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French energy giants: Reduce fuel and electricity use now
PARIS (AP) — Leaders of three French energy companies on Sunday called on the French public to immediately reduce consumption of fuel, oil, electricity and gas amid shortages and soaring prices due to Russia’s supply cuts and the war in Ukraine.
“The effort must be immediate, collective and massive,” the leaders of the three companies, TotalEnergies, EDF and Engie said in a rare joint statement that was published in the French weekly Journal du Dimanche. “Every gesture counts,” the statement said.
Russia has cut — and in some case shut off — gas supplies to several European Union countries in retaliation for the 27-member bloc’s sanctions against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24.
For months, the European energy system has been under severe strain and the French energy system has not been spared. The level of alert on gas stocks across the continent is high and rationing measures have been put in place. France, like other European countries, is trying to beef up its gas reserves for winter, aiming to fill up its storage by early autumn to avert an economic and political crisis.
“Taking action in the summer will prepare us for winter,” the energy companies’ leaders said.
In addition to the gas supply shortages linked to the war in Ukraine, there are pressures on electricity production capacities in Europe and reductions in hydroelectric production due to drought.
“The soaring energy prices are a result of these difficulties that threaten our social and political cohesion and have a heavy impact on purchasing power of families,” the statement said. | https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-business/french-energy-giants-reduce-fuel-and-electricity-use-now/ | 2022-06-26T14:31:41Z | https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-business/french-energy-giants-reduce-fuel-and-electricity-use-now/ | true | 12 |
Josh Harrison saw your mean tweets, but doesn't care
Over the past month or so, no one player has drawn more ire from White Sox fans than Josh Harrison. When Rick Hahn signed Harrison to a one-year dealー with a club option for 2023ー the expectation was he could lock down second base and provide a steady bat near the...
www.nbcsports.com | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644571331108/josh-harrison-saw-your-mean-tweets-but-doesn-t-care | 2022-06-26T14:36:37Z | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644571331108/josh-harrison-saw-your-mean-tweets-but-doesn-t-care | false | null |
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As workers at major companies increasingly move to unionize, the political environment for labor couldn’t be more ripe.
Perhaps nowhere is that more accurate than at the National Labor Relations Board, the agency that enforces the country’s labor laws and oversees union elections.
In the past year, the Biden-appointed top prosecutor Jennifer Abruzzo has been seeking to overturn precedent and revive decades-old labor policies that supporters say would make it easier for workers to form a union. To get her wish, Abruzzo must have buy-in from the five-member board, whose Democratic majority is expected to be sympathetic to her proposed changes. As for President Joe Biden, he has vowed to be ”the most pro-union president” in American history.
“In the past, there has been a focus on employer rights or employer interests. And I do not believe that comports with our congressional mandate,” Abruzzo said in an interview with The Associated Press.
The changes Abruzzo seeks come as workers at major companies, including Starbucks, Amazon and most recently, Apple, clinch union victories. But any shifts in the agency’s enforcement of labor law are likely to be reversed under a Republican administration and met with fierce resistance from employers in the federal courts.
Currently, the agency is in the crosshairs of Amazon, which has been arguing in an NLRB hearing that began last week that the union victory at one of its warehouses on Staten Island, New York, should be tossed out. The e-commerce giant claims labor organizers and the agency acted in a way that tainted the vote. In one of its 25 objections, the company zeros in on a lawsuit filed in March by the NLRB's Brooklyn office seeking to reinstate a fired Amazon worker who was involved in the union drive.
Abruzzo has said she would “aggressively” seek such remedies during her tenure, and could even pursue cases when an employer has only levied threats against workers. The agency has repeatedly taken Starbucks to federal court since December, most recently on Tuesday when it asked a court to reinstate seven employees in Buffalo, New York that it says were illegally fired for trying to form a union. Abruzzo says she’s also been asking field offices to be on the lookout for other threats to workers.
John Logan, the director of labor and employment studies at San Francisco State University, said some of the changes Abruzzo is seeking include policy shifts labor scholars have wanted for years.
“We have a general counsel prepared to do things that have not been done in the past,” Logan said. “And also doing it in the context of a period of labor organizing that we haven’t seen for decades and decades.”
A career NLRB attorney for more than two decades, Abruzzo rose through the ranks of the agency to serve as deputy general counsel under former President Barack Obama. She briefly served as the acting general counsel and left the agency during the Trump administration for a stint at Communications Workers of America, one of the largest labor unions in the U.S. Last year, she was confirmed to her current role in the U.S. Senate along party lines.
Arguably, her most significant move since then has come in an NLRB case filed in April, where she asked the labor board to reinstate Joy Silk, an arcane legal doctrine that could dramatically change how unions typically form in the U.S.
Joy Silk, which was abandoned nearly 50 years ago, would compel companies to bargain with a union that secures majority support from workers through authorization cards rather than going through a protracted election process. Logan noted that Joy Silk essentially curtails an employers' ability to wage long anti-union campaigns in the leadup to an election, when unions tend to lose support from workers.
A formal move towards Joy Silk is expected to be hotly contested by businesses and right-to-work groups who want private-ballot elections. Some experts say elections better capture how workers feel about a union. And the leadup to a vote typically gives companies time to make their case to workers as to why they should reject unionization, which is legal as long as employers follow labor law.
However, labor activists and pro-union experts argue some employers use the time to fend off organizing by any means necessary, including mandatory meetings in which they lay out all the reasons why workers should reject unionization.
Though the labor board has allowed employers to mandate such meetings for decades, Abruzzo argued in an April memo that it was based on a misunderstanding of employers’ speech rights and should be outlawed. She's seeking to make the meetings voluntary for workers.
Rep. Virginia Foxx, the Republican leader of the House Committee on Education and Labor, slammed Abruzzo's memo soon after it was released, calling it “a hyper-partisan love letter to unions.”
“Should the NLRB choose to overturn decades of precedent and silence job creators, the consequences will be disastrous,” Foxx said in a statement at the time.
But field offices are following suit. About a month after Abruzzo’s memo was issued, the NLRB office in Brooklyn said it found merit in a charge filed by the Amazon Labor Union that accused Amazon of violating labor law at one of its warehouses on Staten Island, New York, by holding mandatory meetings to persuade workers to reject the union, adding further bad blood between the company and the agency.
Mark Nix, the president of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, said it’s difficult to take Abruzzo’s quest for more workers' rights seriously because she's attempting to overturn a Trump labor board decision that made it easier for employers to suspend bargaining on a future contract when they know a union no longer has majority support.
Abruzzo has signaled it’s one of the many decisions she intends to undo from the Trump era, when cases were spearheaded by her predecessor Peter Robb, who was widely seen by organized labor and Democrats as favoring employers. Biden later fired Robb.
“The hypocrisy is off the charts when you think about the employee rights,” Nix said. “When she gets done with the job, she ought to apply for the lobbyist job at the AFL-CIO, because she’s going even farther than union officials have even imagined.”
Experts say it’s too early to know how successful Abruzzo might be in her efforts because the changes she’s seeking are still winding their way through the NLRB’s process. Logan, the labor expert, said she's has been more aggressive than her Democrat-appointed predecessors, but still faces a steep challenge since changes she’s seeking are likely to be heavily litigated.
“Unfortunately, it’s not going to help workers right now," he said. | https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/NLRB-s-top-prosecutor-seeks-big-changes-faces-17266516.php | 2022-06-26T14:39:30Z | https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/article/NLRB-s-top-prosecutor-seeks-big-changes-faces-17266516.php | false | 49 |
Zambeef Products Plc (AIM:ZAM, LUSE:ZAMBF), the largest food products and agribusiness company in Zambia, has recently announced a USD 100 million expansion plan that will double its crop production while adding associated value and capacity to the company’s stockfeed, meat production and processing facilities and retailing operations.
Zambeef is involved in the primary production, processing, distribution and retailing of beef, chicken, pork, eggs, dairy, fish, flour, stock feed and day-old chicks throughout Zambia and the surrounding region. It operates 236 retail outlets in Zambia, Nigeria and Ghana.
Zambeef also has one of the largest row cropping operations in Zambia, growing maize, soybeans and wheat. Zambeef plants nearly 23,000 hectares annually, with most of the resulting crops being used in the Zambeef animal feed and flour milling businesses.
In its press release, the company explains that it will not only expand its various value chain production capacities but will also deliver developmental impact to the Zambian economy through job creation, increased tax revenue and supporting ancillary businesses such as small-scale farmers and small to medium-sized businesses.
Zambeef currently secures the produce of 1,700 small-scale farmers and post the expansion of the number of small-scale farmers it supports by buying their produce, and is targeted to grow this number to 6,760, thereby creating more jobs and contributing to the alleviation of poverty.
The investment will double the company’s Mpongwe farm’s row cropping capacity of grains to 150,000 tons per annum, consisting primarily of wheat and soya beans.
The envisaged expanded wheat production capacity will position Zambeef to be contributing approximately 20% of Zambia’s total annual production.
In response to the news, Zambia’s Minister of Finance Hon. Situmbeko Musokotwane said: “This investment is extremely pleasing as it is in direct response to the government’s support of the private sector in undertaking development projects and demonstrates the confidence Zambeef has in the seriousness of the government in its pledge to support the growth of home-grown businesses. The Government is further gratified that the investment comes at the right time, when the world is grappling with an imminent food crisis. The investment will not only ensure national food security, but will boost the Zambian economy and improve livelihoods. It will propel Zambia on its path to attaining the goal of being the food basket of the region”. | https://www.zambiainvest.com/agriculture/zambeef-crop-investment/ | 2022-06-26T14:45:04Z | https://www.zambiainvest.com/agriculture/zambeef-crop-investment/ | true | 1 |
Jacqueline Fernandez to Janhvi Kapoor: Bollywood divas who turned up the heat in backless tops [VIEW PICS]
Jacqueline Fernandez, Janhvi Kapoor, Disha Patani, and more Bollywood hotties prove that backless never goes out of fashion. Here is a list of Bollywood hotties who set our hearts racing with their ultra-glamorous pictures. | https://www.bollywoodlife.com/photos/bollywood-photos-jacqueline-fernandez-to-janhvi-kapoor-bollywood-divas-who-turned-up-the-heat-in-backless-tops-view-pics-2111718/ | 2022-06-26T14:49:12Z | https://www.bollywoodlife.com/photos/bollywood-photos-jacqueline-fernandez-to-janhvi-kapoor-bollywood-divas-who-turned-up-the-heat-in-backless-tops-view-pics-2111718/ | true | null |
June 22, 2022
How the times have changed. The location for the former Cape May Linen Outlet may become a cannabis store. The Cape May Star and Wave reports that a request has been made to the State to operate the business out of the former linen outlet location. The store would need major...
987thecoast.com | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644578895001/june-22-2022 | 2022-06-26T15:01:39Z | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644578895001/june-22-2022 | true | null |
Which bamboo standing desk for home office is best?
If you’re spending all day sitting at a desk, you’re likely to find yourself fatigued and stiff. Sitting for up to 8 hours a day can make you feel more tired and less productive and may even lead to long-term health risks.
Reduce the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle from your work day by investing in a standing desk. Standing desks come in a variety of styles and materials, but a bamboo standing desk is an especially tasteful and stylish choice for your home office.
Bamboo looks great with other modern and minimalist interior design elements and has a neat appearance to keep you distraction-free and motivated. The Flexispot Electric Adjustable Height Standing Desk is the top choice for a fully electric, ergonomic and attractive bamboo standing desk.
What to know before you buy a bamboo standing desk
Size
Bamboo standing desks are generally either large, freestanding desks or petite risers, which sit atop your existing desk.
A freestanding bamboo standing desk occupies more space than a riser and allows you plenty of surface space for your monitor, keyboard and mouse.
An add-on bamboo standing desk riser is a small platform which sits atop your existing desk. It typically requires manual adjustment. Some models only offer one height.
Material and construction
Many bamboo standing desks have a metal base and a top manufactured from bamboo. Some bamboo standing desks use a wood composite alongside bamboo.
Adjustability
Freestanding bamboo standing desks often adjust electrically with the press of a button. This is an ergonomically good choice, because you can get the height just right for good posture and maximize comfort for your wrists, back and neck.
Some bamboo standing desks feature a crank which allows you to manually adjust the desk. These are fairly simple to operate but may not be a good choice for those with joint pain.
Some bamboo standing desks aren’t adjustable and require the user to stand all the time. These aren’t recommended for someone just starting out with standing desks.
What are the benefits of using a standing desk?
Multiple studies have shown the negative effects of sitting at a desk all day, such as exhaustion and hypertension. Sitting for long periods of time is linked to weight gain and obesity. Standing desks burn more calories than sitting and allow workers to feel more comfortable throughout the day compared to sitting desks.
Standing desks have also been shown to help relieve back pain after only weeks of use.
How much you can expect to spend on a bamboo standing desk
Bamboo standing desks can cost $100-$3,000. At the low end, you’ll find bamboo standing desk risers which sit atop your existing desk to convert it into a standing desk. For up to $400, expect basic adjustable standing desks. Standing desks in the $500-$3,000 range have extra features such as electric adjustment controls and high-quality materials.
Bamboo standing desk FAQ
How do I transition into using a standing desk?
A. The best way to get used to using a standing desk throughout the day is to alternate between sitting and standing in 30- to 60-minute intervals. You can also intuitively alternate by starting the day standing and then sitting when your legs begin to feel tired. When you begin to feel stiff or fatigued, try standing again. Be sure to take walking breaks periodically as well.
What shoes should I wear when using my standing desk?
A. Avoid formal shoes like heels or boots with poor support. Wearing running shoes with good arch support is a good idea when using a standing desk, especially if you work from home or somewhere which allows athletic footwear in the office. If you’re working from home, you might find being barefoot more comfortable.
What’s the best bamboo standing desk to buy?
Top bamboo standing desk
Flexispot Electric Adjustable Height Standing Desk
What you need to know: An ergonomic workspace with a visually pleasing design and an electric adjustable lift system.
What you’ll love: Rather than wrestling with a manual riser standing desk, this electric standing desk allows you to smoothly adjust your desk between sitting and standing. Ideal for a worker who wants to adjust their desk’s height while staying healthy and productive. Solid white steel base and attractive bamboo surface finish.
What you should consider: Requires a drill for assembly which is not included. Ships in two separate shipments, which means there may be some delay between receiving boxes, though often both boxes arrive together.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top bamboo standing desk for the money
Crew & Axel Standing Desk Converter
What you need to know: Get the benefits of a standing desk for less with this attractive bamboo standing desk riser.
What you’ll love: An ergonomic, adjustable, lightweight and aesthetically pleasing riser that turns any desk into a standing desk. Features a surprising number of features for its price point. Includes ridges to support your laptop and holes to keep wires organized.
What you should consider: Requires already having a desk. Some customers found this model too lightweight and reported splitting or sagging.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Fezibo Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk
What you need to know: A highly rated standing desk with electric adjustability and a sturdy steel lift system.
What you’ll love: Adjust the height of this electric standing desk with the preset buttons on its base. Features a large, spacious work surface. Supports up to 155 pounds with an industrial-grade steel frame.
What you should consider: Some customers report finding this desk difficult to assemble.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.yourerie.com/reviews/br/office-br/office-furniture-br/best-bamboo-standing-desk-for-your-home-office/ | 2022-06-26T15:03:58Z | https://www.yourerie.com/reviews/br/office-br/office-furniture-br/best-bamboo-standing-desk-for-your-home-office/ | true | 21 |
The United Methodist Army descended on Paris last Sunday armed with hammers, saws, drills and other weapons of mass construction.
The volunteer group spent the week repairing, building, cleaning and touching up area homes and yards in need of a little tender loving care.
The army-camp program started in Houston in 1979 said John Peel, who is a retired minister who pastored First United Methodist in Paris from 1983 to 1990 and now calls Denton home.
There were people going to far away places on mission work, but in 1979 decided that there was plenty to be done closer to home, he said.
“This year we have 3,000 to 4,000 participating around the county,” Peel said. “The people from a number of churches come together in one location to be the hands and feet of Christ as we reach out to meet the needs of the people.
“We get our referrals from local churches, Texas wheelchair ramp organizations, Habitat for Humanity and city inspectors,” he said.
The Methodist army currently serving in Paris is made up of adults and youths from churches around North Texas.
One of the adult volunteers from Carrollton helped a Honey Grove family.
“Steve Barrett put in sheetrock around a new bathtub at a house in Honey Grove,” Peel said. “We have done five wheelchair ramps this trip around Paris. We are working on 30 houses.”
The younger volunteers are hard at work, too, and getting a sense of accomplishment for their work.
“It is just kind of cool to do … to help those that might not be able to do for themselves and to meet new people,” said Hudson Spradley, 17, of Grapevine.
He was there from First United Methodist of Grapevine.
“My parents were in First United Methodist, so I grew up in the church,” he said.
Spradley and three other boys were tearing down a shed that had stood beyond its usefulness and had been almost hidden by plant growth in a backyard.
“I had never done a mission trip, so I thought it would be cool to help people out who can’t do it themselves,” said Nick Schwindt, 17, of Grapevine.
“This whole side was covered with growth,” Schwindt said as he explained the progress the group had made in clearing the yard and breaking down the old, metal shed.
Simon Watson, of Rowlett, was another of the young men on the cleanup crew and at 17, a veteran of the annual summer army camps.
“Our church got involved five years ago, and I have been doing it ever since,” he said.
“We have been to Wichita Falls, Commerce, Sherman and twice to Paris,” he said.
“I just see it as a chance to help people out and spread kindness through doing tasks for them,” he said.
The youngest member of the cleanup quartet was swinging a hammer on the shed with the others.
“I wanted to travel to help out other people and make new friends,” said Grapevine’s Esteban Lezana, 12.
Kaytlin Blair, 17, of Rowlett was working out front gathering up all the growth the group had earlier cut out of the backyard.
“I think it feels really good to know that we are making a difference in people’s lives,” she said. “It is really motivating.”
The army stays at a host church during the weeklong cleanup camps, Peel said.
This year’s Paris cleanup crew, over 100 strong, stayed at First United Methodist in downtown.
“We come in on Sunday and work Monday through Friday and we then put the church back in order,” Peel said. “We don’t leave Saturday until everything is cleaned up and straightened up.”
While the young army members get the chance to make new friends with kids from other Methodists churches across North Texas, they are on a schedule, Peel said.
“This evening we will have a meal at the church honoring those people whose homes we have worked on,” he said. “That will be followed by a worship service in which we will celebrate Holy Communion.”
Peel said the experience this time, as always, has been a rewarding one and a chance at growth.
“I think for all of us it teaches us the value of reaching out to other people, and we all see how good it feels as we are actually paying for the privilege of helping other folks,” Peel said. | https://theparisnews.com/free/article_fa5c8f70-f4d4-11ec-adc0-c766790736df.html | 2022-06-26T15:05:39Z | https://theparisnews.com/free/article_fa5c8f70-f4d4-11ec-adc0-c766790736df.html | true | 1 |
PHOTOS: See inside the new ACE Hardware in Big Rapids
BIG RAPIDS — The new ACE Hardware store in Bulldog Square, south of town on Northland Drive in Big Rapids, is now open in the former Sav-A-Lot building. The store encompasses 14,000 square feet...
www.ourmidland.com | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644581037739/photos-see-inside-the-new-ace-hardware-in-big-rapids | 2022-06-26T15:08:37Z | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644581037739/photos-see-inside-the-new-ace-hardware-in-big-rapids | true | null |
Colombo, Jun 26 (PTI) A high-level US delegation arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday to hold talks with the country's top leadership and explore the "most effective ways" to help the island nation resolve its unprecedented economic crisis.
During their four-day official stay, the top officials from the US Treasury and the State Department will meet a wide range of political representatives, economists, and international organisations to “explore the most effective ways for the US to support Sri Lankans in need, Sri Lankans working to resolve the current economic crisis, and Sri Lankans planning for a sustainable and inclusive economy for the future,” the US Embassy said in a statement.
Also Read | Nepal Cholera Outbreak: Kathmandu Puts Ban on Panipuri.
“This visit underscores our ongoing commitment to the security and prosperity of the Sri Lankan people,” said US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung.
“As Sri Lankans endure some of the greatest economic challenges in their history, our efforts to support economic growth and strengthen democratic institutions have never been more critical,” she said.
Also Read | South Africa Shocker: 17 People Found Dead in Nightclub in Sourtheastern City; Police Begins Probe.
Members of the delegation include Robert Kaproth, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Treasury for Asia, and Ambassador Kelly Keiderling, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia.
Over the past two weeks, the US has announced USD 120 million in new financing for Sri Lankan small and medium-sized businesses, a USD 27 million contribution to Sri Lanka's dairy industry and USD 5.75 million in humanitarian assistance to help those hit hardest by the economic crisis.
The United States also committed USD 6 million in new grants to provide livelihood assistance to vulnerable populations, and technical assistance on financial reform that will help stabilise the economy.
The United States strongly supports Sri Lanka's decision to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund, which can provide the most durable resolution to the present crisis, the statement said.
Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the US Mahinda Samarasinghe recently met President Joe Biden at the Oval office.
Sri Lanka is facing the worst economic crisis since independence in 1948 which has led to an acute shortage of essential items like food, medicine, cooking gas and fuel across the country.
After Colombo declared a default on loans in April, US bank Hamilton Reserve, a holder of Sri Lankan bonds, filed a lawsuit in the US district court in Manhattan over the breach of contract.
Sri Lankans languish in long fuel and cooking gas queues as the government is unable to find dollars to fund imports.
Indian credit lines for fuel and essentials have provided lifelines until the ongoing talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) could lead to a possible bailout. There have been street protests in Sri Lanka against the government since early April due to its mishandling of the economic crisis.
On May 9, the political crisis saw the unleashing of violence with 10 people, including a parliamentarian, being killed. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's elder brother Mahinda Rajapaksa had to resign as prime minister amidst the political and economic turmoil.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) | https://www.latestly.com/agency-news/world-news-top-us-officials-in-sri-lanka-to-help-resolve-economic-crisis-3874834.html | 2022-06-26T15:16:27Z | https://www.latestly.com/agency-news/world-news-top-us-officials-in-sri-lanka-to-help-resolve-economic-crisis-3874834.html | true | 3 |
Abortion in India: This vintage ad from 70s was ahead of its time
2 min read . Updated: 26 Jun 2022, 06:57 PM ISTThe vintage ad says: “Abortion is legal. Abortion is safe. Abortion is a simple procedure if you contact your doctor early.”
The vintage ad says: “Abortion is legal. Abortion is safe. Abortion is a simple procedure if you contact your doctor early.”
Since the US Supreme Court ended the right to abortion, it has sparked discussions on one of the most divisive and bitterly fought issues in American political life. Meanwhile, many point out that India legalised abortion 50 years back. In connection with that, a vintage Indian ad on abortion is being circulated across social media.
The ad says: “Abortion is legal. Abortion is safe. Abortion is a simple procedure if you contact your doctor early."
One Twitter user shared the ad and wrote, “Indian ad. 1970s. Thanks to abortion care, India was able to slow down a catastrophic population boom. Women in India have the right to say "I don't want a child this early", "I don't want to keep a fetus with complications", "I don't want another child so soon". No judgements!"
Women in India do not have an unrestricted right to abortion under the law. Under specific conditions and to a certain extent, abortion is permissible based on a medical opinion.
Also Read: Abortion laws around the world
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, a piece of legislation passed by the Parliament in 1971, gave licenced medical professionals permission to perform abortions in specific predetermined situations. Doctors who performed abortions in line with the law were exempt from prosecution under Section 312 IPC.
The legal maximum for abortion was set at 20 weeks when the law was first passed in 1971. Abortion is now legal for women in certain circumstances up to 24 weeks with the 2021 amendment that came into effect on September 24, 2021. Additionally, if "substantial foetal abnormalities" are determined by a Medical Board to exist, there will be no upper restriction on abortion after the 2021 amendment.
After the 2021 amendment, terminating a pregnancy up to 20 weeks will only require the medical advice of one doctor. Prior to that, a pregnancy was allowed to be terminated after 12 weeks with the advice of one doctor. Only pregnancies between 20 and 24 weeks will require the opinions of two doctors after the 2021 amendment. However, in order to end a pregnancy at any moment due to "substantial foetal abnormalities," a four-member Medical Board must agree.
However, Section 312 of the Indian Penal Code holds intentionally causing a miscarriage a criminal offence. | https://www.livemint.com/news/india/abortion-in-india-this-vintage-ad-from-70s-was-ahead-of-its-time-11656249423272.html | 2022-06-26T15:16:34Z | https://www.livemint.com/news/india/abortion-in-india-this-vintage-ad-from-70s-was-ahead-of-its-time-11656249423272.html | true | 2 |
The Taraba State government, through the State Agency for the Control of Aids, on Sunday disclosed that 77 out of 2,156 persons tested so far during the mass testing and treatment project to ensure a HIV free society in Taraba State by 2030 have been confirmed positive.
The Director General of the Agency, Dr. Garba Danjuma made the disclosure during the weekly review performance of the implementation partners working across HIV, tuberculosis, Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in the state.
He noted that 36,396 patients in state were under regular HIV treatment while 20,200 have been virally suppressed.
“It is our hope that the name HIV should not be found in Taraba State by 2030.
“During our mass testing and treatment project over the weekend, only 77 persons were confirmed positive for the virus out of 2,156 tested across 16 local governments areas of the state.
“We tested 359 children of between 0-14 years old. The 76 out of the 77 victims have already been linked for treatment with various health facilities across the State,” the DG expressed.
Dr. Joseph Chiegil, the team leader for (RISE Nigeria), commended Taraba State government through the agency for the board step to ensure the elimination of HIV/AIDs by 2030 and pledges his organization’s continuous support to ensure the agency succeed in it drives against HIV.
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How Workplace Sexual Harassment Forces Many Out Of Their Dream Jobs
Despite several laws prohibiting sexual harassment in Nigeria, many victims are forced to quit their dream jobs while others suffer depression as a result of unsolicited sexual advances from colleagues. FAITH ADEOYE reports.
If you want to keep your job and excel in your career, you need to do as I say,” Janet Abegunde’s boss said to her one fateful day. Miss Abegunde, a 24-year-old accountant who had just gotten her first job in one of the new generation banks, said she fell into depression after her boss sexually harassed her. | https://tribuneonlineng.com/77-persons-test-positive-for-hiv-in-taraba-as-government-begins-mass-testing/ | 2022-06-26T15:17:39Z | https://tribuneonlineng.com/77-persons-test-positive-for-hiv-in-taraba-as-government-begins-mass-testing/ | false | 1 |
Should The Brooklyn Nets Extend Kyrie Irving?
As talented as Kyrie Irving is, there is always plenty of drama attached to his name, whether it be positive or negative drama. Kyrie can flat out play when he is on the court. He is extremely quick with the ball and is a lethal ball handler and shooter. When he...
q1057.com | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644588807168/should-the-brooklyn-nets-extend-kyrie-irving | 2022-06-26T15:24:53Z | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644588807168/should-the-brooklyn-nets-extend-kyrie-irving | true | null |
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Image: PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said Lord Jagannath gives deep human messages to people through his journey during the Rath Jatra, which is scheduled to be held on July 1.
The Prime Minister made this observation while addressing the 90th episode of his monthly radio address ‘Maan Ki Baat’.
In just a few days, the famous Rath Jatra of Lord Jagannath is going to start in Puri, and efforts are made by the people to have the good fortune of visiting Puri on this occasion, Modi said.
“Be it Ahmedabad or Puri, Lord Jagannath gives us many deep human messages through this journey. Bhagwan Jagannath is the Lord of the world, but the poor and downtrodden have a special participation in his journey.
“Similarly, in all the journeys that take place in our country, there is no such distinction between poor and rich, high and low. Rising above all discrimination, the journey itself is paramount…,” the PM said.
Noting that this time a large number of devotees participated in the Chardham Yatra, Modi said from time to time, different Dev (divine)-Yatras also take place in our country.
In Dev Yatras, not only the devotees but also Gods also go on a journey, he said.
“Bhagwan Jagannath Yatra begins on Dwitiya, the second day of the month of Ashadha. In our texts 'Ashadhasya Dwitiya divase, …Rath Yatra', this is how the description is found in Sanskrit shlokas,” Modi said.
In Ahmedabad, Gujarat too, every year Rath Yatra begins from ‘Ashadh Dwitiya’, he said adding “I was in Gujarat, so I also used to get the privilege of serving in this Yatra every year”.
(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) | https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/lord-jagannath-gives-deep-human-messages-through-rath-jatra-journey-pm-modi-articleshow.html | 2022-06-26T15:26:11Z | https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/lord-jagannath-gives-deep-human-messages-through-rath-jatra-journey-pm-modi-articleshow.html | true | 3 |
The start of the 2022 football season is now within striking distance, and with time running out in the offseason, we wanted to take a look at the players who will define the season.
I know, I know. Paul Finebaum has declared Dabo Swinney and the Tigers as yesterday’s news, and the rest of the ACC senses blood in the water after last season. But this roster is talented and deep and has to be considered elite. We all know that the Tigers will go only as far as the quarterback play, wide receivers, and offensive line take them, but this is about the individual players who will make – or break – the year.
The second guy we take a look at is offensive lineman Will Putnam. Putnam has played a lot of games (33) and a lot of snaps (1,615) for the Tigers in his first three years on campus, but those snaps were at right guard. Clemson pushed towards the end of last season thinking there was depth at center, but Mason Trotter missed the bowl game and likely won’t be able to play until December and Hunter Rayburn suffered a career-ending injury.
The coaches moved Putnam over to center this spring, but Trent Howard and Ryan Linthicum each saw time at that spot while Marcus Tate and Jordan McFadden both took snaps. But this appears to be Putnam’s job to lose, and he told us that he is “All In” with the change.
"It definitely has its challenges, but it's something I anticipated a little bit and started practice on the side in December,” Putnam said. “It's something I'm really excited about playing, and that's one of the biggest things for me— I love coming out to practice and look forward to getting better at center. I think it's good for me that I'm an underclassman and my leadership role, I'm kind of leading the guys. I have a lot of accountability in it and I'm trying to get better at it every day."
Putnam said the coaches didn’t have to ask him to move.
“I think it’s important as a guard to also know how to play center,” Putnam said. “A lot of (for moving) wasn’t necessarily the coaching staff but the turnover we had on the O-line. We had guys injured, guys getting hurt, and with COVID, you never know who’s going to be in and who’s going to be out. It’s just something I wanted to do for myself to kind of up my game a little bit, and I just wanted to do it for the team. Maybe some guys can play guard but can’t play center. And I want to be a guy that can do both.
“It’s like, OK, if I only play right guard, that means you can only play one position at the next level. But now if I can play center, that means I can play two positions at the next level. You work at that, and then it’s, oh, I can play left guard. That’s three. It kind of ups your stock a little bit I think.”
New offensive line coach Thomas Austin likes what he’s seen out of Putnam, especially with the snaps.
“He’s done a heck of a job,” Austin said. “If he misses, it’s low. It’s not over the head where you’re chasing after it. We’ve got a lot of confidence in him. His progression only six practices in, he’s done a phenomenal job.
“From the minute we had that conversation (about the move), he’s been out here. And whenever have been able to do it on their own, he’s been snapping with (quarterback) DJ (Uiagalelei) and getting the younger guys out here. He’s had very few snap issues. From a technique standpoint, he’s doing a phenomenal job. He’s a natural.”
The good news for Putnam is that he has had time to work out the kinks – last year the coaches moved Matt Bockhorst to center just weeks before the Tigers had to face Georgia’s dominant front. Putnam will have Georgia Tech, Furman, and Louisiana Tech to get comfortable. While all will present challenges, none of that group poses the challenge like Georgia.
Will Putnam bio
2021: Started all 10 games in which he appeared, playing 633 offensive snaps … third-team all-conference pick by Phil Steele … played 67 snaps vs. No. 5 Georgia … played 51 snaps and shared team offensive player of the game honors vs. SC State as Clemson exceeded both 200 rushing yards and 200 passing yards … played 70 plays vs. Georgia Tech, Clemson’s second straight game allowing zero sacks … played 53 snaps at NC State … battled through 51 snaps in a Friday night win at Syracuse after missing Clemson’s game against Boston College with an injury … played 65 snaps at No. 23 Pitt … played 75 snaps and helped pave the way for Will Shipley’s 128 rushing yards in a comeback win vs. Florida State … played 73 snaps vs. No. 13 Wake Forest as Clemson’s offensive line shared team offensive players of the game honors with Kobe Pace after the Tigers produced season highs in total yards (543) and rushing yards (333) while allowing zero sacks … played 55 snaps at South Carolina in helping Clemson both exceed 250 rushing yards and allow zero sacks in a second straight game.
2020: Started all 12 games, playing 790 snaps as Clemson led the ACC as the only team to allow fewer than two sacks per game … All-ACC Academic Team selection … made first career start at Wake Forest, playing 65 snaps and helping Clemson to 561 yards of offense … played 33 snaps in Clemson’s shutout win vs. The Citadel … played 68 snaps vs. Virginia in helping Trevor Lawrence post his second 300-yard passing game of the season … played 89 snaps in helping Clemson exceed both 200 yards passing and 200 yards rushing against No. 7 Miami … played 41 snaps at Georgia Tech as Clemson accumulated 671 yards and 73 points in the largest conference win in ACC history … played 78 snaps in Travis Etienne’s three-touchdown performance against Syracuse … played 81 snaps vs. Boston College as Clemson scored 24 unanswered points to overcome an 18-point deficit in the largest comeback win in the history of Death Valley … played 79 snaps in helping D.J. Uiagalelei throw for 439 yards in a double-overtime contest at No. 4 Notre Dame … played 76 snaps vs. Pitt, helping protect Trevor Lawrence during his 403-yard passing performance … played 47 snaps at Virginia Tech, holding the Hokies without a sack and helping Clemson to 7.9 yards per carry in the contest … played 63 snaps as Clemson produced 541 yards of offense in ACC Championship Game vs. No. 2 Notre Dame … played 70 snaps in Sugar Bowl vs. No. 3 Ohio State.
2019: Played 192 snaps over 11 games … played 16 snaps in collegiate debut vs. Georgia Tech … played eight snaps at Syracuse … recorded 15 snaps vs. Charlotte … played 29 snaps in helping Clemson to 552 yards of total offense vs. Florida State … played 10 snaps in the midst of Clemson’s 551-yard performance with 298 rushing yards at Louisville … played 34 snaps in helping Clemson exceed both 300 passing yards and 300 rushing yards vs. Boston College … played 26 snaps in helping Clemson to 702 yards of offense vs. Wofford … played 18 snaps in Clemson’s Atlantic Division-clinching win at NC State … played 18 snaps vs. Wake Forest, helping Clemson outgain the Demon Deacons, 516-105 … played eight snaps at South Carolina as Clemson earned its sixth consecutive victory against the Gamecocks … played 10 snaps as Clemson rolled up 600 yards of offense vs. No. 22 Virginia en route to a fifth straight ACC Championship.
Before Clemson: National top 120 player and four-star recruit by three services … ranked No. 80 overall player in the nation by 247Sports, third-best offensive guard in the nation and 11th-best overall player in Florida … Rivals.com ranked Putnam as its No. 106 overall player, No. 7 offensive guard and No. 14 player in Florida … ESPN.com listed him as No. 116 overall player, No. 5 offensive guard and No. 15 player in Florida … will play in US Army All-American game in San Antonio on Jan. 5 … played for Robert Werner at Plant High School in Tampa the last two years … played at Glenwood High School in Chatham, Ill. as a freshman and sophomore … father is with the U.S. Army and his job was reason for the transfer … helped Plant High to 11-2 season in 2018 … one of four team captains in 2018 for Plant … played both ways throughout his career … in addition to his outstanding blocking, had 63 tackles on defense in 2018 with eight tackles for loss, five of which were sacks … had 31 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss in 2016 at Glenwood High … outstanding wrestler who competed in state heavyweight tournament as a freshman at Glenwood in 2016 … was the Florida state champion as a heavyweight in 2018 with a 25-0 record for the season … recruited by Robbie Caldwell and Tony Elliott … signed with Clemson on Dec. 20, 2018 … enrolled at Clemson in January 2019.
Personal: Born Aug. 13, 2000 … management major … completed a microinternship with Lima One Capital in Greenville in spring 2022 … two-time ACC Honor Roll selection (2019-20). | https://www.tigernet.com/clemson-football/story/players-who-will-define-clemsons-2022-season-center-will-putnam-20516 | 2022-06-26T15:27:12Z | https://www.tigernet.com/clemson-football/story/players-who-will-define-clemsons-2022-season-center-will-putnam-20516 | true | 1 |
How to Watch A7FL Playoffs: Paterson U at Baltimore Rare Breed: Live Stream, TV Channel, Start Time
The final four is all set for the American 7 Football League playoffs this weekend. Paterson U and Rare Breed will play in the first game of the day while Trenton BIC and the Baltimore Gators play in the nightcap. The winner of this game will play for the A7FL championship. It will be interesting to see how so much time off between rounds will affect these players. Paterson U hasn't played in three weeks while the Rare Breed hasn't played in two.
How to watch A7FL Playoffs: Paterson U at Baltimore Rare Breed today:
Game Date: June 26, 2022
Game Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
TV: Stadium
Watch the A7FL Playoffs: Paterson U at Baltimore Rare Breed game online with fuboTV: Start your free trial today!
Paterson U had a great regular season coming in second in the red north division, trailing only Trenton BIC who is the only undefeated team so far this season. While Paterson U may not have played in a while, they absolutely destroyed their competition in the quarterfinals. They beat the Baltimore Hit Squad 52-6.
But that was against a team that had only one win in the red south division. The Rare Breed had the best record in that division and will be a much different and more difficult challenge. Baltimore's last game was a nail bitter as they beat the Tampa Nightcrawlers 26-25 in one of the best games of the year. It's difficult to pick a favorite in this one but it should be a very close matchup.
Regional restrictions may apply. | https://www.si.com/tv/american-7s-football-league/a7fl-playoffs-paterson-u-rare-breed-june-26-live-stream-free | 2022-06-26T15:34:33Z | https://www.si.com/tv/american-7s-football-league/a7fl-playoffs-paterson-u-rare-breed-june-26-live-stream-free | true | 1 |
104th Birthday Celebrations at Brightview Paramus
About Ansgar Hansen: Hansen was born on June 21, 1918 in southern Norway. He was the second of 13 children. He attended school in a one room schoolhouse. As a teen he bought a horse for doing farm work. In 1938 he attended Bible School in Bergen, Norway. Ansgar...
paramuspost.com | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644595193252/104th-birthday-celebrations-at-brightview-paramus | 2022-06-26T15:36:03Z | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644595193252/104th-birthday-celebrations-at-brightview-paramus | false | null |
Camilla Tominey 4pm - 7pm
'Let's show Putin our pecs': G7 leaders mock Russian leader for his topless pics
26 June 2022, 15:14
Boris Johnson joked about Vladimir Putin with fellow world leaders as they met at the G7 summit in Germany.
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The Prime Minister and Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau discussed the Russian leader and his history of being photographed without a shirt.
As the sun shone at Schloss Elmau in the Bavarian Alps, where the G7 leaders were meeting, Mr Johnson questioned whether they should keep their suit jackets on.
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Warming to his theme, he then added "shall we take our clothes off?", suggesting "we all have to show that we're tougher than Putin".
Mr Trudeau joined in, referring to a "bare-chested horseback ride" - Mr Putin was pictured shirtless riding a horse in 2009.
Mr Johnson then said: "We've got to show our pecs."
Boris Johnson has met his G7 counterparts at a summit in Germany.
Amid speculation about the appetite of Western leaders to continue to support Ukraine during a prolonged conflict, Mr Johnson said Vladimir Putin must not be allowed to "hack" Russia's neighbour apart with impunity.
Ahead of a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Mr Johnson was asked whether France and Germany are doing enough over Ukraine.
The PM praised the Germans without mentioning France.
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Read more: 'Boris Johnson is Boris Johnson': Minister defends PM after pledge not to change
"Just look at what the Germans alone have done," he said.
"I never believed in my lifetime that I would see a German chancellor stepping up in the way that Olaf Scholz has and sending weaponry to help the Ukrainians to protect themselves.
"He's made huge, huge strides. We have 4 per cent of our gas from Russia, in Germany it's 40 per cent.
"They're facing real, real pressures, they're having to source energy from elsewhere. But they're doing it. They're making the effort. They're making the sacrifice."
He said the Germans realise "the price of freedom is worth paying", despite the domestic consequences.
Mr Johnson added: "The consequences of what's happening for the world are tough, but the price of backing down, the price of allowing Putin to succeed, to hack off huge parts of Ukraine, to continue with his programme of conquest, that price will be far, far higher and everybody here understands that."
Mr Johnson's German visit is the latest leg of a series of international summits which have kept him out of the UK as questions mount over his leadership.
At the summit he urged Western allies to stand firm over Ukraine as he sought to put his domestic political difficulties to one side.
Mr Johnson was at a Commonwealth meeting in Rwanda as the Conservatives learned they had lost the by-elections in Tiverton and Honiton and Wakefield, and he is not expected to return to the UK until after a Nato summit in Madrid concludes on Thursday, meaning his ability to reassure wavering MPs - or snuff out Westminster plots against him - will be diminished.
But he will hope appearing on an international stage, focusing on the biggest war in Europe since the defeat of the Nazis, will persuade doubters that it is not the right time to consider a change in leadership in the UK. | https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/g7-leaders-mock-putin-for-topless-pics/ | 2022-06-26T15:36:49Z | https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/g7-leaders-mock-putin-for-topless-pics/ | false | 1 |
Scary movie fans met at The Outsiders House Museum for a screening of "Friday the 13th" on the lawn.
The museum hosts Ari Lehman, the actor who played Jason in the original film, as part of the event.
Fans got to chat with Lehman during a meet and greet before the film started at 9.
Lehman also helped judge a costume contest for the top 3 best-dressed attendees. | https://www.newson6.com/story/62b7362fb35066072d22bdf9/the-outsiders-house-welcomes-original-jason-voorheers-actor-for-friday-the-13th-screening | 2022-06-26T15:37:43Z | https://www.newson6.com/story/62b7362fb35066072d22bdf9/the-outsiders-house-welcomes-original-jason-voorheers-actor-for-friday-the-13th-screening | false | null |
(The Hill) – President Biden said Sunday that the Group of Seven (G7) nations will ban Russian gold imports to further impose financial costs on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.
“The United States has imposed unprecedented costs on Putin to deny him the revenue he needs to fund his war against Ukraine,” Biden tweeted on Sunday. “Together, the G7 will announce that we will ban the import of Russian gold, a major export that rakes in tens of billions of dollars for Russia.”
Biden’s announcement came on the first day of a G7 meeting in Germany; a formal announcement is expected later on during the summit.
While it does not bring in as much money as energy, gold is a major source of revenue for the Russian economy. Restricting exports to G7 economies will cause more financial strain to Russia as it wages the war in Ukraine.
The G7 includes the United States, France, Canada, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and Italy.
The U.S. and its allies have been searching for more ways to punish Russia for the bloody war that recently entered its fifth month. Biden has announced waves of penalties coordinated with allies that range from sanctions on Russian officials and oligarchs to export controls to sanctions on major Russian banks.
Still, Europeans are limited in what they can do because of their dependence on Russian energy imports. European countries have vowed to phase out Russian oil but have not taken steps like the U.S. to do so immediately.
Biden administration officials teased new announcements to squeeze Russia ahead of Biden’s trip to Europe and it’s possible there will be more announcements beyond the plan to ban Russian gold imports.
Biden embarked on the trip to Europe for the G7 meeting and, later, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit with the goal of demonstrating unity with allies on keeping up pressure on Russia even as the war roils the global economy.
Biden spent Sunday morning meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and later participated in a working lunch with other leaders.
A White House readout of Biden’s meeting with Scholz indicated Ukraine was a main topic of conversation.
“The leaders underlined their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as their continued provision of military, economic, humanitarian, and diplomatic support to help Ukraine defend its democracy against Russian aggression,” the White House readout said. “The leaders also discussed efforts to alleviate the impacts of Russia’s war in Ukraine on global food and energy security.”
Biden also thanked Scholz for committing to boosting Germany’s defense spending above NATO’s 2 percent of gross domestic product target.
A White House official characterized the meeting as “very warm and friendly” and said there was “very broad alignment on all of the issues that they discussed and all the common challenges that our countries are working on together.” | https://www.mytwintiers.com/news-cat/national-news/biden-says-g7-will-ban-russian-gold-imports/ | 2022-06-26T15:38:34Z | https://www.mytwintiers.com/news-cat/national-news/biden-says-g7-will-ban-russian-gold-imports/ | true | 32 |
Former deputy minister Faina Kirschenbaum on Sunday argued before the Supreme Court that her bribery conviction by the Tel Aviv District Court in the Yisrael Beytenu Affair should be reversed.
In addition, Kirschenbaum’s lawyers, led by Giora Aderet, argued that the saga was not one of the worst public corruption cases in history, that the state had exaggerated its severity and that the judge had bought into the prosecution’s extreme interpretation leading to an unfairly harsh 10- year jail sentence.
"The indictment…is practically like none which an Israeli court has even seen."
Prosecutor Meor Even Chen
One challenge the defense has before the Supreme Court is that the case led to over a dozen convictions besides Kirschenbaum, including multiple former allies of hers turning state’s witness and incriminating her as running the scheme.
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It was among the first appeals ever to be televised, as to date, the court’s pilot program of televising hearings to increase transparency had been limited to constitutional hearings before the High Court of Justice or a small number of high-profile verdicts.
Quid pro quo
Besides skimming funds off the state budgets that Kirschenbaum granted to various public bodies, she was convicted of a scheme, with her family members and members of Yisrael Beytenu, of receiving free hotel rooms, expensive electronics, paid jobs and a range of other illegal quid pro quo benefits.
The trial court Judge Yaron Levy had said, “From 2009 and until the criminal probe went public, the defendant held tremendous power to allocate between NIS 80-200 million per year,” adding that Kirchenbaum skillfully circumvented a variety of laws designed to prevent corrupt use of public funds.
Kirschenbaum was the Yisrael Beytenu party chairman and right-hand of Avigdor Liberman from 2003-2014 and deputy minister from 2009-2014.
Already at the opening of the prosecution’s case against her, Economic Crimes Unit Deputy Director Meor Even Chen had told the court that even as the country has seen corruption among its public officials in the past, that this case was unique.
Even Chen said that in past cases, public officials were approached with bribes to approve requests, such as construction plans.
However, the prosecutor said that in this case “it was not a question of giving an approval…the indictment…is practically like none which an Israeli court has even seen…state funds from the budget itself were used as bribery funds…by the woman empowered by the legislature herself.”
On Sunday, the defense tried to turn these arguments against the prosecution, positing that Kirschenbaum could not have known that her conduct was illegal because there were no prior similar cases and prosecution rules on the issue had been less clear.
Rather, they said patronage of funds to supporters is a standard, if not laudable, aspect of politics in democracies, and she was unfairly targeted for conduct that many were involved in at the time
In contrast, the prosecution said the scope of the scheme and the existence of quid pro quos made her actions different than mere patronage.
Case 242
In January 2018, the prosecution got its first conviction in “Case 242,” against Israeli Promoters Association CEO Irena Waldberg as part of a plea bargain.
This was a major turning point as Waldenberg pointed the finger directly at Kirschenbaum and helped the prosecution hammer holes in the former top Yisrael Beytenu official’s defenses.
In her March 2019 testimony, Kirschenbaum tried to plead ignorance of the bribery scheme and to redirect blame on Yisrael Beytenu chief of staff David Godovsky and others who have cut plea deals and who the court has already convicted.
Notably, Kirschenbaum remained loyal to Liberman and said he knew nothing about the scheme.
Rather, she said that police told her they did not even care about her and were only going after her in order to get to Liberman.
Kirschenbaum had trouble having to explain why she used code words in referring to funds (which were eventually used in the bribery scheme) in her telephone conversations. She also was on the defensive explaining her refusal to answer the vast majority of police questions and some damaging responses she gave at the start of her questioning before she went silent.
Further, she had to explain why she did not replace Godovsky when she said she noticed he was possibly taking irregular actions.
But Waldberg’s admission that Kirschenbaum was aware of the various details of bribery arrangements being carried out and had told Godovsky and another aide to ask for funding was especially damning.
Waldberg said she had complied to ingratiate herself with Kirschenbaum, who was assisting her with a range of public- and private-sector business issues on an ongoing basis.
Case 242 involved about a dozen other former ministry CEOs and former heads of quasi-governmental bodies and regional councils who were under observation since the alleged massive fraud scheme became known in December 2014.
Kirschenbaum was said to have worked on the scheme along with the Samaria Development Company, the Ayalim Association, the Binyamin Regional Council, the Ezra Association and the National Anti-Drug and Alcohol Abuse Authority. | https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-710436 | 2022-06-26T15:43:54Z | https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-710436 | false | 1 |
You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. | https://sportspyder.com/nba/detroit-pistons/articles/39904617 | 2022-06-26T15:45:39Z | https://sportspyder.com/nba/detroit-pistons/articles/39904617 | true | null |
Kochi: V P Khalid’s demise would be a great loss to the Malayalam film and television industry as he could light up the screens instantly with his excellent acting prowess and spirited performances. Not many know that Khalid was once popularly known as Cochin Nagesh who was not only an excellent dancer but a talented singer, magician, playwright, director and makeup artist too. Khalid was a young boy when his parents Valiakathu VK Pareeth and Thanathuparambil Kunjipennu moved from Malabar to settle in Fort Kochi. A born artist, Khalid was keen to learn the disco dance that had been incredibly popular at that time. Moreover, he learned magical skills from Vazhakunnam Namboothiri. His cycle yajnam or bicycle performance had made him popular among the masses. Besides, he also performed dance routines, songs, puppetry and magic to entertain the crowds.
Khalid who acted in the plays of popular drama troupes Sanathana and Alleppey Theatres had also acted in many super hit films. In 1973, he essayed roles in ‘Periyar’, ‘Enipadikal’ and ‘Ponnapuram Kotta’. After a really long hiatus, Khalid returned to the silver screen to act in more than forty films including in movies like ‘Nadan’, ‘Anuraga Karikkin Vellam’, ‘Sunday Holiday’ and ‘Puzhu’. ‘Solomante Theneechakal’ directed by Lal Jose was the last movie in which Khalid had acted.
It was Father Mathew Kothakathu who gave him the name Cochin Nagesh. At a cycle performance in Chullikkal, Khalid entertained the crowd by mimicking the gestures of Tamil actor Nagesh. The priest who inaugurated the program was so impressed by Khalid’s performance that he called the artist Cochin Nagesh. PE Hameed, a veteran artist, recalls how Khalid had mesmerized the crowds as Sivaji Ganesan in the cycle performance of Cochin Franklin. Hameed says that he can never forget Khalid’s incredible performance, singing Sivaji Ganesan’s songs and dancing to them. Khalid used to regularly attend the meetings of Sayyanakoottam, a community of senior citizens. He loved singing evergreen songs at these meetings.
Besides, Khalid liked to spend time with the Mehfil orchestra in Fort Kochi. He was often accompanied by his friends who enjoyed singing old songs and reminiscing the old times. Like every amazing artist, Khalid too had wished to die while performing. His daughter Rahmath says that Khalid had always told them about his wish. It truly must be fate that a great artist like Khalid had died exactly like he had wished.
Artist at ten
Kochi: Khalid began his acting career, replacing an actor in a play, when he was just 16 years old. Interestingly, he bagged the award for best comic actor for that play. He then became an indispensable part of the drama performances that were held at Fort Kochi Santacruz ground. Whenever Khalid visited his uncle’s house in Alappuzha, his favourite hangout spot was outside the gate of the renowned Udaya Studio. However, his aim was to enter those gates. One day, senior actor Thoppil Bhasi came to the studio in his car. He had known Khalid from his old days in the theatre. Seeing Khalid outside the gate, Bhasi took him inside. Bhasi had come for the shooting of ‘Enippadikal’. Khalid too got a chance to act in that movie.
Khalid debuted in a movie, as a ten-year-old, playing the role of actor Muthaiah’s son. Meanwhile, he learned rock n roll dance from an Anglo-Indian family in the neighbourhood. Khalid’s elder brother and other family members were worried whether he would ruin his future by embracing art. They tried to ‘pack’ him to the Gulf. However, Khalid refused to go as he was enjoying his acting stints and other performances. But, later, he flew to Saudi Arabia hoping that his skills in magic would come in handy. Even though he had a regular job, Khalid found time to perform magic and other art forms at events. It was only years later that he had returned from the Gulf.
Cinema family
“There wouldn’t be another home in Kochi where you could find these many cinema artists. I am happy and proud of it. I will be the luckiest man even if I die today,” Khalid had once said in an interview. It was his eldest son Shaji, a cameraman, who brought his brothers too into the industry. Shaji did camera work at weddings and other events. He used to take his brothers to assist him. Later, he joined the Ryan studio; soon, his brother Shyju Khalid too joined there. It was only later that their younger brother Jimshi became a cinematographer.
Shaji was planning to make a movie along with his friends when he died in a tragic accident. Meanwhile, Shyju went on to become one of the most sought-after cinematographers in the industry, cranking the camera for blockbusters like ‘Traffic’, ‘Salt n Pepper’, ‘22 Female Kottayam’, ‘Maheshinte Prathikaram’, ‘Ee.Ma.Yau’ and ‘Kumbalangi Nights’. He also directed the short segment ‘Sethulekshmi’ in the anthology movie ‘5 Sundarikal’. Jimshi too turned to cinematography, following his brother’s footsteps. He made a mark for himself in movies like ‘Anuraga Karikkin Vellam’, ‘Allu Ramendran’, ‘Kappela’, ‘Love’ and ‘Thallumala’. Their brother Khalid Rahman is a noted director and script-writer. He is the director of ‘Anuraga Karikkin Vellam’, ‘Unda’, ‘Love’ and ‘Thallumala’.
Marimayam makeup artist
Khalid had reached the sets of super hit sitcom Marimayam that airs on Mazhavil Manorama as a makeup artist. He did that job for two days before director Unnikrishnan realised Khalid’s amazing background in acting. The director didn’t hesitate to entrust the veteran actor with small yet significant roles. His role got bigger as the audience loved Khalid’s performance. Interestingly, Khalid’s character was named ‘Sumesh’ by actor Salim Hassan who plays the role of Pyarijathan in the sitcom. As Sumesh became a hit Khalid got promoted to a regular in Marimayam, donning hundreds of characters, for almost nine years. The current director of the series Mithun Chettoor says that it was only a week ago that the crew had shot the portions involving Khalid’s character. They had to film a scene where Khalid was required to sit atop a wall. However, the crew decided to ditch the scene as they didn’t want to cause any discomfort for Khalid. But, the talented actor performed the scene with fabulous energy and spirit that would give any young actor a run for their money. The scene would be aired in the next episode of Marimayam. | https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/06/26/khalid-all-rounder-sumesh-actor-marimayam.amp.html | 2022-06-26T15:46:08Z | https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/06/26/khalid-all-rounder-sumesh-actor-marimayam.amp.html | false | 2 |
Furious about surging prices at the gasoline station and the supermarket, many consumers feel they know just where to cast blame: On greedy companies that relentlessly jack up prices and pocket the profits.
Responding to that sentiment, the Democratic-led House of Representatives last month passed on a party-line vote – most Democrats for, all Republicans against – a bill designed to crack down on alleged price gouging by energy producers.
Likewise, Britain last month announced plans to impose a temporary 25 per cent windfall tax on oil and gas company profits and to funnel the proceeds to financially struggling households.
Yet for all the public’s resentment, most economists say corporate price gouging is, at most, one of many causes of runaway inflation – and not the primary one.
“There are much more plausible candidates for what’s going on,” said Jose Azar an economist at Spain’s University of Navarra.
They include: Supply disruptions at factories, ports and freight yards. Worker shortages. President Joe Biden’s enormous pandemic aid program. COVID 19-caused shutdowns in China. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And, not least, a Federal Reserve that kept interest rates ultralow longer than experts say it should have.
Most of all, though, economists say resurgent spending by consumers and governments drove inflation up.
The blame game is, if anything, intensifying after the U.S. government reported that inflation hit 8.6 per cent in May from a year earlier, the biggest price spike since 1981.
Did the consumer backlash against inflation start this week?
To fight inflation, the Fed is now belatedly tightening credit aggressively. On June 15, it raised its benchmark short-term rate by three-quarters of a point – its largest hike since 1994 – and signalled that more large rate hikes are coming. The Fed hopes to achieve a notoriously difficult “soft landing” – slowing growth enough to curb inflation without causing the economy to slide into recession.
For years, inflation had remained at or below the Fed’s 2 per cent annual target, even while unemployment sank to a half-century low. But when the economy rebounded from the pandemic recession with startling speed and strength, the U.S. consumer price index rose steadily – from a 2.6 per cent year-over-year increase in March 2021 to last month’s four-decade high.
For a while at least – before profit margins at S&P 500 companies dipped early this year – the inflation surge coincided with swelling corporate earnings. It was easy for consumers to connect the dots: Companies, it seemed, were engaged in price-gouging. This wasn’t just inflation. It was greedflation.
Asked to name the culprits behind the spike in gasoline prices, 72 or Biden (58. And the verdict was bipartisan: 86 per cent of Democrats and 52 per cent of Republicans blamed corporations for inflated gas prices.
“It’s very natural for consumers to see prices rising and get angry about it and then look for someone to blame,” said Christopher Conlon, an economist at New York University’s Stern School of Business who studies corporate competition. “You and I don’t get to set prices at the supermarket, the gas station or the car dealership. So people naturally blame corporations, since those are the ones they see raising prices.”
Yet Conlon and many other economists are reluctant to indict – or to favour punishing – Corporate America. When the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business asked economists this month whether they’d support a law to bar big companies from selling their goods or services at an “unconscionably excessive price” during a market shock, 65 per cent said no. Only 5 per cent backed the idea.
Just what combination of factors is most responsible for causing prices to soar “is still an open question,” economist Azar acknowledges. COVID-19 and its aftermath have made it hard to assess the state of the economy. Today’s economists have no experience analyzing the financial aftermath of a pandemic.
Policymakers and analysts have been repeatedly blindsided by the path the economy has taken since COVID struck in March 2020: They didn’t expect the swift recovery from the downturn, fuelled by vast government spending and record-low rates engineered by the Fed and other central banks. Then they were slow to recognize the gathering threat of high inflation pressures, dismissing them at first as merely a temporary consequence of supply disruptions.
One aspect of the economy, though, is undisputed: A wave of mergers in recent decades has killed or shrunk competition among airlines, banks, meatpacking companies and many other industries. That consolidation has given the surviving companies the leverage to demand price cuts from suppliers, to hold down workers’ pay and to pass on higher costs to customers who don’t have much choice but to pay up.
Central bankers are just as flustered by inflation as the rest of us
Researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston have found that less competition made it easier for companies to pass along higher costs to customers, calling it an “amplifying factor” in the resurgence of inflation.
Josh Bivens, research director at the liberal Economic Policy Institute, has estimated that nearly 54 per cent of the price increases in nonfinancial businesses since mid-2020 can be attributed to “fatter profit margins,” versus just 11 per cent from 1979 through 2019.
Bivens conceded that neither corporate greed nor market clout has likely grown significantly in the past two years. But he suggested that during the COVID inflationary spike, companies have redirected how they use their market power: Many have shifted away from pressuring suppliers to cut costs and limiting workers’ pay and have instead boosted prices for customers.
In a study of nearly 3,700 companies released last week, the left-leaning Roosevelt Institute concluded that markups and profit margins last year reached their highest level since the 1950s. It also found that companies that had aggressively raised prices before the pandemic were more likely to do so after it struck, “suggesting a role for market power as an explanatory driver of inflation.”
Yet many economists aren’t convinced that corporate greed is the main culprit. Jason Furman, a top economic adviser in the Obama White House, said that some evidence even suggests that monopolies are slower than companies that face stiff competition to raise prices when their own costs rise, “in part because their prices were high to begin with.”
Likewise, NYU’s Conlon cites examples where prices have soared in competitive markets. Used cars, for example, are sold in lots across the country and by numerous individuals. Yet average used-car prices have skyrocketed 16 per cent over the past year. Similarly, the average price of major appliances, another market with plenty of competitors, jumped nearly 10 per cent last month from a year earlier.
By contrast, the price of alcoholic beverages has risen just 4 per cent from a year ago even though the beer market is dominated by AB-Inbev and spirits by Bacardi and Diageo.
“It is hard to imagine that AB-Inbev isn’t as greedy as Maytag,” Conlon said.
So what has most driven the inflationary spike?
“Demand,” said Furman, now at Harvard University. “Lots of government spending, lots of monetary support – all combined together to support extraordinarily high levels of demand. Supply couldn’t keep up, so prices rose.”
Researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco estimate that government aid to the economy during the pandemic, which put money in consumers’ pockets to help them endure the crisis and set off a spending spree, has raised inflation by about 3 percentage points since the first half of 2021.
In report released in April, researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis blamed global supply chain bottlenecks for playing a “significant role” in inflating factory costs. They found that it added a staggering 20 percentage points to wholesale inflation in manufacturing last November, raising it to 30 per cent.
Still, even some economists who don’t blame greedflation for the price spike of the past year say they think governments should try to restrict the market power of monopolies, perhaps by blocking mergers that reduce competition. The idea is that more companies vying for the same customers would encourage innovation and makes the economy more productive.
Even so, tougher antitrust policies wouldn’t likely do much to slow inflation anytime soon.
“I find it helpful to think about competition like diet and exercise,” NYU’s Conlon said. “More competition is a good thing. But, like diet and exercise, the payoffs are long term.
“Right now, the patient is in the emergency room. Sure, diet and exercise are still a good thing. But we need to treat the acute problem of inflation.”
Our Morning Update and Evening Update newsletters are written by Globe editors, giving you a concise summary of the day’s most important headlines. Sign up today. | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-greedflation-is-price-gouging-helping-fuel-high-inflation-2/ | 2022-06-26T15:54:28Z | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-greedflation-is-price-gouging-helping-fuel-high-inflation-2/ | false | 38 |
Thackeray to act against rebels, says Pawar
Cracking the whip, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi MVA government is set to sack ministers who have joined rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde in Guwahati, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar said here on Sunday.Addressing a press conference here, Pawar said the MVA partners have authorised Thackeray to take action against the rebels and steps will be taken in a day or two.This comes within the purview of the chief minister.
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- India
Cracking the whip, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government is set to sack ministers who have joined rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde in Guwahati, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar said here on Sunday.
Addressing a press conference here, Pawar said the MVA partners have authorised Thackeray to take action against the rebels and steps will be taken in a day or two.
''This comes within the purview of the chief minister. He will take action in a day or two,” Pawar said to questions on sacking of ministers in the state government who have joined ranks with rebel leader Shinde.
The NCP chief ruled out the possibility of imposition of President's Rule in Maharashtra.
“Those who have rebelled want an alternative government in Maharashtra. What is the point of herding so many MLAs from one place to another if you have to impose President's Rule. According to my understanding, there is no possibility of President's Rule. If it happens, there will be elections,” Pawar said.
The NCP chief also dared the rebels to come to Mumbai and prove the numbers in a democratic set-up.
“They claim to have numbers. If they have the numbers, why are they sitting there in Guwahati? Come to Mumbai and prove the numbers in a democratic set-up,” he said. The NCP chief said the MVA partners have complete faith in the leadership of Thackeray and will continue to support him “till the end”.
“Our policy is clear that we have formed a coalition government and we will support it fully. We will support Uddhav Thackeray till the end. Our commitment is towards a Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray,” Pawar said.
Pawar said The Shiv Sena cadre will never digest a different view taken by 40-50 leaders and will stand by Thackeray.
“The Shiv Sena I know will never digest any rebellion. Shiv Sainiks have immense strength and have built the organisation through a lot of efforts. This will have no impact on the organisation. Uddhav Thakceray will emerge victorious,” Pawar said.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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All parties requested NCP leader Sharad Pawar to contest President's poll as the Opposition's candidate, but he declined: DMK's T R Baalu. | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/2087555-thackeray-to-act-against-rebels-says-pawar | 2022-06-26T15:55:15Z | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/2087555-thackeray-to-act-against-rebels-says-pawar | false | 1 |
Rep. Murray: Want gun safety in NH? Vote for Democrats in 2022 elections.
The fact that responsible gun ownership is even considered a controversial idea is mind-boggling. Is anyone really promoting irresponsible gun ownership? Sadly, the New Hampshire Republican Party, currently in the majority in the Legislature, is doing just that.
This past year was another low point for those who have no issue with the Second Amendment, but only want to prevent those who should not have guns from so easily acquiring them. And, in the face of the sheer numbers of heart-breaking mass shootings that have already occurred this year, the cavalier attitude of Republicans will only become more extreme in the next session as they anticipate the public’s demand for legislation that will curb gun violence.
It is well worth noting that “in 2020, firearm-related injuries became the leading cause of death” for children between the age of 1-19 years, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.
More:Little chance for new gun laws in New Hampshire. Sununu, Republicans say none are needed.
Looking back at the past legislative session, the following sensible gun legislation was blocked by the Republicans. A bill was submitted designed to close a loophole in online background checks at gun shows, flea markets and private sales. Another bill sought to prohibit the display of deadly weapons at public events such as celebratory parades, funeral processions, vigils, or demonstrations. Finally a bill which would have prohibited guns at polling places, which often happen to be public schools, was killed.
This was basic legislation to remove insidious loopholes in the present laws which will help to ensure that adequate background checks are done and which will protect citizens from feeling threatened in public places. In what world is this objectionable?
Legislation put forward by Republicans had the opposite goal, including gutting anything that supports responsible gun ownership, gutting background checks, allowing the brandishing of weapons anywhere including all public places, and prohibiting local municipalities from establishing their own gun free zones. There was even an attempt to make it unconstitutional to pass any legislation on gun safety.
Perhaps the worst proposal put forth and passed by the Republicans is HB1178. This bill would prohibit state law enforcement agencies from enforcing federal gun laws. The governor just signed this bill into law.
WMUR reported that, “House Bill 1178 was written with the intent of ‘prohibiting the state from enforcing any federal statute, regulation or presidential executive order that restricts or regulates the right of the people to keep and bear arms’.” This means that if there were federal regulations of any kind, New Hampshire state law enforcement personnel would be prohibited from enforcing those regulations, and such enforcement would be up to federal officers. Since guns are often involved in a crime, this would seriously complicate how federal and state agencies work together.
According to an ABC News/Washington Post poll, 56% of people support a ban on assault weapons, 86% support red flag laws designed to keep weapons out of the hands of people presenting a danger to their communities, their families and to themselves. Fully 89% of citizens support basic background checks prior to purchasing a firearm.
A common reason put forth in opposition to responsible gun legislation is that such laws would penalize responsible gun owners. If indeed they are so responsible, such legislation would in no way impact them. Why then, do they continue to promote legislation that puts our citizens and our children in harm’s way? Why do they not show a shred of concern for the safety of Granite Staters?
One answer is that the majority of Republicans in office today care more about maintaining their personal arsenal of weapons than they do about the safety of our children. They will tell you that is not true. However, if you look at their actions, even in just this last legislative session, you will see that it is, in fact, true.
And what does Majority Leader Jason Osborne propose to keep children in our schools safe? His suggestion is that firearms training should be taught at every grade level in public schools. In other words, arm the children.
This is beyond absurd and we must not let this continue. Please help by supporting Democrats in the upcoming election.
Democrat Kate Murray represents Rye and New Castle in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. She is seeking re-election in 2022 in a new district that includes New Castle and Portsmouth Ward 5. | https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/opinion/columns/2022/06/26/rep-murray-want-gun-safety-vote-democrats-2022-elections/7703028001/ | 2022-06-26T15:55:45Z | https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/opinion/columns/2022/06/26/rep-murray-want-gun-safety-vote-democrats-2022-elections/7703028001/ | false | 1 |
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The BET Awards return Sunday with a live show that could see Doja Cat, Drake and Ari Lennox snag some trophies.
Doja Cat enters the show as the leading nominee with six. The chart-topping performer is up for best female R&B-pop artist, best female hip-hop artist, album of the year for her No. 1 hit “Planet Her” and BET Her for “Woman.” Her “Kiss Me More” with SZA is nominated for video of the year and best collaboration.
Taraji P. Henson will host the show from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Sean “Diddy” Combs will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award — one of the highest honors at the ceremony. The music mogul is the founder of Bad Boy Records, has his own television network, fashion line and is a three-time Grammy winner who has worked with a slew of top-tier artists including Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans and 112.
Drake and Ari Lennox are the second-most nominated acts, scoring four nods each. Three nominations went to several others including Baby Keem, Silk Sonic, Chloe Bailey, Future, H.E.R., Jazmine Sullivan, Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), Kendrick Lamar, Lil Baby, Mary J. Blige and Tems.
Performers include Lil Wayne, Chance the Rapper, Ella Mai, Roddy Ricch, Lizzo and Kirk Franklin.
The winners in the 19 categories, including film and sports awards, will be selected by BET’s Voting Academy, comprised of entertainment professionals and fans. | https://wreg.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/bet-awards-return-sunday-with-doja-cat-as-leading-nominee/ | 2022-06-26T15:55:45Z | https://wreg.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/bet-awards-return-sunday-with-doja-cat-as-leading-nominee/ | false | 22 |
ATLANTA, June 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Craneware Group (AIM: CRW.L), the healthcare market leader in automated value cycle solutions, announced today the unveiling of its Trisus Chargemaster application at the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) Annual Conference in Denver. Attendees will also get their first look at the company's dynamic new branding and design as The Craneware Group, which includes Sentry Data Systems and Agilum Healthcare Intelligence, along with a new "Unlock It" campaign.
A cloud-based solution built on the growing Trisus platform, Trisus Chargemaster is built to meet the needs of healthcare organizations of all sizes, with the ability to manage both hospital and physician charges and fee schedule line items in one application. It includes Trisus Reference, a powerful application delivering reference and coding data for all users across the organization, providing easy navigation and code search, ICD-10 crosswalks, CCI Multicode Checker, Calculator for OPPS reimbursement, and much more.
Trisus Chargemaster is an evolution of the award-winning Chargemaster Toolkit, the industry's first automated chargemaster management solution. With this and all applications on the Trisus platform, The Craneware Group takes significant measures to ensure security across the organization, and HITRUST certification reiterates an unwavering commitment to protecting customer data.
"Trisus Chargemaster represents a transformational approach to CDM management, with easy-to-use functionality that increases efficiency, scalability, performance to facilitate optimal collaboration between operational, financial and clinical teams," said Keith Neilson, CEO of The Craneware Group. "We're excited to demonstrate this versatile new application, drive forward The Craneware Group brand, and show how we are measurably transforming the business of healthcare together."
Visitors to The Craneware Group booth will experience a new tri-color brand design and demonstrations of the exponential power of the company's Trisus platform and 340B solutions. There will also be an array of onsite experiences, including giveaways, games and raffle prizes, that reinforce the new "Unlock It" campaign.
Find The Craneware Group at booth 827.
Craneware (AIM: CRW.L), the leader in automated value cycle solutions, collaborates with U.S. healthcare providers to plan, execute and monitor financial and operational performance so they can continue to drive better outcomes for the communities they serve. Craneware's Trisus platform combines revenue integrity, cost management and decision enablement into a single SaaS-based platform. Our flagship solution, Chargemaster Toolkit®, continually earns KLAS recognition in the Revenue Cycle – Chargemaster Management category and is part of our value cycle management suite, which includes charge capture, strategic pricing, 340B compliance, claims analytics, patient engagement, revenue recovery and retention, and cost and margin intelligence solutions. Learn more at craneware.com.
The Craneware Group Media Contact:
Brian Parrish
VP Marketing
b.parrish@craneware.com
404-364-2150
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Craneware | https://www.wvlt.tv/prnewswire/2022/06/26/craneware-group-unveils-trisus-chargemaster-solution-new-branding-hfma-annual-conference/ | 2022-06-26T16:10:34Z | https://www.wvlt.tv/prnewswire/2022/06/26/craneware-group-unveils-trisus-chargemaster-solution-new-branding-hfma-annual-conference/ | true | 14 |
I have to revisit this again.
Stop it already! Stop the attack on a couple hundred million good, honest, law-abiding Americans!
With that said, I’ve changed my mind. I think getting rid of the Second Amendment is the way to go. California has the strictest gun policies in the nation and the highest (shootings) murder rate. Apparently, more laws and regulations are the solution.
To help make things worse — er, I mean better — the wisdom of Sacramento to introduce about 24 new rules and a new bill that requires gun owners to get insurance is exactly what we need for all the drug dealers and gangs so they stop killing people, knowing they may have to pay a higher premium.
The term “mass shooting” has been defined as when more than four people are shot in one place at the same time. Hence, California can boast holding the top spot. However, apparently New Orleans is trying to catch up, and we run barely ahead of Chicago, which ironically also has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation.
Also, if I understand it correctly, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the smarty-pants in Sacramento are pushing through another bill that would allow the public to sue anyone who “manufactures, distributes, transports or imports assault weapons (for which there is no clear definition), .50 caliber Browning Machine Gun (BMG) rifle or ghost guns.” In essence, Gov. Newsom is legalizing a form of monetary vigilantism.
What could go wrong? To use emotion to make critical decisions, “law makers” fashion concepts to demonstrate they are on it.
I’ve mentioned it before when Gov. Newsom, behaving like a 5-year-old, says if Texas can use a similar law for abortion, said he can use the same law for guns. Neener neener. Gov. Newsom purposely ignores the dots that abortion is also a form of mass murder, but that’s OK it’s not a gun so no laws required.
I’m all for going after everyone who uses a gun. Go into their homes, apartments, cars,or tents, and just rip ’em from their hands. I’m all for going after the guys who shot more than 100 police officers this year. Yup, find the ones who got away and take their guns. Go get the guns from those who killed 263 people in St. Louis, or the ones who killed more than 328 in Detroit. And certainly, take the guns away from the poor, misguided, misunderstood who killed 289 in Memphis. And of course, the mother of all cities, Chicago, where nearly 800 have been killed so far in 2022. I say emphatically yes, take their guns away. No Second Amendment rights for you.
Kind of tough, though, for places like Wyoming, Montana, Missouri or South Dakota don’t even rank on the list of mass shootings. Not sure how we find those criminals and take their guns away since they haven’t shot anyone except maybe a deer. So it makes sense to go after the low-hanging weapons and collect the guns where they’re mostly hanging out, in the big cities, run by Democrats and controlled by liberal district attorneys who let the bad guys free so they can kill again. Like the executioner whom Los Angeles County D.A. George Gascon let go last year, the one who just murdered two cops.
And you know Sacramento is full of it when the guys who shot up downtown Sac, six people dead, have not received homicide-related charges. (Sarcasm is fading away now.)
Ask yourself, where you would feel safer, in Chicago, Oakland or Philadelphia or on a farm in Nebraska?
At a time when the country is literally being ripped apart at the political seams and crime, like fuel, is breaking historical records every day, politicians prioritize taking guns away from the good people.
Pure political posturing because the opportunity rose again after Uvalde. If anything, now’s the time every state and county should be handing out permits to carry concealed weapons, and every American who’s proven not to be insane, should buy at least one gun (maybe have the government issue said weapon).
Nothing would scare gun-toting criminals more than a well-armed citizenry.
And since the Democrats removed our southern border, a recent report noted 50 terrorists were popped trying to get in. We all know if 50 were caught, hundreds more, maybe thousands, made it.
Again, I’ve said this before and bears repeating, the terrorists have or will get guns, bombs, knives. They’re not in America for a better life. They’re here to ruin ours. Makes sense then, to take guns away from Americans but don’t close the border to stop terrorists.
These are times when people are getting stabbed in the back for walking down the street or are getting pushed into subway trains. These are times when punks jump out of their cars and rob you at gunpoint in the middle of the day. Today, going shopping means holding a flash mob smash and grab.
Today, police are being slaughtered weekly, and the government thinks disarming the public is a good plan. Fire their butts and take away their guns. Let’s see how comfortable they feel walking defenseless in the society they created.
I don’t get how supposedly smart humans can be so dumb. Granted, the murders of children are extremely painful, but it doesn’t warrant throwing an entire nation under the bus for the fault of a crazy person and some failed policing.
Society is so easily sucked into everything. Don’t use a straw, it’s killing the turtles. Stop plastic bags, but go ahead and use paper; it’s just trees. Cops are killing people of color everyday so get rid of cops in general.
Let’s follow the piper, er, I mean the news media. They’re feeding me propaganda, and it must be true. I need to march on the street to let others know I’m fighting for a good cause. Not really sure what it is, but people are chanting, so it must be something good. And while we’re at it, let’s burn something down.
Give me a break! How about not getting sucked into mob-thinking for a change? Wind and solar won’t save the planet, but it will turn your lights off. Donald Trump was in collusion with Russia ,and Hillary accidently lost thousands of emails. Hunter Biden couldn’t find his underpants but made millions of dollars looking for them.
The border is secure, and crime is down. Inflation is just short term, and the vaccine will prevent you from getting COVID-19.
Someone, give me a straw; I need a drink.
Henry Schulte welcomes questions or comments at hschulteopinions@gmail.com. | https://newspress.com/dont-take-guns-away-from-good-people/ | 2022-06-26T16:11:56Z | https://newspress.com/dont-take-guns-away-from-good-people/ | true | 1 |
Newcastle United – It’s just a move to the left
Exciting times at Newcastle United.
With Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Nick Pope all signed up in 2022, Sven Botman is set to join them in the next few days.
Lille and Newcastle United having agreed the fee and the 22 year old Dutch defender set to arrive on Monday for his medical before putting pen to paper.
The team and squad are building up nicely, although some Newcastle United fans are still easily confused…
With the imminent arrival of Sven Botman, I have heard more than a few NUFC supporters saying ‘I see Fabian Schar is now set to start the season…’
For what it is worth, this is how I see Newcastle United’s first choice eleven next season, assuming Ekitike also comes in.
Pope or Dubravka
Trippier, Botman, Burn, Targett
Guimaraes, Joelinton, Shelvey or Longstaff or Willock
Ekitike, Wilson, Saint-Maximin
I find it amusing that so many Newcastle fans assume that Sven Botman arriving, automatically means Dan Burn won’t be in the starting eleven.
This is Dan Burn who was an absolute revelation last season, we knew he was at the very least a steady Premier League level defender BUT he was outstanding. In that half season he was the best central defender Newcastle United fans had seen in a long time. Certainly at least since Coloccini’s stand out 2011/12 season when he made the PFA team of the year.
That was over a decade ago now.
I do really like Fabian Schar and he played well last season, certainly once paired with…Dan Burn.
However, the idea that Eddie Howe would play Schar ahead of Burn is laughable, in my opinion.
The reaction of some Newcastle fans is based on the belief that two left footed central defenders won’t be paired together. It is a strange one, as I have never heard anybody say the same when two right footed ones are in the same team in the middle of defence. Fans might say that ideally it would be one of each BUT don’t see two rights making a wrong, if you know what I mean.
It is interesting when you look at that first eleven above for next season, of the 14 options I mention, apart from Botman and Burn, the only other left footed player is Matt Targett.
Nobody seems to see it as a problem that there are no left footers in the rest of the team either, whether it is in the midfield, or out wide. Right footed ASM playing on the left not seen as an issue by fans, although Chris Wood might have one (an issue) with Saint-Maximin always cutting in on his right and never getting down the line and getting crosses in.
Indeed, the only other left footer to get any significant game time was Miguel Almiron and when he did, Eddie Howe played him on the right, so once again some sympathy for Wood, when it came to so few decent crosses coming in from that side as well.
Right footed Ryan Fraser did play on the right to accommodate ASM but his preferred position is also on the wrong (left) side of the pitch.
From what I have seen of Sven Botman, he looks a very confident footballer as well as a very good defender, I very much see him as able to come into the team and play on the right, alongside Dan Burn.
As for those who think Newcastle will sign Botman AND another first choice (right footed) central defender this summer, that just isn’t happening.
In January I think Eddie Howe may well have wanted two new first choice central defenders but Dan Burn has changed that, he did arrive in that last window and has made the position his own.
If more money is to be spent…and I believe it will be. Then as well as Ekitike (or an alternative if he doesn’t come), I think Eddie Howe would be strengthening other parts of the team / squad, rather than adding to the arrival of Botman in central defence.
I’m really looking forward to seeing Burn and Botman playing alongside each other, it might be radical but that is just the way I roll!
(***I am not left footed / handed / anything, just in case you wondered if there was a hint of bias here…)
If you would like to feature on The Mag, submit your article to [email protected] | https://www.themag.co.uk/2022/06/newcastle-united-its-just-a-move-to-the-left/ | 2022-06-26T16:13:26Z | https://www.themag.co.uk/2022/06/newcastle-united-its-just-a-move-to-the-left/ | true | 1 |
Leeds are considering making a move for Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster, who is also being targeted by Arsenal.
Foster is out of contract at Watford this summer, and the 39-year-old doesn’t appear to be planning to retire. Despite his age, Foster was still a regular for Watford in the Premier League, before they suffered relegation.
Arsenal have shown an interest in Foster, as a potential backup to Aaron Ramsdale, according to Marca, but a fresh report from the Daily Mail has claimed Leeds are now considering making a move.
At 39, Foster could have valuable experience for any squad, including the Premier League. The England international has done it on the big stage for Manchester United, as well as his country, and won’t be expecting to be a regular starter.
Sometimes, a club needs a number two to be able to offer guidance to younger goalkeepers, and not kick up a fuss that they aren’t playing. We’ve seen the likes of Manchester City benefit from this situation recently, utilising Scott Carson as a goalkeeper willing to just be a part of the squad.
Arsenal may have been planning to use Foster as a way to help develop Ramsdale. The pair are friends off the pitch, with the latter appearing on the former’s podcast in recent months. | https://www.caughtoffside.com/2022/06/26/leeds-look-set-to-rival-arsenal-in-pursuit-of-england-international/ | 2022-06-26T16:24:40Z | https://www.caughtoffside.com/2022/06/26/leeds-look-set-to-rival-arsenal-in-pursuit-of-england-international/ | true | 1 |
ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — The Roswell incident has been one of the most thoroughly researched and debated mysteries in the history of the UFO phenomenon and among the most enduring.
Barring a major revelation between now and July, Roswell will mark the 75th anniversary of the alleged 1947 UFO crash with the debate over what occurred here far from settled.
That hasn’t been for a lack of digging. For decades now, journalists, authors, documentary film crews and others fascinated by the incident have unearthed and publicized countless bits of information and artifacts of that time.
Along the way, they’ve brought attention to many pieces of Roswell history, such as the July 1947 front pages of the Roswell Daily Record that recorded initial reports of the incident along with a follow-up version of events presented by the military that some now view as one of history’s greatest cover-ups.
The intensity of focus placed on the Roswell incident for three-quarters of a century has led some to posit that most contemporaneous records have already been scrutinized. But one piece of local history recently uncovered provides an interesting companion to those iconic 1947 headlines the public has become familiar with — while adding yet more pages to a still-growing historical record.
The Roswell Morning Dispatch, a long-defunct sister newspaper of the Roswell Daily Record, was published in the mornings from 1928-1950. The Dispatch covered the news of the day, and as such, it carried accounts in July 1947 of the unfolding events related to the alleged recovery of a crashed “Flying Disk” outside Roswell, along with the military’s explanations for what had occurred.
Its historical headlines were discovered among archived editions of the newspaper, the Daily Record reported.
Of interest to UFO research enthusiasts: The July 9, 1947 headline in the Morning Dispatch read, “Army Debunks Roswell Flying Disk As World Simmers With Excitement,” followed by a sub-head bearing a familiar assertion that would help fuel future accusations of a cover-up: “Officers Say Disk Is A Weather Balloon.” A sidebar describes then-sheriff George Wilcox fielding calls from media around the world as journalists sought information on what would come to be known as the Roswell incident.
Nick Pope, who investigated UFOs for the UK Ministry of Defense, said discovery of the old headlines holds significance for researchers and others interested in the phenomenon.
“It’s a fascinating piece of history that time had forgotten,” Pope said. “It just shows that 75 years after the Roswell incident, there are still discoveries to be made in the archives.”
He added, “Any historian will tell you that going back to the original sources is priceless when it comes to getting an insight into what happened and how those people involved were reacting and perceiving things, and what the feeling was in the local community.
“This is just an amazing glimpse into Roswell in 1947 — which was ground zero for this mystery that still endures to this day.”
Barbara Beck, publisher of the Roswell Daily Record, said that bringing a new resource to light for researchers is something the paper’s staff is excited about. “It has taken over 70 years for the Roswell Morning Dispatch with its unique articles and headlines to be discovered while looking through our newspaper’s archives,” she said. “The Dispatch was originally owned by my family and it’s very exciting that we now have a new primary resource to further understand the history of New Mexico and its undiscovered stories.”
The Roswell Daily Record headlines related to the 1947 UFO incident have, for some time, been federally trademarked. Beck added that the Roswell Morning Dispatch accounts have also now been trademarked, meaning they can’t be reproduced without permission.
There’s much to be discovered in the archives. A look at the Dispatch records provide a reminder, for instance, of the degree to which a public fascination with UFOs had taken hold here and across the country at that time. The Roswell incident is one of four UFO-related accounts that appear just on the front page of the July 9, 1947 Morning Dispatch. The other items: “Carrizozo Man Sees Flying Disk,” “Joe Massey Spots Disk Over Roswell,” and an image of an unknown object in the sky over Seattle, Washington, with a caption that asks the question, “Is this a flying disc?”
Further research into the archives has uncovered many more mentions of sightings.
Readers might also notice that the Dispatch front page contains instances of language that reflect the less culturally sensitive times during which the paper was being published. Daily Record management thought it was important to present the archival front page, a piece of local history, to the public unedited and unaltered.
Pope, who will travel to Roswell in July to participate in the Daily Record’s Roswell Incident event, part of the city’s UFO Festival, said he hopes discovery of the old Dispatch headlines reminds people that historical records could still be out there, waiting to be discovered. Such a discovery could, as the much anticipated 75th anniversary of the incident nears, help shed new light on what happened in 1947.
“The fact that Roswell will be the focus of world attention again, is almost like ... a sort of final chance to maybe solve the mystery, one way or the other, for good,” he said. | https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Dispatch-from-1947-offers-another-look-at-17266548.php | 2022-06-26T16:30:06Z | https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Dispatch-from-1947-offers-another-look-at-17266548.php | true | 14 |
Study Finds Black & Latino People Are Still Masking Up, White Folks Not So Much
Though many people have resumed pre-covid activities and customs the pandemic is still very much going, and Black and Latino people are apparently living as such.
According to an article in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution , while White people have discarded the use of masks in their everyday lives and grinds, Black and Latino people tend to remain masked up as we continue to have higher rates of infections and hospitalizations in the population. In polls conducted it was found that the Black and Latino communities practice safety when going out in public while white folks are living like it’s every man for himself out in these streets .
In the surveys, the gap is sharpest between Black and white respondents: an AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll from April found that 71% of Black Americans favored requiring face masks for people traveling on public transportation, compared to 59% of Hispanics, and 52% of white, non-Hispanics. The poll surveyed 1,085 people, with a margin of error in the total sample of 3.9%. Another poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) from this spring found that a total of 81% of Black Americans surveyed said they wore a mask all or most of the time when “indoors in public places,” compared to 65% of Hispanics and 39% of white, non-Hispanics. Kaiser’s poll surveyed 1,243 adults, with a margin of error of at least 4%.
As to why those numbers are the way they are, there’s no specific answer. Yes, Covid-19 did more damage to Black and Brown families than their white counterparts due to various reasons including tight living quarters in minority communities which meant if one person in the home was infected then everyone was bound to catch it. White people on the other hand didn’t experience those kind sof struggles and apparently figured it wasn’t their problem, so to heck with masks.
“What we see is, the more [white] people perceive there to be racial disparities in impact, the more likely they will not be in support of mask-wearing,” said Allison L. Skinner-Dorkenoo, UGA psychology professor and co-author of a recent study by members of the university’s psychology department. The study involved asking written questions of 500 white participants and concluded that, if white people believed that COVID posed a greater threat to Black and Hispanic people, they were less afraid of the virus and may be less likely to wear a mask themselves.
The Caucasity!! But wait, there’s more.
Similarly, Berkeley Franz, community-based health professor at Ohio University, led a study that found white people living in areas of the country where Black and Latino people were dying from the virus at higher rates were less likely to wear masks — and that “mask usage increased when White death rates relative to Black and Hispanic rates increased.”
It also doesn’t help that misinformation and conspiracy theories about the vaccines that came out of right-wing MAGA sources made it’s way into Black and Brown communities and made many people scared to get vaccinated and just continue to wear masks on a daily basis. Those same folks pumping out that misinformation meanwhile have been vaccinated and basically cut the line in order to do so. Still, the damage is done and Black and Latinos believes that getting vaccinated is a trap to hurt minorities or even mutate into something more sinister down the line.
Kathy Carey wears her mask in most public places, although not at church, where fewer people are going since services went online and those who go in person sit six feet apart. She also doesn’t mask at her community’s gym, because “not many people go there.” Carey, 62, also hadn’t been vaccinated. “I’m not doing vaccines,” she said. “I don’t trust them.”
“I’ve made my own decisions,” she added.
Well, at least she’s wearing a mask, right? | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2645402072999/study-finds-black-latino-people-are-still-masking-up-white-folks-not-so-much | 2022-06-26T16:34:27Z | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2645402072999/study-finds-black-latino-people-are-still-masking-up-white-folks-not-so-much | true | 8 |
Collateral Pay (COLL) traded 7.7% higher against the US dollar during the 1 day period ending at 12:00 PM Eastern on June 26th. One Collateral Pay coin can now be bought for about $0.0152 or 0.00000071 BTC on cryptocurrency exchanges. Collateral Pay has a market cap of $93,942.62 and approximately $428.00 worth of Collateral Pay was traded on exchanges in the last 24 hours. In the last week, Collateral Pay has traded up 55.1% against the US dollar.
Here’s how similar cryptocurrencies have performed in the last 24 hours:
- JUMPN (JST) traded 54% lower against the dollar and now trades at $5.46 or 0.00018651 BTC.
- CV SHOTS (CVSHOT) traded up 11.5% against the dollar and now trades at $30.77 or 0.00144291 BTC.
- Tether (USDT) traded 0% lower against the dollar and now trades at $1.00 or 0.00004686 BTC.
- Sweet SOL (SSOL) traded up 600.9% against the dollar and now trades at $0.0001 or 0.00000000 BTC.
- Tari World (TARI) traded up 0.7% against the dollar and now trades at $15.15 or 0.00071042 BTC.
- Bitsubishi (BITSU) traded down 27% against the dollar and now trades at $56.88 or 0.00268900 BTC.
- XRP (XRP) traded up 2.8% against the dollar and now trades at $0.37 or 0.00001715 BTC.
- Wrapped Cardano (WADA) traded 4% higher against the dollar and now trades at $0.51 or 0.00002374 BTC.
- Lido stETH (STETH) traded 0.6% lower against the dollar and now trades at $2,947.45 or 0.07417648 BTC.
- Gateway Protocol (GWP) traded 0.6% higher against the dollar and now trades at $3.04 or 0.00014264 BTC.
Collateral Pay Coin Profile
Collateral Pay Coin Trading
It is usually not presently possible to buy alternative cryptocurrencies such as Collateral Pay directly using U.S. dollars. Investors seeking to trade Collateral Pay should first buy Ethereum or Bitcoin using an exchange that deals in U.S. dollars such as Coinbase, Gemini or Changelly. Investors can then use their newly-acquired Ethereum or Bitcoin to buy Collateral Pay using one of the exchanges listed above.
Receive News & Updates for Collateral Pay Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and updates for Collateral Pay and related cryptocurrencies with MarketBeat.com's FREE CryptoBeat newsletter. | https://www.com-unik.info/2022/06/26/collateral-pay-coll-price-tops-0-0152.html | 2022-06-26T16:51:18Z | https://www.com-unik.info/2022/06/26/collateral-pay-coll-price-tops-0-0152.html | false | 83781 |
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) — It is officially summer, which means the hot temperatures are likely here to stay.
Power companies are asking people to conserve energy when possible during the heatwave. It will help utilities keep up with demand, and also help keep bills as low as possible.
Evergy, a Kansas-based utility company, suggests customers utilize ceiling fans as much as possible. The fan will help circulate cooler air while providing your A/C with a little bit of a break.
But, do you know which way your fan blades should rotate during the summer?
Evergy said to make sure ceiling fan blades are rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. The motion will circulate the cool air during the summer.
During the winter, you’ll want to switch directions and have your fan blades rotate clockwise. That will help spread the warm air throughout your house or apartment.
Much of the U.S. was blanketed by a heat dome earlier this week, sending temperatures into the 90s and 100s for many.
Amidst the widespread heat, residents in a number of states have already been warned that they could be impacted by power blackouts. | https://www.wjtv.com/weather/which-way-should-your-ceiling-fan-rotate-in-summer/ | 2022-06-26T16:54:28Z | https://www.wjtv.com/weather/which-way-should-your-ceiling-fan-rotate-in-summer/ | false | 29 |
Frank Williams dead at 90 – Dad’s Army legend who played vicar dies as heartbroken fans pay tribute
DAD'S Army legend Frank Williams has died at the age of 90.
The actor played Reverend Timothy Farthing in the sitcom about the UK's Home Guard during the Second World War.
The BBC programme originally broadcasted from 1968 to 1977 and ran for nine series and 80 episodes in total.
In total Frank appeared in 39 of the TV episodes, the original film, the stage show and 14 radio episodes.
He starred alongside Arthur Lowe, Clive Dunn, John Laurie, James Beck, John Le Mesurier and Arnold Ridley.
Now Ian Lavender, 76, who played Private Pike in Dad's Army, is sadly the only remaining member of the main cast.
In addition to the WW2 sitcom, Frank was also the Bishop in four series of You Rang, M'Lord? among many other acting credits.
He likewise landed himself a role in Monty Python's Flying Circus and The Rutles.
A statement shared on Facebook said: "So sorry to say that our beloved friend, colleague and actor, Frank Williams, passed away this morning.
"He was almost 91, and we are grateful for all the years of joy, laughter and happiness he brought to so many. Thank you Frank!"
Most read in The Sun
Fellow actors and friends have taken to social media to pay tribute to the star.
Morris Bright, Chairman of Elstree Studios wrote: "'Someone's written something very rude on the back of my spare harmonium Captain Mainwaring ... what's more it's in wax crayon and won't come off!'
"RIP Dad's Army's Reverend Timothy Farthing aka actor Frank Williams who has died aged 90. Thanks for all the joy and laughter."
Actor Jeffrey Holland, who played Spike in 80s BBC comedy Hi De Hi, said: "So sorry to hear Frank Williams has left us. A dear friend.
"I’ll never forget the happy days spent working together on stage and screen in DadsArmy or the wonderful times shared with him and Ronnie at reunions and events. Treasured memories."
The TV icon was born in London in 1931, before he was educated at Ardingly College, West Sussex, and Hendon School.
After school he started acting in repertory theatre and got to know the creator of Dad's Army, Jimmy Perry, through his work at the Watford Palace Theatre.
Frank and Dad's Army
Frank was cast in the WW2 sitcom in 1969 - but he'd never even watched the series before.
His debut coincided with the show's first episode in colour - "The Armoured Might of Lance Corporal Jones" - at the start of episode three.
The TV legend initially thought he was going to have a one-off appearance, but his character soon became a household favourite appearing in half of the episodes.
“It was the happiest period of my professional life,” Frank told the Express last year.
“I hadn’t seen any of the previous two series, so knew little of what Dad’s Army was about,” he said, “But that first episode was my introduction to a remarkable cast of actors.
“Edward Sinclair was the kindest of men and we became great friends – so did Bill Pertwee.
"Over the years, the three of us became a kind of unholy alliance on and off screen."
The popularity of Dad's Army lasted long after Frank's last appearance on screen and he was proud of being part of the show.
He told the Express: "All the characters are funny and appeal to people of all ages, including children.
"Once, a friend told me that his three-year-old granddaughter liked Dad’s Army more than Postman Pat.
“It’s good, clean, family entertainment.”
Right up until his death, Frank received letters from fans across the country - some even had a special request.
Couples getting married would repeatedly ask the on-screen vicar to perform their ceremony as though it was his genuine job.
“Mind you, I suppose the role did typecast me because I subsequently played clergy in Hi-de-Hi!, You Rang, M’Lord? and Vanity Fair,” he said last year.
He was grateful to appear in the Dad's Army film, although some long-term fans were uneasy about actors replacing the original cast.
Asked if there would be another film one day, Frank said last year: “You never know, the world of acting is an unpredictable business where opportunities come and go.
"Whatever happens, I’ll always be grateful to Jimmy Perry and David Croft for offering me the chance. It’s given me so much joy in my career.” | https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/19006487/frank-williams-dead-vicar-dies/ | 2022-06-26T16:55:32Z | https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/19006487/frank-williams-dead-vicar-dies/ | false | 3 |
Even though the month is almost done, there are more reports than ever about upcoming smartphones that are expected to be released in July, when numerous devices from various firms are anticipated to do so.
From the Nothing (1) smartphone to the most recent gaming powerhouse from Asus ROG, these are the smartphones that people are most anticipating in July 2022.
Please be aware that the bulk of the phones on the following list have not yet had their official release dates confirmed. According to leaks and reports, these are only supposed to arrive in July.
Phone, nothing (1)
Carl Pei’s London-based company Nothing is ready to introduce its first smartphone next month after months of leaks, rumors, and sporadic bits and pieces of official information.
The design of the Nothing phone (1) has already been made public, as have the new Glyph illumination on the back and the new NothingOS overlay.
The majority of the phone’s features are still unknown, despite the fact that its official debut is only a few weeks away.
The Nothing phone (1) is expected to use a Snapdragon 778G+ chip instead of a high-end Snapdragon 800-series chip and have a dual-camera setup on the back. The gadget is slated to go on sale on July 12.
The ROG Phone 6 by Asus
The Asus ROG Phone brand has released some of the most powerful, if not the most powerful, smartphones in recent years in terms of sheer performance.
Aimed at gamers and power users, the ROG phone line is loaded with not only the top specifications but also extra gaming features and accessories.
The sixth iteration of the phone is anticipated to be powered by the most recent Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 CPU.
This has dual charging ports, an extra LED display on the back, better shoulder trigger buttons, and support for a variety of first-party gaming accessories like gaming controllers, cooling pads, and even secondary displays.
The phone is expected to go on sale on July 5.
Lenovo 12 Ultra
The Xiaomi 12 Ultra, the 12-series’ most powerful phone, is expected to go on sale the following month.
Similar to how they were for the Asus ROG Phone 6, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 CPU and other flagship-level features are anticipated for the Xiaomi 12 Ultra.
Additionally, a much-improved camera configuration developed by Xiaomi in collaboration with the German camera company Leica is believed to be included in the handset.
Additionally, we now know that the Xiaomi 12 Ultra will be available in white and has a distinctive rear design with a large camera island that occupies more than a third of the back.
Nord 2T by OnePlus
According to fresh information, the Nord 2 5G will be replaced by a new Nord-series phone that will debut in India.
At first, it was thought that the OnePlus Nord 2T will not be released in India. The device will replace the Nord 2 5G, and based on the characteristics of the Nord 2T variants sold abroad, it might possibly come with a MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chipset in India.
A 4.500mAh battery with support for 80W wired fast charging, a 6.43-inch AMOLED screen, a 50MP triple-camera setup with OIS, a 32MP front camera, and UFS 3.1 storage is among the extra features that are predicted to remain in the Nord 2T from its international counterpart.
Master Edition for the Realme GT 2
As Realme is also vying to produce the first Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor phone in India, it appears that the Realme GT 2 Master Edition will be the device to debut the new flagship chip.
The unidentified smartphone, which was just found on Geekbench, is expected to include a 12GB RAM version and could come pre-installed with Android 12.
The smartphone is also said to have a 6.7-inch 120H AMOLED display, a triple camera setup with 50MP+50MP+2MP on the back, and a 5000mAh battery with up to 150W rapid charging capacity. More information on the phone should be made accessible in July.
iQOO Pro 10
The iQOO 9 Pro was one of the most capable and feature-rich devices in its class. The iQOO 10 and iQOO 10 Pro, expected to arrive on sale next month, seem to be iQOO’s attempt to succeed the 9-series phones.
The iQOO 10 Pro is expected to come with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, which is rumored to provide better performance and thermal efficiency than the iQOO 9 Pro.
A 4,500mAh battery with support for 200W fast charging, a 120Hz QHD+ LTPO screen, and a 50MP triple camera setup on the back are some more anticipated features.
Although there is no official launch date as of yet, the iQOO 10 series is expected to make its debut in July. | https://dailythepatriot.com/smartphones-slated-for-release-in-july-2022/ | 2022-06-26T16:57:59Z | https://dailythepatriot.com/smartphones-slated-for-release-in-july-2022/ | false | 1 |
Category: Art/Music Hits: 5
Lil Nas X's new single rails against BET after the star wasn't nominated for a single BET Award.
(Image credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Read more https://www.npr.org/2022/06/25/1107514955/lil-nas-x-bet-awards-late-to-da-party-new-single | https://thedailyripple.org/index.php/component/content/article/87-art-music/952239-when-lil-nas-x-calls-out-bet-it-means-something | 2022-06-26T17:07:30Z | https://thedailyripple.org/index.php/component/content/article/87-art-music/952239-when-lil-nas-x-calls-out-bet-it-means-something | false | null |
Medium
Rarely used
This asset has some traction but few have discovered it yet.
Stock Photo ID: 24263890
Photo Formats
3058 × 2304 pixels • 10.2 × 7.7 in • DPI 300 • JPG
1000 × 753 pixels • 3.3 × 2.5 in • DPI 300 • JPG
500 × 377 pixels • 1.7 × 1.3 in • DPI 300 • JPG
Photo Contributor | https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/homemade-toasted-muesli-finger-snacks-milk-24263890 | 2022-06-26T17:09:29Z | https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/homemade-toasted-muesli-finger-snacks-milk-24263890 | true | null |
Kenya records 261 new Covid cases with 9.7pc positivity rate
Kenya has Sunday recorded 261 new Covid-19 infections from a sample size of 2,697 tested in the last 24 hours, with the positivity rate is now at 9.7 per cent.
This now brings the total confirmed positive cases in the country 332,227 and cumulative tests done are 3,744, 829.
One more death has been recorded over the same period, bringing cumulative fatalities to 5,652.
Another 426 patients recovered from the disease, bringing total recoveries to 322, 667. Of these, 406 were in the home-based care programme while 20 were in various hospitals.
According to a statement by the Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, 118 patients are currently admitted to various hospitals while 3,790 are in home-based care.
There are four patients in intensive care with none in high dependency. | https://nation.africa/kenya/news/kenya-records-261-new-covid-infections-3860562 | 2022-06-26T17:10:35Z | https://nation.africa/kenya/news/kenya-records-261-new-covid-infections-3860562 | true | null |
Sonay Kartal has been making up for lost time in rapid fashion and now the 20-year-old has a Wimbledon breakthrough in her sights.
A talented junior, the Brighton player saw her progress stalled by injury, particularly a wrist problem that stopped her picking up a racket for a year, before returning to the circuit last October.
Unranked at that stage, Kartal won six of the first nine tournaments she played, enough to earn her a call-up to Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup squad in April and now a first Wimbledon wild card.
Kartal, who is now ranked 226, said: “Twelve months ago I think I was injured, so I was probably in the physio room or doing rehab. I definitely wasn’t on a tennis court, playing at this kind of level. Even six months ago, this wasn’t an achievable goal. It’s happening fast.
“I’ve always believed my tennis was grand slam level. It was getting to the point where I could prove it. I still believed that when I’ve recovered from whatever injury it is, I’m going to get there, I just didn’t know when.”
As impressive as Kartal’s tennis and results have been recently, she is probably still best known at the moment for a video that surfaced following Emma Raducanu’s US Open victory of the pair battling as nine-year-olds.
A long rally in which the two small girls cover every inch of the court ends with Kartal hitting a forehand winner down the line.
“I remembered that shot,” she said with a smile.
“I was actually walking my dog (when the video came out) and my phone just kept going off. I was getting tagged in all these different things and I was thinking, ‘What’s going on?’
“I looked and saw the LTA had posted it. I was going to tournaments and coaches from all over the world were saying, ‘Oh, you’re the girl that’s in the video, aren’t you?'”
Kartal’s grand slam debut will come on Tuesday against 90th-ranked Danka Kovinic, with the significant carrot of a likely second-round clash against world number one Iga Swiatek.
“If that does happen, it will be really good for me,” said Kartal. “But I’ve still got a match to get through before that’s even a possibility.”
There are 17 British singles players in the main draws this year – the most since 2001, when wild cards were handed out much more readily than they are now.
It is a sign that success at the very top of the sport is starting to be supported by strength in depth lower down, with 11 British players in the top 200 across the men’s and women’s games.
Kartal is one of four home debutants along with Ryan Peniston, Alastair Gray and Yuriko Miyazaki.
Peniston has climbed more than 200 places in the rankings in a year to a current career high of 147, marking his first forays on the ATP Tour by reaching the quarter-finals at both Queen’s Club and Eastbourne.
The left-hander will hope to continue that strong form against Swiss Henri Laaksonen in the first round while close friend and prospective housemate Gray takes on former Wimbledon junior champion Tseng Chun-hsin.
The 24-year-old Londoner, ranked 283, is following in the footsteps of Cameron Norrie having overlapped with the British number one for a year at Texas Christian University in the United States before turning professional last spring.
US college has become a very popular route for British players to take to the professional game, and 26-year-old Miyazaki spent five years studying before turning pro in 2019.
Born in Tokyo to Japanese parents, Miyazaki’s family moved to London when she was 10 and her tennis education has been in this country but she only formally decided to represent Britain in March.
With that has come valuable support from the Lawn Tennis Association and now a first Wimbledon wild card.
“I’ve grown up here and so it’s always been in the back of my mind,” said the world number 204, who is known as Lily.
“Obviously playing in Wimbledon is my biggest goal as well so I’d say that did play a role in that switch. I think ultimately it just made sense for my career and my life.”
Miyazaki has a difficult first-round match against France’s Caroline Garcia, who won a title in Germany on Saturday, but could face Raducanu in round two.
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Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm. | https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/sport/845752/sonay-kartal-ready-to-grasp-wimbledon-chance-after-impressive-return-from-injury.html | 2022-06-26T17:10:37Z | https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/sport/845752/sonay-kartal-ready-to-grasp-wimbledon-chance-after-impressive-return-from-injury.html | false | 7 |
How to find relief from the heat
This week, a heat dome perched itself atop most of the country, driving temperatures dangerously high. And that oppressive heat is not supposed to let up. If you live in a region where temperatures are approaching or are already in the triple digits, it’s safest to stay inside and stay cool.
However, if you live in an area where temperatures are merely uncomfortable, not life-threatening, you will benefit from products that are designed to keep you cool. This article will walk you through how your body works to stay cool and what you can do to help.
What is a heat dome?
It seems like the media is coining new terms, such as bomb cyclone and polar vortex, whenever new weather characteristics are identified. Even though many of these are not actual meteorological terms, they are grounded in real phenomena. And they are very descriptive and catchy.
A heat dome, for instance, is brought on by a lingering high-pressure zone. In a high-pressure zone, hot air is drawn downward instead of traveling up, and temperatures near the surface of the earth rise. This zone becomes stagnant when the jet stream swings further north than usual, trapping the hot air over the U.S. Though this weather pattern will eventually move on, it travels very slowly, creating a heatwave that can last for several days or weeks.
How does the human body stay cool?
The human body functions best when it is at or near 98.6 degrees. Any time there is a condition, whether internal or external, that makes the body’s core temperature drop or climb below or above healthy limits, the hypothalamus kicks in (like a thermostat) and triggers reactions that help regulate your body’s core temperature.
When your core temperature gets too hot, among other important tasks, the hypothalamus signals your body to sweat. This causes water that is held in the middle layer of skin to be released, along with the body’s salt. When sweat sits on the surface of your skin, it evaporates. As it evaporates, heat is removed from your body and you cool off.
As tempting as it may be to wipe sweat from your brow, that can actually inhibit the body’s cooling mechanism because it removes moisture that would otherwise evaporate and cool you down.
For the body’s cooling mechanism to keep functioning, you must replace the water you’ve lost. This is why it is so important to stay hydrated during physical activities that cause you to sweat.
How can I help my body stay cool?
There are three main ways you can help your body stay cool: Change your environment, stay hydrated and encourage evaporation.
Change your environment
If your body temperature is increasing due to external factors, the quickest and easiest way to lower your temperature is to change your environment. If you are outside in the direct sunlight, move to the shade or go inside. Find an environment that is cooler so your body doesn’t have to do all the work to lower its temperature.
Stay hydrated
Water is the secret ingredient that gives your body the ability to stay cool. As long as you remain properly hydrated, your hypothalamus has a good chance of accomplishing its job keeping your body functioning the way it should.
Encourage evaporation
Since evaporation is the main method your body uses to stay cool, anything you can do to facilitate evaporation is beneficial. This could involve lowering the humidity in your home with a dehumidifier (so the air has more room to absorb moisture) or sitting in front of a fan — when air moves across a damp surface, it increases the rate of evaporation.
Signs you are getting too hot
There are two common heat-related illnesses: heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While heat exhaustion is serious and should be treated right away, heat stroke is life-threatening and must be treated immediately.
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a condition that usually develops over several days of exposure to high temperatures or inadequate hydration. Heat exhaustion can happen to people who are working or exercising in a hot environment, as well as the elderly and individuals with high blood pressure. The most common symptoms are heavy sweating, muscle cramps, fatigue, headaches, paleness, nausea and fainting.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke happens when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. Sweating stops and the body temperature rises rapidly. Since the body is unable to cool itself down, the skin will turn red, become hot and the pulse will be rapid and strong. A throbbing headache may occur along with nausea, dizziness, confusion and unconsciousness. With heat stroke, the body must be immediately cooled to get it below 102 degrees. While this can include moving the person out of the sun, submersion in cool water, or spraying them with a hose, someone should be calling 911 or the local emergency number to get immediate help.
Products to help keep you cool in the summer
Vornado Whole Room Air Circulator Tower Fan
Circulating the air not only evens out the temperature of a room, it also helps with evaporation to keep you feeling cooler. This model has four speed settings and can move air up to 100 feet. The five-year guarantee provides peace of mind.
Sold by Amazon, Home Depot and Wayfair
This dual-blade window fan has two speed settings and a manual reverse so you can draw cool air in while pushing warm air out. It has a water-resistant motor, so it is safe to use during rainy weather.
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A box fan creates a strong breeze, which increases evaporation, making you feel immediately cooler. This three-speed model is lightweight and sturdy, so you can easily move it to any location you desire.
Sold by Amazon
Orbit Flex Cobra Portable Mist Stand
The clever design of this misting hose allows it to stand on its own. It is pliable so you can adjust the direction of the spray. Besides cooling you, Orbit’s Flex Cobra can help reduce the temperature of the surrounding area as well. The hose also comes with a flower-shaped attachment, if you’d like to add a little whimsy to your outdoor decor.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
HandFan Portable Handheld Misting Fan
Whether you are out for a run, in a crowd or just lounging around your backyard, this personal misting fan can help keep you cool. It can mist for up to 10 minutes, has three speeds and a built-in nightlight, in case you’d like to bring it to the club.
Sold by Amazon
This innovative accessory can be worn in a variety of ways to help keep you cool. Simply wet the neck gaiter, wring out the excess water and snap it three times to activate its cooling properties. The gaiter cools to 30 degrees below body temperature and stays comfortable for up to two hours. For convenience, the item is machine-washable.
Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Koolgator’s cooling scarf is a reusable neck wrap that provides relief all day long. It is made with soft, breathable material so it doesn’t chafe and has slip-free snap fasteners that keep it in place so you can attend to your activities without worrying it will fall off. It is available in a variety of colors.
Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.upmatters.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/fans-misters-and-cooling-scarves-to-keep-you-comfortable-in-the-sun/ | 2022-06-26T17:10:43Z | https://www.upmatters.com/reviews/br/electronics-br/fans-misters-and-cooling-scarves-to-keep-you-comfortable-in-the-sun/ | false | 22 |
Swedish man throws washing machine more than 14 feet
June 22 (UPI) -- A Swedish strongman broke a Guinness World Record in Italy when he threw a washing machine a distance of 14 feet and 7.2 inches.
Johan Espenkrona broke the world record while going head-to-head with Dutch strongman Kelvin de Ruiter on the set of Guinness World Records' Lo Show Dei Record in Milan.
The bodybuilders took turns throwing washing machines in an attempt to break the record of 13 feet and 6.6 inches, which was set by Lithuanian man Zydrunas Savickas.
De Ruiter initially broke the record with a 14-foot, 1-inch throw but Espenkrona ultimately took the title by throwing his washing machine 14 feet and 7.2 inches. | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644557428417/swedish-man-throws-washing-machine-more-than-14-feet | 2022-06-26T17:13:59Z | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644557428417/swedish-man-throws-washing-machine-more-than-14-feet | false | null |
Rothschild Investment Corp IL lessened its stake in Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW – Get Rating) by 12.5% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 28,414 shares of the network technology company’s stock after selling 4,058 shares during the quarter. Palo Alto Networks accounts for about 1.4% of Rothschild Investment Corp IL’s portfolio, making the stock its 10th largest holding. Rothschild Investment Corp IL’s holdings in Palo Alto Networks were worth $17,688,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.
Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Palo Alto Networks by 12.3% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,255,426 shares of the network technology company’s stock worth $697,942,000 after purchasing an additional 137,962 shares during the period. Nuveen Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in Palo Alto Networks by 317.3% in the 4th quarter. Nuveen Asset Management LLC now owns 1,237,932 shares of the network technology company’s stock worth $689,231,000 after purchasing an additional 941,271 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP raised its holdings in Palo Alto Networks by 18.3% in the 4th quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 1,043,598 shares of the network technology company’s stock worth $581,034,000 after purchasing an additional 161,660 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Palo Alto Networks in the 4th quarter worth about $522,352,000. Finally, CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC increased its stake in Palo Alto Networks by 44.1% during the 4th quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 462,983 shares of the network technology company’s stock worth $257,771,000 after buying an additional 141,612 shares in the last quarter. 84.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
NASDAQ:PANW opened at $510.71 on Friday. The stock’s fifty day moving average is $516.38 and its two-hundred day moving average is $536.57. Palo Alto Networks, Inc. has a 52 week low of $358.37 and a 52 week high of $640.90. The stock has a market capitalization of $50.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -128.32 and a beta of 1.29.
In other Palo Alto Networks news, Director Aparna Bawa sold 951 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $501.56, for a total value of $476,983.56. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 1,899 shares in the company, valued at $952,462.44. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CFO Dipak Golechha sold 500 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $525.00, for a total value of $262,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 30,780 shares in the company, valued at $16,159,500. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 56,789 shares of company stock worth $421,471,941. Insiders own 2.20% of the company’s stock.
Several equities research analysts have commented on the company. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on Palo Alto Networks from $670.00 to $823.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Monday, April 25th. BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on Palo Alto Networks from $685.00 to $615.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, May 20th. KeyCorp boosted their price objective on Palo Alto Networks from $610.00 to $729.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 17th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on Palo Alto Networks from $600.00 to $610.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, May 20th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price objective on Palo Alto Networks from $605.00 to $587.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 17th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirty have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $628.56.
About Palo Alto Networks (Get Rating)
Palo Alto Networks, Inc provides cybersecurity solutions worldwide. The company offers firewall appliances and software; Panorama, a security management solution for the control of firewall appliances and software deployed on an end-customer's network and instances in public or private cloud environments, as a virtual or a physical appliance; and virtual system upgrades, which are available as extensions to the virtual system capacity that ships with physical appliances.
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Receive News & Ratings for Palo Alto Networks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Palo Alto Networks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. | https://www.themarketsdaily.com/2022/06/26/palo-alto-networks-inc-nasdaqpanw-shares-sold-by-rothschild-investment-corp-il.html | 2022-06-26T17:14:03Z | https://www.themarketsdaily.com/2022/06/26/palo-alto-networks-inc-nasdaqpanw-shares-sold-by-rothschild-investment-corp-il.html | false | 2 |
Leach Takes 10 Wickets In A Test As England Set 296 To Sweep New Zealand
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published June 26, 2022 | 09:00 PM
Leeds, United Kingdom, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jun, 2022 ) :Jack Leach took 10 wickets in a Test for the first time in his career on Sunday as England were set a target of 296 to complete a 3-0 series whitewash of New Zealand.
Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell had frustrated England yet again with their fourth century stand of the series.
But paceman Matthew Potts sparked a second-innings collapse that eventually led to New Zealand being dismissed for 326 on the stroke of tea on the fourth day of the third Test at Headingley.
England, who had won just one of their previous 17 matches at this level prior to the series will fancy their chances of completing a clean sweep of the World Test champions after chasing down stiff targets of 277 and 299 in five-wicket wins at Lord's and Trent Bridge respectively.
Leach had already secured a place in Headingley history with a memorable one not out batting at No 11 in a dramatic one-wicket Ashes Test win over Australia at the Leeds ground in 2019.
But he has now excelled at Yorkshire's headquarters in his Primary role of left-arm spinner, following a first-innings return of 5-100 with 5-66 on Sunday to give him 10-166 in the 25th Test of his career.
The Somerset bowler polished off the tail after Potts, in his debut Test series, had made a key breakthrough by removing the in-form Mitchell lbw for 56.
Just four balls earlier, the Durham quick thought he had broken an eventual 113-run partnership with a leg before decision against Blundell that was overturned on review.
Mitchell, who only played in the series opener at Lord's after injury and illness ruled out Henry Nicholls, finished a campaign where he scored three hundreds with a tally of 538 runs -- a New Zealand record in a series against England -- at a huge average of 107.60.
When the 31-year-old was out, the Black Caps were still well-placed at 274-6, a lead of 243.
But Leach, clearly enjoying the confidence of England's new leadership duo of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, a former New Zealand skipper, then took centre stage.
He lured Michael Bracewell into hoisting a catch to deep midwicket before deceiving Tim Southee with a quicker arm ball.
Neil Wagner then fell in unusual fashion when replacement wicketkeeper Sam Billings, who only took the field Sunday as a Covid-19 replacement for Ben Foakes, could not hold an edge off Leach first time but eventually grabbed a ball that had lodged between his legs.
Leach then bowled Trent Boult to end the innings, with Blundell left just shy of what would have been his second hundred of the series on 88 not out.
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All rights of the publication are reserved by UrduPoint.com. Reproduction without proper consent is not allowed. | https://www.urdupoint.com/en/miscellaneous/leach-takes-10-wickets-in-a-test-as-england-s-1530003.html | 2022-06-26T17:14:51Z | https://www.urdupoint.com/en/miscellaneous/leach-takes-10-wickets-in-a-test-as-england-s-1530003.html | true | 1 |
The World Health Organization said the escalating monkeypox outbreak in more than 50 countries should be closely monitored but does not warrant being declared a global health emergency.
In a statement Saturday, a WHO emergency committee said many aspects of the outbreak were “unusual” and acknowledged that monkeypox — which is endemic in some African countries — has been neglected for years.
“While a few members expressed differing views, the committee resolved by consensus to advise the WHO director-general that at this stage the outbreak should be determined to not constitute” a global health emergency, WHO said in a statement.
WHO nevertheless pointed to the “emergency nature” of the outbreak and said controlling its spread requires an “intense” response.
The committee said the outbreak should be “closely monitored and reviewed after a few weeks.” But it would recommend a re-assessment before then if certain new developments emerge — such as cases among sex workers; spread to other countries or within countries that have already had cases; increased severity of cases; or an increasing rate of spread.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreysus convened the emergency committee on Thursday after expressing concern about the epidemic of monkeypox in countries that haven’t previously reported the disease.
“What makes the current outbreak especially concerning is the rapid, continuing spread into new countries and regions and the risk of further, sustained transmission into vulnerable populations including people that are immunocompromised, pregnant women and children,” the WHO chief said.
Monkeypox has sickened people for decades in central and west Africa, but until last month, the disease had not been known to cause significant outbreaks in multiple countries at the same time and involving people with no travel links to the continent.
Declaring a global health emergency means that a health crisis is an “extraordinary” event requiring a globally-managed response and that a disease is at high risk of spilling across borders. WHO previously made similar declarations for diseases including COVID-19, Ebola in Congo and West Africa, Zika in Brazil and the ongoing effort to wipe out polio.
The emergency declaration mostly serves as a plea to draw more global resources and attention to an outbreak. Past announcements have had mixed impact, given that WHO is largely powerless when trying to convince countries to act.
READ ALSO: Canada considering smallpox vaccine for monkeypox cases, says Dr. Theresa Tam
WHO said this week it has confirmed more than 3,200 monkeypox infections in about 40 countries that haven’t previously reported the disease. The vast majority of cases are in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with other men and more than 80% of the cases are in Europe.
A leading WHO adviser said last month the spike in cases in Europe was likely tied to sexual activity by men at two raves in Spain and Belgium, speculating that its appearance in the gay and bisexual community was a “random event.” British officials have said most cases in the U.K. involve men who reported having sex with other men in venues such as saunas and sex clubs.
Scientists warn that anyone in close, physical contact with someone infected with monkeypox or their clothing or bedsheets is at risk of catching the disease, regardless of their sexual orientation.
People with monkeypox often experience symptoms like fever, body aches and a rash; most recover within weeks without needing medical care.
Monkeypox in Africa mostly affects people who come into contact with infected wild animals, like rodents or primates. There has been about 1,500 reported cases of monkeypox, including 70 deaths, in Congo, Cameroon and the Central African Republic.
To date, scientists haven’t found any mutations in the monkeypox virus that suggest it’s more transmissible or lethal, although the number of changes detected show the virus has likely been spreading undetected for years.
The version of the disease transmitting beyond Africa typically has a fatality rate of less than 1%, while the version seen in Africa can kill up to 10% of people affected.
WHO is also creating a vaccine-sharing mechanism for monkeypox, which could see vaccines go to rich countries like Britain, which currently has the biggest outbreak beyond Africa.
Some experts warned that could entrench the deep inequities seen between rich and poor countries during the coronavirus pandemic.
“France, Germany, the U.S. and U.K. already have a lot of resources and plenty of vaccines to deal with this and they don’t need vaccines from WHO,” said Dr. Irwin Redlener, an expert in disaster preparedness and response at Columbia University.
“What we should be doing is trying to help the countries in Africa where monkeypox has been endemic and largely neglected,” he said. “Monkeypox is not COVID, but our attention should not be so distorted that it only becomes a problem when it is seen in rich countries.”
Maria Cheng, The Associated Press | https://www.abbynews.com/news/who-panel-monkeypox-not-a-global-emergency-at-this-stage/ | 2022-06-26T17:14:53Z | https://www.abbynews.com/news/who-panel-monkeypox-not-a-global-emergency-at-this-stage/ | false | 53 |
News
Niger: Vigilante leader orders shutdown of offices over his detention by police
The Niger State Commandant of Vigilante Corps, Nasir Mohammed Manta, has ordered the shutdown of all vigilante offices across the state.
This follows his detention on the order of the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Bala Kuryas.
It was gathered that the vigilante commandant was arrested last Friday and detained for 24 hours over the raiding of the hide out of some miscreants in Minna, the state capital.
DAILY POST learnt that the arrest followed complaints by some prominent persons to the police command that their wards were arrested as miscreants, thereby disturbing the peace of the town.
Our correspondent gathered that in the past three weeks, miscreants and restive youths have engaged in a series of street fights in the metropolitan city.
This development has led to public disturbance and breakdown of law and order in the state capital.
It would be recalled that last Friday, the police had announced the arrest of 22 of the miscreants and there are allegations that some of the boys have been released, which the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun described as false.
Speaking after his release from detention, the state vigilante commandant, Manta, said the allegations leveled against him were false, arguing that the Commissioner of Police did not investigate the allegations by the influential individuals, who he met in his office, before ordering his detention.
Giving reasons for his arrest, Manta said “The problem is the arrest of those miscreants disturbing public peace in Minna. Since some of them have the backing of some influential individuals, they misinformed the Commissioner of Police, and without investigating the allegations, he ordered my detention. He said why should I arrest the boys without the involvement of the police.
“I will not be deterred from my duty to the people of Niger
State in complementing security agencies to safeguard lives and property. I am not serving the police, I am only concerned with the security of our people and Niger State at large. I have directed my men to close and lock their offices for the meantime.”
It was further gathered that it took the intervention of the state Commissioner for Internal security, Emmanuel Umar and some highly-placed individuals in the state to resolve the situation. | https://dailypost.ng/2022/06/26/niger-vigilante-leader-orders-shutdown-of-offices-over-his-detention-by-police/ | 2022-06-26T17:17:26Z | https://dailypost.ng/2022/06/26/niger-vigilante-leader-orders-shutdown-of-offices-over-his-detention-by-police/ | false | 1 |
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WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s conservative ruling party leader pushed back Sunday against what he described as Western views on LGBTQ rights.
Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the head of the Law and Justice party, described a theoretical situation in which a person named Wladyslaw, which is traditionally a male name, comes to work asking to be called Zosia, a traditionally female name.
“And according to what we are recommended from the West that everyone should obey it,” Kaczynski said at a rally in Grudziadz, a city in northern Poland. “We do not intend to look into anyone’s bedroom, but at the same time we want to maintain normality.”
His party has in recent years used anti-LGBTQ rhetoric ahead of elections. Kaczynski is preparing to lead the party into elections next year.
His remarks on Sunday repeated an idea he broached with a different group of voters a day earlier, saying it was time to return to “some rules of decency” and “normal language.”
On Saturday Ukraine’s main pride event, KyivPride, took place in conjunction with Warsaw’s Equality Parade, drawing tens of thousands of people. | https://www.darientimes.com/news/article/Poland-s-leader-rejects-West-views-on-transgender-17266655.php | 2022-06-26T17:17:28Z | https://www.darientimes.com/news/article/Poland-s-leader-rejects-West-views-on-transgender-17266655.php | false | 10 |
News
Gunmen abduct Catholic priest in Edo
Gunmen on Sunday abducted a Catholic priest simply identified as Rev. Fr. Osia at the Ikabigbo community in the Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Residents told journalists that the kidnappers shot a member of the vigilante group who tried to prevent them from taking away the priest from the community.
Read also:Gunmen abduct two in Niger community
The head of the community, Bramah Alegeh, who confirmed the incident, said efforts to rescue the victim have been intensified.
He added that the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes are combing the bush in search of the priest.
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Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development. | https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/gunmen-abduct-catholic-priest-in-edo/ | 2022-06-26T17:17:57Z | https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/gunmen-abduct-catholic-priest-in-edo/ | true | 1 |
Salman Khan pays visit to Ram Charan, poses happily with Venkatesh
Bollywood star Salman Khan paid a visit to South Indian star Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Kamineni Konidela recently at their home.
- Country:
- India
Bollywood star Salman Khan paid a visit to South Indian star Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Kamineni Konidela recently at their home. On Sunday, a glimpse of these stars was posted from the account of Ram's pet Rhyme. In the picture, Upsana was seen holding Rhyme in her arms, the picture was captioned as, "I'm one lucky puppy. Love, hugs & cuddles--all for me."
In the glimpse, Ram Charan could be seen posing happily for the lens along with actors Pooja Hedge, Ram Charan's wife Upasana Kamineni Konidela, Salman Khan, Rhyme and Venkatesh Daggubati. In the photo, Salman could be seen sporting a black T-shirt pairing it up with matching hued pants and shoes. Venkatesh could be seen standing next to Salman, posing happily for the camera, donning a black and olive green attire.
Bollywood and South diva Pooja Hegde opted for a beige top, white slim pants and shoes. While Upasana opted for a salmon top and blue skirt. And Ram Charan went for a royal blue tight-fit shirt and black slim pants for the get-together. Prior to this, earlier this month, Salman Khan met Telugu stars Chiranjeevi and Venkatesh in Hyderabad and a picture from the trio's meet-up went viral on social media at that time.
The 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' is currently busy shooting for his upcoming movie 'Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali' in Hyderabad. The movie is helmed by Farhad Samji and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. This film's title, 'Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali', was initially announced by Salman back in 2022. The movie, which will have Pooja Hegde and also reportedly Shehnaaz Gill, as the female lead, alongside Aayush Sharma and Zaheer Iqbal, is scheduled to release on December 30, 2022. (ANI)
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/2087648-salman-khan-pays-visit-to-ram-charan-poses-happily-with-venkatesh | 2022-06-26T17:18:30Z | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/2087648-salman-khan-pays-visit-to-ram-charan-poses-happily-with-venkatesh | true | 3 |
Box Office: 'Elvis' and 'Top Gun: Maverick' Battle for No. 1 With $30.5 Million Each
Four -- "Elvis" and fellow newcomer Universal's Blumhouse thriller "The Black Phone," as well as holdovers "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Jurassic World Dominion" each grossed $20 million or more, while a fifth, Disney's Pixar film "Lightyear," came close with $17 million.
By Rebecca Rubin LOS ANGELES, June 26 (Variety.com) - In an unusually close box office battle, "Elvis and "Top Gun: Maverick" have tied for first place in North America, with each film bringing in $30.5 million over the weekend.
"Elvis" and "Top Gun: Maverick" were locked in a close battle all weekend as the King of Rock and Roll took the No. 1 spot on Friday and dropped to second place on Saturday. The final results will be tallied on Monday. Regardless of which film comes out on top, it's a strong result for both. For "Elvis," a $30 million debut is impressive for a movie catering to older audiences. For "Maverick," it's almost unheard of for a movie to generate $30 million in its fifth weekend of release.
Overall, it's an encouraging weekend at the box office as five movies are putting up sizable results. Four -- "Elvis" and fellow newcomer Universal's Blumhouse thriller "The Black Phone," as well as holdovers "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Jurassic World Dominion" each grossed $20 million or more, while a fifth, Disney's Pixar film "Lightyear," came close with $17 million. Moreover, those ticket sales wouldn't be far off from pre-COVID projections. Those healthy box office returns come as audiences have reportedly started to feel safer than ever going to their local cinema. According to a study by the National Research Group, 88% of moviegoers are "very or somewhat comfortable" going to the movies -- marking a new all-time high. Around a year ago, that percentage was closer to 59%.
Baz Luhrmann directed "Elvis," a kaleidoscopic take on the 20th century icon. Austin Butler stars as the king of rock and roll in "Elvis," which chronicles the performers meteoric rise to fame through the eyes of his manager, Colonel Tom Parker (played by Tom Hanks). Audiences dug the film, awarding it an "A-" CinemaScore. David A. Gross, who runs the movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research, called "Elvis" a "risky proposition," one that seems like it will pay off.
"The music is dated, the character is not directly familiar, and the lead actor is unproven on the big screen. But critics and audiences are responding," Gross said. "This is the Baz Luhrmann show, a music, dance and sex appeal spectacular -- it's a hit." The nostalgia-fueled sequel to 1986's "Top Gun" has benefitted greatly from stellar word-of-mouth, which has resulted in minuscule week-to-week drops. Now in its fifth weekend of release, "Maverick" added $30.5 million from 3,948 venues between Friday and Sunday, pushing its domestic total to $521 million. It was already the highest-grossing movie of the year in the U.S. and Canada, but after this weekend, it's now the highest grossing movie at the global box office as well with $1.006 billion to date. Notably, it's the first movie of the year and only the second in COVID times (following Sony's "Spider-Man: No Way Home" with $1.9 billion) to fly past the $1 billion mark.
After two weekends in first place, "Jurassic World Dominion" slid to the No. 3 spot with $26.4 million from 4,233 North American locations. Those ticket sales have pushed the dino-centric tentpole past $300 million at the domestic box office. With $443.8 million at the international box office, "Dominion" has stomped to $746.6 million globally and will imminently cross the $750 million mark. "The Black Phone" opened in fourth place with $23.3 million from 3,150 North American cinemas. Overseas, the movie collected $13.4 million from 45 territories, taking its returns to $35.8 million globally.
The horror movie cost only $18 million to produce, putting "The Black Phone" on a glide path to profitability. Scott Derrickson directed "The Black Phone," which stars Ethan Hawke as a masked serial killer who kidnaps and torments a teenage boy. Moviegoers and critics have responded enthusiastically, giving the film a "B+" CinemaScore and 84% on Rotten Tomatoes. Franchise Entertainment Research's Gross says, " By keeping costs low, including efficient, targeted marketing, Blumhouse rarely misses. He adds, "'The Black Phone' is the kind of film that streamers have not been able to make -- high-profile, exciting, profitable on its own terms, and cheap."
In fifth place, Disney's "Lightyear" earned $17.7 million from 4,255 venues, a steep 65% decline from its opening. The spinoff story, set in Pixar's "Toy Story" universe, has generated $88 million in North America to date. Overseas, "Lightyear" collected $19.3 million from 44 markets, bringing its international tally to $63.6 million and its global total to $152.4 million.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/2087656-box-office-elvis-and-top-gun-maverick-battle-for-no-1-with-305-million-each | 2022-06-26T17:18:38Z | https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/entertainment/2087656-box-office-elvis-and-top-gun-maverick-battle-for-no-1-with-305-million-each | true | 5 |
Cops raid illegal hookah parlour in Nagpur; six held
Police on Sunday raided a hookah parlor operated at a hotel in Hingna MIDC area in Nagpur and arrested six persons, an official said. During the raid, police found that the restaurant management was offering hookah to customers illegally, police said. Six hookah pots with tobacco products were seized and a case was registered.PTI CORNSK NSK
- Country:
- India
Police on Sunday raided a hookah parlor operated at a hotel in Hingna MIDC area in Nagpur and arrested six persons, an official said. During the raid, police found that the restaurant management was offering hookah to customers illegally, police said. Six hookah pots with tobacco products were seized and a case was registered.
PTI CORNSK NSK
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two years ago, Leili Ghazi quit studying biomedical engineering in Iran and seized the chance to travel to the United States to build a new life for herself and her parents.
Now, the 22-year-old is separated indefinitely from her family because her father performed required military service more than two decades ago as a conscript for a branch of the Iranian armed forces that the U.S. government years later declared a foreign terrorist organization. The designation bars anyone associated with the group from traveling to the United States, including her dad.
“He had to do office work and work on plans of buildings,” said Ghazi, who has been anxious and depressed since moving to Southern California. She expected her parents to eventually join her but later learned her father would be forced to stay behind. “He hasn't done any activity of going to war or anything. It was not anything like that."
It has long been a challenge for Iranians to travel to the United States and visa applicants often wait months or years for background checks to clear. But since the Trump administration designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization in 2019, it has become all but impossible for anyone who served in the branch, even as a conscript and in a non-combat role, to obtain a visa to travel to the United States.
Many Iranian Americans and their families hoped the Biden administration would reverse course on the designation so those who served as conscripts could still travel. They note Iranian men are compelled to serve if they want to obtain passports to leave the country, have no say over what branch they're assigned to and largely perform basic tasks such as painting or office jobs.
But their hopes were dashed when U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in late April that barring changes in Iran there was no plan to remove the designation. He acknowledged in remarks before U.S. lawmakers that those most affected are the conscripts while “the people who are the real bad guys have no intention of travel.”
“There should be exceptions, and right now we don’t have exceptions,” said Ally Bolour, a Los Angeles immigration attorney whose firm has sued over how the designation is applied. “It is unfair for the U.S. government to just throw a towel over everything and just lump everybody together. That’s lazy.”
The U.S. has designated a lengthy list of foreign terror organizations dating back to the 1990s, including Hamas and Peru’s Shining Path. But the groups are almost entirely private militias, not state-run entities, like IRGC, that enlist conscripts under the law.
The secretary of state designates the groups in consultation with the attorney general and treasury secretary, and with congressional review, and can also revoke designations. For example, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia was listed as a foreign terror organization in 1997 and delisted in 2021.
People who provide support or resources to foreign terror organizations and who aren't U.S. citizens can't legally enter the country and can face deportation. In addition, financial institutions that control funds for these groups must retain possession of the funds and report them to U.S. authorities.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson could not immediately say how many former Iranian conscripts have had visa applications affected by the designation. The spokesperson said applications are reviewed on an individual basis and in some cases waivers can be applied. The designations “play a critical role in our fight against terrorism and are an effective means of curtailing support for terrorist activities and pressuring groups to get out of the terrorism business,” the spokesperson said.
Immigration attorneys, however, said they’re fielding tons of calls from former conscripts dealing with the issue and don’t see exceptions being made. Attorney Scott Emerick, who works with Bolour, said he has received hundreds of calls and believes the government can make exceptions for conscripts who didn’t serve voluntarily.
Taher Kameli, an attorney in Chicago who has also sued, said he fields calls daily from people asking how the designation affects them. He said he doesn’t believe the U.S. government can list another country’s military as a foreign terrorist organization and notes past administrations also had issues with the branch and refrained from making the designation due to the consequences it would bring.
“We are not here to say the IRGC is doing something right or wrong. We are just saying the way the designation is done is wrong,” said Kameli, who represents an Iranian-born U.S.-educated doctor affected by the rule.
The fallout from the designation stretches far beyond the United States. Iranians said the U.S. shares data on travelers with countries in Europe and Canada, and they fear they'll be blocked from traveling there as well.
Several Iranian-born Canadian citizens said they've faced additional scrutiny during what were previously quick and easy trips across the border. Amir Abolhassani, a 41-year-old engineer, said he had traveled many times to the United States without a problem as a Canadian citizen, but he was recently stopped by authorities on a trip to North Carolina where his company planned to transfer him for a new job.
Abolhassani was told he couldn't go because of his conscription more than a decade ago, which he said consisted of two months of basic training and designing water pipelines for the branch. He said he was assigned at random and the service was necessary so he could obtain a passport and leave the country to continue his education.
Now, he and his wife are in limbo because they have already sold their home to make the move but can't get visas.
“The worst part is that they tell you you are a terrorist,” Abolhassani said. “We have come out of that country because we were against their policies, because we were against their behavior, and now saying, ‘You belong to that system, you belong to that regime, you are part of the organization we have listed as a terrorist organization’ — that is very unjust. That is unbearable.”
The designation also weighs heavily on Iranian citizens who have lived in the U.S. with green cards for years and want to become American citizens.
Paris Etemadi Scott is legal director of PARS Equality Center in San Jose, California, which provides legal and social services to immigrants from Persian-speaking and other countries.
She said she now tells most clients who have served in the contested branch — or those whose spouses did — to think twice about applying to naturalize because when they go to an interview they'll face a barrage of additional questions and be forced to sign a detailed statement under oath about their long-ago military service.
“We thought this was a Trump thing but obviously nothing has changed,” she said. “I tell them, ‘I don’t have the stamina anymore to go through this ordeal. We advise you to wait and see.’” | https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Former-Iran-conscripts-say-unfairly-blocked-from-17266604.php | 2022-06-26T17:23:41Z | https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Former-Iran-conscripts-say-unfairly-blocked-from-17266604.php | true | 23 |
Parents must also take accountability, says Cele after tavern deaths of 20 youngsters in East London
Police minister, Bheki Cele on Sunday did not hold back when he lashed out at community members of Scenery Park in East London where 20 young people died at the Enyobeni tavern in the early hours of the morning.
Cele said he had since learnt that the tavern was frequented by many minors.
He asked parents how they went to bed on Saturday night, not knowing where their children, some as young as 13, were.
“I stay with my boy who is in university in Cape Town. He came back home after 11pm on Friday night and I sat him down and told him you don’t come home after 11pm,” Cele said, adding that every parent had a responsibility to parent their children.
Cele had rushed to the tavern on Sunday morning after news that 17 patrons had inexplicably died in the facility. Another three died in hospital while two were still in hospital in a critical condition.
The Daily Dispatch reported that family members who suspected their children were among the victims were gathered outside the tavern but were barred from entering the premises.
The publication said initial speculation was that the patrons were exposed to some form of poison as none of the bodies they could see had any visible injuries.
Cele said they initially received reports that a stampede had occurred but said evidence on the scene ruled this theory out.
“But I cannot disclose to you what happened until I have been told by the investigating team,” he said.
He however, pointed out some faults they found at the tavern, including the fact that it had only one entry and exit point, was in a residential area and was seemingly open to underage children.
“We have brought in a special forensic team from the police in Pretoria ... They are a top team that will tell us if it was poison but we need to come back to this area to see what is happening in the shebeens and not only come back once they have killed our kids,” Cele said.
“We need to check if they adhere to the laws but that is on us as police to ensure this happens. The call is on the government as the liquor board, the municipalities and the parents to ensure their kids are well. The call is on the community to say we can’t allow our kids to die,” Cele added.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences and concern after the incident, saying it was disturbing patrons at the establishment may have been underage.
Ramaphosa, who is currently on a working visit to Germany, sent through a statement via his office, calling for a proper investigation into what occurred.
“The president expects the law to take its course following investigations into the tragedy,” his office said.
Ramaphosa said: “This tragedy is made even more grave by its occurrence during Youth Month — a time during which we celebrate young people, advocate and advance opportunities for improved socioeconomic conditions for the youth of our nation.”
Police have since shed more light on the incident.
Brig Tembinkosi Kinana said they were informed of the incident at around 4am after a call from community members.
A total of 17 people had been found dead inside the premises. They were between the ages of 18 and 20.
Three died in hospital.
“Seven of the confirmed deaths are females and thirteen are males. Inquest dockets have been registered for further investigation,” Kinana said.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation. Police do not want to make speculations regarding the cause of the incident as that may risk jeopardising the sensitive investigation that is under way,” he added.
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Please read our Comment Policy before commenting. | https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-06-26-parents-must-also-take-accountability-says-cele-after-tavern-deaths-of-20-youngsters-in-east-london/ | 2022-06-26T17:26:30Z | https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-06-26-parents-must-also-take-accountability-says-cele-after-tavern-deaths-of-20-youngsters-in-east-london/ | false | 2 |
PARIS (AP) — Leaders of three French energy companies called on the French public Sunday to immediately reduce consumption of fuel, oil, electricity and gas amid shortages and soaring prices due to Russia’s supply cuts and the war in Ukraine.
“The effort must be immediate, collective and massive,” the leaders of the three companies, TotalEnergies, EDF and Engie said in a joint statement published in the French weekly Journal du Dimanche. “Every gesture counts,” the statement said.
Russia has cut — and in some case shut off — gas supplies to several European Union countries in retaliation for the 27-member bloc’s sanctions against Moscow for its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine.
The European energy system has been under severe strain for months. The level of alert on gas stocks across the continent is high, and rationing measures have been put in place. France, like other European countries, is trying to beef up its gas reserves for winter, aiming to fill up its storage by early autumn to avert an economic and political crisis.
“Taking action in the summer will prepare us for winter,” the energy companies’ leaders said.
In addition to the gas supply shortages linked to the war in Ukraine, there are pressures on electricity production capacities in Europe and reductions in hydroelectric production due to drought.
“The soaring energy prices are a result of these difficulties that threaten our social and political cohesion and have a heavy impact on purchasing power of families,” the statement said.
The French government plans to restart a coal-fueled power plant located in the eastern Moselle region to meet the country’s winter electricity needs, according to French media reports, citing a statement from the Ministry of Energy Transition.
The government shut down the power plant in Saint-Avold in March as part of President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to close all coal-fueled plants by the end of the year to protect the environment and Earth’s climate.
One coal-fueled power plant in France remains open. The Saint-Avold restart would only be temporary, given the “situation in Ukraine” and the “uncertainty of the energy markets,” radio station RTL France reported Sunday, citing the ministry’s statement.
No Russian coal will be used and France would still remain bellow 1% of coal-produced electricity, the statement said. | https://www.valleycentral.com/news/business/ap-business/french-energy-giants-reduce-fuel-and-electricity-use-now/ | 2022-06-26T17:27:00Z | https://www.valleycentral.com/news/business/ap-business/french-energy-giants-reduce-fuel-and-electricity-use-now/ | false | 11 |
Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. (OTCPK:IITOF) Q1 2020 Earnings Conference Call May 5, 2020 9:00 AM ET
Company Participants
Carlo Messina - CEO
Stefano Del Punta - CFO
Marco Delfrate - IR Officer
Andrea Tamagnini - IR Officer
Conference Call Participants
Delphine Lee - JPMorgan
Andrea Filtri - Mediobanca
Domenico Santoro - HSBC
Benjie Creelan-Sandford - Jefferies
Alberto Cordara - Bank of America
Ignacio Cerezo - UBS
Antonio Reale - Morgan Stanley
Giovanni Razzoli - Equita
Britta Schmidt - Autonomous Research
Andrea Vercellone - Exane
Anna Benassi - Kepler Cheuvreux
Carlo Messina
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to our First Quarter Results Conference Call. This is Carlo Messina, Chief Executive. Normally, I would be sitting in the same room with my colleagues, Stefano Del Punta, CFO; and Marco Delfrate and Andrea Tamagnini, Investor Relations Officer. Today, we are doing this differently.
Before I get into our results, I want to express my sorrow for everyone suffering because of the virus, which has also did some ISP colleagues and I feel especially close to their families. We are all personally touched by this pandemic in so many ways and I hope you and your families are all safe. Let me add that I'm extremely proud of our quick response to the COVID-19 emergency.
We immediately started an impressive set of concrete actions to care for our people and our customers, supporting families and companies and ensuring business continuity. We already donated more than EUR 100 million for the sanitary emergency and will provide additional EUR 125 million from our Fund for Impact to reduce the socioeconomic distress caused by COVID-19.
We are entering this extraordinary scenario as a very solid and efficient bank. We delivered an excellent first quarter, fully in line with our pre-COVID outlook. In fact, we achieved the best Q1 since 2008 for net income, around EUR 1.4 billion when excluding provisions for future COVID impact. It was also the best ever Q1 for operating margin.
At the same time, while increasing profitability and efficiency, we further strengthen our balance sheet improving our rock-solid capital position and deleveraging NPLs to the lowest level since 2009. So it is safe to say that we are well positioned to continue delivering best-in-class profitability and to maintain a solid capital position and to potentially distribute the suspended 2019 dividend when the time comes and subject to the ECB recommendation. And to deliver a payout ratio of 75% for 2020 and 70% for 2021. And I believe that in the current scenario, the combination with UBI Banca can create even more benefits for all stakeholders.
In fact, all the banks that can leverage strong economies of scale, high efficiency, a solid capital position and high asset quality will successfully navigate the times ahead. ISP and UBI have similar business models and share similar corporate cultures and values. Together, we are stronger. And together, we have a great potential for growth.
Let's now go through the presentation and at the end, I will be glad to take your questions. Let's now turn now to Slide 3. Thanks to our solid fundamentals built over time, we are fully equipped for a very challenging environment. Our fully loaded common equity ratio is 14.5%, equal to around EUR 17 billion of excess capital. We have already deleveraged more than EUR 35 billion of NPLs at no cost to shareholders.
We have distinctive internal capabilities for proactive credit management, coupled with our strategic partnership with leading industrial players. We can rely on EUR 1.5 billion of additional backers for future COVID impact. And we successfully evolved towards a light distribution model with 1,000 branches rationalized in 2018 and significant room for further branch reduction.
We have a strong digital value proposition, very much appreciated by our customers and we already have around 10 million multichannel clients and 6 million using our app, recognized as one of the best in Europe. And we implemented a complete set of responses to mitigate the COVID impact on ISP people and clients and to support the economy and society.
Slide number four. Looking at Q1, we delivered excellent performance, EUR 1.2 billion reported net income, EUR 1.4 billion when excluding the provisions for future COVID impacts, EUR 2.7 billion operating margin, the best Q1 ever and the best Q1 since 2007 for revenues. Our net interest income is resilient and benefiting from increasing a geographically diversified lending volumes. We delivered significant growth in revenues from financial market activities, which naturally hedge the impact of market volatility on our fee-based businesses, coupled with solid growth in insurance, driven by the property and casualty business. The positive trend is also continuing in April.
In Q1, we recorded a EUR 6 billion increase in household sight deposits, EUR 18 billion in the past 12 months, which will fuel our Wealth Management engine in the coming quarters. With respect to assets under management, even in a very difficult quarter, we had positive inflows of EUR 500 million and the positive trend is continuing in April with other positive inflows.
We confirm our high strategic flexibility in reducing costs that are a point of strength for Intesa Sanpaolo. With operating costs down 2.7%, taking cost income to 44%, the best in Europe. We further deleveraged EUR 1.3 billion of NPL with the lowest ever gross NPL inflow. Overall, our performance in Q1 was fully in line with our 2020 pre-COVID targets.
More than ever, I want to thank all Intesa Sanpaolo people for their work in helping achieve these excellent results in this very difficult environment.
Slide number five. The Italian economy is resilient and can rely on strong fundamentals and strong government intervention. In particular, the wealth of Italian households stands at EUR 10.7 trillion and the amount of debt held by Italian families remains very low. Italian companies have stronger financial structure than pre-2008 crisis levels. They are more profitable and better capitalized and the export-oriented firms have become powerhouses over the past few years.
The banking system is, by far, stronger than precrisis level with higher capital and less NPL stock. The Italian the government is providing extensive support. In Q1, the Q-on-Q growth in Italian GDP was lower compared to other European countries despite a longer lockdown period.
Slide number six. For all these reason, I just mentioned, Intesa Sanpaolo is well equipped to face the crisis. We have solid fundamentals and we are very well positioned to continue delivering best-in-class profitability with minimum EUR 3 billion net income for 2020 assuming a potential increase in cost of risk up to 90 basis points. And minimum EUR 3.5 billion net income for 2021, assuming a potential increase in cost of risk up to 70 basis points.
Maintain a solid capital position with fully loaded common equity ratio above 13%, that is represent fully phased in, in line with 2018/2021 business plan estimates and then deliver a payout ratio of 75% in 2020 and a payout ratio of 70% in 2021. And we have already deducted 75% of Q1 net income from capital ratios. We believe that the rationale behind our combination UBI Banca is even stronger in COVID-19 prospects and that significant value creation can be achieved even if we acquire just 50% plus 1 share. We have always demonstrated our ability to fully deliver on our promises, activating all available managerial levers and this is my personal commitment.
Slide number eight. In recent years, we have more than handled the NPL stock while increasing the coverage ratio. We have increased our rock-solid capital base with common equity ratio up 1.5 percentage points in 2015. We achieved this through internal capital management and while also paying EUR 13.4 billion in cash dividends over the past 6 years and we have continued to reduce cost income ratio.
Slide number nine. Now we are far better equipped than our peers to take the new environment. We have one of the highest capital buffer in Europe. And we have a best-in-class risk profile and we are the cost income leader in Europe.
Slide number 10. We are also entering this extraordinary environment at full strength, with the highest-ever Q1 operating margin and the best Q1 net income since 2008 when excluding COVID provision. And we can count on additional buffers of EUR 1.5 billion for future COVID impact.
Slide number 11. Deleveraging our top-performing delivery machine, we immediately responded to the COVID emergency with a complete set of actions to care for our people and customers, supporting the real economy and society and ensuring business continuity.
Slide number 12. As a key priority, we immediately ensured safe working conditions for all our people and business continuity for our customers through a large and effective set of actions, including quick and efficient scale-up of remote working with 95% of people in central faction working from home. And 95% of branches opened during the lockdown back to 100% since yesterday with revised opening hours and employees working on a rotation scheme. Ensure them business continuity via the online branch, Internet banking app and ATM cash machines. We also extended free ISP health insurance coverage to include COVID.
Slide number 13. We doubled down on our long-standing commitment to support society and the real economy, helping families and organization impacted by the COVID emergency. And I'm very proud that our bank, our employees and our management board donated more than EUR 100 million to help fight the COVID sanitary emergency. Moreover, we donated EUR 5 million to [recommence] project collaborating with the Diocese of Bergamo to financially and socially support families. And we are also activating -- and we are also sustaining families and companies with lending support. We made available EUR 50 billion in new credit in order to sustain companies and protect jobs.
We were the first bank in Italy to suspend mortgage and loan installments for family and company and we did it long before the regulation came into force. At the end of April, we had already received some 430,000 mortgage and loan suspensions for around EUR 38 billion of value. Out of which, around EUR 24 billion for corporate and SMEs and EUR 13 billion for repeat clients. We were the first bank in Italy to sign the collaboration protocol with SACE to provide support to large corporate and SMEs under the liquidity decree.
And at the end of April, we had already received around 100,000 requests from SMEs for loans baked by a state guarantee for around EUR 3 billion. Finally, EUR 125 million from our Fund for Impact will be used to reduce the socioeconomic distress caused by COVID-19. So we are convinced that after the sanitary emergency, that we donated EUR 100 million, we are now in an emergency from a social economic point of view and want to support this in our country with another EUR 125 million, the most important support coming from private investors in Europe.
In this extraordinary situation, we were able to guarantee -- on Slide 14, we guaranteed business continuity, thanks to our strong digital capabilities. Specifically, we have around 10 million multichannel clients, a 0.5 million increase in Q1 versus the last quarter of 2019 and 6 million of them are now using our app. We almost doubled digital sales in Q1 versus last year's quarterly average. And it is worth noting that these numbers reflect just 1 full month of the COVID impact.
Slide number 15. We are fully aware that the COVID emergency will shape new trends and we are ready to leverage our competitive advantages. We are ready to benefit from the growing demand for health, wealth and business protection by leveraging our leading position in insurance as well in Wealth Management. And in a new risk environment, we'll take full benefit from our strong internal capabilities for proactive credit management and from our strategic partnership with leading industrial players for the late stage.
The COVID emergency is rapidly shifting customer behaviors towards digital channels. And we are well -- very well positioned to serve them, thanks to our best-in-class IT infrastructure and digital channel value proposition. At the same time, this emergency is pushing towards a change in the approach to working. And we are fully equipped to accelerate the digitalization of our employees activities as already demonstrated by the number of people smart working. Finally, in the new environment, society will need significant support and we will play our role beyond providing financial banking and confirming our leadership in ESG.
Slide number 16. Italian GDP will be significantly hit, as in all Europe, by the COVID emergency and it is forecast to decrease around 8% to 10.5% this year. In 2021, we expect a rebound of 4.5% to 7%, thanks to the solid fundamentals of the country and government packages to support business and households. This means a GDP loss of around 4% in 2 years.
Let's now turn to Slide 18 to enter the analysis of the Q1 results. Q1 was affected by the COVID outbreak and Italy experienced a strong drop in GDP and market volatility reached all-time highs with a large drop in stock and bond performance. The 10-year BTP -- BTP-Bund spread has widened. And in this difficult environment, we delivered excellent results and we are fully equipped to successfully navigate the challenges ahead.
Slide number 19. On this slide, you can see the highlights of our strong Q1 performance, but let me take you through the following pages to give you some color. Like 20 -- in Q1, we continued to improve across all key indicators. In particular, net income was 30% higher than last year when excluding COVID provision and we have deleveraged more than EUR 6 billion of NPL on a yearly basis. And our common equity ratio improved by 1 percentage point on a yearly basis after deducting EUR 900 million for accrued dividend.
Our excellent performance allow us to create sustainable benefits for all our stakeholders. In particular, in Q1, families and businesses received nearly EUR 17 billion in new medium/long-term lending, out of which EUR 14 billion in Italy. And we helped more than 3,000 companies to get back on track preserving around 15,000 jobs.
Slide 22. Our strength allow us to contribute to the society we belong to. ISP is strongly committed to his role as an engine for sustainable and increasing growth. On top of COVID-specific actions, which I described before, Intesa Sanpaolo is also ready to contribute with loans for EUR 50 billion to Europe's green deal.
Slide 23. In this slide that you know well, you can see just a few examples of our work to support Italian society and in particular, the acceleration of our support during the COVID emergency. And I want to highlight that since 2018, we have already delivered almost 10 million meals to people in [winter].
Slide 24. As a result, we are the only Italian bank rated at the top of all the main sustainability rankings and we are very proud of these achievements.
Slide 25. Despite a challenging environment in Q1, with negative market performance in all asset class and the country in lock down in March, we delivered growth in profitability, driven by increase in revenues and a reduction in costs. Net interest income and commissions have been resilient despite lower interest rates and COVID impact. Profit on tradings more than doubled compared to last year. And April has been another good month for realizing traded profit.
Insurance income grew about 7%, driven by solid growth in nonmotor P&C revenues that more than doubled when including the component booked in commissions. The positive trend continued again also in April. Operating income was up double digit. We have continued to be very effective at managing costs with personnel expenses down 2.3% and administrative expense is down around 6%.
Depreciation is up slightly as we keep investing for growth. Operating margin was up 27%. Cost of risk, excluding the COVID provision, is at 40 basis points. Net income is at EUR 1.4 million when excluding the provision for future COVID impact and reaches EUR 1.6 billion when excluding costs concerning the banking industry, which largely consists of the full year charges for the resolution fund. Considering the Nexi capital gain, we have already achieved more than 50% of 2019 net income.
Slide 26. In this slide, you can see that on a quarterly basis, net interest income has been stable, increasing by 0.8% when considering the different number of days in the quarter, thanks to positive dynamics on volumes. On a yearly basis, net interest income would have increased slightly when excluding the impact of accelerating NPL deleveraging of financial components.
Net interest income was also affected by more than EUR 80 billion yearly growth in household sight deposits that impacts net interest income in the short-term but boosts our Wealth Management engine for the future. We will continue to work hard to improve the commercial component while continuing to manage our revenues in an integrated manner and with the aim of delivering a positive EBA strategy. In the coming quarters, net interest income will also benefit from the increase in loan volumes registered in Q1.
Slide number 27. Assets under management decreased by around EUR 20 billion in Q1 due to negative market performance. But in the same period, assets under management net inflow were positive for EUR 0.5 billion despite the outflows in March and the net inflows turned positive again in April. So April, again, positive net inflows.
In Q1, family sight deposits increased by EUR 6.3 billion and the so-called [sleepy money] collected so far around EUR 80 billion in the past few years, together with the EUR 152 billion in asset under administration, will prove to be the pool for our Wealth Management engine.
Slide 28. We continue to be very effective at managing costs. The main sources of savings were headcount reduction, real estate optimization, legal entities reduction and the decrease in other administrative costs. We reduced headcount by more than 2,800 on a yearly basis, with room for further cost reduction. We have already agreed and fully provisioned more than 2,000 voluntary exit. On top of this, we have received 1,000 additional application to be reviewed. Further branch reduction in the range of at least 1,000 on top of the 1,100 embedded in the business plan and almost already done are expected in light of the Banca 5 network scale up. Thanks to the strategic partnership with
SisalPay and in light of the change in customer behavior.
Slide 29. We are proud to have a best-in-class cost income ratio and this chart illustrates our leading position in Europe, number one in Europe.
Slide number 30. NPL stock has continued to decline sharply with 18 quarters of continuous deleveraging. We have already achieved 88% of our pre-COVID 2021 business plan NPL deleveraging target, with a leverage of EUR 1.3 billion in Q1 and the gross NPL ratio is down by more than 10 percentage points since the peak of September 2015 to 7.1%, equivalent to about 6% according to EBA criteria and the net NPL ratio decreased to 3.5%. We recorded the lowest-ever Q1 gross NPL inflow. ISP has been able to deliver this impressive deleveraging at no cost to shareholders. The bottom line is this, we entered the potential COVID-related negative credit cycle in the most favorable possible condition.
Slide number 32 -- 31, sorry. Our capital buffer versus regulatory requirement is roughly 600 basis points, well above our peers. And this favors also includes a deduction of the EUR 900 million for the 2020 dividends accrued in this quarter. Our fully phased-in common equity ratio is at 13.5%.
Slide 32. Our banking class capital buffer versus regulatory requirement has been further strengthened in Q1.
Slide number 33. When it comes to capital strength, ISP continues to be a European leader. In addition, we continue to apply a deliberate strategy of lower leverage with a leverage ratio of 6.6%, the best in Europe.
Slide 34. We have a best-in-class risk profile in terms of the ratio of capital to financial and liquid assets. And by this, I'm referring to net NPL, Level 2 and Level 3 assets. ISP also enjoys a strong liquidity position with both the liquidity coverage ratio and the net stable funding ratio above 100% with around EUR 200 billion in total liquid assets.
This situation, strong capital position, so rock-solid capital position, sustainable profitability and the best business model are the reason why in all the EBA stress test, we resulted as the clear winner and we start also this situation of crisis as the potential winner also in this situation, rock-solid capital position and resilient profitability, deriving from a clear and strong business model.
Now let me give you an update on how the combination with UBI Banca is proceeding. So let's move to Slide 36. When we announced our offer, we explained the solid rationale underlying the combination with UBI Banca. There are clear benefits for all stakeholders. The rationale is even more compelling now as we all face the challenges of the COVID recovery. At a time when strategic options are very limited, UBI Banca shareholders can choose to join forces with a stronger player in Italy and in Europe. A group that actively works to benefit its people, customers, shareholders and the broader community. And we are determined to move it forward and we remain absolutely convinced that this is the best option for UBI Banca shareholders and for Intesa Sanpaolo shareholders.
Slide number 37. As you can see from this slide, we are fully on track to close the transaction by August.
Slide number 38. The key message of this slide is that there is no change to the transaction terms. The exchange rates -- the exchange ratio remains 1.7 ISP shares for each UBI Banca share despite the 2019 dividend suspension. This is a 28% premium for UBI shareholders with an increase of 5.5 percentage points versus the premium announced in February. We will go ahead with the operation even if acceptancy is just 50% plus 1 share. We can achieve the vast majority of the identified synergies and the risk of UBI Banca's balance sheet at no cost to shareholders even under these conditions. Following the completion of the deal, the remaining minority shareholders will not benefit from the premium, which is incorporated in UBI's share price today.
Slide number 39. In simple terms, this deal makes a lot of sense, especially now. In fact, only banks that can leverage strong economies of scale, high-efficiency solid capital position and high asset quality will be able to successfully navigate the times ahead. In particular, we would generate significant synergies with no social costs. Negative goodwill from the transaction equal to EUR 3.9 billion will fully cover integration charges and additional loan loss provisions, meaning we can accelerate UBI's NPL deleveraging. As always, we do this only at no cost to shareholders.
We will pay high dividends with a payout ratio of 75% in 2020 and 70% in 2021. Our solid capital position will remain with a common equity tier ratio above 13% and the net income will be about EUR 50 billion -- EUR 5 billion, sorry, starting in 2022. So EUR 5 billion, '22. Our proven track record, emerging integrations shows that execution risk is very low. Let me now turn to the next slide, where I would like to take the momentum to review how we will provide strong support to UBI Banca's reference territories.
ISP is always dedicated in great attention to the local communities. We are group Banca dei Territori. UBI Banca's people, customers, shareholders and communities can expect us to bring the same attention to the territories that matter the most to them.
Let me now just a few of -- let me name just a few of concrete commitments to UBI Banca's reference people, clients and territories. We will create 4 new regional departments in Bergamo, Brescia, Cuneo and Bari with high lending capacity and management autonomy. And heads of the such new departments will be appointed from among UBI Banca people. We will boost lending by an additional EUR 10 billion per year in the next 3-year period, with no reduction in credit granted to mutual customers. UBI Banca's own social initiatives will be doubled. And UBI Banca's people will be able to remain where they are without any social impact. And UBI's also hire 2,500 young people, half of them from the territories of Bergamo, Brescia, Pavia, Cuneo and Southern Italy. The combination of Intesa Sanpaolo and UBI is a project that strengthens the 2 banks local routes while offering benefits for our communities and all stakeholders.
In conclusion, to sum up, we are well equipped and ready to face this challenging environment. We are ready to face this challenging environment. We are a leading bank in Europe. When it comes to excess capital, number one in Europe; low leverage, number one in Europe; and strong liquidity, among the best in Europe. We have a well-diversified and resilient business model. So a winning business model, leveraging of wealth management and protection, with strong ability to deliver also results in financial markets. We have continued deleveraging NPL to a low start with robust coverage at 0 cost for shareholders. We have a limited amount of Level 2 and Level 3 assets, the best-in-class in Europe.
We have a high strategic flexibilities in managing costs with the best cost/income ratio in Europe. And furthermore, we can count on EUR 1.5 billion of additional buffers to take future COVID impact, while delivering one of the best first quarters ever. For this reason, in the future, we are well positioned to continue delivering best-in-class profitability. With minimum EUR 3 billion net income for this year, minimum EUR 3.5 billion net income for the next year maintain a solid capital position with common equity ratio above 13%, deliver a payout ratio of 75% in 2020 with 75% of Q1 net income already deducted from capital ratio and 70% in 2021. And we expect to continue reviewing and fine tuning our outlook in light of the country reopening.
Finally, let me remind you that we believe that the rationale behind our combination with UBI Banca is even stronger in the context of COVID-19 and that significant value can be achieved even if we applied just 50% plus 1 share.
Thank you for your time and attention. And now I'm happy to answer to your questions.
Question-and-Answer Session
Operator
[Operator Instructions] We will now take our first question from Antonio Reale from Morgan Stanley.
Antonio Reale
I guess my first question is on the guidance. I guess it's very difficult to have visibility on full year numbers in an environment like this. So my question is, what are the assumptions behind your 90 basis points cost of risk for this year and 70 bps for next? I've seen your GDP range, but perhaps, I think it would be helpful to understand some of the assumptions behind these numbers. I'm thinking of government guarantees, moratorium, where you think NPL ratios could peak, et cetera.
My second question is, we've obviously seen a number of measures implemented by the government. Can you give us an update so far on what percentage of your loan book is currently on moratoria? What are the assumptions of how many of those will end up as NPLs when the grace period ends? And on the government guarantees, I think you mentioned EUR 3 billion as of end of April. What percentage of the loan book would you expect to be ultimately on government guarantee by year-end? And very last question on risk-weighted assets. I saw the drop in the quarter despite loan growth. Can you just share what's driving this and how do you expect RWA to move forward?
Carlo Messina
So thank you very much. Looking at our guidance, we decided to make an analysis that can give to the market the view of the management and the view of the bank for a clear outlook for the future. Not only talking about the quarter or the implication of 2020, but also looking at 2021. Because we are convinced that in analyzing and making the evaluation of the implication of this emergency, you have to consider the delta between the reduction in 2020 and the recovery in 2021.
So the majority of the provision will be related to Stage 2. So if you implement the moratoria and the guarantee on the state on the customers in Italy, the majority of the impact should be on Stage 2. Do not forget that we enter into this crisis with 50% of our stock and non performing loans, with a significant number of percentage in terms of investment-grade clients in the corporate sector and with a corporate sector in Italy that is comparable with the one that you have in Germany. So if you look at the situation of companies in Italy, their financial structure is comparable with the one in Germany and also their export-related attitude today is probably much better and much stronger than the one that you have in Germany.
So structural condition is good in Italy, looking at this point. So our expectation is that moratoria and the guarantee from the state can cover a significant part of what can happen into the possible migration between performing into nonperforming. This will avoid a massive move from performing into nonperforming [growth]. What will remain is the impact on Stage 2.
This impact could be managed through, in our expectation, through a maximum amount because we wanted to make a forecast for net income that could be conservative. We decided to post EUR 300 million as provisions, extra provision in this quarter. But to devote the next capital gain that I can remind you, in terms of growth is EUR 1.2 billion of extra provision to this possible implication coming from deterioration in the market. We will monitor the situation, but the majority were derived from this impact.
We made an analysis on sector on looking on the different indications in different sectors. And at the end, our estimate is that it is likely that we will not exceed this amount of provision. And hopefully, we can stay also below this level of provision. But with our purpose to give also a net income guidance to the market because we want to pay dividend and our purpose is to pay dividend with the application of the 75% and 70%, you can have a clear view on what could be the dividends that you can derive from your investments in Intesa Sanpaolo.
So analysis related to impact on moratoria, guaranteed sector analysis, Stage 1, Stage 2, the migration and the strength of the starting point of the portfolio of Intesa Sanpaolo. That are the most important analysis. There will be a reduction in provision in 2021 because we will be in a positive a GDP trend remaining in my view, in a conservative mood comparing to our asset quality.
That's the most important area of analysis that we made on nonperforming loans and performing loans impact coming from this emergency.
If we look at the moratoria, today we reached EUR 38 billion of loans that are related to moratoria. The amount could increase in the next months. But we do not expect such a massive number, but in any case, will increase. On the impact on the so-called such and further the guarantee impact, we are really at the starting point, we will see what will be the real request from clients in Italy because my understanding is that in reality, the situation -- their situation could be -- in reality, probably better than can appear now looking at the first signs of lockdown.
There are sectors like tourism, hotel and so is transportation that can be impacted in massive way. But in my view, there are a significant number of sectors that can rebound also in the second part of the year. So my expectation is that we decided to make a conservative approach posting EUR 300 million and dedicated another EUR 1.2 billion coming from the next capital gain in the next months. So if you make net-net, the availability of the results that we can use for provision is really massive in significance, but leaving with sustainable resilient profitability.
Looking at risk-weighted assets, we had some optimization, accuracy and some recovery of the guarantee in the loan book. So this allow us to mitigate the impact on the risk-weighted assets on credit. We have a strong work that we, on a quarterly basis, made on in terms of collateral, recovery of guarantees and this relating condition to have a positive impact on risk-weighted asset credit related.
Operator
We will take our next question from Andrea Filtri from Mediobanca.
Andrea Filtri
I hope you can hear me. I have 3 questions. The first is on the lending evolution to the different types of customers, SMEs, corporate, mortgage and consumer. If you could give us your outlook for these different types of lending going forward. And a comment on what types of margins you're expecting to charge vis-à-vis before COVID, including the fact that some of these will be government guaranteed. The second is on trading. You have posted a fantastic result this quarter. There is a lot more market volatility and higher sovereign spreads. Are you counting on radical changes in the Eurozone and EU policies? And if you have, any comments on that side. And finally, if you could provide us the insurance Solvency II ratio at the end of March.
Carlo Messina
So insurance solvency ratio is above 200%. So it's 203%. That's solvency ratio. So significant and very good considering also that we will continue to deliver a very good result in this sector, that in my expectation would be really the star in terms of increasing results due to the property and casualty business and especially in the health sector, driven by the acquisition of RBM, that starting from June will give us extra speed in terms of performance, but that's the level of insurance services, so very strong.
Looking at trading -- so I'm moving from the third to the second and then the first. Looking at trading, we made, for sure, very good performance. We took benefit from volatility we think that we will remain with a percentage of Italian government bonds, more or less in the range on which we are today, that is 43%, 44% of the total amount of government bonds. We think that there could be some reduction in terms of volatility, but we have to monitor the evolution of the agreement between the different participant to the Euro zone because ECB made a clear efforts, commission is trying to do the best for solution, but they didn't reach a clear and final position on this point.
I have to tell you that I'm, in any case, convinced that Italy has a significant strength in the saving of the Italian families and also Italy can account on the Italian savings in order to manage the future needs for the public debt or to reduce public debt for the future. So I'm not worried about the position. And I think that looking at market volatility, we can continue to have good performance. And as I told in the previous statement, April has been another very good month, especially in Banca IMI. And so I'm pretty confident that with this environment, we can continue to deliver good performance also in this area.
Looking at lending. It is clear that we had a trend in the first quarter. The trend in the first quarter made us with good diversification between international loans and domestic loans with good profitability because we made good results, looking at net interest income in the first quarter, mainly driven by the asset side because the liability side made negative impact deriving from markdown and the growth of the deposit base. Margin for the future will be mainly related to the kind of guarantees that will be applied and looking at guarantees and usage of TLTRO, it is clear that we will not have significant margins, but the volume effects could be much higher than what you can expect.
So my expectation is that net-net, net interest margin would be the real surprise of 2020 due to the fact that we have stock embedded in the first quarter that is really significant. And we can, in any case, play a significant increase in terms of loans also with the guarantees. But it is clear that the guarantees will have a level of pricing that could be lower than [indiscernible] but at the same time, the risk-weighted asset embedded will be really, really very low.
So SMEs corporate consumer could be an area affected. Mortgage is also another area that can be affected from some months. So probably the real estate market and the -- based on the area related to this point would be affected SMEs and corporate depending on what could be the need in order to work for liquidity lag due to the lockdown, but also due to the fact that some players can decide to accelerate investments in order to be ready for the recovery in the export related demand to be the champion.
Do not forget that a significant part of companies in Italy can be leader also looking at export related items. And so if you want to be a leader in the future, you have to start investment in this phase. And so there could be also demand coming from this champion. We need to have a clear view of -- on this month. So May, because May could be a month important after the full lockdown. We will maintain the market informed quarter-by-quarter on the evolution of this component.
Operator
We will take our next question from Giovanni Razzoli from Equita.
Giovanni Razzoli
A couple of questions on my side. The first one, I would like you to share with us what's your view of the regulators activities so far. It seems to me that they grant the banks a lot of flexibility in terms of capital requirement, in terms of IFRS 9 adoption and all those cyclicality elements that may impact the CET1. Do you share this point? Would you expect something more from the regulator? So this is my first question. And the second one, in terms of the government actions here. You have also been pretty much clear in commenting what is the effect on the Stage 2 of the -- sorry, on the new nonperforming flows of the government actions.
Here in this case, how do so you see the government actions? Would you expect something more to come? For example, we have seen that they are also considering some guarantees on the UTP. And I guess that these actions, the material impact on them cost, of risk component. So I'd like to have your comments here. And the very last point, sorry, back to the question on the trading performance that was quite strong. The headline number may suggest a relatively strong volatility, but half of it comes from capital markets. That seems to me more a kind of client-driven activity. So shall we consider this item relatively replicable going forward as it is not so related to the market movements?
Carlo Messina
So I will start from the last one. So on trading performance. For sure, capital market is also benefiting from client activity. Difficult to say what can happen in the next months. So I can give you reality. So April has been a very good month. So again, with significant realized profit during the month and a significant activity in terms of capital market. But we have also to consider that if there will be some recovery in terms of Wealth Management proposition, probably there could be a reduction in the component, client-driven on capital markets. So it is the typical historical evidence, there could be some correlation. Do not ask me why there is this correlation.
I can give you some hypothesis, but the evidence is this. So in case of a significant recovery in Wealth Management activity, so this can happen if the stock market can rebound, if the spread can be in a trending down evolution, probably you can have a reduction in terms of capital market activity. But for the time being, not for the level that you have in the first quarter, but my expectation is that this sector can give us positive results. Then it is by definition, it will effect for the first -- some kind of volatility, so it is difficult to make a clear outlook in this area. But April has been a very good month also looking in this respect.
In terms of government action, I think that our government made all you can do in a situation in which you have a public debt like the one that we have in Italy. So not easy to do something more. Probably, they can work on some intervention so-called, [foreign language], so not giving only guarantee of debt, but also giving money to the companies. On UTP, probably they are starting this point and my perception is that it is not easy to say that they can complete this area of analysis. But if they succeed, this could be absolutely something very important because UTP are performing -- loss performing in the sense that they can move into performing loans and the purpose of the company and of the state should be to maintain into the performing areas because there are people working. 1,000 and 1,000 of people are working 2 companies that are in UTP. So this could be, in my view, a priority of the government, but I cannot tell you if they can have success in trying to analyze something in this area. But by definition, this area is an area in which we should work hard in order to allow them to come back into bonus.
You can give a significant boost to the GDP growth in the country, but especially to save employment in a situation, which in the next months, there could be some significant social problematic situation, not only in Italy but in all Europe, deriving from the reduction of GDP.
Looking at the regulators, for sure, they are acting in a very tough way in order to reduce procyclicality to give flexibility to banks. So my expectation is that they can continue this very good job that they are doing. My expectation is that especially European level, looking at SSM, ECB better continue this very good job they are doing in order to make stabilization and not to put emphasis on the negative side to try to move all the sector into the positive side.
So my expectation and my relation with these counterparties is positive. My perception is that they are fully aware of what can happen into the market if they try to accelerate the procyclical impact of this negative trend. And my expectation is that they do all the best in order to reduce this impact. We think that in any case, there would be an impact. Another reason why we decide to place EUR 1.5 billion on a yearly basis in order to face this very tough environment with an increase -- potential increase, maximum until 90 basis points for this 2020 year. But due to our strong efficiency, strong ability to have a resilient business model, we can remain easily with a net income well above EUR 3 billion in 2020 and EUR 3.5 billion in 2021.
Operator
Our next question comes from Domenico Santoro from HSBC.
Domenico Santoro
Just a couple of follow-ups. First of all, on the target in terms of net profit. Does the EUR 3 billion at least net profit include also an allocation of the Nexi capital gain to potential further provisions for the situation, the economic situation. And whether this is already included in the 90 bps. The reason why I'm asking, we have seen, of course, your colleagues, your Spanish colleagues charging much more in the quarter, more than EUR 1 billion for the large. So I'm just wondering whether you're going to book an additional part, which is a model update. If my understanding is correct, once you have the input from the ECB in the second quarter.
The second question is on capital. Can you please tell us what could be the impact positive from the measures that the European Commission has approved last week, especially the SME supporting [factor] and the others. And what do you expect in the second part of the year when you have more visibility on the situation, some risk-weighted assets inflation because you're going to potentially update your PD, LGD in the portfolio. Can you also mention whether you're going to take up more in terms of TLTRO at the end of June. And what could be the maximum allotment.
Carlo Messina
So I want to start in this case from the target. So to make clear the position on our EUR 3 billion minimum level. We talk about minimum because we talk about exactly on the allocation of Nexi. So our expectation is that it is useless to be so bullish in this. So bullish in this sense, a negative. In the first quarter, which we have not a clear scenario coming from ECB and they gave us a clear indication that they will give us in June, the implication of the scenario, [that we will be glad] to use in order to make the provision for the Stage 2 in the second quarter. We want to give a clear understanding of the situation because we will have an impact for sure and we think the EUR 300 million is the right amount that we can place. But we will have another amount in the next months. And we decided that this amount will be in our -- in all our analysis that we remain also stressing some condition. This amount would not exceed the EUR 1.2 billion.
So we decided that we can allocate the negative capital gain in order to phase at this point a stressing condition which can leave us to maximum 90 basis points. But when we -- if you remember, when we made the deal on Nexi, we made a clear statement to the market. So we will use only a portion of this capital gain in order to increase net income because a portion of this will be used in order to increase sustainability of results of the company. And we are perfectly in that situation. So we need to have Nexi capital gain in order to improve sustainability of results of the company because if we place EUR 1.5 billion extra provisions in 2020, believe me starting from 2021, there will be another year in which there could be an impact but mitigated by the positive GDP. In the next years, we will have benefit coming from these extra provisions. So increasing sustainability for our results.
So the allocation of Nexi is included in EUR 3 billion. That's the reason why I'm absolutely -- I can tell you absolutely that EUR 3 billion is absolutely conservative. My expectation is that we can do better than this. And on this point, I prefer to stay on the conservative side, given indication to the market. And again, because through this amount and through the payout ratio, you can also calculate what kind of dividend we expect to give to our shareholders. But the Nexi capital gain for us is a clear [journey] that we will use during the second or the third quarter in order to increase the provision for an amount that could be maximum EUR 1.2 billion deriving from the Nexi capital gain. So that's the position on Nexi.
On our capital position and the implication of the new analysis coming from the SME sectors, we will have a benefit on this point. We need to have some more weeks in order to make the perfect analysis on this point and we will make the clear disclosure on this, that it is positive and you will have in the second part of 2020. But I think that in our case, is only another factor that can increase our already very strong excess capital that we remain very strong and in excess of what all the other European peers have communicated also paying the 2019 dividend. So if you pay in 2019, you remain in Intesa Sanpaolo with a position of MDA buffer exceeding the one of all the other European peers. But in any case, on this point, we will make disclosure in the next months as soon as we have more analysis in place.
Looking at TLTRO, we can reach the amount of EUR 85 billion, EUR 90 billion and we will decide if we can take more. And this will depend also on the amount of loans with the guarantee of the state that we will receive in terms of billing during the next month.
Operator
We will take our next question from Benjie Creelan-Sandford from Jefferies.
Benjie Creelan-Sandford
Just looking at the back of the presentation on the sovereign bond holdings, it looks like they are stable quarter-on-quarter. But if we look at the balance sheet, total financial assets on the banking book appear to be up about EUR 10 billion quarter-on-quarter. So I was just wondering if you could give any more detail on what kind of assets those are, presumably that's corporate bond exposure that you have increased in the quarter?
And then I guess, just in terms of, again, going back to the cost of risk outlook and the 90 basis points, you've obviously pointed to the 8.5% to 10.5% GDP decline in Italy this year. Can you give any sense of the sensitivity to your cost of risk assumptions to any change in the GDP growth outlook, both this year and in terms of the rebound in 2021?
Carlo Messina
So thank you because the point on sensitivity on GDP, in my view, is very important. So that's a point in which it is clear that what is very important is the sensitivity on the delta between 2020, 2021. So the real point of analysis in our bank and analysis that we made and we will continue to make in the future because it is clear that if you have another 2 weeks of the lockdown or another month of lockdown, analysis will be, for sure, different. If you have the sectors that can be impacted in a tough way in the next months, it is clear that you have different impacts. And we made some reserve in the analysis of 90 basis points, also considering some further points on some area of lockdown. But the sensitivity should be applied in my perception on the delta basis deriving from the negative GDP of 2020 and the positive of 2021. So in kind of in our case, minus 4 basis points.
If you make some stress on this analysis, you can have -- in case of positive, you can have a recovery in terms of provisions, especially in 2021 if the rebound is much higher than the one that we have considered. For 2020, my expectation is that with 90 basis points we are fully covered also from worst-case scenario apart from a significant further lockdown in the country in the next months. In that case, we will need to make further analysis in order to evaluate what could be the impact but always related with a possible rebound in 2021. So that's the reason why I'm focusing on the delta basis.
On a delta basis, if you have from minus 4 into minus 6, my perception is that there could be limited extra provision that you can need in terms of the provision, especially in the 2 years 2020, 2021. You can have an impact but not so significant. That what can happen is 2022, in which we can have another amount of provision related to this situation. But for another 2 percentage point, my expectation is that you can have another EUR 100 million, EUR 200 million in 2 years' time, but no more than this. If you have a lower impact in terms of 4 percentage point and you stress and you see that at the end, you can go 2 percentage points. Again, you can have positive on the provision and much higher positive in 2022.
It is also clear that we are making analysis on the model. So we will give you a more clear view on this sensitivity in the next presentation for the next quarter results. But your point is completely right. The sensitivity is very important. But what we are doing is using the delta on the 2 forecasts, negative and possible rebound in 2021. But the condition of extra provision due to the fact that we think that we have been really conservative in using EUR 1.5 billion extra provisions in our figures, we think that this can be enough. Also because the amount of the state guarantee theoretically is massive. Then again, this is another part of the story, that we will check month by month, about the amount of the intervention. 40% of the GDP is really impressive. Again, we have to check if reality is equivalent to the project. That's for the 90 basis points.
On the sovereign bond holding, we had an increase in some sovereign bond and then we will also increase in some corporate and financial bonds. And there could be some increase deriving in this quarter from this holding. But the majority of the impact that we had on common equity is deriving from the [indiscernible] government bond in which there has been also a bridge of correlation between the AAA country and AA country like France and the other like Italy and Spain. That was another reason. But on financial assets, then if you want all of the figures and disclosure, Investor Relations teams is at your disposal to give you all the figures that you need to make analysis.
Operator
We will take our next question from Alberto Cordara from Bank of America.
Alberto Cordara
From my side, a couple of questions. The first one related to efficiency. You already have a very good cost income ratio, as you detailed in the presentation. Is there more room to improve your cost line? What is the degree of flexibility that you have been doing et cetera? And how much of a potential further cost line improvement is included in your current guidance. And I just want to know if you can put something else on top of your current guidance.
The second issue relates to your offer on UBI. I think you explained very well the rationale. Banks today need more scale, more efficiency. They are coping with a tough environment from an interest rate standpoint and more importantly, from an asset quality standpoint. So all of this is very clear. What is probably less clear, in particular to international observers, is why there is a group of core shareholders at UBI, including foundations, that are seemingly opposing the deal. So I think it would be helpful if you can explain to us and explain to international investors why this is taking place because, again, from the outside, that may not look immediately something clear and understandable.
Carlo Messina
So thank you, Alberto. We can start from efficiency. That is the easy way in which I can elaborate. Efficiency in Intesa Sanpaolo is a clear north star. So we think that efficiency is the key factor of success of our organization. We have, for sure, more room to accelerate in terms of cost reduction. And do not forget that last year, we had 2,800 people leaving the organization. And in this first quarter, we had 1,000 people -- roughly 1,000 people leaving the organization.
So embedded in the personnel cost of the organization, there is a significant number of possible reduction that we consider as potential for increasing people in other areas such as insurance, artificial intelligence in other sectors that can lead to have a reinforced margin or a reinforcement because we are talking about minus 4,000 people. And the hiring of people could be in the range of 500 people. Today, we are reducing the hiring of people.
We are stopping the turnover. We think that also in view of the [increased] possible transaction. But in general, also on a stand-alone basis, we want to better understand the implication of this new scenario on our activity because I think that at the end, there is one area that give us a clear indication that digital and remote working and ability to work, reducing the need of real estate building. And on the other side, reducing the number of branches because with the SisalPay agreement, we had already planned of further reduction of branches.
But this situation gave us a clear view of 2 business model. One is the mass market and the other one is personal affluent end product. On personal affluent end product, you need to reinforce your activity into the branch. Then you can call branch, private banking branch, a person [who work] in the branch. But people in Italy need to have contact with people. And we received a request for meeting, also in the lockdown period or because people want to be sure that they are giving the money to a person that with whom they can have a clear relation, a clear understanding of each other to a meeting.
On the other side, on the area of mass market, we think that we can really work on an extra plan of reduction of branches, leveraging on our superior ability of giving digital implication on business. So this will bring us to work on analysis of reduction of branches, devoted to mass market, reinforcement of the one devoted to personal [account]. And then we have, for sure, less travel expenses because working and demonstration of working by remote, it is possible to reduce this amount of expenses. And some real estate rationalization will be added to our program.
So cost base today is one of our business activity. The cost management sector that is in charge of this area is delivering fantastic results. We think that we can do more, but not only as contingency plan that will bring us positive in case of reduction of revenues, but also from a structural point of view. So this is an area which I'm working in order to prepare a new phase of cost reduction for the group.
Looking at UBI. And believe me, I'm really in a condition to say that it is difficult also for me to understand why there is such a strong opposition because you can have an opposition to a deal because you think that you can have more money. So there could be physiological opposition [indiscernible]. The case of core shareholder, it is a very strong opposition.
And I have to tell you that I prefer not to give you my idea on this front. And I think at the end, also these shareholders will understand that in this situation in which the environment is very tough and if Intesa Sanpaolo will have to consider EUR 1.5 billion of extra provision in 2020. And consider also an increase of provision in 2021. A reduction in comparison with 2020 but for sure, an increase considering the current situation, it is difficult that a second tier in the market can have much better perception than a first tier in the market. And not intending the second tier is not positive. But I'm talking about dimension, the scalability, the profitability, resilience of our figures.
So all the banks in Italy will be impacted by this situation. And I think that we, together with the strong player can give to the shareholder, so it will be a much higher probability to have significant dividends and also upside in the future. So today, we have the correlation of UBI shares with the Intesa Sanpaolo shares, I think that the core shareholders can have a benefit moving into Intesa Sanpaolo and benefiting from a clear trend in terms of profitability and dividends. Indeed, that is the reason why we decided to change the dividend policy that we made and disclosed to the market some months ago. In which we think that it is not fair to give a message that we can pay a fixed dividend to the UBI shareholders.
But now we are entering to the same guidance that we are giving for the Intesa Sanpaolo shareholders that is 75%, 70%. And we think that UBI shareholders can also benefit from the payment of 2019 dividends that it is absolutely my intention to propose for the payment, then we will see the position of the ECB. We have great respect of the ECB and SSM. And we absolutely need to have their approval. But my intention, also looking to the capital position of the bank, the simulation of the impact is that we can be in a position to pay this amount of money at the end of this emergency. But believe me, I have full respect for the core shareholders. So it will be -- and I will respect their decision if the opposition will remain negative towards the transaction.
Alberto Cordara
I think this is very important point because, as a matter of fact, when I look at your pre-impairment profitability is so much higher than the rest of the sector, particularly with respect to the domestic bank. So forgive me, but I just want to ask you an additional opinion. So leaving aside the situation of UBI, do you expect that we are going to see much more consolidation in Italy because, again, when I look at domestic banks, the higher cost of risk may make it quite easy for them to report losses in the current environment. So leaving aside this specific case, should we expect the Italian sector to consolidate more in this period or in the next few years.
Carlo Messina
So let me add that I'm convinced that UBI Banca is a good medium-sized bank with a good management. I have full respect of Victor Massiah and what they are doing in UBI. But it is clear that if you have a situation in which you have a thunderstorm, probably you can be safe in a strong company in a strong situation. It is true also for the other banks, medium-sized bank in Italy because all the CEOs of the medium-sized banks in Italy, in my view, made a very good job because they succeeded in reducing nonperforming loans. They increased the coverage ratio, especially other banks increased their coverage ratio, made very good jobs in terms of business model. But at the end, dimension is dimension. And if you generate, like us, more than EUR 4 billion in a normal situation, you can't remain to generate more than EUR 3 billion after having posted EUR 1.5 billion of provisions. So with the cost of credit that for our standard is a very high cost of credit, 90 basis points. And the other player in the market can have a difficult situation and that figures, if the increase is so high.
If you look at that figures also from other players in Italy that announced EUR 900 million of provision, then there is a clear view on the big player in the country that the impact should be significant. And if the impact is significant, the big-sized bank can have an impact. Also then, I hope that they can remain in profitability because at the end, stability of the system is also positive for Intesa Sanpaolo. There could be some other consolidation move in the country, possible. But you have not to forget that there has been a lot of talking about consolidation. And the reality is that if you have 2 CEOs, one will have to rule the place. And in the history of Italy, this didn't happen. And that's the reason why there was no merger between 2 medium-sized bank in Italy because all the 2 CEOs want to remain CEOs of the company. So at the end, this is a clear point of difficulty in making transaction.
And you have -- also to add another point, if you want consolidation, you need to create condition to reduce nonperforming gross. And the only priority is to make capital increase. So do you think that the market would prefer to have a merger with a big player and also the other shareholders, because at the end, other shareholders, we understand that any kind of transaction different of this, we need to have the capital increase. And to have a capital increase is not enough 20% of the capital. You need to have 100% of the capital. And so in my view, consolidation could be theoretical a way. But it is difficult, especially in this environment in which you will need, by definition, a capital increase if you want to consolidate medium-sized banks.
Operator
We will take our next question from Britta Schmidt from Autonomous Research.
Britta Schmidt
I've got 3 questions, please. One, just returning to your comment on TLTRO 3, where you said that it depends a little bit on the loan growth that you see also under the government-guaranteed loan program. What is your expectation for loan growth under the program for 2020? And given that the terms of the TLTRO 3 are quite attractive, would you not consider increasing your government bond portfolio on that basis?
And the second question I have is on legacy NPLs. Have you seen any impact on your workout trajectory from the lockdowns that we've seen? And what should we expect here for 2020 and 2021?
And lastly, can you give us a little bit of an insight in how fees and insurance income has behaved in April versus, let's say, January and February.
Carlo Messina
So looking at fee and income, January and February has been the best months ever. So we had 2 very strong months. You probably remember that by guidance, has been at the end of the year that we can have an increase in net interest income due to the increase in loan book and we delivered the increase in loan book. And the increase in the commercial part of net interest income, but also that we expected an increase in fee and commission due to significant conversion.
We had conversion in the month of January, February, a negative month in March, but the combination has been, in any case, a positive. On a quarterly basis, April is again a positive month. We think that the insurance product business could be the one that can bring us positive results in 2020, especially life insurance, apart from property and casualty that is a clear engine for growth.
So no doubt, this will be an engine for growth for Intesa Sanpaolo but we think that we can have some positive on fee and commissions. The real point is that my expectation is that it is difficult to have performance fee. And it is difficult to have a fee coming from more or less EUR 20 billion of reduction that we have in terms of performance. So the commissions is an area in which we are experimenting increase in terms of net inflows, but the amount of calculations coming from the reduction of stock is such that we will have an impact in terms of commissions on a yearly basis if the market will continue at this level. If spread can trend down below 200 basis points, there could be probability that the stock performance in the market will be better and then we can have again some really positive on fee and commissions.
At the same time, we feel that we have -- we need another contributor, it is corporate investment banking because we have the positive contribution in terms of net interest income, but looking at commissions, the lack of deal creating lack of commissions, but we are working also in this area. But my expectation is that fees cannot be an engine for growth. It can be engine in terms of difference of results. So that's our target today in terms of fee and commissions.
Looking at NPL, the impact from the lockdown is really limited on NPL because in March, I have to tell you that, in the end, NPAT is really negligible. My expectation is that with the combination of moratoria and the combination of the state guarantees, the only portion that will be affected to be hotel, tourism, transportation, something that in Italy is important but it is, at the end, less than 2% of our loan book. Then also at European level, oil and gas, but again, in our book is 0.4. So the total impact, excluding public guarantee and moratoria in my view is really limited.
Looking at TLTRO, we will not use for government bonds or increasing the government bond portfolio. We think to have a dimension that is the right one. So our expectation is that we can have some reach in terms of composition but the measure should more or less remain the same. The increase in TLTRO can be devoted only to increasing of loans and especially the one relating with the state guarantee.
Operator
We will take our next question from Andrea Vercellone from Exane.
Andrea Vercellone
Two small questions. The first one is on trading in the quarter. I was just wondering if there's any contribution in that very good figure from fair value of liabilities. And if there is, if you can disclose how much.
The second is on risk-weighted assets. Directionally going forward, 2021, 2020 later on in the year, do you believe that the impact of negative procyclicality on your loan book, so PD and LGD worsening, will be bigger than the positive impact of the government guaranteed loans, which are 0 risk-weighted or vice versa?
Carlo Messina
So on this point of risk-weighted assets, we think that there could be a compensation. Our negative procyclicality will not be so significant because we have, through the cycle, PD, so we will not have very positive in case of positive dynamics, but not very negative in case of negative dynamics. So my expectation is that we can have more or less a combination of the two. And so we should not have a significant inflation in terms of risk-weighted assets. We monitor the situation, but my understanding today is that it is, in any case, likely that they can be compensated. So our expectation is that there not should be significant negative impact coming from both of them.
Looking at the trading income, there is a component coming from the fair value of liabilities. On the total amount of trade -- of the growth of the assets, the large majority is realized. That only is coming on fair value, but we decided to take a very positive stance on this fair value on liabilities. So the majority of the results is realized like the one that is the result in April, in which this component of the fair value is still there and the evidence is our prudent stance and we increased the realized proportion of the portfolio. So we think that this result can be considered as a good contributor such a contributor to the results of the group.
Operator
Our next question comes from Ignacio Cerezo from UBS.
Ignacio Cerezo
Three questions from me. The first one is if you have a ballpark figure in terms of where the NPL ratio can go from the 7% you posted in Q1.
The second one is whether you expect any fee contribution from increased lending under the guarantee.
And the third is curiosity of why you haven't changed your loan loss estimate on the UBI deal. You're still targeting the need for EUR 1.2 billion net of tax loan losses and considering the change of environment, I was wondering why you haven't changed that number yet.
Carlo Messina
So we decided to -- so look, starting from NPL, we want to confirm our NPL plan. So there should not be a significant impact in terms of reduction. Our expectation is that we can go at 6% in 2021 and we can be close to 3% in terms of net nonperforming loans. We are still making all the analysis because we know that it is not easy. And we think we remain probably one of the best jobs in comparison with all the other European peers in making a clear disclosure and giving to the market possibility to make analysis with us on this point.
But we are still working on the assumption. We have to see reality of the environment. We have to see reality of impact of guarantee because what can happen in Italy is that there is also a majority of owner of companies that has a lot of money. So probably, they will not need to have state guarantee. So we have to see the evolution. But our perception is that we can continue reduction in terms of stock of nonperforming loans in terms of reduction of nonperforming loans ratio.
On fee contribution from state guarantee, they could be -- but they could be not so significant. Our expectation in terms of fee contribution again comes from a recovery in the second part of the year from wealth management, is coming from, for sure, profit in property and casualties business and also from corporate and investment banking business. But from the state guaranties, not so significant.
Then in terms of provision, we decided to start from the analysis that we made on the implication of the scenario on the different sectors and the implication of moratoria and guarantee, the implication of the quality of our stock, the amount of nonperforming loans, the possible migration of difference from performing into nonperforming loans. We made a very significant analysis, especially in the chief lending office area and the chief risk office area.
And the results is the amount of extra provision needed. What we need is to have the final point in June from ECB because that they will give a scenario. We've asked -- they asked not to work from procyclicality. We asked to make a top-down approach, but to be phased and with their scenario, so we decided to put EUR 300 million just to give the evidence that the portion is still there.
And we are moving in the right direction and we decided to make an allocation with a clear Board of Director resolution because today, Board of Directors decided that the allocation of the next capital gain could be devoted to provision if needed. So if needed would be lower next, can be used for other sustainable items or to be used for net income but that's the position of the bank. We think that this job is a clear job of best practice of transparence in terms of information with all our shareholders.
When I decide to take a commitment, this is a clear priority for the organization. And I wanted my investors to have a clear framework on what could be the evolution in this difficult context. On the other side, also for UBI investors, I think that it is very important to understand the future of Intesa Sanpaolo and what could be the implication of becoming investors of Intesa Sanpaolo in this very difficult and tough environment and I can confirm that also for these shareholders to become Intesa Sanpaolo shareholders could be a unique opportunity.
Operator
Our next question comes from Delphine Lee from JPMorgan.
Delphine Lee
I just have one question actually. In regards capital, when I look at your Slide 91, just wanted to understand a little bit sort of where the -- it looks like in your 14.5% in CET1, you have this quarter a slightly bigger benefit from DTAs and also a smaller impact from IFRS 9 transitional adjustments. I'm just wondering so if you can explain a little bit the difference and the mechanics.
Carlo Messina
So on the analytics, we have to tell you that probably it is much better if you enter in touch with the Investor Relations people. I can tell you, my view on what happened on the capital position of the bank this quarter in which we had a negative component arriving from the -- as all the other European banks, coming from the COVID impact on the market dislocation. This has -- this had also implication on the DTAs. And I don't know if this is a component that can make an explanation to your request. But on this point, Marco Delfrate and Andrea Tamagnini can give you all the figures that you need. My point is that for IFRS 9, we had a portion on the phase-in, because you remember that on the fully loaded you had to consider the impact that you had not in the phasing. But due to the fact that you had another era, you had to reduce the impact on the fully loaded, adding the impact on the phasing. But on this point, as I told you, Marco and Andrea are at your complete disposal.
Operator
Our next question comes from Anna Benassi from Kepler Cheuvreux.
Anna Benassi
Several questions already asked. I would like to come back to the offer on UBI Banca. I agree that your position looks stronger and stronger and your commitment looks stronger and stronger, too. So I'm trying to understand that if the offer could be changed in any way, not in absolute terms, but maybe in the mix of instruments, I mean less shares and introducing some cash. And the other thing is that you write in the presentation that assuming the 50% plus 1 share ownership, you will be able to proceed with all the integration actions.
So the question is then a large minority component in the bank cannot interfere with even this overall action you can implement in the integration plan.
And another point, you said also several times that we'll need to pay the 2019 suspended dividends. And if we look to that, if we assume the full amount, then there will be share -- is trading at 15% premium to the offer, which is, in fact, again, very, very strange. And excluding them, still a 5%. Can you clarify on the dividend side if you will have to start from scratch. I mean you don't start from the 92 -- sorry, the EUR 0.19. You can, in October, propose any type of amount just because I don't know what is possible or not given the new ECB guidance.
And finally, I've been -- ask about the contingency plan on cost, but I'm more curious to understand if the experience -- or the client experience in these 2 months on the online and going in the branch by appointment, that I think is clearly a big piece of news in Italy, can bring the medium term a sizable cost savings. So different behaviors, it will imply of the different organizations.
Carlo Messina
So on the last question, my understanding and my perception, subject to the analysis, is that we can have a sizable reduction in terms of cost, especially for the mass market. So for this area, I think that at the end, that there could be a lot of value in reinforcing the digital kind of relation with the clients. Reducing the branches and the real estate embedded into the branches and this means a clear reduction on cost. At the same time, as I told you, I think that we have to reinforce places, branches in which you can have meetings with people in order to manage their wealth and their insurance, especially for the health and the houses. So my view is that we can have really for the future in the next plan, a strong reduction of cost in terms of business model.
Looking at UBI Banca, we will not change our offer. So no possibility, zero possibility is from the first stated, I'm telling to the UBI shareholders that I'm fully convinced that this is the best option for them. And at the end, I'm the CEO of the Intesa Sanpaolo shareholders. So I have to mix between the 2 situation. My expectation is that we will not change our offer.
We will deliver 50% plus 1 share. We will realize the integration of the IT system, that is fundamental in order to make the merger -- the substantial merger for the company because you can have a substantial and physical and legal entity merger. If you realize the IT integration, you can have the possibility to explore the majority of the synergies. At the same time, making the consolidation, you can use the bed wheel in order to increase coverage and make disposal of nonperforming loans of UBI, you will have the impact on the consolidated and you will have the impact on the individual. So the UBI Banca remaining will have all the increase in terms of provisions in order to make disposal of nonperforming loans.
The minority shareholders can interfere in the physical merger. But I have to tell you that I'm ready also to maintain the bank of the first period in order to make integration of system, making the right job in terms of appointment of the new head of regional division. Give the power to the people, motivate the people and then make a valuation of physical merger.
But as soon as you have the IT integration, you can have the majority of the synergies that you can derive. Using the bed wheel, you can have also the integration charges, expense integration charges already embedded in the figures and also the increase in coverage embedded in the figures. So in the end, the majority of the actions will be absolutely available to Intesa Sanpaolo also with [indiscernible] class 1 share. Then if minority shareholders want us to reinforce the linkage in the territories with their presence as minority shareholders renouncing, they decide not to have the premium for the share. So renouncing the premium, we will be happy to maintain them as minority shareholders.
On the same time, on 2019 dividend, my intention is to pay dividends, but not because I'm crazy, but because I'm a value creator for my shareholders, adding a clear attitude to make efforts in order to reinforce the community and the country in which I'm operating. And I want to remember you that we were the only one to make such a donation in the country. We were the only company to give money to clients in the company and in the country, but also we have shareholders like foundation, like retail, that need to have dividends in order to make something positive for the country or in order to survive in the situation of difficulty in the country.
Then it is also clear that I can understand the action of SSM, of ECB. And if they decide us not to pay dividend, we will not pay dividend by definition. But my target is to try to pay all the 2019 dividends. And my capital ratio also with a total payment of dividend, we remain in expense below the other European players. So as soon as I'm in a condition of cover the extra risk of COVID, I will try to pay dividend, with full respect of SSM and ECB. And so it is clear that, this is absolutely conditional to their position in the future.
Operator
This concludes today's question-and-answer session and I will now turn the conference over to Mr. Messina.
Carlo Messina
So again, thank you for being with me and with us today. And may you and your families stay healthy. So thank you very much. | https://seekingalpha.com/article/4345603-intesa-sanpaolo-s-p-iitof-ceo-carlo-messina-on-q1-2020-results-earnings-call-transcript | 2022-06-26T17:27:42Z | https://seekingalpha.com/article/4345603-intesa-sanpaolo-s-p-iitof-ceo-carlo-messina-on-q1-2020-results-earnings-call-transcript | true | 2 |
BUDAPEST, Hungary — Canadian 15-year-old Summer McIntosh won another gold medal and Italy pipped the United States to the men’s 4x100 medley relay title on the last night of racing at the world swimming championships.
The American women clinched the Unites States’ record 45th medal of the week by winning their 4x100 medley final on Saturday. Regan Smith, Lilly King, Torri Huske and Claire Curzan were 0.47 seconds ahead of Australia and 1.23 ahead of Canada.
“Yeah, I’m pretty tired,” Huske said after her sixth medal in a busy week.
Canadian swimmers finished with 11 medals for their most successful worlds.
Veteran Gregorio Paltrinieri also won a thrilling men’s 1,500 freestyle, as Italy ended the swimming worlds with five golds.
Paltrinieri was well under world record pace as he built a huge lead over his rivals before eventually finishing in a championship record 14 minutes, 32.80 seconds.
“I knew that they were coming, but I had quite a big lead. So that was enough for me,” Paltrinieri said. “That was my strategy, actually, to go out fast and try to open a gap with the others. So I’m really glad I did it.”
Only Sun Yang’s world record of 14:31.02 from the 2012 Olympics has been faster. The Chinese swimmer is suspended for a doping violation.
Bobby Finke, who has made an art of finishing strongly to overtake rivals, was unable to catch Paltrinieri as he finished 3.90 behind in an American record 14:36.70.
“In the beginning, I was just trying to keep up with him, but he just kept getting farther and farther ahead,” Finke said. “Hats off to Greg. I wasn’t able to run him down. He had a great race, and I’m really proud of him.”
Finke’s silver was America’s record-breaking 39th medal this week, eclipsing its tally from Budapest in 2017.
McIntosh wrapped up a highly successful week for Canadian swimming with her second world title after the 200 butterfly, clocking 4:32.04 in the women’s 400 individual medley. It was yet another world junior record for the teen, who is doing little to keep down expectations.
McIntosh said she’s not focusing on placement but was more concerned about how she executes each race.
“I’ve accomplished that and met my expectations when it comes to splits and targets, I mean swimming them and pushing my body as hard as possible. So I’m overall really happy.” McIntosh said.
Katie Grimes, who is just seven months older than McIntosh, pushed her rival all the way before finishing 0.63 seconds behind for silver.
“I was just having a good time racing Summer. I have a feeling that this is a long future,” Grimes said. “I’m happy to get it started.”
Another American, Emma Weyant, was third, 3.96 behind.
After some confusion, the United States’ Justin Ress was confirmed as the men’s 50 backstroke champion.
Ress’ elation at winning the race in 24.12 ended promptly when he was disqualified for being submerged at the finish. Teammate Hunter Armstrong, who finished two-hundredths of a second behind, was awarded the win, while the 17-year-old Ksawery Masiuk of Poland was bumped up to silver and Italy star Thomas Ceccon grabbed the bronze.
FINA later overturned the disqualification, meaning Ress was awarded gold, Armstrong silver and Masiuk bronze.
“That’s probably the worst possible way a race could go,” Ress said.
Sweden’s Sarah Sjöström won the women’s 50 freestyle for her 10th gold at a worlds, all in individual events. It was the second time she completed the 50 free/butterfly double at a single worlds after Budapest in 2017.
Italy didn’t have it all its own way when Lithuanian swimmer Rūta Meilutytė upset world record holder Benedetta Pilato by one tenth of a second to win the women’s 50 breaststroke in 29.70.
“It’s nice to be a world champion, I’m super proud of myself,” said Meilutytė, who claimed her second world title nine years after winning the 100 breaststroke in 2013. “I’m grateful for every step taken in my life, the bad ones and the good ones as well.”
Italian journalists, team officials and support staff applauded when Paltrinieri came through the mixed zone following his tilt at the world record. Ceccon also interrupted Paltrinieri’s interviews to give his teammate a hug.
The Italians were celebrating again later when Ceccon, Nicolo Martinenghi, Federico Burdisso and Alessandro Miressi set a European record of 3:27.51 to win the men’s 4x100 medley by 0.28 seconds ahead of the Americans. | https://www.avpress.com/sports/italy-edges-us-to-win-men-s-relay/article_f27a368c-f50a-11ec-b875-539fafa6af12.html | 2022-06-26T17:34:21Z | https://www.avpress.com/sports/italy-edges-us-to-win-men-s-relay/article_f27a368c-f50a-11ec-b875-539fafa6af12.html | false | 19 |
Which Kirby games are best?
Kirby, the puffy pink ball from your childhood, is still one of the most beloved Nintendo characters ever. Even though he was originally created in the early 1990s, Kirby games are still being released to worldwide acclaim. This is especially thanks to the popularity of the Nintendo Switch, which has multiple Kirby games.
The best Kirby game is “Kirby Star Allies” for Nintendo Switch. As the debut for Kirby on the newest generation Nintendo console, this game turns Kirby’s enemies into allies and includes a four-player co-op so you can play with friends.
What to know before you buy a Kirby game
Kirby’s abilities
Like many other Nintendo characters, Kirby has his own special abilities. The coolest ability of the pink fluff ball is that he can fly. Technically he’s not flying in the traditional sense but inhaling air and expanding his body to float. Because of this skill, Kirby doesn’t need wings, although in some cases, he does acquire wings, which allow him to fly faster and higher. He’s also known to inhale objects and other creatures to gain new abilities, power or health.
Kirby media
Kirby not only appears in video games but his lovable face can be seen in all sorts of media. In 2001 a Kirby anime series was released in North America. There were also several Kirby comics throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Due to Nintendo’s rich catalog of characters, Kirby appears in a ton of other games as well, such as “The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening” and “Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga.”
Super Smash Bros.
“Super Smash Bros.” is one of the most popular Nintendo game franchises of all time. While this isn’t a Kirby-only game, he certainly plays a major role. Each game in this series sees a huge swath of Nintendo’s most popular characters battle it out in hand-to-hand combat. Kirby is a very popular pick amongst both casual and competitive players. After all, who doesn’t love flying around as a fluffy pink ball.
What to look for in a quality Kirby game
Consoles
Kirby has made his way through multiple Nintendo consoles. He started out, like all other characters, on the original Nintendo GameBoy with Kirby’s Dream Land. He then had games on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Super Nintendo console. When the Nintendo 64 released in 1996, Kirby had a front row seat with the Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards. This was the first game where he appeared in 3D graphics. From there you can follow the trajectory of Nintendo consoles like the GameBoy Color and GameCube, both of which featured Kirby games. Now, the Nintendo Switch features the highest quality Kirby games available.
Digital vs. Physical
While there are no quality differences in the digital and physical versions of the games, one version is far more convenient. Digital games are purchased online, redeemed online and then downloaded to your Nintendo Switch. This can all be done through the Nintendo website and gives you instant gratification from your purchase without having to wait on a disc to arrive in the mail or drive to a video game store and hope your favorite game is in stock. Some gamers prefer physical games to add to their shelf collections and perhaps resell them after they beat the game.
Classic vs. modern
The quality difference between classic Kirby games and modern ones is obvious. Classic games from the NES or Super Nintendo simply did not have the graphics capabilities that appear on the Nintendo Switch. However, classic games do have a certain aesthetic that appeals to the nostalgic gamer. This includes unique music and audio effects that you won’t find in more modern games. Modern Kirby games will have vibrant 3D graphics and smooth animations that can’t be found in older iterations.
How much you can expect to spend on Kirby game
Kirby games cost between $29 for standalone games and up to $240 for a Super Nintendo console that includes pre-installed Kirby games.
Kirby games FAQ
Can I play Kirby games with my friends?
A. If you’re looking for a Kirby game to play with your friends, be sure it’s listed as a co-op game. This means you and your friends can play side-by-side to complete missions and explore Dream Land.
What ages are Kirby games suitable for?
A. Kirby games are suitable for children of all ages. However, most games recommend children be at least 6 years of age in order to understand the game and properly operate the console’s controls.
What’s the best Kirby game to buy?
Top Kirby game
What you need to know: This popular Nintendo Switch game comes in both digital and physical formats and includes co-op play.
What you’ll love: Kirby finds himself on the same side as his enemies in this unique game. There is also new downloadable content that you can play once the game is finished.
What you should consider: This game is slightly higher priced than other Kirby games.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top Kirby game for the money
What you need to know: This full-fledged Super Nintendo Classic console will take you back to the retro arcade days with 19 pre-installed games.
What you’ll love: “Kirby’s Dream Course” and “Kirby Super Star” are both included alongside the console, which also comes with two classic NES controllers.
What you should consider: This is an expensive way to experience only two Kirby games.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
3D Classics: Kirby’s Adventure
What you need to know: For the retro gamer, look to this classic “Kirby’s Adventure” game for the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 2DS.
What you’ll love: While originally created in 2D, the graphics for this game have been given a 3D makeover. This game was also the first time players have met Ball, Hammer and Sword Kirby.
What you should consider: This game is not co-op, so it cannot be played with friends.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.wkbn.com/reviews/br/toys-games-br/electronic-toys-br/best-kirby-game/ | 2022-06-26T17:42:11Z | https://www.wkbn.com/reviews/br/toys-games-br/electronic-toys-br/best-kirby-game/ | false | 22 |
Navy vet who crashed car into Times Square pedestrians in 2017 ‘not responsible’ due to mental illness, jury finds
A Navy veteran who drove his car into Times Square pedestrians in 2017 was “not responsible” due to mental illness for the attack that killed an 18-year-old tourist and injured 22 others, a jury found Wednesday.
Richard Rojas, 31, was found “not responsible by reason of mental defect” of second-degree murder and 23 other counts for the May 2017 carnage. The Bronx man who suffers from schizophrenia will be involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric facility.
Rojas was taken back into custody following the verdict. Justice Daniel Conviser said Rojas will undergo a psychiatric examination before being institutionalized.
The jury only deliberated for about one day before reaching its verdict.
Rojas’ lawyers had argued he “lost his mind” behind the wheel of his Honda Accord, plowing the car through three blocks of crowded Times Square sidewalks on May 18, 2017. The jury heard from a Weill-Cornell psychiatrist who said Rojas’ psychosis had affected his ability to perceive reality.
Killed in the bloodshed was 18-year-old tourist from Michigan, Alyssa Elsman, whose little sister testified about watching her die.
Maimed was New Jersey teen Jessica Williams, who was playing hooky with a friend when she was “basically cut in half” by Rojas’ car, Assistant District Attorney Alfred Peterson said during opening arguments . | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644569174891/navy-vet-who-crashed-car-into-times-square-pedestrians-in-2017-not-responsible-due-to-mental-illness-jury-finds | 2022-06-26T17:44:39Z | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644569174891/navy-vet-who-crashed-car-into-times-square-pedestrians-in-2017-not-responsible-due-to-mental-illness-jury-finds | false | 3 |
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A man was fatally shot by police following a domestic disturbance in a North Little Rock home, authorities said Sunday.
North Little Rock police say they were dispatched to a domestic disturbance call with a weapon around 10:40 p.m. Saturday.
At the home, officers found a man with a firearm and several other individuals.
Police say officers evacuated the others in the home and unsuccessfully tried to communicate with the armed man.
When members of the police department’s SWAT team entered the home in an attempt to arrest the man, gunfire was exchanged, according to police.
Authorities allege the man shot and injured a police officer and a police dog before he was fatally shot. The officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries while the dog was treated at a local animal hospital.
The name of the man who was killed was not immediately released by authorities.
The officers involved in the fatal shooting have been placed on administrative leave while authorities investigate the man’s death, police said. | https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Man-fatally-shot-by-police-after-domestic-17266644.php | 2022-06-26T17:44:50Z | https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Man-fatally-shot-by-police-after-domestic-17266644.php | true | null |
RIYADH: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, also known as ICBC, said on Friday its wealth management joint venture with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. had received the country’s banking regulator’s approval to begin operations.
The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission’s nod comes as the world’s second-largest economy opens up its giant financial sector to investments from foreign players, allowing them to collaborate with domestic banks.
Goldman Sachs ICBC Wealth Management, set up in May last year with a 51 percent funding contribution from US banking giant Goldman and 49 percent by ICBC, will now offer a broad range of investment products to the Chinese market over time, including quantitative investment strategies.
ICBC will “push forward” the joint venture to execute all the relevant procedures “in strict compliance with laws, regulations and regulatory requirements,” China’s biggest bank said in a statement.
Regulate private pension investment via mutual funds
China’s securities regulator proposed rules to regulate private pension investment via mutual funds, setting the criteria for qualified products and sales agents under a scheme that will channel fresh savings into the country’s capital markets.
The draft rules, published by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) late on Friday, came after Beijing in April launched a milestone private pension scheme to tackle the challenges of the aging population.
Under the scheme, eligible Chinese citizens can buy mutual funds, savings deposits and insurance products via their own individual pension accounts, potentially boosting a pension market that has lured foreign asset managers including Fidelity International and BlackRock.
The proposed rules “have set a relatively high bar for products and institutions, and are designed to ensure safety of pension fund investment and protect investors’ interest,” the CSRC said in a statement on its website.
Initially, pension target funds with at least 50 million yuan ($7.48 million) of assets over the past four quarters are eligible under the pilot pension scheme, the CSRC said.
Senators seek update on US security review of TikTok
A group of six Republican senators on Friday asked US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen about an ongoing Biden administration national security review of the social media platform TikTok.
The US government’s Committee on Foreign Investment in the US, which reviews deals by foreign acquirers for potential national security risks, in 2020 ordered Chinese parent company ByteDance to divest TikTok because of fears that US user data could be passed on to China’s communist government.
Last week, TikTok said it has completed migrating information on its US users to servers at Oracle Corp., as it seeks to address US concerns over data integrity.
Senators Tom Cotton, Ben Sasse, Mike Braun, Marco Rubio, Todd Young and Roger Wicker asked Yellen numerous questions saying the administration “has seemingly done nothing to enforce” the August 2020 divestiture order.” They noted, “the results of the security reviews, likewise, have not been publicly released after one year.”
The senators want to know “will TikTok be locally managed in the United States?” and “Will the US government have the ability to routinely access and inspect the algorithm’s source code?” It also asks “what assurances does the US government have that TikTok will store US data and adopt privacy policies with adequate protections?”
(With input from Reuters) | https://www.arabnews.com/node/2111101/business-economy | 2022-06-26T17:52:04Z | https://www.arabnews.com/node/2111101/business-economy | false | 5 |
Wimbledon Struggles To Avoid Shadow Of Russia Ban
Wimbledon, which starts on Monday, has banned all Russian and Belarusian players from this year's tournament
- Agence France-Presse
- Updated: June 26, 2022 10:39 PM IST
It's been nine years since Sergiy Stakhovksy stunned Roger Federer at Wimbledon in a Centre Court seismic shock. This weekend Stakhovksy is 2,500km away from London, dressed in fatigues rather than tennis whites. The 36-year-old is armed, desperately fighting to hold back Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "This used to be us.... Now this is our @Wimbledon...Last night 62 rockets were launched to attack different cities in Ukraine.. #stoprussia #boycottrussia #helpukraine @TheDolgo," tweeted Stakhovsky.
In his tweeted photographs, Stakhovksy is seen shaking hands with Federer after his 2013 victory.
Also pictured is Ukrainian compatriot Alexandr Dolgopolov after his match against Federer at Wimbledon in 2017.
Both men are retired from tennis; both are now in the military.
Wimbledon, which starts on Monday, has banned all Russian and Belarusian players from this year's tournament.
That ruled out men's world number one Daniil Medvedev and eighth-ranked Andrey Rublev.
On the women's side, three of the top 20 are missing -- Aryna Sabalenka, Daria Kastakina and two-time major winner and former number one Victoria Azarenka.
Ban 'not fair'
Stakhovsky wants Russians banned from all sports.
However, six-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic believes that would be a step too far.
"I just don't see how they have contributed to anything that is really happening. I don't feel it's fair," said Djokovic, adding that Russian and Belarusians be allowed to play under neutral flags.
That's what happens in the week-in, week-out ATP and WTA tours.
When Wimbledon announced its ban, the two tours retaliated by stripping the tournament of ranking points.
"In terms of the response from the ATP, I didn't really agree with it. I just don't see who it helps," said two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray.
"All the players have still showed up to play here, so I don't see how it puts the ATP in a stronger position moving forwards."
In a further move, Wimbledon said it will provide tournament tickets to Ukrainian refugees living in the local areas of south-west London.
All England Club officials will also donate £250,000 (290,000 euros/$306,000) to the refugees' charity.
That humanitarian gesture, however, hasn't softened Nick Kyrgios' belief that the ban was ill-advised.
"I don't think it was a good idea to ban the Russian players. Medvedev is the best we have in our sport right now," said the Australian player.
"Whenever we have cameras on and a lot of people tuning in, you want our best players to be on showcase for the sport to grow.
"I'm disappointed they're not here. It's weird not seeing Medvedev here."
US superstar Serena Williams opted to sidestep the controversy.
"Another heavy subject that involves a tremendous amount of politics, from what I understand, and government. I'm going to step away from that," said the seven-time Wimbledon champion.
Despite the official ban, there are still plenty of Russian-born players taking part at Wimbledon.
Alexander Bublik was born in Gatchina and Mikhail Kukushkin hails from Volgograd but they represent Kazakhstan.
Yulia Putintseva and Elena Rybakina also play for Kazakhstan despite being born in Moscow.
One player has got round the Russia-Belarus ban with a last-minute switch.
Promoted
Moscow-born Natela Dzalamidze, a 29-year-old doubles player, last week changed her nationality from Russian to Georgian and will compete in the women's doubles at Wimbledon with Serbia's Aleksandra Krunic.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | https://sports.ndtv.com/wimbledon-2022/wimbledon-struggles-to-avoid-shadow-of-russia-ban-3102953 | 2022-06-26T17:56:14Z | https://sports.ndtv.com/wimbledon-2022/wimbledon-struggles-to-avoid-shadow-of-russia-ban-3102953 | false | 6 |
Kaliningrad row: 'Sanctions have brought my factory to a standstill'
Igor Pleshkov gives me a tour of his concrete business in Kaliningrad. Not that he's doing much business right now. Igor's factory has pretty much come to a standstill. "We produce commercial concrete, iron concrete and paving stones. We first experienced a shortage of cement back in March, after Europe imposed...
www.bbc.co.uk | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644591495505/kaliningrad-row-sanctions-have-brought-my-factory-to-a-standstill | 2022-06-26T18:02:02Z | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644591495505/kaliningrad-row-sanctions-have-brought-my-factory-to-a-standstill | false | null |
Hurlow Wealth Management Group Inc. decreased its position in shares of Johnson Controls International plc (NYSE:JCI – Get Rating) by 6.3% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 8,096 shares of the company’s stock after selling 542 shares during the quarter. Hurlow Wealth Management Group Inc.’s holdings in Johnson Controls International were worth $531,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.
Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in JCI. Dark Forest Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in shares of Johnson Controls International during the third quarter worth about $34,000. Studio Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Johnson Controls International during the third quarter worth about $2,086,000. Orleans Capital Management Corp LA lifted its holdings in shares of Johnson Controls International by 4.0% during the third quarter. Orleans Capital Management Corp LA now owns 37,610 shares of the company’s stock worth $2,560,000 after purchasing an additional 1,455 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Johnson Controls International by 1.9% during the third quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 5,432,209 shares of the company’s stock worth $369,825,000 after purchasing an additional 100,033 shares during the period. Finally, Kingsview Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Johnson Controls International during the third quarter worth about $201,000. 88.54% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
Johnson Controls International stock opened at $48.95 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $34.05 billion, a PE ratio of 28.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.09 and a beta of 1.15. Johnson Controls International plc has a 12 month low of $46.33 and a 12 month high of $81.77. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $54.33 and a 200-day simple moving average of $64.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 0.78.
The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, June 21st will be paid a $0.35 dividend. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.86%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 17th. Johnson Controls International’s dividend payout ratio is presently 80.46%.
A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Mizuho decreased their target price on Johnson Controls International from $88.00 to $68.00 in a report on Thursday, May 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price target on Johnson Controls International from $79.00 to $70.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 5th. Cowen reduced their price target on Johnson Controls International from $86.00 to $70.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 5th. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their price target on Johnson Controls International from $73.00 to $62.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on Johnson Controls International from $71.00 to $59.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, May 31st. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Johnson Controls International has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $72.13.
Johnson Controls International Company Profile (Get Rating)
Johnson Controls International plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in engineering, manufacturing, commissioning, and retrofitting building products and systems in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. It operates in four segments: Building Solutions North America, Building Solutions EMEA/LA, Building Solutions Asia Pacific, and Global Products.
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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JCI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Johnson Controls International plc (NYSE:JCI – Get Rating).
Receive News & Ratings for Johnson Controls International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson Controls International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. | https://www.wkrb13.com/2022/06/26/johnson-controls-international-plc-nysejci-shares-sold-by-hurlow-wealth-management-group-inc.html | 2022-06-26T18:05:56Z | https://www.wkrb13.com/2022/06/26/johnson-controls-international-plc-nysejci-shares-sold-by-hurlow-wealth-management-group-inc.html | true | 1 |
LikeCoin (LIKE) traded up 11.2% against the U.S. dollar during the 1 day period ending at 11:00 AM Eastern on June 26th. One LikeCoin coin can currently be bought for about $0.0023 or 0.00000011 BTC on popular cryptocurrency exchanges. LikeCoin has a market capitalization of $2.57 million and $7,773.00 worth of LikeCoin was traded on exchanges in the last 24 hours. During the last seven days, LikeCoin has traded up 4.2% against the U.S. dollar.
Here’s how related cryptocurrencies have performed during the last 24 hours:
- Binance USD (BUSD) traded 0.1% lower against the dollar and now trades at $1.00 or 0.00004666 BTC.
- BITCOIN ADDITIONAL (BTCA) traded 1.4% higher against the dollar and now trades at $21,438.62 or 1.00000000 BTC.
- Mammoth (MMT) traded 0% lower against the dollar and now trades at $1.78 or 0.00008325 BTC.
- Crypto.com Coin (CRO) traded 5% higher against the dollar and now trades at $0.41 or 0.00001075 BTC.
- Parkgene (GENE) traded flat against the dollar and now trades at $25.59 or 0.00045023 BTC.
- Dai (DAI) traded up 0% against the dollar and now trades at $1.00 or 0.00004666 BTC.
- DREP (DREP) traded flat against the dollar and now trades at $1.96 or 0.00003398 BTC.
- DREP [old] (DREP) traded flat against the dollar and now trades at $1.96 or 0.00003399 BTC.
- THETA (THETA) traded flat against the dollar and now trades at $5.25 or 0.00010640 BTC.
- Polygon (MATIC) traded up 3.9% against the dollar and now trades at $0.60 or 0.00002807 BTC.
LikeCoin Coin Profile
According to CryptoCompare, “LikeCoin is a social-media-oriented cryptocurrency based on the ERC20 algorithm. LIKE is used as a medium for reward content providers by receiving “likes” or direct payments from readers and audiences. LikeCoin decentralized token main role is to promote a movement to redistribute the income generated by content creation. “
LikeCoin Coin Trading
It is usually not possible to buy alternative cryptocurrencies such as LikeCoin directly using U.S. dollars. Investors seeking to trade LikeCoin should first buy Bitcoin or Ethereum using an exchange that deals in U.S. dollars such as Changelly, Gemini or Coinbase. Investors can then use their newly-acquired Bitcoin or Ethereum to buy LikeCoin using one of the exchanges listed above.
Receive News & Updates for LikeCoin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and updates for LikeCoin and related cryptocurrencies with MarketBeat.com's FREE CryptoBeat newsletter. | https://www.wkrb13.com/2022/06/26/likecoin-price-reaches-0-0023-on-top-exchanges-like.html | 2022-06-26T18:06:15Z | https://www.wkrb13.com/2022/06/26/likecoin-price-reaches-0-0023-on-top-exchanges-like.html | false | 83781 |
As Israel investigates the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, military experts critique the shortcomings of Israel's prosecution of other Palestinian civilian casualties.
Copyright 2022 NPR
As Israel investigates the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, military experts critique the shortcomings of Israel's prosecution of other Palestinian civilian casualties.
Copyright 2022 NPR | https://www.whqr.org/2022-06-26/israels-probe-of-journalist-shireen-abu-aklehs-killing-raises-questions | 2022-06-26T18:11:59Z | https://www.whqr.org/2022-06-26/israels-probe-of-journalist-shireen-abu-aklehs-killing-raises-questions | false | null |
(NewsNation) — Despite widespread speculation that the Supreme Court is about to overturn Roe v. Wade, a NewsNation/Decision Desk HQ poll shows that the overwhelmingly majority of Americans want to keep abortion legal in most cases.
In May, a Supreme Court draft opinion leaked that signaled the court would put an end to the 1973 ruling that legalized abortion across America, sparking protests in cities nationwide.
Survey data shows 66% of Americans believe abortion should be legal in most cases, with 28% believing abortion should be legal in all cases.
About 9% of Americans said abortion should be illegal in all cases; 24% said it should be illegal in most cases.
Nearly three in four Americans believe abortion should be allowed in cases of rape or incest or if the pregnancy is a danger to the mother’s health. Fewer, 62%, believed abortion should be allowed in cases where the child’s life is in danger and 40% said abortion should be legal in any other circumstance when a woman doesn’t want to be pregnant.
People ages 18-34 tended to favor abortion being legal in all cases more than any other age group; 38% of young people said abortion should always be legal and an additional 35% said it should be legal in most cases.
People older than 35 still overwhelmingly favored abortion in all or most cases, but were more skeptical than their younger peers in allowing abortions: 36% of adults older than 35 believed abortion should be illegal in most or all cases, compared to 28% of people 34 or younger.
White people were more likely than minority groups to oppose abortion in all or some cases: 36% of white people believed abortion should be illegal in most or all cases, compared to 25% of Asians, 30% of Blacks and 27% of Hispanics.
Kiel Williams, a senior data scientist with Decision Desk, said there is “huge” variance in what people mean when they say “I support abortion” or “I am pro-choice,” showing that there is more nuance to the issue than simply just being for or against it. | https://wgno.com/us-world-news/poll-most-americans-want-abortion-legal-in-most-cases/ | 2022-06-26T18:14:12Z | https://wgno.com/us-world-news/poll-most-americans-want-abortion-legal-in-most-cases/ | false | 30 |
On Sunday, The Japanese government warned that electric power supplies in the Tokyo area would be stretched on Monday, urging residents to save energy as the capital is battered by blistering summer heat.
According to estimates released by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, excess generating capacity in Tokyo and eight nearby prefectures in eastern Japan will drop as low as 3.7 percent for half an hour on Monday afternoon until 5 p.m. (0800 GMT) (METI). A 3% buffer is regarded the bare minimum for a steady power supply.
To avoid a power outage, the ministry advised users to reduce their energy usage between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
“Please conserve as much energy as possible, such as by turning out the lights that are not in use,” the company urged in a message.
The ministry also encouraged caution in order to avoid heat stroke by making proper use of air conditioning.
According to public broadcaster NHK, as of mid-afternoon on Sunday, 46 persons in Tokyo had been admitted to hospitals with suspected heat stroke. | https://www.eastcoastdaily.in/2022/06/26/japanese-government-issues-warning-over-potential-power-shortage-on-monday.html | 2022-06-26T18:15:38Z | https://www.eastcoastdaily.in/2022/06/26/japanese-government-issues-warning-over-potential-power-shortage-on-monday.html | false | 1 |
The summer sizzle is in full swing, with temperatures over the next few days reaching the 90s. Some parts of Southern California could even see triple digits.
These high temperatures increase the chances of heat related illnesses.
When it comes to heat safety it's important to remember vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
Those are populations that can be affected severely during high temperatures.
The National Weather Service reports that heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the country.
With this in mind, heat can lead to multiple other health related issues that can be very harmful.
As much as possible people are encouraged to remain indoors with air conditioning and avoid long periods of sun exposure outside.
If you do happen to be outside, it is important to stay hydrated and refrain from engaging in strenuous physical activity.
It can also help to wear light and loose-fitting clothing, instead of dark colors.
Let's not forget about our furry friends.
If you have any pets, it is important to monitor them and keep them in cool and shaded areas.
Dropping a few ice cubes into their water bowl can also help keep them cool and hydrated. | https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/summer-heat-has-arrived-here-are-some-things-to-remember-with-high-temps/2917844/ | 2022-06-26T18:18:47Z | https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/summer-heat-has-arrived-here-are-some-things-to-remember-with-high-temps/2917844/ | true | 3 |
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A man was fatally shot by police following a domestic disturbance in a North Little Rock home, authorities said Sunday.
North Little Rock police say they were dispatched to a domestic disturbance call with a weapon around 10:40 p.m. Saturday.
At the home, officers found a man with a firearm and several other individuals.
Police say officers evacuated the others in the home and unsuccessfully tried to communicate with the armed man.
When members of the police department’s SWAT team entered the home in an attempt to arrest the man, gunfire was exchanged, according to police.
Authorities allege the man shot and injured a police officer and a police dog before he was fatally shot. The officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries while the dog was treated at a local animal hospital.
The name of the man who was killed was not immediately released by authorities.
The officers involved in the fatal shooting have been placed on administrative leave while authorities investigate the man’s death, police said. | https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/Man-fatally-shot-by-police-after-domestic-17266644.php | 2022-06-26T18:19:56Z | https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/Man-fatally-shot-by-police-after-domestic-17266644.php | true | null |
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 26. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has visited Goygol, Kalbajar and Lachin districts, Trend reports.
The head of state viewed the construction of two tunnels on the 13th kilometer of the Toghanali-Kalbajar highway in Goygol district, attended the opening of the newly built Kalbajar-1 Small Hydropower Plant and a military unit of the Ministry of Defense in Kalbajar district. President Ilham Aliyev also viewed the construction of the Kalbajar-Lachin highway and the work carried out at the 110 kV Gorchu electrical substation in Lachin district.
The Hakarichay reservoir project in Lachin district was presented to the head of state. President Ilham Aliyev also familiarized himself with the construction of Lachin International Airport.
The master plan of the city of Kalbajar was presented to the head of state.
President Ilham Aliyev then laid the foundation stone for the Kalbajar Occupation and Victory Museums Complex, Kalbajar Digital Management Center, a water production plant in Kalbajar district, and visited the Chirag-1 small hydropower plant which is under construction. The head of state was informed about the power plants being built in five places in the district.
President Ilham Aliyev laid a foundation stone for the Istisu sanatorium in Kalbajar district.
The head of state then addressed the event. | https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/3614183.html | 2022-06-26T18:21:22Z | https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/3614183.html | true | 1 |
The World Health Organization said the escalating monkeypox outbreak in more than 50 countries should be closely monitored but does not warrant being declared a global health emergency.
In a statement Saturday, a WHO emergency committee said many aspects of the outbreak were “unusual” and acknowledged that monkeypox — which is endemic in some African countries — has been neglected for years.
“While a few members expressed differing views, the committee resolved by consensus to advise the WHO director-general that at this stage the outbreak should be determined to not constitute” a global health emergency, WHO said in a statement.
WHO nevertheless pointed to the “emergency nature” of the outbreak and said controlling its spread requires an “intense” response.
The committee said the outbreak should be “closely monitored and reviewed after a few weeks.” But it would recommend a re-assessment before then if certain new developments emerge — such as cases among sex workers; spread to other countries or within countries that have already had cases; increased severity of cases; or an increasing rate of spread.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreysus convened the emergency committee on Thursday after expressing concern about the epidemic of monkeypox in countries that haven’t previously reported the disease.
“What makes the current outbreak especially concerning is the rapid, continuing spread into new countries and regions and the risk of further, sustained transmission into vulnerable populations including people that are immunocompromised, pregnant women and children,” the WHO chief said.
Monkeypox has sickened people for decades in central and west Africa, but until last month, the disease had not been known to cause significant outbreaks in multiple countries at the same time and involving people with no travel links to the continent.
Declaring a global health emergency means that a health crisis is an “extraordinary” event requiring a globally-managed response and that a disease is at high risk of spilling across borders. WHO previously made similar declarations for diseases including COVID-19, Ebola in Congo and West Africa, Zika in Brazil and the ongoing effort to wipe out polio.
The emergency declaration mostly serves as a plea to draw more global resources and attention to an outbreak. Past announcements have had mixed impact, given that WHO is largely powerless when trying to convince countries to act.
READ ALSO: Canada considering smallpox vaccine for monkeypox cases, says Dr. Theresa Tam
WHO said this week it has confirmed more than 3,200 monkeypox infections in about 40 countries that haven’t previously reported the disease. The vast majority of cases are in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with other men and more than 80% of the cases are in Europe.
A leading WHO adviser said last month the spike in cases in Europe was likely tied to sexual activity by men at two raves in Spain and Belgium, speculating that its appearance in the gay and bisexual community was a “random event.” British officials have said most cases in the U.K. involve men who reported having sex with other men in venues such as saunas and sex clubs.
Scientists warn that anyone in close, physical contact with someone infected with monkeypox or their clothing or bedsheets is at risk of catching the disease, regardless of their sexual orientation.
People with monkeypox often experience symptoms like fever, body aches and a rash; most recover within weeks without needing medical care.
Monkeypox in Africa mostly affects people who come into contact with infected wild animals, like rodents or primates. There has been about 1,500 reported cases of monkeypox, including 70 deaths, in Congo, Cameroon and the Central African Republic.
To date, scientists haven’t found any mutations in the monkeypox virus that suggest it’s more transmissible or lethal, although the number of changes detected show the virus has likely been spreading undetected for years.
The version of the disease transmitting beyond Africa typically has a fatality rate of less than 1%, while the version seen in Africa can kill up to 10% of people affected.
WHO is also creating a vaccine-sharing mechanism for monkeypox, which could see vaccines go to rich countries like Britain, which currently has the biggest outbreak beyond Africa.
Some experts warned that could entrench the deep inequities seen between rich and poor countries during the coronavirus pandemic.
“France, Germany, the U.S. and U.K. already have a lot of resources and plenty of vaccines to deal with this and they don’t need vaccines from WHO,” said Dr. Irwin Redlener, an expert in disaster preparedness and response at Columbia University.
“What we should be doing is trying to help the countries in Africa where monkeypox has been endemic and largely neglected,” he said. “Monkeypox is not COVID, but our attention should not be so distorted that it only becomes a problem when it is seen in rich countries.”
Maria Cheng, The Associated Press | https://www.wltribune.com/news/who-panel-monkeypox-not-a-global-emergency-at-this-stage/ | 2022-06-26T18:21:35Z | https://www.wltribune.com/news/who-panel-monkeypox-not-a-global-emergency-at-this-stage/ | true | 53 |
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ The winning numbers in Sunday afternoon's drawing of the Indiana Lottery's "Daily Four-Midday" game were:
0-7-4-3, SB: 8
(zero, seven, four, three; SB: eight)
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ The winning numbers in Sunday afternoon's drawing of the Indiana Lottery's "Daily Four-Midday" game were:
0-7-4-3, SB: 8
(zero, seven, four, three; SB: eight) | https://www.theridgefieldpress.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Daily-Four-Midday-game-17266704.php | 2022-06-26T18:25:43Z | https://www.theridgefieldpress.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Daily-Four-Midday-game-17266704.php | false | null |
Wealth Management Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (NYSEARCA:VYM – Get Rating) by 2.3% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 45,000 shares of the company’s stock after acquiring an additional 1,000 shares during the period. Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF comprises approximately 3.6% of Wealth Management Partners LLC’s holdings, making the stock its 8th biggest position. Wealth Management Partners LLC’s holdings in Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF were worth $5,023,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in VYM. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF by 24.0% during the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 848 shares of the company’s stock worth $88,000 after acquiring an additional 164 shares in the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC acquired a new position in Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $1,344,000. Garde Capital Inc. grew its holdings in Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF by 7.2% during the 3rd quarter. Garde Capital Inc. now owns 6,697 shares of the company’s stock worth $692,000 after acquiring an additional 449 shares in the last quarter. Personal CFO Solutions LLC grew its holdings in Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Personal CFO Solutions LLC now owns 24,886 shares of the company’s stock worth $2,572,000 after acquiring an additional 315 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Comerica Bank grew its holdings in Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF by 98.1% during the 3rd quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 25,710 shares of the company’s stock worth $2,760,000 after acquiring an additional 12,732 shares in the last quarter.
NYSEARCA VYM opened at $103.31 on Friday. Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF has a one year low of $98.63 and a one year high of $115.66. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $107.89 and a 200-day simple moving average of $110.24.
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Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. | https://www.com-unik.info/2022/06/26/vanguard-high-dividend-yield-etf-nysearcavym-shares-bought-by-wealth-management-partners-llc.html | 2022-06-26T18:27:54Z | https://www.com-unik.info/2022/06/26/vanguard-high-dividend-yield-etf-nysearcavym-shares-bought-by-wealth-management-partners-llc.html | true | 1 |
DIGHTON -- Four pets died in a trailer fire outside an Elm Street home Friday afternoon, according to the fire chief.
Firefighters responded to 3025 Elm St. about 4:20 p.m. after receiving a 911 call about a trailer parked on the property, about 200 feet off the road, that was fully engulfed in flames, Fire Chief Christopher Maguy said in a statement.
Despite challenges establishing a water supply given the distance from the road and the absence of fire hydrants in this location, the chief said crews were able to make a fast attack and quickly knocked the fire down.
A second alarm was struck for manpower and additional water tankers.
Firefighters from Rehoboth, Berkley, Swansea and Somerset responded to the scene.
No one was injured, according to the fire chief.
Fire crews remained on scene as of 7:30 p.m., conducting overhauling operations.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by local police and fire officials.
Berkley and Rehoboth firefighters also covered the town’s fire station to handle other emergencies while firefighters were at the scene. | https://www.thesunchronicle.com/news/local_news/four-pets-die-in-trailer-fire-in-dighton/article_00d54b7c-dcbc-56d5-b108-465b80b05dfb.html | 2022-06-26T18:31:13Z | https://www.thesunchronicle.com/news/local_news/four-pets-die-in-trailer-fire-in-dighton/article_00d54b7c-dcbc-56d5-b108-465b80b05dfb.html | false | 1 |
This Oregon Town is One of Hollywood’s Favorite Filming Locations
Most people enjoy watching movies, it's literally a billion-dollar industry. At the risk of sounding pretentious, I am going to admit just how much I enjoy movies. I see multiple movies in the theater each year, and not just the superhero flicks. I have a healthy collection of movies on Blu-Ray...
97rockonline.com | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644745341968/this-oregon-town-is-one-of-hollywood-s-favorite-filming-locations | 2022-06-26T18:32:05Z | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644745341968/this-oregon-town-is-one-of-hollywood-s-favorite-filming-locations | true | null |
“Azam Khan ke gadh mei kamal khilaye hain (we have got the lotus to bloom in Azam Khan’s bastion),” says Ghanshyam Singh Lodhi. The BJP candidate from Rampur is celebrating his bypoll victory at his farmhouse, filled with party workers chanting his name.
The victory is doubly sweet for Lodhi — he recently left the Samajwadi Party for the BJP and has reaped the rewards. Though the voter turnout was less than 50 per cent, Lodhi won the Lok Sabha seat with over 40,000 votes more than SP’s Asim Raja.
“This is an achievement for all the party workers who worked hard for months. I felt the Samajwadi Party didn’t deserve the win because they have no vision and no ambition. I left the party because I wanted to change things. Today, I have support from everyone” he says.
At the Samajwadi Party office, meanwhile, the disappointment of the loss is hard to shake off.
“I don’t want to say much but it is sad to lose in Rampur. We had hopes and it’s a bad loss. We did push for more votes but everything was hay-wire. The nomination was filed at the last moment and there wasn’t much support from the leaders. We have the potential and will work towards the next elections,” said an SP spokesperson at the office, one of the few people present there. The other workers alleged that BJP fought the elections with unfair means.
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The most disappointed, understandably, was the veteran Azam Khan himself, who refused to accept the result. “Why would you call this an election? My workers were detained and beaten up. Our supporters were threatened and abused by the police. Lodhi is lucky he has a party that can bend rules and be happy. I can’t do all that. I have spent months in jail. I run schools here and am a chancellor of the university. My aim has always been to help people. But can one fight with police and the goondagardi against us? We were called names and people were stopped from voting. There were only 6 votes from a place where 900 votes could come. I refuse to believe this was a fair election,” he said.
“I will not give up. I resigned and the seat was given to Asim Raja because he is a deserving candidate. We will continue to work towards the betterment of people. They can’t win all elections with violence,” added Khan.
In the town itself, the streets were quiet after the results were announced and many refused to talk about the elections. Many local residents said they were happy with the results but didn’t expect much.
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One resident said: “I saw the results on TV. We hope they do make some changes here. Power cuts and roads are a huge issue. This is a developing city and we want change.”
Baldev Singh Aulakh, a BJP MLA from Bilaspur constituency who came to meet Lodhi, said: “We have been working very hard to get the two SP seats. Our workers were campaigning every day and we have a vision for the betterment of people. We are not thinking of communities but want to give people more jobs and better opportunities in Rampur. I think people understand that and want us to help them. In 2024, all 80 seats will be ours”
- The Indian Express website has been rated GREEN for its credibility and trustworthiness by Newsguard, a global service that rates news sources for their journalistic standards. | https://indianexpress.com/article/india/have-got-lotus-to-bloom-in-azam-bastion-bjps-rampur-winner-7992834/ | 2022-06-26T18:32:29Z | https://indianexpress.com/article/india/have-got-lotus-to-bloom-in-azam-bastion-bjps-rampur-winner-7992834/ | false | 1 |
2023 DE Keldric Faulk discusses Florida State official visit with decision forthcoming
The Seminoles hosted 2023 defensive end Keldric Faulk for the third time this year over the weekend. This trip was a little different as he came in for an official visit alongside his family and seven other recruits.
The experience was more detailed than some of his visits in the past as Faulk spent ample time around the coaching staff and players.
"Weekend was chill. A little bit more than my unofficial visits," Faulk said to NoleGameday's Dustin Lewis. "I got to talk to the players a lot more, sit down with coaches, talk ball, figure out what I want to do."
READ MORE: Florida State's projected 2022 scholarship count
Florida State was the final school to get Faulk on campus prior to his upcoming decision on July 5. Why did the Seminoles get the last visit?
"Really because the relationship I have with them," Faulk said. "I set all of my officials up in advance and of course, Florida State was my last one. When I put them in there, I had a good feeling about it."
48 hours in Tallahassee gave Faulk an opportunity to see what it would be like if he decided to spend his college career at Florida State. The coaches keep the same energy every day.
"Lifestyle pretty great. You come to work every day and you get the same thing every day," Faulk said. "Coaches never lose energy, they're the same people, they're going to push you to work hard in everything you do."
The Alabama native met current defensive end, Derrick McClendon, during the course of the trip. Faulk said that McClendon relayed him the truth about the program and coaching staff.
"It was good just to see what the players told me wasn't a lie," Faulk said. "They actually told the truth. Coach JP loves his players and they love him."
This was the first time that Faulk's mom had been with him during a visit to Florida State. It was important to have her with him at a program where he could decide to spend his future.
"The visit wasn't really for me. My mom never came so it was really letting her come and see it," Faulk said. "For me this weekend, it was coming up here to talk to the players more than I usually do."
One of the things that has Florida State in a good position in his recruitment are the people around the program. He has close relationships with multiple members of the staff.
"Really just connecting with everybody here," Faulk said. "Of course, ball is going to take care of itself. I'm a big academic guy so I'm going to take care of my academics. The people here, it's extravagant."
Those relationships aren't just limited to head coach Mike Norvell and defensive ends coach John Papuchis. Faulk is extremely close with senior offensive analyst, Austin Tucker.
"Man, it's great seeing him again. Relationship is great," Faulk said. "I never talk ball with him. That's why I think I have a good relationship with him."
READ MORE: Is Florida or Miami a tougher opponent for the Seminoles in 2022?
Prior to departing from Tallahassee, Faulk sat down with coach Norvell for a meeting in his office. Norvell made it clear to him that he wants to be the man to develop him at the next level.
"It was pretty good," Faulk said. "He said he's pretty excited because of course I'm going to commit on July 5. He said he wants to coach me."
Following his official visit to Florida State, the Seminoles remain one of the top contenders for Faulk. Auburn, Clemson, and Florida are other possible destinations.
"I feel pretty good about them," Faulk said. "Of course, they've been high on my radar for a very long time and they still are."
With his scheduled commitment date less than two weeks away, Faulk plans to think things over and speak with his family about a decision. He'll hold a ceremony at his high school on July 5 to announce his college choice.
"Wherever I feel the most comfortable," Faulk said. "I'm going to sit down and evaluate all the different aspects of each school. Whichever one I feel like the best about, that's what I'm going to go with."
The 6-foot-5, 240-pound defensive end is regarded as the No. 84 overall prospect, the No. 9 DL, and the No. 11 recruit in the state of Alabama in the 2023 class according to 247Sports.
Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the summer.
Follow Dustin Lewis on Twitter | https://www.si.com/college/fsu/recruiting/2023-de-keldric-faulk-discusses-florida-state-official-visit-with-decision-forthcoming | 2022-06-26T18:35:16Z | https://www.si.com/college/fsu/recruiting/2023-de-keldric-faulk-discusses-florida-state-official-visit-with-decision-forthcoming | false | 1 |
New England Professional Planning Group Inc. cut its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) by 6.7% during the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 1,668 shares of the financial services provider’s stock after selling 119 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. accounts for approximately 0.2% of New England Professional Planning Group Inc.’s portfolio, making the stock its 28th biggest holding. New England Professional Planning Group Inc.’s holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $378,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.
Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of JPM. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the fourth quarter worth about $4,092,843,000. GQG Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 403.3% in the fourth quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 5,095,612 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $806,728,000 after purchasing an additional 4,083,231 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 1,543.7% in the fourth quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 3,341,486 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $529,124,000 after purchasing an additional 3,138,200 shares during the period. State Street Corp increased its stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 1.6% during the fourth quarter. State Street Corp now owns 141,720,090 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $22,441,376,000 after acquiring an additional 2,277,065 shares during the period. Finally, National Bank of Canada FI bought a new position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the fourth quarter valued at about $298,028,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.35% of the company’s stock.
In other JPMorgan Chase & Co. news, insider Ashley Bacon sold 21,012 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, April 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.04, for a total transaction of $2,732,400.48. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 178,588 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $23,223,583.52. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Jennifer Piepszak sold 4,668 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $126.19, for a total value of $589,054.92. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 11,135 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,405,125.65. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.79% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM – Get Rating) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, April 13th. The financial services provider reported $2.63 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.73 by ($0.10). The business had revenue of $30.72 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $30.53 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a return on equity of 16.58% and a net margin of 33.61%. The firm’s revenue was down 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $4.50 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 11.23 EPS for the current fiscal year.
The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, July 31st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 6th will be issued a $1.00 dividend. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.41%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, July 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s payout ratio is currently 29.67%.
JPM has been the topic of several research reports. Royal Bank of Canada set a $175.00 price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Thursday, April 14th. Barclays set a $200.00 price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note on Monday, May 23rd. Societe Generale upgraded JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and boosted their price target for the company from $145.00 to $150.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 24th. UBS Group set a $197.00 price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note on Wednesday, March 2nd. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note on Thursday, March 31st. They set a “hold” rating on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $161.67.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. Profile (Get Rating)
JPMorgan Chase & Co operates as a financial services company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), Commercial Banking (CB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). The CCB segment offers s deposit, investment and lending products, payments, and services to consumers; lending, deposit, and cash management and payment solutions to small businesses; mortgage origination and servicing activities; residential mortgages and home equity loans; and credit card, auto loan, and leasing services.
Further Reading
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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JPM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM – Get Rating).
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Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. | https://www.etfdailynews.com/2022/06/26/new-england-professional-planning-group-inc-sells-119-shares-of-jpmorgan-chase-co-nysejpm/ | 2022-06-26T18:38:03Z | https://www.etfdailynews.com/2022/06/26/new-england-professional-planning-group-inc-sells-119-shares-of-jpmorgan-chase-co-nysejpm/ | false | 30 |
President Biden announced on Sunday that the U.S. will mobilize $200 billion dollars of investment in global infrastructure projects in the next five years, as part of an effort by the world's leading democratic economies to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative. The overall investment, including G7 partners and private capital, aims to hit $600 billion over the next five years.
"This isn't aid or charity," Biden said, flanked by other G7 leaders on the sidelines of the summit in Germany. "It's an investment that will deliver returns for everyone, including the American people and the people of all our nations."
The announcement is an official launch and a rebranding of what had been rolled out last year at the G7 in the UK as "Build Back Better World," a play on Biden's domestic proposal that would have reshaped the U.S. economy but foundered in Congress. The effort is now called the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, or PGII.
For nearly a decade, China has been focused on bridges, road, mining and other hard infrastructure projects in the developing world, which has been estimated at $1 trillion in total spending, though the true amount could be higher. The G7 initiative is funding projects in four major categories: clean energy, health systems, gender equality and information and communications technology.
Investments include the following:
"We collectively have dozens of projects already underway around the globe," Biden said, arguing that this effort will prove democracies can deliver, and with fewer strings attached than Chinese-funded infrastructure. "It's a chance for us to share our positive vision for the future. And let communities around the world see themselves, see for themselves the concrete benefits of partnering with democracies."
The idea is to combine government funding with private capital from pension funds, private equity funds and insurance funds, among others.
"The public sector alone will not be able to close the huge gap we face in many parts of the world," said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his remarks at the launch event.
The idea of harnessing private investment to supplement public funding for needed projects in the developing world is not new. Neither is concern from leading democracies about China's growing influence in Africa, Asia and Latin America. But thus far, the results have been mixed at best, says Gyude Moore, a former minister of public works in Liberia.
"For close to a decade the West has struggled to respond to China's [Belt and Road Initiative]. Their sharp critique of Chinese loans and lending practices was not accompanied by a credible alternative," Moore said.
He said many developing countries ignored the criticism and turned to China. And leading into the announcement, he was skeptical the G7 would be able to offer a serious alternative. After the announcement, though, Moore was pleasantly surprised by the size of the commitment.
"This Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment is the beginning of the missing alternative. It is an adequate response in both size and scope. The next challenge will be the implementation details. But that's for another day. Today, we commend the G7 and applaud American leadership," said Moore, who is now with the Center for Global Development.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.kpcw.org/npr-top-stories/npr-top-stories/2022-06-26/biden-announced-a-600-billion-global-infrastructure-program-to-counter-chinas-clout | 2022-06-26T18:40:56Z | https://www.kpcw.org/npr-top-stories/npr-top-stories/2022-06-26/biden-announced-a-600-billion-global-infrastructure-program-to-counter-chinas-clout | false | 16 |
NEW YORK, June 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRA) between February 26, 2020 and April 19, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important June 27, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Natera securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Natera class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=3115 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than June 27, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Panorama was not reliable and resulted in high rates of false positives; (2) Prospera did not have superior precision compared to competing tests; (3) as a result of defendants' false and misleading claims about Natera's technology, the Company was exposed to substantial legal and regulatory risks; (4) Natera relied upon deceptive sales and billing practices to drive its revenue growth; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' statements about Natera's business, operations, and prospects lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Natera class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=3115 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.wdbj7.com/prnewswire/2022/06/26/ntra-final-deadline-tomorrow-rosen-top-ranked-law-firm-encourages-natera-inc-investors-with-losses-secure-counsel-before-important-june-27-deadline-securities-class-action-ntra/ | 2022-06-26T18:45:31Z | https://www.wdbj7.com/prnewswire/2022/06/26/ntra-final-deadline-tomorrow-rosen-top-ranked-law-firm-encourages-natera-inc-investors-with-losses-secure-counsel-before-important-june-27-deadline-securities-class-action-ntra/ | true | 12553 |
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Las Vegas’ Historic Westside community is paving the way for an African American Museum and Cultural Arts Center, as part of its road map to revitalization.
The center is one of many implementation strategies under the community’s HUNDRED Plan — a comprehensive agenda, developed in 2016, to breathe new life into the Historic Westside.
The city of Las Vegas issued a request for proposals on June 6 from interested parties to develop a master plan for the museum. The application deadline is July 7.
Las Vegas Councilman Cedric Crear refers to it as “changing the course of the river.”
“If you look at the Historic Westside and you look at what all has taken place throughout the city, the growth of the city, everything has been sort of built up around it,” said Crear. “Then you’ll see that a lot hasn’t happened within the Historic Westside for decades.”
The center will serve as an educational opportunity for museum goers to experience and celebrate the contributions of African Americans. A timeline or cost of the project could not be confirmed by Crear, but he hopes the museum will materialize by within the next five to ten years.
The idea of a cultural epicenter for African Americans to celebrate their culture has been in talks since 2016.
“This is talking about the cultural — not only locally, but around the state as well as nationally — the contributions that African Americans have made to our society,” said Crear.
With the Historic Westside having a minority-majority population, Crear and other city councilmembers thought it important to have the museum there. And community members have been “overwhelmingly supportive” of the new initiative, according to Crear.
“If you look at the Historic Westside, it is one of the most historic areas of the city. It helped build this entire city,” he said. “You’d be hard pressed outside of downtown, maybe the Strip and some other areas, to find a trade area that has played such a definitive role congruence of (the African American) community.”
Specific details about the museum are slim, but the city has outlined some expectations on its website. One of them includes connecting the Walker African-American Museum and Research Center, on West Van Buren Avenue and H Street, to a new facility or possibly repurposing Ethel Pearson Park for the museum.
It also hopes to incorporate “standing and rotating collections” from “African American art and artists of all varieties,” according to the website. | https://www.myplainview.com/news/article/African-American-Museum-planned-for-Las-Vegas-17266726.php | 2022-06-26T18:48:27Z | https://www.myplainview.com/news/article/African-American-Museum-planned-for-Las-Vegas-17266726.php | false | 13 |
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday condoled the passing away of V Krishnamurthy, a former chairman of the country's largest steel-making company SAIL, and said he was a nation builder in the truest sense.
Krishnamurthy, also a former chairman of Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), passed away at the age of 97 in Chennai on Sunday.
''Deeply saddened by the demise of Padma Vibhushan Dr. V Krishnamurthy, a doyen of India's public sector undertakings,'' Gandhi said on Twitter.
Krishnamurthy was a nation builder in the truest sense and through BHEL, Maruti and Steel Authority of India (SAIL), his legendary legacy will live on, the former Congress chief said.
''My condolences to his family and friends,'' Gandhi said.
In a tweet, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, too, condoled Krishnamurthy's demise.
''A true legend among public sector managers, a man who built BHEL, turned around SAIL and launched Maruti, is no more. V. Krishnamurthy had a glorious innings but missed his century by just three years,'' Ramesh said.
''He'll remain an important part of Indian economic history,'' the Congress leader added.
According to a SAIL statement, V Krishnamurthy was the chairman of the company from 1985 to 1990.
He served as the chairman of many other Public Sector Undertakings, too, SAIL said. | https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nation-builder-in-truest-sense-rahul-condoles-ex-sail-chairman-v-krishnamurthy-demise-1967053-2022-06-26?utm_source=rss | 2022-06-26T18:49:28Z | https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nation-builder-in-truest-sense-rahul-condoles-ex-sail-chairman-v-krishnamurthy-demise-1967053-2022-06-26?utm_source=rss | false | 2 |
President Biden announced on Sunday that the U.S. will mobilize $200 billion dollars of investment in global infrastructure projects in the next five years, as part of an effort by the world's leading democratic economies to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative. The overall investment, including G7 partners and private capital, aims to hit $600 billion over the next five years.
"This isn't aid or charity," Biden said, flanked by other G7 leaders on the sidelines of the summit in Germany. "It's an investment that will deliver returns for everyone, including the American people and the people of all our nations."
The announcement is an official launch and a rebranding of what had been rolled out last year at the G7 in the UK as "Build Back Better World," a play on Biden's domestic proposal that would have reshaped the U.S. economy but foundered in Congress. The effort is now called the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, or PGII.
For nearly a decade, China has been focused on bridges, road, mining and other hard infrastructure projects in the developing world, which has been estimated at $1 trillion in total spending, though the true amount could be higher. The G7 initiative is funding projects in four major categories: clean energy, health systems, gender equality and information and communications technology.
Investments include the following:
"We collectively have dozens of projects already underway around the globe," Biden said, arguing that this effort will prove democracies can deliver, and with fewer strings attached than Chinese-funded infrastructure. "It's a chance for us to share our positive vision for the future. And let communities around the world see themselves, see for themselves the concrete benefits of partnering with democracies."
The idea is to combine government funding with private capital from pension funds, private equity funds and insurance funds, among others.
"The public sector alone will not be able to close the huge gap we face in many parts of the world," said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during his remarks at the launch event.
The idea of harnessing private investment to supplement public funding for needed projects in the developing world is not new. Neither is concern from leading democracies about China's growing influence in Africa, Asia and Latin America. But thus far, the results have been mixed at best, says Gyude Moore, a former minister of public works in Liberia.
"For close to a decade the West has struggled to respond to China's [Belt and Road Initiative]. Their sharp critique of Chinese loans and lending practices was not accompanied by a credible alternative," Moore said.
He said many developing countries ignored the criticism and turned to China. And leading into the announcement, he was skeptical the G7 would be able to offer a serious alternative. After the announcement, though, Moore was pleasantly surprised by the size of the commitment.
"This Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment is the beginning of the missing alternative. It is an adequate response in both size and scope. The next challenge will be the implementation details. But that's for another day. Today, we commend the G7 and applaud American leadership," said Moore, who is now with the Center for Global Development.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.kunr.org/world-headlines/world-headlines/2022-06-26/biden-announced-a-600-billion-global-infrastructure-program-to-counter-chinas-clout | 2022-06-26T18:50:26Z | https://www.kunr.org/world-headlines/world-headlines/2022-06-26/biden-announced-a-600-billion-global-infrastructure-program-to-counter-chinas-clout | true | 16 |
Top Gun: Maverick soars past $1B at the global box office and becomes the highest-grossing film of Tom Cruise's career
Tom Cruise's highly-anticipated film Top Gun: Maverick achieved another impressive milestone at the global box office this weekend as it crossed the $1 billion mark.
In addition to becoming the 59-year-old Risky Business actor's most successful film of all time, the sequel to 1986's Top Gun became the first movie of 2022 to reach that rare benchmark after just 31 days in theaters.
With those ticket sales, the movie dethroned Marvel's superhero film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness ($943 million) as the highest-grossing movie of the year at the global box office.
Nicely done! Tom Cruise's highly-anticipated film Top Gun: Maverick achieved another impressive milestone at the global box office this weekend as it crossed the $1 billion mark
It's a particularly tremendous feat as the COVID-19 pandemic effectively quashed traditional box office numbers after nearly a quarter of all American movie theaters were closed for 15 months.
Spider-Man: No Way Home, which garnered more than $1.89 billion, is the only other film to hitthe $1 billion since coronavirus.
Prior to this weekend, Paramount's blockbuster was already the highest-grossing movie of the year at the domestic box office, with revenues currently at $521 million and $484.7 million at the international box office.
Impressive: In addition to becoming the 59-year-old Risky Business actor's highest-grossing film of all time, the sequel to 1986's Top Gun became the first movie of 2022 to reach that benchmark after just 31 days in theaters; seen in 2022
Before Top Gun: Maverick became Cruise's biggest hit, his film Mission: Impossible — Fallout held the top spot in his expansive filmography for earning $257 million globally.
The film was originally supposed to be released in June 2020, though Paramount decided to hold off on the release until more fans are able to return, a move that clearly paid off.
'I’m gratified we made this decision to hang on. This movie is going to have a huge run. It’s going to draw people to theaters who haven’t been in a long time,' predicted Paramount’s domestic distribution chief Chris Aronson in a statement.
Amazing: With those ticket sales, the movie dethroned Marvel's superhero film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness ($943 million) as the highest-grossing movie of the year at the global box office
Career milestone: Before Top Gun: Maverick became Cruise's biggest hit, his film Mission: Impossible — Fallout held the top spot in his expansive filmography for earning $257 million globally
Top Gun: Maverick, directed by Joseph Kosinski, is also the second-highest grossing movie in Paramount history, and the studio's highest-grossing live-action film in 15 markets spanning the U.K., Australia, Brazil and France.
The motion picture has achieved huge financial success without releases in Russia or China.
The trailer for the hit sequel, first released in 2019, depicted Cruise’s character in the bomber jacket he wore in the 1986 motion picture Top Gun, but the patches for Japan and the Republic of China (the official name of Taiwan) had been replaced by different emblems, CNBC reported. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10954989/Top-Gun-Maverick-hits-1B-global-box-office-highest-grossing-film-year.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-06-26T18:50:29Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-10954989/Top-Gun-Maverick-hits-1B-global-box-office-highest-grossing-film-year.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | true | 3 |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Firefighters fought flames at the Arbors of Brentwood early Sunday morning.
Nashville Fire Department received the call around 3:50 a.m. before responding to the scene.
NFD said that crews were able to quickly put out the fire at the complex. Officials report that four units were displaced following the fire.
The American Red Cross is helping victims of this fire as well as victims of Wednesday's Foxcroft Apartment fire and Saturday's British Woods Apartment fire at a shelter in Crievewood Baptist Church.
Nashville Red Cross volunteers are helping families displaced by fires at Foxcroft Apartments, British Woods & Arbors of Brentwood. A shelter is open at Crievewood Baptist Church with meals & snacks. Families are meeting with Red Cross caseworkers to start the recovery process. pic.twitter.com/KJatkuzYQ8
— American Red Cross of Tennessee (@RedCrossTN) June 26, 2022
No information about the cause of the fire is available at this time, as it is still being investigated. | https://www.newschannel5.com/news/nashville-fire-department-fights-2-alarm-apartment-fire-at-arbors-of-brentwood | 2022-06-26T18:52:30Z | https://www.newschannel5.com/news/nashville-fire-department-fights-2-alarm-apartment-fire-at-arbors-of-brentwood | false | null |
Love Island fans were delighted after Gemma Owen finally referenced her famous dad Michael Owen, even though she hasn’t yet name dropped him to her fellow contestants.
19-year-old Gemma is the eldest daughter of the ex-footballing ace and his childhood sweetheart Louise Ball, yet despite being the daughter of a sporting legend, Gemma’s managed to keep it under wraps for quite some time now.
Even in moments where we thought she’d finally spill, like when Luca Bish awkwardly brought up football and thought he’d know more than the famous footballer-turned-commentator, Gemma stayed silent, mentioning her dad without actually naming him.
Looks like it’s not a repeat of ex-Islander Marcel Somerville’s Blazin’ Squad moments.
Last night, in an Unseen Bits clip, Gemma finally mentioned her dad in the privacy of the Beach Hut, although she didn’t name him.
Instead, she used his famous footballing phrase following a segment where the islanders were asked to do their best celebrity impression, with new bombshell Antigoni Buxton mimicking her celebrity chef mum, Tonia Buxton.
‘There’s no way I’m going to do my dad,’ Gemma said to the camera, where the other contestants couldn’t hear her.
She continued: ‘But people always do the classic, “If they don’t score, they don’t win.”
‘It’s something like that. It’s some bulls**t or whatever,’ she added.
Fans were delighted they’d finally seen her reference Michael, with one writing on Twitter: ‘Gemma finally mentioning her dad, so proud x’.
Another penned: ‘Omg Gemma finally referenced her celeb dad in unseen bits!’ while a third commented: ‘“If you don’t score you won’t have a goal” that’s a spot on impression of your dad to be fair Gemma.’
Even Love Island narrator Iain Stirling has been itching for Gemma to finally reveal her famous roots.
In recent commentary, Iain dropped in a frustrating: ‘When the hell will Gemma tell everyone that Michael Owen is her dad?!’
Hopefully viewers will soon see Gemma reveal who her dad is, especially after she was close to finally naming him in her chat with Luca last week.
The 23-year-old fishmonger, who coupled up with Gemma stealing her from David Sanclimenti last night, asked Gemma whether her father would like him, the 19-year-old dressage rider replied: ‘You, because you’re sporty, you’re into football, into racing, I think my dad… I feel like you’d have stuff in common.’
‘I talk about football all the time. We’ll see if he knows what he’s talking about,’ Luca responded cheekily, obviously not yet knowing the identity of her dad.
For those like Luca who may need some intel, Gemma’s dad Michael played as a striker for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City, as well as for the England national team.
Who knows when Gemma will finally spill the tea in the villa, and just how awkward it’ll be for Luca when she does.
Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITV Hub.
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Love Island 2022 latest
Kiss goodbye to your social life - Love Island is back to dominate your evenings, with the new series promising more drama than ever before.
- Full Love Island 2022 line-up
- Love Island 2022: Map reveals where all the contestants are from
- Which Love Island stars have kids?
- Which Love Island couples are still together?
For all the latest updates, visit Metro.co.uk's Love Island page. | https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/26/love-island-2022-gemma-owen-mentions-dad-michael-owen-16894658/ | 2022-06-26T18:55:05Z | https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/26/love-island-2022-gemma-owen-mentions-dad-michael-owen-16894658/ | false | 1 |
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PetIQ, Inc. (NASDAQ:PETQ) Q1 2020 Earnings Conference Call May 7, 2020 4:30 PM ET
Company Participants
Jeff Sonnek - Investor Relations Contact
Cord Christensen - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Susan Sholtis - President
John Newland - Chief Financial Officer
Conference Call Participants
Bill Chappell - SunTrust Robinson Humphrey
David Westenberg - Guggenheim Securities
Joe Altobello - Raymond James
Jon Andersen - William Blair
Kevin Grundy - Jefferies
Brian Nagel - Oppenheimer
Operator
Good day and welcome to the PetIQ First Quarter 2020 Earnings Conference Call. All participants will be in listen-only mode. [Operator Instructions] Please note, this event is being recorded.
I would now like to turn the conference over to Jeff Sonnek, ICR. Please go ahead.
Jeff Sonnek
Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us on PetIQ's First Quarter 2020 Earnings Conference Call. On today's call are Cord Christensen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Susan Sholtis, President; and John Newland, Chief Financial Officer.
Before we begin, please remember that during the course of this call, management may make forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and involve risks and uncertainties that could differ materially from actual events and those described in these forward-looking statements. Please refer to the company's annual report on Form 10-K and other reports filed from time to time with the SEC and the company's press release issued today for a detailed discussion of the risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made today. Please note on today's call, management will refer to certain non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted gross profit, adjusted net income and adjusted EBITDA, among others. While the company believes these non-GAAP financial measures will provide useful information for investors, the presentation of this information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. Please refer to today's release for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, PetIQ has posted a supplemental presentation on its website for reference.
Today, management is conducting the call from their respective remote locations. As such, there may be brief delays, cross talk or other minor technical issues during the call. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.
Now, I'd like to turn the call over to Cord Christensen. Cord?
Cord Christensen
Thank you, Jeff. Good afternoon, everyone. We appreciate you joining us today to discuss our strong first quarter financial results. Susan will provide detail on our Service segment, and John will discuss our first quarter financial results in more detail. Finally, Susan, John and I will be available to answer your questions. Before I get into our robust sales growth, strength of our diversified pet health and wellness business model and adjusted EBITDA improvement, I'd like to comment on the COVID-19 global health crisis and what we are experiencing across our operations.
First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the virus. Our leadership team had crisis plans in place ahead of time and have rapidly improved those plans for this situation. And I am proud to say we took decisive actions and executed well. As the situation has continued to rapidly evolve, our number one priority has been to prioritize the health and safety of our veterinarians, associates, pet parents and retail partners. As you'd expect, we've instituted a virtual work-from-home environment for our corporate staff and other employees that aren't critical to fulfilling customer orders and deliveries at our manufacturing and distribution facilities.
We are fortunate that all our facilities have been deemed essential businesses. This is a privilege and a responsibility we do not take lightly as we serve our valued pet parents, retail and online partners, providing them with safe and convenient access to affordable pet health care. We implemented heightened safety measures in our facilities to protect against and prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include, but are not limited to, staggering work schedules, redesigning work facilities to ensure appropriate social distancing and significantly enhancing sanitation and regular cleaning procedures. We are immensely grateful to our employees, particularly those on the front line working in our facilities, and have proactively taken actions to reinforce our appreciation and commitment to them.
In our veterinarian services segment, we were experiencing double-digit growth in pet counts, average ticket and overall sales for the month of January and February. Due to COVID-19, we started to see a reduction in traffic and started to close wellness centers and clinics on March 14. And on March 20, we temporarily closed all wellness centers and clinics, as we previously disclosed. This decision was not easy, but we believe it was the right one.
The estimated first quarter impact to the Services segment from these closures was in excess of $5 million of revenue in excess of 1,200 basis points of segment gross margin and approximately $3.2 million to consolidated adjusted EBITDA. We anticipate the immediate impact to our Services segment cost structure was more significant in the month of March following the closure of the services operations than it will be in the month during the second quarter due to the reduction in variable costs following the closures. During this time of uncertainty, we are pleased to be in a position to continue to support our employees and their families financially. Since suspending our service operations, we have been paying our impacted employees 2/3 of their wages.
Susan has been leading the services team and planning for the new normal as a result of the COVID-19, and we are fortunate to be able to begin reopening certain wellness centers and clinics as of tomorrow, Friday, May 8. We remain optimistic about our reopening all of our service locations in the coming weeks and months.
Now, shifting to our quarterly financial highlights. I'm extremely proud of our entire team and how they've come together in a challenging operating environment to exceed our expectations for the first quarter. We generated record net sales of $187 million, an increase of approximately 26%; and achieved adjusted EBITDA of $14.5 million, an increase of 33%, demonstrating the leverage of our diversified business model even with COVID-19-related sales and cost impacts. While we do not benefit from Service segment sales and profit contribution during the temporary closures, we remain in a healthy financial position. While we have seen increases in inventory and receivables based on strong peak seasonal demand, we continue to have ample liquidity and financial flexibility with our cash on hand, cash generation and existing availability under our revolving credit facility.
Near-term, our team has also put in place a very conservative CapEx program to ensure in this operating environment that we are still able to achieve our cash flow goals.
Taking a closer look at our Products segment. For the first quarter, we experienced a record 32% increase in sales led by our e-commerce business that was up significantly versus Q1 of last year. Our pet prescription business was the most meaningful contributor to this increase as pet parents use this sales channel to access safe and affordable health care items for their pets. Importantly, we saw all our retail partners benefit from the channel shift away from the traditional veterinarian offices. Even with these surges in volume, our distribution and manufacturing facilities still have greater than 40% excess capacity with lots of room for future growth. Keep in mind, we outperformed our expectations in Q1, with both January and February in line to ahead of our plan on a consolidated basis, along with a strong acceleration in our Products segment in March. This acceleration allowed us to overcome the negative impact created by COVID-19 on our Services segment.
Our Products segment continues to be fully operational and is generating an even greater acceleration in sales during the second quarter. Our Service segment remains closed, but with a reduced monthly impact due to managing our variable cost structure. However, we are not able to estimate the full financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with reasonable accuracy on our Services segment, particularly on the timing of the reopening of all our wellness centers and clinics. As a result, we are suspending our annual 2020 outlook. To give you a little more perspective on the health and stability of our consolidated operations in the second quarter, we believe we will see a similar result as first quarter, where the acceleration in product sales will significantly reduce any financial impact from our closed Services segment. We believe our financial results also demonstrate the strength of the pet health and wellness industry and our ability to weather any changes in the broader macro economy with success.
Dating back to the most recent financial downturn in 2008 to 2009, the pet industry outperformed the broader consumer discretionary markets. And based on some of the anecdotal trends we are seeing emerge today, such as the acceleration in pet adoptions from shelters, rapid engagement from pet parents across e-commerce and acceptance of retail fulfillment of pet prescriptions, we believe that the major secular trends, like humanization of pets, continues to build momentum, representing a continued strong tailwind for PetIQ. Over the last few years, we have made strategic acquisitions to further diversify our business across product and service offerings as well as sales channels. Our business transformation has made PetIQ significantly more insulated, which is particularly evident during times like we find ourselves in today.
In summary, PetIQ's mission of delivering smarter options for pet parents to help enrich their pets' lives through convenience and affordable access to veterinarian products and services is working. Our growth and results demonstrate how well our complementary and diversified model is resonating with pet parents. At PetIQ, we remain uniquely positioned in the animal health industry with our vertically integrated product manufacturing and distribution platform and an unmatched national footprint with convenient access to veterinarian services, prescriptions and OTC medications at a value.
We believe we are well positioned long-term to achieve our strategic and financial objectives and look forward to enhancing value for our shareholders.
With that overview, I would like to turn the call now over to Susan.
Susan Sholtis
Thank you, Cord. I'll provide some additional detail around the impacts to our services organization following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Cord mentioned, our services organization got off to a strong start in the first quarter. We were rapidly executing our wellness center growth initiative, completing 27 new build-outs. We were seeing tremendous improvement in key metrics, such as pets per clinic and average ticket, and our overall revenue growth rate was up double-digit versus prior year on a pro forma basis. This growth was driven by strong fundamentals and our marketing efforts.
More specifically, our wellness center grand opening activities, which started right out of the gate in early February. This localized marketing strategy remains the cornerstone of helping to deliver our smarter pet health mission. And we believe that, especially in today's environment, our convenient and affordable health care solution is even more relevant to pet parents across the country today. However, in collaboration with our retail host partners and in conjunction with local and state requirements, the pandemic forced us to make some rapid decisions in March.
We started closing clinics on March 14 and had all clinics closed by March 20. In many states, veterinary wellness was not considered essential amid growing concerns around the availability of personal protective equipment, or PPE. And given that our community clinic model tends to attract lines of waiting parents pet parents, a challenge for social distancing, we determined that temporary suspension of services was the prudent course of action to protect our employees in clinic, our host retail partners as well as our customers. During this time, it was critically important that we ensure our services team remained engaged as we adopted new virtual components to our model and prepared our reopening strategy.
We have focused on retaining our well-trained and unique labor force by continuing to pay our field operations team at 2/3 of their wages.
Overall, the variable cost nature of the Services business has resulted in our ability to redeploy our workforce, evolve our business model and reduce the costs in order to continue to strengthen our model. We have made important adjustments during this pandemic in order to support our pet parents as they adapt to a "new normal". The most important adjustment being the development of a telehealth platform that includes telemedicine. PetIQ is uniquely positioned to tackle virtual medicine as the fourth largest veterinary employer in the country, engaging with more than 1.3 million pets in 2019. Our telehealth service will launch next week on May 12 to all of our loyal pet parents.
Our PetIQ veterinary health line will be available every day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. to assist pet parents with questions about their pet and general pet care. This is the first step towards a more comprehensive telemedicine platform that will be available on a state-by-state basis, depending on the prevailing regulations that dictate these virtual veterinary client-patient interactions. Finally, with respect to our clinics. Our phased approach to start the reopening process starts tomorrow, May 8, with the reopening of 23 VetIQ wellness center locations.
We will be incorporating curbside service to promote social distancing and enhanced safety procedures. Clinic staff will incorporate responsible PPE requirements, personal hygiene protocols and extra steps to clean and disinfect our clinics before and after every patient. As we adapt our operations to the current environment and implement enhanced safety measures, we will look to expand the openings to more wellness centers and our community clinics in a safe, smart and phased approach.
We look forward to resuming business across the country in the weeks and the months ahead and delivering pet parents convenient and affordable pet care, a need we absolutely know exists today.
I would now like to turn the call over to John.
John Newland
Thank you, Susan. To start, I would like to echo Cord and Susan's remarks and thank our tremendous team for their efforts during this unprecedented time. As a result of their hard work and dedication, PetIQ remains well positioned in the marketplace. Our business was performing in line to ahead of our expectations in the first two months of the quarter until mid-March as a result of COVID-19.
Our Product segment generated strong results for Q1, with our sales increasing each consecutive month, quarter, supported by heightened consumer concern around and demand for essential pet health and wellness products. The momentum we are experiencing in our Service segment during January and February stalled as we were forced to temporarily suspend our operations in March. Importantly, the financial strength that our Product segment provides our broader business became increasingly apparent, demonstrated by our record first quarter sales and growth and adjusted EBITDA, especially in an uncertain environment like we face today.
The three strategic acquisitions we have completed in the last three years have been highly complementary and provide us the flexibility to maintain a long-term view of our strategic and financial position. As a result, consolidated net sales were better than expected in Q1, increasing 25.8% to a record $186.8 million. I'm also pleased to report a 33.1% increase in our adjusted EBITDA to $14.5 million, which expanded 40 basis points from a margin perspective versus prior year. At the segment level, our Product segment net sales for the quarter were $166.3 million, an increase of 31.9% year-over-year. Segment-adjusted EBITDA before corporate allocations was $24.3 million, an increase of 79.1% compared to the first quarter last year.
The uptick in product sales growth during March was more focused in our e-commerce channel. While this channel sale shift late in the quarter impacted Product segment gross margin, we were once again able to leverage our fixed G&A, which is a primary driver for the strong growth of segment-adjusted EBITDA. Additionally, our manufacturing business continues to perform to our goal of 25% sales growth due to the success we're having in integrating our brands such as PetArmor into our customer network. Within our Services segment, net revenues decreased 8.3% for the first quarter to $20.5 million.
Excluding the contributions from our wellness center initiative, first quarter adjusted Services segment net revenues decreased 12.6% to $18.2 million. Services segment adjusted EBITDA was $2 million, a decrease of $3.3 million compared to $5.3 million generated in the first quarter last year. Prior to suspending operations, the service organization was experiencing double-digit growth in pet counts and average ticket sales across all of our clinics. We estimate that the impact on the Service segment due to the closure was in excess of $5 million of revenue, 1,200 basis points of segment gross margin contraction and approximately $3.2 million of adjusted EBITDA impact.
The service organization has an 80% variable cost structure with a 20% fixed component. The variable costs are mostly labor and rent to host partners, which is typically in the form of percentage of revenue. Today, we aren't capturing the full savings opportunity that is available to us, but this is by design. We are highly motivated to restart service operations. And for that to happen, we need our staff in place and ready to work. So we made the decision to continue supporting those employees with 2/3 of their wages while we manage through this disruption. We are thinking about this as a strategic investment in the business.
When you consider our variable versus fixed expense, within the context of the current environment, we are not taking advantage of the entire 80% variable expense due to our decision to pay these wages. Accounting for this incremental spend, we are saving approximately 60% of the expense versus the full 80%. So the question is, what does this mean for our 2020 outlook? At this point, we are withdrawing our previously announced guidance for the full year 2020, which did not include any impact from COVID-19. This decision was based on the fluidity of the current environment and the unknown speed of recovery in our Service business. However, we would like to provide additional detail on our April results.
Our Product segment net sales acceleration in March has continued to accelerate further to start the second quarter. We are pleased with the strong momentum we are seeing in our Products business, and the consumption patterns are supporting channel inventories, which speaks to the channel shift that is happening within the industry. Our services organization will begin to reopen wellness centers and clinics in certain markets at the end of this week. I'd also remind you that the pending Capstar acquisition continues to progress with an anticipated closing in early third quarter. This high-margin product acquisition will be extremely accretive to our business, and we estimate that it will add approximately $20 million of EBITDA contribution on an annualized basis post close.
As it pertains to our balance sheet and liquidity, our long-term debt, which is largely comprised of our revolving credit facility and term loan, was $325.4 million as of March 31, 2020. The company has total liquidity of approximately $53.8 million, which includes $28.1 million of cash and $25.7 million of availability on our revolving line of credit. I'd note that we have an additional $15 million available via an accordion feature of the credit agreement for a total of $68.8 million of liquidity. From a working capital perspective, accounts receivable increased $60.2 million, and inventory increased $39.1 million compared to December 31, 2019. This reflects the seasonal peak in inventory in what is the busiest seasonal period of the year for us.
In fact, first quarter ending inventory represents approximately five weeks of supply, which speaks to the velocity of product sales this time of year. On the receivables side, our higher balance reflects a seasonal peak in sales that happens in March and flows in the second quarter.
I'd also share a couple of key observations that may be helpful as you consider our cash flows, working capital and capital requirements within the scope of the pandemic.
First, the temporary suspension of our wellness center build-out strategy more than offsets any near-term carrying costs associated with the service organization, including wages being paid to consumer-facing staff that are awaiting reopening. This is due to the significant profit contributions from our Product segment that we expect to continue to improve with our more diversified and balanced manufacturing capabilities.
Second, from a working capital perspective, this is the peak of the season. We are turning inventory rapidly, fulfilling reorder sufficiently and seeing little exit evidence of excess channel inventory. First quarter should represent the high watermark in terms of working capital, with cash returning to the business in the coming quarters.
When taken together, you have a growing products business contributing cash, working capital inflows accelerating and a temporary reduction of CapEx, which we believe puts PetIQ in a position to drive free cash flow and build cash in the quarters ahead. In closing, we are very pleased with our first quarter 2020 results and believe that we are well positioned to navigate the current environment and emerge even stronger with broader capabilities and bring convenient and affordable pet wellness products and services to pet parents in the formats that best fit their lives.
With that overview, Cord, Susan and I are available for your questions. Operator?
Question-and-Answer Session
Operator
[Operator Instructions] The first question comes from Bill Chappell of SunTrust. Please go ahead.
Bill Chappell
Thanks, and good afternoon as well.
Cord Christensen
Thanks, Bill.
Bill Chappell
Just I guess, first question on the services side. You had talked about the wellness centers kind of getting double-digit growth in headcount and services revenue. I guess, before this hit, can you give a little more color there, especially on some of the new Walmart locations you added back in the fall? Or is this coming from more of the older stores you've done over the past year? And on that same vein, kind of any update on these new 27 doors that postponed? Is that 2Q? Is that 3Q? How far has that pushed out?
Cord Christensen
Thanks for the question, Bill. I'll let Susan take that and answer that question. Go ahead, Susan.
Susan Sholtis
Yes, I'd be happy to. Thank you. So in regards to your first question, Bill, in regards to the growth that we were seeing, it is actually in not only the new VetIQs that we had opened, but it was also in our conversion clinics as well, too. I think if you recall, in early February, we orchestrated really substantial grand opening activities around all of the clinics that we opened in fourth quarter of 2019. Those activities really spurred and alerted pet owners in the area to come to our clinics. So the double-digit growth that we were seeing was not only in more of our standard greenfield, but it was also not in our standard conversions, but it was in our greenfield clinics as well, too. So those activities were working for us incredibly well.
In regards to the 27 units that are basically sitting out there, we have those available. Those are in 12 states. We're going to continue to keep those closed. We have a grand opening reopening strategy that we have put together. It is literally in five different phases, and we will open those as part of that 5-phase process.
Bill Chappell
Got it. And just on that before I go to the product side, I mean, do you expect a pent-up demand for your services as all of them open up? And how do you work it with social distancing?
Susan Sholtis
Yes. It's a great question. The so first of all, there is truly pent-up demand, and we know that because our customer service lines have not stopped since we closed. So customers, our pet owners, are clearly calling us, asking when we're going to reopen. So I do believe that there is pent-up demand. Second of all, our retail partners are also receiving those phone calls as well. So people are looking for us to come back. I think that come back and look at what's happened with the COVID-19 situation, many veterinary clinics, while they continue to see pet owners, they were seeing them in only emergency situations. And so there is a need out there for wellness, and we are truly coming in to reopen, to help to start to provide those services to pet owners who are looking to come in and to get their booster vaccines or to get their vaccines because they're due on an annual basis. So I definitely think that there is pent-up demand.
Dr. Olavessen, I think as you remember, we she is our Chief Medical Officer, and we brought her on board in first quarter. She has literally written brand new protocols for each phase of our openings, of our practices. And as you can probably imagine, first of all, with these initial VetIQs that we're opening, the 23, we will be implementing curbside service. Curbside service looks and acts and feels very different than just having a group of people standing in a clinic. So we have taken absolutely every step that we possibly can through new protocols to make sure that, number one, our people have the appropriate PPE and they do, but then also to make sure that we're keeping pet parents safe as well, too.
Bill Chappell
Got it. Well, I'll turn it over.
Cord Christensen
Thanks so much.
Operator
The next question comes from David Westenberg of Guggenheim. Please go ahead.
David Westenberg
Hi, thanks. Sir, for taking the question. And So I want to start with labor here. Some of the data points we've been picking up is that there could be some policy changes and potentially more vet-tech responsibility. Is that a possibility that you've heard? And then just changes in the labor market, generally, right now, there is an economic impact with this. Some of the independent veterinarians are seeing some changing dynamics. So just wondering the way you might think about policy and labor.
Susan Sholtis
Yes. Cord, I'm happy to take that question.
Cord Christensen
Yes. Go ahead, Susan.
Susan Sholtis
I think that yes. Now I think, David, one of the benefits, if you can say that is the benefit, of COVID-19 has been the advancement in veterinary medicine. And not only has it been the advancement of telemedicine, as you know, but it is also going to be the advancement of better utilization of veterinary technicians and the skill set that they bring to veterinary practices. So we continue to monitor that on a state-by-state basis because a lot of these decisions are made at the state level. But on a daily basis, Dr. Olavessen continues to keep track of all of those changes that are happening to ensure that we can truly capitalize on those as they happen.
David Westenberg
Got it. And then I just want to talk about what might happen in the fall here. There's a couple of different dynamics. Number one, 1-800-PetMeds talked about an early planned 6Tsand that they experienced due to warmer weather in the Northeast. Is that consistent with kind of what you've seen on the product side in the business? And then in the same kind of vein, if you have seen I mean, I guess there would be pent-up demand. This is a continuation of the pent-up demand question, but I don't think you're going to see missed appointments in April and then all of a sudden they all come in flooding in May.
So can you maybe talk about what might happen in the back half of the year? Because you see actually an extended pent-up demand. So maybe this necessitates opening up clinics even in the fall and winter where you haven't necessarily did it just because there is this pent-up demand effect.
Cord Christensen
So Dave, I'll take the first part. We definitely saw in the January, February time frame the benefits of such a light winter in the early planned 6Ts and kicking off and was a big part of us seeing such a strong momentum going into the first quarter. It's been years since we've had this effect, and it was fun to see the early season starting to give us those additional doses of consumption and seeing those sales kick off.
The acceleration that then took place in March, we think, was coupled with that early planned 6Ts and some of the channel shift going on as our channel became a very good alternative or a way for people to get access to health care for their pets using both over-the-counter where they weren't getting to the vet, or getting their pet prescriptions filled at a faster rate through the channel where they could do it from the safety of their home and work with our veterinarian through phone and otherwise to get those. So we saw that benefit. We've seen it continue to accelerate going into the second quarter.
I think the second part of your question, I'll let Susan answer, and she'll be more positioned to talk to that.
Susan Sholtis
Yes, I'm happy to, David. The -- I believe that, that pent-up demand is going to trickle because we have dealt with this for an extended period of time. I do believe that, that pent-up demand is going to start trickling into the fall, probably further than we would traditionally expect for that, too. But I also don't believe that, that necessarily dictates how we go about opening our clinics. We do have a plan that is very much centered around safety, it's centered around process, it's centered around training, and it's centered around pet parents and demand.
One of the most important things that we have to do starting tomorrow is to really gauge that pet parent demand and making sure that we understand how that is flowing because that will also help to dictate how we roll out the clinics. So I wouldn't say that we necessarily believe that everything that we're going to have a chunk of clinics opening up in the fall, but I think that the consumer is basically going to dictate that.
David Westenberg
Thank you very much.
Operator
The next question comes from Joe Altobello of Raymond James. Please go ahead.
Joe Altobello
Thanks. Hey guys, good afternoon. So first question, I'm not sure I heard it right. You mentioned that the Perrigo business the acquired Perrigo business is tracking to 25% revenue growth this year. And related to that, I'm not sure if you guys gave a number in terms of how much that acquisition contributed to product sales in the quarter.
Cord Christensen
I think great question. Good to hear from you, Joe. I think they the acquisition absolutely is tracking to a number that is better than 25% from the base that was there and 25% incremental new business for the total company through that organization. The difficult part of separating out the exact performance of the business is, in addition to that performance, we've made some strategic decisions to purposely cannibalize some of our own business with brands to consolidate the performance of those brands, the marketing dollars invested. And by doing that, the integration is quickly integrated and caused the numbers to blur to where it's difficult to say what was which part, and so we're only reporting what the total growth rate was on the business. So we're not separating out just the individual Perrigo business, but we can tell you with confidence that we are on track to see the 25% increase.
One of the headlines I would share with you is in the month of April. We had the highest month of shipments of product out of that plant since a month that happened in April of 2017. And so it's after that many years, we've had a record shipment month, and we're on track to have a similar month in the month of May. So very exciting times with the Perrigo acquisition, how it's performing.
Joe Altobello
That's helpful, Cord. And then maybe secondly, a quick question for John on the balance sheet, in particular, accounts receivable. I guess the fact that, seasonally, this is the time when receivables are going to tick up a little bit, but it looks like it doubled year-over-year. And I'm curious how much of that was due to the surge late in the quarter, and how much of that was due to the channel shift that you guys are seeing toward e-commerce.
John Newland
Yes. Joe, that's a great question. I would tell you that the cadence of the sales, as they occur in the first quarter, is it starts out pretty slow. And then in the months of January and February, it grows, and virtually almost 50% of our sales for the quarter occurred in the month of March. So based off of that and the days of receivables outstanding, it has a compounding effect on your overall receivables and growth grows the balance as a result of the cadence of sales more than anything else regardless of customer concentrations or whatever.
Joe Altobello
Okay. So was it driven by channel shift at all?
John Newland
No.
Joe Altobello
All right, thank you guys.
Operator
The next question comes from Jon Andersen of William Blair. Please go ahead.
Jon Andersen
Good afternoon, everybody.
Cord Christensen
Good afternoon, John.
Jon Andersen
On the services reopening, how was the first batch of stores or centers that are going to be reopened, how was that determined? Was that a state-by-state or kind of reopening more driven by regulation? Or was it driven by some internal approach? Just trying to understand that a little better.
Cord Christensen
Susan, do you want to go and take that?
Susan Sholtis
Yes. Jon, I'd be happy to address that. There are four factors that we considered when we chose the first 23 to reopen. The first being safety, but when I talk about safety, you have to look at the state, you have to look at the state veterinary medical association and local guidelines first. So we had to check the box on all three of those factors before we move forward to part number two. Part number two is making sure that our retail host partner is also prepared as well, too. Because, obviously, when we talk about social distancing, additional PPE, etcetera, we needed to make sure that our host partners were ready to receive us back into those facilities. The second item was just process whether or not the location was conducive to providing touchless service, making sure that we have parking lot space in order to be able to go out to retrieve the pet. The parking lot space was also part of our assessment.
Training, can we optimize the training process with our team? Is it the right team, meaning have they been in place for a while? Are they going to be able to grasp and to take these new measures and be able to put them into place? And then finally, can we optimize the way that we tell pet parents as well, too? So geographically makes tons of sense because then we can notify pet parents of our new processes and do that in a very consolidated way.
Jon Andersen
That's really helpful. Does that should we assume that this is the reopening initial is going to affect multiple host retailers? Or will it be just one or 2?
Susan Sholtis
So the initial 23 VetIQs that we will be rolling out tomorrow, those are across 16 states, and they're with two retailers. Think about those facilities, they are the clinics that we currently have in partnership with Walmart and with Meijer. And what makes them a great place to start is that they have the separate doors. They have that they're segmented off and they have those separate doors, which, again, make it really easy for us to make sure that we're implementing all the appropriate safety protocols.
Jon Andersen
Makes sense. You touched on this a little bit. It's probably for Susan. The you've had a grand opening strategy that you executed in the fourth quarter, with the openings you did in the fourth quarter. As you look to reopen here, do you have to kind of run that process again across all of the locations to build awareness that you are open for business and drive the pet traffic?
Susan Sholtis
Jon, I would say that in regards to the grand openings that we already had and mind you, when we were at the point of getting ready to close down, we had gotten through maybe half of those grand opening events that we were going to do for the year. And so again, that tremendous performance with the ones where we had the grand with those grand opening events. So I don't expect for us to go back and have to do re-grand openings for those clinics that we've already conducted, but we definitely will continue to follow through on the grand openings with those that we did not.
Jon Andersen
Great. And then on the product side of the business, so the Capstar is, I think, you said early in the third quarter, you expect to close just thinking about funding that acquisition, it sounds like you're in a good liquidity position. Is there anything we should be thinking about there from either an execution standpoint or a funding standpoint that might be different than you've talked about in the past?
Cord Christensen
Yes. Thanks for the question, Jon. We're excited about Capstar acquisition, and the brand is performing better than what we had been projecting to perform during this time of year and which means it will be in a position to continue to over deliver against our expectations from it. We've always said we would use either our existing credit facility or a like type financing event to finance it. John and myself and various Board members are involved with that, and we feel confident we have a pathway forward that's very good to be able to accomplish that goal. So right now we feel like we've got a good handle on getting it processed through one of these sources that we're using that it will be a very accretive deal for the company.
And we look forward to clearing the final FCC requirements so that we can still stay on track, which we think we will be able to do to close in early third quarter.
Jon Andersen
Great. And is there an opportunity I can't recall if you've talked about this. Is there an opportunity to use some of the manufacturing assets that you have to produce that product in the future? And thus there's some cost synergies around that. Is that your expectation?
Cord Christensen
I think what we've always said, we would never have the confidence to even bid on it if we didn't have the Perrigo acquisition and their manufacturing capabilities to be able to do the manufacturing of the product at some point. We do have a service agreement with Elanco for them to produce it at the same cost as they produce it for themselves for up to three years. And if there are synergies available, we're obviously going to be motivated to get it done sooner, so we can take advantage of those. We don't believe there's any negative impact, but we won't be able to do it at least equally as good or as affordable. But we have not determined yet or ready to announce any synergies.
As you recall, that brand will be the most profitable, highest margin brand in our portfolio when it comes over. And so we're just excited to have it to be able to foster it, grow it and see it continue to contribute more to the company. But it'll definitely have to be introduced in our plan at the right time.
Jon Andersen
That's really helpful. One last one for me. So the Products business, congratulations, has been extremely strong. It sounds like it remains so. Could you talk about the owned brand part of that business? I think you've talked about the opportunity to step that up in some of the conversations, I think, you've had with important retailers, particularly online. How is that going, just overall, with respect to the owned brand part of that?
Cord Christensen
That's a great question, Jon. And I actually just finished doing a review this past week of looking at what the combined mix was of distributed versus manufacturing in Q1 of 2019, if we would have owned Perrigo then and looking at what it is now. And I'm happy to report with the dramatic increases we've seen in sales and the surging of the business that the mix between distributed and manufactured still is in that 70%, 30% range we've been talking about. So as you've seen these increases, our manufactured products continue to keep up with the growth. They've maintained that mix, which means we are generating those profit dollars, and that's why you're seeing the expanded margin in that category for the business.
And so our retail relationships are solid, we're expanding our items, we're taking care of them better, we're getting incremental placement by doing the right GAAP analysis for the companies that we serve, and we're getting the placement. And ultimately, we're just seeing the brands perform. So we're very excited about seeing that mix continue to stay in a similar place, even though we've seen such significant increases, and most people would think it would be only because of the distributed product. It's not we're giving a good balance.
Jon Andersen
Excellent, thanks so much and good luck going forward.
Operator
The next question comes from Kevin Grundy of Jefferies. Please go ahead.
Kevin Grundy
Hey, good afternoon everyone, I hope that you and your families are doing well. Question for Cord on the channel shift online. So obviously, this has been broad-based and huge trends here as a consequence of the unique nature of this recession. But Cord, I wanted to get your updated thoughts on potential benefits to your business. Maybe you could give us an update here on what percentage of your Products business is now online, talk about implications here as well from a margin perspective. Or even like to Joe's question before, I don't know if there's a big difference here at all in terms of payment terms with respect to some of the vendors you're dealing with online. And then I have a follow-up for general liquidity.
Cord Christensen
Okay. Thanks, Kevin. I appreciate the question. Yes, we definitely have been benefiting from the volume increasing online. I mean, obviously, the overall Product business was at 32% for the quarter, and the online growth was slightly above that, about 10% better than that from a growth perspective. So we still saw great growth across our brick-and-mortar and other customers, but did see a slightly larger percentage there. We are seeing that our overall mix of online versus rest of the company is also up about 10% from where it was a year ago. So in line with the additional contribution.
As we said, also, we've got a focus at mixing our manufactured product with our distributed product. In online, we haven't caught up quite as fast as we'd like to, but we're making progress, and that will definitely help our mix from our margin perspective. And we're making sure that we're being very attentive to just not creating friction where consumers want to buy the product, they need to be able to buy it. And we have the ability to leverage these sales with not a lot of incremental G&A. So all the sales that happen are accretive to the earnings and accretive to the business, albeit sometimes not at the same percentage. And it's why we've talked about the mix over time to get us to a 15% EBITDA margin. So we're very happy with the contribution. We're very happy with the progress of keeping our mix growing the right way there and in getting our margins in that channel to be in a better place.
Your second question, we definitely have seen some increases in a couple of our online customers. One in particular that we have a longer payment term schedule, which is consistent with what they have with all of their vendor base. And it is a contributing factor to our receivables becoming larger in that area during this time. So, I hope that answers your question.
Kevin Grundy
No, that's helpful, Cord. One, I'm not sure if you can comment. What percentage of your online business at the end of the quarter or, excuse me, what percentage of your Products business is now online? Is that something you can share?
Cord Christensen
Yes. We don't break it out specifically to that point, Kevin. I think we've let people know that it's definitely climbing up in the high 20s into the low 30s, and then we're up running right now this quarter 10% better than that. But we don't give a specific number.
Kevin Grundy
Okay. All right. A quick one just for John on liquidity. So I think the disclosure is, including the accordion feature, you have about $70 million between cash on the balance sheet and then available financing. It didn't sound like you were overly concerned with the cash use from operations. It sounded like that was relatively in line with your expectation. Maybe you can correct me if I'm wrong with that.
And then between the puts and the takes, the Products business is obviously performing really well, unprecedented circumstances that you're dealing with on the Services side. But between the puts and the takes with this, as we think about how much free cash flow this business is going to generate, and I know you don't want to guide so I don't want to try to put you in a corner, but how should we think about that? I think that the number sort of free cash you gave us, somewhere like in the $40 million levered free cash flow range, is maybe just speak broadly, and that would be helpful.
John Newland
Yes. Two great questions. I'm going to start with the second one and talk about the free cash flow generation. So...
Operator
Excuse me, Mr. Newland, would you be able to maybe come a little bit closer to the phone.
John Newland
Sure. How's that? Is that better?
Operator
Thank you, sir. Yes, sir. Thank you.
John Newland
Yes. So we'll talk about the puts and the takes on free cash flow first. So what are we doing? We're not spending the CapEx, and we're not funding the original operating expenses and operating losses associated with the clinic rollout. But at the same but we are funding the 2/3 of the pay for our associate base as it's ready awaiting reopening. The cash generation from operations comes from our Product business. But the puts and the takes, at the end of the day, our free cash flow generation will be as good as, if not better, than what we communicated earlier. And that's just the nature of additional cash flow outflows versus the savings that we have. So we're very confident about that.
And your first question, Kevin, yes, this is this we have this discussion every year. This is our highest use of capital as we go into the height of our selling season. We talked about the cadence of the sales and how that grows our receivables exponentially at the end of first quarter. That will continue all throughout second quarter. And then, as you remember, our inventory levels begin to decrease right about the second two weeks before the end of second quarter. And then that gradual decrease will continue throughout the remainder of the year. So absolutely right in line with expectations. We're comfortable with our liquidity position, and I'm pleased with where we are.
Operator
The next question comes from Brian Nagel of Oppenheimer. Please go ahead.
Brian Nagel
Hi, good afternoon. Thanks for taking my questions. So the first question, a bit of a follow-up on the product side, recognizing that normal year, the business does accelerate into March. But is there a way to really think about, as we look at this past quarter, how much better that acceleration was as a result of due to the crisis that really started to take hold in mid-March, meaning that other with other retailers, other avenues closed, so there was a benefit coming to PetIQ, and then how that continued into here into early Q2?
Cord Christensen
Brian, thanks for the question. I appreciate it. I think we've been coming pretty accurately determining about how much the growth is going to be and getting closer to our number. And we definitely had March be significantly ahead of plan, where January, February just only slightly ahead of what we thought would take place. And so it was a very noticeable significant difference in volume. And we've seen that number even widen and get bigger going into the month of April and really quarter-to-date. So we definitely, as we've said in message, that the ability for our Product business to overcome some of that impact that took place from closing the clinics in Q1, we're seeing that although we've given the mix on what we think sales will be in the second quarter, a much larger number.
And the performance from that, that are increases in our Product business can offset most, if not all, of the impact from the closing of our service organization. And we're, again, incredibly grateful to see that happening. We're up at percentage rates that are far above what the vet channel is down. So we believe a lot of it is sustainable and stuff that will stick and be there as people see how easy and convenient and affordable to do business with our channel. And so we're excited to see this kind of shot in the arm of increase through this, and we believe it's going to be something that's going to take us to another level as a company in this space.
Brian Nagel
All right. As a follow-up to that, and again, this is similar to follow-ups to prior questions too, but because you've seen now this acceleration, if you will, in the online business. If you well, we're waiting to see how this shakes out as our economy hopefully should renormalizes but normalizes. But to the extent that consumer behavior has changed somewhat towards online sales, does that how does that change your relationships with your physical retailers as you deal with the happenings in online operations?
Cord Christensen
Well, I didn't get what you asked. So I've got to get my head around your question. So how does it change, like, with our people to have both brick-and-mortar and online stores?
Brian Nagel
Yes. It's a bigger sure; what I'm saying is the accounts we have where it's an omnichannel. So they have the store then also an online operation. I'm assuming within that business, more of their sales so more what you're selling to them sold online, does that change the underlying relationship?
Cord Christensen
No. We haven't seen any change in the underlying relationship. I mean, we've been balancing, having joint communications from both sides of their business where they do have independent people that run the online versus brick-and-mortar. And the two large companies that really have really great omnichannel strategies and online business, we're still seeing and having some of our best one of our best quarters we've ever had with even the brick-and-mortar side of their business. It's one of the reasons we referenced that our retail brick-and-mortar channel also saw a great participation in the shift from the veterinarian channels into the space.
And so we haven't seen any change at all in that environment, Brian. I think the other thing that's happened in this environment is we've been battle-tested for years as a company and our ability to perform in this channel with the animal health industry. And I've never had more conversations with the heads of the companies we held support and then be amazed at just how good we do what we do that we've had no interruptions that our plants have run at better than 99% fill rates and through this entire environment. And we've literally had every shift fully staffed to keep that happening. So there's been no interruption for their businesses either.
So if anything, I think the value that we are generating for all people involved has just increased, and our value to the market and the industry has gotten even greater through our performance in this environment.
Brian Nagel
Okay. I appreciate it. Thank you very much.
Cord Christensen
Thanks guys.
Operator
This concludes our question-and-answer session. I would like to turn the conference back over to Cord Christensen for any closing remarks.
Cord Christensen
I want to thank everybody for joining us today. And obviously, as we've stated many times, our first priority is keeping our employees, our partners, our pet parents and their pets safe and healthy and doing our job as an essential business service to make sure people have access. We're obviously excited by the results we delivered in the first quarter. We're extremely excited with what we're seeing in second quarter so far and couldn't be more excited to start opening our clinics and being able to help serve our pet parents. And we look forward over the weeks and months to getting all of our clinics back up and running and being able to service their needs.
I look forward to interacting with all of you very soon and hope all of you keep you, your families and all of your associates safe and healthy through you're managing your own situation through this pandemic that affects all of our lives. Thank you for joining us today, guys.
Operator
The conference has now concluded. Thank you for attending today's presentation. You may now disconnect. | https://seekingalpha.com/article/4345800-petiq-inc-petq-ceo-cord-christensen-on-q1-2020-results-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed_all_articles | 2022-06-26T18:59:14Z | https://seekingalpha.com/article/4345800-petiq-inc-petq-ceo-cord-christensen-on-q1-2020-results-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed_all_articles | false | 1 |
This article is part of our AL FAAB Factor series.
This is our weekly look at American League free agents. We have two goals for this article:
1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Estimate how much of your $100 starting free-agent budget you should bid on them.
We've incorporated grids into the FAAB articles, so users can easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.
The grids, which are sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This serves as a reflection of a player's skills and talent on an A-E scale. Wander Franco would have been an "A" grade player last year – that mark will be reserved for similarly high-impact prospects that could thrive in an everyday role.
As always, if there is a player that was not discussed in the article that you would like to know about, feel free to ask about the player in the comments.
<!–td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}–>
This is our weekly look at American League free agents. We have two goals for this article:
1. Identify likely free agents and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
2. Estimate how much of your $100 starting free-agent budget you should bid on them.
We've incorporated grids into the FAAB articles, so users can easily see at a glance how certain players stack up against others and how much they should command in a variety of formats.
The grids, which are sortable by column (click on the header), include a very basic "player grade" column. This serves as a reflection of a player's skills and talent on an A-E scale. Wander Franco would have been an "A" grade player last year – that mark will be reserved for similarly high-impact prospects that could thrive in an everyday role.
As always, if there is a player that was not discussed in the article that you would like to know about, feel free to ask about the player in the comments.
<!–td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}–>
Starting Pitcher
Chris Archer, Twins: The veteran right-hander continues to be effective in shorter stints, but those shorter outings have started to reach five innings more often than not, and it's no coincidence that Archer's only two wins on the season have come in his last four trips to the mound. In shallower formats that score quality starts or innings instead wins he remains a marginal option, but Minnesota boasts a good enough offense that if Archer lasts five frames, it increases his value in wins formats almost exponentially. A 1.57 ERA and 0.91 WHIP despite a middling 16:8 K:BB over his last five starts and 23 innings doesn't hurt either. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team AL: Rostered
Dylan Bundy, Twins: Unlike Archer, who's been consistent this season but with a limited ceiling, Bundy's campaign has been a roller coaster, and one that rattles and shrieks enough it makes you wonder if there's been a safety inspection on it recently. He won his first three starts with a 0.59 ERA, then posted an 8.51 ERA while going winless over his next seven outings. The 29-year-old has flipped the script again, delivering his first two quality starts of the year in his last two trips to the mound with a 1.29 ERA. Bundy doesn't have tremendous strikeout upside, but the key to his season so far (and his future streaming value) is keeping the ball in the park. He's allowed zero homers in those five starts book-ending his rough patch, and has a 2.9 HR/9 in between. When he gets a punchless opponent, he's worth plugging into your lineup; if not, keep him benched or leave him on waivers. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team AL: Rostered
Aaron Civale, Guardians: Civale made a strong return to the rotation Tuesday, fanning seven and walking one over five innings against the Twins. He had a brutal start to the season, but there is reason for optimism here. The 27-year-old is still tinkering with his pitch mix, and this year he's on his way to becoming a pure junkballer, throwing both his four-seam and two-seam fastballs less often in favor of his cutter and curve, the latter of which has produced a 41.3 percent Whiff Rate. He's getting hit hard when he misses his spots, but his command might just be good enough to pull off the new approach once he figures it out. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team AL: $7
Dean Kremer, Orioles: Apparently, this is the week for low-ceiling righties. Kremer was ticketed for Baltimore's Opening Day rotation before straining his oblique in the bullpen before he got to make his first start, and his season debut was delayed until June. Over four outings he's got a 1.71 ERA, but his 1.24 WHIP and 14:5 K:BB through 21 innings highlight his lack of upside. Stop me if you've heard this before – if he can keep the ball in the park he'll post useful fantasy numbers, but when it isn't going well for him, the results could be ugly. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team AL: $5
Glenn Otto, Rangers: Otto's been on on the COVID-19 list since June 4, but he was on a roll when he went down, winning three straight starts and posting a 2.45 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 17:13 K:BB through 22 innings over his last four. Hmm, low strikeout numbers and less than ace-like stuff from a right-hander... yup, he fits the profile this week. The 26-year-old's minor-league numbers do hint at a bit more K upside than some of the other pitchers I've written up this week, but he's still not a player who's going to move the needle in most formats. He's in that 'streaming/occasionally useful' zone, and your own bench and roster depth will determine whether it's worthwhile to keep him around, or leave him in the free-agent pool until you need him (or someone an awful lot like him). 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team AL: $7
Other two-start options, Mon-Sun (12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team AL: $1)
Kris Bubic, Royals (vs. TEX, at DET)
Devin Smeltzer, Twins (at CLE, vs. BAL)
Tyler Wells, Orioles (at SEA, at MIN)
Relief Pitcher
Ken Giles / Erik Swanson, Mariners: Paul Sewald and his whopping six saves seem to be the first choice for the ninth inning in Seattle's bullpen, with Diego Castillo up next with four saves. Andres Munoz is the most dominant relief option the M's have (0.00 ERA and 15:1 K:BB over his last 6.1 innings), so of course he doesn't have a save in over two months. If you really want to speculate here, Giles has that Proven Closer pedigree with 115 career saves, and he just came off the IL to make his first appearance since 2020 on Tuesday. The 31-year-old isn't all the way back yet, topping out at 95.4 mph with his fastball, but given the long layoff after Tommy John surgery some rust is to be expected. Swanson's looked great all season and got rewarded with his first save of the year Saturday, when Sewald was unavailable and Castillo got called upon in the eighth inning. To be clear, I don't think you'll get more than five saves out of either of these guys the rest of the way, but Giles could plausibly be handed the closer role at some point, while Swanson just looks like solid staff filler if you're in the market for high-K setup men. Giles – 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team AL: $7 / Swanson – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1
Domingo Acevedo / Zach Jackson / Sam Moll / A.J. Puk / Lou Trivino, Athletics: I wrote up Oakland's bullpen mess a couple weeks ago when Dany Jimenez was struggling, but now that he's on the IL, I guess I better list some bids this time. Acevedo and Moll are probably viewed as setup men, so I wouldn't be aggressive going after them. Jackson got the first chance at a save Thursday, made a mess, and then Puk made it worse when he tried to clean it up. Trivino, who came into the season as the presumed closer, and got a two-inning save Saturday. Trivino's 31.7 percent strikeout rate on the year is certainly worthy of high-leverage work, but he's been absolutely crushed when batters do make contact, which has kind of made me wonder if he's been tipping pitches or something. Puk has the best stuff, but his performance has taken a step backward in June and this is his first season in the bullpen, so the organization may not want to push him too hard. Then again, he's already 27, so they should probably figure out if he can be a dominant bullpen arm as soon as possible. Acevedo and Moll – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1 / Jackson – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team AL: $4 / Puk – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team AL: $5 / Trivino – 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team AL: $7
Joe Kelly, White Sox: Kendall Gravemen was supposed to be Liam Hendriks' replacement in the closer gig, but Tony LaRussa leaned into the hate and kept him in his high-leverage setup role Monday, giving the save to Kelly instead. Neither one's gotten a save chance since, and Hendriks could be back quickly, so tossing dollars at Kelly now could be a giant waste of resources, which is probably what LaRussa planned. I can't confirm he makes managerial decisions just to troll fans and fantasy GMs, but I can't rule it out either. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2
Catcher
Zack Collins, Blue Jays: Just in case you need a backstop this week, Collins got called back up when Alejandro Kirk got plunked in the hand by a pitch. Kirk seems OK, but Collins might run into a homer or two while he's up, and Toronto probably wants three catchers on the roster anyway if Kirk's going to DH regularly. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1
Second Base
Dylan Moore, Mariners: Moore's been seeing regular playing time the last couple weeks as it is, but Ty France's injury all but locks him into the lineup. The trouble with Moore is that while his speed is tempting, the rest of his profile is tough to roster. He's hitting .195 in June with only two extra-base hits, a double and a homer, over 21 games, so his seven steals and nine runs have been his only real source of value. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team AL: Rostered
Sheldon Neuse, Athletics: Neuse has started four of five games since returning to the majors, going 4-for-17 with four strikeouts and four singles. He was on fire for Triple-A Las Vegas during his brief demotion, reeling off six straight multi-hit games at one point and racking up a 1.131 OPS over 12 games, but that's the PCL and it came with a 1:11 BB:K. Oakland still seems to have faith he'll turn into something, or at least doesn't have anyone else it has more faith in, so the 27-year-old will get chances. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $3
Josh H. Smith, Rangers: The 24-year-old came off the injured list Tuesday and has started three of the last four games, two at third base and one in left field, but Saturday's surprising demotion of Ezequiel Duran is a strong sign Smith will have the hot corner to himself for the next little while. He was a second-round pick of the Yankees in 2019, coming over in the Joey Gallo deal, but long-term it's still hard to see him as anything more than a utility player given his minor-league performance. He's got some modest power-speed potential as a starter, though. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $2; 12-team AL: $5
Third Base
Cavan Biggio, Blue Jays: The 27-year-old still isn't quite seeing regular playing time, but at least he's hitting and getting on base again, slashing .280/.419/.540 through 62 plate appearances in June with two homers, nine runs and 10 RBI. Biggio's position flex is a plus and he has more value in OBP formats, but he's still more bench insurance than secure starting option in shallow leagues. 12-team Mixed: $1; 15-team Mixed: $3; 12-team AL: Rostered
Kevin Padlo, Mariners: France's injury creates an opening at first base for the M's, and Padlo got the start there Saturday, going 1-for-4 with two RBI. The 25-year-old has gotten to know the west coast very well this season; he started at Triple-A Tacoma before getting DFA'd and picked up by San Francisco, bouncing between the Giants and Sacramento before getting DFA'd again and re-claimed by Seattle. His minor-league numbers have generally indicated a decent hit tool with only modest power, but between Tacoma and Sacramento this year he did slug 10 homers in 42 games, albeit with a .240/.329/.487 slash line. Selling out for thump might be the right choice to stick in the majors, though, and the 25-year-old does have a path to playing time at the moment. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2
Isaac Paredes, Rays: So, in my own leagues, I have this tendency to pick guys up too early and then drop them before they finally pay off. I had shares of Paredes in a couple deep leagues when he first got called up, on the theory that the Rays' player development would eventually unlock the power the Tigers couldn't, but after a few weeks he was back on waivers in everything but my home AL-only league, where any batter with a pulse has some value. Paredes is now up to 12 career home runs; five of them have come in his last three games. I genuinely have no idea whether this is just a fluke, or is a real sign he's about to start reaching his potential, but Tampa needs both healthy infielders and offense so you better believe they will give him a chance to prove it's the latter. Remember, Paredes is only 23, and the Rays liked him enough to trade Austin Meadows for him. A breakout isn't out of the question. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team AL: $11
Shortstop
Nick Allen, Athletics: The glove-first shortstop is back in the majors, but the A's have mostly been playing him at second base as they're unwilling to pull the plug on Elvis Andrus and his .221/.282/.336 slash line. Mind you, Allen probably wouldn't be an improvement at the plate, but he is a decade younger, and that should probably be the priority. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1
Lenyn Sosa, White Sox: One of the year's pop-up prospects, Sosa erupted over 62 games at Double-A Birmingham, slashing .331/.384/.549 with 14 homers before his promotion. He's only 22, doesn't strike out a lot and profiles as a solid defender, so it seems like he could be the answer to Chicago's revolving door at second base. Naturally, LaRussa seems to be asking completely different questions, and the kid has only started one of four games at the keystone since his promotion. Josh Harrison's now banged up and Danny Mendick is out for the year, so it's really only Sosa or Leury Garcia at this point, but who do you think the old man is going to try and lean on. To be clear here – I like Sosa and think he's a strong stash option in keeper leagues, but my expectations for his short-term production in redraft formats is fairly low. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $3
Outfield
Steven Duggar, Rangers: Texas found a taker for the disgruntled Willie Calhoun and flipped him to the Giants for a outfielder who can actually provide some defensive value in Duggar. The 28-year-old probably fits best as a bench option – his career .276/.367/.423 slash line with 11 homers and nine steals over roughly a full campaign's worth of plate appearances in Triple-A scattered across five seasons highlights his limitations at a hitter – but the Rangers still need a center fielder, and Leody Taveras probably isn't it. Duggar only needs to be better than Taveras to get regular playing time, and that's a fairly low bar to clear. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: $1; 12-team AL: $4
Josh Lowe, Rays: Tampa Bay's injury situation in the outfield may have accelerated their timetable on Lowe's rehabilitation after a rough start to his pro career, but he was looking better at Triple-A, slashing .321/.441/.571 through 15 games in June with two homers, four steals, and an improved 20.6 percent strikeout rate. Alas, the book is still out on him in the majors. Since his recall, Lowe has fanned nine times in 21 plate appearances over five games against only three hits. The upside here is still enormous if he can figure things out, and that upside is probably going to juice the bidding in leagues where he's available, but at the moment it still appears as though Lowe needs to make some serious adjustments before he can unlock his potential. 12-team Mixed: $5; 15-team Mixed: $11; 12-team AL: $21
Jake Meyers, Astros: Center field has been an issue all year for the Astros, as neither Chas McCormick nor Jose Siri have been able to provide consistent production. That leaves the door wide open to Meyers now that he's healthy. The 26-year-old had a breakout 2021 for Triple-A Sugar Land, and while he doesn't have elite upside, he's the kind of hitter who could wind up posting a 20/10 kind of season without being a batting average liability, which in the modern environment is pretty valuable – basically, his ceiling is that of a budget Kyle Tucker. It's tough, but even though Lowe has much, much higher upside and is by far the better keeper asset, Meyers might be the better play rest of season if you're looking for an outfielder this week. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team AL: $15
Edward Olivares, Royals: Out since early May, Olivares returned to action Friday and homered twice, and the 26-year-old once again looks like the best option the Royals have to fill a corner outfield spot. Whether they agree is another thing entirely of course, but it's not like Kyle Isbel is making a strong case, and who else are they going to give the playing time too, Ryan O'Hearn? Emmanuel Rivera? Olivares has some pop and some speed, and if he supplies a solid batting average too, so much the better. 12-team Mixed: $3; 15-team Mixed: $7; 12-team AL: $15
Luke Raley, Rays: One of the players called up in the wake of the injuries to Kevin Kiermaier and Manuel Margot, Raley got starts Friday and Saturday, one in left field and one at DH. He's got some power, even if he strikes out too much to be a reliable hitter otherwise, and if Lowe flames out again there's a path to a strong-side platoon role for Raley until the roster gets healthier. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $2
Rob Refsnyder, Red Sox: Refsnyder's doing his usual lefty-killer shtick, and since being added to the roster earlier in the month, he's gone 10-for-24 with two doubles and a homer in eight appearances. He doesn't see enough playing time to have value in shallower formats, but in deep AL-only formats he could be a better option to plug a hole than a guy who plays more but hits less. 12-team Mixed: No; 15-team Mixed: No; 12-team AL: $1
Gavin Sheets, White Sox: Sheets sulked for about three games after his demotion to Triple-A, going 0-for-13, before snapping out of it and slugging his way back to the majors by going 10-for-24 with four doubles and two homers over his last six games for Charlotte. He's started three straight games in right field, all with righties on the mound for the opposition, and he appears ticketed for a strong-side platoon role at worst until the White Sox roster gets healthier. Whether that assignment lasts any long depends entirely on him, but the power is legit if he can get to it consistently in the big leagues. 12-team Mixed: $2; 15-team Mixed: $5; 12-team AL: $11 | https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/article/al-faab-factor-waiver-pickups-of-the-week-64414 | 2022-06-26T19:03:39Z | https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/article/al-faab-factor-waiver-pickups-of-the-week-64414 | false | 1 |
‘Perfect for camouflaging the tummy’ Amazon is flooded with slimming maxi dress deals — starting at $25!
No piece of clothing can compete with the comfort and versatility of a maxi dress for summer — when the temperatures start to spike, swooshing into the room just feels right. The maxi’s easy-breezy style works for just about any occasion — working from home, working at the office, brunch, the beach — you get what I’m saying.
Of course, Amazon has truckloads of this anytime-anywhere-dress in just about every cut, pattern or print at a deep discount. There are A LOT of maxi dresses to choose from, so we went ahead and picked out the crowd favorites we think you’ll like — some of them start at prices as low as $25!
Ready? Let the testimonials — and deals! — begin....
Sleeveless V Neck Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress
We're all about the lengthy look.
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"This dress is very flattering to my curvy figure," wrote a rave reviewer. "It hugs in all the right places, and flows loosely to cover all those problem areas we middle-aged women so often have."
Button Up Floral Print Maxi Dress
After two years of lockdown, we need a dress for twirling.
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Tongmingyun Plus Size Maxi Dress
“This dress fits well in all the right places and does not cling,” one rave reviewer shared. “Super comfortable and, because it fits well, I feel good wearing this. I just paired it with some cute flats and a big chunky necklace, and I was ready for a day out. I like it enough that I may just buy another!”
Calipessa Beach Maxi
“Like any neurotic 40-something woman reluctant to part with her cash, I spend an inordinate amount of time reading reviews and decided on this one,” wrote a satisfied customer. “I know I will feel cute in this even if I’m feeling a little fat (you know what I mean, ladies).”
Auselily Short Sleeve Casual Maxi Dress with Pockets
"This dress is so incredibly soft and comfortable but also slimming and flattering," wrote a satisfied customer. "I have a very large chest (40DDD) and dresses tend to hang off the girls like a circus tent, but NOT this dress. It’s an empire waist, so it’s perfect for camouflaging the tummy while still fitting nicely up top."
Halife Halter Maxi Dress
"This is the most perfect maxi dress I’ve ever worn," a pleased shopper shared. "Let me start by saying that I am pear-shaped — small bust, wide hips...I hate maxi dresses with pockets, because the pocket placement is always directly on my widest part, therefore making me look wider. This dress does NOT have pockets and lays just perfectly! It’s sexy, but not skintight. Flowy, but not baggy...It’s just perfect!"
Karalin Short Sleeve Plus Size Casual Maxi Dress
"I don't like things to cling or show rolls or dimples, and this did not disappoint (smooth and hides belly just right)," shared a satisfied shopper. "I think the older I get, I look for comfort and convenience, but this is also cute and flattering. Plus, it has pockets."
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Life's newsletter. | https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/amazon-maxi-dresses-163513751.html?src=rss | 2022-06-26T19:11:15Z | https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/amazon-maxi-dresses-163513751.html?src=rss | false | 1 |
Which stainless steel olive oil dispensers are best?
Peppery tasting and loaded with good-for-you fats, olive oil is one of nature’s greatest gifts to eaters across the globe. Whether you routinely use olive oil for cooking or save the best varieties of it for a final spicy swirl in soups, on pasta or in salads, the best stainless steel olive oil dispenser can help you cook (and eat) in style.
For holding larger quantities of olive oil while still looking great on the table, the Sumerflos Stainless Steel Olive Oil Dispenser is a good choice.
What to know before you buy a stainless steel olive oil dispenser
Capacity
Are you an adventurous home cook who uses olive oil regularly at the stove? You’ll want to look for a large-capacity stainless steel olive oil dispenser (or have to refill it more frequently). Consider dispensers that hold at least 3 cups.
For people who prefer to use olive oil only as a finishing touch at the table, look for a refined, smaller-capacity stainless steel olive oil dispenser. Tableside dispensers usually hold a cup or two of olive oil.
Whatever size you choose, make sure that you will use the olive oil in the dispenser in a few months. Otherwise, it will spoil in the dispenser and bring an off taste to dinner.
Type of dispensers
Stainless steel olive oil dispensers come in different types. An olive oil mister works well for those who want to limit oil intake while dressing their salad. The spray is pre-measured and helps evenly disperse the oil.
A stainless steel olive oil dispenser with cork bottle topper is also good for tableside dressing, but offers less portion control.
Finally, a stainless steel olive oil cruet features a long spout for pouring. The top is removable, but that is used only to refill the oil.
What to look for in a quality stainless steel olive oil dispenser
Drip-free spout
Some people like the look of a gracefully curved spout, but this type of spout can cause drips of oil to slide down your dispenser. Look for a drip-free spout with a sharper edge to minimize stray drips.
High-quality materials
Look for stainless steel olive oil dispensers made from either premium 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel. These two types of stainless steel are durable and beautiful.
Finish
The finish of your stainless steel olive oil dispenser is largely a matter of preference. Stainless steel can be either brushed for a matte look, or it can be mirror polished. This ultra-reflective finish is beautiful at the table, but can be challenging to keep clean and shiny at the stove.
Air hole in the top
Some dispensers have a small air hole in the top. The air hole allows oil to dispense smoothly and at an even pace. No more surprising glugs of oil when you don’t want it.
How much you can expect to spend on a stainless steel olive oil dispenser
When looking for stainless steel olive oil dispensers, expect to spend between $15-$40.
Stainless steel olive oil dispenser FAQ
How do you clean a stainless steel olive oil dispenser?
A. Your stainless steel olive oil dispenser might need a little more attention than some other types of dispensers. Clean the inside of the dispenser with hot, soapy water and a bottle brush if you have one. Allow it to dry completely before replacing the cap. Some dispensers are dishwasher-safe, but check with the manufacturer. For the outside of the dispenser, use dedicated stainless steel wipes or cleaner to remove grease or grime. If you only use the dispenser at the table, you’ll most likely have less grime to clean than if your oil sits by the stove.
How long will olive oil last in a stainless steel dispenser?
A. Olive oil begins to degrade as soon as it is exposed to oxygen. The oil’s flavor will begin to decline over a month or two, and the oil will turn rancid. Stainless steel olive oil dispensers block the sunlight that speeds up this process, but try to keep the dispenser away from the stove. Heat speeds up the oil’s deterioration, too.
What are the best stainless steel olive oil dispensers to buy?
Top stainless steel olive oil dispenser
Sumerflos Stainless Steel Olive Oil Dispenser
What you need to know: This larger capacity dispenser is great for cooking but still looks great on the table.
What you’ll love: This olive oil dispenser features a drip-free spout design and comes with a dust cover. The handle is ergonomic for easy use, and it holds 3 cups of oil.
What you should consider: The shiny exterior shows every single smudge mark and fingerprint.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top stainless steel olive oil dispenser for the money
GM GMISUN Stainless Steel Olive Oil Dispenser
What you need to know: This stainless olive oil dispenser has a timeless design and holds 2 cups of oil.
What you’ll love: The mouth of this dispenser opens wide for easy refilling. It also features a no-drip spout and an elegant, classic design. This dispenser comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
What you should consider: This works best as a tableside dispenser.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Kibaga Olive Oil And Vinegar Dispenser Set
What you need to know: This pair is a modern take on tableside olive oil and vinegar.
What you’ll love: This pair of dispensers makes it easy to dress your salad or add a final splash of oil or vinegar to dishes. Each dispenser holds almost a cup of oil or vinegar.
What you should consider: This dispenser is only useful for tableside dispensing.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://www.news10.com/reviews/br/kitchen-br/utensils-gadgets-br/best-stainless-steel-olive-oil-dispenser/ | 2022-06-26T19:13:02Z | https://www.news10.com/reviews/br/kitchen-br/utensils-gadgets-br/best-stainless-steel-olive-oil-dispenser/ | true | 22 |
Special Weather Statement issued for Chase, Marion by NWS
Effective: 2022-06-22 08:51:00 CDT Expires: 2022-06-22 09:30:00 CDT Urgency: Expected Severity: Minor Certainty: Observed Instruction: If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Pockets of heavy rainfall is also...
alerts.weather.gov | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644310397428/special-weather-statement-issued-for-chase-marion-by-nws | 2022-06-26T19:15:23Z | https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2644310397428/special-weather-statement-issued-for-chase-marion-by-nws | true | null |
Pope Francis hails families, blasts ‘culture of waste’ after Roe v. Wade ruling
ROME (AP) - Pope Francis celebrated families Saturday and urged them to shun "selfish" decisions that are indifferent to life as he closed out a big Vatican rally a day after the U.S. Supreme Court ended constitutional protections for abortion.
Francis didn’t refer to the ruling or explicitly mention abortion in his homily. But he used the buzzwords he has throughout his papacy about the need to defend families and to condemn a "culture of waste" that he believes is behind the societal acceptance of abortion.
"Let us not allow the family to be poisoned by the toxins of selfishness, individualism, today’s culture of indifference and waste, and as a result lose its very DNA, which is the spirit of welcoming and service," he said.
RELATED: Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade; abortion bans anticipated in several states
The pope, noting that some couples allow their fears and anxieties to "thwart the desire to bring new lives in the world," called for them not to cling to selfish desires.
"You have been asked to not have other priorities, not to ‘look back’ to miss your former life, your former freedom, with its deceptive illusions," he said.
Francis has strongly upheld church teaching opposing abortion, equating it to "hiring a hitman to solve a problem." At the same time, he has expressed sympathy for women who had abortions and made it easier for them to be absolved of the sin of undergoing the procedure.
RELATED: State by state: Where abortion will be illegal after Supreme Court Dobbs v. Jackson ruling
The Catholic Church holds that life begins at conception and must be protected and defended until natural death.
Francis delivered his homily in a packed St. Peter’s Square at the end of the World Meeting of Families, a four-day conference held every few years aimed at helping church workers provide better pastoral care for families, especially those in difficulty.
The head of the Vatican’s laity office, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, celebrated the closing Mass before tens of thousands of people given Francis has a bad knee that makes it difficult for him to stand for long periods of time.
The pope instead sat to the side of the altar and delivered the homily seated, though he was able to stand up easily for the reading of the Gospel and other moments with the help of a cane.
The Vatican welcomed Friday’s ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that provided constitutional protections for abortion in the U.S. The move opens the doors for individual states to ban or restrict abortion access, with bans now expected in about half the U.S. states.
RELATED: Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision: Leaked abortion draft versus the opinion
The Holy See’s main bioethics body, the Pontifical Academy for Life, said it "challenges the whole world" to reopen debate about the need to protect life. Abortion is legal in Italy and most of Europe.
In an editorial Saturday entitled "For Life, Always," the Vatican’s editorial director, Andrea Tornielli, called for that debate to move away from polarized ideology to a dialogue that takes into account concerns about maternal mortality rates and helping women, especially poor ones, with paid parental leave and other assistance when they bring children into the world .
"Being for life, always, also means defending it against the threat of firearms, which unfortunately have become a leading cause of death of children and adolescents in the U.S.," Tornielli wrote.
Farrell, in his closing remarks at the end of the Mass, thanked Francis for his many initiatives in favor of families, citing in particular his teaching on the value of grandparents and his "many pronouncements in defense of life." | https://www.fox6now.com/news/pope-francis-hails-families-blasts-culture-of-waste-after-roe-v-wade-ruling | 2022-06-26T19:33:51Z | https://www.fox6now.com/news/pope-francis-hails-families-blasts-culture-of-waste-after-roe-v-wade-ruling | false | 12 |
Kicking off the July 4th holiday weekend, Leeds will launch two events on Friday, July 1. The first-ever Holiday Bicycle Parade is scheduled for Leeds Memorial Park just prior to the next 1st Friday Family Movie Night downtown. Families are encouraged to help their children decorate their bicycles, tricycles, battery-operated cars, wagons and more with a patriotic theme to ride in the first-ever Bicycle Parade in the city. Both events are free with free parking and sponsored by Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce, Leeds Redevelopment Authority and Leeds Jane Culbreth Library.
The Holiday Bicycle Parade will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. at the entrance of the walking track in Leeds Memorial Park on Hwy. 119. Those wanting to ride or walk in this special summer parade should be there around 6:15 p.m. to get in the lineup. Anyone can walk, ride or roll in this event. Leeds Fire Department will be there to cheer everyone on and there may be a guest appearance by Sparky. Pre-register for the parade online at www.LeedsAreaChamber.com. Prizes will be awarded at random. You must register to be eligible for prizes.
Immediately following the parade, everyone is invited to meet downtown for the second 1st Friday Family Movie Night at the corner of Parkway Drive and 8th Street. Food trucks, shaved ice and more will be available as early as 6 p.m. The outdoor movie, Sing 2, will begin at dusk, around 8 p.m.
The concrete parking lot downtown will close early so the event team can begin setting up. Anyone utilizing the parking lot should move their car by 5 p.m.
Events include:
5 p.m. — Concrete Parking Lot will close on 8th & Parkway
6 p.m. – Food Trucks will set up on 8th & Parkway
6:15 p.m. – Bicycle Parade Lineup at Leeds Memorial Park
6:30 p.m. – Bicycle Parade Begins
7 p.m. – Parade Concludes & Everyone travels to Downtown Leeds for movie night
8 p.m. – (or sundown) — movie begins
Be sure to bring lawn chairs.
For More Information, visit www.LeedsAreaChamber.com or call 205-965.9392. | https://www.newsaegis.com/news/leeds-holiday-bicycle-parade-july-1/article_9642fb08-f16b-11ec-a9af-7398c049acd5.html | 2022-06-26T19:35:59Z | https://www.newsaegis.com/news/leeds-holiday-bicycle-parade-july-1/article_9642fb08-f16b-11ec-a9af-7398c049acd5.html | true | 1 |
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Sunday afternoon's drawing of the New York Lottery's "Take 5 Midday" game were:
03-14-21-26-34
(three, fourteen, twenty-one, twenty-six, thirty-four)
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ The winning numbers in Sunday afternoon's drawing of the New York Lottery's "Take 5 Midday" game were:
03-14-21-26-34
(three, fourteen, twenty-one, twenty-six, thirty-four) | https://www.milfordmirror.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Take-5-Midday-game-17266775.php | 2022-06-26T19:38:16Z | https://www.milfordmirror.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Take-5-Midday-game-17266775.php | false | null |
Nail Biochemistry by practising these questions
Published: Published Date - 11:15 PM, Sun - 26 June 22
28. The secondary metabolite, obtained from Catharanthus roseus, is…
a. Menthol
b. Nicotine
c. Vincristine
d. Anthocyanin
Ans: c
29. Which of the following biomolecules have a phosphodiester bond?
a. Amino acids in peptide
b. Fatty acids in a diglyceride
c. Nucleic acids in a nucleotide
d. Mono saccharides in a polysaccharide
Ans: c
30. Proteins which help other proteins to fold properly are called?
a. Chaperones
b. Actins
c. Porins
d. Synthases
Ans: a
31. The linkage in disaccharides is…
a. Ether
b. Ester
c. Amide
d. Phosphodiester
Ans: a
32. Which among the following is a wax?
a. Palmitic acid
b. Ethyl palmitate
c. Hexacosyl palmitate
d. Sodium stearate
Ans: c
33. 98 per cent of all living organisms are made up of the following number of elements….
a. 25
b. 6
c. 50
d.100
Ans: b
34. How many phosphodiester bonds are there in ATP?
a. 3
b. 2
c. 1
d. 0
Ans: d
35. Coenzymes NAD & NADP contain which of the following vitamin?
a. Niacin
b. Biotin
c. Thiamine
d. Vitamin B12
Ans: a
36. Match the mineral in column-I with the enzyme activated in Column-II
Column-I Column-II
1. Magnesium i. Alcohol dehydrogenase
2. Molybdenum ii. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase
3. Zinc iii. Nitrogenase
Choose the correct option
a. 1-ii, 2-iii, 3-i
b. 1-i, 2-ii, 3-iii
c. 1-ii, 2-i, 3-iii
d. 1-iii, 2-ii, 3-i
Ans: a
37. Which of the following is not correct with respect to enzyme action
a. Substrate binds with enzyme at its active site
b. Malonate is a competitive inhibitor of succinic dehydrogenase
c. Excess succinate dose not reverse the inhibition of succinic dehydrogenase by malonate
d. A non-competitive inhibitor binds the enzyme, at a site distinct from that which binds the substrate
Ans: c
38. The enzyme involved in the crossing over between two homologous chromosomes is
a. Nuclease
b. Recombinase
c. RNA polymerase
d. DNA polymerase
Ans: b
39. Enzyme enolase catalyses the conversion of 2PGA to phosphoenolpyruvic acid in presence of which cofactor?
a. Mn
b. Fe
c. Mg
d. Zn
Ans: c | https://telanganatoday.com/nail-biochemistry-by-practising-these-questions | 2022-06-26T19:38:31Z | https://telanganatoday.com/nail-biochemistry-by-practising-these-questions | true | 1 |
HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP) — Karolyn Martin was crowned the winner of the 2022 Miss North Carolina competition.
The event took place at the High Point Theatre on Saturday, with Martin emerging victorious.
With her victory, Martin is now North Carolina’s representative in the Miss America 2023 pageant. | https://www.wspa.com/news/state-news/karolyn-martin-named-2022-miss-north-carolina/ | 2022-06-26T19:43:42Z | https://www.wspa.com/news/state-news/karolyn-martin-named-2022-miss-north-carolina/ | false | null |
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Elation, devastation, relief and shock.
United States swimmer Justin Ress went through all the emotions after winning his first individual gold medal on the last day of racing at the world swimming championships on Saturday.
As quick as he won the men’s 50-meter backstroke final — 24.12 seconds — it seemed to him the medal was taken away just as quickly.
Ress finished two-hundredths of a second in front of teammate Hunter Armstrong but was disqualified for allegedly being submerged at the finish.
Armstrong was awarded gold, the 17-year-old Ksawery Masiuk of Poland was bumped up to silver and Italy star Thomas Ceccon handed the bronze.
Armstrong — who set the world record of 23.71 at team trials in April — wiped tears away after the medal ceremony. It was his first individual gold medal at these championships.
Meanwhile, Ress was still in shock, trying to comprehend why he was stripped of the gold.
Only after all the other races were completed did FINA announce that the disqualification was overturned. There was no explanation, no words of contrition for Ress.
Coming through a lonely mixed zone with his gold medal hanging over his chest afterward, Ress still seemed to be overwhelmed by the drama of his last day at the worlds.
“It was shock the whole time,” Ress said of his initial reaction to being disqualified. “Twenty minutes I was just in the chair in the team room, just paralyzed, shocked I got DQ’ed. And then, obviously the overturns rarely happen, so I pretty much lost all hope.”
U.S. team manager Lindsay Mintenko hadn’t lost hope, however, and she pushed officials to review their decision. The officials showed her frame-by-frame footage of Ress’ finish to back up their case.
“There’s no reason for officials if you’re going to look at a frame-by-frame review of the DQ. That finish was definitely my best finish of the meet,” Ress said.
Eventually, it seems, the officials agreed.
“When they told me it got overturned, it was 20 more minutes of shock that it had been overturned,” Ress said. “But then, you know, on top of that, there’s just all this sadness, anger and, I think that’s probably the worst possible way a race could go.”
Ress said if he had finished eighth he would have been “bummed” that he didn’t get a medal or perform as well as he could have.
“But I’ve learned that it’s not about the results, it’s about the journey. But when it goes down like that, you know, winning, you think you’ve won for a couple of minutes, and then see the DQ, it’s just devastating,” Ress said.
The confusion put his whole offseason “into a nice little bow tie.” Last December, Ress mulled retiring from swimming before he moved from North Carolina to California.
“I knew if I wanted to keep swimming, I had to make a move,” he said.
That move evidently paid off with his first individual world title, eventually.
“I think a FINA official told me this is the first time it ever happened,” Ress said, referring to the event’s slogan. “They have the words ‘make history’ everywhere. So I guess I made history.”
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.wkrg.com/sports/us-swimmer-ress-endures-elation-shock-relief-at-worlds/ | 2022-06-26T19:45:07Z | https://www.wkrg.com/sports/us-swimmer-ress-endures-elation-shock-relief-at-worlds/ | true | 22 |
NEW YORK — New York City’s annual pride parade kicked off Sunday with glittering confetti, fluttering rainbow flags and newfound fears about losing freedoms won through decades of activism.
The annual marches in New York, San Francisco, Chicago and elsewhere are taking place just two days after one conservative justice on the Supreme Court signaled, in a ruling on abortion, that the court should reconsider the right to same-sex marriage recognized in 2015.
“We’re here to make a statement," said 31-year-old Mercedes Sharpe, who traveled to Manhattan from Massachusetts. “I think it’s about making a point, rather than all the other years like how we normally celebrate it. This one’s really gonna stand out. I think a lot of angry people, not even just women, angry men, angry women."
The warning shot from the nation's top court came after a year of legislative defeats for the LGBTQ community, including the passage of laws in some states limiting the discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity with children.
As anti-gay sentiments resurface, some are pushing for pride parades to return to their roots — less blocks-long street parties, more overtly civil rights marches.
“It has gone from being a statement of advocacy and protest to being much more of a celebration of gay life,” Sean Clarkin, 67, said of New York City's annual parade while enjoying a drink recently at Julius's, one of the oldest gay bars in Manhattan's Greenwich Village.
As he remembers things, the parade was once about defiance and pushing against an oppressive mainstream that saw gays, lesbians and transgender people as unworthy outsiders.
“As satisfying and empowering as it may be to now be accepted by the mainstream,” Clarkin said, “there was also something energizing and wonderful about being on the outside looking in.”
New York's first Pride March, then called the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, was held in 1970 to mark the first anniversary of the Stonewall rebellion, a spontaneous street uprising triggered by a police raid on a gay bar in Manhattan.
San Francisco's first march was in 1972 and had been held every year since, except during the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Celebrations are now global, taking place throughout the year in multiple countries, with many of the biggest parades taking place in June. One of the world's largest, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was held June 19.
In the United States, this year's celebrations take place amid a potential crisis.
In a Supreme Court ruling Friday striking down the right to abortion, Justice Clarence Thomas said in a concurring opinion that the court should also reconsider its 2015 decision legalizing same-sex marriage and a 2003 decision striking down laws criminalizing gay sex.
More than a dozen states have recently enacted laws that go against the interests of LGBTQ communities, including a law barring any mention of sexual orientation in school curricula in Florida and threats of prosecution for parents who allow their children to get gender-affirming care in Texas.
Several states have put laws in place prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in team sports that coincide with the gender in which they identify.
According to an Anti-Defamation League survey released earlier this week, members of LGBTQ communities were more likely than any other group to experience harassment. Two-thirds of respondents said they have been harassed, a little more than half of whom said the harassment was a result of their sexual orientation.
In recent years, schisms over how to commemorate Stonewall have opened, spawning splinter groups events intended to be more protest-oriented.
In New York City, the Queer Liberation March takes place at the same time as the traditional parade, billing itself as the “antidote to the corporate-infused, police-entangled, politician-heavy Parades that now dominate Pride celebrations."
More of that spirit could rub off on the major parades this year, though many fans of the marches see them as a combination of activism and celebration.
New Yorker Vincent Maniscalco, 40, who has been married to his husband for five years, said he thought the marches are an opportunity to both spotlight civil rights issues and bring "individuals together of all walks of life to celebrate their authentic self. And I think the New York City Pride Parade does a very excellent job of that.” | https://www.kiiitv.com/article/news/nation-world/pride-parades-2022-us/507-f429f897-45e8-4cc9-a9c6-95ca96f931a0 | 2022-06-26T19:50:36Z | https://www.kiiitv.com/article/news/nation-world/pride-parades-2022-us/507-f429f897-45e8-4cc9-a9c6-95ca96f931a0 | false | 27 |
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