to creep on other prospects is only a reflection of what their true larger intentions are, on and off these platforms."
Maria's tips for preventing social media-related conflict in your relationship include:
- Communicate your concerns. What your partner doesn't know about, they can't fix. If you find that aspects of their social media activity (accounts they follow, posts they like, pages they view, etc.) are an issue, you should communicate those concerns to your significant other clearly. Whether they're too interested in sexy influencers, other men or women, or comedians with poor taste, secretly letting it bother you will likely lead to it becoming a bigger conflict, and you and your SO might both be surprised by how angry you are when it all comes to light.
- Leave old social media behavior behind. If you have a situation where you really trust your partner, but you uncovered their shady social media activity from the past, you should set new boundaries for them to adhere to from this point on. Ask them to please unfollow accounts that make you uncomfortable, to refrain from liking photos that are focused on physical appearance, and to delete any old thirsty comments they left under someone else's posts before your relationship started. Whether they acquiesce or resist will speak volumes about their intentions.
- Set boundaries. In order to prevent conflict, communicate with your partner to understand what does and does not work for both of you when it comes to social media usage. For example, if your partner is actively following their ex on social media and having conversations with them in the DMs, and if there is a boundary you want to set here, you should draw the line. And to be fair, both you and your significant other should be able to adhere to the same guidelines.
- Don't look too far into it. While there are many cases where social media interactions can be a cause for concern, it is important to recognize that sometimes it's just not that deep. If you think you have a real problem on your hands, bring it to your partner's attention before it gets worse. However, if you are simply bothered by small or harmless things - like your significant other following people of the opposite gender on social media - you might have to recognize that you are creating an issue where there isn't one. If your SO isn't using their socials to make new romantic connections, and is focusing on you IRL, then consider putting more weight into how their actions make you feel out in the real world.
To learn more and meet your match, please visit www.dating.com.
About Social Discovery Group: Social Discovery Group (formerly SDVentures) is a global tech company comprising over 40 brands, an investment fund, and a venture studio. It focuses on solving issues of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection through social discovery companies. With offices on five continents and a team of more than 700 professionals, the company serves 250+ million users across 100 countries. For more information, please visit www.socialdiscoverygroup.com.
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SOURCE Dating.com | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/likes-love-dating-era-social-media/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:29 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/likes-love-dating-era-social-media/ |
(NEXSTAR) – The astounding critical and commercial reception of the new “Barbie” movie has catapulted all-things-Barbie back to the forefront of pop culture.
Even Allan!
Mattel’s Allan dolls — first introduced in the earlier half of the ‘60s as a “buddy” for Ken dolls — are currently experiencing increased demand among collectors and Barbie fans, with early specimens selling for upwards of $200 on eBay over the last several days.
The value of Allan dolls has increased, no doubt, due to Allan’s inclusion in the film. But that’s about the only effect the movie has had on the price of vintage Barbies, according to Barbie expert Rebecca Chulew, who has been featured such shows as “Collector’s Call,” “Toy Hunter” and “My Crazy Obsession.”
“Many vintage Barbies were produced by the millions and are easy to find,” said Chulew, who has sold over 10,000 Barbies on eBay and Macari over the years. “Everybody thinks they have a valuable Barbie. The truth is, the majority aren’t.”
Certain vintage Barbie dolls, meanwhile, might still be worth a pretty penny, but their value really isn’t tied to the movie, according to Chulew.
“The doll now is kind of holding steady,” she said. “It has a good value, but I don’t see it going up or down a lot.”
The most valuable Barbies, she said, continue to be the very first series of dolls ever produced in 1959. Specifically, the No. 1 or No. 2 Ponytail Barbies, which can fetch anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000 per doll, depending on condition, the inclusion of the original box, and — perhaps more importantly — the hair color.
“They made three blondes for every brunette,” said Chulew, who noted that brunette Ponytail Barbies from 1959 can sell for up to $6,000, even out of the box.
Chulew further said that sealed or boxed dolls don’t matter as much to many Barbie collectors, seeing as the early opaque boxes were more akin to “shoeboxes” and didn’t showcase the dolls. (“There’s a lot of [online] box sales going on” for folks who want just the packaging, she said.)
Another coveted doll is the Side-Part American Girl Barbie produced in the mid-‘60s, which can go for “about $3,000” (and reportedly once sold for almost double), according to the expert.
Collectors also tend to prize “Twist ‘n Turn” Stacey dolls (not to be confused with Stacie dolls) from the late ‘60s, as well as “Steffie-face” Barbies (i.e., a type of doll using a certain face mold) introduced a few years later. Both can sell for hundreds to the right collectors.
Other valuable dolls include rarer Barbies that weren’t widely produced — like the brunette mentioned above — and, specifically, Black Barbies. According to Chulew, first- and second-issue Francie dolls from 1967-1969 are tough to find, while Alpha Kappa Alpha Barbies (which commemorated the historically African American sorority) can go for up to around $1,000.
And then, there’s Allan.
Allan dolls — including the original from 1964, the bendable-leg version from 1965 and the Wedding Day Allan doll from 1990 — have seen a “slight increase [in value] due to the movie,” said Chulew, adding that sellers might be able to get a few hundred for each one.
The rest of the Barbie line, and even vintage dolls that were mentioned in the movie, are likely worth no more than they were last year.
“I think what you’re going to see in the next 30 to 60 days are a lot of people selling their childhood dolls. And a lot of them aren’t going to be valuable,” Chulew said. “A few rarities might be unearthed, but it might cause stagnation in the market. It’s going to be tough for collectors to sort through all the barbies being advertised as ‘rare’ when they’re not.”
Barbie collectors, on the other hand, might be busy scooping up other “Barbie”-movie merchandise to complete their collections or prepare for any future scarcity. For example, the collectible “Barbie” popcorn buckets from AMC are very “hot” right now, Chulew said, and certain dolls from Mattel’s latest line of movie-inspired figures are becoming hard to find, even if they’re still selling at retail prices.
“But they don’t appear to have made the Allan doll from the movie,” she lamented, “which may be a mistake on their part.” | https://www.ksn.com/news/your-vintage-barbie-dolls-might-be-worth-a-pretty-penny-if-you-have-the-right-ones/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:35 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/your-vintage-barbie-dolls-might-be-worth-a-pretty-penny-if-you-have-the-right-ones/ |
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Causal IQ, a leading programmatic solutions provider, today announced a strategic partnership with Quorum, the leading provider of real-time location data in digital media. The alliance is designed to enhance Causal IQ's travel profiles by complementing the offering with always-on, real-time location data.
This new capability will significantly enhance targeting, optimization, attribution, and analytics for travel marketers. It empowers them to leverage location history and analytics on Causal IQ's already robust 280MM US user profiles, enabling a nuanced and effective engagement strategy based on the past and predicted future locations of their users.
The innovative collaboration introduces an array of built-in features for advertisers. These include closed loop reporting for destinations that provide insights into downstream visitation activity, attraction visitation attribution, hotel stay activity, and more. The integration also equips marketers with a deeper understanding of their converting audience, enabling them to decipher what truly drives visitors to their key destinations and leverage that data for campaign optimization in real time.
Furthermore, Causal IQ's Custom Audience Solutions will now offer refined user profiling in categories such as intent, brand affinities, affluence, and travel preferences. Whether they are luxury seekers, family fun enthusiasts, foodies, or adventurers, this feature ensures that every traveler's unique tastes and aspirations are catered to in each interaction, from browsing to booking.
"The partnership between Causal IQ and Quorum is transformative for the travel space," said Jennifer Laing, VP of Operations at Causal IQ. "We are bringing unprecedented capabilities in audience identification, engagement, and attribution. The integration introduces millions of new actionable attributes to our Multivariate Performance Solution, offering a truly unparalleled resource for travel marketers."
"The partnership between Causal IQ and Quorum is a powerful convergence of cutting-edge technologies," said Ezra Doty, CEO of Quorum, Inc. "With Quorum's unrivaled location data, marketers now have the ability to truly maximize potential in driving advertising performance with Causal IQ. Together, our combined forces propel campaigns to new heights, forging a path where data-driven targeting meets visibility to real world destination visits, allowing travel brands to connect with their audiences like never before. We are thrilled to partner with Causal IQ and bring the best of both worlds together."
Causal IQ is excited to leverage this partnership to continue innovating in the travel industry, offering increasingly personalized and effective solutions for clients and consumers alike.
About Causal IQ
Causal IQ is a leading programmatic solutions provider built on the expertise of the best digital marketers in the industry. We partner with the world's leading brands, agencies and advocacy groups to drive success through dynamic digital advertising campaigns. By leveraging unique data points and optimization methodology, Causal IQ brings a human approach to data science and campaign activation.
To learn more, visit causaliQ.com
About Quorum, Inc.
Quorum is a leading provider of real-time location data, offering robust solutions that empower businesses to understand and interact with their audiences in innovative ways. With a focus on reliability and precision, Quorum is the go-to partner for companies seeking to leverage location data to enhance their marketing efforts.
Contact:
Sayed Hirmand
Sr. Manager, Marketing & Communications
Causal IQ
818.554.0001
shirmand@causaliQ.com
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SOURCE Causal IQ | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/causal-iq-quorum-partner-optimize-consumer-travel-profiles-with-real-time-location-data/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:35 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/causal-iq-quorum-partner-optimize-consumer-travel-profiles-with-real-time-location-data/ |
New video spot, "Dear Kitten: Modern Technology" finds Grey Cat and Orange Kitten all grown up and dealing with the digital age.
ST. LOUIS, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Dear reader, are you ready for adorable internet feline nostalgia? Friskies, the popular cat food and treat brand, has launched the revival of the playful 'Dear Kitten' series, which took the internet by storm when it was first released nearly 10 years ago. In partnership with BuzzFeed, the new installment, titled 'Dear Kitten: Modern Technology,' takes a humorous look at how technology has evolved over the years through the eyes of the original wise and experienced narrator, Grey Cat, while highlighting the special bond between humans and their feline companions.
Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9185151-purina-friskies-buzzfeed-dear-kitten-campaign-video/
In 'Modern Technology,' Grey Cat, voiced again by Ze Frank, shares valuable insights with Orange Kitten, now referred to as Orange Cat, as they navigate the rapidly changing landscape of modern devices. The video takes viewers on a comical journey, showcasing the entertaining and often perplexing situations cats experience when faced with today's advanced technology – including another daring encounter with Vacuum.
"It's been nearly a decade since you've heard from me, which I'm sure has been tough for you," said Grey Cat. "Although I am now older, I am also even wiser – like a furry sensei. I've witnessed advancements in technology that have both fascinated and bewildered me, so, it is once again my duty to get Orange Cat (and you, my feline friends) up to speed on the facts about this great big, weird world. Buckle up."
The original 'Dear Kitten' series, which captivated audiences with its witty storytelling, amassed hundreds of millions of views and resonated with pet lovers worldwide. The collaboration between Friskies and BuzzFeed provided an opportunity to once again create engaging and entertaining content that celebrates the unique bond between humans and their pets.
"Friskies is all about providing your cat with variety to feed their playfulness and curiosity, and with 'Dear Kitten', we brought that same playful spirit to life for cat lovers," said Kelly Roberts, Purina Brand Manager. "As we approach the 10-year anniversary of the original series, it felt like the perfect time to check-in to see what life is like today for our favorite feline duo and welcome a new generation of cat lovers into the 'Dear Kitten' family."
The 'Modern Technology' video was officially released on July 27, 2023, on BuzzFeed. The next video installment, titled 'Day in the Life of an Influencer' will be released later this Summer. To stay updated on the series visit BuzzFeed's official channels or follow Friskies on social media.
About Nestlé Purina PetCare
Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. Purina manufactures some of the world's most trusted and popular pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Friskies and Tidy Cats. Our more than 10,000 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 46 million dogs and 68 million cats every year. More than 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.
Purina promotes responsible pet care through our scientific research, our products and our support for pet-related organizations. Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive.
Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.
About BuzzFeed, Inc.
BuzzFeed, Inc. is home to the best of the internet. Across food, news, pop culture and commerce, our brands drive conversation and inspire what audiences watch, read, buy, and obsess over next. Born on the internet in 2006, BuzzFeed, Inc. is committed to making it better: providing trusted, quality, brand-safe news and entertainment to hundreds of millions of people; making content on the internet more inclusive, empathetic, and creative; and inspiring our audience to live better lives.
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SOURCE Friskies® | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/friskies-buzzfeed-reboot-dear-kitten-hit-video-series-after-nearly-decade/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:35 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/friskies-buzzfeed-reboot-dear-kitten-hit-video-series-after-nearly-decade/ |
SHELTON, Conn., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Logicbroker, a premier Supply Chain Experience Management (SCXM) eCommerce platform providing industry-leading drop ship, marketplace, and supply chain visibility solutions, is excited to announce that Matt Ramsbottom has joined the executive team as Chief Financial Officer.
Ramsbottom joins the Logicbroker executive team with over 14 years of experience scaling software companies through rapid expansion and driving significant ARR growth through organic and inorganic strategies.
"We are thrilled to welcome Matt to our team at Logicbroker," said the CEO of Logicbroker, Justin Hartanov. "His exceptional financial expertise and strategic vision will undoubtedly strengthen our position as an industry-leading supply chain experience platform. With Matt on board as our new CFO, we are confident in his ability to drive rapid financial growth and guide us through new avenues of success. Joining Logicbroker so close to one another, we are excited to seize the opportunities ahead and continue our commitment to delivering unparalleled white-glove service to our clients and partners."
As a technology partner for hundreds of enterprise retailers across the globe, Logicbroker is constantly working with our customers to improve core functions and increase their speed-to-market strategies, all while managing every evolving cost of operating as an API-driven Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) organization. Ramsbottom brings a proven track record in building the financial foundation of high-growth businesses, managing mergers and acquisitions, and executing financial strategies.
Under Ramsbottom's guidance, Logicbroker is poised to continue its surge as an industry leader and bolster its already proven drop ship and marketplace programs through increased hyper-growth strategies.
"I am honored and excited to join the remarkable team at Logicbroker as their new CFO," Ramsbottom said. "From my very first interactions with the company's leadership, I was deeply impressed by their unwavering dedication to innovation and customer-centricity. Being part of an industry-leading drop ship and marketplace eCommerce solution provider is an incredible opportunity, and I am eager to contribute my financial expertise and strategic insights to fuel the company's growth."
Join the Logicbroker team in providing a warm welcome for Ramsbottom as he comes into his own in his role as CFO and the team looks forward to working with him as we continue to scale our eCommerce solutions to meet the ever-changing eCommerce market.
To learn more about our comprehensive D2C and B2B drop ship, marketplace, and supply chain visibility offerings, please visit our website.
About Logicbroker
Logicbroker is the premier Supply Chain Experience Management (SCXM) eCommerce platform. Our unique B2B and D2C offerings give manufacturers and retailers a single source of truth for their supply chain, yielding real-time visibility and communications, higher compliance rates, lower transaction costs, and exceptional customer experiences. Through drop ship, marketplace, and supply chain visibility solutions, Logicbroker processes $6.3 billion in GMV each year and can help your organization achieve Supply Chain Excellence
Our integrated suite connects all participants of an organization's supply chain regardless of the type of business model: owned inventory, drop ship, or marketplace. We work with mid-market and Enterprise manufacturers and retailers across a number of verticals including Health & Wellness, Home Improvement, Consumer Electronics, Toys & Babies, and Consumer Packaged Goods and service brands such as Samsung, 1-800-Flowers, Victoria Secret, The Vitamin Shoppe, Walgreens, and RiteAid.
Media Contact:
Name: Becca McCarthy
Title: Director of Marketing
Email: bmccarthy@logicbroker.com
Phone: 203.751.1166
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SOURCE Logicbroker | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/logicbroker-appoints-matt-ramsbottom-chief-financial-officer-continuing-high-growth-initiative/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:36 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/logicbroker-appoints-matt-ramsbottom-chief-financial-officer-continuing-high-growth-initiative/ |
SAINT JOSEPH, Mo. (WDAF) — Harrison Butker has had a busy offseason, much like all of the players returning to the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
After gutting through an ankle injury for most of the 2022 season, Butker was arguably the Chiefs’ most important player in the playoffs.
The All-Pro kicker hit the game-winning kicks in the AFC Championship and Super Bowl LVII with less than 30 seconds to play in both games.
After enjoying the celebration festivities, Butker enjoyed this offseason by spending a week at a Catholic convent to pray and meditate, and he gave a commencement speech at his alma mater, Georgia Tech, thanks to the president of the Illustrious Atlanta University, leaving him a voicemail.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Butker said. “When you have a kick like that, there are a lot of people that want to hear what you have to say what you want to talk about. So to be able to be put on that platform on that stage is very humbling.”
With the ankle injury, he spent a little more time resting in the offseason than he usually does.
After spending the 2021 offseason researching body movements and training with a person who specializes in biomechanics on how to be a better kicker, he said he learned a lot of things to help him feel as strong as a kicker as he does now.
“Working on my plant foot, making sure that I wasn’t bending my knee a ton on the plant so that I could get more power and talking to me about what pitchers do,” Butker said.
“A lot of pitchers, if they’re a right-handed pitcher, when they land on that left foot before they throw the ball, there’s not a lot of knee bend. If anything, they’re trying to keep that knee straight so they can get a lot of torque in their hips, and I never thought about that.
“That was one thing I focused a ton on last offseason. So because I spent all last offseason doing that, this offseason, I didn’t really need to focus on that. The biggest thing was just making sure I’m consistent.”
Butker had to switch the way he kicked last season because of the injury, and that’s the way he kicks now. He felt that certain technique was a good, consistent way to finish the season for him, and he’s bringing that technique to this season, where he has consistently hit 50+ yarders against the wind in training camp.
“Just focusing on making sure the ball’s going through as consistent as possible. And I think if you’re swinging super hard, it makes it hard to be consistent. So I feel like I’m in a good rhythm right now,” Butker said.
Going into his seventh year, the Decatur, Georgia, native is in the prime of his career and is enjoying the life he didn’t know he wanted.
“I never thought I would be in this position to be an NFL kicker and then playing a Super Bowl, win two Super Bowls,” Butker said.
“It’s just a dream, and I almost have to pinch myself sometimes to tell myself that this is real, but just a blessing to have this platform and to be able to be here and have so much success with this Kansas City Chiefs team.” | https://www.ksn.com/sports/chiefs/chiefs-harrison-butker-working-to-get-back-to-pre-injury-form/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:41 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/sports/chiefs/chiefs-harrison-butker-working-to-get-back-to-pre-injury-form/ |
20 elite teams battled to be crowned Riyadh Masters 2023 champion, and Team Spirit claimed a share of the $15,000,000 prize pool
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dota 2 Riyadh Masters 2023 competition wrapped up yesterday after 12 days of thrilling matches featuring 20 elite teams vying for victory and taking home a share of the $15,000,000 prize pool. As one of the premier tournaments in the Dota 2 calendar, Riyadh Masters 2023 ran the globe's greatest teams through a round-robin group stage and then double-elimination playoffs in the popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA).
Among the teams competing for the top prize was Dota 2 powerhouse Team OG, the first team in Dota 2 history to win four Dota Major Championships. Team Tundra Esports, reigning champions of Dota's iconic "The International" tournament, also headed into the 2023 Masters amongst the favorites. Of course, there could only be one winner, and this achievement went to Team Spirit, who triumphed in the final, beating Team Liquid in an encounter for the ages.
The $15,000,000 prize pool is the largest available of any Dota 2 competition this season, and the action did not disappoint, with the stakes being so high. Over 120,000 fans tuned in to the official broadcast on Twitch to witness the epic showdown. Team Spirit reached the Grand Final for the second year in a row, knocking out the season's most dominant performer, Team Gaimin Gladiators, along the way and beating Team Liquid 2-1 in the upper-bracket final as the team looked to banish last years demons and finish in first place rather than second. Team Liquid earned a shot at their redemption by crushing Team Talon 2-0 in the lower bracket final. But the result of this eagerly anticipated rematch in the five-game Grand Final went to Team Spirit, an unassailable 3-1. As champions, Team Spirit left Gamers8 and Boulevard Riyadh City $5,000,000 richer, the runners-up collecting $2,500,000 from the overall prize pool.
Faisal bin Homran, Chief Esports Officer at the Saudi Esports Federation, said: "The Dota 2 Riyadh Masters tournament at Gamers8: The Land of Heroes has captured the imagination of the thousands in attendance at Boulevard Riyadh City's Esports Arena and the tens of millions watching avidly across the globe. Since July 19th, the global gaming and esports scene has been captivated by the exploits of the best Dota 2 teams and players in the world. Competing for a $15 million prize pool – the biggest third-party prize pool for a tournament ever – the action has been even more dramatic than anticipated and epitomizes the level of standard for which Gamers8 has become renowned. We congratulate Team Spirit on their success and thank all the teams, players, fans, sponsors, and partners at the Dota 2 Riyadh Masters for being part of a special moment in Saudi Arabian gaming history."
Although the Riyadh Masters may have finished, there's plenty more action on offer as part of Gamers8: The Land of Heroes in its 2023 edition. Esports athletes from around the world are competing in a 12-tournament lineup with a prize pool of $45 million to the soundtrack of musical superstars like Imagine Dragons, Alan Walker, and Metro Boomin', who are putting on a show for the crowds at Gamers8. The festival, the world's largest for gaming and esports, has been full of action since it kicked off in July, with seismic impacts such as Pakistan winning the Nations Cup in Tekken against a well-favored Korean team. Among the other titles taking center stage at Gamers8's home in Boulevard Riyadh City are Rocket League, PUBG Mobile, FIFA, and Counterstrike.
Fans can enjoy further exciting events as the festival continues through August 27th, following which the Gamers8 festival will conclude with a gaming and esports forum. Known as the 'Next World Forum,' it brings together sector leaders and experts from around the world to Saudi Arabia. Gamers8 is playing a key role in developing the grassroots esports scene in Saudi Arabia and providing opportunities for esports athletes around the world. Over 67% of Saudi citizens are gamers, and multiple world champions have come from the Kingdom already to win on the world's largest stages.
Media Kit: http://bit.ly/3QXvndE
Contact: jack@biggamesmachine.com
About Gamers8 – The Land Of Heroes:
Gamers8 is the world's largest gaming and esports festival and the destination for elite esports champions and gaming universe lovers. It's the ultimate place to compete for glory and become a hero walking among the worlds of your chosen story. Located in Riyadh at the heart of Saudi Arabia, Gamers8 spans a period of eight weeks from July to September 2023, with new challenges and experiences unlocked every week. You can watch the world's top esports teams compete for the highest prize pools, attend performances by global music artists, experience your favorite gaming platforms come to life, and learn the mysteries behind the creation of video games. Gamers8 is your world, and it's your adventure to choose.
Gamers8: The Land of Heroes follows the success of last year's Gamers8 at Boulevard Riyadh City. Gamers8 2022 saw the world's best teams and players battle it out across five top titles – Rocket League, Dota 2 Riyadh Masters, Fortnite, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege, and PUBG Mobile – for a prize pool of $15 million. The 2022 festival was visited by more than 1.4 million visitors and watched by more than 132 million people around the globe. A total of 391 professional players – representing more than 61 nationalities – and 113 international teams took part in world-class esports competitions. Gamers8: The Land of Heroes has a total prize pool of over $45 million – triple last year's grand prize total – and will host the elite of esports in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built venue at Boulevard Riyadh City. The festival will conclude with a gaming and esports forum, known as the 'Next World Forum', that brings together sector leaders and experts from around the world.
About SEF:
The Saudi Esports Federation is the regulating body in charge of nurturing elite gaming athletes and developing the gaming community and industry in Saudi Arabia.
The Federation's activities are categorized into two complementary streams. The first stream works to develop all levels of competitive gamers, starting with the grassroots community level and moving up to professional esports athletes that can achieve global excellence. The second stream works to develop the entire gaming/esports value chain by catalyzing the industry and enabling talent.
Since its establishment in late 2017, the federation has organized multiple world-class national and international tournaments and events, attracted investment from local private sector actors, and worked with international developers on opportunities in the Saudi market.
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SOURCE Saudi Esports Federation | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/champions-crowned-riyadh-masters-2023-wraps-up-dota-2-action-gamers8/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:41 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/champions-crowned-riyadh-masters-2023-wraps-up-dota-2-action-gamers8/ |
300PPM leads investment in the only proven solution to decarbonize process heat at scale
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, GlassPoint, the leader in decarbonizing industrial process heat, closed an $8M series A investment led by 300PPM and joined by former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, former Alcoa COO Tomas Sigurdsson and several additional industrial leaders. GlassPoint will use the investment to expand operations to help industrial companies decarbonize and meet looming net-zero commitments with the only solution proven to decarbonize industrial process heat at scale.
This is the first investment by 300PPM, which was founded in 2023 to accelerate the path to net-zero by deploying climate infrastructure globally at speed and scale. Howar Talabany, 300PPM founding partner and head of business development, led the investment and will join GlassPoint's board of directors.
"More than 40% of the Fortune 500 have set net-zero goals as leaders increasingly internalize the business and investor value that accompanies decarbonization," said Talabany. "They're also realizing that to deliver on these goals they need to scale viable solutions now. GlassPoint stands out in a sea of innovators as the only solution proven at scale to decarbonize the $444B industrial process heat market. With a robust customer pipeline and impressive executive team, GlassPoint is well positioned to lead essential decarbonization efforts across industries."
The funding comes on the heels of GlassPoint's groundbreaking memorandum of understanding with Ma'aden to develop the world's largest solar process heat plant to convert bauxite into alumina and help Saudi Arabia meet sustainability goals. GlassPoint has deployed more than half of all the solar steam for industry in the world and the company has been reliably producing solar steam for over a decade.
New regulations from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission will soon require publicly listed companies to disclose climate-related risks as well as information around direct and indirect carbon emissions, increasing pressure on leaders to develop actionable carbon-reducing strategies. Moreover, a recent Fortune 500 CEO survey found that a strong majority of business leaders believe focusing on climate will help deepen relationships with employees and customers.
"We are seeing strong interest around the world as consumer demand for sustainable goods, soaring ESG goals and the Inflation Reduction Act drive unprecedented investment in carbon-reducing technologies," said GlassPoint CEO and founder Rod MacGregor. "Every major industrial company is reassessing their supply chain, and GlassPoint provides the most cost-effective option to reduce carbon emissions immediately by delivering renewable heat at the scale they need. We look forward to putting this investment to work to help industrial leaders across the Middle East and North America decarbonize materials essential to the energy transition and combat climate change."
GlassPoint's solar steam solution is available for a range of hard-to-abate industries, including mining and metals. The company is accelerating adoption with a steam-as-a-service model that eliminates the need for capital allocation, streamlines customer decision making and reduces business risk.
About GlassPoint
GlassPoint decarbonizes the production of materials essential to the energy transition and makes a substantial impact on combating climate change. The company builds, owns and operates large-scale solar steam facilities to reduce carbon emissions in hard-to-abate industries such as mining and metals, chemicals, construction materials, desalination and more. GlassPoint is the only solution proven at scale to reduce carbon emissions from industrial process heat and has built more than half of the industrial solar steam capacity in the world. Learn more at glasspoint.com.
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SOURCE GlassPoint | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/glasspoint-closes-8m-series-help-industry-meet-pressing-net-zero-goals/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:42 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/glasspoint-closes-8m-series-help-industry-meet-pressing-net-zero-goals/ |
SHANGHAI, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LovelyWholesale (LW or the company), the international quick-to-market online women's fashion brand, successfully concluded its customer visit in four cities in the United States this month. The visit lasted for one month. In total, 30 customers were visited in four cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Miami.The visit represents not only LW's commitment to customer-centricity, but also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of its customer base.
Celebrating its 12th anniversary this year, LovelyWholesale aims to thank all customers who accompanied LW's growth over the years and dedicates to delivering exceptional customer experiences. This visit is also the delivery of LW's value of "Customer Satisfaction". "Our customers told us that no brand has ever done such a thing before. LovelyWholesale is the first brand they have met face-to-face. What they felt the most is the sincerity of the company. The company is doing things on the customer satisfaction aspect. " Said Jovan Mo, head of marketing.
Over the past year, LovelyWholesale has made efforts in reducing the customer complaint rate and the return rate, shortening the package delivery time, and fabric upgrades. Within the past year, LovelyWholesale has achieved a 17% decrease in the return rate and a 13% decrease in customer complaints. These improvements are all due to LovelyWholesale's pursuit of better customer service and strict quality control.
"We have continuously raised our requirements for fabrics, aiming to provide our customers with higher quality and more comfortable fabrics without price raising. For some products, we even iterate them three or more times. For products that do not meet our expected quality, we would rather delay their launch day and cover the cost until they meet the standards," said Monica, the head of the design department. "We are pleased to see more and more customers spontaneously giving five-star rates and posting their photos as reviews on our website. Customers are more satisfied with our products than before."
"Looking back at the 12 years we have journeyed; we have faced numerous challenges. We have remained loyal to our company value and brand mission, which is customer satisfaction and letting customers can find any fashion trend they want at ultra-affordable prices," said Leon, CEO of LovelyWholesale. "In the past year, we have also been committed to expanding LovelyWholesale across multiple platforms. We have established partnerships with Amazon, Aliexpress, Temu, and Shein, opening LovelyWholesale stores on their platforms. This gives our consumers more shopping options and enables more customers to know us. LovelyWholesale's Temu shop has already become one of the top-selling women's fashion stores in the United States area. We look forward to better ongoing development of LovelyWholesale in the future and will continue to work hard for it."
About LovelyWholesale:
Founded in 2010, LovelyWholesale supplies more than 10 thousand types of fashionable clothing, shoes, sexy lingerie, and accessories. The company focuses on providing higher-quality products at competitive prices to customers all over the world. LovelyWholesale customers know they can trust us for everything they need from the latest trend-led pieces to celebrity inspired looks, to the everyday wardrobe staples and that ultimate party piece. LovelyWholesale expects every customer can find their loved style and enjoy shopping here.
LovelyWholesale has factories and warehouses all around the world. With the great advantage of fabric resources and hundreds of fashion buyers, LovelyWholesale can provide customers with the latest fashion trends and affordable prices for the first time. Over the past 12 years of operation, LovelyWholesale has become one of the most popular online fashion stores in North America.
To learn more about LovelyWholesale, follow us at lovelywholesale.com and instagram.com/lovelywholesale_online
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SOURCE Lovelywholesale | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/lovelywholesale-visits-30-customers-new-york-city-los-angeles-atlanta-miami-appreciate-12-years-they-have-been-with-company/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:43 | 0 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/lovelywholesale-visits-30-customers-new-york-city-los-angeles-atlanta-miami-appreciate-12-years-they-have-been-with-company/ |
TORONTO (AP) — Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward was placed on the 10-day injured list with facial fractures on Sunday, a day after he was hit by a 91 mph pitch from Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah.
Ward was taken to a Toronto hospital after being struck in the fifth inning of Saturday’s 6-1 loss. He was released from the hospital Saturday evening.
To replace Ward, the Angels selected the contract of infielder Kevin Padlo from Triple-A Salt Lake.
Batting with the bases loaded, Ward was hit by a 2-0 pitch from Manoah. The ball appeared to strike Ward next to his next left eye, knocking off his batting helmet.
Plate umpire Andy Fletcher motioned to the Angels’ dugout for the trainer as Ward went down, blood running down his face. Angels staff rushed to the plate and held a towel to Ward’s face. After a couple of minutes, Ward got to his feet and left the field on a cart. His left eye appeared to be swollen shut.
A six-year veteran who has spent his entire career with the Angels, Ward is batting .253 with 14 home runs and 47 RBI in 97 games.
Earlier this season, Colorado Rockies pitcher Ryan Feltner suffered a skull fracture and a concussion after being struck by a line drive off the bat of Philadelphia’s Nick Castellanos. The ball hit Feltner on the back right side of his head, and he fell to the ground. He lay on his stomach as two members of the Rockies athletic training staff aided him. He was able to get on his feet and walked off the field with the assistance of the two trainers.
While it isn’t clear if Feltner will return this season — he was placed on the 60-day injured list after the May incident — he told reporters he does not “want to rule it out.” | https://www.ksn.com/sports/mlb-player-suffers-facial-fractures-after-being-hit-in-head-by-91-mph-pitch/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:47 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/sports/mlb-player-suffers-facial-fractures-after-being-hit-in-head-by-91-mph-pitch/ |
NEW YORK , July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Right now, in the United States, there are about 34.8 million kids aged 0 to 17 who are going through really painful times called adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The scariest part is that a CDC ACE Study found that going through six or more ACEs can take away almost 20 years from a person's life. But their stories can have a different ending. There is hope for positive change and healing.
Fred Scarf, the founder and CEO of BioFormula Select, turned his childhood scar into a successful company selling dark spot removal products called Stop Guessing. This journey brought him remarkable results, profitable success, and personal closure.
"When I was born, I had a dark spot on my face mistaken for dirt, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It helped me handle life's challenges, discover my strengths, and make meaningful contributions to my community. If I was going to carry childhood scars into adulthood, I wanted to finally heal the wound," says Scarf. Scarf graduated as the salutatorian in high school, earned a scholarship to UC Berkeley, and worked as a model in California.
BioFormula Select's Stop Guessing Dark Spot Removal products achieved impressive customer results and brought significant profits in Q2. The company's revenue surged by 320% compared to the earnings in Q2 of the previous year.
"My dark spot dilemma is solved, and my childhood wound is healed," says Scarf.
The CDC estimates that 21 million depression cases and 1.9 million heart disease cases potentially could have been avoided by preventing ACEs. ACEs cause $748 billion economic burden annually in the US, Canada, & Bermuda.
"I can't change my past and tell my younger self that the dark spot won't always be so dark, but I can tell the 34 million kids facing trauma and the 114 million Americans dealing with skin issues that their stories can still have a beautiful ending. A tiny spark of light can illuminate the way forward out of our darkest moments. Right now, darkness can turn into light, and dark spots can be removed," says Scarf.
With heat making dark spots worse and cold weather creating hyperpigmentation, Stop Guessing Skincare is ready to solve dark spot dilemmas in the upcoming fall and winter.
CONTACT: Fred@skedtap.com
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SOURCE BioFormula Select | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/childhood-scar-skincare-stardom-entrepreneur-transforms-pain-into-profitable-success-with-bioformula-selects-brand-stop-guessing-skincare/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:48 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/childhood-scar-skincare-stardom-entrepreneur-transforms-pain-into-profitable-success-with-bioformula-selects-brand-stop-guessing-skincare/ |
BEIJING, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chindata Group, ("Chindata" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CD), an industry leader in carrier-neutral hyperscale data center solutions, recently released its 2022 Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) report, showing the Company's impressive achievements in ESG management and green transformation. Most notably, Chindata's annual operating power usage effectiveness (PUE), a standard efficiency metric for power consumption in data centers, reached 1.21, significantly better than the industry average. The Company also announced the enterprise's supply chain carbon emissions for the first time.
Chindata is fully committed to the goal of zero carbon, integrating green concepts into the entire lifecycle of data center site selection, planning, design, construction, and operations, and continues to achieve carbon reduction goals. Highlights from the 2022 ESG report include:
Environmental: Chindata adheres to a zero-carbon principle and fully implements the concept of green environmental protection, while striving to achieve green development through technological innovation. According to the report, the Company's annual operating PUE showed a 1.21 energy efficiency level which is a significantly better number than the industry average. Additionally, by the end of 2022, Chindata had obtained and applied for 423 patents, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 50 percent, and its proprietary waterless cooling technology which can reach a water use efficiency (WUE) of zero had been put into use. From a green electricity standpoint, 220 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity were purchased in 2022, and accumulated green electricity obtained through transactions has reached almost 770 million kilowatt-hours.
Social: Chindata is committed to creating an era of value sharing that is inclusive, reciprocal, and beneficial, adheres to a diverse, open, and inclusive corporate culture, provides equal opportunities for employees, and builds a fair talent training system and believes that corporate development dividends can benefit employees, customers, value chain partners, and local communities. Women filled one-third of the Company's senior management roles in 2022, and close to 40 percent of employees saw promotion in the same year. Additionally, Chindata actively promotes sunlight capture and conversion and promotes the improved sustainable performance of its supply chain. In 2022, the company's overseas subsidiary Bridge Data Centres (BDC) received the esteemed 'Malaysia Digital Status' award, acknowledging significant contributions to Malaysia's digital economy.
Governance: Over the past year, Chindata has taken solid steps toward sustainable development by optimizing its governance structure, promoting technological innovation, and expanding the use of clean energy. Its ESG value model places stability and transparency, creative excellence, a mutually beneficial future, and green development as cornerstone elements. Moving forward, the Company will continue to build a new regional ecosystem and will also evolve the green gene in its DNA, drive low-carbon computing through technological innovation, and lead and promote the technological development of green data centers throughout the industry.
Huapeng Wu, Chief Executive Officer of Chindata Group, said, "The thriving global digital economy is witnessing an unprecedented surge, driven by rapid advancements in cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI). This growing focus on environmental sustainability has led to stringent green norms in data center construction. Consequently, the Internet Data Center (IDC) industry finds itself at the forefront of a transformative industrial shift, where the principles of eco-friendliness, low carbon footprint, resource efficiency, and operational intensity are paramount. By adhering to these principles, Chindata is fostering a symbiotic alliance between the green and digital economies, propelling a new era of green sustainable development."
At this pivotal juncture of digital economy advancement and energy transformation, Chindata leverages its core values of Stable, Advanced, Forward, Eco-friendly (SAFE) to enhance its ESG strategy. With a strong foundation in arithmetic and data, these four elements are ingrained in the Company's DNA, empowering Chindata to offer abundant computing power in a reliable, environmentally friendly, and high-quality manner. This transformation of electricity into superior computing power ensures Chindata's pivotal role in fueling the digital economy and shaping a promising digital future.
About Chindata Group
Chindata is a leading carrier-neutral hyperscale data center solution provider in Asia-Pacific emerging markets and a first mover in building next-generation hyperscale data centers in China, India, and Southeast Asia markets, focusing on the whole life cycle of facility planning, investment, design, construction and operation of ecosystem infrastructure in the IT industry. Chindata provides its clients with business solutions in major countries and regions in Asia-Pacific emerging markets, including asset-heavy ecosystem chain services such as industrial bases, data centers and network services.
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SOURCE Chindata Group | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/chindata-releases-2022-esg-report-revealing-above-industry-average-pue-121-with-accelerated-green-transformation/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:49 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/chindata-releases-2022-esg-report-revealing-above-industry-average-pue-121-with-accelerated-green-transformation/ |
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Herbalife, a premier health and wellness company and community, today introduced Herbalife V, its latest science-based product line, to better support consumers seeking plant-based options to benefit their overall health.
"Plant-based is no longer limited to vegans but has expanded to the general population looking to incorporate healthier options as part of their daily nutrition," said Humbi Calleja, vice president and general manager of Herbalife, North America. "Today's consumer is savvy, reads labels, and understands healthy ingredients, and with the launch of the Herbalife V, we are meeting their goals whether they eat only plants or mostly plants, want to add more plants to their diet, or are plant curious."
According to studies, plant-based lifestyles are on the rise. In fact, approximately 3% of Americans consider themselves vegan, up from 2% in 2012, while 5% are vegetarian. Additionally, almost half of Americans call themselves flexitarians.
"While following a plant-based lifestyle can be a very healthy way of eating, it may be tough to meet all your goals. For example, vegans seek good options to increase or meet their protein goals, including supplementation," said Dr. Luigi Gratton, vice president of Training at Herbalife. "Plant-based certified products like the shakes in the Herbalife V line can help you hit your macro target while taking out the guesswork of plant-based living."
Herbalife V is backed by science and rigorously tested for quality. All products are certified USDA Organic, non-GMO-verified, Kosher, and Plant-based and Vegan by FoodChain ID. Additionally, they are formulated with no soy or dairy and made with no artificial sweeteners or flavors. The product line offers five plant-based certified products that help simplify plant-based nutrition, including:
- Plant-based Protein Shakes
- Greens Booster
- Immune Support*
- Digestive Support*
Herbalife V is available in the U.S. and Puerto Rico exclusively through Herbalife independent distributors. Click here to learn more about this product.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
About Herbalife Ltd.
Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company and community that has been changing people's lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life.
For more information, please visit www.Herbalife.com or follow us on Twitter @HerbalifeUSA and Instagram @HerbalifeUSA.
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SOURCE Herbalife North America | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/herbalife-introduces-herbalife-v-new-product-line-meet-increased-consumer-demand-plant-based-options/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:49 | 0 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/herbalife-introduces-herbalife-v-new-product-line-meet-increased-consumer-demand-plant-based-options/ |
Customers dream of fast, flexible networking; Lumen now delivers in minutes
DENVER, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) launched its flagship capability on its Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) platform today. It's the first important step toward the company's bold vision to disrupt the telecom industry. By offering customers radical flexibility in how they buy, use, and manage networking services, Lumen is cloudifying traditional telecom.
"We have been preparing for this moment for a long time, building a world-class telecom network with state-of-the-art fiber, broad coverage and unsurpassed route diversity and scalability," said Kate Johnson, Lumen CEO. "Lumen's Network-as-a-Service offering takes the next step to deliver on our customers' networking dreams: the ability to fire up any port, with any service, at any time. It's your network, your way."
The Lumen NaaS Vision
Lumen® Internet On-Demand is the first and flagship service added to the Lumen NaaS platform, starting with limited availability. Over time, Lumen NaaS will expand to include security services, such as DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service), SASE (Secure Access Service Edge), and Edge services. The platform's fully digital, consumption-based model will set a new standard for customer experience and expectations.
"Lumen is putting the customer at the center of our Network-as-a-Service platform, creating a cloud-like experience for buying, consuming, and managing our network services," said Andrew Dugan, Lumen CTO. "Businesses are looking for a dynamic, dedicated internet connection, but they want it from a reliable and flexible network. Unlike some Network-as-a-Service players, Lumen can deliver on this promise because we own and manage our network."
Delivering on the Customer Dream
"Lumen plays an important role in helping content providers move video content to AWS," said Evan Statton, Sr. Principal Architect in M&E at AWS. For example, Fox Sports was able to bring its live sports content to AWS by using an on-demand connection aligned with Lumen's Network-as-a-Service platform. We look forward to continued work with Lumen to help AWS customers achieve their live cloud production goals."
Customers win big with Lumen's NaaS experience. They will use a digital portal or APIs (Application Program Interface) to order Lumen Internet On-Demand and future services for instant internet connections to public data centers and port-enabled business locations. They can quickly assign an existing port at a new enterprise building, connecting them to Lumen's network. Once established, the digital experience begins, including:
- A dedicated connection to one of the largest, most connected and secure networks in the world
- Ability to scale capacity in minutes
- Internet speeds from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps
- A consumption-based billing model; pay only for the time services are active, starting at hourly rates
- Real-time visibility into service performance and network usage
- Quick enablement of new capabilities
"Lumen has taken a pragmatic approach when it comes to understanding the evolving needs of the Network-as-a-Service market, in terms of matching user experience with capabilities offered," said Rohit Mehra, group vice president, Network and Telecommunications, IDC. "Using its high-capacity, global backbone network, Lumen Internet On-Demand delivers flexible network services for a customer-first approach. Lumen's commitment to providing an effortless operational experience holds promise for enterprises in terms of consuming, managing and upgrading their networks.
Aligning with Key Partners
Lumen NaaS will leverage a broad digital ecosystem of partners – including data center, cloud, technology, and managed service providers - to maximize impact and reach. Digital Realty is one of the first third-party data center providers to join the Lumen Network-as-a-Service Alliance Partner program. Joint customers can provision on-demand services using a digital portal or API in real-time and increase or decrease bandwidth as needed.
"We're delighted to be partnering with Lumen to redefine the enterprise digital transformation landscape," said Chris Sharp, CTO, Digital Realty. "Lumen's cutting-edge Network-as-a-Service solution combined with our global network of highly connected facilities and orchestration platform ServiceFabric™, empowers enterprises with on-demand, personalized experiences, revolutionizing the way networks are consumed and managed. This highlights our shared vision, as we unite to meet the evolving needs of our customers."
Lumen's new on-demand services will be updated and shared throughout the year. More information on Lumen Internet On-Demand can be found at https://www.lumen.com/en-us/networking/internet-on-demand.html.
About Lumen Technologies:
Lumen connects the world. We are dedicated to furthering human progress through technology by connecting people, data, and applications – quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Everything we do at Lumen takes advantage of our network strength. From metro connectivity to long-haul data transport to our edge cloud, security, and managed service capabilities, we meet our customers' needs today and as they build for tomorrow. For news and insights visit news.lumen.com, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, Twitter: @lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram: @lumentechnologies, and YouTube: /lumentechnologies.
This release may include forward-looking statements (as defined by the federal securities laws), which are subject to the "safe harbor" protections thereunder. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are based on current expectations only, are inherently speculative, and are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Actual events and results may differ materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected or implied by us in those statements. Factors that could affect actual results include, but are not limited to, each of the matters and risks referenced from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason, which speak only as of the date made.
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SOURCE Lumen Technologies | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/lumen-shakes-up-telecom-industry-with-network-as-a-service-offering/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:49 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/lumen-shakes-up-telecom-industry-with-network-as-a-service-offering/ |
PARIS (WAVY) – When it comes to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, organizers are focusing on sustainability. With that in mind, they say that all but two venues either already exist or will be temporary.
Symbols of the Olympics and Paralympics are already popping up across the city. The Hôtel de Ville, which is the current city hall in Paris, is one of many historic buildings across the city that will be used for venues, come next summer.
The historic Hôtel de Ville will be the start of the most legendary Olympic long distance race, the marathon.
The Stade de France and the Roland-Garros Stadium, which already host competitions on the world stage, will once again welcome fans into the stands next summer.
But historical sites, like the Grand Palais, the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River, will also be transformed into competition areas.
Places like the iconic Place de la Concorde, once the site of revolutionary protests and the guillotine, will now host some of the Olympics’ newer sports, including breaking, skateboarding and sport climbing.
So, a lot of changes coming to this historic city in the next year to prepare for the Summer Olympics. Another big change will be fans for the first time in two Olympics games.
The Opening Ceremony for Paris 2024 is July 26, 2024. | https://www.ksn.com/sports/olympics/sustainability-in-focus-ahead-of-paris-2024-olympics/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:53 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/sports/olympics/sustainability-in-focus-ahead-of-paris-2024-olympics/ |
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. (OTCMKTS: CMGR) ("CMGR"), a social media firm and digital agency, announced that they have finalized another brand promotional deal with fitness model and iconic social media star, Sommer Ray. Ray was born in Colorado and has won several bodybuilding and fitness competitions. In recent years she has amassed an impressive social media following, boasting 25M+ followers on Instagram, 12M+ followers on TikTok and 1.75M+ followers on YouTube.
"It is always a pleasure to work with Sommer and her team" said a representative of CMGR. "We have a long-standing history with Sommer and have worked on many deals in the past couple of years. We are excited for the future and will continue to build on this relationship and the alike."
Visit us at www.clubhousemediagroup.com
About Clubhouse Media Group, Inc.
CMGR offers management, production, and deal-making services to its handpicked influencers, a management division for individual influencer clients, and an investment arm for joint ventures and acquisitions for companies in the social media influencer space.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This release contains "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements also may be included in other publicly available documents issued by CMGR and in oral statements made by our officers and representatives from time to time. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management's current expectations or plans for our future operating and financial performance, based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. They can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "would," "could," "will" and other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance.
Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements relating to future sales, earnings, cash flows, results of operations, uses of cash and other measures of financial performance.
Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause CMGR's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others such as, but not limited to economic conditions, changes in the laws or regulations, demand for CMGR's products and services, the effects of competition and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or represented in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking information provided in this release should be considered with these factors in mind. We caution investors not to rely unduly on any forward-looking statements and urge you to carefully consider the risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Forms 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, which are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at sec.gov. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
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SOURCE Clubhouse Media Group, Inc. | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/clubhouse-media-group-inc-closes-another-promotional-deal-with-sommer-ray/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:55 | 0 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/clubhouse-media-group-inc-closes-another-promotional-deal-with-sommer-ray/ |
Global leaders pioneer secure use of generative AI in contracting through Icertis ExploreAI Early Adopter Program
BELLEVUE, Wash., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Icertis has delivered Icertis Contract Intelligence (ICI) Copilots, the first generative AI applications for enterprise contract management. Built on Icertis ExploreAI™ Service, ICI Interactive Insights Copilot and ICI Risk Assessment Copilot enable executives, legal teams, and business users alike to responsibly harness the transformational power of generative AI to turn their commercial agreements into interactive assets that achieve a step-change in contract efficiency and insights. Backed by the security and trust of Microsoft Azure, ICI Copilots leverage Azure OpenAI Service and Icertis proprietary AI models with the rich data from a company's contracts, its enterprise systems, and the Icertis Data Lake to accelerate the pace of business, galvanize profits, and safeguard enterprises from risk.
Icertis customers include 30 percent of the Fortune 100 and global leaders such as Accenture, Best Buy, Humana, Johnson & Johnson, Mercedes-Benz, and Microsoft. Select customers engaged as early adopters of Icertis ExploreAI Service, catalyzing the launch of both ICI Copilots and a development roadmap of unmatched generative AI capabilities designed to address contracting challenges for the world's largest enterprises.
"Contracts are a massive untapped opportunity for the application of large language models because they are universal across industries, geographies, and businesses of all sizes, and imperative to any and all commerce as we know it," said Samir Bodas, Co-founder and CEO of Icertis. "Icertis has delivered the first generative AI Copilots in the market to lead the next era of transformation in enterprise contracting, balancing innovation with the trust and responsibility that comes with recognizing that regardless of industry – contracts are one of the most confidential and valuable assets in an enterprise."
The first two ICI Copilots are:
- ICI Interactive Insights Copilot
ICI Interactive Insights Copilot enables decision-makers to easily engage with contracts and rapidly uncover insights via pre-defined, hierarchical prompts as well as free-form prompts that highlight key provisions and identify related contract information. With role-based summaries created through a unique combination of secure data sources, including the company's contract portfolio, integrated business systems, and the Icertis Data Lake, leaders are equipped to increase the speed and effectiveness of negotiations while instantly gaining answers to critical questions about the business. - ICI Risk Assessment Copilot
Risk Assessment Copilot automates and accelerates high-volume contract reviews by comparing contract attributes with a company's standard playbook and practices, enabling enterprises to more effectively manage risk by ensuring required clauses and approved language are present in every agreement. In addition to providing a risk score, guided prompts allow legal teams to quickly identify and address missing or noncompliant attributes, while also eliminating time-consuming, error-prone processes by earmarking agreements that do not require further review.
"I am delighted for the BCG Legal Team to test Icertis ExploreAI Service and ICI Copilots as part of the Early Adopter program," said Ulrike Schwarz-Runer, Global General Counsel at Boston Consulting Group. "We aim to unlock deep data-driven insights in our contracts through an agile approach. It's exciting to see the early results and we're eagerly looking forward to continuing the journey to unlock value for our clients, firm, and lawyers."
Icertis has a rich history of AI innovation and was the first to embed AI in contract lifecycle management to enable true contract intelligence and unlock the potential of AI in contracting. ICI Interactive Insights and ICI Risk Assessment Copilots signal the next transformative milestone in the company's AI innovation journey as the first generative AI applications to join the Icertis AI portfolio, which also includes Icertis AI Studio, Icertis NegotiateAI, Icertis DiscoverAI, and Icertis VisualizeAI.
About Icertis
With unmatched technology and category-defining innovation, Icertis pushes the boundaries of what's possible with contract lifecycle management (CLM). The AI-powered, analyst-validated Contract Intelligence (ICI) platform turns contracts from static documents into strategic advantage by structuring and connecting the critical contract information that defines how an organization runs. Today, the world's most iconic brands and disruptive innovators trust Icertis to govern the rights and commitments in their ten million+ contracts worth more than $1 trillion in 40+ languages and 90+ countries.
Media Contact
Michelle Rodriguez
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
corpcomm@icertis.com
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SOURCE Icertis | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/icertis-brings-generative-ai-enterprise-contracting-with-delivery-first-contract-intelligence-copilots/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:55 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/icertis-brings-generative-ai-enterprise-contracting-with-delivery-first-contract-intelligence-copilots/ |
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Glossier's vision is to change how the world sees beauty — and that means changing the industry itself. The Glossier Grant Program invests in Black beauty entrepreneurs to address legacies of inequity, exclusion, and barriers to fundraising. Since 2020, Glossier has given $1.4M to this program, partnered with 35+ founders leading 30+ innovative beauty brands in the US + UK, sharing grant funding, curated business programming, resources and time.
After months of review, including a final panel with Glossier's CMO, Kleo Mack, Chief Creative Officer, Marie Suter, and Into the Gloss Editorial Director, Ashley Weatherford, Glossier is pleased to share the 2023 Grantees which range from halal-certified skincare to feminine hygiene to wellness. These six visionary founders stood out amongst hundreds of talented applicants, building incredible brands, innovative products, and changing the future of beauty.
Glossier will spend the next four months in partnership with these founders, pairing them with a Glossier advisor for mentorship, giving access to business programming, and participating in 1:1 meetings with Glossier's CEO Kyle Leahy, experts across the company, grantee alumni, and even with Glossier's community of partners like Shopify and Google.
Here are the 2023 Glossier Grantees:
Founded by Jordan Karim, Flora & Noor is the only halal-certified skincare brand made and based in the US. It's an inclusive, vegan skincare brand for those who appreciate clean skincare, those needing to treat the skin concerns of melanin-rich skin, and those with chronic skin conditions starting with eczema and hyperpigmentation.
Founders OB/GYN Dr. Barb and ex-Pharmaceutical Sales Consultant, Kimba created Kushae with a mission to whip up effective yet gentle, pH-balanced and naturally-based feminine care products—created by women, for women.
Mela Vitamins is the world's first vitamin designed for melanated people. Melanin impacts the way bodies produce certain nutrients, which creates unique nutritional needs that other multivitamins don't prioritize. Founder Ashley Harmon was inspired to create the brand after her own health issues led her to learn that 80% of Black Americans are Vitamin D deficient.
Moodeaux believes self-expression is the best self-care. This fragrance brand was founded by Brianna Arps in 2021 to introduce a new standard: longer-lasting, skin-nurturing, earth-friendly blends that give subpar scents, questionable ingredients, and wasteful packaging the side eye.
Of Other Worlds is a different kind of beauty brand that doesn't make you choose between "clean" and clinical. Founder Simedar Jackson (they/them) became an esthetician to join the ranks of skincare professionals making treatments safe and effective for all skin tones, body types and genders.
Soss makes elevating grooming essentials for Black men. Founders Vernon Yancy and Jeremiah Regis translate love of self into uplifting and affirming grooming routines to help you embrace who you are, and welcome who you are growing to be.
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SOURCE Glossier | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/meet-grantees-glossiers-2023-grant-program-black-owned-beauty-businesses/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:56 | 0 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/meet-grantees-glossiers-2023-grant-program-black-owned-beauty-businesses/ |
(The Hill) — More than 20 states across the U.S. are under heat advisories as of Saturday.
From the California coast to the Midwest to the Southeast and the North- and Mid-Atlantic, 110 million Americans are facing scorching temperatures that could even get up to triple digits, according to ABC News.
Earlier in the week, the National Weather Service warned of “continued excessive summer heat” across the country in a forecast discussion. In the Washington, D.C. region, daily highs sat around 96 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the NWS. In New York City, temperatures topped out at 90 degrees.
“Triple-digit heat continues across the southern half of the Plains to the eastern Gulf Coast while cool and unsettled weather continues across the northern Plains toward the Midwest,” the NWS said in their latest forecast discussion on upcoming weather between Monday and Tuesday.
The NWS said cooler temperatures will arrive in the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Sunday. However, they said these cooler temperatures will be preceded by thunderstorms as a result of the cold front creeping south.
“However, prior to the arrival of the cool air, the cold front will trigger strong to severe thunderstorms along with locally heavy downpours which may be accompanied with gusty winds and/or squalls as they move through the aforementioned areas from west to east through tonight,” the NWS aid in the forecast discussion. | https://www.ksn.com/weather/weather-stories/more-than-20-states-in-us-still-suffering-from-excessive-heat/ | 2023-07-31T13:52:59 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/weather/weather-stories/more-than-20-states-in-us-still-suffering-from-excessive-heat/ |
NEW YORK, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX) ("Ideanomics" or the "Company") will release its 2023 first-quarter financial results on Friday, August 4, 2023 at approximately 4:00 p.m. ET, followed by a prerecorded conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET. A link of the conference call and earnings materials will be available on the Company's investor relations website: https://investors.ideanomics.com
About Ideanomics
Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX) is a global group with a simple mission: to accelerate the commercial adoption of electric vehicles. By bringing together vehicles and charging technology with design, implementation, and financial services, we provide the completeness of solutions needed for the commercial world to commit to an EV future. To keep up with Ideanomics, please follow the company on social @ideanomicshq or visit https://ideanomics.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," or similar expressions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and include the statement regarding the completion of the business combination within a certain period of time, if ever. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of risks and uncertainties, such as risks related to: our ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and similar disclosures in subsequent reports filed with the SEC, which are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these risk factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.
Contact:
Tony Sklar, SVP of Investor Relations
1441 Broadway, Suite 5116, New York, NY 10018
ir@ideanomics.com
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SOURCE Ideanomics | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/ideanomics-announces-q1-2023-earnings-conference-call-details/ | 2023-07-31T13:53:02 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/ideanomics-announces-q1-2023-earnings-conference-call-details/ |
New expert-level certifications, learning products and training curricula planned for 2024
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CompTIA, the world's leading certifying body in information technology (IT), announced today it is developing a new series of expert-level certifications and learning products in data, cybersecurity and cloud networking.
The CompTIA Xpert Series certifications are scheduled for release throughout 2024. The certifications are intended for IT professionals with multiple years of work experience who are interested in validating their expert-level knowledge of business-critical technologies.
"Each certification exam will validate deep expertise in job roles recognized as being at the expert level," said Thomas Reilly, chief product officer, CompTIA. "Beyond validating technical skills, IT pros who earn a CompTIA Xpert Series certification will have demonstrated their ability to understand, implement and articulate advanced technology solutions in any business environment."
The CompTIA Xpert Series will debut with three certifications.
- CompTIA DataX, an advanced-level data science credential.
- CompTIA CloudNetX, intended for advanced network and systems architects who design and manage complex, hybrid IT infrastructures.
- CompTIA SecurityX, the next iteration of the current CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), aimed at security architects, senior security engineers and others responsible for an organization's cybersecurity readiness.
"The first set of Xpert Series certifications will establish a foundation for a broader expansion into expert-level credentials and learning," Reilly said. "This may include additional CompTIA certifications, CompTIA training for credentials issued by other organizations or training on expert-level skills that may not be associated with a specific certification."
Two IT professionals who are participating in the certification development process as subject matter experts believe the CompTIA Xpert Series will be welcomed by the IT community, especially among mid-level and advanced level professionals.
"The Xpert Series exams are a great addition to CompTIA's portfolio," said Alex Cher, who has worked in IT and cybersecurity since 2006. "CompTIA has an advanced-level certification in cybersecurity, so it makes sense to create similar, advanced exams for infrastructure and other certification categories. The Xpert Series will perfectly fill that void."
"Ongoing career professional development by gaining new skills and experiences is vital to anyone working in IT," said Riaz Khimji, who heads the IT Support Staff Services and Business Relationship Management Collegiate IT, at the University of Oxford. "Individuals can be even more successful in their current role and gain further knowledge in other areas of interest as they progress in their careers. Certifications such as those offered by CompTIA allow them to validate their newly acquired skills."
CompTIA is also developing learning resources and training curricula aligned with the Xpert Series certifications. Learn more at https://www.comptia.org/certifications/xpert-series.
About CompTIA
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the world's leading information technology (IT) certification and training body. CompTIA is a mission-driven organization committed to unlocking the potential of every student, career changer or professional seeking to begin or advance in a technology career. Each year CompTIA, directly and through its global network of partners, provides millions of people with training, education and certification. To learn more visit https://www.comptia.org/
Media Contact
Steven Ostrowski
CompTIA
sostrowski@comptia.org
630.678.8468
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SOURCE CompTIA | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/comptia-reveals-roadmap-xpert-series-product-family/ | 2023-07-31T13:53:02 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/comptia-reveals-roadmap-xpert-series-product-family/ |
Parties Interested in Joining the Case Can Contact Milberg Attorneys
SAN FRANCISCO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- If a video advertisement autoplays for a bot on an unlisted webpage, does anyone hear it?
Apparently, they do—and Google "charges advertisers hefty amounts for the privilege of autoplaying their advertisements into the void," according to a putative class action filed by attorneys for Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman ("Milberg").
Google charges advertisers for proprietary "TrueView" video ads that appear on YouTube, apps, and websites. When a TrueView ad is served, users are asked with a visual prompt if they want to skip the ad after 5 seconds. Google policy states TrueView ads must be skippable, audible, and cannot be initiated by passive user scrolling.
Media buyers only pay for actual ad views—not impressions—Google promises. Google also tells advertisers TrueView ads will run on high-quality sites, before the page's main video content, with the audio on, and that advertisers will only pay for ads that are not skipped.
Milberg's lawsuit alleges, however, that Google broke these promises and, in the process, unlawfully enriched itself while robbing businesses of billions of dollars spent on digital ads.
"Many of the TrueView advertisements are, in fact, displayed as muted, auto-playing videos either 'out-stream' or obscured on independent sites," the lawsuit states.
Ads were played on sites with copyright violations, "made-for-advertising" sites, sites delisted for copyright and piracy violations, and were even served to Google's own web-crawling bots, the lawsuit also claims.
As evidence, the suit cites a report from Adalytics, an ad campaign analytics firm, suggesting that Google has violated its TrueView policies for years, serving ads on hundreds of thousands of low-quality websites and apps. For some brands, between 42 – 75% of TrueView ad spend was on video ads that did not meet Google's standards, Adalytics found, including ads not meeting Google's definitions of "in-stream."
The lead plaintiffs in the case, like many of the marketers who spoke to Adalytics, say they would not have purchased TrueView skippable in-stream video ads if they had known beforehand the true nature of Google's deceptive policies. They are seeking refunds from Google, in addition to punitive damages and attorneys' fees, for themselves and all advertisers who paid for TrueView in-stream advertisements.
Milberg, a national leader in class action litigation, is seeking clients who paid Google to run advertisements through the TrueView program and believe they were misled about the service.
Inquiries should be sent to Gary M. Klinger (gklinger@milberg.com / 866-252-0878).
About Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC:
For over 50 years, Milberg and its affiliates have been fighting to protect victims' rights and have recovered over $50 billion for clients. A pioneer in class action litigation, Milberg is widely recognized as a leader in defending the rights of victims of corporate wrongdoing.
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SOURCE Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/milberg-lawsuit-accuses-google-misleading-trueview-advertisers/ | 2023-07-31T13:53:03 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/milberg-lawsuit-accuses-google-misleading-trueview-advertisers/ |
Chris Christie is trying to take down his longtime friend Donald Trump and secure the Republican presidential nomination. Why has he taken on this kamikaze mission?
I don’t buy for one minute that Christie thinks there is a pathway for him to be the Republican nominee. Christie is too smart for that. If Donald Trump does not win the Republican nomination, there is no way that Trump supporters would turn to “Trump traitor Christie,” as their second choice.
Nor do I think that Chris Christie is doing this because he cares deeply about our democracy and/or feels remorse for his long-time support of the former President.
The only plausible explanation for his long-shot candidacy is that he hopes that his “late-onset honesty” (quoting Evan Osnos in The New Yorker) will somehow preserve a modicum of his reputation, if Donald Trump’s re-election bid fails. In this scenario, anything that Christie does during the primary to put clinks in Trump’s re-election chances are in his self interest.
This strategy also positions him down-the-road for a possible cabinet position in a future Republican administration, something he was never able to garner from Donald Trump in spite of his early and on-going faithful support. Insiders have suggested that the President’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, despised him for sending his father to prison while serving as US Attorney and this was the reason Christie never got the big job he sought.
Christie’s sudden conversion from one of Trump’s most outspoken supporters to his most outspoken critic is too incongruous. He went from calling Trump a “caring, genuinely decent person” to vowing that he won’t vote for Trump even if he is the GOP nominee.
In his November 2021 book Republican Rescue and in his post-book interviews, Chris Christie attempted to coyly thread the needle between remaining loyal to his long-time buddy (he would vote for him again in 2024, he liked his policies, he didn’t feel that Trump January 6th speech caused the riot) separates himself from Trump’s unwillingness to accept that he lost the race.
Two years later, in campaign mode, Chris Christie has had an epiphany and is talking about the long list of promises that former President failed to deliver on while in office. Above all else, however, he now expresses disgust at the idea that Republicans would consider re-nominating Mr. Trump after he “undermined our democracy” by lying about the 2020 election and inciting the Jan. 6th attack on the Capitol.”
Now according to Christie, “We can’t pretend that Donald Trump is man of character. This is a guy who paid off a porn star. This is guy who regularly lied. This is a guy who abused people who have worked for him.”
Let me get this straight – you were Trumps first significant endorser, you supported him and his policies throughout his presidency, you endorsed his re-election campaign, you were his re-election campaign debate preparer, you said in your book in 2021 that you’d vote for him in 2024 and now you have decided that he didn’t fulfill his campaign promises, lied about the election results and incited the Capitol riots. Do you really expect anyone to believe anything that you say about anything?
It is one thing to be a flip-flopper on a single issue. It is another thing to know someone personally for twenty-two years and work closely with them for more than four years and then decide that “Donald Trump is a TV star, nothing more, nothing less. Let me suggest to you that in putting him back in the White House, the reruns will be worse than the original show.”
Let me suggest that putting Chris Christie in the White House would also be worse than original show. Remember what Bridgegate was – at its core it was retaliation against a Democratic Mayor who refused to endorse Chris Christie’s re-election campaign. Christie contends he knew nothing about what his aides did and they acted completely independent of him. While I doubt that, I don’t doubt for one minute that his vindictive nature fostered a political culture that resulted in his staff perceiving it was okay to punish an elected official who was not supportive of the Governor by causing a “traffic problem in Fort Lee.”
Further, as I’ve previously written, New Jersey government under Christie “was more than just Bridgegate. It included the arrogance he showed by lounging with his family on an empty beach that he closed because of a budget fight, the my-way or the-highway-approach he displayed in forfeiting $3 billion in federal funds for the desperately needed cross-Hudson rail tunnel, the outrageous verbal behavior he demonstrated when he berated schoolteachers for questioning him and labeled a law student as an “idiot” and then a “jerk” for having the audacity to interrupt him at a press conference and the bullying mentality he showed when he suggested to the Statehouse press that they “take a bat out on her” in referring to Senator Loretta Weinberger.
Chris Christie, like Donald Trump, is an arrogant, very rich guy (see The New York Times “Being Ex-Governor and Ex-Ally of Trump Has Profited Christie”) with an enormous ego. He is has shown over and over again, like Donald Trump, his only motivation is what is in the best interest of Chris Christie. That’s why he’s running again.
Irwin Stoolmacher is president of the Stoolmacher Consulting Group, a fundraising and strategic planning firm that works with nonprofit agencies that serve the truly needy among us. | https://www.trentonian.com/2023/07/30/a-progressive-perspective-why-is-chris-christie-running-again-irwin-stoolmacher-column/ | 2023-07-31T13:53:05 | 1 | https://www.trentonian.com/2023/07/30/a-progressive-perspective-why-is-chris-christie-running-again-irwin-stoolmacher-column/ |
The show promotes discrimination and bias against little people and other disabled persons
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. , July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Marin Center for Independent Living and Little People of America, Inc. are calling on the Sonoma County Fair (SCF) to cancel the "M"[slur] wrestling show scheduled for August 3, 2023 at the fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, CA. The SCF is hosting this event for the second year, even though local disability advocates communicated opposition to last year's performance. "The show must go!" said Eileen Norman, President of Little People of America, Inc., a third generation resident of Santa Rosa.
Norman added, "our opposition is not solely about the use of the "m"[slur] and its offensiveness, it is to the show itself - which is a visual expression of bias - and the marginalization it incites from the audience members. The visual performance showcases disabled persons chosen specifically for their disability as a form of entertainment."
According to a 2022 story in the Sonoma Press Democrat during last year's performance, audience members characterized as "the opposite of woke" shouted "We want the 'm'[slur]s" and "Give us the 'm'[slur]s."
Eli Gelardin, CEO of the Marin Center for Independent Living said "I believe that the intent of it is to be amusing for others who are not disabled, which is exploitation and dehumanizing. The violence displayed in the program, whether real or acted, shows plot and characterizations that could validate bias against people with disabilities." Gelardin is also a lifelong resident of the North Bay region, having lived previously in Santa Rosa. He continued by saying "I am a little person, my wife is disabled, we have a child. What happens if someone gets the message that it's ok to act out the sentiments in this show. I am not just being an advocate here, I need to protect my family."
On Tuesday Marin CIL, LPA sent a letter to the SCF Chief Executive Officer and the Sonoma County Board of supervisors calling for the removal of the performance from the fair's schedule. The letter was co-signed by fifteen (15) international, national, and California statewide and local disability rights organizations.
Following the letter several disabled advocates spoke during public comment at the SCF Board of Directors meeting. Olivia Glaubiger, a young woman born and raised in Santa Rosa summed up her experience by saying "I grew up in this community and continue to live here. I've experienced bullying, strangers taking pictures of me and mistaking me for other little people. I've always loved the fair, when I was young I entered the art contest for the new fair logo. Now the fair has changed for me, I don't feel welcome anymore."
The Sonoma County Fair has consistently attempted to divert meaningful discussion about the issue to the performers and away from their own responsibility in deciding to host this show. Ted Jackson, Sr. Advisor-Public Policy & Engagement for Marin CIL said "from the initial email and at each connection point the fair's executive has responded with diversion to the performers. This is not about the performers. This is about the fair taking ownership for their actions. If they had the power to make this mistake, they have the power to fix it. When people have to gaslight, they know they've done something wrong."
Marin CIL, LPA National and our coalition will continue to advocate without compromise.
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SOURCE Marin Center for Independent Living | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/disability-advocates-call-sonoma-county-fair-cancel-mslur-wrestling-warriors-performance-this-years-fair/ | 2023-07-31T13:53:08 | 1 | https://www.valleynewslive.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/disability-advocates-call-sonoma-county-fair-cancel-mslur-wrestling-warriors-performance-this-years-fair/ |
SEATTLE, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
On September 18, 2018, the SEC filed a Complaint against SeaWorld and Atchison. The SEC alleged that the defendants made untrue and/or misleading statements or omissions in SEC filings, earnings releases and calls, and other statements to the press regarding the impact of the documentary film Blackfish on the Company's reputation and business (i.e., "Blackfish effect"). According to the Complaint, released in July 2013, Blackfish criticized SeaWorld's treatment of its orcas (killer whales) and received significant media attention that escalated as the film became more widely distributed. The SEC alleged that, in connection with the offer and sale of SeaWorld stock, the defendants engaged in a course of business that by failing to disclose the Blackfish effect to investors they should have known would operate as a fraud or deceit upon the purchasers of the Securities.
According to the Complaint, from January through March 2014, Atchison sold shares of SeaWorld stock, resulting in the inflation of the Security and allowed Atchison to avoid losses of approximately $730,860. As alleged in the Complaint, on August 13, 2014, SeaWorld acknowledged for the first time that its declining attendance was, among other factors, partially caused by negative publicity connected to Blackfish. According to the Complaint, SeaWorld's stock price fell approximately 33% following this announcement, causing a loss of approximately $830 million in shareholder value.
On September 18, 2018, the SEC also filed a Complaint against Jacobs. The SEC alleged that, on January 13, 2014, Jacobs made an untrue statement of material fact and/or omitted material facts from his statement just before selling his SeaWorld stock and avoided losses of approximately $84,885.
On October 4, 2018, the Defendants, without admitting or denying the allegations, consented to the entry of final judgments against each of them that imposed a total of approximately $5.1 million in financial remedies. The Court ordered SeaWorld to pay a civil penalty of $4,000,000; Atchison to pay disgorgement of $730,860, prejudgment interest of $119,323 and civil penalty of $150,000; and Jacobs to pay disgorgement of $84,885 and prejudgment interest in the amount of $14,720. The Defendants paid in full, and the funds have been deposited in a Commission designated account at the United States Department of Treasury. On December 4, 2020, the Court entered an Order consolidating the two civil actions for the purposes of distributing the funds paid by the Defendants to harmed investors.
On December 15, 2020, the Court entered an Order establishing a Fair Fund for the $5,266,679.31 in funds collected from Defendants, appointing Miller Kaplan Arase LLP as Tax Administrator, appointing JND Legal Administration as the Distribution Agent, and authorizing payment of administrative fees and expenses and tax obligations without further order of the Court.
Company (Trading Symbol) [Relevant Period start and end dates (inclusive)]:
- SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. (SEAS) [12/20/13 through 8/12/14]
If you purchased the security set forth above during the Relevant Period and would like to be considered for eligibility for a distribution from the SeaWorld Fair Fund, you must submit a completed and signed Proof of Claim Form ("Claim Form"), including adequate supporting documentation of your transactions and a completed tax certification, to the Distribution Agent by the Claims Bar Date.
The Claim Form is available at www.SeaWorldFairFund.com. You may send your Claim Form to the Distribution Agent; Claim Forms must be postmarked no later than October 19, 2023, if sent by First Class Mail; and if not by First Class Mail, received by the Distribution Agent by October 19, 2023. Claim Forms should be directed to the following address:
SeaWorld Fair Fund
c/o JND Legal Administration
PO Box 91190
Seattle, WA 98111
Brokers, Dealers and other nominees that may have records of purchasers of the Eligible Security during the Relevant Period must notify the respective beneficial owners within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the Notice Packet so that beneficial owners may timely file a claim or provide to the Distribution Agent within fourteen (14) days of receipt a list of last known names and addresses for all beneficial owners for whom the record holders purchased the Eligible Security during the Relevant Period.
Additional information regarding the SeaWorld Fair Fund, including the Distribution Plan, the Distribution Plan Notice, the Claim Form, relevant deadlines, and related materials are available on the Distribution Website at www.SeaWorldFairFund.com. You may obtain additional information or request copies of the Claim Form by contacting the Distribution Agent toll-free at (855) 533-0228 or by emailing info@SeaWorldFairFund.com or writing to:
SeaWorld Fair Fund
c/o JND Legal Administration
PO Box 91190
Seattle, WA 98111
Please check the website www.SeaWorldFairFund.com frequently for updates.
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SOURCE JND Legal Administration | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/if-you-purchased-seaworld-securities-between-december-20-2013-august-12-2014-you-may-be-eligible-distribution-seaworld-fair-fund/ | 2023-07-31T13:53:08 | 1 | https://www.cleveland19.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/if-you-purchased-seaworld-securities-between-december-20-2013-august-12-2014-you-may-be-eligible-distribution-seaworld-fair-fund/ |
LOS ANGELES, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 9 Lives Interactive, formerly Rude Robot Studios, the developers behind the upcoming cats-and-mech multiplayer shooter, Nyan Heroes, are thrilled to announce their collaboration with Razer™, the leading lifestyle brand for gamers. Amid the gaming industry's transformational integration of gaming and Web3 technologies, this alliance signifies an innovative stride towards bridging this divide. Through their zVentures Web3 Incubator (ZW3I), Razer reiterates its dedication to blockchain adoption and commitment to providing diverse gaming experiences.
"Our collaboration with Razer is a major milestone in our journey," reveals Max Fu, CEO of Nyan Heroes. "With Razer by our side, we're emboldened to deliver gaming experiences that brim with joy and create lasting memories for our players."
Pre-alpha sign-ups are open, giving gamers an opportunity to experience the exciting adventure that awaits in the game. "We invite gamers to be part of the Nyan Heroes narrative as it evolves by joining us ahead of the official game release," says Fu.
Alongside this newfound collaboration with Razer, Nyan Heroes has embarked on a visual transformation. The rejuvenated graphics, underscored by joy, exploration, and camaraderie, encapsulate the spirit of the brand's refreshed gaming philosophy. The shift signals a departure from the traditional cyberpunk era, towards an enchanting, multiplayer adventure that beckons gamers worldwide to partake in the excitement.
Nyan Heroes' mission extends beyond gaming - they're committed to real-world change too. With a lofty goal to save one billion cats in real life, the company has already donated over $350,000 to animal welfare organizations, and they pledge to continue developing in-game features that enable players to participate in this impactful mission.
For more information or to sign up to playtest, visit nyanheroes.com or follow the developers on Twitter and Discord.
About Nyan Heroes
Nyan Heroes is a free-to-play hero shooter that combines fast-paced, competitive gameplay with a real-world impact. Developed by a remote team of seasoned game developers and powered by Unreal Engine 5 and blockchain technology, Nyan Heroes pays homage to cats and offers a AAA multiplayer experience with epic mech character classes, thrilling cat-like movement, and unique gameplay abilities.
The studio is committed to making a difference in saving one billion cats. $350K USD has already been donated to charitable organizations, including the Best Friends Animal Society. You can be a hero for cats everywhere and join the movement!
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SOURCE 9 Lives Interactive | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nyan-heroes-razer-team-up-marking-an-exciting-new-chapter/ | 2023-07-31T13:53:10 | 1 | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nyan-heroes-razer-team-up-marking-an-exciting-new-chapter/ |
NEW YORK — David Robertson and Max Scherzer’s former teammates are left to wonder who’s next to exit for the New York Mets.
“That’s a natural inclination for sure,” first baseman Pete Alonso said late Saturday night, after the Mets lost 11-6 to the Washington Nationals after agreeing to trade three-time Cy Young Award winner Scherzer. “If a guy with a no-trade clause can get traded, anyone can.
“Yeah, it’s a strange feeling for sure.”
The deal, which a person with knowledge of the details said would send Scherzer to the AL West-leading Texas Rangers, was reported in the first inning, which ended with Washington leading 4-0 after an announced crowd of 30,858 sat through an 80-minute rain delay before the first pitch.
Fans were already booing by the time former Mets first baseman Dominic Smith’s two-run single highlighted the inning.
In the blockbuster trade, which the person confirmed to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it was not yet announced, the Mets also will send more than $35 million to Texas for 21-year-old Luisangel Acuña, the younger brother of Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr.
“I’m shocked to lose Max,” Alonso said. “Very surprised.”
While Scherzer still had a nameplate in the Mets’ clubhouse, his lockers were mostly empty except for a handful of shirts and uniforms hanging in the middle cubby.
Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor each said they got a chance to say goodbye to Scherzer, who was dealt fewer than 24 hours after saying he wanted to meet with the front office regarding the direction it planned to take following Thursday’s trade of closer Robertson to the Miami Marlins for two rookie-ball prospects.
The answer became clear with the Scherzer trade, which signaled the further teardown of a team that began the season with a record $353 million payroll but has struggled to a 49-55 record.
“We’ve been trying to find ways to win this whole year and haven’t been doing it enough, so this is the result,” said Nimmo, who is in the first year of an eight-year deal he signed in December. “And you have to be able to accept that and own it. And now we’ll see where we’re at moving forward.”
Outfielders Mark Canha and Tommy Pham, each of whom are impending free agents, are likely trade candidates, while contenders could ask the Mets about another three-time Cy Young Award winner, Justin Verlander, who is due $43.3 million next year in the final season of his contract.
“From that move that they just made, yeah, it wouldn’t shock me if there’s more,” Lindor said. “It’s disappointing that we are in this point right now in the season. We haven’t performed to our level and we have to see teammates go.”
Manager Buck Showalter said he didn’t want to comment on the trade because it wasn’t official.
Scherzer won his last start for the Mets on Friday night, when he gave up one run over seven innings against his former club. He won Cy Youngs with the Nationals in 2016 and 2017 and helped Washington win its first World Series in franchise history in 2019.
“You’re always surprised, especially a team like the Mets that has so many good players and all of a sudden they decide that the trade was imminent,” said Nationals manager Dave Martinez, who was Scherzer’s manager for his final three-plus seasons in Washington. “You all know I love Max. He’s done some unbelievable things for us here in D.C. and I wish him well.”
Riley Adams hit a two-run double in the third inning and added another RBI double in the ninth Saturday for the Nationals, who also received a pair of RBI singles from Joey Meneses. Stone Garrett also had two RBIs, while Jeimer Candelario and Lane Thomas each drove in one.
Patrick Corbin (7-11) surrendered four runs in 5 2/3 innings.
Mark Vientos homered and had a run-scoring double for the Mets while Pham, Francisco Lindor and Francisco Álvarez also homered.
Carlos Carrasco (3-5) allowed eight runs — six earned — while lasting just 2 1/3 innings for the second straight start.
FIRST PITCH
Former New York Jets star defensive lineman Joe Klecko, who will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame next Saturday, caught a ceremonial first pitch from his granddaughter.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Nationals: Candelario returned to the lineup after an injury scare Friday, when he hooked his arm around second base umpire Vic Carapazza while trying to leg out a double. … RHP Hunter Harvey (elbow strain) has paused his rehab after his wife gave birth to a son earlier this week. … C Israel Pineda (right finger) went 1-for-4 Saturday in his seventh rehab game for Single-A Wilmington.
Mets: Showalter said RF Starling Marte (migraines) was expected to visit with the team Saturday. Marte is eligible to come off the injured list but will likely remain sidelined until his partner gives birth to the couple’s child.
UP NEXT
RHP Trevor Williams (5-5, 4.47 ERA), who went 3-5 with a 3.17 ERA and one save as a swingman for the Mets from 2021-22, is scheduled to start for the Nationals in the series finale Sunday. Barring any trades, Verlander (5-5, 3.24 ERA) is slated to pitch for New York. | https://www.trentonian.com/2023/07/30/after-news-of-scherzer-trade-breaks-mets-fall-to-nationals/ | 2023-07-31T13:53:11 | 1 | https://www.trentonian.com/2023/07/30/after-news-of-scherzer-trade-breaks-mets-fall-to-nationals/ |
SYRACUSE, N.Y., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mohawk Global, a leading supply chain services provider, is excited to announce their collaboration with worldwide leaders in the freight forwarding industry to start a new sister company, MGL Europe. The first MGL Europe office opened in Stuttgart, Germany in April 2023. This month, the European team expanded by welcoming Master International Logistics to the joint venture—with their rebrand to MGL Europe Italy.
Gar Grannell, Mohawk Global CEO says, "This partnership is the result of trusting relationships built over the last 30 years with people of like values and growth strategy. We are excited about the business we will develop together, while focusing on enriching the lives of our people."
MGL Europe has officially begun operations and has become Mohawk Global's exclusive partner for client's cargo in and out of Europe. MGL Europe currently has three German offices located in Stuttgart, Bremen, and Munich, in addition to three Italian offices located in Milan, Genova, and Vincenza.
"Having our own offices in Germany and now Italy, gives us a presence at key port locations for both North Europe and Mediterranean trade," says Chris Lindstrand, Mohawk Global Director of International Transportation. "Through these key gateways, we're strategically positioned to enhance our offerings not just in these countries or throughout continental Europe, but in all regions that utilize these important trade centers."
Mohawk Global is excited to elevate its client's experience through the expansive network this growing partnership provides. "Our strategic partnerships in Asia align well with our move into Germany and Italy, allowing Mohawk Global to seamlessly bridge North America, Asia, and Europe with diverse transportation solutions in a rapidly expanding global supply chain," says Anthony Pagnotto, Mohawk Global Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing.
Mohawk Global is a team of experts in supply chain solutions and trade compliance. Since its foundation in 1993, Mohawk Global has grown beyond its headquarters in Syracuse, New York to nine offices in six states, with a worldwide reach. We strive to create an environment of growth, and as a family-owned and operated business, everything we do is guided by our core values – Enrich. Care. Deliver. Please contact us for further information.
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EEIQ is Committed to Student Success at Davis College and EduGlobal College,
its Two Owned and Operated Colleges
MIDDLETOWN, Ohio, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EpicQuest Education Group International Limited (NASDAQ: EEIQ), ("EpicQuest Education", "EEIQ" or the "Company"), a provider of comprehensive education solutions for domestic and international students seeking college and university degrees in the US, Canada and the UK, today announced that on July 19, 2023, Davis College and Northeastern University signed an Articulation Agreement (the "Agreement") whereby upon admission, Davis College students can transfer credits earned at Davis College to Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies Bachelor of Science programs.
"Our agreement with Northeastern University offers our students a pathway for achieving Bachelor of Science degrees in three distinct programs," said Diane Brunner, President of Davis College. "Northeastern University is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in the US, and we are pleased to enter this agreement given their history of academic excellence and commitment to innovation. And while Davis College will begin to offer a four-year Bachelor of Science in Business degree in the Fall of 2023, we are pleased to provide our students with an academic pathway with Northeastern University as both schools are well aligned in providing elite career-oriented professional training."
As described in the Agreement with Northeastern University, Davis College students would be required to complete applicable Associate of Applied Business degrees. Upon admission to Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies programs, Davis College students would be able to transfer the credits earned at Davis College towards achieving Bachelor of Science degrees at Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies in Management, Digital Media and Communication, and Project Management. Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies has full discretion as to the acceptance of each Davis College student into these programs. The Agreement is effective beginning in Spring 2023 and will be in effect for an initial period of three years, and will be automatically extended unless terminated by either party.
About Northeastern University
Northeastern University is a prominent private research university located on an urban campus in Boston, and is a global research university as well as a recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Northeastern University's approach is to integrate real-world experience with education, research, and innovation that empowers its students. The university has one of the largest co-op programs in the world where students alternate periods of academic study with periods of professional employment related to their major. With more than 36,000 full-time and part-time students, Northeastern University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in 10 colleges and schools across its 14 campuses worldwide. Northeastern University is ranked #44 in the current US News annual ranking of top US universities, which can be seen online at https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities. For more information about Northeastern University, please visit www.northeastern.edu.
About Davis College
Davis College was founded in 1858 and is a private career-training college located in Toledo, Ohio. Davis College offers a specialized professional career training curriculum in numerous fields, and its mission is to provide marketable skills that enhance the employability of its graduates. Davis College offers coursework flexibility to ensure program success as well as externship opportunities that provide its student population with real-world skill sets prior to graduation. In addition to its offering a four-year Bachelor of Science in Business degree, expected to begin in the Fall of 2023, Davis College has agreements with several four-year US universities for 'transfer pathways' that pave the way for its associate degree students to gain admission with the ability to transfer earned course credits. Davis College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools with programs authorized by the Ohio Board of Higher Education. For more information, please visit www.daviscollege.edu/.
About EpicQuest Education Group International Limited
EpicQuest Education Group International Limited ("EpicQuest Education" or the "Company") provides comprehensive education solutions for domestic and international students seeking university and college degrees in the US, Canada and the UK. The Company owns and operates EduGlobal College, based in British Columbia, Canada, which focuses on English proficiency educational programming for students pursuing academic degrees. The Company operates and is a 70% owner of Davis College, a career training college located in Toledo, Ohio. In addition, the Company has a recruiting relationship with the Miami University Regional campuses, where it maintains residential facilities, a full-service cafeteria, recreational facilities, shuttle buses and an office for the regional campuses that provides study abroad and post-study services for its students; these facilities are not owned, maintained, operated or are a part of Miami University. The Company is also a recruiting agent for the University of the West of Scotland (through The Education Group (London) Ltd) and Coventry University, both of which are located in the UK. For more information, please visit www.epicquesteducation.com/.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain of the statements made in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning and protections of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions, and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control, and which may cause the actual results, performance, capital, ownership or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as "may," "will," "anticipate," "assume," "should," "indicate," "would," "believe," "contemplate," "expect," "estimate," "continue," "plan," "point to," "project," "could," "intend," "target" and other similar words and expressions of the future.
All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice, including, without limitation, those risks and uncertainties described in our most recent Form 20-F and otherwise in our SEC reports and filings. Such reports are available upon request from the Company, or from the Securities and Exchange Commission, including through the SEC's Internet website at http://www.sec.gov. We have no obligation and do not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements after the date hereof, or after the respective dates on which any such statements otherwise are made.
Contacts:
EpicQuest Education Group International Limited
+1 513-649-8350
info@epicquesteducation.com
Investor Relations:
Precept Investor Relations LLC
David Rudnick
+1 646-694-8538
david.rudnick@preceptir.com
Source: EpicQuest Education Group International Limited
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NEW YORK — After trading Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers, general manager Billy Eppler insisted the Mets are not tearing down their underachieving team.
“I do want to be clear that it’s not a rebuild. It’s not a fire sale,” Eppler said Sunday at Citi Field. “It’s not a liquidation.”
So maybe Justin Verlander will stay put in the end.
New York traded Scherzer to AL West-leading Texas for minor league infielder Luisangel Acuña in a high-profile deal both teams announced Sunday after news of the agreement broke Saturday evening.
Acuña, the younger brother of Atlanta star Ronald Acuña Jr., was rated one of Texas’ top prospects. The Mets said he will be optioned to Double-A Binghamton, where he will initially play shortstop.
Scherzer waived his no-trade clause to complete the deal, and the Mets will send cash to Texas. The three-time Cy Young Award winner also agreed to opt in on the final year of his contract in 2024 at $43.3 million, according to reports that said the Mets were paying about $35 million of the remaining $58 million on the right-hander’s contract.
Eppler said he was engaged in conversation with different teams about Scherzer and that when he talked with him Friday, he mentioned a trade was possible. After pitching Friday night, Scherzer said he wanted to speak with the front office about the direction of the team.
Following an 11-6 loss to Washington on Saturday night, Mets players wondered who might be dealt next.
Eppler said he texted center fielder Brandon Nimmo after talking to Texas and Scherzer’s agent, Scott Boras, and then met with the outfielder for about 35 minutes Sunday. The Mets re-signed Nimmo to a $162 million, eight-year contract last offseason.
Eppler also spoke to star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who was acquired from Cleveland in January 2021 and signed to a $341 million, 10-year deal.
“They understand,” Eppler said. “It’s not a fire sale and it’s not a liquidation. So they got it.”
The fourth-place Mets (50-55), one of baseball’s biggest disappointments this season under third-year owner Steve Cohen, unloaded Scherzer just days after sending closer David Robertson to Miami for two minor leaguers Thursday night.
Robertson was set to become a free agent after this season, but Scherzer could have turned down a trade or opted in with the Mets next season.
More trades could occur before Tuesday’s deadline, including a potential deal involving the 40-year-old Verlander. The three-time Cy Young Award winner, who also has a no-trade clause, earned his 250th career win Sunday in a 5-2 victory over Washington.
“We’re going to listen but our price points are high,” Eppler said. “We have valuations on our existing personnel and the bar is high to meet it but we are willing in certain circumstances to use Steve’s investment and kind of repurpose that investment to serve the larger goal, which is to build a championship organization.”
After winning 101 games last year, New York began the season with the highest payroll in major league history at $355 million. The Mets have not been over .500 since June 3 and started the day 18 games behind first-place Atlanta in the NL East and seven games back in the wild-card race with a string of teams to catch.
“We just couldn’t get the consistency clicking,” Eppler said.
The 21-year-old Acuña was batting .315 with seven homers, 51 RBIs and an .830 OPS in 84 games with Double-A Frisco this season. He also had 25 doubles and was leading the Texas League in stolen bases (42) and runs (68).
“Ultra athleticism,” Eppler said. “The arm strength, the hit ability. He’s working on lifting the ball a little bit more and just being able to get the ball airborne a touch more. Strong plate discipline, strong contact skills. Just really excited to get a prospect of his caliber into our system.”
Acuña was the third-ranked prospect in Texas’ farm system and No. 44 overall in the majors, according to MLB Pipeline.
“Right now he’s going to come in and play shortstop right away. But there will probably be some positional versatility,” Eppler said. “I know he’s already played a little second and center field. And so we’ll probably get an opportunity to do that. But I’d like to talk to him about that first.” | https://www.trentonian.com/2023/07/30/after-trading-scherzer-gm-eppler-says-mets-not-rebuilding/ | 2023-07-31T13:53:17 | 1 | https://www.trentonian.com/2023/07/30/after-trading-scherzer-gm-eppler-says-mets-not-rebuilding/ |