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WAYNE, Pa., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Balanced Bridge Funding was named one of 2023's Best Places to Work by The Philadelphia Business Journal. It is a prestigious award given to those companies that treat their employees well and create a hospitable work environment. Joseph Genovesi, CEO of Balanced Bridge Funding and its subsidiary Accel Real Estate Commission Advance, says, "it is an honor for Balanced Bridge Funding to be recognized by The Philadelphia Business Journal as one of 2023's Best Places to Work."
According to the Philadelphia Business Journal, the companies that are named to the list are based exclusively on the responses from the employees. The companies on the list can use the award as a recruiting tool for future employees and for promotional marketing uses. As workplaces evolve, job satisfaction continues to rank higher on the list of importance for current and prospective employees. The popularity of websites like Glassdoor, where current and ex-employees can leave their opinion, means an award like Best Places to Work can be a tipping point for people evaluating their employment choices. Genovesi says, "One of my goals when I started my company was for the environment at the workplace to be open, inclusive, and flexible to the needs of my employees. I think we have achieved that and this award speaks to that accomplishment."
Balanced Bridge Funding is a specialty finance company that provides funding to different kinds of sectors; contract advances to professional athletes, legal funding to plaintiffs and plaintiffs' attorneys, advances to first year big law attorneys, account receivable funding to Big Law firms, factoring to truck drivers and trucking companies, fee advances to class action recovery companies, contract advances to local, state, and federal government contractors, loans to fix and flip operators, loans on luxury assets, account receivable funding to small businesses, and commission advances to insurance brokers and insurance agents on their expected fees.
Accel Real Estate Commission Advance is a subsidiary of Balanced Bridge Funding. It is a finance company specifically designed to provide advances to real estate professionals on their expected commissions. Real estate brokers and agents can sometimes face delayed commissions due to a number of factors. Accel was created to provide funding on those commissions so brokers and agents can access a portion of their fee and avoid the waiting period for their money.
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SOURCE Balanced Bridge Funding | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/balanced-bridge-funding-named-one-2023-best-places-work-by-philadelphia-business-journal/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:06 | 0 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/balanced-bridge-funding-named-one-2023-best-places-work-by-philadelphia-business-journal/ |
NEW YORK , July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Forbes Global Properties, a curated consumer marketplace of luxury homes and an invitation-only membership network of independently owned real estate firms, has named respected industry veteran Matt Beall chair of the organization's Board of Directors.
Chief Executive Officer and Principal Broker of Hawaii Life, Mr. Beall draws from 25 years of residential real estate experience. Recognizing the increasing need for innovative and engaging property marketing, Mr. Beall co-founded Hawaii Life in 2008 and the company quickly became the market leader in luxury real estate sales across the island chain.
Under Mr. Beall's leadership, Hawaii Life has enjoyed consistent growth and success and today is regarded as the top-producing real estate brokerage in the State of Hawaii. Operating from 17 offices across the Hawaiian Islands, the firm's team of 350 skilled agents represent buyers, sellers, and property owners with a well-earned reputation for the delivery of highly personalized service and expert guidance with unwavering professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Beall has served Hawaii's real estate industry, holding a variety of board and leadership positions, including President of the Kauai Board of Realtors and as a member of Hawaii Association of Realtors' executive committee. Currently, he is on the board of the Hawaii Land Trust, a land conservation organization with over 22,000 acres in perpetual conservation. He is also a member of the Kauai Leadership Council for the Hawaii Community Foundation, where Hawaii Life has a donor-advised fund managed entirely by its brokers, agents, and employees.
"It's an honor to serve Forbes Global Properties as the Board Chair, and especially to continue the legacy of Jeff Hyland, who was always a mentor of mine and many others in our organization. We have extraordinary talent on both the board and in our membership across the globe, and we're all looking forward to expanding the possibilities with Forbes as our partner," said Matt Beall Chief Executive Officer and Principal Broker of Hawaii Life and Board Chair of Forbes Global Properties.
"Matt is a valued member of Forbes Global Properties who prioritizes collaboration, professionalism, and the highest level of service for both our members and the clients we represent. He has a clear vision for continued growth and the proven ability to implement those plans; I look forward to supporting him in this new role," said Michael Jalbert, Chief Executive Officer.
Forbes Global Properties was co-founded by Jeff Hyland and Bonnie Stone Sellers as a way to connect the increasingly global buyers of luxury homes with the world's foremost real estate experts. The consortium launched in December 2020 with offices in 75 locations and has since grown to a powerful global network of more than 13,000 real estate agents across 440 locations.
Mr. Beall is joined on the Board by Vice Chair Andy Nelson of Willis Allen Real Estate, Olivier de Chabot-Tramecourt of Groupe Mercure, Quentin Epiney of Comptoir Immobilier / FGP Swiss + Alps, Ken Jacobs of Private Property Global, Nikki Koval of Forbes Media LLC, Jose Ribes Bas of Inmobiliaria Rimontgó, co-founder Bonnie Stone Sellers, and Mark Smith of Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate.
The exclusive worldwide residential real estate partner of Forbes, Forbes Global Properties provides branding and marketing services to the world's premier real estate firms. Members are thoroughly vetted, and the network is comprised of top brokerages with proven records of success in luxury property sales and recognized delivery of exceptional client service.
About Forbes Global Properties
Established in 2020 and led by the world's foremost independent luxury residential brokers and industry veterans, Forbes Global Properties is a curated consumer marketplace that connects discerning buyers directly to the world's finest homes and the elite agents that represent them. The invitation-only network spans 440 locations and comprises more than 13,000 property experts across the U.S., Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, the Middle East, New Zealand, and Europe. For more information, visit forbesglobalproperties.com.
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SOURCE Forbes Global Properties | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/matt-beall-named-board-chair-forbes-global-properties/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:06 | 1 | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/matt-beall-named-board-chair-forbes-global-properties/ |
Trump could be indicted soon in Georgia. Here's a look at that investigation
Atlanta – A Georgia prosecutor is expected to seek a grand jury indictment in the coming weeks in her investigation into efforts by Donald Trump and his Republican allies to overturn the then-president's 2020 election loss.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis began investigating more than two years ago, shortly after a recording was released of a January 2021 phone call Trump made to Georgia's secretary of state.
Willis has strongly hinted that any indictment would come between July 31 and Aug. 18. One of two grand juries seated July 11 is expected to hear the case.
If Trump is indicted by a Georgia grand jury, it would add to a growing list of legal troubles as he campaigns for president. Trump is set to go to trial in New York in March to face state charges related to hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign. And he has another trial scheduled for May on federal charges related to his handling of classified documents. He has pleaded not guilty in those cases.
The Justice Department is also investigating Trump’s role in trying to halt the certification of 2020 election results in the run-up to the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol. Trump said he's been told he's a target of that investigation, which likely has some overlap with the one in Georgia.
Details of the Georgia investigation that have become public have fed speculation that Willis, a Democrat, is building a case under the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, which would allow her to charge numerous people in a potentially wide-ranging scheme.
Here are six investigative threads Willis and her team have explored:
The phone calls
The Georgia investigation was prompted by the Jan. 2, 2021, phone call Trump made to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a fellow Republican. Trump suggested the state's top elections official could help “find” the votes needed to put him ahead of Democrat Joe Biden in the state.
“All I want to do is this: I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have,” Trump is heard saying on a recording of the call, which was leaked to news outlets. “Because we won the state.”
Trump has insisted he did nothing wrong and has repeatedly said the call was “perfect.”
Trump also called other top state officials in his quest to overturn his 2020 election loss, including Gov. Brian Kemp, then-House Speaker David Ralston, Attorney General Chris Carr and the top investigator in the secretary of state's office.
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, also called Raffensperger shortly after the November election. Raffensperger said at the time that Graham asked whether he had the power to reject certain absentee ballots, which Raffensperger has said he interpreted as a suggestion to toss out legally cast votes.
Graham has denied wrongdoing, saying he just wanted to learn about the signature verification process.
Fake electors
Biden won Georgia by a margin of fewer than 12,000 votes. Just over a month after the election, on Dec. 14, 2020, a group 16 Georgia Democratic electors met in the Senate chamber at the state Capitol to cast the state's Electoral College votes for him. They each marked paper ballots that were counted and confirmed by a voice roll call.
That day, in a committee meeting room at the Capitol, 16 prominent Georgia Republicans – a lawmaker, activists and party officials – met to sign a certificate falsely stating that Trump had won and declaring themselves the state’s “duly elected and qualified” electors. They sent that certificate to the National Archives and the U.S. Senate.
Georgia was one of seven battleground states that Trump lost where Republican fake electors signed and submitted similar certificates. Trump allies in the U.S. House and Senate used those certificates to argue for delaying or blocking the certification of the election during a joint session of Congress.
Prosecutors in Fulton County have said in court filings that they believe Trump associates worked with state Republicans to coordinate and execute the plan.
The multi-state effort was ultimately unsuccessful. Despite public pressure from Trump and his supporters, then-Vice President Mike Pence refused on Jan. 6, 2021, to introduce the unofficial pro-Trump electors. After the attack on the U.S. Capitol put a violent halt to the certification process, lawmakers certified Biden's win in the early hours of Jan. 7, 2021.
At least eight of the fake electors have since reached immunity deals with Willis' team. And a judge last summer barred Willis from prosecuting another one, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, because of a conflict of interest.
False claims of election fraud
Republican state lawmakers held several hearings at the Georgia Capitol in December 2020 to examine alleged problems with the November election. During those meetings, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani and other Trump allies made unproven claims of widespread election fraud.
They alleged that election workers tallying absentee ballots at State Farm Arena in Atlanta had told outside observers to leave and then pulled out “suitcases” of unlawful ballots and began scanning them. The Trump allies played clips of surveillance video from the arena to support their allegations. State and federal officials investigated and said there was no evidence of election fraud at the site.
Some Trump allies also said thousands of people who were ineligible – including people convicted of felonies, people under the age of 18, people who had voted in another state – had cast votes in Georgia. The secretary of state's office has debunked those claims.
Alleged attempts to pressure election worker
Two of the election workers seen in the State Farm Arena surveillance video, Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, said they faced relentless harassment online and in person as a result of the allegations made by Trump and his allies.
Giuliani last week conceded that statements he made about the two election workers were false.
In a bizarre episode detailed by prosecutors in court filings, a woman traveled from Chicago to Georgia and met with Freeman on Jan. 4, 2021. The woman initially said she wanted to help Freeman but then warned that Freeman could go to prison and tried to pressure her into falsely confessing to committing election fraud, prosecutors wrote in court filings last year.
Election equipment accessed
Trump-allied lawyer Sidney Powell and others hired a computer forensics team to copy data and software on election equipment in Coffee County, some 200 miles (322 kilometers) southeast of Atlanta, according to invoices, emails, security video and deposition testimony produced in response to subpoenas in a long-running lawsuit.
The county Republican Party chair at the time – who also served as a fake elector – greeted them when they arrived at the local elections office on Jan. 7, 2021, and some county elections officials were also on hand during the daylong visit. The secretary of state's office has said this amounted to “alleged unauthorized access” of election equipment and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into it at the secretary of state's request.
Two other men who have been active in efforts to question the 2020 election results also visited Coffee County later that month and spent hours inside.
U.S. attorney resignation
U.S. Attorney BJay Pak, the top federal prosecutor in Atlanta, abruptly resigned two days after Trump called Raffensperger and a day after a recording of that call was made public. During that conversation, Trump called Pak a “never-Trumper,” implying that he didn't support the president.
In December 2020, then-U.S. Attorney General William Barr asked Pak to investigate allegations by Giuliani and other Trump allies of widespread election fraud. Pak, who had been appointed by Trump in 2017, reported back that he had found no evidence of such fraud.
In August 2021, Pak told the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, which was investigating Trump's post-election actions, that he resigned on Jan. 4, 2021, after learning from Department of Justice officials that Trump did not believe enough was being done to investigate allegations of election fraud and wanted him gone as U.S. attorney. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/nation/2023/07/31/trump-could-be-indicted-soon-in-georgia-heres-a-look-at-that-investigation/70497148007/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:09 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/nation/2023/07/31/trump-could-be-indicted-soon-in-georgia-heres-a-look-at-that-investigation/70497148007/ |
HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — HCA Health Services has submitted proposals on behalf of Henrico Doctors’ Hospital for the construction of a new hospital complex in Hanover — Ashland Hospital — and will be hosting a community meeting Monday, July 31.
Plans for the regional hospital complex state it would be located near the Interstate-95 North-Sliding Hill Road interchange. A rezoning request, a Conditional Use Permit request, and a Special Exception Permit request were all submitted to the Hanover County Planning Department for the hospital’s construction.
The Special Exception Permit is required due to the planned height of the structure exceeding that which is permitted for properties zoned within the B-2 Business District — upon which part of the 40-acre property sits.
The facility is planned to reach 58 feet tall, and while early proposals allocate for a 60-bed hospital with an Emergency Department and associated uses — and an 80,000-square-foot office building — the hospital could ultimately have up to 150 beds and 160,000 square feet of supporting medical office space. The initial phase of the project will only utilize approximately 20 acres for the hospital, according to the county.
An additional piece of land to be used for commercial or civic uses is also part of the rezoning request.
A traffic study conducted by HCA as a part of the proposals submitted to the County stated several road improvement projects would occur in the vicinity of the hospital if the proposal moves forward, including projects for Sliding Hill Road and Leadbetter Road at the following locations:
- Sliding Hill Road at Atlee Station Road / Leadbetter Road:
- Restripe the existing pavement on southbound Leadbetter Road to provide one left-turn lane, one through lane and dual right-turn lanes, and upgrade the traffic signal accordingly
- Leadbetter Road at Crosswhitts Drive:
- Restripe the existing pavement on Leadbetter Road to provide a northbound left-turn lane on Leadbetter Road with 100 feet of storage
- Restripe the existing pavement on Crosswhitts Drive to provide one ingress lane and two egress lanes
- Sliding Hill Road at Kings Acres Connector Road / Site Driveway:
- Install a conventional traffic signal
- Extend the eastbound left-turn lane on Sliding Hill Road from 225 feet to 350 feet
HCA Health Services plans to hold a community meeting about the proposal on Monday, July 31 at 6:30 p.m. at Chickahominy Middle School. | https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/hanover-county/hca-health-services-plans-to-build-a-150-bed-hospital-complex-in-ashland-heres-how-to-get-involved/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:10 | 1 | https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/hanover-county/hca-health-services-plans-to-build-a-150-bed-hospital-complex-in-ashland-heres-how-to-get-involved/ |
A woman behind the wheel of a self-driving Uber that hit and killed a pedestrian has pleaded guilty to endangerment in what is the first fatal collision involving a fully autonomous test vehicle.
After years of legal limbo, 49-year-old Rafaela Vasquez was sentenced to three years of supervised probation Friday for the 2018 crash that killed 49-year-old Elaine Herzberg in suburban Phoenix. Vasquez, who was behind the wheel of the car, told police that Herzberg "came out of nowhere" on the dimly lit Tempe street.
Vasquez had originally been charged with negligent homicide, a felony that carries a minimum one year prison sentence. However, she entered a plea agreement with prosecutors that would reclassify the charge as a misdemeanor if she completes the probationary requirements.
SEE MORE: Are self driving cars safe?
Authorities said Vasquez was streaming a television show on her phone and not watching the road when her SUV struck Herzberg as she was crossing the street with her bicycle. But Vasquez's attorneys claim she was looking at an Uber messaging app that's used by employees while they work, and that the corporation should share some of the blame for the collision.
Herzberg's death was the first involving a fully autonomous test vehicle, but was not the first from a car with some self-driving features. Two years prior, an Ohio driver was killed after crashing into semi-truck while his Tesla was operating in autopilot mode.
In 2022, automakers reported nearly 400 crashes over a 10-month period involving semi-autonomous or fully-autonomous vehicles, according to U.S. regulators. A majority of those crashes involved Teslas.
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com | https://www.kxxv.com/backup-driver-in-self-driving-uber-that-killed-woman-pleads-guilty | 2023-07-31T17:05:10 | 0 | https://www.kxxv.com/backup-driver-in-self-driving-uber-that-killed-woman-pleads-guilty |
WASHINGTON — The National Institutes of Health is beginning a handful of studies to test possible treatments for long COVID, an anxiously awaited step in U.S. efforts against the mysterious condition that afflicts millions.
Monday’s announcement from the NIH’s $1.15 billion RECOVER project comes amid frustration from patients who’ve struggled for months or even years with sometimes-disabling health problems — with no proven treatments and only a smattering of rigorous studies to test potential ones.
“This is a year or two late and smaller in scope than one would hope but nevertheless it’s a step in the right direction,” said Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly of Washington University in St. Louis, who isn’t involved with NIH’s project but whose own research highlighted long COVID’s toll. Getting answers is critical, he added, because “there’s a lot of people out there exploiting patients’ vulnerability” with unproven therapies.
Scientists don’t yet know what causes long COVID, the catchall term for about 200 widely varying symptoms.
“If I get 10 people, I get 10 answers of what long COVID really is,” U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said.
That’s why so far the RECOVER initiative has tracked 24,000 patients in observational studies to help define the most common and burdensome symptoms –- findings that now are shaping multipronged treatment trials. The first two will look at:
— Whether taking up to 25 days of Pfizer’s antiviral drug Paxlovid could ease long COVID, because of a theory that some live coronavirus, or its remnants, may hide in the body and trigger the disorder. Normally Paxlovid is used when people first get infected and for just five days.
Daily Top Stories
— Treatments for “brain fog” and other cognitive problems. They include Posit Science Corp.’s BrainHQ cognitive training program, another called PASC-Cognitive Recovery by New York City’s Mount Sinai Health System, and a Soterix Medical device that electrically stimulates brain circuits.
Two additional studies will open in the coming months. One will test treatments for sleep problems. The other will target problems with the autonomic nervous system — which controls unconscious functions like breathing and heartbeat — including the disorder called POTS.
A more controversial study of exercise intolerance and fatigue also is planned, with NIH seeking input from some patient groups worried that exercise may do more harm than good for certain long COVID sufferers.
The trials are enrolling 300 to 900 adult participants for now but have the potential to grow. Unlike typical experiments that test one treatment at a time, these more flexible “platform studies” will let NIH add additional potential therapies on a rolling basis.
“We can rapidly pivot,” Dr. Amy Patterson with the NIH explained. A failing treatment can be dropped without ending the entire trial and “if something promising comes on the horizon, we can plug it in.”
The flexibility could be key, according to Dr. Anthony Komaroff, a Harvard researcher who isn’t involved with the NIH program but has long studied a similarly mysterious disorder known as chronic fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS. For example, he said, the Paxlovid study “makes all sorts of sense,” but if a 25-day dose shows only hints of working, researchers could extend the test to a longer course instead of starting from scratch.
Komaroff also said that he understands people’s frustration over the wait for these treatment trials, but believes NIH appropriately waited “until some clues came in about the underlying biology,” adding: “You’ve got to have targets.” | https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/nation-world/brain-fog-long-covid-symptoms-studies-20230731-vrdsc733y5c5zbhogrtqyvcvjy-story.html | 2023-07-31T17:05:10 | 1 | https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/nation-world/brain-fog-long-covid-symptoms-studies-20230731-vrdsc733y5c5zbhogrtqyvcvjy-story.html |
As extreme heat events are expected to increase in the coming years due to man-made climate change, the costs associated with a warming globe are expected to skyrocket.
This will be especially evident in Texas, according to Ray Perryman, CEO of economic research company the Perryman Group.
According to his analysis, the state's gross product is expected to decline by about $9.5 billion this summer due to extreme heat.
Almost $2 billion of the losses will come from reductions in real estate, while another $1.8 billion is expected to be lost in the insurance sector.
Agriculture is also expected to be hit with major losses, losing 5.7% of its annual revenue.
SEE MORE: Advocates rush to help those living with homelessness in record heat
But these losses, Perryman warns, could just be the tip of the iceberg. An average summer temperature increase of 1 degree would result in over $396 billion in losses by 2050.
"Extreme weather events such as heat waves cost the economy billions. Over a long period of time, persistent temperature increases will have even larger and more profound economic consequences," Perryman writes.
Perryman is not the only one warning of climate change's costs. Last month,the Center for American Progress issued a report suggesting extreme heat has caused health care costs to go up $1 billion per year in the U.S.
The group said heat-related illnesses are responsible for 235,000 emergency department visits and more than 56,000 hospital admissions annually.
The reports come as data from the United Nations' World Meteorological Organization released last week indicates that July 2023 will go down as the hottest month ever recorded in human history.
The U.N. said July has already recorded the hottest three-week period, the three hottest days on record, and the highest-ever sea-surface temperatures for this time of year.
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com | https://www.kxxv.com/extreme-heat-expected-to-be-costly-especially-in-texas | 2023-07-31T17:05:10 | 1 | https://www.kxxv.com/extreme-heat-expected-to-be-costly-especially-in-texas |
MADISON, Wis. — Vice President Kamala Harris plans to visit southeast Wisconsin on Thursday, making a stop in Pleasant Prairie to tout broadband and affordable connectivity before going to Milwaukee for a pair of campaign receptions.
The White House announced the planned stops on Sunday. There were no immediate details about the campaign events.
Harris will be joined by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo for the stop in Pleasant Prairie, which is 35 miles (56 kilometers) south of Milwaukee near the Illinois border.
The visit comes a little over a month after President Joe Biden’s administration announced that Wisconsin will receive more than $1 billion in federal money to expand high-speed internet access.
It’s part of a plan to distribute $42.5 billion nationwide to provide reliable and affordable internet service for every home and business in the U.S. by 2030. States must complete a multi-step process before they can use the money.
Harris last came to Wisconsin in September 2022 as part of a campaign stop just ahead of the November midterm election. Thursday’s visit is the first of this election cycle and would be Harris’s fourth trip to Wisconsin since taking office.
Biden won perennial battleground Wisconsin by just under 21,000 votes in 2020, flipping the state for Democrats after former President Donald Trump carried it by just short of 23,000 votes in 2016. Four of the past six presidential elections in Wisconsin have been decided by less than a percentage point. | https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/nation-world/kamala-harris-wisconsin-20230731-vepo52khijan7ga46ubqvgn3rq-story.html | 2023-07-31T17:05:10 | 0 | https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/nation-world/kamala-harris-wisconsin-20230731-vepo52khijan7ga46ubqvgn3rq-story.html |
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Pet owners in Central Virginia can protect their dogs and cats against rabies by taking them to a vaccination event held by police in August.
Virginia law requires that dogs and cats four months old and above must be vaccinated against rabies. With multiple rabies cases discovered in Henrico County earlier this year, it’s important that pet owners do what they can to protect their furry family members.
Henrico County Police will hold a rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Henrico County Western Government Complex, located at 4301 E. Parham Rd.
Pet owners must register and pay at the cashier’s office in the administration building before seeing a veterinarian on the first floor of the adjacent parking deck.
Each vaccine is $15 and must be paid in cash. Included with vaccination are a rabies tag and certificate of inoculation. Cats must be taken in carriers and pets from all localities are welcome.
Henrico dog licenses will be available for $10 and are valid for the life of the animal while the owner lives in Henrico and the pet’s rabies vaccinations are up to date. License and vaccination requirements can be discussed with available officers.
For more information, pet owners can visit the Henrico County Police website, or call the Animal Protection Unit at 804-727-8801. | https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/henrico-county/rabies-vaccination-event-held-by-police-for-henrico-pets-in-august/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:11 | 1 | https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/henrico-county/rabies-vaccination-event-held-by-police-for-henrico-pets-in-august/ |
Horse racing is returning to Churchill Downs. The racetrack will host its September and Fall Meet.
Churchill Downs suspended racing operations in June, following the deaths of 12 horses.
Several of the horses were euthanized after suffering serious injuries on the track.
Upon suspending races, officials said the racetrack would undergo a top-to-bottom review of all safety and surface protocols.
Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen said the review "didn't find anything fundamentally wrong or different about our track from previous years," according to The Associated Press.
SEE MORE: Officials hold emergency meeting over horse deaths at Churchill Downs
Noting that the deaths of horses were "a series of unfortunate circumstances," Carstanjen added that it's part of the business of horse racing.
There will be no obvious changes at the track when racing resumes. Carstanjen reportedly told investors that track is "very safe."
However, behind the scenes, the track will implement several protocols that are aimed at protecting the safety of the horse. That includes increased veterinary oversight and establishing a committee that can provide real-time feedback about track conditions.
Live racing at the track will resume on Sept. 14 and end for the year on Nov. 26.
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com | https://www.kxxv.com/racing-to-resume-at-churchill-downs-following-horse-deaths | 2023-07-31T17:05:13 | 1 | https://www.kxxv.com/racing-to-resume-at-churchill-downs-following-horse-deaths |
Alliance supports Black Tech Street's ambition to digitally transform Black Wall Street to
Black Tech Street through cyber-centered talent and innovation initiatives
TULSA, Okla., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Black Tech Street announced an unprecedented alliance with Microsoft for Historic Greenwood, the neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, given the moniker, "Black Wall Street," by Booker T. Washington for its abundance of affluent Black entrepreneurs.
Dubbed by Black Tech Street, "The Digital Transformation of Black Wall Street", the alliance aims to restore Greenwood's position as a national hub for Black talent and innovation. Founded in 2021, Black Tech Street's mission is to rebirth Black Wall Street as a Black innovation economy by securing Black tech-focused economic and industry development opportunities for the Greenwood community.
"Since its inception, Black Tech Street's focus has been on securing transformative partnerships capable of addressing deeply-rooted economic inequities stemming from the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre at scale. Our partnership with Microsoft is a perfect example of such an opportunity and reflects the very essence of both our organizations," said Tyrance Billingsley II, Black Tech Street Founder and Executive Director.
"We are grateful for Microsoft's support and engagement that is game changing for Greenwood, and sends a clear message that Black Wall Street will continue to be a national leader of Black innovation in the 21st century."
One cornerstone of the alliance is that Black Tech Street has been named as the Microsoft TechSpark Fellow for the State of Oklahoma. The TechSpark Community Engagement Fellowship program empowers community organizations with a combination of funding, programming, hands-on mentorship, and training, and focuses on digital access, computer science education, digital skills, and digital transformation.
"Microsoft believes digital inclusion is core to ensuring everyone on the planet benefits from advances in technology, and that programming and opportunities must be created for those with the potential to be left behind," said Ann Johnson, corporate vice president for security business development at Microsoft. "We are pleased to work with Black Tech Street, local government leaders, and community organizations to help build and further reinforce Greenwood and Tulsa as centers for technology vision, leadership, and entrepreneurship."
Black Tech Streets Ambition: Creating 1000+ Black Cyber Professionals in Tulsa
The first phase of this collaboration will include a series of community and Microsoft-supported investments aimed at raising the capacity of the Tulsa ecosystem to produce, attract, and support Black cyber talent. Black Tech Street's goal is to leverage Microsoft's programmatic support/resources alongside other national partners to create and employ 1000 Black Tulsans in Cyber and adjacent fields. Black Tech Street's aim is to accomplish this by 2030. Investing in the cybersecurity workforce has been a priority for Microsoft, as they aim to support the estimated gap of 1.6 million cyber professionals in North America alone. Black Tech Street will leverage its alliance with Microsoft in the following areas to contribute towards reaching its goal:
Workforce and Skilling
- Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program: Tulsa Community College (TCC) was accepted into Microsoft's Cybersecurity Scholarship Program, providing cash scholarships to the highly diverse students receiving training at TCC's Cyber Skills Center.
- Employment Partner and Sponsor Consortium: Black Tech Street, with Microsoft support, will lead a nationwide consortium for connecting employers looking to hire Black Cyber talent in Tulsa for local and remote roles. The program will also fund scholarships for Black students interested in cyber. A critical strategy for BTS is to ensure skilled tech talent stays in Tulsa, contributing to the local economy. Microsoft embraces flexible work, including schedule and work location flexibility, that supports individual work styles while balancing business needs.
Education and Digital Access
- Microsoft TechSpark-Digital Education Access: Black Tech Street's participation in the Microsoft TechSpark program will include, among many other components, a comprehensive suite of services and technology platforms for educators, students, and school systems on multiple levels.
- High School Tech Education: Black Tech Street, the University of Tulsa, and Microsoft, will collaborate on a plan to accelerate Computer Science and related tech education to north Tulsa secondary school students.
Innovation Research and Thought Leadership
- The University of Tulsa and Microsoft: Black Tech Street plans to pilot studies in cyber research and experiential learning that leverage cutting-edge technology from Microsoft's investments in generative AI cybersecurity alongside the University of Tulsa as part of the alliance to better position the ecosystem in cyber-AI innovation. The University of Tulsa's nationally recognized cyber university, with its NSA affiliated Cyber Corps program, as well as a suite of successful cyber partnerships with high schools and community colleges, made cyber an obvious choice for partnership.
- Black Tech Street Cyber Summit: In 2024, Black Tech Street and Tulsa Innovation Labs will host the first Black Tech Street Cyber Summit. This summit will be a gathering of the foremost cyber experts from corporations, academia, and government. This summit is meant to serve as a meeting of the minds as it relates to charting a more effective national narrative and plan as it relates to mobilizing Black Americans into cyber en masse. Microsoft will host its "Into the Breach" gamified learning experience to test cybersecurity skills for Black Tulsans.
Microsoft's initial support via this alliance will anchor the first portion of a larger strategy by Black Tech Street to establish Greenwood as a national leader in the three critical technology areas of Cyber Security, Business Intelligence/Data Analytics, and Equitable Artificial Intelligence (See ED Tyrance Billingsley's op-ed What's Next? Black Wall Street's Innovation Ambitions).
Black Tech Street will also be supported in the execution of these Microsoft supported initiatives by local anchor partner Tulsa Innovation Labs, a philanthropic organization dedicated to building industrial clusters around sectors where Tulsa has distinct advantages.
The alliance has also garnered the support of City officials.
"I am excited about this new alliance between Black Tech Street and Microsoft in Tulsa," Mayor G.T. Bynum said. "This partnership will help increase cyber talent in our city, as well as promote tech education and workforce readiness for the incredible talent we have in our community."
This is the start of a long-term relationship between Black Tech Street, Greenwood, and Microsoft, and will redefine what is possible for communities and cities willing to simultaneously invest in people and in technology.
The announcement of this alliance was also included in the Biden-Harris Administration's announcement of its National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy to Unleash America's Cyber Talent:
(https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/07/31/fact-sheet-biden-%E2%81%A0harris-administration-announces-national-cyber-workforce-and-education-strategy-unleashing-americas-cyber-talent/)
Black Tech Street is an organization founded to rebirth Black Wall Street as a Black Innovation Economy and catalyze a movement that sees Black people embrace technology as a means to build wealth and impact the world. Black Tech Street architects and secures Black tech focused economic and industry development opportunities for the Greenwood community and serves as a chief storyteller for Black Wall Street's 21st century rebirth.
Contact:
Tyrance Billingsley II
tyrance@blacktechstreet.com
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SOURCE Black Tech Street | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/black-tech-street-announces-alliance-with-microsoft-digitally-transform-historic-greenwood/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:12 | 1 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/black-tech-street-announces-alliance-with-microsoft-digitally-transform-historic-greenwood/ |
Multi-year contract is the largest in NRAEF history. Watch this video to learn about NRAEF apprenticeship programs.
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) has been awarded a five-year $12.2 million contract by the U.S. Department of Labor to grow its Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship (HSRA) program by 5,000 participants. The award is the largest in NRAEF history and affirms its commitment to building a diverse hospitality workforce.
With a special focus on addressing barriers to historically underrepresented populations, the HSRA program will enroll 1,000 new apprentices annually across the hospitality industry over the next five years. Apprentices will receive on-the-job training, as well as nationally-recognized credentials to help them advance through the ranks, earn more, and ultimately build a long-term industry career. Awarded by the DOL's Employment and Training Administration, the project aims to strengthen the Foundation's ongoing industry-wide work to connect current and future industry workers with advancement pathways through apprenticeship.
"Apprenticeship is an answer to many of the workforce obstacles faced by the hospitality industry. More importantly, it is life changing to individual apprentices, offering them a path to better pay, industry skills, and a career," said NRAEF president Rob Gifford. "This new DOL contract represents the next chapter of our work to change 5,000 lives, strengthen the hospitality industry, and ensure it reflects the diversity of the people we serve."
The HSRA program is housed in the NRAEF's Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC). Since establishing itself as the first recognized apprenticeship program for hospitality management, the HSRA program has grown to include line cook, hotel cook, kitchen manager, restaurant manager, lodging manager, and maintenance employee programs. All programs are no cost to both employers and their employees and help hospitality employers build and manage tailored curriculums that merge on-the-job experience with related training instruction. Learn more about restaurant and hospitality apprenticeship at ChooseRestaurants.org/RHLC.
About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF):
As the supporting philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the NRAEF's charitable mission includes enhancing the industry's training and education, career development, and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower, and Advance today's and tomorrow's restaurant and foodservice workforce. NRAEF programs include: ProStart® – a high-school career and technical education program; Restaurant Ready/HOPES – Partnering with community based organizations to provide people with skills training and job opportunities; Military – helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers; Scholarships – financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; and the Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC) – accredited apprenticeship programs designed to build the careers of service professionals. For more information on the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org. Click here for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's 2022 Annual Impact Report.
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SOURCE National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/national-restaurant-association-educational-foundation-receives-122-million-contract-strengthen-grow-diversify-hospitality-industry-apprenticeship/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:13 | 1 | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/national-restaurant-association-educational-foundation-receives-122-million-contract-strengthen-grow-diversify-hospitality-industry-apprenticeship/ |
Here's how hot and extreme the summer has been, and it's only halfway over
At about summer's halfway point, the record-breaking heat and weather extremes are both unprecedented and unsurprising, hellish yet boring in some ways, scientists say.
Killer heat. Deadly floods. Smoke from wildfires that chokes.
And there’s no relief in sight.
Expect a hotter than normal August and September, American and European forecast centers predict.
“We are seeing unprecedented changes all over the world,” said NASA climate scientist Gavin Schmidt. “The heat waves that we’re seeing in the U.S. and in Europe, in China are demolishing records left, right and center. This is not a surprise.”
Imperial College of London climate scientist Friederike Otto said examining what's causing heat waves is “boring” in a way since it keeps happening. Yet she added that it matters “because it shows again just how much climate change plays a role in what we are currently experiencing.”
“This story, these impacts, are going to continue,” Schmidt said. “We’re going to be seeing this pretty much this year and into next year" with a natural El Nino warming of the Pacific adding to the overwhelming influence of human-caused climate change largely from the burning of coal, oil and gas.
Here’s a rundown of the summer of Earth's discontent.
Record-shattering heat
Globally, June this year was the hottest June on record — and scientists say July has been so hot that even before the month was over they could say it was the hottest month on record. But it’s individual places where people live that the heat has stuck around and killed.
Phoenix, where the last day of June and each day of July has been at least 110 degrees, set records for the longest mega-heat streak and longest stretch when the temperatures didn’t go below 90 degrees at night.
El Paso, Texas, had 44 days of 100 degree heat. Schools closed in Nuevo Leon state in northern Mexico a month earlier than usual as temperatures reached 113 degrees.
Farther east, Miami added humidity to high heat for 46 straight days of feels-like temperatures of 100 or more.
Beijing had its own record streak with at least 27 days of 95 degrees (35 Celsius) in July, after a three-day streak of at least 104 (40 Celsius) in June. And the country set it’s all-time highest temperature on July 16 in remote Sanbao township with 126 degrees (52.2 Celsius).
Heat records fell all over southern Europe. Sardinia, Italy, hit 117 (47 Celsius). Palermo in Sicily broke a record that goes back to 1791 by a whopping 3.6 degrees (2 degrees Celsius). Temperatures hit 115 (46 Celsius) in Gytheio, Greece.
Spain reported nearly 1,000 excess deaths from the heat, mostly among the elderly, by mid July.
In Argentina, where it's mid-winter, temperatures were above 89.6 (32 Celsius) four straight days in June in the northern part of the county. One July night in Buenos Aires didn’t get below the 70s (low 20s Celsius).
Too much rain
More than 10,000 people had to be evacuated in central Hunan province in China where heavy rainfall caused at least 70 houses to collapse. In Yichang, rain triggered a landslide that buried a construction site and killed at least one person.
Australia’s Queensland outback got 13 times its normal monthly July rain in just one day.
Thousands of people were evacuated from Delhi in India as rains caused flash floods and landslides. Elsewhere in the country at least 100 people were killed by the downpours.
In the United States, sudden heavy rain killed people in Vermont, Connecticut and Pennsylvania with tragic stories of children washed away in flooding.
Wildfires and smoke
Too little rain in Greece and Spain fed wildfires that proved difficult to fight. In the Canary Islands, a fire caused 4,000 people to evacuate, others to wear face masks and had 400 firefighters battling it.
Hot and dry conditions caused about 160 wildfires to break out in Israel in early June.
But what really brought fires home happened in parts of Canada where few people live. Rare far northern Quebec wildfires triggered nasty smoke that inflicted the world’s dirtiest air on cities like New York and Washington, then switched to the Midwest.
More:Haze from Canadian wildfires to return but stay up higher in atmosphere
As of late July more than 600 wildfires were out of control in Canada. A record 47,490 square miles (123,000 square kilometers) burned, and fire season isn’t near done. That’s an area larger than the state of Pennsylvania or North Korea.
Water temperatures
Water temperatures in the Florida Keys and off the Everglades hit the high 90s with Manatee Bay breaking 100 degrees twice in what could be an unofficial world record for surface water temperature, although that’s in dispute.
More:South Florida waters hit hot tub level and may have set world record for warmest seawater
The North Atlantic had hot spots that alarmed scientists. The world’s oceans as a whole were their hottest ever in June and got even hotter in July. In Antarctica, sea ice smashed record-low levels.
Ocean temperatures take a long time to warm up and cool down, said University of Northern Illinois meteorology professor Victor Gensini. So it doesn’t look good for the rest of the summer, he said.
A hot forecast
“We are favoring above normal temperatures for the next three months,” said NOAA Climate Prediction Center meteorologist Matt Rosencrans.
The only potential relief he sees, especially in the hot Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, is if a hurricane or tropical storm moves through.
The peak of hurricane season in September hasn’t even started.
When going through the litany of this summer's weather extremes so far, University of Pennsylvania climate scientist Michael Mann had one question: “How on God’s Earth are we still burning fossil fuels after witnessing all this?”
Researcher Rhonda Shafner contributed to this report from New York.
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. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/world/2023/07/31/heat-halfway-through-summer/70498062007/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:15 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/world/2023/07/31/heat-halfway-through-summer/70498062007/ |
WNBA star Brittney Griner is taking a break from basketball to focus on her mental health.
Griner did not travel with her team, the Phoenix Mercury, on its two-game road trip to Chicago and Indiana this week.
"The Mercury fully support Brittney and we will continue to work together on a timeline for her return," the Mercury said in a statement.
The team did not reveal whether Griner's mental health issues are related to her 10-month stay in a Russian prison.
SEE MORE: Griner confronted at Dallas Airport by 'provocateur'
The basketball star was convicted last year in a Russian court on drug charges, months after police found cannabis oil in her luggage the Moscow airport. Despite Griner maintaining that she had been prescribed the oil to treat pain, she was sentenced to nine-years in prison.
She was released in December in a surprise prisoner swap with notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Griner spent about 18 months away from competitive basketball before returning to action with the Mercury at the beginning of the season.
The star picked up where she left off, averaging 18 points and six rebounds per game. However, the Mercury are struggling to win games.
They are currently 6-18 this season, putting them in 10th place in the 12-team league.
SEE MORE: WNBA players launch 3-on-3 league as attendance rises
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com | https://www.kxxv.com/wnba-s-brittney-griner-taking-time-off-to-focus-on-mental-health | 2023-07-31T17:05:15 | 0 | https://www.kxxv.com/wnba-s-brittney-griner-taking-time-off-to-focus-on-mental-health |
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Reprints | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum-new-workplace/hybrid-work-guide-navigating-new-workplace | 2023-07-31T17:05:13 | 0 | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum-new-workplace/hybrid-work-guide-navigating-new-workplace |
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE American: BRBS), the holding company of Blue Ridge Bank, National Association ("Blue Ridge Bank" or the "Bank") and BRB Financial Group, Inc. ("BRB Financial Group"), announced today financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.
For the second quarter of 2023, the Company reported net loss from continuing operations of $19.5 million, or $1.03 per diluted common share, compared to net income from continuing operations of $1.6 million, or $0.09 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2023, and net income from continuing operations of $1.1 million, or $0.06 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2022.
A Message From Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. President and CEO, G. William "Billy" Beale:
"The net loss for the quarter was driven primarily by higher provision expense and the associated reversal of interest income related to loans that were placed on nonaccrual during the quarter. This group of loans, totaling $58.1 million at quarter-end, were sourced by a former lender, and is best described as specialty finance that we deemed to be not in keeping with our desired risk profile. I don't believe this asset quality matter is pervasive within our loan portfolio, and excluding these loans, measures of asset quality were generally stable as compared to the prior quarter.
Having recently joined the organization in May 2023, I am pleased to have found Blue Ridge to be a quality bank providing exceptional service to its customers. My foremost priority, and that of our team, is to remain focused on our regulatory remediation efforts, as we continue to work diligently to bring the Bank's fintech policies, procedures, and operations into conformity with regulatory directives. At the same time, we want to re-energize the core banking franchise by attracting new customers from within our footprint, while supporting our fintech partners that continue to gain momentum."
Q2 2023 Highlights
(Comparisons for Second Quarter 2023 are relative to First Quarter 2023 unless otherwise noted)
Formal Written Agreement:
- As previously disclosed, Blue Ridge Bank entered into a formal written agreement (the "Agreement") with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC") on August 29, 2022. The Agreement principally concerns the Bank's fintech line of business and requires the Bank to continue enhancing its controls for assessing and managing the third-party, BSA/AML, and IT risks stemming from its fintech partnerships. A complete copy of the Agreement was filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on September 1, 2022 and can be accessed on the SEC's website (www.sec.gov) and the Company's website (www.mybrb.com). The Company continues to actively work to bring the Bank's fintech policies, procedures, and operations into conformity with OCC directives. The Company reports that, although work is progressing, many aspects of the Agreement require considerable time for completion, implementation, validation, and sustainability. Remediation costs related to regulatory matters were $2.4 million in the second quarter of 2023 compared to $1.1 million in the prior quarter.
Asset Quality:
- Nonperforming loans totaled $86.1 million, or 2.68% of total assets, compared to $30.7 million, or 0.92% of total assets, at the prior quarter-end. The increase reflects the migration of a group of specialty finance loans to nonaccrual status during the quarter. These loans had a 1.79% impact on the nonperforming loans to total assets ratio for the second quarter.
- The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $20.5 million, compared to $3.7 million last quarter. Net loan charge-offs were $8.0 million in the quarter, representing an annualized net charge-off rate of 1.29% of average loans, compared to $1.1 million, representing an annualized net charge-off rate of 0.17% of average loans, for the prior quarter. Net loan charge-offs in the quarter were primarily attributable to one loan.
- The allowance for credit losses ("ACL") as a percentage of total loans held for investment was 1.76% at quarter-end, compared to 1.22% at the prior quarter-end. Specific reserves associated with the aforementioned specialty finance loans totaled $14.1 million at June 30, 2023.
Capital:
- As previously announced, on July 12, 2023, the Board of Directors determined to forego the declaration and payment of a cash dividend on the Company's common stock in the third quarter of 2023. The decision was based on the desire to preserve capital and available cash.
- The ratio of tangible stockholders' equity to tangible total assets was 6.3%1, compared to 6.8%1 at the prior quarter-end. Tangible book value per common share was $10.551, compared to $11.931 at the prior quarter-end.
- For the quarter ended June 30, 2023, the Bank's tier 1 leverage ratio, tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, common equity tier 1 capital ratio, and total risk-based capital ratio were 7.86%, 9.27%, 9.27%, and 10.77%, respectively, compared to 8.50%, 10.06%, 10.06%, and 11.12%, respectively, at the prior quarter-end. Capital ratios at quarter-end were within regulatory guidelines to categorize the Bank as well capitalized.
Net Interest Income / Net Interest Margin:
- Net interest income was $20.4 million, a decline of $7.0 million from the prior quarter, primarily reflecting the reversal of $4.7 million in interest income, related to the aforementioned group of specialty finance loans, and higher funding costs. These impacts were partially offset by increasing loan yields in the quarter, which increased 5 basis points excluding the effect of the interest income reversal.
- Net interest margin was 2.67% compared to 3.58% for the prior quarter. The reversal of interest income noted above had an approximate negative 60 basis points impact on second quarter net interest margin.
- Cost of deposits and total cost of funds were 2.21% and 2.49%, respectively, compared to 1.74% and 2.11%, respectively, for the prior quarter. Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta ("FHLB") and Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond ("FRB") advances were $284.1 million at June 30, 2023, compared to $239.1 million at the prior quarter-end. Deposit costs and overall funding costs increased during the second quarter of 2023 due primarily to the impact of higher average balances of wholesale funding secured in late first quarter in response to then market events, as well as interest rates on deposits that adjust with changes in federal funds rates.
Balance Sheet:
- Total deposit balances declined $148.0 million, or 5.4%, from the prior quarter-end, due primarily to a decrease of $93.8 million in wholesale funding, primarily time deposits and interest-bearing demand balances. Excluding wholesale funding, total deposits during the second quarter of 2023 declined by 2.1% from the prior quarter-end.
- Deposits related to fintech relationships were $708 million at June 30, 2023, compared to $716 million at the prior quarter-end. These deposits represented 27.1% of total deposits at June 30, 2023, compared to 25.9% of total deposits at the prior quarter-end. Excluding wholesale funding, deposits related to fintech relationships represented 30.1% and 29.8% of total deposits at June 30, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively.
- Loans held for investment, excluding Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") loans, were $2.45 billion, essentially level with the prior quarter-end.
- The held for investment loan to deposit ratio measured 94.1% at quarter-end, compared to 89.0% at the prior quarter-end. The increase was primarily due to the reduction in wholesale deposits.
Noninterest Income / Noninterest Expense:
- Noninterest income was $9.7 million, compared to $7.3 million for the prior quarter, due primarily to fair value adjustments to mortgage servicing rights ("MSRs"), reported in residential mortgage banking income, which were a positive $0.8 million, compared to a negative $2.1 million in the prior quarter.
- Noninterest expense was $34.1 million, compared to $28.8 million for the prior quarter. Increased expenses primarily reflected higher other contractual services, legal, regulatory remediation, and FDIC insurance costs, partially offset by lower salaries and employee benefits costs. Higher other contractual services expense was primarily due to outsourced BSA/AML compliance services as the Bank continues to augment its compliance staff, while higher legal expense was primarily attributable to corporate, employee benefit plans, and other employment matters. Higher FDIC insurance cost relative to the prior quarter was primarily due to balance sheet growth, while lower salaries and employee benefits cost was primarily due to continued headcount reduction in the mortgage division. During the quarter, the Company sold its wholesale mortgage business operating as LenderSelect Mortgage Group.
Income Statement:
Net Interest Income
Net interest income was $20.4 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $27.4 million for the first quarter of 2023, and $24.1 million for the second quarter of 2022. Relative to both the prior quarter and year-ago periods, net interest income declined due to a lower net interest margin resulting primarily from the aforementioned reversal of interest income related to the specialty finance loans moved to nonaccrual status during the second quarter of 2023, the impact of higher interest rates on the Company's deposits and overall funding costs, and actions taken to add balance sheet liquidity following the market events of March 2023. Relative to the prior year period, these developments were partially offset by an increase in average interest-earning asset balances, and relative to both prior periods, higher loan yields.
Total interest income was $39.0 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $43.1 million for the first quarter of 2023, and $26.2 million for the second quarter of 2022. The decline relative to the prior quarter reflects the aforementioned reversal of interest income related to loans placed on nonaccrual status during the second quarter of 2023. The increase relative to the prior year reflects higher average balances of and yields on interest-earning asset balances, partially offset by the reversal of interest income on loans moved to nonaccrual status during the second quarter of 2023, and lower income from purchase accounting adjustments. The yield on average loans held for investment, excluding PPP loans, was 5.54% for the second quarter of 2023, compared to 6.24% for the first quarter of 2023, and 4.97% for the second quarter of 2022. The reversal of interest income noted above had an approximate negative 75 basis points impact on the yield on average loans held for investment, excluding PPP loans, for the second quarter of 2023.
Total interest expense was $18.6 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $15.7 million for the first quarter of 2023, and $2.2 million for the second quarter of 2022. The increase relative to the prior quarter and the year-ago period reflects higher deposit costs and overall funding costs due to higher market interest rates and a shift in the mix of average interest-bearing liabilities, primarily to higher cost wholesale funding sources.
Average balances of interest-earning assets increased $3.6 million, or 0.1%, to $3.06 billion, in the second quarter of 2023, relative to the prior quarter, and increased by $582.0 million, or 23.5%, from the year-ago period. Relative to the prior quarter, average interest-earning asset balances were relatively flat, reflecting a slight decline in average total securities and loans held for investment balances, offset by higher average balances of loans held for sale and interest-earning deposits in other banks. Relative to the prior year-ago period, average interest-earning asset balances increased due primarily to higher balances of loans held for investment and interest-earning deposits at other banks, partially offset by lower average securities balances.
Average balances of interest-bearing liabilities increased $177.1 million, or 8.2%, to $2.35 billion, in the second quarter of 2023, relative to the prior quarter, and increased $719.3 million, or 44.2%, relative to the year-ago period. Relative to the prior quarter, the increase reflected higher average interest-bearing deposits, primarily higher average wholesale time deposits, partially offset by lower average FHLB borrowings. Relative to the prior year, the increase reflected higher average interest-bearing deposits and higher average FHLB borrowings.
Cost of funds was 2.49% for the second quarter of 2023, compared to 2.11% for the first quarter of 2023, and 0.36% for the second quarter of 2022, while cost of deposits was 2.21%, 1.74%, and 0.26%, for the same respective periods. Higher deposit costs and overall funding costs reflect the impact of higher market interest rates, higher average balances and related interest costs of FHLB borrowings, and a shift in the mix of funding, including an increase in higher cost time deposits, which includes an increase in wholesale funding average balances and a decline in average noninterest-bearing deposits.
Net interest margin was 2.67% for the second quarter of 2023, compared to 3.58% for the first quarter of 2023, and 3.89% for the second quarter of 2022. The decline in net interest margin relative to both prior periods primarily reflects the aforementioned reversal of interest income related to loans placed on nonaccrual status during the second quarter of 2023, the impact of higher interest rates on funding costs, and less benefit from purchase accounting adjustments. These declines were partially offset by higher yields on loans, excluding the reversal of interest income.
Provision for Credit Losses
The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $20.5 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $3.7 million for the first quarter of 2023, and $7.5 million for the second quarter of 2022. Relative to both prior periods, the increase in provision is primarily attributable to specific reserves and charge-offs on the aforementioned group of specialty finance loans.
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income was $9.7 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $7.3 million for the first quarter of 2023, and $10.2 million for the second quarter of 2022. Relative to the prior quarter, the increase reflected higher residential mortgage banking income, primarily due to the aforementioned fair value adjustments to MSRs, and, to a lesser extent, higher bank and purchase card income, partially offset by lower other noninterest income and negative fair value adjustments of other equity investments. Relative to the year-ago period, the decline reflected lower residential mortgage banking income, partially offset by higher other noninterest income and higher gain on sale of government guaranteed loans.
Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense was $34.1 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $28.8 million for the first quarter of 2023, and $25.3 million for the second quarter of 2022. Relative to the prior quarter and year-ago period, the increase primarily reflects higher other contractual services, legal, regulatory remediation, and FDIC insurance costs, partially offset by lower salaries and employee benefits costs.
Balance Sheet:
Loans
Loans held for investment, excluding PPP loans, were $2.45 billion at June 30, 2023, compared to $2.45 billion at March 31, 2023, and $2.05 billion at June 30, 2022. Loan balances were flat with the prior quarter level, while the Company selectively replaced the amortization of balances with higher yielding loans. The increase in loan balances relative to the year ago period reflected the high level of growth, particularly in the second half of 2022.
Deposits
Total deposits were $2.61 billion at June 30, 2023, a decline of $148.0 million, or 5.4%, from the prior quarter-end, and an increase of $277.4 million, or 11.9%, from the year-ago period. Relative to the prior quarter, the decrease reflected a decline in wholesale funding, primarily time deposits, and, to a lesser extent, declines in other deposit types. Relative to the year-ago period, the increase reflected higher wholesale funding balances, interest-bearing demand and money market deposits, partially offset by lower noninterest-bearing demand deposits. Noninterest-bearing deposits declined 3.1% and 26.7% relative to the prior quarter and year-ago periods, respectively, and represented 22.0%, 21.5%, and 33.6% of total deposits at June 30, 2023, March 31, 2023, and June 30, 2022, respectively. The change from the year-ago period was primarily due to certain fintech-related balances shifting to interest-bearing accounts.
The held for investment loan to deposit ratio was 94.1% at June 30, 2023, compared to 89.0% at the prior quarter-end, and 88.4% at the year-ago period-end. The increase on a linked quarter basis was due primarily to lower wholesale funding at second quarter-end 2023, while the increase from the year-ago period end was due to second half 2022 loan growth.
Fintech Business:
Interest and fee income related to fintech partnerships represented approximately $3.4 million, $2.9 million, and $1.8 million of total revenue for the Company for the second quarter of 2023, the first quarter of 2023, and the second quarter of 2022, respectively.
Deposits related to fintech relationships were $708 million at June 30, 2023, compared to $716 million at the prior quarter-end. These deposits represented 27.1% of total deposits at June 30, 2023, compared to 25.9% of total deposits at the prior quarter-end. Included in deposits related to fintech relationships were assets managed by BRB Financial Group's trust division of $37.2 million as of June 30, 2023.
Other Matters:
On May 15, 2023, the Company sold its wholesale mortgage business operating as LenderSelect Mortgage Group ("LSMG") to a third-party for $250 thousand in cash. The Company recorded a loss on the sale of LSMG of $553 thousand, which is reported in other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.
In the first quarter of 2022, the Company sold its majority interest in MoneyWise Payroll Solutions, Inc. ("MoneyWise") to the holder of the minority interest in MoneyWise. Income statement amounts related to MoneyWise are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures:
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, management uses certain non-GAAP measures to supplement the evaluation of the Company's performance. Management believes presentations of these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information that is essential to a proper understanding of the operating results of the Company's core businesses. These non-GAAP disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP measures are included at the end of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This release of the Company contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent plans, estimates, objectives, goals, guidelines, expectations, intentions, projections, and statements of the Company's beliefs concerning future events, business plans, objectives, expected operating results and the assumptions upon which those statements are based. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance or achievements, and are typically identified with words such as "may," "could," "should," "will," "would," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "aim," "intend," "plan," or words or phases of similar meaning. The Company cautions that the forward-looking statements are based largely on its expectations and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond the Company's control. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
The following factors, among others, could cause the Company's financial performance to differ materially from that expressed in such forward-looking statements: (i) the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which it conducts operations; (ii) changes in the level of the Company's nonperforming assets and charge-offs; (iii) management of risks inherent in the Company's real estate loan portfolio, and the risk of a prolonged downturn in the real estate market, which could impair the value of collateral and the ability to sell collateral upon any foreclosure; (iv) the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary, and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve, inflation, interest rate, market, and monetary fluctuations; (v) changes in consumer spending and savings habits; (vi) the Company's ability to identify, attract, and retain experienced management, relationship managers, and support personnel, particularly in a competitive labor environment; (vii) technological and social media changes impacting the Company, the Bank, and the financial services industry in general; (viii) changing bank regulatory conditions, laws, regulations, policies, or programs, whether arising as new legislation or regulatory initiatives, that could lead to restrictions on activities of banks generally, or the Bank in particular, more restrictive regulatory capital requirements, increased costs, including deposit insurance premiums, increased regulations, prohibition of certain income producing activities, or changes in the secondary market for loans and other products; (ix) the impact of changes in financial services policies, laws and regulations, including laws, regulations and policies concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance, and the application thereof by regulatory bodies; (x) the Company's involvement, from time to time, in legal proceedings and examination and remedial actions by regulators; (xi) the impact of, and the ability to comply with, the terms of the formal written agreement between the Bank and the OCC; (xii) the impact of changes in laws, regulations, and policies affecting the real estate industry; (xiii) the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted from time to time by bank regulatory agencies, the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or other accounting standards setting bodies; (xiv) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the adverse impact on our business and operations and on the Company's customers which may result, among other things, in increased delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures and losses on loans; (xv) the occurrence of significant natural disasters, including severe weather conditions, floods, health related issues, and other catastrophic events; (xvi) geopolitical conditions, including acts or threats of terrorism and/or military conflicts, or actions taken by the U.S. or other governments in response to acts or threats of terrorism and/or military conflicts, which could impact business and economic conditions in the U.S. and abroad; (xvii) the timely development of competitive new products and services and the acceptance of these products and services by new and existing customers; (xviii) the willingness of users to substitute competitors' products and services for the Company's products and services; (xix) the Company's inability to successfully manage growth or implement its growth strategy; (xx) reputational risk and potential adverse reactions of the Company's customers, suppliers, employees or other business partners; (xxi) the effect of acquisitions the Company may make, including, without limitation, disruption of employee or customer relationships, and the failure to achieve the expected revenue growth and/or expense savings from such acquisitions; (xxii) the Company's participation in the PPP established by the U.S. government and its administration of the loans and processing fees earned under the program; (xxiii) the Company's involvement, from time to time, in legal proceedings, and examination and remedial actions by regulators; (xxiv) the Company's potential exposure to fraud, negligence, computer theft, and cyber-crime; (xxv) the Bank's ability to effectively manage its fintech partnerships, and the abilities of those fintech companies to perform as expected; (xxvi) the Bank's ability to pay dividends to the Company; and (xxvii) other risks and factors identified in the "Risk Factors" sections and elsewhere in documents the Company files from time to time with the SEC.
1 Non-GAAP financial measure. Further information can be found at the end of this press release.
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SOURCE Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/blue-ridge-bankshares-inc-announces-second-quarter-2023-results/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:19 | 0 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/blue-ridge-bankshares-inc-announces-second-quarter-2023-results/ |
Formation of new Board and updates to key management roles set to drive and accelerate progression in the region
CARLSBAD, Calif., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nice, a global leader in Home and Building Management solutions, today announced pivotal changes within its North American entity to further boost growth and innovation.
, former Chief Commercial Officer of GE Grid Solutions, appointed as Nice North America CEO.
Nice North America begins its next phase of evolution by establishing a new Board to provide strategic oversight of regional operations, a move indicating a sustained commitment to increasing shareholder value, improving corporate governance, and driving strategic growth. The Board will lead four specialized committees, each focused on accelerating growth in the areas of ESG, People Strategy, Audit & Compliance, and Strategy.
Leading the coordination of the Board will be Luca Longhin, who is appointed President of Nice North America and is a long-standing contributor to the mission of Nice. Since 2019, Luca has worked extensively on the North American vision and strategy for growth, including driving post-acquisition integration of businesses in the region. His deep understanding of Nice business dynamics will ensure that North America continues on its successful trajectory while contributing significantly to global objectives.
Emanuel Bertolini is appointed as the new CEO of Nice North America, bringing over two decades of project management, sales, and P&L leadership experience. Emanuel has amassed an impressive track record of driving growth and success in his previous roles at GE, including Chief Commercial Officer of GE Grid Solutions, CEO Americas of GE Grid Solutions, and various board positions. Emanuel's proven leadership and dedication to fostering a culture of teamwork, safety, and compliance align perfectly with the values and mission of Nice.
Emanuel is recognized as a growth-oriented leader with a proven track record of delivering results. His extensive background and global expertise equip him with a deep understanding of business dynamics and the ability to drive success. Throughout his leadership journey, he has fostered a culture of teamwork, valuing diverse teams and perspectives, prioritizing safety, and ensuring compliance.
"We are excited about the organizational developments and future of Nice North America," said Roberto Griffa, CEO of Nice group. "Luca's history of success, not only in the region but also throughout his career with Nice, will continue building on the solid foundation established. We are also thrilled about the appointment of Emanuel, a highly regarded leader, and are delighted to welcome him to Nice. His global expertise working across a range of industries make him an excellent fit for the role in driving continued success to achieve the company's strategic objectives."
Addressing his appointment as CEO of Nice North America, Emanuel Bertolini had this to say: "I am pleased to embark on this exciting journey with Nice, a dynamic and globally recognized company. The clear mission, exceptional team, and diverse portfolio of innovative products and solutions position us strongly to achieve success in the marketplace. Together with Luca, the Board, and our dedicated team, I look forward to collaborating with the talented individuals at Nice to deliver outstanding value to our shareholders and our customers."
In his new role as CEO, Emanuel will officially join on August 7, 2023 and report directly to the newly formed Board. Luca will report to Roberto Griffa and the Nice Executive Committee in Italy. This governance structure is designed to accelerate the progression of Nice in North America, building on its innovative smart home and building management solutions.
The moves take place as the company continues its rapid expansion and convergence of brands, beginning first with ELAN®, SpeakerCraft®, and Panamax® brands to create a more powerful whole home solution by the end of 2023.
About Nice North America
Nice North America, a subsidiary of Nice, one of the largest manufacturers of smart residential, commercial, and industrial solutions in the world, with seamless and easy-to-install technology for smart home control, security and automation, perimeter access, protection and control, sunshade solutions, power management, and whole home entertainment. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, CA, with several R&D and manufacturing centers across the region. Professional integrators, dealers, and distribution partners grow their business with CEU training and education, technical and field support, and award-winning sales and marketing programs. The company is a proud national sponsor of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program, supporting wounded veterans and their families with specially adapted smart homes. For further information visit www.niceforyou.com.
Press Contacts:
Agency Contact
BCW
Brittany Gbur
Brittany.gbur@bcw-global.com
Corporate Contact
Mark Burson
Chief Marketing Officer
Nice North America
m.burson@niceforyou.com
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SOURCE Nice North America | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nice-charts-course-bolster-growth-with-strategic-leadership-appointments-evolution-organizational-structure/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:20 | 0 | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nice-charts-course-bolster-growth-with-strategic-leadership-appointments-evolution-organizational-structure/ |
Russian ballistic missile strikes kill at least 6 people in Zelenskyy's hometown in central Ukraine
KYIV, Ukraine – Russian ballistic missiles slammed into an apartment complex and a university building in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown Monday, killing six people and wounding 75 others as the blasts trapped residents beneath rubble, Ukrainian officials said.
One of the two missiles that hit the central city of Kryvyi Rihon destroyed part of an apartment building between the fourth and ninth floors, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said. Video showed black smoke billowing from corner units and burned out or damaged cars on a tree-lined street.
The dead included a 10-year-old girl and her mother, according to Zelenskyy. More than 350 people were involved in the rescue operation, he said in a Telegram post.
The morning attack also destroyed part of a four-story university building.
The strike on Zelenskyy's hometown, which has been hit in the past, happened a day after the Ukrainian president warned that the fighting was drawing closer to Russian land.
“Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia – to its symbolic centers and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process,” Zelenskyy said Sunday in his nightly video address.
It was not clear whether the missile strikes were in retaliation for his comments.
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian artillery strike on the partially occupied Donetsk province killed two people and wounded six others in the regional capital, according to Denis Pushilin, the Moscow-installed leader of the illegally annexed province.
A bus was also hit as Ukrainian forces shelled the city of Donetsk multiple times Monday, Pushilin said.
Neither side's claims could be independently verified.
A recent Ukrainian counteroffensive, deploying weaponry supplied by Kyiv's Western allies and aimed at driving Russian forces out of occupied areas, intensified last week. At the same time, Ukraine has sought to take the war deep into Russia, reportedly using drones to hit targets as far away as Moscow.
Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia and Moscow-annexed territory, especially Crimea, have become more frequent. The latest strike, on Sunday, damaged two office buildings a few miles (kilometers) from the Kremlin. Ukrainian officials did not acknowledge the attack.
Russia tightened security in the aftermath of that attack, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday, describing the assault as an “act of desperation.”
“The Kyiv regime is in a very, very difficult situation,” Peskov said, “as the counteroffensive is not working out as planned.”
“It’s obvious that the multibillion-dollar resources that have been transferred by NATO countries to the Kyiv regime are actually being spent inefficiently,” Peskov said.
“This raises big questions in Western capitals and great discomfort among taxpayers in Western countries.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin, analysts say, is wagering that Western support for Kyiv will wane as the war drags on and costs mount.
Another Ukrainian drone targeted a district police department early Monday in Russia’s Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine, but there were no casualties, the local governor said.
Bombarding populated areas with missiles, artillery and drones has been a hallmark of Moscow’s military strategy throughout the war, and that approach has continued during the Ukrainian counteroffensive that started in June.
Russian officials insist they take aim only at legitimate military targets, but Ukraine and its supporters say mass civilian deaths during previous attacks are evidence of war crimes.
“In recent days, the enemy has been stubbornly attacking cities, city centers, shelling civilian objects and housing,” Zelenskyy said. “But this terror will not frighten us or break us.”
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Monday that his forces have increased the intensity of attacks on Ukrainian military facilities.
It was not immediately clear which military facilities he was referring to, as Russia's recent missile strikes have hit civilian infrastructure.
In the southern city of Odesa, Russian strikes in recent weeks targeted port infrastructure and grain silos, after Moscow broke off an export agreement for Ukrainian grain. The Ukrainian foreign ministry estimated Monday that about 180,000 metric tons of grain have been destroyed by Russia in the past nine days.
Russian shelling Monday also killed four civilians and wounded 17 in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson. A 70-year-old woman was killed by shelling in her home in a Kharkiv province village near Izyum, authorities said.
In eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk province, one person was reported killed and seven people were injured after Russia shelled 12 cities and villages, according to Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko.
In other developments Monday, China introduced restrictions on the export of long-range civilian drones. Authorities cited the war in Ukraine and concern that drones could be converted for military purposes.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s government is friendly with Moscow, but says it's neutral in the war. It has been stung by reports that both sides might be using Chinese-made drones for reconnaissance and possibly attacks.
Meanwhile, Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin said Monday that his Wagner Group is not currently recruiting fighters.
In an audio message published on a Telegram channel associated with the Wagner chief, Prigozhin said the company had suspended recruitment as there is currently “no shortage of personnel.”
Prigozhin previously agreed with Western estimates that he lost more than 20,000 men in the long battle for the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.
Prigozhin last month led a short-lived mutiny against Moscow, demanding a leadership change in the Russian military. In an attempt to control him, Russian authorities insisted that Wagner fighters can only return to Ukraine if they join Russia’s regular army. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/world/2023/07/31/russian-ballistic-missile-strikes-kill-at-least-6-people-in-zelenskyys-hometown-in-central-ukraine/70498642007/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:21 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/world/2023/07/31/russian-ballistic-missile-strikes-kill-at-least-6-people-in-zelenskyys-hometown-in-central-ukraine/70498642007/ |
Haze from Canadian wildfires to return but stay up higher in atmosphere
Haze from Canadian wildfires will descend on Metro Detroit Monday but it shouldn't be low enough to force another air quality alert, said the National Weather Service.
Monday will likely see a thunderstorm with temperatures in the high 70s as well as some haze from the wildfires. According to a tweet from the National Weather Service Detroit, a cold front south of the Upper Peninsula will contribute to some scattered showers and storms.
"With the northwestern wind that is setting up, we're going to get some of the smoke aloft. It's surface-based, so at least today, we're not going to have an air quality alert for it," said Dave Kook, a meteorologist at National Weather Service Detroit.
The wind will bring some smoke down over the Great Lakes, but not low enough to make an air quality alert, he said.
"We'll be watching day-to-day to see if that smoke can work down to the ground or not, but it will be up higher in the atmosphere, so you'll probably see some haze the next few days," Kook said.
Haze from out-of-control Canadian wildfires has been ongoing issue all summer in Metro Detroit, triggering dozens of air quality alerts and, at times, creating some of the worst air quality in the world. According to Canada's National Wildland Fire Situation Report, 233 fires were burning as of July 26.
Tuesday and Wednesday in Metro Detroit will likely be sunny and dry with temperatures in the 80s. Thursday and Friday brings the possibility for rain and thunderstorms as humid temperatures continue in the 80s.
mjohnson@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/weather/2023/07/31/haze-canadian-wildfires-metro-detroit-forecast/70497422007/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:21 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/weather/2023/07/31/haze-canadian-wildfires-metro-detroit-forecast/70497422007/ |
In Wilmette, there's been an intentional effort to keep folks in the suburb, says Village Manager Michael Braiman. While the process started in 2010, it continued with intention when the pandemic threatened businesses in 2020. The suburb's master plan called for enhanced streetscapes, more density and plans to encourage more people to patronize downtown businesses.
While restaurants led the charge, new retail businesses — both local small businesses and national chains—opened this year, and as a result, "downtown Wilmette is a destination not just at night but during the day," he says.
It's a reasonable assumption, Braiman says, that some people are choosing to work, shop and play in downtown Wilmette because they are not commuting elsewhere as often. While efforts have been successful, Braiman says the suburb will continue to support first-time businesses and evaluate barriers to development so that is "welcoming and inviting to all."
"Vibrant business districts are incredibly tenuous," he says. "We are always working on it. It is constant nurture and care." | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum-new-workplace/hybrid-work-schedules-usher-wednesday-happy-hours | 2023-07-31T17:05:26 | 1 | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum-new-workplace/hybrid-work-schedules-usher-wednesday-happy-hours |
Provides DUI/DWI Solutions and Free Virtual Continuing Education
DES MOINES, Iowa, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Safety Technology, a leader in safety and detection products and services, announced today it has been named the Official DUI/DWI Services Sponsor for The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL). The expanded partnership will provide continuing education seminars and exclusive benefits to support FACDL attorneys and their clients.
FACDL is the only statewide organization in Florida dedicated solely to criminal defense attorneys. A not-for-profit corporation, FACDL was formed for scientific and educational purposes and is affiliated with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
"Expanding our partnership with FACDL reinforces our commitment to supporting criminal defense attorneys across the state," said Kathy Boden Holland, CEO, CST. "By offering members valuable continuing legal education content and access to products and services for every step in the DUI process, we aim to enhance their expertise and effectiveness in representing clients."
CST's suite of comprehensive alcohol and impairment solutions includes Intoxalock, the leading ignition interlock brand in the US, and trusted partner to attorneys and monitoring authorities. Through the partnership, FACDL members can easily address multiple client needs with products and services covering the entire DUI process, not just one area.
- Intoxalock – Intoxalock devices are approved in Florida and meet all state criteria for court-ordered devices. With VIP support from Intoxalock, FACDL member's clients will receive expedited assistance. www.intoxalock.com
- Breathe Easy - High-risk insurance coverage is often a requirement following a DUI or DWI conviction. Breathe Easy insurance brokerage works with several providers, and FACDL members can rely on Breathe Easy representatives to find the best coverage for the lowest price on behalf of their clients. https://www.breatheeasyins.com/
- New Directions - Assessments that DUI and DWI defendants can use to strengthen their case in court. As part of the partnership, FACDL members will receive priority scheduling for assessments. All clients will receive a customized assessment tailored to their unique situation and needs. New Directions also offers a money-back guarantee if the assessment is not accepted in court. https://www.ndsbs.com/
Key FACDL event dates:
- October 4, 2023 - Ignition Interlock 101: The 5 Most Common Mistakes Clients – FACDL members will learn more about ignition interlock devices and the benefits, requirements, and technical aspects of the device.
- November 16-17, 2023 - CST will serve as the top-tier sponsor for the DUI Defense Seminar, Blood, Breath & Tears, at the University of Florida Levin College of Law in Gainesville, Florida.
For more information on how FACDL attorney members can join the Intoxalock Select Attorney Network and get instant access to client savings materials visit the FACDL and Intoxalock Partner page.
About Consumer Safety Technology
Consumer Safety Technology (CST) is a leader in safety and detection products and services that help people live responsibly and make communities safer. A force for good for more than 30 years, CST and its family of leading brands serve as a trusted partner to both individuals and authorities. CST's portfolio features comprehensive alcohol and impairment solutions that uniquely cover the entire DUI process and include: Intoxalock, the number one ignition interlock brand in the US; Breathe Easy, specialized and low-cost insurance; and New Directions, virtual court and employer accepted assessments. Driven by a commitment to delivering reliable and exceptional service, combined with innovative technology that makes positive change, CST has achieved sustained growth and success. CST is a portfolio company of L. Catterton and was named Best Place to Work for Working Parents in 2022 and 2023. For more information visit www.consumersafetytechnology.com or via LinkedIn.com.
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SOURCE Intoxalock | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/consumer-safety-technology-announces-expanded-partnership-with-florida-association-criminal-defense-lawyers/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:25 | 1 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/consumer-safety-technology-announces-expanded-partnership-with-florida-association-criminal-defense-lawyers/ |
The company's 2022 annual audit shows impressive growth with a focus on regional expansion, becoming first fintech startup from Singapore to have over 20 offices globally
SAN FRANCISCO and SINGAPORE, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nium, the leader in real-time global payments, has published its 2022 audit, showing US$82M in net revenue which grew 2.7x YoY and ended at more than $100M net revenue run rate. Nium is Singapore's first global fintech focused on payments to reach this revenue milestone. In 2022, the company focused its development on serving high-growth client use cases, in industries such as travel, payroll, spend management, and financial services. This strategy has allowed for the business to accelerate its growth agenda, including global expansion, organic product innovation, continued hiring of top talent, and M&A activity.
"Moving money across borders is broken," said Prajit Nanu, Founder and CEO at Nium. "Legacy banks and payment processors have failed to give businesses the solutions they need to expand globally. Nium fills this gap and has emerged as the new global business standard for real-time, cross-border money movement. We are thrilled to see such success last year and are extremely bullish on not only the scale we've already seen this year, but what we'll see by the end of 2023."
Nium has hundreds of clients across multiple industries including financial institutions, payroll, spend management, and travel. Financial institutions were a priority last year as Nium focused on helping them target new markets with instant bank payouts and expand to emerging markets. Nium powers among the largest brands and platforms in the globe, including Rippling, Payoneer, Amadeus, Aspire, MasterCard and eDreams.
Nium's issuing product also saw substantial success, with over 30M cards issued just last year. Nium helps navigate this rapidly changing landscape, by allowing travel intermediaries and operators to efficiently pay travel suppliers around the world, optimizing every transaction for maximum profitability. On the product side, the company launched Nium Airline Payments, a closed-loop payments solution powered by Universal Air Travel Plan, which provides airlines, travel agents, and online travel agencies with a sustainable and equitable 'closed loop' payment model.
Last year saw exponential growth on Nium's leadership team, including the hires of CPO, Robin Gandhi; GC, Dylan Lowrey; and CTO, Ramana Satyavarapu. With hiring at the forefront, the Nium team was awarded the Great Places to Work certification in India, Malta, Singapore, and the US. Nium also expanded into new markets, including Malaysia and Japan. Due to this expansion of the company and team, Nium saw a slightly higher burn rate than in 2021.
Over the past year Nium raised additional capital at a $2.0bn valuation, adding new investors such as BOND, NewView Capital, Moore Capital and Tribe Capital. The business is very well capitalized and continues to invest in product innovation, new markets and M&A opportunities. "Our investors believe in our mission of building the payments infrastructure for on-demand money and our funding has helped us accelerate our growth aspirations. We're thrilled to have the support of these notable investors and continue to look forward to working closely together to advance our business." said Nanu.
Nium plays in the foundational payment infrastructure market that has proven to be one of the few thriving markets during these challenging times. The company's extensive global reach, broad license portfolio, real-time payments network, enhanced payroll solution, and a team of industry leaders have been the pillars of its success. In 2023, Nium has been focused on regional expansion. The company's recent hires of Volker Steinle to lead Americas business development, Anupam Pahuja to lead Asia Pacific and Middle East business development, and Manuel Sandhofer to lead Europe business development are examples of that investment. This expertise, coupled with new licenses pending regulatory approval, has set Nium up for success in emerging markets including LATAM and Africa. The company has also recently opened new offices in San Francisco, Amsterdam, India, and Singapore.
About Nium
Nium, the leader in real-time global payments, was founded on the mission to deliver the global payments infrastructure of tomorrow, today. With the onset of the on-demand economy, its payments infrastructure is shaping how banks, fintechs, and businesses everywhere collect, convert, and disburse funds instantly across borders. Its payout network supports 100 currencies and spans 190+ countries, 100 of which in real-time. Funds can be disbursed to accounts, wallets, and cards and collected locally in 35 markets. Nium's growing card issuance business is already available in 34 countries. Nium holds regulatory licenses and authorizations in more than 40 countries, enabling seamless onboarding, rapid integration, and compliance – independent of geography. The company is co-headquartered in San Francisco and Singapore, with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1678669/Nium_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE Nium | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nium-announces-2022-net-revenue-grew-27x-yoy-us82m/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:26 | 1 | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nium-announces-2022-net-revenue-grew-27x-yoy-us82m/ |
CALGARY, AB, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Canadian Pacific Kansas City (TSX: CP) (NYSE: CP) (CPKC) today published its 2023-2024 Grain Service Outlook Report, which outlines the company's plan to safely and reliably transport Canada's grain crop for export to international markets.
"As we look toward the upcoming 2023-2024 crop year, CPKC is once again well prepared to move Canada's grain crop to market, just as we have throughout our 142-year history," said Keith Creel, CPKC President and CEO. "We have the capacity and the team to deliver for our grain customers and the Canadian economy during the upcoming crop year."
The report outlines CPKC's strong commitment to our grain customers and unique position to supply rail transportation to Canada's agricultural sector as the first transnational railway that provides a single-line connection between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. This powerful new rail network provides Canada's grain shippers with access to markets across North America, including many new markets in Mexico, and enhanced routing options for shipping Canadian grain and grain products overseas. Additionally, CPKC has completed its more than $500 million investment to purchase 5,900 new higher-capacity grain hopper cars.
Notwithstanding CPKC's robust preparation and investments, there are several factors constraining Canada's export-driven grain supply chain, including:
- The recent strikes at port terminals across B.C., including at the Port of Vancouver, Canada's largest port, once again demonstrated the damaging and compounding impact of labour disruptions on supply chains. The prolonged duration of the strike means that supply chain recovery will stretch into 2024, potentially impacting grain transportation this fall.
- The federal government's commitment to introduce legislation prohibiting replacement workers by the end of 2023 would lead to even more frequent and longer labour disruptions at Canada's railways and ports.
- The persistent challenge of loading grain onto vessels during periods of rain or snow in Vancouver must be resolved to maximize supply chain capacity and reliability.
- The government's decision to resurrect extended interswitching on the prairies risks undermining rail efficiency and capacity. This policy incentivizes inefficiencies, causing higher transportation costs for all users of the rail network, and drives Canadian investment dollars and jobs to the U.S.
- Low demand for Canadian grain transportation at certain times during the 2022-2023 crop year, and in particular throughout the spring period, resulted in significant unused capacity on CPKC's rail network, undermining Canada's ability to maximize grain exports to global markets. Maximizing Canada's grain exports requires customers to use the available supply chain capacity throughout the entirety of the crop year.
Despite these avoidable headwinds, CPKC has the capacity and the team to deliver for grain customers during the 2023-2024 crop year. To read the full report, please visit cpkcr.com.
Forward-looking information
This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws in both the U.S. and Canada. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements concerning expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions and statements about possible future events, conditions, and results of operations or performance. Forward-looking information may contain statements with words or headings such as "financial expectations", "key assumptions", "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "will", "outlook", "guidance", "should" or similar words suggesting future outcomes. This news release contains forward-looking information relating, but not limited, to statements concerning CPKC's ability to transport grain during the 2023-2024 crop year, the success of our business, the realization of anticipated benefits and synergies of the CP-KCS combination, and the opportunities arising therefrom, our operations, priorities and plans, business prospects and demand for our services and growth opportunities.
The forward-looking information in this news release is based on current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions, having regard to CPKC's experience and its perception of historical trends, and may include, among others, expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions relating to: changes in business strategies, North American and global economic growth and conditions; commodity demand growth; sustainable industrial and agricultural production; commodity prices and interest rates; performance of our assets and equipment; sufficiency of our budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out our business plan; geopolitical conditions, applicable laws, regulations and government policies; the availability and cost of labour, services and infrastructure; the satisfaction by third parties of their obligations to CPKC; and carbon markets, evolving sustainability strategies, and scientific or technological developments. Although CPKC believes the expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking information presented herein are reasonable as of the date hereof, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Current conditions, economic and otherwise, render assumptions, although reasonable when made, subject to greater uncertainty.
Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking information. By its nature, CPKC's forward-looking information involves inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, the following factors: changes in business strategies and strategic opportunities; general Canadian, U.S., Mexican and global social, economic, political, credit and business conditions; risks associated with agricultural production such as weather conditions and insect populations; the availability and price of energy commodities; the effects of competition and pricing pressures, including competition from other rail carriers, trucking companies and maritime shippers in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico; North American and global economic growth and conditions; industry capacity; shifts in market demand; changes in commodity prices and commodity demand; uncertainty surrounding timing and volumes of commodities being shipped via CPKC; inflation; geopolitical instability; changes in laws, regulations and government policies, including regulation of rates; changes in taxes and tax rates; potential increases in maintenance and operating costs; changes in fuel prices; disruption in fuel supplies; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation; compliance with environmental regulations; labour disputes including the impact of the port workers' strike and resolution of the strike in British Columbia; changes in labour costs and labour difficulties; risks and liabilities arising from derailments; transportation of dangerous goods; timing of completion of capital and maintenance projects; sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out business plans; services and infrastructure; the satisfaction by third parties of their obligations; currency and interest rate fluctuations; exchange rates; effects of changes in market conditions and discount rates on the financial position of pension plans and investments; trade restrictions or other changes to international trade arrangements; the effects of current and future multinational trade agreements on the level of trade among Canada, the U.S. and Mexico; climate change and the market and regulatory responses to climate change; anticipated in-service dates; success of hedging activities; operational performance and reliability; customer, regulatory and other stakeholder approvals and support; regulatory and legislative decisions and actions; the adverse impact of any termination or revocation by the Mexican government of Kansas City Southern de México, S.A. de C.V.'s Concession; public opinion; various events that could disrupt operations, including severe weather, such as droughts, floods, avalanches and earthquakes, and cybersecurity attacks, as well as security threats and governmental response to them, and technological changes; acts of terrorism, war or other acts of violence or crime or risk of such activities; insurance coverage limitations; material adverse changes in economic and industry conditions, including the availability of short and long-term financing; the pandemic created by the outbreak of COVID-19 and its variants and resulting effects on economic conditions, the demand environment for logistics requirements and energy prices, restrictions imposed by public health authorities or governments, fiscal and monetary policy responses by governments and financial institutions, and disruptions to global supply chains; the realization of anticipated benefits and synergies of the CP-KCS transaction and the timing thereof; the satisfaction of the conditions imposed by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board in its March 15, 2023 final decision; the success of integration plans for KCS; other disruptions arising from the CP-KCS integration; estimated future dividends; financial strength and flexibility; debt and equity market conditions, including the ability to access capital markets on favourable terms or at all; cost of debt and equity capital; improvement in data collection and measuring systems; industry-driven changes to methodologies; and the ability of the management of CPKC to execute key priorities, including those in connection with the CP-KCS transaction.
The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. These and other factors are detailed from time to time in reports filed by CPKC with securities regulators in Canada and the United States. Reference should be made to "Item 1A – Risk Factors" and "Item 7 – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Forward Looking Statements" in CPKC's annual and interim reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q.
Any forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, CPKC undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information, or the foregoing assumptions and risks affecting such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
With its global headquarters in Calgary, Alta., Canada, CPKC is the first and only single-line transnational railway linking Canada, the United States and México, with unrivaled access to major ports from Vancouver to Atlantic Canada to the Gulf of México to Lázaro Cárdenas, México. Stretching approximately 20,000 route miles and employing 20,000 railroaders, CPKC provides North American customers unparalleled rail service and network reach to key markets across the continent. CPKC is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpkcr.com to learn more about the rail advantages of CPKC. CP-IR
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SOURCE CPKC | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/cpkc-publishes-annual-grain-service-outlook-report/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:32 | 0 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/cpkc-publishes-annual-grain-service-outlook-report/ |
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) President, Carole Fisher has attracted publicity for her role hosting the popular podcast series – "The Girlfriends". Produced by NOVEL for iHeartRadio, the thrilling nine-part series, led by Fisher, uncovers the horrific backstory of Gail Katz's death, the systems that failed her and all the girlfriends that brought her justice.
THE GIRLFRIENDS explores the bonds of friendship, female solidarity, empowerment, and bringing justice to all people who suffer at the hands of abuse and domestic violence. Since its release on July 10, The Girlfriends has achieved success – currently ranking at #1 in Canada, the United Kingdom and United States on Apple Podcasts.
"This is more than just being another binge-worthy true crime podcast series. It's about raising awareness around the horrors of abuse, especially domestic and sexual violence," said Carole Fisher, NPHI President. "It has been a privilege and an honor to speak up on behalf of Gail Katz, and so many other women who are victims of domestic violence. Together, we must do more to elevate the voices of those in danger."
NOVEL collaborated with the leading global charity NOMORE.org dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault by increasing awareness, inspiring action, and fueling culture change. NPHI maintains close links to these related issues through its engagement with Healthsperien LLC and applauds Carole Fisher for her continued commitment to social impact and raising awareness on the issues of domestic violence against women.
"I am extremely pleased to hear of the success of this podcast, and I support its greater goal in raising awareness around the pervasiveness of domestic violence," said Tom Koutsoumpas, NPHI CEO. "Carole's entire lifework has been centered around helping and speaking out for others and her participation in this podcast highlights her never-ending commitment to creating social impact and change where it is rightly needed."
Carole, who is employed directly by the renowned DC Policy Firm, Healthsperien LLC, has presided over the day-to-day operations of NPHI since January 2021. In this capacity, she brings a wealth of expertise that has helped NPHI grow exponentially and evolve with the ever-changing hospice landscape. Prior to her time at Healthsperien and NPHI, she served as a highly regarded C-suite leader, including a long-time engagement as the CEO of Nathan Adelson Hospice in her hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada.
You can find The Girlfriends on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts.
About Carole Fisher: Ms. Fisher serves as President for the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI). Utilizing her previous experiences and deep familiarity with not-for-profit community-based hospice and palliative healthcare, she is charged with leading a wide range of activities for NPHI. With an emphasis on developing strategic partnerships, meaningful collaborations and transformational innovations, Ms. Fisher provides support for NPHI members leading complex organizations.
Ms. Fisher spends her time working between her homes in Las Vegas, Nevada and Covington, Louisiana. She frequently travels to Washington D.C. for policy-related initiatives.
You can find Carole on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram under @CaroleAFisher.
The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) is a membership organization comprising 100+ not-for-profit, community-integrated hospice and palliative care providers dedicated to ensuring patients and their families have access to care that reflects their individual goals, values, and preferences. Representing providers from 37 states and the District of Columbia, NPHI and its members help design more innovative and effective models of care, advocate for comprehensive and community-integrated care customized to meet each person's unique needs, and build collaboration between national thought leaders, decision-makers, and other healthcare stakeholders to improve hospice care. Learn more at hospiceinnovations.org.
Press Contact:
Matt Wilkinson
Communications Manager, NPHI
+1 (801) 615-4207
mwilkinson@hospiceinnovations.org
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SOURCE National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nphi-president-carole-fisher-hosts-trending-true-crime-podcast-girlfriends/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:33 | 1 | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nphi-president-carole-fisher-hosts-trending-true-crime-podcast-girlfriends/ |
While earning my undergraduate and master’s degrees in Mumbai, India, I worked in several offices. Until the pandemic hit, these were traditional 9-to-5 jobs. But they were better-than-traditional because what I experienced and learned surpassed my expectations.
When I started a new job at a global public relations and integrated communications agency six months into the pandemic, we were still remote. But by the end of 2021, we were back in the office three times a week. I was relieved to be there. Working from home was convenient and saved me time and money for all the obvious reasons (no commuting or eating out, no need for a work wardrobe, etc.), but I felt isolated, burned out and ill-informed from being remote.
Working from home had big consequences. I was in a silo and never realized how much I missed human interaction until it was gone. So were the important resources that came with it: inspiration, collaboration and knowledge about different ways of looking at things or executing that could be more effective.
In 2022, I moved home to the United States, where I was born and had lived until I was 10. Unfortunately, the office died far more quickly in the U.S. than in India, where people still come in three to four days a week. Nevertheless, I got a job in Chicago, moved here in November and started work remotely. | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum-new-workplace/person-and-office-suits-24-year-old-opinion | 2023-07-31T17:05:36 | 0 | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum-new-workplace/person-and-office-suits-24-year-old-opinion |
GENEVA, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fractal, a shipping company developed to enhance global energy security, reiterates its unwavering commitment to strict adherence to international law and rigorous safety standards. The company diligently monitors the global price of crude and faithfully abides by the rules established by the price cap mechanism. This dedication to ethical business practices and full compliance, including adhering to the price cap regulations set by the EU, US, and other international regulatory bodies, reinforces Fractal's responsible approach in the energy sector.
"Our mission at Fractal is not just to ensure the smooth transportation of goods globally, but also to uphold the highest standards of safety, compliance, and respect for international law," stated Mathieu Philippe, Chief Executive Officer and Ultimate Beneficial Owner of Fractal. "We are proud to contribute to the world's energy security while adhering to the legal boundaries and fostering sustainable practices in the shipping industry."
Fractal's expertise lies in efficiently transporting crude oil and petroleum products worldwide, serving a diverse and global clientele with a primary focus on customers seeking reliable access to energy products. Each client relationship is built on the foundation of mutual respect for international law, further emphasizing Fractal's commitment to responsible and transparent business conduct.
To ensure the utmost level of compliance, Fractal has implemented a robust "Know Your Customer" process, enhancing its ability to meet regulatory requirements and maintain the highest ethical standards. Additionally, the company strictly adheres to international sanctions and compliance regimes, including in operations involving trade with Russia crude, in pursuit of conducting business responsibly and ethically.
Fractal's fleet consistently meets the industry's most stringent safety standards. Every vessel in the fleet undergoes regular inspections under the Ship Inspection Report Programme (SIRE), guaranteeing compliance and top-notch maintenance.
Every vessel in our fleet is certified by world-renowned certification bodies, members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), such as DNV, BV, Lloyd's Register, ABS, NKK. Additionally, our ships are insured by prominent international groups of P&I clubs, including the West of England and American Club. This is a testament to our commitment to maintaining not only regulatory compliance but also the highest safety standards.
"At Fractal, safety, compliance, and respect for international law are at the core of everything we do. Our strategic and efficient shipping operations differentiate us in the global shipping industry, and we are steadfast in our commitment to contributing to the world's economy responsibly," said Mathieu Philippe.
About Fractal:
Fractal is an international shipper with a focus on the global transportation of crude oil and petroleum products. The company is dedicated to upholding the principles of international law, safety, and compliance while contributing to the world's energy security. Fractal's commitment to ethical business practices and safety sets it apart in the global shipping industry.
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SOURCE Fractal | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/fractal-reaffirms-its-commitment-ethical-business-practices-compliance-safety-global-shipping-industry/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:39 | 1 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/fractal-reaffirms-its-commitment-ethical-business-practices-compliance-safety-global-shipping-industry/ |
Partnership Will Enable OneValley to Provide Up to 1.1M Entrepreneurial Users with Algorithmic-Driven Web Content Scored for Reliability and Personalized to Help Them Grow Their Business
VIENNA, Va., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seekr, a revolutionary artificial intelligence company specializing in transparent content evaluation, announced today it has entered into a strategic partnership with OneValley, a Silicon Valley-based global entrepreneurship platform that powers many of the world's top innovation, entrepreneurial and non-profit ecosystems. The partnership integrates Seekr's groundbreaking search capabilities into OneValley's information-sharing platform, enabling 1.1 million entrepreneurial users supported by OneValley to access algorithmic-driven news that is personalized and scored for reliability.
"The OneValley platform is already a treasure trove of high-value information for entrepreneurs, providing guidance and insights on everything from ideation and launch to growth and scaling. Seekr's content evaluation capabilities amplify that value proposition, taking the platform to the next level," said Rob Clark, President and Chief Technology Officer at Seekr. "Our technology enables the OneValley platform to identify relevant information, regardless of whether it lives on the platform or on the broader internet, score it for reliability, curate it so that it's tailored to the unique needs and interests of each individual entrepreneur, and finally serve it up to the entrepreneur on-demand."
"As OneValley continues to expand worldwide, this unique partnership with Seekr will provide our customers with the knowledge they need to win in their markets," said Nikhil Sinha, CEO of OneValley. "We further expect that usage on the platform will continue to grow and enhance the life cycle growth from startup to big business."
Seekr's AI-powered search and evaluation technology will be fully integrated into OneValley's online consumer platform, Passport, and its enterprise platform, PassportOS. The technology will enable every OneValley user to generate a bespoke flow of news and other relevant content tailored to meet their unique individual interests and needs.
Under the terms of the agreement, the platform will also feature a stream of real-time news and relevant information powered by Seekr. Additionally, Seekr will provide OneValley with a dynamic competitive analysis tool that provides entrepreneurs and startups with insights into competitor movements and a fuller understanding of how market trends are moving over time.
For further information, visit www.seekr.com.
About Seekr Technologies Inc.
Seekr is a privately held artificial intelligence company that specializes in transparent content evaluation and objective ratings. Its AI technology is designed to rate all content, both authentic content created by humans, and synthetic, machine-generated content. Seekr empowers user choice and control by streamlining access to reliable information. The centerpiece of Seekr's technology is an independent search engine that is powered by proprietary AI and employs natural language processing (NLP) to generate a Seekr Score and Political Lean Indicator. Seekr is committed to building a web that people can trust by giving everyone access to technology that makes it easy to find reliable content in context.
Media Contact:
Ed Patru, EVP Communications
(202) 360-7063
epatru@seekr.com
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SOURCE Seekr Technologies | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/onevalley-seekr-announce-strategic-content-partnership/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:40 | 0 | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/onevalley-seekr-announce-strategic-content-partnership/ |
NEW YORK , July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Forbes Global Properties, a curated consumer marketplace of luxury homes and an invitation-only membership network of independently owned real estate firms, has named respected industry veteran Matt Beall chair of the organization's Board of Directors.
Chief Executive Officer and Principal Broker of Hawaii Life, Mr. Beall draws from 25 years of residential real estate experience. Recognizing the increasing need for innovative and engaging property marketing, Mr. Beall co-founded Hawaii Life in 2008 and the company quickly became the market leader in luxury real estate sales across the island chain.
Under Mr. Beall's leadership, Hawaii Life has enjoyed consistent growth and success and today is regarded as the top-producing real estate brokerage in the State of Hawaii. Operating from 17 offices across the Hawaiian Islands, the firm's team of 350 skilled agents represent buyers, sellers, and property owners with a well-earned reputation for the delivery of highly personalized service and expert guidance with unwavering professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Beall has served Hawaii's real estate industry, holding a variety of board and leadership positions, including President of the Kauai Board of Realtors and as a member of Hawaii Association of Realtors' executive committee. Currently, he is on the board of the Hawaii Land Trust, a land conservation organization with over 22,000 acres in perpetual conservation. He is also a member of the Kauai Leadership Council for the Hawaii Community Foundation, where Hawaii Life has a donor-advised fund managed entirely by its brokers, agents, and employees.
"It's an honor to serve Forbes Global Properties as the Board Chair, and especially to continue the legacy of Jeff Hyland, who was always a mentor of mine and many others in our organization. We have extraordinary talent on both the board and in our membership across the globe, and we're all looking forward to expanding the possibilities with Forbes as our partner," said Matt Beall Chief Executive Officer and Principal Broker of Hawaii Life and Board Chair of Forbes Global Properties.
"Matt is a valued member of Forbes Global Properties who prioritizes collaboration, professionalism, and the highest level of service for both our members and the clients we represent. He has a clear vision for continued growth and the proven ability to implement those plans; I look forward to supporting him in this new role," said Michael Jalbert, Chief Executive Officer.
Forbes Global Properties was co-founded by Jeff Hyland and Bonnie Stone Sellers as a way to connect the increasingly global buyers of luxury homes with the world's foremost real estate experts. The consortium launched in December 2020 with offices in 75 locations and has since grown to a powerful global network of more than 13,000 real estate agents across 440 locations.
Mr. Beall is joined on the Board by Vice Chair Andy Nelson of Willis Allen Real Estate, Olivier de Chabot-Tramecourt of Groupe Mercure, Quentin Epiney of Comptoir Immobilier / FGP Swiss + Alps, Ken Jacobs of Private Property Global, Nikki Koval of Forbes Media LLC, Jose Ribes Bas of Inmobiliaria Rimontgó, co-founder Bonnie Stone Sellers, and Mark Smith of Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate.
The exclusive worldwide residential real estate partner of Forbes, Forbes Global Properties provides branding and marketing services to the world's premier real estate firms. Members are thoroughly vetted, and the network is comprised of top brokerages with proven records of success in luxury property sales and recognized delivery of exceptional client service.
About Forbes Global Properties
Established in 2020 and led by the world's foremost independent luxury residential brokers and industry veterans, Forbes Global Properties is a curated consumer marketplace that connects discerning buyers directly to the world's finest homes and the elite agents that represent them. The invitation-only network spans 440 locations and comprises more than 13,000 property experts across the U.S., Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, the Middle East, New Zealand, and Europe. For more information, visit forbesglobalproperties.com.
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SOURCE Forbes Global Properties | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/matt-beall-named-board-chair-forbes-global-properties/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:45 | 1 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/matt-beall-named-board-chair-forbes-global-properties/ |
Companies transitioned their workforces out of the office and into their homes at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in what was intended to be a temporary measure. More than three years later, the public health emergency has ended, but remote work is here to stay.
A recent study found that the number of remote-friendly job positions is still increasing in Chicago. From 2021 to 2022, Illinois saw a 24% year-over-year increase in the number of residents who work remotely. Nationally, the number of remote workers dropped 1.2% over the same period. | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum-new-workplace/remote-work-pits-chicago-and-suburbs-harris-poll | 2023-07-31T17:05:46 | 1 | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum-new-workplace/remote-work-pits-chicago-and-suburbs-harris-poll |
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EarthEcho International, the leading nonprofit dedicated to building a global youth movement to protect and restore our ocean planet, is pleased to announce the 2023 class of its ResilienSEA Externship program. This inaugural program unites 19 youth, ages 17-20, from BIPOC communities across North America, for a hands-on career development experience. The initiative introduces participants to the field of regenerative ocean aquaculture – ocean "farming" that restores coastal habitats while creating both economic and ecological benefits. The ResilienSEA Externship program is made possible through the generous support of La Mer Blue Heart Oceans Fund and The Estée Lauder Companies Travel Retail division.
EarthEcho International recognizes the power of the ocean as a source of solutions to the climate crisis. All of humanity is connected to the ocean, but access to our ocean and the opportunity to pursue careers that contribute to ocean-based climate solutions is a privilege that all do not enjoy equally.
"Often the communities most vulnerable to sea level rise and increasingly intense storms are those whose members have been cut off to daily access to waters that are vital to their communities for both cultural and economic reasons," said Stacey Rafalowski, Chief Program Officer, EarthEcho International. "We look forward to working with this talented group of young people in their journey to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond."
Through an ongoing, eight-week virtual program, and an in-person convening in San Diego, CA, this August, the paid ResilienSEA Externship provides participants with an opportunity to learn from and network with professionals in the field of regenerative ocean aquaculture and seaweed innovation, participate in a hands-on job shadowing experience, and engage in peer learning to build confidence and competence to take action in externs' home communities, with a focus on using entrepreneurship to tackle ocean health challenges.
The 2023 ResilienSEA externs represent communities in Canada and the United States:
- Akhila Mahidhara, Edison, NJ, USA
- Emilia Fiebel, Hollywood, FL, USA
- Iredia Otoadese, Fanny Bay, BC, Canada
- Ishaani Srivastava, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Jin Hu, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Kassandra Chavarria Sosa, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Kendall Ford, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Lauren Ejiaga, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Mugdha Chiplunkar, Duvall, WA, USA
- Natalie Martinez, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
- Nina Shetty, Sammamish, WA, USA
- Nitya Masina, Sammamish, WA, USA
- Rajaa Berry, LaSalle, ON, Canada
- Sarika Sawant, Glendale, AZ, USA
- Serenity Washington, Cape Coral, FL, USA
- Skye Garrett, Capitol Heights, MD, USA
- Sofía Lammot Pérez, Dorado, PR, USA
- Srinivas Gollapudi, Upland, CA, USA
- Violet Smith, Columbia, MD, USA
For more information about the ResilienSEA externs please visit www.earthecho.org/youth/resiliensea-externship.
For more information about EarthEcho International, visit www.earthecho.org or follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/earthecho Instagram: www.instagram.com/earthecho and Twitter: www.twitter.com/earthecho.
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SOURCE EarthEcho International | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/philippe-cousteau-jrs-earthecho-international-collaborates-with-youth-color-build-careers-blue-economy/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:46 | 1 | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/philippe-cousteau-jrs-earthecho-international-collaborates-with-youth-color-build-careers-blue-economy/ |
Multi-year contract is the largest in NRAEF history. Watch this video to learn about NRAEF apprenticeship programs.
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) has been awarded a five-year $12.2 million contract by the U.S. Department of Labor to grow its Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship (HSRA) program by 5,000 participants. The award is the largest in NRAEF history and affirms its commitment to building a diverse hospitality workforce.
With a special focus on addressing barriers to historically underrepresented populations, the HSRA program will enroll 1,000 new apprentices annually across the hospitality industry over the next five years. Apprentices will receive on-the-job training, as well as nationally-recognized credentials to help them advance through the ranks, earn more, and ultimately build a long-term industry career. Awarded by the DOL's Employment and Training Administration, the project aims to strengthen the Foundation's ongoing industry-wide work to connect current and future industry workers with advancement pathways through apprenticeship.
"Apprenticeship is an answer to many of the workforce obstacles faced by the hospitality industry. More importantly, it is life changing to individual apprentices, offering them a path to better pay, industry skills, and a career," said NRAEF president Rob Gifford. "This new DOL contract represents the next chapter of our work to change 5,000 lives, strengthen the hospitality industry, and ensure it reflects the diversity of the people we serve."
The HSRA program is housed in the NRAEF's Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC). Since establishing itself as the first recognized apprenticeship program for hospitality management, the HSRA program has grown to include line cook, hotel cook, kitchen manager, restaurant manager, lodging manager, and maintenance employee programs. All programs are no cost to both employers and their employees and help hospitality employers build and manage tailored curriculums that merge on-the-job experience with related training instruction. Learn more about restaurant and hospitality apprenticeship at ChooseRestaurants.org/RHLC.
About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF):
As the supporting philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the NRAEF's charitable mission includes enhancing the industry's training and education, career development, and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower, and Advance today's and tomorrow's restaurant and foodservice workforce. NRAEF programs include: ProStart® – a high-school career and technical education program; Restaurant Ready/HOPES – Partnering with community based organizations to provide people with skills training and job opportunities; Military – helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers; Scholarships – financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; and the Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC) – accredited apprenticeship programs designed to build the careers of service professionals. For more information on the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org. Click here for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's 2022 Annual Impact Report.
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SOURCE National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/national-restaurant-association-educational-foundation-receives-122-million-contract-strengthen-grow-diversify-hospitality-industry-apprenticeship/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:52 | 0 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/national-restaurant-association-educational-foundation-receives-122-million-contract-strengthen-grow-diversify-hospitality-industry-apprenticeship/ |
MIDLAND, Texas, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seawolf Water Resources, LP ("Seawolf"), a leading Permian water midstream provider, announces the completion of its produced water takeaway, disposal and recycling system in the stateline region of the Delaware Basin. Seawolf's recently completed Independence Pipeline and Waterfowl produced water recycling and disposal facilities will initially manage 150,000 barrels per day and are now serving some of the largest E&P operators in the Permian Basin under long-term contracts.
"Seawolf has been working towards this goal for some time, and the completion of this phase of our infrastructure expansion represents a major accomplishment for our team and for our E&P partners." said Tim McWilliams, Seawolf's Chief Executive Officer. "We're thrilled to offer sustainable and effective solutions that will help our clients achieve their strategic goals, and we're excited to continue to expand these offerings in the coming months."
Seawolf is capitalized by a sustainability-linked term loan from a syndicate led by Riverstone Credit Partners LLC, meant to provide Seawolf with additional liquidity to expand its produced water handling and recycling infrastructure for recently signed long-term contracts.
About Seawolf Water Resources, LP
Seawolf, founded in 2018, is a Midland-based water midstream provider operating primarily in the stateline region of the Delaware Basin. Seawolf partners with some of the largest E&Ps and private landowners in the region to deliver full cycle water management solutions underpinned in midstream principles. For more information on Seawolf and its services, please visit www.seawolfwater.com.
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Simply put, downtown Wilmette is a place people and businesses want to be. The creation of a unique downtown experience is an ongoing journey that requires planning, flexibility, calculated risk-taking, public investment, a little bit of luck and the willingness of small-business owners to invest in the community. It has been 13 years since Wilmette embarked on a Downtown Master Plan, and the downtown continues to evolve and grow, especially as it adapts to and thrives from the changes forced upon us by the pandemic.
Commentary: Wilmette is a case study on how work from home revitalized a suburban downtown
Prior to the pandemic, Wilmette was known as a top dining destination on the North Shore. White glove service from village staff assisted small-business owners in navigating the challenges of starting a business, reasonable liquor controls and zoning regulations provided the business community with predictability, and a commitment from the village board to add building height and density in the downtown ensured vibrancy and a new customer base for businesses.
Since the pandemic, Wilmette continues to be an outstanding dining destination but has grown to be a place where people want to be. During the depths of the pandemic, the village took the risk of proceeding with a streetscape improvement project that improved public gathering spaces and added outdoor dining opportunities. As people began to appreciate spending time outdoors with friends and family, the village’s focus on placemaking and community building, combined with a variety of family-friendly events, helped to supercharge excitement around our downtown.
The new, inviting outdoor spaces coupled with an increased daytime population due to work from home have created an opportunity for breakfast, lunch and retail businesses to thrive. The downtown is now vibrant at any time of the day. While only a few years ago most of us were lamenting the death of brick-and-mortar retail, work from home and the desire for experiential living has led to a retail renaissance in downtown Wilmette.
Local, regional and national businesses have taken notice of downtown Wilmette, thereby providing a wide array of options for customers and ensuring a healthy business mix. Over a 12-month period, at least five new retailers will open their doors, as will several restaurants, each offering breakfast or lunch service. Outdoor dining is an essential component of each new restaurant, and the village plays an active role in this by welcoming patrons to dine picnic-style outside village hall and through the creation of a shared public-private dining space in a pocket park at the heart of the downtown.
As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all ships. The success of downtown Wilmette post-pandemic has helped to reduce vacancies across the village’s eight business districts, including long-struggling districts. The downtown resurgence has proven to the development community that Wilmette is a community worthy of their investment. Exciting new developments are underway to revitalize the village’s regional shopping destinations, Edens Plaza and Plaza del Lago, and we see more interest from prospective businesses in downtown Wilmette than ever before.
Michael Braiman is village manager of Wilmette.
Hybrid and remote work reshape how and where Chicago works
Debates on what a workplace should be have shifted to how governments, landlords, employers and employees can build dynamic workplaces and neighborhoods where people want to be.
How to navigate the world of hybrid work
Despite return-to-office mandates, many employees have shown a preference for a hybrid work schedule. Here are five ways everyone can approach the new hybrid work world.
Commuting becomes the deal breaker for some workers
Traffic congestion and unreliable trains are time thieves that many workers want to avoid. | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum-new-workplace/wilmette-case-study-work-homes-suburban-impact-opinion | 2023-07-31T17:05:56 | 1 | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum-new-workplace/wilmette-case-study-work-homes-suburban-impact-opinion |
Formation of new Board and updates to key management roles set to drive and accelerate progression in the region
CARLSBAD, Calif., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nice, a global leader in Home and Building Management solutions, today announced pivotal changes within its North American entity to further boost growth and innovation.
, former Chief Commercial Officer of GE Grid Solutions, appointed as Nice North America CEO.
Nice North America begins its next phase of evolution by establishing a new Board to provide strategic oversight of regional operations, a move indicating a sustained commitment to increasing shareholder value, improving corporate governance, and driving strategic growth. The Board will lead four specialized committees, each focused on accelerating growth in the areas of ESG, People Strategy, Audit & Compliance, and Strategy.
Leading the coordination of the Board will be Luca Longhin, who is appointed President of Nice North America and is a long-standing contributor to the mission of Nice. Since 2019, Luca has worked extensively on the North American vision and strategy for growth, including driving post-acquisition integration of businesses in the region. His deep understanding of Nice business dynamics will ensure that North America continues on its successful trajectory while contributing significantly to global objectives.
Emanuel Bertolini is appointed as the new CEO of Nice North America, bringing over two decades of project management, sales, and P&L leadership experience. Emanuel has amassed an impressive track record of driving growth and success in his previous roles at GE, including Chief Commercial Officer of GE Grid Solutions, CEO Americas of GE Grid Solutions, and various board positions. Emanuel's proven leadership and dedication to fostering a culture of teamwork, safety, and compliance align perfectly with the values and mission of Nice.
Emanuel is recognized as a growth-oriented leader with a proven track record of delivering results. His extensive background and global expertise equip him with a deep understanding of business dynamics and the ability to drive success. Throughout his leadership journey, he has fostered a culture of teamwork, valuing diverse teams and perspectives, prioritizing safety, and ensuring compliance.
"We are excited about the organizational developments and future of Nice North America," said Roberto Griffa, CEO of Nice group. "Luca's history of success, not only in the region but also throughout his career with Nice, will continue building on the solid foundation established. We are also thrilled about the appointment of Emanuel, a highly regarded leader, and are delighted to welcome him to Nice. His global expertise working across a range of industries make him an excellent fit for the role in driving continued success to achieve the company's strategic objectives."
Addressing his appointment as CEO of Nice North America, Emanuel Bertolini had this to say: "I am pleased to embark on this exciting journey with Nice, a dynamic and globally recognized company. The clear mission, exceptional team, and diverse portfolio of innovative products and solutions position us strongly to achieve success in the marketplace. Together with Luca, the Board, and our dedicated team, I look forward to collaborating with the talented individuals at Nice to deliver outstanding value to our shareholders and our customers."
In his new role as CEO, Emanuel will officially join on August 7, 2023 and report directly to the newly formed Board. Luca will report to Roberto Griffa and the Nice Executive Committee in Italy. This governance structure is designed to accelerate the progression of Nice in North America, building on its innovative smart home and building management solutions.
The moves take place as the company continues its rapid expansion and convergence of brands, beginning first with ELAN®, SpeakerCraft®, and Panamax® brands to create a more powerful whole home solution by the end of 2023.
About Nice North America
Nice North America, a subsidiary of Nice, one of the largest manufacturers of smart residential, commercial, and industrial solutions in the world, with seamless and easy-to-install technology for smart home control, security and automation, perimeter access, protection and control, sunshade solutions, power management, and whole home entertainment. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, CA, with several R&D and manufacturing centers across the region. Professional integrators, dealers, and distribution partners grow their business with CEU training and education, technical and field support, and award-winning sales and marketing programs. The company is a proud national sponsor of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program, supporting wounded veterans and their families with specially adapted smart homes. For further information visit www.niceforyou.com.
Press Contacts:
Agency Contact
BCW
Brittany Gbur
Brittany.gbur@bcw-global.com
Corporate Contact
Mark Burson
Chief Marketing Officer
Nice North America
m.burson@niceforyou.com
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SOURCE Nice North America | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nice-charts-course-bolster-growth-with-strategic-leadership-appointments-evolution-organizational-structure/ | 2023-07-31T17:05:58 | 0 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nice-charts-course-bolster-growth-with-strategic-leadership-appointments-evolution-organizational-structure/ |
- Introduced syndromic quantitative PCR assays and a fully automated molecular diagnostic testing system, STARlet AIOS™
- Conducted symposium sessions on the usefulness of PCR testing in diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases
- Participated in a presentation event for major Korean in-vitro diagnostic companies organized by KHIDI
SEOUL, South Korea, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seegene Inc. (KQ096530), a leading South Korean company providing a total solution for PCR molecular diagnostics, took part in the 2023 American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo in California between July 25-27. Seegene showcased its "unique syndromic quantitative PCR assays and automated PCR solution 'STARlet AIOS™ (All-in-One System).'"
The company stated, "Under the concept of 'All Tests with One System,' we introduced our leading assays, the Allplex™ and Novaplex™, and proposed Automated seamless PCR testing systems that can be applied to all of Seegene's assays. This has been well-received by in-vitro diagnostic experts and partner companies from around the world."
Meanwhile, an in-depth discussion was conducted in the symposium sessions on the usefulness of PCR testing in diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases. This symposium reaffirmed Seegene's position as an important contributor to improving gastrointestinal testing, where the availability of skilled technicians for microscopy is declining. A panel of experts presented research results demonstrating that PCR testing provides more efficient and accurate results than traditional microscopic stool sample tests for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases. Conventional testing methods for these pathogens are characterized by long processing times and require significant expertise to interpret the microscopy results.
In addition, Kim Seong-youl, the head of Seegene's Global Marketing Center, participated in a presentation event for major Korean in-vitro diagnostic companies organized by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) and announced Seegene's unique competitive edge and future vision.
Kim said, "We received a lot of interest from participants from various countries by proposing a solution to build the basis for the next phase of diagnostic business in line with Seegene's vision of creating a world free from diseases. Following AACC, we hope to expand sales of non-COVID diagnostic assays based on syndromic testing globally and increase awareness of our next-generation OneSystem™ business."
Using syndromic quantitative PCR assays for comprehensive and accurate testing
Seegene captivated visitors at the exhibition booth by showcasing comprehensive and accurate testing using syndromic quantitative PCR assays. Seegene's syndromic quantitative PCR technology is the world's only simultaneous multiplex molecular diagnostic technology based on real-time PCR. The core feature of Seegene's syndromic PCR technologies is the ability to simultaneously test 14 pathogens that cause similar symptoms in a single tube and provide quantitative information on the infectivity profile to correlate with the severity of illness. The syndromic quantitative PCR technology can accurately reveal the pathogen responsible for a patient's symptoms, the complexity of infections, the severity of the disease, and can determine the priority of treatment depending on the degree of infection. It also allows for efficient high-volume testing, which is more cost-effective and saves time in identifying the cause of the disease.
PCR testing that does not require an expert using STARlet AIOS™
First unveiled at the 2021 AACC, Seegene's STARlet AIOS™ is a molecular diagnostic testing system that fully automates (sample in – result out) the entire process of PCR, from nucleic acid extraction to gene amplification and result analysis. As it provides a 'hands-free' PCR workflow where the results are produced just by inserting a sample, it can be operated by those with minimal PCR experience. Furthermore, by not involving human hands, the likelihood of testing errors due to contamination or mistakes (human error) can be minimized. The STARlet AIOS™ is compatible with a wide range of Seegene's syndromic assays that can simultaneously test for multiple targets within a single tube. It organically links existing devices, such as nucleic acid extraction instruments, PCR setups, and PCR thermal cyclers, to make the system easy to use, manage, and integrate into existing lab infrastructures.
Participation in the world's largest AACC Since 2007
Celebrating its 75th year, AACC is the world's largest gathering for the clinical laboratory and diagnostics industry. Seegene has taken part since 2007 to broadcast its proprietary molecular diagnostic technology worldwide while establishing cooperation with partners from multiple countries.
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SOURCE Seegene Inc. | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/seegene-unveils-solutions-popularize-molecular-diagnostics-2023-aacc/ | 2023-07-31T17:06:00 | 0 | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/seegene-unveils-solutions-popularize-molecular-diagnostics-2023-aacc/ |
The company's 2022 annual audit shows impressive growth with a focus on regional expansion, becoming first fintech startup from Singapore to have over 20 offices globally
SAN FRANCISCO and SINGAPORE, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nium, the leader in real-time global payments, has published its 2022 audit, showing US$82M in net revenue which grew 2.7x YoY and ended at more than $100M net revenue run rate. Nium is Singapore's first global fintech focused on payments to reach this revenue milestone. In 2022, the company focused its development on serving high-growth client use cases, in industries such as travel, payroll, spend management, and financial services. This strategy has allowed for the business to accelerate its growth agenda, including global expansion, organic product innovation, continued hiring of top talent, and M&A activity.
"Moving money across borders is broken," said Prajit Nanu, Founder and CEO at Nium. "Legacy banks and payment processors have failed to give businesses the solutions they need to expand globally. Nium fills this gap and has emerged as the new global business standard for real-time, cross-border money movement. We are thrilled to see such success last year and are extremely bullish on not only the scale we've already seen this year, but what we'll see by the end of 2023."
Nium has hundreds of clients across multiple industries including financial institutions, payroll, spend management, and travel. Financial institutions were a priority last year as Nium focused on helping them target new markets with instant bank payouts and expand to emerging markets. Nium powers among the largest brands and platforms in the globe, including Rippling, Payoneer, Amadeus, Aspire, MasterCard and eDreams.
Nium's issuing product also saw substantial success, with over 30M cards issued just last year. Nium helps navigate this rapidly changing landscape, by allowing travel intermediaries and operators to efficiently pay travel suppliers around the world, optimizing every transaction for maximum profitability. On the product side, the company launched Nium Airline Payments, a closed-loop payments solution powered by Universal Air Travel Plan, which provides airlines, travel agents, and online travel agencies with a sustainable and equitable 'closed loop' payment model.
Last year saw exponential growth on Nium's leadership team, including the hires of CPO, Robin Gandhi; GC, Dylan Lowrey; and CTO, Ramana Satyavarapu. With hiring at the forefront, the Nium team was awarded the Great Places to Work certification in India, Malta, Singapore, and the US. Nium also expanded into new markets, including Malaysia and Japan. Due to this expansion of the company and team, Nium saw a slightly higher burn rate than in 2021.
Over the past year Nium raised additional capital at a $2.0bn valuation, adding new investors such as BOND, NewView Capital, Moore Capital and Tribe Capital. The business is very well capitalized and continues to invest in product innovation, new markets and M&A opportunities. "Our investors believe in our mission of building the payments infrastructure for on-demand money and our funding has helped us accelerate our growth aspirations. We're thrilled to have the support of these notable investors and continue to look forward to working closely together to advance our business." said Nanu.
Nium plays in the foundational payment infrastructure market that has proven to be one of the few thriving markets during these challenging times. The company's extensive global reach, broad license portfolio, real-time payments network, enhanced payroll solution, and a team of industry leaders have been the pillars of its success. In 2023, Nium has been focused on regional expansion. The company's recent hires of Volker Steinle to lead Americas business development, Anupam Pahuja to lead Asia Pacific and Middle East business development, and Manuel Sandhofer to lead Europe business development are examples of that investment. This expertise, coupled with new licenses pending regulatory approval, has set Nium up for success in emerging markets including LATAM and Africa. The company has also recently opened new offices in San Francisco, Amsterdam, India, and Singapore.
About Nium
Nium, the leader in real-time global payments, was founded on the mission to deliver the global payments infrastructure of tomorrow, today. With the onset of the on-demand economy, its payments infrastructure is shaping how banks, fintechs, and businesses everywhere collect, convert, and disburse funds instantly across borders. Its payout network supports 100 currencies and spans 190+ countries, 100 of which in real-time. Funds can be disbursed to accounts, wallets, and cards and collected locally in 35 markets. Nium's growing card issuance business is already available in 34 countries. Nium holds regulatory licenses and authorizations in more than 40 countries, enabling seamless onboarding, rapid integration, and compliance – independent of geography. The company is co-headquartered in San Francisco and Singapore, with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1678669/Nium_Logo.jpg
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SOURCE Nium | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nium-announces-2022-net-revenue-grew-27x-yoy-us82m/ | 2023-07-31T17:06:05 | 0 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nium-announces-2022-net-revenue-grew-27x-yoy-us82m/ |
Goolsbee, a voter on monetary policy this year, said the Fed will have to “play by ear” on whether the policy rate is sufficiently restrictive.
“We’ll get several more major data points before the next meeting,” he said. “But it’s looking like we’re walking the line pretty well.”
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The Fed raised interest rates by a quarter percentage point at its July 25-26 meeting, bringing the fed funds rate to a range of 5.25% to 5.5%, the highest level in 22 years. Policymakers have slowed the pace of increases after aggressively tightening rates to bring down inflation that last year reached a 40-year high. This month’s hike followed a pause at the June meeting.
A report Friday showed the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the personal consumption expenditures price index, rose 3% from a year earlier in June, the smallest increase in more than two years. Core prices — which exclude food and energy and are regarded as a more reliable signal of underlying inflation — advanced 4.1%, also the least since 2021 and slower than estimated.
Other reports last week showed the U.S. economy grew at a stronger-than-expected pace in the second quarter, and that labor costs cooled in the period, while consumer spending remains robust.
The U.S. economy’s resilience, especially in the face of significant tightening by the Fed, has driven staff economists at the central bank and some of their private-sector peers to remove calls for a recession from their forecasts.
Not a subscriber? We have options that meet your needs. | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/economy/goolsbee-undedcide-supporting-another-rate-hike | 2023-07-31T17:06:06 | 1 | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/economy/goolsbee-undedcide-supporting-another-rate-hike |
Top Player Prop Bets for Brewers vs. Nationals on July 31, 2023
Christian Yelich and Lane Thomas are two of the top players with prop bets available when the Milwaukee Brewers and the Washington Nationals play at Nationals Park on Monday (first pitch at 7:05 PM ET).
Bet on this matchup or its props with BetMGM!
Brewers vs. Nationals Game Info
- When: Monday, July 31, 2023 at 7:05 PM ET
- Where: Nationals Park in Washington D.C.
- How to Watch on TV: MASN2
- Live Stream: Watch the MLB on Fubo!
Discover More About This Game
MLB Props Today: Milwaukee Brewers
Corbin Burnes Props
- Strikeouts Prop: Over/Under 6.5 (Over Odds: +135)
Burnes Stats
- The Brewers will send Corbin Burnes (9-6) to the mound for his 22nd start this season.
- He's going for his sixth straight quality start.
- Burnes will look to finish five or more innings for the 20th start in a row.
- He has five appearances with no earned runs allowed in 21 chances this season.
- Among qualified major league pitchers this season, the 28-year-old's 3.46 ERA ranks 19th, 1.045 WHIP ranks fifth, and 9.3 K/9 ranks 26th.
Burnes Recent Games
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Christian Yelich Props
- Hits Prop: Over/Under 1.5 (Over Odds: +150)
- Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: -179)
- Home Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +400)
- RBI Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +145)
Yelich Stats
- Yelich has 24 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs, 50 walks and 60 RBI (111 total hits). He's also stolen 22 bases.
- He has a slash line of .286/.372/.482 on the year.
- Yelich hopes to build on a two-game hitting streak in this matchup. In his last five games he is hitting .286 with a double, two home runs, a walk and five RBI.
Yelich Recent Games
Carlos Santana Props
- Hits Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: -233)
- Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +105)
- Home Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +390)
- RBI Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +120)
Santana Stats
- Carlos Santana has 25 doubles, 13 home runs, 47 walks and 54 RBI (82 total hits). He's also swiped six bases.
- He's slashed .233/.321/.415 on the year.
Santana Recent Games
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MLB Props Today: Washington Nationals
Lane Thomas Props
- Hits Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: -204)
- Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +135)
- Home Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +600)
- RBI Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +205)
Thomas Stats
- Thomas has put up 119 hits with 26 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs and 25 walks. He has driven in 55 runs with 12 stolen bases.
- He has a .285/.333/.472 slash line so far this year.
Thomas Recent Games
Jeimer Candelario Props
- Hits Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: -149)
- Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +165)
- Home Runs Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +650)
- RBI Prop: Over/Under 0.5 (Over Odds: +210)
Candelario Stats
- Jeimer Candelario has 95 hits with 30 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs, 36 walks and 53 RBI. He's also stolen six bases.
- He has a slash line of .258/.342/.481 on the year.
- Candelario enters this matchup looking to extend his three-game hit streak. During his last five outings he is batting .286 with a double, four walks and two RBI.
Candelario Recent Games
Bet on player props for Lane Thomas, Jeimer Candelario or other Nationals players with BetMGM.
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© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.wbay.com/sports/betting/2023/07/31/brewers-vs-nationals-mlb-player-prop-bets/ | 2023-07-31T17:06:06 | 0 | https://www.wbay.com/sports/betting/2023/07/31/brewers-vs-nationals-mlb-player-prop-bets/ |
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) President, Carole Fisher has attracted publicity for her role hosting the popular podcast series – "The Girlfriends". Produced by NOVEL for iHeartRadio, the thrilling nine-part series, led by Fisher, uncovers the horrific backstory of Gail Katz's death, the systems that failed her and all the girlfriends that brought her justice.
THE GIRLFRIENDS explores the bonds of friendship, female solidarity, empowerment, and bringing justice to all people who suffer at the hands of abuse and domestic violence. Since its release on July 10, The Girlfriends has achieved success – currently ranking at #1 in Canada, the United Kingdom and United States on Apple Podcasts.
"This is more than just being another binge-worthy true crime podcast series. It's about raising awareness around the horrors of abuse, especially domestic and sexual violence," said Carole Fisher, NPHI President. "It has been a privilege and an honor to speak up on behalf of Gail Katz, and so many other women who are victims of domestic violence. Together, we must do more to elevate the voices of those in danger."
NOVEL collaborated with the leading global charity NOMORE.org dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault by increasing awareness, inspiring action, and fueling culture change. NPHI maintains close links to these related issues through its engagement with Healthsperien LLC and applauds Carole Fisher for her continued commitment to social impact and raising awareness on the issues of domestic violence against women.
"I am extremely pleased to hear of the success of this podcast, and I support its greater goal in raising awareness around the pervasiveness of domestic violence," said Tom Koutsoumpas, NPHI CEO. "Carole's entire lifework has been centered around helping and speaking out for others and her participation in this podcast highlights her never-ending commitment to creating social impact and change where it is rightly needed."
Carole, who is employed directly by the renowned DC Policy Firm, Healthsperien LLC, has presided over the day-to-day operations of NPHI since January 2021. In this capacity, she brings a wealth of expertise that has helped NPHI grow exponentially and evolve with the ever-changing hospice landscape. Prior to her time at Healthsperien and NPHI, she served as a highly regarded C-suite leader, including a long-time engagement as the CEO of Nathan Adelson Hospice in her hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada.
You can find The Girlfriends on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you get your podcasts.
About Carole Fisher: Ms. Fisher serves as President for the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI). Utilizing her previous experiences and deep familiarity with not-for-profit community-based hospice and palliative healthcare, she is charged with leading a wide range of activities for NPHI. With an emphasis on developing strategic partnerships, meaningful collaborations and transformational innovations, Ms. Fisher provides support for NPHI members leading complex organizations.
Ms. Fisher spends her time working between her homes in Las Vegas, Nevada and Covington, Louisiana. She frequently travels to Washington D.C. for policy-related initiatives.
You can find Carole on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram under @CaroleAFisher.
The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) is a membership organization comprising 100+ not-for-profit, community-integrated hospice and palliative care providers dedicated to ensuring patients and their families have access to care that reflects their individual goals, values, and preferences. Representing providers from 37 states and the District of Columbia, NPHI and its members help design more innovative and effective models of care, advocate for comprehensive and community-integrated care customized to meet each person's unique needs, and build collaboration between national thought leaders, decision-makers, and other healthcare stakeholders to improve hospice care. Learn more at hospiceinnovations.org.
Press Contact:
Matt Wilkinson
Communications Manager, NPHI
+1 (801) 615-4207
mwilkinson@hospiceinnovations.org
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SOURCE National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nphi-president-carole-fisher-hosts-trending-true-crime-podcast-girlfriends/ | 2023-07-31T17:06:11 | 0 | https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/nphi-president-carole-fisher-hosts-trending-true-crime-podcast-girlfriends/ |
Brewers vs. Nationals Probable Starting Pitchers Today - July 31
The Milwaukee Brewers (57-49) visit the Washington Nationals (44-62) to open a three-game series at Nationals Park, with first pitch at 7:05 PM ET on Monday. The Brewers are coming off a series defeat to the Braves, and the Nationals a series loss to the Mets.
This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Brewers will send Corbin Burnes (9-6) to the mound, while Jake Irvin (3-5) will answer the bell for the Nationals.
Bet Now: Get the latest odds for this matchup and pitcher props on BetMGM. New depositors can use bonus code "GNPLAY" for special offers!
Brewers vs. Nationals Pitcher Matchup Info
- Date: Monday, July 31, 2023
- Time: 7:05 PM ET
- TV: MASN2
- Location: Washington D.C.
- Venue: Nationals Park
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo!
- Probable Pitchers: Burnes - MIL (9-6, 3.46 ERA) vs Irvin - WSH (3-5, 5.09 ERA)
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Brewers Probable Starting Pitcher Tonight: Corbin Burnes
- Burnes (9-6) will take to the mound for the Brewers and make his 22nd start of the season.
- The right-hander's last start was on Wednesday, when he tossed six innings while giving up two earned runs on three hits in a matchup with the Cincinnati Reds.
- The 28-year-old has an ERA of 3.46, a 3.05 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a WHIP of 1.045 in 21 games this season.
- If he completes six or more innings with three or fewer earned runs allowed, he'll earn his sixth consecutive quality start.
- Burnes has 19 starts in a row of five innings or more.
- In 21 appearances this season, he has finished five without allowing an earned run.
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Nationals Probable Starting Pitcher Tonight: Jake Irvin
- Irvin (3-5 with a 5.09 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 74 1/3 innings pitched) gets the start for the Nationals, his 16th of the season.
- The right-hander's last time out came on Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies, when he tossed six innings, surrendering four earned runs while allowing six hits.
- During 15 games this season, the 26-year-old has a 5.09 ERA and 7.3 strikeouts per nine innings, while giving up a batting average of .260 to opposing hitters.
- Irvin heads into the game with four quality starts under his belt this year.
- Irvin will try to go five or more innings for his third straight appearance. He's averaging 4.9 frames per outing.
- In one of his appearances this season he did not give up an earned run.
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The action comes nearly two weeks after the workers first publicly threatened to strike.
“We are here, unfortunately, to send a message to Loretto Hospital,” SEIU Healthcare Illinois President Greg Kelley said at a press conference Monday morning. “We know Loretto can do better than what it’s done so far. We are here to respond to a crisis of Loretto’s making.”
SEIU Healthcare Illinois, which represents 90,000 workers in the state, says the hospital is facing a significant staffing crisis, with certain positions understaffed by 25% to 35%. Kelley said Loretto has been experiencing a 60% turnover rate and that employees sometimes work seven days a week.
In addition to pay and staffing concerns, workers also are demanding that Juneteenth be a holiday for them.
Loretto management said in a statement to Crain’s that after bargaining all weekend and until nearly midnight on Sunday, it was unable to reach an agreement with the SEIU.
“Loretto Hospital has submitted many proposals to address the SEIU’s demands for more competitive wages, recruitment and retention, short staffing, and an additional holiday,” the statement reads. “The SEIU has refused to provide a counteroffer to our latest proposal, which is very disappointing.”
Loretto said in the statement that it has “contingency plans” in place to operate the hospital during the strike.
In 2020, during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Loretto SEIU workers threatened to strike over wages, but a walkout was averted after management agreed to raise wages to $15 per hour.
Loretto, led by CEO Tesa Anewishki, primarily serves patients on Medicaid, a government-sponsored insurance plan for low-income and disabled Americans, which gives the hospital its safety-net designation.
Medicaid is known for typically reimbursing providers less for patient care. As Crain’s previously reported, about 64% of Loretto’s annual revenue comes from the program. | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/health-care/loretto-hospital-seiu-workers-go-strike | 2023-07-31T17:06:16 | 0 | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/health-care/loretto-hospital-seiu-workers-go-strike |
Partnership Will Enable OneValley to Provide Up to 1.1M Entrepreneurial Users with Algorithmic-Driven Web Content Scored for Reliability and Personalized to Help Them Grow Their Business
VIENNA, Va., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seekr, a revolutionary artificial intelligence company specializing in transparent content evaluation, announced today it has entered into a strategic partnership with OneValley, a Silicon Valley-based global entrepreneurship platform that powers many of the world's top innovation, entrepreneurial and non-profit ecosystems. The partnership integrates Seekr's groundbreaking search capabilities into OneValley's information-sharing platform, enabling 1.1 million entrepreneurial users supported by OneValley to access algorithmic-driven news that is personalized and scored for reliability.
"The OneValley platform is already a treasure trove of high-value information for entrepreneurs, providing guidance and insights on everything from ideation and launch to growth and scaling. Seekr's content evaluation capabilities amplify that value proposition, taking the platform to the next level," said Rob Clark, President and Chief Technology Officer at Seekr. "Our technology enables the OneValley platform to identify relevant information, regardless of whether it lives on the platform or on the broader internet, score it for reliability, curate it so that it's tailored to the unique needs and interests of each individual entrepreneur, and finally serve it up to the entrepreneur on-demand."
"As OneValley continues to expand worldwide, this unique partnership with Seekr will provide our customers with the knowledge they need to win in their markets," said Nikhil Sinha, CEO of OneValley. "We further expect that usage on the platform will continue to grow and enhance the life cycle growth from startup to big business."
Seekr's AI-powered search and evaluation technology will be fully integrated into OneValley's online consumer platform, Passport, and its enterprise platform, PassportOS. The technology will enable every OneValley user to generate a bespoke flow of news and other relevant content tailored to meet their unique individual interests and needs.
Under the terms of the agreement, the platform will also feature a stream of real-time news and relevant information powered by Seekr. Additionally, Seekr will provide OneValley with a dynamic competitive analysis tool that provides entrepreneurs and startups with insights into competitor movements and a fuller understanding of how market trends are moving over time.
For further information, visit www.seekr.com.
About Seekr Technologies Inc.
Seekr is a privately held artificial intelligence company that specializes in transparent content evaluation and objective ratings. Its AI technology is designed to rate all content, both authentic content created by humans, and synthetic, machine-generated content. Seekr empowers user choice and control by streamlining access to reliable information. The centerpiece of Seekr's technology is an independent search engine that is powered by proprietary AI and employs natural language processing (NLP) to generate a Seekr Score and Political Lean Indicator. Seekr is committed to building a web that people can trust by giving everyone access to technology that makes it easy to find reliable content in context.
Media Contact:
Ed Patru, EVP Communications
(202) 360-7063
epatru@seekr.com
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WASHINGTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- EarthEcho International, the leading nonprofit dedicated to building a global youth movement to protect and restore our ocean planet, is pleased to announce the 2023 class of its ResilienSEA Externship program. This inaugural program unites 19 youth, ages 17-20, from BIPOC communities across North America, for a hands-on career development experience. The initiative introduces participants to the field of regenerative ocean aquaculture – ocean "farming" that restores coastal habitats while creating both economic and ecological benefits. The ResilienSEA Externship program is made possible through the generous support of La Mer Blue Heart Oceans Fund and The Estée Lauder Companies Travel Retail division.
EarthEcho International recognizes the power of the ocean as a source of solutions to the climate crisis. All of humanity is connected to the ocean, but access to our ocean and the opportunity to pursue careers that contribute to ocean-based climate solutions is a privilege that all do not enjoy equally.
"Often the communities most vulnerable to sea level rise and increasingly intense storms are those whose members have been cut off to daily access to waters that are vital to their communities for both cultural and economic reasons," said Stacey Rafalowski, Chief Program Officer, EarthEcho International. "We look forward to working with this talented group of young people in their journey to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond."
Through an ongoing, eight-week virtual program, and an in-person convening in San Diego, CA, this August, the paid ResilienSEA Externship provides participants with an opportunity to learn from and network with professionals in the field of regenerative ocean aquaculture and seaweed innovation, participate in a hands-on job shadowing experience, and engage in peer learning to build confidence and competence to take action in externs' home communities, with a focus on using entrepreneurship to tackle ocean health challenges.
The 2023 ResilienSEA externs represent communities in Canada and the United States:
- Akhila Mahidhara, Edison, NJ, USA
- Emilia Fiebel, Hollywood, FL, USA
- Iredia Otoadese, Fanny Bay, BC, Canada
- Ishaani Srivastava, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Jin Hu, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Kassandra Chavarria Sosa, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Kendall Ford, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Lauren Ejiaga, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Mugdha Chiplunkar, Duvall, WA, USA
- Natalie Martinez, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
- Nina Shetty, Sammamish, WA, USA
- Nitya Masina, Sammamish, WA, USA
- Rajaa Berry, LaSalle, ON, Canada
- Sarika Sawant, Glendale, AZ, USA
- Serenity Washington, Cape Coral, FL, USA
- Skye Garrett, Capitol Heights, MD, USA
- Sofía Lammot Pérez, Dorado, PR, USA
- Srinivas Gollapudi, Upland, CA, USA
- Violet Smith, Columbia, MD, USA
For more information about the ResilienSEA externs please visit www.earthecho.org/youth/resiliensea-externship.
For more information about EarthEcho International, visit www.earthecho.org or follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/earthecho Instagram: www.instagram.com/earthecho and Twitter: www.twitter.com/earthecho.
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Cristal Gary has been appointed plan president and CEO of Medicaid insurer Meridian Health Plan of Illinois.
Meridian Health Plan appoints new CEO
Gary steps into the role today, according to a press release from the Centene-owned provider of Medicaid, dual-eligible Medicare-Medicaid and state-run youth insurance.
She most recently served as chief advocacy officer for the Ascension Illinois health system and has had leadership roles at health care consultancy Leavitt Partners, UChicago Medicine, and in state government in Illinois and Ohio, the press release said.
Meridian serves more than 1 million members across Illinois in Medicaid, Medicare and Affordable Care Act Marketplace products, the release said.
"I am excited to join Meridian and work with colleagues who share a steadfast commitment to ensuring that members across the state have access to high-quality, comprehensive health care," Gary said in the release.
"Cristal's leadership will be instrumental as we continue to deliver on our mission to help transform the health of our members and local communities." Bill Jones, senior vice president of markets for Meridian's parent company, Centene, said in the release.
Gary succeeds Sherry Husa in the role. A LinkedIn post attributed to Husa stated that she was retiring "after nearly 15 years at Centene, serving as president and CEO of four different health plans."
200 Loretto Hospital workers go on strike
After failing to reach an agreement with management, employees are striking for higher wages, more staff and a Juneteenth holiday.
Walgreens CFO announces departure
James Kehoe departs the pharmacy giant next month for the tech sector.
La Rabida Children's Hospital CEO to retire
Brenda Wolf has led the South Side institution for 12 years. The search is on for her replacement. | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/health-care/meridian-health-plan-names-cristal-gary-ceo | 2023-07-31T17:06:26 | 0 | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/health-care/meridian-health-plan-names-cristal-gary-ceo |
MIDLAND, Texas, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seawolf Water Resources, LP ("Seawolf"), a leading Permian water midstream provider, announces the completion of its produced water takeaway, disposal and recycling system in the stateline region of the Delaware Basin. Seawolf's recently completed Independence Pipeline and Waterfowl produced water recycling and disposal facilities will initially manage 150,000 barrels per day and are now serving some of the largest E&P operators in the Permian Basin under long-term contracts.
"Seawolf has been working towards this goal for some time, and the completion of this phase of our infrastructure expansion represents a major accomplishment for our team and for our E&P partners." said Tim McWilliams, Seawolf's Chief Executive Officer. "We're thrilled to offer sustainable and effective solutions that will help our clients achieve their strategic goals, and we're excited to continue to expand these offerings in the coming months."
Seawolf is capitalized by a sustainability-linked term loan from a syndicate led by Riverstone Credit Partners LLC, meant to provide Seawolf with additional liquidity to expand its produced water handling and recycling infrastructure for recently signed long-term contracts.
About Seawolf Water Resources, LP
Seawolf, founded in 2018, is a Midland-based water midstream provider operating primarily in the stateline region of the Delaware Basin. Seawolf partners with some of the largest E&Ps and private landowners in the region to deliver full cycle water management solutions underpinned in midstream principles. For more information on Seawolf and its services, please visit www.seawolfwater.com.
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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE CHEMO DRUG SUPPLY: It's an ironic and sometimes deadly truth that some things that have been around for several decades and are cheap and seemingly ubiquitous can still end up in short supply.
Case in point, the inexpensive, generic, platinum-based chemotherapy drugs cisplatin and carboplatin, which have been in short supply in the United States since the early part of this year. Cisplatin and carboplatin have been in use since the '70s and are a staple in oncology.
The shortages have resulted in rationing of the drugs and likely prioritizing patients who can be cured at the expense of patients who can't be cured but can still benefit from the drugs, according to a guest editorial by two UChicago Medicine pharmaceutical experts.
Despite rationing, actions taken by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration earlier in the summer to allow cisplatin to be distributed by the Chinese company Qilu Pharmaceutical and other efforts, "this is not going to go away," says UChicago Medicine pharmaceutical expert Dr. Mark Ratain.
"The government needs to be the manufacturer of last resort, somehow," says Ratain, the Leon O. Jacobson Professor of Medicine at UChicago Medicine, director of the Center for Personalized Therapeutics and chief of University of Chicago Medical Center's Hospital Pharmacology.
There are ample avenues for the government to step in and find a way to guarantee an adequate supply of cisplatin and carboplatin, he says, such as creating a strategic reserve, or using a mechanism like the Defense Production Act like the COVID emergency production mandates or using the power of Medicare and Medicaid drug purchasing power to ensure the drugs remain available on the market.
In a guest editorial in the Cancer Letter in April, Ratain and colleague Dr. Satyajit Kosuri, assistant professor of medicine in the hematology/oncology section at the University of Chicago, propose "a federally overseen Strategic Reserve of Essential Medicines akin to the (Strategic Petroleum Reserve), perhaps developed and maintained by the National Institutes of Health or Center for Disease Control & Prevention."
"Philosophically and morally, we as a country must decide if inefficiencies in the systems of production are a viable excuse for the avoidable loss of human life," the editorial states. "Does this align with our stated desire to significantly eradicate cancer deaths?"
Ratain notes that the shortage of two chemotherapy drugs is just one example of the numerous shortages doctors, hospitals and pharmacists are dealing with.
Drug shortages due to numerous factors including lingering COVID-19 supply chain disruptions, skyrocketing demand for certain medications and even the tornado damage to a Pfizer warehouse in North Carolina are putting the nation on alert to a growing problem.
A U.S. Senate report found that at the end of 2022, nearly 300 drugs were on national shortage, a 30% increase from 2021 to 2022.
In early July, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin spoke at Southern Illinois University's Simmons Cancer Institute about the need to address drug shortages.
Some shortages, he said, stem from an overreliance on foreign manufacturing. And since pharmaceutical companies do not make huge profits on older generic drugs, "they either exit the market entirely or are unable to invest in newer equipment, processes or management practices that could prevent quality-related manufacturing breakdowns that lead to shortages of critical drugs."
“It’s time we confront this complex problem head-on and ensure a resilient drug supply chain, promote market competition and prioritize patients’ well-being above all else so that no more cancer patients are left without treatment options,” Durbin said in a statement.
Durbin points to a provision in the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act, which directed the National Academies to examine the dependence on foreign sources for drug manufacturing. The resulting report, Durbin said in the statement, recommended an intentional blend of stockpiles, domestic manufacturing capacity and overlapping sources from overseas for diversification.
INDOOR E-CIGARETTE BAN SIGNED INTO LAW: Ill. Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday signed a bill banning the use of e-cigarettes in indoor public spaces, adding electronic smoking devices to the 2008 Smoke-Free Illinois Act, which banned smoking in most public spaces in the state.
Pritzker said the move would improve air pollution and health.
“E-cigarettes pose a significant health risk,” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a press release. “I applaud Gov. Pritzker and the legislative sponsors for taking action to protect Illinoisans from the effects of secondhand e-cigarette aerosol and other byproducts. E-cigarettes can cause lung damage and addiction to nicotine. Banning indoor use of these devices sends a strong message that e-cigarettes are not a safe alternative to smoking.”
“A tobacco epidemic continues in our state,” State Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Lake Forest, said in the press release. “We have made great progress, but the surge of use of e-cigarettes has threatened that progress and lured more people toward a deadly addiction. I am proud to have passed a measure to ban the use of e-cigarettes indoors, and I thank the Respiratory Health Association, American Lung Association and Gov. Pritzker for their advocacy.”
CANCER MOONSHOT TO CREATE ARPA-H PROGRAM: The Biden Cancer Moonshot said in a press release last week that it was launching a first-of-its-kind Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) program to develop novel technologies that will allow surgeons to remove cancerous tumors with more precision and accuracy.
The Precision Surgical Interventions (PSI) program is the ARPA-H agency's first program targeting cancer and second program overall.
The White House press release said the program will accelerate progress toward the goals set by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden for the moonshot project to cut the cancer death rate in half. ARPA-H is funded by $2.5 billion, the release said.
"Surgical procedures are often the first treatment option for the approximately 2 million Americans diagnosed with cancer each year," the release said. "However, current surgical technologies do not allow doctors to easily and fully distinguish cancer cells from normal surrounding tissue in the operating room. This can lead to repeat surgeries, a more difficult recovery, and cancer recurrence, as well as higher health care costs."
Through a Broad Agency Announcement for the program, ARPA-H will solicit proposals for methods and techniques to improve visibility of cancer and other critical anatomical structures during surgery. A Proposers Day for interested research teams is scheduled for Sept. 7 in Chicago, the release said.
CLASS I RECALL FOR ABBOTT CARDIAC CATHETER: Abbott Laboratories is recalling its Amplatzer Steerable Delivery Sheath, a cardiac catheter inserted through the skin that provides a pathway for catheter-based devices to be introduced into the chambers of the heart, the FDA said in a statement.
The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall, in which use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death.
The sheath, specifically used to deliver Abbot's Amplatzer Amulet Left Atrial Appendage Occluder, may present an increased risk for air bubbles (air emboli) to be introduced into patients who have procedures with this device, the statement said.
Abbott has reported 26 incidents, 16 injuries, and no deaths related to this issue, the FDA stated. In the company's recall notice to customers dated June 12, Abbott told clinicians to return unused sheaths and gave recommendations on how to deliver its occluder implants in another manner.
OSF GETS OF TO ACQUIRE ST. MARGARET'S HEALTH'S PERU HOSPITAL: OSF HealthCare will operate a hospital in downstate Peru as a second campus of its St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa after approval of the change of ownership by the Illinois Health Facilities & Services Review Board.
The Peoria-based health system said in a press release it plans to open emergency care and inpatient services following the completion of the sale of assets from St. Margaret's Health to OSF.
"We are excited to move forward with our preparation to open this new OSF campus as quickly as possible," August Querciagrossa, CEO, Western Region, OSF HealthCare said in the release. "Our goal is to preserve and sustain access to high quality, local health care for the residents of the Illinois Valley."
OSF HealthCare has hired more than 320 former employees of St. Margaret's Health and more than 50 providers including physicians and advanced medical providers, the release said.
OSF HealthCare has also acquired the former Midtown Plaza complex, Midtown Health Center and Granville Clinic, opening them as OSF PromptCare, OSF Medical Group – Primary Care locations, OSF Occupational Health and OSF Rehabilitation earlier this month.
MEDLINE RELEASES FIRST ESG REPORT: Medline has released a 2022 environmental, social and governance (ESG) report, a first for the Northfield company. The report includes the company's global impact across more than 125 countries and territories in which it does business, Medline said in a press release.
While the company has reported its impact in the areas of environmental sustainability, community engagement and health care access and affordability since 2016, the press release said, the new ESG report takes a more holistic view of what it means to be a good corporate citizen worldwide.
"This report is global in scope, and the first that aligns our efforts to the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards," CEO Jim Boyle said in the release.
The report includes a discussion of solar energy initiatives the company said have been instrumental in reducing the company's carbon footprint.
FEDERAL PRIOR AUTHORIZATION RULE CONFLICTS BRING AHA, AMA, BCBSA AND AHIP TOGETHER: Conflicting rules governing patient data exchanges during prior authorization reviews need to be reconciled to avoid confusion and higher costs, a coalition of health care industry groups wrote the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services last week.
The American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, the health insurance association AHIP and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association urge CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to clear up a mismatch between two proposed rules published in December that mandate different data exchange standards, Crain's sister publication Modern Healthcare reports.
One draft regulation would require health insurers and providers to comply with one specific set of electronic data-sharing standards when sending health care attachments during payment disputes, claims reviews and preapproval requests. A second proposed rule dictates different requirements for how government-sponsored insurers must share patient information when processing prior authorization requests.
BILL BEFORE CONGRESS AIMS TO PREVENT STILLBIRTHS: Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly, along with Reps. Young Kim, R-Calif.; Kathy Castor, D-Fla.; and Dave Joyce, R-Ohio, have introduced the Stillbirth Health Improvement & Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act.
Kelly's office said in a press release that the bipartisan bill aims to prevent stillbirth through enhanced data collection, research, education and awareness by creating the first comprehensive, federal-state partnership to reduce stillbirth rates in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 1 in 170 pregnancies in the U.S. end in stillbirth, the release said.
“Stillbirth is a deeply painful experience for mothers and families. We owe it to our constituents to find solutions that will mitigate the risk of stillbirth and support mothers who have suffered from such a loss,” said Kelly, who is co-chair of the Maternity Care Caucus. “I am proud to join Rep. Young Kim as co-chairs of the Maternity Care Caucus to support the SHINE for Autumn Act and identify bipartisan solutions to a challenge that too many families face. Every mother deserves a healthy pregnancy and happy life with her baby. I’m committed to ending the maternal health crisis and getting mothers and babies the care they need.” | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/health-pulse/why-chemotherapy-drugs-are-short-supply | 2023-07-31T17:06:36 | 1 | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/health-pulse/why-chemotherapy-drugs-are-short-supply |
- Introduced syndromic quantitative PCR assays and a fully automated molecular diagnostic testing system, STARlet AIOS™
- Conducted symposium sessions on the usefulness of PCR testing in diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases
- Participated in a presentation event for major Korean in-vitro diagnostic companies organized by KHIDI
SEOUL, South Korea, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Seegene Inc. (KQ096530), a leading South Korean company providing a total solution for PCR molecular diagnostics, took part in the 2023 American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo in California between July 25-27. Seegene showcased its "unique syndromic quantitative PCR assays and automated PCR solution 'STARlet AIOS™ (All-in-One System).'"
The company stated, "Under the concept of 'All Tests with One System,' we introduced our leading assays, the Allplex™ and Novaplex™, and proposed Automated seamless PCR testing systems that can be applied to all of Seegene's assays. This has been well-received by in-vitro diagnostic experts and partner companies from around the world."
Meanwhile, an in-depth discussion was conducted in the symposium sessions on the usefulness of PCR testing in diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases. This symposium reaffirmed Seegene's position as an important contributor to improving gastrointestinal testing, where the availability of skilled technicians for microscopy is declining. A panel of experts presented research results demonstrating that PCR testing provides more efficient and accurate results than traditional microscopic stool sample tests for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases. Conventional testing methods for these pathogens are characterized by long processing times and require significant expertise to interpret the microscopy results.
In addition, Kim Seong-youl, the head of Seegene's Global Marketing Center, participated in a presentation event for major Korean in-vitro diagnostic companies organized by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) and announced Seegene's unique competitive edge and future vision.
Kim said, "We received a lot of interest from participants from various countries by proposing a solution to build the basis for the next phase of diagnostic business in line with Seegene's vision of creating a world free from diseases. Following AACC, we hope to expand sales of non-COVID diagnostic assays based on syndromic testing globally and increase awareness of our next-generation OneSystem™ business."
Using syndromic quantitative PCR assays for comprehensive and accurate testing
Seegene captivated visitors at the exhibition booth by showcasing comprehensive and accurate testing using syndromic quantitative PCR assays. Seegene's syndromic quantitative PCR technology is the world's only simultaneous multiplex molecular diagnostic technology based on real-time PCR. The core feature of Seegene's syndromic PCR technologies is the ability to simultaneously test 14 pathogens that cause similar symptoms in a single tube and provide quantitative information on the infectivity profile to correlate with the severity of illness. The syndromic quantitative PCR technology can accurately reveal the pathogen responsible for a patient's symptoms, the complexity of infections, the severity of the disease, and can determine the priority of treatment depending on the degree of infection. It also allows for efficient high-volume testing, which is more cost-effective and saves time in identifying the cause of the disease.
PCR testing that does not require an expert using STARlet AIOS™
First unveiled at the 2021 AACC, Seegene's STARlet AIOS™ is a molecular diagnostic testing system that fully automates (sample in – result out) the entire process of PCR, from nucleic acid extraction to gene amplification and result analysis. As it provides a 'hands-free' PCR workflow where the results are produced just by inserting a sample, it can be operated by those with minimal PCR experience. Furthermore, by not involving human hands, the likelihood of testing errors due to contamination or mistakes (human error) can be minimized. The STARlet AIOS™ is compatible with a wide range of Seegene's syndromic assays that can simultaneously test for multiple targets within a single tube. It organically links existing devices, such as nucleic acid extraction instruments, PCR setups, and PCR thermal cyclers, to make the system easy to use, manage, and integrate into existing lab infrastructures.
Participation in the world's largest AACC Since 2007
Celebrating its 75th year, AACC is the world's largest gathering for the clinical laboratory and diagnostics industry. Seegene has taken part since 2007 to broadcast its proprietary molecular diagnostic technology worldwide while establishing cooperation with partners from multiple countries.
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“This is a sad day for workers and the American freight industry,” Sean O’Brien, the Teamsters’ president, said in the statement.
Yellow, the third-largest less-than-truckload carrier in the US, didn’t immediately respond to repeated requests for comment. It has been struggling financially as it sought to refinance more than $1 billion of debt maturing in 2024.
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Trucking firms and other companies across the shipping industry have been burdened by a slowdown in freight demand coming out of the pandemic. Yellow specializes in less-than-truckload service, which uses a warehouse network to combine several smaller shipments on one truck for short-haul deliveries. That makes it distinct from long-haul trucking and the parcel industry, which carries individual, usually smaller, packages.
Yellow has warned of challenges to integrate its various operations and of friction with its union. The Teamsters, which represent about 22,000 Yellow workers, threatened this month to strike after the company initially failed to make a $50 million payment for employee benefits. Yellow has about 30,000 total employees, according to its website.
The labor group said it’s “putting infrastructure in place” to help workers find union jobs in freight or other industries, according to the statement. In a memo last week, O’Brien warned workers that Yellow had stopped picking up freight from customers and the hope of the company continuing to operate “is fading.” The loss of the union jobs comes on the heels of the union winning large pay increases from United Parcel Service Inc.
The company has blamed the union for impeding a plan to combine its trucking divisions, which operate separately since the current incarnation of Yellow — a name in trucking that dates back decades — was formed from a string of acquisitions prior to the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009.
Yellow filed a $137 million lawsuit in June against the union for “unjustifiably blocking” the move.
The shutdown of Yellow operations comes as the less-than-truckload demand has declined, making it easier for competitors to pick up the slack, said Melanie Burnham, chief financial officer of competitor Hercules, which has a fleet of 300 trucks and 30 facilities. The demise of Yellow would have been more disruptive for shippers if it had happened two years ago when there was little slack trucking capacity.
“There may be some small glitches. That’s going to happen,” Burnham said on Yellow customers switching to new carriers. “But there are some strong companies out there that can service the needs of the shippers.”
AFS Logistics, a broker that matches shippers cargo with carriers, recently pulled Yellow from the list of the more than 80 short-haul truckers that the broker uses. One of the biggest concerns is getting cargo stuck in a failed Yellow system, said Tom Nightingale, AFS’s chief executive officer. Still, Yellow has been struggling financially since the 2008-2009 downturn and shippers likely have contingency plans for their freight.
“Customers have been seeing this train coming down the track for a long time hoping that it wouldn’t happen, but nonetheless, they were anticipating that it certainly could,” Nightingale said.
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Crown died in a motorsports park accident on his 70th birthday, June 25, during a trip to Colorado, opening up questions about succession not only at his family’s Henry Crown & Co. investment empire but also on the public safety task force he helmed at the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, which has dedicated itself to helping Mayor Brandon Johnson map a plan to improve policing and reduce crime.
Exactly a month later, on July 25, Wirtz died at NorthShore Evanston Hospital after a brief but unexpected illness. He, like Crown, was just 70. And he, like Crown, leaves a void at the top of a multifaceted, family-run business as well as at some of the city’s most important civic organizations. Those include the Field Museum, where Wirtz was board chair, and Northwestern University, where he was a trustee and would no doubt have hard-won perspective to offer now as the school struggles with an athletic hazing controversy sadly reminiscent of a scandal that tarnished the Chicago Blackhawks’ stunning revitalization under Wirtz’s stewardship.
It was heading the Blackhawks that put Wirtz in the public spotlight — certainly more so than Crown, who in recent years was only just beginning to step more fully into the civic-minded role his parents, Lester and Renee Crown, had carved out over decades on causes ranging from modernizing O’Hare International Airport to protecting the Great Lakes. And indeed, the revivification of the Hawks after years of neglect and decline was a remarkable achievement under Wirtz's time at the helm. The team’s extraordinary run of Stanley Cup wins brought hundreds of thousands of fans out of the woodwork and out onto the streets of Chicago for the kind of joyful celebrations that in recent decades have only been seen when the Chicago Cubs and White Sox won the World Series or a certain Chicagoan won the White House. And that gift of community and camaraderie is no small thing. As throngs of us celebrated, it was easy to forget, at least for a little while, how fragmented this city can be, how big our collective problems are.
If they were here now, one suspects both Crown and Wirtz would say the most important work they did happened away from the spotlight, however — in their behind-the-scenes roles as philanthropists, influencers, advisers, employers and planners. There was never any doubt both men were proud of Chicago and cared deeply about its future. Both spoke of it time and again. They also embodied a tradition that sets Chicago’s business community apart from other major metros: This city expects its business elite to play a role in its civic life, getting big projects like Millennium Park off the ground, contributing to the upkeep of beloved institutions such as the renovation of the Museum of Science & Industry, and helping elected officials to take on giant, seemingly intractable challenges such as combating crime, improving education and creating economic opportunity in the neighborhoods as well as the Loop.
Both Wirtz and Crown answered that call time and again. As a new mayor with arguably the most tenuous connection to the business community ever takes on his new role, who in the C-suites of Chicago will follow their example and extend a hand to Johnson? With so much on the line for a city still smarting from COVID, still grappling with a reputation for crime and still needing to get its fiscal house in order, someone must. | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/rocky-wirtz-jim-crown-leave-void-chicago-civic-life-editorial | 2023-07-31T17:06:57 | 0 | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/rocky-wirtz-jim-crown-leave-void-chicago-civic-life-editorial |
Complicating the issue: After creating a number of new deputy mayor slots dealing with social and racial equity, crime and other issues, Johnson is looking for a freebie of sorts, a senior executive type who will work for $1 a year.
There is precedent for such a move. “I didn’t make $1 a year. I made nothing,” quips Steve Koch, an investment banker who was Rahm Emanuel’s deputy mayor for all things business.
But we’ll have to see. The sooner Johnson fills the spot, the sooner Chicago business will be able to get a solid read on where they really stand in this new era.
In Washington, Congress is now on its summer break and it left behind a whole host of pending issues, including a new federal budget.
Odds are rising of a government shutdown this fall. Even if it’s avoided, some key items have been caught in the crossfire, like an additional $25 million each that Chicago and Milwaukee are seeking for security for the upcoming Democratic and Republican national conventions.
Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Chicago, who’s in a position to honcho this from his perch on the House Appropriations Committee, says there is bipartisan support for the measure and it will pass.
But when and how?
Who knows?
Another recess fight worth watching is the rising clash between Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., a double amputee military veteran, and Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., over the hold he has put on military promotions.
Tuberville wants the Pentagon to quit paying travel costs for service members seeking abortion services while stationed in a state where the procedure is outlawed. But Duckworth says that, despite denials from Tuberville, the holds are “dangerous” to national security and America’s safety should not be held “hostage over an individual senator’s political agenda.”
This one could get pretty nasty.
Springfield is also near its shutdown for the summer, but lots of chatter continues about Illinois’ prospects at landing a major battery maker and other producers and suppliers of electric vehicle production.
Sources in and out of state government remain optimistic.
But keep an eye on contract negotiations between Stellantis and the United Auto Workers union, which will have a big impact on whether or not the shuttered Belvidere plant gets a new lease on life. | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/brandon-johnson-still-lacks-corporate-liaison | 2023-07-31T17:07:07 | 0 | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/brandon-johnson-still-lacks-corporate-liaison |
Novara will be vice president of community impact at The Chicago Community Trust, “leading a team that develops and implements strategic initiatives and grant making to reduce the racial and ethnic wealth gap and address critical needs” in the region, according to a press release.
The move is a return to the nonprofit world for Novara, who prior to joining Lightfoot’s administration was vice president of the Metropolitan Planning Council.
Founded in 1915, The Chicago Community Trust pairs philanthropic donations with community groups across the region with a focus on equity. It held $4.2 billion in assets in 2022, according to its most recent financial statement.
“I have spent most of my career working to make Chicago's communities thriving, livable and affordable, especially for those most in need,” Novara said in the press release. “Joining the Trust is an opportunity to continue that work with a dynamic team, keep advancing policy change, and make a meaningful difference in our region. The Trust's understanding of the importance of reducing the racial and ethnic wealth gap and commitment to addressing wealth inequity is crucial for our region’s future. I'm ready for the challenge.''
After re-creating the city's shuttered housing department, Novara was among the most influential members of Lightfoot's administration, overseeing a major overhaul of the Affordable Requirements Ordinance, creating an emergency rental assistance program during the COVID-19 pandemic and legalizing "granny flats" under a pilot program.
Novara told Crain’s in July that she was “hopeful and excited about the Johnson administration,” but that it was “time to pass the baton.”
Johnson has not announced who will lead the housing department going forward. His press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on who is the acting commissioner.
Novara’s last day with the city was July 28, a day after a marathon hearing on a proposal to raise the city’s real estate transfer tax on property sales above $1 million. During the meeting, Novara said Johnson is considering tweaking the proposal from a flat tax on the entire sale of the property to a marginal rate that would impose the higher tax only on the portion of the sale above $1 million. | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/marisa-novara-joins-chicago-community-trust | 2023-07-31T17:07:17 | 0 | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/marisa-novara-joins-chicago-community-trust |
DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- The exhibition, Everyday Rhythms: Music at the Mercer, presents an array of instruments.
"Henry Mercer, the museum's founder, was interested in collecting objects related to pre-industrial America, everyday life," says Cory Amsler, Vice President of Collections and Interpretation at the Mercer Museum.
Amsler said Mercer also collected instruments from southwest Africa and Asia.
The exhibition explores how music can connect people across regions and cultures.
"The human voice only carries so far," says Amsler. "Instruments could function to connect people across distances."
And instruments, such as drums and bells, served various social purposes.
Amsler says some instruments were used as tools of communication, while others were used to accompany ritual, or to send signals. He says bells, especially, have been used to signal timekeeping.
There are 150 objects and artifacts on display, which includes a Calithumpian Rattle.
Amsler says the Calithumpian Rattle is a noisemaker or music maker.
There's a section on instruments and the military, and another on the evolution of instruments, like the Pennsylvania German zither becoming the Appalachian dulcimer.
"Plus, there's an opportunity to actually hear some of the instruments," says Amsler.
Various sound stations can be found around the exhibition.
Some of the instruments, like the 19th-century parlor organ, were made in Bucks County.
Mercer, himself, played the fiddle.
"He was extremely interested in Irish dance music," says Amsler.
He says that Mercer often turned to music for comfort and refuge.
"We all find the kinds of music that have meaning to us," he says.
Amsler says an exhibition like this is really about personal connections, and hopes that it expands the idea of "what music is" for museum visitors.
Everyday Rhythms: Music at the Mercer is on view through December 2023.
Everyday Rhythms: Music at the Mercer | Tickets
Mercer Museum
84 S. Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 | https://6abc.com/everyday-rhythms-music-at-the-mercer-museum-musical-instruments/13546788/ | 2023-07-31T17:07:21 | 0 | https://6abc.com/everyday-rhythms-music-at-the-mercer-museum-musical-instruments/13546788/ |
"They worked me like a dog," she recalls. "I worked a full 40 hours behind the chair each week with no break, no days off. If I wanted a day off, I had to come in and work on a weekend to make it up. There was no flexibility, no consideration for the employees. Each place I worked had a lot of turnover as a result."
By 1993, Boton was ready to go into business for herself, with a business model that would give her employees flexible hours and generous benefits. With $15,000 in loans from two friends and another $15,000 loan from her parents, she set up shop in a 1,100-square-foot leased space at 2944 N. Lincoln Ave., with room for a half-dozen chairs. Some 75% of her old clientele came along to the new place, and the unusual name and Boton's range of friends in the music business provided a good base of business. From the outset, Boton trained her new hires in techniques beyond what ordinary beauty schools could provide, and once they were ready to go to work, she gave them a long leash.
In the years since, Sine Qua Non has had virtually no turnover in personnel — unusual in the beauty business.
"I give people their own control over how they work," Boton says. "There is no rigid structure. I listen to my stylists and I care about them. You don't get that at many salons."
Karen Gordon, a stylist for 44 years who is the former president of Cosmetologists Chicago, a trade group that stages the America's Beauty Show each year in Rosemont, says Boton's success in retaining workers ought to be a lesson for her rivals.
"Many salons have too many strict rules and have become too corporate," Gordon says. "Laura is compassionate. She's more of a free spirit like me. And this is important today, because many of the young people coming into the business insist on flexibility and the right to set their own hours."
Boton's system is working. She grossed $350,000 during her first year in business three decades ago, and will do $3 million this year in sales at her salons in West Town, Lakeview and Andersonville. She eschews further expansion out of fear of the corporate image that Gordon notes. And time off is important for her employees and herself.
Boton, who still cuts hair four hours a week for a small clientele, took off for 10 days recently in her part-time role as vocalist for the Chicago progressive rock band Cheer-Accident, which toured clubs along the East Coast — proving there is life beyond the styling salon, after all. | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/private-intelligence/hair-salon-owner-tells-why-its-great-time-be-hairdresser | 2023-07-31T17:07:27 | 1 | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/private-intelligence/hair-salon-owner-tells-why-its-great-time-be-hairdresser |
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Many people say they are feeling the pain at the pump with gas prices rising.
"I'm a student right now so it's kind of hard to try and afford everything and go to the grocery store going to the gas station doing daily expenses, it's definitely another thing to tackle, but it's a lot," said Trevor Lubrant, of Spring Garden.
Many pumping gas on Monday said they have noticed the price has gone up.
At a gas station in Spring Garden, folks have been paying $3.99 a gallon. According to AAA, in the Philadelphia five-county area gas is averaging $3.90 a gallon Monday, which is up 17 cents in the last week.
"I mean, I don't like this price just to be clear, $4 a gallon is ridiculous because I remember the prices were like $1 a gallon. I remember those times so what can you do," said Vlad Ouzinko.
In Pennsylvania, gas is averaging $3.85 a gallon which is up 14 cents in the last week according to AAA. At a gas station in Wynnewood, we saw gas for $3.99 a gallon.
According to AAA, in South Jersey, the gas average is $3.68, which is up 17 cents in the last week.
In Delaware, the gas average is $3.64 which is up 12 cents in the last week. The national gas average is $3.75 which is up 16 cents in the last week.
Some people we spoke with said they try to drive their cars less because of the high prices.
"When I try to travel I try to do it throughout the week when I'm working, and I try to avoid going out anywhere on the weekend even though that's the time everyone wants to go out. But on the weekend I'll try to have everything done before then, since I'm living in the city I can walk somewhere close by or I'll catch a ride with one of my friends," said Lubrant.
"If I have to use the car I just use it knowing that it's not something I need on a daily basis," said Paula Cooper. | https://6abc.com/gas-prices-fuel-cost-princes-rising-pump/13577511/ | 2023-07-31T17:07:27 | 1 | https://6abc.com/gas-prices-fuel-cost-princes-rising-pump/13577511/ |
On Saturday, champion swimmer Katie Ledecky won her 16th gold medal in the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. Ledecky is already a seven-time Olympic gold medalist, but this particular swim made history, because she’s now won more individual world swimming gold medals than anyone else — including Michael Phelps.
Ledecky’s record-breaking 16th individual win was in her best event, the 800-meter freestyle, with a time of 8:08.87. She beat the second-place swimmer, Li Bingjie of China, by 4.44 seconds.
She also enters the history books as the first swimmer to win six consecutive world championships in the same event. But it’s the fact that she overtook Phelps’ record that has people talking.
“It’s special,” she told CNN. “I really didn’t even know I was going to achieve that until people started telling me. It’s cool … I’m happy with that swim. I wanted it to be a little better, but I’ll take it. I’m really pleased with how the week went.”
Ledecky tied Phelps’ record on July 25 when she won her 15th gold medal at the world championships, in the 1,500 freestyle. She also took silver medals in the 400-meter freestyle and the 4-by-200-meter free relay that day.
What’s next for this superstar athlete? She’ll be going for gold at the Summer Olympics next summer, which is happening in Paris. On the Olympic gold medal count, Phelps’ record will be harder to beat: He has 20 of them, the most of anyone who’s competed. Four other Olympians (American swimmer Mark Spitz, Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina, and American runner Carl Lewis and Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi) have nine gold medals each. So, if Ledecky wins three or more gold medals, she’ll come in second place behind Phelps.
No doubt she will train hard to do it. While she was happy about Saturday’s award-winning race, she also acknowledged her drive to do even better.
“I’m just always trying to think of new ways to improve,” she told the Associated Press. “I kind of wanted to be better than I was tonight.”
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Check out Simplemost for additional stories. | https://www.wmar2news.com/katie-ledecky-breaks-michael-phelps-record-for-world-championship-wins | 2023-07-31T17:07:31 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/katie-ledecky-breaks-michael-phelps-record-for-world-championship-wins |
“My grandfather had great faith that future generations of Wirtzes were going to be able to progress the business, and fortunately, we're still in business,” he said. “I think the key thing is, you have to have leadership. You can't sit down and say, ‘When I pass away, what's going to happen?’ So we have figured that out.”
When Rocky Wirtz addressed the audience at the Crain’s event in March, the succession plan he alluded to was perceived as a long way off. “I'm not going anywhere. I'm still chairman,” he said. “But,” he added, referring to his decision three years ago to put Danny Wirtz in charge of the hockey team, “I said (to him), ‘I'm here to help you, and I'm here to work with you any way I can.’ We've got to bring young people in. You just can't hold onto something for the rest of your life.”
It’s one thing to have a succession plan. It’s another to execute it, particularly in the potentially fraught setting of any family accustomed to generational wealth. Personal issues and unhappiness over how assets are distributed can derail leadership blueprints that seemed settled. Just ask the Pritzkers.
There’s no sign of that kind of fractiousness looming here.
But the Wirtz family has a history of disagreement in the immediate aftermath of generational change. In 2010, less than three years after Rocky Wirtz’s ascendancy, his brother Peter and sisters Gail Wirtz Costello, Karen Wirtz Fitz and Alison Wirtz sued him over a family-owned beer distributorship in Nevada and Minnesota. The case was settled, but not before a run through court on an issue that a spokesman for Rocky Wirtz said “could have been simply resolved around a table,” The New York Times reported at the time.
Apart from the Blackhawks, for which the Wirtzes are best known, the two big businesses are liquor and real estate.
The booze distribution business — one of the largest in the country, operating in 14 states — is expected to suffer little, if any, disruption. Rocky Wirtz was co-chairman along with Charles Merinoff, whose New York-based Charmer Sunbelt Group merged with Wirtz Beverage Group in 2015 to create Breakthru. Danny Wirtz is vice chairman, and Arthur Wirtz is executive vice president in charge of operations as well as a board member. The company hired former National Restaurant Association chief Tom Bené as CEO in 2021. Merinoff didn’t respond to a request for comment.
It’s real estate where question marks loom. Rocky Wirtz was more deeply involved in that business in recent years. The family’s holdings are best known for their half-ownership of the United Center on Chicago’s West Side alongside the family of Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
Much of the family’s real estate holdings trace back to Arthur Wirtz, Rocky Wirtz’s grandfather, who acquired apartment buildings throughout Chicago at discounts after the 1929 stock market crash as he began building the empire. For decades, those buildings were a source of steady cash, and the family did little but collect rents.
“We had everything through real estate,” Rocky Wirtz said during the Crain's event of his family's business origins, noting that the only reason his grandfather got into professional sports was because he “bought the tenant” of its Chicago Stadium property.
Since 2014, the manager of the Wirtz real estate portfolio has been Don Vitek, who joined the company after a 16-year run with developer Draper & Kramer. Rocky Wirtz's death comes amid recent moves to shrink the vintage portfolio.
Wirtz Residential last year sold five apartment buildings totaling 164 units in Evanston and unloaded several apartment properties in 2020 and 2021 on Chicago's North Side, including a 75-unit property in Lincoln Square and an 81-unit building in Rogers Park.
The family still owns around 1,200 apartment units elsewhere on the city's North Side and a vintage office tower at 333 N. Michigan Ave., along with its United Center interest. Vitek also oversaw Wirtz's ground-up apartment development at 2950 N. Sheridan Road in Lakeview, a 20-story, 82-unit building that debuted in 2017.
That Sheridan Road development, a rarity for Wirtz, merely foreshadowed Rocky Wirtz’s far larger development ambitions. He led the family's recent plan to develop some 700 acres of farmland it owns in Lake County into a master-planned community, dubbed Ivanhoe Village, with a town center with locally run shops, a mix of residential development and an array of nearby amenities. Not everyone in the clan was on board, Rocky Wirtz acknowledged.
Asked at the Crain’s event in March how some of his family members reacted to his vision for the family farm, he said some worried they'd lose the privacy of their sprawling family getaway. “I don't think they can get their arms around it yet. They'll get there. But with all due respect, they don't have the votes,” he said with a smile.
How his “votes” transfer, and how those who now hold them respond, raise questions about the future of that ambitious development that only the family will be able to answer.
Danny is committed to continuing the Ivanhoe development, Chipparoni said.
Additionally, the Blackhawks recently proposed a $65 million expansion to roughly double the size of the team's Fifth Third Arena community ice rink just south of the United Center and sought zoning rights from the city of Chicago to eventually build as many as 1,200 residential units and 663 hotel rooms next to the facility.
“We're trying to make it into more of a campus,” Rocky Wirtz said during the Crain's event. He estimated that while it cost roughly $180 million to build the United Center itself in the early 1990s, he and Reinsdorf spent another $600 million since then on new practice facilities nearby and arena expansion and upgrades. Danny also will see that through, Chipparoni said.
Asked that day about his legacy, Rocky Wirtz spoke of his aspirations that his kids, including Danny and his daughter, Hillary, build on what he and the rest of the Wirtz family have built.
“I always believed in trying to make the next generation of the Wirtz family better business (people) than I am. If I've done that, I've done my job,” he said.
Yet Rocky Wirtz demonstrated his firm grip on the family baton over the past couple years, even as he took steps toward passing it to his children. The struggle was on full display during a public town hall event in February 2022, when Danny Wirtz was asked by a reporter about changes the Blackhawks organization was making after issuing a report in late 2021 with disturbing details about how it mishandled sexual assault allegations against a former team video coach in 2010 — a scandal that resulted in a confidential but undoubtedly costly settlement between the team and plaintiff Kyle Beach.
When Danny Wirtz began to answer — ready to speak as chief executive of a franchise trying to move on from a dark period in its history — Rocky Wirtz cut him off and castigated the reporter for asking about it, part of a viral tirade that ripped the scab off a healing wound for the franchise. Though Rocky Wirtz later apologized for the outburst, it illustrated a struggle to relinquish his role as the public face of the franchise and raised questions about who would determine the team's path forward.
It was three years before that jarring moment when Rocky and Danny Wirtz appeared at a separate Crain’s event alongside Jerry Reinsdorf and Michael Reinsdorf — Jerry's son and the Bulls' president — during an in-depth discussion about the United Center, which then was turning 25 years old.
What should the leadership of the facility look like after the next 25 years, Rocky Wirtz was asked.
“Someone from the Wirtz family and someone from the Reinsdorf family,” Rocky Wirtz said. “That's what's nice about it. It's a true joint venture and the spirit of it is, we always work together to make each franchise better and the building better.”
Rocky and Danny Wirtz were on the same page during that 2019 discussion about future improvements at the arena. It would be Danny, Rocky Wirtz said, who would spearhead efforts like adding a sportsbook at the venue, which has since been built out and is awaiting a license from the Illinois Gaming Board.
Perhaps unintentionally providing something like a Wirtz business philosophy, “As Dad says, figure it out,” Danny Wirtz said then.
Rocky Wirtz quickly followed: “On my tombstone, (it's) going to be: Just figure it out.” | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/sports/danny-wirtz-succeeds-late-father-rocky-blackhawks-owner-wirtz-corp | 2023-07-31T17:07:37 | 0 | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/sports/danny-wirtz-succeeds-late-father-rocky-blackhawks-owner-wirtz-corp |
“Solar Education & Outreach” is a photo contest coinciding with the summer solstice. Winners receive a “VIP Adler Planetarium Experience.”
Raoul’s office is taking aim at these programs, asking regulators at the ICC to make the utility pay for them itself rather than passing costs along in electric bills. All of these, contends former ICC staffer and now-consultant Mary Selvaggio on behalf of the state attorney general’s office, are “goodwill advertising to enhance ComEd’s image.” Her testimony was filed July 11 in ComEd’s filing for a $247 million rate hike that would take effect Jan. 1.
The money involved isn’t substantial in the context of a $247 million request. Those three programs together cost $985,000, according to the Illinois AG. That raises one question of why ComEd thinks it’s appropriate to charge ratepayers for its own promotional initiatives and then present them as if ComEd is bringing them to the public. This isn’t exactly big money.
Asked why ratepayers should bear the costs, a ComEd spokeswoman doesn’t answer directly.
“We are proud to sponsor events like the EV Rally, which provides young women hands-on experiences building electric cars, professional female mentorship and scholarships to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields,” spokeswoman Shannon Breymaier said in an email. “ComEd is also proud to offer a variety of educational resources to empower customers to manage their energy use and reduce their energy bills, which is why we sponsor events like Switch on Summer, where nonprofits bring these resources directly to community residents.”
Breymaier emphasizes that the EV Rally and Switch on Summer events have been going on for years. Ratepayers shouldered the cost throughout, but that was during the era of ComEd’s formula-rate authority. For 12 years, the utility was allowed by law to change its delivery rates annually; the law expired only last year. The authority the ICC had over ComEd’s rates during that period was curtailed sharply.
That’s not to say the ICC couldn’t have reviewed these programs even then for cost recovery. But for much of that time frame, the agency, comprised then of a majority of commissioners who tended to favor utilities over consumer advocates, was not aggressive about questioning such costs.
Utilities like ComEd are allowed to recover advertising and marketing costs from ratepayers under specific circumstances. In general, utilities aren’t permitted to ding ratepayers for “promotional” or “goodwill” advertising under Illinois' Public Utilities Act. There are exceptions, though, for ads that promote energy conservation or “advertising required by law or regulations.”
ComEd, according to Raoul, is arguing that $1.4 million of its ad costs is tied to the 2021 Climate & Equitable Jobs Act, the sprawling statute aimed at phasing out fossil fuels in power generation in Illinois. Broadly, ComEd wants to recover the costs of “informational and instructional advertising (supporting) the goals of CEJA, such as transition to clean energy, decarbonization and electrification, and increased access to the benefits of clean energy to all communities,” according to Selvaggio’s testimony. “ComEd does not represent the advertising costs as required by CEJA, but as a goal of CEJA.”
These include “Residential or Business Green Power Connect Welcome Kits” for those enrolling in certain solar power programs.
Also contained in ComEd’s filing were pictures of hybrid bus wraps, Selvaggio wrote. Photos ComEd included in its filing were “stock photography with ComEd not aware of who took the photos, what time the photos were taken or where the photos were taken,” she wrote. “Advertising that may or may not be factual should not be allowed.” She advocates disallowing all $1.4 million without better justification that this campaign is directly tied to CEJA’s implementation.
Marketing and events like this aren’t the only methods ComEd uses to present a good image. A time-honored one is millions each year in charitable donations, all of them charged to ratepayers, which state law allows. ComEd routinely over the years has extolled its charitable programs and at times in the past called on recipient organizations to support its rate legislation in Springfield.
The AG spotlights $1.35 million in grants ComEd made last year to just three organizations. The grants are so substantial that ComEd wants ratepayers to pay for those over time, with the utility collecting an added percentage to capture financing costs. Typically, ComEd recovers its charitable donations each year all at once.
What are these? A nonprofit in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood called Equiticity received a $450,000 ComEd grant last year to provide subsidized bicycles ranging from the old-fashioned leg-powered variety to higher-end electric bikes, and even up to $3,500 for electric cars. Another $450,000 went to nonprofit affordable-housing lender Community Investment to “provide education, increase capacity and support climate resiliency measures, all of which will improve housing units for low- and moderate-income tenants living in these buildings,” according to ComEd. The third $450,000 grant went to Proviso Leyden Council for Community Action in Maywood to help train solar power installers.
ComEd gave these outsize grants the sobriquet “Climate-Friendly Nonprofit Grant Program.”
Wrote Selvaggio, “There is no direct connection to CEJA or mandate in CEJA to make such charitable donations, these donations are unusually large . . . and it is unclear why these particular organizations were selected by ComEd.” She recommended ComEd foot the bill for those, not ratepayers.
Said ComEd’s Breymaier, “ComEd’s deep partnership with local charities goes back many decades, through both charitable giving and the thousands of volunteer hours logged by our employees each year to support the communities in which our customers live and work. We’re proud of these charitable contributions, which are recoverable under law and also support the goals of CEJA.” | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/utilities/comed-customers-pay-much-its-marketing | 2023-07-31T17:07:47 | 0 | https://www.chicagobusiness.com/utilities/comed-customers-pay-much-its-marketing |
The first time Nicola Veitch went to a soccer game, she danced on the field in a white lab coat alongside a colleague inside a giant tsetse fly costume. Most of the fans applauded. Some were baffled.
Neither was auditioning to be the new team mascot.
Rather, Veitch, who's a lecturer in parasitology at the University of Glasgow, put on this somewhat weird performance as a pilot for sleeping sickness street theater — using a theatrical event to teach people about a disease that affects about 1,000 people each year in Africa.
In Malawi's two endemic districts where the disease is spread by local tsetse flies, the number of people falling ill from sleeping sickness has declined in recent years, but cases still persist. Last year, there were only 40 cases across the country. But Veitch points out the disease is "often unpredictable," which means that the possibility of resurgence remains a persistent threat.
More than a year after that Scottish match, the group brought the theatrical event to soccer games in Malawi where people cheered while learning about how to protect themselves from this tiny killer. Veitch calls it an innovative intervention in remote, hard-to-reach communities with few smartphones.
At the time of the performance, she says a clinical trial was underway for a new drug that "seems to be very promising in terms of treating sleeping sickness." If successful, people with the disease could take the medicine at home instead of relying on the current method of treatment for late-stage sleeping sickness — the intravenous administration of a toxic drug that often leads to complications and is occasionally fatal itself. The new drug would represent "a massive change," she says. But in the meantime, knowledge is one of the best ways to fight the disease, and the performance seemed to offer the spectators important information.
Sleeping sickness is found in communities in Malawi that border nature or game reserves. Those areas were where the performances were held. "So we are targeting the people that are really affected," says Janelisa Musaya, a parasitologist involved in the project and the associate director of the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, instead of "just throwing the message all over the country." In other words, she says, it's a way of allocating resources wisely.
Targeting a 'hypnotic' parasite
Sleeping sickness, also called African trypanosomiasis, is caused by a parasite. "It almost looks like a worm," says Veitch. But it's not a worm. It's a single-celled protozoan of the genus Trypanosoma.
The parasite relies on the tsetse fly to shuttle it around. When an infected fly bites someone, the parasite can slip into their bloodstream. It causes a little trouble there, says Musaya, "but when it crosses the blood-brain barrier and goes to the central nervous system, it can affect your sleeping cycle. That's why it's called the sleeping sickness." (The disease is often confused with malaria since the symptoms of fever and lethargy are similar.)
When Veitch looks down the microscope at the parasite that causes sleeping sickness, she says, "it's very hypnotic the way it moves and quite beautiful. I think that only a parasitologist can say that."
That beauty was what got her thinking several years back about alternative ways to inform people about the disease — which many people in Malawi are still not aware of, Veitch says. She has a family member who works for SURGE, a Scottish art, theater and circus organization that runs an annual performance festival that brings cutting edge work to the streets and spaces of Glasgow. The sketches tend to be short, sharp, and interactive, she says.
One year, Veitch was drawn to an outside act that had repurposed an ambulance to teach people how to respond to someone having a cardiac arrest through engaging movement and comical water balloon antics. "And I thought to myself, we could be using street theater to engage people with parasitology," she says. So she approached SURGE and said, "We could maybe work together on something to do with parasites. I think we could create something really cool."
Veitch isn't alone in her thinking. A few years back, the World Health Organization published a report on the role that the arts — including theater — can play in improving our physical, social, and psychological health and well-being, a particular concern in under-resourced countries.
Arts activities facilitate social interaction, says Nisha Sajnani, the co-director of the Jameel Arts and Health Lab at New York University, who wasn't involved in the sleeping sickness project. She adds that performance is just the right platform and artform to "increase a sense of self-efficacy — a feeling of being able to do something about a problem."
Veitch's conversation with SURGE kickstarted a multiyear effort for her and her colleagues in Scotland and Malawi, including an arts and theater group called Voices Malawi that educates people about various illnesses, including COVID-19 and malaria and that uses street theater as a teaching mode.
First, the team had to dream up a way to depict sleeping sickness through street theater. Musaya was excited to get involved. After studying sleeping sickness for 15 years, there was still a missing link for her — "how do we educate the community not to get infected?" She hoped this theatrical foray might provide an answer.
Bwanalori Mwamlima, senior health promotion officer in the Rumphi district of Malawi, says that developing the performance was an act of co-creation among scientists, health workers, performing artists and individuals who'd survived the disease. He explains that the messages they wanted to communicate were, "How is it transmitted? What are the [symptoms]? How can it be prevented? And what are the current interventions?"
Tsetse fly theater has its Malawi premiere
When the show rolled out in Malawi in the fall of 2022, here's what it looked like.
Communities were told that local football and netball teams would descend upon a particular field to play. Then, the day of the event, the performers (a team of nurses, clinicians, students and researchers) drove through town in a truck with music blaring. That got people to leave their homes and follow the truck to the edge of a soccer field. "We wanted to gather a crowd," says Veitch.
Before the soccer game, they offered their theatrical vision of sleeping sickness — mainly visual with some narration. They gave red t-shirts to the audience and asked them to put them on to simulate the human bloodstream. The performers who were dressed as scientists in white lab coats waded into the crowd, each one carrying a giant net. "They were supposed to be scientists looking for infection," says Veitch.
Once the crowd was sufficiently warmed up, the person dressed as the tsetse fly emerged. (The fly costume was made in Scotland by the costume designer regularly employed by SURGE. She'd made outfits for "all sorts of weird and wonderful performances," says Veitch, but this was her first tsetse fly — which had massive wings and limited vision for the person inside the fly's head, so you "need someone to be at your side when moving around.")
The fly threw beach balls into the crowd, representing the infectious parasite, which audience members batted around.
The beach balls were different colors, a metaphor for the way in which the parasite changes its outer protein coat to evade the human immune system. "It's very difficult to create a vaccine to something that undergoes this variation," says Veitch.
The people dressed as scientists ran around to catch the balls of infection in their nets. And finally, they brought out a large net, enveloping the giant fly, escorting it offstage and bringing the performance to a close. In reality, this net is highly effective at attracting tsetse flies because of its blue color and the bottle of urine-smelling liquid placed beside it. "It's just a simple bit of material that has insecticide" in it, Veitch says.
But sometimes people in nearby villages take down the nets stationed in game reserves because they don't know what they are or why they're there. Therefore, "one of the ideas behind the performance," says Veitch, "was to get people to really consider they're very effective at catching tsetse. And if you leave them up, it's beneficial to everybody and that will prevent disease." In addition, by showing researchers helping to capture the parasites, the performers hoped to demonstrate to the public that scientists and their work can be trusted.
Afterward, spectators received additional guidance during a question and answer session. They asked what differentiates a tsetse fly from a housefly (its size, color, and resting wing position), how long it takes for symptoms to appear (typically 2 to 4 weeks) and perhaps most important, how to prevent getting bitten in the first place (avoid nature reserves; don't wear blue or black, which attracts the flies; wear long sleeves; apply insect repellent).
Musaya hopes the audiences walked away with an improved understanding of the disease and how they would contract it. "Many people who attended the performance said they didn't know about the disease," Veitch says. "They had heard of tsetse, but didn't know of the disease it carried, and didn't know of the symptoms to look out for."
"There's something about the dramatizing of the concept that increases the understanding," she explains.
Mwamlima, who dressed up as the tsetse fly for one of the performances in Malawi, was surprised by the success of the theatrical approach, "considering that this is the first time to bring theater performances to teach science," he says. "So I wasn't sure whether it would work," but he's glad that it seemed to. Evaluations showed the audiences were engaged and felt confident asking questions. But long-term, Veitch says they'll know if the performance was successful "if more tsetse nets are left in place and if more people come forward for diagnosis and treatment."
In addition, the medical professionals and researchers, many of whom had never done anything like this before, found this to be a meaningful way to connect with communities. "It really improved people's confidence in terms of thinking about public engagement," Veitch says, "and they would do it again."
"It's a great example of how participatory theater offers a compelling, energizing, pleasurable way of bringing people together to clarify community concerns, feel empowered to make a difference, problem solve," says NYU's Sajnani.
"I think it's a remarkable approach," agrees Kartik Sharma, the founder of the organization Public Arts Health & Us, which translates health and environment research into film and art, including theater pieces. He wasn't associated with the sleeping sickness project. Sharma argues that a performance "converts research into something which people can see and feel in a more personalized way." The result, he says, is that "you can actually use it the next day in your life. So I think it's a very powerful strategy."
For those who missed the show, Veitch says that video recordings will be used as part of Malawi's mobile cinema program, which ranges from big televisions on the back of land rovers to large screens set up next to marketplaces and other public gatherings. It's a common way to publicize health messages in Malawi. The goal, says Veitch, is to "extend the legacy of what we've been doing."
However, despite all the fanfare and promise of the program, Veitch, who says she wasn't into soccer when this program began, admits that she's still not a football fan.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wbaa.org/2023-07-30/a-man-dressed-as-a-tsetse-fly-came-to-a-soccer-game-and-he-definitely-had-a-goal | 2023-07-31T17:07:58 | 1 | https://www.wbaa.org/2023-07-30/a-man-dressed-as-a-tsetse-fly-came-to-a-soccer-game-and-he-definitely-had-a-goal |
The moon will seem extra big and bright and thus be quite a sight this August, with a sturgeon supermoon visible on Tuesday and then a rare blue supermoon coming at the end of the month.
Two of the four supermoon events of 2023 will take place in August, with the first happening on Tuesday. On Aug. 30 there will be a blue supermoon, which won't happen again until 2032. Here's what you need to know so you can catch this summer's lunar double feature.
What is a supermoon?
A perigean full moon, better known as a supermoon, happens when the moon is full during its closest orbits to Earth. This gives its appearance an extra pop, making it look up to 8% bigger and 16% brighter than a typical full moon, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac.
According to NASA, the moon's typical orbit ranges between 226,000 and 251,000 miles from Earth, but variances can bring it a bit closer or farther away. Only the closest three or four approaches each year qualify as supermoons. The last one was on July 3.
Up first is the sturgeon supermoon on Tuesday
The sturgeon moon got its name from Native American tribes that found that the giant sturgeon from the Great Lakes were "most readily caught" at this time of the summer, according to Farmer's Almanac. It's also known as a green corn moon, grain moon, flying up moon, harvest moon, ricing moon, black cherries moon and the mountain shadow moon.
This spectacle will hit peak illumination at 2:32 p.m. ET. "That evening, look toward the southeast after sunset to catch a glimpse of the Sturgeon Moon rising," Farmer's Almanac says.
A sturgeon, for non-anglers, is an enormous fish with roots in the Jurassic period that spends its life — up to 150 years — in both fresh and saltwater. The white sturgeon is the largest freshwater fish in North America, reaching as long as 20 feet and nearly 2,000 pounds, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. But most of the sturgeon inhabiting the Great Lakes measure about 6 feet in length and weigh approximately 200 pounds.
The second show is a rare blue supermoon
While a supermoon references the moon's orbit in relation to Earth, a blue moon has to do with frequency, referring to when there's a second full moon in a single calendar month, NASA says. It's also used to describe the third of four full moons in an astrological season.
The moon takes 27.3 days to orbit the Earth, but because of how the sun's light hits the satellite, it takes 29.5 days to complete its lunar cycle from one new moon to the next.
The term "once in a blue moon" is an idiom used to describe a rare but nonetheless recurring event. But according to NASA they're not actually all that rare, recurring every two-and-a-half years or so.
A blue supermoon, however, happens far less frequently. According to the website Time and Date, the last blue supermoon was in December 2009, and the next one won't be until August 2032.
This year's blue supermoon will peak at 9:36 p.m. ET on Aug. 30, Farmer's Almanac says, but you can use their moonrise calculator to see when it will be visible in your area.
The end of August supermoon will be the biggest and brightest of 2023 because the moon will be "exceptionally close" to Earth at 222,043 miles, nearly 17,000 miles closer than average.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wbaa.org/2023-07-31/if-you-miss-augusts-super-blue-moon-youll-have-to-wait-9-years-for-your-next-chance | 2023-07-31T17:08:04 | 1 | https://www.wbaa.org/2023-07-31/if-you-miss-augusts-super-blue-moon-youll-have-to-wait-9-years-for-your-next-chance |
Siegen Lane off-ramp to close nightly on I-10 West
Published: Jul. 31, 2023 at 11:54 AM CDT|Updated: 12 minutes ago
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced drivers should expect to see closures on the interstate this week.
Officials said the I-10 Westbound Siegen Lane off-ramp, which is Exit 164, will be closed nightly through Wednesday, Aug. 3.
The exit will be closed on the following dates and times:
- Sunday – Monday: 8 p.m. – 5 a.m.
- Monday – Tuesday: 11 p.m. – 4 a.m.
- Tuesday – Wednesday: 11 p.m. – 4 a.m.
The closures are necessary for the construction of the left turn lane at Exit 163 (Siegen Lane).
Drivers are encouraged to use an alternate route.
Click here to report a typo.
Copyright 2023 WAFB. All rights reserved. | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/siegen-lane-off-ramp-close-nightly-i-10-west/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:08 | 0 | https://www.wafb.com/2023/07/31/siegen-lane-off-ramp-close-nightly-i-10-west/ |
The U.S. State Department has selected an Indigenous artist to represent the country at the 2024 Venice Biennale.
Jeffrey Gibson, a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and of Cherokee descent, will be the first such artist to have a solo exhibition in the U.S. Pavilion at the prestigious international arts event.
That's according to a statement this week from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the government body responsible for co-curating the U.S. Pavilion, alongside Oregon's Portland Art Museum and SITE Santa Fe in New Mexico.
The State Department's records of the U.S. Pavilion exhibitions date back to when it was built, in 1930.
Although Indigenous artists have shown work more broadly in Venice over the years, the last time Indigenous artists appeared in the U.S. Pavilion at the Biennale was in 1932 — and that was in a group setting, as part of a mostly Eurocentric exhibition devoted to depictions of the American West.
"In 1932, one of the rooms was devoted to Native American art, but it was done in what I would say was a very ethnographic type of presentation," said Kathleen Ash-Milby, curator of Native American Art at the Portland Art Museum, and one of the co-commissioners of Jeffrey Gibson's work in the U.S. Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. "It grouped native people together and didn't really focus on their individuality as much. There were Navajo rugs on the floor. There were displays of jewelry. Many of the artists were not named."
Ash-Milby, who is also the first Native American curator to co-commission and co-curate an exhibition for the U.S. Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, told NPR her team selected Gibson because of the artist's wide-ranging, inclusive and critical approach to art-making.
"His work is multifaceted. It incorporates all sorts of different types of media," the curator, a member of the Navajo Nation, said. "But to me, what's most important is his ability to connect with both his culture and different communities, and bring people together. At the same time, he has a very critical lens through which he looks at our history as Americans and as world citizens. Pulling all those things together in the practice of an American artist is really important for someone who's going to represent us on a world stage."
Born in Colorado and based in New York, Gibson, 51, focuses on making work that fuses together American, Native American and queer perspectives. In a 2019 interview with Here and Now, Gibson said the art world hasn't traditionally valued Indigenous histories and artistic representations.
"There's this gap historically about these histories existing on the same level and being valued culturally," Gibson said. "My goal is to force them into the contemporary cannon of what's considered important."
A MacArthur "Genius" Grant winner, Gibson has had his work widely exhibited around the country. Major solo exhibitions include one at the Portland Art Museum last year and, in 2013, at Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art. His work is in the collections of high-profile institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery of Art. Gibson participated in the 2019 Whitney Biennial.
"Having an Indigenous artist represent the United States at the Venice Biennale is a long overdue and very powerful moment," San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Director Christopher Bedford said in an email to NPR. "Centering the perspectives of contemporary indigenous artists is a critical component of fostering inclusivity and equity in museums, and in our world."
The details of Gibson's contribution for the 2024 Biennale are mostly under wraps. Curator Ash-Milby said the artist is working on a multimedia installation with the title "the space in which to place me" — a reference to a poem by the Lakota poet Layli Long Soldier.
According to the organizers of the U.S. Pavilion, the upcoming Biennale will enable international audiences to have the first major opportunity to experience Gibson's work outside of the U.S. It will be on view April 20 through Nov. 24, 2024.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wunc.org/2023-07-29/in-a-first-the-u-s-picks-an-indigenous-artist-for-a-solo-show-at-the-venice-biennale | 2023-07-31T17:08:08 | 1 | https://www.wunc.org/2023-07-29/in-a-first-the-u-s-picks-an-indigenous-artist-for-a-solo-show-at-the-venice-biennale |
Here's a look ahead and a roundup of key developments from the past week.
What to watch
Conflict analysts are looking for further signs that Ukraine may have entered a new, bolder phase of its counteroffensive against Russian forces.
Saudi Arabia will host Ukraine peace talks this weekend, the Wall Street Journal reported and Ukrainian officials confirmed, but Russia is apparently not invited.
The United States will take over the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for August, with a focus on food security following Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
A panel tasked with investigating allegations that South Africa provided weapons to Russia is due to report its findings to the country's president soon.
Friday will mark one year since U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner was sentenced to prison in Russia. After months of negotiations with the U.S., Russia released her in December in exchange for the U.S. freeing a Russian arms dealer.
What happened last week
Ukrainian forces launched a heavy assault in the Zaporizhzhia region, leading to news reports saying Ukraine could be stepping up its counteroffensive. They recaptured a small village, Staromaiorske, from Russian forces. Ukrainian forces are fighting on at least three major fronts in the south, east and northeast.
Over the weekend, Ukrainian drones damaged buildings in Moscow. "Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, though Ukraine has not officially claimed the drone attacks.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a summit with African leaders, promising free delivery of tens of thousands of tons of grain to Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Eritrea, Mali, Somalia and Zimbabwe. But he did not accede to the African leaders' requests to resume the Black Sea grain deal allowing Ukrainian exports — a deal that Russia terminated earlier this month.
Russian lawmakers passed a higher age limit for military conscription. Starting in January, men 18 to 30 will have to carry out military service or training for one year, up from the current age cap of 27. They also approved a measure to ban draftees from leaving the country, after a draft order last year set off a mad rush out of Russia.
The United States will provide $400 million in military assistance for Ukraine, the 43rd time President Biden is using his drawdown authority to support Ukraine against Russia's invasion.
U.S. Marine veteran Trevor Reed was injured while fighting in Ukraine. Reed had been imprisoned in Russia and was freed as part of a prisoner swap with the U.S. last year. At some point he wound up joining Ukrainian forces, but the U.S. government said Reed was not fighting on its behalf.
Ukraine decided to let its athletes take part in competitions in which Russians and Belarusians will be competing under neutral flags and not publicly support the war against Ukraine.
In-depth
Ukraine's troops are slowly pushing Russian forces out of occupied land.
Ukraine struggles to rebuild a navy destroyed by Russia.
Russian journalist Mikhail Zygar discusses Putin, Zelenskyy and the war in Ukraine.
The U.S. and Europe search for new Ukraine export routes after Russia leaves the grain deal.
On the State of Ukraine podcast: Nobel Peace Prize winners say Ukraine needs more weapons to prevail against Russia.
Special report
Russia's war in Ukraine is changing the world: See our report on its ripple effects in all corners of the globe.
Earlier developments
You can read past recaps here. For context and more in-depth stories, you can find more of NPR's coverage here. Also, listen and subscribe to NPR's State of Ukraine podcast for updates throughout the day.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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US customers can now experience Angel Aligner with over two decades of superior aligner technology, transforming a million healthy smiles
SANTA ANA, Calif., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to research and digital innovation, Angelalign Technology Inc., is excited to announce the launch of its custom-made clear aligners into the U.S. market. Angelalign Technology is a leading global provider of clear aligner dental technology and evidence-based clinical expertise. With 1 million smiles treated,1 the company is now expanding its expertise and global footprint.
Since 2003, Angelalign Technology has maintained productive scientific collaborations with orthodontists and universities around the world, enabling the company to build a large database of complex orthodontic cases. State-of-the-art research and development (R&D) and customized production facilities are now globally positioned to bring a fresh perspective and technological advancements to clear aligner manufacturing and customer service.
The company is dedicated to research and development, with an average of 11% of annual revenue invested into R&D every year. Innovative highlights include:
- angelButton™ – Manufactured directly into the aligner to provide an additional anchorage point to support the use of elastics and TADs, these buttons can be added and/or adjusted anywhere on the arch and are designed with high structural integrity to facilitate efficient tooth movement via elastics.
"Angel Aligner solved the problems of having buttons. The buttons are built into the aligners, which will reduce emergencies, and additional appointments can be avoided."
Dr. Amanda Cheng, Orthodontist, California
- iOrtho™ – A secure cloud-based service platform housing patient management data for Angel Aligner™ treatments. The treatment planning software has user-friendly 3D controls, allowing doctors to customize and review Angel Aligner case designs.
"Working with the iOrtho software has been amazing and the turnaround time has been great in our practice."
Dr. Stephen Bradford, Orthodontics by Bradford, Florida
- Intelligent Root System (IRS) – Get an accurate 3D digital representation of the patient's tooth, root and jawbone relationship that uses CBCT data and IO scans and adjusts throughout the course of treatment via an Intelligent Root System (IRS).
- masterControl S (MCS) – A soft multi-layered polymer material with gentle but long-lasting orthodontic force design for more efficient tooth movement. MCS exhibits enhanced tear and stain resistance, mechanical stability and unique reflective properties.
- angelAttach – Optimized and conventional attachments are designed for better orthodontic force and more effective and accurate tooth movement.
Angel Aligner™ has a large specialized team of technicians with over 3.5 years of tenure, orthodontically attuned to precision case designs with specialized knowledge in complex malocclusions. They're ready to support treatment planning needs with high-quality case designs and 10-day turnaround times.
"The treatment plans coming back are excellent. I don't have to do a lot of modifying."
Dr. James Crouse, The Brace Place, Maryland
Angel Aligner™ delivers a simple approach, innovative products and tools and experienced customer support to continuously push the edge of technology, product development and service to better serve orthodontic professionals and ultimately, their patients.
"We're excited to combine two decades of research, development and clinical expertise in clear aligner technology with the seasoned experience of our leadership, sales and integration specialists in the North American market," said Jason Tabb, General Manager, North America.
About Angel Aligner™
Angelalign Technology Inc., a leading global provider of clear aligner technology and clinical expertise, has announced the launch of its custom-made clear aligners into new markets worldwide. With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to research and digital innovation, Angelalign Technology has treated 1 million smiles and offers unparalleled customer service and state-of-the-art production facilities.
1As of June 30, 2023, the total number of cases of any and all the products and services provided by all entities owned or controlled by Angelalign Technology Inc. has exceeded one million.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Angel Aligner | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/angel-aligner-launches-game-changing-clear-aligner-technology-us-markets/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:14 | 0 | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/angel-aligner-launches-game-changing-clear-aligner-technology-us-markets/ |
The first time Nicola Veitch went to a soccer game, she danced on the field in a white lab coat alongside a colleague inside a giant tsetse fly costume. Most of the fans applauded. Some were baffled.
Neither was auditioning to be the new team mascot.
Rather, Veitch, who's a lecturer in parasitology at the University of Glasgow, put on this somewhat weird performance as a pilot for sleeping sickness street theater — using a theatrical event to teach people about a disease that affects about 1,000 people each year in Africa.
In Malawi's two endemic districts where the disease is spread by local tsetse flies, the number of people falling ill from sleeping sickness has declined in recent years, but cases still persist. Last year, there were only 40 cases across the country. But Veitch points out the disease is "often unpredictable," which means that the possibility of resurgence remains a persistent threat.
More than a year after that Scottish match, the group brought the theatrical event to soccer games in Malawi where people cheered while learning about how to protect themselves from this tiny killer. Veitch calls it an innovative intervention in remote, hard-to-reach communities with few smartphones.
At the time of the performance, she says a clinical trial was underway for a new drug that "seems to be very promising in terms of treating sleeping sickness." If successful, people with the disease could take the medicine at home instead of relying on the current method of treatment for late-stage sleeping sickness — the intravenous administration of a toxic drug that often leads to complications and is occasionally fatal itself. The new drug would represent "a massive change," she says. But in the meantime, knowledge is one of the best ways to fight the disease, and the performance seemed to offer the spectators important information.
Sleeping sickness is found in communities in Malawi that border nature or game reserves. Those areas were where the performances were held. "So we are targeting the people that are really affected," says Janelisa Musaya, a parasitologist involved in the project and the associate director of the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Clinical Research Programme, instead of "just throwing the message all over the country." In other words, she says, it's a way of allocating resources wisely.
Targeting a 'hypnotic' parasite
Sleeping sickness, also called African trypanosomiasis, is caused by a parasite. "It almost looks like a worm," says Veitch. But it's not a worm. It's a single-celled protozoan of the genus Trypanosoma.
The parasite relies on the tsetse fly to shuttle it around. When an infected fly bites someone, the parasite can slip into their bloodstream. It causes a little trouble there, says Musaya, "but when it crosses the blood-brain barrier and goes to the central nervous system, it can affect your sleeping cycle. That's why it's called the sleeping sickness." (The disease is often confused with malaria since the symptoms of fever and lethargy are similar.)
When Veitch looks down the microscope at the parasite that causes sleeping sickness, she says, "it's very hypnotic the way it moves and quite beautiful. I think that only a parasitologist can say that."
That beauty was what got her thinking several years back about alternative ways to inform people about the disease — which many people in Malawi are still not aware of, Veitch says. She has a family member who works for SURGE, a Scottish art, theater and circus organization that runs an annual performance festival that brings cutting edge work to the streets and spaces of Glasgow. The sketches tend to be short, sharp, and interactive, she says.
One year, Veitch was drawn to an outside act that had repurposed an ambulance to teach people how to respond to someone having a cardiac arrest through engaging movement and comical water balloon antics. "And I thought to myself, we could be using street theater to engage people with parasitology," she says. So she approached SURGE and said, "We could maybe work together on something to do with parasites. I think we could create something really cool."
Veitch isn't alone in her thinking. A few years back, the World Health Organization published a report on the role that the arts — including theater — can play in improving our physical, social, and psychological health and well-being, a particular concern in under-resourced countries.
Arts activities facilitate social interaction, says Nisha Sajnani, the co-director of the Jameel Arts and Health Lab at New York University, who wasn't involved in the sleeping sickness project. She adds that performance is just the right platform and artform to "increase a sense of self-efficacy — a feeling of being able to do something about a problem."
Veitch's conversation with SURGE kickstarted a multiyear effort for her and her colleagues in Scotland and Malawi, including an arts and theater group called Voices Malawi that educates people about various illnesses, including COVID-19 and malaria and that uses street theater as a teaching mode.
First, the team had to dream up a way to depict sleeping sickness through street theater. Musaya was excited to get involved. After studying sleeping sickness for 15 years, there was still a missing link for her — "how do we educate the community not to get infected?" She hoped this theatrical foray might provide an answer.
Bwanalori Mwamlima, senior health promotion officer in the Rumphi district of Malawi, says that developing the performance was an act of co-creation among scientists, health workers, performing artists and individuals who'd survived the disease. He explains that the messages they wanted to communicate were, "How is it transmitted? What are the [symptoms]? How can it be prevented? And what are the current interventions?"
Tsetse fly theater has its Malawi premiere
When the show rolled out in Malawi in the fall of 2022, here's what it looked like.
Communities were told that local football and netball teams would descend upon a particular field to play. Then, the day of the event, the performers (a team of nurses, clinicians, students and researchers) drove through town in a truck with music blaring. That got people to leave their homes and follow the truck to the edge of a soccer field. "We wanted to gather a crowd," says Veitch.
Before the soccer game, they offered their theatrical vision of sleeping sickness — mainly visual with some narration. They gave red t-shirts to the audience and asked them to put them on to simulate the human bloodstream. The performers who were dressed as scientists in white lab coats waded into the crowd, each one carrying a giant net. "They were supposed to be scientists looking for infection," says Veitch.
Once the crowd was sufficiently warmed up, the person dressed as the tsetse fly emerged. (The fly costume was made in Scotland by the costume designer regularly employed by SURGE. She'd made outfits for "all sorts of weird and wonderful performances," says Veitch, but this was her first tsetse fly — which had massive wings and limited vision for the person inside the fly's head, so you "need someone to be at your side when moving around.")
The fly threw beach balls into the crowd, representing the infectious parasite, which audience members batted around.
The beach balls were different colors, a metaphor for the way in which the parasite changes its outer protein coat to evade the human immune system. "It's very difficult to create a vaccine to something that undergoes this variation," says Veitch.
The people dressed as scientists ran around to catch the balls of infection in their nets. And finally, they brought out a large net, enveloping the giant fly, escorting it offstage and bringing the performance to a close. In reality, this net is highly effective at attracting tsetse flies because of its blue color and the bottle of urine-smelling liquid placed beside it. "It's just a simple bit of material that has insecticide" in it, Veitch says.
But sometimes people in nearby villages take down the nets stationed in game reserves because they don't know what they are or why they're there. Therefore, "one of the ideas behind the performance," says Veitch, "was to get people to really consider they're very effective at catching tsetse. And if you leave them up, it's beneficial to everybody and that will prevent disease." In addition, by showing researchers helping to capture the parasites, the performers hoped to demonstrate to the public that scientists and their work can be trusted.
Afterward, spectators received additional guidance during a question and answer session. They asked what differentiates a tsetse fly from a housefly (its size, color, and resting wing position), how long it takes for symptoms to appear (typically 2 to 4 weeks) and perhaps most important, how to prevent getting bitten in the first place (avoid nature reserves; don't wear blue or black, which attracts the flies; wear long sleeves; apply insect repellent).
Musaya hopes the audiences walked away with an improved understanding of the disease and how they would contract it. "Many people who attended the performance said they didn't know about the disease," Veitch says. "They had heard of tsetse, but didn't know of the disease it carried, and didn't know of the symptoms to look out for."
"There's something about the dramatizing of the concept that increases the understanding," she explains.
Mwamlima, who dressed up as the tsetse fly for one of the performances in Malawi, was surprised by the success of the theatrical approach, "considering that this is the first time to bring theater performances to teach science," he says. "So I wasn't sure whether it would work," but he's glad that it seemed to. Evaluations showed the audiences were engaged and felt confident asking questions. But long-term, Veitch says they'll know if the performance was successful "if more tsetse nets are left in place and if more people come forward for diagnosis and treatment."
In addition, the medical professionals and researchers, many of whom had never done anything like this before, found this to be a meaningful way to connect with communities. "It really improved people's confidence in terms of thinking about public engagement," Veitch says, "and they would do it again."
"It's a great example of how participatory theater offers a compelling, energizing, pleasurable way of bringing people together to clarify community concerns, feel empowered to make a difference, problem solve," says NYU's Sajnani.
"I think it's a remarkable approach," agrees Kartik Sharma, the founder of the organization Public Arts Health & Us, which translates health and environment research into film and art, including theater pieces. He wasn't associated with the sleeping sickness project. Sharma argues that a performance "converts research into something which people can see and feel in a more personalized way." The result, he says, is that "you can actually use it the next day in your life. So I think it's a very powerful strategy."
For those who missed the show, Veitch says that video recordings will be used as part of Malawi's mobile cinema program, which ranges from big televisions on the back of land rovers to large screens set up next to marketplaces and other public gatherings. It's a common way to publicize health messages in Malawi. The goal, says Veitch, is to "extend the legacy of what we've been doing."
However, despite all the fanfare and promise of the program, Veitch, who says she wasn't into soccer when this program began, admits that she's still not a football fan.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wunc.org/2023-07-30/a-man-dressed-as-a-tsetse-fly-came-to-a-soccer-game-and-he-definitely-had-a-goal | 2023-07-31T17:08:15 | 0 | https://www.wunc.org/2023-07-30/a-man-dressed-as-a-tsetse-fly-came-to-a-soccer-game-and-he-definitely-had-a-goal |
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — Send your kids back to school in style and with all the necessary supplies! Multiple Back to School events are ready to celebrate the school year ahead and help your student get their supplies for the 2023-2024 school year.
Thursday, Aug. 2
Back to School Summer Pop-Up
- City National Bank on Sherwood Way is hosting a Back to School Summer Pop-Up with The United Way of the Concho Valley and Children’s Advocacy Center. Students can participate in United We Read with The United Way and receive a free copy of ” A Bad Case of the Stripes” after each reading. There will also be free snowcones and a supply drive for the Children’s Advocacy Center. This event will start at 10 a.m.
Saturday, Aug. 5
10th Annual Back to School Celebration
- Sunset Mall is partnering with La Esperanza Clinic to host the 10th Annual Back to School Celebration. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., students and their families can get the chance to win school supplies, gift cards and more.
- Local non-profit businesses will be donating items to fill backpacks.
Back to School Picnic in the Park
- Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas is presenting Back to School Picnic in the Park on Aug. 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Food, games, music, school supplies and more will be set up at Kirby Park alongside Children’s Advocacy Center of Greater West Texas.
Saturday, Aug. 12
Back to School Bash
- On Aug. 12, starting at 10 a.m. the Blackshear Heights Family will be giving out school supplies, hygiene packs, and other prizes for games. Information will be provided soon.
La Esperanza Clinic’s Back to School Block Party
- La Esperanza Clinic is celebrating National Health Center Week with a Back to School Block Party from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Families can enjoy free food, games, activities and music. For more information or to become a vendor visit the La Esperanza Health website.
Sunday, Aug. 13
Northside Back 2 School Bash
- Miza, DJ Promote and CJ Luckey will be at the Northside Back 2 School Bash in Foster Communications Coliseum from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Families are welcome to bring their students out to get haircuts, food, school supplies and join in the fun. Items provided at the event are free.
- Northside San Angelo is looking to fill 1300 backpacks will school supplies. Businesses are welcome to help donate items to help students get off on the right start this school year. Call (325) 763-7750.
Monday, Aug. 14
Back to School, Lookin’ Cool
- Hairstylists and barbers will be offing haircuts for children during YMCA’s Back to School event on Monday, Aug. 14. The first session will be from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. with the second session following from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. All donations will go to the YMCA’s Financial Assistance Fund, during the event. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/community/community-events/back-to-school-events-in-san-angelo/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:19 | 1 | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/community/community-events/back-to-school-events-in-san-angelo/ |
Multifamily Lender Strives to Leverage Strong Performance to Attract Top Boston Talent
BOSTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Arbor Realty Trust (NYSE:ABR) announces a new and larger office location at 501 Boylston St., a historically significant Class A property close to Copley Square in Boston's lively Back Bay neighborhood.
Arbor, which has 15 offices in cities across the United States, moved its 88-member Boston team from 1 Lincoln St. in expectation of the team's expansion and growth, and with the recognition that Boston's thriving economy and talent pool is also creating opportunities in our core business of multifamily lending. Boston has had 8.5% annual rent growth through April 2023 and is presently the third-tightest multifamily rental market in the United States, our proprietary research reveals.
This past Friday, Arbor Realty Trust reported an outstanding second quarter and a dividend increase to $0.43, reflecting a 12th increase in the last 14 quarters.
Join Us - Arbor is Hiring in Boston and Nationally
Are you interested in a career in multifamily lending? Arbor is hiring in Boston and at many other locations. Advance your career at a firm that encourages entrepreneurial drive, collaborative spirit, and the quest for excellence.
Browse our current job openings.
About Arbor
Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ABR) is a nationwide real estate investment trust and direct lender, providing loan origination and servicing for multifamily, single-family rental (SFR) portfolios, and other diverse commercial real estate assets. Headquartered in Uniondale, New York, Arbor manages a multibillion-dollar servicing portfolio, specializing in government-sponsored enterprise products. Arbor is a leading Fannie Mae DUS® lender, Freddie Mac Optigo® Seller/Servicer, and an approved FHA Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) lender. Arbor's product platform also includes bridge, CMBS, mezzanine, and preferred equity loans. Arbor is rated by Standard and Poor's and Fitch. In June 2023, Arbor was added to the S&P SmallCap 600® index. Arbor is committed to building on its reputation for service, quality, and customized solutions with an unparalleled dedication to providing our clients excellence over the entire life of a loan.
CONTACT: press@arbor.com
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SOURCE Arbor Realty Trust | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/arbor-realty-trust-expands-presence-boston-opening-office-historically-significant-building/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:20 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/arbor-realty-trust-expands-presence-boston-opening-office-historically-significant-building/ |
Updated July 31, 2023 at 11:18 AM ET
The sentencing hearing for Lori Vallow Daybell began in Idaho at 9 a.m. MT (11 a.m. ET) Monday, as she faces punishment for murdering two of her children and conspiring to murder a romantic rival — crimes of which she was found guilty in May.
Vallow Daybell, 50, faces a punishment ranging up to life in prison without parole. The sentencing hearing is being livestreamed from the Fremont County Courthouse — you can watch video of the hearing below (The court announced a 30-minute recess just before 1 p.m. ET).
The lengthy trial was full of strange and shocking moments. Prosecutors say Vallow Daybell was motivated by arcane religious beliefs about "dark energy" and the "end times," and by her desire to pursue a life with her new husband, Chad Daybell — including conspiring to kill his late wife.
The sentencing hearing includes four main phases: five victim impact statements; the prosecution's sentencing recommendation; the defense's sentencing recommendation; and the chance for Vallow to address the court.
"Ms. Vallow may speak," her defense team said in court on Monday.
Judge Steven Boyce will hand down his sentence after the court hears victim impact statements from relatives of Tylee Ryan and Joshua Jaxon "JJ" Vallow, Vallow Daybell's children whose bodies were found in 2020; and from relatives of Tammy Daybell, the previous wife of Chad Daybell, who also faces charges in all three deaths.
Prosecutor Rob Wood asked for the maximum sentence, several fixed life terms without the possibility of parole, saying Vallow Daybell had betrayed her children's trust in a horrific
The children's bodies were found in 2020
A jury found Vallow Daybell guilty of killing her two youngest children, Tylee Ryan and Joshua Jaxon "JJ" Vallow. Tylee was nearly 17 when she and JJ, 7, were last seen alive in September 2019. The children's bodies were found in June 2020, buried on property in Rexburg, Idaho, owned by Chad Daybell.
Even before the remains were found, Vallow Daybell was charged with felony desertion of a child and obstruction. Prosecutors said she didn't report her children missing so she could keep collecting benefit payments.
Vallow Daybell was also found guilty of conspiring to murder Tammy Daybell, Chad's then-wife, who was found dead in her home in October 2019 — less than one month before he and Vallow got married in Hawaii. He is Vallow Daybell's fifth husband.
'Zombie' beliefs arose during trial
In court documents, Vallow Daybell's close friend Melanie Gibb described hearing her say that Tylee had become a zombie — a concept Vallow Daybell had picked up from Daybell.
Gibb said she heard Vallow Daybell call Tylee a zombie after Tylee had refused to babysit JJ — to which Tylee replied, "Not me, mom," according to a police affidavit. Gibb said Vallow Daybell later concluded that JJ had also become a zombie.
Prosecutors also said Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell portrayed themselves as religious figures called "James and Elaina." And they purported to be able to "rate" people, detecting whether they might be under the thrall of an evil spirit's dark energy.
The case depicted a love affair that turned deadly
Prosecutors say Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell's relationship was entwined in a deadly criminal conspiracy they sought to justify with fantastical beliefs. Rather than simply starting a new life together after they met in October 2018, the prosecution said, the couple plotted to kill their closest relatives and benefit from their deaths through insurance payouts and Social Security benefits.
Vallow Daybell's defense attorney, James Archibald, has said his client was in the thrall of a man she sees as a messiah and her eternal soulmate. He has also argued that the prosecution has produced little direct evidence to tie Vallow Daybell to her children's deaths.
Other criminal cases are still pending
Chad Daybell is expected to undergo his own murder trial for the same three deaths in the spring of 2024.
Other criminal cases are also pending for Vallow Daybell in Arizona, where she previously lived.
She's under indictment there on conspiracy murder charges for allegedly arranging for one of her brothers to shoot and kill her fourth husband, Charles Vallow, in July 2019. That brother, Alex Cox, died in December 2019, of what was determined to be natural causes. She's also accused of conspiring with Alex to murder her niece's ex-husband, Brandon Boudreaux, who was shot at in 2019 but who survived.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wunc.org/2023-07-31/watch-lori-vallow-daybell-is-sentenced-for-killing-her-children-in-zombie-murders | 2023-07-31T17:08:21 | 0 | https://www.wunc.org/2023-07-31/watch-lori-vallow-daybell-is-sentenced-for-killing-her-children-in-zombie-murders |
San Angelo man killed in collision in Midland County Niger will face sanctions as democracy falls apart, … State of Idaho vs. ‘Cross Country Cowboy’ Cyril Bertheau Manning’s card goes for more than $100K at auction
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3 best kids bento boxes to buy for school lunches Bento boxes are well-loved for their versatility. You can definitely pack your kid an unforgettable lunch consisting of all their favorite foods.
Tips and products for shopping back-to-school on … Getting the best back-to-school supplies at the best price requires time and planning. This guide will help you make smart purchasing decisions. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/concho-valley-live/concho-valley-live-be-theatre-presents-hazard-at-the-hanger-melodrama/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:25 | 1 | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/concho-valley-live/concho-valley-live-be-theatre-presents-hazard-at-the-hanger-melodrama/ |
SAN FRANCISCO, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), with support from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation through the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity, today announced the launch of The AAPI Nonprofit Database. This interactive database addresses the historical inequity of funding directed towards the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community by providing a platform where anyone looking to donate, volunteer, or get involved can more easily locate and support AAPI nonprofit organizations across the country.
With less than 0.2% of philanthropic giving going to AAPI nonprofits and causes, the community remains underfunded and under-resourced. TAAF is working to help fill this critical gap, and the database is a necessary first step to meeting the need. The database will feature nonprofits of all sizes, giving visibility and driving donations to grassroots organizations who have been working tirelessly to support underrepresented AAPI communities throughout the country.
"In the face of continued Anti-Asian hate and rhetoric, it is now more important than ever to invest in resources to support the diverse needs of AAPI communities," said Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF. "We know people want to support AAPI causes, especially following the horrific events impacting our community, but they may not always know where to begin or which organizations are aligned with their interests. Impactaapi.org will make AAPI nonprofits and causes accessible through one interactive tool to remove the barriers to entry and help combat the chronic underfunding and under-resourcing that AAPI organizations have faced."
At launch, the database will feature over 600 nonprofit organizations focused on serving AAPI communities. The AAPI Nonprofit Database will allow users to filter by location, focus area, population served, budget size or years in service, among others. Users will have the opportunity to make donations directly to the nonprofit of their choice or learn how to get more involved. If users need help to get started, a feature will allow visitors to take a short quiz, matching them to a curated list of organizations based on their interests.
Nonprofits have the opportunity to opt-in, get listed, and update their profile pages, including linking directly to their donation pages or website. Organizations whose data has been updated in the past year will have "verified" status indicating current data.
"Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have been long-time supporters of the AAPI community and are thrilled to support The Asian American Foundation in launching The AAPI Nonprofit Database," said Kimberly McGee, Senior Manager for the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity. "As a founding AAPI Giving Challenge supporter, we are focused on driving access and resources to advance equity in the AAPI nonprofit community. The AAPI Nonprofit Database brings us closer to that goal by putting power into the hands of the broader public, whether by driving donations or getting more involved."
The AAPI Giving Challenge was launched in May 2021 with over 130 corporations, foundations, and individual donors committed $1.1 billion in funding and in-kind resources directly to AAPI communities, organizations, and relevant causes over five years. The AAPI Nonprofit Database highlights the commitment of corporate partners to work with the AAPI community to drive towards solutions together.
TAAF acknowledges Asian Pacific Fund and AAPI Data for their collaboration in providing guidance on the creation of this database.
The AAPI Nonprofit Database can be found at https://impactaapi.org. Nonprofit organizations interested in being listed can submit a request here.
ABOUT THE ASIAN AMERICAN FOUNDATION (TAAF)
The Asian American Foundation serves the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in its pursuit of belonging and prosperity that is free from discrimination, slander, and violence. Founded in 2021 in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and address the long standing underinvestment in AAPI communities, TAAF funds best in class organizations working to mobilize against hate and violence, educate communities, and reclaim our narratives through our core pillars of Anti-hate, Education, Narrative Change, and Resources & Representation. Through our grants, high-impact initiatives and events, we're creating a permanent and irrevocable sense of belonging for millions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. For additional information about TAAF, please visit www.taaf.org.
Media Contact:
Joy Moh
joy.moh@taaf.org
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SOURCE The Asian American Foundation | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/asian-american-foundation-launches-interactive-aapi-nonprofit-database-unlock-resources-support-aapi-focused-organizations/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:27 | 0 | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/asian-american-foundation-launches-interactive-aapi-nonprofit-database-unlock-resources-support-aapi-focused-organizations/ |
President Biden will tout his administration’s work to combat climate change in a trip out West, which has faced scorching — and in some cases, record-breaking — temperatures this month.
In a trip next week to Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, Biden is expected to discuss Democrats’ climate, tax and health care bill and the ways in which it bolstered climate-friendly energy and U.S. manufacturing.
Later, on Aug. 16, Biden will host a White House event to celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act.
The southwestern U.S. has faced a sweltering heat wave over the past several weeks, with Phoenix seeing 31 days in a row of temperatures above 110 degrees.
Last week, Biden gave a speech about climate change, which exacerbates heat waves and other extreme weather events, and said he would take actions aimed at protecting workers from the hazardous heat.
The upcoming White House moves are part of broader efforts to promote that bill and other legislation the administration has passed.
This week, Vice President Harris and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo will visit Wisconsin to talk about broadband investments that were part of the bipartisan infrastructure law.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will visit Oregon to discuss grants aimed at addressing wildfires and to Washington state to talk about climate-related investments in Agriculture. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and White House climate adviser Ali Zaidi will visit Puerto Rico to engage on issues related to grid resilience. And Interior Secretary Deb Haaland will go to California to talk about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds for water recycling.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will visit Illinois to talk about clean energy investments and Houston for a ribbon cutting for a port. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra will visit Las Vegas, Nevada and Oregon to talk about efforts to lower health care costs. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/hill-politics/biden-to-tout-climate-investments-in-trip-to-sweltering-west/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:31 | 0 | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/hill-politics/biden-to-tout-climate-investments-in-trip-to-sweltering-west/ |
WAYNE, Pa., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Balanced Bridge Funding was named one of 2023's Best Places to Work by The Philadelphia Business Journal. It is a prestigious award given to those companies that treat their employees well and create a hospitable work environment. Joseph Genovesi, CEO of Balanced Bridge Funding and its subsidiary Accel Real Estate Commission Advance, says, "it is an honor for Balanced Bridge Funding to be recognized by The Philadelphia Business Journal as one of 2023's Best Places to Work."
According to the Philadelphia Business Journal, the companies that are named to the list are based exclusively on the responses from the employees. The companies on the list can use the award as a recruiting tool for future employees and for promotional marketing uses. As workplaces evolve, job satisfaction continues to rank higher on the list of importance for current and prospective employees. The popularity of websites like Glassdoor, where current and ex-employees can leave their opinion, means an award like Best Places to Work can be a tipping point for people evaluating their employment choices. Genovesi says, "One of my goals when I started my company was for the environment at the workplace to be open, inclusive, and flexible to the needs of my employees. I think we have achieved that and this award speaks to that accomplishment."
Balanced Bridge Funding is a specialty finance company that provides funding to different kinds of sectors; contract advances to professional athletes, legal funding to plaintiffs and plaintiffs' attorneys, advances to first year big law attorneys, account receivable funding to Big Law firms, factoring to truck drivers and trucking companies, fee advances to class action recovery companies, contract advances to local, state, and federal government contractors, loans to fix and flip operators, loans on luxury assets, account receivable funding to small businesses, and commission advances to insurance brokers and insurance agents on their expected fees.
Accel Real Estate Commission Advance is a subsidiary of Balanced Bridge Funding. It is a finance company specifically designed to provide advances to real estate professionals on their expected commissions. Real estate brokers and agents can sometimes face delayed commissions due to a number of factors. Accel was created to provide funding on those commissions so brokers and agents can access a portion of their fee and avoid the waiting period for their money.
CONTACT:
info@balancedbridge.com
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SOURCE Balanced Bridge Funding | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/balanced-bridge-funding-named-one-2023-best-places-work-by-philadelphia-business-journal/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:34 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/balanced-bridge-funding-named-one-2023-best-places-work-by-philadelphia-business-journal/ |
A Georgia judge has rejected former President Trump’s efforts to quash an investigation into his efforts to overturn the state’s 2020 election results.
“The movants’ asserted ‘injuries’ that would open the doors of the courthouse to their claims are either insufficient or else speculative and unrealized,” Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney wrote in the nine-page ruling.
“They are insufficient because, while being the subject (or even target) of a highly publicized criminal investigation is likely an unwelcome and unpleasant experience, no court ever has held that that status alone provides a basis for the courts to interfere with or halt the investigation.”
The ruling is the second roadblock for Trump in his efforts to dismiss the probe, after the state’s Supreme Court earlier this month rejected another suit seeking to block it.
That court had in part rejected Trump’s arguments while noting the matter before McBurney.
McBurney presided over the grand jury who were presented evidence by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) who has advised court officials she could bring charges in the high-profile case the second or third week of August.
Trump has also sued Willis and McBurney in another third suit filed alongside his petition to the state supreme court — an additional attempt to nix the investigation beyond the matter McBurney addressed Monday.
“Petitioner’s every attempt to seek redress in the normal course have been ignored, and the District Attorney has given every indication that the injury is imminent,” Trump wrote in the petition earlier this month.
McBurney also determined that Trump didn’t have standing to sue to quash the investigation, noting that the former president can only “theorize” that he will be named in an indictment.
“The professed injuries are also speculative and unrealized because there is, as of yet, no indictment that creates the genuine controversy required to confer standing,” McBurney wrote.
—Updated at 12:04 p.m. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/hill-politics/georgia-judge-rejects-trump-effort-to-quash-fulton-county-investigation/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:37 | 1 | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/hill-politics/georgia-judge-rejects-trump-effort-to-quash-fulton-county-investigation/ |
Alliance supports Black Tech Street's ambition to digitally transform Black Wall Street to
Black Tech Street through cyber-centered talent and innovation initiatives
TULSA, Okla., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Black Tech Street announced an unprecedented alliance with Microsoft for Historic Greenwood, the neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, given the moniker, "Black Wall Street," by Booker T. Washington for its abundance of affluent Black entrepreneurs.
Dubbed by Black Tech Street, "The Digital Transformation of Black Wall Street", the alliance aims to restore Greenwood's position as a national hub for Black talent and innovation. Founded in 2021, Black Tech Street's mission is to rebirth Black Wall Street as a Black innovation economy by securing Black tech-focused economic and industry development opportunities for the Greenwood community.
"Since its inception, Black Tech Street's focus has been on securing transformative partnerships capable of addressing deeply-rooted economic inequities stemming from the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre at scale. Our partnership with Microsoft is a perfect example of such an opportunity and reflects the very essence of both our organizations," said Tyrance Billingsley II, Black Tech Street Founder and Executive Director.
"We are grateful for Microsoft's support and engagement that is game changing for Greenwood, and sends a clear message that Black Wall Street will continue to be a national leader of Black innovation in the 21st century."
One cornerstone of the alliance is that Black Tech Street has been named as the Microsoft TechSpark Fellow for the State of Oklahoma. The TechSpark Community Engagement Fellowship program empowers community organizations with a combination of funding, programming, hands-on mentorship, and training, and focuses on digital access, computer science education, digital skills, and digital transformation.
"Microsoft believes digital inclusion is core to ensuring everyone on the planet benefits from advances in technology, and that programming and opportunities must be created for those with the potential to be left behind," said Ann Johnson, corporate vice president for security business development at Microsoft. "We are pleased to work with Black Tech Street, local government leaders, and community organizations to help build and further reinforce Greenwood and Tulsa as centers for technology vision, leadership, and entrepreneurship."
Black Tech Streets Ambition: Creating 1000+ Black Cyber Professionals in Tulsa
The first phase of this collaboration will include a series of community and Microsoft-supported investments aimed at raising the capacity of the Tulsa ecosystem to produce, attract, and support Black cyber talent. Black Tech Street's goal is to leverage Microsoft's programmatic support/resources alongside other national partners to create and employ 1000 Black Tulsans in Cyber and adjacent fields. Black Tech Street's aim is to accomplish this by 2030. Investing in the cybersecurity workforce has been a priority for Microsoft, as they aim to support the estimated gap of 1.6 million cyber professionals in North America alone. Black Tech Street will leverage its alliance with Microsoft in the following areas to contribute towards reaching its goal:
Workforce and Skilling
- Microsoft Cybersecurity Scholarship Program: Tulsa Community College (TCC) was accepted into Microsoft's Cybersecurity Scholarship Program, providing cash scholarships to the highly diverse students receiving training at TCC's Cyber Skills Center.
- Employment Partner and Sponsor Consortium: Black Tech Street, with Microsoft support, will lead a nationwide consortium for connecting employers looking to hire Black Cyber talent in Tulsa for local and remote roles. The program will also fund scholarships for Black students interested in cyber. A critical strategy for BTS is to ensure skilled tech talent stays in Tulsa, contributing to the local economy. Microsoft embraces flexible work, including schedule and work location flexibility, that supports individual work styles while balancing business needs.
Education and Digital Access
- Microsoft TechSpark-Digital Education Access: Black Tech Street's participation in the Microsoft TechSpark program will include, among many other components, a comprehensive suite of services and technology platforms for educators, students, and school systems on multiple levels.
- High School Tech Education: Black Tech Street, the University of Tulsa, and Microsoft, will collaborate on a plan to accelerate Computer Science and related tech education to north Tulsa secondary school students.
Innovation Research and Thought Leadership
- The University of Tulsa and Microsoft: Black Tech Street plans to pilot studies in cyber research and experiential learning that leverage cutting-edge technology from Microsoft's investments in generative AI cybersecurity alongside the University of Tulsa as part of the alliance to better position the ecosystem in cyber-AI innovation. The University of Tulsa's nationally recognized cyber university, with its NSA affiliated Cyber Corps program, as well as a suite of successful cyber partnerships with high schools and community colleges, made cyber an obvious choice for partnership.
- Black Tech Street Cyber Summit: In 2024, Black Tech Street and Tulsa Innovation Labs will host the first Black Tech Street Cyber Summit. This summit will be a gathering of the foremost cyber experts from corporations, academia, and government. This summit is meant to serve as a meeting of the minds as it relates to charting a more effective national narrative and plan as it relates to mobilizing Black Americans into cyber en masse. Microsoft will host its "Into the Breach" gamified learning experience to test cybersecurity skills for Black Tulsans.
Microsoft's initial support via this alliance will anchor the first portion of a larger strategy by Black Tech Street to establish Greenwood as a national leader in the three critical technology areas of Cyber Security, Business Intelligence/Data Analytics, and Equitable Artificial Intelligence (See ED Tyrance Billingsley's op-ed What's Next? Black Wall Street's Innovation Ambitions).
Black Tech Street will also be supported in the execution of these Microsoft supported initiatives by local anchor partner Tulsa Innovation Labs, a philanthropic organization dedicated to building industrial clusters around sectors where Tulsa has distinct advantages.
The alliance has also garnered the support of City officials.
"I am excited about this new alliance between Black Tech Street and Microsoft in Tulsa," Mayor G.T. Bynum said. "This partnership will help increase cyber talent in our city, as well as promote tech education and workforce readiness for the incredible talent we have in our community."
This is the start of a long-term relationship between Black Tech Street, Greenwood, and Microsoft, and will redefine what is possible for communities and cities willing to simultaneously invest in people and in technology.
The announcement of this alliance was also included in the Biden-Harris Administration's announcement of its National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy to Unleash America's Cyber Talent:
(https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/07/31/fact-sheet-biden-%E2%81%A0harris-administration-announces-national-cyber-workforce-and-education-strategy-unleashing-americas-cyber-talent/)
Black Tech Street is an organization founded to rebirth Black Wall Street as a Black Innovation Economy and catalyze a movement that sees Black people embrace technology as a means to build wealth and impact the world. Black Tech Street architects and secures Black tech focused economic and industry development opportunities for the Greenwood community and serves as a chief storyteller for Black Wall Street's 21st century rebirth.
Contact:
Tyrance Billingsley II
tyrance@blacktechstreet.com
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SOURCE Black Tech Street | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/black-tech-street-announces-alliance-with-microsoft-digitally-transform-historic-greenwood/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:40 | 0 | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/black-tech-street-announces-alliance-with-microsoft-digitally-transform-historic-greenwood/ |
BCA investigation involving state trooper underway, stretch of I-94 reopens in Minneapolis
(KSTP) – A portion of westbound I-94 in Minneapolis is back open Monday after being closed for several hours during the overnight and morning rush hour.
The closure was due to members of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) investigating what they say is a “use of force” incident involving a trooper with the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP).
The highway was closed from West Broadway to 49th Avenue North, which is several miles through North Minneapolis. Drivers were being directed off the interstate, and some drivers had to turn around.
The incident started around 2:30 a.m. Monday on I-94 at 42nd Avenue when members of both the MSP and the Minneapolis Police Department responded.
Lanes were reopened around 9:45 a.m. Monday.
As of this time, the BCA and MSP haven’t released any details regarding the ongoing investigation. | https://www.kaaltv.com/news/bca-investigation-involving-state-trooper-underway-stretch-of-i-94-reopens-in-minneapolis/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:43 | 1 | https://www.kaaltv.com/news/bca-investigation-involving-state-trooper-underway-stretch-of-i-94-reopens-in-minneapolis/ |
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Homeless people in Anchorage, Alaska could get a free one-way plane ticket to Los Angeles and other U.S. cities with warm climates this winter under a plan announced by Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson.
Bronson discussed his proposal at a Tuesday news conference, saying it's too cold for homeless people to spend winter on the streets and he wants to prevent them from dying.
Bronson also said it's cheaper to send people to warmer climates than pay for housing.
Last year, eight people - a record for the city - died of exposure in Anchorage and the closure of a large arena earlier this year that served as a makeshift city shelter is sure to exacerbate the crisis in a place where winter temperatures regularly dip below zero.
"I have a moral imperative here, and that's to save lives," Bronson said. "And if that means giving them a few hundred dollars for an airline ticket to go where they want to go, I'm going to do that."
If the program moves forward, people can choose to relocate to the Lower 48 or somewhere else in Alaska where it might be warmer or where they have relatives.
Bronson said a funding source has not been identified, and he's put Alexis Johnson, the city's homeless director, in charge of coming up with a plan for the program.
"Someone says, 'I want to go to Los Angeles or San Diego or Seattle or Kansas,' it's not our business," he said of their intended destination. "My job is to make sure they don't die on Anchorage streets."
The Associated Press contributed to this report. | https://abc11.com/anchorage-alaska-homeless-people-los-angeles/13577879/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:43 | 1 | https://abc11.com/anchorage-alaska-homeless-people-los-angeles/13577879/ |
Former Hunter Biden associate Devon Archer is sitting for a closed-door transcribed interview with the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on Monday, in an appearance that is expected to fuel Republican attempts to link President Biden to his son’s business dealings.
The interview follows a letter from the Department of Justice over the weekend regarding Archer’s sentencing for an unrelated matter that is adding to GOP claims of government obstruction of their investigation into the Biden family’s business dealings — even as Archer’s attorney beat down the speculation.
The Justice Department (DOJ) in its letter requested that a judge set a date for Archer to start his one-year prison sentence for his conviction for defrauding a Native American tribe, despite Archer’s counsel saying it was “premature” to do so because of an anticipated appeal and an “error” in sentencing.
That set off alarm bells in the GOP.
“I don’t know if this a coincidence, or if this is another example of the weaponization of the Department of Justice,” House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) said Sunday on Fox News.
Other Republicans went further, accusing the DOJ of explicit interference in the GOP-led investigation. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) said lawmakers should return from an August recess for emergency hearings if Archer did not show up.
But Archer’s attorney stressed the letter would not impact his planned interview, which had been rescheduled multiple times since Comer subpoenaed him in June.
“We are aware of speculation that the Department of Justice’s weekend request to have Mr. Archer report to prison is an attempt by the Biden administration to intimidate him in advance of his meeting with the House Oversight Committee on Monday,” Acher’s lawyer Matthew Schwartz said in a Sunday statement, first provided to Politico. “To be clear, Mr. Archer does not agree with that speculation. In any case, Mr. Archer will do what he has planned to do all along, which is to show up on Monday and to honestly answer the questions that are put to him by the Congressional investigators.”
The DOJ said in a subsequent letter that it was not requesting that Archer surrender before his expected congressional testimony.
His appearance went on as scheduled. A smiling Archer did not answer shouted questions as he arrived at the interview with his lawyer Monday morning.
The interview will comprise four hours of questioning divided evenly between Republicans and Democrats, and it is expected to end midafternoon. Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), and Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) were in attendance.
“I believe he can tell us things we haven’t heard before,” Biggs said.
Goldman cast doubt on the GOP attempts to link the president to his son’s business dealings.
“We’re all waiting for any pin, whether it be a linchpin or other pin, to figure out how this is connected at all to President Biden,” Goldman said. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/hill-politics/hunter-biden-associate-devon-archer-gives-closed-door-interview/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:43 | 0 | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/hill-politics/hunter-biden-associate-devon-archer-gives-closed-door-interview/ |
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE American: BRBS), the holding company of Blue Ridge Bank, National Association ("Blue Ridge Bank" or the "Bank") and BRB Financial Group, Inc. ("BRB Financial Group"), announced today financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.
For the second quarter of 2023, the Company reported net loss from continuing operations of $19.5 million, or $1.03 per diluted common share, compared to net income from continuing operations of $1.6 million, or $0.09 per diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2023, and net income from continuing operations of $1.1 million, or $0.06 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2022.
A Message From Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. President and CEO, G. William "Billy" Beale:
"The net loss for the quarter was driven primarily by higher provision expense and the associated reversal of interest income related to loans that were placed on nonaccrual during the quarter. This group of loans, totaling $58.1 million at quarter-end, were sourced by a former lender, and is best described as specialty finance that we deemed to be not in keeping with our desired risk profile. I don't believe this asset quality matter is pervasive within our loan portfolio, and excluding these loans, measures of asset quality were generally stable as compared to the prior quarter.
Having recently joined the organization in May 2023, I am pleased to have found Blue Ridge to be a quality bank providing exceptional service to its customers. My foremost priority, and that of our team, is to remain focused on our regulatory remediation efforts, as we continue to work diligently to bring the Bank's fintech policies, procedures, and operations into conformity with regulatory directives. At the same time, we want to re-energize the core banking franchise by attracting new customers from within our footprint, while supporting our fintech partners that continue to gain momentum."
Q2 2023 Highlights
(Comparisons for Second Quarter 2023 are relative to First Quarter 2023 unless otherwise noted)
Formal Written Agreement:
- As previously disclosed, Blue Ridge Bank entered into a formal written agreement (the "Agreement") with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC") on August 29, 2022. The Agreement principally concerns the Bank's fintech line of business and requires the Bank to continue enhancing its controls for assessing and managing the third-party, BSA/AML, and IT risks stemming from its fintech partnerships. A complete copy of the Agreement was filed as an exhibit to the Company's Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on September 1, 2022 and can be accessed on the SEC's website (www.sec.gov) and the Company's website (www.mybrb.com). The Company continues to actively work to bring the Bank's fintech policies, procedures, and operations into conformity with OCC directives. The Company reports that, although work is progressing, many aspects of the Agreement require considerable time for completion, implementation, validation, and sustainability. Remediation costs related to regulatory matters were $2.4 million in the second quarter of 2023 compared to $1.1 million in the prior quarter.
Asset Quality:
- Nonperforming loans totaled $86.1 million, or 2.68% of total assets, compared to $30.7 million, or 0.92% of total assets, at the prior quarter-end. The increase reflects the migration of a group of specialty finance loans to nonaccrual status during the quarter. These loans had a 1.79% impact on the nonperforming loans to total assets ratio for the second quarter.
- The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $20.5 million, compared to $3.7 million last quarter. Net loan charge-offs were $8.0 million in the quarter, representing an annualized net charge-off rate of 1.29% of average loans, compared to $1.1 million, representing an annualized net charge-off rate of 0.17% of average loans, for the prior quarter. Net loan charge-offs in the quarter were primarily attributable to one loan.
- The allowance for credit losses ("ACL") as a percentage of total loans held for investment was 1.76% at quarter-end, compared to 1.22% at the prior quarter-end. Specific reserves associated with the aforementioned specialty finance loans totaled $14.1 million at June 30, 2023.
Capital:
- As previously announced, on July 12, 2023, the Board of Directors determined to forego the declaration and payment of a cash dividend on the Company's common stock in the third quarter of 2023. The decision was based on the desire to preserve capital and available cash.
- The ratio of tangible stockholders' equity to tangible total assets was 6.3%1, compared to 6.8%1 at the prior quarter-end. Tangible book value per common share was $10.551, compared to $11.931 at the prior quarter-end.
- For the quarter ended June 30, 2023, the Bank's tier 1 leverage ratio, tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, common equity tier 1 capital ratio, and total risk-based capital ratio were 7.86%, 9.27%, 9.27%, and 10.77%, respectively, compared to 8.50%, 10.06%, 10.06%, and 11.12%, respectively, at the prior quarter-end. Capital ratios at quarter-end were within regulatory guidelines to categorize the Bank as well capitalized.
Net Interest Income / Net Interest Margin:
- Net interest income was $20.4 million, a decline of $7.0 million from the prior quarter, primarily reflecting the reversal of $4.7 million in interest income, related to the aforementioned group of specialty finance loans, and higher funding costs. These impacts were partially offset by increasing loan yields in the quarter, which increased 5 basis points excluding the effect of the interest income reversal.
- Net interest margin was 2.67% compared to 3.58% for the prior quarter. The reversal of interest income noted above had an approximate negative 60 basis points impact on second quarter net interest margin.
- Cost of deposits and total cost of funds were 2.21% and 2.49%, respectively, compared to 1.74% and 2.11%, respectively, for the prior quarter. Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta ("FHLB") and Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond ("FRB") advances were $284.1 million at June 30, 2023, compared to $239.1 million at the prior quarter-end. Deposit costs and overall funding costs increased during the second quarter of 2023 due primarily to the impact of higher average balances of wholesale funding secured in late first quarter in response to then market events, as well as interest rates on deposits that adjust with changes in federal funds rates.
Balance Sheet:
- Total deposit balances declined $148.0 million, or 5.4%, from the prior quarter-end, due primarily to a decrease of $93.8 million in wholesale funding, primarily time deposits and interest-bearing demand balances. Excluding wholesale funding, total deposits during the second quarter of 2023 declined by 2.1% from the prior quarter-end.
- Deposits related to fintech relationships were $708 million at June 30, 2023, compared to $716 million at the prior quarter-end. These deposits represented 27.1% of total deposits at June 30, 2023, compared to 25.9% of total deposits at the prior quarter-end. Excluding wholesale funding, deposits related to fintech relationships represented 30.1% and 29.8% of total deposits at June 30, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively.
- Loans held for investment, excluding Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") loans, were $2.45 billion, essentially level with the prior quarter-end.
- The held for investment loan to deposit ratio measured 94.1% at quarter-end, compared to 89.0% at the prior quarter-end. The increase was primarily due to the reduction in wholesale deposits.
Noninterest Income / Noninterest Expense:
- Noninterest income was $9.7 million, compared to $7.3 million for the prior quarter, due primarily to fair value adjustments to mortgage servicing rights ("MSRs"), reported in residential mortgage banking income, which were a positive $0.8 million, compared to a negative $2.1 million in the prior quarter.
- Noninterest expense was $34.1 million, compared to $28.8 million for the prior quarter. Increased expenses primarily reflected higher other contractual services, legal, regulatory remediation, and FDIC insurance costs, partially offset by lower salaries and employee benefits costs. Higher other contractual services expense was primarily due to outsourced BSA/AML compliance services as the Bank continues to augment its compliance staff, while higher legal expense was primarily attributable to corporate, employee benefit plans, and other employment matters. Higher FDIC insurance cost relative to the prior quarter was primarily due to balance sheet growth, while lower salaries and employee benefits cost was primarily due to continued headcount reduction in the mortgage division. During the quarter, the Company sold its wholesale mortgage business operating as LenderSelect Mortgage Group.
Income Statement:
Net Interest Income
Net interest income was $20.4 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $27.4 million for the first quarter of 2023, and $24.1 million for the second quarter of 2022. Relative to both the prior quarter and year-ago periods, net interest income declined due to a lower net interest margin resulting primarily from the aforementioned reversal of interest income related to the specialty finance loans moved to nonaccrual status during the second quarter of 2023, the impact of higher interest rates on the Company's deposits and overall funding costs, and actions taken to add balance sheet liquidity following the market events of March 2023. Relative to the prior year period, these developments were partially offset by an increase in average interest-earning asset balances, and relative to both prior periods, higher loan yields.
Total interest income was $39.0 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $43.1 million for the first quarter of 2023, and $26.2 million for the second quarter of 2022. The decline relative to the prior quarter reflects the aforementioned reversal of interest income related to loans placed on nonaccrual status during the second quarter of 2023. The increase relative to the prior year reflects higher average balances of and yields on interest-earning asset balances, partially offset by the reversal of interest income on loans moved to nonaccrual status during the second quarter of 2023, and lower income from purchase accounting adjustments. The yield on average loans held for investment, excluding PPP loans, was 5.54% for the second quarter of 2023, compared to 6.24% for the first quarter of 2023, and 4.97% for the second quarter of 2022. The reversal of interest income noted above had an approximate negative 75 basis points impact on the yield on average loans held for investment, excluding PPP loans, for the second quarter of 2023.
Total interest expense was $18.6 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $15.7 million for the first quarter of 2023, and $2.2 million for the second quarter of 2022. The increase relative to the prior quarter and the year-ago period reflects higher deposit costs and overall funding costs due to higher market interest rates and a shift in the mix of average interest-bearing liabilities, primarily to higher cost wholesale funding sources.
Average balances of interest-earning assets increased $3.6 million, or 0.1%, to $3.06 billion, in the second quarter of 2023, relative to the prior quarter, and increased by $582.0 million, or 23.5%, from the year-ago period. Relative to the prior quarter, average interest-earning asset balances were relatively flat, reflecting a slight decline in average total securities and loans held for investment balances, offset by higher average balances of loans held for sale and interest-earning deposits in other banks. Relative to the prior year-ago period, average interest-earning asset balances increased due primarily to higher balances of loans held for investment and interest-earning deposits at other banks, partially offset by lower average securities balances.
Average balances of interest-bearing liabilities increased $177.1 million, or 8.2%, to $2.35 billion, in the second quarter of 2023, relative to the prior quarter, and increased $719.3 million, or 44.2%, relative to the year-ago period. Relative to the prior quarter, the increase reflected higher average interest-bearing deposits, primarily higher average wholesale time deposits, partially offset by lower average FHLB borrowings. Relative to the prior year, the increase reflected higher average interest-bearing deposits and higher average FHLB borrowings.
Cost of funds was 2.49% for the second quarter of 2023, compared to 2.11% for the first quarter of 2023, and 0.36% for the second quarter of 2022, while cost of deposits was 2.21%, 1.74%, and 0.26%, for the same respective periods. Higher deposit costs and overall funding costs reflect the impact of higher market interest rates, higher average balances and related interest costs of FHLB borrowings, and a shift in the mix of funding, including an increase in higher cost time deposits, which includes an increase in wholesale funding average balances and a decline in average noninterest-bearing deposits.
Net interest margin was 2.67% for the second quarter of 2023, compared to 3.58% for the first quarter of 2023, and 3.89% for the second quarter of 2022. The decline in net interest margin relative to both prior periods primarily reflects the aforementioned reversal of interest income related to loans placed on nonaccrual status during the second quarter of 2023, the impact of higher interest rates on funding costs, and less benefit from purchase accounting adjustments. These declines were partially offset by higher yields on loans, excluding the reversal of interest income.
Provision for Credit Losses
The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $20.5 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $3.7 million for the first quarter of 2023, and $7.5 million for the second quarter of 2022. Relative to both prior periods, the increase in provision is primarily attributable to specific reserves and charge-offs on the aforementioned group of specialty finance loans.
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income was $9.7 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $7.3 million for the first quarter of 2023, and $10.2 million for the second quarter of 2022. Relative to the prior quarter, the increase reflected higher residential mortgage banking income, primarily due to the aforementioned fair value adjustments to MSRs, and, to a lesser extent, higher bank and purchase card income, partially offset by lower other noninterest income and negative fair value adjustments of other equity investments. Relative to the year-ago period, the decline reflected lower residential mortgage banking income, partially offset by higher other noninterest income and higher gain on sale of government guaranteed loans.
Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense was $34.1 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $28.8 million for the first quarter of 2023, and $25.3 million for the second quarter of 2022. Relative to the prior quarter and year-ago period, the increase primarily reflects higher other contractual services, legal, regulatory remediation, and FDIC insurance costs, partially offset by lower salaries and employee benefits costs.
Balance Sheet:
Loans
Loans held for investment, excluding PPP loans, were $2.45 billion at June 30, 2023, compared to $2.45 billion at March 31, 2023, and $2.05 billion at June 30, 2022. Loan balances were flat with the prior quarter level, while the Company selectively replaced the amortization of balances with higher yielding loans. The increase in loan balances relative to the year ago period reflected the high level of growth, particularly in the second half of 2022.
Deposits
Total deposits were $2.61 billion at June 30, 2023, a decline of $148.0 million, or 5.4%, from the prior quarter-end, and an increase of $277.4 million, or 11.9%, from the year-ago period. Relative to the prior quarter, the decrease reflected a decline in wholesale funding, primarily time deposits, and, to a lesser extent, declines in other deposit types. Relative to the year-ago period, the increase reflected higher wholesale funding balances, interest-bearing demand and money market deposits, partially offset by lower noninterest-bearing demand deposits. Noninterest-bearing deposits declined 3.1% and 26.7% relative to the prior quarter and year-ago periods, respectively, and represented 22.0%, 21.5%, and 33.6% of total deposits at June 30, 2023, March 31, 2023, and June 30, 2022, respectively. The change from the year-ago period was primarily due to certain fintech-related balances shifting to interest-bearing accounts.
The held for investment loan to deposit ratio was 94.1% at June 30, 2023, compared to 89.0% at the prior quarter-end, and 88.4% at the year-ago period-end. The increase on a linked quarter basis was due primarily to lower wholesale funding at second quarter-end 2023, while the increase from the year-ago period end was due to second half 2022 loan growth.
Fintech Business:
Interest and fee income related to fintech partnerships represented approximately $3.4 million, $2.9 million, and $1.8 million of total revenue for the Company for the second quarter of 2023, the first quarter of 2023, and the second quarter of 2022, respectively.
Deposits related to fintech relationships were $708 million at June 30, 2023, compared to $716 million at the prior quarter-end. These deposits represented 27.1% of total deposits at June 30, 2023, compared to 25.9% of total deposits at the prior quarter-end. Included in deposits related to fintech relationships were assets managed by BRB Financial Group's trust division of $37.2 million as of June 30, 2023.
Other Matters:
On May 15, 2023, the Company sold its wholesale mortgage business operating as LenderSelect Mortgage Group ("LSMG") to a third-party for $250 thousand in cash. The Company recorded a loss on the sale of LSMG of $553 thousand, which is reported in other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.
In the first quarter of 2022, the Company sold its majority interest in MoneyWise Payroll Solutions, Inc. ("MoneyWise") to the holder of the minority interest in MoneyWise. Income statement amounts related to MoneyWise are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures:
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, management uses certain non-GAAP measures to supplement the evaluation of the Company's performance. Management believes presentations of these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information that is essential to a proper understanding of the operating results of the Company's core businesses. These non-GAAP disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP measures are included at the end of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This release of the Company contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent plans, estimates, objectives, goals, guidelines, expectations, intentions, projections, and statements of the Company's beliefs concerning future events, business plans, objectives, expected operating results and the assumptions upon which those statements are based. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance or achievements, and are typically identified with words such as "may," "could," "should," "will," "would," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "aim," "intend," "plan," or words or phases of similar meaning. The Company cautions that the forward-looking statements are based largely on its expectations and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond the Company's control. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
The following factors, among others, could cause the Company's financial performance to differ materially from that expressed in such forward-looking statements: (i) the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which it conducts operations; (ii) changes in the level of the Company's nonperforming assets and charge-offs; (iii) management of risks inherent in the Company's real estate loan portfolio, and the risk of a prolonged downturn in the real estate market, which could impair the value of collateral and the ability to sell collateral upon any foreclosure; (iv) the effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary, and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve, inflation, interest rate, market, and monetary fluctuations; (v) changes in consumer spending and savings habits; (vi) the Company's ability to identify, attract, and retain experienced management, relationship managers, and support personnel, particularly in a competitive labor environment; (vii) technological and social media changes impacting the Company, the Bank, and the financial services industry in general; (viii) changing bank regulatory conditions, laws, regulations, policies, or programs, whether arising as new legislation or regulatory initiatives, that could lead to restrictions on activities of banks generally, or the Bank in particular, more restrictive regulatory capital requirements, increased costs, including deposit insurance premiums, increased regulations, prohibition of certain income producing activities, or changes in the secondary market for loans and other products; (ix) the impact of changes in financial services policies, laws and regulations, including laws, regulations and policies concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance, and the application thereof by regulatory bodies; (x) the Company's involvement, from time to time, in legal proceedings and examination and remedial actions by regulators; (xi) the impact of, and the ability to comply with, the terms of the formal written agreement between the Bank and the OCC; (xii) the impact of changes in laws, regulations, and policies affecting the real estate industry; (xiii) the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted from time to time by bank regulatory agencies, the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or other accounting standards setting bodies; (xiv) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the adverse impact on our business and operations and on the Company's customers which may result, among other things, in increased delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures and losses on loans; (xv) the occurrence of significant natural disasters, including severe weather conditions, floods, health related issues, and other catastrophic events; (xvi) geopolitical conditions, including acts or threats of terrorism and/or military conflicts, or actions taken by the U.S. or other governments in response to acts or threats of terrorism and/or military conflicts, which could impact business and economic conditions in the U.S. and abroad; (xvii) the timely development of competitive new products and services and the acceptance of these products and services by new and existing customers; (xviii) the willingness of users to substitute competitors' products and services for the Company's products and services; (xix) the Company's inability to successfully manage growth or implement its growth strategy; (xx) reputational risk and potential adverse reactions of the Company's customers, suppliers, employees or other business partners; (xxi) the effect of acquisitions the Company may make, including, without limitation, disruption of employee or customer relationships, and the failure to achieve the expected revenue growth and/or expense savings from such acquisitions; (xxii) the Company's participation in the PPP established by the U.S. government and its administration of the loans and processing fees earned under the program; (xxiii) the Company's involvement, from time to time, in legal proceedings, and examination and remedial actions by regulators; (xxiv) the Company's potential exposure to fraud, negligence, computer theft, and cyber-crime; (xxv) the Bank's ability to effectively manage its fintech partnerships, and the abilities of those fintech companies to perform as expected; (xxvi) the Bank's ability to pay dividends to the Company; and (xxvii) other risks and factors identified in the "Risk Factors" sections and elsewhere in documents the Company files from time to time with the SEC.
1 Non-GAAP financial measure. Further information can be found at the end of this press release.
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SOURCE Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/blue-ridge-bankshares-inc-announces-second-quarter-2023-results/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:47 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/blue-ridge-bankshares-inc-announces-second-quarter-2023-results/ |
Provides DUI/DWI Solutions and Free Virtual Continuing Education
DES MOINES, Iowa, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Safety Technology, a leader in safety and detection products and services, announced today it has been named the Official DUI/DWI Services Sponsor for The Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL). The expanded partnership will provide continuing education seminars and exclusive benefits to support FACDL attorneys and their clients.
FACDL is the only statewide organization in Florida dedicated solely to criminal defense attorneys. A not-for-profit corporation, FACDL was formed for scientific and educational purposes and is affiliated with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
"Expanding our partnership with FACDL reinforces our commitment to supporting criminal defense attorneys across the state," said Kathy Boden Holland, CEO, CST. "By offering members valuable continuing legal education content and access to products and services for every step in the DUI process, we aim to enhance their expertise and effectiveness in representing clients."
CST's suite of comprehensive alcohol and impairment solutions includes Intoxalock, the leading ignition interlock brand in the US, and trusted partner to attorneys and monitoring authorities. Through the partnership, FACDL members can easily address multiple client needs with products and services covering the entire DUI process, not just one area.
- Intoxalock – Intoxalock devices are approved in Florida and meet all state criteria for court-ordered devices. With VIP support from Intoxalock, FACDL member's clients will receive expedited assistance. www.intoxalock.com
- Breathe Easy - High-risk insurance coverage is often a requirement following a DUI or DWI conviction. Breathe Easy insurance brokerage works with several providers, and FACDL members can rely on Breathe Easy representatives to find the best coverage for the lowest price on behalf of their clients. https://www.breatheeasyins.com/
- New Directions - Assessments that DUI and DWI defendants can use to strengthen their case in court. As part of the partnership, FACDL members will receive priority scheduling for assessments. All clients will receive a customized assessment tailored to their unique situation and needs. New Directions also offers a money-back guarantee if the assessment is not accepted in court. https://www.ndsbs.com/
Key FACDL event dates:
- October 4, 2023 - Ignition Interlock 101: The 5 Most Common Mistakes Clients – FACDL members will learn more about ignition interlock devices and the benefits, requirements, and technical aspects of the device.
- November 16-17, 2023 - CST will serve as the top-tier sponsor for the DUI Defense Seminar, Blood, Breath & Tears, at the University of Florida Levin College of Law in Gainesville, Florida.
For more information on how FACDL attorney members can join the Intoxalock Select Attorney Network and get instant access to client savings materials visit the FACDL and Intoxalock Partner page.
About Consumer Safety Technology
Consumer Safety Technology (CST) is a leader in safety and detection products and services that help people live responsibly and make communities safer. A force for good for more than 30 years, CST and its family of leading brands serve as a trusted partner to both individuals and authorities. CST's portfolio features comprehensive alcohol and impairment solutions that uniquely cover the entire DUI process and include: Intoxalock, the number one ignition interlock brand in the US; Breathe Easy, specialized and low-cost insurance; and New Directions, virtual court and employer accepted assessments. Driven by a commitment to delivering reliable and exceptional service, combined with innovative technology that makes positive change, CST has achieved sustained growth and success. CST is a portfolio company of L. Catterton and was named Best Place to Work for Working Parents in 2022 and 2023. For more information visit www.consumersafetytechnology.com or via LinkedIn.com.
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SOURCE Intoxalock | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/consumer-safety-technology-announces-expanded-partnership-with-florida-association-criminal-defense-lawyers/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:48 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/consumer-safety-technology-announces-expanded-partnership-with-florida-association-criminal-defense-lawyers/ |
Musk threatens to sue researchers who documented the rise in hateful tweets
WASHINGTON (AP) — X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has threatened to sue a group of independent researchers whose research documented an increase in hate speech on the site since it was purchased last year by Elon Musk.
An attorney representing the social media site wrote to the Center for Countering Digital Hate on July 20 threatening legal action over the nonprofit’s research into hate speech and content moderation. The letter alleged that CCDH’s research publications seem intended “to harm Twitter’s business by driving advertisers away from the platform with incendiary claims.”
Musk is a self-professed free speech absolutist who has welcomed back white supremacists and election deniers to the platform, which he renamed X earlier this month. But the billionaire has at times proven sensitive about critical speech directed at him or his companies.
The center is a nonprofit with offices in the U.S. and United Kingdom. It regularly publishes reports on hate speech, extremism or harmful behavior on social media platforms like X, TikTok or Facebook.
The organization has published several reports critical of Musk’s leadership, detailing an increase in anti-LGBTQ hate speech as well as climate misinformation since his purchase. The letter from X’s attorney cited one specific report from June that found the platform failed to remove neo-Nazi and anti-LGBTQ content from verified users that violated the platform’s rules.
In the letter, attorney Alex Spiro questioned the expertise of the researchers and accused the center of trying to harm X’s reputation. The letter also suggested, without evidence, that the center received funds from some of X’s competitors, even though the center has also published critical reports about TikTok, Facebook and other large platforms.
“CCDH intends to harm Twitter’s business by driving advertisers away from the platform with incendiary claims,” Spiro wrote, using the platform’s former name.
Imran Ahmed, the center’s founder and CEO, told the AP on Monday that his group has never received a similar response from any tech company, despite a history of studying the relationship between social media, hate speech and extremism. He said that typically, the targets of the center’s criticism have responded by defending their work or promising to address any problems that have been identified.
Ahmed said he worried X’s response to the center’s work could have a chilling effect if it frightens other researchers away from studying the platform. He said he also worried that other industries could take note of the strategy.
“This is an unprecedented escalation by a social media company against independent researchers. Musk has just declared open war,” Ahmed told the Associated Press. “If Musk succeeds in silencing us other researchers will be next in line.”
Messages left with Spiro and X were not immediately returned Monday.
It’s not the first time that Musk has fired back at critics. Last year, he suspended the accounts of several journalists who covered his takeover of Twitter. Another user was permanently banned for using publicly available flight data to track Musk’s private plane; Musk had initially pledged to keep the user on the platform but later changed his mind, citing his personal safety. He also threatened to sue the user.
He initially had promised that he would allow any speech on his platform that wasn’t illegal. “I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter, because that is what free speech means,” Musk wrote in a tweet last year.
X’s recent threat of a lawsuit prompted concern from U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who said the billionaire was trying to use the threat of legal action to punish a nonprofit group trying to hold a powerful social media platform accountable.
“Instead of attacking them, he should be attacking the increasingly disturbing content on Twitter,” Schiff said in a statement.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.kaaltv.com/news/business-news/musk-threatens-to-sue-researchers-who-documented-the-rise-in-hateful-tweets/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:49 | 0 | https://www.kaaltv.com/news/business-news/musk-threatens-to-sue-researchers-who-documented-the-rise-in-hateful-tweets/ |
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The cosmos is offering up a double feature in August: a pair of supermoons culminating in a rare blue moon.
Catch the first show Tuesday evening as the full moon rises in the southeast, appearing slightly brighter and bigger than normal. That's because it will be closer than usual, just 222,159 miles (357,530 kilometers) away, thus the supermoon label.
The moon will be even closer the night of Aug. 30 -- a scant 222,043 miles (357,344 kilometers) distant. Because it's the second full moon in the same month, it will be what's called a blue moon.
"Warm summer nights are the ideal time to watch the full moon rise in the eastern sky within minutes of sunset. And it happens twice in August," said retired NASA astrophysicist Fred Espenak, dubbed Mr. Eclipse for his eclipse-chasing expertise.
The last time two full supermoons graced the sky in the same month was in 2018. It won't happen again until 2037, according to Italian astronomer Gianluca Masi, founder of the Virtual Telescope Project.
Masi will provide a live webcast of Tuesday evening's supermoon, as it rises over the Coliseum in Rome.
"My plans are to capture the beauty of this ... hopefully bringing the emotion of the show to our viewers," Masi said in an email.
"The supermoon offers us a great opportunity to look up and discover the sky," he added.
This year's first supermoon was in July. The fourth and last will be in September. The two in August will be closer than either of those.
Provided clear skies, binoculars or backyard telescopes can enhance the experience, Espenak said, revealing such features as lunar maria -- the dark plains formed by ancient volcanic lava flows -- and rays emanating from lunar craters.
According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the August full moon is traditionally known as the sturgeon moon. That's because of the abundance of that fish in the Great Lakes in August, hundreds of years ago.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content. | https://abc11.com/full-moon-august-2023-moons-supermoon-supermoons/13577623/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:49 | 0 | https://abc11.com/full-moon-august-2023-moons-supermoon-supermoons/13577623/ |
A super PAC that works to help Democrats get elected to the House is calling on them to promote the economy and the party’s successes as Congress goes on recess for the next month.
House Majority PAC said in a memo to congressional Democrats on Monday that the party must emphasize its accomplishments at the national and local level heading into the 2024 election. The memo said the PAC conducted research showing Democrats “dramatically” improve their position when they are proactive in speaking about the economy.
“Go on offense, and build the contrast with the MAGA House Republicans immediately,” it states.
The memo, which was first reported by Politico, references several key legislative accomplishments of the Biden administration, including the bipartisan infrastructure package, the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.
The chips legislation provided billions of dollars in incentives for manufacturers to build domestic semiconductor plants, while the Inflation Reduction Act made significant investments in climate programs, allowed Medicare to negotiate on some drug prices and raised taxes on large corporations, among other initiatives.
The memo also states that “month after month” has shown President Biden’s “Bidenomics” economic policy is working.
The push to highlight economic issues comes as Biden’s approval rating, especially on the economy, remains underwater. A CNBC All-America Economic Survey earlier this month found that 37 percent of Americans approved of Biden’s handling of the economy, compared to 58 percent who disapproved.
The PAC said Democrats need to point to continued job growth that dropped the unemployment rate to 3.6 percent last month and declining inflation as evidence of the party’s success.
The memo also urges Democrats to target Republicans as “extremist” and threatening economic progress. It said they should note the battle over raising the debt ceiling in the spring and the potential government shutdown in September if Congress does not pass the 12 annual appropriations bills to fund the government.
The PAC also called on Democrats to go on offense over abortion, pointing to the annual defense bill the Republican-controlled House passed that would prohibit the Department of Defense from reimbursing service members who travel to receive an abortion. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/hill-politics/top-house-democratic-pac-urging-members-to-lean-into-economy/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:49 | 1 | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/hill-politics/top-house-democratic-pac-urging-members-to-lean-into-economy/ |
New Relic, Nikola rise; Tempur Sealy falls, Monday, 7/31/2023
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks that are trading heavily or have substantial price changes on Monday:
New Relic Inc. (NEWR), up $9.95 to $84.
Francisco Partners and TPG are buying the cloud-based software analytics company.
SoFi Technologies Inc. (SOFI),up $1.70 to $11.25.
The personal finance company raised its revenue forecast for the year.
Symbotic Inc. (SYM), up $10.22 to $52.40.
The automation technology company beat analysts’ fiscal third-quarter revenue forecasts.
Nikola Corp. (NKLA), up 40 cents to $2.67.
The electric vehicle maker received an order for 13 trucks from J.B. Hunt Transport Services.
ON Semiconductor Corp. (ON), up $3.12 to $108.21.
The semiconductor components maker reported strong second-quarter financial results.
Community Bank System Inc. (CBU), up 55 cents to $53.14.
The bank reported strong second-quarter earnings.
Tempur Sealy International Inc. (TPX), down $2.43 to $43.57.
The mattress maker said its operations were disrupted by a cybersecurity incident.
Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX), up 67 cents to $44.31.
The copper mining company gained ground along with prices for the base metal.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.kaaltv.com/news/business-news/new-relic-nikola-rise-tempur-sealy-falls-monday-7-31-2023/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:55 | 1 | https://www.kaaltv.com/news/business-news/new-relic-nikola-rise-tempur-sealy-falls-monday-7-31-2023/ |
CALGARY, AB, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Canadian Pacific Kansas City (TSX: CP) (NYSE: CP) (CPKC) today published its 2023-2024 Grain Service Outlook Report, which outlines the company's plan to safely and reliably transport Canada's grain crop for export to international markets.
"As we look toward the upcoming 2023-2024 crop year, CPKC is once again well prepared to move Canada's grain crop to market, just as we have throughout our 142-year history," said Keith Creel, CPKC President and CEO. "We have the capacity and the team to deliver for our grain customers and the Canadian economy during the upcoming crop year."
The report outlines CPKC's strong commitment to our grain customers and unique position to supply rail transportation to Canada's agricultural sector as the first transnational railway that provides a single-line connection between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. This powerful new rail network provides Canada's grain shippers with access to markets across North America, including many new markets in Mexico, and enhanced routing options for shipping Canadian grain and grain products overseas. Additionally, CPKC has completed its more than $500 million investment to purchase 5,900 new higher-capacity grain hopper cars.
Notwithstanding CPKC's robust preparation and investments, there are several factors constraining Canada's export-driven grain supply chain, including:
- The recent strikes at port terminals across B.C., including at the Port of Vancouver, Canada's largest port, once again demonstrated the damaging and compounding impact of labour disruptions on supply chains. The prolonged duration of the strike means that supply chain recovery will stretch into 2024, potentially impacting grain transportation this fall.
- The federal government's commitment to introduce legislation prohibiting replacement workers by the end of 2023 would lead to even more frequent and longer labour disruptions at Canada's railways and ports.
- The persistent challenge of loading grain onto vessels during periods of rain or snow in Vancouver must be resolved to maximize supply chain capacity and reliability.
- The government's decision to resurrect extended interswitching on the prairies risks undermining rail efficiency and capacity. This policy incentivizes inefficiencies, causing higher transportation costs for all users of the rail network, and drives Canadian investment dollars and jobs to the U.S.
- Low demand for Canadian grain transportation at certain times during the 2022-2023 crop year, and in particular throughout the spring period, resulted in significant unused capacity on CPKC's rail network, undermining Canada's ability to maximize grain exports to global markets. Maximizing Canada's grain exports requires customers to use the available supply chain capacity throughout the entirety of the crop year.
Despite these avoidable headwinds, CPKC has the capacity and the team to deliver for grain customers during the 2023-2024 crop year. To read the full report, please visit cpkcr.com.
Forward-looking information
This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws in both the U.S. and Canada. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements concerning expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions and statements about possible future events, conditions, and results of operations or performance. Forward-looking information may contain statements with words or headings such as "financial expectations", "key assumptions", "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "will", "outlook", "guidance", "should" or similar words suggesting future outcomes. This news release contains forward-looking information relating, but not limited, to statements concerning CPKC's ability to transport grain during the 2023-2024 crop year, the success of our business, the realization of anticipated benefits and synergies of the CP-KCS combination, and the opportunities arising therefrom, our operations, priorities and plans, business prospects and demand for our services and growth opportunities.
The forward-looking information in this news release is based on current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions, having regard to CPKC's experience and its perception of historical trends, and may include, among others, expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions relating to: changes in business strategies, North American and global economic growth and conditions; commodity demand growth; sustainable industrial and agricultural production; commodity prices and interest rates; performance of our assets and equipment; sufficiency of our budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out our business plan; geopolitical conditions, applicable laws, regulations and government policies; the availability and cost of labour, services and infrastructure; the satisfaction by third parties of their obligations to CPKC; and carbon markets, evolving sustainability strategies, and scientific or technological developments. Although CPKC believes the expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking information presented herein are reasonable as of the date hereof, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Current conditions, economic and otherwise, render assumptions, although reasonable when made, subject to greater uncertainty.
Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking information. By its nature, CPKC's forward-looking information involves inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, the following factors: changes in business strategies and strategic opportunities; general Canadian, U.S., Mexican and global social, economic, political, credit and business conditions; risks associated with agricultural production such as weather conditions and insect populations; the availability and price of energy commodities; the effects of competition and pricing pressures, including competition from other rail carriers, trucking companies and maritime shippers in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico; North American and global economic growth and conditions; industry capacity; shifts in market demand; changes in commodity prices and commodity demand; uncertainty surrounding timing and volumes of commodities being shipped via CPKC; inflation; geopolitical instability; changes in laws, regulations and government policies, including regulation of rates; changes in taxes and tax rates; potential increases in maintenance and operating costs; changes in fuel prices; disruption in fuel supplies; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation; compliance with environmental regulations; labour disputes including the impact of the port workers' strike and resolution of the strike in British Columbia; changes in labour costs and labour difficulties; risks and liabilities arising from derailments; transportation of dangerous goods; timing of completion of capital and maintenance projects; sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out business plans; services and infrastructure; the satisfaction by third parties of their obligations; currency and interest rate fluctuations; exchange rates; effects of changes in market conditions and discount rates on the financial position of pension plans and investments; trade restrictions or other changes to international trade arrangements; the effects of current and future multinational trade agreements on the level of trade among Canada, the U.S. and Mexico; climate change and the market and regulatory responses to climate change; anticipated in-service dates; success of hedging activities; operational performance and reliability; customer, regulatory and other stakeholder approvals and support; regulatory and legislative decisions and actions; the adverse impact of any termination or revocation by the Mexican government of Kansas City Southern de México, S.A. de C.V.'s Concession; public opinion; various events that could disrupt operations, including severe weather, such as droughts, floods, avalanches and earthquakes, and cybersecurity attacks, as well as security threats and governmental response to them, and technological changes; acts of terrorism, war or other acts of violence or crime or risk of such activities; insurance coverage limitations; material adverse changes in economic and industry conditions, including the availability of short and long-term financing; the pandemic created by the outbreak of COVID-19 and its variants and resulting effects on economic conditions, the demand environment for logistics requirements and energy prices, restrictions imposed by public health authorities or governments, fiscal and monetary policy responses by governments and financial institutions, and disruptions to global supply chains; the realization of anticipated benefits and synergies of the CP-KCS transaction and the timing thereof; the satisfaction of the conditions imposed by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board in its March 15, 2023 final decision; the success of integration plans for KCS; other disruptions arising from the CP-KCS integration; estimated future dividends; financial strength and flexibility; debt and equity market conditions, including the ability to access capital markets on favourable terms or at all; cost of debt and equity capital; improvement in data collection and measuring systems; industry-driven changes to methodologies; and the ability of the management of CPKC to execute key priorities, including those in connection with the CP-KCS transaction.
The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. These and other factors are detailed from time to time in reports filed by CPKC with securities regulators in Canada and the United States. Reference should be made to "Item 1A – Risk Factors" and "Item 7 – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Forward Looking Statements" in CPKC's annual and interim reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q.
Any forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, CPKC undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information, or the foregoing assumptions and risks affecting such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
With its global headquarters in Calgary, Alta., Canada, CPKC is the first and only single-line transnational railway linking Canada, the United States and México, with unrivaled access to major ports from Vancouver to Atlantic Canada to the Gulf of México to Lázaro Cárdenas, México. Stretching approximately 20,000 route miles and employing 20,000 railroaders, CPKC provides North American customers unparalleled rail service and network reach to key markets across the continent. CPKC is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpkcr.com to learn more about the rail advantages of CPKC. CP-IR
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SOURCE CPKC | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/cpkc-publishes-annual-grain-service-outlook-report/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:55 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/cpkc-publishes-annual-grain-service-outlook-report/ |
Former President Trump predicted Monday that he would be indicted “any day now” as part of special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into his conduct after the 2020 election.
“I assume that an Indictment from Deranged Jack Smith and his highly partisan gang of Thugs, pertaining to my ‘PEACEFULLY & PATRIOTICALLY Speech, will be coming out any day now, as yet another attempt to cover up all of the bad news about bribes, payoffs, and extortion, coming from the Biden ‘camp,’” Trump posted on Truth Social. “This seems to be the way they do it. ELECTION INTERFERENCE! PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT!”
Smith is investigating Trump’s attempts to remain in power after losing the 2020 election, which culminated with Trump delivering a speech Jan. 6, 2021, in which he repeated false claims about the election being rigged. Trump supporters then violently stormed and ransacked the Capitol in a bid to halt the certification of the election results.
Anticipation over a potential indictment of Trump has been building for weeks after the former president shared that he had received a letter from the Justice Department notifying him he was a target of their investigation.
Target letters typically indicate prosecutors believe they have enough evidence to bring charges against an individual.
In addition, a handful of former Trump officials have reportedly testified in recent weeks as part of Smith’s investigation into the former president’s actions after the 2020 election. Prosecutors are said to have been interested in whether Trump acknowledged that he lost the election despite his public claims that it was fraudulent and could be overturned.
Trump pursued a multi-pronged plan to remain in office following the 2020 election, turning to the DOJ, state officials and even his own supporters, who violently ransacked the Capitol after then-Vice President Mike Pence refused Trump’s request to overturn the results.
The former president’s attorneys met last week with officials from Smith’s office. Trump called it a “productive” meeting, and he indicated his representatives sought to make the case against bringing charges.
A federal grand jury hearing evidence in the case meets Tuesdays and Thursdays. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/hill-politics/trump-expects-to-be-indicted-on-jan-6-charges-any-day-now/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:55 | 0 | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/hill-politics/trump-expects-to-be-indicted-on-jan-6-charges-any-day-now/ |
Photo Credit: Blaine Schultz
Steph Lippert Project
You didn’t have to venture very far to experience festivals taking advantage of the summer weather last weekend in Milwaukee. From Farwell to Van Buren, the annual Brady Street Festival delivered a flashback to the counter-cultural appeal that has long set the neighborhood apart. From dog yoga to the SAINTS dance troupe to the Brady St. Babes Drag Show to food vendors offering cuisine from around the world there was something for everyone.
Photo Credit: Blaine Schultz
Moonglow
Five stages of music included performances by Steph Lippert Project, Moonglow and Zach Petrini.
Photo Credit: Blaine Schultz
Zach Pietrini
Another Riverwest 24 In The Books
Photo Credit: Blaine Schultz
Joseph Huber
Pausing for Friday’s violent weather, the Riverwest 24 bike race celebrated on Saturday evening at Falcon Bowl. “Let’s hear it for this floral arrangement. It’s stealing the show right now,” Joseph Huber said as he delivered a high energy set accompanied by bassist Eston Bennett and violinist Ernest Brusubardis IV.
Photo Credit: Blaine Schultz
NuBlu
On Sunday the Granville Blues Fest concluded with its second weekend of acts performing under the big tent. The Nu Blu Band’s first set took the music to the people, venturing out into the audience to serenade those on the dance floor. The Chicago sextet turned things around, finishing up their second set inviting a dozen folks onstage to sing along announcing, “This young lady is 95 years old.” | https://shepherdexpress.com/culture/happening-now/milwaukee-enjoys-another-weekend-of-festivals/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:58 | 1 | https://shepherdexpress.com/culture/happening-now/milwaukee-enjoys-another-weekend-of-festivals/ |
US customers can now experience Angel Aligner with over two decades of superior aligner technology, transforming a million healthy smiles
SANTA ANA, Calif., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to research and digital innovation, Angelalign Technology Inc., is excited to announce the launch of its custom-made clear aligners into the U.S. market. Angelalign Technology is a leading global provider of clear aligner dental technology and evidence-based clinical expertise. With 1 million smiles treated,1 the company is now expanding its expertise and global footprint.
Since 2003, Angelalign Technology has maintained productive scientific collaborations with orthodontists and universities around the world, enabling the company to build a large database of complex orthodontic cases. State-of-the-art research and development (R&D) and customized production facilities are now globally positioned to bring a fresh perspective and technological advancements to clear aligner manufacturing and customer service.
The company is dedicated to research and development, with an average of 11% of annual revenue invested into R&D every year. Innovative highlights include:
- angelButton™ – Manufactured directly into the aligner to provide an additional anchorage point to support the use of elastics and TADs, these buttons can be added and/or adjusted anywhere on the arch and are designed with high structural integrity to facilitate efficient tooth movement via elastics.
"Angel Aligner solved the problems of having buttons. The buttons are built into the aligners, which will reduce emergencies, and additional appointments can be avoided."
Dr. Amanda Cheng, Orthodontist, California
- iOrtho™ – A secure cloud-based service platform housing patient management data for Angel Aligner™ treatments. The treatment planning software has user-friendly 3D controls, allowing doctors to customize and review Angel Aligner case designs.
"Working with the iOrtho software has been amazing and the turnaround time has been great in our practice."
Dr. Stephen Bradford, Orthodontics by Bradford, Florida
- Intelligent Root System (IRS) – Get an accurate 3D digital representation of the patient's tooth, root and jawbone relationship that uses CBCT data and IO scans and adjusts throughout the course of treatment via an Intelligent Root System (IRS).
- masterControl S (MCS) – A soft multi-layered polymer material with gentle but long-lasting orthodontic force design for more efficient tooth movement. MCS exhibits enhanced tear and stain resistance, mechanical stability and unique reflective properties.
- angelAttach – Optimized and conventional attachments are designed for better orthodontic force and more effective and accurate tooth movement.
Angel Aligner™ has a large specialized team of technicians with over 3.5 years of tenure, orthodontically attuned to precision case designs with specialized knowledge in complex malocclusions. They're ready to support treatment planning needs with high-quality case designs and 10-day turnaround times.
"The treatment plans coming back are excellent. I don't have to do a lot of modifying."
Dr. James Crouse, The Brace Place, Maryland
Angel Aligner™ delivers a simple approach, innovative products and tools and experienced customer support to continuously push the edge of technology, product development and service to better serve orthodontic professionals and ultimately, their patients.
"We're excited to combine two decades of research, development and clinical expertise in clear aligner technology with the seasoned experience of our leadership, sales and integration specialists in the North American market," said Jason Tabb, General Manager, North America.
About Angel Aligner™
Angelalign Technology Inc., a leading global provider of clear aligner technology and clinical expertise, has announced the launch of its custom-made clear aligners into new markets worldwide. With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to research and digital innovation, Angelalign Technology has treated 1 million smiles and offers unparalleled customer service and state-of-the-art production facilities.
1As of June 30, 2023, the total number of cases of any and all the products and services provided by all entities owned or controlled by Angelalign Technology Inc. has exceeded one million.
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SOURCE Angel Aligner | https://www.kwch.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/angel-aligner-launches-game-changing-clear-aligner-technology-us-markets/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:58 | 0 | https://www.kwch.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/angel-aligner-launches-game-changing-clear-aligner-technology-us-markets/ |
Photo Credit: Anthony Jackson
Washington D.C. Dome
From Judge Cindy Hansen: "The typical perspective on a dome photograph is from directly below to get the perfect circle. This alternate view from the side gives a beautiful and interesting distortion of the rings, patterns and layers." | https://shepherdexpress.com/culture/photo-of-the-week/photo-of-the-week-july-31-2023/ | 2023-07-31T17:08:59 | 1 | https://shepherdexpress.com/culture/photo-of-the-week/photo-of-the-week-july-31-2023/ |
Image via Facebook / Bombshell Theatre Co.
The Wizard of Oz
A classic contemporary musical fairy tale makes it to the small stage this summer as Bombshell Theatre Company presents The Wizard of Oz. The big feel of a long and winding fantasy adventure makes its way across one of the most intimate stages in town in a production that is cleverly directed by Kara Ernst-Schalk.
Courtney Giovinazzo summons a substantial amount of earnest charm and extreme friendliness as Dorothy Gale—a troubled girl who is quickly swept by tornado from her small town midwestern farm to a magical land where she befriends a number of locals on her way to seek the wisdom of the one guy who might be able to help her leave. Anne Mollerskov is classically evil as Dorothy’s nemesis the Wicked Witch of the West. Mollerskov does a remarkably textured hob of playing an archetypal villain. Adrian Ford also makes a notably playful appearance as the Cowardly Lion. Hie delivers an impressive performance of “If I Were King of the Forest.” Everyone in the central cast had notable moments. Madison Nowak is radiantly benevolent and sweet as Glinda the Good Witch. Thom Cauley makes for a gracefully rigid Tin Man.
Choreographer Celeste Dupuis makes the most of the coast space at the Broadway Theater Center Studio Theatre. In a production that fills the space with a magical warmth. Eric Welch has done remarkable things with the costume and make-up design, which manages to look crisp and technicolor even close-up as the actors move around the intimate space. Katie Meylink has done a fantastic job with scenic design including a powerful piece of work on the chamber of the Wizard’s chamber.
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Bombshell Theatre Company’s production of The Wizard of Oz runs through Aug. 6 at the Broadway Theatre Center’s Studio Theatre, 158 N. Broadway. For more information, visit Bombshell Theatre online. | https://shepherdexpress.com/culture/theater/bombshell-theatres-big-fantasy-on-a-small-stage/ | 2023-07-31T17:09:01 | 1 | https://shepherdexpress.com/culture/theater/bombshell-theatres-big-fantasy-on-a-small-stage/ |
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.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/eat-my-food-dog-meat-farmers-in-s-korea-resist-push-to-ban-industry/ | 2023-07-31T17:09:01 | 0 | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/eat-my-food-dog-meat-farmers-in-s-korea-resist-push-to-ban-industry/ |
Niger will face sanctions as democracy falls apart, adding to woes for its 27 million people
NIAMEY, Niger (AP) — West African nations have announced travel and economic sanctions against Niger and have threatened to use force if the leaders of a coup don’t reinstate the democratically elected president within one week.
The sanctions announced after the regional bloc known as ECOWAS convened to respond to last week’s military takeover add to a growing list of penalties against the country, one of the least developed in the world, according to the latest U.N. Human Development Index. Niger relies heavily on foreign aid: analysts fear sanctions could further impoverish its 25 million people.
“In the event the authority’s demands are not met within one week, (the bloc will) take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force,” the ECOWAS bloc said in a statement after its meeting on Sunday. One of its demands is the immediate release and reinstatement of Nigerian President Mohamed Bazoum, who remains under house arrest and has yet to resign.
Niger, a former French colony, had been regarded by the West as one of the last democratic partners in the Sahel region in its battle against Islamic extremists. The European Union and the United States have poured millions of dollars in military aid and assistance into the country. The French and the US provide training to Niger’s forces and the French military does joint operations in the north.
ECOWAS suspended all commercial and financial transactions between its member states and Niger, as well as freezing Nigerien assets held in regional central banks. Economic sanctions could have a deep impact on Nigeriens: the country relies on imports from Nigeria for up to 90% of its power, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.
The sanctions could be disastrous and Niger needs to find a solution to avoid them, the country’s Prime Minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou told French media outlet Radio France Internationale on Sunday.
“When people say there’s an embargo, land borders are closed, air borders are closed, it’s extremely difficult for people … Niger is a country that relies heavily on the international community,” he said.
The 15-nation ECOWAS bloc has unsuccessfully tried to restore democracies in nations where the military took power in recent years. Four nations are run by military governments in West and Central Africa, where there have been nine successful or attempted coups since 2020.
In the 1990s, ECOWAS intervened in Liberia during its civil war. In 2017, it intervened in Gambia to prevent the new president’s predecessor, Yahya Jammeh, from disrupting the handover of power. Around 7,000 troops from Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal entered the country, according to the Global Observatory, which provides analysis on peace and security issues.
If the regional bloc uses force, it could trigger violence not only between Niger and ECOWAS forces but also between civilians supporting the coup and those against it, Niger analysts say.
“While this remains to be a threat and unlikely action, the consequences on civilians of such an approach if putschists chose confrontation would be catastrophic,” said Rida Lyammouri, senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, a Morocco-based think tank.
Lyammouri also said he does not see a “military intervention happening because of the violence that could trigger.”
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken commended Sunday the resolve of the ECOWAS leadership to “defend constitutional order in Niger” after the sanctions announcement, and joined the bloc in calling for the immediate release of Bazoum and his family.
The military junta, which seized power on Wednesday when members of the presidential guard surrounded Bazoum’s house and detained him, is already cracking down on the government and civil liberties.
On Sunday evening it arrested four government officials, including Mahamane Sani Mahamadou, the minister of petroleum and son of former President Mahamadou Issoufou; Kassoum Moctar, minister of education; Ousseini Hadizatou Yacouba, the minister of mines, and Foumakoye Gado, the president of the ruling party. That’s according to someone close to the president, who was not authorized to speak about the situation, and a Nigerien analyst who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal.
The same night, junta spokesman Col. Maj. Amadou Abdramane said on state television that all government cars must be returned by midday Monday and banned the use of social media to diffuse messages against state security. He also claimed that Bazoum’s government had authorized the French to carry out strikes to free Bazoum. The Associated Press can’t verify his allegations.
Bazoum has yet to resign. He is still being detained and believed to be in his house in the capital, Niamey. The first photos of him since the coup appeared Sunday evening, sitting on a couch smiling beside Chad’s President Mahamat Deby, who had flown in to mediate between the government and the junta.
In anticipation of the ECOWAS decision Sunday, thousands of pro-junta supporters took to the streets in Niamey, denouncing France, waving Russian flags and telling the international community to stay away.
Demonstrators in Niger are openly resentful of France, and Russia is seen by some as a powerful alternative. The nature of Moscow’s involvement in the rallies, if any, isn’t clear, but some protesters have carried Russian flags, along with signs reading “Down with France” and supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“The situation of this country is not good … It’s time for change, and change has arrived,” said Moussa Seydou, a protester. “What we want from the putschists — all they have to do is improve social conditions so that Nigeriens can live better in this country and bring peace,” he said.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.kaaltv.com/news/business-news/niger-will-face-sanctions-as-democracy-falls-apart-adding-to-woes-for-its-27-million-people/ | 2023-07-31T17:09:01 | 0 | https://www.kaaltv.com/news/business-news/niger-will-face-sanctions-as-democracy-falls-apart-adding-to-woes-for-its-27-million-people/ |
GENEVA, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fractal, a shipping company developed to enhance global energy security, reiterates its unwavering commitment to strict adherence to international law and rigorous safety standards. The company diligently monitors the global price of crude and faithfully abides by the rules established by the price cap mechanism. This dedication to ethical business practices and full compliance, including adhering to the price cap regulations set by the EU, US, and other international regulatory bodies, reinforces Fractal's responsible approach in the energy sector.
"Our mission at Fractal is not just to ensure the smooth transportation of goods globally, but also to uphold the highest standards of safety, compliance, and respect for international law," stated Mathieu Philippe, Chief Executive Officer and Ultimate Beneficial Owner of Fractal. "We are proud to contribute to the world's energy security while adhering to the legal boundaries and fostering sustainable practices in the shipping industry."
Fractal's expertise lies in efficiently transporting crude oil and petroleum products worldwide, serving a diverse and global clientele with a primary focus on customers seeking reliable access to energy products. Each client relationship is built on the foundation of mutual respect for international law, further emphasizing Fractal's commitment to responsible and transparent business conduct.
To ensure the utmost level of compliance, Fractal has implemented a robust "Know Your Customer" process, enhancing its ability to meet regulatory requirements and maintain the highest ethical standards. Additionally, the company strictly adheres to international sanctions and compliance regimes, including in operations involving trade with Russia crude, in pursuit of conducting business responsibly and ethically.
Fractal's fleet consistently meets the industry's most stringent safety standards. Every vessel in the fleet undergoes regular inspections under the Ship Inspection Report Programme (SIRE), guaranteeing compliance and top-notch maintenance.
Every vessel in our fleet is certified by world-renowned certification bodies, members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), such as DNV, BV, Lloyd's Register, ABS, NKK. Additionally, our ships are insured by prominent international groups of P&I clubs, including the West of England and American Club. This is a testament to our commitment to maintaining not only regulatory compliance but also the highest safety standards.
"At Fractal, safety, compliance, and respect for international law are at the core of everything we do. Our strategic and efficient shipping operations differentiate us in the global shipping industry, and we are steadfast in our commitment to contributing to the world's economy responsibly," said Mathieu Philippe.
About Fractal:
Fractal is an international shipper with a focus on the global transportation of crude oil and petroleum products. The company is dedicated to upholding the principles of international law, safety, and compliance while contributing to the world's energy security. Fractal's commitment to ethical business practices and safety sets it apart in the global shipping industry.
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SOURCE Fractal | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/fractal-reaffirms-its-commitment-ethical-business-practices-compliance-safety-global-shipping-industry/ | 2023-07-31T17:09:01 | 1 | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/fractal-reaffirms-its-commitment-ethical-business-practices-compliance-safety-global-shipping-industry/ |
Photo © Universal Pictures
Oppenheimer
There’s a reason the movie of the year in this particular year is a chillingly accurate depiction of one of the most dangerous moments in American history. That was July 6, 1945, when the U.S. secretly detonated the first atomic bomb to “test” whether it would set off a nuclear chain-reaction destroying the world.
That’s because we’re already living with another man-made threat to the world’s survival. This time the danger isn’t that life on earth will end in a blinding flash. The climate crisis is speeding up destruction all around us through record heat waves, extreme rainfalls, hurricanes, droughts, floods and wildfires. July was the hottest month worldwide since the last ice age 125,000 years ago.
It's a bad time for Republicans to be denying the scientific reality of the climate crisis and preventing educational institutions from accurately teaching American history so we can learn from our past mistakes.
Director Christopher Nolan’s film Oppenheimer makes it clear America is still living with the terrible consequences of developing the first nuclear weapons. But it’s not because President Roosevelt didn’t hire the most brilliant scientists under physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer for the job.
Restraint of Politicians?
The problem was those highly intelligent academics overestimated the restraint of politicians with access to such horrific weapons. Some naively thought we might not even use the bomb. Perhaps the mere threat of such a terrible weapon would end World War II and war forever.
Early on, the scientists involved became aware of a possible danger to themselves and everyone else alive at the time. They called the nightmare scenario “atmospheric ignition” from creating such a tremendous fireball it might fuse the cores of nitrogen atoms setting the earth’s atmosphere ablaze.
Scientific theories on paper are only theories until they’re tested. In the film, Oppenheimer tries to assure Army Gen. Leslie Groves the chances that detonating the bomb would destroy the world are “near zero.” He asks Groves, “What do you want from theory alone?” Groves replies: “Zero would be nice.”
The film also included a scene first reported in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists in the 1970s that Groves was angered Nobel-Prize-winning physicist Enrico Fermi was taking bets “as zero hour approached” at Los Alamos whether the bomb would ignite the atmosphere, “and, if so, whether it would destroy only New Mexico or the entire world.” Oppenheimer dismissed it as “gallows humor.”
As for whether the U.S. might only threaten to drop the bomb and end the war without widespread death and destruction, President Truman ended that romantic notion a month after the Los Alamos test. Truman dropped the first bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, killing at least 135,000 people and the second bomb on Nagasaki three days later killing at least 64,000 more.
Growing up in the 1950s, I remember seeing Truman in a TV interview years later bragging he’d never felt any qualms about ordering the instant death of 200,000 Japanese civilians and thousands more from radiation because their government had attacked Pearl Harbor.
Nazi Germany with its fascist death camps, one of the primary public reasons for creating the bomb, had already surrendered three months earlier after Hitler’s suicide. Who else could we use it on? I wondered if Truman would have been so cavalier about the deaths of so many innocent civilians if America hadn’t depicted “the Japs” throughout the war as racist, savage, subhuman cartoons.
Guilt for Their Role
One thing is clear, Truman wasn’t moved by the guilt Oppenheimer and many other scientists felt for their role developing the horrific weapon that to this day our democracy remains the only nation ever to use for the mass murder of human beings.
Oppenheimer was almost paralyzed by the revulsion he felt at how quickly his country had used the power science created to end human life in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Oppenheimer saw his meeting with Truman in the Oval Office in October of 1945 as an opportunity to make an urgent plea to ban the use of nuclear weapons forever and put them under international control.
When Oppenheimer told Truman: “Mr. President, I feel I have blood on my hands,” the president was personally infuriated by the “crybaby scientist.” “Blood on his hands, dammit, he hasn’t half as much blood on his hands as I have,” Truman told aides. “I don’t ever want to see that son of a bitch in this office again.”
That sounds a lot like another recent president. The one who bragged he had the biggest nuclear button in the world to rain down fire and fury on anyone wanted. That president once proposed dropping a nuclear bomb on a hurricane to put a stop to this global warming once and for all.
In times of global life-and-death crises, political parties need to nominate intelligent grown-ups who understand science and American history. | https://shepherdexpress.com/news/taking-liberties/were-already-in-another-oppenheimer-moment/ | 2023-07-31T17:09:02 | 1 | https://shepherdexpress.com/news/taking-liberties/were-already-in-another-oppenheimer-moment/ |
Cameron man accused of making terrorist threats
BARRON COUNTY, Wis. (WEAU) - A Cameron, Wis. man is accused of making terrorist threats.
According to information from the Barron County Sheriff’s Department, on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at 11:20 p.m., authorities received a report from Ben and Maggie’s Town Pump that a man brandished a firearm at the front door and made some threats.
The Barron County Sheriff’s Department says deputies responded to the area and found a man matching the description. The suspect was taken into custody and had a firearm in his possession.
According to information from the Barron County Sheriff’s Department, 34-year-old Scott Popple is being held in the Barron County Jail on the suspicion of terrorist threats and is awaiting formal charges by the Barron County District Attorney’s Office.
Copyright 2023 WEAU. All rights reserved. | https://www.weau.com/2023/07/31/cameron-man-accused-making-terrorist-threats/ | 2023-07-31T17:09:03 | 0 | https://www.weau.com/2023/07/31/cameron-man-accused-making-terrorist-threats/ |
The magic of McDonald’s? You always know what you’re going to get. No matter which one you walk into — whether in Islip, New York, or Istanbul, Turkey — you can order a Big Mac and fries. And it will taste the same.
But will it cost the same? No.
Recently, a man named Sam Learner was traveling on the Connecticut Turnpike when he discovered just how variable the prices can be. After pulling into a rest stop in Darien, Connecticut, he was astounded by the prices he saw on the McDonald’s menu. A Big Mac combo meal with fries and a soft drink costs $17.59. So he snapped a photo and posted it to Twitter.
This was at a rest stop, but these McDonald’s prices are nuts right??? pic.twitter.com/0qq8Ima3ZA
— Sam Learner (@sam_learner) July 18, 2023
MORE: McDonald’s Indonesia launches wedding packages with McNuggets
Why so expensive? Since about 90% of McDonald’s franchises are independently operated, the owners can set their own prices. If you own a McDonald’s at a rest stop along a highway (where people are hungry and in unfamiliar territory), you can charge more for the same product. And franchise owners in areas with a high per-capita income also tend to charge higher prices.
Learner did some more sleuthing and quickly followed this tweet up with a second one:
Ok, I did a little digging and I think I might have stumbled into the country’s most expensive McDonald’s. Its $8.29 Big Mac is missing from this map, which lists $8.09 in Lee, MA as the country’s most expensive (though from a few months ago to be fair): https://t.co/SjbQh2N1UF pic.twitter.com/q3zvTFHJuv
— Sam Learner (@sam_learner) July 19, 2023
Unsurprisingly, Learner’s tweets sparked a lively Twitter debate about the economics of fast food.
“I downloaded the mcdonald’s app to check – same items are just about half the price less than 2 miles away at a different store,” commented Bad Gibbon @Mostlymonkey. “Wow, that is a hell of a convenience premium!”
Many people commented on the injustice of price gouging, with others urging people not to eat at McDonald’s anymore.
“Rest stops are literally highway robbery,” wrote Bella @imbellawonder.
But the most depressing response came from ednycinc44, who shared what McDonald’s prices were in 1972, when a Big Mac cost $.65 cents:
Those were the days…. Hamburger, Fries, & a Coke plus change back from you pic.twitter.com/yhhshDSMRP
— ednycinc44 (@ednycinc44) July 21, 2023
MORE: This recipe features McDonald’s Big Mac flavors in a salad
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Check out Simplemost for additional stories. | https://www.kbzk.com/a-nearly-18-big-mac-meal-is-creating-a-stir-on-social-media | 2023-07-31T17:09:03 | 1 | https://www.kbzk.com/a-nearly-18-big-mac-meal-is-creating-a-stir-on-social-media |
The U.S. State Department has selected an Indigenous artist to represent the country at the 2024 Venice Biennale.
Jeffrey Gibson, a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and of Cherokee descent, will be the first such artist to have a solo exhibition in the U.S. Pavilion at the prestigious international arts event.
That's according to a statement this week from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the government body responsible for co-curating the U.S. Pavilion, alongside Oregon's Portland Art Museum and SITE Santa Fe in New Mexico.
The State Department's records of the U.S. Pavilion exhibitions date back to when it was built, in 1930.
Although Indigenous artists have shown work more broadly in Venice over the years, the last time Indigenous artists appeared in the U.S. Pavilion at the Biennale was in 1932 — and that was in a group setting, as part of a mostly Eurocentric exhibition devoted to depictions of the American West.
"In 1932, one of the rooms was devoted to Native American art, but it was done in what I would say was a very ethnographic type of presentation," said Kathleen Ash-Milby, curator of Native American Art at the Portland Art Museum, and one of the co-commissioners of Jeffrey Gibson's work in the U.S. Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. "It grouped native people together and didn't really focus on their individuality as much. There were Navajo rugs on the floor. There were displays of jewelry. Many of the artists were not named."
Ash-Milby, who is also the first Native American curator to co-commission and co-curate an exhibition for the U.S. Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, told NPR her team selected Gibson because of the artist's wide-ranging, inclusive and critical approach to art-making.
"His work is multifaceted. It incorporates all sorts of different types of media," the curator, a member of the Navajo Nation, said. "But to me, what's most important is his ability to connect with both his culture and different communities, and bring people together. At the same time, he has a very critical lens through which he looks at our history as Americans and as world citizens. Pulling all those things together in the practice of an American artist is really important for someone who's going to represent us on a world stage."
Born in Colorado and based in New York, Gibson, 51, focuses on making work that fuses together American, Native American and queer perspectives. In a 2019 interview with Here and Now, Gibson said the art world hasn't traditionally valued Indigenous histories and artistic representations.
"There's this gap historically about these histories existing on the same level and being valued culturally," Gibson said. "My goal is to force them into the contemporary cannon of what's considered important."
A MacArthur "Genius" Grant winner, Gibson has had his work widely exhibited around the country. Major solo exhibitions include one at the Portland Art Museum last year and, in 2013, at Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art. His work is in the collections of high-profile institutions like the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery of Art. Gibson participated in the 2019 Whitney Biennial.
"Having an Indigenous artist represent the United States at the Venice Biennale is a long overdue and very powerful moment," San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Director Christopher Bedford said in an email to NPR. "Centering the perspectives of contemporary indigenous artists is a critical component of fostering inclusivity and equity in museums, and in our world."
The details of Gibson's contribution for the 2024 Biennale are mostly under wraps. Curator Ash-Milby said the artist is working on a multimedia installation with the title "the space in which to place me" — a reference to a poem by the Lakota poet Layli Long Soldier.
According to the organizers of the U.S. Pavilion, the upcoming Biennale will enable international audiences to have the first major opportunity to experience Gibson's work outside of the U.S. It will be on view April 20 through Nov. 24, 2024.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.knkx.org/2023-07-29/in-a-first-the-u-s-picks-an-indigenous-artist-for-a-solo-show-at-the-venice-biennale | 2023-07-31T17:09:03 | 0 | https://www.knkx.org/2023-07-29/in-a-first-the-u-s-picks-an-indigenous-artist-for-a-solo-show-at-the-venice-biennale |
Multifamily Lender Strives to Leverage Strong Performance to Attract Top Boston Talent
BOSTON, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Arbor Realty Trust (NYSE:ABR) announces a new and larger office location at 501 Boylston St., a historically significant Class A property close to Copley Square in Boston's lively Back Bay neighborhood.
Arbor, which has 15 offices in cities across the United States, moved its 88-member Boston team from 1 Lincoln St. in expectation of the team's expansion and growth, and with the recognition that Boston's thriving economy and talent pool is also creating opportunities in our core business of multifamily lending. Boston has had 8.5% annual rent growth through April 2023 and is presently the third-tightest multifamily rental market in the United States, our proprietary research reveals.
This past Friday, Arbor Realty Trust reported an outstanding second quarter and a dividend increase to $0.43, reflecting a 12th increase in the last 14 quarters.
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About Arbor
Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ABR) is a nationwide real estate investment trust and direct lender, providing loan origination and servicing for multifamily, single-family rental (SFR) portfolios, and other diverse commercial real estate assets. Headquartered in Uniondale, New York, Arbor manages a multibillion-dollar servicing portfolio, specializing in government-sponsored enterprise products. Arbor is a leading Fannie Mae DUS® lender, Freddie Mac Optigo® Seller/Servicer, and an approved FHA Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) lender. Arbor's product platform also includes bridge, CMBS, mezzanine, and preferred equity loans. Arbor is rated by Standard and Poor's and Fitch. In June 2023, Arbor was added to the S&P SmallCap 600® index. Arbor is committed to building on its reputation for service, quality, and customized solutions with an unparalleled dedication to providing our clients excellence over the entire life of a loan.
CONTACT: press@arbor.com
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HIALEAH, Fla. (WFLA) — A federal judge in Florida has thrown out a multi-million dollar lawsuit involving microwavable mac and cheese.
The $5 million lawsuit claimed the Kraft Heinz Food Company misled the public about the time it takes to prepare Velveeta microwavable mac and cheese cups.
According to court records, a West Palm Beach-based law firm filed the lawsuit on behalf of a woman from Hialeah, Florida, on Nov. 18.
The lawsuit alleged that the Kraft Heinz Food Company violated federal law by saying the mac and cheese cups take 3½ minutes to prepare, arguing that the time limit does not include the time it takes to remove the lid, add water and stir in the cheese sauce.
The lawsuit had claimed Amanda Ramirez bought the product for a “premium price” of $10.99 “between October and November 2022, among other times.” However, it did not say how long it actually took Ramirez to prepare the mac and cheese.
The suit described Ramirez as someone who “looks to bold statements of value when quickly selecting groceries”, and “like many consumers who seek to stretch their money as far as possible when buying groceries.”
Despite the arguments, a Miami district judge threw out the lawsuit. | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/florida-judge-tosses-5-million-lawsuit-over-microwavable-mac-and-cheese/ | 2023-07-31T17:09:07 | 1 | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/florida-judge-tosses-5-million-lawsuit-over-microwavable-mac-and-cheese/ |
NEW YORK , July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Forbes Global Properties, a curated consumer marketplace of luxury homes and an invitation-only membership network of independently owned real estate firms, has named respected industry veteran Matt Beall chair of the organization's Board of Directors.
Chief Executive Officer and Principal Broker of Hawaii Life, Mr. Beall draws from 25 years of residential real estate experience. Recognizing the increasing need for innovative and engaging property marketing, Mr. Beall co-founded Hawaii Life in 2008 and the company quickly became the market leader in luxury real estate sales across the island chain.
Under Mr. Beall's leadership, Hawaii Life has enjoyed consistent growth and success and today is regarded as the top-producing real estate brokerage in the State of Hawaii. Operating from 17 offices across the Hawaiian Islands, the firm's team of 350 skilled agents represent buyers, sellers, and property owners with a well-earned reputation for the delivery of highly personalized service and expert guidance with unwavering professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Beall has served Hawaii's real estate industry, holding a variety of board and leadership positions, including President of the Kauai Board of Realtors and as a member of Hawaii Association of Realtors' executive committee. Currently, he is on the board of the Hawaii Land Trust, a land conservation organization with over 22,000 acres in perpetual conservation. He is also a member of the Kauai Leadership Council for the Hawaii Community Foundation, where Hawaii Life has a donor-advised fund managed entirely by its brokers, agents, and employees.
"It's an honor to serve Forbes Global Properties as the Board Chair, and especially to continue the legacy of Jeff Hyland, who was always a mentor of mine and many others in our organization. We have extraordinary talent on both the board and in our membership across the globe, and we're all looking forward to expanding the possibilities with Forbes as our partner," said Matt Beall Chief Executive Officer and Principal Broker of Hawaii Life and Board Chair of Forbes Global Properties.
"Matt is a valued member of Forbes Global Properties who prioritizes collaboration, professionalism, and the highest level of service for both our members and the clients we represent. He has a clear vision for continued growth and the proven ability to implement those plans; I look forward to supporting him in this new role," said Michael Jalbert, Chief Executive Officer.
Forbes Global Properties was co-founded by Jeff Hyland and Bonnie Stone Sellers as a way to connect the increasingly global buyers of luxury homes with the world's foremost real estate experts. The consortium launched in December 2020 with offices in 75 locations and has since grown to a powerful global network of more than 13,000 real estate agents across 440 locations.
Mr. Beall is joined on the Board by Vice Chair Andy Nelson of Willis Allen Real Estate, Olivier de Chabot-Tramecourt of Groupe Mercure, Quentin Epiney of Comptoir Immobilier / FGP Swiss + Alps, Ken Jacobs of Private Property Global, Nikki Koval of Forbes Media LLC, Jose Ribes Bas of Inmobiliaria Rimontgó, co-founder Bonnie Stone Sellers, and Mark Smith of Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate.
The exclusive worldwide residential real estate partner of Forbes, Forbes Global Properties provides branding and marketing services to the world's premier real estate firms. Members are thoroughly vetted, and the network is comprised of top brokerages with proven records of success in luxury property sales and recognized delivery of exceptional client service.
About Forbes Global Properties
Established in 2020 and led by the world's foremost independent luxury residential brokers and industry veterans, Forbes Global Properties is a curated consumer marketplace that connects discerning buyers directly to the world's finest homes and the elite agents that represent them. The invitation-only network spans 440 locations and comprises more than 13,000 property experts across the U.S., Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, the Middle East, New Zealand, and Europe. For more information, visit forbesglobalproperties.com.
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SOURCE Forbes Global Properties | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/matt-beall-named-board-chair-forbes-global-properties/ | 2023-07-31T17:09:08 | 0 | https://www.wafb.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/matt-beall-named-board-chair-forbes-global-properties/ |
Teamsters say trucking giant Yellow Corp. is ceasing operations, filing for bankruptcy
NEW YORK (AP) — Troubled trucking company Yellow Corp. is shutting down and headed for a bankruptcy, the Teamsters said Monday.
An official bankruptcy filing is expected any day for Yellow, after years of financial struggles and growing debt. Its expected liquidation would mark a significant shift for the U.S. transportation industry and shippers nationwide.
“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,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “This is a sad day for workers and the American freight industry.”
Yellow did not immediately respond to The Associated Press’ requests for comment on Sunday and Monday. As of midday Monday, no bankruptcy filings from the company could be found on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website, but the union confirmed that it had been served legal notice.
The company’s collapse arrives just three years after Yellow, formerly known as YRC Worldwide Inc., received $700 million in pandemic-era loans from the federal government. But the company was in financial trouble long before that — with industry analysts pointing to poor management and strategic decisions dating back decades.
Former Yellow customers and shippers will face higher prices as they take their business to competitors, including FedEx or ABF Freight, experts say — noting that Yellow historically offered the cheapest price points in the industry.
Yellow is one of the nation’s largest less-than-truckload carriers. The closure of the 99-year-old Nashville, Tennessee-based company risks a loss of 30,000 jobs.
Safety vests that appeared to belong to former Yellow workers were zip-tied to the fence of a closed YRC Freight terminal in St. Louis, Missouri on Monday. Names and years worked at the company were written on them.
“Ron Fisher 2017-2023 was here,” one vest read.
Reports of Yellow preparing for bankruptcy emerged last week — as the Nashville, Tennessee-based trucker saw customers leave in large numbers, per The Wall Street Journal and FreightWaves. And the company reportedly stopped freight pickups earlier in the week.
Yellow shut down operations on Sunday, according to The Journal, following the layoffs of hundreds of nonunion employees on Friday.
The bankruptcy preparation reports arrived just days after Yellow averted a strike from the Teamsters, which represents Yellow’s 22,000 unionized workers, amid heated contract negotiations. On July 23, a pension fund agreed to extend health benefits for workers at two Yellow Corp. operating companies, avoiding a planned walkout. The fund gave Yellow “30 days to pay its bills,” notably $50 million that Yellow failed to pay the Central States Health and Welfare Fund earlier in the month.
Yellow has racked up hefty bills over the years. 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.
The current financial chaos at Yellow “is probably two decades in the making,” said Stifel research director Bruce Chan, 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.”
A Wednesday investors note from financial service firm Stephens estimated that Yellow was burning daily amounts of $9 million to $10 million in recent days.
Yellow handled an average of 49,000 shipments per day in 2022 according to Satish Jindel, president of transportation and logistics firm SJ Consulting. On Friday, he estimated that number was down to between 10,000 and 15,000 daily shipments.
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.”
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AP Business Writer Matt Ott contributed to this report.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.kaaltv.com/news/business-news/teamsters-say-trucking-giant-yellow-corp-is-ceasing-operations-filing-for-bankruptcy/ | 2023-07-31T17:09:08 | 0 | https://www.kaaltv.com/news/business-news/teamsters-say-trucking-giant-yellow-corp-is-ceasing-operations-filing-for-bankruptcy/ |
A woman behind the wheel of a self-driving Uber that hit and killed a pedestrian has pleaded guilty to endangerment in what is the first fatal collision involving a fully autonomous test vehicle.
After years of legal limbo, 49-year-old Rafaela Vasquez was sentenced to three years of supervised probation Friday for the 2018 crash that killed 49-year-old Elaine Herzberg in suburban Phoenix. Vasquez, who was behind the wheel of the car, told police that Herzberg "came out of nowhere" on the dimly lit Tempe street.
Vasquez had originally been charged with negligent homicide, a felony that carries a minimum one year prison sentence. However, she entered a plea agreement with prosecutors that would reclassify the charge as a misdemeanor if she completes the probationary requirements.
SEE MORE: Are self driving cars safe?
Authorities said Vasquez was streaming a television show on her phone and not watching the road when her SUV struck Herzberg as she was crossing the street with her bicycle. But Vasquez's attorneys claim she was looking at an Uber messaging app that's used by employees while they work, and that the corporation should share some of the blame for the collision.
Herzberg's death was the first involving a fully autonomous test vehicle, but was not the first from a car with some self-driving features. Two years prior, an Ohio driver was killed after crashing into semi-truck while his Tesla was operating in autopilot mode.
In 2022, automakers reported nearly 400 crashes over a 10-month period involving semi-autonomous or fully-autonomous vehicles, according to U.S. regulators. A majority of those crashes involved Teslas.
Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com | https://www.kbzk.com/backup-driver-in-self-driving-uber-that-killed-woman-pleads-guilty | 2023-07-31T17:09:09 | 0 | https://www.kbzk.com/backup-driver-in-self-driving-uber-that-killed-woman-pleads-guilty |