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https://www.kait8.com/2022/03/31/first-major-political-debates-slated-april-21/
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First major political debates slated for April 21
Published: Mar. 31, 2022 at 6:49 PM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT) - The 2022 election season will officially kick off next month as a statewide press group will host a series of debates with Arkansas candidates.
The Arkansas Press Association will have its Day of Debates at the Little Rock Union Station on April 21.
Candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General will be at the event.
Here’s a look at the schedule for the day:
The primary election is May 24, the runoff is June 21, and the general election is Nov. 8.
Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/03/31/officials-break-ground-new-exhibition/
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Officials break ground on new exhibition
BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. (KAIT) - City, county, and state officials gathered to commemorate the groundbreaking ceremony of the Alert Pad Exhibition for the National Cold War Museum.
The exhibition will tell the stories of those who had to stay ready and alert on a regular basis because they knew the Klaxon would go off at any moment.
Sergeant Chuck Charles, a Kansas man who served on the then-Blytheville Air Force Base, said visiting the airbase for the first time in 45 years was a sentimental moment.
“What’s being done to this building right here thrills my soul,” Charles said as he pointed at the Alert Pad.
Charles mentioned he was on base from 1973 until 1977, saying his favorite part was “the camaraderie” among the men he was serving the country with.
“We would play cards all night,” he said.
National Cold War Center Co-Chairman Barrett Harrison said there could not have been any better way to honor those who served in Blytheville while displaying the town’s significance in the Cold War.
“Those guys served on ready alert,” Harrison said. “If the Klaxons went off, what it really meant to them was probably the end of the world.”
Harrison added the Cold War Center will also bring more people to visit Northeast Arkansas, estimating “50,000 a year” by the second year the exhibition opens.
There is not an exact date on when the construction of the exhibit is expected to be completed.
Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/03/31/site-work-begins-blue-oval-city/
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Site work begins at Blue Oval City
Published: Mar. 31, 2022 at 2:53 PM CDT|Updated: 5 hours ago
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Work at the site for Ford’s electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Haywood County is now underway.
Crews will begin moving gravel at the Blue Oval City site this week.
These pictures were shared on Twitter by Ford’s CEO Jim Farley.
The $5.6 billion plant is expected to employ nearly 6,000 people, with an additional 18,000 construction workers.
We’ve still got a long way to go before we see production.
Ford expects the first vehicle to roll off the manufacturing line in 2025.
Copyright 2022 WMC. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/03/31/trumann-mayor-speaks-clean-up-deadline/
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Trumann mayor speaks on clean-up deadline
TRUMANN, Ark. (KAIT) - After weeks of silence, Trumann mayor Barbara Lewallen spoke on a highly-debated deadline the city has placed on its residents.
The deadline for any debris from last December’s destructive tornado must be cleaned up by April 1..
When it came to whether citizens would be fined when the deadline passes, Lewallen could not give a straight answer.
“It is a case-by-case basis,” she said. “We will go and check what is cleaned up and what is not, how much plainer can I make it. There is no yes or no because until we look at the cases, we don’t know.”
Many Trumann residents have sent complaints about how they can not afford to have a contractor dispose of it.
They are wondering where the money for the cleanup efforts is at.
The city received $100,000 dollars from The Crowley’s Ridge Development Council, $10,000 from the state of Arkansas, and $1,100 from Craighead Electric.
“We have not received any money from anybody,” Lewallen said. “The donations we received primary went to citizens given out through Southern Bancorp.”
Citizens across the city say they have not seen a dime of that money, adding that city employees have even charged them to remove debris from the curbs.
The mayor said she did not understand why the media was asking her so many questions, adding she has been extremely busy.
“We are not doing anything to harm people or anything that is illegal,” Lewallen said. “We are trying to run a city, clean up after a tornado, and every time we turn around, we are being accused of something we are doing wrong.”
Longtime Trumann resident Bruce Williams has been cleaning his debris up, but he said he was going as fast as he could before the clock hit midnight.
“It has been going good so far,” he said. “I just have nowhere to put it, I’m having to drive 45 minutes to find somewhere to put this.”
Williams said the whole situation is wrong, adding he and other citizens need both financial and physical help.
“I don’t get mad anymore, but I am just sad now,” he said. “Somehow, we have to pay to get it cleaned up when they should be paying us.”
Lewallen said if you have any questions or concerns about the deadline, you should contact the city’s office at 870-483-5355.
Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/oscars-producer-says-police-offered-arrest-will-smith/
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Oscars producer says police offered to arrest Will Smith
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Oscars producer Will Packer said Los Angeles police were ready to arrest Will Smith after Smith slapped Chris Rock on the Academy Awards stage.
“They were saying, you know, this is battery, was a word they used in that moment,” Packer said in a clip released by ABC News Thursday night of an interview he gave to “Good Morning America.” “They said we will go get him. We are prepared. We’re prepared to get him right now. You can press charges, we can arrest him. They were laying out the options.”
But Packer said Rock was “very dismissive” of the idea.
“He was like, ‘No, no, no, I’m fine,” Packer said. “And even to the point where I said, ‘Rock, let them finish.’ The LAPD officers finished laying out what his options were and they said, ‘Would you like us to take any action?’ And he said no.”
The LAPD said in a statement after Sunday night’s ceremony that they were aware of the incident, and that Rock had declined to file a police report. The department declined comment Thursday on Packer’s interview, a longer version of which will air on Friday morning.
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences met Wednesday to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Smith for violations against the group’s standards of conduct. Smith could be suspended, expelled or otherwise sanctioned.
The academy said in a statement that “Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television.”
Without giving specifics, the academy said Smith was asked to leave the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre, but refused to do so.
Smith strode from his front row seat on to the stage and slapped Rock after a joke Rock made about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, when he was on stage to present the Oscar for best documentary.
On Monday, Smith issued an apology to Rock, the academy and to viewers, saying “I was out of line and I was wrong.”
The academy said Smith has the opportunity to defend himself in a written response before the board meets again on April 18.
Rock publicly addressed the incident for the first time, but only briefly, at the beginning of a standup show Wednesday night in Boston, where he was greeted by a thunderous standing ovation. He said “I’m still kind of processing what happened.”
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Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/springdale-elementary-school-back-class-after-tornado/
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Springdale elementary school back to class after tornado
SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KAIT) - School was back in session for Springdale students Thursday after an EF-3 tornado damaged the George Elementary gym and playground.
Content partner KNWA said there were hugs all around in the hallways as students and teachers were still processing the damage to their school.
A person told KNWA that was used to be their gym looked like “a warzone.”
School counselor Erika Fuentes said the quick return was necessary, because “school is a safe and happy place for many.”
“It feels like a lot of things changed overnight,” she said. “And if we can provide some sense of normalcy in some routine that they’re accustomed to, they’re gonna adjust so much better that way.”
Fuentes said the move is helpful for parents still looking at the damage to their homes, as they want their kids to have a safe place to go to during the day.
Principal Justin Swope told KNWA they brought in engineers and the fire department to ensure the building with all the classrooms was safe.
Both Swope and Fuentes said the day was filled with emotion.
“It was great to see smiling faces,” Swope said. “They’re obviously probably still shocked and just processing what they went through yesterday.”
Fuentes said they saw tears of sadness and joy as students were able to see their friends back at school.
As students get used to having a recess in the classroom or no PE class, Fuentes said being open about their emotions for the coming week will be crucial.
Swope told KNWA they don’t expect the gym to be rebuilt this year, but they will be looking into other ways for kids to blow off steam, like moving PE and recess into the cafeteria or nearby outdoor spaces.
Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/usda-forecasting-higher-food-grocery-costs-2022/
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USDA forecasting higher food, grocery costs in 2022
(Gray News) - It looks like elevated food prices are going to continue this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The USDA released its Food Price Outlook for 2022 and predicted the cost of groceries would continue to increase to as much as 4%.
According to the Consumer Price Index, grocery and supermarket food prices were already 8.6% higher in February than last year and up nearly 1.5% from January to February in 2022.
As reported by the Associated Press, prices for U.S. consumers have continued to jump recently, leaving families facing the highest inflation rate since 1990.
“We’re getting into this situation where we have spiraling inflation,” said Jay Hatfield, CEO of Infrastructure Capital Advisors. “Inflation in one area drives inflation in another.”
Currently, the CPI reports all food categories are increasing in price other than fresh vegetables. Last year, the beef and veal categories had the most significant price increase of 9.3%, and the fresh vegetable category had the smallest at 1.1%. However, no food categories decreased in price in 2021.
Poultry prices are also expected to increase up to 7%, with egg prices predicted to increase up to 3.5% in 2022.
Overall, grocery store and supermarket food purchases are expected to increase up to 4%, with restaurant purchases or food away from home forecasted to increase up to 6.5%, according to the USDA.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/5-fetuses-found-inside-dc-home-anti-abortion-activist/
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5 fetuses found inside DC home of anti-abortion activist
WASHINGTON (AP) — Police found five fetuses in the home of a self-proclaimed “anti-abortion activist” who was indicted this week on federal charges alleging that she was part of a group of people who blocked access to a Washington, D.C. reproductive health center.
The Metropolitan Police Department says officers were responding to a tip about “potential bio-hazard material” at a home in Southeast Washington on Wednesday when they located the five fetuses inside.
A local television station, WUSA9, captured video of police searching the home and reported that the home belonged to Lauren Handy. The 28-year-old was one of nine people charged in an indictment that was made public on Wednesday that accused the group of traveling to Washington, blocking access to the reproductive health center and streaming it on Facebook.
The station, which first reported the discovery, said Handy told a reporter that “people will freak out when they hear” what detectives found inside her house. Handy did not respond to a message sent to her Facebook profile seeking comment.
Police said the five fetuses were collected by Washington’s medical examiner and the investigation is ongoing.
In the indictment, prosecutors said Handy had called the clinic pretending to be a prospective patient and scheduling an appointment. Once there, on Oct. 22, 2020, eight of the suspects pushed their way inside and began blocking the doors, according to the indictment. Five of them chained themselves together on chairs to block the treatment area as others blocked the employee entrance to stop other patients from coming inside, the indictment alleges. Another suspect blocked people from coming into the waiting room, prosecutors charge.
Handy and the eight others were charged with conspiracy against rights and violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. The federal law, more commonly known as the FACE Act, prohibits physically obstructing or using the threat of force to intimidate or interfere with a person seeking reproductive health services.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/arrest-made-shooting-case/
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Arrest made in shooting case
JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - A man has been arrested in connection with a shooting earlier this month, according to Jonesboro police.
Tevion Rogers, 21, of Jonesboro was arrested on suspicion of aggravated robbery Thursday afternoon in connection with the March 23 shooting at the corner of Warner Avenue and Chestnut Street.
Officers found a man with a gunshot wound at the scene. The man was taken to an area hospital.
Jonesboro police said on social media that the Jonesboro Police Street Crimes Unit and the Fugitive Task Force arrested Rogers during a traffic stop on Caraway Road.
Rogers was taken to the Craighead County Detention Center, where he is awaiting a probable cause hearing Friday.
Region 8 News will have more details as they become available.
Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/doctor-convicted-prescribing-over-1m-opioid-pills-las-vegas-cocktail-drugs/
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Doctor convicted for prescribing over $1M in opioid pills, ‘Las Vegas cocktail’ of drugs
(Gray News) - A physician in Texas was recently convicted for wrongly prescribing more than $1 million worth of opioid hydrocodone pills.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 52-year-old James Pierre, a Houston doctor, unlawfully prescribed controlled substances from June 2015 through July 2016 to individuals posing as patients at a West Parker Medical Clinic, a pill-mill clinic located in Houston.
Trial evidence showed Pierre and his physician assistant issued hundreds of unlawful prescriptions for hydrocodone and carisoprodol, a combination of controlled substances known as the “Las Vegas Cocktail,” to hundreds of individuals posing as patients each week.
According to the Justice Department, “runners” brought numerous people to pose as patients at the clinic and paid about $220 to $500 per visit in exchange for the prescriptions.
Throughout the scheme, West Parker made about $1.75 million from prescriptions, and over $300,000 went to Pierre, according to investigators.
The Department of Justice reports Pierre was convicted of one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substances and seven counts of unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances.
The 52-year-old is currently scheduled to be sentenced on June 27 and faces up to 20 years in prison for each count.
Officials said that one co-conspirator has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances unlawfully.
DEA Houston investigated the case, according to the Department of Justice.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/03/30/bass-pro-shops-worlds-fishing-fair-begins-springfield-mo/
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Bass Pro Shops World’s Fishing Fair begins in Springfield, Mo.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - The World’s Fishing Fair began at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield.
Organizers say it’s one of the largest fishing-themed events on the planet. It’s expected to draw as many as 500,000 visitors.
The city of Springfield estimates an economic impact of $80 million from the World’s Fishing Fair. Proceeds from the concert tickets and general ticket sales will benefit conservation partners.
ROAD CLOSURE:
A stretch of Campbell Avenue by Sunshine Street will be closed beginning Tuesday evening. Travelers are encouraged to keep an eye out for digital messaging signs throughout the week with instructions and to CLICK HERE for a map of traffic impacts and considerations.
PARKING AVAILABLE:
Bass Pro Shops will shuttle guests to the event from the below parking lots:
- Former Corwin Dodge Lot - 1025 W. Sunshine
- Grizzly Tools Warehouse - 1815 W. Battlefield Road
- Battlefield Mall Sears Lot - 2825 S. Glenstone Ave.
- Battlefield Mall North Lot - 2825 S. Glenstone Ave.
- Jordan Valley Car Park - 815 E. St. Louis St.
- Parkview High School JFK Stadium - 1333 S. Grant Ave.
- Former Toys R’ Us - 1415 E. Battlefield Road.
TICKETS:
Tickets for the entire fair, aside from the concerts, are available for as low as $10. Military members can get tickets for as low as $5, and 100% of the military ticket sales will be donated to conservation. For tickets and more information on the World’s Fishing Fair, CLICK HERE.
To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com
Copyright 2022 KY3. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/racist-images-lead-residential-conflict/
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Racist images lead to residential conflict
TRUMANN, Ark. (KAIT) - A Trumann woman is scared after her neighbor has been harassing her with threats and images after she called the fire department during a bonfire.
Nedra Cook has lived in Trumann for 11 years and has never had a problem up until October. Her neighbors started a large bonfire next to her house, and as flames reached closer to her property, she got nervous.
“That is when I called the fire department,” said Cook. “Even after that they did it four more times and every time I would call, sometimes even the police.”
Cook said after that the neighbors made things even worse. They would carry around guns outside the house and talk about harming her and her husband.
“I heard them talking about doing a drive-by shooting and coming over here with their ropes,” said Cook. “That’s when my husband decided to put a camera out there.”
After the camera was put out, things between the set of neighbors hit a tipping point. Cook woke up one morning to find a large picture of a Confederate flag saying, “watch this.” The photo was pointed right at the camera and that was the final straw for Cook.
“That type of action does not just affect me, it affects the whole city, the whole state, the whole world,” said Cook. “It made me realize that things haven’t changed as much as people want to think they have.”
Cook then took action, filing a police report.
Authorities charged her neighbor with Terroristic Threatening. He has pleaded not guilty and will appear in court on Monday.
Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/rain-raises-floodwaters-concerns/
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Rain raises floodwaters and concerns
ETOWAH, Ark. (KAIT) - Rising waters are creating pains for an Etowah family.
When you walk near the homes on Highway 136 in Etowah, the backyards look similar to ponds or rivers.
“We started noticing that the water was rising and kept rising and it wouldn’t stop,” said Esmeralda Davis, one of the homeowners.
She said the flooding started as soon as they moved in three years ago.
It was something she had not seen before.
“I was scared that it would come up further, it was coming up close where I could actually take the screen off my bedroom window and reach and touch the water,” she said.
Davis’ family moved into this home after a tornado tore through their other home three years ago.
Their current home has a storm shelter, which is what caught their attention.
Davis said the shelter has not been much help when a storm comes.
“The shelter just floods out, all the time. It just floods,” she said.
On Thursday, the shelter had at least a foot of standing water inside. Water filled all the way up to the entryway.
“It’s like, I told my husband, I guess if we have to, we will just have to sit in the water. In that shelter,” said Davis.
When they bought the home, she said no one told her about this issue.
Now, they have paid thousands to fix the damage it has caused.
Davis said she has reached out to city officials with no help or plan to fix the flooding issue.
“They see our homes here flooding and they just drive on by and just look like oh my God,” she said.
Etowah Mayor Charles McCollum said the area, where Davis’ home is located, is in a floodplain.
After a flood in 1996, McCollum said FEMA tried to help the original homeowners with mitigation and relocation funds.
According to the mayor, those homeowners refused the help. He said since then, FEMA is not willing to help again.
He said he has explained this to the homeowners in this area.
Davis said all she wanted from this home was a safe place, but that is not what it has turned out to be.
Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/shoot-dont-shoot-understanding-when-why-police-officers-shoot/
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Shoot, Don’t Shoot: Understanding when and why police officers shoot
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT) - Split-second decisions that could mean life or death.
Only 27% of cops have fired their weapons in the line of duty, according to Pew Research.
It’s often the last resort, but sometimes in the face of danger, officers have to open fire.
During what could only be described as “real-life scenarios”, the FBI-Little Rock office put some of the Region 8 News team through a series of mock simulations to show the life of a police officer.
Each situation tested the team’s decision-making skills and ability to respond.
Chris Carter was up first. His first “traffic stop” involved two people in a car.
At one point, the passenger got out and Chris drew his weapon.
Clearly startled by his approach, Chris did not shoot the passenger, which was good news for him, as the passenger was only holding a cell phone.
An agent with the FBI Little Rock office said if Chris had shot the man, it would have been justified.
According to their policy, Chris would only need to convey that he felt his life or someone else’s was in danger.
However, what Chris didn’t see was that after the driver exited the car, he had a gun in his hand.
“You were paying more attention to him with the cell phone than you were me,” the driver said.
Fearing for his life, an agent said Chris could have been shot at any time.
Instead, he waited until the driver pulled his gun out first.
“You only survived it because we were being nice,” an agent remarked.
The FBI Little Rock agents who trained those with Region 8 News said waiting to shoot someone considered a threat is never a good idea, as you may not have time to react.
“If I want to before you can shoot me, I can raise a gun up and shoot you because you have to see what I am doing, process that, and then tell yourself to shoot,” an agent said.
It’s something that Meteorologist Aaron Castleberry experienced firsthand.
After “pulling” a car over, Aaron learned the driver had a concealed carry.
The driver was quick to make that clear when he exited the car before Aaron could even get to him.
The driver eventually pulled the gun from his waistband.
It was a situation that did not end well for either party.
The driver shot Aaron through his legs, which caused Aaron to return fire.
During their review, the FBI Little Rock office said the moment Aaron saw the gun, he could have fired his own gun.
“If it is a bad guy, he is probably not going to give you a bunch of clues that he is going to kill you,” the agent responded. “He may actually act nice.”
The stressful situations played out for more than an hour, and each one was a test of the team’s knowledge.
Those with Region 8 News said the biggest takeaway was that officers have to act quickly.
While the team only had a gun to respond with, those protecting our communities have other options, making things more difficult.
“The more tools you have, the more trickier it becomes. You got a lot more to think about. You have rules you have to think about,” an agent said. “Before you Tase them, you have to tell them you are going to tell them.”
“Are tasers 100%? Is pepper spray 100%? So there are all of these things, right,” another agent remarked.
When faced with a life or death situation, none of us will know how to react.
That’s why law enforcement wants you to see these scenarios play out, so we can understand what officers go through and not be so quick to judge.
Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/thousands-baby-teether-rattles-recalled-due-choking-hazard/
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Thousands of baby teether rattles recalled due to choking hazard
(Gray News) - A recall has been issued for nearly 9,000 motion-activated baby rattles sold in the U.S. and Canada.
PlayMonster has recalled the Kid O Hudson glow rattles due to their legs possibly breaking off and posing a choking hazard to young children, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The agency describes the product as a motion-activated rattle shaped like a puppy that makes a soft rattling sound when shaken. The plastic puppy is white with spots that can glow in red or green. The puppy’s legs are textured soft plastic for teething children.
Currently, there have been three reports of the rattle legs breaking off, according to the recall. No injuries have been reported.
Consumers are advised to immediately take the recalled walkers away from young children and contact PlayMonster by calling 1-800-469-7506 to discuss refund options.
The rattles were sold at specialty stores nationwide and online at Target.com, Amazon.com, Walmart.com and other sites from February 2018 through February 2022.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/woman-helps-children-prepare-severe-weather/
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Woman helps children prepare for severe weather
LAKE CITY, Ark. (KAIT) - Staying prepared.
A Lake City woman is prepping kids for the worst in weather.
Sarah Bishop was nervous during the December 10 tornadoes that came through Northeast Arkansas.
She went to the local storm shelter and saw so many other people there, especially children.
That is when she came up with the idea to make sure children are prepared for severe weather.
So, she teamed up with Big River Steel to make emergency bags to hand out to elementary students.
“They’re prepared at school on where to go on tornadoes, but when you get home we’ve had a lot of tornadoes at night and maybe the kids don’t know what to do when there is a tornado at night,” said Bishop. “So, they could at least grab their bag.”
The bags have a flashlight, a garbage bag, a fact sheet, a snack, a first aid kit, and a whistle.
Bishop said all these items will help students during an emergency.
On Friday, April 1, she plans to give out the bags. She will also have speakers like Region 8 News Meteorologist Zach Holder to explain severe weather.
Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/closing-arguments-next-michigan-gov-whitmer-kidnap-plot/
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Closing arguments next in Michigan Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot
(AP) - Jurors will hear closing arguments Friday in the trial of four men accused of a brazen conspiracy to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a case built with informants, undercover agents, secret recordings and two people who pleaded guilty and cooperated.
Only one defendant, Daniel Harris, chose to testify in his own defense. But his denial of any crime Thursday was met by an aggressive cross-examination in which prosecutors used his own words to show his contempt for Whitmer and even suggestions about how to kill her.
Adam Fox, Barry Croft Jr. and Brandon Caserta declined to testify, and defense attorneys called only a few witnesses. The four deny any scheme to get Whitmer at her vacation home in fall 2020, though they were livid with government as well as restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The men were arrested in October 2020 amid talk of raising $4,000 for an explosive that could blow up a bridge and stymie police after a kidnapping, according to trial evidence. Fox twice traveled to northern Michigan to scout the area.
Defense attorneys, however, insist they were under the spell of informants and agents who got them to say and do violent, provocative things.
Harris repeatedly answered “absolutely not” when asked by his lawyer if he was part of a plot. His testimony was perilous because he exposed himself to numerous challenges by prosecutors who had been offering evidence against the group for days.
Harris and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Roth sometimes talked over each other. At one point, Harris snapped, “Next question.”
“Everyone can take it down a notch,” U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker said later.
Roth confronted Harris with his own chat messages about posing as a pizza deliveryman and killing Whitmer at her door. He reminded Harris, a former Marine, that he worked with explosives while training with the group, especially in Luther, Michigan, in September 2020, about a month before their arrest.
Roth played a conversation of Croft talking about militias overthrowing governments in various states and “breaking a few eggs” if necessary.
“When this man talks to you at a diner about killing people, you don’t stand up and walk out, do you sir?” Roth asked. “You don’t say, ‘This group is not for me,’ do you sir?”
“No,” Harris answered.
A “shoot house” that was intended to resemble Whitmer’s second home was a key part of the Luther training weekend, according to the government. Harris admitted that he brought materials but said he didn’t build it with her house in mind.
He didn’t participate in an evening ride to Elk Rapids, Michigan, to scout Whitmer’s home and a bridge during that same weekend. Harris said he had purchased $200 of cheap beer and cigarettes so he could return to the camp and “get wasted” with others.
Two more men, Ty Garbin and Kaleb Franks, pleaded guilty and cooperated with investigators. Garbin last week said the group acted willingly and hoped to strike before the election, cause national chaos and prevent Joe Biden from winning the presidency.
Whitmer, a Democrat, rarely talks publicly about the kidnapping plot, though she referred to “surprises” during her term that seemed like “something out of fiction” when she filed for reelection on March 17.
She has blamed former President Donald Trump for fomenting anger over coronavirus restrictions and refusing to condemn right-wing extremists like those charged in the case. Whitmer has said Trump was complicit in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
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Find AP’s full coverage of the Whitmer kidnap plot trial at: https://apnews.com/hub/whitmer-kidnap-plot-trial
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White reported from Detroit.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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House passes $35-a-month insulin cap as Dems seek wider bill
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has passed a bill capping the monthly cost of insulin at $35 for insured patients, part of an election-year push by Democrats for price curbs on prescription drugs at a time of rising inflation.
Experts say the legislation, which passed 232-193 Thursday, would provide significant relief for privately insured patients with skimpier plans and for Medicare enrollees facing rising out-of-pocket costs for their insulin. Some could save hundreds of dollars annually, and all insured patients would get the benefit of predictable monthly costs for insulin. The bill would not help the uninsured.
But the Affordable Insulin Now Act will serve as a political vehicle to rally Democrats and force Republicans who oppose it into uncomfortable votes ahead of the midterms. For the legislation to pass Congress, 10 Republican senators would have to vote in favor. Democrats acknowledge they don’t have an answer for how that’s going to happen.
“If 10 Republicans stand between the American people being able to get access to affordable insulin, that’s a good question for 10 Republicans to answer,” said Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., a cosponsor of the House bill. “Republicans get diabetes, too. Republicans die from diabetes.”
Public opinion polls have consistently shown support across party lines for congressional action to limit drug costs.
But Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., complained the legislation is only “a small piece of a larger package around government price controls for prescription drugs.” Critics say the bill would raise premiums and fails to target pharmaceutical middlemen seen as contributing to high list prices for insulin.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said Democrats could have a deal on prescription drugs if they drop their bid to authorize Medicare to negotiate prices. “Do Democrats really want to help seniors, or would they rather have the campaign issue?” Grassley said.
The insulin bill, which would take effect in 2023, represents just one provision of a much broader prescription drug package in President Joe Biden’s social and climate legislation.
In addition to a similar $35 cap on insulin, the Biden bill would authorize Medicare to negotiate prices for a range of drugs, including insulin. It would penalize drugmakers who raise prices faster than inflation and overhaul the Medicare prescription drug benefit to limit out-of-pocket costs for enrollees.
Biden’s agenda passed the House only to stall in the Senate because Democrats could not reach consensus. Party leaders haven’t abandoned hope of getting the legislation moving again, and preserving its drug pricing curbs largely intact.
The idea of a $35 monthly cost cap for insulin actually has a bipartisan pedigree. The Trump administration had created a voluntary option for Medicare enrollees to get insulin for $35, and the Biden administration continued it.
In the Senate, Republican Susan Collins of Maine and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire are working on a bipartisan insulin bill. Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock has introduced legislation similar to the House bill, with the support of Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.
Stung by criticism that Biden’s economic policies spur inflation, Democrats are redoubling efforts to show how they’d help people cope with costs. On Thursday, the Commerce Department reported a key inflation gauge jumped 6.4% in February compared with a year ago, the largest year-over-year rise since January 1982.
But experts say the House bill would not help uninsured people, who face the highest out-of-pocket costs for insulin. Also, people with diabetes often take other medications as well as insulin. That’s done to treat the diabetes itself, along with other serious health conditions often associated with the disease. The House legislation would not help with those costs, either. Collins says she’s looking for a way to help uninsured people through her bill.
About 37 million Americans have diabetes, and an estimated 6 million to 7 million use insulin to keep their blood sugars under control. It’s an old drug, refined and improved over the years, that has seen relentless price increases.
Steep list prices don’t reflect the rates insurance plans negotiate with manufacturers. But those list prices are used to calculate cost-sharing amounts that patients owe. Patients who can’t afford their insulin reduce or skip doses, a strategy born of desperation, which can lead to serious complications and even death.
Economist Sherry Glied of New York University said the market for insulin is a “total disaster” for many patients, particularly those with skimpy insurance plans or no insurance.
“This will make private insurance for people with diabetes a much more attractive proposition,” said Glied.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Russians leave Chernobyl; Ukraine braces for renewed attacks
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian troops left the heavily contaminated Chernobyl nuclear site early Friday after returning control to the Ukrainians, authorities said, as eastern parts of the country braced for renewed attacks and Russians blocked another aid mission to the besieged port city of Mariupol.
Ukraine’s state power company, Energoatom, said the pullout at Chernobyl came after soldiers received “significant doses” of radiation from digging trenches in the forest in the exclusion zone around the closed plant. But there was no independent confirmation of that.
The exchange of control happened amid growing indications the Kremlin is using talk of de-escalation in Ukraine as cover to regroup, resupply its forces and redeploy them for a stepped-up offensive in the eastern part of the country.
GRAPHIC WARNING: Videos in this story may contain disturbing content.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russian withdrawals from the north and center of the country were just a military tactic to build up forces for new powerful attacks in the southeast. A new round of talks between the countries was scheduled Friday, five weeks into a conflict that has left thousands dead and driven 4 million Ukrainians from the country.
“We know their intentions,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address to the nation. “We know that they are moving away from those areas where we hit them in order to focus on other, very important ones where it may be difficult for us.”
“There will be battles ahead,” he added.
Following a plea from Zelenskyy when he addressed Australian Parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that his country would send mine-resistant armored personnel carriers to Ukraine.
He said Friday the four-wheel drive “Bushmaster” vehicles, specifically requested by Zelenskyy, would be flown in to Europe but did not say how many would be delivered or when.
“We’re not just sending our prayers, we are sending our guns, we’re sending our munitions, we’re sending our humanitarian aid, we’re sending all of this, our body armor, all of these things and we’re going to be sending our armored vehicles, our Bushmasters, as well,” Morrison said.
In the encircled strategic port city of Mariupol, Russian forces blocked a convoy of 45 buses attempting to evacuate people after the Russian military agreed to a limited cease-fire in the area. Only 631 people were able to get out of the city in private cars, according to the Ukrainian government.
Russian forces also seized 14 tons of food and medical supplies in a dozen buses that were trying to make it to Mariupol, Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said.
The city has been the scene of some of the worst suffering of the war. Tens of thousands have managed to get out in the past few weeks by way of humanitarian corridors, reducing the population from a prewar 430,000 to an estimated 100,000 by last week, but other relief efforts have been thwarted by continued Russian attacks.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said it had been informed by Ukraine that the Russian forces at the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster had transferred control of it in writing to the Ukrainians. The last Russian troops left Chernobyl early Friday, the Ukrainian government agency responsible for the exclusion zone said.
Energoatom gave no details on the condition of the soldiers it said were exposed to radiation and did not say how many were affected. There was no immediate comment from the Kremlin, and the IAEA said it had not been able to confirm the reports of Russian troops receiving high doses. It said it was seeking more information.
Russian forces seized the Chernobyl site in the opening stages of the Feb. 24 invasion, raising fears that they would cause damage or disruption that could spread radiation. The workforce at the site oversees the safe storage of spent fuel rods and the concrete-entombed ruins of the reactor that exploded in 1986.
Edwin Lyman, a nuclear expert with the U.S.-based Union of Concerned Scientists, said it “seems unlikely” a large number of troops would develop severe radiation illness, but it was impossible to know for sure without more details.
He said contaminated material was probably buried or covered with new topsoil during the cleanup of Chernobyl, and some soldiers may have been exposed to a “hot spot” of radiation while digging. Others may have assumed they were at risk too, he said.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi was in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad on Friday for talks with senior officials there about nuclear issues in Ukraine.
In addition to concerns about Chernobyl, nine of Ukraine’s 15 operational reactors are currently in use, including two at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhya facility, the IAEA said.
Early this week, the Russians said they would significantly scale back military operations in areas around Kyiv and the northern city of Chernihiv to increase trust between the two sides and help negotiations along.
But in the Kyiv suburbs, regional governor Oleksandr Palviuk said on social media Thursday that Russian forces shelled Irpin and Makariv and that there were battles around Hostomel. Pavliuk said there were Ukrainian counterattacks and some Russian withdrawals around the suburb of Brovary to the east.
At a Ukrainian military checkpoint outside Kyiv, soldiers and officers said they don’t believe Russian forces have given up on the capital.
“What does it mean, significantly scaling down combat actions in the Kyiv and Chernihiv areas?” asked Brig. Gen. Valeriy Embakov. “Does it mean there will be 100 missiles instead of 200 missiles launched on Kyiv or something else?”
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said intelligence indicates Russia is not scaling back its military operations in Ukraine but is instead trying to regroup, resupply its forces and reinforce its offensive in the Donbas.
“Russia has repeatedly lied about its intentions,” Stoltenberg said. At the same time, he said, pressure is being kept up on Kyiv and other cities, and “we can expect additional offensive actions bringing even more suffering.”
The Donbas is the predominantly Russian-speaking industrial region where Moscow-backed separatists have been battling Ukrainian forces since 2014. In the past few days, the Kremlin, in a seeming shift in its war aims, said that its “main goal” now is gaining control of the Donbas, which consists of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including Mariupol.
The top rebel leader in Donetsk, Denis Pushilin, issued an order to set up a rival city government for Mariupol, according to Russian state news agencies, in a sign of Russian intent to hold and administer the city.
With talks set to resume between Ukraine and Russia via video, there seemed little faith that the two sides would resolve the conflict any time soon.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that conditions weren’t yet “ripe” for a cease-fire and that he wasn’t ready for a meeting with Zelenskyy until negotiators do more work, Italian Premier Mario Draghi said after a telephone conversation with the Russian leader.
As Western officials search for clues about what Russia’s next move might be, a top British intelligence official said demoralized Russian soldiers in Ukraine are refusing to carry out orders and sabotaging their equipment and had accidentally shot down their own aircraft.
U.S. intelligence officials have concluded that Putin is being misinformed by his advisers about how badly the war is going because they are afraid to tell him the truth.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the U.S. is wrong and that “neither the State Department nor the Pentagon possesses the real information about what is happening in the Kremlin.”
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Karmanau reported from Lviv, Ukraine. Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report.
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Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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$14M jury award for protesters could resonate around US
DENVER (AP) — A federal jury’s $14 million award to Denver protesters hit with pepper balls and a bag filled with lead during 2020 demonstrations over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis could resonate nationwide as courts weigh more than two dozen similar lawsuits.
The jury found police used excessive force against protesters, violating their constitutional rights, and ordered the city of Denver to pay 12 who sued.
Nationwide, there are at least 29 pending lawsuits challenging law enforcement use of force during the 2020 protests, according to a search of the University of Michigan’s Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse.
The verdict in Denver could give cities an incentive to settle similar cases rather than risk going to trial and losing, said Michael J. Steinberg, a professor at the University of Michigan Law School and director of the Civil Rights Litigation Initiative. It could also prompt more protesters to sue over their treatment at the hands of police.
“There’s no doubt that the large jury verdict in Denver will influence the outcome of pending police misconduct cases brought by Black Lives Matter protesters across the country,” said Steinberg, whose law students have been working on a similar lawsuit brought by protesters in Detroit.
Lawyers for the claimants argued that police used indiscriminate force against the nonviolent protesters, including some who were filming the demonstrations, because officers did not like their message critical of law enforcement.
“To the protest of police violence they responded with brutality,” one of their attorneys, Timothy Macdonald, told jurors.
People who took part in the protests have already made similar allegations in lawsuits filed across the country.
In Washington, DC, activists and civil liberties groups sued over the forcible removal of protesters before then-President Donald Trump walked to a church near the White House for a photo op. The claims against federal officials were dismissed last year but a judge allowed the case against local police to continue.
Several lawsuits alleging protesters were wrongfully arrested or that police used excessive force have been filed against New York City and its police department, including one brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James that claims police used excessive force and wrongfully arrested protesters. In Rochester, New York, people who protested the death of Daniel Prude, a Black man who lost consciousness after being pinned to the street by officers during a mental health call in 2020, claim police used extreme force against them in a lawsuit that also alleges city officials have allowed a culture of police brutality against racial minorities to fester.
One of their attorneys, Donald Thompson, said he plans to raise the Denver award in settlement talks with the city and note that unlike most of the Denver protesters, some of his clients suffered lasting injuries including the loss of an eye and scarring from being hit in the face with a tear gas canister. Thompson also thinks the Denver verdict shows that the public, in the age of cellphone and body camera videos, is not as willing to give police the benefit of the doubt anymore.
“Now people see how this policing really works. You can’t be naïve,” he said.
A spokesperson for Rochester did not return a call and an email seeking comment. When the case was filed, the city said it had already revised the way police responds to protests.
Over the last two months, the city of Austin, Texas has agreed to pay a total of $13 million to four people who were hit in the head with bean bag rounds fired by police.
Even before the Denver ruling last week, the police department made some changes in response to criticism that arose from the protests, including eliminating the use of 40mm foam rounds for crowd control and changing the way officers are permitted to use pepper balls.
Denver’s Department of Public Safety, which includes the police department, said in a statement that the city was not prepared for the level of sustained violence and destruction. During the trial, lawyers and witnesses said over 80 officers were injured as some in the crowds hurled rocks, water bottles and canned food at them.
The department said it continues to evaluate its policies to “better protect peaceful protestors while addressing those who are only there to engage in violence.”
Still, the large award is not expected to lead to an overhaul of how officers respond to what experts say are inherently chaotic situations that are difficult to prepare for.
Ed Obayashi, a use-of-force consultant to law enforcement agencies and a deputy sheriff and legal adviser in Plumas County, California, said society may have to bear the cost of such settlements because innocent people can be injured during protests as outnumbered police try to react on the fly, including to people intent on violence.
“It really goes south in an instant because there are individuals out there who want to cause chaos,” he said.
Obayashi said there is not much police training for protests, which have been relatively rare. He said it would be prohibitively expensive to have officers practice deploying equipment such as tear gas canisters. Because projectiles used in crowds and considered “less lethal” by police, such as rubber bullets and pepper balls, have less velocity and less power to hurt people, it is harder to ensure they hit their intended target, he said.
Lawyers representing people who have also alleged police misconduct and violation of their constitutional right to protest can now use the Denver damage award as part of their own settlement negotiations, said Mark Silverstein, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, which represented some of the winning Denver protesters.
The decision came nearly two years after thousands of people angry about Floyd’s death took the streets nationwide, a relatively quick result for the legal system and soon enough for others who allege misconduct by police to file a claim. In Colorado and many other states, there is a two-year statute of limitations for such lawsuits Silverstein said, leaving only a few months for others to sue.
The city attorney’s office said it has not decided whether to appeal the verdict, but appeals in such big cases are common, said Gloria Browne-Marshall, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Outside lawyers will also scrutinize the case to try to determine if there are unique circumstances that may have led to a “lightning in a bottle” verdict that is less likely to be repeated.
However, she thinks the verdict sends a significant message that regular people respect the right of protest and demand change from the government, which she believes police and prosecutors have been undermining.
“It should send a message to both, but whether or not they listen is a different issue,” Browne-Marshall said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Another solid month of US hiring expected despite obstacles
(AP) - Defying a pandemic and supply chain disruptions, the U.S. economy has cranked out more than 400,000 jobs every month for nearly a year — a blazing winning streak in wildly uncertain times.
And despite surging inflation, the hiring wave likely continued last month in the face of yet another jolt: Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has unsettled the economic outlook and catapulted gasoline prices to painful levels.
Economists surveyed by the data firm FactSet expect the Labor Department’s jobs report for March to show that employers added 478,000 jobs and that the unemployment rate dipped from 3.8% to 3.7%. That would mark the lowest unemployment rate since just before the pandemic struck two years ago, when joblessness reached a 50-year low of 3.5%.
The government will issue the March jobs report at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time Friday.
“With the war in Ukraine, economic uncertainty rising and surging energy prices, we may see a modest slowdown in hiring in March,’’ said Daniel Zhao, senior economist at the jobs website Glassdoor. “However, employer demand remains strong, which should sustain a healthy level of hiring.’’
The booming U.S. job market reflects a robust rebound from the brief but devastating coronavirus recession, which wiped out 22 million jobs in March and April 2020 as businesses shut down or cut hours and Americans stayed home to avoid infection.
But the recovery has been swift. Fueled by generous federal aid, savings amassed during the pandemic and ultra-low borrowing rates engineered by the Federal Reserve, U.S. consumers have spent so fast that many factories, warehouses, shipping companies and ports have failed to keep pace with their customer demand. Supply chains have snarled, forcing up prices.
As the pandemic has eased, consumers have been broadening their spending beyond goods to services, such as health care, travel and entertainment, which they had long avoided during the worst of the pandemic. The result: Inflation is running at 40-year highs, causing hardships for many lower-income households that face sharp increases for such necessities as food, gasoline and rent.
It’s unclear whether the economy can maintain its momentum of the past year. The government relief checks are gone. The Fed raised its benchmark short-term interest rate two weeks ago and will likely keep raising it well into next year. Those rate hikes will result in more expensive loans for many consumers and businesses.
Inflation has also eroded consumers’ spending power: Hourly pay, adjusted for higher consumer prices, fell 2.6% in February from a year earlier — the 11th straight month in which inflation has outpaced year-over-year wage growth. According to AAA, average gasoline prices, at $4.23 a gallon, are up a dizzying 47% from a year ago.
Squeezed by inflation, some consumers are paring their spending. The Commerce Department reported Thursday that consumer spending rose just 0.2%% in February — and fell 0.4% when adjusted for inflation — down from a 2.7% increase in January.
Still, the job market has kept hurtling ahead. Employers posted a near-record 11.3 million positions in February. Nearly 4.4 million Americans quit their jobs, a sign of confidence that they could find something better.
“We’re still seeing a very tight labor market,’’ said Karen Fichuk, CEO of the staffing company Randstad North America, who noted that the United States now has a record 1.7 job openings for every unemployed person.
Even so, so many jobs were lost in 2020 that the economy still remains more than 2 million shy of the number it had just before the pandemic struck. Over the past year, employers have added an average of 556,000 jobs a month. At that pace — no guarantee to continue — the nation would recover all the jobs lost to the pandemic by June. (That still wouldn’t include all the additional hiring that would have been done over the past two years under normal circumstances.)
Brighter job prospects are beginning to draw back into the labor force people who had remained on the sidelines because of health concerns, difficulty finding or affording daycare, generous unemployment benefits that have now expired or other reasons.
Over the past year, 3.6 million people have joined the U.S. labor force, meaning they now either have a job or are looking for one. But their ranks are still nearly 600,000 short of where they stood in February 2020, just before the pandemic slammed into the economy.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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April 1: What you need to know
JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - We’re helping you plan your day on Good Morning Region 8.
Weather Headlines
Skies look clearer today with slightly higher temperatures in the afternoon.
Highs mainly stay in the 60s over the next 8 days with a few 70s at times.
Any showers Friday night and Saturday morning should be light and quick. Better rain chances come early next week, along with the chance of more storms.
Meteorologist Zach Holder has your morning drive forecast coming up on Good Morning Region 8.
News Headlines
A man has been arrested in connection with a shooting in Jonesboro.
A Region 8 woman helps children prepare for severe weather.
A Ukrainian woman living in Arkansas is searching for her mother.
An Arkansas sheriff turns in his badge after 24 years of service.
Adam Jones and Jurnee Taylor will have details on these stories and more coming up at 6:00 a.m. on Good Morning Region 8.
Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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Frost Advisory/Freeze Warning in effect
April 1st, 2022
Published: Jun. 2, 2021 at 9:32 PM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
It’s a cold morning! We have frost and temperatures down as low as the 20s! More sunshine today with 50s and 60s by the afternoon. Highs mainly stay in the 60s over the next 8 days with a few 70s at times. A quick round of light rain moves in Friday night and lingers into Saturday morning. It shouldn’t be a lot of rain but enough to start Saturday off wet. Sunday looks nice before better rain chances arrive early next week. Any severe weather chances should stay south of us along the coast. We may not be done with frost or freeze this season. Next week’s storms system may bring another round of colder air for the end of the week.
Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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Pope begs forgiveness of Indigenous for Canada school abuses
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis apologized and begged forgiveness Friday for the “deplorable” abuses suffered by Indigenous Peoples in Canada’s church-run residential schools and said he hoped to visit Canada in late July to deliver the apology in person to all those who suffered from the Catholic Church’s misguided missionary zeal.
Francis made the apology during an audience with dozens of members of the Metis, Inuit and First Nations communities who came to Rome seeking a papal apology and a commitment for the Catholic Church to repair the damage. He said he hoped to visit Canada “in the days” around the Feast of St. Anna, which falls on July 26 and is dedicated to Christ’s grandmother.
More than 150,000 native children in Canada were forced to attend state-funded Christian schools from the 19th century until the 1970s in an effort to isolate them from the influence of their homes and culture. The aim was to Christianize and assimilate them into mainstream society, which previous Canadian governments considered superior.
“For the deplorable conduct of those members of the Catholic Church, I ask forgiveness of the Lord,” Francis said. “And I want to tell you from my heart, that I am greatly pained. And I unite myself with the Canadian bishops in apologizing.”
The trip to Rome by the Indigenous was years in the making but gained momentum last year after the discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves outside some of the residential schools. The three groups of Indigenous met separately with Francis over several hours this week, culminating with Friday’s audience.
Francis spoke in Italian, and it wasn’t immediately clear if the audience understood what he had said, though they stood and applauded after he finished.
And the audience continued on with joyous performances of Indigenous prayers, drum, dance and fiddlers that Francis watched, applauded and at one point gave a thumbs up to. The Indigenous then presented him with gifts, including snow shoes.
The head of the Metis, Cassidy Caron, presented Francis with a bound book of their people’s stories: Much of what the Indigenous sought to accomplish during their meetings this week was to tell Francis the individual stories of loss and abuse that they suffered.
The Canadian government has admitted that physical and sexual abuse was rampant at the schools, with students beaten for speaking their native languages. That legacy of that abuse and isolation from family has been cited by Indigenous leaders as a root cause of the epidemic rates of alcohol and drug addiction on Canadian reservations.
Nearly three-quarters of the 130 residential schools were run by Catholic missionary congregations.
Last May, the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Nation announced the discovery of 215 gravesites near Kamloops, British Columbia, that were found using ground-penetrating radar. It was Canada’s largest Indigenous residential school and the discovery of the graves was the first of numerous, similar grim sites across the country.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Texas caseworkers: After Abbott’s order, investigations into transgender kids’ parents given priority
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — When Texas Gov. Greg Abbott put in motion abuse investigations into the parents of some transgender kids, child welfare supervisor Randa Mulanax said what happened next strayed from normal protocols.
There was unusual secrecy, with texts and emails discouraged. Allegations about trans kids received elevated status. In Texas, fewer than three in 10 child welfare investigations end with findings that harm likely occurred — classified as “reason to believe” — but the changes looked to Mulanax like these cases would be predetermined from the start.
“It was my understanding that they wanted to be found ‘reason to believe,’” Mulanax told The Associated Press in her first interview since leaving the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, where she worked for six years until quitting last month. “That’s why we were having to figure out a way to staff it up and see how we go about it, since it doesn’t match our policy right now.”
As early as Friday, the Texas Supreme Court could decide whether the state can resume at least nine investigations into the parents of transgender children. They are the first to fall on the radar of child welfare authorities since Texas’ Republican governor in February directed the state to begin handling reports of gender-confirming care for kids as child abuse — the first such order issued in the U.S.
The court fight in Texas comes as Republicans across the country are leaning into policies aimed at transgender Americans, most prominently through bans on transgender athletes on girls sports teams. But Texas is the only state where a GOP governor has greenlighted abuse cases against the parents of transgender children, which several current and departing Texas child welfare workers say was rushed into action and has sunk already low morale at their troubled state agency even deeper.
It is unclear how many Texas child welfare investigators — who are tasked with carrying out Abbott’s directive — have quit in protest. Mulanax is one of at least two state Child Protective Services workers who are leaving and added their names this week to a court brief that urged Texas’ justices to keep the investigations sidelined. Five other investigators who remain at the agency also signed on.
Abbott’s instructions to Texas child welfare officials takes aim at treatments for children that include puberty blockers and hormone therapy.
Patrick Crimmins, spokesman for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, declined comment Thursday, citing the ongoing lawsuit.
“We’re being so closely monitored on those type of cases that you wouldn’t be able to just say, ‘Oh, nothing to see,’” said Shelby McCowen, a child welfare investigator who called the directive the ‘last straw’ and is quitting after less than a year at the agency.
Texas completed more than 157,000 child welfare investigations in the last fiscal year, according to state data. McCowen said the cases involving parents of transgender families were drawing the same attention as child death investigations, and like Mulanax, said instructions were given not to discuss the cases through state emails or phones — only on personal devices, or face-to-face.
The cases were to be referred to as “special assignments” rather than using a case name or number, according to McCowen. She said upper managers told investigators a survey would be sent out internally to address questions about the directive, but none ever arrived.
“I don’t know how many times they go into the cases, but we’re told that if we get one of these cases, the documentation has to be almost instant because it’s being monitored,” she said.
Abbott’s directive goes against the nation’s largest medical groups, including the American Medical Association, which have opposed Republican-backed restrictions filed in statehouses nationwide. On Thursday, President Joe Biden marked Transgender Day of Visibility by denouncing such legislation, saying “the onslaught of anti-transgender state laws attacking you and your families is simply wrong.”
In pressing that the investigations in Texas be allowed to continue, Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office wrote that “if DFPS cannot investigate possible child abuse, children may be harmed — perhaps irreversibly — in the interim.”
Mulanax said if the investigations were to resume, she considers it unlikely that any children would be removed from their homes around Texas’ biggest cities, which are controlled by Democrats and where some county officials have already said they would reject such cases.
But in the event of a finding of harm, Mulanax said, putting in place what are usually other safety plans don’t make sense to her either. She said those options typically include required parental supervision or services such as therapy, which Mulanax said some of the families might already be doing.
“It was just a complete betrayal of the department,” she said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Delta pilots land jet safely after cockpit windshield cracks
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (AP) — The pilots on a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Washington, D.C. decided to bring their jet down in Denver after the cockpit windshield shattered above 30,000 feet. The crew repeatedly told passengers to remain calm until they landed.
“They came on the loudspeaker saying that the windshield had shattered, and we were diverting to Denver in about 10 minutes,” Rachel Wright, one of the 198 passengers on the plane, told KUTV.
A photo of the windshield taken by a passenger shows the glass, though lined with cracks, didn’t fall from its frame. Commercial airline pilots said jetliner windshields can be two inches thick, with several layered panes of glass, the station reported.
The crew announced the diversion about 90 minutes into the flight, after the plane reached cruising altitude, which is above 30,000 feet, passengers said.
“They kept coming on saying for everyone to stay calm, to be calm, and we were calm so being told to stay calm while we were calm made us feel a little panicky,” Wright said.
Passengers were able to see the shattered glass once they landed in Denver.
“I’m really good at playing whatif? And so, my mind goes to kind of what could have happened, worst case scenario and I’m grateful,” Wright said. “It could have been really bad, it could have gone very differently.”
Another passenger, Kirk Knowlton, snapped a picture and tweeted that the crew had announced that the windscreen appeared to crack spontaneously.
Delta gave a statement to KUTV calling it “a maintenance issue mid-flight.”
“Out of an abundance of caution, the flight crew diverted into Denver and the plane landed routinely. Our team worked quickly to accommodate customers on a new plane, and we sincerely apologize for the delay and inconvenience to their travel plans,” the airline statement said.
Passengers boarded a new plane in Denver and continued on to Washington. Wright praised Delta for bringing the jet down safely, and said the airline was very accommodating.
“I’ve never been more grateful to spend an extra three hours in an airport,” Wright said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Ford recalls 737K vehicles to fix oil leaks, trailer brakes
Published: Apr. 1, 2022 at 7:39 AM CDT|Updated: 50 minutes ago
DETROIT (AP) — Ford is issuing two recalls covering over 737,000 vehicles to fix oil leaks and trailer braking systems that won’t work.
The oil leak recall includes the 2020 through 2022 Ford Escape SUV and the 2021 and 2022 Bronco Sport SUV with 1.5-Liter engines.
A housing can crack and oil can leak onto engine parts, possibly causing fires.
The trailer brake recall includes F-150 pickups from 2021 and 2022, as well as the 2022 F-250, 350, 450 and 550.
Also covered are the 2022 Maverick pickup, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs.
A software error can stop trailers from braking.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/gm-recalls-nearly-682000-suvs-windshield-wipers-can-fail/
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GM recalls nearly 682,000 SUVs; windshield wipers can fail
Published: Apr. 1, 2022 at 7:04 AM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is recalling nearly 682,000 small SUVs because the windshield wipers can fail.
The recall covers the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain from the 2014 and 2015 model years.
Ball joints in the wiper module can rust, causing one or both wipers to fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the module and repair or replace it. Owners will be notified by letter starting May 2.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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More than 7,000 complaints of moving scams reported in 2021; here are red flags to look for
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT/Gray News) – More than 7,000 complaints about moving scams were reported to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in the past year.
That number has significantly increased since the start of the pandemic, WECT reports.
The FMCSA is a civil agency that administers commercial regulations governing the interstate transportation of household goods.
Because moving is often a stressful experience, and something people might not do very often, consumers can be vulnerable to making mistakes hiring a mover that can have significant consequences.
The FMCSA provides resources to help people planning a move find a reputable moving company.
It is important to have everything in writing and to understand if you are in contact with a broker or a moving company. Oftentimes moving scams start with an unscrupulous broker.
“It underscores the need to do research. What scammers do is they will use a name very similar to another company that is familiar to you and me, and they try to prey on our sense of trust,” said N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein. “We urge people to do research and make sure that the company is legit, make sure that there aren’t a lot of complaints about them. Because you don’t want to hand over your life’s possessions to some scam artist.”
Tips When Choosing a Moving Company:
- Contact various reputable, long-standing moving companies to compare estimates and get a foundation of what the legitimate cost of your move will be.
- Ask the moving company if they will be conducting the move or if it is being brokered for fulfillment by another company.
- Keep all records of contracts, proof of payments, and communication with the moving company.
- Carefully examine the reviews on various online business rating websites to ensure they contain more than just recent glowing reviews.
- Use online street-view and satellite maps to research the moving company’s address to verify that the address is a business and not a residence.
If there are an extraordinary number of complaints about an individual company they are referred to the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) for possible federal prosecution.
Report Fraud
Contact FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database online or toll-free at: 1-888-368-7238 to file a complaint against a household goods moving company, broker or other carrier.
You can also report an allegation of household goods fraud to the OIG’s Fraud Hotline using any of the following methods:
- Online OIG Hotline Complaint Form
- Call 1-800-424-9071 (toll free).
- E-mail to hotline@oig.dot.gov
- Mail to: DOT Inspector General, 1200 New Jersey Ave SE, West Bldg 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20590
Copyright 2022 WECT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Parents’ ashes, personal belongings sold at auction after movers fail to deliver man’s things
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT/Gray News) – A man who had been living in Oregon for 25 years decided to move across the country to be closer to family during the pandemic.
Dan Zimmerman landed a physician’s assistant position in Wilmington, packed up everything he owned and started looking for a company to help him with his move in October.
Dismayed by the initial estimates he received, Zimmerman started selling everything he could, deciding only to keep sentimental and high-value items with which he couldn’t part.
By that point, he only had a week before he was supposed to be in Wilmington to start his new job.
He ended up choosing what he thought was Mayflower Transit, one of the most trusted names in the business. Eventually, he learned that was not the case, and he had actually hired another company with a copycat name – Mayflower Relocation Services.
“They scheduled it, I paid them $1,300 with instructions that I’d pay them three payments: $1,300 at the signing of the contract, $1,300 when they come up and pick up my stuff, and another $1,300 when they finally delivered my belongings,” Zimmerman told WECT.
Zimmerman arranged for the company to store his belongings at a storage facility in North Carolina while he tried to find a house.
By December, Zimmerman had purchased a home and called the moving company to schedule delivery, but that’s when he says the excuses started.
First, he was told the mover was having trouble with his truck. Then, the mover had come down with COVID-19 and would be out for two weeks.
Zimmerman said the company stopped talking to him altogether and wouldn’t answer his calls.
Eventually, he received a text saying his things were in a storage unit in Charlotte, but they wouldn’t disclose the address.
Upon further research, he learned Mayflower Relocation Services was not a full-service moving company, but a broker that has an “F” rating with the Better Business Bureau.
They have more than a dozen complaints against them on file, including some from consumers like Zimmerman who said they never received their belongings.
After countless phone calls, Zimmerman learned his move was contracted out to Efficient Moving and Storage, who informed him his things had been in a storage unit in Idaho but were sold in an auction.
“I called and sure enough, somebody had told them that I would be calling them looking for my belongings. And she said, ‘I’m so sorry, but your belongings have been auctioned.’ And sent me pictures. And it just ended my life. I mean, literally, it was unreal,” Zimmerman said of realizing everything he owned had been sold to a stranger without his knowledge.
Not only did his belongings include expensive sporting equipment, antique clocks his father made and a guitar worth over $30,000, but also his deceased parents’ ashes, jewelry and all his family photo albums.
With the help of a warrant obtained by the Eugene, Oregon, Police Department, authorities were able to make contact with the people who’d purchased Zimmerman’s belongings on StorageTreasures.com in mid-February for just under $5,000.
Central Self Storage in Idaho put the contents of the unit up for sale when the person who’d rented it failed to pay the storage bill.
The buyers had already thrown away many of Zimmerman’s pictures and personal effects by the time authorities contacted them.
They offered to mail Zimmerman the remaining photo albums they found, but they had not found his parents’ ashes.
The new owners declined to return any other valuables, saying they were trying to recover the money spent purchasing the contents of the storage unit.
Zimmerman said he remains devastated over the loss and disappointed that there is not a better system in place to police unscrupulous movers.
“I thought I was safe. I already had all my belongings packed. … All they had to do is come pick it up and then deliver it. I never ever, ever perceived that I would lose my entire family history, gone, everything,” Zimmerman said.
In addition to the complaints on file against Mayflower Relocation Services with the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration lists dozens of complaints filed against the company.
Copyright 2022 WECT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Man arrested for attempted murder
BAXTER COUNTY, Ark. (KAIT) - A Northeast Arkansas man faces an attempted murder charge after deputies said he pulled a knife on a woman and threatened to kill her.
Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery said the incident happened just before 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 30.
He said the county’s 911 center received a call from a woman who kept saying, “Don’t kill me.”
Dispatch traced the call to a location on Baxter Couty Road 413 in the Midway area.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they reportedly found clothes and paperwork identifying the possible victim.
“It had been raining all day, but the items they found were dry as if they had just been left there,” Montgomery said in a Friday news release.
A person who lives in the area told deputies they had seen a green Ford pickup truck with a white fender or door in the area.
Montgomery said the alleged victim had “been involved with law enforcement” and was staying at a motel in Mountain Home. Deputies went to the motel, where they found the injured woman.
She reportedly told deputies she had picked up her boyfriend, 38-year-old Robert Eugene Finch, Jr. of Mountain Home, from work, and he started arguing with her.
“The victim alleged that while on a dirt road, Finch pulled a knife that he carries with him and was trying to stab, saying he was going to kill her,” Montgomery said.
The victim managed to call 911 and opened the truck’s door to get out.
The woman told investigators the truck was still moving when Finch pushed her out.
“He then got on top of her and hit her in the head with a rock, again saying he was going to kill her,” the release stated.
Following the alleged assault, Finch reportedly agreed to take the victim to the hospital for medical care.
Once they arrived in Mountain Home, Montgomery said the victim jumped out of the truck at a stop sign and escaped.
After deputies found her at the motel, an ambulance took her to Baxter Regional Medical Center for treatment of her injuries.
Along with officers from several other agencies, deputies began looking for Finch and the pickup.
Montgomery said officers found the truck at the home of one of Finch’s relatives on Eighth Street, but Finch was not there.
Investigators prepared an affidavit, and a circuit judge signed off on an arrest warrant for Finch.
Just before 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31, officers found Finch at the home on Eighth Street and arrested him.
He’s being held in the Baxter County Detention Center on one count of first-degree criminal attempt to commit murder and as a habitual offender. He’s being held in lieu of a $250,000 bond, awaiting his first appearance in circuit court.
Montgomery said Finch has four previous felony convictions on his record, including one for felony domestic battery.
Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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New vehicles must average 40 mpg by 2026 under US standards
DETROIT (AP) — New vehicles sold in the United States will have to travel an average of at least 40 miles per gallon of gasoline in 2026 under new rules unveiled Friday by the government.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said its fuel economy requirements will undo a rollback of standards enacted under President Donald Trump. The new requirements increase gas mileage by 8% per year for model years 2024 and 2025 and 10% in the 2026 model year.
For the current model year, standards enacted under Trump require the fleet of new vehicles to get just over 24 miles per gallon in real-world driving.
Agency officials say the requirements are the maximum that the industry can achieve over the time period and will reduce gasoline consumption by more than 220 billion gallons over the life of vehicles, compared with the Trump standards.
Trump’s administration rolled back fuel economy requirements so they rose 1.5% per year, which environmental groups said was inadequate to limit planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions that fuel climate change.
But the new standards won’t immediately match those adopted through 2025 under President Barack Obama. NHTSA officials said they will equal the Obama standards by 2025 and slightly exceed them for the 2026 model year.
The Obama-era standards automatically adjusted for changes in the type of vehicles people are buying. When they were enacted in 2012, 51% of new vehicle sales were cars and 49% SUVs and trucks. Last year, 77% of new vehicle sales were SUVs and trucks, which generally are less efficient than cars.
Some environmental groups said the new requirements from NHTSA under President Joe Biden don’t go far enough to fight global warming.
“Climate change has gotten much worse, but these rules only require automakers to reduce gas-guzzling slightly more than they agreed to cut nine years ago,” said Dan Becker, director of the Safe Climate Transport Center at the Center for Biological Diversity.
He said the final rule is about 2 mpg short of the strongest alternative that NHTSA considered.
Officials said that under the new standards, owners would save about $1,400 in gasoline costs during the lifetime of a 2029 model year vehicle. Carbon dioxide emissions would drop by 2.5 billion metric tons by 2050 under the standards, the NHTSA said.
The agency did not give figures for how much the standards would increase the cost of vehicles. Auto dealers say more stringent requirements drive up prices and push people out of an already expensive new-car market.
The NHTSA sets fuel economy requirements, while the Environmental Protection Agency develops limits on greenhouse gas emissions. NHTSA officials said their requirements nearly match rules adopted in December by the EPA, so automakers don’t have to comply with two rules.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Woman says naked intruder got in bed with her
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) - A woman is speaking out after a terrifying home invasion caught on camera.
Surveillance video shows a naked man opening Krista Brown’s front door Monday afternoon and walking in. She said the man then got into her bed while she was sleeping and tried to cuddle with her.
“This is one of the craziest things I have ever experienced,” she said.
After working the overnight shift, Krista Brown said she was taking a nap Monday afternoon when it happened.
Home surveillance footage captured the man going into her bedroom where she was sleeping.
“As soon as I saw it was not my boyfriend, I screamed and jumped and ran out of the house,” Krista Brown said.
She said her family was doing chores at the time and that the man opened the front door when her son was taking out the trash.
The police report identifies the naked man as Jason Kendrick and said upon leaving the first-floor home, he went up to the building’s third floor where her brother Justin lives.
“I kind of heard a couple big thuds, so I went to my door to answer it, and well, there was a naked man standing in front of my door. He seemed lost. He seemed scared,” Justin Brown said.
Krista Brown said Kendrick re-entered her home four or five more times before she and her family eventually got him to leave.
Providence police said they arrested Kendrick at the house next door, where they said he lives. He faces a breaking and entering charge.
“That doesn’t go away. It’s something I now have to be fearful for,” Krista Brown said.
Court records show the suspect is no stranger to the law, having been arrested more than 20 times on charges, including vandalism, assault and battery and disorderly conduct.
“It’s actually very scary,” Justin Brown said.
Krista Brown said the incident has her second-guessing leaving the house.
“I don’t want it to affect my work. I don’t want it to affect how my kids go outside and play, but yeah, I am …” she said.
Brown said she is looking to install an alarm system inside of her home.
She said her family has been keeping a closer eye on things since the incident, and she says she does not plan to move out of her family home.
Copyright 2022 WJAR via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/amazon-workers-nyc-vote-unionize-first-company/
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Amazon workers in NYC vote to unionize, a first for company
NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon workers in Staten Island, New York, voted to unionize on Friday, marking the first successful U.S. organizing effort in the retail giant’s history and handing an unexpected win to a nascent group that fueled the union drive.
Votes were still being tabulated but union supporters secured a wide enough margin to give the fledgling Amazon Labor Union enough support to pull off a victory. The votes that were either voided or contested by either Amazon or the ALU did not appear to be enough to sway the outcome.
More than 8,300 eligible workers cast their ballots. Amazon provides the list of eligible workers to the National Labor Relations Board, which oversees the process. Organizers say a high attrition rate may have shrunk that pool since the election was scheduled.
The victory was an uphill battle for the independent group, made up of former and current workers who lacked official backing from an established union and were out-gunned by the deep-pocketed retail giant. Despite obstacles, organizers believed their grassroots approach was more relatable to workers and could help them overcome where established unions have failed in the past.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
________________________
Labor organizers always knew it would be tough to convince Amazon workers to unionize. But a surprisingly strong early showing in a New York election and a still-uncertain outcome in an Alabama election are giving them hope.
In Staten Island, New York, 1,518 warehouse workers have so far voted “yes” to forming a union while 1,154 have voted “no,” according to an early tally Thursday evening by the National Labor Relations Board, which is overseeing both elections. Ballots continue to be counted Friday morning.
Meanwhile, Amazon workers in Bessemer, Alabama, appear to have rejected a union bid but outstanding challenged ballots could change the outcome. The votes were 993-to-875 against the union. A hearing to review 416 challenged ballots is expected to begin in the next few days.
If a majority of Amazon workers ultimately votes yes in either Staten Island or Bessemer, it would mark the first successful U.S. organizing effort in the company’s history. Organizers have faced an uphill battle against the nation’s second-largest private employer, which is making every effort to keep unions out.
The union campaigns come at a time of widespread labor unrest at many corporations. Workers at more than 140 Starbucks locations around the country, for instance, have requested union elections and several of them have already been successful.
John Logan, director of labor and employment studies at San Francisco State University, said the early vote counts in New York have been “shocking.” The nascent Amazon Labor Union, which is leading the charge on Staten Island, has no backing from an established union and is powered by former and current warehouse workers.
“I don’t think that many people thought that the Amazon Labor Union had much of a chance of winning at all,” Logan said. “And I think we’re likely to see more of those (approaches) going forward.”
After a crushing defeat last year in Bessemer, when a majority of workers voted against forming a union, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union got a second chance to organize another campaign when the NLRB ordered a do-over after determining that Amazon tainted the first election.
Though RWDSU is currently lagging in the latest election, Logan said the early results were still remarkable because the union has made a good effort narrowing its margin from last year.
Stuart Appelbaum, president of the RWDSU, said on Thursday that the union would be filing objections to how Amazon handled the election in Bessemer but declined to specify. He also took the opportunity to lash out at current labor laws, which he believes are rigged against unions and favor corporations.
“It should not be so difficult to organize a union in the United States,” he said.
Chris Smalls, a fired Amazon employee who has been leading the ALU in its fight on Staten Island, remains hopeful of victory.
“To be leading in Day One and be up a couple hundred against a trillion dollar company, this is the best feeling in the world,” Smalls said after the conclusion of Thursday’s counting.
Amazon has pushed back hard in the lead-up to both elections. The retail giant held mandatory meetings, where workers were told unions are a bad idea. The company also launched an anti-union website targeting workers and placed English and Spanish posters across the Staten Island facility urging them to reject the union. In Bessemer, Amazon has made some changes to but still kept a controversial U.S. Postal Service mailbox that was key in the NLRB’s decision to invalidate last year’s vote.
In a filing released on Thursday, Amazon disclosed it spent about $4.2 million last year on labor consultants, which organizers say the retailer routinely solicits to persuade workers not to unionize. It’s unclear how much it spent on such services in 2022.
Both labor fights faced unique challenges. Alabama, for instance, is a right-to-work state that prohibits a company and a union from signing a contract that requires workers to pay dues to the union that represents them.
The union landscape in Alabama is also starkly different from New York. Last year, union members accounted for 22.2% of wage and salary workers in New York, ranked only behind Hawaii, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s more than double the national average of 10.3%. In Alabama, it’s 5.9%.
The mostly Black workforce at the Amazon facility, which opened in 2020, mirrors the Bessemer population of more than 70% Black residents, according to the latest U.S. Census data.
Pro-union workers say they want better working conditions, longer breaks and higher wages. Regular full-time employees at the Bessemer facility earn at least $15.80 an hour, higher than the estimated $14.55 per hour on average in the city. That figure is based on an analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s annual median household income for Bessemer of $30,284, which could include more than one worker.
The ALU said they don’t have a demographic breakdown of the warehouse workers on Staten Island and Amazon declined to provide the information to The Associated Press, citing the union vote. Internal records leaked to The New York Times from 2019 showed more than 60% of the hourly associates at the facility were Black or Latino, while most of managers were white or Asian.
Amazon workers there are seeking longer breaks, paid time off for injured employees and an hourly wage of $30, up from a minimum of just over $18 per hour offered by the company. The estimated average wage for the borough is $41 per hour, according to a similar U.S. Census Bureau analysis of Staten Island’s $85,381 median household income.
A spokesperson for Amazon said the company invests in wages and benefits, such as health care, 401(k) plans and a prepaid college tuition program to help grow workers’ careers.
“As a company, we don’t think unions are the best answer for our employees,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “Our focus remains on working directly with our team to continue making Amazon a great place to work.”
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Associated Press staff writers Tali Arbel and Bobby Caina Calvan in New York contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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FBI joins search for Florida mom missing since Sunday
PENSACOLA, Fla. (Gray News) – The FBI has now joined the search for a mom in Florida who has been missing since Sunday night.
Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson said in a press conference Thursday afternoon that Cassie Carli, 37, was last seen on Navarre Beach in Pensacola on Sunday evening near a restaurant called Juana’s Pagodas.
Johnson said that Carli was at the restaurant to meet with Marcus Spanevelo, the father of her 4-year-old daughter, Saylor, to “do a child exchange.”
Carli’s father reported her missing the following day.
On Tuesday, police located Carli’s vehicle behind the restaurant with her purse still inside the car. Her purse being left behind is a cause for concern, Johnson said.
Spanevelo was located in Birmingham, Alabama, on Wednesday with Saylor. He was interviewed by investigators, and Saylor was taken into the custody of Alabama Protective Services, Johnson said.
“The way she has gone missing concerns us greatly,” Johnson said.
Johnson said detectives plan to speak more with Spanevelo, as he was the last known person to see Carli.
Carli is 5′5″ and approximately 150 pounds with blonde hair.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office at 850-983-1190.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Man who parked weapons near Capitol on 1/6 gets nearly 4 years in prison
(AP) - An Alabama man who parked a pickup truck filled with weapons and Molotov cocktail components near the U.S. Capitol on the day of last year’s riot was sentenced Friday to nearly four years in prison.
U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly said she still hasn’t heard an explanation for why Lonnie Leroy Coffman had “almost a small armory in his truck, ready to do battle.” She sentenced Coffman to three years and 10 months in prison, giving him credit for the more than one year he already has served since his arrest.
Coffman, 72, of Falkville, Alabama, said he never intended to hurt anybody or destroy any property. He said he drove to Washington alone “to try to discover just how true and secure was the (2020 presidential) election.”
“If I had any idea that things would turn out like they did, I would have stayed home,” he wrote in a handwritten letter to the judge.
More than 770 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot, when supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump stormed the building in an effort to disrupt lawmakers’ formal certification of his reelection defeat. Five people died and scores of Capitol Police officers were seriously injured.
Over 240 participants in the attack have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors punishable by a maximum of six months imprisonment. More than 130 have been sentenced. Coffman is one of nine defendants whose prison sentence exceeds one year.
Coffman, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Army, pleaded guilty in November to possession of an unregistered firearm and carrying a pistol without a license. He was carrying a loaded handgun and revolver without a license as he walked in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021, according to prosecutors. He isn’t accused of entering the Capitol or joining the mob during the riot that day.
When Coffman parked his truck a few blocks from the Capitol on the morning of Jan. 6, it contained a handgun, a rifle, a shotgun, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, a crossbow, machetes, a stun gun and a cooler containing eleven mason jars with holes punched in the lids, according to prosecutors. Each jar contained a mixture of gasoline and Styrofoam, which are components of the homemade incendiary devices called Molotov cocktails, prosecutors said.
Law enforcement officers found the cache of weapons and ammunition when they searched Coffman’s truck. They had been sweeping the area after pipe bombs were found near the headquarters of the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee. Later, investigators also found Molotov cocktail components at Coffman’s home in Alabama.
“Possession of so much dangerous weapons in our nation’s capital is uniquely offensive to our cherished, democratic political traditions,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Friedman said.
Handwritten notes found inside the vehicle included a quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln that said, “We The People Are The Rightful Masters Of Both The Congress And The Courts, Not To Overthrow The Constitution But To Overthrow The Men Who Pervert The Constitution.”
The notes included a list of “good guys” and “bad guys,” with a federal judge named in the latter category, and contact information for a member of a Texas militia group known as the “American Patriots,” prosecutors said.
“The handwritten notes also included an address for a reported gathering place in Texas called ‘Camp Lonestar,’ where militia groups had reportedly sought to patrol the border looking for illegal aliens,” prosecutors wrote.
Investigators had previously identified Coffman as an armed participant at Camp Lonestar, according to prosecutors.
Coffman, a retired machine operator, had traveled to Washington in December 2020 and tried to drive to the home of a U.S. senator who isn’t named in a court filing by prosecutors. He also called the senator’s office in an effort to “help with the election fraud he saw.”
“A staff member at the Senator’s office recorded that the defendant seemed ‘unbalanced’ or ‘not 100% there’ during the call, but did not seem threatening,” prosecutors wrote.
Prosecutors recommended a prison sentence of approximately three years and six months. Defense attorney Manuel Retureta said a prison term wouldn’t be appropriate given Coffman’s age and medical condition.
Coffman didn’t have a criminal record before this case.
“At my age, one of the most precious (things) we possess is time, and I have wasted almost a whole precious year,” he wrote in his letter to the judge.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Mike Balado holds zoom press conference, updates state of Arkansas State men’s basketball
Published: Apr. 1, 2022 at 11:23 AM CDT|Updated: 8 minutes ago
JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - It’s been a tumultuous week for Arkansas State men’s basketball.
Five players from the 2021-22 roster entered the transfer portal. Starters Norchad Omier, Desi Sills, and Keyon Wesley are among the depatures. Head coach Mike Balado is staying positive through it all, he held a zoom press conference Friday morning.
He provided an update on Red Wolves recruiting, had plenty of praise for departing assistant coach Mike Scutero, and more.
Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/oldest-us-active-park-ranger-retires-100/
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Oldest U.S. active park ranger retires at 100
RICHMOND, Calif. (AP) — The nation’s oldest active park ranger is hanging up her Smokey hat at the age of 100.
Betty Reid Soskin retired Thursday after more than 15 years at the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California, the National Park Service announced.
Soskin “spent her last day providing an interpretive program to the public and visiting with coworkers,” a Park Service statement said.
She led tours at the park and museum honoring the women who worked in factories during wartime and shared her own experience as a Black woman during the conflict. She worked for the U.S. Air Force in 1942 but quit after learning that “she was employed only because her superiors believed she was white,” according to a Park Service biography.
“Being a primary source in the sharing of that history – my history – and giving shape to a new national park has been exciting and fulfilling,” Soskin said in the Park Service statement. “It has proven to bring meaning to my final years.”
Soskin won a temporary Park Service position at the age of 84 and became a permanent Park Service employee in 2011. She celebrated her 100th birthday last September.
“Betty has made a profound impact on the National Park Service and the way we carry out our mission,” Director Chuck Sams said. “Her efforts remind us that we must seek out and give space for all perspectives so that we can tell a more full and inclusive history of our nation.”
Soskin was born Betty Charbonnet in Detroit in 1921 but recalled surviving the devastating Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 while living with her Creole family in New Orleans, according to the Park Service biography.
Her family then moved to Oakland, California, and Soskin remained in the San Francisco Bay Area, where in 1945 she and her first husband founded one of the first Black-owned record stores in the area, the biography said.
She also was a civil rights activist and took part in meetings to develop a general management plan for the Home Front park. She has received several honors.
She was named California Woman of the Year in 1995.
In 2015, Soskin received a presidential coin from President Barack Obama after she lit the National Christmas tree at the White House.
In June 2016, she was awakened in her home by a robber who punched her repeatedly in the face, dragged her out of her bedroom and beat her before making off with the coin and other items. Soskin, then 94, recovered and returned to work just weeks after the attack. The coin was replaced.
Soskin also was honored with entry into the Congressional Record. Glamour Magazine named her woman of the year in 2018.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/psaki-leave-white-house-msnbc-job-reports-say/
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Psaki to leave White House for MSNBC job, reports say
Published: Apr. 1, 2022 at 10:49 AM CDT|Updated: 30 minutes ago
(Gray News) - White House press secretary Jen Psaki is finalizing plans to leave the Biden administration for a hosting job with MSNBC, according to multiple reports.
Axios reported she plans to leave in May and begin appearing on MSNBC programming as well as hosting a show on NBC’s streaming service, Peacock. She has not officially signed a contract with the network, but talks are in the advanced stages, sources told CNN.
No official announcement has been made by Psaki or the White House.
Psaki also served as the spokesperson for the State Department and the White House communications director during the Obama administration.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/us-man-abducted-afghanistan-appears-newly-posted-video/
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US man abducted in Afghanistan appears in newly posted video
WASHINGTON (AP) — An American man kidnapped in Afghanistan two years ago is seen in a video pleading for his release so that he can be reunited with his family, according to a recording posted Friday by The New Yorker magazine.
Mark Frerichs, a Navy veteran and civilian contractor who is believed held by the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani network, appears by himself in the video, sitting upright before a dark curtain.
In the video, which he says was recorded on Nov. 28, 2021, he says he has patiently awaited his release and adds: “I’d like to ask the leadership of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: please release me. Release me so that I may be re-united with my family. Thank you.”
The video was posted Friday by The New Yorker, which says it obtained it from an unidentified individual in Afghanistan.
An FBI spokeswoman in Washington declined to comment on the video’s authenticity, but a sister of Frerichs, Charlene Cakora, said in a statement Friday that she was grateful to the Taliban for releasing the video and described it as “public confirmation of our family’s long-held belief that he is alive after more than two years in captivity.”
She appealed to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to step up efforts to get Frerich released.
“We consider this to be an important indicator of the Taliban’s interest in seeking to arrange for Mark’s immediate release. President Biden and Secretary Blinken, we urge you to take bold and decisive action to bring Mark home,” she added.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/us-sanctions-north-korea-firms-over-recent-missile-tests/
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US sanctions North Korea firms over recent missile tests
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. imposed sanctions on five North Korean entities Friday in response to two ballistic missile tests the reclusive Asian country conducted in February and March.
The March launch was North Korea’s most provocative weapons test since President Joe Biden took office.
Authorized under an existing executive order targeting producers and supporters of weapons of mass destruction, the sanctions come after Japan issued its own penalties this week on four groups and nine individuals tied to missile development.
The U.S. government determined that the launches involved a new intercontinental ballistic missile which could be used in the future, potentially disguised as a space launch.
The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control said Friday’s sanctions target the firms for providing support to North Korea’s “development of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs, in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions.”
Sanctioned entities include the Ministry of Rocket Industry, the Hapjanggang Trading Corporation, Korea Rounsan Trading Corp., Sungnisan Trading Corp., and Unchon Trading Corp.
“The DPRK’s provocative ballistic missile tests represent a clear threat to regional and global security and are in blatant violation of UN Security Council resolutions,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.
DPRK is an acronym for the country’s formal name, the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea
“The United States is committed to using our sanctions authorities to respond to the DPRK’s continued development of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles,” she said.
“I also commend Japan for their actions today against the DPRK, and stand ready to continue to work together to counter the DPRK’s continued threatening behavior.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/covid-19-asylum-limits-us-mexico-border-end-may-23/
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COVID-19 asylum limits at US-Mexico border to end May 23
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday that it is ending a policy that limited asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The use of public health powers had been widely criticized by Democrats and immigration advocates as an excuse for the United States to shirk its obligations to provide haven to people fleeing persecution. The policy went into effect under President Donald Trump in March 2020. Since then, migrants trying to enter the U.S. have been expelled more than 1.7 million times.
The policy, known as the Title 42 authority, named for a 1944 public health law to prevent communicable disease, will end on paper, but it will not take effect until May 23, to allow border officials time to prepare. The Associated Press first reported the change earlier this week.
The policy was increasingly hard to justify scientifically as restrictions ended across the U.S.
The federal order says efforts by the Department of Homeland Security to provide vaccines to migrants at the border will step up in the next two months.
“After considering current public health conditions and an increased availability of tools to fight COVID-19 (such as highly effective vaccines and therapeutics), the CDC director has determined that an order suspending the right to introduce migrants into the United States is no longer necessary,” the CDC said in a statement.
The decision is expected to draw more migrants to the U.S.-Mexico border. Even before it was officially announced, more than a dozen migrants excitedly ran out of their dormitory at the Good Samaritan shelter in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, asking about it.
DHS said this week that about 7,100 migrants were coming daily, compared with an average of about 5,900 a day in February — on pace to match or exceed highs from last year, 2019 and other peak periods. But border officials said they are planning for as many as 18,000 arrivals daily, and that seems certain to cause challenges for border-region Democrats in tight reelection races — with some warning that the Biden administration is unprepared to handle the situation.
Homeland Security said it created a Southwest Border Coordinating Center to respond to any sharp increases, with MaryAnn Tierney, a regional director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as interim leader and a Border Patrol official as deputy.
Officials also are working on additional ground and air transportation options and tents to house the expected influx, and the Border Patrol has already hired on civilians.
Instead of conducting patrols and uncovering smuggling activity, its agents spend about 40% of their time caring for people already in custody and administrative tasks that are unrelated to border security.
The agency hoped to free up agents to go back into the field by hiring civilians for jobs such as making sure that microwaved burritos are served properly, checking holding cells and the time-consuming work of collecting information for immigration court papers.
Still, administration officials acknowledged the fixes are only temporary measures.
“The Biden-Harris administration is committed to pursuing every avenue within our authority to secure our borders, enforce our laws, and stay true to our values,” said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. “Yet a long-term solution can only come from comprehensive legislation that brings lasting reform to a fundamentally broken system.”
The limits went into place in March 2020 under the Trump administration as coronavirus cases soared. While officials said at the time that it was a way to keep COVID-19 out of the United States, there always has been criticism that the restrictions were used as an excuse to seal the border to migrants unwanted by then-President Donald Trump. It was perhaps the broadest of Trump’s actions to restrict crossings and crack down on migrants.
CDC officials lifted part of the order last month, ending the limits for children traveling to the border alone. In August, U.S. border authorities began testing children traveling alone in their busiest areas: Positives fell to 6% in the first week of March from a high of nearly 20% in early February.
Asylum limits have been applied unevenly by nationality, depending largely on costs and diplomatic relations with home countries. Many migrants have been spared from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and, more recently, Ukraine. Homeland Security officials wrote border authorities this month that Ukrainians may be exempt, saying Russia’s invasion “created a humanitarian crisis.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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EXPLAINER: Will Trump or associates be charged for Jan. 6? House committee suggests crimes
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate acquitted former President Donald Trump last year of inciting the Capitol insurrection. But neither Trump nor any of his top advisers have faced charges over the attack in a court of law, and it’s uncertain if they ever will.
But increasingly, lawmakers on the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 assault are pressing Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate Trump and his associates. They’ve been laying out possible crimes in at least one court filing and openly discussing others, all related to that day’s violent attack by Trump supporters looking to disrupt Congress’ formal certification of his reelection defeat.
Here’s a look at some of the suggested crimes floated by the House panel:
CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY TO DEFRAUD THE UNITED STATES
After floating possible crimes for several months, lawmakers on the panel put it on paper for the first time in a March court filing. The filing was in response to a lawsuit from John Eastman, a lawyer and law professor who was consulting with Trump while attempting to overturn the election and who tried to withhold documents from the committee.
The committee argued that it has evidence supporting the idea that Trump, Eastman and other allies of the former president “entered into an agreement to defraud the United States.” The panel says Trump and his allies interfered with the election certification process, disseminated misinformation about election fraud and pressured state and federal officials to assist in that effort.
OBSTRUCTION OF AN OFFICIAL PROCEEDING
Late last month, U.S. District Court Judge David Carter appeared somewhat swayed by the panel’s arguments. In ordering Eastman to turn over the materials, Carter wrote that the court “finds it more likely than not that President Trump corruptly attempted to obstruct the Joint Session of Congress on January 6, 2021.”
In the filing, the committee argued that Trump either attempted or succeeded at obstructing, influencing, or impeding the ceremonial process on Jan. 6 and “did so corruptly” by pressuring Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the results as he presided over the session. Pence declined to do so.
“President Trump and members of his campaign knew he had not won enough legitimate state electoral votes to be declared the winner of the 2020 Presidential election during the January 6 Joint Session of Congress, but the President nevertheless sought to use the Vice President to manipulate the results in his favor,” the committee wrote.
COMMON LAW FRAUD
The committee has also floated a charge of “common law fraud,” or falsely representing facts with the knowledge that they are false. Trump embarked on a wide-scale campaign to convince the public and federal judges that the 2020 election was fraudulent and that he, not Biden, won the Electoral College tally. Election officials and courts across the country, along with Trump’s attorney general, rejected those claims.
As an example of such fraud, the committee noted in the Eastman filing that a Justice Department official told Trump directly that a Facebook video posted by his campaign “purporting to show Georgia officials pulling suitcases of ballots from under a table” was false, yet the campaign continued to run it. Georgia officials also repeatedly denied the claim.
“The president continued to rely on this allegation in his efforts to overturn the results of the election,” the committee said.
DERELICTION OF DUTY
Though they didn’t lay it out in the Eastman filing, leaders of the House panel suggested earlier this year that they believe Trump could also be liable for “dereliction of duty,” or inaction as his supporters violently broke the windows and doors of the U.S. Capitol.
Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the committee chairman, said in January that “the harm that I see is the president of the United States seeing the Capitol of the United States under siege by people he sent to the Capitol and did nothing during that time.”
The committee’s vice chairwoman, Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyoming, noted that same month that the panel knows from “firsthand testimony” that Trump watched the attack happen on television. “We know that he did not walk the very few steps to the White House briefing room, get on camera immediately, and tell the people to stop and go home,” she said.
Cheney said it was hard “imagine a more significant and more serious dereliction of duty” than Trump’s failure to quell the insurrection.
FINANCIAL CRIMES
While the committee hasn’t floated specifics, it has created an internal task force to investigate financing for the massive rally on the National Mall the morning of Jan. 6 and any donors who might have backed transportation or other costs that could have helped foster the violence.
Asked earlier this year on CNN if they have any evidence of financial fraud, Thompson said members of the committee “have some concerns, but we have not made those concerns public at this point.”
“We do think it’s highly concerning on our part that people raised monies for one activity, and we can’t find the money being spent for that particular activity,” Thompson said. “So, we will continue to look at it. And the financing is one of those things that we will continue to look at very closely.”
UNCERTAINTY AHEAD
More than 775 rioters have been arrested for crimes related to the insurrection. Yet legal consequences have been elusive for Trump and the other top officials who told lies about election fraud and laid the groundwork for their actions.
Congress has no authority to prosecute, but can send so-called criminal referrals to the Justice Department. Garland can then decide whether to act.
Justice Department action would be far from guaranteed. And it’s uncertain whether any charges against the oft-investigated president would hold up in court. It could be difficult for prosecutors to craft a winning case against Trump.
The president urged on his massive crowd of supporters that morning and returned to the White House and watched them break into the Capitol on television. The rioters beat police, sent lawmakers running and interrupted the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Families facing higher prices for vacations
LOS ANGELES (CNN) - As the pandemic subsides, many American families feel they are in dire need of a vacation.
But just as coronavirus restrictions are lifting, travel prices are increasing.
Some families who haven’t traveled much in the last two to three years said they are determined to take a trip despite the sticker shock.
In California, tourists are paying some of the highest gas prices in the nation. Tourists are also paying higher airfares driven by unprecedented demand and higher hotel rates, like in Miami Beach, with an average price of more than $500 a night.
On the travel website Kayak, recent searches show the average domestic flight to Panama City, Florida, for example, costs $494. In March 2019, that would have averaged just over $300.
The Cabara family flew from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Los Angeles.
“Once we got out here we realized that things are very expensive right now,” one family member said.
They decided against a rental car, the average rental car in the U.S. averages $76 a day, more than $20 higher than two years ago, according to Kayak.
But even without a rental car, the family said they’re actually spending more money in Uber than they did flying out West.
That’s likely because regular gas is on average more than $4 a gallon this month, the highest of any month in history and up from $2.51 in March 2019.
That’s affecting Kami Farhadi, the chairman of Starline Tours, who said the company typically spends $100 a day on fuel for the buses and now they’re spending $200 every day.
“We’ve still maintained our prices at the moment, but we’re going to have to look at going to full summer pricing right now rather than waiting until the summer,” Farhadi said.
Kayak shows hotel rates averaging about $300 per night, up nearly $70 since March of 2019.
Even theme parks will cost you more, from paid express lines to pricier food.
“People are accepting it, and they’re going. Now maybe they’re making adjustments along the way,” travel agent Elaine Edwards said.
While the cheapest single-day Disney tickets stayed the same price since 2019, there are now fewer days priced at “value season.”
Meanwhile, a discount tracking website, Mousesavers, shows the most expensive types of tickets at Disneyland and Disney World during the busiest season jumped 11 or 12% from two years ago.
“Wherever they go, however much it costs, some families say they just need to get out of the house now. And they’ll scale back later,” Edwards said.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/house-approves-bill-that-would-decriminalize-marijuana/
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House approves bill that would decriminalize marijuana
WASHINGTON (Gray News) - The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a bill Friday that would decriminalize marijuana at the federal level.
If signed into law, it would remove marijuana from the controlled substances list and eliminate penalties for people who grow, distribute or possess it.
The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement, or MORE, Act bill passed by a 220-204 vote largely along party lines. Republican Reps. Tom McClintock, Brian Mast and Matt Gaetz joined most Democrats to vote in favor, while Democratic Reps. Henry Cuellar and Chris Pappas voted against it.
The bill also would allow the VA to recommend the use of medical marijuana to veterans with post-traumatic stress and other health issues. Federal agencies could no longer deny federal workers security clearance for marijuana use, and people convicted of non-violent marijuana offenses would have their records expunged, CNN reported.
In addition, taxes from marijuana production and sales would raise revenue.
Legislation would still likely need to get 60 votes in the Senate to overcome a filibuster.
A similar bill passed the House in December 2020 as well.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/mother-calls-end-tiktok-challenge-after-son-was-injured/
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Mother calls for end of TikTok challenge after son was injured
HARRIMAN, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) - A mother says her youngest son was riding home with a friend after playing in a high school baseball game when he became a victim of a challenge seen on TikTok.
Mary Cathers of Tennessee told WVLT a car pulled up beside the vehicle her son was in, and people shot at him with a pellet gun, in what many call the Orbeez Challenge, named after the water gel beads popular with children. Those beads are used as ammunition in the social media trend.
The mother said her son’s window was rolled down when he was hit several times on his shoulder and back, and the shots also left several dents on the friend’s vehicle.
“They were pretty shaken up. At that point in time, their adrenaline was high, but then they were so concerned about what if that was a real gun? How this could have ended a lot worse than what it was. As a parent, I wanted to make sure this wasn’t swept under the rug,” Cathers said.
The Harriman Police Department was working on the investigation. Detective Sgt. Kent Warren said they have had a few leads while working the case.
“I think that this is part of three separate incidents, but we haven’t been able to link them together yet,” Warren said. “We had three different reports within the same timeframe that night, so there’s a possibility that they’re connected.”
Cathers said she hadn’t heard of the TikTok Orbeez Challenge until this incident. She felt the challenge was to blame, and she wanted it to stop before it took someone’s life.
“This TikTok Challenge that’s going on everywhere in the United States, which kids think it’s funny, it’s not funny,” Cathers said. “This is a real deal. Someone is really going to get hurt. Someone is really going to get killed over it because someone is going to pull out a real gun thinking that they have a real gun.”
Knox County, Tennessee District Attorney General Charme Allen said people participating in the challenge could be charged with several crimes, from simple assault to felony assault, potentially facing years in prison.
Copyright 2022 WVLT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/police-5-year-old-dies-high-speed-pursuit-kidnapping-suspect/
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Police: 5-year-old dies in high-speed pursuit of kidnapping suspect
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Gray News) - A 5-year-old girl is dead following a high-speed chase in Florida.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office received calls of a kidnapping in progress Thursday night. They reported that the suspect was armed at the time of the kidnapping.
The sheriff’s office reported that when an officer attempted to stop the suspect’s vehicle, the driver fled with the 5-year-old victim in the car.
The sheriff’s office said the suspect then led police on a 30-mile chase on Interstate 95 that reached about 90 mph.
The suspect then drove off a ramp and into a pond while attempting to exit the interstate, according to the sheriff’s office.
Officers went into the water and apprehended the suspect, but the child was not immediately found.
The fire department later found the child at the bottom of the pond.
The sheriff’s office reported the suspect is facing several charges, including traffic homicide. The child’s identity has not been released at this time.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. CNN Newsource contributed to this report.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/3-army-soldiers-9-others-accused-gun-trafficking-ring/
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3 Army soldiers, 9 others accused in gun trafficking ring
WASHINGTON (AP) — Twelve people, including three U.S. Army soldiers, are accused in a large-scale gun trafficking ring that prosecutors allege supplied nearly 100 guns to gang members in Chicago and led to at least two killings, the Justice Department said Friday.
The soldiers — Demarcus Adams, 21; Jarius Brunson, 22; and Brandon Miller, 22 — were enlisted in the Army and stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, where they would legally purchase guns from local dealers in Tennessee and Kentucky, prosecutors charged. The soldiers are accused of selling them to members of the Gangster Disciples street gang in the Pocket Town neighborhood on Chicago’s south side, according to the 21-count indictment.
The indictment charges the group with conspiring to violate federal firearms laws, among other crimes. If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison.
The case is part of the Justice Department’s push to investigate and prosecute gun trafficking amid rising crime across the U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has vowed to prioritize prosecutions of firearms traffickers and so-called “straw purchasers,” who legally purchase firearms to sell them to people who can’t legally poses guns, often in states with more restrictive gun laws.
“The Justice Department will spare no resources to hold accountable criminal gun traffickers,” Garland said at a news conference Friday. “There is no hiding place for those who flood our communities with illegal guns. It does not matter where you are, or how far away you are. If you illegally traffic guns, we and our law enforcement partners nationwide will find you.”
Prosecutors allege Miller would receive orders from members of the Gangster Disciples in Chicago for specific guns to purchase and he, Brunson and Adams would then buy them from dealers in Clarksville, Tennessee and Oak Grove, Kentucky, and give them to gang members, who paid through money transfer apps, including Zelle and CashApp. Miller also advertised that he had 1,000 rounds of ammunition available for sale, prosecutors say.
Authorities believe the trio provided over 90 illegally obtained firearms to the gang “to facilitate the on-going violent disputes between the Pocket Town Gangster Disciples and their rival gangs,” the Justice Department said.
Investigators believe one of the guns was used in a shooting at a party in Chicago last March that left one man dead, and seven others wounded. Another was used in a killing at a Chicago barbershop in January 2021, according to officials.
The nine others charged in the indictment are: Blaise Smith, 29; Rahaeem Johnson, 24; Bryant Larkin, 33; Corey Curtis, 26; Elijah Tillman, 24; Lazarus Greenwood, 23; Dwight Lowry, 41; and Dreshion Parks, 25, all of Chicago; along with Terrell Mitchell, 27, of Davenport, Iowa. Two people who were alleged to be part of the conspiracy were killed “as a result of gang violence, which was facilitated by the firearms illegally transferred to individuals in the Chicago,” prosecutors say.
The indictment spells out how Miller would exchange messages with his associates in Chicago to negotiate the prices of the guns.
“The silver one a 380 u still want it it’s a steal,” Miller wrote to Lowry in December 2020, the indictment says. Lowry wrote back, “Yup can’t beat it,” according to court papers.
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This story has been corrected to show Fort Campbell is located in Kentucky, not Tennessee.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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72-year-old woman loses home, memories and life savings in Tennessee fire
SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) – A simple text of “is this your house?” quickly turned what had started as a normal day for Sue Barker into a grim reality.
When Barker left her home for work Wednesday morning, she didn’t know it would be the last time she would see it standing.
Barker had gotten word that mandatory evacuations were taking place near where she lived, but by the time she tried to return home, law enforcement told her it wasn’t safe and turned her away.
For a day and a half, Barker was left only with the clothes on her back. She questioned if her home was safe until she got a text with a picture of it burned to the ground Thursday afternoon.
“I wouldn’t have thought it was my house, but I have three wrought iron chairs with baskets of flowers in them, and I recognized the chairs. I never would have thought it was my house,” Barker told WVLT.
Inside were precious memories, like pictures of her children and grandchildren, along with jewelry and memories from her parents who have since passed away.
Along with her life savings in cash, Barker lost those moments in time that she says are more valuable than money.
Tubs of handwritten greeting cards from her grandchildren and children were likely destroyed in the flames.
“I was saving it for when I’m gone, then they can open it up and see, ‘Oh, Mom loved us enough to save the silly little drawings we did and stuff.’ I had a whole tub of those and I know they’re not there,” Barker said.
As many sought shelter from the fire that continued to burn, Barker stood strong in the face of adversity.
“I’m trying so hard to keep it together and stay calm because I’m alive. I thank God nobody has passed away in this. We made it through 2016, and we’ll make it through this,” Barker said.
For the next few days, Barker has a hotel room paid for her by family and friends. She will continue to figure out what the next steps are as she contemplates where she will live.
Copyright 2022 WVLT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/alaska-airlines-cancels-dozens-flights-pilots-picket/
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Alaska Airlines cancels dozens of flights as pilots picket
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Dozens of flights along the West Coast were canceled Friday as Alaska Airlines pilots picketed during ongoing contract negotiations with the airline.
More than 100 Alaska Airlines flights were canceled by the airline, including 66 in Seattle, 20 in Portland, Oregon, 10 in Los Angeles and seven in San Francisco, according to the flight tracking website flightaware.com. Flights were also expected to be affected in Anchorage, Alaska. Pilots planned to hold a rally and picket in all those cities on Friday, according to a union website.
Pilots with the Air Lines Pilots Association also protested last week in New York City outside the airline’s Investor Relations Day in a precursor of Friday’s picket.
The bargaining actions come as air travel rebounds to pre-pandemic levels and demand is surging as many Americans head off on spring break for long-delayed vacations. Frustrated travelers vented on social media about botched vacation plans and reported that there was a five-hour wait to speak with an airline representative about rescheduling flights.
Pilots have been in contract negotiations with the airline for nearly three years, and the two sides are at an impasse.
The union says Alaska Airlines did not adequately prepare for a return to air travel after the pandemic and didn’t take the necessary steps to retain or attract pilots as demand bounced back. Issues that still need to be resolved include job security, work rules and quality-of-life provisions that provide flexibility and reasonable schedules, it said in a statement, and the current pilot contract falls well behind those at comparable airlines in several key sections.
Alaska Airlines said Friday that it values its pilots and respects their right to picket, but it also needs to negotiate a deal that allows the airline to maintain growth and profitability. Alaska Airlines is working to recover $2.3 billion in losses from the COVID-19 pandemic, it said in a statement.
The airline said it currently offers competitive salaries for its pilots. For example, an Alaska Airlines captain’s average salary is currently $341,000 per year, the airline said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Hope Solo arrested on DWI, child abuse charges
Published: Apr. 1, 2022 at 4:04 PM CDT|Updated: 5 minutes ago
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Former U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Hope Solo has been arrested in North Carolina after police say she was found passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle with her two children inside.
A police report says Solo was arrested in a shopping center parking lot in Winston-Salem and charged with driving while impaired, resisting a public officer and misdemeanor child abuse.
She has been released from jail and has a court date of June 28.
Arrest reports say a passerby noticed Solo passed out behind the steering wheel for more than an hour with the vehicle’s engine running and two children in the backseat.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Man found guilty of raping, impregnating 11-year-old girl
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Gray News) - A Tennessee man was convicted Thursday of raping and impregnating an 11-year-old girl in 2016.
According to the Shelby County District Attorney’s office, it took the jury less than 20 minutes to find Gregory Hickman, 29, guilty of raping a child.
According to testimony this week, the child’s mother said that in October 2016, she noticed her daughter’s stomach felt hard in a way that appeared to be a pregnancy. The girl then told her mom that Hickman had raped her earlier that year.
The girl said that Hickman, who was a family friend, was walking her home from a store and suggested they take a shortcut. When they got to a bushy area, Hickman then raped her, the girl said. She also said Hickman said he would kill her if she told anybody about the rape.
In December 2016, the young girl gave birth. DNA testing confirmed Hickman was the father.
Hickman will be sentenced on May 12. He remains in police custody and has another rape case pending involving a 13-year-old victim who was the daughter of his girlfriend.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/man-sentenced-37-months-prison-role-multi-state-dog-fighting-ring/
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Man sentenced to 37 months in prison for role in multi-state dog fighting ring
(Gray News) - A Virginia man was sentenced to more than three years in prison for his role in a multi-state dog fighting conspiracy.
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) said Raymond L. Johnson, 41, was sentenced Thursday to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Johnson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in an animal fighting venture and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Johnson’s arrest was the result of a lengthy investigation, starting in November 2019 when police investigated a criminal organization involved in dog fighting based out of Richmond, Virginia, and extending into Baltimore, Maryland. In late 2020, police executed multiple search warrants and rescued numerous dogs that were being used for dog fighting.
The DOJ said Johnson hosted at least two dog fights at his residence, videos of which were found by police. Nine dogs were rescued from Johnson’s home, all with scarring consistent with dog fighting.
The DOJ said investigators also found Johnson communicating with his co-conspirators about breeding and fighting dogs, past dog fights, and upcoming dog fights.
Agents also found firearms and ammunition at Johnson’s home. As a convicted felon, it was illegal for Johnson to possess those items.
“Raymond Johnson actively participated in a multi-state criminal enterprise that caused the needless suffering of innocent animals,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Johnson’s sentence demonstrates that dog fighting is a serious crime, which deserves a substantial penalty.”
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/man-who-slept-19-years-dies-nearly-20-years-after-miracle-awakening/
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‘The Man Who Slept 19 Years’ dies nearly 20-years after miracle awakening
Mountain View, Ark. (KAIT) – A man who made international news after waking up from a 19-year coma died this week.
Terry Wallis suffered a debilitating car crash on July 13, 1984. He remained in a comatose state until June 11, 2003.
According to his obituary, Wallis’ accident happened six-weeks after his daughter was born when his truck skidded off a bridge in Stone County. Wallis was found unresponsive and was taken to the hospital. After a year in a coma, Wallis stabilized into a minimally conscious state, but doctors believed his condition would not improve.
Wallis’ improvement shocked the world. Known as “The Man Who Slept 19 years,” he became the subject of many news and medical articles, including Time Magazine and Mayo Clinic publications.
The American Journal of Medicine in 2006 reported Wallis as being the first person ever documented to regenerate brain cells, according to his daughter, Amber.
In his obituary, Wallis’ family wrote that “his family would bring him home on alternate weekends for years” and doctors believe the stimulation contributed to his awakening.
Described as a man who enjoyed “eating anything at anytime and loved drinking Pepsi,” Wallis died on March 29, 2022.
A funeral for Wallis was held on April 1, 2022.
Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/number-covid-patients-us-hospitals-reaches-record-low/
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Number of COVID patients in US hospitals reaches record low
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — COVID-19 hospitalization numbers have plunged to their lowest levels since the early days of the pandemic, offering a much needed break to health care workers and patients alike following the omicron surge.
The number of patients hospitalized with the coronavirus has fallen more than 90% in more than two months, and some hospitals are going days without a single COVID-19 patient in the ICU for the first time since early 2020.
The freed-up beds are expected to help U.S. hospitals retain exhausted staff, treat non-COVID-19 patients more quickly and cut down on inflated costs. More family members can visit loved ones. And doctors hope to see a correction to the slide in pediatric visits, yearly checkups and cancer screenings.
“We should all be smiling that the number of people sitting in the hospital right now with COVID, and people in intensive care units with COVID, are at this low point,” said University of South Florida epidemiologist Jason Salemi.
But, he said, the nation “paid a steep price to get to this stage. ... A lot of people got sick and a lot of people died.”
The average number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in the last week nationwide dropped to 11,860, the lowest since 2020 and a steep decline from the peak of more than 145,000 set in mid-January. The previous low was 12,041 last June, before the delta variant took hold. The optimistic trend is also clear in ICU patient numbers, which have dipped to fewer than 2,000, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“We’re beginning to be able to take a breath,” said Dr. Jeffrey Weinstein, the patient safety officer for the Kettering Health hospital system in western Ohio.
COVID-19 patients had filled 30% of Kettering Health’s nearly 1,600 hospital beds back in January, Weinstein said. Kettering’s eight hospitals now average two to three COVID-19 admissions a day — and sometimes zero.
And while Salemi agreed this is a good time for an exhausted health care system to take a breath, he warned that the public health community needs to keep an eye on the BA.2 subvariant of omicron. It’s driving increases in hospitalizations in Britain, and is now estimated to make up more than half of U.S. infections.
“We’re probably under-detecting true infections now more than at any other time during the pandemic,” Salemi said.
For now at least, many hospitals are noting the low numbers.
In California on Thursday, UC Davis Health tweeted that its intensive care unit had no COVID-19 patients for two consecutive days for the first time in two years.
“The first COVID-19 patient to arrive in our ICU did so in February 2020, and the unit treated at least one positive individual every day since, for at least 761 consecutive days,” the hospital system said.
Toby Marsh, the chief nursing and patient care services officer, said in a statement that they hope the numbers “are indicative of a sustained change.”
In Philadelphia, patients are spending less time in the Temple University Health System because there are no longer backlogs for MRIs, CT scans and lab tests, said Dr. Tony Reed, the chief medical officer.
Temple Health’s three hospitals had six adult COVID-19 patients on Thursday, likely its lowest patient count since March 2020, Reed said.
During the omicron surge, patients waited as long as 22 hours for a routine MRI, which is normally done within 12 hours. Longer waits affected those who came in with trouble walking — and in a lot of pain — for example, because of a herniated disc pinching their sciatic nerve.
“Nobody wants to stay in the hospital a day longer than they have to,” Reed said.
The emptying of beds is also helping patients in rural areas, said Jay Anderson, the chief operating officer for Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. During the surges, the hospital faced challenges accepting people from community hospitals who needed elevated care for brain tumors, advanced cancer and stroke. That burden is now being lifted.
Visitors also will return in higher numbers, starting Tuesday. Ohio State will no longer restrict patients to two designated guests, who could only stop by separately.
“Patients heal better when they have access to their family and loved ones,” Anderson said.
Doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists are also getting a much needed break in some areas.
In Colorado, Dr. Michelle Barron said the consistently low COVID-19 hospitalizations prompted smiles among staff, even as she double-checks the numbers to make sure they’re actually correct.
“I had one of these moments like, oh this is amazing,” said Barron, medical director of infection prevention and control at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. “It feels unreal.”
UCHealth loosened some restrictions, including dropping testing requirements for anyone who entered a facility. And while that produced some anxiety among staffers, Barron says the numbers haven’t spiked.
“I think some people have started to take vacations and not feel guilty,” she said. “I had spring break with my kids and it was a level of happiness where I went, oh my god, this is actually normal.”
The omicron surge had stretched staff at work — but also at home, said Dr. Mike Hooper, chief medical officer for Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in southeastern Virginia.
“It was stressful to be at the store ... to visit your family,” Hooper said. “We’re all hoping that some ‘return to normalcy’ will help people deal with the inherent stresses of being part of the health care team.”
But just because hospitalizations are down does not mean hospitals are empty, said Dr. Frank Johnson, chief medical officer for St. Luke’s Health System in Idaho.
Some measures — like wearing masks in certain settings — will remain in place.
“I don’t know when we may go back to old practices regarding mask wearing in our clinical areas,” Johnson said. “We’ve seen some benefits of that in terms of reduction in the number of other viral infections.”
In the meantime, the public health community is keeping an eye on the BA.2 subvariant of omicron.
Salemi, the University of South Florida epidemiologist, said the increase in at-home testing means that more results are not being included in official coronavirus case counts. Therefore, wastewater surveillance will be the early warning signal to watch, he said.
“BA.2 is here,” he said. “We don’t have to look that far in the rear-view mirror to know things can change very rapidly. We saw what happened with delta. We saw what happened with omicron.... We don’t want to wait until we see a lot of people hospitalized before we take action.”
___
Kruesi reported from Nashville, Tennessee. AP Medical writer Carla K. Johnson in Washington state contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/student-classmates-raisin-roof-after-she-wins-national-contest/
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Student, classmates ‘raisin’ the roof after she wins national contest
POCAHONTAS, Ark. (KAIT) - Horns blared as the band performed for the entire fourth grade. One student danced along, oblivious to the fact that the assembly was all for her.
Madelynn Moffett--with a little help from her mother, Sherrill--started a social media campaign to garner votes for the national Sun-Maid Board of Imagination Competition.
For the competition, she wrote a short story about a raisin and made a video. In late February, she was named one of 11 finalists across the United States, and the only one from Arkansas.
Then, she stepped her campaign up a notch.
We interviewed Madelynn in early March where she pleaded with voters across Region 8 to help her get past the finish line. Well, the results are in.
Friday morning, the Pocahontas High School Band acted as a cover story to get all the fourth graders at M.D. Williams Intermediate School into the gymnasium.
Following a handful of songs, the principal interrupted the assembly.
As the announcement was made that she was one of six winners, she hugged her best friend and held back tears.
Her mother and grandparents, who traveled several hours to be there, were not as successful in fighting the waterworks.
A girl who loves to perform was the center of attention as she was celebrated in front of her entire class with a backing band. She’s a natural Frank Sinatra that does everything “Her Way.”
She was as shocked as ever when the balloons came out.
“I was shaking and I told my best friend ‘What is happening?’ I was so scared, like, what if I won? And I’m like, why are they bringing out raisin stuff? And I was confused but I was like ‘Oh! This might lead to something,’” she said with a giggle.
Her win awards her a $5,000 scholarship for college, a spot on the Board of Imagination for a year, and a trip to California at the end of April. Additionally, her school will receive a $5,000 grant and a year’s worth of Sun-Maid products.
She thanked everyone who helped her win and had a special, pun-inspired message for her biggest supporters: “I want to thank my parents for raisin me.”
Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/vanna-white-announces-death-her-father/
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Vanna White announces death of her father
Published: Apr. 1, 2022 at 2:46 PM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (Gray News) – “Wheel of Fortune” hostess Vanna White announced the death of her father on Twitter Friday.
She didn’t name her dad in the Tweet but described him as being “one of the kindest and most wonderful human beings of North Myrtle Beach.”
The South Carolina native said her 96-year-old father passed away peacefully Friday morning.
White and her co-host Pat Sajak have worked side by side for more than 7,000 episodes of “Wheel of Fortune and are nightly staples in millions of homes across America.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/2022/04/01/video-man-escapes-dog-cage-while-detained-k-9-vehicle-deputies-resign/
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VIDEO: Man escapes dog cage while detained in K-9 vehicle, deputies resign
PENDER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT/Gray News) - An investigation continues in North Carolina, where two deputies are out of a job after an arrest of a man that went wrong.
The Pender County Sheriff’s Office reports the incident in question occurred on Feb. 27 when officers responded to a situation where a couple was fighting in a supermarket parking lot.
WECT reports a female deputy detained the woman, and a male deputy detained the man involved in the fight once they arrived at the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.
However, the male deputy’s patrol car was being repaired, and he was driving a K-9 handler’s car as a substitute vehicle.
The K-9 vehicle was equipped with a dog cage in the back instead of space to detain and transport suspects.
Authorities said the man involved in the fight was highly combative and armed with a gun. Deputies had to wrestle him to the ground to get him in handcuffs. Deputies then needed a place to put him and said they were advised by a supervisor that “a cage is a cage” and put the suspect in the back of the K-9 unit.
The backseat of the vehicle had plenty of space, but it had no seat or seat belts as it was designed to hold a dog.
Typically, deputies would have left immediately for jail, but they could not legally transport the suspect without a seat belt for him.
Therefore, police waited for backup to arrive with the proper transport vehicle. However, this took about 30 minutes, and during this time, the suspect got loose. According to the sheriff’s office, he managed to remove the dog door inside the deputy’s car and crawled into the front seat of the K-9 vehicle before leaving the scene.
WECT obtained body camera video of the incident in question.
About 19 minutes into the video, additional deputies arrived at the scene and the four officers strategized on how they will move the detainee.
The video then shows them holding leg shackles, a Taser and a service weapon as they prepare for a potentially combative transfer from the K-9 vehicle.
However, when they turned back around, the driver’s side door of the K-9 vehicle was open, and the man was gone.
The sheriff’s office confirmed the suspect was able to retrieve his gun, money and drugs during the escape.
About two hours after the arrest, the sheriff’s office put out a news release asking for the public’s help finding the suspect who escaped. But authorities had mistakenly identified the incorrect person as the suspect.
So, the sheriff’s office corrected the release the next day, but 30 days later, the original man in question remains on the loose.
After the escape, the deputies involved in the arrest were placed on administrative leave while the sheriff’s office conducted an internal investigation.
The deputies said they were not given the proper equipment to do their job, putting them in a dangerous position - setting the stage for the detainee to escape.
Both deputies resigned in the weeks that followed, saying that they felt they were being forced out despite their previously excellent track records.
The two also released a joint statement:
“On February 27, we were both assigned to the most populated side of the county and were given improper equipment to perform our duties as Law Enforcement Officers. While responding to a domestic situation later that evening, we encountered an armed, combative subject.
After struggling for several minutes and placing the person in custody, we were forced to secure the arrestee who was still being combative in the K-9 vehicle as our only option. This was the safest option to protect ourselves and the community.
As deputies, we performed our duties with the equipment and resources given and did nothing wrong that evening. We were both truthful in all aspects of the internal investigation but sadly were forced to resign. This is an unfortunate situation and a devastating action toward two amazing deputies by Sheriff Alan Cutler.”
An internal investigation continues, and Sheriff Alan Cutler maintains that the vehicle used that night was not the issue.
“I have not seen a problem in this investigation with him actually placing that individual in the backseat of that car. But, obviously, we need to keep our eyes on an individual while they’re in there for their safety and for the law enforcement safety,” Cutler said.
While policy change may eventually result from this incident, Cutler said at this point the K-9 vehicle continues to be used for routine patrols as needed due to vehicle shortages at the department.
“Our deputies definitely could have done things better that night. And I acknowledge that I’m ultimately responsible for the actions of our deputies, whether I’m with them or not. We’ve always tried to be transparent, and we will continue to be. Basically, the only thing we can do now is trying to do the right thing in the aftermath,” Cutler said.
Copyright 2022 WECT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/aana-announces-bill-bruce-chief-executive-officer/
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PARK RIDGE, Ill., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) Board of Directors has appointed William "Bill" Bruce, MBA, CAE, to serve as AANA's Chief Executive Officer, effective June 27, 2022.
"Our board of directors is thrilled to introduce a leader of Bill's caliber into our professional community," said Dr. Dina Velocci, DNP, CRNA, APRN, president of the AANA. "Bill has the qualifications and expertise to further the AANA into a greater, more successful association, and promote excellence in nurse anesthesiology by uniting, supporting and connecting our nation's nearly 60,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and students."
Bruce has nearly 20 years of association executive experience. Since 2017, he served as CEO of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, where he led the organization through a period of prolific change. He expanded the visibility of the profession and organization by increasing its products and services, engaging in public awareness campaigns, and building relationships with new and existing stakeholders. He led a strategic reimagining of the entire organization's governance structure and related procedures to introduce greater stability, strategic focus, transparency and inclusion to its leadership, and he ensured a steady voice for the organization across broader healthcare communities.
Bruce's executive experience also includes serving as Chief Technology Officer at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and as Chief Information Officer at the American Psychiatric Association. Prior to these roles, Bruce worked in technology management in several private organizations. He earned a master's degree in business administration from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland and is an ASAE Certified Association Executive.
"It is an honor to be joining such a vibrant and focused association on nurse anesthesiology," said Bruce. "I am looking forward to guiding AANA and its members into a strong and bright future."
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/abf-freight-host-dayton-area-hiring-event/
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ArcBest LTL carrier offering hiring bonuses for full-time road drivers, driver trainees, forklift operators
FORT SMITH, Ark., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ArcBest® (Nasdaq: ARCB), a leader in supply chain logistics, announced today that its less-than-truckload carrier, ABF Freight®, will host a two-day hiring event in Dayton, Ohio, on April 5-6, seeking full-time road drivers, full and part-time forklift operators, and participants in the company's road Driver Development Program. The company is offering signing bonuses of $10,000 for road drivers, $5,000 for driver trainees and full-time forklift operators, and $250 for part-time forklift operators, available on the first day of employment.
"There's never been a better time to join the ABF team," said Seth Runser, ABF Freight president. "Our people are at the heart of our success, and our values-driven culture has created an environment where people can grow and thrive — it's more than just a job, it's a career. If you live in the Dayton area and you're looking to join a company with excellent benefits, frequent home time and ongoing training opportunities, we hope to see you at the event."
On April 5 and 6, ABF will host interested candidates from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at its service center, located at 8051 Center Point 70 Blvd., Dayton, Ohio. No appointment is necessary. Driver candidates should be at least 21 years old.
At the event, candidates can expect:
- Assistance with job applications
- Interviews with ABF recruiters
- Potential job offers made that day
ABF Freight is one of the nation's largest and most trusted less-than-truckload carriers, operating in both short- and long-haul markets across North America. ABF employs more than 10,000 people across over 240 locations, and over 53 percent of ABF drivers have been employed with the company for more than 10 years.
Full-time ABF drivers and dock workers receive Teamster Union Scale wages, 100 percent company-paid health insurance for employees and their families, personal days, sick leave and paid holidays, and they are covered by a pension plan at no expense to the employee.
For additional information about this hiring event, visit https://joinabf.com/hiring-event, or to view current job openings across the country visit jobs.abf.com.
ArcBest® (Nasdaq: ARCB) is a multibillion-dollar integrated logistics company that helps keep the global supply chain moving. Founded in 1923 and now with over 14,000 employees across more than 250 campuses and service centers, the company is a logistics powerhouse, fueled by the simple notion of finding a way to get the job done. Through innovative thinking, agility and trust, ArcBest leverages its full suite of shipping and logistics solutions to meet customers' critical needs, each and every day. For more information, visit arcb.com.
Media Contact: Autumnn Mahar
Email: amahar@arcb.com
Phone: 479-494-8221
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE ArcBest
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/american-honda-posts-strong-march-sales-with-slight-improvement-product-supply/
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American Honda Posts Strong March Sales with Slight Improvement in Product Supply Published: Apr. 1, 2022 at 12:25 PM CDT | Updated: 4 hours ago
American Honda sales near 110,000 units, best since August 2021 , on improved supply and sustained demand Honda sets new monthly record for electrified vehicles on strong sales of CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid HR-V scored a 14th straight monthly sales record as March sales set a new all-time sales mark for any month Acura posts best month since August 2021 , with sales topping 13,000 units in March Acura SUVs near 10,000 units based on best MDX sales since May 2021 Pre-sales of hot-selling new Type S model help Acura MDX flagship top 6,400 units in March TORRANCE, Calif. , April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
American Honda sales near 110,000 units, best since August 2021, on improved supply and sustained demand. Honda set a new monthly record for electrified vehicles on strong sales of CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid.(PRNewswire)
American Honda
Acura
Honda
Total
Cars
Trucks
Total
Cars
Trucks
Total
Cars
Trucks
Q1
266,418
89,373
177,045
28,236
6,800
21,436
238,182
82,573
155,609
-23.2%
-27.3%
-21%
-25.5%
-26.8%
-25%
-23%
-27.3%
-20.5%
Total
Cars
Trucks
Total
Cars
Trucks
Total
Cars
Trucks
March
108,075
32,249
75,826
13,220
3,301
9,919
94,855
28,948
65,907
-27.2%
-39.6%
-20.3%
-25.9%
-24%
-26.5%
-27.4%
-41%
-19.3%
"Like much of the industry, we're riding a bit of a roller coaster due to fluctuating parts supply issues, but strong March sales for Honda and Acura speak to the fact that demand remains strong and our retail deliveries are based primarily on what we can supply to our dealers," said Dave Gardner , executive vice president of Business & Sales at American Honda. "We aren't out of the woods yet, but we will continue to manage the supply issues to maximize production and help our dealers meet the needs of our customers."
HONDA
BRAND REPORT
Sales Highlights
Notes
While the award-winning Civic remains in extremely tight supply, stronger availability of hybrid-electric models contributed to the Honda brand posting relatively strong sales of nearly 95,000 units in March.
Higher gas prices and increased supply of CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid help Honda set new monthly record for electrified vehicles (12,635) HR-V set an all-time monthly sales record and a 14th straight monthly mark sustaining momentum for the April reveal of the all-new 2023 HR-V CR-V posts best month since July 2021 with sales nearing 30,000 (29,943) units on improved supply and CR-V Hybrid's best-ever sales month (6,932) Accord nears 18,000 March sales on record month (4,857) for Accord Hybrid Honda will reveal the all-new sporty and versatile 2023 HR-V this month, the first of three new SUVs to be introduced this year.
Six 2022 Honda models earned a TOP SAFETY PICK rating or better from IIHS, and all fully tested Honda vehicles earn NHTSA's top NCAP crash-test ratings.
ACURA
BRAND REPORT
Sales Highlights
Notes
Acura posted strong March sales topping 13,000 units based on strong sales of SUVs and the best month for Acura sedans since August 2021.
Acura SUV sales near 10,000 units, led by best sales month since May 2021 for MDX Demand for TLX Type S help lead Acura sedan sales to nearly 3,300 units Type S direction resonates with buyers, driving MDX, TLX and NSX Type S variants to strong March sales. First two months of manual transmission production is pre-sold, with over 75% of 2023 Integra pre-orders for the three-pedal model.
Deliveries of MDX Type S have begun, the most powerful, best handling and best equipped Acura SUV ever.
American Honda Vehicle Sales for March 2022
Month-to-Date
Year-to-Date
March 2022
March 2021***
DSR** % Change
MoM % Change
March 2022
March 2021***
DSR** % Change
YoY % Change
American Honda Total
108,075
148,538
-29.9%
-27.2%
266,418
347,091
-24.3%
-23.2%
Total Car Sales
32,249
53,366
-41.8%
-39.6%
89,373
122,853
-28.2%
-27.3%
Total Truck Sales
75,826
95,172
-23.3%
-20.3%
177,045
224,238
-22.1%
-21.0%
Honda
Total Car Sales
28,948
49,023
-43.1%
-41.0%
82,573
113,565
-28.3%
-27.3%
Honda
Total Truck Sales
65,907
81,684
-22.3%
-19.3%
155,609
195,638
-21.5%
-20.5%
Acura
Total Car Sales
3,301
4,343
-26.8%
-24.0%
6,800
9,288
-27.8%
-26.8%
Acura
Total Truck Sales
9,919
13,488
-29.2%
-26.5%
21,436
28,600
-26.0%
-25.0%
* Total Domestic Car Sales
31,552
45,957
-33.9%
-31.3%
87,298
106,592
-19.2%
-18.1%
Domestic
Car
Honda Division
28,252
41,656
-34.7%
-32.2%
80,500
97,448
-18.5%
-17.4%
Acura Division
3,300
4,301
-26.1%
-23.3%
6,798
9,144
-26.6%
-25.7%
* Total Domestic Truck Sales
75,826
95,172
-23.3%
-20.3%
177,045
224,237
-22.1%
-21.0%
Domestic
Truck
Honda Division
65,907
81,684
-22.3%
-19.3%
155,609
195,637
-21.5%
-20.5%
Acura Division
9,919
13,488
-29.2%
-26.5%
21,436
28,600
-26.0%
-25.0%
Total Import Car Sales
697
7,409
-90.9%
-90.6%
2,075
16,261
-87.4%
-87.2%
Import
Car
Honda Division
696
7,367
-90.9%
-90.6%
2,073
16,117
-87.3%
-87.1%
Acura Division
1
42
-97.7%
-97.6%
2
144
-98.6%
-98.6%
Total Import Truck Sales
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
0
1
-100.0%
-100.0%
Import
Truck
Honda Division
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
0
1
-100.0%
-100.0%
Acura Division
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
0
0
0.0%
0.0%
MODEL BREAKOUT BY DIVISION
Honda Division Total
94,855
130,707
-30.1%
-27.4%
238,182
309,203
-24.0%
-23.0%
Honda
Car
ACCORD
17,658
19,968
-14.8%
-11.6%
42,039
46,591
-11.0%
-9.8%
CIVIC
10,444
24,522
-59.0%
-57.4%
38,515
55,903
-32.0%
-31.1%
CLARITY
83
464
-82.8%
-82.1%
154
1,147
-86.8%
-86.6%
INSIGHT
763
1,682
-56.3%
-54.6%
1,865
3,859
-52.3%
-51.7%
Truck
CR-V
29,943
37,711
-23.5%
-20.6%
58,579
93,766
-38.4%
-37.5%
HR-V
15,341
11,625
27.1%
32.0%
42,168
26,175
59.0%
61.1%
ODYSSEY
4,973
9,193
-47.9%
-45.9%
11,210
20,066
-44.9%
-44.1%
PASSPORT
3,470
4,914
-32.0%
-29.4%
10,474
11,610
-11.0%
-9.8%
PILOT
8,828
12,160
-30.1%
-27.4%
23,989
31,451
-24.7%
-23.7%
RIDGELINE
3,352
6,081
-46.9%
-44.9%
9,189
12,570
-27.9%
-26.9%
Acura Division Total
13,220
17,831
-28.6%
-25.9%
28,236
37,888
-26.5%
-25.5%
Acura
Car
ILX
1,493
1,253
14.7%
19.2%
3,761
2,986
24.3%
26.0%
NSX
25
7
243.9%
257.1%
46
17
167.0%
170.6%
RLX / RL
1
42
-97.7%
-97.6%
2
144
-98.6%
-98.6%
TLX
1,782
3,041
-43.6%
-41.4%
2,991
6,141
-51.9%
-51.3%
Truck
MDX
6,405
8,782
-29.8%
-27.1%
13,558
16,988
-21.3%
-20.2%
RDX
3,514
4,706
-28.1%
-25.3%
7,878
11,612
-33.1%
-32.2%
Selling Days
27
26
75
74
**** Electrified Vehicles
12,661
10,488
16.2%
20.7%
25,361
24,609
1.7%
3.1%
* Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic & global sourced parts
** Daily Selling Rate
*** 2021 totals include Honda and Acura model(s) discontinued following the 2020 model year
**** Electrified Vehicles equal: Total sales of Hybrid (FHEV & PHEV), EVs (BEV) and Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV) from the Honda and Acura brands.
American Honda Posts Strong March Sales with Slight Improvement in Product Supply Honda Logo. (PRNewsFoto/American Honda Motor Co., Inc.) (PRNewsfoto/American Honda Motor Co., Inc.)(PRNewswire) View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc.
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/april-is-national-donate-life-month/
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Celebrating the generosity of donors and the lives they save
RICHMOND, Va. , April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Each April, Donate Life America (DLA) leads National Donate Life Month (NDLM), an observance to focus national attention on the need and importance of organ, eye and tissue donation. National Donate Life Month is about the importance of registering your decision to be a donor, and honoring deceased and living donors — recognizing that the generosity of donors makes saving lives through transplantation possible.
Donate LifeTM is the national brand for the cause of donation, uniting the hundreds of donation and transplantation organizations; the hundreds of thousands of recipients, living donors, donor families, supporters and patients waiting; and the 170 million people who have registered their decision to be a donor at the end of their life.
More than 100,000 people across the country are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Thousands more people are waiting for lifesaving and healing cornea and tissue transplants. Because only 3 in 1000 people die in a way that allows for organ donation to take place, it is vitally important for everyone to register their lifesaving decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor. Learning more about and considering living donation is another way to help those waiting for a second chance at life.
Ways to participate in National Donate Life Month 2022:
Give hope and help save lives by registering your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at your local DMV, on RegisterMe.org or in the Medical ID tab of your iPhone Health app. To those who have already registered their donation decision, thank you! Help continue to save lives by sharing the Donate Life message, educating others about the need and how their generosity can help save and heal lives.
The 2022 National Donate Life Month Artwork was inspired by the vital role that bees play in sustaining life. Bees are a small but powerful life force, working together with dedication, collaboration and a strong sense of community. NDLM art is used in resources and events throughout April.
Join key celebrations throughout April to support the Donate Life cause online and in your community:
Donate Life Living Donor Day, April 6, 2022
Join us in thanking all living donors for their lifesaving generosity! This celebration invites the public to honor living donors and learn more about living donation.
Blue & Green Spirit Week, April 16-22, 2022
Each day of the week leading up to National Donate Life Blue & Green Day is dedicated to a special theme. Information and free public resources are available at DonateLife.net/celebrations.
National Donate Life Blue & Green Day, April 22, 2022
On Donate Life Blue & Green Day, we invite everyone to show their blue & green colors in support of the Donate Life message and mission. DLA hosts an annual National Donate Life Blue & Green Day Photo Contest at DonateLife.net/blue-green-day/. The photo contest is open to the public, and each year photos are submitted showcasing incredible blue and green spirit and creativity.
National Pediatric Transplant Week, April 24-30, 2022
The last full week of National Donate Life Month is dedicated to kids. National Pediatric Transplant Week (NPTW) focuses on ending the pediatric transplant waiting list. Information and free public resources are available at DonateLife.net/pediatric-transplant-week.
Thank you to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), the American Society of Transplantation (AST), the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS), the International Transplant Nurses Society (ITNS) and Transplant Families for their partnership in helping develop and grow this important week
*Data from the Donate Life America (DLA) Registry Overview Report, organdonor.gov, and Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) as of March 2022
About Donate Life America
Donate Life America (DLA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization leading its national partners and Donate Life State Teams to increase the number of donated organs, eyes and tissues available to save and heal lives. DLA owns, manages and promotes Donate Life℠, the national brand for the cause of donation; motivates the public to register as organ, eye and tissue donors; provides education about living donation; manages the National Donate Life Registry at RegisterMe.org; and develops and executes effective multi-media campaigns to promote donation.
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SOURCE Donate Life America
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/aptiv-release-first-quarter-2022-financial-results/
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DUBLIN, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Aptiv PLC (NYSE: APTV), will release its first quarter 2022 financial results on May 5, and will hold an investor call the same day at 8:00 a.m. EDT. The call will be hosted by Aptiv's President and Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Clark, and Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President, Business Operations, Joseph Massaro.
A link to the live webcast and presentation materials will be available on the Aptiv Investor Relations website at ir.aptiv.com. A replay will be available two hours following the conference call.
To participate by telephone, please dial 800.239.9838 (U.S.) or +1 323.794.2551 (international) 15 minutes prior to the start of the call and ask to be connected to the Aptiv PLC conference call. The conference ID number is 4320599.
About Aptiv
Aptiv is a global technology company that develops safer, greener and more connected solutions enabling a more sustainable future of mobility. Visit aptiv.com.
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SOURCE Aptiv PLC
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20220401
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/atlanta-gas-light-reminds-communities-call-before-you-dig-during-safe-digging-month/
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ATLANTA, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Warmer temperatures have finally arrived and before customers spring into outdoor home projects, Atlanta Gas Light is reminding communities to "Call Before You Dig" in honor of Safe Digging Month this April.
Atlanta Gas Light encourages customers to dial 811 to have underground utility lines marked before any digging project. This includes fence installation, paving projects, or installing a pool. It also applies to professional excavators when performing any work such as tunneling, grading, boring or blasting. Contacting 811 is also recommended for smaller, manual jobs such as planting trees or installing mailboxes.
To protect underground utilities and help ensure communities stay safe and connected, Atlanta Gas Light offers the following safe digging guidelines:
- Contact 811 Before You Dig: Before starting an outdoor digging project, contact 811 or visit georgia811.com to request having underground utility lines marked at least three days prior to digging. This service is free and required by law.
- Allow the Required Time for Marking: After contacting 811, allow time for the underground utility lines to be marked before digging. The approximate location of the lines will be marked with color-coded spray paint, flags or stakes that correspond to the utility. The natural gas markings will be yellow.
- Respect the Marks: Only use hand digging tools in areas near the utility line markings.
- Excavate Carefully: Make sure the marks remain visible during the project. If the markings are no longer visible, contact 811 to have lines remarked. If a natural gas line is damaged accidentally or the distinctive rotten-egg odor associated with natural gas is present, call 911 or the Atlanta Gas Light 24-hour emergency phone line at 1-877-427-4321 from a safe location.
Atlanta Gas Light's Safe Digging Arcade is another way for families to learn more about the importance of safe digging. Complete all eight activities to become a Safe Digging champion! The arcade uses science, engineering, technology and math (STEM) to educate children about how their families can stay safe and avoid damaging a utility line when digging around their homes.
Atlanta Gas Light is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Atlanta Gas Light provides natural gas delivery service to more than 1.6 million customers in Georgia. In operation since 1856, the company is one of the oldest corporations in the state. For more information, visit atlantagaslight.com.
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.3 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with approximately 666,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.
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SOURCE Atlanta Gas Light
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20220401
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/bayport-donates-10000-ukrainian-credit-union-displacement-fund/
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NEWPORT NEWS, Va., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BayPort Credit Union announced it is donating $10,000 to The Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund through the Worldwide Foundation of Credit Unions.
The Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund was established to provide direct monetary support to mitigate both short and long-term impacts to Ukraine's credit union system, including impacts affecting their employees and members.
"We are saddened and troubled by the tragedies unfolding in Ukraine, and want to leverage our support in whatever way we can," said Jim Mears, President/CEO of BayPort Credit Union. "Our credit union philosophy of 'People Helping People' doesn't end here at home in the Greater Hampton Roads Virginia area. We are honored to make this contribution to support and help stabilize Ukraine's credit union community."
Visit www.bayportcu.org to learn more.
BayPort is the region's only Community Development Financial Institution and a National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Low-Income Designated Credit Union. Membership is open to those who live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in the Greater Hampton Roads area. BayPort is ranked in the top five percent of credit unions nationwide by asset size.
About BayPort
In 1928, nine shipyard workers from Newport News Shipbuilding formed an organization with a specific purpose as a low-interest source of loans and a trusted place to deposit money. Today, BayPort Credit Union is rated a Superior 5-Star credit union by Bauer Financial, managing $2.2 billion in assets and servicing nearly 148,000 individuals and businesses with 27 branch locations across the Virginia Peninsula and Southside communities. Visit us at www.bayportcu.org.
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SOURCE BayPort Credit Union
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20220401
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/benson-hill-host-an-investor-day-event/
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ST. LOUIS, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Benson Hill, Inc. (NYSE: BHIL) (the "Company" or "Benson Hill"), a food tech company unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants, today announced it will host an Investor Day on April 5, 2022. The in-person event at the St. Louis headquarters will feature management presentations and a full day of engaging and insightful tours, exhibits, and food experiences that highlight the Company's strategy, unique capabilities, and outlook.
A live video webcast of the executive management presentations will be accessible via the Company's website at https://bensonhill.zoom.us/j/97784009681 under "Events & Presentations." The webcast portion of the conference will begin at 9:35 a.m. CT and continue until approximately 12:00 p.m. CT. A replay of the webcast will be accessible following the completion of the event.
Benson Hill moves food forward with the CropOS® platform, a cutting-edge food innovation engine that combines data science and machine learning with biology and genetics. Benson Hill empowers innovators to unlock nature's genetic diversity from plant to plate, with the purpose of creating nutritious, great-tasting food and ingredient options that are both widely accessible and sustainable. More information can be found at bensonhill.com or on Twitter at @bensonhillinc.
###
Media Contact
Benson Hill
Melanie Bernds
314-605-6363
mbernds@bensonhill.com
Media Kit
Investor Contact
Ruben Mella
314-714-6313
rmella@bensonhill.com
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SOURCE Benson Hill
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20220401
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/boston-celtics-sun-life-cap-off-8th-year-fit-win-youth-fitness-program-with-daniel-theis-aaron-nesmith/
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Fully hybrid program teaches local YMCA kids about nutrition, fitness and overall wellness
BOSTON and WELLESLEY, Mass., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Life and the Boston Celtics have wrapped another successful year of Fit to Win, a four-week fitness and health program for YMCA children grades 3 through 6. The program, which ended yesterday, teaches kids new exercise routines and healthy habits each week, which they track online and earn Celtics prizes. Sun Life and the Celtics evolved the annual program into a hybrid model, allowing children to participate at home and at their local Greater Boston YMCAs. After a fully virtual program last year, kids were able to get back to their YMCA gyms and engage in additional virtual live programs from the Celtics, including a nutrition workshop featuring Priscilla Edwards, owner of Providence-based Glow Café and Juice Bar and a recent recipient of the Boston Celtics and VistaPrint's Power Forward Small Business Grant.
"Sun Life and the YMCA are wonderful partners in promoting our shared values of health, wellness and supporting the Greater Boston community," said Ted Dalton, senior vice president of Corporate Partnerships and Business Development for the Boston Celtics. "The amazing teams in all three organizations have done a great job of pivoting to hybrid models and keeping kids engaged, and we are proud to continue supporting the Fit to Win program."
During yesterday's finale event, Theis and Nesmith joined kids at the Dorchester YMCA for fitness games and healthy activities. The players discussed how they maintain their health and wellness as well as the importance of eating healthy foods.
Surveys taken by the program participants at the beginning and end of the 4-week session showed an increase in frequency of exercise each week, and a higher consumption of fruits and veggies. The kids also indicated they would continue writing in their mindfulness journals, an activity that was new to the program this year.
"Each year of Fit to Win brings more innovative programming to help children embrace healthy habits and fitness, and Sun Life is proud to offer this growing program in partnership with the Celtics and the YMCA of Greater Boston," said Neil Haynes, CFO of Sun Life U.S. and board member of the YMCA of Greater Boston. "Seeing the kids' faces light up when they meet the players and learn about their fitness routines shows just how valuable our pro athletes are in helping kids live healthier lives."
"The continued support from Sun Life and the Boston Celtics helps us make a real difference in the health of the Greater Boston community, whether children, at-risk adults, or whole families," said James Morton, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston. "We are thrilled to be open and available to our local families, and proud to be a place to access health education and fitness programs, with the support of our fantastic partners."
This year Fit to Win also introduced "Captain of the Week", recognizing a different YMCA participant each week for their hard work and commitment to the program.
First launched in 2015, Fit to Win has engaged more than 400 children from YMCAs around New England. For more information about the Fit to Win program, visit https://www.nba.com/celtics/video/community/fit-to-win-program-overview
Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2021, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.44 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.
In the United States, Sun Life is one of the largest group benefits providers, serving more than 55,000 employers in small, medium and large workplaces across the country. Sun Life's broad portfolio of insurance products and services in the U.S. includes disability, absence management, life, dental, vision, voluntary, supplemental health and medical stop-loss. Sun Life and its affiliates in asset management businesses in the U.S. employ approximately 5,500 people. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com/us.
A charter member of the Basketball Association of America (which evolved into the National Basketball Association) since 1946, the Boston Celtics have won a record 17 NBA Championships, including eight (8) in a row from 1959-1966, winning their first title in 1957 and their most recent in 2008. The Celtics have long stood for equality and respect, including hiring the first African American Coach and starting the first all-black starting five. In addition, 39 former Celtics players, management or staff have been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In December 2002 the team returned to local ownership for the first time since 1963. For more information, log on to www.celtics.com.
Media contacts:
Devon Fernald
Sun Life U.S.
781-800-3609
Devon.Portney.Fernald@sunlife.com
Taylor Kielpinski-Rogers
Boston Celtics
taylor@celtics.com
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SOURCE Sun Life U.S.
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20220401
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/cache-creek-casino-resort-has-deployed-quick-custom-intelligences-slot-platform/
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SAN DIEGO, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cache Creek Casino Resort and Quick Custom Intelligence ("QCI") jointly announced that the QCI Slot Platform has been deployed by their property in Brooks California. The platform has been installed, the team has been trained, and they are actively using the tool.
"To properly optimize a gaming floor, you need a wide range of data, but more importantly, you need action items derived from the data. QCI Slots is a robust analysis tool that provides our team with comprehensive data and instantly actionable insights about our gaming floor. The intuitive interface is user friendly allowing the team to quickly access desired results. When combined with data stories in my inbox, integrated player information, and visualization capabilities, the QCI platform was absolutely the right choice for us. We are excited about our partnership today and what QCI may offer in the future," said Oliver Shoemaker, VP of Slot Operations for Cache Creek Casino Resort.
CEO of QCI, Dr. Ralph Thomas, stated "we are honored that Cache Creek Casino Resort has deployed the QCI Slots tool to assist with managing and optimizing their gaming floor. Our growing partnership exemplifies the importance of the QCI collaborative philosophy in regards to continued enhancement of our products. With over 50 casino resorts in North America and over 3,000 sites worldwide using our tools, we are confident our highly configurable product will meet the dynamic needs of Cache Creek Casino Resort."
ABOUT Cache Creek Casino Resort
Cache Creek Casino Resort, owned and operated by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, is California's premier casino resort. Located 40 miles northwest of Sacramento and 80 miles from the San Francisco Bay Area in Brooks, CA, it features more than 600 four-diamond luxury hotel rooms, thousands of exclusive slot machines, hundreds of table games, ten incredible dining experiences, world-class nightlife, a full-service spa, and an 18-hole championship golf course. For more information, please visit cachecreek.com.
ABOUT QCI
The QCI Platform aligns player development, marketing and gaming with powerful real-time operational tools developed for the gaming and hospitality industries. QCI has installed their ground-breaking, highly configured software in over 50 casino resorts in North America and over 3,000 sites worldwide. QCI products provide tooling for gaming operators managing over $10 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, these products are built on the QCI Platform, a best-in-class on-premises, hybrid or cloud-based technology that enables fully coordinated activities across gaming or hospitality operations. This data-driven software allows for quick, informed decisions in the ever-changing world of the casino industry and assists casinos in their efforts to optimize resources and profits, manage marketing campaigns and increase customer loyalty. QCI was founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno. Based in San Diego, QCI also has offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas & Phoenix. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715 www.QuickCustomIntelligence.com.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Quick Custom Intelligence
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20220401
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/calamos-investments-closed-end-funds-nasdaq-chi-chy-csq-cgo-chw-ccd-cpz-announce-monthly-distributions-required-notifications-sources-distribution/
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NAPERVILLE, Ill., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Calamos Investments®* has announced monthly distributions and sources of distributions paid in April 2022 to shareholders of its seven closed-end funds (the Funds) pursuant to the Funds' respective distribution plans.
The following table provides estimates of Calamos Global Total Return Fund's and Calamos Global Dynamic Income Fund's distribution sources, reflecting YTD cumulative experience. The Funds attribute these estimates equally to each regular distribution throughout the year.
Regarding Calamos' remaining five closed-end funds, which operate under a managed distribution policy: The information below is required by an exemptive order granted to the Funds by the US Securities and Exchange Commission and includes the information sent to shareholders regarding the sources of the Funds' distributions.
The following table sets forth the estimated amount of the sources of distribution for purposes of Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the related rules adopted thereunder. The Funds estimate the following percentages, of their respective total distribution amount per common share, attributable to (i) current and prior fiscal year net investment income, (ii) net realized short-term capital gain, (iii) net realized long-term capital gain and (iv) return of capital or other capital source as a percentage of the total distribution amount. These percentages are disclosed for the current distribution as well as the fiscal YTD cumulative distribution amount per common share for the Funds. The following table provides estimates of each Fund's distribution sources, reflecting YTD cumulative experience. The Funds attribute these estimates equally to each regular distribution throughout the year.
Note: NAV returns are as of March 31, 2022 and Distribution Returns include the distribution announced today.
You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund's plan.
If the Fund(s) estimate(s) that it has distributed more than its income and capital gains, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with 'yield' or 'income'.
The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this 19(a) notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for accounting and tax purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099 DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.
Return figures provided below are based on the change in the Fund's Net Asset Value per share ("NAV"), compared to the annualized distribution rate for this current distribution as a percentage of the NAV on the last day of the month prior to distribution record date.
1Since inception for CPZ
Note: NAV returns are as of March 31, 2022 and Distribution Returns include the distribution announced today.
While the NAV performance may be indicative of the Fund's investment performance, it does not measure the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund. The value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund is determined by the Fund's market price, which is based on the supply and demand for the Fund's shares in the open market. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Monthly distributions offer shareholders the opportunity to accumulate more shares in a fund via the automatic dividend reinvestment plan. For example, if a fund's shares are trading at a premium, distributions will be automatically reinvested through the plan at NAV or 95% of the market price, whichever is greater; if shares are trading at a discount, distributions will be reinvested at the market price through an open market purchase program. Thus, the plan offers current shareholders an efficient method of accumulating additional shares with a potential for cost savings. Please see the dividend reinvestment plan for more information.
Important Notes about Performance and Risk
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. As with other investments, market price will fluctuate with the market and upon sale, your shares may have a market price that is above or below net asset value and may be worth more or less than your original investment. Returns at NAV reflect the deduction of the Fund's management fee, debt leverage costs and other expenses. You can purchase or sell common shares daily. Like any other stock, market price will fluctuate with the market. Upon sale, your shares may have a market price that is above or below net asset value and may be worth more or less than your original investment. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount which is a market price that is below their net asset value.
About Calamos
Calamos Investments is a diversified global investment firm offering innovative investment strategies including alternatives, multi-asset, convertible, fixed income, equity, and sustainable equity, currently managing more than $40 billion in assets under management. The firm offers strategies through separately managed portfolios, mutual funds, closed-end funds, private funds, and UCITS funds. Clients include major corporations, pension funds, endowments, foundations, and individuals, as well as the financial advisors and consultants who serve them. Headquartered in the Chicago metropolitan area, the firm also has offices in New York, San Francisco, Milwaukee, Portland (Oregon), and the Miami area. For more information, please visit www.calamos.com.
*Calamos Investments LLC, referred to herein as Calamos Investments®, is a financial services company offering such services through its subsidiaries: Calamos Advisors LLC, Calamos Wealth Management LLC, Calamos Investments LLP and Calamos Financial Services LLC.
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20220401
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/capstone-expands-leadership-team-position-continued-growth/
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National multifamily brokerage company planning numerous expansions for 2022 and beyond
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Capstone Companies is pleased to announce the addition of George Chmiel and Jeff Dickey to the firm's leadership team in the roles of Partner & Director of Business Development and Performance and Development Manager, respectively. This announcement comes just months after the firm established a full executive team with impressive resumes to lead the company to additional future growth.
George Chmiel is a Partner as well as the new Director of Business Development, though his roots with Capstone date back to the company's inception in 2008. Chmiel provided the initial start-up capital to launch Capstone after beginning his career with Merrill Lynch in Princeton, New Jersey. In 2015, after a very successful career at Merrill Lynch, he left the corporate world to begin his entrepreneurial journey building out a diversified portfolio of small business interests in the hospitality, fitness, entertainment, and consumer products spaces. Outside of work, Chmiel is an endurance athlete who has finished 50 marathons, 17-100+ mile ultras including one on all seven continents and completed a 3,006-mile solo transcontinental run across America in 93 days.
"Everyone at Capstone has known George since our founding and in his new role as Director of Business Development, he will be the individual spearheading growth into new and existing markets. George's background in capital markets combined with his business success as an entrepreneur, investor, and Wall Street vet will add crucial skills and insight to the Capstone Executive team," said Capstone CEO Mike Mosher.
Jeff Dickey joins Capstone in the role of Performance and Development Manager. Prior to joining, Jeff spent 21 years in Naval Special Operations leading elite teams in high-impact, fluid environments across the globe. Over the course of his military career, Jeff held a variety of roles ranging from tactical operator to deputy director of strategy and plans in various organizations throughout Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. His track record of success is attributed to his ability to build and maintain relationships, simplify complex challenges, implement and operationalize strategy, and earn trust. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys anything and everything outdoors, following his favorite sports teams, and spending time with his wife, Heather, and three children.
"We are extremely excited to hire a distinguished military special forces veteran in Jeff, who has served our country with honor and dignity for over two decades. Thank you for your service, Jeff. We welcome him to the executive team at Capstone and look forward to a great partnership in this new phase of his career," Mosher said.
Last year Capstone added new offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Jacksonville, and anticipates multiple office expansions, new business lines, and technology innovations this year to generate higher returns and a seamless experience for its clients. The firm was recently named to the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies with 94 percent growth from 2017 to 2020. The company was also named in the top 10 of the Charlotte Business Journal's Best Places to Work in 2020.
About Capstone
The goal of Capstone is to help generate, maintain, and increase the value and profitability of our clients' multifamily investment properties. To do so, we provide comprehensive multifamily advisory services in asset acquisition and development, strategic ownership decisions, market insight and positioning, property value analysis, and disposition brokerage to support our clients in every stage of ownership. This comprehensive multifamily-focused service offering paired with our relentless drive to win on behalf of our clients is what sets us apart from pedestrian brokerage firms. Capstone simply put: Expertise. Experience. Extra-Mile.
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SOURCE Capstone Companies
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20220401
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/cdhs-illuminate-colorado-launch-child-abuse-prevention-month-capitol-event/
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Community organizations recognized for strengthening families to help prevent child abuse and neglect
DENVER, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF) at the Colorado Department of Human Services and Illuminate Colorado joined Colorado parents, state legislators, community partners and child advocates to launch Child Abuse Prevention Month at an event at the State Capitol today. The occasion reinforced the importance of organizations, individuals and communities working together to strengthen families, which is one of the most effective ways to prevent child abuse and neglect.
The event featured Dave Ehlert and Alexa Chenoweth, parents and caregivers who shared their stories about how programs and organizations in their communities have strengthened their families. Other participants included Illuminate Colorado board member Beverly Besha Moore; director of OCYF, Minna Castillo Cohen; and director of the Office of Early Childhood, Mary Alice Cohen. Event attendees joined thousands of people around the country in wearing blue to show support for promoting positive childhood experiences and officially launched a month-long campaign - #GrowingBetterTogether - to inspire Coloradans to grow a better tomorrow for all children by supporting and strengthening families.
"I've seen amazing collaboration happen with partners across the state throughout this pandemic to take care of families in their communities and ensure they have what they need to be successful and help their kids grow up healthy, strong and ready for school," said Minna Castillo Cohen. "We know that when families are connected and have access to concrete support in their communities, child maltreatment can be prevented. It truly takes all of us to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive."
In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign provided pinwheels at the event. Thousands of free pinwheels will be given out throughout the month to raise awareness of the importance of positive childhood experiences. "When parents, caregivers, families, friends, neighbors, employers and elected leaders work together to increase five critical protective factors in families' lives, that is when we can prevent child abuse, strengthen families and build brighter childhoods," said Besha Moore.
Last year, calls to the hotline began to bounce back from a low in 2020, which was driven in part by many mandatory reporters not seeing kids in person at schools, childcare settings or doctor appointments. As Coloradans began to return to pre-pandemic levels of activities in 2021, calls to the hotline increased overall by 8%. Local county human service agencies assessed the safety of more than 34,890 children. Of those children, 7,512 children experienced abuse or neglect and an additional 4,508 children's families received voluntary support from social services to help strengthen their families and prevent child abuse or neglect in the future.
Everyone plays a role in strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect. Some examples of how community partners and neighbors can lend support to families include:
- Offer to babysit to give parents a break
- Coordinate a meal sign-up calendar for new parents or a neighborhood family in need
- Organize a neighborhood party so families can meet each other
- Ask a family if they need something picked up the next time you run to the store
In addition to doing their part to help strengthen families, all Coloradans are encouraged to call the C04Kids Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline (1-844-CO-4-Kids or 844-264-5437) if they suspect a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect.
For more ways to help strengthen families, visit https://co4kids.org/myrole. To learn more about child abuse and neglect prevention and activities happening around the state, visit CO4Kids.org.
Child Abuse Prevention Month is hosted and funded jointly by CDHS, Illuminate Colorado — the Colorado chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, and SafeCare Colorado.
About CO4Kids
The Colorado Department of Human Services CO4Kids campaign encourages all Coloradans to help strengthen families and communities. To learn about the signs of child abuse and neglect and for information about how to become a foster or adoptive parent, visit CO4Kids.org. Call 844-CO-4-Kids (844-264-5437) to report concerns about child abuse and neglect. If a child or teen is in immediate danger, dial 9-1-1.
About Illuminate Colorado
Illuminate Colorado, the Colorado chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, is a statewide nonprofit strengthening families, organizations and communities to prevent child maltreatment. With a research-based approach that emphasizes building promotive and protective factors, we address systemic and multi-sector issues by collaborating with families and partners at the community, state and national level to develop and implement powerful programs, policies and initiatives that keep kids safe in Colorado. Visit www.IlluminateColorado.org to learn more.
Media Contact
Madlynn Ruble, Deputy Director of Communications
Colorado Department of Human Services
303-866-3411
madlynn.ruble@state.co.us
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20220401
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/century-casinos-inc-completes-acquisition-50-ownership-property-company-nugget-casino-resort/
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Century Casinos, Inc. (Nasdaq Capital Market®: CNTY) ("Century Casinos" or the "Company"), announced today that it completed its previously announced acquisition of 50% of the membership interests in Smooth Bourbon, LLC ("PropCo") from Marnell Gaming, LLC (the "Seller") for $95 million (the "Acquisition"). PropCo owns the land and building underlying the Nugget Casino Resort and has entered into a lease with Nugget Sparks, LLC ("OpCo"), which operates the Nugget Casino Resort (the "Casino"), for an annual rent of $15 million. The Company will receive $1.9 million per quarter (before any expenses pursuant to the lease) for its share of the rent from OpCo.
The Company entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with the Seller in February 2022 to acquire the PropCo membership interests and to purchase 100% of the membership interests in OpCo for an additional $100 million. The purchase of OpCo is expected to occur within one year and is subject to approval by the Nevada Gaming Commission (the "Second Closing"). Following the Second Closing, the Company will own the operating assets of the Casino and 50% of the membership interests in PropCo. The Company also has a five-year option to acquire the remaining 50% of the membership interests in PropCo for $105 million plus 2% per annum.
The Company financed the Acquisition with a new credit facility that was issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA on the closing date. The credit facility also refinanced the Company's existing debt and will finance the OpCo purchase on the Second Closing.
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC served as sole financial advisor and Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP acted as legal counsel to the Company in connection with the Acquisition.
About Century Casinos, Inc.:
Century Casinos, Inc. is a casino entertainment company. The Company owns and operates Century Casino & Hotels in Cripple Creek and Central City, Colorado, and in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; the Century Casino in Cape Girardeau and Caruthersville, Missouri, and in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada; Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in New Cumberland, West Virginia; and the Century Mile Racetrack and Casino in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Through its Austrian subsidiary, Century Resorts Management GmbH, the Company holds a 66.6% ownership interest in Casinos Poland Ltd., the owner and operator of eight casinos throughout Poland; a 75% ownership interest in Century Downs Racetrack and Casino in Calgary, Alberta, Canada; and a 50% ownership interest in PropCo in Sparks, Nevada. The Company has an agreement to operate two ship-based casinos. The Company continues to pursue other projects in various stages of development.
Century Casinos' common stock trades on The Nasdaq Capital Market® under the symbol CNTY. For more information about Century Casinos, visit our website at www.cnty.com.
This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "estimate," "plan," "target," "goal," or similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "may," "might," "should," "would," "could," or similar variations. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of the management of Century Casinos based on information currently available to management. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, certain plans, expectations, goals, projections, and statements about the benefits of the transaction, as well as Century Casinos' plans, objectives, expectations, intentions, and other statements relating to cash flow and operating results, the new credit facility and debt repayment; the possibility that the OpCo transaction does not close when expected or at all because regulatory or other conditions to closing are not satisfied on a timely basis or at all; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the completion of the transaction; the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the transaction are not realized when expected or at all. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, among others, risks described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" under Item 1A in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and in subsequent periodic and current SEC filings the Company may make. Century Casinos disclaims any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by it or on its behalf.
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SOURCE Century Casinos, Inc.
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20220401
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/charter-hold-webcast-discuss-first-quarter-2022-financial-operating-results/
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STAMFORD, Conn., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) (the "Company" or "Charter") will host a webcast on Friday, April 29, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) to discuss financial and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. A press release reporting such results will be issued at 7:00 a.m. ET that day.
The webcast can be accessed live via the Company's investor relations website at ir.charter.com. The webcast will be archived at ir.charter.com approximately two hours after completion of the webcast.
About Charter
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 32 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
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20220401
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/chattanooga-gas-reminds-communities-call-before-you-dig-during-safe-digging-month/
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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Warmer temperatures have finally arrived and before customers spring into outdoor home projects, Chattanooga Gas is reminding communities to "Call Before You Dig" in honor of Safe Digging Month this April.
Chattanooga Gas encourages customers to dial 811 to have underground utility lines marked before any digging project. This includes fence installation, paving projects, or installing a pool. It also applies to professional excavators when performing any work such as tunneling, grading, boring or blasting. Contacting 811 is also recommended for smaller, manual jobs such as planting trees or installing mailboxes.
To protect underground utilities and help ensure communities stay safe and connected, Chattanooga Gas offers the following safe digging guidelines:
- Contact 811 Before You Dig: Before starting an outdoor digging project, contact Tennessee 811 request having underground utility lines marked at least three days prior to digging. This service is free and required by law.
- Allow the Required Time for Marking: After contacting 811, allow time for the underground utility lines to be marked before digging. The approximate location of the lines will be marked with color-coded spray paint, flags or stakes that correspond to the utility. The natural gas markings will be yellow.
- Respect the Marks: Only use hand digging tools in areas near the utility line markings.
- Excavate Carefully: Make sure the marks remain visible during the project. If the markings are no longer visible, contact 811 to have lines remarked. If a natural gas line is damaged accidentally or the distinctive rotten-egg odor associated with natural gas is present, call 911 or the Chattanooga Gas 24-hour emergency phone line at 1- 866-643-4170 from a safe location.
Chattanooga Gas' Safe Digging Arcade is another way for families to learn more about the importance of safe digging. Complete all eight activities to become a Safe Digging champion! The arcade uses science, engineering, technology and math (STEM) to educate children about how their families can stay safe and avoid damaging a utility line when digging around their homes.
Chattanooga Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Chattanooga Gas provides retail natural gas sales and transportation services to approximately 68,000 customers in Hamilton and Bradley counties in southeast Tennessee. The Chattanooga Gas service area includes the communities of Chattanooga, Cleveland, Red Bank, East Ridge, Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain. For more information, visit chattanoogagas.com.
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.3 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with approximately 666,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.
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SOURCE Chattanooga Gas
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20220401
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/chocolate-tenders-edible-launches-gift-basket-you-didnt-know-you-needed/
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ATLANTA, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Edible ® gears up for picnic season with a new sweet and meat treat basket. The beloved brand is enhancing its offerings with the launch of the Chick'n'Picnic Basket, featuring Edible chocolate dipping sauce, chicken tenders, and a chick-shaped fruit!
As the world's leader in the gifts and treats category for over 20 years, Edible is constantly tapping into its customers' wants and providing innovative and bite-size ways to bring joy to every occasion. To celebrate the launch of the new product, Edible® showed some neighborly love and gifted the first basket to Church's Chicken. Edible and Church's are neighbors in their headquarters building in Atlanta.
Edible will also create a commemorative "Tender Sweets" basket, targeting college students and on-the-go professionals. The Edible branded chocolate dipping sauce launch will be available for a limited time while supplies last.
"We wanted to show some neighborly love and surprise our neighbors with a fun basket that brings fans favorite flavors together," said Angela Johnson, Vice President of Innovation and Merchandising for Edible. "We all know that the most popular meat product in the United States is chicken, and chocolate is a winner with just about everyone."
For images of the Tender Sweets Arrangement and the new Chocolate dipping sauce, click here.
Edible Brands is the parent company of Edible, a leading retailer and e-commerce provider as well as the world's largest franchisor of stores offering all-natural fruit, snacks, dipped treats and fresh fruit arrangements with more than 1,000 locations worldwide. Since its founding in 1999, the company has been recognized as an industry leader, ranking first in its category in Entrepreneur magazine's annual "Franchise 500," Entrepreneur's Top 40 of "Fastest Growing Franchises" and "America's Top Global Franchises" as well as being included among the "Inc. 5000" list of the fastest growing privately-held companies. Edible fresh fruit arrangements, chocolate Dipped Fruit™, fresh fruit smoothies, fresh produce boxes and other treats can be ordered through any local Edible store or online at edible.com. Edible is now licensing its products in retail destinations.
Disclaimer: The arrangement presented in this press release is not a real product. But you knew that.
CONTACT:
Kim Miller
Ink Link Marketing
786.605.9228
kmiller@inklinkmarketing.com
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SOURCE Edible Brands
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20220401
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/chubb-limited-hold-its-first-quarter-earnings-conference-call-wednesday-april-27-2022/
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ZURICH, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Chubb Limited (NYSE: CB) will hold its first quarter earnings conference call on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern.
The company expects to issue its first quarter earnings release and financial supplement after the market closes on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. These documents will be available on the company's investor website at investors.chubb.com.
The earnings conference call will be available via live webcast at investors.chubb.com or by dialing 800-304-0389 (within the United States) or 313-209-5140 (international), passcode 6283723. Please refer to the Chubb website under Events and Presentations for details. A replay of the call will be available until Wednesday, May 11, 2022, and the archived webcast will be available on our website for approximately one month. To listen to the replay, please click here to register and receive dial-in numbers.
About Chubb
Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.
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SOURCE Chubb Limited
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20220401
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/cleanchoice-energy-expands-solar-development-into-new-mexico/
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New partnership between CleanChoice Energy and BOW Renewables to Develop Community Solar
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. , April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CleanChoice Energy, a cleantech company that empowers people and businesses to access climate solutions through retail clean energy, community solar, and solar farm development, is expanding their solar development work to New Mexico. CleanChoice is partnering with BOW Renewables, a solar developer and renewable energy consultant, to develop community solar projects for the New Mexico market. CleanChoice and Bow have an established pipeline of projects in the state.
New Mexico became the 21st state in the country to enact a community solar policy last spring. Community solar brings environmental and financial benefits to New Mexico residents by providing discounted energy and eliminating the primary barriers to rooftop solar, including upfront costs, installation obstacles, property ownership, or simply having a suitable roof. Community solar projects create opportunities for landowners by putting underutilized land to work and providing additional leasing revenue.
"Community solar is a fantastic new program for New Mexico residents and landowners. It can help residents lower their energy bills, expand clean energy, and create jobs. We're thrilled to be working with BOW Renewables to help launch New Mexico's community solar program. Solar development offers a fantastic opportunity for New Mexican landowners to generate revenue by utilizing depleted portions of their land for solar farms," said Tom Matzzie, CEO of CleanChoice Energy. "Our mission is to make the benefits of clean energy available to everyone–and community solar is a major part of achieving that goal."
New Mexico has one of the highest solar energy potentials in the country–ranking in the top three according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Community solar allows all New Mexicans to benefit from the state's abundant solar resources.
Landowners interested in learning more about hosting a community solar farm can contact CleanChoice Energy at: land@cleanchocieenergy.com
About CleanChoice Energy
CleanChoice Energy is a cleantech company that empowers people and businesses to easily access climate solutions. CleanChoice uses data-empowered technology to offer consumers easy, impactful climate solutions so they can cut emissions, support renewable energy and live cleaner lives. Founded in 2012, CleanChoice has become one of the fastest-growing businesses in America, as ranked on the Inc 5000 and Deloitte's Technology Fast 500™. CleanChoice Energy is a Certified B Corporation and is certified with the highest available rating by Green America's Green Business Network. For more information or to become a clean energy customer, visit CleanChoiceEnergy.com.
About BOW Renewables
BOW Renewables is a renewable energy consulting firm with services ranging from greenfield origination through to project commissioning. Currently operating in 15 states across the US, BOW partners with individuals or businesses for land acquisition, permitting assistance, engineering, and construction management specific to the client's region and needs. Founded in 2018 BOW's consistent track record of project success makes our company the ideal partner for all of your renewable energy needs. For more information about BOW please visit www.bowrenewables.com
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SOURCE CleanChoice Energy
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20220401
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/clinigence-holdings-nutex-health-announce-completion-merger-listing-nasdaq-capital-market/
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FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. and HOUSTON, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Clinigence Holdings, Inc. ("Clinigence" or the "Company") (OTC: CLNH), a primary care-centric, technology-enabled, risk-bearing population health management company, and Nutex Health Holdco LLC ("Nutex Holdco"), together with its affiliates comprising one of the largest independent operators of micro hospitals and hospital outpatient departments in the United States, today announced the successful completion of their business combination. The newly combined company, which will continue under the new name "Nutex Health Inc.", brings together two complementary healthcare organizations.
The shares of common stock of Nutex Health Inc., which had been traded on the OTC Pink Marketplace under the ticker symbol "CLNH", have been approved for listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market ("NASDAQ"). The Company's common stock is expected to start trading on NASDAQ on April 4, 2022 under the new ticker symbol "NUTX".
In the merger, holders of membership interests in Nutex Holdco (primarily comprised of physician-owners who had prior to the merger contributed to Nutex Holdco all or a portion of their ownership interests in Nutex-affiliated hospitals) received an aggregate of 590,291,712 shares of Company common stock, representing approximately 92% percent of the issued and outstanding common stock of the newly combined company. As disclosed in Clinigence's proxy statement relating to the Merger filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2022, the number of shares issued in the Merger in exchange for membership interests in Nutex Holdco were calculated based on trailing twelve months ("TTM") of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") attributable to the contributed ownership interests in Nutex-affiliated hospitals at September 30, 2021 of $163.9 million. This EBITDA figure is an unaudited non-GAAP financial measure and is not intended to be used as a measure of financial performance but rather is to be viewed solely as the basis for calculation of the Merger consideration.
Nutex will be led by Tom Vo, M.D., MBA, as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Warren Hosseinion, M.D. as President, Mike Bowen as Chief Financial Officer and Denise Pufal as Chief Operating Officer. Michael Chang, M.D. will be Chief Medical Officer, Larry Schimmel, M.D. will be Chief Medical Information Officer, Elisa Luqman, J.D., MBA will be Chief Legal Officer (SEC) and Pamela Montgomery, J.D., LL.M, MSN, BSN, R.N. will be Chief Legal Officer (Healthcare).
The Board of Directors will consist of seven directors: four independent appointees (Mitch Creem, John Waters, CPA, Michael Reed and Cheryl Grenas, R.N., MSN) in addition to Dr. Vo, Dr. Hosseinion and Matt S. Young, M.D.
"We are very pleased to announce the completion of our merger with Clinigence Holdings to create one of the leading integrated care delivery models in the nation," stated Tom Vo, M.D., MBA, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nutex Health. "We believe the combination of the resources of our two organizations is unique, and we are excited about our future. We anticipate highly attractive growth opportunities ahead. We would also like to thank all of our shareholders, employees and affiliated physicians for their continued support."
"As a physician-led integrated hospital system with risk-bearing provider networks, we are committed to providing all of our patients with the most efficient and highest-quality care to ensure outstanding clinical, patient satisfaction and utilization outcomes," stated Warren Hosseinion, President of Nutex Health. "This merger, along with our listing on NASDAQ, are important milestones as we continue to build shareholder value."
Advisors
The Benchmark Company and Colliers International acted as financial advisors to Clinigence in the transaction and McDermott, Will & Emery served as legal counsel to Clinigence. Ernst & Young Capital Advisors acted as exclusive financial advisor to Nutex Health and Locke Lord LLP served as legal counsel in the transaction.
About Nutex Health, Inc. (Combined post-merger company)
Headquartered in Houston, Texas and founded in 2011, Nutex Health, Inc. is a physician-led, technology-enabled healthcare services company with approximately 1500 employees nationwide and is partnered with over 800 physicians. The Company has two divisions: a Hospital division and a Population Health Management division. The hospital division owns and operates 21 facilities in eight different states. The division implements and operates different innovative health care models, including micro hospitals, specialty hospitals and hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs). The Population Health Management division owns and operates provider networks such as Independent Physician Associations (IPAs). Through our Management Services Organizations (MSOs), we provide management, administrative and other support services to our affiliated hospitals and physician groups. Our cloud-based proprietary technology platform aggregates clinical and claims data across multiple settings, information systems and sources to create a holistic view of patients and providers, allowing us to deliver greater quality care more efficiently.
Safe Harbor:
Certain statements and information included in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Federal Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words or phrases "will", "will likely result," "expected to," "will continue," "anticipated," "estimate," "projected," "intend," "goal," or similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to certain risks, known and unknown, and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Such uncertainties and risks include the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the transaction, significant transaction costs and unknown liabilities and litigation and regulatory risks related to the transaction. In addition, forward-looking statements are subject to additional uncertainties and risks facing the Company, including but not limited to, economic conditions, dependence on management, dilution to stockholders, lack of capital, changes in laws or regulations, the effects of rapid growth upon the Company and the ability of management to effectively respond to the growth and demand for products and services of the Company, newly developing technologies, the Company's ability to compete, conflicts of interest in related party transactions, regulatory matters, protection of technology, lack of industry standards, the effects of competition and the ability of the Company to obtain future financing. Such factors could materially adversely affect the Company's financial performance and could cause the Company's actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed within this press release.
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SOURCE Clinigence Holdings, Inc.
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/cohort-presents-findings-address-wastewater-challenges-facing-millions-americans/
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WASHINGTON, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials® (IAPMO) is proud to support DigDeep in launching the findings of a multiyear effort that brought together communities from across the United States to focus on sanitation access. In an event Thursday hosted by the U.S. EPA and the USDA, the DigDeep Decentralized Wastewater Innovation Cohort (DWIC) led a roundtable discussion in which participants shared their collective experiences and recommended opportunities to federal agencies working to close the water and sanitation gap imperiling more than 2.2 million Americans. As chair of the cohort's Technical Advisory Board, IAPMO helped assemble and lead key industry stakeholders in offering technical expertise that contributed to the findings released Thursday.
The DWIC is a community-driven, multiyear effort to improve understanding of the wastewater challenges remote communities face across the United States, the solutions being developed, and the ways policymakers can improve the impact, sustainability, and scalability of those innovations. The DWIC created meaningful connections between rural communities piloting innovative solutions to tough wastewater challenges — from Alaska to New York — through facilitated working groups, site exchanges, and even trips to Washington, D.C., to meet with regulators. The DWIC's members include the Navajo Water Project, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Stony Brook University's NYS Center for Clean Water Technology, Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations (WAI), and the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (BBUWP).
"We are proud to support the cohort in presenting policy recommendations that would have a tremendous impact on bringing safe sanitation to millions of Americans," said Christopher Lindsay, vice president of Government Relations for The IAPMO Group. "Universal access to water and sanitation underlies so much of the work we do at IAPMO. We were proud to offer our technical and policy expertise to support this effort that brought together leaders from across the United States."
More than 2.2 million Americans lack access to basic plumbing, with many living in areas where a centralized wastewater system is not technically or economically feasible. In such cases, decentralized wastewater technologies — from traditional septic systems to advanced on-site wastewater treatment systems — are often key to connecting communities with the basic sanitation services they need, but they have lacked visibility, adequate funding, consistent regulation, and incentives for innovation in the past.
Despite federal initiatives that have sought to alleviate funding, regulatory, and technological issues, impacted communities still face significant barriers, which require policy and programmatic changes across the nation. There is urgent cause to rectify the wastewater injustices that communities have long faced across the country, and now, more than ever, federal funding is available to implement solutions.
Sponsor of the Uniform Codes, IAPMO® — The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials — works in concert with government and industry for safe, sanitary and resilient plumbing and mechanical systems. Learn more about IAPMO at www.iapmo.org.
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SOURCE International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/copper-mountain-mining-announces-q1-2022-results-conference-call-notification/
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VANCOUVER, BC, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Copper Mountain Mining Corporation (TSX: CMMC) (ASX: C6C) (the "Company" or "Copper Mountain") will be hosting a conference call on Monday, April 25, 2022 at 7:30 am (Pacific Time) for senior management to discuss its first quarter 2022 results. The Company will be releasing its first quarter 2022 financial and operating results before markets open on Monday, April 25, 2022.
Dial-in information:
Toronto and international: 1 (416) 764 8650
North America (toll-free): 1 (888) 664 6383
Webcast: https://produceredition.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1540119&tp_key=3297d7e2a6
Replay information:
Toronto and international: 1 (416) 764 8677, Passcode: 910085#
North America (toll-free): 1 (888) 390 0541, Passcode: 910085#
The conference call replay will be available until 8:59 pm (Pacific Time) on May 2, 2022. An archive of the audio webcast will also be available on the company's website at http://www.cumtn.com.
About Copper Mountain Mining Corporation
Copper Mountain's flagship asset is the 75% owned Copper Mountain Mine located in southern British Columbia near the town of Princeton. The Copper Mountain Mine currently produces approximately 100 million pounds of copper equivalent per year. Copper Mountain also has the development-stage Eva Copper Project in Queensland, Australia and an extensive 2,100 km2 highly prospective land package in the Mount Isa area. Copper Mountain trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "CMMC" and Australian Stock Exchange under the symbol "C6C".
Additional information is available on the Company's web page at www.CuMtn.com.
On behalf of the Board of
COPPER MOUNTAIN MINING CORPORATION
"Gil Clausen"
Gil Clausen, P.Eng.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance and opportunities to differ materially from those implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include the risks set out in Copper Mountain's public documents, including in each management discussion and analysis, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although Copper Mountain believes that the information and assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, Copper Mountain disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/curaleaf-announces-april-investor-community-conference-event-participation/
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WAKEFIELD, Mass., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CURA / OTCQX: CURLF) ("Curaleaf" or the "Company"), a leading international provider of consumer products in cannabis, today announced that members of Curaleaf's executive management team will be participating in the following investor community conferences and events during April 2022.
- BTIG Global Virtual Cannabis Conference
April 6 – 7, 2022
Boris Jordan, Executive Chairman of Curaleaf, will be participating in a fireside chat with Camilo Lyon, BTIG Equity Analyst, on April 7 at 10:30am – 11:10am ET.
Curaleaf management will also be hosting investor meetings.
- 2nd Annual Cantor Virtual Cannabis Conference
April 12 – 14, 2022
Boris Jordan, Executive Chairman of Curaleaf, will be participating in a fireside chat with Pablo Zuanic, Cantor Fitzgerald Equity Analyst, on April 12 at 8:00am – 8:30am ET.
Curaleaf management will also be hosting investor meetings.
- Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference
April 20 – 21, 2022
Boris Jordan, Executive Chairman of Curaleaf, will be keynoting the conference in a fireside with Jim Kirsch, Senior Managing Director, Cannabis Sector Co-Lead, Chairman at Alliance Global Partners on April 20 at 9:05am – 9:25am ET.
Matt Darin, President Curaleaf US, will be participating in a panel titled "Differentiating Top MSO Investment Opportunities" hosted by Tim Seymour of Amplify Seymour Cannabis ETF & JW Asset Management on April 20 at 10:30am ET – 11:10am ET.
Curaleaf management will also be hosting investor meetings.
For more information regarding upcoming Curaleaf financial community conference and event participation as well as details to access the webcasts please visit Curaleaf's IR website at https://ir.curaleaf.com/events.
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) ("Curaleaf") is a leading international provider of consumer products in cannabis with a mission to improve lives by providing clarity around cannabis and confidence around consumption. As a high-growth cannabis company known for quality, expertise and reliability, the Company and its brands, including Curaleaf and Select, provide industry-leading service, product selection and accessibility across the medical and adult-use markets. In the United States, Curaleaf currently operates in 23 states with 128 dispensaries, 26 cultivation sites, and employs over 5,600 team members. Curaleaf International is the largest vertically integrated cannabis company in Europe with a unique supply and distribution network throughout the European market, bringing together pioneering science and research with cutting-edge cultivation, extraction and production. Curaleaf is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol CURA and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol CURLF. For more information, please visit https://ir.curaleaf.com.
Curaleaf IR Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/Curaleaf_IR
Investor Toolkit: https://ir.curaleaf.com/investor-toolkit
Investor Relations Website: https://ir.curaleaf.com/
INVESTOR CONTACT
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.
IR@curaleaf.com
MEDIA CONTACT
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.
Tracy Brady, VP Corporate Communications
media@curaleaf.com
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SOURCE Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/distribution-dates-amounts-announced-eaton-vance-closed-end-funds/
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BOSTON, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The following Eaton Vance closed-end funds (the "Funds") announced distributions today as detailed below.
Taxable Funds:
Funds Making Distributions Under a Managed Distribution Plan*:
* These Funds make distributions in accordance with a managed distribution plan. Under the managed distribution plan, a Fund issues a notice to shareholders and a press release containing information about the amount and sources of the distribution and other related information on payment date of the distribution. A Fund's distributions in any period may be more or less than the net return earned by the Fund on its investments, and therefore should not be used as a measure of performance or confused with "yield" or "income." Distributions in excess of Fund returns will cause its net asset value to erode. Investors should not draw any conclusions about a Fund's investment performance from the amount of its distribution or from the terms of its managed distribution plan. The Fund's Board may amend or terminate the managed distribution plan at any time without prior notice to Fund shareholders.
The Distribution Rate at Market Price is based on the Fund's most recent regular distribution per share (annualized) divided by the Fund's market price at the end of the period. Fund distributions may be affected by numerous factors, including changes in Fund performance, the cost of financing for Funds that employ leverage, portfolio holdings, realized and projected returns, and other factors. There can be no assurance that an unanticipated change in market conditions or other unforeseen factors will not result in a change in a Fund's distributions at a future time.
A portion of the distributions may be comprised of amounts from sources other than net investment income. If that is the case, you will be notified in writing. Further information will be available prior to the payment date at funds.eatonvance.com. The final determination of tax characteristics of each Fund's distributions will occur after the end of the year, at which time it will be reported to the shareholders.
Eaton Vance applies in-depth fundamental analysis to the active management of equity, income, alternative and multi-asset strategies. Eaton Vance's investment teams follow time-tested principles of investing that emphasize ongoing risk management, tax management (where applicable) and the pursuit of consistent long-term returns. The firm's investment capabilities encompass the global capital markets. With a history dating back to 1924, Eaton Vance is headquartered in Boston and also maintains investment offices in New York, London, Tokyo and Singapore. For more information, visit evmanagement.com. Eaton Vance is a part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, the asset management division of Morgan Stanley.
Shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount from their net asset value. The market price of Fund shares may vary from net asset value based on factors affecting the supply and demand for shares, such as Fund distribution rates relative to similar investments, investors' expectations for future distribution changes, the clarity of the Fund's investment strategy and future return expectations, and investors' confidence in the underlying markets in which the Fund invests. Fund shares are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal invested. No Fund is a complete investment program and you may lose money investing in a Fund. An investment in a Fund may not be appropriate for all investors. Before investing, prospective investors should consider carefully the Fund's investment objective, risks, charges and expenses.
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SOURCE Eaton Vance Management
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/donald-newhouse-honored-work-targeting-primary-progressive-aphasia-all-forms-most-common-dementia-under-60/
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NEW YORK , April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday night, at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City, The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) honored Donald Newhouse at its 2022 Hope Rising Benefit.
Donald lost his wife, Susan Marley Newhouse, to primary progressive aphasia in 2015. A form of FTD, the most common dementia for people under 60, primary progressive aphasia is characterized predominantly by the gradual loss of the ability to speak, read, write, and understand what others are saying.
By what he describes as a "quirk of fate," Donald also lost his brother Si Newhouse (then co-owner with Donald of Advance Publications) to a different form of the same disease in 2017.
AFTD honored Mr. Newhouse – a Board Member of the organization – for his leadership and contributions to a deeply personal cause: bringing forward a world with compassionate care, effective support, and a future free of primary progressive aphasia and all forms of FTD.
First Benefit Since 2019
More than 375 people attended the 2022 Hope Rising Benefit, the first in-person Hope Rising Benefit since 2019. The event drew in more than $2,150,000 to support AFTD's mission, the highest amount raised since the Benefit began in 2016.
Paula Zahn, Emmy Award-winning journalist and executive producer and host of Investigation Discovery's On the Case with Paula Zahn, hosted the event for a fifth year. Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and Discovery Inc. CEO David Zaslav served as Benefit Chairs.
Mr. Zaslav and AFTD's CEO, Susan L-J Dickinson presented Mr. Newhouse with the Susan Newhouse and Si Newhouse Award of Hope, in recognition of his sustained work as an advocate, volunteer, and donor in support of AFTD's mission.
From Hope to Action
"I am honored this evening because we could not bring every family affected by FTD onto this stage," Mr. Newhouse said during his acceptance speech. "I ask you to use your imagination to see more than 60,000 families and so many more from around the world crowded onto this podium, each with their own unique story but united by the painful journey they have collectively endured."
"As you have heard tonight, AFTD funds research and efforts to increase awareness of FTD," he added. "AFTD turns the hopes of the sufferers into action."
Tony Award-winning singer and actress Jessie Mueller provided the evening's entertainment, and offered a special rendition of the standard "If You Knew Susie," dedicated to Mr. Newhouse's late wife.
AFTD's CEO Susan L-J Dickinson added: "I know Donald Newhouse as an AFTD Board member, volunteer, donor, and friend. I know him as one of many thousands in our community taking action to try to make this a better world for anyone facing FTD. And I know him as a singular force, bringing tremendous dedication, insight, and a single-minded perseverance to truly move the needle for families facing this disease."
Other speakers at the event included AFTD Board Member Beth Walter, who delivered the keynote address, and Benefit Vice Chair Kathy Newhouse Mele, daughter of Mr. Newhouse and herself an AFTD Board Member.
New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey described the impact of Hope Rising in a video that played during the event.
"The fight against FTD is a personal one for me, as my father passed away in 2017 after suffering from primary progressive aphasia," said Sen. Hinchey. "To the family members and those with direct experience battling this challenging disease, know that my heart is with you. To those who are allies in our fight, thank you for your help in raising awareness amongst your communities even after tonight and for your generosity in helping to fund the research that will get us to a cure."
The event featured a special video produced by Discovery, Inc., featuring Mr. Newhouse's story and honoring his work with AFTD to end primary progressive aphasia, behavioral variant FTD, FTD-ALS, and all forms of this disease.
About Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) and AFTD
Currently there are no approved disease-modifying treatments for FTD, which affects more than 60,000 people in the United States and today is always fatal.
The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) is the leading nonprofit devoted to helping families affected by FTD today, and driving research to foster accurate diagnosis, treatments, and a cure. Our volunteer-founded organization – driven by thousands of volunteers and donors – reflects a community's determination to #endFTD.
Coverage
VOGUE: Donald Newhouse Is Honored at the 2022 Hope Rising Benefit
Approved photos of the benefit can be found through this link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wb8ukzb8mlcb0pu/AABi25_bN8UA2MTB3bGzFqlJa?dl=0
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/ehealth-inc-announces-inducement-grants-under-nasdaq-listing-rule-5635c4/
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SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- eHealth, Inc. (Nasdaq: EHTH), a leading private online health insurance marketplace (the "Company"), today announced that on April 1, 2022, pursuant to the terms previously announced by eHealth on February 28, 2022, the Compensation Committee of its Board of Directors granted inducement stock unit awards to Roman Rariy, an employee of eHealth, Inc. who was appointed the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Transformation Officer of eHealth, Inc. effective March 1, 2022. Each of these awards was granted under the Company's Amended and Restated 2021 Inducement Plan (the "Inducement Plan") and otherwise will be subject to the terms and conditions of a stock unit agreement under the Inducement Plan.
Mr. Rariy received two restricted stock unit awards. The first restricted stock unit award covers 76,688 shares of the Company's common stock and will be subject to vesting over four years, with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date of March 10, 2022, and the remainder vesting in equal quarterly installments over the subsequent three years, subject to potential acceleration upon certain terminations of employment. The second restricted stock unit award covers 76,688 shares of the Company's common stock and will become eligible to vest based on the achievement of stock price goals, and will then vest on the first anniversary of the date that the hurdle was met, subject to continued service through the vesting date (and potential acceleration upon certain terminations of employment).
The stock unit awards were granted as inducements material to Mr. Rariy entering into employment with eHealth, Inc. in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
About eHealth, Inc.
eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH) operates a leading health insurance marketplace at eHealth.com and eHealthMedicare.com with technology that provides consumers with health insurance enrollment solutions. Since 1997, we have connected more than 8 million members with quality, affordable health insurance, Medicare options, and ancillary plans. Our proprietary marketplace offers Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Part D prescription drug, individual, family, small business and other plans from over 200 health insurance carriers across fifty states and the District of Columbia.
Media inquiries:
Lara Sasken
Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
pr@ehealth.com
Investor Relations Contact:
Kate Sidorovich, CFA
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Strategy
Kate.sidorovich@ehealth.com
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/everglade-consulting-formalizes-charleston-sc-headquarters-with-new-office-location/
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CHARLESTON, S.C., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- EverGlade Consulting ("EverGlade"), has opened an office location in Charleston, South Carolina as part of its expansion into the Southeast, formalizing its headquarter's location.
EverGlade helps companies whose focus is to secure non-dilutive funding from the federal government.
EverGlade recently announced the appointment of Charleston resident Andrew Stiles as Principal in the group and will use this new location as a means of recruiting local talent and new clients into the firm. The company currently works with a variety of life sciences and defense companies in the Southeast and plans to use its new Charleston location to further expand into this important region.
"While EverGlade has its roots in Washington, D.C. as a virtual company, Charleston is home," commented Daniel Paterson, Chief Operating Officer and Charleston resident. "The industrial base matches the profile of companies we are hoping to attract. New and fast-growing companies in the life sciences, defense, and technology sectors are choosing the Southeast and cities like Charleston. As such, we felt we needed a physical presence to grow our business alongside these exciting companies and truly have boots-on-ground where the novel technology and ideas are being developed."
"Since 2017 South Carolina is a clear leader in the growth of life sciences in the Southeast, and the addition of professional service firms like EverGlade to our state's ecosystem is key in continuing to support the sector and its growth," noted SCBIO CEO James Chappell.
EverGlade expects to officially open the office on April 4. The company plans to recruit for positions in regulatory affairs, quality assurance, program management, project management, and government contract administration and compliance as part of its Southeast expansion plan.
About EverGlade Consulting:
EverGlade Consulting is a consulting firm with employees across the country, that helps clients navigate the federal landscape. We are inspired by technology-driven companies whose focus is to secure non-dilutive funding from the federal government. We offer services ranging from opportunity identification and proposal support through post-award contract management and compliance with federal regulations at agencies including ASPR, BARDA, NIH, CDC, DHS, FEMA, JPEO, DTRA, DLA, and DARPA.
EverGlade Consulting is a consulting firm with employees across the country, that helps clients navigate the federal landscape. We are inspired by technology-driven companies whose focus is to secure non-dilutive funding from the federal government. We offer services ranging from opportunity identification and proposal support through post-award contract management and compliance with federal regulations at agencies including ASPR, BARDA, NIH, CDC, DHS, FEMA, JPEO, DTRA, DLA, and DARPA.
For additional information about EverGlade Consulting, visit: https://www.EverGlade.com
About SCBIO:
SCBIO is a statewide, not-for-profit, public/private life sciences industry association and economic development organization formed to actively promote, build, support, expand, and convene South Carolina's life sciences industry.
SCBIO is a statewide, not-for-profit, public/private life sciences industry association and economic development organization formed to actively promote, build, support, expand, and convene South Carolina's life sciences industry.
For additional information about SCBIO, visit www.SCBIO.org.
Media Contact: info@everglade.com
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SOURCE EverGlade Consulting
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/fca-reports-first-quarter-2022-us-sales/
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- U.S. total sales decline 14%; retail sales down 13%
- Jeep® brand retail sales even versus the previous first quarter
- Jeep Grand Cherokee notches its best-ever Q1 total and retail sales, with total sales up 36% and retail sales up 44%
- Total U.S. sales for the Jeep Compass rise 22%, and retail sales increase 23% versus the previous first quarter
- Ram brand records its best Q1 retail sales year ever for the ProMaster, up 27% versus the previous first quarter
- Total commercial shipments in Q1 rise 13% versus same quarter last year
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- FCA US LLC had sales of 405,221 vehicles in the first quarter. Overall, total U.S. and retail sales for the first quarter declined 14% and 13% respectively, outperforming the industry.
"Despite being impacted by the existing supply chain constraints facing our industry, we continue to see strong demand for our vehicles," said U.S. Head of Sales Jeff Kommor. "Our dealer network continues to demonstrate great flexibility as we balance and prioritize these demands in offsetting market conditions.
Jeep® brand retail sales were even versus same quarter last year. Jeep Grand Cherokee notched its best-ever Q1 total and retail sales, with total sales up 36% and retail sales up 44%. Total U.S. sales for the Jeep Compass rose 22% while retail sales increased 23% year over year.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe, the best-selling plug-in vehicle in the U.S, accounted for 8,346 (18%) of total Jeep Wrangler sales. Pacifica Hybrid accounted for 4,164 (16%) of total Chrysler Pacifica sales.
Ram brand recorded its best Q1 retail sales year ever for the ProMaster Van, with sales up 27% versus the previous first quarter. The brand's total commercial shipments are up a combined 7% versus the previous first quarter.
The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2022.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe was named Best 4x4 in the 2022 Women's World Car of the Year Awards.
The 2022 Ram 1500 Crew Cab earned the TOP SAFETY PICK rating (when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2022.
Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep brand and Ram vehicles earned Car and Driver Editors' Choice Awards this past February.
See the attached table for the breakdown of brand and nameplate sales.
FCA US LLC is a North American automaker based in& Auburn Hills, Michigan. It designs, manufactures, and sells or distributes vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo brands, as well as the SRT performance designation. The Company also distributes Mopar and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. FCA US LLC is a subsidiary of Stellantis N.V. For the methodology of determining FCA US LLC monthly sales click here.
These statements are based on current expectations and projections about future events and, by their nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. They relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur or exist in the future and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on them. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in such statements as a result of a variety of factors, including: volatility and deterioration of capital and financial markets, changes in commodity prices, changes in general economic conditions, economic growth and other changes in business conditions, weather, floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters, changes in government regulation, production difficulties, including capacity and supply constraints, and many other risks and uncertainties, most of which are outside of our control.
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For more information, please visit the Stellantis media site for North America at https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com.
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SOURCE FCA US LLC
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/fda-roundup-april-1-2022/
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SILVER SPRING, Md., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an at-a-glance summary of news from around the agency:
- Today, the FDA published the FDA Voices: "Give Your Community a Boost: Combatting Misinformation Through Communication and Research," by RADM Richardae Araojo, Pharm.D., M.S., Associate Commissioner for Minority Health and Director of the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity. April is National Minority Health Month, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services selected "Give Your Community a Boost" as this year's theme. Over the last two years, the FDA has worked tirelessly with our U.S. government partners, medical product manufacturers, international partners and additional stakeholders to address COVID-19. Although the pandemic continues, significant strides have been made in efforts to protect the health of Americans. The FDA authorized and approved multiple vaccines, authorized several treatments, increased available testing options such as at-home tests and provided countless educational resources in a variety of languages.
- On March 31, the FDA published findings from the facility inspection at the Abbott Nutrition facility in Sturgis, Michigan, on the FDA Investigation of Cronobacter Infections: Powdered Infant Formula page. Five environmental subsamples collected from the Sturgis facility were positive for Cronobacter sakazakii; four were detected by the FDA and one was detected through firm-initiated testing. The positive Cronobacter sakazakii environmental samples at the Sturgis facility have been analyzed using Whole Genome Sequencing, revealing five different strains of Cronobacter sakazakii. Product samples collected by FDA at the facility were analyzed for Cronobacter by the FDA and were found negative. There are no additional FDA samples pending analysis at this time. On March 18, 2022, the FDA inspection at the Abbott Nutrition facility was completed and a Form 483 was issued that included four observations.
- On March 31, the FDA revised its guidance, Emergency Use Authorization for Vaccines to Prevent COVID-19. The revised guidance updates recommendations for the clinical data to support effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine that has been modified to target a particular SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern. The revised guidance also provides the most up-to-date recommendations based on lessons learned during the COVID-19 public health emergency and submissions by sponsors. The FDA also revised Section III (Criteria and Considerations for the Issuance of an EUA for a COVID-19 Vaccine) in the guidance to delete the expectation that sponsors should continue to collect placebo-controlled data after issuance of an EUA. The agency made this revision in recognition that the pandemic has evolved, and safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized and approved. Thus, it may not be feasible to continue to collect placebo-controlled data when an effective vaccine is authorized and available for study participants.
- On March 31, the FDA denied the request in two citizen petitions, from the Council for Responsible Nutrition and the Natural Products Association (NPA), asking the agency to determine that products containing N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) are not excluded from the definition of a dietary supplement under section 201(ff)(3)(B)(i) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). While the FDA's response to the citizen petitions confirmed NAC is excluded from the definition of a dietary supplement, the agency has not yet reached a decision on the NPA citizen petition's alternative request that the agency undertake rulemaking to allow the use of NAC in dietary supplements.
- On March 30, the FDA published the FDA Voices: "FDA's Technology and Data Modernization in Action in 2022," by Robert M. Califf, M.D., MACC, Commissioner of Food and Drugs, and Vid Desai, Chief Information Officer. At the one-year anniversary of the FDA's Data Modernization Action Plan, released in March 2021, and nearly three years since launching the Technology Modernization Action Plan, the agency is providing an update on progress with "Modernization in Action." The anniversary report provides a detailed review of the progress made in moving closer to the speed of industry in streamlining workflows, reducing the cost of maintaining data and network security, and improving the timeliness of delivery of services.
- On March 30, the FDA announced it is extending the public comment period for the part 15 public hearing on "Scientific Data and Information Related to the Residue of Carcinogenic Concern for the New Animal Drug Carbadox." The FDA is extending the comment period by 60 days, until June 10, 2022.
- On March 30, the FDA announced the approval of the new animal drug Zenalpha (medetomidine and vatinoxan hydrochlorides injection) for use as a sedative and analgesic to help keep dogs sedated and comfortable while undergoing exams or certain medical procedures.
- On March 30, the FDA updated the list of Health and Human Services U.S. regions where sotrovimab is not authorized. This update is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Nowcast data estimates from March 29 that the proportion of COVID-19 cases caused by the Omicron BA.2 variant is above 50% in these three regions.
- Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont (Region 1) (as of 3/25/2022)
- New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands (Region 2) (as of 3/25/2022)
- Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin (Region 5) (as of 3/30/2022)
- Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Marshall Islands and Republic of Palau (Region 9) (as of 3/30/2022)
- Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington (Region 10) (as of 3/30/2022)
- On March 29, the FDA approved the CartiHeal Ltd. Agili-C, a breakthrough-designated device to treat defects or lesions that can occur in cartilage covering bones in the knee joint. The device is a small cylinder of material, implanted below the defect or lesion in the cartilage onto the underlying bone where it gradually resorbs and is replaced by new cartilage. The Agili-C is a porous, biocompatible and biodegradable material made from natural calcium carbonate derived from purified, inorganic coral's external skeleton.
- On March 29, the FDA authorized for marketing the BrainTemp Neonate System, an external system for measuring a neonate's brain temperature to be used by health care professionals who care for neonates in intensive care units, operating rooms and recovery rooms. Brain and core temperature of neonates are measured in circumstances where targeted temperature management may be indicated.
- Today, the FDA updated the Evusheld (tixagevimab co-packaged with cilgavimab) fact sheet and frequently asked questions with updated dosing information for patients who had already received the previously authorized initial dose (150 mg of tixagevimab and 150 mg of cilgavimab). These patients should receive an additional Evusheld dose as soon as possible, with the dose based on the following criteria:
- COVID-19 testing updates:
Additional Resources:
Media Contact: FDA Office of Media Affairs, 301-796-4540
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.
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SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/foresight-research-millions-new-vehicle-buyers-accessorize-their-ride-spending-billions-dollars/
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ROCHESTER, Mich., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the recently published "2020 Accessory Immersion" and "Sales and Marketing of Accessories" reports, over 6.2 million new vehicles will be accessorized in the first year of ownership No longer is the focus on just a few truck accessories or wheels or floor mats. It is a huge market. In the first year of ownership over $12 billion dollars will be spent and over the next two years look for another $7 billion dollars. And almost half of all retail deliveries will be accessorized. Foresight Research is currently planning on publishing the 2022 Accessory Immersion and Sales and Marketing of Accessories in the coming months.
What are they buying? Top of the list is connectivity; Bluetooth and iPods. And, of course, cell phone holders and charging devices. This is a whole new direction for the automotive accessory business, and it is right in line with what is going on in the industry. Appearance and protection are also big as is performance.
Successful marketing of accessories requires advance market planning. Buyers are looking to digital media, brochures, print articles and with the return of auto shows -they will be engaged with auto shows. For 2022, these marketing opportunities are "low handing fruit" for successful accessory marketers. And with the increasing importance of online retailing the researching in advance will play an even more important role.
Turning to the point of sale experience, only about half of all buyers recall a conversation about accessories at the dealer they purchased from and over half of them were initiated by the customer. Because of that new vehicle dealers miss about 48% of the accessory sales. The cost of missed sales? Buyers did accessorize their vehicle and spent over $1,000 per vehicle doing that – in the aftermarket. With limited dealer vehicle inventories, accessorizing at the dealer in 2022 will be an even more important part of the dealer revenue.
Accessory buyers do significant research into accessory choices before going to the dealership, so they know what they want to purchase. That is why it is so important that what they want to see at the dealer's showroom – they see.
The "Sales and Marketing of Accessories" report also details per new unit retailed spending by brand, revealing the leaders and underperformers.
Foresight Research has provided automotive marketing research for over 20 years and is a leader of syndicated research. We cover a wide range of subjects with emphasis on auto shows, motorsports, experiential events, and vehicle accessories. For more information, contact:
Bob Longstreth
Foresight Research
248.608.1870 x 18
blongstreth@foresightresearch.com
www.foresightresearch.com
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SOURCE Foresight Research
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/get-ready-border-surge-likes-which-our-country-has-never-seen-before-warns-fair/
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WASHINGTON, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement was issued by Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) in response to the Biden administration's announcement that Title 42 will officially end on May 23:
"The Biden administration's decision to end Title 42 without an adequate back-up plan is yet another example of their contempt for public health, safety, and national sovereignty. This is an unprecedented invitation to chaos at the border.
"Having abandoned or sabotaged nearly every form of deterrence against illegal immigration as part of their political goal of open borders, the Biden administration's continued use of Title 42 has served as the only tool preventing nearly every border crosser from being released into the United States.
"Since the day President Biden was sworn in, open borders activists and policymakers within his administration have pressed for the elimination of Title 42. They viewed it not as an essential public health policy, but an obstacle to mass migration. They finally got their wish.
"From a public health perspective, maintaining Title 42 is fully justified. Nearly a million Americans have died from COVID, and new outbreaks are raging around the world. By the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) own estimates, one million people would cross our borders within the first six weeks after Title 42 is canceled. Most of these people will be traveling in large groups and arriving from countries with low rates of vaccination.
"The Biden administration has no strategy to deter or prevent the massive wave of illegal immigration that they know is coming once Title 42 is lifted. Thus far, their only efforts are geared toward managing the crisis they plan to unleash on the American public.
"We all hope and pray that the day will come soon when Title 42 is no longer a necessary tool to protect public health. Likewise, the vast majority of Americans hope, pray and demand that the Biden administration honor its responsibility to secure our border and protect the public interest and safety by restoring the border and immigration enforcement policies they have systematically sabotaged."
Contact: Preston Huennekens, 202-328-7004 or phuennekens@fairus.org.
ABOUT FAIR
Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.
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SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/gladstone-wealth-partners-will-move-its-headquarters-new-jersey-boca-raton-florida-second-quarter-2022/
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Gladstone Moves Headquarters to Boca Raton As More Wealth Firms Choose Florida
BOCA RATON, Fla., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Gladstone Wealth Partners announced today that the firm is moving its headquarters from New Jersey to Boca Raton, Florida in the second quarter of 2022. The firm will continue to maintain a presence in New Jersey in their Chester office.
"We have spent a long time looking for an ideal location that provided economic leverage and a high quality of life for our team. The strong business trends in Florida and our rapid expansion there makes this a win for everyone" said Robert Hudson, Founder, Gladstone Wealth Partners.
Gladstone Wealth Partners will move its headquarters to 2500 North Military Trail Boca Raton, FL. The building is in the heart of the business district in Boca Raton and Gladstone has been a tenant since 2015.
This latest announcement from Gladstone comes on the heels of an impressive growth year in 2021 and early 2022, that saw the firm surpass $12 billion in assets and partner with over 200 Independent Financial Advisors. In addition, Gladstone continues to build its national presence with over 104 offices in 26 states.
About Gladstone Wealth Partners
Gladstone Wealth Partners was founded in 2012 and in 2015 launched its RIA. Gladstone is one of the fastest growing Hybrid RIA's in the wealth management industry. Gladstone is known for assisting advisors set up and establish their own independent advisory practice. We assist these advisors to better service their clients, run their businesses more profitably, grow faster, and enhance their enterprise value.
Also visit Gladstone on social media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gladstone-wealth-group/
https://gladstonewealth.com/
Contacts
Media
Richard Frick
richard.frick@gladstonewealth.com
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/goodbuy-gear-announces-new-sustainability-initiatives-further-offset-parents-carbon-footprint/
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The leading baby and kid gear recommerce brand partners with EcoCart and commits to plant trees through the National Forest Foundation
DENVER, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- This Earth Month, GoodBuy Gear, the leading online marketplace for parents to buy and sell quality-used and open box baby and kid gear, is thrilled to announce its partnership with EcoCart, in addition to a new forestry commitment through the National Forest Foundation to further offset its carbon emissions and create a more sustainable planet for future generations.
"GoodBuy Gear's circular business model is inherently sustainable," says GoodBuy Gear's Head of Marketing, Alena Courtney. "When parents purchase an item secondhand rather than buying it new, they're reducing the product's carbon footprint by up to 82%. We're especially excited that our partnership with EcoCart enables parents to further reduce their carbon footprint from a shipping perspective."
As part of their Global Forestry Project, EcoCart pledges to purchase offsetting credits from the Global Forestry Project Portfolio for every GoodBuy Gear order placed on Earth Day. These credits will neutralize GoodBuy Gear's carbon footprint from a shipping perspective by planting protected trees and plants around the world that can absorb carbon emitted into the atmosphere.
In addition to their partnership with EcoCart, GoodBuy Gear commits to plant a tree through the National Forest Foundation for every completed selling service during Earth Month.
"As a family-founded recommerce brand, the future our children grow up in is always top of mind," said GoodBuy Gear's CEO and co-founder, Kristin Langenfeld. "Parents in Denver, Dallas, Houston and Philadelphia who upcycle their used items with us this month not only make money while keeping quality gear in circulation and out of landfills, they also plant a tree that will grow up alongside the future generation."
Parents who sell with GoodBuy Gear make an average of $371 and can choose to earn up to 80% of the profits in cash or receive up to 90% in GoodBuy Bucks (store credit) to put toward their future baby or child's next milestone. Parents outside of GoodBuy Gear's selling service areas are able to upcycle gently used baby gear by trading it in at their nearest buybuy BABY store in exchange for a buybuy BABY gift card on the spot.
In 2021 alone, GoodBuy Gear helped nearly 45,000 families shop and sell secondhand baby and kid gear. Their mission is to make shopping and selling baby & kid gear sustainable for the planet and accessible to all those who inhabit it.
About GoodBuy Gear
Founded in 2016, GoodBuy Gear is a managed marketplace that enables parents to safely and sustainably circulate quality-used baby & kid products they love. Our mission is to give shopping and selling secondhand children's items the convenience and legitimacy it deserves. Learn more about GoodBuy Gear on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.
About EcoCart
EcoCart is a sustainability technology that enables businesses to calculate and offset the carbon emissions of their operations and then encourages consumers to engage with them through transparent and authentic front-end experiences. By vetting and partnering with various projects and organizations, such as forest protection and building clean energy sources, EcoCart determines the amount of each carbon offsetting activity needed to counteract specific amounts of carbon emissions and then matches the cost of doing so with each order's amount of emissions. EcoCart then empowers brands to leverage their offsetting initiatives into their customer experience through cart, landing page, banner, and other on and off-site experiences. Sustainability is now a driving factor in consumers' purchasing decisions. That's why 2000+ brands such as APL, Enfamil, Siete Foods, Ancient Nutrition use EcoCart.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Maddy McLean
GoodBuy Gear
maddy@goodbuygear.com
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SOURCE GoodBuy Gear
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/harvard-business-school-new-venture-competition-turns-25-celebrating-quarter-century-innovation-entrepreneurship/
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BOSTON, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For the last 25 years, the Harvard Business School New Venture Competition (NVC) has provided a forum for founders trying to tackle some of the world's most challenging business problems. Student and alumni founders refine their ideas through giving pitches, receiving feedback from established and experienced investors and entrepreneurs, and ultimately competing for cash prizes and support services. Winners for this year's landmark competition were announced during the Thursday, March 31, Finale event show, exhibiting the same promise and hope for the future as those who came before them.
The 20 student and alumni finalist teams pitched for a share of the $315,000 in cash as well as in-kind prizes. The top four teams in each of the three tracks—Student Business, Student Social Enterprise, and Alumni—made it through a multi-round judging process and vied for the runner-up and grand prize. Viewers also had the opportunity to select a crowd favorite in each of the three tracks, with a prize value of $5,000. In a separate process that recognizes the unique challenges of companies commercializing breakthrough technology, these early-stage but long development-time companies competed for the $10,000 Tough Technology Prize.
"Entrepreneurship is an integral component of the HBS experience, as it gives students and alumni a chance to create a product or service that can effect real change," said HBS Dean Srikant Datar. "I'm proud that the legacy of the NVC is not only felt by the people who have competed in it for all these years, but also seen in the impact of their ventures on the business world and in society as a whole."
The NVC is open to all students and alumni who are launching new business and social impact ventures. The School's Arthur Rock Center for Entrepreneurship and its Social Enterprise Initiative, in partnership with HBS Alumni Clubs & Associations, organizes the annual competition. This year, 295 teams entered the virtual competition—117 in the Student Business Track, 48 in the Student Social Enterprise Track, and 130 in the Alumni Track. Since its inception in 1997, there have been more than 6,700 participants, and over $3 million has been awarded to the winning teams.
"The NVC is the capstone event of the entrepreneurial journey at HBS. For the past 25 years, the NVC has enabled us to support our student and alumni entrepreneurs as part of the arduous journey of building a successful venture," said Jodi Gernon (MBA 1991), director of the Arthur Rock Center. "The winners and the participants have gone on to raise over $21 billion and have created over 15,000 jobs in such diverse industries as healthcare and biotech, technology, fashion and consumer products, and tough tech. The NVC truly captures the spirit of entrepreneurship at HBS."
"In a world crying out for solutions to environmental, health, racial equity, and other social problems, the Social Enterprise Track of the NVC is cause for hope as capable, energetic students from across Harvard bring new ideas and models to address these crises," said Rob Zeaske (MBA 2002), director of the Social Enterprise Initiative. "The NVC's 25th anniversary is a celebration of a generation of bold students and their solutions and a guide to what is possible."
In addition to the $325,000 in cash prizes, sponsors have donated in-kind tools and services that will help the startups launch and grow. In-kind sponsors are AWS, Baker for Business, Bubble, CASE Smart Impact Capital, Foley Hoag, Harvard Innovation Labs, HubSpot for Startups, MixPanel, Startup Partners.
This year's winners, exemplifying leaders working to make a difference in the world, are:
Student Business Track
The Dubilier prize was established by New York and London-based private investment firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in 1998 in honor of their founder, Martin Dubilier (MBA 1952), to support entrepreneurship.
The Satchu-Burgstone Prize honors Jon Burgstone (MBA 1999), Asif Satchu (MBA 1999), and Reza Satchu (MBA 1996), all recipients of the runner-up prize in the 1999 competition with their plan for SupplierMarket.com.
The Dubilier $75,000 Grand Prize:
Coprata has developed non-invasive ways to easily, safely and discreetly monitor health when using a toilet. The technology is designed to address gastrointestinal disease and monitor personalized wellness.
Team: Chase Moyle (MBA 2022), Chase Moyle (MBA 2022)
Satchu-Burgstone $25,000 Runner Up Prize:
ClearCut Surgical
Faced with a problem all surgeons have struggled with for decades—the buildup of fluid (blood) that prevents effective and safe tissue dissection—the ClearCut Surgical team prototyped a simple solution to the problem: a combination dissection and suction device.
Team: Alex Yang (MBA 2023), Heung Kim
Student Social Enterprise Track
The Sacerdote Prizes were initially established in 2003 by Peter M. Sacerdote (MBA 1964) to encourage more HBS graduates to become involved in social enterprises and to support their efforts.
Peter M. Sacerdote $75,000 Grand Prize:
Cashex is building services to make life easier for African migrants by offering seamless digital banking that allows Africans in the USA to send money to their families with zero transaction fees.
Team: Kingsley Ezeani (MC/MPA 2022), Scott Morgan
Peter M. Sacerdote $25,000 Runner Up Prize:
Feather is a new way for patients to navigate their pain journey through proven treatments, personalized coaching, and a supportive community.
Team: Kirsten Soong (MBA 2022), Mariya Rivkin, (MBA 2022), Daniel Navarro
Alumni Track
$75,000 Grand Prize:
Fleetzero is building a fleet of electric ships to deliver cargo for our customers without a green premium.
Team: Steven Henderson (MBA 2016), Michael Carter
$25,000 Runner Up Prize:
Collective Academy is the first university focused on transforming the future of Latin America by connecting recognized business and technology professionals with future high-impact decision makers.
Team: Patricio Bichara, MBA 2015
Tough Technology Prize
This is the third year for the Tough Technology Prize, sponsored by the Rock Center in collaboration with the HBS Digital, Health Care, and Business and Environment Initiatives, to recognize ventures working on transformative technology that solves the world's most important challenges through the convergence of breakthrough science, engineering, and leadership.
$10,000 Winner:
Carbon Vacuum
Carbon Vacuum sucks CO2 out of the air to prevent our Earth from burning and melting.
Team: Aaron Sabin (MS/MBA 2023)
Read more about some of the New Venture Competition Business Track, Social Enterprise Track, and Alumni Track finalist teams, and for further information please visit the following websites:
Media contact:
Mark Cautela
Communications
mcautela@hbs.edu
617-495-5143
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SOURCE Harvard Business School
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/huntsman-discuss-first-quarter-2022-results-april-28-2022/
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THE WOODLANDS, Texas, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN) will hold a conference call on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss its first quarter 2022 financial results, which will be released at approximately 6:00 a.m. ET that day.
Webcast link:
https://services.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=KvyqXLON
The conference call will be accompanied by presentation slides that will be accessible via the webcast link and Huntsman's investor relations website, www.huntsman.com/investors. Upon conclusion of the call, the webcast replay will be accessible via Huntsman's website.
Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals with 2020 revenues of approximately $6 billion. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 70 manufacturing, R&D and operations facilities in approximately 30 countries and employ approximately 9,000 associates within our four distinct business divisions. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Huntsman_Corp
Facebook: www.facebook.com/huntsmancorp
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/huntsman
Certain information in this release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, volatile global economic conditions, cyclical and volatile product markets, disruptions in production at manufacturing facilities, reorganization or restructuring of Huntsman's operations, including any delay of, or other negative developments affecting the ability to implement cost reductions, timing of proposed transactions, and manufacturing optimization improvements in Huntsman businesses and realize anticipated cost savings, and other financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.
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SOURCE Huntsman Corporation
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/john-hancock-closed-end-funds-declare-monthly-distributions/
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BOSTON, MA, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - The five John Hancock closed-end funds listed below declared their monthly distributions today as follows:
Declaration Date: April 1, 2022
Ex Date: April 8, 2022
Record Date: April 11, 2022
Payment Date: April 29, 2022
Premium Dividend Fund (the "Fund") declared its monthly distribution pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan (the "PDT Plan"). Under the PDT Plan, the Fund makes monthly distributions of an amount equal to $0.0975 per share. This amount will be paid monthly until further notice.
Distributions under the PDT Plan may consist of net investment income, net realized long-term capital gains, net realized short-term capital gains and, to the extent necessary, return of capital. The Fund may also make additional distributions (i) for purposes of not incurring federal income tax on investment company taxable income and net capital gain of the Fund, if any, not included in such regular distributions and (ii) for purposes of not incurring federal excise tax on ordinary income and capital gain net income, if any, not included in such regular monthly distributions. The Board may amend the terms of the PDT Plan or terminate the PDT Plan at any time.
Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (the "Fund") declared its monthly distribution pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan (the "HTD Plan"). Under the HTD Plan, the Fund makes monthly distributions of an amount equal to $0.1380 per share. This amount will be paid monthly until further notice. Distributions under the HTD Plan may consist of net investment income, net realized long-term capital gains, net realized short-term capital gains and, to the extent necessary, return of capital. The Fund may also make additional distributions (i) for purposes of not incurring federal income tax on investment company taxable income and net capital gain of the Fund, if any, not included in such regular distributions and (ii) for purposes of not incurring federal excise tax on ordinary income and capital gain net income, if any, not included in such regular monthly distributions. The Board may amend the terms of the HTD Plan or terminate the HTD Plan at any time.
A portion of a Fund's current distribution may include sources other than net investment income, including a return of capital. Investors should understand that a return of capital is not a distribution from income or gains of a Fund. As required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, a notice with the estimated components of the distribution will be sent to shareholders at the time of payment if it does not consist solely of net investment income. Such notice will also be posted to the Funds' website at www.jhinvestments.com. The notice should not be used to prepare tax returns as the estimates indicated in the notice may differ from the ultimate federal income tax characterization of distributions. After the end of each calendar year, investors will be sent a Form 1099-DIV informing them how to report distributions received during that year for federal income tax purposes.
Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing.
A company of Manulife Investment Management, we serve investors through a unique multimanager approach, complementing our extensive in-house capabilities with an unrivaled network of specialized asset managers, backed by some of the most rigorous investment oversight in the industry. The result is a diverse lineup of time-tested investments from a premier asset manager with a heritage of financial stewardship.
Manulife Investment Management is the global brand for the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. We draw on more than a century of financial stewardship and the full resources of our parent company to serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Headquartered in Toronto, our leading capabilities in public and private markets are strengthened by an investment footprint that spans 18 geographies. We complement these capabilities by providing access to a network of unaffiliated asset managers from around the world. We're committed to investing responsibly across our businesses. We develop innovative global frameworks for sustainable investing, collaboratively engage with companies in our securities portfolios, and maintain a high standard of stewardship where we own and operate assets, and we believe in supporting financial well-being through our workplace retirement plans. Today, plan sponsors around the world rely on our retirement plan administration and investment expertise to help their employees plan for, save for, and live a better retirement. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com.
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SOURCE John Hancock Investment Management
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/karyopharm-therapeutics-reports-inducement-grants-under-nasdaq-listing-rule-5635c4/
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NEWTON, Mass., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: KPTI), a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company pioneering novel cancer therapies, today announced that the Company approved the grant of stock options to purchase an aggregate of 58,600 shares of Karyopharm's common stock and an aggregate of 36,900 restricted stock units (RSUs) to six newly-hired employees. These equity awards were granted as of March 31, 2022 (the Grant Date) pursuant to the Company's 2022 Inducement Stock Incentive Plan, as inducements material to the new employees entering into employment with Karyopharm in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
Each of the stock options has an exercise price of $7.37 per share, the closing price of Karyopharm's common stock on the Grant Date. Each stock option will vest over four years, with 25% of the total number of shares underlying the stock option vesting on the one-year anniversary of the applicable employee's employment commencement date and 1/48th of the total number of shares vesting monthly thereafter. Each RSU award will vest over four years, with 25% percent of the shares underlying the RSU award vesting on each of the four consecutive anniversaries of the applicable employee's employment commencement date. The vesting of each inducement award is subject to the employee's continued service as an employee of, or other service provider to, Karyopharm through the applicable vesting dates. In addition, each stock option and RSU award will be immediately exercisable in full if, on or prior to the first anniversary of the consummation of a "change in control event," the employee's employment is terminated for "good reason" by the employee or terminated without "cause" by Karyopharm (as such terms are defined in the applicable stock option or RSU agreement).
Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: KPTI) is a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company pioneering novel cancer therapies. Since its founding, Karyopharm has been the industry leader in oral Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compound technology, which was developed to address a fundamental mechanism of oncogenesis: nuclear export dysregulation. Karyopharm's lead SINE compound and first-in-class, oral exportin 1 (XPO1) inhibitor, XPOVIO® (selinexor), is approved in the U.S. and marketed by the Company in three oncology indications and has received regulatory approvals in various indications in a growing number of ex-U.S. territories and countries, including Europe and the United Kingdom (as NEXPOVIO®), China and Singapore. Karyopharm has a focused pipeline targeting multiple high unmet need cancer indications, including in endometrial cancer, myelodysplastic syndromes and myelofibrosis. For more information about our people, science and pipeline, please visit www.karyopharm.com, and follow us on Twitter at @Karyopharm and LinkedIn.
XPOVIO® and NEXPOVIO® are registered trademarks of Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.
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SOURCE Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/lftd-partners-inc-reports-record-annual-revenue-net-income-expects-2022-revenue-exceed-75-million/
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. , April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LFTD Partners Inc. ("LFTD Partners" or the "Company") (OTCQB:LIFD), the corporate parent of leading cannabis and psychedelics-lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company Lifted Made, which manufactures the award-winning brand of hemp-derived cannabinoid products Urb Finest Flowers and psychedelics brand Silly Shruum, today reported record revenue for Q4 2021 and full year 2021, and its sixth consecutive quarter of positive GAAP-basis earnings per share.
Financial Highlights - 2021 Fiscal Year
- Revenue grew 492% to $31,656,932, up from $5,344,320 in 2020
- Net income of $5,799,982, up from a loss of $(1,534,589) in 2020
- Basic earnings per share of $0.50, up from a loss per share of $(0.29) in 2020
- Diluted earnings per share of $0.43, up from a diluted loss per share of $(0.29) in 2020
Financial Highlights - Q4 2021
- Revenue up 482% to $12,787,566, up from $2,196,518 in Q4 2020
- Net income up 146% to $1,349,292, up from $549,531 in Q4 2020
- Basic earnings per share up 67% to $0.10 per share, up from basic earnings per share of $0.06 in Q4 2020
- Diluted earnings per share up 300% to $0.08 per share, up from diluted earnings per share of $0.02 in Q4 2020
- Because LFTD Partners has exhausted its historical tax loss carryforwards, Q4 2021 financial results include a first-time accrual for income taxes of $1,367,362. Without this accrual for income taxes, Q4 2021 basic and diluted EPS would have been approximately $0.10 and $0.09 per share higher, respectively
- Because a newly enacted federal law will likely result in a de facto prohibition of synthetic nicotine products by the U.S. FDA, Q4 2021 financial results include a one-time impairment of Lifted Made's investment in tobacco-free nicotine pouch manufacturer SmplyLifted LLC. Without this one-time write-off totaling $388,727, Q4 2021 basic and diluted EPS would have been approximately $0.03 and $0.02 per share higher, respectively
Nicholas S. Warrender, Vice Chairman and COO of LFTD Partners, and founder and CEO of Lifted Made, said, "Our tremendous growth and profitability during 2021 was a reflection of the team and infrastructure that we have built over the years and is a testament to the power of a true consumer-run business. The culture we have created breeds innovation and has set a new benchmark for quality and consumer experience throughout the hemp cannabis industry. Fueled by the momentum of 2021, we expect Q1 2022 to be another record quarter based upon our outstanding sales so far this year, and barring any regulatory setbacks, we expect our 2022 revenue will reach or exceed $75 million. Notably, this 2022 sales projection does not assume any revenue from a groundbreaking new federally compliant psychedelic product that we expect to launch this year that will contain zero cannabinoids and further diversify our portfolio of products."
William C. "Jake" Jacobs, CPA, President and CFO of LFTD Partners, said: "Our balance sheet is strengthening significantly, driven by our EBITDA margin that is typically in excess of 20%. During the past 100 days, we have paid off over $2.5 million of our liabilities and repurchased 100,000 shares of our common stock from an unaffiliated shareholder. And, our cash on hand currently exceeds $4.5 million."
Jake Jacobs continued, "Delta-8-THC is now the principal ingredient in less than 25% of Lifted Made's products, which shows the continuing diversification of Lifted Made's product portfolio. We are continuing to explore a potential borrowing of $5 million or more, that would allow us to prepay our outstanding $2.75 million note payable to Nick Warrender, to purchase Lifted Made's headquarters building in Kenosha for $1.375 million, and to further increase Lifted Made's working capital to facilitate even faster growth. We are also in discussions with our investment bankers regarding a potential listing of our common stock on an exchange, probably sometime later this year."
Gerard M. Jacobs, Chairman and CEO of LFTD Partners, said: "We get approached frequently regarding potential acquisitions of competitors, suppliers and other companies, as well as potential co-branding and joint venture opportunities for our brands. We will continue to explore these situations, preferring immediately accretive deals that would diversify the risk profile of our business and that would add talented entrepreneurs who would thrive in LFTD Partners' decentralized partnership structure."
About LFTD Partners Inc.
LFTD Partners Inc. (OTCQB:LIFD) is focused upon acquiring rapidly growing and profitable companies that sell branded hemp-derived cannabinoid products, emerging psychedelic products, and other alternative lifestyle products. LFTD Partners' first wholly-owned subsidiary is Lifted Made (www.LiftedMade.com), Kenosha, Wisconsin, which sells award-winning hemp-derived cannabinoid products and other psychedelic and alternative lifestyle products under its flagship brands Urb Finest Flowers and Silly Shruum. LFTD Partners also owns 4.99% of CBD-infused beverage and products maker Ablis (www.AblisBev.com), and of distillers Bendistillery Inc. d/b/a Crater Lake Spirits (www.CraterLakeSpirits.com) and Bend Spirits, Inc., all located in Bend, Oregon.
Please read LIFD's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission which fully describe our business and the Risk Factors associated therewith. Learn more by subscribing to our newsletters at www.LFTDPartners.com and www.LiftedMade.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this document are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such information includes the acquisition, financing, revenue growth, profitability, and product strategies, plans and expectations of LFTD Partners Inc. and Lifted Made. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause or contribute to the actual results of these companies' merger plans, financing plans, operations, or the performance or achievements of these companies differing materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain other factors, including the risk factors set forth in LFTD Partners Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell common stock or any other securities of LFTD Partners Inc.
CONTACTS:
Lifted Made
Attn: Nicholas S. Warrender, CEO
Phone: (224) 577-8148
Email: CEO@LiftedMade.com
Website: www.LiftedMade.com
LFTD Partners Inc.
Attn: William C. "Jake" Jacobs, President and CFO
Phone: (847) 400-766
Email: JakeJacobs@LFTDPartners.com
Website: www.LFTDPartners.com
HUMAN NATURE
Attn: Holly Aubry, CEO
Phone: (646) 943-0541
Email: haubry@humannaturepr.com
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SOURCE LFTD Partners Inc.
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20220401
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/liquid-meta-provides-update-ronin-network/
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VANCOUVER, BC, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Liquid Meta Capital Holdings Ltd. ("Liquid Meta" or the "Company") (NEO: LIQD) (FRANKFURT: N5F), a decentralized finance infrastructure and technology company focused on bridging the gap between traditional and decentralized finance, today provided an update on its exposure to a decentralized exchange (DEX) that is part of the Ronin blockchain ecosystem, owned by Sky Mavis.
On March 29, 2022, the Ronin Network announced a security breach whereby the Sky Mavis' Ronin validator nodes were compromised, resulting in 173,600 Ethereum and 25.5M USDC being drained from the Ronin bridge in two transactions. As a result of the hack, certain DEX's and the Ronin blockchain were halted and the support teams of the Ronin blockchain immediately attempted to try and recover these funds. The funds that have been compromised on the bridge serve as collateral to a portion of the assets held on the Ronin network, and if this collateral is not recovered it could have an impact on the price of these assets.
Liquid Meta has provided liquidity to a liquidity pool on a DEX that exists on the Ronin blockchain, and which is interconnected to the bridge that experienced the security breach. This DEX is currently halted pending an update by Sky Mavis and the Ronin teams.
"Although we did not have any direct exposure to the hack on the Ronin bridge, Liquid Meta has approximately $2.3 million of exposure on the Ronin network DEX," said Jonathan Wiesblatt, CEO of Liquid Meta. "This represents approximately 10% of our total liquidity deployed, in line with our ongoing deployment strategy and internal risk criteria and, as a result of which, we wanted to provide this update to the market. There is currently an active investigation into the breach and Ronin, Axie Infinity/Sky Mavis are in the process of outlining how to best move forward. It is important to note that our liquidity on the Ronin network DEX is currently safe while Sky Mavis and the team at the Ronin Blockchain work to resolve the issues with the breach."
Mr. Wiesblatt also stated "Liquid Meta's mission is to deliver access and transparency to the world of DeFi. We are aware of the risks that are part of this nascent industry. Even though our risk assessment of the blockchain and DEX met all our internal risk criteria and controls, we acknowledge we are also part of a larger ecosystem that is interconnected. The Company will provide additional updates as they are received and when appropriate."
About Liquid Meta
Liquid Meta is a decentralized finance infrastructure and technology company that is powering the next generation of open-access protocols and applications. The Company is creating the bridge between traditional and decentralized finance while ushering in a new era of financial infrastructure that benefits anyone, anywhere.
To learn more visit Website | LinkedIn | Twitter
Cautionary Notice
Neo Exchange has not reviewed or approved this press release for the adequacy or accuracy of its contents.
Forward-Looking statements
This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Liquid Meta to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's Filing Statement dated as of December 17, 2021 which is available for view on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and Liquid Meta disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Liquid Meta's operations could be significantly adversely affected by the effects of a widespread global outbreak of a contagious disease, including the recent outbreak of illness caused by COVID-19. It is not possible to accurately predict the impact COVID-19 will have on operations and the ability of others to meet their obligations, including uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, and the length of travel and quarantine restrictions imposed by governments of affected countries. In addition, a significant outbreak of contagious diseases in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could further affect operations and the ability to finance its operations.
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SOURCE Liquid Meta Capital Holdings Ltd
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/nasa-astronaut-discuss-american-space-record-news-conference/
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WASHINGTON, April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei, back on Earth after breaking the record for the longest single spaceflight in history by an American, will participate in a virtual news conference at 10 a.m. EDT Tuesday, April 5, from the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
The news conference will air live on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency's website.
Vande Hei's extended mission aboard the International Space Station led to a total of 355 days in space. The extended mission undertaken by Vande Hei will allow NASA to better observe the effects of long-duration spaceflight on humans as the plans to return to the Moon under the Artemis program and prepare for human exploration of Mars.
Media wishing to virtually participate in the event must contact the Johnson newsroom at 281-483-5111 or jsccommu@mail.nasa.gov no later than an hour before the start of the event.
Vande Hei launched April 9, 2021, alongside Russian cosmonauts Oleg Novitskiy and Pyotr Dubrov. It was his second journey into space. The 355 day-mission is the longest single spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut and gives him a lifetime total of 523 days in space. Dubrov, who was on his first spaceflight, also remained onboard for 355 days.
The NASA astronaut returned to Earth Wednesday, March 30, along with Roscosmos cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov and Dubrov. The trio departed the International Space Station at 3:21 a.m. EDT and made a safe, parachute-assisted landing at 7:28 a.m. (5:28 p.m. Kazakhstan time) southeast of the remote town of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan. Vande Hei then returned to Houston aboard a NASA plane Thursday, March 31.
Vande Hei completed approximately 5,680 orbits of the Earth and a journey of more than 150 million miles, roughly the equivalent of 312 trips to the Moon and back. He witnessed the arrival of 15 visiting spacecraft and new modules, and the departure of 14 visiting spacecraft.
During his record mission, Vande Hei spent many hours contributing to scientific activities aboard the space station, conducting everything from plant research to physical sciences studies. He participated in a study to test if engineered tissues cultured in space could provide a model for studying muscle loss and assessing possible treatments prior to clinical trials. He also participated in the first and second harvests of chile peppers grown in space to study the challenges of growing plants in microgravity, which could help crews can grow their own food on future long-duration missions.
Learn more about space station activities by following @space_station, and @ISS_Research on Twitter, as well as the ISS Facebook and ISS Instagram accounts and the space station blog.
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SOURCE NASA
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/national-organizations-unite-promote-facial-safety-april/
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ROSEMONT, Ill., April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- April is National Facial Protection Month, a national campaign to encourage the use of safety equipment when engaging in collision sports and recreational activities.
Founded by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), three healthcare organizations provide a platform for members to reach out to their communities to encourage being proactive in preventing sports-related injuries to the head and face with the use of safety equipment such as helmets and mouth guards.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), a 10-year study found nearly 32 percent of injuries in children occurred during sports activities. The annual costs of all injuries, including orofacial injuries, sustained by young athletes have been estimated to be $500 million. The Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD) estimates these injuries also result in 20 million lost days of school.
One effective and relatively inexpensive piece of protective gear is a mouth guard, especially as children become engaged in contact sports. Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer harm to their teeth if they are not wearing a mouth guard. However, 67 percent of parents admit their child does not wear a mouth guard during organized sports.
To avoid the pain and cost of dental and facial injuries, remember these four tips:
- Mouth guards should be worn in all contact or collision sports.
- Helmets should always be worn when biking and playing football, softball, baseball, lacrosse, and hockey as well as during activities such as skateboarding, riding scooters or other physical activities that pose a risk of concussion. Helmets absorb the energy of an impact.
- Protective eyewear and helmets should be worn per the ASTM International, an organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus standards.
- Be alert, even as a spectator. Alert spectators can avoid foul baseballs and flying hockey pucks.
Visit these cosponsor websites for more information and resources:
- The Academy for Sports Dentistry was established in 1983 as a forum for dentists, doctors, athletic trainers, coaches, dental technicians and educators to advance sports dentistry and improve and protect athletes' dental and oral health.
- Founded in 1947, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is the membership organization of the specialty of pediatric dentistry with approximately 10,500 members.
- Established in 1918, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons represents more than 9,000 oral and maxillofacial surgeons and supports its fellows and members through education, research and advocacy.
About National Facial Protection Month
National Facial Protection Month is sponsored by the Academy for Sports Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Visit the websites for more information and materials.
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SOURCE American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons
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https://www.kait8.com/prnewswire/2022/04/01/neighborhood-development-company-celebrates-ribbon-cutting-affordable-housing-development-dcs-hillcrest-neighborhood/
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Development of 100% affordable duplex condos and studios known as Park27 is now complete, bringing affordable homeownership opportunities east of the river, for sale exclusively by The Menkiti Group's Residential Sales Team
WASHINGTON , April 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Neighborhood Development Company (NDC) was joined by Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray, DHCD's Director Drew Hubbard, and city officials for a ribbon cutting today to celebrate the completion of construction on Park27, a new residential community in Hillcrest. Park27 is a collection of 26 brand-new 100% affordable duplex condos and studios, ranging in size from 500 SF to 1,250 SF and delivering much needed affordable home ownership opportunities to Ward 7.
"As a native Washingtonian, I've seen firsthand the dramatic changes in our city that have made it harder and harder for longtime residents to own their own homes. With Park27, we not only wanted to increase affordable housing opportunities within the Hillcrest community, but we also wanted to go further and create an opportunity for families to build intergenerational wealth and security," said Adrian G. Washington, CEO & Founder, NDC. "With our partners, the DC Department of Housing and Community Development and LISC, we are proud to be doing our part in achieving Mayor Bowser's housing goals."
As part of Mayor Bowser's affordable housing initiative, Park27 adds 26 new homes east of the river. There has been a historic generational gap east of the river in homeownership, and the completion of this project marks new and exciting opportunities for Ward 7 households to create intergenerational wealth. Developed by NDC, Park27 offers a fresh change of pace with homes that have room to breathe and feature high-end amenities. The project will be an Enterprise Green Community / Energy Star Certified building.
"Park27 is possible because of historic investments by Mayor Bowser, a great team at DHCD, and committed partners like NDC, LISC, and The Menkiti Group", said DHCD Interim Director Drew Hubbard. "Together we're turning a formerly vacant lot into an affordable homeownership opportunity for families in Ward 7".
Located just steps away from the corner of Minnesota Avenue SE and Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Park27 is positioned in a desirable location in D.C.'s Hillcrest neighborhood with a wide variety of amenities within walking distance. Within a mile radius residents can enjoy a public park, walking trails, and a commercial corridor with prominent developments like MLK Gateway which offers restaurants, coffee shops, and more. Off-street parking is available on a first come first served basis for residents and there is ample street parking.
"I am thrilled that we are adding additional homeownership opportunities to the Ward. Park 27 will not only create more affordable housing, this 100% affordable housing project adds value to the District by providing quality affordable homeownership opportunities for Ward 7," said Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray. "It is imperative that we continue to move with urgency to also include other basic amenities like full-service grocery stores, sit-down restaurants, and retail amenities, while providing a more diverse housing stock in Ward 7. Park 27 is a wonderful addition to our efforts to improve the quality of life for Ward 7 residents and bring more neighborhood amenities and quality housing and homeownership options to Ward 7."
Park27 is well situated for direct access to the District of Columbia's strong transportation network, including a "Priority Corridor Network of Metrobus Routes." The site is also relatively accessible to Metro with the nearest Metro station being the Potomac Avenue Metro subway station located on Pennsylvania Avenue approximately one mile to the west. Additional amenities include the Anacostia Art Center, the Smithsonian Anacostia Museum, the Anacostia House, 11th Street Bridge Park, the BIG Chair, Capitol River Front, and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.
"With a small area plan underway on Pennsylvania Avenue it's great that we are seeing residential and mixed-use development along the corridor to increase density and help ensure that small, locally owned businesses who come into our community can thrive," said Commissioner Travis R. Swanson. "While I support increased housing density, I strongly believe that it needs to be done responsibly so new developments don't come at the expense of our long-term residents. Affordable housing is a tool that can help create homeownership opportunities while not displacing long-term residents of the community. I'm thrilled to see that this project will offer 100% of their units as affordable units for the community."
Park27 was financed by a combination of a senior loan provided by LISC, funds from DHCD through the Housing Production Trust Fund (HPTF), and private equity. HPTF is the major tool used to produce and preserve affordable housing in the District of Columbia.
"Pennsylvania Avenue is perhaps DC's most famous street, but when on the east side of the Anacostia, it has yet to fully blossom. For years, neighbors have seen these vacant, triangular parcels as symbol of disinvestment. But now they're a jewel. We're tremendously proud to have helped NDC bring Park 27 to life. 26 new homeowners will have a permanent stake in Twining and be able to raise families and contribute to the renaissance of the neighborhoods East of the Anacostia River," said Ramon Jacobson, Executive Director of LISC. "As we celebrate LISC's 40th anniversary, Park 27 represents our ongoing commitment to helping Washingtonians of all incomes to have an equitable stake in the nation's capital."
The sale of all duplex condos and studios at Park27 will be provided exclusively by MG Residential, the residential sales arm of The Menkiti Group, in addition to homeowner education services and all marketing for the project. To learn more about the details and amenities for these beautiful new homes and to join the growing reservation list, please visit https://www.park27dc.com.
"We are proud to celebrate the ribbon cutting and completion of this impactful project and sell these brand-new homes east of the river. As a community-based project that is making a difference towards Mayor Bowser's affordable housing initiative, it's great to partner on projects like Park27 that help advance our commitment to facilitating homeownership," said Bo Menkiti, Founder and CEO of The Menkiti Group. "It's an honor to be the sales team on another new development project to play a role in facilitating affordable homeownership opportunities in a community we have been closely connected to and dedicated to serving for nearly a decade."
At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Adrian G. Washington and NDC were joined by DHCD Interim Director Drew Hubbard; Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray; Commissioner Travis R. Swanson; Executive Director of LISC, Ramon Jacobson; Founder and CEO of The Menkiti Group, Bo Menkiti, and community members as well as representatives and partners of the project.
ABOUT NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
Neighborhood Development Company ("NDC") is a 100% Minority Owned real estate developer and operator that focuses on the revitalization of emerging urban neighborhoods within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. NDC's mission is to create exciting residential and commercial properties that advance the revitalization of urban neighborhoods while respecting the rich diversity of their existing fabric. NDC employs a methodical development strategy designed to consistently achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns. We take a hands-on approach through the development phase, prioritizing the local community and including sustainable elements into our design and development process.
NDC was founded in 1999 by Adrian Washington and since inception the team has been able to navigate the various highs and lows of real estate cycles. NDC has a long track record of successfully partnering with local government officials and communities to create innovative residential and mixed-use projects across the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
NDC has a talented development team with combined experience that spans over 70 years. To date, NDC has delivered over 1.1 million square feet of commercial and residential developments, participated in more than 2.0 million square feet of mixed-used developments, retained ownership of over a quarter million square feet, and has over 500,000 square feet in its development pipeline. For more information, please visit https://www.neighborhooddevelopment.com/.
ABOUT MG RESIDENTIAL
MG Residential is a premier sales team based in Washington, DC, with expertise providing residential and commercial real estate services to buyers, sellers, investors, and developers across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Over the past 15+ years, MG Residential has had the privilege of serving over 3,000 families in the greater DMV region and has played a key role in facilitating access to affordable homeownership across the District.
Founded with the mission of transforming lives, careers, and communities through real estate, MG Residential is anchored by Bo and Kymber Menkiti and Anthony and Lashika Mason. Their goal is to close the gap on homeownership and create intergenerational wealth in the District of Columbia and throughout the greater DMV region. For more information, please visit https://www.findhomesindmv.com/.
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SOURCE The Menkiti Group; The Neighborhood Development Company
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