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Forbes explores sale, hires Citigroup as banker
Aug 2 (Reuters) - Forbes said on Tuesday it was exploring a sale of its business and had hired Citigroup to manage the process, months after it pulled out of a deal to go public through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).
"There were many interested parties, so we moved forward with a formal sale process and Citigroup was hired to manage this process," a Forbes spokesperson said in an emailed response.
Details including the enterprise value Forbes was seeking and a timeline for the sale were not disclosed.
A report from the New York Times, which was the first to report the news, said Forbes was seeking to sell at a price of at least $630 million. (https://nyti.ms/3d3eezu)
In recent weeks, an offering document describing Forbes' financials compiled by Citi has been circulated to companies in the media sector, including Yahoo, according to the NYT report.
Forbes generated more than $200 million in revenue and over $40 million in profit in 2021, the report said.
In June, Forbes sought to terminate its $630 million deal with former Point72 executive Jonathan Lin-led special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Magnum Opus to go public.
Earlier in February, Forbes announced raising $200 million strategic investment from cryptocurrency firm Binance. (https://reut.rs/3Sm1CDt)
SPAC deals were among the hottest investment trends during the pandemic but the rapid increase in the number of deals has drawn the attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which has proposed new rules and additional disclosures from the deal sponsors. (Reporting by Yuvraj Malik in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva and Maju Samuel) | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-11074087/Forbes-said-explore-sale--NYT.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-08-02T18:56:12Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-11074087/Forbes-said-explore-sale--NYT.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | false |
HOUSTON — A Houston area 19-year-old is in the national spotlight after she stood up to a Republican congressman from Florida who body-shamed her on Twitter last week.
Olivia Julianna didn't isn't backing down in a Twitter war with Rep. Matt Gaetz. Instead, she helped raise millions of dollars for women's reproductive rights funds.
And the Gen Z for Change activist is only getting started.
"This last week has been the most insane and life-changing of my life," Julianna told KHOU 11.
She said after Gaetz's vile remarks last week, Julianna knew she had to say something.
"Why is it that the women with the least likelihood of getting pregnant are the ones most worried about having abortions? Nobody wants to impregnate you if you look like a thumb," Gaetz said.
Julianna turned to Twitter to respond.
"I tweeted about it -- in a now infamous tweet -- saying 'I wear heels so that men like Matt Gaetz are reminded of their place,'" Julianna said.
She also called Gaetz a "pedolphile" in reference to an investigation into possible sex trafficking of underage girls.
The tweet caught Gaetz's attention. He took aim at Julianna -- tweeting out her photo to his 1.4 million followers along with a link to a story about his speech calling abortion activists overweight and unattractive.
"His attempt to tear me down has not fazed me one bit," Julianna said.
Instead, the young activist turned Gaetz's insults into a fundraiser, calling on folks to donate to abortion funds.
"I expected to raise a few thousand dollars, a few thousand turned into $50 (thousand), $50 (thousand) turned into $100 (thousand) and now here we are at $2.2 million raised," Julianna said.
$2.2 million dollars in a week -- that's more than three times what some national abortion groups raise in an entire year.
"Unfortunately for Matt Gaetz, we've been turning that hatred into healthcare and it will help a lot of people because he couldn't keep his mouth shut," Julianna said.
The money will be split among 50 abortion rights funds that provide women access to abortion, birth control and other reproductive healthcare.
Her efforts have turned her into an overnight star.
"We are fighting for the soul of Texas, together," Juliana tweeted along with a photo of her and Beto O'Rourke at a rally Sunday.
She received a standing ovation and plenty of selfie requests from men and women alike, including O'Rourke and Mayor Sylvester Turner.
Juliana has now set her sights on the upcoming election vowing to "100 days of hell planned for the Texas GOP," and Gov. Greg Abbott is one of her favorite targets.
She's captured the attention of women nationally and around the world.
"Matt Gaetz just learned a very important lesson and that's not to mess with Texas women," Julianna said.
She plans to use that attention and reinvigorated burst of energy of the pro-choice movement to help turn out voters in just a few weeks.
"Texas deserves fighters, so I'm going to keep fighting for the state," Julianna said.
Her recognition continued on Tuesday morning when she was honored at Harris County Commissioner's Court. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/nation-world/olivia-julianna-rep-matt-gaetz-tweet-abortion-rights-fund-money/285-61d59186-4bd2-4bf7-a0fe-83d4d65ef81d | 2022-08-02T19:01:34Z | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/nation-world/olivia-julianna-rep-matt-gaetz-tweet-abortion-rights-fund-money/285-61d59186-4bd2-4bf7-a0fe-83d4d65ef81d | true |
Dodgers agree to trade with Yankees for slugger Joey Gallo
The Dodgers are in agreement on a trade Tuesday to acquire Joey Gallo from the New York Yankees pending a physical, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly.
The Dodgers are reportedly sending pitching prospect Clayton Beeter back in the deal, which was first reported by FanNation.
Gallo, 28, is a two-time All-Star who at times has been one of the most feared left-handed sluggers in the game, with 170 career home runs.
He has struggled, however, since joining the Yankees from the Texas Rangers at last year’s deadline. In 82 games this season, he is batting just .159 and has a .621 on-base-plus-slugging percentage with 12 home runs and 24 RBIs.
Still, the Dodgers are hoping Gallo can give their lineup a boost, acquiring the pending free agent in a relatively low-cost move in which they will only give up Beeter, the club’s No. 15-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline who has a 5.75 ERA in 18 games at double A this season.
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You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. | https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2022-08-02/dodgers-giants-recap-joey-gallo-trade | 2022-08-02T19:01:43Z | https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2022-08-02/dodgers-giants-recap-joey-gallo-trade | false |
by: Evan Anstey Posted: Aug 2, 2022 / 02:53 PM EDT Updated: Aug 2, 2022 / 02:53 PM EDT SHARE Which rookie are you most excited to see in the preseason? Buffalo Bills BKL Poll: Which rookie are you most excited to see in the preseason? NFL suspends Dolphins owner for tampering with Brady, Payton Elam relishes camp battles 1-on-1 with Bills DE Shaq Lawson 4 Observations: Bills Training Camp (7/30) Buffalo Kickoff Live airs this Friday at 7 p.m. Watch on News 4 and WIVB.com. | https://www.wivb.com/sports/buffalo-bills/bkl-poll-which-rookie-are-you-most-excited-to-see-in-the-preseason/ | 2022-08-02T19:03:43Z | https://www.wivb.com/sports/buffalo-bills/bkl-poll-which-rookie-are-you-most-excited-to-see-in-the-preseason/ | true |
After 66 days of recovery at University Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, 10-year-old Mayah Zamora got her official discharge from doctors on July 29.
The young survivor of the May 24 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, passed out roses to the hospital staff members who lined the hallways to celebrate her progress and strength. She still wore a brace on one wrist, a small reminder of the recovery that remains. But, the soon-to-be fifth grader appeared to smile behind her mask as the hospital staff clapped and chanted her name.
Everyone in attendance clapped and cheered for the girl who arrived at University Hospital in critical condition as a result of the attack, which killed 19 fellow students and two teachers. This day had a much different feel than Mayah’s arrival, and everyone wanted to share in the joy.
“Today was a happy day at University Hospital,” officials shared on Twitter, along with a video that showed the milestone that everyone at the hospital worked so hard to accomplish.
Today was a happy day at University Hospital! Our final patient from the Uvalde shooting, 10 year-old Mayah Zamora, was discharged! She passed out roses and left in style thanks to @HEB. She is our hero and we can’t wait to see all she accomplishes in the future! #MayahStrong pic.twitter.com/73bpB2pLN7
— University Health (@UnivHealthSA) July 29, 2022
Her departure marked the final patient’s release from the hospital following the Uvalde shooting, according to University Hospital. Her progress was slow but steady, according to KHOU 11 News, which said she progressed from critical to fair condition by mid-June and then continued to build strength to reach good condition by the end of the month. Now, she’s back at home to begin the stage of her recovery and the rest of her life.
University Hospital officials called the girl their hero and said they “can’t wait to see all she accomplishes in the future.”
As part of her hospital sendoff, H-E-B Grocery Stores provided the flowers for Mayah to share with the staff, as well as a special car to send her home in style, which you can see in a second tweet from the hospital. Many of the staff gathered around the car to blow kisses and say a final goodbye to the brave girl who became a special part of their daily lives.
— University Health (@UnivHealthSA) July 29, 2022
Her family has a GoFundMe account to help with Mayah’s medical expenses for her hospital care and continued recovery. More than $100,000 has been raised so far, and the account has a $150,000 goal.
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories. | https://www.wmar2news.com/10-year-old-uvalde-school-shooting-survivor-leaves-hospital-after-66-days | 2022-08-02T19:07:03Z | https://www.wmar2news.com/10-year-old-uvalde-school-shooting-survivor-leaves-hospital-after-66-days | false |
Through Aug. 1
- Summer leagues in full effect in Torrington
- Bill Nataro, nearing 80, still making the call
- Torrington basketball mainstays Turina, Bruno share bond
- Torrington summer sports tour shows choices are plentiful
- Torrington Legion program thriving under Poniatoski
- Baseball an age old passion for Tri-State players. commish
- Litchfield Hills Road Race returns to full speed
- Woodland outlasts Northwestern in Class M quarterfinal
- Watertown ousts Northwestern in Class M quarterfinals
- Nonnewaug gains share of BL softball crown with win over Shepaug
Recommended | https://www.registercitizen.com/sports/article/NASCAR-Gander-Outdoors-Truck-Laps-Led-Percentage-17345866.php | 2022-08-02T19:07:59Z | https://www.registercitizen.com/sports/article/NASCAR-Gander-Outdoors-Truck-Laps-Led-Percentage-17345866.php | true |
US sues Idaho over abortion law, citing medical emergencies
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department on Tuesday filed a lawsuit that challenges Idaho’s restrictive abortion law, arguing that it conflicts with a federal law requiring doctors to provide pregnant women medically necessary treatment that could include abortion.
The federal government brought the lawsuit seeking to invalidate the state’s “criminal prohibition on providing abortions as applied to women suffering medical emergencies,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said.
The announcement is the first major action by the Justice Department challenging a state trigger law since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June. The court’s decision has led some states to enact restrictive abortion laws and is likely to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states in the U.S.
The Justice Department brought the suit because federal prosecutors believe Idaho’s law would force doctors to violate the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, a federal law that requires anyone coming to a medical facility for emergency treatment to be stabilized and treated, Garland said.
“Idaho’s law would make it a criminal offense for doctors to provide the emergency medical treatment that federal law requires,” Garland said.
Idaho, like many Republican-led states, has several anti-abortion laws on the books, creating a legal quagmire now that the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned the landmark abortion rights case Roe v. Wade.
The law targeted by the Justice Department criminalizes all abortions, subjecting anyone who performs or attempts to perform an abortion to a felony punishable by between two and five years in prison.
People who are charged under the law could defend themselves against the criminal allegations by arguing that the abortion was done to save a pregnant person from death, or that it was done after the pregnant person reported that they were a victim of rape or incest to a law enforcement agency — and provided a copy of that report to the abortion provider.
“Under the Idaho law, once effective, any state or local prosecutor can subject a physician to indictment, arrest, and prosecution merely by showing that an abortion has been performed, without regard to the circumstances,” the Department of Justice wrote in the lawsuit. “The law then puts the burden on the physician to prove an ‘affirmative defense’ at trial.”
Advocates for sexual assault survivors have said the rape and incest exception is essentially useless, because Idaho’s public record law doesn’t allow law enforcement agencies to release reports when a case is still under investigation — a process that generally takes weeks or months.
Dr. Caitlin Gustafson, a family physician, and a regional Planned Parenthood organization have already used over the abortion ban in the Idaho Supreme Court, which is expected to hear arguments in the case on Wednesday. In the lawsuit, Gustafson contends that the exception for medical emergencies is vague and impossible to interpret.
“It would be very difficult, if not impossible, for me to implement the medical exception and provide care to a pregnant person whose life may be at risk,” wrote Gustafson, noting that some serious pregnancy-related medical conditions like preeclampsia can cause death though it is not guaranteed to do so.
Neither Idaho Gov. Brad Little nor Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, both Republicans, immediately responded to requests for comment on the federal lawsuit.
___
Balsamo reported from Washington, D.C.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2022/08/02/justice-dept-sues-over-idahos-abortion-law/ | 2022-08-02T19:08:08Z | https://www.1011now.com/2022/08/02/justice-dept-sues-over-idahos-abortion-law/ | true |
Unborn child with heartbeat can be claimed as dependent on Georgia taxes
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC/Gray News) - An unborn child with a detectable heartbeat is now eligible for the Georgia individual income tax dependent exemption.
According to the Georgia Department of Revenue, the 11th Circuit’s ruling on HB 481, or the Heartbeat Law, made the amendment effective on July 20, 2022.
Therefore, a taxpayer may claim a dependent personal exemption in the amount of $3,000 for Tax Year 2022 for an unborn child with a detectable heartbeat at any time on or after July 20, 2022, and through December 31, 2022.
The department states that medical records and other documentation will likely be required to support the dependent deduction.
More information, including instructions to claim the personal exemption, will be issued later in the year, according to the department.
Copyright 2022 WTOC via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.1011now.com/2022/08/02/unborn-child-with-heartbeat-can-be-claimed-dependent-georgia-taxes/ | 2022-08-02T19:08:37Z | https://www.1011now.com/2022/08/02/unborn-child-with-heartbeat-can-be-claimed-dependent-georgia-taxes/ | false |
Tiger Woods turned down an offer that Greg Norman says was “somewhere in that neighborhood” of $700 million to $800 million to take part in the Saudi-funded LIV Golf series.
During an appearance on Fox News with Tucker Carlson that aired Monday night, Norman confirmed what he told the Washington Post in a story two months ago. Norman told the Post in June the offer was “mind-blowingly enormous; we’re talking about high nine digits.”
Woods has been opposed to LIV Golf since late last year, and he delivered his strongest comments at the British Open when he said players who took the money funded by the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund had “turned their back” on the PGA Tour that made them famous.
When an offer was made to Woods was not clear.
“That number was out there before I became CEO. So that number has been out there, yes,” Norman said in the Fox News interview, which took place Sunday at Trump National in Bedminster, New Jersey, where the third LIV Golf Invitational was held.
“And, look, Tiger is a needle-mover and of course you have to look at the best of the best,” Norman said. “So they had originally approached Tiger before I became CEO. So, yes, that number was somewhere in that neighborhood.”
Various reports out of the United Kingdom have said Phil Mickelson received a $200 million signing bonus, while Dustin Johnson received $150 million. The 48-man fields, which play 54 holes with no cut, offer $25 million in prize money at each event. Norman announced a 14-tournament schedule for next year.
LIV Golf currently has only one player — Johnson at No. 18 — from the top 20 in the world.
The source of the funding has led to sharp criticism of the series and the players who have enlisted because it is viewed as an attempt to distract attention from its human rights record and links to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Asked why his rival tour has caused such an uproar among American golf fans, Norman responded plainly, “I don’t know.”
“I really don’t care,” Norman said. “I just love the game so much and I want to grow the game of golf and we at LIV see that opportunity not just for the men but for the women.”
The LIV Golf Invitational is off for a month during the FedEx Cup playoffs on the PGA Tour, returning over Labor Day weekend about an hour west of Boston, and then two weeks later plays in the Chicago suburbs.
___
More AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/sports/ap-sports/norman-says-tiger-woods-turned-down-700-800m-saudi-offer/ | 2022-08-02T19:09:49Z | https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/sports/ap-sports/norman-says-tiger-woods-turned-down-700-800m-saudi-offer/ | false |
PITTSBURGH, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "I got the idea from riding 4 wheelers and watching others ride motorcycles and I felt there needed to be a safer way to have passengers on board" said the inventor of the BUDDY BELT from Line Fork, Kentucky; "My invention is unique because it makes riding more comfortable and easer to hold on."
This patent-pending intention fulfills the need for enhanced passenger stability and safety on motorcycles and ATVs. Would help improve safety, comfort, and balance.This would keep the extra rider stabilized, supported, and comfortable while also making machine operation more enjoyable for the operator. This innovative product would be lightweight, affordable, reliable, adjustable, and attractively-styled.
The original design was submitted to the National Sales Office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-AVT-125, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE InventHelp | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/inventhelp-inventor-develops-riding-belt-avt-125/ | 2022-08-02T19:10:17Z | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/inventhelp-inventor-develops-riding-belt-avt-125/ | false |
WFO MIDLAND/ODESSA Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, August 3, 2022
_____
HEAT ADVISORY
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Midland/Odessa TX
112 PM CDT Tue Aug 2 2022
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM CDT WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...Temperatures up to 111 degrees expected.
* WHERE...Lower Brewster County.
* WHEN...From noon to 8 PM CDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.ncadvertiser.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-MIDLAND-ODESSA-Warnings-Watches-and-17345940.php | 2022-08-02T19:13:01Z | https://www.ncadvertiser.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-MIDLAND-ODESSA-Warnings-Watches-and-17345940.php | false |
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Jess Sands from Downtown Dayton Partnership shares more about Saturday’s Art in the City (8/6). She is joined by Ben Baugham a.k.a. Boy Blue, who is the designer of the massive chalk mural for Chalk the Block. Watch to learn more! | https://www.wdtn.com/living-dayton/art-in-the-city-happening-saturday/ | 2022-08-02T19:14:25Z | https://www.wdtn.com/living-dayton/art-in-the-city-happening-saturday/ | true |
Oregon commission releases draft rules to govern police conduct, discipline
SALEM, Ore. — A proposed set of conduct and discipline standards applicable to all law enforcement agencies in Oregon were published Monday.
Oregon Public Broadcasting reports in several instances, the commission charged with establishing the new rules left room for officers found to have committed serious, often illegal offenses to keep their jobs. For example, officers who commit sexual assault or intentional physical assault may not be fired if there are mitigating factors.
“The butt is considered a sexual part of the body,” said Mark Makler, a former prosecutor who represents police unions and officers, at a meeting on June 30. “So grabbing somebody’s butt in jest or horseplay could be considered a sexual assault.”
Makler and seven other commissioners who were present at that meeting voted against making sexual assault an automatically fireable offense.
“There are things like state of mind or absence of intent that could come into play. Or degree of harm,” Portland Police Association attorney Anil Karia said. “There are nuances in this.”
The commission was formed with the passage of HB 2930 in 2021, one of several pieces of legislation passed last year tackling police accountability and reform.
“The goal … was to have clarity,” bill sponsor Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Clackamas said in an interview with OPB. “Officers like to have clarity, some level of certainty about what the standards are.”
By having one statewide set of guidelines, Bynum explained, officers who have discipline problems in one local department can’t transfer to a different agency that has lower standards.
Over the course of 13 meetings since early March, the group hammered out standards on a range of issues from unjustified use of force to assault to targeting someone based solely on their race, gender or other protected status.
The commission will hold a series of public hearings throughout August and ending Sept. 16. They will then consider the public’s comment and make any changes before the rules take effect on Oct. 1. | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/oregon/2022/08/02/oregon-policing-draft-rules-released-to-govern-police-conduct-discipline-use-of-force-sexual-assault/65389780007/ | 2022-08-02T19:17:02Z | https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/oregon/2022/08/02/oregon-policing-draft-rules-released-to-govern-police-conduct-discipline-use-of-force-sexual-assault/65389780007/ | false |
The WNBA playoff race is still very much undecided with just two weeks left in the regular season.
Five teams have clinched postseason berths with only three games separating Chicago, Las Vegas and Connecticut at the top of the standings. Seattle and Washington also have earned berths in the postseason and are tied for fourth and fifth spots.
Under the new playoff format those two teams, right now would meet in a first-round, best-of-three series. The first two games of each first-round series will be played on the higher seeds court. If a third game is necessary, it will take place at the lower seed.
There are still six teams vying for the final three spots, setting up an exciting finish to the regular season. Each of the six teams has at least one game remaining against the others in this group.
Los Angeles is currently holding onto the final playoff spot.
“It’s exciting for all the teams involved, especially ourselves. Got to play it one possession at a time. For us, if we can pull two of the next three out we’ll be in a good spot,” Sparks interim coach Fred Williams said. “When taking over this team, wanted to keep us in position towards the end of the season to have the last five or six games where we have a playoff opportunity.”
Minnesota has been playing the best of the teams battling for the final postseason berths, winning two pivotal road games last week. The Lynx moved up four spots to seventh in the AP WNBA power poll this week.
This week’s WNBA poll:
1. Chicago (23-7): The Sky got Courtney Vandersloot back in the lineup but lost Candace Parker to a non-COVID illness. They have a four-game homestand before finishing the season on the road, including a matchup against the team chasing them — Las Vegas.
2. Las Vegas (22-8): The Aces have three games left — all on the road. The trip will crisscross the country with games in Washington, Dallas and Seattle.
3. Connecticut (20-10): The Sun have two losses since the All-Star break, those setbacks were against Las Vegas and Chicago. They have two games this week: home against Phoenix and at Chicago.
4. Seattle (19-12): The Storm return home after a three-game eastern trip that saw them earn the tiebreaker against the Mystics if the teams finish the regular season with the same record.
5. Washington (19-12): Elena Delle Donne played in back-to-back games for the Mystics over the weekend. It was a great sign going forward for coach Mike Thibault’s squad. She has been taking games off during the season to rest her back that caused her to miss most of the last two seasons.
6. Dallas (13-16): Teaira McCowan has been a force the last couple of games, going 15-for-22 from the field and averaging 20.5 points and 12.5 rebounds. She needs to maintain that momentum with pivotal games against Chicago and Las Vegas this week.
7. Minnesota (12-19): Road wins at Atlanta and Los Angeles last week kept alive the Lynx’s playoff hopes. They had dropped four of five before those victories.
8. Phoenix (13-17): Sophie Cunningham has been a solid third scoring option for the Mercury to complement Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins-Smith.
9. New York (11-18): The Liberty have all seven games left against the teams they are chasing for the final playoff spots.
10. Atlanta (12-18): The Dream have lost four straight and have two more games at home this week to try and end the skid and stay in the playoff hunt. Atlanta lost AD Durr for the season because of a hip injury that will require surgery.
11. Los Angeles (12-17): A four-game eastern trip will go a long way to determining whether the Sparks are a playoff contender or not.
12. Indiana (5-27): The Fever have a 14-game losing streak and guard Kelsey Mitchell is done for the season with a plantar fascia tear in her left foot.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Courtney Vandersloot of Chicago was voted the AP Player of the Week. She averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 assists and 7 rebounds to help the Sky win both of their games. Elena Delle Donne of Washington, Kahleah Copper of Chicago, Sylvia Fowles of Minnesota and Kelsey Plum of Las Vegas also received votes.
SECONDARY COURT
The New York Liberty unveiled a new secondary court in collaboration with Xbox. It’s the first-ever gaming inspired basketball court. The court is also the WNBA’s first secondary court among current teams.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Las Vegas at Seattle, Sunday. Sue Bird’s final home game in the regular season will have potential playoff positioning ramifications as the Storm are currently fourth, tied with Washington. The Aces trail Chicago by one game for the league’s best record.
___
More AP women’s basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-basketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://phl17.com/sports/wnba-playoff-picture-still-muddled-2-weeks-left-in-season/ | 2022-08-02T19:20:37Z | https://phl17.com/sports/wnba-playoff-picture-still-muddled-2-weeks-left-in-season/ | true |
SANDUSKY, Ohio (AP) — Jim Obergefell, whose landmark case before the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationally, is hoping he and fellow Democrats can make gains in the Ohio Statehouse this year with a message grounded in equality.
“It really just all comes down to: Can’t we all just get along and treat each other like human beings? Can’t we be decent people?” the celebrity plaintiff -turned-Ohio House candidate told the Democratic Women of Erie County on a recent summer evening. “And we all deserve to be part of ‘We the People.’”
Obergefell, 56, is unopposed in a primary Tuesday for a state legislative seat representing Ohio’s Lake Erie coast through Ottawa and Erie counties. He’s already looking toward a November faceoff against second-term Republican Rep. D.J. Swearingen, 36, a Sandusky attorney who has focused his campaign on “kitchen table” issues.
The race marks the first time that Obergefell has moved from activism into a political run for office. He’s campaigning at a sensitive time for the LGBTQ rights movement after the U.S. Supreme Court in June repealed the constitutional right to abortion, raising fears that other rights may also fall away, including same-sex marriage.
With that in mind, the U.S. House overwhelmingly voted last month to approve legislation protecting same-sex and interracial marriages. The legislation is being considered in the Senate.
Obergefell became among the most visible figures in the marriage equality movement after he and his longtime partner, John Arthur, who was dying, flew to Maryland and were wed in a plane on a tarmac because the Cincinnati-area couple couldn’t do so legally in Ohio. Arthur died a few months later, and Obergefell’s fight to be listed as spouse on the death certificate led to his role in the landmark 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage.
In Ohio now, Obergefell’s pitch for inclusion is running into a heated political environment. The primary election itself had to be split because of a contentious and protracted political mapmaking fight, with a federal panel of judges ultimately setting the date and imposing maps that a different court has declared unconstitutional. Legal battles continue.
GOP mapmakers redrew the 89th House District that Obergefell is seeking in the face of his candidacy, and the district now leans nearly 57% Republican, according to Dave’s Redistricting App, a political mapmaking website. That should favor Swearingen in a state that former President Donald Trump twice won by wide margins and where Republicans control every branch of government.
Obergefell appears to remain a threat, however. He is the best-known state legislative candidate on Ohio’s 2022 ballot and among its top legislative fundraisers so far, having outraised Swearingen more than 4 to 1, according to campaign finance reports.
That’s in part because his popularity as a civil rights icon has drawn support from a host of deep-pocketed national progressive groups — including the LGBTQ Victory Fund, the Human Rights Campaign and Democracy for America — as well as in-state donors.
Obergefell said he believes his party can reach moderate Republicans and independents with their message of inclusiveness if voters “see the Democratic Party being obvious, being clear, being direct on what they believe in and what they will fight to protect and support.”
But Swearingen said district voters he’s spoken to are not focused on social issues, but on pocketbook ones.
“What I continue to hear from people is gas, groceries, feeding their families — very kitchen table issues that are very relevant and important to them. They’re immediately in front of them,” he said. “The social issues do not appear to be very high on the list.”
That’s not the case for Darlene Walk, a Sandusky native and vice president of the Democratic Women of Erie County. She said she plans to vote for Obergefell and is encouraging friends of all partisan persuasions to do the same.
“We’re ready for a change, and you have to accept people as they are, where they are and what they do and what they stand for,” she said. “And he stands for progress.” | https://phl17.com/us-news/ap-us-news/same-sex-marriage-plaintiff-obergefell-runs-for-ohio-office/ | 2022-08-02T19:22:02Z | https://phl17.com/us-news/ap-us-news/same-sex-marriage-plaintiff-obergefell-runs-for-ohio-office/ | false |
New research hints that even a simple exercise routine just might help older Americans with mild memory problems.
Doctors have long advised physical activity to help keep a healthy brain fit. But the government-funded study marks the longest test of whether exercise makes any difference once memory starts to slide — research performed amid a pandemic that added isolation to the list of risks to participants' brain health.
Researchers recruited about 300 sedentary older adults with hard-to-spot memory changes called mild cognitive impairment or MCI -- a condition that’s sometimes, but not always, a precursor to Alzheimer’s. Half were assigned aerobic exercises and the rest stretching-and-balance moves that only modestly raised their heart rate.
Another key component: Participants in both groups were showered with attention by trainers who worked with them at YMCAs around the country -- and when COVID-19 shut down gyms, helped them keep moving at home via video calls.
After a year, cognitive testing showed overall neither group had worsened, said lead researcher Laura Baker, a neuroscientist at Wake Forest School of Medicine. Nor did brain scans show the shrinkage that accompanies worsening memory problems, she said.
By comparison, similar MCI patients in another long-term study of brain health -- but without exercise -- experienced significant cognitive decline over a year.
Those early findings are surprising, and the National Institute on Aging cautioned that tracking non-exercisers in the same study would have offered better proof.
But the results suggest “this is doable for everybody” -- not just seniors healthy enough to work up a hard sweat, said Baker, who presented the data Tuesday at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference. ”Exercise needs to be part of the prevention strategies" for at-risk seniors.
Previous research has found regular physical activity of any sort may reduce damaging inflammation and increase blood flow to the brain, said Alzheimer’s Association chief scientific officer Maria Carrillo.
But the new study is especially intriguing because the pandemic hit halfway through, leaving already vulnerable seniors socially isolated -- something long known to increase people’s risk of memory problems, Carrillo said.
It’s a frustrating time for dementia research. Doctors are hesitant to prescribe a high-priced new drug called Aduhelm that was supposed to be the first to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s -- but it’s not yet clear if it really helps patients. Researchers last month reported another drug that works similarly -- by targeting amyloid plaques that are an Alzheimer’s hallmark -- failed in a key study.
While amyloid clearly plays a role, it's important that drugmakers increasingly are targeting many other factors that can lead to dementia, Carrillo said, because effective treatment or prevention likely will require a combination of customized strategies.
One example of a new approach: Sometimes in dementia, the brain has trouble processing blood sugar and fats for the energy it needs, John Didsbury of T3D Therapeutics told the Alzheimer's meeting. His company is testing a pill that aims to rev up that metabolism, with results expected next year.
Meanwhile, there’s growing urgency to settle whether steps people could take today -- like exercise -- might offer at least some protection.
How much and what kind of exercise? In Baker’s study, seniors were supposed to get moving for 30 to 45 minutes four times a week, whether it was on a vigorous turn on the treadmill or the stretching exercises. That’s a big ask of anyone who’s sedentary, but Baker said MCI’s effects on the brain make it even harder for people to plan and stick with the new activity.
Hence the social stimulation — which she credited with each participant completing over 100 hours of exercise. Baker suspects that sheer volume might explain why even the simple stretching added up to an apparent benefit. Participants were supposed to exercise without formal support for an additional six months, data Baker hasn't yet analyzed.
“We wouldn’t have done the exercise on our own,” said retired agriculture researcher Doug Maxwell of Verona, Wisconsin, who joined the study with his wife.
The duo, both 81, were both assigned to the stretching classes. They felt so good afterward that when the study ended, they bought electric bikes in hopes of even more activity -- efforts Maxwell acknowledged are hard to keep up.
Next up: Baker is leading an even larger study of older adults to see if adding exercise to other can’t-hurt steps such as a heart-healthy diet, brain games and social stimulation together may reduce the risk of dementia. | https://www.abc15.com/lifestyle/health-and-fitness/even-simple-exercise-may-help-aging-brain-study-hints | 2022-08-02T19:23:07Z | https://www.abc15.com/lifestyle/health-and-fitness/even-simple-exercise-may-help-aging-brain-study-hints | false |
(NEXSTAR) – As other social media networks make changes to their algorithms to compete with TikTok or combat misinformation, a completely new app is quickly gaining users. I became one of those new users when I downloaded the app last week.
BeReal calls itself “the simplest photo sharing app.” The French-developed social media platform promises to ward off influencer content and embrace authenticity. The app doesn’t have any appearance-enhancing filters, and its developer warns it “won’t make you famous.”
“If you want to become an influencer you can stay on TikTok and Instagram,” the description reads.
BeReal ranked No. 1 on Apple’s App Store for free apps Tuesday morning – ahead of TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
Here’s how it works: Once a day, you get a notification prompting you to open the app. Then, you have exactly two minutes to snap a photo. The app simultaneously captures pictures from your phone’s front and back cameras, and creates a split image showing both views.
Once the timer is up, you can see your friend’s daily posts and comment on them – but only if you have uploaded a picture yourself.
If you miss the notification and the two-minute window, you can still post late, but your photo will bear a clear timestamp showing you did so.
The result? The BeReal website shows people snowboarding down mountains, camping in forests and eating towering cones of soft-serve ice cream. But my personal feed, filled with only a few of my friends who have downloaded the app, is consistently filled with pictures of us working at our desks – given that the app alerts you one time during the day, and we all work day jobs.
You can also scroll the app’s “Discovery” tab, which when I opened it Tuesday morning showed me someone boating off Cape Cod, a guy drinking coffee in Tijuana and a woman waiting to go through security at an Italian airport. All those are more varied and visually appealing than my friends’ mix of content (no offense to my friends), but the app also shows all the photos are posted late. They may have waited to post the picture until they were doing something more interesting than typing away at work or sitting on the toilet. But not my friends – they’re keeping it real (for better or worse). | https://www.wfla.com/nextstar-news-wire/what-is-bereal-new-anti-influencer-social-media-app-gains-popularity/ | 2022-08-02T19:23:08Z | https://www.wfla.com/nextstar-news-wire/what-is-bereal-new-anti-influencer-social-media-app-gains-popularity/ | false |
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The special investigator hired by Republicans in Wisconsin to review the 2020 election told lawmakers in March that they should consider decertifying President Joe Biden's win, but later said in a private memo made public Tuesday that such a move would be a “practical impossibility.”
Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman was hired by Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos in June 2021 to investigate Donald Trump's loss in Wisconsin. Vos hired Gableman under intense pressure from Trump and others who falsely believe the election was stolen from the former president.
Gableman's interim report, released March 1, said lawmakers should "take a very hard look” at decertifying Biden's win by pulling back Wisconsin's 10 Electoral College votes. Vos and other Republican leaders, backed by a wide array of legal experts, have said such a move was unconstitutional and would not be pursued.
It turns out, Gableman himself wrote to Vos two weeks after he issued his report to say that decertification was impossible.
“While decertification of the 2020 presidential election is theoretically possible, it is unprecedented and raises numerous substantial constitutional issues that would be difficult to resolve. Thus, the legal obstacles to its accomplishment render such an outcome a practical impossibility,” Gableman wrote to Vos on March 16.
Gableman further predicted that the issue would be “tied up in the court for years and will virtually paralyze the Legislature in terms of all other business and there is no possibility that anything will be achieved other than a de facto full employment program for election law lawyers.”
The email was obtained by the liberal watchdog group American Oversight under Wisconsin's open records law and provided by the group to The Associated Press. The Washington Post first reported on the memo Tuesday.
Vos and Gableman have not returned messages seeking comment.
Gableman's view, as laid out in the memo, contrasted with what he was saying publicly and in the report about decertification. But his attorney, James Bopp, took a similar position as Gableman when he spoke to lawmakers eight days after the memo was written, calling decertification “pointless.”
Biden beat Trump by nearly 21,000 votes in Wisconsin, an outcome that has withstood two partial recounts, multiple lawsuits, a nonpartisan audit and a review by a conservative law firm. Even Gableman's own report didn't turn up evidence to overturn Biden's win.
Gableman’s review has cost taxpayers more than $1.1 million. In the past week, two different judges have awarded attorneys for American Oversight about $260,000 in legal fees in open records cases they have brought and won against Gableman and Vos.
Vos put the Gableman review on hold in May, pending the outcome of those and other lawsuits, including one filed by Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul seeking to stop elections officials from having to provide testimony in private to Gableman.
Decertification talk has not gone away in Wisconsin, fueled in large part by Trump who has kept up his pressure on Vos to do it. Vos has repeatedly said he won't. State Rep. Tim Ramthun, who is running for governor, is pushing for decertification and supported by state Rep. Janel Brandtjen, who chairs the Assembly's Elections Committee.
Ramthun is circulating a resolution calling on the Legislature to pull back the electoral votes, but he delayed introducing it for three weeks after he only got two co-sponsors.
Trump's endorsed candidate for governor, construction company co-owner Tim Michels, on Monday night was asked if he would pursue decertification. After previously saying it wasn't a priority, Michels said he would look at all the evidence of what happened in the 2020 election and “everything will be on the table.”
Former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, who polls show is running close to Michels, said she would not pursue decertification because “it's not constitutionally possible.”
The winner of the primary will face Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who has vetoed several GOP measures designed to make it harder to vote absentee.
Vos is being challenged in the Aug. 9 primary by Adam Steen, who supports decertification. Trump, who will be in Wisconsin on Friday, said on Sunday that he is “seriously thinking” of endorsing Steen in the race. | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Investigator-who-floated-decertification-later-17346093.php | 2022-08-02T19:23:25Z | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Investigator-who-floated-decertification-later-17346093.php | true |
The husband of former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and brother of U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn were given shares of a company that leased slot machines to a North Carolina tribal casino that needed political help to open last year, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Clyburn's brother and a spokesperson for Haley both said the men provided services for the South Carolina-based Catawba Indian Nation's casino in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, the newspaper reported.
The tribe's leader said they met with dozens of federal officials in a transparent and public process over more than a decade as they sought to secure permission to build the casino.
The newspaper said it reviewed documents from Kings Mountain Equipment Supply LLC, which gets 20 cents for every $1 in profits the new Catawba Two Kings Casino generates from its hundreds of slot machines.
One stake in the supply company is held by John B. Clyburn, a brother of Rep. Clyburn. The high-ranking Democratic congressman introduced a bill that helped eliminate one of the final hurdles to get federal permission to build the casino.
Another stake is held by Michael Haley, husband of the former Republican governor who joined plenty of South Carolina politicians to fight against the Catawbas being able to open a casino in South Carolina. That led the tribe to its ultimately successful effort in North Carolina.
The documents reviewed by the newspaper show both men hold less than a 1% claim in the company.
Michael Haley was given his share as payment for his company doing physical and cybersecurity consulting for the project in 2018, a statement from his company said.
Nikki Haley was U.N. Ambassador for the U.S. at that time after leaving the governor's office a year earlier before her term ended.
As governor, Haley was against the Catawbas opening a South Carolina casino. She attended the 2021 groundbreaking in North Carolina, but her office said she was only acting as her husband's guest and never advocated to get federal approval for the North Carolina site.
John Clyburn told the newspaper he consulted on the project on and off for a decade introducing backers to people he knew, adding “I doubt that I discussed” the project with his brother.
John Clyburn received his share from the slot machine leasing company in September 2013, about a week after the Catawbas first asked for federal approval for the casino, the newspaper reported. He said he was surprised once the casino opened to get seven or eight payments from the company ranging from $600 to $1,300.
Rep. James Clyburn said he did not know about his brother's financial interest in the casino and the two never talked about the project.
The congressman said his sponsorship of the bill that cleared the path for the casino was to help the tribe which has been long neglected.
If his brother is profiting from a bill he helped get enacted, Rep. Clyburn told The Wall Street Journal, “I don’t care. He gets to make a living. I don’t get his permission, and I don’t give him mine.”
The Catawba Indian Nation has about 3,600 members and a 1,000-acre reservation near Rock Hill, South Carolina.
The 1993 National Indian Gaming Act exempted the Catawbas from a list of tribes that could open casinos in states like South Carolina that don’t normally allow gambling.
The Catawbas spent decades trying to work around the law and after years of resistance from South Carolina lawmakers, switched their efforts in 2013 to opening in North Carolina, where they said their ancestors held land before Europeans came to North America.
The Kings Mountain, North Carolina, casino has about 1,000 slot machines in temporary buildings and doubled its floor plan after being open less than six months. The Catawbas plan a permanent facility with a 29-story hotel that could triple the number of slot machines.
Catawba Chief Bill Harris said the tribe is working with the National Indian Gaming Commission about unspecified problems that have held up the start of construction on the permanent casino.
The stakes held by Michael Haley and John Clyburn aren't with Kings Mountain Equipment Supply LLC itself, but instead with a different company called AGS of North Carolina LLC that itself had a 10.1% stake in Kings Mountain Equipment Supply, according to the documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Newspaper-Families-of-Haley-Clyburn-got-casino-17345945.php | 2022-08-02T19:23:51Z | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Newspaper-Families-of-Haley-Clyburn-got-casino-17345945.php | true |
CAIRO (AP) — The United Nations said Yemen’s warring parties agreed Tuesday to renew an existing truce for another two months after concerted international efforts.
The already 4-month-old cease-fire has been the longest nationwide ease in fighting since the country's war began six years ago.
The U.N. envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg said in a statement that the country's internationally recognized government and the Houthi rebels had also agreed to try to arrive at “an expanded truce agreement as soon as possible.”
Yemen’s civil war erupted in 2014, when the Houthis descended from their northern enclave and took over the capital, forcing the government to flee to the south before its exile in Saudi Arabia. A Saudi-led coalition — then backed by the United Sates — entered the war in early 2015 to try to restore the government to power. Since then, the conflict has turned into a proxy war between regional foes Saudi Arabia and Iran, which backs the Houthis.
The truce renewal announcement came hours after an Omani delegation concluded three days of talks with the Houthi leadership, including with the rebels’ chief Abdel-Malek al-Houthi in the capital of Sanaa.
Mohammed Abdel-Salam, the Houthi chief negotiator and spokesman, said on Twitter the talks focused on “consolidating chances of halting the war and lifting the blockade” imposed by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition.
The cease-fire initially took effect on April 2 and was extended June 2. However, there have been offensive actions during recent months.
Both sides have publicly announced that they've bolstered their front-line positions, particularly around the oil-rich city of Marib, which the Houthis have been trying to seize for over a year. There were also shows of power through through military parades featuring thousands of soldiers. The government and the Houthis both claimed to have documented dozens of truce violations on a weekly basis.
But the cease-fire has brought relief for Yemenis who have suffered from a decade of political turmoil and conflict. Around a third of Yemen’s 30 million population has been facing starvation due to the war and a lack of funding for humanitarian aid, according to the U.N. food agency.
Aside from the lull in violence, the truce established two commercial flights per week from Sanaa to Jordan and Egypt, after the country's airport was closed to passenger flights for years. It also allowed 36 vessels carrying fuel into the port of Hodeida over the course of four months. Both Sanaa and Hodeida are controlled by the Houthi rebels.
The truce has also called for opening the roads around Taiz, Yemen’s third largest city, which the Houthis have besieged for years. But the rebels rejected two U.N. proposals to lift the blockade, according to the envoy office. Another item on the agenda is finding a way to pay the country's public servants, many of whom have gone with little or no salaries for years due to the civil strife.
Tuesday's extension fell short of a proposed six-month renewal of the cease-fire, according to a government official. The Houthis had wanted more flights from Sanaa airport and more fuel vessels allowed to arrive in Hodeida to agree on that longer period. The internationally recognized government would not discuss the Houthi demands before the opening of Taiz roads, the official said. He spoke on condition anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Rashad al-Alimi, head of the presidential government, to press for the truce renewal. He said the cease-fire “provides the best opportunity for peace in years — we must not let it slip away.” | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/UN-says-Yemen-s-warring-sides-agree-to-renew-17345833.php | 2022-08-02T19:25:02Z | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/UN-says-Yemen-s-warring-sides-agree-to-renew-17345833.php | false |
Mom charged with using 15-month-old child to scam people out of money, deputies say
STEWART COUNTY, Tenn. (Gray News) – A woman in Tennessee was arrested Friday for using her 15-month-old child to scam people out of money, officials said.
Shelecia Craig, 31, was arrested and charged with criminal impersonation and driving on a revoked/suspended license.
According to the Stewart County Sheriff’s Office, on multiple occasions, Craig pulled over to the side of the road and pretended to be out of gas. Deputies said she would then carry her 15-month-old child and an empty gas can, pretending to walk to a gas station.
The sheriff’s office said Good Samaritans would quickly stop out of concern for Craig and the child. In most instances, people would get gas for Craig and give her money.
Deputies said when she was finished scamming one person, Craig would then drive to another location and pretend to be out of gas again to scam more people.
Investigators said they found dozens of gas receipts from Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee in Craig’s vehicle. They also found that Craig was driving on a revoked license and had a theft warrant.
The sheriff’s office said more charges are forthcoming. Craig’s child was taken to child services and turned over to family.
Officials thanked the public who brought the scam to their attention on social media.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kalb.com/2022/08/02/mom-charged-with-using-15-month-old-child-scam-people-out-money-deputies-say/ | 2022-08-02T19:30:22Z | https://www.kalb.com/2022/08/02/mom-charged-with-using-15-month-old-child-scam-people-out-money-deputies-say/ | false |
COVID-19 variant BA.5 dominates US as another variant grows
Published: Aug. 2, 2022 at 2:34 PM EDT|Updated: 55 minutes ago
(CNN) - The omicron subvariant BA.5 continues to be the main cause of COVID-19 infections in the United States, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a new coronavirus variant, BA.4.6, is growing among other strains.
The new strain has been found in 47 states and territories.
It has similar mutations to subvariant BA.4 but is slightly better at avoiding immunity.
The new subvariant caused an estimated 4% of new infections during the last week of July. Meanwhile, BA.5 caused an estimated 86% of those infections.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/08/02/covid-19-variant-ba5-dominates-us-another-variant-grows/ | 2022-08-02T19:31:29Z | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/08/02/covid-19-variant-ba5-dominates-us-another-variant-grows/ | true |
Utah man accused of causing wildfire by burning a spider
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah man has been arrested on accusations he started a wildfire while trying to burn a spider with his lighter.
Cory Allan Martin, 26, told deputies that he spotted the spider Monday while he was in a hiking area in the foothills south of Salt Lake City near the city of Springville, shows a probable cause statement. He acknowledged starting the fire, but didn’t explain why he was trying to burn the spider.
Deputies found a jar of marijuana in his belongings, but he didn’t appear to be high, said Utah County Sheriff’s Sgt. Spencer Cannon.
There is no evidence to suggest he intentionally started the blaze, said Cannon, but he called it a reckless and puzzling decision. This area and most of Utah are bone dry amid extreme drought conditions.
“What led him to stop and notice a spider and decide to try to burn it, we don’t know,” Cannon said. “There may not be a why. He might not even know a why.”
Martin was arrested on suspicion of reckless burn and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, court documents show.
He was in the Utah County jail Tuesday on nearly $2,000 bail. It was unknown if he had an attorney.
The wildfire quickly spread up the mountain and had burned less than 1 square mile (1 square kilometer) as of Tuesday, according to fire officials. No homes had been damaged.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/08/02/utah-man-accused-causing-wildfire-by-burning-spider/ | 2022-08-02T19:32:02Z | https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/08/02/utah-man-accused-causing-wildfire-by-burning-spider/ | false |
WebXtra: Additional repairs needed for Hudson fire hydrants
Published: Aug. 2, 2022 at 1:22 PM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
HUDSON, Texas (KTRE) - KTRE’S Avery Gorman recaps her interview with President of Hudson Water James Young on the progress of fixing fire hydrants in the area.
Copyright 2022 KLTV/KTRE. All rights reserved. | https://www.ktre.com/2022/08/02/webxtra-additional-repairs-needed-hudson-fire-hydrants/ | 2022-08-02T19:33:28Z | https://www.ktre.com/2022/08/02/webxtra-additional-repairs-needed-hudson-fire-hydrants/ | false |
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., Aug.2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cruise Planners recently partnered with Travel Market Report to produce a free, in-depth eBook titled: "How to Choose Your Perfect Travel Niche To Increase Profits".
The study takes a comprehensive look at the world of travel niches and how being a specialist can further your sales. The eBook features a trove of valuable suggestions and data along with anecdotal input from seasoned Cruise Planners franchise owners on how choosing a niche helped them succeed.
"From day one, we encourage our agents to pick a niche they're passionate about to focus on, especially if they want to reach higher sales volumes," said Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners. "Our advisors who have followed that have found much success and, in this eBook, they generously share their insights on best practices that have worked for them."
Highlights include:
- How selecting a niche gives travel advisors a distinct advantage in the marketplace
- Over 50 examples of travel niches for you to consider
- The most common mistakes travel advisors make when developing a niche
- How Michael Consoli, Cruise Planners' top producing travel advisor, marketed his niche to sell $20M in travel, during a pandemic!
Travel advisors who niche down, and who position themselves as experts in a certain type of travel tend to earn greater profitability, and experience better satisfaction.
"This eBook expands on our mission by exploring all the ways in which niching down is beneficial to travel advisors," Anne Marie Moebes, Travel Market Report publisher, said. "We are grateful to Cruise Planners for opening its franchisees' doors to us for a look at how positioning oneself as a niche expert pays off in so many ways."
The eBook is available for free to download here.
Company Background: Cruise Planners was founded in 1994 and is the nation's largest home-based travel agent franchise network. As a leader in the travel franchise industry, Cruise Planners positions a nation-wide network of 2,500 franchise owners for success by providing innovative marketing programs, proprietary and cutting-edge booking and technology tools, as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry's top executives. The company continues to be an industry leader and was named the No.1 travel franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for 18 consecutive years and awarded by Franchise Business Review as "Best-In-Category" for 2 years.
Franchise Business Review also ranked Cruise Planners #3 OVERALL on their list of Top 200 Franchises of 2022. Cruise Planners was recently featured in Entrepreneur as one of the top 30 franchise innovators in technology, has been consistently named as one of the Top Women-Owned Businesses by the South Florida Business Journal, is on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, and was recognized as one of the Top Workplaces by the Sun Sentinel.
Visit our website, www.cruiseplanners.com, for more information or to view the complete list of awards and honors. For those interested in becoming a franchise owner, please visit https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Cruise Planners Franchising, LLC | https://www.kwch.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/cruise-planners-releases-in-depth-ebook-titled-how-choose-your-perfect-travel-niche-increase-profits/ | 2022-08-02T19:35:28Z | https://www.kwch.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/cruise-planners-releases-in-depth-ebook-titled-how-choose-your-perfect-travel-niche-increase-profits/ | true |
Through Aug. 1
- GEICO closes all of its offices in California permanently
- Ex-Bay Area tech giant reportedly undergoing mass layoffs
- Biggest SF home sale of year so far linked to sports billionaires
- Traveler with smuggled McDonald's slapped with a sizable fine
- Horoscope for Monday, 8/01/22 by Christopher Renstrom
- Maps: Where the McKinney Fire is burning in Northern California
- Horoscope for Tuesday, 8/02/22 by Christopher Renstrom
- Town of Klamath River nearly wiped out by McKinney Fire
- Flea trolls Warriors fans at Red Hot Chili Peppers' Bay Area show
MOST POPULAR
Top shopping picks | https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/NASCAR-Gander-Outdoors-Truck-Average-Running-17345886.php | 2022-08-02T19:38:38Z | https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/NASCAR-Gander-Outdoors-Truck-Average-Running-17345886.php | false |
WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, August 4, 2022
_____
HEAT ADVISORY
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
146 PM CDT Tue Aug 2 2022
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON WEDNESDAY TO 8 PM CDT
THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Temperatures between 103 and 106 and or Heat index values
up to 107 expected.
* WHERE...North central, northeast and south central Texas.
* WHEN...From noon Wednesday to 8 PM CDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity will increase the
risk for heat-related illnesses to occur, particularly for
those working or participating in outdoor activities.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.theintelligencer.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17346031.php | 2022-08-02T19:38:54Z | https://www.theintelligencer.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17346031.php | false |
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Stark Brings 30 Years of Experience Delivering High-Quality Health Care to LGBTQ+ Communities and Communities of Color as Executive Director of Callen-Lorde, and Commits to Continue Fighting for Bodily Autonomy in a Post-Roe Era at PPGNY
NEW YORK, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York (PPGNY) announced its new President & CEO: health care leader and advocate Wendy Stark.
Stark, who currently serves as CEO of Callen-Lorde, the global leader in LGBTQ+ health care, is a champion for bodily autonomy and equitable access to sexual and reproductive health care. Throughout her 30-year career, Wendy has been instrumental in creating a more equitable and inclusive future for all New Yorkers. She will assume leadership of Planned Parenthood of Greater New York and its advocacy and political entities, effective October 10, 2022.
Interim President & CEO Joy D. Calloway will pass the baton to Wendy, following her two-year tenure at PPGNY. During her time as interim President & CEO, Calloway guided PPGNY through multiple social and organizational turning points including the COVID-19 pandemic, the fight against racial injustice, and PPGNY's organizational transformation. Stark is committed to continuing Calloway's incredible work and carrying forth PPGNY's mission to provide equitable access to quality sexual and reproductive health care and abortion services and advocating for bodily autonomy in a post-Roe era.
"As a life-long advocate for abortion rights and access to the full scope of sexual and reproductive health care, I am honored to join Planned Parenthood of Greater New York at such a pivotal time in our history," said incoming President & CEO Wendy Stark. "For the past thirty years, I have dedicated my life's work to advancing access to high-quality medical care that affirms and respects the right to bodily autonomy, particularly for marginalized communities. As President & CEO, I will bring this life-long commitment to the organization as we chart the course for our next chapter together."
"Serving Planned Parenthood of Greater New York over the past two years has been one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences, as well as the best decisions, of my professional life. Taking the helm in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and steering us through historic social unrest, economic uncertainty, and the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, I'm proud of everything we've accomplished together to support our communities and patients, and to stabilize and strengthen this renowned organization. I am certain that this team is prepared to meet this challenging moment head-on and ensure all who need care have access; I look forward to supporting this mission and advocacy for years to come," said Joy D. Calloway, interim President & CEO of PPGNY.
At Callen-Lorde, Stark has been instrumental in the growth of the organization, which provides nearly 100,000 patient visits each year and recently opened two new clinics serving LGBTQ+ communities, communities of color, and low-income individuals. Under Stark's leadership, Callen-Lorde played a critical role in advancing numerous positive legislative actions in New York State, including the enforcement of the state's law to mandate health plans must provide coverage for gender-affirming care and the right of minors to self-consent to HIV-related care.
As incoming President & CEO, Stark is committed to strengthening PPGNY's position as a leading sexual and reproductive health care provider, educator, and advocate for all New Yorkers and people across the country who will turn to PPGNY for compassionate, quality abortion services and sexual and reproductive health care.
Contact: Media@ppgreaterny.org
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SOURCE Planned Parenthood of Greater New York | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/planned-parenthood-greater-new-york-names-health-care-leader-abortion-access-advocate-wendy-stark-president-amp-ceo/ | 2022-08-02T19:40:00Z | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/planned-parenthood-greater-new-york-names-health-care-leader-abortion-access-advocate-wendy-stark-president-amp-ceo/ | true |
WFO CORPUS CHRISTI Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Tuesday, August 2, 2022
_____
HEAT ADVISORY
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Corpus Christi TX
150 PM CDT Tue Aug 2 2022
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 112 expected.
* WHERE...Inland San Patricio, Coastal Aransas, Inland Refugio,
Coastal Kleberg, Coastal Nueces, Coastal San Patricio and
Coastal Refugio Counties.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT this evening.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses to occur.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
...HEAT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 114 expected.
* WHERE...Inland Kleberg, Inland Nueces and Jim Wells Counties.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.chron.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-CORPUS-CHRISTI-Warnings-Watches-and-17346038.php | 2022-08-02T19:41:31Z | https://www.chron.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-CORPUS-CHRISTI-Warnings-Watches-and-17346038.php | false |
WFO DALLAS / FT. WORTH Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, August 4, 2022
_____
HEAT ADVISORY
URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Fort Worth TX
146 PM CDT Tue Aug 2 2022
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON WEDNESDAY TO 8 PM CDT
THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Temperatures between 103 and 106 and or Heat index values
up to 107 expected.
* WHERE...North central, northeast and south central Texas.
* WHEN...From noon Wednesday to 8 PM CDT Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity will increase the
risk for heat-related illnesses to occur, particularly for
those working or participating in outdoor activities.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.chron.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17346031.php | 2022-08-02T19:41:37Z | https://www.chron.com/weather/article/TX-WFO-DALLAS-FT-WORTH-Warnings-Watches-and-17346031.php | false |
Shobha urges Amit Shah to expand NIA’s working to curb fundamentalist forces
Minister Shobha thanks Amit Shah for handing over the probe of BJP Yuva Morcha leader Praveen Nettaru’s murder to NIA
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shobha Karandlaje on Tuesday, August 2, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and urged him to expand the ambit of National Investigation Agency working to curb fundamentalist forces in coastal Karnataka.
Thanking Mr. Shah for handing over the probe of BJP Yuva Morcha leader Praveen Nettaru’s murder to NIA, Ms. Karandlaje urged the Home Minister to ensure that the perpetrators of crime get exemplary punishment, said a statement from her office.
Ms. Karandlaje appraised the Home Minister about the radical and fundamentalist activities taking place in coastal Karnataka bordering Kerala. She said radical Islamist forces were transgressing into Dakshina Kannada, including Mangaluru to commit heinous crimes against Sangh Parivar activists.
The Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP also urged Mr. Shah to expand the ambit of working of the NIA office in Bengaluru to keep tab on fundamentalist activities in the coastal region, pre-empt Islamic terror and fast-track investigation in the coastal region. Mangaluru, because of its proximity to Kerala, was fast becoming a fertile ground for ‘jihadi’ forces even as security agencies in the past had exposed modules operating out of Mangaluru.
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- Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name, to avoid rejection. | https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/shobha-urges-amit-shah-to-expand-nias-working-to-curb-fundamentalist-forces/article65717760.ece | 2022-08-02T19:42:08Z | https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/shobha-urges-amit-shah-to-expand-nias-working-to-curb-fundamentalist-forces/article65717760.ece | true |
OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The EdSource Board of Directors today announced that Executive Director Anne Vasquez, who took the organization's helm in May 2021, is assuming the new title of Chief Executive Officer of EdSource effective July 26, 2022.
Joel Vargas, president of the Board of Directors, said: "The change not only reflects Anne's able stewardship of EdSource as a trusted, go-to source of news about education in California. It more appropriately signals the breadth of her responsibilities and effectiveness in enhancing the organization, especially as we look to deepen and grow EdSource's impact in the coming years."
Before becoming executive director, Anne was director of content and strategic initiatives at EdSource. In that role, she helped shape editorial strategy, grow partnerships and expand the organization's footprint throughout California. Prior to joining EdSource, Anne was an executive at Tribune Publishing, where she most recently served as senior vice president of strategic initiatives and chief digital officer. She previously was the managing editor of the South Florida Sun Sentinel when the newsroom won its first Pulitzer Prize, the Gold Medal for Public Service. Anne began her career at The Miami Herald and the San Jose Mercury News, where she was an education reporter and later an editor.
EdSource is at a critical inflection point, at a time when its audience has more than doubled, and it has captured the attention of a growing number of policymakers, educators and parents alike. As California emerges from a global pandemic that has upended education, EdSource is uniquely positioned to deliver investigative, watchdog journalism to identify areas that are in need of repair or reform, as well as highlight effective models and strategies that benefit students.
Over a period of more than four decades, EdSource has established its reputation as a highly respected source of education information, research and analysis. It has emerged as the preeminent education news organization in California, home to the nation's largest and most diverse public education system. In recent years, the organization also launched the California Student Journalism Corps, a network of student journalists from around the state who report and write for EdSource and receive career training.
As a nonprofit, independent news organization, EdSource knows that an informed, involved public is necessary to strengthen schools to improve opportunities now and in the future. Since 1977, EdSource has delivered education news analysis and continues to report on the most pressing education issues in California and the nation.
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MEDIA CONTACT
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SOURCE EdSource | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/edsources-anne-vasquez-assumes-new-title-chief-executive-officer/ | 2022-08-02T19:42:29Z | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/edsources-anne-vasquez-assumes-new-title-chief-executive-officer/ | false |
Dentist found guilty in wife's death on 2016 African safari
A wealthy dentist accused of fatally shooting his wife in the heart with a shotgun at the end of an African safari was found guilty of murder and mail fraud on Monday.
A jury of six men and six women reached the verdict for Lawrence “Larry” Rudolph following a three-week trial and a day and a half of deliberations.
Rudolph, 67, was charged with foreign murder in the 2016 death of Bianca Rudolph in Zambia as well as mail fraud for cashing in $4.8 million in life insurance claims in what prosecutors describe as a premeditated crime. Some of the money was paid out of Colorado so he was tried in Denver federal court.
He faces a maximum term of life in prison or the death penalty when he is sentenced in February.
Rudolph maintained his innocence and the two adult children he had with his wife sat in court to support him during the trial. One of Rudolph's defense attorneys, David Markus, said they would appeal his conviction.
“We believe in Larry. We believe in his family,” he said outside court.
The defense suggested Rudolph's wife of 34 years, a nervous traveler, shot herself while trying to pack a shotgun in a hurry as they prepared to return from Zambia to the United States in 2016.
But prosecutors countered that evidence showed that was impossible because the wound to her heart came from a shot fired from 2 to 3.5 feet away.
The couple's longtime hunting guide, Mark Swanepoel, told investigators that Rudolph had unloaded the shotgun the day before the fatal shooting, but Rudolph testified that he could not remember if he had or not.
When he returned home to Phoenix days later, Rudolph said he put the shotgun in his garage not wanting to look at it. Then sometime in 2018, as he was preparing to sell his house and before he found out the FBI was investigating his wife's death, he said he took the gun apart, put it into two cardboard boxes and paid a man cash to haul it away with along with other trash.
Prosecutors also accused Rudolph’s girlfriend and the manager of his Pittsburgh-area dental franchise, Lori Milliron, of lying to a federal grand jury and being an accessory.
She was found guilty by the same jury Monday of being an accessory after the fact to murder, obstruction of a grand jury and two counts of perjury before a grand jury. She was found not guilty on three other counts of perjury.
Rudolph waved to Milliron as he was led out of court and back to jail after not having any interaction with her in the courtroom in previous days. Milliron will remain free with an ankle monitor until she is sentenced.
Prosecutors alleged that Rudolph decided to kill his wife to regain control over his life after Bianca Rudolph asked for more say in the couple’s finances and demanded that Milliron be fired. Rudolph said his wife agreed to have an open marriage and the defense argued there was no financial incentive for Rudolph, who was worth about $15 million at the time, to kill his wife.
Investigators in Zambia and for the insurers concluded her death was an accident. Prosecutors noted that Rudolph hung up on an insurance investigator who tried to speak with him and declined to participate in a voluntary interview with an FBI agent.
Colorado's U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan thanked the FBI for traveling around the world to collect evidence and interview witnesses in the case and said he hoped the verdict brings some peace to Bianca Rudolph's family.
“Bianca Rudolph deserved justice,” he said. | https://www.ketv.com/article/dentist-found-guilty-wife-death-african-safari/40785610 | 2022-08-02T19:42:36Z | https://www.ketv.com/article/dentist-found-guilty-wife-death-african-safari/40785610 | false |
Feb. 18 — NextEra Energy 250 (Zane Smith)
March 4 — Victoria's Voice Foundation 200 (Chandler Smith)
March 19 — Fr8 208 (Corey Heim)
March 26 — XPEL 225 (Zane Smith)
April 7 — Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 200 (William Byron)
April 16 — x-Qualifying Race 1 (Austin Dillon)
April 16 — x-Qualifying Race 2 (Ty Majeski)
April 16 — x-Qualifying Race 3 (Joey Logano)
April 16 — x-Qualifying Race 4 (Chandler Smith)
April 16 — Pinty’s Truck Race on Dirt (Ben Rhodes)
May 6 — Dead On Tools 200 (John H. Nemechek)
May 14 — Heart Of America 200 (Zane Smith)
May 20 — SpeedyCash.com 220 (Stewart Friesen)
May 27 — North Carolina Education Lottery 200 (Ross Chastain)
June 4 — Toyota 200 (Corey Heim)
June 11 — DoorDash 250 (Kyle Busch)
June 18 — x-Qualifying Race 1 (John H. Nemechek)
June 18 — x-Qualifying Race 2 (Carson Hocevar)
June 18 — x-Qualifying Race 3 (Hailie Deegan)
June 18 — x-Qualifying Race 4 (Todd Gilliland)
June 18 — Clean Harbors 150 (Todd Gilliland)
June 24 — Rackley Roofing 200 (Ryan Preece)
July 9 — O'Reilly Auto Parts 150 at Mid-Ohio (Parker Kligerman)
July 23 — CRC Brakleen 150 (Chandler Smith)
July 29 — TSport 200 (Grant Enfinger)
Aug. 13 — Worldwide Express 250 for Carrier Appreciation, Richmond, Va.
Sept. 9 — NASCAR Trucks Series Race at Kansas, Kansas City, Kan.
Sept. 15 — UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics, Bristol, Tenn.
Oct. 1 — Talladega 250, Talladega, Ala.
Oct. 22 — Baptist Health 200, Homestead, Fla.
Nov. 4 — Lucas Oil 150, Avondale, Ariz. | https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/NASCAR-Gander-Outdoors-Truck-Schedule-Winners-17345877.php | 2022-08-02T19:42:47Z | https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/NASCAR-Gander-Outdoors-Truck-Schedule-Winners-17345877.php | false |
WASHINGTON — A bill that would enhance health care and disability benefits for millions of veterans exposed to toxic burn pits hit a snag in the Senate last week, angering advocates like comedian Jon Stewart who say help from the government is long overdue.
Lawmakers have been hearing increasingly from constituents with respiratory illnesses and cancers that they attribute to serving near burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. The military used the pits to dispose of such things as chemicals, cans, tires, plastics and medical and human waste.
Veterans groups say servicemembers who were exposed to the pits have waited long enough for enhanced health benefits, and lawmakers largely agree. The Senate is ultimately expected to send the measure to President Joe Biden's desk. It's just a question of when.
Where the issue stands:
HOW WOULD THE BILL HELP IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN VETERANS?
First, veterans who served near burn pits will get 10 years of health care coverage through the Department of Veterans Affairs upon their separation from the military rather than five.
Second, the legislation directs the VA to presume that certain respiratory illnesses and cancers were related to burn pit exposure. This takes the burden of proof off the veteran, allowing them to obtain disability payments to compensate for their injury without having to show the illness was a result of their service.
Roughly 70% of disability claims related to burn pit exposure are denied by the VA due to lack of evidence, scientific data and information from the Defense Department.
IS THERE HELP FOR OTHER VETERANS?
Yes. For example, hundreds of thousands of Vietnam War-era veterans and survivors also stand to benefit. The bill adds hypertension, or high blood pressure, as a presumptive disease associated with Agent Orange exposure. The Congressional Budget Office projected that about 600,000 of 1.6 million living Vietnam vets would be eligible for increased compensation, though only about half would have severe enough diagnoses to warrant receiving it.
Also, veterans who served in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam, American Samoa and Johnston Atoll will be presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange. That’s another 50,000 veterans and survivors of deceased veterans who would get compensation for illnesses presumed to have been caused by their exposure to the herbicide, the CBO projected.
HOW MUCH WILL THE BILL COST?
The bill is projected to increase federal deficits by about $277 billion over 10 years, the CBO said. Lawmakers did not include offsetting spending cuts or tax increases to help pay for the spending.
WHERE DO THINGS STAND IN CONGRESS?
Both the House and the Senate have approved the bill overwhelmingly. The Senate did so in June, but the the bill contained a revenue-related provision that must originate in the House, requiring a do-over to make a technical fix.
The House approved the fixed bill by a vote of 342-88. So, now the measure is back before the Senate, where the previous iteration had passed by a vote of 84-14. Biden says he will sign it.
SO WHY HASN'T THE SENATE APPROVED IT YET?
When the CBO scored the bill, it projected that nearly $400 billion slated to be spent on health services would move from discretionary spending to mandatory spending, which is mostly sheltered from the bruising battles that occur each year over where to spend money in appropriations bills.
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan fiscal watchdog, said a reclassification of nearly $400 billion from discretionary to mandatory would “both reduce the pressure to keep those costs under control and make it easier for appropriators to spend more elsewhere in the budget without offsets.”
Those dynamics also applied to the bill when the Senate approved it in June. Nevertheless, senators voted for the measure overwhelmingly.
But, last week more than two dozen Republicans who voted for the bill in June voted against advancing it this time. They sided with Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, who is seeking a vote on an amendment that he says would not reduce spending on veterans but would prevent spending increases in other nondefense programs down the road.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has offered to let the Senate vote on the Toomey amendment with 60 votes needed for passage, the same number that is needed to advance the bill itself.
It's unclear how the delay will be resolved, though Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell predicted Monday that the bill will pass this week.
Advocacy groups for veterans, a key voting bloc in the upcoming midterm elections, are furious and ramping up the political pressure on lawmakers to act. At a Capitol Hill news conference the day after last week's procedural vote, speakers used terms such as “villains" and “reprehensible" to describe the Republican senators who voted against advancing the measure last week but voted for almost the exact same bill in June.
“Veterans are angry and confused at the sudden change from those they thought had their backs," said Cory Titus of the group Military Officers Association of America.
“You just screwed veterans yesterday," added Tom Porter of the group Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. “Now, we're going to hold them accountable." | https://www.12news.com/article/news/nation-world/burn-pit-vet-health-care-congress/507-e81900fe-fcd4-43a3-8adb-8c8bc453af81 | 2022-08-02T19:44:26Z | https://www.12news.com/article/news/nation-world/burn-pit-vet-health-care-congress/507-e81900fe-fcd4-43a3-8adb-8c8bc453af81 | true |
New York LiveDaily lifestyle show giving viewers the best in all things New York -- 11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday and 7:15 p.m. Fridays | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/the-scene/new-york-live/rose-all-day-with-crush-wine-experiences/3805624/ | 2022-08-02T19:44:55Z | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/the-scene/new-york-live/rose-all-day-with-crush-wine-experiences/3805624/ | false |
NGT directs local bodies and TNPCB to strictly implement plastic waste management rules
CHENNAI August 02, 2022 23:58 ISTState government asked to conduct awareness programmes
The National Green Tribunal (Southern Zone) has directed local bodies, including the Greater Chennai Corporation, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and Chennai Collectorate, to strictly implement the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
This included the Extended Producers Responsibility provided under the guidelines issued in 2020 and subsequent guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and Central Pollution Control Board. It asked them to take action against violators by imposing environmental compensation, apart from imposing the penalties as provided under the local and other environmental laws.
In an order on an original application by Antony Clement Rubin of Chennai, seeking directions to various government bodies to properly implement the Plastic Waste Management Rules, judicial member Justice K. Ramakrishnan and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati also directed the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests, and the Chief Secretary, State of Tamil Nadu, to monitor the implementation of the directions issued by the State government by the Special Task Force constituted as per G.O. (Ms.) No.25 Environment, Climate Change & Forests (EC.2) Department dated February 7, 2022.
If any gap was found, they have been directed to issue necessary directions to implement the provisions of the 2016 rules and further notifications and guidelines issued by the MoEF&CC in this regard, in its letter and spirit.
The TNPCB in coordination with the Collectors of the respective districts and local bodies was directed to conduct awareness programmes among to avoid usage of banned plastics and adopt environment-friendly methodologies of carrying cloth bags or other alternatives.
The State government in coordination with the TNPCB has also been directed by the NGT to evolve a policy of providing incentive to manufactures/producers of products to replace plastic using eco-friendly materials, so that it will motivate manufacturers to rely on alternate materials and strengthen efforts to strictly implement the ban in its letter and spirit.
The TNPCB in coordination with the Education Department and the State Legal Services Authority has also been directed to conduct awareness programmes among students, including professional colleges, regarding the negative effects of the use of plastic on the environment and motivate them to avoid plastics. | https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/ngt-directs-local-bodies-and-tnpcb-to-strictly-implement-plastic-waste-management-rules/article65717874.ece/amp/ | 2022-08-02T19:44:56Z | https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/ngt-directs-local-bodies-and-tnpcb-to-strictly-implement-plastic-waste-management-rules/article65717874.ece/amp/ | true |
Student dies of snakebite near Ambur
TIRUPATTUR August 03, 2022 00:53 ISTHe belonged to the Irula community; residents of the tribal hamlet blame lack of road for boy’s death
A Class VII student belonging to the Irula community in Abikiripattarai tribal hamlet near Ambur in Tirupattur, sucummbed to a snakebite on Monday night at the Government Medical College Hospital in Adukamparrai on the outskirts of Vellore town.
Police said S. Arjun, 12, a student of the Government Middle School in the neighbouring Arangaldargam village, was returning home on Sunday night, when a snake bit him. Despite the lack of street lights and proper roads, a group of men from the community carried the boy on a makeshift stretcher, three kilometres down a hill through on a rough terrain to reach Arangaldargam, the nearest village that has a Primary Health Centre (PHC). The boy was treated at the centre before being shifted to the Government Taluk Hospital in Ambur, around 15 km from the hamlet. On Monday, the boy was shifted to the government hospital in Vellore, where he died on the same night. A case has been filed by Ambur taluk police.
Tribals blamed the lack of road on the hillock to reach the nearest Arangaladaram village for the boy’s death. The hamlet has more than 30 families. They work as agricultural labourers and honey collectors. At present, the hamlet has an overhead tank, a borewell and land pattas.
On Tuesday, along with a team of revenue officials, Tirupattur Collector Amar Kushwaha walked to the hamlet and met the deceased boy’s father, Siva. He assured him of better basic facilities for the Irula families in the hamlet.
“We have decided to acquire a portion of the land for a distance of around one kilometre to lay a bitumen road, connecting the hamlet with the existing main road. Necessary paperworks will be done immediately,” said S. Mahalakshmi, Tahsildar, Ambur. | https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/student-dies-of-snakebite-near-ambur/article65717129.ece/amp/ | 2022-08-02T19:45:03Z | https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/student-dies-of-snakebite-near-ambur/article65717129.ece/amp/ | false |
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1 cr MSMEs registered on Udyam portal in 25 months: Narayan Rane
The MSME ministry signed MoUs with the Ministry of Tourism and the NSIC for the sharing of Udyam data. On the occasion, the Digi Locker facility for Udyam Registration was also launched. Rane also highlighted the need for Udyam registrations and underscored its utility as an identity for MSMEs to avail benefits of schemes for Ministry of MSME and for Priority Sector Lending of banks. He stressed on the contribution made by MSMEs in GDP, exports and employment generation.
Around 1 crore micro small and medium enterprises have registered on the Udyam portal within a span of 25 months, Union Minister Narayan Rane said on Tuesday. In an interview on the sidelines of a press conference, the MSME Minister said he has given a target of 16 months to officials for achieving 2 crore registrations on the Udyam portal .
The minister informed that 1 crore Udyam registrations were achieved in 25 months.
"In a span of 25 months, as many as 1 crore MSMEs have registered on the Udyam portal on a voluntary basis and declared that they employ 7.6 crore people, of which 1.7 crore are women," an official statement said.
Rane also highlighted the need for Udyam registrations and underscored its utility as an identity for MSMEs to avail benefits of schemes for Ministry of MSME and for Priority Sector Lending of banks. He stressed on the contribution made by MSMEs in GDP, exports and employment generation.
Following the adoption of the revised definition of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on 26 June, 2020, which is based on investment in plant & machinery or equipment; and turnover, the Udyam Registration Portal was launched on 1st July 2020.
The revised definition did away with the distinction between manufacturing and services enterprises. The Udyam portal is linked to the databases of CBDT and GSTN. It is fully online, does not require any documentation, and is a step towards Ease of Doing Business for MSMEs.
The company will stop producing Jazz after October 2022 while the crossover WR-V will not be produced beyond March 2023. The carmaker will also stop the production and sale of the 4th Generation Honda City by December 2022 in the country. However, the 5th generation of the sedan will continue to be available in the market, a source in the know of things told ETAuto.
The company will stop producing Jazz after October 2022 while the crossover WR-V will not be produced beyond March 2023. The carmaker will also stop the production and sale of the 4th Generation Honda City by December 2022 in the country. However, the 5th generation of the sedan will continue to be available in the market, a source in the know of things told ETAuto. | https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/1-cr-msmes-registered-on-udyam-portal-in-25-months-narayan-rane/93306070 | 2022-08-02T19:51:25Z | https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/1-cr-msmes-registered-on-udyam-portal-in-25-months-narayan-rane/93306070 | false |
Chick-fil-A reveals menu hacks to upgrade your order
Chick-fil-A is adamant that it doesn’t have a secret menu – but the fast food chain recently gave fans a list of suggestions for taking their orders to the next level.
Last week, the chain published an article that explained, "Chick-fil-A does not have a secret menu. No cookie crumble coffee. No chicken quesadillas. No grilled cheese sandwiches. No fried pickles."
Some Chick-fil-A locations do occasionally offer special items such as packets of guacamole and special cheese sauce, the chain said in the article.
Locations in Texas and Arizona even offer jalapeños, while chicken gravy is on offer at 30 locations in West Virginia, Missouri and Kentucky, according to Chick-fil-A.
File: A Chick-fil-A employee assists a customer in a drive-thru line on July 05, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Plus, fans can customize their orders by adding or removing different ingredients on some menu items.
CHICK-FIL-A IS AMERICA’S FAVORITE RESTAURANT FOR 8TH YEAR IN A ROW
Aside from those customizations, Chick-fil-A employees aren’t allowed to prepare food that’s not on the menu, the company said.
That doesn’t mean customers can’t make their own dishes using items that already exist on the Chick-fil-A menu.
CHICK-FIL-A BREAKFAST: WHAT TIME DOES IT END?
File: A chicken sandwich with waffle fries is pictured at the Chick-Fil-A restaurant in Dedham, MA on Nov. 8, 2017. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Below is a list of suggestions from Chick-fil-A on how fans can make their own not-so-secret menu items.
Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese
Chick-fil-A suggests ordering either nuggets or grilled nuggets along with mac & cheese, buffalo sauce and ranch sauce. Then, fans should combine all the ingredients – after chopping up the nuggets – right in the mac & cheese container.
Cookie Icedream Sandwich
To make this dessert, customers should order a cup of Chick-fil-A’s Icedream dessert and two Chocolate Chunk cookies and sandwich the frozen dessert between the cookies.
Icedream Fruit Cup
Another easy menu "hack" is the Icedream Fruit Cup, which can be combined using a side order of fruit and an Icedream cup from the dessert menu.
Chick-n-Minis Masterpiece
Chick-fil-A recommends taking its mini chicken rolls to the next level using hash browns. Customers can make this "masterpiece" by dipping a hash brown in their favorite sauce and placing the hash brown in the Chick-n-Mini roll, on top of the chicken bites.
Double Cookie Milkshake
Customers who order a Chick-fil-A Cookies & Cream Milkshake can double their dessert with a Chocolate Chunk Cookie, which then can crumble and mix into their milkshake, Chick-fil-A recommends. | https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/chick-fil-a-secret-menu-hacks | 2022-08-02T19:52:49Z | https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/chick-fil-a-secret-menu-hacks | true |
Member suspended for sending ‘disinformation’ text regarding Kansas Abortion Amendment
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KCTV) - The unknown person who sent a confusing text message encouraging voters to vote “Yes” has been suspended from the social media platform Twilio.
“I can confirm that this number was suspended late yesterday, disabling their ability to continue sending text messages,” said spokesperson Cris Paden. “Twilio’s Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) make clear what we expect from our customers. Based on this activity, we determined the account was in violation of our AUP, specifically prohibiting the spread of disinformation.”
The text message sent out Monday read: “Women in KS are losing their choice on reproductive rights. Voting YES on the Amendment will give women a choice. Vote YES to protect women’s health.”
The widely distributed text messaged was immediately condemned by pro-choice voters and former Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius. She received it on her cell phone.
“This misleading text shouldn’t surprise anyone,” Sebelius said yesterday. “The anti-choice movement has been lying to the voters of Kansas for decades. This act of desperation won’t stop the voters of Kansas from protecting their constitutional rights and freedom by voting NO tomorrow.”
It’s unclear who is responsible for the text message. Twilio did not provide that. No one has stepped forward to claim responsibility.
Previous coverage: Kansans receive text message with misinformation about Amendment 2
Copyright 2022 KCTV. All rights reserved. | https://www.wibw.com/2022/08/02/member-suspended-sending-disinformation-text-regarding-kansas-abortion-amendment/ | 2022-08-02T19:53:25Z | https://www.wibw.com/2022/08/02/member-suspended-sending-disinformation-text-regarding-kansas-abortion-amendment/ | true |
San Diego Padres have tentative deal in place to acquire Juan Soto, per reports
The San Diego Padres are close to acquiring superstar outfielder Juan Soto from the Washington Nationals on Tuesday in one of baseball's biggest deals at the trade deadline, vaulting their postseason chances by adding one of the game's best young hitters.
A person with direct knowledge of the move told The Associated Press the Padres and Nationals have agreed to a multiplayer deal contingent on San Diego first baseman Eric Hosmer waiving his no-trade provision. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because negotiations were ongoing.
Hosmer agreed to a $144 million, eight-year deal with San Diego before the 2018 season. He is owed about $7 million for the rest of this season and $13 million annually from 2023-25.
If the deal is completed, the Padres also would receive first baseman Josh Bell along with Soto, a generational talent who turns 24 in late October when they hope to still be playing for a title. The Nationals would get Hosmer, left-hander MacKenzie Gore and prospects James Wood, C.J. Abrams, Robert Hassell III and Jarlin Susana.
After contributing to the Nationals’ first championship in franchise history in 2019, Soto hit .351 in 2020 to win the NL batting title. He has been walked more than any other player in major league baseball over the past two seasons.
The package of prospects going to Washington is one of the most touted groups ever involved in one deal. The 20-year-old Hassell, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 amateur draft, hit an RBI single in last month’s All-Star Futures Game. Wood, a 19-year-old outfielder and second-round selection in last year's draft, is batting .321 with 10 homers and 45 RBIs for Class-A Lake Elsinore.
Washington general manager Mike Rizzo set a lofty asking price last month after reports emerged that Soto turned down the team’s latest contract offer of $440 million over 15 years.
Soto remains under team control for two more seasons after this one, which made it no sure thing the Nationals would trade him now. The Padres getting him for potentially three playoff runs even absent a new deal made this the peak of Soto’s value.
That uncertainty began weighing on Soto, who said after Sunday’s game against St. Louis: “I just want to get it over with and see what’s going to happen. Start over here or wherever I’m at.”
It looks as if he’ll be starting over in San Diego in the midst of his second All-Star season, part of a loaded lineup that also includes All-Star Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. when the shortstop returns from a broken left wrist.
With little protection around him in Washington’s lineup, Soto hit .246 with 20 home runs and 45 RBIs and 91 walks in 101 games.
In 2,435 plate appearances since making his Nationals debut in 2018, Soto is batting .291 with 118 home runs and 357 RBIs. He’s only a couple of years removed from slugging .695 with a 1.185 OPS and .490 on-base percentage — all NL bests.
It looks as if Soto will become the latest Nationals player to be traded as part of the organization’s long-term rebuild and with ownership looking to sell the team. Rizzo traded shortstop Trea Turner, ace Max Scherzer, power hitter Kyle Schwarber and five others at the deadline last year, and Washington has let Bryce Harper, Anthony Rendon and others move on in free agency.
The Nationals made their first deadline move Monday, trading utility player Ehire Adrianza to the Atlanta Braves for 26-year-old outfield prospect Trey Harris.
___
Whyno reported from Washington. | https://www.4029tv.com/article/san-diego-padres-juan-soto-washington-nationals-mlb/40784799 | 2022-08-02T19:53:53Z | https://www.4029tv.com/article/san-diego-padres-juan-soto-washington-nationals-mlb/40784799 | false |
Benni Smales-Braithwaite: Barrow sign ex-Southampton academy forward
Last updated on .From the section Barrow
Barrow have signed Benni-Smales Braithwaite after the forward came through a successful pre-season trial.
The 20-year-old scored in two friendlies to earn a permanent deal, the details of which have not been disclosed, with the League Two side.
Originally a member of Manchester City's academy until 2018, he was released by Southampton in June.
He never played for the Saints, but he played six times on loan for National League North side Gloucester City.
Smales-Braithwaite will now join up with Pete Wild's squad at the SO Legal Stadium.
They began their league campaign with a 3-2 win at newly-promoted Stockport County on Saturday.
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. | https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62399070 | 2022-08-02T19:54:30Z | https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62399070 | true |
ATLANTIC CITY — Since mid-July, 17 men have been arrested and charged with attempting to lure a minor, with law enforcement getting help from predator catchers posing as young adults on social media, police said Monday.
The suspects are each charged with luring and enticing a child by various means. All but one, who was issued a summons, were sent to the Atlantic County jail, police said.
Those charged were:
VENTNOR — A city man was arrested Friday after police found he'd arranged to meet for sex wi…
- Steven Wentzel, 51, of Williston, New York
- Andrew Rheinheimer, 41, of Absecon
- Delbin Martinez, 28, of Atlantic City
- Bruce Cahan, 77, of Atlantic City
- Sidney Yee, 67, of Atlantic City
- Alex Damian, 37, of Stamford, Connecticut
- Christopher Sharpe, 23, of Sweet Water, Alabama
- Henrri Pacheco-Medina, 24, of Atlantic City
- Juwin Jumpp, 26, of Vestal New York
- Jonathan Shillingford Coll, 28, of Avondale, Pennsylvania
- Diego Delossantos, 27, of Atlantic City
- Joseph Donofrio, 31, of Yonkers, New York
- Nareshan Reddy, 34, of Vero Beach, Florida
- Gerald Colapinto, 65, of Yardley, Pennsylvania
- Johnny Puma, 54, of Lexington, South Carolina
- Colby Jones, 26, of Galloway Township
- Avraham Holtzberg, 48, of Brooklyn, New York
People are also reading…
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — For the second time this week, a pair of YouTubers led authorities to …
The online users reportedly confronted the suspects after messaging them to meet with them, then notified police. The officers were given screenshots of the conversations and other detailed information, police said.
While police did not name the individuals who led them to the suspects, they appear to have been aided by individuals that operate the "MrWEB" YouTube channel, the motto for which is "Catching online preds one perv at a time and exposing them for the world to see."
The arrests were announced as part of a roughly weeklong stretch in which YouTubers were credited for helping lead authorities in Atlantic County to suspected predators.
Several videos taken in Atlantic City have been posted to the account during the past week, in which the YouTubers recorded interactions with various men they claim to have messaged while posing as minors online. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/atlantic-city-police-arrest-17-with-help-of-online-predator-catchers/article_52a5c576-1261-11ed-a2e6-378fcf5d9a71.html | 2022-08-02T19:57:36Z | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/atlantic-city-police-arrest-17-with-help-of-online-predator-catchers/article_52a5c576-1261-11ed-a2e6-378fcf5d9a71.html | false |
Israel PM urges UN to dismantle rights panel over 'anti-Semitic' remarks
Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid sai din a letter to UN Secretar-General Antonio Guterres that 'these anti-Semitic remarks are a stain on the entire United Nations'
Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid on Sunday upped pressure on the United Nations to disband a commission investigating Israel, appealing to the secretary-general over "anti-Semitic" remarks from a member of the body.
The Commission of Inquiry (COI) investigating abuses in Israel and the Palestinian territories was created by the UN Human Rights Council last year after an 11-day war between Israel and armed militants in Gaza.
Israel has flatly refused to cooperate with the commission, which has so far largely blamed Israel as it probes "all underlying root causes" in the decades-long conflict.
On July 25, commissioner Miloon Kothari was quoted alluding to a "Jewish lobby" and questioning whether Israel deserved its UN membership, reigniting long-time allegations that the council is biased against the Jewish state.
"These anti-Semitic remarks are a stain on the entire United Nations and are not befitting of a person with such a position of responsibility," Lapid said in a letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The commission "has been fundamentally tainted by the publicly expressed prejudices of its leadership", Lapid added, demanding "the immediate removal of all three members".
Israel's ambassador in Geneva on Friday had urged the council's president to disband the commission.
Asked in an interview published Monday by online publication Mondoweiss about member states' criticisms of the commission, Kothari had pointed to wider efforts to undermine its investigations.
"We are very disheartened by the social media that is controlled largely by, whether it is the Jewish lobby or it is specific NGOs, a lot of money is being thrown into trying to discredit us," he said.
Several ambassadors, including from Britain and the United States, have also expressed outrage at the remarks.
Commission chair, Navi Pillay, a former UN rights chief, said Kothari's comments "seem to have deliberately been taken out of context" and had been "deliberately misquoted".
She said his comments reflected the "commission's disappointment with the continued lack of cooperation" from Israel with its investigation.
Lapid called Pillay's defence of Kothari "false" and charged that the commission "fuels" anti-Semitism.
"Slurs about a 'Jewish lobby' that acts to 'control' the media, are reminiscent of the darkest days of modern history," Lapid said. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-11067093/Israel-PM-urges-UN-dismantle-rights-panel-anti-Semitic-remarks.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | 2022-08-02T19:57:36Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-11067093/Israel-PM-urges-UN-dismantle-rights-panel-anti-Semitic-remarks.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 | false |
A 33-year-old man from Santa Maria has been identified as the motorcyclist killed in crash on Highway 1 near Vandenberg Space Force Base last week.
The crash happened Thursday, July 28, around 7:40 a.m. near Firefighter Road.
The California Highway Patrol says their initial investigation shows the driver of a Yukon was heading northbound when, for unknown reasons, she crossed into the southbound lanes and hit a motorcyclist head-on.
CHP says the motorcycle was thrown into the other southbound lane where it was hit by another vehicle. The motorcyclist, identified by the Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Bureau as Faysal Hekmat of Santa Maria, was ejected from the bike and died at the scene.
Officers say after the initial collision, the drivers of two other vehicles traveling southbound saw the Yukon heading the wrong way and drove into the center median to avoid a collision.
Because of this, CHP says one of the vehicles was damaged after being hit by debris from the initial crash. Another vehicle had some damage from driving into the center median.
Those drivers remained at the scene.
The driver of the Yukon has been identified as a 21-year-old woman from Santa Maria. She was taken to the hospital for treatment of what CHP said were minor injuries.
CHP says drugs or alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash and no arrests were made.
The highway was shut down for about 4.5 hours after the crash. | https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/santa-maria-man-identified-as-driver-killed-in-hwy-1-crash-near-vandenberg-sfb | 2022-08-02T19:58:40Z | https://www.ksby.com/news/local-news/santa-maria-man-identified-as-driver-killed-in-hwy-1-crash-near-vandenberg-sfb | false |
(NEXSTAR) – As other social media networks make changes to their algorithms to compete with TikTok or combat misinformation, a completely new app is quickly gaining users. I became one of those new users when I downloaded the app last week.
BeReal calls itself “the simplest photo sharing app.” The French-developed social media platform promises to ward off influencer content and embrace authenticity. The app doesn’t have any appearance-enhancing filters, and its developer warns it “won’t make you famous.”
“If you want to become an influencer you can stay on TikTok and Instagram,” the description reads.
BeReal ranked No. 1 on Apple’s App Store for free apps Tuesday morning – ahead of TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
Here’s how it works: Once a day, you get a notification prompting you to open the app. Then, you have exactly two minutes to snap a photo. The app simultaneously captures pictures from your phone’s front and back cameras, and creates a split image showing both views.
Once the timer is up, you can see your friend’s daily posts and comment on them – but only if you have uploaded a picture yourself.
If you miss the notification and the two-minute window, you can still post late, but your photo will bear a clear timestamp showing you did so.
The result? The BeReal website shows people snowboarding down mountains, camping in forests and eating towering cones of soft-serve ice cream. But my personal feed, filled with only a few of my friends who have downloaded the app, is consistently filled with pictures of us working at our desks – given that the app alerts you one time during the day, and we all work day jobs.
You can also scroll the app’s “Discovery” tab, which when I opened it Tuesday morning showed me someone boating off Cape Cod, a guy drinking coffee in Tijuana and a woman waiting to go through security at an Italian airport. All those are more varied and visually appealing than my friends’ mix of content (no offense to my friends), but the app also shows all the photos are posted late. They may have waited to post the picture until they were doing something more interesting than typing away at work or sitting on the toilet. But not my friends – they’re keeping it real (for better or worse). | https://www.kron4.com/news/national/what-is-bereal-new-anti-influencer-social-media-app-gains-popularity/ | 2022-08-02T19:59:26Z | https://www.kron4.com/news/national/what-is-bereal-new-anti-influencer-social-media-app-gains-popularity/ | true |
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) has completed the sale of the 595-megawatt (MW) Cardinal Plant Unit 1 in Brilliant, Ohio, from AEP Generation Resources, the company's competitive generation affiliate, to Buckeye Power.
In March, AEP reached an agreement to sell Cardinal Plant Unit 1 and the company's ownership stake in Cardinal Operating Company to Buckeye Power. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the sale on May 19. AEP Generation Resources will purchase 100% of Unit 1's output through a power purchase agreement through 2028. Cardinal Operating Company currently operates Cardinal Plant, and Buckeye already owns the other two units at the plant. Due to the competitive nature of the transaction, the sale price will not be disclosed.
The sale of Cardinal Plant Unit 1 completes AEP Generation Resources' exit from competitive generation ownership in Ohio and reinforces AEP's focus on its regulated business operations and infrastructure.
American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities. AEP's approximately 16,700 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electricity transmission system and more than 224,000 miles of distribution lines to safely deliver reliable and affordable power to 5.5 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with approximately 31,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 7,100 megawatts of renewable energy. The company's plans include growing its renewable generation portfolio to approximately 50% of total capacity by 2030. AEP is on track to reach an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2000 levels by 2030 and has committed to achieving net zero by 2050. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. AEP's family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.
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SOURCE American Electric Power | https://www.wbtv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/aep-completes-sale-cardinal-plant-unit-1/ | 2022-08-02T20:00:51Z | https://www.wbtv.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/aep-completes-sale-cardinal-plant-unit-1/ | false |
Kroger opens doors to brand new spoke facility in Louisville, Kentucky
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), America's largest grocery retailer, today announced the official opening of a new spoke location in Louisville, Kentucky. The 50,000 square-foot facility will collaborate with the Customer Fulfillment Center (CFC) in Monroe, Ohio and will serve as a last-mile cross-dock location that expands Kroger Delivery's ability to serve more customers in the Greater Louisville area.
"Kroger Delivery is part of our rapidly expanding seamless ecosystem that provides customers with fresh and quality products – anytime and anywhere," said Bill Bennett, Kroger Vice President and Head of E-commerce. "We are thrilled to expand Kroger's offerings to more Louisville customers with a truly differentiated customer experience. Local Kentucky residents can use Kroger.com or the Kroger app to check the weekly circular, select personalized digital coupons, search products by dietary preference and ultimately place their order. Customers will enjoy receiving their orders directly from our refrigerated trucks and delivered by trained Kroger uniformed associates, giving customers an unparalleled first-class delivery experience."
The spoke facility will employ up to 161 full-time associates. Also, as part of Kroger's commitment to end hunger and eliminate waste through its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social environmental impact plan, the site will use recyclable bags and is working to partner with local food banks.
Local shoppers also have access to the newly launched Boost by Kroger annual membership program. For either $59 or $99 per year, Boost provides customers with benefits like unlimited free delivery on orders of $35 or more and two Fuel Points for every $1 spent on groceries and general merchandise purchases through Delivery, Pickup and in-stores. Kroger estimates the membership can save customers more than $1,000 per year on fuel and grocery delivery.
"Louisville has long been a driver of innovation in the logistics and in the food and beverage industries, and as such, Louisville is uniquely poised to fuel the workforce and innovation demands necessary to drive these industries into the future," said Mayor Greg Fischer. "I am excited to join our partners at Kroger to celebrate this new dynamic facility that will drive high-quality customer service."
Kroger Delivery Explained
The expansion in Louisville represents an extension of a partnership between Kroger and Ocado, a world leader in technology for grocery e-commerce. In 2018, the companies announced a collaboration to establish a delivery network that combines artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, and automation in a bold new way, bringing first-of-its-kind technology to America.
The delivery network relies on highly automated fulfillment centers. At the hub sites, more than 1,000 bots move around giant 3D grids, orchestrated by proprietary control systems. The grid, known as The Hive, contains totes with products and ready-to-deliver customer orders. As customers' orders near delivery times, bots retrieve products from The Hive and present them at pick stations for items to be sorted for delivery, a process governed by algorithms that ensures items are intelligently packed. For example, fragile items are placed on top, bags are evenly weighted, and each order is optimized to fit into the lowest number of bags, reducing plastic use. Bags are also recyclable, reflecting Kroger's commitment to its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste commitment to rid its communities of hunger and waste.
Kroger's end-to-end cold solutions keep groceries fresh once loaded into customized refrigerated delivery van, which can store up to 20 orders. Powerful machine learning algorithms optimize delivery routes, considering factors such as road conditions and optimal fuel efficiency. Vans may travel up to 90 miles with orders from the hub and spoke facilities to make deliveries. Associates at the spoke facility will deliver orders within their service area, adding ZIP codes as demand grows.
Kroger currently operates customer fulfillment centers in Monroe, OH, Groveland, FL, Forest Park, GA (Atlanta), Pleasant Prairie, WI, Dallas, TX and Romulus, MI (Detroit), with additional customer fulfillment centers slated for California, Frederick, MD, Phoenix, AZ, Cleveland, OH, Charlotte, NC, Aurora, CO (Denver), as well as South Florida and the Northeast.
Media Assets
To download Kroger Delivery photography and video, visit here.
About Kroger
At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are Fresh for Everyone™ and dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit®. We are, across our family of companies, nearly half a million associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through a seamless shopping experience under a variety of banner names. We are committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.
About Ocado Group
Ocado Group is a UK based technology company admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange (Ticker OCDO). It provides end-to-end online grocery fulfillment solutions to some of the world's largest grocery retailers and holds a 50% share of Ocado Retail Ltd in the UK in a Joint Venture with Marks & Spencer. Ocado has spent two decades innovating for grocery online, investing in a wide technology estate that includes robotics, AI & machine learning, simulation, forecasting, and edge intelligence.
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SOURCE The Kroger Co. | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/kroger-delivery-arrives-louisville/ | 2022-08-02T20:05:27Z | https://www.ktre.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/kroger-delivery-arrives-louisville/ | false |
Photo courtesy Girl Talk/Facebook
Girl Talk
We know that linear time is a myth these days, but news that Girl Talk is hitting the road this autumn and winter still took us by surprise.
It actually shouldn't be
that surprising to savvy pop watchers. Earlier this year Gillis released his newest album as Girl Talk,
Full Court Press, complete with collaborations with Wiz Khalifa, Big K.R.I.T. and Smoke DZA. And, yes, there's a new mash-up in the form of Gills interweaving Harry Styles' "As It Was" into new single "
Ain’t No Fun."
The Girl Talk tour kicks off in September in Last Vegas, finally reaching Florida for a trifecta of shows — St. Pete, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando — in December.
Girl Talk headlines the Beacham on Thursday, Dec. 15. Tickets are available now through
SeeTickets.
–
Stay on top of Central Florida news and views with our weekly newsletters, and consider supporting this free publication. Our small but mighty team is working tirelessly to bring you Central Florida news, and every little bit helps. | https://www.orlandoweekly.com/music/girl-talk-to-make-a-full-court-press-into-orlando-in-december-32155649 | 2022-08-02T20:08:02Z | https://www.orlandoweekly.com/music/girl-talk-to-make-a-full-court-press-into-orlando-in-december-32155649 | true |
Daunte Wright’s passenger sues Minneapolis suburb, officer
Published: Aug. 2, 2022 at 12:41 PM CDT|Updated: 2 hours ago
BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (KEYC) - The woman who was in Daunte Wright’s vehicle when he was fatally shot by police in a Minneapolis suburb last year is suing the city and the former officer who killed him.
The lawsuit says 21-year-old Alayna Albrecht-Payton of St. Paul was physically and mentally injured when Wright’s vehicle crashed after Kim Potter shot him on April 11, 2021.
Potter has said she mistook her firearm for her Taser when she fired at the 20-year-old Black man during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center.
Potter, who is white, was convicted of first- and second-degree manslaughter in his death and sentenced to two years in prison.
Copyright 2022 KEYC. All rights reserved. | https://www.kttc.com/2022/08/02/daunte-wrights-passenger-sues-minneapolis-suburb-officer/ | 2022-08-02T20:09:44Z | https://www.kttc.com/2022/08/02/daunte-wrights-passenger-sues-minneapolis-suburb-officer/ | false |
At least one water system in every state across the U.S. contains forever chemicals known as PFAS, according to the Environmental Working Group. PFAS are widely-used chemicals present in everything from cosmetics to fast food wrappers. They also don’t break down in the environment.
Because they stick around for so long, low levels of PFAS can be found almost everywhere – in water, soil, wildlife – and in us. In fact, the CDC found that these chemicals are in nearly everyone’s blood.PFAS exposure has been linked to a host of health issues including cancer and birth defects.
A new advisory from the EPA effectively eliminates any safe level of PFAS found in water.But how do you get rid of them? And what do you need to know to keep yourself safe?
Copyright 2022 WAMU 88.5 | https://www.wvpublic.org/2022-08-01/combatting-forever-chemicals-in-our-drinking-water | 2022-08-02T20:10:54Z | https://www.wvpublic.org/2022-08-01/combatting-forever-chemicals-in-our-drinking-water | false |
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NEW YORK, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Outset Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ: OM) between September 15, 2020 and June 13, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important September 6, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Outset Medical securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Outset Medical class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=6976 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 6, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants had "continuously made improvements and updates to Tablo over time since its original clearance" that required an additional 510(k) application; (2) as a result, Outset Medical could not conduct a human factors study on a cleared device in accordance with FDA protocols; (3) Outset Medical's inability to conduct the human factors study subjected Outset Medical to the likelihood of the FDA imposing a "shipment hold" and marketing suspension, leaving the Company unable to sell Tablo for home use; and (4) as a result, defendants' positive statements about Outset Medical's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Outset Medical class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=6976 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/rosen-skilled-investor-counsel-encourages-outset-medical-inc-investors-with-losses-secure-counsel-before-important-deadline-securities-class-action-om/ | 2022-08-02T20:17:39Z | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/rosen-skilled-investor-counsel-encourages-outset-medical-inc-investors-with-losses-secure-counsel-before-important-deadline-securities-class-action-om/ | true |
The Department of Justice is suing Idaho over its near-total abortion ban, which went into effect after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June.
Attorney General Merrick Garland said Tuesday that federal law requires hospitals that receive Medicare funds must provide emergency care.
"In some circumstances, the medical treatment necessary to stabilize the patient's condition is abortion," he said.
The DOJ's complaint claims Idaho's law would make it a criminal offense for doctors to perform an abortion after deeming it medically necessary.
It's seeking an injunction to prevent Idaho from enforcing the law against health care providers when it goes into effect on Aug. 25.
The DOJ established the Reproductive Rights Task Force following the Supreme Court's June decision. It's tasked with evaluating what type of abortion rights litigation the department will seek. | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/doj-sues-idaho-over-abortion-ban | 2022-08-02T20:19:24Z | https://www.wptv.com/news/national/doj-sues-idaho-over-abortion-ban | true |
ADAPT Triad minimal residual disease analysis study intended to evaluate the association between circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) positivity and recurrence intervals
MADISON, Wis., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Exact Sciences Corp. (NASDAQ: EXAS), a global leader in cancer diagnostics, announced today that it has entered a collaboration agreement with the West German Study Group (WSG), an international research institution that focuses on practice-changing clinical studies in breast cancer. Together, Exact Sciences and WSG plan to conduct a prospective, multicenter validation study in hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer patients. The study is intended to demonstrate the ability of Exact Sciences' tumor-informed ctDNA liquid biopsy test to detect minimal residual disease (MRD) and to collect important long-term follow-up and outcome data.
The combined analysis, called ADAPT Triad, is expected to include data from approximately 3,000 German patients enrolled in two ongoing WSG ADAPT trials and one WSG registry study. All patients included in the analysis are stratified using the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score® test. The study is part of Exact Sciences' global initiative to generate clinical validation data for its tumor-informed ctDNA MRD liquid biopsy test, currently in development.
"This ADAPT Triad project with WSG offers a tremendous opportunity to help inform treatment decisions and recurrence monitoring, and ultimately improve future outcomes for breast cancer patients," said Rick Baehner, MD, chief medical officer of Precision Oncology for Exact Sciences. "In addition to helping validate our MRD assay, we're also eager to better understand the potential synergies involving the predictive and prognostic information provided by our Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score® test. WSG's expertise in breast cancer research makes them ideal collaborators to conduct these important MRD studies in HR positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer."
The ADAPT Triad MRD analysis study in breast cancer builds on Exact Sciences and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project's (NSABP) CORRECT-MRD II clinical validation study to detect MRD in colorectal cancer patients. These studies will help create a solid evidence foundation for Exact Sciences' MRD program in two core cancer types where the company has established leadership.
"The WSG's ADAPT study program examines ways to achieve patient-specific decision-making for the treatment of early breast cancer based on biological markers," said Professor Nadia Harbeck, Scientific Director of the WSG and Head of the Breast Centre at LMU Klinikum Munich, Germany. "Partnering with our long-time collaborators at Exact Sciences to evaluate the association of post-initial therapy, pre-recurrence ctDNA with distant recurrence-free interval is a worthy addition to our program and will help change the treatment and monitoring program for solid tumors."
About Minimal Residual Disease
Minimal residual disease (MRD) refers to the presence of tumor-specific DNA in the body after cancer treatment. These fragments of genetic information, known as circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), are shed into the blood by solid tumors as part of the tumor growth cycle. Their presence may indicate that a tumor is likely to return. Solid tumors are typically undetected until they are advanced enough to be picked up by a radiologic image or physician examination. The detection of ctDNA at extremely low levels has the potential to provide crucial insights that may help discover cancer recurrence earlier and inform treatment decisions.
About Exact Sciences' MRD Program
The Exact Sciences' MRD program is powered by our in-house capabilities to advance a tumor-informed or a tumor-naïve solution, with an initial focus on tumor-informed (bespoke) with whole exome or whole genome sequencing. This approach identifies somatic genomic alterations in DNA extracted from the patient's tumor tissue and detects a subset of these mutations in ctDNA present in the patient's blood. The MRD test that Exact Sciences is developing is intended for patients diagnosed with solid tumor malignancies to detect ctDNA before, during, and after cancer treatment. Such information may be used for guidance of adjuvant therapy decisions and/or for monitoring of cancer recurrence, in conjunction with other clinicopathological findings, providing more than 12 million testing opportunities in the United States alone.1
About Exact Sciences Corp.
A leading provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, Exact Sciences relentlessly pursues smarter solutions providing the clarity to take life-changing action, earlier. Building on the success of Cologuard® and Oncotype® tests, Exact Sciences is investing in its product pipeline to support patients before and throughout their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Exact Sciences unites visionary collaborators to help advance the fight against cancer. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.exactsciences.com, follow Exact Sciences on Twitter @ExactSciences, or find Exact Sciences on Facebook.
About the West German Study Group and ADAPT
The West German Study Group (WSG) is a collaborative academic research group that focuses on the design, organization, and implementation of clinical studies in the field of breast cancer. Its ADAPT studies aim to develop new therapeutic strategies that significantly improve efficacy and tolerability in comparison with existing standard therapies. Its scientific work focusses on the individualization of breast cancer treatment and the development of de-escalated therapeutic strategies with the aim of finding the best possible treatment for each patient. More than 12,000 patients have already participated in WSG studies.
NOTE: Oncotype, Oncotype DX, and Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score are trademarks or registered trademarks of Genomic Health, Inc. Exact Sciences and Cologuard are trademarks or registered trademarks of Exact Sciences Corporation. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements concerning our expectations, anticipations, intentions, beliefs or strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that we have made as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, conditions and events to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance as that the WSG ADAPT MRD analysis study will successfully validate Exact Sciences' MRD test or that Exact Sciences will be able to successfully develop or market any MRD or recurrence monitoring tests. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that may affect our forward-looking statements are described in the Risk Factors sections of Exact Sciences' most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in Exact Sciences' other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Exact Sciences undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Exact Sciences
U.S. Media Contact: Steph Spanos, sspanos@exactsciences.com, 608-556-4380
Int'l Media Contact: Federico Maiardi, fmaiardi@exactsciences.com, +41 79-138-1326
Investor Contact: Megan Jones, meganjones@exactsciences.com, 608-535-8815
WSG Media Contact: Michael Städele, Michael.Staedele@wsg-online.com, +49 216156623 10
1 Source: U.S. Census data, Exact Sciences estimates; includes U.S. markets only
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SOURCE EXACT SCIENCES CORP | https://www.weau.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/exact-sciences-west-german-study-group-announce-new-study-validate-detection-minimal-residual-disease-early-stage-breast-cancer-patients/ | 2022-08-02T20:20:56Z | https://www.weau.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/exact-sciences-west-german-study-group-announce-new-study-validate-detection-minimal-residual-disease-early-stage-breast-cancer-patients/ | true |
PHOENIX (AP) — The Republican speaker of the Arizona House faces voters Tuesday and the anger of supporters of former President Donald Trump after he rejected pleas to help overturn the 2020 election results and testified before Congress about the efforts.
Speaker Rusty Bowers is trying to move to the state Senate because of term limits and faces an opponent who criticizes him for refusing to help Trump or go along with a contentious 2021 “audit” that Republican leaders in the Senate commissioned.
Bowers faces an uphill battle in the eastern Phoenix suburb of Mesa, especially after the state Republican Party censured him following his June testimony before the panel investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on Congress and Trump endorsed his opponent, former state Sen. David Farnsworth.
“I’m well aware that I’m highly distrusted,” Bowers told The Associated Press. “My district is a very Trump district, and who knows how this is all going to work out.
“And if it doesn’t work out, great, I’d do it all again the same way,” Bowers said.
Trump pressured Bowers to help with a plan to replace electors committed to now-president Joe Biden during a phone call weeks after Trump lost the 2020 election. Bowers refused.
Bowers insisted on seeing Trump’s evidence of voter fraud, which he said Trump’s team never produced beyond vague allegations. He recalled Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani later told him, “We’ve got lots of theories, we just don’t have the evidence.”
Bowers is a conservative Republican, but Farnsworth said he’s not conservative enough and has become less so since becoming speaker following the 2018 elections.
“Of course, the big issue, I think, for everybody is the fact that I strongly believe that there was fraud in the 2020 election,” Farnworth said in an interview last week. “And I feel like Rusty failed …. to take responsibility as speaker of the House and look into that election.”
The Farnsworth-Bowers battle is one of several brewing that involve current or former Arizona lawmakers.
Redistricting put two Trump-supporting state senators, Kelly Townsend and Wendy Rogers, into the same district. That race has featured bitter recriminations as Rogers has faced repeated ethics charges for her inflammatory rhetoric, support for white supremacists and conspiracy-theory laden tweets.
Townsend said she felt compelled to run against Rogers when she refused to refute white nationalism after speaking at a conference in Florida in February.
“If I don’t run against her and make that statement, win, lose or drawn then her actions become our own,” Townsend said Monday. “It sort of spoils the whole (Republican) party.”
Rogers has earned a national following, raising a whopping $3 million from donors across the country since taking office in early 2021. Townsend had raised about $15,000, much more typical for a state legislative race.
In the west Phoenix suburbs, former Rep. Anthony Kern, who attended Trump’s Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol rally that led to the attack on Congress and unsuccessfully sued Democrats who asked the Department of Justice to investigate him, is seeking to return to the Legislature. He was defeated in his 2020 House primary and is now aiming for a Senate seat.
Also trying for a political comeback is former Rep. Steve Montenegro, whose 2018 run for Congress was upended by a sexting scandal. He’s among four Republicans running in a west Phoenix House district for two open House seats.
Democratic Reps. Diego Espinoza and Richard Andrade are facing off after being drawn into the same district in the western Phoenix suburbs. And Sen. Lela Alston, considered the most experienced lawmaker in the Legislature, is facing two challengers in her central Phoenix district. One of them, political unknown Al Jones, has sought attention by buying billboards across the city. | https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/politics/arizona-house-speaker-who-rejected-trump-pleas-faces-voters/ | 2022-08-02T20:21:16Z | https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/politics/arizona-house-speaker-who-rejected-trump-pleas-faces-voters/ | true |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Bestselling author Stephen King gingerly stepped up to the witness stand Tuesday in a federal antitrust trial. Tracing his own history, he laid out a portrait of a publishing industry that has become increasingly concentrated over the years while richly rewarding his creative endeavors.
“My name is Stephen King. I’m a freelance writer,” King said as he began his testimony as a witness for the U.S. Justice Department. The government is bidding to convince a federal judge that the proposed merger of Penguin Random House and rival Simon & Schuster, two of the world’s biggest publishers, would thwart competition and damage the careers of some of the most popular authors.
King has been published for years by Simon & Schuster. Some of his former publishers were acquired by larger ones. The $2.2 billion merger of Penguin Random House, the biggest U.S. publisher, and fourth-largest Simon & Schuster would reduce the “Big Five” U.S. publishers to four.
King’s appearance in U.S. District Court in Washington — highly unusual for an antitrust trial — brought a narrative of the evolution of book publishing toward the dominance of the Big Five companies. As government attorney Mel Schwarz walked King through his history starting as a new, unknown author in the 1970s and his relationships with agents and publishers, King homed in on a critique of the industry as it is now.
Wearing all gray — suit, shoes and tie — King crisply answered Schwarz’s questions, with some moments of humor and brief flashes of gentle outrage, as he testified during the second day of the trial expected to last two to three weeks.
King’s displeasure about the proposed merger led him to voluntarily testify for the government.
“I came because I think that consolidation is bad for competition,” King said. The way the industry has evolved, he said, “It becomes tougher and tougher for writers to find money to live on.”
“The Big Five are pretty entrenched,” he said.
King expressed skepticism toward the two publishers’ commitment to continue to bid for books separately and competitively after a merger.
“You might as well say you’re going to have a husband and wife bidding against each other for the same house,” he quipped. “It would be sort of very gentlemanly and sort of after you, and after you,” he said, gesturing with a polite sweep of the arm.
In another surprising move, attorney Daniel Petrocelli representing the companies told King he had no questions for him and demurred on a cross-examination.
Turning out around 60 bestsellers starting from his first book in 1974, King has thrived like few other writers.
The author of “Carrie,” “The Shining” and many other favorites, King has willingly — even eagerly — placed himself in opposition to Simon & Schuster, his longtime publisher. He was not chosen by the government just for his fame, but for his public criticism of the $2.2 billion deal announced in late 2021, joining two of the world’s biggest publishers into what rival CEO Michael Pietsch of Hachette Book Group has called a “gigantically prominent” entity.
“The more the publishers consolidate, the harder it is for indie publishers to survive,” King tweeted last year.
He may not have the business knowledge of Pietsch, the Justice Department’s first witness on Monday, but he has been a published novelist for nearly 50 years and knows well how much the industry has changed as some former publishers were acquired by larger companies. “Carrie,” for instance, was published by Doubleday, which in 2009 merged with Knopf Publishing Group and now is part of Penguin Random House. Another former King publisher, Viking Press, was a Penguin imprint that joined Penguin Random House when Penguin and Random House merged in 2013.
King’s affinity for smaller publishers is personal. Even while continuing to publish with the Simon & Schuster imprint Scribner, he has written thrillers for the independent Hard Case Crime. Years ago, the publisher asked him to contribute a blurb, but King instead offered to write a novel for them, “The Colorado Kid,” released in 2005.
“Inside I was turning cartwheels,” Hard Case co-founder Charles Ardai would remember thinking when King contacted him.
King himself would likely benefit from the Penguin Random House-Simon & Schuster deal, but he has a history of favoring other priorities beyond his material well-being. He has long been a critic of tax cuts for the rich, even as “the rich” surely includes Stephen King, and has openly called for the government to raise his taxes.
“In America, we should all have to pay our fair share,” he wrote for The Daily Beast in 2012.
On Monday, attorneys for the two sides offered contrasting views of the book industry. Government attorney John Read invoked a dangerously narrow market, ruled tightly by the Big Five — Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins Publishing, Macmillan and Hachette — with little chance for smaller or startup publishers to break through.
Petrocelli argued for the defense that the industry was actually diverse, profitable and open to newcomers. Publishing means not just the Big Five, he contended, but also such medium-size companies as W.W. Norton & Co. and Grove Atlantic. He contended the merger wouldn’t upend writers’ ambitions for literary success.
“Every book starts out as an anticipated bestseller in the gleam of an author’s or an editor’s eye,” he said. | https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/politics/stephen-king-set-to-testify-for-govt-in-books-merger-trial/ | 2022-08-02T20:22:32Z | https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/politics/stephen-king-set-to-testify-for-govt-in-books-merger-trial/ | true |
A grand jury indicted a Cameron man on a first-degree felony charge after police say he allegedly attacked his girlfriend with a baseball bat.
Bennie Moreno Salazar, 55, was indicted on aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, family violence.
According to an arrest affidavit filed by the Cameron Police Department, at about 6:45 p.m. on April 24, officers responded to a residence on the 600 block of East 15th Street to a report of an assault.
At the scene, officers found Salazar sitting on the front porch of the residence. Salazar told officers his girlfriend assaulted him with a metal golf club.
“Affiant observed scratches, cuts, abrasions, and swelling on the defendant’s head and face,” the affidavit said.
The girlfriend was contacted inside the house, and the affidavit said officers observed her face was black and blue and her left eye was almost swollen shut, along with other injuries to her forehead and arm.
She told officers that Salazar allegedly hit her with a wooden bat and caused the injuries two days prior.
The woman was arrested on the scene for the assault on Salazar. However, a search of Milam County District Clerk records showed no charges for the woman were filed.
Salazar was arrested later after an arrest warrant was issued.
Other indictments
Justin Duane Stevenson, 32, of Rockdale, aggravated kidnapping.
Verdell Wells, 45, of Cameron, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon-family violence.
Christopher Lawrence Peel, 28, of Killeen, theft of a firearm.
Robert James Latta III, 27, of McDade, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Joshua Marceaux, 35, unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Sergio Alonzo, 31, of Burlington, theft of materials.
Pedro Gomez Mendez, 33, of Rockdale, forgery of government instrument.
Sergio Argenis, 40, of Pearland, fraudulent possession of identifying information.
Chad Malin, 47, of Rockdale, debit/credit card abuse.
Felisha Marie Parker, 26, of Rockdale, burglary of a building.
Samuel West, 49, of Thorndale, terroristic threat against a peace officer.
Davin Odell Shriver, 18, of Rockdale, possession of a controlled substance less than 20 units in a drug-free zone.
Charles Dykes, 74, of Milano, possession of a controlled substance between 1 and 4 grams.
Kenneth Drone, 62, of Cameron, possession of a controlled substance less than 1 gram.
Shelia Teresa Wilcox, 58, of Cameron, possession of a controlled substance less than 1 gram.
Raymond Ulmer, 46, of Austin, bail jumping.
Kelvin Thompson, 34, of Killeen, bail jumping.
Joe Ramos Jr., 52, of Rockdale, bail jumping.
Christopher Fetzner, 39, of San Angelo, bail jumping.
Kristen Laci Gibson, 48, of Cameron, bail jumping.
Marissa Robles Vargas, 38, of Cameron, bail jumping. | https://www.tdtnews.com/news/central_texas_news/article_a69d8a00-1294-11ed-b8d0-878873cd1dda.html | 2022-08-02T20:25:07Z | https://www.tdtnews.com/news/central_texas_news/article_a69d8a00-1294-11ed-b8d0-878873cd1dda.html | false |
Uber Technologies (UBER) has been helping consumers drive from place to place in more than 700 cities around the world. The stock has been in a bear market decline from a high of $64.05 set on February 11, 2021, to the low of $19.90 set on June 30, 2022. The stock popped above its monthly pivot for August at $22.68 as the month began. Shares of Uber appear headed towards its 200-day simple moving average at $33.34.
The weekly chart will be positive at the end of this week given a close above its five-week modified moving average at $24.49. There are bear market trends on the weekly chart that go back to February 2021 and April 2021.
Uber has a p/e ratio of 38.44%, but does not offer a dividend, according to Macrotrends. The stock beat earnings per share estimates for the last five quarters, but showed losses in May 2022, November 2021, and May 2021.
The Daily Chart for Uber
Shares of Uber had been above a golden cross until July 7, 2021, when the 50-day simple moving average moved below the 200-day simple moving average. The stock remains below this death cross. It’s above the 50-day SMA at $22.87 and below its 200-day SMA at $33.34.
There are four horizontal lines in the graph: At top is the annual risky level at $53.12. The second from the top is the quarterly risky level at $47.91. The third from the top is the semiannual risky level at $40.16. The lowest horizontal line is the monthly value level at $22.68.
The Weekly Chart for Uber
The weekly chart for Uber will be positive given a close on Friday above its five-week modified moving average at $24.53. The stock does not have a 200-week simple moving average or “reversion to the mean” because it began trading during the week of May 10, 2019 at $102.80. The 12x3x3 weekly slow stochastic reading is rising at 34.36. This reading was oversold during the week of July 22. Stochastics scale between 00.00 and 100.00 with a reading above 80.00 overbought and a reading below 20.00 oversold.
Trading Strategy: Buy Uber on weakness to its monthly value level at $22.68. Reduce holdings on strength to its semiannual risky level at $40.16. | https://www.forbes.com/sites/investor/2022/08/02/uber-gapped-above-its-august-pivot-targeting-its-200-day-simple-moving-average-heres-how-to-trade-the-stock-now/ | 2022-08-02T20:29:06Z | https://www.forbes.com/sites/investor/2022/08/02/uber-gapped-above-its-august-pivot-targeting-its-200-day-simple-moving-average-heres-how-to-trade-the-stock-now/ | true |
David Robertson’s bet on himself has paid off.
After Tommy John surgery cost him two seasons, the 37-year-old Robertson regained his form this year. He appeared in 12 games with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021 for his first big-league action since April 2019. Robertson, who represented himself during contract talks, wanted to find the right fit. It led to a one-year, $3.5 million deal, including up to $1.5 million in incentives, with the Chicago Cubs in March.
And now he’s on the move to a playoff contender.
The Cubs on Tuesday traded Robertson to the Philadelphia Phillies for pitching prospect Ben Brown, according to multiple reports.
Robertson reestablished his status as one of the league’s best late-inning relievers. He posted a 2.23 ERA, 1.041 WHIP, 189 ERA+ and 14 saves over 40⅓ innings in 36 appearances.
Before last week’s series opener in San Francisco, Robertson reflected on how he will look back on his four months with the Cubs if, as expected, he would be traded.
“I got another opportunity and got a deal that I thought was favorable to me and I thought it was a pretty fair shake at it to rebound back into my career,” Robertson said. “I can’t thank the Cubs enough, and I’ll continue to play hard as long as I’m a Cub. … I’ve had a great time. Wrigley’s an unbelievable place to play baseball. It’s nice to be on the home side and not on the road side.”
He fulfilled his dream of hitting in a major-league game when manager David Ross let him pinch hit in a game against the Pirates on June 22 in Pittsburgh. Robertson struck out swinging on a full-count pitch from Pirates infielder Diego Castillo.
Ross avoided publicly naming a closer entering the season, but it quickly became clear that Robertson was the veteran the manager wanted in the role. Robertson converted 14 of 19 save opportunities, his most since 2017. His 33 postseason relief appearances made him a valuable commodity leading to the trade deadline. Robertson owns a career 3.11 ERA and 1.062 WHIP in 37⅔ postseason innings, which includes a World Series title in 2009 with the New York Yankees.
Robertson’s departure potentially creates more high-leverage and save situations for Rowan Wick.
() | https://www.twincities.com/2022/08/02/chicago-cubs-reportedly-trade-reliever-david-robertson-to-the-philadelphia-phillies-ahead-of-the-deadline/ | 2022-08-02T20:35:35Z | https://www.twincities.com/2022/08/02/chicago-cubs-reportedly-trade-reliever-david-robertson-to-the-philadelphia-phillies-ahead-of-the-deadline/ | true |
The trouble with phrases like “unprecedented scope and severity” and “integrity of the game violations,” in the NFL’s report against Miami Dolphins owner Steve Ross is they don’t get to the bottom-line issue more than a decade in making:
How can someone so smart be so dumb?
Every owner knows how to tamper without being a league-wide conversation. Every team knows how to tank without having to float a bribe to the coach to lose games. This is Ownership 101, folks. This isn’t anything close to the heavy lifting of winning.
But the Dolphins, being the Dolphins, lost a future first- and third-round pick to highlight various suspensions and fines on Tuesday as this once-proud franchise remains a beacon of embarrassment.
The league crammed game-fixing and tampering charges against Ross into a one-stop press release that didn’t just condense the comedy to one day. It shows Ross got off lightly.
He offered money to coach Brian Flores to fix games in 2019, the league investigation found. But Ross was joking, the league concluded. Ha-ha! Maybe Ross’ delivery was all wrong to Flores?
What part of a line like, “I’ll give you $100,000 for every loss,” didn’t Flores find funny that the league lawyers did? And will the Justice Department find it as much a knee-slapper if they open an investigation for game fixing?
“I strongly disagree with the conclusions and the punishment,’ Ross said in a statement “however, I will accept the outcome because the most important thing is that there be no distractions for our team as we begin an exciting and winning season.”
The good news about those distractions: Ross is suspended until Oct. 17 and owner-in-waiting Bruce Beal is suspended, too. So those distractions won’t be distracting the team.
The bad news: Other distractions don’t just remain in place, but are bigger and more central to the “exciting and winning season.” That’s because the NFL investigation made it official. Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa weren’t supposed to be the Dolphins coach and quarterback this year, according to Ross’s bold plan. Sean Payton and Tom Brady were contacted.
Ross began talking with Brady two years ago, during his New England time, the league report said. It kept up through December 2021 when he was with the Bucs, the report said. Payton was the New Orleans Saints’ coach when the Dolphins contacted him in January. To spin this as a positive: Ross thinks big!
Dumb. But big. Clumsy. But big. The simple truth is if the league didn’t find that the Dolphins tampered with Brady and Payton their credibility would be mush. This was an open discussion inside the league for months.
It was so open I wrote three columns on it that many Dolphins fans refused to believe in the same manner they refused to believe Ross negotiated a trade for Deshaun Watson right to the trade deadline last year. Or that poor team management led to the Bullygate scandal in 2013. Or that Ross flew across country with general manager Jeff Ireland and tried to hire Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh while Tony Sparano was coach, after the 2010 season.
Do you detect a pattern of dumb ownership? Ross is a multi-billionaire genius in real estate. So maybe he’s just dumb as a sports owner in thinking everyone else is dumb.
Back to this season. McDaniel and Tagovailoa will have this question of Payton and Brady hanging over them all year. It’s not exactly fair. It won’t help during those bad stretches every season has. But the owner put the question there.
It was a bold plan by Ross, too. If Brady and Payton are running the Dolphins right now, you’d need a division of security guards at the ticket gate and the TV networks are fighting over them for prime-time games. It was a strategic show-stopper except for one thing: It fell apart when Flores filed his racial discrimination lawsuit against the league and the Dolphins.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called it “unprecedented” that the Dolphins tampered with two people in two organizations. His penalty was hardly unprecedented for the Dolphins. They have been fined a first-round pick for tampering with a coach previously.
Don Shula was the coach. Shula was forever furious about the league’s ruling, because Dolphins owner Joe Robbie asked Baltimore Colts president Steve Rosenbloom for permission. The league ruled he needed to talk to his father, owner Carroll Rosenbloom, who was in Asia on business in that stretch.
Here’s the larger point: Robbie got his man. He hired Shula. It was the best first-round pick spent in team history.
Ross didn’t get Payton and Brady. Did he try saying that was a joke, too? That Payton and Brady didn’t get the punchline just as Flores didn’t?
Ross runs a first-class organization everywhere, except for the one place people notice. The team is a regular mess. He hasn’t won a playoff game in 13 years as owner. Maybe this is the year? Maybe McDaniel and Tagovailoa are a winning team?
If not, Brady and Payton will be out there next winter for Ross to chase again.
() | https://www.twincities.com/2022/08/02/dave-hyde-steve-ross-keeps-failing-ownership-101-with-miami-dolphins-as-nfl-investigation-confirms/ | 2022-08-02T20:35:37Z | https://www.twincities.com/2022/08/02/dave-hyde-steve-ross-keeps-failing-ownership-101-with-miami-dolphins-as-nfl-investigation-confirms/ | false |
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CPIX), a specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today that it will release its second quarter 2022 financial results and provide a company update after the market closes on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022.
A conference call will be held Aug. 9 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results. To participate in the call, please register at https://register.vevent.com/register/BIcc5e9791aa7343d9927dca16dc4cf493. Once registered, participants can dial in from their phone using a dial-in and PIN number that will be provided to them. Alternatively, they can choose a "Call Me" option to have the system automatically call them at the start of the conference.
A replay of the call will be available for one year and can be accessed via Cumberland's website or by visiting https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/3qe9g6y5.
Cumberland Pharmaceuticals is the largest biopharmaceutical company founded and headquartered in the Mid-South and is focused on the delivery of high-quality, prescription brands designed to improve patient care. The company develops, acquires, and commercializes products for the hospital acute care, gastroenterology, rheumatology and oncology market segments.
The company's portfolio of FDA-approved brands includes:
- Acetadote® (acetylcysteine) injection, for the treatment of acetaminophen poisoning;
- Caldolor® (ibuprofen) injection, for the treatment of pain and fever;
- Kristalose® (lactulose) for oral solution, a prescription laxative, for the treatment of constipation;
- Omeclamox®-Pak, (omeprazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin) for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and related duodenal ulcer disease;
- RediTrex® (methotrexate) injection, for the treatment of active rheumatoid, juvenile idiopathic and severe psoriatic arthritis, as well as disabling psoriasis;
- Sancuso® (granisetron) transdermal system, for the prevention of nausea and vomiting in patients receiving certain types of chemotherapy treatment;
- Vaprisol® (conivaptan) injection, to raise serum sodium levels in hospitalized patients with euvolemic and hypervolemic hyponatremia; and
- Vibativ® (telavancin) injection, for the treatment of certain serious bacterial infections including hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia, as well as complicated skin and skin structure infections.
The company also has a series of Phase II clinical programs underway evaluating its ifetroban product candidate in patients with cardiomyopathy associated with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ("DMD"), Systemic Sclerosis ("SSc") and Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease ("AERD").
For more information on Cumberland's approved products, including full prescribing information, please visit links to the individual product websites, which can be found on the company's website at www.cumberlandpharma.com.
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SOURCE Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/cumberland-pharmaceuticals-announce-second-quarter-2022-financial-results/ | 2022-08-02T20:37:30Z | https://www.wcjb.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/cumberland-pharmaceuticals-announce-second-quarter-2022-financial-results/ | false |
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived in Taiwan late Tuesday, becoming the highest-ranking American official in 25 years to visit the self-ruled island claimed by China, which quickly announced that it would conduct military maneuvers in retaliation for her presence.
Pelosi arrived aboard a U.S. Air Force passenger jet and was greeted on the tarmac at Taipei’s international airport by Taiwan’s foreign minister and other Taiwanese and American officials. She posed for photos before her motorcade whisked her unseen into the parking garage of a hotel.
Her visit has ratcheted up tension between China and the United States because China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, and it views visits by foreign government officials as recognition of the island’s sovereignty.
The Biden administration, and Pelosi, say the United States remains committed to its “one-China policy,” which recognizes Beijing but allows informal relations and defense ties with Taipei.
The speaker framed the trip as part of a broader mission at a time when “the world faces a choice between autocracy and democracy.” Her visit comes after she led a congressional delegation to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv in the spring, and it serves as a capstone to her many years of promoting democracy abroad.
“We must stand by Taiwan,” she said in an opinion piece published by The Washington Post on her arrival in Taiwan. She cited the commitment that the U.S. made to a democratic Taiwan under a 1979 law.
“It is essential that America and our allies make clear that we never give in to autocrats,” she wrote.
Taiwan and China split during a civil war in 1949, but China claims the island as its own territory and has not ruled out using military force to take it.
The Biden administration did not explicitly urge Pelosi to call off her plans. It repeatedly and publicly assured Beijing that the visit would not signal any change in U.S. policy toward Taiwan.
Soon after Pelosi’s arrival, China announced a series of military operations and drills, which followed promises of “resolute and strong measures” if Pelosi went through with her visit.
The People’s Liberation Army said the maneuvers would take place starting Tuesday night in the waters and skies near Taiwan and include the firing of long-range ammunition in the Taiwan Strait.
“This action is a solemn deterrent against the recent major escalation of the negative actions of the United States on the Taiwan issue, and a serious warning to the ‘Taiwan independence’ forces seeking ‘independence.’”
China’s official Xinhua News said the army planned to conduct live-fire drills from Aug. 4 to 7 across multiple locations. An image released by the news agency indicated that the drills were to take place in six different areas in the waters surrounding Taiwan.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Washington’s betrayal “on the Taiwan issue is bankrupting its national credibility.”
“Some American politicians are playing with fire on the issue of Taiwan,” Wang said in a statement that referred to the U.S. as “the world’s biggest saboteur of peace.”
Back in the United States, 26 Republican lawmakers issued a statement of rare bipartisan support for the Democratic speaker. The statement called trips by members of Congress to Taiwan routine.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said he backed Pelosi’s visit as a display of support for Taiwan’s democracy and said any allegations that her itinerary was provocative are “utterly absurd.”
“I believe she has every right to go,” McConnell said in a Senate speech.
The trip was not officially announced ahead of time.
Barricades were erected outside the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Taipei. Journalists and onlookers thronged the streets just outside and pressed against the hotel’s lobby windows as they awaited Pelosi’s motorcade. Two buildings in the capital lit up LED displays with words of welcome, including the iconic Taipei 101 building, which said “Welcome to Taiwan, Speaker Pelosi.”
China has stepped up overflights and other provocative moves toward Taiwan and other neighboring territory in recent years, asserting broad claims of its rights around the region.
China’s military threats have driven concerns about a new crisis in the 100-mile-wide (140-kilometer) Taiwan Strait that could roil global markets and supply chains.
The White House on Monday decried Beijing’s rhetoric, saying the U.S. has no interest in deepening tensions with China and “will not take the bait or engage in saber rattling.”
White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby underscored that the decision about whether to visit Taiwan was ultimately Pelosi’s.
“Put simply, there is no reason for Beijing to turn a potential visit consistent with longstanding U.S. policy into some sort of crisis or use it as a pretext to increase aggressive military activity in or around the Taiwan Strait,” Kirby said.
U.S. officials have said the American military will increase its movements in the Indo-Pacific region during Pelosi’s visit. The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and its strike group were in the Philippine Sea on Monday, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations.
The Reagan, the cruiser USS Antietam and the destroyer USS Higgins left Singapore after a port visit and moved north to their home port in Japan. The carrier has an array of aircraft, including F/A-18 fighter jets and helicopters, on board as well as sophisticated radar systems and other weapons.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said early Wednesday that China had sent 21 planes flying toward Taiwan, 18 of them fighter jets. The rest included an early warning plane and an electronic warfare plane.
Beijing sees official American contact with Taiwan as encouragement to make the island’s decades-old de facto independence permanent, a step U.S. leaders say they don’t support. Pelosi, head of one of three branches of the U.S. government, is the highest-ranking elected American official to visit Taiwan since then-Speaker Newt Gingrich in 1997.
The flight-tracking site Flightradar24 said Pelosi’s aircraft, an Air Force version of the Boeing 737, was the most tracked in the world on Tuesday evening with 300,000 viewers. The plane took a roundabout route, flying east over Indonesia rather than directly over the South China Sea.
Pelosi has used her position to be an emissary for the U.S. on the global stage.
She has long challenged China on human rights, including traveling to Tiananmen Square in 1991, two years after China crushed a wave of democracy protests. In 2009, she hand-delivered a letter to then-President Hu Jintao calling for the release of political prisoners. She had sought to visit Taiwan’s island democracy earlier this year before testing positive for COVID-19.
China has been steadily ratcheting up diplomatic and military pressure on Taiwan. China cut off all contact with Taiwan’s government in 2016 after President Tsai Ing-wen refused to endorse its claim that the island and mainland together make up a single Chinese nation, with the Communist regime in Beijing being the sole legitimate government.
Pelosi kicked off her Asian tour Monday in Singapore. She is to travel to Japan and South Korea later this week.
___
Ng reported from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Associated Press journalists Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo and Lisa Mascaro and Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report. | https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/ap-top-headlines/pelosi-arrives-in-malaysia-tensions-rise-over-taiwan-visit/ | 2022-08-02T20:39:00Z | https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/ap-top-headlines/pelosi-arrives-in-malaysia-tensions-rise-over-taiwan-visit/ | true |
PHOTO
- A global offering for population genomics and life science R&D programs powered by AWS
UAE: -G42 Healthcare, an Abu Dhabi-based leading health tech company and a subsidiary of artificial intelligence and cloud computing company G42, has announced a partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to develop new global genomics, proteomics, and biobanking service.
The collaboration announced at the BIO International Convention in San Diego, California, will aim to bring global access to G42 Healthcare's world-leading next-generation sequencing, proteomics, and data analytics capabilities to governments, population genome programs, and life science initiatives across the world. Representatives from G42 Healthcare and AWS attended the signing ceremony.
Transitioning from localized biological samples tucked away in biobanks to high-quality omics data and insight at scale is transforming population health, precision medicine, life science R&D, and agriculture. Unlocking the potential of such bioresource is costly and complex, needing major investment and often hard to get expertise. The G42 Healthcare - AWS initiative is about enabling this value swiftly, safely, reliably, and in an affordable way.
G42 Healthcare owns the region’s largest Omics Centre of Omics Excellence in Abu Dhabi, which can deliver over 500,000 whole-genome sequences per year.
Ashish Koshy, G42 Healthcare’s CEO said: “Abu Dhabi is just a 4-hour flight away from about 33% of the world, and 80% of the world is reachable with an 8-hour flight. Our experience in facilitating the world’s most comprehensive population genomics initiative in Abu Dhabi showcases our deep understanding of how to deliver at scale, from sample management to advanced analytics. Our goal with AWS is to take the capabilities that have taken years and significant resources to build, global and at speed. This means working towards what we believe will be a globally first, competitive, immediately deployable, and modular end-to-end service. Our offering aims to leverage the extensive omics data management and bioinformatics solutions hosted globally on AWS at our customers' fingertips. For us and AWS, this collaboration is about much more than data; it’s about value.”
Jens Dommel, Head of Public Sector Healthcare, EMEA, Amazon Web Services said: "The cooperation between G42 Healthcare and AWS is an exciting milestone to provide on-demand service for multi-omics data globally. Governments and researchers can benefit from democratized access to next-generation sequencing, proteomics, and data analytics, supported by the most flexible and secure cloud computing environment available today."
The BIO International Convention provided the backdrop for the collaboration to be created, as it hosts the largest gathering of decision-makers from the biotechnology industry. The event’s objective of bringing industry leaders, governments, R&D organizations, biobank operators, and pharmaceutical heavyweights together to foster collaboration is exemplified through this collaboration between G42 Healthcare and AWS.
-Ends-
About G42 Healthcare
G42 Healthcare, a leading health-tech company, is on a mission to develop a world-class healthcare sector in the UAE and beyond, by harnessing data and advanced medical technologies to unlock the potential of personalized and preventative care and transforming the traditional healthcare ecosystem. G42 Healthcare has built Biogenix Labs, UAE’s first COVID-19 accredited large-scale throughput laboratory, facilitated the 4Humanity clinical trials, the world’s first phase three trial for inactivated vaccine against COVID-19 with over 43,000 volunteers from 125+ nationalities across the pan-Arab region, established the region’s first dedicated contract research organization (IROS) for conducting clinical research with and for local populations, supported UAE’s healthcare authorities on the national vaccination implementation, conducted research into new vaccines and drug therapies, and built the Center of Omics Excellence, the region’s largest and most technologically advanced Omics facility in terms of technology coverage, automation, computational capacity, and throughput. It can deliver around 40,000 whole genome sequences per month, along with cutting-edge clinical genomics and proteomics.
For further information on G42 Healthcare, visit http://www.g42healthcare.ai.
About AWS
For over 15 years, Amazon Web Services has been the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud offering. AWS has been continually expanding its services to support virtually any cloud workload, and it now has more than 200 fully featured services for compute, storage, databases, networking, analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), mobile, security, hybrid, virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR), media, and application development, deployment, and management from 84 Availability Zones within 26 geographic regions, with announced plans for 24 more Availability Zones and eight more AWS Regions in Australia, Canada, India, Israel, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates. Millions of customers—including the fastest-growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—trust AWS to power their infrastructure, become more agile, and lower costs. To learn more about AWS, visit aws.amazon.com.
For more information, please contact:
Bedour Mossa
APCO WORLDWIDE
bmossa@apcoworldwide.com | https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/uae-based-g42-healthcare-collaborates-with-amazon-web-services-a1zo2q80 | 2022-08-02T20:39:26Z | https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/uae-based-g42-healthcare-collaborates-with-amazon-web-services-a1zo2q80 | true |
BMW’s i4 electric hatchback enters the 2023 model year with a new eDrive35 grade that has brought the starting price down to $52,395, including a $995 destination charge.
The i4 was a new addition to BMW’s lineup for 2022, initially offering eDrive40 and M50 grades, priced from $56,395 and $66,895, respectively. Pricing of those grades for the 2023 model year has not yet been announced.
Being the i4’s new entry-level grade, the eDrive35 features a smaller battery and less power than the other versions. The battery has a gross capacity of 70.2 kwh and the car’s single electric motor at the rear delivers 281 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
The eDrive35 will still sprint to 60 mph from rest in a respectable 5.8 seconds, and BMW’s range estimate is 260 miles. The eDrive40 and M50 both feature an 83.9-kwh battery and deliver up to 301 miles and 270 miles, respectively, as rated by the EPA.
Using a DC fast charger at a charging rate of 180 kw, eDrive35 owners can expect to charge the battery from 10%-80% in a little over 30 minutes.
Despite being the base model, the eDrive35 comes with the same standard features as the eDrive40, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment hub.
BMW i4 production is handled at a plant in Munich, Germany. U.S. deliveries of 2023 i4s are expected to start early next year.
BMW Group, which includes the BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce brands, recorded worldwide sales of more than 57,000 electric vehicles in the first half of 2022. The automaker targets EVs to account for around 50% of its sales by 2030. Additional BMW Group EVs coming soon include an iX1, i5 and i7 from BMW, a redesigned Cooper SE and electric Countryman from Mini, and the Spectre coupe from Rolls-Royce.
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PRINCETON, N.J., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CytoSorbents Corporation (NASDAQ: CTSO), a leader in the treatment of life-threatening conditions in the intensive care unit and cardiac surgery using blood purification via its proprietary polymer adsorption technology, today reported unaudited financial and operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2022.
Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results
- Total Q2 2022 revenue, including product sales and grant income, was $8.5 million versus $12.0 million in Q2 2021, a decrease of 29%
- Q2 2022 product sales were $7.3 million (negligible COVID-related sales) versus $11.4 million (includes $1.7 million in COVID-related sales) in Q2 2021. The decrease in the average Euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate lowered Q2 2022 product sales by approximately $840,000. On a constant currency basis, Q2 2022 core non-COVID sales would have been approximately $8.2 million, which represents a 15% decrease from approximately $9.7 million in core non-COVID sales a year ago, but comparable to the average currency adjusted core non-COVID sales over the prior three quarters
- As expected, COVID-19 related sales during the quarter were negligible reflecting the low severity of current COVID-19 illness resulting from high rates of vaccination and natural immunity
- Product gross margins were approximately 67% in Q2 2022, versus 82% in Q2 2021. The decrease in the gross margin percentage was due primarily to manufacturing inefficiencies from a scheduled 4-week production hiatus as we relocated to our new production facility during the quarter
- The Company maintains a healthy balance sheet with cash and cash equivalents of $31.9 million (which includes $1.7 million in restricted cash) as of June 30, 2022, and no debt
Recent Operating Highlights:
- More than 179,000 cumulative CytoSorb devices have been utilized worldwide as of June 30, 2022, compared to more than 143,000 devices utilized cumulatively a year ago
- Announced today the signing of an expanded global marketing agreement with Fresenius Medical Care where CytoSorb® will become a featured blood purification therapy on Fresenius Medical Care Critical Care platforms
- Entered into a 3-year preferred supplier agreement with Asklepios Group, one of the largest private hospital operators in Germany
- Partnered with Nikkiso to distribute the PureAdjust® hemoperfusion blood pump and supplies in a total of 14 countries, a key part of CytoSorbents' standalone device and machine strategy to expand the market for its products
- Hosted the 2022 CytoSorb World Users' Meeting that highlighted the broad market potential of CytoSorb as an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach for a wide range of life-threatening illnesses
- Multiple scientific papers were published on the positive use of CytoSorb in the areas of antithrombotic drug removal during acute aortic dissection and in vitro whole blood removal, Ex vivo lung perfusion for lung transplantation, Normothermic regional perfusion of Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) human liver and kidney donors for organ transplant, Severe acute pancreatitis (PACIFIC study), Treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in acute liver dysfunction patients, A reduction in sepsis-associated mortality in left-sided acute infective endocarditis, and many others.
- Relocated and established our Company headquarters and state of the art manufacturing facility in our new Princeton, New Jersey mixed-use facility
Dr. Phillip Chan, Chief Executive Officer of CytoSorbents stated, "Our second quarter core non-COVID product sales on a constant currency basis were $8.2 million and stable to the average currency adjusted core product sales for the prior three quarters. Although not the growth we are seeking, we achieved this despite continued softness in the German market, as the weakened healthcare system worked to recover from the massive COVID surge in the prior quarter and grappled with a myriad of problems. These include, for example, staffing shortages, budget issues, elective procedures restrictions, and a major 11-week hospital strike in western Germany that spanned a fifth of the population, postponing more than 10,000 operations and closing hospital wards. Year-over-year results were further impacted by a lack of COVID-19 related revenue due to a lessening in disease severity globally, and a drop of 12% in the Euro, to near parity with the U.S. dollar.
"Like most international companies, including those in the medical device and blood purification industries, we are dealing with not only fallout from the COVID pandemic, but also a storm of global macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty. That said, although our numbers do not yet reflect it, we are seeing some early but encouraging signs of improvement in key markets:
- Continued strong and positive feedback from customers in both our direct and international territories, highlighted by the success of our recent in-person CytoSorb World User's meeting, with nearly 300 of the world's leading critical care physicians and research scientists from 40 countries participating
- Marked improvement in sales representative access to hospitals in Germany, with 40% more sales visits during the quarter as compared to the prior quarter, though still down from pre-pandemic levels
- Increasing levels of activity, interest, and in-person attendance of healthcare professionals at medical congresses in Europe and Latin America, and specific countries such as India, Spain, and Portugal
- Strong pipeline of positive data being submitted and published by the international user community on CytoSorb use in a wide variety of areas
- Though early, the Nikkiso expansion has triggered broad interest by customers in our stand-alone hemoperfusion pump offering, with initial placements, pump evaluations underway, and scheduled demonstrations at a number of hospitals
- Growing synergy with our sales and medical affairs teams, and internal therapy area vertical leadership in critical care, cardiac surgery, and liver and kidney applications with a prioritization on sales support and clinical data
- Recent preferred supplier agreement with Asklepios Group, one of the largest private hospital networks in Germany, making CytoSorb available without restrictions to all hospitals in the network
- The potential for future sales acceleration, particularly in Germany, based upon the expansion of the Fresenius Medical Care global marketing partnership announced today, as further discussed below
Dr. Chan continued, "As we work to restore sales growth, we continue to advance our other key initiatives.
- U.S. STAR-T and STAR-D clinical trials – These trials remain our top clinical priority with each trial now having a critical mass of more than 20 centers active and screening for enrollment. As we expand to 30 sites for each trial, recently approved by the FDA, the majority of our operational plans, resources, and focus have shifted from study start-up activities (Phase I) to activities driving enrollment (Phase II). For our lead study STAR-T, enrollment continues and we are targeting the first Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) review at 40 patients enrolled, expected to be achieved with a slight delay in the next few months. STAR-D is underway also, with the rapid activation of trial sites
- U.S. Manufacturing - Buildout of our new Princeton, NJ manufacturing facility is now complete with production of commercial devices split between our older production facility and our new facility, and final certification expected before the end of this year. Product gross margins dropped from 82% to 67%, driven mainly by production inefficiencies incurred by a scheduled 4- week production hiatus as we transitioned from our old to new manufacturing facilities, and lower sales volumes. We expect gross margins to return to previous levels as we complete the relocation to the new facility, eliminate the costs of the Monmouth Junction, NJ facility later this year, and begin to capture manufacturing efficiencies driven by an expected improvement in market conditions and increased product demand
- Partnerships - Today we are pleased to announce an expanded global marketing agreement with long-time partner, Fresenius Medical Care ("Fresenius"), the world's leading provider of products and services for patients with renal diseases with headquarters and a strong sales and marketing footprint in Germany. Under the terms of the agreement, CytoSorb will become a featured blood purification therapy on Fresenius Medical Care's critical care blood purification platforms for the removal of cytokines, bilirubin, and myoglobin in critically ill patients, helping to expand the dimensions of blood purification beyond hemodialysis. Fresenius will be responsible for the specific worldwide marketing and combined promotion of CytoSorb with its critical care products across Fresenius-led in-person, virtual, social media, and web-based marketing programs and events during the term of the collaboration. In addition to strengthening and expanding the global marketing of CytoSorb, we plan to work together to bring new innovative solutions to the market. To help support the increased marketing and promotional efforts of the expanded collaboration, CytoSorbents has agreed to subsidize a portion of the marketing costs through a royalty payment to Fresenius Medical Care, with the royalty rate being based on certain assumptions regarding CytoSorb sales in the intensive care unit on Fresenius Medical Care platforms, excluding the United States, and subject to further adjustment should these assumptions change. Additional information can be found in the Form 8-K filed today.
Dr. Chan concluded, "We are excited about the many opportunities that we have to drive our business forward, but are proceeding conservatively, recognizing there is a seasonality to European business in general in the third quarter, driven by a lull in business activity as much of Europe takes vacation in July and August. Because of this, we are focused on executing our game plan, while controlling costs and conserving cash. We believe the high cash burn in Q2 2022 was an anomaly with a number of non-recurrent expenditures. These include, for example, the final $4.8 million payment related to the construction, capital equipment, and other costs of our new manufacturing facility (with the exception of approximately $300K in costs for the remainder of 2022), an approximate $1 million reduction in gross margin driven mainly by inefficiencies caused by scheduled production shutdowns associated with the relocation to our new manufacturing facilities, and lower sales volumes, and a $0.6 million increase in grant and accounts receivables during the quarter. Excluding these factors, our cash burn for Q2 2022 would have been approximately $6.5 million."
'In addition, we have $5 million (based on cost of goods) in working capital tied up in CytoSorb inventory that we have strategically built over several quarters to buffer against any potential disruption in production with the transition to the new facility. With fairly good visibility that the new manufacturing facility will come on-line as expected, we plan to release and monetize a portion of this inventory, which we expect could contribute an additional $1 million to our second half 2022 cash flow. Finally, we retain financial flexibility to add debt from our $15 million term loan with Bridge Bank if desired."
Results of Operations
Comparison for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021:
Revenues:
Total revenue, including product revenue and grant income, for the second quarter of 2022 was $8.5 million, down 39% from $12.0 million in the second quarter of 2021. Revenue from product sales was approximately $7.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2022, as compared to approximately $11.4 in the three months ended June 30, 2021, a decrease of approximately $4.0 million, or 36%. The decrease in the average exchange rate of the Euro to the U.S. dollar negatively impacted 2022 product sales by approximately $0.8 million. For the three months ended June 30, 2022, the average exchange rate of the Euro to the U.S. dollar was $1.06 as compared to an average exchange rate of $1.21 for the three months ended June 30, 2021. We estimate that demand for CytoSorb to treat COVID-19 patients was de minimis in the second quarter of 2022 as compared to approximately $1.7 million in the second quarter of 2021. Overall direct sales declined by approximately $3.4 million resulting primarily from lower sales in Germany due to COVID-19 pandemic-driven market conditions. COVID-19 restrictions remain in place at many hospitals throughout Germany and these restrictions continue to limit our access to hospital personnel, particularly the physicians.
Cost of Revenues:
For the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, cost of revenue was approximately $3.6 million and $2.7 million, respectively. Product gross margins were approximately 67% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 as compared to approximately 82% for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease in the gross margin percentage in 2022 was due primarily to inefficiencies associated with relocation of our production activities to our new manufacturing facility during the second quarter of 2022.
Operating Expenses:
For the three months ended June 30, 2022, operating expenses were approximately $13.3 million, as compared to approximately $14.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, a decrease of approximately $0.9 million or 6%. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased approximately 14% to $8.4 million in the quarter from $9.8 million in the prior year. This decrease was due to a decrease in royalty expenses of approximately $0.4 million due to the decrease in product sales, a decrease in non-cash restricted stock expense of approximately $1.5 million related to restricted stock units granted to the Company's executive officers and a decrease in non-cash stock compensation expense of approximately $0.8 million. This was offset by increases in salaries, commissions, and related costs of approximately $0.2 million, an increase in sales and marketing costs, which include advertising and conference attendance of approximately $0.4 million, an increase in travel and entertainment costs of approximately $0.3 million and an increase in occupancy costs of approximately $0.4 million related to the rent expense on our new manufacturing facility. Research and development expenses increased by approximately $0.5 million primarily due to costs related to our STAR-T and STAR-D trials in the United States.
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Transactions:
For the three months ended June 30, 2022, the loss on foreign currency transactions was approximately $2.5 million as compared to a gain of approximately $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The 2022 loss was directly related to the decrease in the spot exchange rate of the Euro to the U.S. dollar at June 30, 2022 as compared to March 31, 2022. The spot exchange rate of the Euro to the U.S. dollar was $1.05 per Euro at June 30, 2022, as compared to $1.11 per Euro at March 31, 2022.
Comparison for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021:
Revenues:
Total revenues were approximately $17.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022, as compared to total revenues of approximately $22.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, a decrease of approximately $5.4 million, or 24%. Revenue from product sales was approximately $15.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2022, as compared to approximately $21.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2021, a decrease of approximately $6.2 million or 29%. The decrease in the average exchange rate of the Euro to the U.S. dollar negatively impacted 2022 product sales by approximately $1.4 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, the average exchange rate of the Euro to the U.S. dollar was $1.09 as compared to an average exchange rate of $1.21 for the six months ended June 30, 2021. Though difficult to quantify, we estimate that approximately $0.3 million of total product sales in the six months ended June 30, 2022 was due to the demand for CytoSorb to treat COVID-19 patients as compared to $3.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2021. Overall direct sales declined by of approximately $5.4 million resulting primarily from lower sales in Germany due to COVID-19 pandemic-driven market conditions. COVID-19 restrictions remain in place at many hospitals throughout Germany and these restrictions continue to limit our access to hospital personnel, particularly the physicians.
Cost of Revenues:
For the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, cost of revenue was approximately $5.8 million and $5.5 million, respectively, an increase of approximately $0.3 million. Product gross margins were approximately 74% for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and approximately 79% for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The reduction in product gross margin is due primarily to inefficiencies associated with the relocation of our production activities to our new manufacturing facility during the second quarter of 2022.
Operating Expenses:
For the six months ended June 30, 2022, operating expenses were approximately $27.5 million as compared to approximately $24.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, an increase of approximately $2.6 million, or 10%, for the six months ended June 30, 2022. Research and development expenses were approximately $8.4 million as compared to approximately $6.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, an increase of approximately $2.4 million or 40%. This increase was due to an increase in costs associated with our STAR-T and STAR-D trials in the United States. Selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately $17.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022, as compared to $17.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, an increase of $0.1 million. This increase is related to an increase in salaries, commissions and related costs of approximately $1.2 million, an increase in sales and marketing costs, which include advertising and conference attendance of approximately $0.7 million, an increase in travel and entertainment costs of approximately $0.5 million and an increase in occupancy costs of approximately $0.7 million related to the rent expense on our new manufacturing facility. These increases were offset by a decrease in royalty expenses of approximately $0.5 million, a decrease in non-cash restricted stock expense of approximately $1.7 million related to restricted stock units granted to the Company's executive officers, a decrease in non-cash stock compensation expense of approximately $0.7 million.
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Transactions:
For the six months ended June 30, 2022, the loss on foreign currency transactions was approximately $3.7 million as compared to a loss of approximately $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The 2022 loss was directly related to the decrease in the spot exchange rate of the Euro to the U.S. dollar as of June 30, 2022 as compared to December 31, 2021. The spot exchange rate of the Euro to the U.S. dollar was $1.05 per Euro as of June 30, 2022, as compared to $1.14 per Euro at December 31, 2021.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since inception, our operations have been primarily financed through the issuance of debt and equity securities. As of June 30, 2022, we had current assets of approximately $41.6 million including unrestricted cash on hand of approximately $30.2 million and current liabilities of approximately $10.6 million. As of June 30, 2022, $25 million of our total shelf amount was allocated to our ATM facility, all of which is still available. In addition, we have $15 million of debt availability, providing financial flexibility, if needed. In April 2022, we received approximately $0.7 million in cash from the approved sale of our net operating losses and research and development credits from the State of New Jersey.
We are also managing our resources proactively, continuing to invest in key areas such as our U.S. pivotal STAR-T and STAR-D trials. In April 2022, we began instituting tighter cost controls which are expected to reduce our planned cash burn by an additional $2 million per quarter. We are currently actively engaged in making further reductions to our operating costs to reduce our future cash burn.
We believe that we have sufficient cash to fund the Company's operations beyond twelve months from the issuance of these financial statements.
2022 Outlook Guidance
The macro environment in which we operate remains difficult to predict given the complex drivers of our business, the global nature of our operations, and external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, inflation, foreign currency exchange rate volatility, and other factors that are not under our direct control. Because of this, we expect that our business, and in particular product sales, may continue to see challenges for the remainder of 2022. However, we expect a gradual recovery of normalized hospital activity and sales access in Germany and other key countries in the coming quarters. With improved access and other growth initiatives, we expect a resumption of growth in our core non-COVID-19 product sales.
For additional information, please see the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2022 filed on August 2, 2022 on http://www.sec.gov.
Conference Call
The Company will conduct its second quarter 2022 results call today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.
Conference Call Details:
Date: Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Time: 4:30 PM Eastern Time
Toll free: 1-877-451-6152
International: 1-201-389-0879
Conference ID: 13731826
Live Presentation Webcast:
https://viavid.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1561029&tp_key=ddc6a4af76
It is recommended that participants dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. There will also be a simultaneous live webcast of the conference call that can be accessed through the following audio feed link: https://viavid.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1561029&tp_key=ddc6a4af76
An archived recording of the conference call will be available under the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at http://cytosorbents.com/investor-relations/financial-results/.
About CytoSorbents Corporation (NASDAQ: CTSO)
CytoSorbents Corporation is a leader in the treatment of life-threatening conditions in intensive care and cardiac surgery using blood purification. Its flagship product, CytoSorb®, is approved in the European Union with distribution in more than 70 countries around the world as an extracorporeal cytokine adsorber designed to reduce the "cytokine storm" or "cytokine release syndrome" seen in common critical illnesses that may result in massive inflammation, organ failure and patient death. These are conditions where the risk of death can be extremely high, yet few to no effective treatments exist. CytoSorb is also being used during and after cardiothoracic surgery to remove inflammatory mediators that can lead to post-operative complications, including multiple organ failure. More than 179,000 cumulative CytoSorb devices have been utilized as of June 30, 2022. CytoSorb was originally introduced into the European Union under CE-Mark as a first-in-kind cytokine adsorber. Additional CE-Mark label expansions were received for the removal of bilirubin and myoglobin in clinical conditions such as liver disease and trauma, respectively, and both ticagrelor and rivaroxaban during cardiothoracic surgery. CytoSorb has also received FDA Emergency Use Authorization in the United States for use in adult critically ill COVID-19 patients with imminent or confirmed respiratory failure. The DrugSorb™-ATR Antithrombotic Removal System, which is based on the same polymer technology as CytoSorb, has also been granted FDA Breakthrough Designation for the removal of ticagrelor, as well as FDA Breakthrough Designation for the removal of the direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) drugs, apixaban and rivaroxaban, in a cardiopulmonary bypass circuit during urgent cardiothoracic surgery. The Company has initiated two FDA approved pivotal trials designed to support U.S. marketing approval of DrugSorb-ATR. The first is the 120-patient, 30 center STAR-T (Safe and Timely Antithrombotic Removal-Ticagrelor) randomized, controlled trial evaluating the ability of intraoperative DrugSorb-ATR use to reduce perioperative bleeding risk in patients on ticagrelor undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. The second is the 120-patient, 30 center STAR-D (Safe and Timely Antithrombotic Removal-Direct Oral Anticoagulants) randomized, controlled trial, evaluating the intraoperative use of DrugSorb-ATR to reduce perioperative bleeding risk in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery on direct oral anticoagulants, including apixaban and rivaroxaban.
CytoSorbents' purification technologies are based on biocompatible, highly porous polymer beads that can actively remove toxic substances from blood and other bodily fluids by pore capture and surface adsorption. Its technologies have received non-dilutive grant, contract, and other funding of more than $39.5 million from DARPA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), Air Force Material Command (USAF/AFMC), and others. The Company has numerous marketed products and products under development based upon this unique blood purification technology protected by many issued U.S. and international patents and registered trademarks, and multiple patent applications pending, including ECOS-300CY®, CytoSorb-XL™, HemoDefend-RBC™, HemoDefend-BGA™, VetResQ®, K+ ontrol™, DrugSorb™, DrugSorb™-ATR, ContrastSorb, and others. For more information, please visit the Company's websites at www.cytosorbents.com and www.cytosorb.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, future targets and outlooks for our business, expectations regarding the future impacts of COVID-19 or the ongoing conflict between Russia and the Ukraine or other macroeconomic factors, representations and contentions and are not historical facts and typically are identified by use of terms such as "may," "should," "could," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue" and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. You should be aware that the forward-looking statements in this press release represent management's current judgment and expectations, but our actual results, events and performance could differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors which could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the risks discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 10, 2022, as updated by the risks reported in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in the press releases and other communications to shareholders issued by us from time to time which attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors which may affect our business. We caution you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, other than as required under the Federal securities laws.
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U.S. Company Contact:
Amy Vogel
305 College Road East
Princeton, NJ 08540
+1 (732) 329-8885
avogel@cytosorbents.com
European Company Contact:
Josephine Kraus
+49 30 765 84 66 23
josephine.kraus@cytosorbents.com
Public Relations Europe:
Marcus Schult
commponists
+49 69 13823 ext. 960
+49 172 4238938
marcus.schult@die-kommponisten.com
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BOTHELL, Wash., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BioLife Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLFS), a leading supplier of class-defining bioproduction tools and services for the cell and gene therapies ("CGT") and broader biopharma markets, today announced the Company's second quarter 2022 financial results will be released after market close on Tuesday, August 9th. The Company will host a conference call and live webcast at 4:30pm ET (1:30pm PT) that day. Management will provide an overview of the Company's financial results and a general business update.
To access the webcast, log onto the Investor Relations page of the BioLife Solutions website at https://www.biolifesolutions.com/earnings. In addition, the conference call will be accessible by dialing toll-free (800) 715-9871 for domestic callers and (646) 307-1963 for international callers. The conference ID number is 2389359. A webcast replay will be available approximately two hours after the call and will be archived on https://www.biolifesolutions.com/ for 90 days.
About BioLife Solutions
BioLife Solutions is a leading supplier of class-defining bioproduction tools and services for the cell and gene therapy and broader biopharma markets. Our tools portfolio includes our proprietary CryoStor® and HypoThermosol® biopreservation media for shipping and storage, the ThawSTAR® family of automated, water-free thawing products, evo® cold chain management system, high capacity cryogenic storage freezers, Stirling Ultracold mechanical freezers, SciSafe biologic storage services, and Sexton Biotechnologies cell processing tools. For more information, please visit www.biolifesolutions.com, www.scisafe.com, www.stirlingultracold.com, or www.sextonbio.com and follow BioLife on Twitter.
Contact Information:
At the Company
Troy Wichterman
Chief Financial Officer
(425) 402-1400
twichterman@biolifesolutions.com
Investors
LHA Investor Relations
Jody Cain
(310) 691-7100
jcain@lhai.com
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- Second quarter TAVALISSE® net product sales of $18.6 million and total revenues of $29.8 million
- Expanded Rigel's hematology-oncology portfolio by entering into an exclusive license agreement with Forma Therapeutics, Inc. for olutasidenib with an expected launch in 2023
- Enrollment completed in Rigel's pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial in high-risk patients hospitalized with COVID-19 with top-line data expected year-end
- Management to host a conference call and webcast today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be joined by Key Opinion Leader and olutasidenib Phase 2 clinical trial investigator, Jorge E. Cortes, M.D.
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RIGL) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022, including sales of TAVALISSE® (fostamatinib disodium hexahydrate) tablets for the treatment of adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment.
"The second quarter of 2022 was a significant one for Rigel, marked by the highest quarterly net product sales for TAVALISSE in ITP since launch. We are also excited about the strategic expansion of our hematology-oncology portfolio to include olutasidenib, and the synergy it provides. We believe the addition of olutasidenib will broaden the reach of the Rigel field force by providing a potential new therapy for mIDH1 relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia and other malignancies," said Raul Rodriguez, Rigel's president and CEO. "I am pleased with our progress, and believe Rigel is well-positioned to continue driving momentum for TAVALISSE in ITP and prepare for the potential launch of olutasidenib in 2023."
Business Update
- In the second quarter of 2022, TAVALISSE net product sales were $18.6 million, representing the highest net product sales since launch and an increase of 9% compared to the second quarter of 2021.
- Today, Rigel announced an exclusive license agreement with Forma Therapeutics, Inc. (Forma) to develop, manufacture and commercialize olutasidenib, an oral, small molecule inhibitor of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 (mIDH1) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML) and other malignancies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted Forma's New Drug Application (NDA) for olutasidenib. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date is February 15, 2023. Olutasidenib is highly synergistic with Rigel's existing hematology-oncology focused commercial infrastructure and if approved, would be Rigel's second commercial product in this space.
- On June 8, 2022, Rigel announced topline efficacy and safety data from the FORWARD Phase 3 clinical trial of fostamatinib in patients with warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA). The trial did not demonstrate statistical significance in the primary efficacy endpoint of durable hemoglobin response in the overall study population. The safety profile was consistent with prior clinical experience, and no new safety issues were identified. Rigel is conducting an in-depth analysis of this data to better understand differences in patient characteristics and outcomes and expects to discuss these findings with the FDA to determine the path forward in wAIHA.
- In July, Rigel completed enrollment, with 280 patients, in its pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating fostamatinib in high-risk patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The trial had originally targeted a total of 308 patients; however, Rigel determined the trial would be sufficiently powered with 280 patients to potentially provide a clinically meaningful result and determine the efficacy and safety of fostamatinib in COVID-19. Rigel expects to report top-line results in Q4 2022 and if the data is positive, file an Emergency Use Authorization with the FDA.
- In May, Rigel entered into a commercial license agreement with Knight Therapeutics International SA (Knight) for the commercialization of TAVALISSE in all indications in Latin America. Rigel received a $2.0 million upfront payment in the second quarter of 2022, with potential for up to an additional $20.0 million in regulatory and sales-based commercial milestone payments, and will receive twenty- to mid-thirty percent, tiered, escalated net sales-based royalty payments for products sold in the Knight territory.
- In April, Rigel's partner Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Kissei) announced that an NDA was submitted to Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency for fostamatinib in chronic ITP. During the second quarter, Rigel received a $5.0 million regulatory milestone in connection with the filing of the NDA.
Financial Update
For the second quarter of 2022, Rigel reported a net loss of $13.5 million, or $0.08 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $13.8 million, or $0.08 per basic and diluted share for the same period of 2021.
For the second quarter of 2022, total revenues were $29.8 million, consisting of $18.6 million in TAVALISSE net product sales and $11.3 million in contract revenues from collaborations. TAVALISSE net product sales of $18.6 million increased by 9%, compared to $17.1 million in the second quarter of 2021. Contract revenues from collaborations during the second quarter of 2022 consisted of $7.5 million in revenue from Kissei related to a milestone payment and delivery of fostamatinib supply, $2.0 million in revenue related to the license agreement with Knight, $1.4 million in revenue from Grifols related to the delivery of fostamatinib supply and performance of certain research and development services pursuant to the collaboration agreement, and $0.3 million in revenue related to the license agreement with Eli Lilly.
For the second quarter of 2022, total costs and expenses were $42.8 million, compared to $39.3 million for the same period of 2021. The increase in costs and expenses was primarily due to increased commercial activities related to the sales force expansion, and increased research and development costs for the IRAK1/4 inhibitor program, partially offset by decreased research and development costs related to the Phase 3 clinical trial for wAIHA and the ongoing Phase 3 clinical trial in high-risk hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
For the six months ended June 30, 2022, Rigel reported a net loss of $40.9 million, or $0.24 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net income of $25.7 million, or $0.15 per basic and diluted share, for the same period of 2021.
For the six months ended June 30, 2022, total revenues were $46.6 million, consisting of $34.7 million in TAVALISSE net product sales and $11.8 million in contract revenues from collaborations. TAVALISSE net product sales of $34.7 million increased by 18% compared to $29.4 million in the same period of 2021. Contract revenues from collaborations for the six months ended June 30, 2022 consisted of $7.6 million in revenue from Kissei primarily related to a milestone payment and delivery of fostamatinib supply, $2.0 million in revenue related to the license agreement with Knight, $1.7 million in revenue from Grifols related to the delivery of fostamatinib supply and performance of certain research and development services pursuant to the collaboration agreement, and $0.5 million in revenue related to the license agreement with Eli Lilly.
For the six months ended June 30, 2022, total costs and expenses were $85.8 million, compared to $78.6 million for the same period of 2021. The increase in costs and expenses was primarily due to increased commercial related activities related to the sales force expansion, and increased research and development costs for the IRAK1/4 inhibitor program, partially offset by decreased research and development costs related to the Phase 3 clinical trial for wAIHA and the ongoing Phase 3 clinical trial in high-risk hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
As of June 30, 2022, Rigel had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $89.2 million, compared to $125.0 million as of December 31, 2021. In July 2022, Rigel accessed an additional $10.0 million term loan through its credit agreement with MidCap Financial Trust (MidCap) and amended the terms of the credit agreement which, among other things, allows Rigel to defer the loan principal payment by one year and extends the maturity date for the term loans.
Conference Call and Webcast Today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with Key Opinion Leader and olutasidenib Phase 2 clinical trial investigator, Jorge E. Cortes, M.D.
Rigel will host a live conference call and webcast today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (1:30 p.m. Pacific Time) to discuss financial results, and provide an update on the business, including the license agreement with Forma. The conference call will also feature a presentation of the olutasidenib Phase 2 interim results by Jorge E. Cortes, M.D., Director, Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University, Cecil F. Whitaker Jr., GRA Eminent Scholar Chair in Cancer, and Phase 2 trial investigator.
Participants can access the live conference call by dialing (877) 407-3088 (domestic) or (201) 389-0927 (international). The conference call will also be webcast live and can be accessed from the Investor Relations section of the company's website at www.rigel.com. The webcast will be archived and available for replay after the call via the Rigel website.
About ITP
In patients with ITP (immune thrombocytopenia), the immune system attacks and destroys the body's own blood platelets, which play an active role in blood clotting and healing. Common symptoms of ITP are excessive bruising and bleeding. People suffering with chronic ITP may live with an increased risk of severe bleeding events that can result in serious medical complications or even death. Current therapies for ITP include steroids, blood platelet production boosters (TPO-RAs), and splenectomy. However, not all patients respond to existing therapies. As a result, there remains a significant medical need for additional treatment options for patients with ITP.
About AML
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer that starts in a person's bone marrow but often quickly moves into the blood. AML develops from immature blood cells, known as myeloid cells, that are supposed to mature into white blood cells. However, the diseased myeloid cells do not function properly. They instead multiply rapidly, which causes normal blood cell production to fail. AML occurs primarily in adults and accounts for about 1 percent of all adult cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States alone, there will be about 20,050 new cases, most in adults, in 2022.1
Relapsed AML affects about half of all patients who, following treatment and remission, experience a return of leukemia cells in the bone marrow.2 Refractory AML, which affects between 10 and 40 percent of newly diagnosed patients, occurs when a patient fails to achieve remission even after intensive treatment.3
About AIHA
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare, serious blood disorder in which the immune system produces antibodies that lead to the destruction of the body's own red blood cells. Warm antibody AIHA (wAIHA), which is the most common form of AIHA, is characterized by the presence of antibodies that react with the red blood cell surface at body temperature. wAIHA affects approximately 36,000 adult patients in the U.S.4 and can be a severe, debilitating disease. To date, there are no disease-targeted therapies approved for wAIHA, despite the unmet medical need that exists for these patients.
About COVID-19 & SYK Inhibition
COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 primarily infects the upper and lower respiratory tract and can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Additionally, some patients develop other organ dysfunction including myocardial injury, acute kidney injury, shock resulting in endothelial dysfunction and subsequently micro and macrovascular thrombosis.5 Much of the underlying pathology of SARS-CoV-2 is thought to be secondary to a hyperinflammatory immune response associated with increased risk of thrombosis.6
SYK is involved in the intracellular signaling pathways of many different immune cells. Therefore, SYK inhibition may improve outcomes in patients with COVID-19 via inhibition of key Fc gamma receptor (FcγR) and c-type lectin receptor (CLR) mediated drivers of pathology such as pro-inflammatory cytokine release by monocytes and macrophages, production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) by neutrophils, and platelet aggregation. 7,8,9,10 Furthermore, SYK inhibition in neutrophils and platelets may lead to decreased thrombo-inflammation, alleviating organ dysfunction in critically ill patients with COVID-19.
For more information on Rigel's comprehensive clinical program in COVID-19, go to: https://www.rigel.com/pipeline/proprietary-programs/covid-19
About TAVALISSE
Indication
TAVALISSE® (fostamatinib disodium hexahydrate) tablets is indicated for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment.
Important Safety Information
Warnings and Precautions
- Hypertension can occur with TAVALISSE treatment. Patients with pre-existing hypertension may be more susceptible to the hypertensive effects. Monitor blood pressure every 2 weeks until stable, then monthly, and adjust or initiate antihypertensive therapy for blood pressure control maintenance during therapy. If increased blood pressure persists, TAVALISSE interruption, reduction, or discontinuation may be required.
- Elevated liver function tests (LFTs), mainly ALT and AST, can occur with TAVALISSE. Monitor LFTs monthly during treatment. If ALT or AST increase to ≥3 x upper limit of normal, manage hepatotoxicity using TAVALISSE interruption, reduction, or discontinuation.
- Diarrhea occurred in 31% of patients and severe diarrhea occurred in 1% of patients treated with TAVALISSE. Monitor patients for the development of diarrhea and manage using supportive care measures early after the onset of symptoms. If diarrhea becomes severe (≥Grade 3), interrupt, reduce dose or discontinue TAVALISSE.
- Neutropenia occurred in 6% of patients treated with TAVALISSE; febrile neutropenia occurred in 1% of patients. Monitor the ANC monthly and for infection during treatment. Manage toxicity with TAVALISSE interruption, reduction, or discontinuation.
- TAVALISSE can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Advise pregnant women the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose. Verify pregnancy status prior to initiating TAVALISSE. It is unknown if TAVALISSE or its metabolite is present in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise a lactating woman not to breastfeed during TAVALISSE treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose.
Drug Interactions
- Concomitant use of TAVALISSE with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increases exposure to the major active metabolite of TAVALISSE (R406), which may increase the risk of adverse reactions. Monitor for toxicities that may require a reduction in TAVALISSE dose.
- It is not recommended to use TAVALISSE with strong CYP3A4 inducers, as concomitant use reduces exposure to R406.
- Concomitant use of TAVALISSE may increase concentrations of some CYP3A4 substrate drugs and may require a dose reduction of the CYP3A4 substrate drug.
- Concomitant use of TAVALISSE may increase concentrations of BCRP substrate drugs (eg, rosuvastatin) and P-Glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate drugs (eg, digoxin), which may require a dose reduction of the BCRP and P-gp substrate drug.
Adverse Reactions
- Serious adverse drug reactions in the ITP double-blind studies were febrile neutropenia, diarrhea, pneumonia, and hypertensive crisis, which occurred in 1% of TAVALISSE patients. In addition, severe adverse reactions occurred including dyspnea and hypertension (both 2%), neutropenia, arthralgia, chest pain, diarrhea, dizziness, nephrolithiasis, pain in extremity, toothache, syncope, and hypoxia (all 1%).
- Common adverse reactions (≥5% and more common than placebo) from FIT-1 and FIT-2 included: diarrhea, hypertension, nausea, dizziness, ALT and AST increased, respiratory infection, rash, abdominal pain, fatigue, chest pain, and neutropenia.
Please see www.TAVALISSEUSPI.com for full Prescribing Information.
To report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA, visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088).
TAVALISSE and TAVLESSE are registered trademarks of Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
About Rigel
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a biotechnology company dedicated to discovering, developing and providing novel small molecule drugs that significantly improve the lives of patients with hematologic disorders, cancer and rare immune diseases. Rigel's pioneering research focuses on signaling pathways that are critical to disease mechanisms. The company's first FDA approved product is TAVALISSE® (fostamatinib disodium hexahydrate) tablets, the only oral spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor for the treatment of adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment. The product is also commercially available in Europe, the United Kingdom (TAVLESSE) and Canada (TAVALISSE) for the treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenia in adult patients.
Rigel's portfolio also includes olutasidenib, an oral, small molecule inhibitor of mutated IDH1 being investigated for the treatment of relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML) and other malignancies. Rigel in-licensed olutasidenib from Forma with exclusive, worldwide rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the investigational agent.
Rigel conducted a Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT03764618) evaluating fostamatinib for the treatment of warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA)11. Fostamatinib is also currently being studied in a Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT04629703) for the treatment of hospitalized high-risk patients with COVID-1911 and an NIH/NHLBI-sponsored Phase 3 clinical trial (ACTIV-4 Host Tissue Trial, NCT04924660) for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.
Rigel's other clinical programs include its interleukin receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) inhibitor program, and a receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase (RIPK) inhibitor program in clinical development with partner Eli Lilly and Company. In addition, Rigel has product candidates in development with partners BerGenBio ASA and Daiichi Sankyo.
For further information, visit www.rigel.com or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
Forward Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, our expectations related to the potential and market opportunity of olutasidenib; reporting of data from the Company's Phase 3 clinical trial of fostamatinib in hospitalized COVID-19 patients; and expectations related to the potential and market opportunity for fostamatinib as therapeutic for wAIHA. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "potential", "may", "expects", and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Rigel's current expectations and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, those risks and uncertainties relating to that the FDA, European Medicines Agency or other regulatory authorities may make adverse decisions regarding olutasidenib; that olutasidenib clinical trials may not be predictive of real-world results or of results in subsequent clinical trials; the availability of resources to develop, manufacture and commercialize olutasidenib; market competitions; the satisfaction of the conditions to the funding of the term loans under the amended credit agreement with MidCap and Rigel's ability to maintain (and otherwise comply with the covenants in) the amended credit agreement; as well as other risks detailed from time to time in Rigel's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and subsequent filings. Rigel does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements and expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein, except as required by law.
Contact for Investors & Media:
Jodi Sievers - Rigel Pharmaceuticals
Phone: 650.624.1232
Email: ir@rigel.com
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SOURCE Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/rigel-reports-second-quarter-2022-financial-results-provides-business-update/ | 2022-08-02T20:43:39Z | https://www.kold.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/rigel-reports-second-quarter-2022-financial-results-provides-business-update/ | true |
MENLO PARK, Calif., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI) today announced that its board of directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.43 per share. The cash dividend will be paid on Sept. 15, 2022, to all shareholders of record as of Aug. 25, 2022.
Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm that connects opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. The company offers contract and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support roles.
Named to FORTUNE's World's Most Admired Companies®, the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and Forbes' list of America's Best Employers for Diversity, Robert Half is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm that provides internal audit, risk, business and technology consulting solutions.
Robert Half has talent solutions and consulting operations in more than 400 locations worldwide.
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SOURCE Robert Half | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/robert-half-announces-quarterly-dividend/ | 2022-08-02T20:44:47Z | https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/robert-half-announces-quarterly-dividend/ | false |
BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hull Street Energy ("HSE") has made a strategic investment in Flatiron Energy ("Flatiron"), a certified B Corp (pending) focused on developing, owning, and operating utility-scale energy storage to meet the needs of the decarbonizing electric grid. Flatiron is led by a diverse team of accomplished energy storage leaders with over 25 years combined experience working in standalone energy storage. The team has developed over 6 GWh of energy storage projects in key energy markets across the country. Flatiron partners with landowners, utilities, and local community organizations to build the next generation of energy storage infrastructure needed to achieve a carbon-free electricity grid.
HSE actively targets opportunities to invest in transition critical businesses and infrastructure. As decarbonization of the North American energy economy accelerates, grid connected energy storage will become increasingly important to enabling the deployment of new clean intermittent renewables. Through its investment in Flatiron, HSE expands its presence in the fast-growing energy storage segment.
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP acted as legal counsel to Hull Street Energy.
Clean Energy Counsel LLP acted as legal counsel to Flatiron.
Hull Street Energy is a private equity firm that specializes in deploying capital into the power sector as it decarbonizes. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, the team leverages its decades of experience and unique knowledge of North American electricity infrastructure, fundamentals and grid operations, including fuel inputs, commodity contract structuring, renewable and fossil powered generation assets, energy storage, transmission and distribution systems, and electricity demand-side businesses to build value for stakeholders. For further information about Hull Street Energy please see www.hullstreetenergy.com.
Flatiron Energy is a certified B Corp that develops, owns, and operates large-scale battery storage infrastructure. Flatiron's mission is to reduce harmful emissions that contribute to climate change and environmental injustice through the development of energy storage projects that replace fossil fuel power plants and increase the availability of clean energy. Flatiron's team leverages deep expertise in energy storage development, structuring, and asset optimization. To learn more, please visit: https://flatiron.energy/.
Media Contact:
press@hullstreetenergy.com
info@flatiron.energy
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SOURCE Hull Street Energy | https://www.wlbt.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/hull-street-energy-announces-strategic-commitment-energy-storage-platform/ | 2022-08-02T20:45:10Z | https://www.wlbt.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/hull-street-energy-announces-strategic-commitment-energy-storage-platform/ | false |
- Registrational Phase 2 data demonstrate olutasidenib's potential as a market-leading, oral, mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (mIDH1) inhibitor for the treatment of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia
- FDA has accepted Forma's NDA for olutasidenib, with a PDUFA target action date of February 15, 2023
- Forma to receive an upfront payment of $2.0 million and is eligible to receive an additional $17.5 million upon the achievement of certain near-term regulatory, approval, and first commercial sale milestones, as well as potential future development and commercial milestone payments of $215.5 million and tiered royalties in the low-teens to mid-thirties
- If approved, olutasidenib would be Rigel's second commercial product in hematology-oncology and highly synergistic with Rigel's existing commercial and medical affairs infrastructure
- Rigel to host conference call today to discuss transaction details at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be joined by Key Opinion Leader and olutasidenib Phase 2 trial investigator, Jorge E. Cortes, M.D.
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. and WATERTOWN, Mass., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: RIGL) and Forma Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMTX) today announced that they have entered into an exclusive, worldwide license agreement to develop, manufacture and commercialize olutasidenib, an oral, small molecule inhibitor of mIDH1 being investigated for the treatment of relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML) and other malignancies.
In a Phase 2 registrational study of olutasidenib in patients with mIDH1 R/R AML, olutasidenib demonstrated a robust composite complete remission rate and duration of response and was well-tolerated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted Forma's New Drug Application (NDA) for olutasidenib. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date is February 15, 2023.
"Olutasidenib is a potential market-leading treatment that we believe, based on the registrational Phase 2 data, can improve outcomes in patients with mIDH1+ relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia, and is a strategic fit for our business," said Raul Rodriguez, Rigel's president and CEO. "This transaction expands our hematology-oncology portfolio and enables us to leverage our strong commercial capabilities to provide a potential new therapy for these patients who remain underserved despite currently available therapies."
"The compelling efficacy and safety data generated to date highlight the potential for olutasidenib to transform the treatment of mIDH1+ R/R AML. The development and approval of olutasidenib, pending a favorable FDA decision, would represent an important milestone for Forma that highlights our R&D capabilities," said Frank Lee, Forma's president and CEO. "Given Rigel's focus on hematologic diseases and cancers and the strength of their commercial infrastructure, we believe they are well-positioned to execute on our shared objective of delivering olutasidenib to patients in need."
The registrational cohort of the open-label Phase 2 study evaluated olutasidenib as monotherapy in 153 mIDH1+ R/R AML patients. The primary efficacy-evaluable population of the cohort was comprised of 123 R/R AML patients, who received olutasidenib 150 mg twice daily at least six months prior to the interim analysis cutoff date of June 18, 2020 and had a centrally confirmed IDH1 mutation. The primary endpoint was a composite of a complete remission (CR) plus a complete remission with partial hematological recovery (CRh), defined as less than 5% blasts in the bone marrow, no evidence of disease, and partial recovery of peripheral blood counts (platelets >50,000/microliter and ANC >500/microliter).
Results from the interim analysis of the trial1 demonstrated a 33% CR+CRh in mIDH1+ R/R AML patients. Among those with CR+CRh, the estimated 18-month survival was 87% and the median duration of CR+CRh was not yet reached, with a more conservative sensitivity analysis indicating a median duration of 13.8 months. Importantly, these data provide compelling evidence of clinical efficacy with a durable response and a favorable tolerability profile, both of which we believe differentiates olutasidenib from other currently available treatment options for mIDH1+ R/R AML patients.
Olutasidenib was well-tolerated, with adverse events (AEs) being consistent with the late stage of disease and the heavily pre-treated population. A safety analysis for all 153 patients enrolled in the registrational Phase 2 study found the most common grade 3/4 (≥ 10%) treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were febrile neutropenia (20%), anemia (19%), thrombocytopenia (16%), and neutropenia (13%).
Updated data from the registrational study will be presented at an upcoming medical congress.
"The data from the Phase 2 registrational trial of olutasidenib demonstrated encouraging results, particularly on durability and survival, with median duration of response that appears to be longer than currently available treatment options and an 18-month survival rate among those with CR+CRh of 87%," said Jorge E. Cortes, M.D., Director, Georgia Cancer Center, Cecil F. Whitaker Jr., GRA Eminent Scholar Chair in Cancer, and Phase 2 trial investigator. "Given the trial's compelling efficacy data in duration of response, the favorable tolerability profile, and the still limited treatment options of patients with mIDH1+ R/R AML, olutasidenib has the potential to be an important new treatment option for patients."
Under the terms of the agreement, Forma will receive an upfront payment of $2.0 million, and is eligible to receive an additional $17.5 million upon the achievement of certain near-term regulatory, approval, and first commercial sale milestones. In addition, Forma is eligible to receive a total of up to an additional $215.5 million in connection with the achievement of certain development and commercial milestones. Forma is also eligible to receive tiered royalties in the low-teens to mid-thirties. Moving forward, Rigel will be responsible for the potential launch and commercialization of olutasidenib in the U.S., and intends to work with potential partners to further develop and commercialize olutasidenib outside the U.S.
Conference Call and Webcast Today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with KOL and Olutasidenib Phase 2 trial investigator, Jorge E. Cortes, M.D.
Rigel will host a live conference call and webcast today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (1:30 p.m. Pacific Time) to discuss financial results, provide an update on the business, including the licensing agreement for olutasidenib. The conference call will also feature a presentation of the olutasidenib Phase 2 interim results by Jorge E. Cortes, M.D., Director, Georgia Cancer Center, Cecil F. Whitaker Jr., GRA Eminent Scholar Chair in Cancer, and Phase 2 trial investigator.
Participants can access the live conference call by dialing (877) 407-3088 (domestic) or (201) 389-0927 (international). The conference call will also be webcast live and can be accessed from the Investor Relations section of the company's website at www.rigel.com. The webcast will be archived and available for replay after the call via the Rigel website.
About Olutasidenib and AML
Olutasidenib is an oral, small molecule investigational agent designed to selectively bind to and inhibit mutated IDH1 enzymes. This targeted treatment has the potential to provide therapeutic benefit by reducing 2-HG levels and restoring normal cellular differentiation. IDH1 is a natural enzyme that is part of the normal metabolism of all cells. When mutated, IDH1 activity can promote blood malignancies and solid tumors. IDH1 mutations are present in 6 to 9 percent of patients with AML2. AML is a rapidly progressing cancer of the bone marrow and blood3. AML occurs primarily in adults and accounts for about 1 percent of all adult cancers. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 20,940 new cases, most in adults, arose in 2021 in the United States alone.4 Quality of life declines for patients with each successive line of treatment for AML, and well-tolerated treatments in relapsed or refractory disease remain an unmet need.
About Rigel
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a biotechnology company dedicated to discovering, developing, and providing novel small molecule drugs that significantly improve the lives of patients with hematologic disorders, cancer, and rare immune diseases. Rigel's pioneering research focuses on signaling pathways that are critical to disease mechanisms. The company's first FDA-approved product is TAVALISSE® (fostamatinib disodium hexahydrate) tablets, the only oral spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor for the treatment of adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia who have had an insufficient response to a previous treatment. The product is also commercially available in Europe (TAVLESSE), the United Kingdom (TAVLESSE) and Canada (TAVALISSE) for the treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenia in adult patients.
Fostamatinib is currently being studied in a Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT03764618) for the treatment of warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA)5; a Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT04629703) for the treatment of hospitalized high-risk patients with COVID-195 and an NIH/NHLBI-sponsored Phase 3 clinical trial (ACTIV-4 Host Tissue Trial, NCT04924660) for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.
Rigel's other clinical programs include its interleukin receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) inhibitor program, and a receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase (RIPK) inhibitor program in clinical development with partner Eli Lilly and Company. In addition, Rigel has product candidates in development with partners BerGenBio ASA and Daiichi Sankyo.
For further information, visit www.rigel.com or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
Please see www.TAVALISSE.com for full Prescribing Information.
About Forma Therapeutics
Forma Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the research, development, and commercialization of novel therapeutics to transform the lives of patients with rare hematologic diseases and cancers. Our pipeline is led by etavopivat, an investigational, once-daily, selective pyruvate kinase-R (PKR) activator designed to be a disease-modifying therapy with the potential to improve red blood cell (RBC) health and transform the lives of people living with sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and lower risk MDS. Our R&D engine combines deep biology insight, chemistry expertise and clinical development capabilities to create drug candidates with differentiated mechanisms of action focused on indications with high unmet need. Our work has generated a broad proprietary portfolio of programs with the potential to provide profound patient benefit.
For more information, please visit www.FormaTherapeutics.com or follow us on Twitter @FORMAInc and LinkedIn.
- De Botton, S., et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology 39, no. 15_suppl (May 20, 2021) 7006-7006.
- NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Version 2.2022 – June 14, 2022. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=1&id=1411
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Accessed July 25, 2022. https://www.lls.org/leukemia/acute-myeloid-leukemia
- The American Cancer Society. Key statistics for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Revised January 12, 2021. Accessed Dec. 2, 2021 at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/acute-myeloid-leukemia/about/key-statistics.html.
- The product for this use or indication is investigational and has not been proven safe or effective by any regulatory authority.
Rigel Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, that olutasidenib may provide a meaningful benefit to people with relapsed or/ refractory acute myeloid leukemia, our ability to commercialize olutasidenib in the U.S. and identify potential partners outside of the U.S., and our expectations related to the potential and market opportunity of olutasidenib as therapeutics for R/R AML and other conditions. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "plan", "potential", "may", "expects", "will" and similar expressions in reference to future periods. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based on Rigel's current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions, and hence they inherently involve significant risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks that the FDA, EMA or other regulatory authorities may make adverse decisions regarding olutasidenib; risks that clinical trials may not be predictive of real-world results or of results in subsequent clinical trials; risks that olutasidenib may have unintended side effects, adverse reactions or incidents of misuses; the availability of resources to develop Rigel's product candidates; market competition; as well as other risks detailed from time to time in Rigel's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and subsequent filings. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Rigel does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, and expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein, except as required by law.
Forma Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, express or implied statements regarding the company's beliefs and expectations regarding: therapeutic potential, clinical benefits, mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety of olutasidenib; the potential commercial and collaboration opportunities, including potential future collaborators, as well as the potential value and market for olutasidenib; potential milestone payments; and presentation of additional data at upcoming scientific conferences. The words "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "project," "potential," "continue," "target" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.
Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and important factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, those risks and uncertainties associated with the following: positive results from a clinical study may not necessarily be predictive of the results of future or ongoing clinical studies; adverse regulatory decisions relating to olutasidenib; Rigel's ability to successfully develop and commercialize olutasidenib and achieve milestones, including identifying successful collaboration opportunities as well as those risks and uncertainties set forth more fully under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 6, 2022, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and subsequent filings with the SEC. Forma disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent Forma's views only as of the date hereof and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Forma explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Rigel Contacts
Media:
David Rosen, Argot Partners
Phone: 212.600.1902
Email: david.rosen@argotpartners.com
Investors:
Jodi Sievers, Rigel Pharmaceuticals
Phone: 650.624.1232
Email: ir@rigel.com
Forma Contacts
Media:
Caitlin Hunt, Porter Novelli
Phone: 781.985.5967
Email: caitlin.hunt@porternovelli.com
Investors:
Adam Bero, Ph.D., Kendall Investor Relations
Email: abero@kendallir.com
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SOURCE Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Forma Therapeutics, Inc. | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/rigel-pharmaceuticals-forma-therapeutics-announce-licensing-agreement-olutasidenib-novel-mutant-idh1-inhibitor-potential-treatment-relapsed-or-refractory-acute-myeloid-leukemia/ | 2022-08-02T20:45:21Z | https://www.wflx.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/rigel-pharmaceuticals-forma-therapeutics-announce-licensing-agreement-olutasidenib-novel-mutant-idh1-inhibitor-potential-treatment-relapsed-or-refractory-acute-myeloid-leukemia/ | true |
YREKA, Calif. (AP) — Two more bodies were found within the burn zone of a huge Northern California wildfire, raising the death toll to four in the state’s largest blaze of the year, authorities said Tuesday.
Search teams discovered the additional bodies Monday at separate residences along State Route 96, one of the only roads in and out of the remote region near the state line with Oregon, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
“This brings the confirmed fatality number to 4,” the sheriff’s statement said. “At this time there are no unaccounted for persons.” Other details were not immediately disclosed.
Two bodies were also found found Sunday inside a charred vehicle in the driveway of a home near the tiny unincorporated community of Klamath River, which sustained major damage in the McKinney Fire, sheriff’s officials said.
“It’s really tragic when a fire gets up and moves this fast and basically takes out a community. And that’s what happened in the Klamath River area,” Mike Lindbery, a spokesperson with the fire’s incident management team, said Tuesday.
As flames raged over the weekend, Franklin Thom fled his home in the small city of Yreka where he grew up on the edge of a national forest in California. He made it to a shelter with his daughter and just his medicine, some clothes and his shower shoes. Unlike some others, he was told that he had escaped with his home still standing.
“Keep your prayers out for us,” said Thom, 55.
More than 100 homes, sheds and other buildings have burned in the McKinney Fire since it erupted last Friday. Rain helped firefighters as they worked to control the spread of the fire, but the blaze remained out of control, authorities said.
The Northern California wildfire has burned nearly nearly 88 square miles (228 square kilometers), and is the largest of several wildfires burning in the Klamath National Forest. A smaller fire near the tiny community of Happy Camp forced evacuations and road closures as it burned out of control Tuesday. Still more fires are raging in the Western U.S., threatening thousands of homes.
In northwestern Montana, a fire that started Friday near the town of Elmo on the Flathead Indian Reservation has burned some structures, but authorities said they didn’t immediately know if any were homes. The blaze measured 25 square miles (66 square kilometers) on Tuesday, with 10% containment, fire officials said. Some residents were forced to flee Monday as gusting afternoon winds drove the fire.
The Moose Fire in Idaho has burned more than 85 square miles (220 square km) in the Salmon-Challis National Forest while threatening homes, mining operations and fisheries near the town of Salmon. It was 23% contained Tuesday, according to the National Interagency Coordination Center.
And a wildfire raging in northwestern Nebraska led to evacuations and destroyed or damaged several homes near the small city of Gering. The Carter Canyon Fire began Saturday as two separate fires that merged. It was more than 30% contained by Tuesday.
California’s McKinney Fire grew to become the state’s largest wildfire so far this year after it was fed by weekend winds gusting to 50 mph (80 kph).
Cloudy weather and scattered rain continued to help firefighters Tuesday as bulldozers managed to ring the small and scenic tourism destination city of Yreka, with firebreaks. Crews carving other firebreaks in steep, rugged terrain also made progress, fire officials said.
The blaze was holding about 4 miles (6.4 km) from downtown Yreka, population about 7,500.
“We’ve got the weather,” said Todd Mack, an incident fire commander with the U.S. Forest Service. “We’ve got the horsepower. And we’re getting after it.”
But lightning over the weekend also sparked several smaller fires near the McKinney Fire. And despite the much-needed moisture, forests and fields in the region remained bone-dry.
Among those waiting out the fire at the shelter in Yreka on Monday was Paisley Bamberg, 33. She arrived a few months ago from West Columbia, South Carolina, and had been living in a motel with her six children, ranging in age from 15 to 1-year-old twins, when she was told to evacuate.
“I started throwing everything on the top of my truck,” but had to leave many things behind, she said.
Bamberg said she had just been hired at an Arby’s restaurant and wondered if it will survive the fire.
“There might not be much there when we get back,“ she said. “I don’t know if I have a job. The kids were supposed to start school and I don’t know if the school is still standing.”
Bamberg added: “I’m trying to keep up my spirits. I have six little humans that are depending on me. I can’t break down or falter.”
About 2,500 people were under evacuation orders but Thom said he knew many people remained in Yreka.
“There’s still a lot of people in town, people who refused to leave,” he said. “A lot of people who don’t have vehicles and can’t go. It’s really sad.”
Thom has lived in Yreka all his life but said it was the first time he had been threatened by a wildfire.
“I never thought it would ever happen,” he said. ‘I thought, ’We’re invincible.’ … This is making a liar out of me.”
Scientists have said climate change has made the West warmer and drier over the last three decades and will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.
The U.S. Forest service shut down a 110-mile (177-km) section of the famed Pacific Crest Trail in Northern California and southern Oregon. Authorities helped 60 hikers in that area evacuate on Saturday, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon.
___
Weber reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press reporters Amy Hanson in Helena, Montana; Margery Beck in Omaha, Nebraska; and Keith Ridler in Boise, Idaho, contributed to this report. | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/progress-made-in-fight-against-california-fire-that-killed-2/ | 2022-08-02T20:46:48Z | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/progress-made-in-fight-against-california-fire-that-killed-2/ | false |
RED BANK, N.J., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Provention Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRVB) (the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to intercepting and preventing immune-mediated diseases, today announced that the Company granted stock options to nine non-executive employees to purchase an aggregate of 118,000 shares of common stock. The stock options were granted without stockholder approval as inducements, material to the new non-executive employees entering into employment with the Company, pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) and were approved by the Company's compensation committee of the board of directors.
The stock options were granted with a 10-year term and an exercise price equal to $3.67, the closing price per share of the Company's common stock as reported by Nasdaq on August 1, 2022. Each of the options will vest 25% on the one year anniversary of the grant date and 75% in equal monthly installments thereafter so that the grant is fully vested on the four year anniversary of the grant date, provided that the new employee continues to serve as an employee of, or other service provider to, the Company on each such vesting date. The stock options are subject to the terms of the Provention Bio, Inc. 2020 Inducement Plan, as amended.
About Provention Bio, Inc.: Provention Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRVB) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing the development of investigational therapies that may intercept and prevent debilitating and life-threatening immune-mediated diseases. The Biologics License Application (BLA) for teplizumab, its lead investigational drug candidate, for the delay of progression to Stage 3 clinical type 1 diabetes in at-risk individuals has been filed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Company's pipeline includes additional clinical-stage product candidates that have demonstrated in pre-clinical or clinical studies proof-of-mechanism and/or proof-of-concept in other autoimmune diseases, including celiac disease and lupus. Visit www.ProventionBio.com for more information and follow us on Twitter: @ProventionBio.
Internet Posting of Information:
Provention Bio, Inc. uses its website, www.proventionbio.com, as a means of disclosing material nonpublic information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation F.D. Such disclosures will be included on the Company's website in the "News" section. Accordingly, investors should monitor this portion of the Company's website, in addition to following its press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts.
Investor Contact:
Robert Doody, VP, Investor Relations
rdoody@proventionbio.com 484-639-7235
Media Contact:
Kaelan Hollon, VP, Corporate Communications
khollon@proventionbio.com 202-421-4921
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SOURCE Provention Bio, Inc. | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/provention-bio-announces-grant-inducement-awards/ | 2022-08-02T20:46:50Z | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/provention-bio-announces-grant-inducement-awards/ | false |
SANDUSKY, Ohio (AP) — Jim Obergefell, whose landmark case before the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationally, is hoping he and fellow Democrats can make gains in the Ohio Statehouse this year with a message grounded in equality.
“It really just all comes down to: Can’t we all just get along and treat each other like human beings? Can’t we be decent people?” the celebrity plaintiff -turned-Ohio House candidate told the Democratic Women of Erie County on a recent summer evening. “And we all deserve to be part of ‘We the People.’”
Obergefell, 56, is unopposed in a primary Tuesday for a state legislative seat representing Ohio’s Lake Erie coast through Ottawa and Erie counties. He’s already looking toward a November faceoff against second-term Republican Rep. D.J. Swearingen, 36, a Sandusky attorney who has focused his campaign on “kitchen table” issues.
The race marks the first time that Obergefell has moved from activism into a political run for office. He’s campaigning at a sensitive time for the LGBTQ rights movement after the U.S. Supreme Court in June repealed the constitutional right to abortion, raising fears that other rights may also fall away, including same-sex marriage.
With that in mind, the U.S. House overwhelmingly voted last month to approve legislation protecting same-sex and interracial marriages. The legislation is being considered in the Senate.
Obergefell became among the most visible figures in the marriage equality movement after he and his longtime partner, John Arthur, who was dying, flew to Maryland and were wed in a plane on a tarmac because the Cincinnati-area couple couldn’t do so legally in Ohio. Arthur died a few months later, and Obergefell’s fight to be listed as spouse on the death certificate led to his role in the landmark 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage.
In Ohio now, Obergefell’s pitch for inclusion is running into a heated political environment. The primary election itself had to be split because of a contentious and protracted political mapmaking fight, with a federal panel of judges ultimately setting the date and imposing maps that a different court has declared unconstitutional. Legal battles continue.
GOP mapmakers redrew the 89th House District that Obergefell is seeking in the face of his candidacy, and the district now leans nearly 57% Republican, according to Dave’s Redistricting App, a political mapmaking website. That should favor Swearingen in a state that former President Donald Trump twice won by wide margins and where Republicans control every branch of government.
Obergefell appears to remain a threat, however. He is the best-known state legislative candidate on Ohio’s 2022 ballot and among its top legislative fundraisers so far, having outraised Swearingen more than 4 to 1, according to campaign finance reports.
That’s in part because his popularity as a civil rights icon has drawn support from a host of deep-pocketed national progressive groups — including the LGBTQ Victory Fund, the Human Rights Campaign and Democracy for America — as well as in-state donors.
Obergefell said he believes his party can reach moderate Republicans and independents with their message of inclusiveness if voters “see the Democratic Party being obvious, being clear, being direct on what they believe in and what they will fight to protect and support.”
But Swearingen said district voters he’s spoken to are not focused on social issues, but on pocketbook ones.
“What I continue to hear from people is gas, groceries, feeding their families — very kitchen table issues that are very relevant and important to them. They’re immediately in front of them,” he said. “The social issues do not appear to be very high on the list.”
That’s not the case for Darlene Walk, a Sandusky native and vice president of the Democratic Women of Erie County. She said she plans to vote for Obergefell and is encouraging friends of all partisan persuasions to do the same.
“We’re ready for a change, and you have to accept people as they are, where they are and what they do and what they stand for,” she said. “And he stands for progress.” | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/same-sex-marriage-plaintiff-obergefell-runs-for-ohio-office/ | 2022-08-02T20:47:00Z | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/same-sex-marriage-plaintiff-obergefell-runs-for-ohio-office/ | false |
TULSA, Okla., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE: OKE) today announced the release of its 2021-2022 Corporate Sustainability Report. The report highlights the company's progress and commitment toward environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. View the report on ONEOK's website, www.oneok.com.
Corporate Sustainability Report Highlights:
- Targeting a 2.2 million metric ton (MMT) reduction of the company's combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030, which represents a 30% reduction in total operational emissions attributable to ONEOK assets in 2019.
- Collaborating with producers to continue the reduction of well-head flaring through infrastructure investments to increase natural gas capture.
- Qualifying for inclusion in more than 30 ESG-related stock market indices highlighting that ONEOK's efforts are being recognized by investors.
- Receiving in 2021, an MSCI ESG Rating of AA.
- Contributing more than $8 million and approximately 4,800 volunteer hours across 215 communities during 2021.
- Being named to JUST Capital's list of Top 100 U.S. Companies Supporting Healthy Communities and Families.
- Receiving a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index for the second year in a row.
"2021 provided another year of growth and progress for ONEOK – both in terms of our business and our sustainability efforts," said Pierce H. Norton II, ONEOK president and chief executive officer. "Operating safely, sustainably and environmentally responsibly remains key to our success, and encouraging a culture of employee and stakeholder engagement will continue to drive our company forward.
"Our ESG-related performance is a source of pride for ONEOK, and we are committed to continuing to make progress while also remaining dedicated to delivering energy products and services vital to an advancing world," added Norton.
ONEOK, Inc. (pronounced ONE-OAK) (NYSE: OKE) is a leading midstream service provider and owner of one of the nation's premier natural gas liquids (NGL) systems, connecting NGL supply in the Rocky Mountain, Mid-Continent and Permian regions with key market centers and an extensive network of natural gas gathering, processing, storage and transportation assets.
ONEOK is a FORTUNE 500 company and is included in the S&P 500.
For the latest news about ONEOK, find us at www.oneok.com or on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the statements contained and incorporated in this news release are forward-looking statements as defined under federal securities laws. Examples of forward-looking statements contained herein include our GHG emission reduction targets. We make these forward-looking statements in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under federal securities laws and other applicable laws. The following discussion is intended to identify important factors that could cause future outcomes to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements reflect our expectations as of the date of this press release and include the information concerning possible or assumed future results of our operations and other statements contained or incorporated herein identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "guidance," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "project," "scheduled," "should," "will," "would" and other words and terms of similar meaning.
Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures we make from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available via the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and our website at www.oneok.com. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. In addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with the forward-looking statements, factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statement include, among others, the following:
- The impact of the transition to a lower carbon economy, including the timing and extent of the transition, as well as the expected role of different energy sources, including natural gas, NGLs and crude oil, in such a transition;
- The pace of technological advancements and industry innovation, including those focused on reducing GHG emissions and advancing other climate-related initiatives, and our ability to take advantage of those innovations and developments;
- The effectiveness of our risk-management function, including mitigating cyber- and climate-related risks;
- Our ability to identify and execute opportunities, and the economic viability of those opportunities, including those relating to renewable natural gas, carbon capture, use, and storage, other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind and alternative low carbon fuel sources such as hydrogen;
- The ability of our existing assets and our ability to apply and continue to develop our expertise to support the growth of, and transition to, various renewable and alternative energy opportunities, including through the positioning and optimization of our assets;
- Our ability to efficiently reduce our GHG emissions (both Scope 1 and 2 emissions), including through the use of lower carbon power alternatives, management practices and system optimizations;
- The effects of changes in governmental policies and regulatory actions, including changes with respect to tax policy, emissions credits, carbon offsets and carbon pricing;
- The necessity to focus on maintaining and enhancing our existing assets while reducing our Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions;
- the risks associated with pending or possible acquisitions and dispositions, including our ability to finance or integrate any such acquisitions and any regulatory delay or conditions imposed by regulatory bodies in connection with any such acquisitions and dispositions; and
- Those factors listed under "Forward-looking Statements" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2021 (2021 Annual Report), and in our other filings that we make with the SEC, which are available via the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and our website at www.oneok.com.
These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other factors, known and unknown, could also affect adversely our future results. These and other risks are described in greater detail in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our 2021 Annual Report and in our other filings that we make with the SEC, which are available via the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and our website at www.oneok.com. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Any such forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and other than as required under securities laws, we undertake no, and expressly disclaim any, obligation or duty to update publicly any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or change in circumstances, expectations or otherwise.
While future events or changes discussed herein may be significant, any significance should not be read as necessarily rising to the level of materiality of the disclosures required under the U.S. federal securities laws. Our targets are aspirational and not guarantees or promises that all targets will be met. Statistics and metrics included in our sustainability-related documents are estimates and may be based on assumptions, developing standards or third-party data that we have not independently vetted.
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SOURCE ONEOK, Inc. | https://www.wlbt.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/oneok-releases-2021-2022-corporate-sustainability-report/ | 2022-08-02T20:47:12Z | https://www.wlbt.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/oneok-releases-2021-2022-corporate-sustainability-report/ | false |
DENVER, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Healthpeak Properties, Inc. (NYSE: PEAK) today announced results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022.
SECOND QUARTER 2022 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
– Net income of $0.13 per share, Nareit FFO of $0.44 per share, FFO as Adjusted of $0.44 per share, and blended Total Same-Store Portfolio Cash (Adjusted) NOI growth of 3.7%
- Life Science and MOB Same-Store Portfolio Cash (Adjusted) NOI growth of 4.3% and 4.5%, respectively
– South San Francisco Joint Ventures:
- Formed a new life science joint venture with a sovereign wealth fund ("SWF Partner") for the near-term redevelopment of seven buildings on Healthpeak's Pointe Grand campus in South San Francisco
- Healthpeak and its SWF Partner have also signed agreements to utilize a similar joint venture structure to develop Phases II & III of Vantage in South San Francisco
– Announced a $500 million share repurchase program
– Life science development:
- Signed a 154,000 square foot full-building lease with a global pharmaceutical company at Vantage Phase I in South San Francisco
- Placed in service the remaining 74,000 square feet at The Boardwalk and an additional 160,000 square feet at The Shore
- $1 billion active life science developments 81% pre-leased as of August 2, 2022
– Added a new $36 million on-campus medical office development to our HCA Healthcare ("HCA") development program
– Increased MOB full-year 2022 same-store cash NOI outlook
– Net debt to adjusted EBITDAre and liquidity were 5.1x and $2.0 billion, respectively, as of June 30, 2022
– Obtained indicative lender commitments for a total of $500 million for proposed new senior unsecured delayed draw term loans
– The Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock cash dividend of $0.30 per share to be paid on August 19, 2022, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 8, 2022
– Published 11th annual ESG report covering environmental, social and governance initiatives and progress
SECOND QUARTER COMPARISON
Nareit FFO, FFO as Adjusted, AFFO, Same-Store Cash (Adjusted) NOI and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDAre are supplemental non-GAAP financial measures that we believe are useful in evaluating the operating performance and financial position of real estate investment trusts (see the "Funds From Operations" and "Adjusted Funds From Operations" sections of this release for additional information). See "June 30, 2022 Discussion and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for definitions, discussions of their uses and inherent limitations, and reconciliations to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the Investor Relations section of our website at http://ir.healthpeak.com/quarterly-results.
SAME-STORE ("SS") OPERATING SUMMARY
The table below outlines the year-over-year three-month SS Cash (Adjusted) NOI growth on an actual and pro forma basis. The Pro Forma table reflects the results excluding government grants under the CARES Act for our CCRC portfolio.
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO JOINT VENTURES
POINTE GRAND REDEVELOPMENT
In August 2022, Healthpeak and its SWF Partner entered into a new 70% (Healthpeak) / 30% (SWF Partner) joint venture ("JV") on an approximately 400,000 square foot portfolio of seven life science buildings on Healthpeak's Pointe Grand campus in South San Francisco.
The JV intends to capitalize on Pointe Grand's irreplaceable location and strong tenant demand by redeveloping the buildings upon the near-term expirations of existing leases. The redevelopment will create differentiated product in an A+ location offering tenants speed to market in high-quality, purpose-built lab space at a lower occupancy cost compared to new development. The smaller buildings also allow the JV to capture the significant demand from a deep pool of tenants seeking 20,000 to 50,000 square feet.
The JV expects to fund an additional investment of approximately $400 per square foot to renovate and re-tenant the 30-year-old buildings over the next two years, including updated building systems, tenant improvements, and an amenity suite.
The JV generated cash proceeds to Healthpeak of $126 million at closing. Healthpeak will earn a preferred return during the redevelopment period, asset management and development fees, and be eligible for a promote.
VANTAGE PHASES II & III DEVELOPMENT
Healthpeak and its SWF Partner have also signed agreements to utilize a similar joint venture structure to develop Phases II and III of Vantage, a Class A development campus that is directly adjacent to Pointe Grand in South San Francisco and currently wholly-owned by Healthpeak. The purchase price for the Vantage Phase II & III joint venture is subject to final entitlements/density, and closing is subject to certain closing conditions, which we expect will be satisfied in the first half of 2023.
SHARE REPURCHASE AUTHORIZATION
In August 2022, Healthpeak's Board of Directors approved a $500 million share repurchase program. The shares may be repurchased in the open market at Healthpeak's discretion and subject to market conditions, regulatory constraints, and other customary conditions, until August 2024.
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
VANTAGE PHASE I
In July 2022, Healthpeak signed a 154,000 square foot lease with a global pharmaceutical company at its Vantage Phase I development in South San Francisco, bringing the property to 45% pre-leased.
Strategically located on the corner of Forbes Boulevard and at the doorstep of Genentech's headquarters, the purpose-built lab campus will feature state-of-the-art design, an amenity center, flexible and efficient floor plates, and building systems accommodating a broad range of life science uses.
MOB DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM WITH HCA
In July 2022, Healthpeak added a new $36 million on-campus Class A medical office building to its development program with HCA. The 70,000 square foot, four-story building will be located on the Memorial Health University Medical Center campus in Savannah, Georgia. Memorial Health University Medical Center is operated by HCA and is the largest hospital in the MSA. HCA has committed to lease 50% of the space.
Since 2019, Healthpeak's development program with HCA has delivered 9 MOBs totaling 780,000 square feet, with total development costs of approximately $237 million.
THE BOARDWALK
During the second quarter, Healthpeak placed in service the remaining 74,000 square feet, representing $48 million of investment, at The Boardwalk, located in the Torrey Pines submarket of San Diego. The $179 million Class A development is targeting LEED Gold certification, encompasses 192,000 square feet across 3 buildings, and is 100% leased.
THE SHORE AT SIERRA POINT
During the second quarter, Healthpeak placed in service 160,000 square feet, representing $184 million of investment, at Phase II of The Shore at Sierra Point, located in Brisbane, California. The remaining 36,000 square feet in Phase II that has not yet been placed in service is 100% leased with a total expected development cost of $47 million and expected initial occupancy in the fourth quarter of 2022.
ACQUISITIONS
NORTHWEST MEDICAL PLAZA
In May 2022, Healthpeak closed on a 68,000 square foot on-campus medical office building for $26 million. The property is 98% leased with a weighted average remaining lease term of approximately 4.5 years and directly attached to Northwest Medical Center, a 128-bed full-service hospital in Bentonville, Arkansas.
DISPOSITIONS
During the second quarter, Healthpeak closed on the sale of three non-core MOB assets, generating proceeds of $26 million.
BALANCE SHEET
Net debt to adjusted EBITDAre and liquidity were 5.1x and $2.0 billion, respectively, as of June 30, 2022, including net proceeds from the future settlement of shares sold under equity forward contracts during the third quarter of 2021.
Healthpeak has obtained indicative lender commitments for proposed new senior unsecured delayed draw term loans (the "Term Loan Facilities") in an aggregate principal amount of up to $500 million, with initial stated maturities of 4.5 years (plus 1-year extension option at Healthpeak's discretion) and 5 years, and an interest rate of adjusted SOFR plus 85 basis points based on Healthpeak's current credit ratings. Healthpeak anticipates that the Term Loan Facilities will close in August 2022, subject to customary closing conditions, and fund during the fourth quarter 2022. Healthpeak intends to use the proceeds of the Term Loan Facilities for general corporate purposes, including to pay down existing and future short-term borrowings under its commercial paper program. On August 2, 2022, Healthpeak executed forward-starting swaps that matched the expected initial stated maturities of the Term Loan Facilities and fixed the interest rate at a blended 3.5%. The commitments in respect of the Term Loan Facilities and the terms and conditions thereof (including principal amounts, interest rates, and maturities) remain subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive loan documentation and market conditions.
ESG
In July 2022, Healthpeak published its 11th annual ESG Report, highlighting our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives over the last decade, as well as our 2021 performance.
Healthpeak was recently named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for the second time and received several workplace recognitions, including being certified a Great Place to Work for the third consecutive year, Great Place to Work in Orange County by the Orange County Business Journal for the second time, and Top Workplaces by The Tennessean for the first time.
To learn more about Healthpeak's ESG program and view our 2021 ESG Report, please visit www.healthpeak.com/esg.
DIVIDEND
On July 28, 2022, Healthpeak announced that its Board declared a quarterly common stock cash dividend of $0.30 per share to be paid on August 19, 2022, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 8, 2022.
2022 GUIDANCE
We are reaffirming the following guidance ranges for full year 2022:
- Diluted Nareit FFO per share of $1.70 – $1.76
- Diluted FFO as Adjusted per share of $1.68 – $1.74
We are updating the following guidance ranges for full year 2022:
- Diluted earnings per common share from $0.58 – $0.64 to $0.97 – $1.03
- Total Portfolio Same-Store Cash (Adjusted) NOI growth Guidance from 3.25% – 4.75% to 3.50% – 5.00%
These estimates do not reflect the potential impact from unannounced future transactions. These estimates are based on our view of existing market conditions, transaction timing and other assumptions for the year ending December 31, 2022. For additional details and assumptions underlying this guidance, please see page 38 in our corresponding Supplemental Report and the Discussion and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures, both of which are available in the Investor Relations section of our website at http://ir.healthpeak.com.
COMPANY INFORMATION
Healthpeak has scheduled a conference call and webcast for Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time (11:00 a.m. Eastern Time) to review its financial and operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2022. The conference call is accessible by dialing (888) 317-6003 (U.S.) or (412) 317-6061 (international). The conference ID number is 10168631. You may also access the conference call via webcast in the Investor Relations section of our website at http://ir.healthpeak.com. An archive of the webcast will be available on Healthpeak's website through August 3, 2023, and a telephonic replay can be accessed through August 10, 2022, by dialing (877) 344-7529 (U.S.) or (412) 317-0088 (international) and entering conference ID number 6376533. Our Supplemental Report for the current period is also available, with this earnings release, in the Investor Relations section of our website.
ABOUT HEALTHPEAK
Healthpeak Properties, Inc. is a fully integrated real estate investment trust ("REIT") and S&P 500 company. Healthpeak owns and develops high-quality real estate in the three private-pay healthcare asset classes of Life Science, Medical Office and CCRC. At Healthpeak, we pair our deep understanding of the healthcare real estate market with a strong vision for long-term growth. For more information regarding Healthpeak, visit www.healthpeak.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding our and our officers' intent, belief or expectation as identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "project," "expect," "believe," "intend," "anticipate," "seek," "target," "forecast," "plan," "potential," "estimate," "could," "would," "should" and other comparable and derivative terms or the negatives thereof. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among other things: (i) statements regarding timing, outcomes and other details relating to current, pending or contemplated acquisitions, dispositions, transitions, developments, redevelopments, densifications, joint venture transactions, leasing activity and commitments, capital recycling plans, financing activities, or other transactions discussed in this release; (ii) the payment of a quarterly cash dividend; and (iii) the information presented under the heading "2022 Guidance." Pending acquisitions, dispositions, joint venture transactions, leasing activity, and financing activity, including those subject to binding agreements, remain subject to closing conditions and may not be completed within the anticipated timeframes or at all. Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations and views about future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect our future financial condition and results of operations. While forward-looking statements reflect our good faith belief and assumptions we believe to be reasonable based upon current information, we can give no assurance that our expectations or forecasts will be attained. Further, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any such forward-looking statement contained in this release, and such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the Covid pandemic and health and safety measures intended to reduce its spread, the availability, effectiveness and public usage and acceptance of vaccines, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume within the markets in which we operate; the ability of our existing and future tenants, operators and borrowers to conduct their respective businesses in a manner sufficient to maintain or increase their revenues and manage their expenses in order to generate sufficient income to make rent and loan payments to us and our ability to recover investments made, if applicable, in their operations; increased competition, operating costs and market changes affecting our tenants, operators and borrowers; the financial condition of our tenants, operators and borrowers, including potential bankruptcies and downturns in their businesses, and their legal and regulatory proceedings; our concentration of real estate investments in the healthcare property sector, which makes us more vulnerable to a downturn in a specific sector than if we invested in multiple industries and exposes us to the risks inherent in illiquid investments; our ability to identify and secure replacement tenants and operators and the potential renovation costs and regulatory approvals associated therewith; our property development, redevelopment and tenant improvement activity risks, including project abandonments, project delays and lower profits than expected; changes within the life science industry; high levels of regulation, funding requirements, expense and uncertainty faced by our life science tenants; the ability of the hospitals on whose campuses our MOBs are located and their affiliated healthcare systems to remain competitive or financially viable; our ability to maintain or expand our hospital and health system client relationships; operational risks associated with third party management contracts, including the additional regulation and liabilities of our RIDEA lease structures; economic and other conditions that negatively affect geographic areas from which we recognize a greater percentage of our revenue; uninsured or underinsured losses, which could result in significant losses and/or performance declines by us or our tenants and operators; our investments in joint ventures and unconsolidated entities, including our lack of sole decision making authority and our reliance on our partners' financial condition and continued cooperation; our use of fixed rent escalators, contingent rent provisions and/or rent escalators based on the Consumer Price Index; competition for suitable healthcare properties to grow our investment portfolio; our ability to foreclose on collateral securing our real estate-related loans; our ability to make material acquisitions and successfully integrate them; the potential impact on us and our tenants, operators and borrowers from litigation matters, including rising liability and insurance costs; an increase in our borrowing costs, including due to higher interest rates; the availability of external capital on acceptable terms or at all, including due to rising interest rates, changes in our credit ratings and the value of our common stock, volatility or uncertainty in the capital markets, and other factors; cash available for distribution to stockholders and our ability to make dividend distributions at expected levels; our ability to manage our indebtedness level and covenants in and changes to the terms of such indebtedness; changes in global, national and local economic and other conditions; laws or regulations prohibiting eviction of our tenants; the failure of our tenants, operators and borrowers to comply with federal, state and local laws and regulations, including resident health and safety requirements, as well as licensure, certification and inspection requirements; required regulatory approvals to transfer our senior housing properties; compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and fire, safety and other regulations; the requirements of, or changes to, governmental reimbursement programs such as Medicare or Medicaid; legislation to address federal government operations and administration decisions affecting the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; our participation in the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund and other Covid-related stimulus and relief programs; provisions of Maryland law and our charter that could prevent a transaction that may otherwise be in the interest of our stockholders; environmental compliance costs and liabilities associated with our real estate investments; our ability to maintain our qualification as a REIT; changes to U.S. federal income tax laws, and potential deferred and contingent tax liabilities from corporate acquisitions; calculating non-REIT tax earnings and profits distributions; ownership limits in our charter that restrict ownership in our stock; the loss or limited availability of our key personnel; our reliance on information technology systems and the potential impact of system failures, disruptions or breaches; and other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Except as required by law, we do not undertake, and hereby disclaim, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made.
CONTACT
Andrew Johns, CFA
Senior Vice President – Investor Relations
720-428-5400
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SOURCE Healthpeak Properties, Inc. | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/healthpeak-properties-reports-second-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-08-02T20:47:20Z | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/healthpeak-properties-reports-second-quarter-2022-results/ | false |
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – Long lines waiting for vaccine doses have become one of the most indelible images of this year’s global monkeypox outbreak, which in just a few months has led to over 20,000 worldwide cases — including 5,811 cases in the United States.
Monkeypox and smallpox, both of the orthopoxvirus family, are so closely related that both licensed vaccines for smallpox prevention are believed to work for both. But smallpox vaccination has not been routine in the U.S. since 1972, when the disease was considered eradicated here.
The vaccine being given to prevent monkeypox, Jynneos, was approved in 2019 for the prevention of smallpox and monkeypox. Danish company Bavarian Nordic is the only one that can produce it.
So what of ACAM2000, the other vaccine that could do the trick?
What is ACAM2000?
ACAM2000 was approved in 2007 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and replaced Dryvax as the nation’s go-to smallpox vaccine. (Dryvax was used to help contain the 2003 U.S. monkeypox outbreak.) ACAM2000 contains live vaccina virus, which is not smallpox, but is closely related.
Just a few years earlier, there were widespread fears that then-Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was making or stockpiling smallpox, according to the Associated Press. Though Hussein had used chemical weapons during the Iran-Iraq War and in at least two massacres inside Iraq, no smallpox was found after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.
Smallpox was eliminated as a naturally-occurring virus in 1980, though there are viral samples in the U.S. and Russia.
According to the FDA website, “The approval and availability of this second-generation smallpox vaccine [ACAM2000] in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) enhances the emergency preparedness of the United States against the use of smallpox as a dangerous biological weapon.”
There are about 100 million doses of ACAM2000 in the Strategic National Stockpile, according to a July 1 press release from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In comparison, the U.S. has only secured 1.1 million doses of the two-dose Jynneos vaccine, according to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Why isn’t ACAM2000 being used for monkeypox?
California State Sen. Scott Wiener mentioned the potential for ACAM2000’s use in an interview with Nexstar’s KRON, saying “that is an option,” but casting doubt on whether it would happen.
“That is an option,” Wiener told KRON. “The challenge with it is it’s very complicated to administer it. It’s numerous shots, it’s not just like one, so you have to do a whole bunch of injections at the injection site, and because it’s a live virus, it could have significant side effects. For healthy people, they’ll almost certainly be fine, but it does have significant side effects, and the site of the vaccination can be contagious for the virus that is used in the vaccine, so people have to cover it, be very protective of other people in their household.”
He continued: “If we really, really needed to, we do have the option of tapping into that stockpile and vaccinating a whole bunch of people with an effective vaccine, and I know that our state and local health authorities have thought about that, but it’s not ideal. It’s more of a desperate, last resort.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the ACAM2000 vaccine “is available under an expanded access investigational new drug protocol sponsored by CDC for vaccination of individuals at risk of monkeypox infection.”
“If there are requests from states or territories requesting the ACAM2000 vaccine, CDC will work to ensure that individuals are fully informed on the benefits and the risks before receiving the vaccine,” CDC spokesperson Kristen Nordlund said.
However, Nordlund highlighted other problems with the vaccine. “ACAM2000 carries greater risk of certain serious side effects than Jynneos and cannot be provided to individuals who are immunocompromised or who have heart disease.”
Particularly, people with eczema have a risk of servere disability or death, according to the FDA, due to the live nature of the vaccine. People with a human immunodeficiency virus infection or eye disease “should be identified and measures should be taken to avoid contact between those individuals and persons with active vaccination lesions,” the FDA states.
The total number of Americans needing vaccination due to exposure or risk factors is estimated by the CDC to be 1.6 million, which means the federal government will need about four times as many Jynneos vaccines as it has already secured in order to fully vaccinate the population at highest risk. With Spain becoming the first country outside Africa to report monkeypox deaths over the weekend, health officials are working against the clock.
What are the symptoms of monkeypox?
Symptoms of monkeypox include onset of flu-like symptoms and distinctive rashes or sores that could look like pimples or blisters. CDC statistics show the most commonly-reported symptoms are rash (99%), malaise (70%) and fever (64%).
While the red, flat spots can be anywhere on the body, they are most likely in the current outbreak to affect the genital or rectal areas, or the fingers, mouth or eyes. The spots become bumps, which break and crust over into a scab. They may be itchy, but not necessarily.
Further, some people only get one or some of these symptoms; it is possible to have a fever but never a rash, or have these symptoms sequentially and not concurrently.
Who can get a monkeypox infection?
Anyone could become infected with the monkeypox virus, San Francisco Department of Public Health spokesperson Noel Sanchez said.
CDC and SF Department of Public Health statistics show the current outbreak is primarily affecting men who have sex with men; though at least 13 U.S. cases as of July 25 have been diagnosed in people who were assigned female sex at birth.
The virus is spread through close skin-on-skin contact and an adviser on sexually transmitted infections with the World Health Organization stated experts have not determined whether it is a sexually transmitted infection per se, though it is “clearly transmitted during sex.”
“While most cases resolve on their own without pills or treatment, monkeypox can be serious,” Sanchez said. “We are trying to contain outbreaks and reduce transmission to avoid the virus spreading to more people and potentially becoming endemic.”
Sanchez advises people to:
- cover exposed skin in crowds
- avoid sharing bedding and clothing
- talk with close physical and sexual contacts about health, rashes and sores
- be aware of symptoms | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/why-100-million-vaccines-the-us-already-has-arent-being-used-for-monkeypox-2/ | 2022-08-02T20:47:33Z | https://www.cenlanow.com/national/why-100-million-vaccines-the-us-already-has-arent-being-used-for-monkeypox-2/ | true |
Conference call on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. Central Time.
HOUSTON, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI), the largest provider of deathcare products and services in North America, today reported results for the second quarter of 2022.
Tom Ryan, the Company's Chairman and CEO, commented on second quarter results:
"Today we are very pleased to report solid adjusted earnings per share of $0.84 and net cash provided by operating activities of $141 million for the second quarter of 2022. While our earnings per share is slightly below the prior year quarter that was materially impacted by the effects of COVID-19, we are still performing notably more services, generating significantly more preneed cemetery sales, and delivering a compelling increase in earnings per share as compared to 2020 and pre-pandemic levels.
We are also pleased to confirm our full year 2022 guidance for adjusted earnings guidance and adjusted operating cash flow. Looking forward, we believe that our operating platform and healthy financial condition will allow us to continue to grow revenue, leverage our scale, and deploy capital wisely to enhance shareholder value.
These results would not be possible without the hard work of our 24,000 associates. I would like to thank our entire SCI family for helping our client families gain closure and healing through remembrance and celebration."
Second Quarter Highlights:
- Revenue grew $3 million over the prior year quarter to $991 million.
- GAAP earnings per share were $0.82.
- Adjusted earnings per share were $0.84.
- Comparable average revenue per funeral service grew 1.8%.
- Comparable preneed funeral sales production grew $7 million, or 2.5%.
Details of our second quarter of 2022 financial results and the unaudited consolidated financial statements can be found in the Appendix at the end of this press release. The table below summarizes our key financial results.
- Diluted earnings per share were $0.82 in the second quarter of 2022 compared to $0.92 in the second quarter of 2021. The current year quarter was favorably impacted by $0.3 million of net gains on divestitures and impairment charges and unfavorably impacted by a $1.2 million and a $1.5 million loss related to an early extinguishment of debt and a foreign currency exchange, respectively. The prior year quarter was impacted by a $5.2 million loss on early extinguishment of debt, net, which was offset by a $6.2 million increase in gains on divestitures and impairment charges. Diluted earnings per share excluding special items was $0.84 in the second quarter of 2022 compared to $0.92 in the second quarter of 2021. The decline of $0.08 is primarily due to an expected decline in gross profit related to decreases in COVID-19 related activity and lower trust fund income, increased corporate and general administration expenses, and higher interest and taxes. These results were slightly offset by the benefit of fewer shares outstanding and an increase in contributions from recent acquisitions and new builds of funeral homes and cemeteries.
- Net cash provided by operating activities declined $51.5 million as expected to $140.7 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared to $192.2 million in the second quarter of 2021. The decrease in operating cash flow is primarily due to lower operating income, higher cash interest and tax payments, as well as unfavorable working capital.
CONFIRMED OUTLOOK FOR 2022
The guidance provided below continues to have a wider range than usual due to the uncertainty around the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our outlook for net cash provided by operating activities excluding special items reflects an estimated $20 million of payroll tax payments in 2022 that were deferred from 2020 as allowed under the CARES Act.
CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST
We will host a conference call on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. Central Time. A question and answer session will follow a brief presentation made by management. The conference call dial-in numbers are (888) 317-6003 (US) or (412) 317-6061 (International) with the passcode of 8489167. The conference call will also be broadcast live via the Internet and can be accessed through our website at www.sci-corp.com. A replay of the conference call will be available through August 10, 2022 and can be accessed at (877) 344-7529 (US) or (412) 317-0088 (International) with the passcode of 3658741. Additionally, a replay of the conference call will be available on our website for approximately three months.
ABOUT SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL
Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI), headquartered in Houston, Texas, is North America's leading provider of funeral, cemetery and cremation services, as well as final-arrangement planning in advance, serving more than 600,000 families each year. Our diversified portfolio of brands provides families and individuals a full range of choices to meet their needs, from simple cremations to full life celebrations and personalized remembrances. Our Dignity Memorial® brand is the name families turn to for professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail that is second to none. At June 30, 2022, we owned and operated 1,459 funeral service locations and 488 cemeteries (of which 300 are combination locations) in 44 states, eight Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information about Service Corporation International, please visit our website at www.sci-corp.com. For more information about Dignity Memorial®, please visit www.dignitymemorial.com.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements made in reliance on the "safe harbor" protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be accompanied by words such as "believe," "estimate," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "predict," or other similar words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. The absence of these words, however, does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. These statements are based on assumptions that we believe are reasonable; however, many important factors could cause our actual results in the future to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made herein and in any other documents or oral presentations made by us, or on our behalf. Important factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:
- Our affiliated trust funds own investments in securities, which are affected by market conditions that are beyond our control.
- We may be required to replenish our affiliated funeral and cemetery trust funds to meet minimum funding requirements, which would have a negative effect on our earnings and cash flow.
- Our ability to execute our strategic plan depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control.
- Our results may be adversely affected by significant weather events, natural disasters, catastrophic events or public health crises.
- Our credit agreements contain covenants that may prevent us from engaging in certain transactions.
- If we lost the ability to use surety bonding to support our preneed activities, we may be required to make material cash payments to fund certain trust funds.
- Increasing death benefits related to preneed contracts funded through life insurance or annuity contracts may not cover future increases in the cost of providing a price-guaranteed service.
- The financial condition of third-party life insurance companies that fund our preneed contracts may impact our future revenue.
- Unfavorable publicity could affect our reputation and business.
- We use a combination of insurance, self-insurance, and large deductibles in managing our exposure to certain inherent risks; therefore, we could be exposed to unexpected costs that could negatively affect our financial performance.
- Declines in overall economic conditions beyond our control could reduce future potential earnings and cash flows and could result in future impairments to goodwill and/or other intangible assets.
- Any failure to maintain the security of the information relating to our customers, their loved ones, our associates, and our vendors could damage our reputation, could cause us to incur substantial additional costs and to become subject to litigation, and could adversely affect our operating results, financial condition, or cash flow.
- Our Canadian business exposes us to operational, economic, and currency risks.
- Our level of indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry, and may prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our indebtedness.
- A failure of a key information technology system or process could disrupt and adversely affect our business.
- Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could adversely affect our results of operations, investor confidence, and our stock price.
- The funeral and cemetery industry is competitive.
- If the number of deaths in our markets declines, our cash flows and revenue may decrease. Changes in the number of deaths are not predictable from market to market or over the short term.
- If we are not able to respond effectively to changing consumer preferences, our market share, revenue, and/or profitability could decrease.
- The continuing upward trend in the number of cremations performed in North America could result in lower revenue, operating profit, and cash flows.
- Our funeral and cemetery businesses are high fixed-cost businesses.
- Risks associated with our supply chain could materially adversely affect our financial performance.
- Regulation and compliance could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
- Unfavorable results of litigation could have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.
- Cemetery burial practice claims could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
- The application of unclaimed property laws by certain states to our preneed funeral and cemetery backlog could have a material adverse impact on our liquidity, cash flows, and financial results.
- Changes in taxation as well as the inherent difficulty in quantifying potential tax effects of business decisions could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations, financial condition, or cash flows.
For further information on these and other risks and uncertainties, see our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Copies of this document as well as other SEC filings can be obtained from our website at www.sci-corp.com. We assume no obligation and make no undertaking to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements made by us whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL
APPENDIX: RESULTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2022
Comparable Funeral Results
The table below details comparable funeral results of operations ("same store") for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021. We consider comparable funeral operations to be those businesses owned for the entire period beginning January 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022.
- Total comparable funeral revenue increased $9.7 million, or 1.8%, in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the same period of 2021, primarily driven by growth in core funeral revenue and recognized preneed revenue which were partially offset by a decline in other revenue.
- Core funeral revenue grew $3.4 million, or 0.8%, primarily due to a 2.8% increase in core average revenue per service that more than offset the 2.0% decrease in core funeral services performed. The comparable core cremation rate grew by 170 basis points to 54.5%.
- Recognized preneed revenue increased $9.1 million, or 27.5%, primarily driven by a 19.7% increase in non-funeral home preneed sales production.
- Other revenue decreased $3.5 million, or 8.8%, primarily due to lower general agency revenue as a result of a 6.0% decrease in comparable preneed funeral insurance production.
- Comparable funeral gross profit increased $3.5 million to $116.5 million and the gross profit percentage increased 30 basis points to 21.6%, primarily due to the higher revenue mentioned above. Additionally, the prior year quarter had higher fixed expenses associated with the timing of incentive compensation costs and pent up repairs and maintenance costs.
- Comparable preneed funeral sales production grew $7.3 million, or 2.5%, in the second quarter of 2022 compared to 2021. We experienced a 19.7% increase in non-funeral home preneed sales production offset by a 1.7% decline in core preneed sales production as the prior year quarter benefited from strong consumer demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. The large growth in non-funeral home preneed sales production is primarily the result of increased velocity as we experienced better lead technology utilization in our SCI Direct businesses.
Comparable Cemetery Results
The table below details comparable cemetery results of operations ("same store") for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021. We consider comparable cemetery operations to be those businesses owned for the entire period beginning January 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022.
- Comparable cemetery revenue decreased $18.2 million, or 4.0%, in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the second quarter of 2021. The decline was primarily due to anticipated decreases in core revenue and other revenue.
- Core revenue decreased $11.7 million as a result of an $11.2 million, or 3.1%, decrease in preneed cemetery sales production as the prior year quarter benefited from strong consumer demand for preneed and atneed merchandise and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, a portion of the current quarter property sales were deferred and will benefit us in future quarters as the undeveloped property sold is constructed.
- Other revenue was lower by $6.5 million, or 18.0%, compared to the prior year quarter primarily from a decrease in endowment care trust fund income as a result of capital gain distributions in the prior year quarter which did not recur in the current quarter.
- Comparable cemetery gross profit decreased $14.1 million to $147.4 million. The gross profit percentage decreased to 33.7% from 35.4%, primarily due to the decline in revenue mentioned above.
- Comparable preneed cemetery sales production decreased $11.2 million, or 3.1%, against a strong comparable performance in the second quarter of 2021. A decline in velocity of contracts sold was partially offset by better than expected growth in the sales average per contract.
Other Financial Results
- Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $12.1 million to $45.7 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the second quarter of 2021. The increase is related to the timing of favorable adjustments to workers compensation, general liability, and incentive compensation costs in the prior year quarter. Additionally, we incurred $3.0 million this quarter of increased expenses related to our long-term incentive compensation plan that is tied to increases in total shareholder return. We expect these elevated expenses to normalize in the back half of the current year.
- Interest expense increased $3.1 million to $40.6 million in the second quarter of 2022 primarily due to our May 2021 refinancing combined with higher interest on our floating rate debt. During the second quarter, our fixed rate debt carried a weighted average interest rate of 4.3%, while our floating rate debt carried a weighted average rate of 2.6%.
- The GAAP effective income tax rate for the second quarter of 2022 was 25.3%, up from 22.6% in the prior year quarter. Our adjusted effective tax rate was 25.0% in the second quarter of 2022 compared to 22.4% in the prior year quarter. The higher tax rate in the current period is primarily due to non-deductible losses on the cash surrender value of certain life insurance policies as a result of negative returns in the financial markets, which increased tax expense for us in the quarter.
Net cash provided by operating activities declined $51.5 million to $140.7 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared to $192.2 million in the second quarter of 2021. This expected decrease in operating cash flow is primarily due to $18.8 million in lower operating income excluding the impact from divestitures, $14.7 million in higher cash interest and taxes combined with increased working capital uses.
A summary of our capital expenditures is set forth below:
Total capital expenditures increased in the current quarter by $34.8 million, primarily due to an increase in capital improvements at existing operating locations and the development of cemetery property. The growth in capital spend at existing operation locations is primarily due to increased investments in technology and related infrastructure projects at our funeral and cemetery locations. We also increased spend on cemetery property development as we replenish inventory to meet consumer demand compared to the prior year when construction was impacted by certain weather and COVID-19 related delays.
Trust Fund Returns
Total trust fund returns include realized and unrealized gains and losses and dividends and are shown gross without netting of certain fees. A summary of our consolidated trust fund returns as of June 30, 2022 is set forth below:
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Earnings excluding special items and diluted earnings per share excluding special items shown above are non-GAAP financial measures. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide a consistent basis for comparison between quarters and years, and better reflect the performance of our core operations, as they are not influenced by certain income or expense items not affecting operations. We also believe these measures help facilitate comparisons to our competitors' operating results.
Set forth below is a reconciliation of our reported net income attributable to common stockholders to earnings excluding special items and our GAAP diluted earnings per share to diluted earnings per share excluding special items. We do not intend for this information to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
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SOURCE Service Corporation International | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/service-corporation-international-announces-second-quarter-2022-financial-results-confirms-2022-guidance/ | 2022-08-02T20:47:59Z | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/service-corporation-international-announces-second-quarter-2022-financial-results-confirms-2022-guidance/ | true |
(NEXSTAR) – As other social media networks make changes to their algorithms to compete with TikTok or combat misinformation, a completely new app is quickly gaining users. I became one of those new users when I downloaded the app last week.
BeReal calls itself “the simplest photo sharing app.” The French-developed social media platform promises to ward off influencer content and embrace authenticity. The app doesn’t have any appearance-enhancing filters, and its developer warns it “won’t make you famous.”
“If you want to become an influencer you can stay on TikTok and Instagram,” the description reads.
BeReal ranked No. 1 on Apple’s App Store for free apps Tuesday morning – ahead of TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
Here’s how it works: Once a day, you get a notification prompting you to open the app. Then, you have exactly two minutes to snap a photo. The app simultaneously captures pictures from your phone’s front and back cameras, and creates a split image showing both views.
Once the timer is up, you can see your friend’s daily posts and comment on them – but only if you have uploaded a picture yourself.
If you miss the notification and the two-minute window, you can still post late, but your photo will bear a clear timestamp showing you did so.
The result? The BeReal website shows people snowboarding down mountains, camping in forests and eating towering cones of soft-serve ice cream. But my personal feed, filled with only a few of my friends who have downloaded the app, is consistently filled with pictures of us working at our desks – given that the app alerts you one time during the day, and we all work day jobs.
You can also scroll the app’s “Discovery” tab, which when I opened it Tuesday morning showed me someone boating off Cape Cod, a guy drinking coffee in Tijuana and a woman waiting to go through security at an Italian airport. All those are more varied and visually appealing than my friends’ mix of content (no offense to my friends), but the app also shows all the photos are posted late. They may have waited to post the picture until they were doing something more interesting than typing away at work or sitting on the toilet. But not my friends – they’re keeping it real (for better or worse). | https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/national/what-is-bereal-new-anti-influencer-social-media-app-gains-popularity/ | 2022-08-02T20:51:39Z | https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/national/what-is-bereal-new-anti-influencer-social-media-app-gains-popularity/ | false |
HOUSTON (AP) _ Coterra Energy Inc. (CTRA) on Tuesday reported second-quarter earnings of $1.23 billion.
The Houston-based company said it had profit of $1.53 per share. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, came to $1.35 per share.
The results exceeded Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of 12 analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $1.20 per share.
The independent oil and gas company posted revenue of $2.57 billion in the period, which also topped Street forecasts. Ten analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $2.25 billion.
_____
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on CTRA at https://www.zacks.com/ap/CTRA | https://www.mrt.com/business/article/Cabot-Q2-Earnings-Snapshot-17346329.php | 2022-08-02T20:51:43Z | https://www.mrt.com/business/article/Cabot-Q2-Earnings-Snapshot-17346329.php | true |
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- UpHealth, Inc. (NYSE: UPH) ("UpHealth" or the "Company") today announced that the stockholder litigation that resulted in a delay of the Company's 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") has been withdrawn by the plaintiffs, with the consent of the Company and director defendants (the "Independent Directors"). The litigation was initiated as part of an effort by Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria and Dr. Mariya Pylypiv, two members of the Board of Directors, and Jeffery Bray, an UpHealth creditor and employee of the Company (the "Conflicted Group"), to exert undue control over the Company.
As a result of the termination of the litigation, the Company will hold its Annual Meeting as soon as practicable, and will nominate three candidates, including the Company's newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Sam Meckey, and two new independent individuals to be selected and nominated by the full Board of Directors.
"We are pleased that the Conflicted Group has dropped its costly and distracting lawsuit.
"From the outset, it was clear to us that this litigation was a self-serving attempt by the Conflicted Group to wield outsized influence over the governance and strategic direction of the Company. By all standards of the proper role and conduct of any board of directors, their actions were unacceptable.
"We have and will continue to work diligently to protect the interests of all stockholders against any insurgent attempts by the Conflicted Group to move UpHealth in a direction that would benefit the Conflicted Group at the expense of all of UpHealth's stockholders.
"With the lawsuit behind us, the Company can now dedicate all its focus and resources on operating effectively and creating value for stockholders. Further to this goal, the Board voted to remove Dr. Kathuria from his role as Co-Chairman. The Independent Directors will remain vigilant in protecting the interests of our public stockholders and will not hesitate to take further action to stand against interference from parties not aligned with their interests.
"We are also pleased that our stockholders will soon be able to express their opinions at our Annual Meeting. The Independent Directors believe this stockholder right is a particularly important one and we have been disappointed with the actions of the Conflicted Group that have delayed this year's Annual Meeting. With the Conflicted Group having now dropped its litigation, we intend to move forward expeditiously with our Annual Meeting.
"After the Annual Meeting, with two new independent directors and a new CEO, UpHealth will be positioned to create value for all of our stockholders with a newly refreshed and independent Board, a talented executive team and a renewed dedication to operational excellence.
"We appreciate all the support of our public stockholders during the past few months and are pleased that this episode has concluded in a manner that benefits all of our stockholders and in a way that allows UpHealth to progress without the interference of any self-interested group."
Additional information about the Company's Annual Meeting will be provided to UpHealth stockholders in due course.
UpHealth is a global digital health company that delivers digital-first technology, infrastructure, and services to dramatically improve how healthcare is delivered and managed. UpHealth's solutions holistically enable clients to deliver on their affordability, access, quality, outcomes, and patient experience goals. UpHealth's technology platform helps its clients improve access, coordinate care teams, and achieve better patient outcomes at lower cost, with care management solutions, analytics, and telehealth tools that serve patients wherever they are, in their native language. Additionally, UpHealth's technology-enabled virtual care infrastructure and services improves access to quality primary and acute care, behavioral health, and pharmacy services. UpHealth's clients include health plans, global governments, healthcare providers and community-based organizations.
For more information, please visit https://uphealthinc.com and follow us at @UpHealthInc on Twitter and UpHealth Inc on LinkedIn.
In connection with the Annual Meeting and the matters noticed for the Annual Meeting in the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on May 31, 2022 (the "Proxy Statement"), the Company has filed with the SEC and mailed the Proxy Statement to its stockholders, and will supplement or amend the Proxy Statement following the recommendation by the Board of Directors of two independent directors to serve as Class I directors, and further anticipates that it will mail any supplement or amendment to its stockholders. This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered in respect of the matters noticed for the Annual Meeting in the Proxy Statement, and the Company anticipates that additional information will be set forth in any supplement or amendment to the Proxy Statement, which stockholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available. The Company anticipates that when available, any supplement or amendment to the Proxy Statement will be mailed to stockholders of the Company as of a new record date established for voting at the Annual Meeting.
Stockholders may also obtain a copy of the Proxy Statement, as well as other documents filed by the Company with the SEC, including any supplement or amendment to the Proxy Statement, without charge, at the SEC's website located at www.sec.gov.
The Company and its respective directors and executive officers and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitations of proxies from the Company's stockholders in respect of the matters noticed for the Annual Meeting in the Company's Proxy Statement, as such Proxy Statement may be supplemented or amended. Information regarding the Company's directors and executive officers is available in the Proxy Statement.
This communication shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the matters noticed for the Annual Meeting in the Proxy Statement.
This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the recommendation by the Board of Directors of two independent directors to Class I of the Board of Directors and the Annual Meeting and other future actions by the Board of Directors. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intends," "may," "might," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "would" and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained in this communication are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the management of UpHealth in light of their respective experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments and their potential effects on UpHealth as well as other factors they believe are appropriate in the circumstances. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting UpHealth will be those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond the control of the parties), or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including the time frame for identifying independent directors. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should any of the assumptions being made prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
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SOURCE UpHealth, Inc. | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/uphealths-independent-directors-welcome-termination-litigation-that-had-delayed-annual-stockholder-meeting/ | 2022-08-02T20:52:01Z | https://www.wbay.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/uphealths-independent-directors-welcome-termination-litigation-that-had-delayed-annual-stockholder-meeting/ | false |
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — California became the latest to declare an emergency over monkeypox, following Illinois and New York. The nation’s rising case count – over 5,800 cases as of Monday night, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows – has many wondering how the disease is spreading.
That’s especially true in San Francisco amid large gatherings, like the three-day music and arts festival Outside Lands that kicks off this weekend.
Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, Infectious Disease Expert with the University of California San Francisco, broke it down into three levels of risk when it comes to the spread of monkeypox: high, medium and low. He credits the vaccine with being able to put more people in the low-risk group.
Prolonged skin-to-skin contact is the most common – and thus, high-risk – way that monkeypox is spread, according to Dr. Chin-Hong. “Intimate contact is very efficient because you’re making little cuts in the skin with the person who’s not infected and the virus from the open sore can enter very easily.”
Another way that monkeypox is spread is through shared bedding and clothing. It’s not as likely, but still possible. “Usually with someone who’s had an open lesion, slept in the bedding, and then it survives in that way with a high load, so I would call that … maybe medium,” said Dr. Chin-Hong.
He said monkeypox can only be spread from the time someone feels sick to the time their rash scabs off. Casual interactions such as a simple handshake are low-risk that would require very specific scenarios for spread.
“You could be shaking somebody’s hand, have a cut in your hand and the person has an open sore and they didn’t know it, or recognize it — that’s possible,” said Chin-Hong.
As far as events like Outside Lands, the doctor is more concerned about what happens behind closed doors than among those gathering in Golden Gate Park. “Risky activities are not in Outside Lands. It’s in the events or the intimate settings that people have or encounters they have after the event,” said Chin-Hong.
Dr. Chin-Hong said the vaccines that have been and continue to be administered will be a game-changer with monkeypox. He said the shot will abort the disease completely if taken within the first four days of being infected.
Scientists say that unlike campaigns to stop COVID-19, mass vaccinations against monkeypox won’t be necessary. They think targeted use of the available doses, along with other measures, could shut down the expanding epidemics that were recently designated by the World Health Organization as a global health emergency.
President Joe Biden is set to name top officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the CDC – Robert Fenton and Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, respectively – to serve as the White House coordinators to combat the growing monkeypox outbreak on Tuesday. The White House said the pair would coordinate “strategy and operations to combat the current monkeypox outbreak, including equitably increasing the availability of tests, vaccinations and treatments.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report. | https://www.cenlanow.com/monkeypox/how-does-monkeypox-spread-an-infectious-disease-expert-explains/ | 2022-08-02T20:52:10Z | https://www.cenlanow.com/monkeypox/how-does-monkeypox-spread-an-infectious-disease-expert-explains/ | true |
UVALDE, Texas (AP) — The Texas city where 1 9 children and two teachers were shot dead in an elementary school classroom has rescinded a deal for a gun group’s fundraising event in a city-owned hall.
The Uvalde City Council voted 4-1 Monday to rescind the rental agreement for the Friends of the NRA to hold its fundraiser Saturday at the city’s Medina Fair Hall.
The vote came after an angry crowd denounced the event,...
READ MORE
UVALDE, Texas (AP) — The Texas city where 1 9 children and two teachers were shot dead in an elementary school classroom has rescinded a deal for a gun group’s fundraising event in a city-owned hall.
The Uvalde City Council voted 4-1 Monday to rescind the rental agreement for the Friends of the NRA to hold its fundraiser Saturday at the city’s Medina Fair Hall.
The vote came after an angry crowd denounced the event, including a raffle of a semi-automatic rifle similar to one an 18-year-old gunman used in the May 24 shootings at Robb Elementary School.
The group has held similar fundraisers in the hall for about 15 years and had leased the hall last spring, the San Antonio Express-News reported.
Supporters of the local National Rifle Association group asserted that the event helped teach young people how to handle firearms responsibly and that there was no disrespect toward the Robb Elementary dead intended. Others in the crowd Monday condemned the event and its timing.
“Us as parents deserve better than this. I mean, you can’t sit here and try to sell a rifle strikingly similar to the one that killed our children, you know, less than 60 days after they passed away,” said Angel Garza, stepfather of Amerie Jo Garza, who was among those killed.
___
For more AP coverage of the Uvalde school shooting: https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting
Copyright
© 2022 . All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. | https://federalnewsnetwork.com/u-s-news/2022/08/texas-city-scene-of-school-shooting-revokes-gun-show-deal/ | 2022-08-02T20:52:27Z | https://federalnewsnetwork.com/u-s-news/2022/08/texas-city-scene-of-school-shooting-revokes-gun-show-deal/ | false |
'Baffled' Wynonna Judd 'accuses sister Ashley of CONSPIRING with their mom to leave her OUT of her $25M will - and plans to contest': Friend claims Naomi 'blew through every dollar she made with The Judds and went to rehab for money disorder'
- Naomi Judd, 76, left her daughters, Wynonna and Ashley, out of her will
- She appointed her husband, Larry Strickland, as executor of her estate
- He has 'full authority and discretion' over her assets 'without court approval'
- Wynonna, who performed with Judd in a country duo, was reportedly 'banking' on getting a 'piece of the pie' from her mothers success
- Naomi Judd shot herself dead in her April after a longtime battle with mental illness
Country star Wynonna Judd is planning to formally contest her late mother’s will which left her entire $25million fortune to her husband.
Naomi Judd, who was the long-time singing partner of her daughter Wynonna as The Judds, left her two daughters out of her will in a baffling move.
Both Wynonna, 58, and Ashley, 54, did not feature in the will, and did not get any part of her estate, with the Nashville superstar leaving everything to her widower Larry Strickland.
The couple had been married for 33 years, with Naomi making Strickland the executor of her estate in a move that was said to ‘baffle’ Wynonna.
The Grammy award-winning country star’s decision has reportedly sparked another bitter battle between Ashley and Wynonna.
Ashley is reportedly siding with her late mother and Larry, while Wynona believes that they ‘conspired’ against her, according to Radar.
One source said that ‘Wynonna was banking on getting a piece of the pie’ after her mother's death.
A family friend claimed that Ashley believed her mother ‘knew what she was doing’ by not giving her sister a lump sum.
Wynonna Judd, right, is reportedly considering formally contesting her mother Naomi's will after she and her sister Ashley, left, were both cut out
Wynonna, bottom left, and Naomi, top, were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame as a duo one day after the elder Judd's death was announced
Larry Strickland (left) will have 'full authority and discretion' over Naomi Judd's (right) assets 'without the approval of any court'
Wynonna (left) and Ashley Judd (right) are pictured at the County Music Hall of Fame. They are looking at the plaque honoring The Judds and their late mother, Naomi Judd
They added: ‘Wynonna has had money problems throughout her adult life.
‘She’s blown through every dollar she made with The Judds. She even checked into a treatment facility in 2004 for a “money disorder”!’
Representatives for Ashley and Wynonna did not respond immediately to a request for comment by DailyMail.com.
Wynonna is rumored to be 'upset' by the decision because of her singing partnership with Naomi as The Judds.
She 'believes she was a major force behind her mother’s success.'
The sister’s have had a very public falling out since 2012 when Wynonna did not invite Naomi or Ashley to her wedding to country music legend Cactus Moser.
Ashley claimed in an explosive court filing in 2013 that her sister had a tracking device planted on her car.
Naomi Judd shot herself dead in an upstairs room of her Tennessee farmhouse on April 30 after a longtime battle with her mental health.
She prepared her will in November 2017, nearly five years before she died, and was of 'sound mind and disposing memory' when she approved the document.
Judd's will states Strickland is entitled to 'reasonable compensation' for his services as executor, according to the document which was reviewed by Page Six.
He can also be paid or reimbursed for 'reasonable expenses, advances and disbursements, including attorney's and accountant's fees, made or incurred in the administration of my estate.'
The document also states that if Strickland could not be executor of the estate due to death or any other reason, Judd's brother-in-law, Reginald Strickland, and the president of Tennessee law firm Wiatr & Associates would serve as co-executors.
The Judds were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame one day after Judd's death was announced.
A source close to Wynonna (right) alleged the singer is angry she was excluded from Naomi Judd's (left) will and thought she was entitled to 'a piece of the pie'
Naomi Judd referred to the property as her 'haven' and 'sanctuary,' noting that she 'called it Peaceful Valley the moment I laid eyes on it'. Judd shot herself dead in an upstairs room of her Tennessee farmhouse on April 30 after a longtime battle with her mental health
Wynonna, Ashley and Naomi Judd are pictured together at an Academy Awards show
Her daughters, actress Ashley and singer Wynonna, had houses on her property in Tenessee. Naomi Judd is pictured hugging Wynonna outside of her daughter's home during in 2016
The sisters have not given any indication of tensions with their mother, having praised her after her death and publicly discussed their struggles during the grieving process.
Both girls also had homes on Judd's 1,000-acre farm in the greater Nashville-area, which she had owned for nearly three decades. It is unclear if Wynonna and Ashley's properties are considered part of Judd's estate.
In June, Wynonna delivered a surprise performance at CMA Fest 2022 in Nashville's Nissan Stadium.
She appeared onstage during Carly Pearce's set and they delighted the crowd by regaling them with a soul-stirring duet.
Their song of choice was Why Not Me, a number that Wynonna introduced in the 1980s with her mother.
The country singer earned an uproarious applause break when she let out her trademark growl and belted out the title line at the end of the song on June 10.
Wynonna and her mother, known as The Judds, shot to fame together as a country duo, achieving icon status in the music industry over the decades. | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11074171/Wynonna-Judd-plans-contest-mothers-25M-sister-Ashley-left-out.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 | 2022-08-02T20:53:20Z | https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11074171/Wynonna-Judd-plans-contest-mothers-25M-sister-Ashley-left-out.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490 | true |
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — An appellate court has reversed the murder convictions of the three Northern California deputies convicted in the 2015 jail beating death of a mentally ill inmate after a judge ruled that the primary legal theory prosecutors cited was invalidated by recent changes in state law.
In 2017, former Santa Clara County Sheriff deputies Jereh Lubrin, Matthew Farris and Rafael Rodriguez were convicted by a San Jose jury of second-degree murder in the death of Michael Tyree. They were sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
On Monday, Thomas Goethals, associate justice of the Fourth District court’s third division, noted in his ruling that Senate Bill 1437, passed in 2018, declared invalid the natural and probable consequences theory. That meant that while the jury instruction was proper at the time of the trial, it no longer is. And, Goethals said, the impact of the law is retroactive, the Mercury News reported Monday.
During the deputies' trial, the judge told the jury it could consider a legal theory known as “natural and probable consequences,” which would allow it to find a defendant guilty of murder even if the person may not have committed the killing, because the victim’s death was a natural consequence of the defendant’s actions. In the Tyree case, this meant that the jury did not need to consider each defendant’s individual responsibility or awareness in order to find all three guilty of second-degree murder, the newspaper reported.
Prosecutors said Lubrin, Farris and Rodriguez severely beat Tyree, 31, in his cell. He died hours later from internal bleeding and suffered significant liver and spleen damage. Tyree was serving time for misdemeanor theft and drug possession. He had been housed by himself in a section of the jail reserved for inmates who are in protective custody or have special needs.
The state Attorney General’s Office said Monday it was reviewing the ruling. Unless the office appeals, Goethals’ conclusion will stand, and per his ruling, “the prosecution may elect to retry defendants on a valid theory or theories of homicide with a properly instructed jury.”
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office was not prepared to announce whether it will refile the case, also saying in a brief statement, “We’re reviewing the court’s decision.”
Rebecca Jones, the attorney who represented Rodriguez, lauded the court’s ruling.
“Prosecutors should not have been allowed to consider the NPC theory, and the appellate court could not find it was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt,” Jones said. “I think (the court) did the right thing.”
Attorneys for Lubrin and Farris did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday. | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/California-court-overturns-3-deputies-murder-17346127.php | 2022-08-02T20:55:23Z | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/California-court-overturns-3-deputies-murder-17346127.php | false |
Chris Rock getting animated with ‘Everybody Still Hates Chris’
Posted/updated on: August 2, 2022 at 2:18 pmChris Rock is taking his four-season sitcom Everybody Hates Chris to the world of animation.
MTV Entertainment Studios announced a "reimagined" version of the award-winning show, bound for both Paramount+ and Comedy Central.
As before, the show will follow Rock's teen years, with the legendary comedian and Fargo star lending his voice as narrator.
The late-1980s, Brooklyn-set show will be produced by Rock and King of the Hill and South Park veteran Sanjay Shah.
The series will join a growing slate of adult animated shows for MTV Entertainment Studios, including South Park and the new Beavis and Butt-Head.
Also in the works is Jodie, an animated spin-off movie of the iconic Daria series, with black-ish's Tracee Ellis Ross voicing the titular role.
Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. | https://ktbb.com/post/?p=1149892 | 2022-08-02T20:55:54Z | https://ktbb.com/post/?p=1149892 | true |
Members of the far-right Oath Keepers' extremist group charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol will face jurors this fall after a judge on Tuesday denied defense attorneys' bid to delay the high-profile trial until next year.
Lawyers for Stewart Rhodes, the leader of the Oath Keepers, and other associates of the antigovernment group argued a trial beginning in September would be tainted by publicity surrounding recent Jan. 6 House committee hearings and that attorneys still have too much evidence to sort through.
But U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta said he is confident the court will find a fair jury for the Oath Keepers’ case in Washington next month and that he’s obligated to oversee a speedy trial for the defendants, who have been locked up for months. Moving the trial would also “wreak havoc” on the court's calendar, which is filled with trials into next year, he said.
“This is a court of law, we cannot wait on the legislative process to unfold,” Mehta said.
Rhodes and four co-defendants are heading to trial on Sept. 26 on charges including seditious conspiracy, a rarely used Civil War-era charge that calls for up to 20 years in prison. They are accused of plotting for weeks to block the peaceful transfer of power and keep President Donald Trump in office.
Defense attorneys have argued there was no plan to storm the Capitol and that any plans they made were only about providing security at the rally before the riot or protect themselves against possible attacks from far-left activists.
Mehta suggested Tuesday that he believes the defense has a strong case, saying he didn't believe it was a “laydown" case for prosecutors and he's "not sure jurors in the District of Columbia will either."
A different judge overseeing the other major case stemming from the Jan. 6 riot — involving members of the Proud Boys extremist group — agreed to postpone the start of that trial from Aug. 8 to Dec. 12 after attorneys for several of the men argued that their clients couldn’t get a fair trial in the midst of the committee’s hearings. The committee has said it's public hearings will resume in September.
In a separate matter on Tuesday, Mehta rejected Trump’s request to dismiss lawsuits filed by four Capitol police officers seeking damages arising from injuries they sustained while defending the Capitol from the violent mob.
Mehta cited an earlier February ruling denying Trump's bid to dismiss other lawsuits filed by lawmakers and two Capitol police officers. In that ruling, Mehta said Trump’s words during a rally before the storming of the Capitol were likely “words of incitement not protected by the First Amendment.”
“Only in the most extraordinary circumstances could a court not recognize that the First Amendment protects a President’s speech,” Mehta wrote at the time. “But the court believes this is that case.”
Trump's lawyers are appealing that ruling, saying in court papers filed last week that the Supreme Court has “made clear that when acting in his official capacity, a President of the United States is immune from civil suit.” | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Judge-won-t-delay-Oath-Keepers-trial-over-Jan-6-17346187.php | 2022-08-02T20:56:30Z | https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Judge-won-t-delay-Oath-Keepers-trial-over-Jan-6-17346187.php | true |
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Fighting back tears and finally given the chance to confront conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, the parents of a 6-year-old killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting described being put through a “living hell” of death threats, harassment and ongoing trauma over the last decade caused by Jones using his media platforms to push claims that it was all a hoax.
Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, whose son Jesse was killed at Sandy Hook, took the witness stand Tuesday on the final day of testimony in the two-week defamation damages trial against Jones and his media company Free Speech Systems. They are seeking at least $150 million damages.
In a gripping exchange, Lewis spoke directly to Jones, who was sitting about 10 feet away. Earlier that day, Jones was on his broadcast program telling his audience that Heslin is “slow” and being manipulated by bad people.
“I am a mother first and foremost and I know you are a father. My son existed,” Lewis said to Jones. “I am not deep state... I know you know that... And yet you’re going to leave this courthouse and say it again on your show.”
At one point, Lewis asked Jones: “Do you think I’m an actor?”
“No, I don’t think you’re an actor,” Jones responded before the judge admonished him to be quiet until called to testify.
Lewis continued trying to impress on Jones that the Sandy Hook shooting and trauma inflicted in the decade since then was real.
“It seems so incredible to me that we have to do this — that we have to implore you, to punish you — to get you to stop lying,” Lewis said. “I am so glad this day is here. I’m actually relieved. And grateful... that I got to say all this to you.”
Jones visibly shook his head several times while Scarlett Lewis was addressing him.
Heslin and Lewis are among several Sandy Hook families who have filed several lawsuits alleging that Sandy Hook hoax claims pushed by Jones have led to years of abuse by Jones and his followers.
Heslin and Lewis both said they fear for their lives and have been confronted by strangers at home and on the street. Heslin said his home and car have been shot at. The jury heard a death threat sent via telephone message to another Sandy Hook family.
“I can’t even describe the last nine and a half years, the living hell that I and others have had to endure because of the recklessness and negligence of Alex Jones,” Heslin said.
Scarlett Lewis also described threatening emails that seemed to have uncovered deep details of her personal life.
“It’s fear for your life,” Scarlett Lewis said. “You don’t know what they were going to do.”
Heslin said he didn’t know if the Sandy Hook hoax conspiracy theory originated with Jones, but it was Jones who “lit the match and started the fire” with an online platform and broadcast that reached millions worldwide.
"What was said about me and Sandy Hook itself resonates around the world,” Heslin said. “As time went on, I truly realized how dangerous it was.”
Jones skipped Heslin’s morning testimony while he was on his show — a move Heslin dismissed as “cowardly” — but arrived in the courtroom for part of Scarlett Lewis’ testimony. He was accompanied by several private security guards.
“Today is very important to me and it’s been a long time coming... to face Alex Jones for what he said and did to me. To restore the honor and legacy of my son,” Heslin said when Jones wasn’t there.
Heslin told the jury about holding his son with a bullet hole through his head, even describing the extent of the damage to his son’s body. A key segment of the case is a 2017 Infowars broadcast that said Heslin didn’t hold his son.
The jury was shown a school picture of a smiling Jesse taken two weeks before he was killed. The parents didn’t receive the photo until after the shooting. They described how Jesse was known for telling classmates to “run!” which likely saved lives.
An apology from Jones wouldn’t be good enough, the parents said.
“Alex started this fight,” Heslin said, “and I’ll finish this fight.”
Heslin and Lewis suffer from a form of post-traumatic stress disorder that comes from constant trauma, similar to that endured by soldiers in war zones or child abuse victims, a forensic psychologist who studied their cases and met with them testified Monday.
Jones has portrayed the lawsuit against him as an attack on his First Amendment rights.
At stake in the trial is how much Jones will pay. The parents have asked the jury to award $150 million in compensation for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The jury will then consider whether Jones and his company will pay punitive damages.
The trial is just one of several Jones faces.
Courts in Texas and Connecticut have already found Jones liable for defamation for his portrayal of the Sandy Hook massacre as a hoax. In both states, judges issued default judgements against Jones without trials because he failed to respond to court orders and turn over documents.
Jones has already tried to protect Free Speech Systems financially. The company filed for federal bankruptcy protection last week. Sandy Hook families have separately sued Jones over his financial claims, arguing that the company is trying to protect millions owned by Jones and his family through shell entities.
___
For more of the AP’s coverage of school shootings: https://apnews.com/hub/school-shootings
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-online/2022/08/02/alex-jones-cowardly-for-missing-court-sandy-hook-dad-says | 2022-08-02T20:57:34Z | https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/ap-online/2022/08/02/alex-jones-cowardly-for-missing-court-sandy-hook-dad-says | false |
WFO BOSTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Tuesday, August 2, 2022
_____
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Boston/Norton MA
355 PM EDT Tue Aug 2 2022
...A developing thunderstorm will impact portions of southern
Windham and east central Tolland Counties through 500 PM EDT...
At 355 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a developing thunderstorm
over Chaplin, or near Windham, moving east at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Strong winds could cause minor damage such as downed
branches.
Locations impacted include...
Mansfield, Windham, Plainfield, Willimantic, Killingly, Brooklyn,
Canterbury, Pomfret, Sterling, Chaplin, Hampton and Scotland.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Get indoors when you hear thunder. Do not resume outdoor activities
until at least 30 minutes after the storm has passed.
LAT...LON 4170 7222 4171 7223 4180 7220 4188 7180
4164 7179 4164 7188
TIME...MOT...LOC 1955Z 268DEG 11KT 4176 7215
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
_____
Copyright 2022 AccuWeather | https://www.mrt.com/weather/article/CT-WFO-BOSTON-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17346214.php | 2022-08-02T20:58:33Z | https://www.mrt.com/weather/article/CT-WFO-BOSTON-Warnings-Watches-and-Advisories-17346214.php | true |
SACRAMENTO (AP) _ The winning numbers in Tuesday afternoon's drawing of the California Lottery's "Daily 3 Midday" game were:
2-4-5
(two, four, five)
SACRAMENTO (AP) _ The winning numbers in Tuesday afternoon's drawing of the California Lottery's "Daily 3 Midday" game were:
2-4-5
(two, four, five) | https://www.theridgefieldpress.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Daily-3-Midday-game-17346291.php | 2022-08-02T20:59:50Z | https://www.theridgefieldpress.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Daily-3-Midday-game-17346291.php | false |
Ukraine war: First grain ship out of Ukraine reaches Turkish waters
By Elsa Maishman
BBC News
- Published
The first grain ship to depart Ukraine since Russia invaded has arrived at Turkey's Bosphorus strait.
The Razoni, which is carrying 26,000 tonnes of corn, will be inspected on Wednesday morning before continuing its journey to Lebanon.
Russia has been blockading Ukraine's ports since it invaded in February, intensifying global food shortages.
Under the terms of a deal brokered by Turkey and the UN last month, both sides have agreed shipments can resume.
Ukraine said its naval vessels will guide cargo ships through waters which have been mined.
In his usual evening address on Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he wanted to see grain exports become regular again.
"Our goal now is to have regularity: so that when one ship leaves the port, there are other ships as well - both those loading and those approaching the port," he said.
In addition to easing food shortages elsewhere, he hoped exports would encourage Ukrainian farmers to sow seeds for next season.
"This is a matter of food security for our country as well - we are now ensuring next year."
The Razoni left the Ukrainian port of Odesa on Monday, bound for Tripoli in Lebanon via Turkish waters.
The Sierra Leone-flagged ship will be inspected for prohibited goods by Russian, Ukrainian, Turkish and UN officials before transiting through the narrow Bosphorus strait.
Ukrainian authorities say there are 17 other grain ships waiting to leave the country's Black Sea ports once the Razoni completes its voyage safely.
The deal between Russia and Ukraine, brokered at the end of July after two months of negotiations, was called into doubt when Russia launched two missiles at the port of Odesa less than 24 hours after the agreement was announced.
Trust is low on both sides, but if kept to, the deal is set to last 120 days and can be renewed if both parties agree.
Russia and Ukraine jointly account for nearly a third of global wheat supplies.
The blockade of Black Sea ports has contributed to a global food crisis with wheat-based products like bread and pasta becoming more expensive, and cooking oils and fertiliser also increasing in price.
In 2019 Ukraine also accounted for 16% of the world's corn supplies and 42% of sunflower oil, according to UN data.
- 23 hours ago | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62401342?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA | 2022-08-02T21:00:04Z | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62401342?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA | false |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Jill Biden says she didn’t doubt that she could keep teaching as first lady and overcame the skepticism that she could handle both jobs by instructing her staff to “figure it out.”
In a new interview in the September issue of Real Simple magazine, the first lady describes how she uses Post-it notes to manage her large family, and offers marriage advice to newlyweds hoping to celebrate 45 years of marriage as she and President Joe Biden did on June 17.
Biden is the first first lady to continue her career outside the White House.
“I think people were a little skeptical. Could I truly do it, since I was the first one to try it?,” she said. “But I knew I wanted to teach.”
She said she told her staff, “This is what I want to do. We have to figure it out.’
Biden continues to teach English and writing at Northern Virginia Community College, which is where she taught during the eight years her husband was vice president. Her staff back then also doubted that she could teach and serve as second lady, but she managed.
“I saw it work then, and I knew we could figure out how to do it now,” she said.
Biden doesn’t like to use “juggling” or “balancing” to describe how she handles her responsibilities.
“You can’t do anything in a haphazard way,” she said. “You have to have purpose while you’re doing it, and it has to be organized. That’s the key to it.”
To that end, she relies on Post-it notes to manage her family gatherings and save herself from having to explain things over and over. She sticks instructions — like “fill glasses with ice” or “light candles” — to her kitchen cabinets so family arriving will know right away how to help.
“Everything is set up so when somebody comes in, they do what they want to do,” she said.
The first lady also uses Post-it notes to communicate with the president.
“If I want to get a message to Joe, I put one on his mirror,” she said. “It may be a nice ‘I missed you’ or ‘I hope you get whatever it is you’re working on.’”
She said it’s taken a lot of work for her and the president to get to 45 years of marriage. Both were married previously.
Joe Biden, 79, lost his first wife and infant daughter when the car she was driving collided with a truck in Delaware just before Christmas 1972. His two young sons were gravely injured. Jill Biden, 71, was divorced from her first husband.
“You have to work in any relationship, but especially in marriage. It’s not always 50/50,” she said. “Sometimes you lean on him, sometimes he leans on you. Sometimes he’s super busy and I have to pick up a lot of it, or vice versa.
“The goal is that we’re not in the same place at the same time, so we can count on one another when we need to,” she added. | https://cbs4indy.com/news/politics/ap-politics/jill-biden-on-teaching-as-1st-lady-i-knew-i-could-do-both/ | 2022-08-02T21:01:44Z | https://cbs4indy.com/news/politics/ap-politics/jill-biden-on-teaching-as-1st-lady-i-knew-i-could-do-both/ | true |
Which bearded dragon leash is best?
Bearded dragons need more out of life than a glass terrarium and occasional handling. You want to let your bearded dragon experience outside, but you’re nervous about it getting loose. If something startles it in public, you could lose it or it could get injured.
Getting a dragon leash solves this problem and looks adorable, too. If you’re looking for a quality dragon leash, the Adoggygo Bearded Dragon Harness is the top choice.
What to know before you buy a bearded dragon leash
A bearded dragon leash is a tiny harness and adjustable leash small enough for a lizard to fit in. Popular versions have leather wing attachments to give your reptile the dragon look. Harnesses are made with your dragon in mind and should not harm it during use.
How to use a bearded dragon leash
Before applying the leash, make sure you and your dragon are calm. It is not safe to try leashing a frustrated lizard.
- Lay it out: Loosen your leash as wide as possible to make it easy to put on your dragon.
- Fit the arms: Gently help your dragon put its arms through the harness. If one size doesn’t fit, try another. Don’t force your dragon’s arms through the harness.
- Adjust the leash: Once you have the right size, adjust the leash to hold it snugly to your dragon. The harness shouldn’t let your dragon slip out or be too tight and squeeze it.
- Observe and review: Put your dragon on the floor or other space where it’s safe to see if the dragon can slip out of the harness. Adjust your harness as needed to ensure proper fitting.
- Have an adventure!
Size
Whether your bearded dragon is a juvenile or an adult, you want your leash to fit well. Just like terrariums and other dragon needs, leashes come in multiple sizes. This lets the leash continue to fit your dragon throughout its life cycle.
Materials
Your dragon’s skin is tough, but it is still delicate enough to injure or irritate. Look for leashes or harnesses with soft leather and other material that won’t chafe them. If you have a larger dragon, some owners can use ferret or small animal harness options.
Style
Your bearded dragon leash should fit like a harness and go over its arms. Some black or colorful strap leashes simply go around the dragon to secure it. Other options include decorative dinosaur or dragon wings that make your dragon the talk of the day. These wings can typically be removed if needed.
What to look for in a quality bearded dragon leash
Adjustability
Your dragon may not be fully grown, or maybe it had a big meal recently. An adjustable harness lets you ensure your dragon is comfortable on the leash. It should not be too loose or your dragon can get out; too tight and you could injure it. Be sure your harness is adjustable so it fits your dragon properly.
Wingspan
The wings attached to many dragon leashes are adjustable, removable and have different wingspans. Smaller wings are better for juvenile lizards or those new to this style leash. There are also wings that expand directly out, making it look like your dragon is in flight. With larger wingspans, be sure your dragon has enough room to roam without being stepped on.
Safety
The safety of your bearded dragon can depend on the leash entirely. If it is too loose or breaks and your dragon gets free, something could harm it or it could get lost. You want to ensure that your leash is made of quality materials that won’t break or irritate your dragon’s scales.
How much you can expect to spend on a bearded dragon leash
They’re typically priced around $8-$12.
Bearded dragon leash FAQ
Is a leash safe for my dragon?
A. Yes. Dragon leashes are made to comfortably hold the dragon without harming it. However, you should always monitor your dragon when it’s on the leash to avoid injury.
What kinds of leashes can I use for my dragon?
A. Leashes made for bearded dragons are ideal but other small animal leashes also work. The style of leash is what is most important when selecting one. Use a harness rather than a collar-style leash, because collars can injure a bearded dragon’s neck.
What’s the best bearded dragon leash to buy?
Top bearded dragon leash
Adoggygo Bearded Dragon Harness
What you need to know: This is a leash with small dinosaur wings to help your bearded dragon stand out.
What you’ll love: The harness and wings are made of soft leather. The wings are designed to be smaller and safer for juvenile or smaller lizards. There are three harness sizes in the pack to provide your dragon with comfort as it grows into an adult.
What you should consider: This leash is designed for smaller lizards and may not fit every life stage.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top bearded dragon leash for the money
Yamadura Adjustable Lizard Leash
What you need to know: This is a classic dragon leash with soft, black leather wings and an adjustable strap.
What you’ll love: There are three harness options to keep your dragon snug on the leash. The leather is designed to protect your dragon’s skin and is lined with gold to accentuate the wings.
What you should consider: A few customers reported difficulty with adjusting this dragon leash and said their dragons escaped the harness.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Adoggygo Leather Wing Harness with Removable Leash
What you need to know: This is a lizard harness with a classic wing design, adjustable leash and colorful options.
What you’ll love: This leash has three sizes of chest straps to fit your lizard throughout its life. It comes in pastel blue and pink so your dragon stands out in a crowd.
What you should consider: A few reviewers said this harness was not comfortable for larger dragons.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved. | https://cbs4indy.com/reviews/best-bearded-dragon-leash/ | 2022-08-02T21:02:46Z | https://cbs4indy.com/reviews/best-bearded-dragon-leash/ | false |
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.44 per share. The dividend will be payable September 30, 2022, to stockholders of record as of September 16, 2022.
About Fidelity National Financial, Inc.
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF) is a leading provider of title insurance and transaction services to the real estate and mortgage industries. FNF is the nation's largest title insurance company through its title insurance underwriters - Fidelity National Title, Chicago Title, Commonwealth Land Title, Alamo Title and National Title of New York - that collectively issue more title insurance policies than any other title company in the United States. More information about FNF can be found at www.fnf.com.
About F&G
F&G is part of the FNF family of companies. F&G is committed to helping Americans turn their aspirations into reality. F&G is a leading provider of insurance solutions serving retail annuity and life customers and institutional clients and is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. For more information, please visit www.fglife.com.
FNF-G
View original content:
SOURCE Fidelity National Financial, Inc.; FGL Holdings | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/fidelity-national-financial-inc-announces-quarterly-cash-dividend-044/ | 2022-08-02T21:02:58Z | https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/fidelity-national-financial-inc-announces-quarterly-cash-dividend-044/ | true |
When the first leg of NASA’s Lunar Gateway space station begins orbiting the moon in 2024, an onboard wireless access system will provide continuous internet connectivity, courtesy of New Mexico’s Solstar Space Co.
Northrop Grumman Corp. subcontracted Solstar in July to supply the wireless-enabling technology to create a Wi-Fi “hotspot” on NASA’s Habitation and Logistics Outpost, or HALO, which will launch in 2024 as the first stage of the moon station. Northrop Grumman is building the HALO module under a $935 million contract awarded by NASA last year as part of its Gateway project to create a permanent, orbiting space station to support long-term human exploration of the lunar surface and deep space.
“It’s meant to be a hotel for astronauts, a jumping-off point to go down to the lunar surface,” Solstar founder and CEO Brian Barnett told the Journal. “Our system will be mounted inside the HALO module to provide Wi-Fi inside and outside of the space station.”
It’s the biggest contract won to date by Solstar, which launched in 2017 to create permanent, 24/7 internet and phone connections between Earth and space vehicles as the 21st century race-to-space gains momentum.
The company is building two sets of communications technology, including its “wireless access points” system to create Wi-Fi hotspots in space, plus space-based communication routers that can be mounted on any rocket, satellite or other space vehicle to provide direct Internet and phone connectivity with Earth.
Solstar already proved the functionality of its direct-communications system in 2018, after sending its first prototype into suborbit two times on test flights of Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft in West Texas. That original prototype — dubbed the Schmitt Space Communicator in honor of Apollo 17 moonwalker Harrison Schmitt — is now at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum to exhibit the world’s first commercial space internet and phone-service technology.
Solstar is now building a next-generation Deke Space Communicator, named after late astronaut Deke Slayton, for commercial launch in 18-24 months.
“The Deke communicator will be much more hardy and robust for sustainable deployment in space,” Barnett said.
The wireless access system, meanwhile, will offer continuous connectivity for Internet communications in targeted locations like the Lunar Gateway, said Solstar co-founder Mark Matossian.
“It will provide a Wi-Fi network for connectivity that will support astronaut communications with ground control, the lunar surface and spacecraft, while also supporting payload integration, experiments and more,” Matossian said in a statement. “It will securely connect Wi-Fi-enabled components including computers and (Internet of Things) sensors, creating a collection of space-based networked devices.”
Future, space-hardened units could also be developed for operations directly on the moon’s surface.
The wireless access system is currently in the design phase.
“Once we choose a final design, we’ll start building it for delivery in 2023,” Barnett said.
The company has raised about $2 million from private investors, and through WeFunder crowdfunding campaigns. It employs about 20 people, with offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, plus a new location it opened this week in Boulder, Colo.
This spring, Microsoft invited Solstar to partner with it to integrate Solstar communications technology with Microsoft’s Azure cloud-computing platform, said Solstar Director of Cyber Operations Ian Kelly.
“They’ve offered us a lot of assistance, including free cloud-computing resources and access to their internal research teams,” Kelly told the Journal. “They want to get into the space cloud-computing business and they need companies like ours to mutually leverage resources. … It’s a win-win partnership, for both Microsoft and for us.” | https://www.abqjournal.com/2521385/nm-firm-builds-wi-fi-hotspot-for-nasa-moon-station.html | 2022-08-02T21:03:56Z | https://www.abqjournal.com/2521385/nm-firm-builds-wi-fi-hotspot-for-nasa-moon-station.html | true |
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) _ Coca-Cola Bottling Co. (COKE) on Tuesday reported second-quarter earnings of $99.6 million.
On a per-share basis, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company said it had profit of $10.59. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, came to $11.94 per share.
The Coca-Cola bottler posted revenue of $1.6 billion in the period.
_____
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on COKE at https://www.zacks.com/ap/COKE | https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Coca-Cola-Bottling-Q2-Earnings-Snapshot-17346389.php | 2022-08-02T21:04:36Z | https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Coca-Cola-Bottling-Q2-Earnings-Snapshot-17346389.php | true |
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks that traded heavily or had substantial price changes Tuesday:
Caterpillar Inc., down $11.35 to $183.51.
The construction equipment maker’s second-quarter revenue fell short of Wall Street forecasts.
Uber Technologies Inc., up $4.65 to $29.25.
The ride-hailing company reported surprisingly strong second-quarter revenue.
BP PLC, up 31 cents to $29.36.
The oil and gas company reported strong second-quarter financial results.
Cowen Inc., up $2.97 to $38.46.
TD Bank Group is buying the financial services company for about $1.3 billion.
JetBlue Airways Corp., down 55 cents to $8.04.
The airline reported a far bigger second-quarter loss than Wall Street expected.
SunPower Corp., up $1.87 to $21.70.
The solar products and services company beat Wall Street’s second-quarter earnings and revenue forecasts.
ZoomInfo Technologies Inc., up $4.24 to $41.97.
The software company raised its profit and revenue forecasts for the year.
Varonis Systems Inc., up $2.45 to $27.84.
The data-management software company reported solid second-quarter earnings and revenue. | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/caterpillar-jetblue-fall-uber-sunpower-rise/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all | 2022-08-02T21:04:56Z | https://www.seattletimes.com/business/caterpillar-jetblue-fall-uber-sunpower-rise/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all | true |
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