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Burger homers, Cease deals for White Sox in 3-2 vs Rays
By MATT CARLSON
Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) — Rookie slugger Jake Burger had a solo homer and an RBI single, Dylan Cease dominated into the sixth inning and the Chicago White Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2. Cease struck out eight and allowed just one run over 5 2/3 innings. Gavin Sheets and Leury Garcia each doubled and scored, and Chicago improved to 5-2 for its best start since 2016. Ji-Man Choi and Yandy Diaz doubled in runs off reliever Aaron Bummer in Tampa Bay’s third straight loss. The Rays have dropped four of five after starting the season 3-0.
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https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/04/15/burger-homers-cease-deals-for-white-sox-in-3-2-vs-rays/
| 2022-04-16T04:20:08Z
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OSLO, Norway, May 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lytix Biopharma is pleased to announce that it will host a Capital Markets Day for investors, analysts and media on Wednesday, June 1, 2022
- The event will be open for physical attendance in Oslo, Norway, as well as a live webcast. It is scheduled to start at 14.00 CET, and is expected to last approximately two hours, including Q&A.
- Speakers will be Ted White, CEO of Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("Verrica"), Gary Goldenberg, CMO of Verrica, Aurelien Marabelle, visiting professor at Stanford University and an internationally recognized expert on intratumoral cancer treatment, and Øystein Rekdal, CEO of Lytix Biopharma.
- Verrica has an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Lytix to develop and commercialize its lead compound, LTX-315, for dermatologic oncology conditions, and the first patient has been dosed in Verrica's Phase II study evaluating LTX-315 for intratumoral treatment of basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer). At the CMD the focus will be on the rationale and current state-of-the-art regarding intratumoral treatment of cancer patients. Most of all, the agreement between Verrica and Lytix and the commercial opportunity for and clinical value of LTX-315 in treatment of cell carcinomas will be highlighted.
Further details of the agenda and registration details will follow.
Ole Peter Nordby, Head of IR & Communication Manager
Email: ole.peter.nordby@lytixbiopharma.com
Mobile: +47 412 87 179
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
The following files are available for download:
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SOURCE Lytix Biopharma AS
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https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/05/03/lytix-biopharma-host-capital-markets-day-june-1-2022/
| 2022-05-03T14:55:55Z
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Yellowstone National Park to partly reopen after floods
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Yellowstone National Park will partially reopen at 8 a.m. Wednesday, after catastrophic flooding last week destroyed bridges and roads and drove out tourists.
The National Park Service announced Saturday that visitors will once again be allowed on the park’s southern loop, under a license plate system designed to manage the crowds: Those with even-numbered plates will be allowed on even-numbered days, and those with odd-numbered plates on odd-numbered days.
Commercial tours will be allowed whatever their plate number.
Visitors had been flocking to Yellowstone during its 150th anniversary celebration.
The southern half of the park includes Old Faithful, the rainbow-colored Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and its majestic waterfall.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/06/19/yellowstone-national-park-partly-reopen-after-floods/
| 2022-06-19T02:05:47Z
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PITTSBURGH, June 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- "Working from aerial lifts in construction is a modern-day requirement. I thought there should be a way to enhance safety for the operator as well as for the people on the ground," said an inventor, from Perkasie, Pa., "so I invented the SKYBOX. My design ensures that all the needed tools, materials and fasteners are contained and it also helps to keep the aerial basket floor free from clutter. It could also improve production and work quality without taking up extra space in the basket."
The patent-pending invention provides an improved way to store and move various supplies and belongings with ease. In doing so, it eliminates the need to carry multiple boxes or containers. It also increases organization and convenience and it saves time and effort. The invention features a portable design that is easy to use so it is ideal for aerial lift rental companies, utility contractors, building construction contractors, construction safety groups, tool rental outlets, etc. Additionally, it is producible in design variations and a prototype is available.
The original design was submitted to the Philadelphia sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 20-PLB-158, 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
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/29/inventhelp-inventor-develops-improved-construction-storagetransport-container-plb-158/
| 2022-06-29T15:49:37Z
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2 UC Berkeley students make history as 1st nonspeaking autistic graduates
By Lyanne Melendez
Click here for updates on this story
BERKELEY, California (KGO) — Someone once said, “Nothing is impossible as long as you believe in it.” That best describes two nonspeaking autistic students from U.C. Berkeley who graduated with honors this week. It is a milestone for them and for Cal.
Five years ago David Teplitz decided to get on a road not taken before at U.C. Berkeley. He has nonspeaking autism.
ABC7 News Senior Education reporter Lyanne Melendez sat down with David and his mother as he showed us how he communicates through a touch-to-speech program on his laptop.
Without looking at the keyboard he taps one letter at a time.
Lyanne asked him what did he want people to know about those like him with autism who are nonspeaking.
Again, it takes David some time but he is thorough and thoughtful.
“I want people to know that we can achieve a lot if we are able to participate,” David’s answer appears on the screen.
David and his friend Hari Srinivasen have led the path for other students at Cal with similar disabilities.
Both were diagnosed with apraxia. So, for the majority of people, the brain is able to coordinate how my jaw, lips, tongue and soft palate come together to make sounds and words. But Hari and David find it difficult to make all of those movements.
Despite the challenges, Hari graduated with a 4.0 GPA and has now received a fellowship to pursue his Ph.D. in neuroscience at Vanderbilt University.
During his graduation ceremony, David was escorted by his aide Devon Rodrigues. He graduated with a 3.85 GPA, receiving a degree in political science with a minor in disability studies.
“How does it feel to graduate from one of the top universities in the country?” Lyanne asked him.
“It feels especially wonderful to graduate from Cal. It has been my dream for so many years and I am proud that I accomplished it. I hope it inspires other non-speakers that want to go to college to know that it is possible,” he wrote.
A goal set out by U.C. Berkeley that helped improve the quality of life for individuals like David and Hari.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
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https://localnews8.com/cnn-regional/2022/05/20/2-uc-berkeley-students-make-history-as-1st-nonspeaking-autistic-graduates/
| 2022-05-20T19:22:52Z
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Teen wrestler dies from apparent heatstroke during workout, school says
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH/Gray News) – A teenage wrestler in Kansas died Sunday due to an apparent heatstroke, his high school announced.
Damian Mendez had been running outside while wearing a sweat suit, which is a technique many wrestlers use to try to cut weight.
The Midwest and other parts of the country were under excessive heat warnings over the holiday weekend.
Mendez graduated from Dodge City High School in May after winning his second consecutive state championship title. He was unbeaten in his final two years of high school, and he announced he was going to attend North Dakota State University starting this fall on a wrestling scholarship.
Dodge City wrestling coach Tate Lowe said Mendez was like a son to him.
“You build relationships with kids, but with Damian, it was beyond that,” he said. “Heaven gained a champion last night.”
Dodge City High School wrestlers Joshua Gonzales and Juan Avalos said they’re driven to put in the work to honor their friend.
“I think I got to wrestle through Damian, you know. I think I got to continue to work hard for Damian you know, I got to carry on his legacy,” Gonzales said.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Mendez’s family pay for funeral expenses.
Copyright 2022 KWCH via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kxii.com/2022/07/06/teen-wrestler-dies-apparent-heatstroke-during-workout-school-says/
| 2022-07-06T18:18:33Z
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"Last night Vince performed his second concert of a four night residency at the Ryman. He informed the crowd that Amy was getting better every day after a bike crash last week that left her unconscious for about 10 minutes and with a concussion (along with various cuts and bruises)," the post read. "He then introduced their daughter Corrina who performed a song in honor of her mom.... Show stopper moment."
Their daughter changed a lyric in the chorus to "When my mama prays."
"We're going to do this song I wrote for my wife Amy," Gill said on stage before their performance.
"We haven't been doing it much, but because of her accident and everything she's been going through we've been thinking a lot about her," he continued. "I thought how sweet it would be for her youngest to sing this song I wrote for her."
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https://www.albanyherald.com/entertainment/vince-gill-pays-tribute-to-wife-amy-grant-after-she-was-injured-in-an-accident/article_b5c68e99-b686-5319-9e01-0c89d9fccef3.html
| 2022-08-08T16:37:41Z
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Top of NFL draft could lack skill position players
By JOSH DUBOW
AP Pro Football Writer
This year’s NFL draft has the chance to be unlike any other in recent years with a possible long wait before any of the players who throw, catch or run with the ball coming off the board. There has never been a draft that didn’t have a quarterback, receiver, running back or tight end taken in the top 10 picks in the history of the NFL. A player from those positions going in the top five in all but one of the past 24 drafts. That could change this year with few projections showing skill position players going in the first handful of picks.
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https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/04/27/top-of-nfl-draft-could-lack-skill-position-players/
| 2022-04-27T19:01:43Z
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Syracuse’s Carrier Dome to get new name
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Syracuse’s Carrier Dome is getting a new name. The university and Carrier Global Corporation have agreed to a deal that ends the company’s hold on naming rights to the on-campus venue that’s home to the Syracuse basketball, football, and lacrosse teams, effective May 1. Carrier inked a $2.75 million deal with the university in 1979 for naming rights to the Dome in perpetuity, a financial mistake the school had been trying to rectify. The Dome also will undergo another phase of renovations that includes the removal of bench seats in favor of individual, fixed seats.
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https://localnews8.com/sports/ap-national-sports/2022/04/20/syracuses-carrier-dome-to-get-new-name/
| 2022-04-20T23:30:33Z
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AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler looked like a Masters champion even before he slipped into his green jacket, the model of calm as he methodically worked his way around the most stressful course in major championship golf.
Sunday morning was different. That turned out to be the toughest test he had all day.
“I cried like a baby this morning. I was so stressed out. I didn’t know what to do,” Scheffler said after winning his first major. “I was sitting there telling (wife) Meredith, ”I don’t think I’m ready for this … and I just felt overwhelmed.”
And then he capped off his torrid two-month stretch with his grandest feat of all, leading the entire weekend and strolling to a 1-under 71 — with one lapse in concentration at the end when it didn’t matter — for a three-shot victory over Rory McIlroy.
For a guy who had won three of his previous five tournament, who reached No. 1 in the world, why suddenly be overcome with doubt?
“I think because it’s the Masters. I dreamed of having a chance to play in this golf tournament. I teared up the first time I got my invitation in the mail,” Scheffler said.
“If you’re going to choose a golf tournament to win, this would be the tournament,” he said. “You don’t know how many chances you’re going to get. And so having a chance — I had a five-shot lead on Friday and then a three-shot lead going into today — I don’t know if you get better opportunities than that. You don’t want to waste them.”
He felt peace between the ropes and never allowed himself to enjoy the moment until he took that famous walk up the 18th green, his ball 40 feet away and a five-shot lead.
“And you saw the results of that,” he said with a laugh at his four-putt double bogey that only affected the margin of victory.
McIlroy holed out from the bunker on the final hole for a record-tying final round of 64. That pulled him within three shots, and his only hope for the final piece of the career Grand Slam was for the Sunday pressure at Augusta National to get to Scheffler.
No chance.
Not on Sunday. Not the last four days. Not the last two months.
“You get on those hot streaks, and you just got to ride them out because they, unfortunately, don’t last forever,” Justin Thomas said. “But he is doing it in the biggest tournaments. … It’s really, really impressive to see someone that young handle a moment this big so easily.”
And to think that 56 days ago, Scheffler was still trying to win his first PGA Tour title. Now he’s won four of the last six he has played, the best stretch since Jason Day in the summer of 2015.
The Sunday theater, thrilling and tragic, belonged to everyone else.
Scheffler overcame a nervy moment early in the round by chipping in for birdie. He delivered key putts to keep Cameron Smith at bay and never looked rattled, even as he was swatting at short putts at the end.
McIlroy was the runner-up. It was Smith who felt as though he let one get away. The Aussie was still in the game, three shots out of the lead, when he dumped his 9-iron in Rae’s Creek on the par-3 12th hole for triple bogey and ended his hopes.
“Just a really bad swing at the wrong time,” Smith said.
Smith closed with a 73 and tied for third with Shane Lowry, who birdied the 18th for a 69.
Tiger Woods was finishing up about the time Scheffler was getting started, and anyone who left missed quite a show. As for Woods, he found consolation in playing four rounds in his first tournament since a February 2021 car crash shattered his right leg. He shot 78 and finished at 13-over 301, his highest 72-hole score at the Masters and furthest (23 shots) he ever finished behind the winner.
Scheffler joined Ian Woosnam in 1991 as the only players to win a major — the Masters in both cases — in their debut at No. 1 in the world.
Everyone should have seen this coming. He won the Phoenix Open in a playoff on Super Bowl Sunday. He followed that with a comeback win at Bay Hill to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He rose to No. 1 in the world by winning the Match Play two weeks ago in Texas.
And now this.
“He’s sort of been head and shoulders above everyone else this week,” McIlroy said.
Scheffler, who finished at 10-under 278, won $2.7 million from the $15 million prize fund. That brings his total to $8,872,200 over his last six starts.
Scheffler’s big moment came early in the round, and it was no less significant.
Starting the final round with a three-shot lead, he watched Smith open with two straight birdies to the cut the deficit to one, and then Scheffler’s approach from the pine needles left of the third fairway came up short and rolled back down the slope.
His pitch was racing toward the hole when it banged into the pin and dropped for an unlikely birdie, and a two-shot swing when Smith from the same position made bogey.
No one got closer than three the rest of the way. Only the contenders changed.
The 12th hole remains the most riveting par 3 in golf, the scene of more collapses than comebacks. Smith became the latest victim.
Coming off birdie at No. 11, his shot was still in the air when he let his club slip through his hands and he slowly closed his eyes twice as it splashed into Rae’s Creek. The next shot wasn’t much better, but at least dry, and Smith’s hopes ended there with a triple bogey.
He was three behind standing on the 12th tee. Three holes later, he was eight back.
From there, any hope resided with McIlroy. All he needed to complete the career Grand Slam was to match the best final round in Masters history and get some help from Scheffler. He only got one of those and had to settle for his first silver medal from Augusta.
Not that he didn’t create some Sunday magic. McIlroy went bunker-to-bunker on the 18th hole, leaving himself right of the green and aiming some 25 feet right of the flag. It rode the slope all the way into the hole, setting off one of the loudest roars of the week.
Morikawa followed him in from the same bunker, different angle, and McIlroy could only laugh.
“This tournament never ceases to amaze,” McIlroy said. “That’s as happy as I’ve ever been on a golf course right there. Just having a chance — and then with Collin, we both played so well all day — and for both of us to finish like this, I was just so happy for him, too.
“I’ve never heard roars like on the 18th green.”
The best ones were saved for Scheffler.
Scheffler still had five holes in front of him, with no evidence he was going to be anything but the smooth, smart operator who seized control on Friday in the toughest conditions to build a five-shot lead and never lost it.
___
https://apnews.com/hub/the-masters
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https://cw33.com/sports/ap-sports/scheffler-gets-masters-green-jacket-to-go-with-no-1-ranking/
| 2022-04-11T06:54:14Z
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LOS ANGELES, June 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against Li-Cycle Holdings Corp. f/k/a Peridot Acquisition Corp. ("Li-Cycle" or the "Company") (NYSE: LICY).
Class Period: February 16, 2021 – March 23, 2022
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: June 20, 2022
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Li-Cycle lawsuit, you can submit your contact information at www.glancylaw.com/cases/li-cycle-holdings-corp/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at shareholders@glancylaw.com to learn more about your rights.
The complaint filed alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Li-Cycles largest customer, Traxys North America LLC, is not actually a customer, but merely a broker providing working capital financial to the Company while Traxys tries to sell Li-Cycles product to end customers; (2) the Company engaged in highly questionable related party transactions; (3) the Company's mark-to-model accounting is vulnerable to abuse and gave a false impression of growth; (4) a significant portion of the Company's reported revenues were derived from simply marking up receivables on products that had not been sold; (5) the Company's gross margins have likely been negative since inception; (6) the Company will require an additional $1 billion of funding to support its planned growth (which is a figure greater than the Company raised via the merger); and (7) as a result, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.
To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Charles Linehan, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to shareholders@glancylaw.com, or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
Contacts
Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP, Los Angeles
Charles Linehan, 310-201-9150 or 888-773-9224
shareholders@glancylaw.com
www.glancylaw.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP
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https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/08/licy-investors-have-opportunity-lead-li-cycle-holdings-corp-fka-peridot-acquisition-corp-securities-fraud-lawsuit/
| 2022-06-08T17:43:07Z
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Man dressed as ‘Halloween’ character Michael Myers spotted at Florida beach
Published: Sep. 7, 2022 at 5:37 PM EDT|Updated: 49 minutes ago
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (TMX/Gray News) - A beachgoer says he spotted a man dressed as Michael Myers from “Halloween” at a Florida beach over Labor Day weekend.
Todd Brandon Easter shared images of what he saw that day at a Panama City beach.
The beachgoer said he saw the iconic movie character while visiting the beach on Sept 4.
Easter said the person dressed as Myers wasn’t bothering anyone and seemed approachable while not causing any problems.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/09/07/man-dressed-halloween-character-michael-myers-spotted-florida-beach/
| 2022-09-07T22:26:01Z
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Bryan County Sheriff’s Office searching for alleged thieves
Published: Apr. 22, 2022 at 3:16 PM CDT|Updated: 3 hours ago
BENNINGTON, Okla. (KXII) - Bryan County Sheriff’s are looking for two people who they said stole someone else’s property on Friday morning.
Sheriffs said the unidentified suspects are probably still in the Bennington area.
If you know who the suspects are you can contact the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office.
Copyright 2022 KXII. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kxii.com/2022/04/22/bryan-county-sheriffs-office-searching-alleged-thieves/
| 2022-04-22T23:44:55Z
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Employers have opportunity to positively impact racial, ethnic, and overall retirement savings gaps through plan access and plan design
BALTIMORE, April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- T. Rowe Price, a global investment management firm and a leader in retirement, today released new research based on its annual Retirement Savings and Spending survey and analysis of the Census Bureau's 2021 Current Population Survey and found that about half of all workers participate in a retirement plan of some kind. However, when a retirement plan is offered by an employer, participation increases significantly to 88.2%.
"These findings highlight that the first and most important step toward closing the retirement savings gap is to expand access to retirement plans," said Sudipto Banerjee, vice president, Retirement Thought Leadership at T. Rowe Price. "The retirement industry can act now to help close the gap by encouraging employers to not only sponsor plans but to incorporate plan design levers, such as auto-enrollment and auto-escalation, and by offering financial wellness programs."
As previously reported by T. Rowe Price, Black and Hispanic workers significantly lag in participation and savings compared with white workers, furthering the notion that plan access and plan design can help to close this gap and encourage other positive financial behaviors as well. Additional research and analysis from T. Rowe Price's latest white paper finds:
- Nearly 6 in 10 white workers participate in a retirement plan, compared with 4 in 10 Black workers and 3 in 10 Hispanic workers
- The racial and ethnic participation gap narrows significantly when a retirement plan is offered, with over 80% of Black and Hispanic workers participating in a plan
- Black and Hispanic workers are more likely to start saving for retirement later than white workers
- More than 80% of Black and Hispanic participants rely on their workplace for financial advice
About T. Rowe Price
Founded in 1937, T. Rowe Price (NASDAQ-GS: TROW) is an independent global asset management company with $1.55 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2022. The firm is focused on delivering investment excellence and retirement services for institutional, intermediary, and individual investors. Our strategic investing approach, driven by independent thinking and guided by rigorous research, helps clients feel confident in pursuing financial goals. For more information, visit troweprice.com, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.
View original content:
SOURCE T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/t-rowe-price-latest-research-finds-plan-access-plan-design-significantly-impacts-retirement-savings/
| 2022-04-12T14:50:38Z
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Virtual open house and comment period for Tribal Trail Connector Road ends May 20
JACKSON, Wyo. (KIFI) – Teton County Public Works is reminding you the virtual open house and public comment period for the Tribal Trail Connector Road is closing soon.
The virtual open house can be found at www.tribaltrailconnector.com and includes the same information that was presented during an in-person open house on April 27, plus a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section that was generated from discussions at the in-person event.
Viewers can learn about the background and history of the project, study updates, the four design alternatives that are under consideration and next steps in the process. The virtual open house and the period to provide input will close on Friday, May 20, 2022.
Following the virtual open house, the project team will consider public feedback when finalizing the preferred design alternative, which will be brought before the Teton County Board of County Commissioners for their consideration this summer.
Design alternatives are being evaluated utilizing several criteria, including safety, impacts to natural resources and private property, improved emergency response, travel/route redundancy and reduced local trips through the “Y” intersection.
In June 2020, the Teton County Board of County Commissioners approved the continuation of the planning process for the Tribal Trail Connector and will next be considering whether to direct staff to continue into the project design phase in FY2023.
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https://localnews8.com/news/wyoming/2022/05/13/virtual-open-house-and-comment-period-for-tribal-trail-connector-road-ends-may-20/
| 2022-05-13T17:41:39Z
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Hartville to rebid its trash and recycling service
Hartville Village Council
Tuesday meeting
KEY ACTION: Voted to rebid for trash and recycling service, under the same bid specifications, after receiving only one acceptable bid.
DISCUSSION: The village extended its contract with Kimble Recycling and Waste Disposal for two more years in June 2020 at a rate of $15.95 per month. With service expiring in September, Kimble’s bid of $19.65 per month was the only acceptable bid received earlier this month. Councilman Steve Reish said he is in favor of the village having a single provider but would like the village to have more options in terms of service providers.
OTHER ACTION:
- Approved Village Engineer CT Consultants to seek bids for this year’s road paving contract, not to exceed $25,000.
UP NEXT: Meets for its next regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. July 25, 2022 at Hartville Village Hall, 202 W. Maple St. and online at www.facebook.com/VillageofHartville.
Brian Lisik
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https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/2022/07/13/hartville-rebid-its-trash-and-recycling-service/10045998002/
| 2022-07-13T19:19:14Z
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Set for Spring-2023 Move-In
DETROIT, May 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dignitaries from around the area will gather for a groundbreaking ceremony in in historic Lafayette Park with Detroit developer, Mark Bennett, Mayor Mike Duggan, Council President Sheffield, MEDC representatives, business leaders, and elected officials on May 17 at 2 p.m. The event is a ceremonial groundbreaking on Lafayette West, a 318-unit, condominium and apartment community that will serve as a connecting point between Lafayette Park and the greater Downtown area on many fronts.
Located in Lafayette Park, the development is in walking distance to several area attractions, employment areas of the Central Business District, arenas and entertainment venues, the Eastern Market, the Dequindre Cut bicycle/walking path, the new Meijer Rivertown Market, and the River Walk, Detroit's beautiful riverfront park.
Lafayette West is a $150-million upscale, residential, condominium and apartment community, that will offer a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans ranging in size from 436 to 1,223 square feet, with secured and enclosed parking, gourmet kitchen appliances, a large state-of-the-art fitness center, swimming pool, electric vehicle charging stations for all vehicles, co-working, club room and social room, and more. Twenty percent (20%) of the 230 (46) apartments have below market rents to provide affordable housing. All of the affordable units are proportional to each building's unit/floorplan mix and are unrestricted as to location within the building.
"We saw this as an ideal opportunity to develop a unique community to contribute to the lives of the Lafayette Park neighborhood" said Mark Bennett, owner/developer. "Lafayette West offers differentiating amenities and is centrally located, while offering affordable living to Detroiters."
The development received a Brownfield TIFF which includes the City's portion of $11.2 million over 30 years as well as a 15-year NEZ including the City's portion of $5.3 million.
"Lafayette West is going to be a great addition to the Lafayette Park area, providing residents a beautiful neighborhood setting immediately outside of downtown," says Mayor Mike Duggan. "The fact that 20% of the apartment units will be reserved for people earning below the area average means that Detroiters of varying income levels will have the opportunity to live together in this beautiful new community."
The development is following the City's Executive Order on Detroiter hiring with a construction workforce made up of at least 51% Detroit residents and 30% of all construction-related contracts going to Detroit based businesses. The Development is being developed pursuant to a Community Benefits Ordinance (CBO) Agreement with the City of Detroit.
Mark Bennett and team are also co-developers of Exchange, a high-rise 165-unit residential development under construction in the Central Business District and lead equity investors in DuCharme Place, The Griswold, The Corner, The Kahn and Central Park Apartments.
Lafayette West partners and collaborators include: @Properties, Christie's International Real Estate, Brinker Construction, AM Higley, the City of Detroit, Wayne County, Fourmidable, MJBennett, Ghafari, Pappas Financial, Parini, Blaze Contracting, PEA, the Michigan Strategic Fund and Zoyes Creative.
Members of the media who wish to attend the event or who require more information should call Tatiana Grant at (248) 514-9620 or email tgrant@2050partnersinc.com and additional information can be found at https://lwdetroit.com/.
Contact: Tatiana Grant
tgrant@2050partnersinc.com
(248) 514-9620
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https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/05/17/lafayette-west-150m-development-breaks-ground-historic-lafayette-park/
| 2022-05-17T19:26:04Z
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ALBANY – Advocates for the homeless see a location for a shelter convenient to services residents would need to access as a plus, but for some Albany City Commission members, locating such a shelter in the downtown area could prove problematic.
Commissioners heard a report Tuesday on a nearly $1.8 million grant the city received as part of the American Rescue Plan Act out of $5 billion allocated through the legislation to address homelessness. Depending on costs, the project could include 20 to 30 units that could house one to three adults each.
There was no annual spot count of the homeless held last year due to COVID-19, and the results of this year’s count are not yet in. But some officials say the need may be as great as ever.
“I’ve been involved in this for 15 years, and we have more encampments all over the city,” David Blackwell, chairman of the Albany-Dougherty Homeless Coalition advocacy group, said. “They’re everywhere. The school system has hundreds of students, according to their definitions, that are homeless. I feel like (the local homeless count) is going to be high this year. This is the first time we’ve encountered this many encampments in this community.”
After consulting with area organizations, city staff has recommended providing housing through small housing units, tiny homes, Katrina cottages or pallet shelter units. Another possibility is renovation of an existing hotel, but that option seems cost-prohibitive based on the amount of money available, Blackwell said.
During the last homeless spot count held in 2019, 144 individuals were located who were living on the street on a particular night, although officials suspect that is a vast undercount. It also did not include those living in encampments that officials were not aware of at that time.
“There are less than 100 shelter beds in this community,” Blackwell said.
Among the issues raised during the commission's discussion Tuesday was whether the addition of housing would encourage people from other communities to move to Albany.
“I know we have a homeless problem,” Commissioner Bob Langstaff said. “Once we invest this amount of money in solving our homeless problem, how do we know we’re not just attracting people from nearby cities?”
That’s already the case, Blackwell responded. People from across the country, those leaving prison and individuals from surrounding counties already make up a portion of the homeless population in Dougherty County.
“There are no homeless services in Lee, Terrell, Calhoun, Worth, anywhere around us,” Blackwell said, explaining why homeless from other areas land in Albany.
Langstaff also said he had a problem with locating a facility downtown because of the investment the city has made in the area. While the facility will go in one of the six wards, an individual commissioner may have an issue with one location but be OK with placing it at another location.
“I don’t want to shoot ourselves in the foot by putting something in place that’s going to limit any development downtown,” he said. “I think the city commission should have the final say on where it would go.”
No site has been selected yet, but the facility needs to be close to locations such as the Salvation Army for those who need to go there for meals, Blackwell said.
Commissioner Chad Warbington, who also said he saw the potential for conflict over the location of the facility, said his preference would be to renovate an old hotel in order to achieve two objectives simultaneously: cleaning up a blighted area and providing housing.
“I think that’s getting some bang for your buck,” he said. “(Even) if the city has to put more money into it, it’s killing two birds.”
Blackwell said he had no problem with letting the commission have the final say on the location.
The city has until September 2030 to spend the funds, but the timeline for completing the project could be less than two years, Phyllis Brown, deputy director of the city’s Department of Community and Economic Development, said during an interview following the presentation to commissioners.
“We’re hoping the project, once we get the proposed plan and get board approval, can start within 12 to 18 months,” she said.
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https://www.albanyherald.com/news/location-of-homeless-housing-units-concern-for-albany-city-commissioners/article_63497cea-e68f-11ec-aaa9-576d8d250467.html
| 2022-06-07T20:11:10Z
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Seth Friedland named Chief Executive Officer
MELVILLE, N.Y. , July 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading staffing and recruitment firms Park Hudson International and Access Staffing, today announced they intend to combine their businesses and operate under newly-formed Phaxis, a global workforce solutions company. Seth Friedland, founder of Park Hudson, will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the new entity.
"Amidst an unprecedented 'Great Resignation' and the tightest U.S. labor market in a half-century, Phaxis brings together two leading recruiting firms that collectively have more than 50 years of expertise," said Friedland. "Combining the talents of our two firms, leaves us well-positioned for future growth – both organic and inorganic – as we guide candidates and clients alike through the uncharted waters of the current hiring environment."
"Phaxis is the intersection of the talents, culture and philosophies of Park Hudson and Access and today marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for all of us as we look to leverage the talents of both predecessor firms to serve an expanded industry landscape," said Steven Weber, Partner at Phaxis.
Based in Melville, New York with offices in New York City, Atlanta, Charleston and Charlotte, Phaxis provides Professional Services and Staffing capabilities across all levels of Technology, Healthcare, Accounting & Finance, Office Support, Legal and Marketing.
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https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/05/park-hudson-international-access-staffing-announce-their-intention-combine-form-phaxis-llc/
| 2022-07-05T19:14:58Z
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Brand to give back to the massage profession by awarding $240,000 in scholarships over the next year
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage Envy, the nation's No. 1 provider of massage in the U.S. collectively across its franchise network and a national leader in skin care, today announced the launch of a national program to award 96 scholarships for future massage professionals over the next 12 months.
"As the inventor of the massage membership model and the industry leader, Massage Envy wants to give back to the industry by doing something that can change people's lives and will continue to help this great profession move forward," said Beth Stiller, Massage Envy's chief executive officer.
Under the Massage Envy National Scholarship Sweepstakes for Massage Therapists, each awardee will receive a $2,500 scholarship that can be used to attend any massage school of their choice. Eight scholarships will be awarded each month from October 2022 through September 2023.
"The massage profession has a promising future with job growth expected to be strong over the next decade. It's also a very portable skill set with job opportunities all over the country, and it offers flexibility to fit different life situations," Stiller said. "Whether you're considering your first career or changing to a new career, or perhaps you're a retiree or the spouse of someone in the military, the massage profession can be a good fit for you."
Stiller said scholarship recipients do not have to work at a Massage Envy franchised location upon graduation.
"Again, this is about doing what's right for the profession and finding good people to make it even stronger," she said. "Having said that, working at a Massage Envy franchised location has numerous benefits and I would put our brand culture against anybody in the category, and an added benefit is that we are finding that demand for massage has never been greater, so the future for those entering the profession looks bright.
To be eligible to enter for a chance to win a scholarship, entrants must be of legal age in their state. Entrants only need to enter once.
The first recipients will be drawn in October, 2022 and announced in November, 2022 with additional recipients announced in the following months. To learn more about the scholarship program or to enter, please go to www.massageenvy.com/scholarship.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C. residents, 18+ (residents of AL & NE who must be 19+ or residents of MS who must be 21+) as of date of entry. See Official Rules at massageenvy.com/scholarship for entry periods, odds, prize description, limitations, and complete details. Sweepstakes begins August 22, 2022 and ends August 31, 2023. Sponsor: Massage Envy Franchising, LLC, 14350 N 87th St Ste 200, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 190 million massages and facials. For more information, visit www.massageenvy.com, or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @MassageEnvy.
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https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/22/massage-envy-announces-national-scholarship-sweepstakes/
| 2022-08-22T19:15:21Z
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Senate front-runner in Pennsylvania embraces Biden and progressive agenda amid Democrats’ midterm dilemma
By Manu Raju, Alex Rogers and Ali Zaslav, CNN
Lt. Gov. John Fetterman swung by the heart of Republican country in Southwestern Pennsylvania, in the reddest of red districts, where then-President Donald Trump trounced Joe Biden by more than 55 points and MAGA signs are still apparent on seemingly every other street corner.
But rather than moderate, Fetterman leaned into his progressive views.
As he worked a few dozen voters at the Flyin’ Lion watering hole, while wearing a hooded sweatshirt, basketball shorts and gym shoes on a snowy spring day, Fetterman renewed his push for marijuana to be legalized nationwide, touted the role of immigrants in the US, called for the transgender community to be treated equally, decried efforts to pare back abortion access and backed calls for stricter gun laws, including a ban on semi-automatic rifles.
In an interview with CNN, Fetterman didn’t hide his palpable frustration with Democratic senators, saying, “I am disappointed in our caucus” for not increasing the $7.25 federal minimum wage, and he blamed West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin for blocking the Biden agenda, leaving his party “floundering.”
When asked about calls for more bipartisanship, Fetterman didn’t flinch, asserting there’s little common ground in working with Republicans who undermined the legitimacy of Biden’s 2020 victory and tried to outlaw abortion.
“I also want a full head of hair,” said the bald, 6-foot-8 Democrat. “But realistically that’s not going to happen right now.”
Fetterman now is the front-runner for the Democratic nomination for the Pennsylvania seat being vacated by GOP Sen. Pat Toomey, a state that leaders in both parties see as central to the fight for the Senate majority in the fall. Fetterman — and his rivals for the nomination, Rep. Conor Lamb and state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta — are facing the most daunting midterm environment Democrats have seen in a dozen years, with a public weary over the pandemic, voters angry at political leaders over inflation and skyrocketing gas prices and a President whose approval rating has sunk to around 40%.
Still, Fetterman and the other Senate Democratic candidates are defending Biden — and say they welcome him on the campaign trail in Pennsylvania. Fetterman acknowledges that “obviously his approval rating is not where I would want it to be or where I believe it deserves to be.” But he said there were many things to tout, including “hundreds of millions of shots in arms,” low unemployment and an economy that rapidly grew in 2021.
“We’re going to embrace Joe Biden,” Fetterman said in the interview.
For primary voters here, the question is not only what Democrat can flip the seat — and preserve their party’s fragile majority — but also which direction the party should go.
In Fetterman, Democratic voters could choose the lone candidate in the field who has won statewide — a populist, firebrand and blunt-talking politician who backed Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential run in 2016 and could fire up liberals yet risks turning off middle-of-the-road voters nervous about the leftward shift of the Democratic Party.
In Lamb, Democrats could choose a younger and more moderate candidate from a swing district who has bucked the party line, like when he opposed Nancy Pelosi for speaker and backed extending Trump-era tax cuts in 2018.
And in Kenyatta, Democrats could choose a fresh face — a gay Black Democrat — who would make history but is little-known statewide.
A staunch backer of labor unions, Fetterman supports at least a $15 minimum wage, legal marijuana, universal health care and Black Lives Matter while calling climate change “an existential threat.” But he rejects the notion that he is some kind of liberal.
“I don’t mean to nitpick, but I wouldn’t categorize myself as progressive,” Fetterman told CNN. “I consider myself a Democrat that’s running on the same platform of ideas that every other Democrat in this race is running on. And I can’t think of a Democrat running nationally that’s running on anything functionally different in that regard.”
Fetterman, 52, added plainly: “If a moderate Democrat is somebody that would break with the rest of the caucus and screw up Build Back Better or the Democratic agenda, then I’m not a moderate.”
Democratic candidates chase Fetterman
In the Pennsylvania US Senate Democratic primary, Fetterman dominates in polls and fundraising. This election cycle, he has raised $15 million, Lamb has raised $5.8 million and Kenyatta has raised $1.8 million.
Fetterman says his campaign is “uniquely structured” to flip the seat “despite historically difficult circumstances for Democrats” and that he’s going to “embrace the Democratic platform and principles” while “leaning into” Biden’s Build Back Better domestic agenda. He tells voters that Democrats need to prevent Republicans from winning by “runaway margins” in conservative areas of the state like this one but takes on one of the few Democrats in the Senate who has long been able to get Republican support.
“If you are a Joe Manchin Democrat, there’s nothing wrong with that,” Fetterman said to voters last weekend in Plymouth, Pennsylvania. “But if you are, I’m not your candidate, because I will disappoint you if you are.”
Lamb, who is now aligned with Fetterman on issues like gutting the Senate’s filibuster, acknowledges he’s outraised and outspent. But he says that there is still a large group of potential voters who have not yet made up their minds and could end up supporting him.
Lamb, a 37-year-old former federal prosecutor and Marine, made the argument that they’ll be swayed to support a congressman who came on the scene by winning a high-profile Trump-won district in 2018.
“If we don’t take the Senate seat, it will be almost impossible to have a Senate majority,” Lamb said. “I have faith in the common sense of the basic Democratic voters to see that with me, you’ve had someone who’s been in this kind of spotlight before, who’s won the sorts of swing voters that we need to win.”
He argues that Fetterman is too risky to nominate — calling him “kind of out of the mainstream for the statewide level” — at a time when the party in Pennsylvania is in peril. Lamb said that the “Democratic brand” in the state “actually didn’t do that well in 2020, even though we helped get President Biden elected, obviously, we lost ground in a lot of other ways.”
“We’ve never nominated a Democrat in Pennsylvania that supports ‘Medicare for All,’ ” Lamb warned.
“I mean, he’s a Democrat, as far as I know,” Lamb later said of Fetterman. “But I think the issue is more that the Republicans will call any of us socialists who run against them. That label sticks more to some people than others.”
Fetterman called Lamb’s attacks “disappointing.”
“I will do something Conor will not,” Fetterman said. “I will tell you Conor Lamb is not a socialist, and neither am I. And it’s disappointing to have somebody that I would have considered a friend and even helped campaign for, help him win his first race, would turn around and use an attack tactic that has been used on him and me.”
Asked if he’s a socialist, Fetterman responded, “Never have been.”
Lamb’s opponents don’t believe he can excite Democrats to win in a dramatically different midterm election than the one that sent him to Congress.
“We’re not going to win by reading a bedtime story to our base,” said the 31-year-old Kenyatta, a Philadelphia native who thinks that voters are frustrated by what they’re seeing in Washington.
“I think people are looking around for real and just saying, ‘What the hell are we doing?'” Kenyatta said.
Penn Progress, a super PAC, has tried to come to Lamb’s rescue by aiming to raise $8 million. But in the first three months of the year, it raked in only $1.8 million, according to the latest Federal Election Commission reports.
The veteran Democratic strategist James Carville is associated with the effort. He said they would continue raising money through the May 17 primary. Carville defended the group’s haul through March, telling CNN that it’s “a pretty big number.”
Fetterman faces attacks over 2013 incident
One politically sensitive issue for Fetterman is an incident when he pulled a gun on a Black jogger in 2013 while serving as Braddock mayor when looking for a suspected shooter. No one was injured in the incident, and Fetterman faced no charges. But his opponents have made sure to highlight the controversy.
“I just think it’s fatal to his campaign to think that you can point a shotgun at an unarmed Black man and, you know, not really have to answer for it,” Lamb said.
Kenyatta said Fetterman “still refuses to say the simple words of ‘I’m sorry.'”
“If he can’t say sorry about something he did nine years ago, how do we expect he’s going to engage with voters when he takes a vote that people don’t particularly like or when he makes a statement that is off base?” Kenyatta asked.
The lieutenant governor blames the revival of the nine-year-old incident on Lamb’s lackluster campaign, noting that the majority Black, small town reelected him twice as mayor after it.
“It never once came up in any of the primaries while I was mayor, and it’s coming up more than nine years later because, I suspect in large part, because Conor is having problems both in his polling and his ability to raise money,” Fetterman said.
“The circumstances that happened that day were done out of protection for my community,” Fetterman said, noting he had made a “split-second decision” and stopped the jogger, who was wearing a ski mask.
Asked if he regrets his role in the episode, Fetterman said: “It’s not something I would want to go back to. But at the end of the day, I’m proud of the record that I achieved in Braddock.”
Yet Fetterman’s Braddock experience is also tattooed on him — literally. His forearm includes tattoos of the dates people were killed while he served as mayor, something he pointed to while discussing his support for banning assault weapons.
“I’ve been at every scene, I would show up in every scene because their lives mattered,” Fetterman said. “And it was tragic.”
As he wrapped up his remarks before the crowd in rural Pennsylvania, Fetterman promised he wouldn’t change — not in a general election against a well-financed Republican nor in the Senate if he wins in November and saves the imperiled Democratic majority.
“You will never pick up your phone and find out that I changed my mind about minimum wage, or unions, or gay/trans equality or women’s reproductive freedom,” he said. “You will never do that. You will never hear about that from me. I promise you. I promise you.”
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https://localnews8.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2022/04/21/senate-front-runner-in-pennsylvania-embraces-biden-and-progressive-agenda-amid-democrats-midterm-dilemma-2/
| 2022-04-21T23:32:06Z
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Chipotle to pay NYC workers $20M for violating labor laws, mayor says
NEW YORK (AP) — Chipotle Mexican Grill will pay $20 million to current and former workers at its New York City restaurants for violating city labor laws, Mayor Eric Adams announced Tuesday.
According to investigators, Chipotle’s violations of the city’s Fair Workweek law included failing to post work schedules 14 days in advance, pay a premium for schedule changes and offer available shifts to current employees before hiring new employees.
The settlement between the city and the California-based fast-food chain covers about 13,000 employees who worked at the chain’s New York City outlets between 2017 and this year. It is the result of an investigation by the city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection into complaints filed by 160 Chipotle workers and Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, city officials said.
“Today’s settlement with Chipotle is not only a victory for workers by securing up to $20 million in relief for approximately 13,000 workers, but also sends a strong message, as the largest worker protection settlement in New York City history, that we won’t stand by when workers’ rights are violated,” Adams, a Democrat, said in a statement.
Under the agreement, any hourly New York City Chipotle worker is eligible to receive $50 for each week worked between Nov. 26, 2017, and April 30, 2022. Chipotle will also pay $1 million in civil penalties to the city.
“We’re pleased to be able to resolve these issues and believe this settlement demonstrates Chipotle’s commitment to providing opportunities for all of our team members while also complying with the Fair Workweek law” Scott Boatwright, Chipotle’s chief restaurant officer, said in a statement.
Boatwright said the company has taken steps to improve compliance through measures such as improved time-keeping technology and looks forward to “continuing to promote the goals of predictable scheduling and access to work hours for those who want them.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kxii.com/2022/08/09/chipotle-pay-nyc-workers-20m-violating-labor-laws-mayor-says/
| 2022-08-09T20:33:39Z
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HOUSTON, Sept. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting on the spring 2023 semester, University of St. Thomas-Houston (UST) will start offering an Associate of Applied Science in Liberal Studies delivered in Spanish. This degree will be offered through the Kolbe School of Innovation and Professional Studies.
This program will support the academic goals of students who are more comfortable taking classes in their native language. A Liberal Studies Associate's Degree from UST offers students a well-rounded education with solid multidisciplinary preparation allowing them to pursue careers in education, STEM, government, business and other fields.
"A Liberal arts education delivered in Spanish will support students by fostering a dual language approach and providing a long run-value in a wide variety of careers," Dr. Nicole McZeal Walters, Dean of The Kolbe School of Innovation and Professional Studies, said.
This two-year, 100% online degree program consists of 60 hours with 45 in core classes and 15 hours in electives. Students can easily move into a four-year bachelor's degree at UST with this AAS in Liberal Studies degree.
To learn more about this opportunity contact USTKolbe@stthom.edu or call 713-525-3549
About University of St. Thomas
University of St. Thomas - Houston is a comprehensive university, grounded in the liberal arts. Committed to the unity of all knowledge, UST offers programs in the traditional liberal arts, professional, and skills-based disciplines. Graduates of the University of St. Thomas think critically, communicate effectively, succeed professionally, and lead ethically.
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/17/associate-applied-science-liberal-studies-delivered-spanish/
| 2022-09-18T05:32:35Z
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US stresses allied cooperation in face of N. Korea threats
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with her counterparts from South Korea and Japan on Wednesday, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to defend its allies and trilateral security cooperation to confront an accelerating nuclear threat from North Korea.
The latest top-level meetings among the countries came as North Korea apparently presses ahead with preparations for its first nuclear test explosion in nearly five years, which U.S. officials say could occur in the coming days.
After a meeting in Seoul, Sherman and the South Korean and Japanese vice foreign ministers issued a joint statement condemning North Korea’s provocative streak in weapons demonstrations this year and pledging closer security cooperation to curb the growing threats.
The statement said Sherman reaffirmed “steadfast” U.S. commitments to the defense of South Korea and Japan, including “extended deterrence,” referring to an assurance to defend its allies with its full military capabilities, including nuclear.
“The United States, the Republic of Korea and Japan are fully and closely aligned on the DPRK,” Sherman said in a news conference, using the initials of North Korea’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Sherman noted that North Korea since last September has significantly increased the pace and scale of its ballistic launches, posing a “serious threat” to security in the region and beyond, and urged Pyongyang to cease taking “these provocative and destabilizing actions and to commit to the path of diplomacy.”
Following the meeting, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-dong met separately with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Takeo Mori and they were in agreement about an “urgent” need to improve bilateral relations, their ministries said.
South Korea and Japan had engaged in a highly public feud in recent years over trade and Japan’s brutal colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula before the end of World War II, which included wartime industrial and sexual slavery of Koreans. The Biden administration has been pressing Seoul and Tokyo to repair ties to shore up a united front against the North Korean nuclear threat and China’s rising influence in the region.
Mori also held separate talks with Sherman where they agreed to maintain and strengthen sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukraine and work more closely to address challenges related to China, Japan’s Foreign Ministry said.
Jolting an old pattern of brinkmanship, North Korea has already set an annual record in ballistic launches through the first six months of 2022, firing 31 missiles over 18 test events, including its first demonstrations of intercontinental ballistic missiles since 2017.
The unusually fast pace in testing activity underscores authoritarian leader Kim Jong Un’s dual intent to advance his arsenal and pressure the Biden administration over long-stalled negotiations aimed at leveraging its nukes for economic and security concessions, experts say.
Sherman’s visit to Asia came after North Korea in its biggest-ever single-day testing event launched eight ballistic missiles into the sea from multiple locations on Sunday, prompting the U.S. and its Asian allies to respond with tit-for-tat missile launches and aerial demonstrations involving dozens of fighter jets.
A nuclear test would further escalate North Korea’s pressure campaign and could possibly allow the country to claim it acquired the technologies to build a bomb small enough to be clustered on a multi-warhead ICBM or on Kim’s broad range of shorter-range weapons threatening South Korea and Japan.
South Korean and U.S. officials have said the North has all but finished preparations for a detonation at its nuclear testing ground in the remote northeastern town of Punggye-ri, an assessment backed by the International Atomic Energy, which says there are indications that one of the site’s passages has been reopened. The site had been inactive since hosting the country’s sixth nuclear test in September 2017, when it claimed it detonated a thermonuclear bomb designed for its ICBMs.
North Korea will likely time the test to maximize political effect and some analysts say it could take place around a major conference of the ruling Workers’ Party that has been vaguely scheduled for the first half of June.
North Korea’s state media said Wednesday that Politburo members met a day earlier to discuss the agenda for an upcoming plenary meeting of the party’s Central Committee that has been called by Kim to review major state affairs, including national efforts to slow a COVID-19 outbreak. He may also use the meeting to address his nuclear weapons ambitions and external relations with Washington and Seoul, experts say.
Kim’s absence from Tuesday’s preparatory meeting suggests that he’s focused on supervising preparations for North Korea’s seventh nuclear test and drafting his speeches for the plenary, said analyst Cheong Seong-Chang at South Korea’s Sejong Institute.
The North Korean party’s previous plenary in December lasted for a record five days and saw Kim repeat his vow to boost his country’s military capabilities and order the production of more powerful and sophisticated weapons systems.
Nuclear talks between the U.S. and North Korea have stalled since 2019 because of disagreements over an easing of crippling U.S.-led sanctions in exchange for North Korean disarmament steps, which underscored Kim’s unwillingness to give away an arsenal he sees as his strongest guarantee of survival.
___
Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo contributed to the report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wibw.com/2022/06/08/us-stresses-allied-cooperation-face-n-korea-threats/
| 2022-06-08T12:56:46Z
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WASHINGTON, June 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Female athletes, coaches, parents, and advocates joined Independent Women's Forum and 17 organizations across the political spectrum on Thursday, June 23rd, to rally for "Our Bodies, Our Sports." The rally celebrated 50 years of Title IX and urged policymakers to help keep women's sports female.
Since its passage, Title IX has transformed women's sports by guaranteeing women equal access to athletic opportunities. Yet today, in the name of "inclusion," countless female athletes are being sidelined to make room for biological males in women's divisions. This isn't right, and it isn't fair.
Female athletes speaking out against this new misogyny included Riley Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer who tied transgender Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA Division 1 Swimming & Diving Championships; Taylor Silverman, a competitive skateboarder who lost 1st place to a male competitor at the Red Bull Cornerstone Contest; Madisan DeBos, cross country & track athlete at Southern Utah University whose women's relay team lost to a team that included a male athlete; Cynthia Monteleone, a world champion track athlete who was forced to compete against a male athlete and whose daughter lost her first high school race to a different male athlete; Kim Jones, mother of an Ivy League swimmer who competed against Thomas all season & co-founder of Independent Council on Women's Sports; and Macy Petty, NCAA volleyball player and Young Women for America leader.
They were joined by advocates for women's sports, including Idaho state representative and former NCAA Division 1 women's basketball coach Barbara Ehardt; Tulsi Gabbard, former U.S. Representative (D-HI); and Carrie Lukas, president of Independent Women's Forum.
Gaines kicked off the rally, saying "There's no equity, fairness, sportsmanship, or opportunity for women to succeed at an elite level without sex-based categories…If change is not made, it's only the beginning of a slippery slope. It's only a matter of time until one transgender athlete winning a national title in a women's sport turns into three and then 10 and so on. Allowing male athletes to switch teams when they feel necessary is not only an infringement on female athletes but also a mockery of Title IX."
Carrie Lukas, president of Independent Women's Forum, joked, "What is a woman? Now, I feel like that's become a bit of a punchline, but everyone here knows that this is no joke. The word woman is mentioned hundreds of times in our legal code. And if we can't define the term woman, then we can't stand up for women's rights."
"I had no idea what would happen when I spoke up for myself. I simply wanted to do the right thing. I didn't know my story would become international news or that I'd be speaking here today, but I do know how painful it is to go through this, and it's important to me that it doesn't happen to more female athletes in any sports on any level," said skateboarder Taylor Silverman. "We deserve fairness in sports, and we're currently losing out on opportunities, titles, paychecks, scholarships, and more while being made to feel like we can't receive what we've earned for our hard work and being made to feel unimportant in a space that was created for us."
Team USA World Masters track athlete Cynthia Monteleone said, "So I stand before you today to encourage you to keep speaking up. Because I was told after I began to raise questions to keep my mouth shut for my own safety. But however, as you can see, I'm not keeping my mouth shut. I'm speaking louder than ever, because it's these voices and these stories that you're hearing today that are going to make a difference."
To watch the replay of the rally, click here.
Independent Women's Forum is dedicated to developing and advancing policies that aren't just well intended, but actually enhance people's freedom, choices, and opportunities.
Independent Women's Network, a project of Independent Women's Voice, in partnership with Independent Women's Forum, is a positive, supportive community of engaged, informed, and activated women working together to inspire, interact, influence, and have impact.
Contact: Meghan Agostinelli, meghan.agostinelli@iwf.org
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SOURCE Independent Women's Forum
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https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/28/female-athletes-coaches-olympian-make-their-voices-heard-our-bodies-our-sports-rally/
| 2022-06-28T15:00:36Z
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Company's Third Office in Italy Will Focus on International Digital Marketing
NEW YORK and BOLOGNA, Italy, July 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TransPerfect, the world's largest provider of language and technology solutions for global business, today announced the opening of a new office in Bologna, Italy.
TransPerfect Bologna joins the company's existing presence in Milan and Rome, and it will serve as a client service and production center in Northern Italy for language services and technologies. In addition, the new office will be a regional hub for the company's TPT Digital division.
TPT Digital is an international digital marketing service provider, helping organizations develop and execute creative campaigns across multiple digital channels and deploy in any language, country, or market. Services offered by TPT Digital include global search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM), paid media, social media, and online marketplace optimization.
TransPerfect President and CEO Phil Shawe stated, "We pride ourselves on delivering services that are global in scope but local in delivery. Bologna is our third office in Italy, and we look forward to better serving our customers by having a physical presence in the region."
To contact TransPerfect Bologna, reach out to tptdigital@transperfect.com.
TransPerfect is the world's largest provider of language and technology solutions for global business. From offices in over 100 cities on six continents, TransPerfect offers a full range of services in 200+ languages to clients worldwide. More than 6,000 global organizations employ TransPerfect's GlobalLink® technology to simplify management of multilingual content. With an unparalleled commitment to quality and client service, TransPerfect is fully ISO 9001 and ISO 17100 certified. TransPerfect has global headquarters in New York, with regional headquarters in London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit our website at www.transperfect.com.
TPT Digital is the specialized digital division rooted in TransPerfect language technologies, with core competencies in search, social, and content, bringing together digital marketing experts in every market and every language around the world to create agile strategies that get clients results. For more information, visit www.tptdigital.com.
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SOURCE TransPerfect
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https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/11/transperfect-office-opens-bologna-italy/
| 2022-07-11T18:27:06Z
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FREMONT, Calif., July 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jackery, a leader of innovative, best-in-class portable power and green outdoor energy solutions, has recently been acknowledged by renowned technology magazine, Utilities Tech Outlook, as one of the Top 10 Solar Energy Tech Solution Providers 2022 in the 3rd Solar Energy Tech annual edition for its excellence in delivering bleeding-edge solar energy tech solutions.
Jackery is a company on the cutting-edge of consumer-based solar technology and its leadership team and worldwide reps are proud to have been awarded a top 10 spot in the latest annual awards from the internationally-popular technology magazine that has a reach of over 110,000 subscribers in the United States with readers including distribution planners, renewable solutions directors, solar energy systems designers, among many others.
The Company recently released the Solar Generator 2000 Pro in May 2022, which is fast-becoming the most popular consumer choice for high-powered solar backup power and as an off-grid power alternative. The Solar Generator 2000 Pro has a 2160 Wh capacity, 2,200W AC power, and 4,400W peak power. Jackery's ongoing innovation has resulted in not just impressive power capacity and capabilities, but also meticulous attention to security and reliability. This latest product has first-rate lithium battery houses for dual battery protection and four temperature core detectors. It's a next-gen solar technology solution that makes it easier than ever to get reliable power from the sun, in less time.
Jackey Solar Generators Create Environmentally Friendly Ways to Power Outdoor Life
Jackery was the first company to accelerate progress in inventing and engineering solar generators. Their elite products have become finely tuned in the last decade, and now stand as the undisputed quality choice for consumers around the world. Jackery's award-winning team and product line has two goals: to create environmentally friendly ways to access off-grid power, and to support outdoor enthusiasts. These goals go hand-in-hand, as adventure-lovers seek to preserve the places they roam, doing good to the earth they love. Jackery users include RVers, campers, sportspeople, photographers, work-from-anywhere professionals, among others.
About Jackery
Founded in California in 2012, Jackery is a top-selling global outdoor solar generator brand that emboldens campers to go further outdoors without compromise. As the pioneer of the Solar Generator concept and products, Jackery offers a range of portable, versatile green generators that meet all outdoor needs, from charging a cellphone or laptop to powering large devices like electric cooking equipment, heaters, and lights. Its products have been consistently selected as Best Sellers on Amazon and have been included in Amazon's Choice lists since 2020. To date, Jackery has received 19 prestigious international awards, including the Red Dot Design Award, the iF Design Award, the A' Design Award and Competition, and the CES Innovation Award. The New York Times, CNET, Digital Trends, Forbes, Tom's Guide, and other publications have ranked it among the best solar generators on the market. Since 2018, Jackery has sold more than 1.5 million units worldwide and boasts a global footprint spanning from the US to Europe.
To learn more, visit www.jackery.com
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SOURCE Jackery Inc.
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https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/08/jackery-awarded-top-10-solar-energy-tech-solution-provider-2022/
| 2022-07-08T14:47:09Z
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- Net income of $370.4 million ($1.83 per diluted common share) for the second quarter of 2022; after-tax adjusted operating income was $386.6 million ($1.91 per diluted common share).
- Results reflect improving trend in COVID-related mortality impacts, strong operating performance, and favorable sales and premium trends in core business segments.
- Strong balance sheet and liquidity with holding company liquidity of $1.2 billion and weighted average risk-based capital ratio of approximately 415 percent.
- Full-year 2022 outlook increased; after-tax adjusted operating income per share now expected to grow 40 percent to 45 percent relative to full-year 2021, compared to the previous outlook of an increase of 15 percent to 20 percent.
- Book value per common share of $48.47 declined 9.5 percent over the year-ago quarter; book value per common share excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) grew 9.2 percent over the year-ago quarter to $57.32.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Unum Group (NYSE: UNM) today reported net income of $370.4 million ($1.83 per diluted common share) for the second quarter of 2022, compared to net income of $182.9 million ($0.89 per diluted common share) for the second quarter of 2021.
Included in net income for the second quarter of 2022 are the after-tax amortization of the cost of reinsurance of $13.1 million ($0.06 per diluted common share) and a net after-tax investment loss on the Company's investment portfolio of $3.1 million ($0.02 per diluted common share). Included in net income for the second quarter of 2021 are after-tax costs related to the early retirement of debt of $53.2 million ($0.26 per diluted common share), an after-tax impairment loss on the right-of-use (ROU) asset related to one of our operating leases for office space that we are no longer using to support our general operations of $11.0 million ($0.05 per diluted common share), the net tax expense related to a U.K. tax rate increase of $24.2 million ($0.12 per diluted common share), the after-tax amortization of the cost of reinsurance of $15.5 million ($0.08 per diluted common share), as well as a net after-tax investment gain on the Company's investment portfolio of $0.6 million ($0.01 per diluted common share). Excluding the items above, after-tax adjusted operating income was $386.6 million ($1.91 per diluted common share) in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $286.2 million ($1.39 per diluted common share) in the second quarter of 2021.
"Our strong second quarter results were driven by continued growth in premium income across our core business segments and positive benefits experience," said Richard P. McKenney, president and chief executive officer. "The current business environment remains favorable, and our capital strength provides continued financial flexibility. These factors, combined with our team's consistent execution, enable us to increase our outlook for growth in 2022."
RESULTS BY SEGMENT
We measure and analyze our segment performance on the basis of "adjusted operating income" or "adjusted operating loss", which differ from income before income tax as presented in our consolidated statements of income due to the exclusion of investment gains and losses, amortization of cost of reinsurance, and certain other items. Investment gains or losses primarily include realized investment gains or losses, expected investment credit losses, and gains or losses on derivatives. These performance measures are in accordance with GAAP guidance for segment reporting, but they should not be viewed as a substitute for income before income tax or net income.
Unum US Segment
Unum US reported adjusted operating income of $295.4 million in the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 64.8 percent from $179.3 million in the second quarter of 2021. Premium income increased 3.3 percent to $1,572.3 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $1,522.1 million in the second quarter of 2021. Net investment income decreased 8.6 percent to $167.8 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $183.6 million in the second quarter of 2021.
Within the Unum US operating segment, the group disability line of business reported a 79.5 percent increase in adjusted operating income to $107.5 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $59.9 million in the second quarter of 2021. Premium income for the group disability line of business increased 5.1 percent to $706.5 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $672.2 million in the second quarter of 2021 due primarily to in-force block growth, favorable persistency, and higher sales across all product lines. Net investment income decreased 6.9 percent to $87.5 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $94.0 million in the second quarter of 2021, driven by lower miscellaneous investment income and a decrease in the yield on invested assets. The benefit ratio for the second quarter of 2022 was 66.4 percent, compared to 74.7 percent in the second quarter of 2021, due primarily to favorable claim recoveries in the group long-term disability product line as well as lower claims incidence in both the group short-term and long-term disability product lines. Group long-term disability sales were $63.2 million in the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 50.5 percent from $42.0 million in the second quarter of 2021. Group short-term disability sales were $36.3 million in the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 16.3 percent from $31.2 million in the second quarter of 2021. Persistency in the group long-term disability product line was 90.9 percent for the first half of 2022, compared to 90.1 percent for the first half of 2021. Persistency in the group short-term disability product line was 89.2 percent for the first half of 2022, compared to 87.2 percent for the first half of 2021.
The group life and accidental death and dismemberment line of business reported an adjusted operating income of $67.3 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $5.2 million in the second quarter of 2021. Premium income for this line of business increased 1.5 percent to $463.4 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $456.6 million in the second quarter of 2021 driven by in-force block growth, partially offset by lower persistency. Net investment income decreased 7.4 percent to $24.9 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $26.9 million in the second quarter of 2021, due to lower miscellaneous investment income, partially offset by a higher level of invested assets. The benefit ratio in the second quarter of 2022 was 70.7 percent, compared to 85.2 percent in the second quarter of 2021, largely due to lower mortality in the group life product line, resulting primarily from lessening impacts of COVID-19 on our insured population. Sales of group life and accidental death and dismemberment products increased 20.7 percent in the second quarter of 2022 to $77.0 million, compared to $63.8 million in the second quarter of 2021. Persistency in the group life product line was 89.4 percent for the first half of 2022, compared to 90.1 percent for the first half of 2021. Persistency in the accidental death and dismemberment product line was 88.2 percent for the first half of 2022, compared to 89.6 percent for the first half of 2021.
The supplemental and voluntary line of business reported an increase of 5.6 percent in adjusted operating income to $120.6 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $114.2 million in the second quarter of 2021. Premium income for the supplemental and voluntary line of business increased 2.3 percent to $402.4 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $393.3 million in the second quarter of 2021, with growth across all product lines due primarily to generally favorable persistency and higher sales. Net investment income decreased 11.6 percent to $55.4 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $62.7 million in the second quarter of 2021, due primarily to lower miscellaneous investment income, a decline on yield on invested assets, and a decrease in the level of invested assets. The benefit ratio for the voluntary benefits product line was 40.8 percent in the second quarter of 2022, compared to 44.2 percent for the second quarter of 2021, due primarily to favorable claims experience in the critical illness product line. The benefit ratio for the individual disability product line was 41.3 percent for the second quarter of 2022, compared to 48.4 percent for the second quarter of 2021, due primarily to lower claims activity. The benefit ratio for the dental and vision product line was 72.9 percent for the second quarter of 2022, compared to 77.1 percent for the second quarter of 2021, due primarily to lower claims incidence. Relative to the second quarter of 2021, sales in the voluntary benefits product line increased 23.6 percent in the second quarter of 2022 to $54.0 million. Sales in the individual disability product line increased 25.5 percent in the second quarter of 2022 to $18.7 million. Sales in the dental and vision product line totaled $12.9 million for the second quarter of 2022, a decrease of 0.8 percent compared to the second quarter of 2021. Persistency in the voluntary benefits product line was 75.8 percent for the first half of 2022, compared to 74.5 percent for the first half of 2021. Persistency in the individual disability product line was 89.4 percent for the first half of 2022, compared to 89.0 percent for the first half of 2021. Persistency in the dental and vision product line was 82.0 percent for the first half of 2022, compared to 86.6 percent for the first half of 2021.
Unum International
The Unum International segment reported adjusted operating income of $24.9 million in the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 0.4 percent from $24.8 million in the second quarter of 2021. Premium income decreased 2.2 percent to $179.4 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $183.5 million in the second quarter of 2021. Net investment income increased 42.3 percent to $50.8 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $35.7 million in the second quarter of 2021. Sales increased 8.2 percent to $35.8 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $33.1 million in the second quarter of 2021. For the second quarter of 2022, Unum International results were unfavorably impacted by fluctuations in the British pound sterling to U.S. dollar exchange rate relative to the second quarter of 2021.
The Unum UK line of business reported adjusted operating income, in local currency, of £19.3 million in the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 14.9 percent from £16.8 million in the second quarter of 2021. Premium income was £125.0 million in the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 8.6 percent from £115.1 million in the second quarter of 2021, due to in-force block growth. Net investment income was £39.2 million in the second quarter of 2022, an increase of 61.3 percent from £24.3 million in the second quarter of 2021, due primarily to higher investment income from inflation index-linked bonds. The benefit ratio in the second quarter of 2022 was 89.7 percent, compared to 82.5 percent in the second quarter of 2021, due to higher inflation-linked experience in benefits, lower claim terminations in the group long-term disability product line, and higher claim incidence in our group critical illness product line. Sales increased 20.3 percent to £25.5 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to £21.2 million in the second quarter of 2021. Persistency in the group long-term disability product line was 87.4 percent for the first half of 2022, compared to 89.4 percent for the first half of 2021. Persistency in the group life product line was 88.1 percent for the first half of 2022, compared to 84.3 percent for the first half of 2021. Persistency in the supplemental product line was 91.5 percent for the first half of 2022, compared to 89.2 percent for the first half of 2021.
Colonial Life Segment
Colonial Life reported a 5.5 percent increase in adjusted operating income to $101.1 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $95.8 million in the second quarter of 2021. Premium income increased 1.9 percent to $427.6 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $419.7 million in the second quarter of 2021, due to higher sales in prior periods and higher overall persistency. Net investment income decreased 7.0 percent to $38.7 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to the $41.6 million in the second quarter of 2021, due to lower miscellaneous investment income and a decline in the yield on invested assets, partially offset by an increase in the level of invested assets. The benefit ratio was 47.6 percent in the second quarter of 2022, compared to 51.7 percent in the second quarter of 2021, due primarily to favorable claim experience across all products.
Sales increased 6.4 percent to $118.2 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $111.1 million in the second quarter of 2021. Persistency in Colonial Life was 78.6 percent for the first half of 2022, compared to 78.3 percent for the first half of 2021.
Closed Block Segment
The Closed Block segment reported adjusted operating income of $79.3 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $111.2 million in the second quarter of 2021. Excluded from adjusted operating income for the second quarter of 2022 and 2021 is the amortization of the cost of reinsurance related to the Closed Block individual disability reinsurance transaction of $16.6 million and $19.7 million, respectively. Premium income for this segment decreased 4.5 percent to $238.0 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $249.1 million in the second quarter of 2021, due to policy terminations and maturities, partially offset by rate increases. Net investment income decreased 1.1 percent to $291.5 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $294.7 million in the second quarter of 2021, due to a decline in the yield on invested assets and lower miscellaneous investment income, partially offset by an increase in the level of invested assets.
The interest adjusted loss ratio for the long-term care line of business was 85.9 percent in the second quarter of 2022, compared to an interest adjusted loss ratio of 74.6 percent in the second quarter of 2021, driven by lower claim terminations. The interest adjusted loss ratio for long-term care for the rolling twelve months ended June 30, 2022, excluding the reserve increase of $2.1 million related to the assumption updates in the third quarter of 2021, was 78.3 percent which is below our long-term expected range. The interest adjusted loss ratio for the individual disability line of business was 79.5 percent in the second quarter of 2022, compared to 69.6 percent in the second quarter of 2021, due primarily to volatility as a result of the relatively small amount of business retained.
Corporate Segment
The Corporate segment reported an adjusted operating loss of $36.9 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to an adjusted operating loss of $48.5 million in the second quarter of 2021, which excludes the before-tax cost related to the early retirement of debt of $67.3 million and the before-tax impairment loss on the ROU asset of $13.9 million.
OTHER INFORMATION
Shares Outstanding
The Company's weighted average number of shares outstanding, assuming dilution, was 202.4 million for the second quarter of 2022, compared to 205.3 million for the second quarter of 2021. Shares outstanding totaled 200.2 million at June 30, 2022. During the second quarter of 2022, the final settlement of the accelerated share repurchase agreement executed in the first quarter of 2022 was completed with the delivery to us of approximately 0.4 million shares at a cost of $12.5 million. In addition, the Company repurchased approximately 1.4 million shares in open market transactions at a cost of approximately $44.9 million. For the first half of 2022, the Company has repurchased approximately 3.1 million shares at a cost of $94.9 million.
Capital Management
At June 30, 2022, the weighted average risk-based capital ratio for the Company's traditional U.S. insurance companies was approximately 415 percent, and the holding companies had available holding company liquidity of $1,177.0 million.
Book Value
Book value per common share as of June 30, 2022 was $48.47, compared to $53.57 at June 30, 2021. Book value per common share excluding AOCI as of June 30, 2022 was $57.32, compared to $52.49 at June 30, 2021.
Outlook
The Company expects positive operating trends in our core business during 2022, with solid premium growth and improving claim experience as impacts from COVID-19 lessen. The Company also anticipates an increase in after-tax adjusted operating income per share of 40 percent to 45 percent relative to full-year 2021, compared to its previous outlook of an increase of 15 percent to 20 percent. The increased expectation reflects the Company's strong first half performance and an improved outlook for the balance of 2022.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
We analyze our performance using non-GAAP financial measures. A non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance, financial position, or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measure of "after-tax adjusted operating income" differs from net income as presented in our consolidated operating results and income statements prepared in accordance with GAAP due to the exclusion of investment gains or losses and the amortization of the cost of reinsurance as well as certain other items as specified in the reconciliations in the Financial Highlights section below. Investment gains or losses primarily include realized investment gains or losses, expected investment credit losses, and gains or losses on derivatives. We believe after-tax adjusted operating income is a better performance measure and better indicator of the profitability and underlying trends in our business.
Investment gains or losses depend on market conditions and do not necessarily relate to decisions regarding the underlying business of our segments. Our investment focus is on investment income to support our insurance liabilities as opposed to the generation of investment gains or losses. Although we may experience investment gains or losses which will affect future earnings levels, a long-term focus is necessary to maintain profitability over the life of the business since our underlying business is long-term in nature, and we need to earn the interest rates assumed in calculating our liabilities.
We have exited a substantial portion of our Closed Block individual disability product line through the two phases of the reinsurance transaction that were executed in December 2020 and March 2021, respectively. As a result, we exclude the amortization of the cost of reinsurance that was recognized upon the exit of the business related to the ceded reserves for the cohort of policies on claim status. We believe that the exclusion of the amortization of the cost of reinsurance provides a better view of our results from our ongoing businesses.
We may at other times exclude certain other items from our discussion of financial ratios and metrics in order to enhance the understanding and comparability of our operational performance and the underlying fundamentals, but this exclusion is not an indication that similar items may not recur and does not replace net income or net loss as a measure of our overall profitability.
CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION
Members of Unum Group senior management will host a conference call on Wednesday, August 3, at 8:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss the results of operations for the second quarter. Topics may include forward-looking information, such as the Company's outlook on future results, trends in operations, and other material information.
The dial-in number for the conference call is 1-844-200-6205 for callers in the U.S. (access code 573667). For callers in Canada the dial-in is 1-833-950-0062 (access code 573667). For all other callers, the dial-in number is 1-929-526-1599 (access code 573667). A live webcast of the call will also be available at www.investors.unum.com in a listen-only mode. It is recommended that webcast viewers access the Investors section of the Company's website and opt-in to the webcast approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A replay of the webcast will be available on the Company's website, and will be available through Wednesday, August 10 by dialing 1-866-813-9403 (U.S.), 1-226-828-7578 (Canada), 0204-525-0658 (U.K. local), or +44-204-525-0658 (All Other Locations) - access code 951720.
In conjunction with today's earnings announcement, the Company's Statistical Supplement for the second quarter of 2022 is available on the Investors section of the Company's website.
ABOUT UNUM GROUP
Unum Group (www.unum.com) an international provider of workplace benefits and services, has been helping workers and their families for more than 170 years. Through its Unum and Colonial Life brands, the company offers disability, life, accident, critical illness, dental, vision and stop-loss insurance; leave and absence management support and behavioral health services. In 2021, Unum reported revenues of $12.0 billion and paid $8.2 billion in benefits. The Fortune 250 company is one of the 2022 World's Most Ethical Companies, recognized by Ethisphere®.
For more information, connect with us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/unumbenefits), Twitter (www.twitter.com/unumnews) and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/unum).
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
Certain information in this news release constitutes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are those not based on historical information, but rather relate to our outlook, future operations, strategies, financial results, or other developments and speak only as of the date made. These forward-looking statements, including statements about anticipated growth in after-tax adjusted operating income per share, are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. The following factors, in addition to other factors mentioned from time to time, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements: (1) the impact of COVID-19 on our business, financial position, results of operations, liquidity and capital resources, and overall business operations; (2) sustained periods of low interest rates; (3) fluctuation in insurance reserve liabilities and claim payments due to changes in claim incidence, recovery rates, mortality and morbidity rates, and policy benefit offsets due to, among other factors, the rate of unemployment and consumer confidence, the emergence of new diseases, epidemics, or pandemics, new trends and developments in medical treatments, the effectiveness of our claims operational processes, and changes in governmental programs; (4) unfavorable economic or business conditions, both domestic and foreign, that may result in decreases in sales, premiums, or persistency, as well as unfavorable claims activity; (5) changes in, or interpretations or enforcement of laws and regulations; (6) our ability to hire and retain qualified employees; (7) a cyber attack or other security breach could result in the unauthorized acquisition of confidential data; (8) the failure of our business recovery and incident management processes to resume our business operations in the event of a natural catastrophe, cyber attack, or other event; (9) investment results, including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, defaults, changes in credit spreads, impairments, and the lack of appropriate investments in the market which can be acquired to match our liabilities; (10) increased competition from other insurers and financial services companies due to industry consolidation, new entrants to our markets, or other factors; (11) changes in our financial strength and credit ratings; (12) our ability to develop digital capabilities or execute on our technology systems upgrades or replacements; (13) actual experience in the broad array of our products that deviates from our assumptions used in pricing, underwriting, and reserving; (14) availability of reinsurance in the market and the ability of our reinsurers to meet their obligations to us; (15) ability to generate sufficient internal liquidity and/or obtain external financing; (16) damage to our reputation due to, among other factors, regulatory investigations, legal proceedings, external events, and/or inadequate or failed internal controls and procedures; (17) recoverability and/or realization of the carrying value of our intangible assets, long-lived assets, and deferred tax assets; (18) effectiveness of our risk management program; (19) contingencies and the level and results of litigation; (20) ineffectiveness of our derivatives hedging programs due to changes in the economic environment, counterparty risk, ratings downgrades, capital market volatility, changes in interest rates, and/or regulation; (21) fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates; and (22) our ability to meet environment, social, and governance standards and expectations of investors, regulators, customers, and other stakeholders.
For further discussion of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see Part 1, Item 1A "Risk Factors" of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. The forward-looking statements in this news release are being made as of the date of this news release, and we expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein, even if made available on our website or otherwise.
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SOURCE Unum Group
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/unum-group-reports-second-quarter-2022-results/
| 2022-08-02T22:04:28Z
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PARIS (AP) — McDonald’s France and related companies have agreed to pay over 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) to the French state to settle a case in which the fast-food giant was accused of years of tax evasion.
A Paris court approved the settlement Thursday, the French national financial prosecutor’s office said. McDonald’s said the settlement was the result of “productive discussions” with French tax authorities.
The decision means a tax fraud investigation targeting the company, opened after a legal complaint by unions in 2016, will be closed.
The prosecutor’s office said McDonald’s France, McDonald’s System of France, MCD Luxembourg Real Estate and other related companies agreed to pay a total of 1.24 billion euros ($1.29 billion) in fines, penalties and back taxes to settle the case after years of negotiations.
The company was accused of hiding French profits in lower-tax Luxembourg from 2009-2020, and reporting artificially low profits in France.
McDonald’s Corp. said in a statement that it had already paid 2.2 billion euros in taxes over that period. It did not comment on the accusations.
“The majority of the anticipated tax settlement has already been accrued for” and was reflected in the company’s last quarterly earnings, and the remainder will be reflected in its second-quarter results, the company said.
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https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/mcdonalds-to-pay-france-1-3-billion-in-tax-fraud-case/
| 2022-06-16T22:15:08Z
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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah Jazz face an unexpected search for a new coach.
Utah was prepared to enter next season with Quin Snyder at the helm until the head coach unexpectedly stepped down after eight seasons. The two sides had recently discussed an extension with Snyder, who still had two years left on his contract. They did not reach an agreement before Snyder decided to step away.
“We have spent the last few weeks talking, Quin and I, a lot about a lot of different things. And I think it’s pretty clear, we desperately wanted him to stay,” team CEO Danny Ainge said during a news conference Monday, a day after Snyder announced he is leaving. “And at the same time, I’ve walked away from coaching and I walked away from being a general manager after 18 years in Boston, and so I trust that Quin knows more what’s best for him and his family, much more than we do.”
Snyder went 372-264 with the Jazz, his winning percentage of .585 ranking as 18th-best among NBA coaches who have worked for at least that long. He’s one of only two coaches to have a winning record with the Jazz, Jerry Sloan being the other. The regular-season success under Snyder never translated to the playoffs. The Jazz were 21-30 in postseason games under him.
“It was time,” Snyder said. “Time for the Jazz to move forward. Time for me to move forward. It just made the most sense to me.”
Ainge will now undertake his third coaching search as an NBA executive.
He hired Doc Rivers and Brad Stevens during his 18-year tenure in the Celtics front office. Rivers led Boston to an NBA title in 2008 and returned to the NBA Finals in 2010. Stevens led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference finals three times in four seasons before succeeding Ainge in the front office.
“There’s a lot of names I know and I’m familiar with in the coaching world,” Ainge said. “This will be much different than the two previous and probably more thorough.”
Team owner Ryan Smith said there is no timetable for making a hire. The team is not feeling pressure to finish the search before the upcoming NBA draft.
“We’re going to take our time,” Smith said. “Got to get it right.”
Whoever succeeds Snyder will be Utah’s fourth head coach in 34 seasons. The Jazz have had just six head coaches since moving to Salt Lake City from New Orleans in 1979.
Smith’s ideal successor will be a coach capable of building on the foundation Snyder laid rather than doing a complete rebuild.
“There’s not really a playbook when it comes to this,” Smith said. “I’m super fortunate to be in an organization that Quin has helped build up. He’s left this organization a heck of a lot better than he found it. But more than that, he’s built a foundation that we can go build from.”
Though Ainge said he knows Snyder is “going to be coaching somewhere else in the near future, next year probably,” Snyder declined to say how soon he plans to take on another coaching job.
“That hasn’t been on my mind at all. Just been focused on this,” Snyder said. “I don’t know what I’m going to do next year as far as coaching next year or anything along those lines.”
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More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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| 2022-06-07T02:54:20Z
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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s secretary of state has no role in elections, but that could change if Republicans are able to flip the seat this year and pass a law that would empower the office with far more responsibilities.
All three GOP candidates competing for the nomination in Tuesday’s primary support the shift and echo former President Donald Trump’s false claims that fraud cost him the 2020 election.
If successful, the move would be a bold attempt to shift power to an office Republicans hope to control going into the 2024 presidential election and would represent a reversal from just six years ago when Republicans established the Wisconsin Elections Commission with bipartisan support. In 2020, Democrat Joe Biden won Wisconsin by about 21,000 votes in the presidential race.
“This is not about policy,” said David Becker, a former U.S. Justice Department attorney who heads the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation and Research. “It’s about election outcomes and only election outcomes.”
Once an under-the-radar contest overshadowed by campaigns for governor and state attorney general, races for secretary of state are drawing tremendous interest and money this year, driven largely by the 2020 election, when voting systems and processes came under attack by Trump and his supporters. There is no evidence of widespread fraud or manipulation of voting systems occurring in the 2020 election.
There are also primaries Tuesday in secretary of state races in Minnesota, Connecticut and Vermont. In Minnesota, the leading Republican candidate has called the 2020 election “rigged” and has faced criticism for a video attacking three prominent Jewish Democrats, including the current secretary of state, Democrat Steve Simon, who is seeking reelection.
Although the stakes are high, the Wisconsin primary for secretary of state has been mostly quietly. The incumbent, Democrat Doug La Follette, has barely been campaigning. In June, the 81-year-old, who was first elected to the position in 1974, opted to take a two-week trip to Africa.
La Follette has raised about $21,000, according to the most recent campaign finance reports. That’s not unusual because the office’s only duties are to sit on a state timber board and to verify certain travel documents.
La Follette has said he decided to run again to stop Republicans from meddling with elections, citing Trump’s call to Georgia’s secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, after the 2020 election asking him to “find” enough votes to overturn Biden’s win in the state. La Follette’s primary opponent, Dane County Democratic Party Executive Board Chair Alexia Sabor, has raised about $24,000.
The Republican candidates argue that dismantling the elections commission and empowering the secretary of state to oversee elections would allow voters to hold someone accountable for important election-related decisions. They have all sharply criticized decisions made by the commission heading into the 2020 election, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought major challenges to running elections.
To accomplish their goal, Republicans also would need to defeat Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who would block such a move, in November.
The leading fundraiser among the GOP secretary of state candidates is state Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, who has reported about $94,000 in contributions. The other two Republicans are businessman Jay Schroeder and Justin Schmidtka, who hosts a political podcast. Also on the ballot is Libertarian candidate Neil Harmon.
In Minnesota, the leading Republican candidate for secretary of state, Kim Crockett, has called the 2020 election a “train wreck” and accused state election officials of using the pandemic as “cover to change how we vote, but also how the vote is counted.”
While Crockett does not typically claim in public that the election was stolen from Trump, she has associated with those who do and has campaigned at events with them.
At the state party convention in May, in which Crockett was endorsed by convention delegates, she showed a video depicting billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros as a puppet master, pulling the strings of Simon, the current secretary of state, and prominent election lawyer Marc Elias, with a caption that said, “Let’s wreck elections forever and ever and ever.”
All three men are Jewish. The GOP state chairman soon apologized, claiming Crockett did not intend for it to be anti-Semitic. Crockett did not apologize, and a day after the chairman’s apology, sent a fundraising letter with the title “Media smears and communist tears” and claiming she was the victim of “contrived and bogus political attacks.”
In their respective primaries, Crockett and Simon face lesser-known opponents — Republican Erik van Mechelen and Democrat Steve Carlson.
Races in Connecticut and Vermont have drawn a lot of interest after two longtime Democratic secretaries of state said they would not seek reelection.
Much of the debate in both the Democratic and Republican primaries in Connecticut has centered on voter ID requirements. A voter in Connecticut can sign an affidavit instead of presenting an ID, and there are multiple forms of ID that are accepted, including a bank statement or current utility bill.
Republican candidate Dominic Rapini, who is a former board chairman of a group called Fight Voter Fraud Inc., has called for tightening ID requirements and cleaning the state’s voter rolls. While Rapini says he is suspicious about voter fraud in Connecticut and believes reforms are necessary, he hasn’t echoed Trump’s claim that the 2020 election was stolen.
Rapini faces state Rep. Terrie Wood, R-Darien, who has also called for tighter voter ID rules and cleaning voter lists.
On the Democratic side, both candidates oppose the GOP proposals on voter ID. State Rep. Stephanie Thomas of Norwalk, who won the party’s endorsement at the state convention this spring, faces Maritza Bond, health director for the city of New Haven.
In Vermont, the Democratic primary has drawn the most attention. For the first time since 2010, Secretary of State Jim Condos, a Democrat, will not be on the ballot after announcing plans to retire.
All three Democratic candidates in Tuesday’s primary promise to continue efforts to make elections in the state as accessible and secure as possible. Last year, the Legislature passed a law that requires general election ballots be mailed to all registered voters, although people can still opt to vote in person on Election Day.
The candidates are Deputy Secretary of State Chris Winters, who has worked in the office for 25 years; state Rep. Sarah Copeland Hanzas, who co-sponsored last year’s voting law; and Montpelier City Clerk John Odum, who has overseen elections in Vermont’s capital city for the past decade.
A perennial candidate for office, H. Brooke Paige, is the lone person running in the GOP primary. He also appears on the ballot for three other statewide offices.
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Cassidy reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis, Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut, and Wilson Ring in Montpelier, Vermont, contributed to this report.
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https://cw33.com/news/politics/ap-politics/gop-seeking-power-over-elections-in-wisconsin-minnesota/
| 2022-08-07T19:03:24Z
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ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomberg Law today announced the availability of new resources focusing on abortion law consisting of an In Focus page, Practical Guidance and a webinar to be held on September 15, 2022. For more information and to register for "The Post-Dobbs World: Employment and Benefits Considerations Moving Forward," visit http://onb-law.com/XHAr50Kpog2.
U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which permits states to allow, regulate, or ban abortion, has sparked a flurry of legislation and litigation nationwide. The uncertainty surrounding state laws restricting abortion has introduced uncertainty and numerous questions for lawyers and their clients.
Bloomberg Law's new In Focus page and accompanying Practical Guidance Toolkit compile the resources that practitioners need to monitor federal and state developments and understand the legal implications arising from the Dobbs ruling.
The new pages include news and legal research materials on a range of topics, including health, employee benefits, employment, and privacy, and are designed to make it easy for lawyers to keep current on the evolving legal landscape and keep their clients compliant. As a central place for users to find content on abortion laws, these pages include:
- An In Focus page that improves the findability and discoverability of BLAW's most relevant research content and tools.
- An interactive map and curated searches that make it easier for users to track fast-moving developments.
- Integration of state-specific resources to help users identify multiple legal issues affecting individuals, employers, and health-care providers.
- A Toolkit that delivers essential task-focused practical content, including Practical Guidance and Chart Builders.
Bloomberg Law's September 15 webinar will help in-house and external counsel advise their organizations and clients on legal factors that must be considered post-Dobbs with a panel of experts who will discuss recent legal developments and questions of state and federal law on abortion in an employment and benefits context. They will offer practical tips to stay compliant and avoid civil and criminal liability.
"Bloomberg Law has received many requests for Dobbs-related content and we're proud that these new pages deliver that content in a clear, user-friendly way," said Alex Butler, vice president of content and analysis, Bloomberg Law. "From our new interactive abortion laws U.S. map to curated news, state bill, legislative, and docket searches, to a Toolkit providing overviews, checklists, sample forms, these resources will help in-house counsel and law firm attorneys spot issues and stay compliant."
About Bloomberg Law
Bloomberg Law combines the latest in legal technology with workflow tools, comprehensive primary and secondary sources, trusted news, expert analysis, and business intelligence. Our deep expertise and commitment to innovation provide a competitive edge to help improve attorney productivity and efficiency. Bloomberg Law is the only legal research provider to include continuous enhancements to its platform at no cost to existing subscribers. For more information, visit Bloomberg Law.
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| 2022-08-23T15:12:51Z
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NEWARK, N.J., Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- HarbourView Equity Partners (HarbourView), the global alternative asset management company founded by Sherrese Clarke Soares, has acquired Big Loud Mountain Music's publisher share of select songs from country music duo Florida Georgia Line's catalog.
Big Loud Mountain Music, an independent publishing, management, and production company located in Nashville is credited as a key player in helping to successfully launch Florida Georgia Line's career.
Big Loud Mountain Music currently has Chris Lane, Madison Kozak, Ernest Keith Smith, Sean Stemaly, Griffen Palmer, Tiera, John Byron, Jacob Durrett, Mark Holman, Mark Trussell, Rocky Block, Jordan Dozzi, Jake Worthington, Grady Block, Lauren Watkins, and Ashley Cooke signed to their roster.
Country duo Florida Georgia Line, formed in 2010 by Florida-native Brian Kelley and Georgia-native Tyler Hubbard, has more than left its mark on the American Country music space. With hit songs like "Meant To Be," "You're Country," and "Simple," the GRAMMY-nominated pair has sold over 26 million tracks and 3.5 million albums. Creating emotional songs which perfectly combine modern and traditional country styles, Florida Georgia Line received RIAA's Diamond certification to celebrate 10 million sold copies of hit "Cruise" and additionally held the longest spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for 50 straight weeks.
Among Florida Georgia Line's numerous ACM, AMA, Billboard, and CMT Music Award accolades and nominations include the Billboard Music Award for Top Country Song, ACM Award for Duo of the Year, and Billboard Music Award for Top Country Artist, to name a few. Building upon their impressive repertoire, Kelley and Hubbard launched music label Round Here Records in 2019, home to country artists such as Canaan Smith and RaeLynn.
HarbourView Equity Partners has been extremely active since launching just nine months ago, acquiring nearly 40 catalogs to date. The firm's distinctly diverse portfolio features thousands of titles spanning numerous genres and decades. Most recently the company acquired the catalogs of Brad Paisley, Lady A, Hollywood Undead, Dre & Vidal, and Luis Fonsi.
Focused on investment opportunities in the media and entertainment space, HarbourView combines decades of industry experience and investing expertise, supported by an experienced team to present a fresh take on investment management, built on intellectual curiosity.
The company strives to be the standard for excellence and integrity in investing in assets and companies driven by premier intellectual property, with expertise in and around esoteric asset classes, including in music, film, TV, and sports.
Alter, Kendrick & Baron, LLP served as legal counsel to HarbourView in this transaction.
Big Loud Mountain Music was represented by Derek Crownover, Megan Pekar and John Rolfe of Loeb & Loeb LLP.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
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About HarbourView Equity Partners
HarbourView is a global investment firm focused on niche markets and esoteric investment opportunities that aim to build enduring value and returns. The company is headquartered in Newark, NJ.
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| 2022-09-13T15:43:29Z
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Is the American Dream Dead? Millions Priced Out of Homeownership
Between skyrocketing mortgage interest rates, record-high home prices, and a limited housing supply, millions are being priced out of the American Dream. For the first time, the majority of Americans do not believe that buying a house is a wise decision.
The country has never been more pessimistic about homeownership, with only 30% of survey respondents to a recent Gallup poll saying that now was a good time to buy a house. That is down 23 points from a year ago and the lowest on record. Perhaps more significantly, it is the first time since the poll began in 1978 that most Americans agreed that it is a bad time to buy a house.
While there are many factors at play, three major themes appear to be driving a home affordability crisis that has left most of the nation increasingly bearish about their ability to participate in the American Dream.
Rising Interest Rates
As home prices began to creep up after the initial panic of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, interest rates set new lows seemingly every month. With the new normal of working from home and the increased time spent in the house, Americans began searching for housing that met their pandemic-era needs.
These trends set off a wave of home buying. Low inventory and high demand forced prices higher, but falling mortgage rates kept affordability somewhat in check.
However, in the span of a few short months, interest rates have shot up more than 75%. Mortgage rates that were hovering around 3% at the beginning of the year spiked more than two percentage points to around 5.25% in just a few short months, driving up monthly mortgage payments by an astonishing 30%.
“The housing market is starting to feel the impact of sharply rising mortgage rates and higher inflation taking a hit on purchasing power,” said Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors. “Still, homes are selling rapidly, and home price gains remain in the double digits.”
To put it into perspective, a borrower with a $400,000 mortgage had a $1,686 principal and interest payment in December. That same mortgage payment is now more than $2,200, a difference of more than $500 a month. These increased payments put a massive burden on potential home buyers.
Assuming a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%, they would have to earn an additional $1,000 per month or more above what they made at the end of 2021 to afford the same mortgage today. With home prices still on the rise, the calculus of housing affordability only looks worse.
Inflation
What was initially considered transient inflation - the temporary aftershocks of the post-pandemic economic recovery - has settled into the highest year-over-year inflation rates in four decades. According to the latest release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices rose 8.5% from March 2021 to March 2022.
Prices related to home construction have risen even faster than the overall consumer price index, with construction materials alone up 31.3% since January 2020.
It’s not just materials that have risen, either. Demand for construction labor and services has driven prices up even further. According to Emily from Emergency Plumbing on Call, the cost for all trades involved in home construction has risen astronomically from pre-pandemic levels.
“Whether it’s framing, plumbing, electrical, or one of the many other trades that provide necessary inputs to build a house, we’ve seen demand for labor outpace the ability to hire qualified tradespeople, pushing up prices across the board.”
Expectation of Rising Prices
Even as home affordability continues to get further out of reach, most Americans expect prices to continue to rise over the next year. 70% of Gallup survey respondents believed that average local housing prices would increase, about the same as a year ago.
According to the Case-Shiller National Home Price Index, home prices are already up 34% from the start of the pandemic. While most housing analysts believe the double-digit pace of annual price increases will slow, they still expect mid-single-digit gains in home prices for 2022.
Low inventory remains a contributing factor to the increasing prices even with the headwinds of rising interest rates. Total housing inventory is down 9.5% from a year ago, according to a report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which equates to a 2-month supply. On average, a balanced housing market has about a 6-month supply. “Home prices have consistently moved upward as supply remains tight,” said Yun.
The Bottom Line
The trifecta of inflation, soaring mortgage interest rates, and record-high home prices have deepened the home affordability crisis and caused millions of people to abandon the American Dream, at least for now. How long home prices can continue to rise is anyone’s guess, but for now, most Americans are sitting on the sidelines, waiting and hoping for the tide to turn.
This post was produced by Wealthy Nickel and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kxii.com/2022/05/18/is-american-dream-dead-millions-priced-out-homeownership/
| 2022-05-18T19:46:57Z
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BEIJING, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Weibo Corporation ("Weibo" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: WB and HKEX: 9898), a leading social media in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for first quarter ended March 31, 2022.
"We delivered a solid start to 2022," said Gaofei Wang, CEO of Weibo. "In the first quarter, our user base and traffic continued to grow nicely with disciplined marketing spending, which demonstrated our core value in public conversation and enriched content ecosystem. On monetization, Weibo has delivered a relatively resilient performance of advertising business in the first quarter, despite disruptions from COVID-19 resurgence in China."
First Quarter 2022 Highlights
- Net revenues were $484.6 million, an increase of 6% year-over-year or an increase of 3% year-over-year on a constant currency basis[1].
- Advertising and marketing revenues were $427.1 million, an increase of 10% year-over-year.
- Value-added service ("VAS") revenues were $57.5 million, a decrease of 17% year-over-year.
- Income from operations was $102.8 million, representing an operating margin of 21%.
- Net loss attributable to Weibo was $67.5 million and diluted net loss per share was $0.29.
- Non-GAAP income from operations was $141.7 million, representing a non-GAAP operating margin of 29%.
- Non-GAAP net income attributable to Weibo was $132.9 million and non-GAAP diluted net income per share was $0.56.
- Monthly active users ("MAUs") were 582 million in March 2022, a net addition of approximately 51 million users on a year-over-year basis. Mobile MAUs represented 95% of MAUs.
- Average daily active users ("DAUs") were 252 million in March 2022, a net addition of approximately 22 million users on a year-over-year basis.
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results
For the first quarter of 2022, Weibo's total net revenues were $484.6 million, an increase of 6% compared to $458.9 million for the same period last year.
Advertising and marketing revenues for the first quarter of 2022 were $427.1 million, an increase of 10% compared to $390.0 million for the same period last year. Advertising and marketing revenues excluding ad revenues from Alibaba were $401.2 million, an increase of 12% compared to $356.7 million for the same period last year, which represented a relatively resilient performance of our advertising business this quarter, despite macro uncertainties, and disruption from COVID-19 resurgence and subsequent restrictions and lockdowns in major areas of China since mid-March.
VAS revenues for the first quarter of 2022 were $57.5 million, a decrease of 17% year-over-year compared to $68.9 million for the same period last year. The decrease of VAS revenues was mainly due to less revenue contribution from membership service and decrease of live streaming revenues.
Costs and expenses for the first quarter of 2022 totaled $381.8 million, an increase of 9% compared to $350.3 million for the same period last year. The increase was primarily attributable to (i) higher personnel related costs; (ii) increases in content costs primarily associated with the Winter Olympic Games; and (iii) recognition of cultural business construction fee with the lapse of exemption policy in 2022. The increase was primarily offset by a decrease of sales and marketing expenses, with disciplined channel investments and reduced offline events.
Income from operations for the first quarter of 2022 was $102.8 million, compared to $108.6 million for the same period last year. Operating margin was 21%, compared to 24% last year. Non-GAAP income from operations was $141.7 million, compared to $137.5 million for the same period last year. Non-GAAP operating margin was 29%, compared to 30% last year.
Non-operating loss for the first quarter of 2022 was $163.5 million, compared to a loss of $44.7 million for the same period last year. Non-operating loss for the first quarter of 2022 mainly included (i) a $163.7 million net loss from fair value change of investments, primarily resulted from net loss from fair value change of investments in Didi Global Inc. (NYSE: DIDI) and INMYSHOW Digital Technology (Group) Co., Ltd. (SHH: 600556), which was excluded under non-GAAP measures; (ii) a $14.2 million investment related impairment, which was excluded under non-GAAP measures; and (iii) a $14.4 million net interest and other income.
Income tax expense were $11.7 million, compared to $14.9 million for the same period last year.
Net loss attributable to Weibo for the first quarter of 2022 was $67.5 million, compared to an income of $49.8 million for the same period last year. Diluted net loss per share attributable to Weibo for the first quarter of 2022 was $0.29, compared to a diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo of $0.22 for the same period last year. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Weibo for the first quarter of 2022 was $132.9 million, compared to $130.7 million for the same period last year. Non-GAAP diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo for the first quarter of 2022 was $0.56, compared to $0.57 for the same period last year.
As of March 31, 2022, Weibo's cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $3.3 billion. For the first quarter of 2022, cash provided by operating activities was $248.6 million, capital expenditures totaled $8.5 million, and depreciation and amortization expenses amounted to $15.0 million.
Conference Call
Weibo's management team will host a conference call from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM Eastern Time on June 1, 2022 (or 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Beijing Time on June 1, 2022) to present an overview of the Company's financial performance and business operations.
Please register in advance of the conference call using the link provided below. Upon registering, you will be provided with dial-in numbers, passcode and unique registrant ID by email. To join the conference, please use the conference access information provided in the email received at the point of registering.
PRE-REGISTER LINK: http://apac.directeventreg.com/registration/event/3399110
Additionally, a live webcast of the call will be available through the Company's corporate website at http://ir.weibo.com.
A telephone replay will be available from 22:00 China Standard Time on June 1, 2022 to 21:59 China Standard Time on June 9, 2022. To access the recording, please use the following dial-in information listed below:
United States: +1 855 452 5696
Hong Kong: 800 963 117
Mainland China: 400 820 9035
International: +61 2 8199 0299
Replay PIN: 3399110
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This release contains the following non-GAAP financial measures: non-GAAP income from operations, non-GAAP net income attributable to Weibo's shareholders, non-GAAP diluted net income per share attributable to Weibo's shareholders and adjusted EBITDA. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, measures of the Company's financial performance prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The Company's non-GAAP financial measures exclude stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions, non-cash compensation cost to non-controlling interest shareholders, net results of impairment on, gain/loss on sale of and fair value change of investments, non-GAAP to GAAP reconciling items on the share of equity method investments, non-GAAP to GAAP reconciling items for the income/loss attributable to non-controlling interests, income tax expense related to the amortization of intangible assets resulting from business acquisitions and fair value change of investments (other non-GAAP to GAAP reconciling items have no tax effect), and amortization of convertible debt and senior notes issuance cost. Adjusted EBITDA excludes interest income, net, income tax expenses, and depreciation expenses.
The Company's management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in their financial and operating decision-making, because management believes these measures reflect the Company's ongoing operating performance in a manner that allows more meaningful period-to-period comparisons. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in the following ways: (i) in comparing the Company's current financial results with the Company's past financial results in a consistent manner, and (ii) in understanding and evaluating the Company's current operating performance and future prospects in the same manner as management does, if they so choose. The Company also believes that the non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses, gains (losses) and other items (i) that are not expected to result in future cash payments or (ii) that are non-recurring in nature or may not be indicative of the Company's core operating results and business outlook.
Use of non-GAAP financial measures has limitations. The Company's non-GAAP financial measures do not include all income and expense items that affect the Company's operations. They may not be comparable to non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Accordingly, care should be exercised in understanding how the Company defines its non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations of the Company's non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest comparable GAAP measures are set forth in the section below titled "Unaudited Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Results."
About Weibo
Weibo is a leading social media for people to create, share and discover content online. Weibo combines the means of public self-expression in real time with a powerful platform for social interaction, content aggregation and content distribution. Any user can create and post a feed and attach multi-media and long-form content. User relationships on Weibo may be asymmetric; any user can follow any other user and add comments to a feed while reposting. This simple, asymmetric and distributed nature of Weibo allows an original feed to become a live viral conversation stream.
Weibo enables its advertising and marketing customers to promote their brands, products and services to users. Weibo offers a wide range of advertising and marketing solutions to companies of all sizes. The Company generates a substantial majority of its revenues from the sale of advertising and marketing services, including the sale of social display advertisement and promoted marketing offerings. Designed with a "mobile first" philosophy, Weibo displays content in a simple information feed format and offers native advertisement that conform to the information feed on our platform. To support the mobile format, we have developed and continuously refining our social interest graph recommendation engine, which enables our customers to perform people marketing and target audiences based on user demographics, social relationships, interests and behaviors, to achieve greater relevance, engagement and marketing effectiveness.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements that relate to, among other things, Weibo's expected financial performance and strategic and operational plans (as described, without limitation, in the "Business Outlook" section and in quotations from management in this press release. Weibo may also make forward-looking statements in the Company's periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Hong Kong Stock Exchange"), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology, such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "confidence," "estimates" and similar statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, Weibo's limited operating history in certain new businesses; failure to grow active user base and the level of user engagement; the uncertain regulatory landscape in China; fluctuations in the Company's quarterly operating results; the Company's reliance on advertising and marketing sales for a majority of its revenues; failure to successfully develop, introduce, drive adoption of or monetize new features and products; failure to compete effectively for advertising and marketing spending; failure to successfully integrate acquired businesses; risks associated with the Company's investments, including equity pick-up and impairment; failure to compete successfully against new entrants and established industry competitors; changes in the macro-economic environment, including the depreciation of the Renminbi; and adverse changes in economic and political policies of the PRC government and its impact on the Chinese economy. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Weibo's annual report on Form 20-Fs and other filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date hereof, and Weibo assumes no obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
Contact:
Investor Relations
Weibo Corporation
Phone: +86 10 5898-3336
Email: ir@staff.weibo.com
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SOURCE Weibo Corporation
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https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/weibo-reports-first-quarter-2022-unaudited-financial-results/
| 2022-06-01T09:45:09Z
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HAMILTON, ON and BOSTON, June 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fusion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: FUSN), a clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing next-generation radiopharmaceuticals as precision medicines, today announced that the compensation committee of the Company's Board of Directors granted stock option awards to purchase an aggregate of 36,000 shares of its common stock to three employees outside Fusion's 2020 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. The stock options were granted as an inducement material to the individual becoming an employee of Fusion in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
The options have an exercise price of $3.67 per share, which is equal to the closing price of Fusion's common stock on June 6, 2022. Each option has a ten-year term and vests over four years, with 25% of the original number of shares vesting on the one-year anniversary of the grant date and then in equal installments for 36 months thereafter, subject to the employee's continued service with Fusion through the applicable vesting dates.
Fusion Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing next-generation radiopharmaceuticals as precision medicines. Fusion connects alpha particle emitting isotopes to various targeting molecules in order to selectively deliver the alpha emitting payloads to tumors. Fusion's lead program, FPI-1434 targeting insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor, is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial. The pipeline includes FPI-1966, targeting the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), advancing to a Phase 1 study following the recent investigational new drug (IND) clearance; and FPI-2059, a small molecule targeting neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1). In addition to a robust proprietary pipeline, Fusion has a collaboration with AstraZeneca to jointly develop novel targeted alpha therapies (TATs) and combination programs between Fusion's TATs and AstraZeneca's DNA Damage Repair Inhibitors (DDRis) and immuno-oncology agents. Fusion has also entered into a collaboration with Merck to evaluate FPI-1434 in combination with Merck's KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in patients with solid tumors expressing IGF-1R. Fusion and Hamilton, Ontario-based McMaster University are building a current Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facility designed to support manufacturing of the Company's growing pipeline of TATs.
For further information: Amanda Cray, Senior Director of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, 617-967-0207, cray@fusionpharma.com
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/08/fusion-pharmaceuticals-announces-inducement-grants-under-nasdaq-listing-rule-5635c4/
| 2022-06-08T21:19:39Z
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SHREVEPORT, La., Sept. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP) portfolio company Oleolive, Inc. has been awarded a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase 1 $400,000 research grant from the National Cancer Institute for "Chemosensitization of Glioblastoma by Propentofylline." Drs. Nhan Tran and Joseph Loftus, investigators at Mayo Clinic and experts in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), collaborated with Oleolive on the proposal.
Propentofylline (PPF) was originally tested in multiple clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease but, although shown to be safe and effective, was not brought to the commercial market. PPF is considered a repurposed drug, defined as a drug developed for one indication and repositioned to treat another, in this case GBM. Repurposed drugs require less money and time for development and overall costs much less compared to research and development of new drugs.
GBM is a brain cancer with no effective therapeutics that claims the lives of over 15,000 Americans each year. GBM has poor clinical outcomes due to therapy-resistant tumor cells leading to recurrence; therefore, therapeutic strategies that enhance tumor cell chemosensitivity are essential for improved patient outcomes. This project will evaluate if PPF increases sensitization of GBM tumor cells to chemotherapy. This research could lead to a therapeutic strategy to extend survival for GBM patients beyond the current average of 1.25 years.
Oleolive, Inc. is a preclinical private biotechnology company founded in 2017, located in Shreveport, Louisiana. The company is developing therapeutics to treat a variety of human indications, including brain cancer, Alzheimer's disease, fibrosis, and traumatic blood loss in austere environments. The company has received more than $5M in STTRs and small business innovation research (SBIR) grant awards from multiple funding sources including the National Institute on Aging, the National Cancer Institute, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the Department of Defense. Oleolive also manufactures the dietary ingredient Oligen which contains compounds from Extra Virgin Olive Oil that promote healthy aging.
To learn more about Oleolive, Inc. please visit our website www.oleo.live, or contact kiley@oleo.live with inquiries.
Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R41CA268286. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/08/entrepreneurial-accelerator-program-eap-portfolio-company-receives-400000-research-grant-national-cancer-institute-study-repurposed-drug-treatment-glioblastoma/
| 2022-09-08T19:46:06Z
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NEW YORK, July 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mason Tenders' District Council Welfare Fund, Annuity Fund and Pension Fund (collectively the "Funds") recently discovered an incident that may have impacted the privacy of information related to certain individuals who participate in and receive benefits from the Funds. While the Funds are unaware of any actual or attempted misuse of information in relation to the incident, they are providing potentially affected individuals with information about the incident and steps individuals may take to help protect their personal information should they feel it is necessary to do so.
On April 17, 2022, the Funds became aware of suspicious activity related to certain of the Funds' computer systems.The Funds immediately launched an investigation, with the assistance of third-party forensic specialists, to determine the nature and scope of the activity. The Funds' investigation determined that there was unauthorized access to certain of the Funds' computer systems between December 2, 2021 to April 18, 2022. While on the network, the unauthorized actor had the ability to access certain directories stored therein. Therefore, the Funds undertook a comprehensive review of the contents of the directories to determine what, if any, sensitive information was contained within them and to whom the information related. On June 14, 2022, the Funds' review determined that the directories contained certain information related to some of the individuals who participate in and receive benefits from the Funds.
The Funds determined that the information impacted by this event varied by individual but may include certain individuals' names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, medical information, and health insurance information.
The Funds are mailing notice letters to individuals whose protected information was contained in the affected directories and may have been accessible to an unauthorized party, to the extent the Funds have valid mailing addresses for those individuals. Interested individuals can find additional information about the event at https://member.mtdctrustfunds.org. You may also write to the Funds at 520 Eighth Avenue, Suite 600, New York, NY 10018-4196.
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SOURCE Mason Tenders’ District Council Welfare Fund, Annuity Fund and Pension Fund
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https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/07/07/mason-tenders-district-council-welfare-fund-annuity-fund-pension-fund-provide-notice-data-event/
| 2022-07-07T21:49:59Z
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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Fire managers across the Southwest are reckoning with strong winds that forecasters say could lead to explosive growth in wildfires this week. Hundreds of people were evacuated in numerous blazes that have scorched structures and signaled an early start to the fire season.
A wildfire on the outskirts of Flagstaff continued its run Wednesday though dry grass and scattered Ponderosa pines around homes into volcanic cinder fields, where roots underground can combust and send small rocks flying into the air, fire officials said. Aircraft was grounded for a second day due to high winds, and a major northern Arizona highway remained closed as smoke shrouded the air.
Winds are expected to ramp up Thursday after easing up a bit Wednesday. Friday has a chance of precipitation but even stronger winds followed by a dry forecast into next week, said Brian Klimowski of the National Weather Service.
“Folks, we have entered our fire season,” he said. “It’s going to be a long one this year.”
Resources are tight around the Southwest as multiple wildfires burn. Four of the 16 top-level national fire management teams are dedicated to blazes in Arizona and New Mexico — something fire information officer Dick Fleishman said is rare this early in the season.
At a community meeting in Flagstaff, residents questioned how a small blaze reported northeast of the city Sunday afternoon ballooned to more than 30 square miles (77 square kilometers) by Wednesday afternoon. Matt McGrath, a district ranger on the Coconino National Forest, said firefighters had corralled the wildfire Sunday and didn’t see any smoke or active flames when they checked on it again Monday.
By Tuesday, the wind was firmly in control. Flames emerged and jumped the containment line, leaving firefighters and McGrath to ask themselves if they could have done something differently, he said.
“I can’t tell you for sure, but I don’t think so,” McGrath said. “And I know that’s not a satisfying answer with everything you’re going through right now.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Firefighters have yet to corral any part of it.
Hundreds of people have been evacuated in Arizona and New Mexico because of wildfires.
“This is a heads-up for everywhere else in the state,” said Fleishman. “If you have dry grass up next to your house, it’s time to get that cleaned up.”
In New Mexico, the Mora County Sheriff’s Office expanded evacuation orders as winds fueled a 14 square-mile (36 square-kilometer) blaze. A new fire emerged Wednesday in a wooded area along the Rio Grande south of Albuquerque.
In Colorado, new wildfires prompted evacuations in Monte Vista, a city of about 4,150 people in the southern part of the state, and near Longmont. An undetermined number of structures burned but no one was injured, authorities said.
“We struggled at times to stay in front of this fire and stay out of the way of it because the winds and stuff were so strong,” said Monte Vista Police Chief George Dingfelder.
The number of acres burned in the U.S. so far this year is about 30% above the 10-year average — a figure that has gone up from 20% just earlier this month as the fire danger shifted from the southern U.S. to the Southwest. Above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation have combined with spring winds to elevate the risk of catastrophic fires.
On the outskirts of Flagstaff where tourists and locals revel in hiking and horseback riding trails, camping spots, and the vast expanse of cinder fields for off-road vehicle use, flames soared as high as 100 feet (30 meters) at times. Popular national monuments including Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki were closed because of the wildfire.
“It’s just a unique community and we’re fortunate to live here,” said Jon Stoner, who evacuated his home Tuesday. “We feel very lucky with the views we have and the surrounding forest.”
About 200 residents attended the community meeting Wednesday in Flagstaff at a middle school that’s also being used as a shelter. Some lost their homes — part of the estimated 25 structures that have been lost — and were worried about finding temporary housing in a city where rental prices have exploded in recent years. One woman who was evacuated from the forest where she was camping wondered when she might be able to retrieve her things.
Coconino County officials pointed residents to a system set up to offer assistance. Sheriff Jim Driscoll couldn’t say when residents might be allowed back home. Some 765 homes were evacuated.
“There’s still active firefighting going on in those areas, and we need to have it safe for you to go in,” he said.
U.S. 89, the main route between Flagstaff and far northern Arizona, and communities on the Navajo Nation, remained closed.
Other residents asked when the U.S. Forest Service would begin restricting campfires or closing the forest to all visitors. McGrath said banning campfires isn’t a silver bullet but ensured the audience that the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies already are talking about when to enact restrictions.
Lisa Wells is among the residents whose home was burned. She said she saw a puff of smoke outside her window Tuesday. Before long, the smoke blackened, the wind gained strength and entire trees were being consumed by flames.
In what felt like seconds, her family moved from being ready to go to fleeing. Wells grabbed medication, and the family got themselves, their alpacas, horses and dogs to safety, but left some animals behind.
“It was a miracle that people got out because we had so little time,” Wells said.
Birds, goats and chickens they left behind didn’t survive the fire. The family now is staying at a hotel where their dogs also are welcome.
Elsewhere in Arizona, a wildfire burned 2.5 square miles (6.5 square kilometers) of brush and timber in the forest about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Prescott. Several small communities that included summer homes and hunting cabins were evacuated.
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Associated Press writer Paul Davenport in Phoenix, Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada, contributed to this report.
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https://cw33.com/news/u-s-news/ap-u-s-headlines/wall-of-fire-forces-evacuations-near-arizona-tourist-town/
| 2022-04-21T04:21:31Z
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Measuring the expansion rate of the universe was one of the Hubble Space Telescope's main goals when it was launched in 1990.
Over the past 30 years, the space observatory has helped scientists discover and refine that accelerating rate -- as well as uncover a mysterious wrinkle that only brand-new physics may solve.
Hubble has observed more than 40 galaxies that include pulsating stars as well as exploding stars called supernovae to measure even greater cosmic distances. Both of these phenomena help astronomers to mark astronomical distances like mile markers, which have pointed to the expansion rate.
In the quest to understand how quickly our universe expands, astronomers already made one unexpected discovery in 1998: "dark energy." This phenomenon acts as a mysterious repulsive force that accelerates the expansion rate.
And there is another twist: an unexplained difference between the expansion rate of the local universe versus that of the distant universe right after the big bang.
Scientists don't understand the discrepancy, but acknowledge that it's weird and could require new physics.
"You are getting the most precise measure of the expansion rate for the universe from the gold standard of telescopes and cosmic mile markers," said Nobel Laureate Adam Riess at the Space Telescope Science Institute and a distinguished professor at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, in a statement.
"This is what the Hubble Space Telescope was built to do, using the best techniques we know to do it. This is likely Hubble's magnum opus, because it would take another 30 years of Hubble's life to even double this sample size."
Decades of observation
The telescope was named for pioneering astronomer Edwin Hubble, who discovered in the 1920s that distant clouds in the universe were actually galaxies. (He died in 1953.)
Hubble relied on the work of astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt's 1912 discovery of the periods of brightness in pulsating stars called Cepheid variables. Cepheids act like cosmic mile markers as they brighten and dim periodically within our galaxy and others.
Hubble's work led to the revelation that our galaxy was one of many, forever changing our perspective and place in the universe. The astronomer continued his work and discovered that distant galaxies appeared to be moving rapidly, suggesting that we live in an expanding universe that started with a big bang.
The detection of the universe's expansion rate helped lead to the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics, awarded to Saul Perlmutter, Brian P. Schmidt and Riess "for the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe through observations of distant supernovae."
Riess continues to lead SHOES, short for Supernova, H0, for the Equation of State of Dark Energy, a scientific collaboration investigating the universe's expansion rate. His team is publishing a paper in The Astrophysical Journal that provides the latest update on the Hubble constant, as the expansion rate is known.
An unresolved discrepancy
Measuring distant objects has created a "cosmic distance ladder" that can help scientists better estimate the age of the universe and understand its foundations.
Multiple teams of astronomers using the Hubble telescope have arrived at a Hubble constant value that equals 73 plus or minus 1 kilometer per second per megaparsec. (A megaparsec is one million parsecs, or 3.26 million light years.)
"The Hubble constant is a very special number. It can be used to thread a needle from the past to the present for an end-to-end test of our understanding of the universe. This took a phenomenal amount of detailed work," said Licia Verde, a cosmologist at the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies and the Institute of Cosmos Science at the University of Barcelona, in a statement.
But the actual predicted expansion rate of the universe is slower than what the Hubble telescope has observed, according to astronomers utilizing the standard cosmological model of the universe (a theory suggesting the components of the big bang) and measurements taken by the European Space Agency's Planck mission between 2009 and 2013.
Planck, another space observatory, was used to measure the cosmic microwave background, or the leftover radiation from the big bang 13.8 billion years ago.
Planck mission scientists arrived at a Hubble constant of 67.5 plus or minus 0.5 kilometers per second per megaparsec.
The James Webb Space Telescope, which launched in December, will be able to observe Hubble's mile markers in sharper resolution and at greater distances, which could contribute to understanding the discrepancy between the two numbers.
It makes for an exciting challenge to cosmologists who were once determined to measure the Hubble constant -- and now find themselves questioning what additional physics may help them unlock a new mystery about the universe.
"Actually, I don't care what the expansion value is specifically, but I like to use it to learn about the universe," Riess said.
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https://www.albanyherald.com/news/hubble-identifies-unusual-wrinkle-in-expansion-rate-of-the-universe/article_bd3b6005-8263-5822-875b-66e9d1b8f45a.html
| 2022-05-23T22:49:42Z
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Leading building materials distributor strengthens commitment to environmental sustainability
BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. , April 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- US LBM, a leading distributor of specialty building materials in the United States, joins the world today in marking the 52nd Earth Day by reaffirming its commitment to environmentally sustainable business practices.
"US LBM exists to build and improve communities, and we have an opportunity and responsibility as leader in the building materials industry to take actions today that protect our environment and foster a better tomorrow," said US LBM President and CEO L.T. Gibson.
Beyond selling and distributing a wide range of building products, such as windows, doors, insulation and roofing, that improve energy efficiency for customers, US LBM has undertaken multiple efforts that both optimize the company's day-to-day operations and strengthen its environmental sustainability, including:
- Working with suppliers engaged in certified sustainable forestry practices.
- Reducing emissions and fuel consumption across the company's distribution fleet through the use of route planning technology that optimizes delivery routes and minimizes travel time. To date, this technology has been incorporated into nearly 500 vehicles in US LBM's fleet and continues to be deployed at the company's operating divisions, including to the more than 1,400 vehicles the company added through acquisitions in 2021.
- Improving efficiency at the company's building materials distribution yards and manufacturing locations by executing more than 300 continuous improvement projects over the past six years, many of which are focused on the optimization of material flow through the reduction of onsite transportation and motion at facilities, leading to reduced fuel use and emissions of vehicles and equipment, such as trucks, vans and forklifts.
- Minimizing wood waste at all of US LBM's building component manufacturing locations, which produce wood products such as wall panels, floor and roof trusses, via the use of sophisticated design technology that increases efficiency and reduces the number of cuts made to wood to the absolute minimum.
"Continuous improvement is a core value of US LBM, and we have several additional initiatives underway to expand our sustainability efforts and further our commitment," said Gibson. US LBM has partnered with a leading climate accounting platform to help advance the company's sustainability strategy and establish greenhouse gas reduction targets, and recently joined the United Nations Global Compact.
The UN Global Compact is a voluntary initiative in which companies commit to aligning their business strategies and operations with 10 universal principles related to human rights, labor, anti-corruption and the environment. Currently more than 15,000 companies worldwide have joined the UN Global Compact; US LBM is the first full line building products distributor in the US to participate.
"The principles outlined by the UN Global Compact have been embedded in our company and culture since day one," said Gibson. "As a vital link in our nation's construction and infrastructure supply chain, we're proud to join with so many like-minded companies and contribute to the broader goals outlined by the Global Compact, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals to benefit our environment."
US LBM is the largest privately owned full-line distributor of specialty building materials in the United States. Offering a comprehensive portfolio of specialty products, including windows, doors, millwork, wallboard, roofing, siding, engineered components and cabinetry, US LBM combines the scale and operational advantages of a national platform with a local go-to-market strategy through its national network of locations across the country. For more information, please visit uslbm.com or follow US LBM on LinkedIn.
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https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/22/us-lbm-reaffirms-environmental-commitment-mark-earth-day-2022/
| 2022-04-22T17:56:13Z
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Panel: Hearing to show Trump’s Jan. 6 ‘dereliction of duty’
WASHINGTON (AP) — A House committee’s prime-time hearing Thursday will offer the most compelling evidence yet of then-President Donald Trump’s “dereliction of duty” on the day of the Jan. 6 insurrection, with new witnesses detailing his failure to stem an angry mob storming the Capitol, committee members said Sunday.
“This is going to open people’s eyes in a big way,” said Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., a member of the House committee investigating the riot who will help lead Thursday’s session with Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va. “The president didn’t do anything.”
After a year-long investigation, the House Jan. 6 panel is seeking to wrap up what may be its last hearing, even as its probe continues to heat up.
The committee says it continues to receive fresh evidence each day and isn’t ruling out additional hearings or interviews with a bevy of additional people close to the president. One such figure is Steve Bannon, whose trial begins this week on criminal contempt of Congress charges for refusing to comply with the House committee’s subpoena.
The committee also issued an extraordinary subpoena last week to the Secret Service to produce texts by Tuesday from Jan. 5 and Jan. 6, 2021, following conflicting reports about whether they were deleted.
But panel members say Thursday’s hearing will be the most specific to date in laying out and weaving together previously known details on how Trump’s actions were at odds with his constitutional legal duty to stop the Jan. 6 riot. Unlike members of the public who generally have no duty to take action to prevent a crime, the Constitution requires a president to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.”
“The commander in chief is the only person in the Constitution whose duty is explicitly laid out to ensure that the laws are faithfully executed,” Luria said. “I look at it as a dereliction of duty. (Trump) didn’t act. He had a duty to act.”
Thursday’s hearing will be the first in the prime-time slot since the June 9 debut that was viewed by an estimated 20 million people.
Luria said the hearing will highlight additional testimony from White House counsel Pat Cipollone and other witnesses, not yet seen before, “who will add a lot of value and information to the events of that critical time on January 6.” She cited Trump’s inaction that day for more than three hours, along with a tweet that afternoon criticizing Vice President Mike Pence for lacking courage to contest Democrat Joe Biden’s win in the 2020 presidential election that may have served to egg on the mob.
“We will go through pretty much minute by minute during that time frame, from the time he left the stage at the Ellipse, came back to the White House, and really sat in the White House, in the dining room, with his advisers urging him continuously to take action, to take more action,” Luria said.
The hearing comes at a critical juncture point for the panel, which is racing to wrap up findings for a final report this fall. The committee had originally expected at this point to be concluding much of its investigation with a final hearing but is now considering possible options for additional interviews and hearings, panel members said.
“This investigation is very much ongoing,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif. “The fact that a series of hearings is going to be concluded this Thursday doesn’t mean that our investigation is over. It’s very active, new witnesses are coming forward, additional information is coming forward.”
For instance, the committee took a rare step last week in issuing a subpoena to the Secret Service, an executive branch department. That came after it received a closed briefing from the Homeland Security Department watchdog that the Secret Service had deleted texts from around Jan. 6, according to two people familiar with the matter.
The finding raised the startling prospect of lost evidence that could shed further light on Trump’s actions during the insurrection, particularly after earlier testimony about his confrontation with security as he tried to join supporters at the Capitol.
“That’s what we have to get to the bottom of,” said Luria, regarding possibly missing texts. “Where are these text messages? Can they be recovered? And we have subpoenaed them because they’re legal records that we need to see for the committee.”
Luria spoke on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Lofgren was on ABC’s “This Week,” and Kinzinger appeared on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”
___
Associated Press writer Will Weissert contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kxii.com/2022/07/17/panel-hearing-show-trump-dereliction-duty-jan-6/
| 2022-07-17T20:09:55Z
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PARSIPPANY, N.J., June 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mead Johnson today received confirmation of import approval by way of an enforcement discretion letter from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to import the equivalent of 66 million 8-oz servings of base infant formula powder from Reckitt's Tuas, Singapore, facility between now and November.
Reckitt will work closely with the Administration and Operation Fly Formula to ensure formula reaches families as quickly as possible. This additional supply would represent the biggest contribution yet from any manufacturer in solving the continuing infant formula shortage in the United States.
Pat Sly, President of Reckitt's nutrition business, applauded the FDA for its approval decision which will enable Reckitt to feed more than 130,000 additional babies per month, on average.
"We appreciate the action taken by the Administration and the commitment to ensuring the high safety and quality standards of infant formula in the United States. We are thankful for the support from the government, our supply chain partners and employees globally, who have stepped up to enable us to take every measure we can to end this shortage as quickly as possible. The FDA's import approval, along with the Defense Production Act, assists us in drastically increasing our supply to help more formula reach store shelves and the parents who need it."
Today's announcement will enable Reckitt to complete the final stage of product readiness for the U.S. market and we will:
- Provide 190 metric tons of infant formula base powder from our Tuas facility in Singapore which will be blended and packaged in the U.S. This would be the equivalent of 5.9 million 8-oz servings, which we anticipate will be available in the coming weeks.
- Prioritize channels that are available to parents who qualify for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and are among the most vulnerable in this shortage.
- Supply 500 metric tons per month by October through the Tuas facility. This would be the equivalent of 15.5 million 8-oz servings.
To date, our ongoing efforts to increase access to infant formula include:
- Operating our plants 24/7
- Streamlining our product portfolio to maximize production capacity
- Working with the United States government on securing additional manufacturing inputs and unlocking further capacity from our Delicias, Mexico facility
- Partnering with retailers to expedite orders and trucks and prioritizing formula at their distribution centers to fill shelves more quickly.
- Dispatching product as soon as we have verified the quality and safety needed to meet the high standard for the sole source of nutrition
- Feeding an additional 211,000 more babies than before the shortage
About Reckitt:
Reckitt* exists to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. We believe that access to the highest-quality hygiene, wellness and nourishment is a right, not a privilege.
Reckitt is the company behind some of the world's most recognisable and trusted consumer brands in hygiene, health and nutrition, including Air Wick, Calgon, Cillit Bang, Clearasil, Dettol, Durex, Enfamil, Finish, Gaviscon, Harpic, Lysol, Mortein, Mucinex, Nurofen, Nutramigen, Strepsils, Vanish, Veet, Woolite and more. Every day, more than 20 million Reckitt products are bought globally. We always put consumers and people first, seek out new opportunities, strive for excellence in all that we do and build shared success with all our partners. We aim to do the right thing, always. We are a diverse global team of more than 43,000 colleagues. We draw on our collective energy to meet our ambitions of purpose-led brands, a healthier planet and a fairer society. Find out more, or get in touch with us at www.reckitt.com
About Mead Johnson Nutrition:
Mead Johnson Nutrition was acquired by Reckitt in 2017, merging the two company's commitments to innovation and science to continue fueling advancements in pediatric nutrition. Today, the nutrition business continues to drive innovation from its Evansville, IN site and is trusted by parents and healthcare professionals all over the world to support developing minds and bodies. We're committed to ensuring that every mom and every baby a healthy start.
About Enfamil
Enfamil's full product portfolio is formulated to provide optimal nutrition for infants and children through every stage of development. Their dedication to science and innovation remains vital to both their product portfolio and mission by using leading-edge technologies, a highly specialized team, and expert collaborations to benefit pediatric populations around the world. Today, the Enfamil brand is trusted by parents and healthcare professionals through their passion for innovation and delivering high quality products.
* Reckitt is the trading name of the Reckitt Benckiser group of companies
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https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/15/reckitts-mead-johnson-receives-fda-approval-import-66-million-servings-infant-formula-focusing-vulnerable-consumers/
| 2022-06-15T22:55:52Z
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Amber Heard and Jason Momoa lacked natural ‘chemistry’ in ‘Aquaman,’ president of DC Films testifies
By Sonia Moghe, CNN
The head of DC Films, which produced “Aquaman,” testified that the creative team had concerns about Amber Heard’s role in the film’s sequel over a lack of chemistry with co-star Jason Momoa.
On Tuesday, a March recorded deposition of Walter Hamada, President of DC Films, which is a division of Warner Bros., was played for the jury in the defamation trial between Heard and her ex-husband, Johnny Depp. Hamada testified that “Aquaman” was the highest grossing film ever for the company. He said the studio never planned to portray Heard as a co-lead in “Aquaman 2” and that Heard’s role was not reduced in the forthcoming film, titled “Aquaman the Lost Kingdom.”
“The size of the role of the film that she has was determined in the early development of the script, which would have happened in 2018 I would say. The character’s involvement in the story was sort of what it was from the beginning,” Hamada testified in the deposition. “From the early stages of development of the script, the movie was built around the character of Arthur and the character Orm. Arthur being Jason Momoa and Orm being Patrick Wilson. They were always the co-leads of the movie.”
Depp has sued Heard for $50 million over a 2018 Washington Post op-ed she wrote that the actor claims defamed him and has resulted in him allegedly losing work. Heard has countersued Depp for $100 million, claiming statements his attorney made in which he called her allegations of abuse by Depp a “hoax” defamed her and cost her work.
Heard testified she believes her role in “Aquaman 2” was scaled back and that she had to fight to even be in the movie, which is in post-production and scheduled to debut in 2023. (CNN and Warner Bros. are both part of Warner Bros. Discovery.)
But Hamada testified in his deposition that after filming “Aquaman,” there was discussion about Heard’s role in a sequel.
“I think editorially they were able to make that relationship work in the first movie but there was a concern that it took a lot of effort to get there and would we be better off recasting, finding someone who had better, more natural chemistry with Jason Momoa and move forward in that way,” Hamada testified.
Hamada testified that the pair appeared to have good chemistry in “Aquaman,” but that the film relied on the “magic of post-production,” including editing, sound design and music, to help “fabricate” their chemistry.
“It’s like what makes a movie star a movie star. You know it when you see it. And the chemistry wasn’t there,” Hamada said in the deposition. “A good editor and a good filmmaker can pick the right takes and pick the right moments and put scenes together against score. The music in the scene makes a big difference.”
Hamada also testified that Heard’s role in the film and her ability to re-negotiate her compensation was not impacted by her involvement in the dispute with Depp, or any statements made by representatives of Depp.
Heard’s attorneys rest case
Earlier Tuesday, attorneys for Heard rested their case.
Heard testified over the course of five days this month. Witnesses for her side have included actress Ellen Barkin, whose recorded testimony was played for jurors last week. Barkin stated that while in a sexual relationship with Depp in the 1990s, she once saw the actor throw a wine bottle at a wall during an altercation.
A motion to strike Heard’s counterclaims against Depp was denied Tuesday.
His team is expected to continue presenting rebuttal witnesses on Wednesday, who may include Kate Moss, Depp’s former girlfriend.
Closing arguments are expected on Friday.
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™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-05-24T20:55:35Z
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From Now Until August 3, GNC AMP products, a superior muscle performance brand, are 20 percent off
PITTSBURGH, July 29, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fitness enthusiasts know nothing compares to the sensation of hitting your stride during a workout, whether it's a revamp of a successful routine or in full throttle, two-a-day mode. The GNC AMP line offers superior performance products that make the difference in achieving fitness goals. To help consumers hit peak performance, GNC is offering 20 percent off every GNC AMP item, one of its most innovative, supercharged brands, both in-store and online at GNC.com from July 28, 2022 to August 3, 2022. From fan-favorite GNC AMP Wheybolic Whey Protein in great-tasting flavors like Classic Vanilla and Salted Caramel, to the clinically proven ingredients packed in GNC AMP Creatine HCI 189™, they are best-in-class, science-backed products to meet the needs of anyone looking to push their body to function at optimal levels.
"As a result of rigorous research and testing, our team at GNC continues to build out the GNC AMP line with versatile products for those seeking amplified muscle performance, add mass, recovery, and more," said Kevin Maloberti, VP, Merchandising, GNC. "We hope our loyal GNC AMP fans and those curious about the brand try something new and load up on their favorites during GNC AMP Week."
An acronym for advanced muscular performance, GNC AMP offers a collection of supplements containing high-quality, clinically proven ingredients to support strength building and muscle repair, while also pushing the body to its highest fitness level and without compromising on great flavor. This limited-time sale is a great opportunity to stock up on:
- GNC AMP Wheybolic Whey Protein ($69.99)
- GNC AMP Pure Isolate Whey Protein ($59.99)
- GNC AMP Sustained Protein Blend ($44.99)
- GNC AMP Creatine HCl 189TM ($39.99)
- GNC AMP Test 1700 Testosterone Support ($99.99)
- GNC AMP Men's Ripped Vitapak® Program With Metabolism + Muscle Support ($69.99)
Today through August 3, 2022 consumers can get one step closer to achieving their fitness goals for less by shopping the GNC AMP Week sale. This GNC brand is also sold year-round, for those looking to replenish their supplement shelf or revamp their workouts with the power of GNC AMP. To learn more about GNC, visit www.gnc.com.
GNC is a leading global health and wellness brand that provides high-quality, science-based products and solutions consumers need to live mighty, live fit and live well.
The brand touches consumers worldwide by providing its products and services through company-owned retail locations, domestic and international franchise locations, digital commerce and strong wholesale and retail partnerships across the globe. GNC's diversified, multi-channel business model has worldwide reach and a well-recognized, trusted brand. By combining exceptional innovation, product development capabilities and an extensive global distribution network, GNC manages a best-in-class product portfolio. www.gnc.com.
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| 2022-07-29T16:33:01Z
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Every day, Hillary Demmon has been reading the news about the nationwide formula shortage with horror.
"It's just such a nightmare scenario to think about," said Demmon, who has a 1-year-old and who works at the University of Pittsburgh.
For the week ending May 22, almost three-quarters of formula products nationwide were out of stock at some point, up from 45% the week before and about 5% at this point last year, according to numbers that Datasembly shared with CNN.
Sympathetic to moms who must now go from store to store in search of food for their hungry babies, Demmon decided she couldn't just read about it, she could do something about it.
"I realized I have a deep freeze full of milk, and I'm still pumping," Demmon said.
She decided to start pumping exclusively so she could donate to a local milk bank.
"I figured this is something that I can tangibly do in this nightmare timeline we are living in right now to concretely help some other families," she said.
Lactation experts across the country have heard from an increasing number of mothers who want to donate extra breast milk.
Much like with donating blood, a person can safely donate to milk banks set up around the world that, for decades, have helped infants who would otherwise have no or limited access to human milk.
"Milk banks are in dire need because there's so many premature formulas that are not available for sick infants," said Dr. Sheela Rath Geraghty, medical director of the Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic at Cincinnati Children's. "We are asking every mother with extra milk to please donate it to a human milk bank."
Milk banks have come a long way since the first one opened in the United States in the early 1900s at the Boston Floating Hospital. In addition to collecting human milk, the banks now screen, process and distribute it. Much of the limited supply goes to premature babies.
Although human milk is beneficial for all babies, it can be of particular help to the 10% of infants in the US who are born prematurely and are susceptible to conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis, a potentially life-threatening intestinal disorder.
The screening part of the process is key, Rath Geraghty said.
"No woman should ever attempt to give milk directly to another woman's baby," she said.
In a 2017 policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics advised against using internet-based or informal human milk sharing because the milk can expose a baby to bacteria, viruses or harmful substances.
The US Food and Drug Administration also recommends that a parent use milk only from a source that has screened its donors and taken other precautions to make sure the milk is safe.
Demmon is now going through the screening process. She had an interview to discuss her health and the medicines and supplements she's taking. The milk bank will get in touch with her OB/GYN and her child's pediatrician for additional screening. There's a blood test and an initial donation of 50 to 100 ounces of milk. The Mid-Atlantic Mothers' Milk Bank will run further tests to make sure there's nothing in the milk that could put a medically fragile infant at risk.
"As long as everything's good at that point, then I can start doing my ongoing donation," Demmon said.
Milk banks will often will pool milk from multiple donors or milk from an individual donor that has been given over time. The milk will usually be pasteurized and put in small containers that can be frozen for up to a year.
Demmon, a filmmaker and professor at Pitt Film & Media Studies, said the bank told her it can take her milk until her baby is 1½ years old. That means she will pump to donate her milk for the next six months.
"I was lucky enough to be able to establish breastfeeding and how to work with my work schedule," she said. "That's really [a] tough situation, not being able to feed your baby."
There are larger efforts to ease some of the shortage. The Biden administration's Operation Fly Formula has brought in tons of product to the US, and foreign formula manufacturers say they will have more to share.
Australian company Bubs plans to send 1.25 million cans to the US, some of which is ready to transport. Danone is bringing in half a million cans of its specialty Neocate formula by the end of June, with the hope that families will get access to it in early July. Gerber said 40% of its formula that arrived in the US on Wednesday was going to be shipped to retail stores by Sunday night.
The administration has also worked with formula manufacturers to speed up production, and the crucial Abbott plant that has been offline since February is expected to restart production this week.
But many grocery store shelves are empty, and donor moms are still needed.
Marie Milan of Bedford, Oregon, shared Demmon's sympathy for parents who are having a hard time finding formula.
Milan's gone through the screening process and has started to donate her breastmilk.
"I'm a nurse. I work for one of the two local hospitals. So it's easy for me to donate. I can just bring it to work with me," she said.
Milan, who has a 6-month-old, said she felt "called" to donate when she saw so many parents unable to find formula.
"When you're a mom that's already naturally second-guessing everything you're doing, you know, wondering, is this the right thing? You've made the decision to formula feed for whatever reason -- any reason is valid -- and then suddenly, you can't find formula. I just can't imagine. It must be so tough," Milan said.
"I can't make formula. I can't buy it up from the store. But I can donate breast milk, and so I definitely feel like I have an obligation to do that."
Millan said she's fortunate to produce a lot of milk. In addition to breastfeeding her daughter, she pumps at work twice a day and gets twice as much as her baby needs.
"My freezer is just full of breastmilk," Milan said.
Like many mothers, she feels a real camaraderie with other moms.
"I can only imagine how hard it would be to worry about feeding my child," Milan said. "It definitely feels like now is the time to help other moms in my community."
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-05-31T11:56:07Z
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North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile -- likely launched from a submarine -- into the waters off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula, South Korean authorities said on Saturday.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile was fired at 2:07 p.m. local time from the Sinpo area of North Korea's east coast.
The Japanese coast guard confirmed the projectile had fallen into the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, at 2:25 p.m. local time.
South Korean and US intelligence officials are analyzing the launch, and the South Korean military is maintaining a state of readiness, the Joint Chiefs said.
Saturday's launch comes just days after another ballistic missile test by North Korea on Wednesday.
North Korea has stepped up its missile testing program this year.
Saturday's projectile marks the country's 14th missile launch in 2022 so far, including one that is presumed to have failed in mid-March.
By comparison, it conducted only four tests in 2020, and eight in 2021.
At a military parade on April 25, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to ramp up his development of nuclear arms at the "highest possible" speed." Experts say the parade, as well as Kim's rhetoric and the flurry of launches, offer a glimpse into his ambitions for his weapons program -- particularly efforts to develop solid-fueled missiles that would be easier to hide from foreign spy agencies.
No one ever knows who’ll make history at the Kentucky Derby, but citing data from the Kentucky Derby and other sources, Stacker features 10 jockeys with the most Derby wins. Click for more.
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| 2022-05-07T07:17:34Z
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Biden, Chevron chief trade sharp words over gas prices
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a pointed back and forth, the head of Chevron complained Tuesday that President Joe Biden has vilified energy firms at a time when gasoline prices are at near record levels and the president responded that the oil company CEO was being “mildly sensitive.”
The president in recent weeks has criticized oil producers and refiners for maximizing profits and making “more money than God,” rather than increasing production in response to higher prices as the economy recovers from the pandemic and feels the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Michael Wirth, chairman and CEO of Chevron, sent Biden a letter via email on Tuesday that said the president’s own words have been self-defeating in terms of encouraging companies to boost their output.
Chevron is investing in more production, Wirth wrote, but “your Administration has largely sought to criticize, and at times vilify, our industry. These actions are not beneficial to meeting the challenges we face and are not what the American people deserve.”
The oil company CEO said he wanted a more cooperative relationship with the government.
“Let’s work together,” Wirth wrote. “The American people rightly expect our country’s leaders and industry to address the challenges they are facing in a serious and resolute manner.”
Asked about those comments, Biden displayed no sympathy.
“He’s mildly sensitive,” Biden said. “I didn’t know they’d get their feelings hurt that quickly. Look, we need more refining capacity. This idea that they don’t have oil to drill and to bring up is simply not true.”
Average gas prices are nearly $5 a gallon nationwide, a strain on commuters and a political albatross for Biden’s fellow Democrats going into the midterm elections. That has left the White House scrambling for solutions, including a possible suspension of the 18.4 cents a gallon federal gas tax .Biden plans to decide by the end of the week if the tax should be suspended, a move meant to relieve price pressures and that would need approval from a reluctant Congress.
The gas tax funds highways, but Biden said Tuesday any lost revenue would not have a major impact on road construction because of last year’s $1 trillion infrastructure law.
The clash between the Biden administration and oil producers and refiners unfolded ahead of a Thursday meeting that Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm will hold with energy companies.
Both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell have previously voiced skepticism about the benefits of suspending the gas tax. But Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., is sponsoring a bill that would put the gas tax on hold through the end of 2023.
Schiff said in a statement that he has been in touch with the White House to encourage the gas tax holiday, adding, “But we shouldn’t stop there. We should also hold Big Oil accountable for the price-gouging that is driving prices up in the first place.”
The House has approved legislation to crack down on alleged price gouging by oil companies, but the bill has stalled in the Senate. Democratic proposals to impose a “windfall profits” tax on oil producers have generated little support in Congress.
The possibility of a gas tax holiday has drawn criticism from economists and the business community for not fixing the underlying supply challenges.
In an address Tuesday at the Economic Club of New York, a non-profit, non-partisan business group, Target CEO Brian Cornell called the gas tax holiday a temporary “mini stimulus” that does nothing to fundamentally change the supply and demand curve for fuel and transportation.
“We have a classic supply-and-demand challenge,” Cornell told the audience. “In all due respect, the gas holiday is only going to fuel demand. It’s doing nothing to increase the supply.”
Harvard University professor Jason Furman, formerly the top economist in the Obama White House, said a gas tax suspension would not address the supply pressures.
“Refineries are even more constrained now so supply is nearly fully inelastic,” he wrote on Twitter. “Most of the 18.4 cent reduction would be pocketed by industry -- with maybe a few cents passed on to consumers.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that the administration is looking into as many ways as possible to provide consumers with some relief at the gas pump. But the administration does not plan to tell Americans to drive less during the July 4 holiday and reduce some of the supply pressures.
“Americans are going to do what they feel is right for themselves and for their family,” Jean-Pierre said. “That’s not something for us to make a judgment on.”
___
AP reporters Matthew Daly in Washington and Anne D’Innocenzio in New York contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-06-21T22:46:36Z
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NEW YORK, June 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Weiss Law is investigating possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law by the board of directors of Turning Point Therapeutics, Inc. ("Turning Point" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: TPTX), in connection with the proposed acquisition of the Company by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) via a tender offer. Under the terms of the merger agreement, the Company's shareholders will receive $76.00 in cash for each share of Turning Point common stock owned. The transaction is valued at approximately $4.1 billion.
If you own Turning Point shares and wish to discuss this investigation or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, visit our website:
https://www.weisslaw.co/news-and-cases/tptx
Or please contact:
Joshua Rubin, Esq.
Weiss Law
305 Broadway, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10007
(212) 682-3025
(888) 593-4771
stockinfo@weisslawllp.com
Weiss Law is investigating whether (i) Turning Point's board of directors acted in the best interests of Company shareholders in agreeing to the proposed transaction, (ii) the $76.00 per-share merger consideration adequately compensates Turning Point's shareholders, and (iii) all information regarding the sales process and valuation of the transaction will be fully and fairly disclosed. Notably, the merger consideration is below the $93.00 median price target set by analysts, and at least one analyst set a price target for the Company of $175 per share, $99.00 above the per-share merger consideration.
Weiss Law has litigated hundreds of stockholder class and derivative actions for violations of corporate and fiduciary duties. We have recovered over a billion dollars for defrauded clients and obtained important corporate governance relief in many of these cases. If you have information or would like legal advice concerning possible corporate wrongdoing (including insider trading, waste of corporate assets, accounting fraud, or materially misleading information), consumer fraud (including false advertising, defective products, or other deceptive business practices), or anti-trust violations, please email us at stockinfo@weisslawllp.com
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| 2022-06-03T19:56:58Z
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Epson FC2012AN and FC3215AN Families Provide Developers with Broader Market Opportunities with Trusted Technology in Smaller Form Factor
LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson today introduced the FC2012AN and FC3215AN –two new families of quartz crystal units that deliver very low equivalent series resistance (ESR) and extremely tight frequency tolerance in an ultra-compact form factor. Equipped with a newly redesigned crystal element based on Epson's in-house design and decades of production technology expertise, these crystals are ideal for a variety of markets and applications such as IoT, wearables, medical, industrial, security surveillance and consumer electronics.
The new Epson FC2012AN and FC3215AN quartz crystal units are very robust, offering a very low ESR of 35kΩ (typ) and support a wide operating temperature range from -40 to 105 degrees Celsius which is
critical for portable electronics in extremely space constrained applications. In addition, these crystals deliver a fixed frequency tolerance of ±20ppm. The FC2012AN is 2.0 x 1.2mm in size, and the FC3215AN is 3.2 x 1.5mm.
"Developers of cutting-edge technology always look to integrate higher efficiency and energy-saving designs into their products," said Chris McCormick, director of product management, Timing Devices, Epson America, Inc. "Epson's new FC2012AN and FC3215AN flagship crystal families deliver in both areas, enabling customers to make smaller products that use less energy."
Epson is a leading supplier of kHz-band crystal units and also offers a lineup of oscillators with built-in oscillator circuit ICs and real-time clock modules with built-in real-time clock ICs. The FC2012AN and FC3215AN are available now through Epson America's channel partners. Visit https://epson.com/microdevices-partners for more information.
Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to co-creating sustainability and enriching communities by leveraging its efficient, compact, and precision technologies and digital technologies to connect people, things, and information. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson's goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.
Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of around JPY 1 trillion. global.epson.com/
Epson America, Inc., based in Los Alamitos, Calif., is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/epsonamerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica).
EPSON is a registered trademark and EPSON Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2022 Epson America, Inc.
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| 2022-08-02T18:52:11Z
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First three assets have appreciated 21% over development cost
LOS ANGELES, June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Oak Capital Advisors, a sponsor, and Pacific Oak Capital Markets, manager and distributor of real estate-focused alternative investment programs, announced the close of Pacific Oak Opportunity Zone Fund I, LLC (the "Fund") with approximately $118 million in total assets.
Launched in 2019, the Fund was formed to invest in, develop, redevelop and manage a diversified portfolio of institutional quality commercial real estate assets with an emphasis on multifamily properties located in Qualified Opportunity Zones in the United States.
The Fund is currently invested in three multifamily properties at different stages of completion and lease-up and is seeking additional investments to further diversify the portfolio. As of the Fund closing, the Fund's portfolio was valued at $118 million, a 21% appreciation over the development cost of the portfolio. The first two properties are in the Phoenix area. Imperial Apartments is a low-rise, suburban multifamily property comprised of 140 units and located east of downtown Phoenix. Construction of the property was completed in the latter half of 2021. St. Ambrose Apartments is a low-rise, suburban-style multifamily property comprised of 241 units and is expected to be completed during the third quarter. The last property, The Byway, is 20 minutes from Portland, Oregon. The garden-style, suburban multifamily property is comprised of 173 apartment units and 10,000 square feet of complementary retail space. The multifamily portion was completed in the fourth quarter of 2021 and the retail space is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter.
"Lease-up rates and rental levels at both Imperial and The Byway have been strong and ahead of our initial projections," said Peter McMillan, co-founder of Pacific Oak Capital Advisors. "We remain broadly optimistic about the market fundamentals for multifamily and the Fund will continue to seek additional investment opportunities while maintaining our discipline on deal selection."
About Pacific Oak Capital Advisors
Pacific Oak Capital Advisors is an alternative investment company that sponsors and manages quality real estate-based investment opportunities for clients of financial advisors and registered investment advisors as well as institutional investors. Formed in 2018, the company is advisor to Pacific Oak Strategic Opportunity REIT and Keppel-Pacific Oak REIT, and sponsor to numerous private real estate investment programs. In total, Pacific Oak Capital Advisors and its affiliated companies currently manage a diverse portfolio of real estate valued in excess of $4 billion. For additional information, please visit PacificOakCapitalAdvisors.com.
About Pacific Oak Capital Markets
Pacific Oak Capital Markets is a wholesaler and managing broker-dealer for alternative investment offerings. Pacific Oak Capital Markets is committed to representing products where financial professionals can match capital with opportunity for their clients. The Pacific Oak Capital Markets team focuses on providing financial solutions to financial advisors and registered investment advisors. Its investment professionals are dedicated to delivering offerings that produce compelling risk-adjusted returns through real estate, private equity, and other alternative investment products. For additional information, please visit PacificOakCapitalMarkets.com.
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| 2022-06-21T16:59:53Z
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Baby formula arrives in Indianapolis from Germany on US military aircraft to address critical need
By Polo Sandoval and Samantha Beech, CNN
A shipment of 35 tons of baby formula has arrived Sunday in Indianapolis on a US military aircraft from Germany to address a nationwide shortage.
The prescription formula will be distributed to areas around the country where there is the most acute need, a Biden administration official earlier told CNN. But the official said none of the first shipment would land on store shelves in the US, adding that Sunday’s shipment is hypoallergenic and will be fed to babies intolerant of protein in cow milk.
The shipment included 132 pallets of formula, which arrived on one C-17 cargo plane. The formula originated from Zurich, Switzerland, and was trucked to Germany, where it was loaded on the C-17 and flown to the US.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who greeted the arrival of the delivery in Indianapolis, said Sunday’s shipment would provide enough formula for 9,000 babies and 18,000 toddlers for one week. The White House said the shipment was the equivalent of 1.5 million doses of eight-ounce bottles.
“It is a large shipment of very specific and specialized formula. Formula for moms and dads who have children who have allergies where the regular formula just simply will not work,” the secretary said at a news conference in Indianapolis shortly after the shipment landed.
The Biden administration official told CNN earlier that the product contained in the first shipment will be distributed to hospitals, doctors, home health care facilities and pharmacies in regions “where the needs are most acute.”
The aircraft transported pallets of Nestlé Health Science formula — including Alfamino Infant and Alfamino Junior. At the site of the arrival in Indianapolis on Sunday, a Nestlé spokesperson said, “Some cases are ready for distribution in the next couple of days. Others will be released into the supply chain after standard quality testing is completed.”
Frustration for American families
The shipment comes as the shortage of baby formula has caused major disruptions and frustration for some desperate American families. Already, some families have begun rationing their supply of formula, while others have turned to hospitals when they can’t find the kind they need.
And in a clear sign of the deep effects of the crisis, a doctor at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, said last week that he admitted two young patients — a toddler and a preschooler — because the specialty formula they need is out of stock and they haven’t been able to tolerate any replacements.
Clinical dietitians at Medical University of South Carolina Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in Charleston have reported that at least four babies were recently hospitalized for complications related to the ongoing formula shortage, according to a spokesperson for MUSC.
The spokesperson said three of the four babies were hospitalized due to intolerance of formula that parents had to try because of shortages, while one was sickened by mineral imbalances from caregivers mixing their own formula.
On Sunday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency over the nationwide shortage of the supply of infant formula.
A statement from his office said the move would “empower the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to prevent price gouging for formula.”
Retailers nationwide have been struggling to keep shelves fully stocked as supply chain problems persist, slowing down both production and distribution of goods.
According to market research firm IRI, stores’ infant formula inventories in mid-January were down 17% from where they were in mid-February 2020, just before the pandemic hit US shores.
The shutting down of the country’s largest formula plant in February exacerbated pandemic-related supply chain issues and supercharged the nationwide shortage.
The out-of-stock rate for baby formula hovered between 2% and 8% in the first half of 2021, but began rising sharply last July. Between November 2021 and early April 2022, the out-of-stock rate jumped to 31%, data from Datasembly showed. That rate increased another 9 percentage points in just three weeks in April, and now stands at 40%, the statistics show.
The baby formula shortage has thrown the White House into crisis mode and opened yet another political wound going into an already challenging midterm election season, frustrating the West Wing and the rest of the administration as they struggle with how little control they have over a situation that is centered at the US Food and Drug Administration, an independent agency that the White House neither controls nor gets direct reports from.
Officials have faced criticism that the FDA moved too slowly to address warning signs. At the same time, they have been attempting to learn whether formula companies are actually short on ingredients, while also trying to tackle potential price gouging.
Vilsack said in Indianapolis on Sunday that the federal government is working with suppliers of baby formula in the US to increase production and address the nationwide shortage.
He said the government is working to help get the Abbott facility in Michigan up and running, through the aid of the Defense Production Act. The baby formula manufacturer Abbott Nutrition is the company at the heart of a nationwide formula recall.
The agriculture secretary also said an agreement with the FDA would allow the Abbott facility and others to “jump ahead of line for the necessary supplies that are necessary and required in order to produce the formula.”
More flights expected
Earlier Sunday, President Joe Biden touted the first flight from his administration’s baby formula airlift operation on Twitter.
“Folks, I’m excited to tell you that the first flight from Operation Fly Formula is loaded up with more than 70,000 pounds of infant formula and about to land in Indiana. Our team is working around the clock to get safe formula to everyone who needs it,” Biden said on Twitter.
National Economic Council director Brian Deese told CNN’s Dana Bash on “State of the Union” on Sunday that as part of the airlift operation, more flights with baby formula “will be coming in early this week.”
“We’re going to keep ramping that up until we get there,” Deese said.
Pressed by Bash on how the US ended up in a position in which baby formula has to be airlifted into the country, Deese in part blamed market consolidation.
“It goes back to this question of how we can bring more competition in our economy, have more providers have this formula so that no individual company has this much control over supply chains,” he said.
The Biden administration official told CNN earlier that the product was coming from a factory that has already gone through US FDA approval — meaning US inspectors would only need to conduct “spot checks” Sunday after the product lands. Those checks include ensuring that the product was not damaged in transit and has appropriate labeling. An FDA inspector was onsite to conduct the spot check. Separately, Nestlé is also going to conduct its own quality check at its local distribution site.
“This shipment is essentially going to get off this cargo plane, then the Federal Express folks are going to take it from there, they are going to deliver it to a distribution center that the Nestlé Gerber folks have here in Indiana, and then it’s going to go on trucks and it’s going to be delivered in hospitals and home health care clinics across the country, providing support and help,” Vilsack said Sunday.
Additionally, the Biden administration is engaged in conversations with makers of other European baby formula to approve and obtain excess supplies for US distribution, the administration official told CNN.
Indianapolis was chosen as the arrival site for the formula because the Nestlé distribution site is located there. The official added that the administration is plugging into the existing distribution chain.
“We’re turning a two-week process into 72 hours,” the official said.
This story and headline have been updated for additional developments.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
CNN’s Sam Fossum, Kaitlan Collins, Brenda Goodman, Nadia Kounang, Jen Christensen, Parija Kavilanz, Ramishah Maruf and Zachary B. Wolf contributed to this report.
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https://localnews8.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2022/05/22/baby-formula-arrives-in-indianapolis-from-germany-on-us-military-aircraft-to-address-critical-need/
| 2022-05-22T23:07:41Z
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BERLIN (AP) — Germany will temporarily lower taxes on natural gas to ease the pressures on people struggling with soaring energy costs fueled by Russia’s war on Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Thursday.
The announcement at a hastily convened news conference in Berlin comes a day after Scholz met with hostile protests during a town hall event outside the capital.
Scholz said his government had decided to lower the value-added tax on gas from 19% to 7% until the end of March 2024.
“The rising gas prices are a big burden for many citizens,” Scholz said, adding that further measures would be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition to rising wholesale prices for natural gas caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, German consumers will have to pay a new surcharge to prop up energy companies scrambling to find new supplies on the global market.
Russia has reduced flows of natural gas — used to generate electricity, run factories and heat homes in the winter — to Germany and other European countries, and there are fears of more cutbacks as the weather gets colder and demand increases. The resulting high prices are fueling inflation, eroding people’s spending power and raising the possibility of a recession.
Scholz said lowering the tax on gas purchases in general would more than make up for the new surcharges, effectively meaning that they will be paid for from government coffers. The German leader said the issue was a matter of “justice … to ensure that the country remains united during this crisis.”
Scholz was confronted late Wednesday with angry chants from protesters during a town hall event in Neuruppin, 50 kilometers (31 miles) northwest of the capital. Videos showed several hundred people standing outside the security fence surrounding the event, some shouting “Traitor!” and “Beat it!”
German news agency dpa reported that the protesters were organized by the far-right Alternative for Germany and the Left party.
Experts, however, questioned whether the tax reduction was the right measure, given that the German government is also trying to get people to use less gas.
“Gas is in very short supply at the moment, that’s why gas prices are high,” said Stefan Kooths of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. “In such a situation, it’s not appropriate to water down price signals through state intervention in the tax rules.”
Kooths said it would have been better for the German government to tax gas in full and use the revenues to help those who are hardest hit by rising energy prices.
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Follow all AP stories on the fallout from the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.
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https://cw33.com/business/ap-business/germany-lowers-natural-gas-tax-to-ease-burden-on-consumers/
| 2022-08-18T14:58:35Z
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TDSC Picture for Profile NFT Launches This Fall – Join the TDSC Waitlist
TORONTO, Aug. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A revolutionary PFP NFT called Throwing Dude Space Camp (TDSC) will be launching in the Fall. 10,000 NFTs will be available. TDSC features next level art, astonishing rarity, and a ground-breaking road map. Click here to subscribe to the waitlist.
Gyro Plasmic (pseudonym), Founder of TDSC says; "we examined top performing blue chip NFTs and our Throwing Dudes are very distinctive, especially given the added benefit of our throwing motion and the abundance of throwing objects and sports."
Over 650 Traits Including he/him, she/her, they/them plus Surprises
We discovered how to create different gender identities within our universe of Dudes. Our Throwing Dudes will be he/him, she/her, and they/them. We will also achieve greater rarity through the processes of constraining. With over 70 throwing objects, rarity is deeper versus the other PFP NFT projects. Subscribe to our waitlist.
Bringing The Representation of Action to PFP NFTs
We believe quarterbacks have the best throwing motion and we integrated that into all our Dudes. Additionally, we cover a wide variety of other throwing sports. Since our Dudes are from across our Universe, some of their capabilities go way beyond just throwing mere earthly objects and include galactic and even mythical throwing. Click for TDSC waitlist.
Long Term Orientation Towards Roadmap
We are in it for the long haul and as TDCS gets resourced through revenue, we plan to introduce many benefits to the Throwing Dude Space Camp membership, which may potentially include: our 57 planets art reveal, exclusive member merchandise, space camping festival under our aurora borealis, release of space camp song anthem and more. Join our waitlist.
Innovating Sports with Sci-Fi and Vice Versa
TDSC is about living the creative inspired life and pursuing the joy of throwing and the joy of exploring. Space and sports have these in common too. No matter your skill level, or where you come from in our universe, Throwing Dude Space Camp galactically celebrates the comradery of Space Camp and throwing. TDSC will push the boundaries of what is possible for a PFP NFT and will have a lot of fun doing it.
Dudes Arriving Fall 2022
Click here to join the Throwing Dude's waitlist.
Throwing Dude Space Camp (TDSC) is owned and operated by QaQaQ Inc.
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SOURCE Throwing Dude Space Camp
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https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/08/15/tdsc-throwing-dude-space-camp-pfp-nft-landing-fall-2022/
| 2022-08-15T19:51:25Z
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20 of the Nation's Most Talented Artists, All YoungArts Award Winners, Receive High Honor Bestowed by the President of the United States
MIAMI, May 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- YoungArts congratulates the 58th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, with special acknowledgement to the 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts (full list below) who are YoungArts award winners and were nominated for the honor by YoungArts. The U.S. Presidential Scholars award—one of the nation's highest honors for high school students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership qualities and community service—is presented on behalf of the President of the United States and honors up to 161 graduating high school seniors of high potential each year. Students who would like to be considered for U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts must be YoungArts award winners. Applications for the 2023 YoungArts competition will open on June 7, 2022 at youngarts.org/competition.
Lauren Snelling, artistic director of YoungArts, said, "The 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts demonstrate both a dedication to academic achievement and a commitment to creativity in mediums spanning the visual, literary and performing arts. YoungArts is incredibly proud to celebrate these young artists today and to amplify their innovative perspectives as they grow to become the arbiters of our nation's cultural compass tomorrow."
"Our 2022 Presidential Scholars represent the best of America, and remind us that when empowered by education, there are no limits to what our young people can achieve," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "Today, I join President Biden to celebrate a class of scholars whose pursuit of knowledge, generosity of spirit, and exceptional talents bring our nation tremendous pride. Throughout one of the most trying periods in our nation's history and amid our recovery from the pandemic, our students have once again demonstrated their strength and that they have so much to contribute to our country. Thanks to them, I know America's future is bright."
The 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts are:
*Interviews can be facilitated, and images are available upon request.
BECOMING A U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR IN THE ARTS The first step to becoming a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts is to apply to YoungArts, which is the nominating agency for this honor. To be eligible for the YoungArts program, applicants must be 15–18 years old or in high school grades 10–12. To be further considered for a nomination as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, applicants must be high school seniors and meet all of the U.S. Presidential Scholars requirements.
YoungArts award winners demonstrating excellence in the performing, visual or literary arts are selected annually through a blind adjudication process. This year, 720 YoungArts award winners were selected. In January, 157 Finalists from across the nation were invited to National YoungArts Week+, where they participated in a week of intensive virtual classes and workshops with internationally renowned artists.
During National YoungArts Week+, eligible participants are further evaluated, award levels are determined, and nominations are made for that year's U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts candidates. After a rigorous selection process, YoungArts nominates 60 candidates for an invitation to apply to the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Finally, the Commission on Presidential Scholars selects 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts each year.
For more information, visit youngarts.org, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Media Contacts:
Heike Dempster, YoungArts
hdempster@youngarts.org / 305.377.1140
Sara Ory, Polskin Arts
sara.ory@finnpartners.com/ 212.593.5815
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SOURCE YoungArts
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/12/announcing-2022-us-presidential-scholars-arts/
| 2022-05-12T12:48:44Z
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Last year, Amazon Prime Day came early. Online shoppers had a chance to take advantage of some of the year’s deepest discounts in June instead of the traditional July. It was early summer, and COVID-19 cases had been declining since April. Consumers were feeling more positive about the pandemic, and this seemed to be reflected in the items they purchased.
According to an in-depth market analysis following the two-day mega-sales event, health and beauty products performed as well as the ever-popular consumer electronics category. The apparel and shoes category came in a close second and was tied with household essentials. This reflected America’s desire to stop wearing sweatpants 24/7 and focus on appearance because the world was opening up again.
As life continues to shift back to the way it was, last year’s most popular categories are predicted to be home to some of the deepest discounts again this year. To help you find the best deals on the items you want most, we’ve listed products from those categories: health and beauty, consumer electronics, apparel and shoes, household essentials and home and garden.
Most popular product categories for Amazon Prime Day
Health and beauty
This relaxing body wash from Dove contains lavender oil and chamomile to give you softer skin. It is cruelty-free, and the bottles are made using 100% recycled plastic.
Sold by Amazon
MelodySusie Portable Electric Nail Drill
If you take pride in your nails, this compact, multifunctional tool can grind, carve, cut and polish to give you stunning results. The lightweight, low-noise and low-heat design lets you use this versatile tool for up to 20 minutes at a time.
Sold by Amazon
Remedy Soap Tea Tree Body Wash
This large, 12-ounce container is packed with natural ingredients that help treat your skin. The tea tree oil, mint and aloe vera are effective for body odor, athlete’s foot, skin irritations and more.
Sold by Amazon
Dove Men and Care Body and Face Wash
Men who desire a clean, refreshing wash can use this specifically formulated offering from Dove. It features a MicroMoisturizing technology that activates when you lather and rinses off easily when you are done, leaving behind a crisp scent.
Sold by Amazon
If you’d like to try an under-eye treatment to nourish your tender facial skin, these masks are suitable for both men and women. The product is formulated to help reduce dark circles, fine lines and puffiness.
Sold by Amazon
Consumer electronics
With its Fire TV, Amazon offers affordable 4K HDR entertainment. This 55-inch model comes with built-in Alexa for hands-free control. It also gives you access to over one million movies and TV episodes.
Sold by Amazon
Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
These popular Beats earbuds are sweat- and water-resistant. They last for up to nine hours on a single charge and are compatible with both iOS and Android. The high-end chip delivers an extended Bluetooth range with fewer dropouts.
Sold by Amazon
Smart speakers were just the beginning. With an Echo Show, you can control your home, stream content and make video calls to friends and family. The built-in camera adds an extra layer of security to your home.
Sold by Amazon
When you strategically position this camera, you can monitor an entire room. The pan and tilt features, along with real-time motion and sound detection, let you monitor your pet, no matter which corner is their favorite.
Sold by Amazon
This little device is a seven-in-one hub. It connects to your laptop and has an SD card slot, a microSD card slot, a USB-C input port, a USB-C data port, HDMI and two USB 3.0 ports.
Sold by Amazon
Apparel and shoes
Michael Kors Gen 6 Touchscreen Smartwatch
Not only is this a fashionable accessory, this smartwatch tracks steps, sleep, heart rate, cardio and more. With its speaker and microphone, you can make and answer calls directly from your watch.
Sold by Amazon
Ray-Ban Classic Polarized Aviator Sunglasses
These stylish Ray-Ban aviator glasses feature polarized crystal lenses with UV protection. There are 21 options to choose from, so you will have no problem finding the perfect match.
Sold by Amazon
Three Sixty Six Men’s Casual Golf Polo
A golf polo is an essential piece in a man’s wardrobe. It’s comfortable, casual and affordable. This offering from Three Sixty Six has moisture-wicking technology for all-day comfort and comes in various colors.
Sold by Amazon
Dream Pairs Women’s Adventurous Summer Outdoor Sandals
These cleverly designed sandals look like sneakers. They feature a durable rubber outsole, a 1-inch heel height and a cushioned EVA footbed. They are available in a wide variety of colors to fit any ensemble.
Sold by Amazon
This sweat-wicking, cross-strap bra provides support and comfort. It is suitable for every activity, from a relaxing stretch to an intense workout. The stylish design ensures you can be both fit and fashionable.
Sold by Amazon
Household essentials
Breville Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine
With this high-end espresso machine, you can create third-wave specialty coffee at home. It offers precision extraction for balanced flavor, allowing you to brew the perfect cup every time.
Sold by Amazon
Good health starts with breathing clean air. Shark’s Clean Sense IQ monitors indoor air quality and automatically adjusts power to keep your home air pollution-free. The four ultra-quiet fans and HEPA filter capture up to 99.98% of particles.
Sold by Amazon
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Lightweight Vacuum
If you have pets, it is a never-ending battle to keep your home clean. This turbo-power pet vacuum is effective on all surfaces. The sealed system keeps allergens trapped inside, while the tangle-free brush eliminates hair wrap problems.
Sold by Amazon
This 5.8-quart air fryer has 13 one-touch cooking functions. It is large enough for a family of four and cooks up to 50% faster than a traditional oven. The basket is removable, dishwasher-safe and nonstick, which makes cleanup a breeze.
Sold by Amazon
You can make up to 64 ounces of drinks at one time in this large-sized blender. It is powerful enough to crush ice in seconds. This versatile machine can make sauces, dips, smoothies and more.
Sold by Amazon
Home and garden
Greenworks Pro 80V Leaf Blower
If you need to do some cleaning up around the yard, this powerful leaf blower from Greenworks can do the trick. It has a variable three-speed trigger, and it can deliver up to 145 mph of wind speed. Additionally, the four-year warranty offers peace of mind.
Sold by Amazon
A grill gazebo protects your outdoor cooking appliances from harsh weather. This model has a rust-proof steel frame and a vented double-tier top for smoke management. It also comes with two shelves for grill accessories and two free LED lights as a bonus.
Sold by Amazon
Pure Garden Decorative Outdoor Garden Box
This white farmhouse planter box is suitable for just about any backyard decor. It is designed to hold potted plants, not soil, and it is made out of durable polypropylene. The planter snaps together without the need for tools.
Sold by Amazon
Brightown Outdoor String Lights
Outdoor lights let you get more hours out of your patio. This decorative string is 25 feet long and has 25 lights. However, if you need more light, you can connect up to three strands for 75 feet of illumination.
Sold by Amazon
This durable nylon flag has a reinforced polyester header and a heavy-duty pole sleeve to help it withstand harsh weather. It has embroidered stars and stitched stripes and measures 3 feet high by 5 feet long.
Sold by Amazon
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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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https://cw33.com/reviews/amazon-prime-day-most-popular-product-categories-to-shop/
| 2022-05-11T21:24:39Z
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Witness questioned about Jones criticism of Sandy Hook trial
WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) — Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who is on trial in Connecticut for calling the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre a hoax, continued Friday to describe the proceedings as a “kangaroo court” from his Infowars studio in Texas.
Jones’ commentary became a focus of testimony on the fourth day of the trial, with a lawyer for the Sandy Hook families questioning a corporate representative for Jones’ Infowars brand about how seriously the company was taking the trial.
The lawyer, Christopher Mattei, showed the jury a photo he said was of an Infowars webpage, depicting the judge in the trial with lasers shooting out of her eyes.
“On a scale of one to 10, how seriously is Infowars taking this trial,” Mattei asked the corporate representative, Brittany Paz.
“10. It’s serious to me,” Paz responded.
The exchange occurred as Jones prepares to begin attending the trial in Waterbury next week and the judge, Barbara Bellis, considers a request by the families’ lawyers to limit what Jones and his lawyer can say and argue in court. Jones is expected to testify, but it’s not clear yet when.
Jones and his Free Speech Systems company are on trial in a lawsuit brought by an FBI agent who responded to the shooting and relatives of eight of the 20 first-graders and six educators killed in the December 2012 massacre in Newtown. They say Jones inflicted emotional and psychological harm on them, and they have been threatened and harassed by Jones’ followers.
Jones has already been found liable for spreading the myth that the shooting never happened, and the six-member jury will be deciding how much he and his company should pay the plaintiffs in damages.
In a motion filed Thursday, the families’ lawyers asked Bellis for several limitations on what Jones and his lawyer, Norman Pattis, can say and argue at the trial, including barring them alleging that holding Jones and Free Speech Systems accountable for their actions offends the First Amendment.
Pattis outlined Jones’ defense in a motion filed Friday in response to the families’ motion.
“The defendants have argued, and intend to argue, that the plaintiffs have motives, biases and interest in exaggerating their claims against the defendants, to wit: their interest in gun control regulation and their hostility to Mr. Jones,” Pattis wrote.
Pattis also said Jones is challenging the amount of any damages to be awarded and is focusing on the families’ motives for “overstating their damages: to wit: their desire to silence Alex Jones not just because he harmed them, but because they find his politics and political affiliations repugnant.”
Pattis added, “Mr. Jones’ conspiracy theory may by offensive to some, and ridiculous to others, but he has not gained millions of listeners by compelling people to tune in. He speaks a language that many Americans seem prepared to accept.”
On his web show on Thursday, Jones once again called the Connecticut proceedings “a show trial.”
The judge “now has to carry out this fraud,” he said. “But across the legal community, people are just saying, ‘My God, this is something worthy of Venezuela. This is unbelievable.’ "
Mattei has showed the jury evidence that Jones’ viewership and sales of products such as nutritional supplements and clothing on his web site soared around the times he talked about the Sandy Hook shooting, suggesting Jones was profiting off the shooting.
Pattis countered in court Thursday that the jury should be allowed to hear that Jones believes there is a conspiracy to take guns away and enslave people.
“They have put before this jury the theory that Jones merchandizes fear for the sake of making a buck,” Pattis said. “Our claim is that he recognizes the fear of the people and makes a dollar to support that premise.”
Last month, a jury in Texas awarded the parents of one of the slain Sandy Hook children nearly $50 million in a similar lawsuit against Jones and his company over the hoax claims. Jones also faces a third trial in Texas later this year over how much he should pay the parents of another child killed in the shooting.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kxii.com/2022/09/16/witness-questioned-about-jones-criticism-sandy-hook-trial/
| 2022-09-16T19:51:32Z
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LISHUI, China, May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Farmmi, Inc. ("Farmmi" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: FAMI), an agricultural products supplier in China, announced today its latest sales order for Shiitake mushrooms to a long-term customer, which will export to England.
Ms. Yefang Zhang, Farmmi's Chairwoman and CEO, commented, "We are pleased to see this latest order given our sales and marketing teams efforts to build traction in Europe. We are finding considerable demand on the culinary side as a way for mushrooms to heighten and enrich flavors of more traditional meat dishes, stews and salads. We expect this demand will continue to grow based on discussions with customers, while also diversifying with increased interest from customers extoling the healthy dietary benefits."
About Farmmi, Inc.
Established in 1998, Farmmi Inc. (NASDAQ: FAMI) is an agricultural products supplier, processor and retailer of edible mushrooms like Shiitake and Mu Er, as well as other agricultural products. In addition to its offline sales, Farmmi sells its products direct-to-consumer at http://www.farmmi88.com. For further information about the Company, please visit: http://ir.farmmi.com.cn/.
Forward-Looking Statements
No statement made in this press release should be interpreted as an offer to purchase or sell any security. Such an offer can only be made in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable state securities laws. Certain statements in this press release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements regarding our future business expectations and intended to qualify for the "safe harbor" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on our customer's businesses and our end purchaser's disposable income, our ability to raise capital on any particular terms, fulfillment of customer orders, fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, our ability to realize revenue from expanded operation and acquired assets in China, our ability to attract and retain skilled professionals, client concentration, industry segment concentration, and general economic conditions affecting our industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Farmmi may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.
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SOURCE Farmmi, Inc.
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/05/24/new-farmmi-sales-win-ships-england/
| 2022-05-24T12:51:59Z
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The award-winning craft brewery in Lafayette will host an Earth Day event on 4/22 benefitting East Bay Regional Parks Foundation.
LAFAYETTE, Calif., April 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Headlands Brewing Co, a Lafayette, CA brewery, is proud to announce that it has joined 1% for the Planet, pledging 1% of all sales to support nonprofit organizations focused on the environment. In celebration, they will be hosting an event at Headlands' Brewery and Beer Garden in Lafayette, CA in partnership with East Bay Regional Parks Foundation on Earth Day, April 22.
"Headlands Brewing was built on adventure and passion for the outdoors, and since day 1 we've worked with a number of amazing partners such as the East Bay Regional Parks Foundation, Bay Area Ridge Trail, and others who are focused on helping preserve and protect our environment," said Austin Sharp, Chief Executive Officer at Headlands Brewing Co. "Formalizing our commitment to donate our money, minds and energy to 1% for the Planet is one of the easier decisions we've made".
"Currently, only 3% of total philanthropy goes to the environment, and only 5% of that comes from businesses. The planet needs a bigger support than this, and our growing network of business members is doing its valuable part to increase giving and support on-the-ground outcomes. We're excited to welcome Headlands Brewing to our global movement," says Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet.
By contributing 1% of their annual sales, thousands of 1% for the Planet members have raised over $300 million to support approved environmental nonprofits around the globe. Nonprofits are approved based on referrals, track record and environmental focus. Thousands of nonprofits worldwide are currently approved.
During the Earth Day event on April 22, Headlands will be launching their Trailblazer Series beer, Briones Hazy IPA, in partnership with the Regional Parks Foundation. $1 for every 4-pack of Briones sold, at the taproom and in stores around the Bay Area, will be donated to the foundation. They will also be donating 10% of all taproom sales for the day to the foundation. It will be a fun day of festivities including live music by local band Swamp Cake from 3-6pm, a pop up from a local environmentally-friendly shop Resourcefill, and smash burgers on the outdoor grill.
For more information about Headlands Brewing Co, follow @headlandsbrew on Instagram and Facebook.
About Headlands Brewing Co
The Headlands Brewery and Beer Garden is located at 3420 Mt Diablo Blvd in Lafayette, CA. They feature small batch ales exclusively available at the brewery, as well as guest beers, local wines and ciders, and a light, creative food program. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday 3pm-9pm, Friday & Saturday 12pm-10pm, Sunday 12pm-8pm.
About 1% for the Planet
1% for the Planet is a global organization that exists to ensure our planet and future generations thrive. They inspire businesses and individuals to support environmental nonprofits through membership and everyday actions. They make environmental giving easy and effective through partnership advising, impact storytelling and third-party certification.
Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, their business members and individual members have given hundreds of millions of dollars to our approved nonprofit partners to date. Today, 1% for the Planet's global network consists of thousands of businesses, individuals and environmental nonprofits working toward a better future for all.
Learn more at onepercentfortheplanet.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Headlands Brewing Co
Dyana Lovold
dyana@headlandsbrewing.com
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SOURCE Headlands Brewing Co
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https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/06/headlands-brewing-co-joins-1-planet-celebrates-with-an-earth-day-event/
| 2022-04-06T10:05:05Z
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LOS ANGELES, June 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridge Entertainment Labs (formerly the Center for Entertainment & Civic Health) has named Sandra de Castro Buffington, a leader in social impact entertainment, as its Executive Director. Bridge Entertainment Labs (BEL) is a new resource to the entertainment industry designed to ignite compelling narratives that bridge political and social divides toward a more cohesive and less polarized American society.
As the former Director of Hollywood, Health, and Society at USC's Norman Lear Center and Founder and former Director of UCLA's Global Media Center for Social Impact, Sandra is one of Hollywood's leading experts on harnessing the power of narrative and storytelling to shift social norms and behaviors. Working closely with content creators and entertainment executives within Hollywood and around the world, Sandra's award winning work has resulted in hundreds of storylines in television and film producing measurable social impact.
"Bringing Sandra on board is a huge win for Bridge Entertainment Labs," says Eric Ward, Executive Director of Western States Center and member of the BEL Advisory Council. "Storytelling in TV and film can help dismantle the destructive "us versus them" dynamics that are fueling our current political crisis and tearing the social fabric of our country. BEL is an overdue initiative and Sandra is just the right person to lead it." Adds Dave Caplan, writer and Executive Producer of ABC's The Conners and fellow BEL Advisory Council member: "Sandra brings the experience, networks, and know-how to establish BEL as a powerful center of gravity within the entertainment industry. We're thrilled to have her."
Eighty-seven percent of Americans believe polarization poses a threat to our country and fifty-nine percent believe entertainment media can help transform partisan conflict and bridge America's growing divides. "Stories shape society," says de Castro Buffington, "and right now we need stories that create a new normal around how we perceive and interact with people outside our own 'tribe.' Storytelling can dispel the stereotypes Americans have about their partisan others, build empathy, and model productive ways of navigating conflict across our differences."
Bridge Entertainment Labs (BEL) serves as a resource to the entertainment industry, offering briefings and consultations with academic and practitioner experts, panel discussions, Story Tours, tip sheets, and access to organizations around the country focused on bridging political and cultural divides. BEL also conducts studies of the impact of storylines on audiences. For more information, visit bridgeentertainmentlabs.org
Contact: info@bridgeentertainmentlabs.org
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SOURCE Bridge Entertainment Labs
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https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/07/bridge-entertainment-labs-names-sandra-de-castro-buffington-its-executive-director/
| 2022-06-07T16:17:12Z
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Which hot sauce gift sets are best?
If you want to buy a present for the spicy food fan in your life, then a hot sauce gift set may be the product for you. These sets usually come with at least five or six hot sauces of various spice levels, from mild and flavorful to hot and scorching.
For a massive set that features a wide variety of different flavors, the Thoughtfully Flavors of the World Hot Sauce Sampler Set is the top pick.
What to know before you buy a hot sauce gift set
Scoville levels
Spice levels use the Scoville heat units to measure a hot sauce. Most hot sauces will advertise their Scoville level somewhere on the packaging. To understand how spicy the hot sauce is going to be, follow the simple guidelines below.
- Zero to 500 Scoville heat units: These sauces add flavor and only trace amounts of heat to your dish. Banana peppers, pepperoncini and bell peppers fall into this category.
- 500 to 2,000 Scoville heat units: Still somewhat mild, this is nevertheless where a recognizable yet subtle burn will begin to take place. Anaheim peppers and poblanos usually fall here.
- 2,500 to 10,000 Scoville heat units: These hot sauces are spicy but full of flavor, typically using jalapenos and milder varieties of serrano peppers in their formula. Many of the world’s most famous hot sauce brands are found here.
- 10,000 to 50,000 Scoville heat units: This is the part of the scale where the spice level becomes challenging for many casual diners. Most fresh serrano and cayenne peppers fall into this section.
- 50,000 and up: This part of the scale is reserved for the spiciest hot sauces. Fresh habanero and scotch bonnet peppers are found on the lower end. In contrast, sauces that use ghost peppers or the notorious Carolina reaper can regularly exceed 1 million Scoville heat units.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the active chemical component of chili peppers that gives hot sauces their famous spiciness. Consuming capsaicin-rich food is said to release endorphins, which is the main reason why so many people enjoy spicy foods. Research has also shown that capsaicin has anti-inflammatory properties and can even improve heart health.
What to look for in a quality hot sauce gift set
Ingredients
The essential ingredients found in most hot sauces are some type of chili pepper, vinegar and salt. Jalapeno, cayenne and habanero are perhaps the three most popular chili peppers found in the condiment, but chefs can use anything from banana peppers to the legendary ghost pepper to add heat. Modern hot sauces incorporate a wide variety of creative ingredients into their sauces. For a mixture of sweet and spicy flavors, some hot sauces will even use honey or fruit juices in their formula.
Gift set size
When shopping for a gift set, consider the size of the bottles and how many hot sauces are included. The size of each bottle typically shrinks as the amount of flavors increases. Most hot sauce gift sets will contain around five to 10 sauces.
Decorative box
Hot sauce gift sets will almost always be sold in a decorative box. Most of these boxes are made out of cardboard, while some high-end sets can feature a container crafted from wood.
How much you can expect to spend on a hot sauce gift set
The cost of a hot sauce gift set can vary depending on how many sauces are included. Most consumers can expect to spend around $10-$50 for a fun and delicious set.
Hot sauce gift set FAQ
Does hot sauce go bad?
A. Because of its primary ingredients, hot sauce has a relatively long shelf life. An opened bottle of hot sauce can last in the fridge for several years, while an unopened bottle will last even longer.
Can you eat hot sauce every day?
A. You can usually eat hot sauce every day as long as you don’t experience any adverse side effects. If you start to get regular heartburn or stomach aches, then it’s time to cut back.
What’s the best hot sauce gift set to buy?
Top hot sauce gift set
Thoughtfully Flavors of the World Hot Sauce Sampler Set
What you need to know: This huge hot sauce gift set comes with 30 hot sauces featuring flavors from all over the world.
What you’ll love: This gift set allows the recipient to work their way up from mild flavors like the Garlic del Fuego to the scorching hot Budapest Fire sauce. Many of the sauces incorporate creative ingredients like mango, lime and bourbon.
What you should consider: Some users noted that many of the sauces tasted similar.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top hot sauce gift set for the money
Torchbearer Sauces Bestseller Mini Bundle Set
What you need to know: Not for the faint of heart, this extra spicy hot sauce gift set comes with three of the most popular flavors from a well-known manufacturer.
What you’ll love: The company uses all-natural ingredients to produce particularly spicy and flavorful sauces. All three flavors are vegetarian and gluten-free. The sauces also include creative flavor blends like honey garlic and chipotle BBQ.
What you should consider: The hot sauce bottles were smaller than what some users expected.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Hot sauce gift set worth checking out
Cholula Hot Sauce Variety Pack
What you need to know: This popular variety pack comes with six glass bottles and is sure to please any hot sauce fan.
What you’ll love: From one of the most famous hot sauce brands in the world, this gift set features six delicious flavors that have just the right amount of heat for many users. The set includes a few rare Cholula flavor varieties, like Chili Garlic and Sweet Habanero.
What you should consider: A few users received hot sauce bottles that were individually wrapped instead of in a gift box like advertised.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Patrick Farmer writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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https://cw33.com/reviews/br/kitchen-br/food-br/best-hot-sauce-gift-set/
| 2022-05-29T19:13:12Z
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NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Jakubowitz Law announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has commenced on behalf of shareholders of MINISO Group Holding Limited (NYSE: MNSO).
To receive updates on the lawsuit, fill out the form:
https://claimyourloss.com/securities/miniso-group-holding-limited-loss-submission-form/?id=31784&from=4
This lawsuit is on behalf of persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired publicly traded MINISO securities pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and related prospectus issued in connection with MINISO's October 2020 initial public offering.
Shareholders interested in acting as a lead plaintiff representing the class of wronged shareholders have until October 17, 2022 to petition the court. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
According to a filed complaint, MINISO Group Holding Limited issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants and other undisclosed related parties owned and controlled a much larger amount of MINISO stores than previously stated; (2) as a result, MINISO concealed its true costs; (3) the Company did not represent its true business model; (4) defendants, including the Company and its chairman, engaged in planned unusual and unclear transactions; (5) as a result of at least one of these transactions, the Company is at risk of breaching contracts with People's Republic of China authorities; (6) the Company would imminently and drastically drop its franchise fees; and (7) as a result, defendant's statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.
Jakubowitz Law is vigorous in pursuit of justice for shareholders who have been the victim of securities fraud. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
JAKUBOWITZ LAW
1140 Avenue of the Americas
9th Floor
New York, New York 10036
T: (212) 867-4490
F: (212) 537-5887
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SOURCE Jakubowitz Law
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https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/16/mnso-shareholder-alert-jakubowitz-law-reminds-miniso-shareholders-lead-plaintiff-deadline-october-17-2022/
| 2022-09-16T11:07:26Z
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Commission to interview nominees for Shawnee Co. District Judge positions
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - The Nominating Commission is set to interview nominees for two Shawnee Co. district magistrate judge positions.
Kansas Courts says the Third Judicial District Nominating Commission will interview nominees for two district magistrate judge vacancies at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27.
The Court said the new positions have been certified by Administrative Order 2022-JA-020 after the Kansas Legislature passed and the Governor signed 2022 House Substitute for Substitute for Senate Bill No. 267 to fund them.
The Third Judicial District covers Shawnee County.
The Court noted that the interviews will be open to the public and will be held at the Shawnee Co. Courthouse, 200 SE 7th St., in Topeka. It said the interview schedule will be announced once it has been finalized.
Nominees are as follows:
- Kaitlin Alegria, Topeka, development director-School of Law, Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation
- Kevin Brinker, Berryton, lieutenant, Kansas Highway Patrol
- JaLynn Copp, Topeka
- Dennis Jones, Topeka, district judge pro tem, 3rd Judicial District
- Anson Tullis, Topeka, staff attorney, Kansas Legal Services
- Christopher Turner, Topeka, director of enforcement data and judicial outreach, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
- Vicki Yost, Topeka, senior paralegal, City of Topeka
- Vicki Zielinksi, Topeka, licensed practical nurse, U.S.D. 501
The Court said the Commission will meet via phone conference at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6, to review nominations.
The Third Judicial District Nominating Commission is composed of Justice Caleb Stegall as the nonvoting chair, Toby McCullough of Rossville, Whitney Casement of Topeka, Thomas Lemon of Topeka, Randall Phillips of Topeka, Rebecca Sanders of Topeka and Eric Stafford of Topeka.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wibw.com/2022/06/28/commission-interview-nominees-shawnee-co-district-judge-positions/
| 2022-06-28T22:02:50Z
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Neuro Rehab VR launched a program to certify physical therapists to treat patients with the XR Therapy virtual reality rehabilitation system. The certification is the first of its kind in the United States. The Continuing Education (CE) program is nationally recognized and allows physical therapists to offer cutting-edge, and certified treatment options in their practice.
FORT WORTH, Texas, June 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Neuro Rehab VR announced the launch of the XR Therapy Certification course last week. The certification program includes hardware and software training and qualifies for up to two continuing education credits. This certification is the first of its kind in the United States and the only VR system to carry State Board approved certification.
The course certifies physical therapists to use the XR Therapy System to treat patients recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, battling Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or healing from sports injuries or falls.
Certified therapists use the XR Therapy System to keep patients engaged and increase treatment plan compliance rates. In a VR environment, patients engage with real-life, or game-like scenarios that challenge mobility, range of motion, reach, balance, and coordination without feeling like they are in a clinic. The system also provides real-time feedback so therapists and patients can see progress and make adjustments in a single session. As the XR Therapy System is FDA Registered medical device, the treatment is covered by most insurance plans and accessible to patients.
"As a PTA, I've seen the difference VR can make in a patient's treatment, outcomes, and mindset. Patients that never thought they would walk independently again, are now doing it. VR was able to break them away from those self-limiting beliefs and improve their life. As a PTA, I want to empower other clinicians to use VR during their patient care to see just how transformative it can be." -Christopher Vasquez, PTA
Veena Somareddy, Co-Founder and CEO, said: "We believe in providing our therapists with all the tools and education required to make them successful in using virtual reality as a game-changing therapy modality for their patients. We are proud to be the first to release the virtual reality therapy certification program to help physical therapists re-define the way they do rehabilitation."
St. Bernards, a medical center in Jonesboro, Arkansas became the first clinic to certify therapists. In May Director of Business Development, Andy Shatley said that Jason Edwards, a Physical Therapist, became the first therapist in the country to attain the certification.
Neuro Rehab VR is a female-founded virtual reality healthcare technology company based in Fort Worth, Texas. Their customers include Cedars Sinai, Veterans Affairs, Children's Dallas and hospitals, private clinics across the US. Neuro Rehab VR closed its seed round of venture capital funding in Q1 of 2022, with 80% of funding originating from Texas-based firms.
Media Contact:
Lori-Lee Elliot
Neuro Rehab VR
media@neurorehabvr.com
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SOURCE Neuro Rehab VR
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/09/neuro-rehab-vr-releases-first-state-board-approved-virtual-reality-physical-therapist-certification-program/
| 2022-06-09T15:44:17Z
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TAIPEI, June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the outbreak of COVID-19, more than 530 million inflections have been reported globally. With the virus still raging in many countries, the world is suffering from supply chain disruptions and decade-high inflation, which has been exacerbated by the rising food and fuel prices due to regional conflicts. Political tensions in the international community also mean no one country can be immune to the adversities mentioned above. In addition, the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is scheduled to be implemented with a transitional period in 2023, and it is expected that the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan will follow suit soon. How would different governments react to the pressure of achieving net zero by 2050? Six laureates of the 2022 Tang Prize, newly introduced to the public in four press conferences taking place from June 18 to 21, have all shown selfless devotion to the advancement of human civilization and the improvement of the wellbeing of humanity. It is, thus, our sincere belief that their outstanding contributions to their individual disciplines and the insightful views they have expressed can bring stability and new opportunities to a world at a critical juncture at the moment.
In 2022, the Tang Prize in Sustainable Development was awarded to Jeffrey Sachs. A world renowned professor of economics who served as Special Advisor to three UN Secretaries-General, Professor Sachs is currently Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University and President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). He has made important contribution to the establishment and promotion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and was recognized by the Selection Committee for "leading transdisciplinary sustainability science and creating the multilateral movement for its applications from village to nation and to the world."
As an eminent economist of international distinction, Professor Sachs has conducted ground-breaking research in many areas, such as debt crises, hyperinflations, transition from central planning to market economies, and eradication of extreme poverty. Moreover, when addressing complex issues related to global sustainable development, he combined the fields of global economics, public health, equity and sustainability to pioneer a multidisciplinary approach to solving these problems, transforming sustainable development into an integrated field of study and practice. His outstanding scholarship, advice to world leaders, educational innovation, and efforts in the global advocacy and realization of sustainable development have proven him to be a true leader of great vision, of profound influence, and imbued with deep humanistic concern.
The Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science went to three scientists who played a critical role in the development of SARS-CoV2 mRNA vaccines: Katalin Kariko, Drew Weissman, and Pieter Cullis, "for the discovery of key vaccinology concepts and approaches, leading to successful development mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine," according to the Selection Committee's citation. The breakthrough discoveries of these three laureates and the ingenious approaches they pioneered are the key to the rapid and successful development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. While Dr. Kariko and Dr. Weissman found a way to reduce the immunogenicity of mRNA, Prof. Cullis is credited with designing lipid nanoparticles for the delivery of mRNA vaccines. As a result of their efforts, millions of lives have been saved.
The new platform developed by these three scientists is a nucleoside-modified mRNA based vaccine that can evade the immune system, thus preventing the severe inflammation which occurs when in vitro-transcribed mRNA is recognized by immune cells. These mRNA molecules are encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles and delivered effectively into the cells. They then instruct the cell's machinery to produce harmless pieces of spike protein found on the surface of the coronavirus and initiate a series adaptive immune response, such as triggering B cells to produce antibodies and training T cells to attack infected cells. These techniques not only revolutionized vaccinology but also signaled a paradigm shift in protein therapy. They represent the advent of a new era of RNA-based therapies. Moreover, they can be applied to tackle a variety of diseases, such as to the development of vaccines against other viruses, of tailored-made vaccines against cancer, of vaccines against HIV, or even of vaccines against allergic diseases.
The Prize in Sinology is awarded to Professor Dame Jessica Rawson, "for her gift and mastery of the craft of the visible to read the art and artifacts of Chinese civilization. By giving voice to the ancient world of objects, she has taught generations how to see when they look at things, and her acuity and vast visual learning have given new insight into the world of the lineages, transformations, and migrations of mute things."
Her contributions show that, besides the written word, there is another talent, another craft, which, by reading the art and artifacts of the world, allows us to interpret and understand distant and ancient societies, with their beliefs and interactions. Professor Rawson has taken this approach in her study of Chinese bronzes and jades, ancient Chinese tombs, and most especially in the exchanges between the peoples of the central China and their neighbors, for example in horse harness, revealing the role of horse-trading with the steppe and along the Silk Road. She has shown that the many regions of Eurasia had their own traditions, their own visual systems, in which artifacts, their materials, their forms and their multiple ornaments were combined in set ways. In reading these combinations, she has been able to follow and illuminate the transmission of visual systems between Eurasia and China. Most recently, Professor Rawson's work on the introduction of horses from Mongolia to China has led to new ideas on the origins of the Silk Road. In short, her original and trailblazing achievements in the archaeology of China and Inner Asia have revolutionized and broadened our understanding of early contact and exchange between the East and the West.
Professor Cheryl Saunders won the Prize in Rule of Law, for "her pioneering contributions to comparative constitutional law, and in particular her work on constitutions-building in the Asia-Pacific region." In the citation, the Selection Committee paid tribute to her working methods, noting that she applies "her scholarship to inspire and advise constitution-making exercises, often under challenging circumstances," and that she "consistently broadens the boundaries of comparative constitutional law scholarship through active engagement, dialogue and collaboration with scholars and political actors at home and abroad."
As the first woman to be appointed a law professor at the University of Melbourne, Professor Saunders has been made an officer of the Order Australia, awarded the Australian Centenary Medal, and Légion d'Honneur of France, and granted an honorary doctorate from the National University of Cordoba. Currently Laureate Professor Emeritus at the University of Melbourne, Professor Saunders is not only a pioneer in comparative constitutional studies but also an academic practitioner. She places special emphasis on an inclusive approach to comparative constitutional studies, advocating for incorporating constitutional experience from all over the world into our thinking, which broadens the vision of studies of comparative constitutional law beyond focusing on developments in Europe and North America. Prof. Saunders work is characterized by collaboration with networks of experts and scholars in the Asia-Pacific and elsewhere, bringing community-based talents along the road in countries such as Fiji, East Timor, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Philippines and Bhutan. Through applied knowledge and experience, Professor Saunders has learnt the importance of prioritizing both national ownership and fit with local context, in the interests of effective implementation. To make comparative insights useful, she works with local scholars and practitioners to organize workshops and forums, to identify priorities, issues and options from local perspective. She has made considerable contributions to countries in the Asia-Pacific and elsewhere in terms of assistance with constitution-building and inspired people who want to change society through constitutional reform.
About the Tang Prize
Since the advent of globalization, mankind has been able to enjoy the convenience brought forth by the advancement of human civilization and science. Yet a multitude of challenges, such as climate change, the emergence of new infectious diseases, wealth gap, and moral degradation, have surfaced along the way. Against this backdrop, Dr. Samuel Yin established the Tang Prize in December 2012. It consists of four award categories, namely Sustainable Development, Biopharmaceutical Science, Sinology, and Rule of Law. Every other year, four independent and professional selection committees, comprising many internationally renowned experts, scholars, and Nobel winners, choose as Tang Prize laureates people who have influenced and made substantive contributions to the world, regardless of ethnicity, nationality or gender. A cash prize of NT$50 million (approx. US$1.7 million) is allocated to each category, with NT$10 million (approx. US$ 0.35 million) of it being a research grant intended to encourage professionals in every field to examine mankind's most urgent needs in the 21st century, and become leading forces in the development of human society through their outstanding research outcomes and active civic engagement.
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https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/2022-tang-prize-laureates-six-voices-that-provide-stability-world/
| 2022-06-22T03:24:02Z
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America’s homeless ranks graying as more retire on streets
PHOENIX (AP) — Karla Finocchio’s slide into homelessness began when she split with her partner of 18 years and temporarily moved in with a cousin.
The 55-year-old planned to use her $800-a-month disability check to get an apartment after back surgery. But she soon was sleeping in her old pickup protected by her German Shepherd mix Scrappy, unable to afford housing in Phoenix, where median monthly rents soared 33% during the coronavirus pandemic to over $1,220 for a one-bedroom, according to ApartmentList.com.
Finocchio is one face of America’s graying homeless population, a rapidly expanding group of destitute and desperate people 50 and older suddenly without a permanent home after a job loss, divorce, family death or health crisis during a pandemic.
“We’re seeing a huge boom in senior homelessness,” said Kendra Hendry, a caseworker at Arizona’s largest shelter, where older people make up about 30% of those staying there. “These are not necessarily people who have mental illness or substance abuse problems. They are people being pushed into the streets by rising rents.”
Academics project their numbers will nearly triple over the next decade, challenging policy makers from Los Angeles to New York to imagine new ideas for sheltering the last of the baby boomers as they get older, sicker and less able to pay spiraling rents. Advocates say much more housing is needed, especially for extremely low-income people.
Navigating sidewalks in wheelchairs and walkers, the aging homeless have medical ages greater than their years, with mobility, cognitive and chronic problems like diabetes. Many contracted COVID-19 or couldn’t work because of pandemic restrictions.
“It’s so scary,” said Finocchio, her green eyes clouding with tears while sitting on the cushioned seat of her rolling walker. “I don’t want to be on the street in a wheelchair and living in a tent.”
It was Finocchio’s first time being homeless. She’s now at Ozanam Manor, a transitional shelter the Society of St. Vincent de Paul runs in Phoenix for people 50 and up seeking permanent housing.
At the 60-bed shelter, Finocchio sleeps in a college-style women’s dorm, with a single bed and small desk where she displays Scrappy’s photo. The dog with perky black ears is staying with Finocchio’s brother.
A stroke started 67-year-old Army veteran Lovia Primous on his downward spiral, costing him his job and forcing him to sleep in his Honda Accord. He was referred to the transitional shelter after recovering from COVID-19.
“Life has been hard,” said Primous, who grew up on in a once- segregated African American neighborhood of south Phoenix. “I’m just trying to stay positive.”
Cardelia Corley ended up on the streets of Los Angeles County after the hours at her telemarketing job were cut.
Now 65, Corley said she was surprised to meet so many others who were also working, including a teacher and a nurse who lost her home following an illness.
“I’d always worked, been successful, put my kid through college,” the single mother said. “And then all of a sudden things went downhill.”
Corley traveled all night aboard buses and rode commuter trains to catch a cat nap.
“And then I would go to Union Station downtown and wash up in the bathroom,” said Corley. She recently moved into a small East Hollywood apartment with help from The People Concern, a Los Angeles nonprofit.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said in its 2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report the share of homeless people 50 and over in emergency shelters or transitional housing jumped from 22.9% in 2007 to 33.8% in 2017. More precise and recent nationwide figures aren’t available because HUD has since changed the methodology in the reports and lumps older people in with all adults over 25..
A 2019 study of aging homeless people led by the University of Pennsylvania drew on 30 years of census data to project the U.S. population of people 65 and older experiencing homelessness will nearly triple from 40,000 to 106,000 by 2030, resulting in a public health crisis as their age-related medical problems multiply.
Dr. Margot Kushel, a physician who directs the Center for Vulnerable Populations at the University of California, San Francisco, said her research in Oakland on how homelessness affects health has shown nearly half of the tens of thousands of older homeless people in the U.S. are on the streets for the first time.
“We are seeing that retirement is no longer the golden dream,” said Kushel. “A lot of the working poor are destined to retire onto the streets.”
That’s especially true of younger baby boomers, now in their late 50s to late 60s, who don’t have pensions or 401(k) accounts. About half of both women and men ages 55 to 66 have no retirement savings, according to the census.
Born between 1946 and 1964, baby boomers now number over 70 million, the census shows. With the oldest boomers in their mid 70s, all will hit age 65 by 2030.
The aged homeless also tend to have smaller Social Security checks after years working off the books. A third of some 900 older homeless people in Phoenix said in a recent survey they have no income at all.
Teresa Smith, CEO of the San Diego nonprofit Dreams for Change, said she’s also noticed the homeless population is trending older. The group operates two safe parking lots for people living in cars.
Susan, who stayed at one lot, spoke only if her last name wasn’t used because of the stigma surrounding homelessness.
The 63-year-old had kidney cancer while caring for her mother, then lost their two-bedroom apartment after her mom died. The cancer is now in remission.
Susan slept in her car with her dog at one of the gated parking lots that provide a bathroom, showers and a shared refrigerator and microwave.
She was stunned to see a man in his 80s living in a car there, calling it “just wrong.”
But residents enjoyed the community, grilling meals together and even surprising one in their group with a birthday cake.
Dreams for Change recently helped Susan get a one-bedroom apartment with a housing voucher after months of waiting.
With a washer and dryer, patio, dishwasher and bathtub, “I feel like I’m at the Ritz,” she said.
Donald Whitehead Jr., executive director of the Washington-based advocacy group National Coalition for the Homeless, said that seeing older people sleep in cars and abandoned buildings should worry everyone.
“We now accept these things that we would have been outraged about just 20 years ago,” said Whitehead.
Whitehead said Black, Latino and Indigenous people who came of age in the 1980s amid recession and high unemployment rates are disproportionately represented among the homeless.
Many nearing retirement never got well-paying jobs and didn’t buy homes because of discriminatory real estate practices.
“So many of us didn’t put money into retirement programs, thinking that Social Security was going to take care of us,” said Rudy Soliz, 63, operations director for Justa Center, which offers meals, showers, a mail drop and other services to the aged homeless in Phoenix.
The average monthly Social Security retirement payment as of December was $1,658. Many older homeless people have much smaller checks because they worked fewer years or earned less than others.
People 65 and over with limited resources and who didn’t work enough to earn retirement benefits may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income of $841 a month.
Finocchio said limited contributions were made for her into Social Security and Medicare because most of her jobs were off the books in telephone sales or watering office plants.
“The programs approved by Congress to prevent destitution among the elderly and the disabled are not working,” said Dennis Culhane, a University of Pennsylvania professor who led the 2019 study of the aging homeless in New York, Boston and Los Angeles County. “And the problem is only going to get worse.”
Jennifer Molinsky, project director for the Aging Society Program at Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, agreed the federal government must do more to ensure older Americans are better housed.
“The younger boomers were hit especially hard in the Great Recession, many losing their homes close to retirement,” Molinsky said.
Longer term shelters specifically for older people are helping get some off the streets at least temporarily.
The Arizona Department of Housing last year provided a $7.5 million block grant for the state’s largest shelter to buy an old hotel to temporarily house up to 170 older people without a place to stay. The city of Phoenix kicked in $4 million for renovations.
CEO Lisa Glow of Central Arizona Shelter Services, which runs the state’s biggest shelter in downtown Phoenix, said the hotel is expected to open by year’s end. Residents will stay around 90 days while caseworkers help find permanent housing
“We need more dignified, safer and comfortable places for our seniors,” said Glow, noting that physical limitations make it difficult for older people at the 500-bed shelter downtown.
Nestor Castro, 67, was luckier than many who lose permanent homes.
Castro was in his late 50s living in New York when his mother died and he was hospitalized with bleeding ulcers, losing their apartment. He initially stayed with his sister in Boston, then for more than three years at a YMCA in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Just before last Christmas, Castro got a permanent subsidized apartment through Hearth Inc., a Boston nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness among older adults. Residents pay 30% of their income to stay in one if Hearth’s 228 units.
Castro pays with part of his Social Security check and a part-time job. He also volunteers at a food pantry and a nonprofit that assists people with housing.
“Housing is a big problem around here because they are building luxury apartments that no one can afford,” he said. “A place down the street is $3,068 a month for a studio.”
Hearth Inc. CEO Mark Hinderlie said far more housing needs to be built and made affordable for the aged, especially now as the numbers of graying homeless people surge.
“It’s cheaper to house people than leave them homeless,” Hinderlie said. “You have to rethink what housing can be.”
__
Janie Har in Marin County, California, and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/04/10/americas-homeless-ranks-graying-more-retire-streets/
| 2022-04-10T20:45:06Z
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US official: Russia plans to annex parts of eastern Ukraine
By CARA ANNA and INNA VARENYTSIA
Associated Press
ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine (AP) — A senior U.S. official warned that Russia plans to annex large portions of eastern Ukraine later this month, and the Mariupol steel mill that has become the city’s last stronghold of resistance came under renewed assault a day after the first evacuation of civilians from the plant.
Michael Carpenter, U.S. ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, said Monday that the U.S. believes the Kremlin also plans to recognize the southern city of Kherson as an independent republic. Neither move would be recognized by the United States or its allies, he said.
Carpenter cited information that Russia is planning to hold sham referendums in the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics that would “try to add a veneer of democratic or electoral legitimacy” and attach the entities to Russia. He also said there were signs that Russia would engineer an independence vote in Kherson.
He noted that mayors and local legislators there have been abducted, that internet and cellphone service has been severed and that a Russian school curriculum is soon to be imposed. Ukraine’s government has said Russia also has introduced the ruble as currency there.
In bombed-out Mariupol, more than 100 people — including elderly women and mothers with small children — left the rubble-strewn Azovstal steelworks on Sunday and set out in buses and ambulances for the Ukrainian-controlled city of Zaporizhzhia, about 140 miles (230 kilometers) to the northwest, according to authorities and video released by the two sides.
Mariupol Deputy Mayor Sergei Orlov told the BBC that the evacuees were making slow progress. Authorities gave no explanation for the delay.
At least some of the civilians were apparently taken to a village controlled by Russia-backed separatists. The Russian military said some chose to stay in separatist areas, while dozens left for Ukrainian-held territory.
In the past, Ukraine has accused Moscow’s troops of taking civilians against their will to Russia or Russian-controlled areas. The Kremlin has denied it.
The Russian bombardment of the sprawling plant by air, tank and ship picked up again after the partial evacuation, Ukraine’s Azov Battalion, which is helping to defend the mill, said on the Telegram messaging app.
Orlov said high-level negotiations were underway among Ukraine, Russia and international organizations on evacuating more people.
The steel-plant evacuation, if successful, would represent rare progress in easing the human cost of the almost 10-week war, which has caused particular suffering in Mariupol. Previous attempts to open safe corridors out of the southern port city and other places have broken down, with Ukrainian officials accusing Russian forces of shooting and shelling along agreed-on evacuation routes.
Before the weekend evacuation, overseen by the United Nations and the Red Cross, about 1,000 civilians were believed to be in the plant along with an estimated 2,000 Ukrainian defenders. Russia has demanded that the fighters surrender; they have refused.
As many as 100,000 people overall may still be in Mariupol, which had a prewar population of more than 400,000. Russian forces have pounded much of the city into rubble, trapping civilians with little food, water, heat or medicine.
Some Mariupol residents got out of the city on their own, often in damaged private cars.
As sunset approached, Mariupol resident Yaroslav Dmytryshyn rattled up to a reception center in Zaporizhzhia in a car with a back seat full of youngsters and two signs taped to the back window: “Children” and “Little ones.”
“I can’t believe we survived,” he said, looking worn but in good spirits after two days on the road.
“There is no Mariupol whatsoever,” he said. “Someone needs to rebuild it, and it will take millions of tons of gold.” He said they lived just across the railroad tracks from the steel plant. “Ruined,” he said. “The factory is gone completely.”
Anastasiia Dembytska, who took advantage of the cease-fire to leave with her daughter, nephew and dog, said she could see the steelworks from her window, when she dared to look out.
“We could see the rockets flying” and clouds of smoke over the plant, she said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Greek state television that remaining civilians in the steel plant were afraid to board buses because they feared they would be taken to Russia. He said he had been assured by the U.N. that they would be allowed to go to areas his government controls.
More than 1 million people, including nearly 200,000 children, have been taken from Ukraine to Russia since the Russian invasion began, Russia’s Defense Ministry said Monday, according to TASS.
Defense Ministry official Mikhail Mizintsev said that number included 11,550 people, including 1,847 children, in the previous 24 hours, “without the participation of the Ukrainian authorities.”
He said those civilians “were evacuated to the territory of the Russian Federation from the dangerous regions of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics,” and other parts of Ukraine, according to the report. No details were provided.
Also Monday, Zelenskyy said that at least 220 Ukrainian children have been killed by the Russian army since the war began, and 1,570 educational institutions have been destroyed or damaged.
Thwarted in his bid to seize Kyiv, the capital, Russian President Vladimir Putin has shifted his focus to the Donbas, Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland, where Moscow-backed separatists have been battling Ukrainian forces since 2014.
Russia said it struck dozens of military targets in the region, including concentrations of troops and weapons and an ammunition depot near Chervone in the Zaporizhzhia region, west of the Donbas.
Ukrainian and Western officials say Moscow’s troops are raining fire indiscriminately, taking a heavy toll on civilians while making only slow progress.
The governor of the Odesa region along the Black Sea Coast, Maksym Marchenko, said on Telegram that a Russian missile strike Monday on an Odesa infrastructure target caused deaths and injuries. He gave no details. Zelenskyy said the attack destroyed a dormitory and killed a 14-year-old boy.
Ukraine said Russia also struck a strategic road and rail bridge west of Odesa. The bridge was heavily damaged in previous Russian strikes, and its destruction would cut a supply route for weapons and other cargo from neighboring Romania.
The attack on Odessa came eight years to the day after deadly clashes between Ukrainian government supporters and protesters calling for autonomy in the country’s east. The government supporters in 2014 firebombed a trade union building containing pro-autonomy demonstrators, killing over 40 people.
Ukraine claimed to have destroyed two small Russian patrol boats in the Black Sea.
Mariupol, which lies in the Donbas, is key to Russia’s campaign in the east. Its capture would deprive Ukraine of a vital port, allow Russia to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops for fighting elsewhere.
___
Varenytsia reported from Kyiv, Ukraine. Associated Press journalists Yesica Fisch in Sloviansk, Jon Gambrell and Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Mstyslav Chernov in Kharkiv, Lolita Baldor in Washington and AP staff around the world contributed to this report.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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https://localnews8.com/news/ap-national-business/2022/05/02/us-official-russia-plans-to-annex-parts-of-eastern-ukraine/
| 2022-05-03T05:49:27Z
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NEW YORK, July 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- KPMG LLP, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm, has named Diane Swonk – a prominent economist, recognized industry voice and sought-after business advisor – as Chief Economist. Swonk, based in Chicago, will lead the firm's Office of the Chief Economist, which provides deep insights to clients on the economy and how it impacts strategy, growth and operations.
"Our Office of the Chief Economist offers leading economic intelligence to help our clients improve strategic decision-making," said Tandra Jackson, Vice Chair – Growth and Strategy, KPMG LLP. "Diane's broad experience and wide-reaching influence will be tremendously valuable in leading those efforts."
Swonk joins KPMG from Grant Thornton LLP, where she served as chief economist. She has more than three decades of experience in financial services and consulting and serves as an advisor to the Federal Reserve and its regional banks. Swonk also serves on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce economic advisory board and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Additionally, Swonk also advised the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) for the White House under three presidents and served two terms on the Congressional Budget Office's panel of economic advisors. She was named a fellow by the National Association for Business Economics for her outstanding contributions to the field of business economics and was named among the 100 most influential economists in the world for her analysis of the pandemic. She received a lifetime achievement award from the Association for Corporate Growth.
Diane is deeply committed to educational attainment and diversifying the ranks of leadership. She serves on the board of the Posse Foundation in Chicago, an education and leadership program. She works extensively with the Yale Dyslexia and Creative Institute. She just joined the Harris Policy School Council at the University of Chicago after serving for 15 years on the Council for Booth School of Business. She also serves on the board of the Foundation for the National Association for Business Economics (NABE); she serves on the statistics committee for NABE to promote the quality and integrity of U.S. economic data.
She advises the University of Michigan Economics Department, where she earned her B.A. and M.A. in economics with top honors. She earned an MBA in finance and strategic planning with top honors from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business.
KPMG LLP is the U.S. firm of the KPMG global organization of independent professional services firms providing audit, tax and advisory services. The KPMG global organization operates in 144 countries and territories and has more than 236,000 people working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.
KPMG is widely recognized for being a great place to work and build a career. Our people share a sense of purpose in the work we do, and a strong commitment to community service, inclusion and diversity, and eradicating childhood illiteracy. Learn more at www.kpmg.com/us.
Contact:
Celia Ampel
KPMG LLP
520-307-0759
campel@kpmg.com
Karen Nye
KPMG LLP
646-207-6708
knye@kpmg.com
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https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/19/kpmg-names-diane-swonk-chief-economist/
| 2022-07-19T16:44:28Z
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LOS ANGELES and TAIPEI and HONG KONG, May 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Space (www.thespace.game) is officially open to the public today: the world's first NFT pixel art co-creation canvas where anyone can tokenize and trade pixels under Harberger Tax and Universal Basic Income (UBI).
Powered by Matters Lab, the creator behind the biggest successful application of blockchain social media in the world with over 100,000 content creators and other co-creation NFT projects, The Space will reimagine the pixel graffiti wall as a foundation for a new attention economy in web3.
Inspired by Reddit r/place, The Space goes beyond a collaborative canvas to become the first large-scale experiment of a radical market on blockchain. Two unique rules govern The Space based on radical market economics:
- Every pixel NFT is always on sale.
- The current owner can set the price for his/her pixel, and pay tax for a percentage of the price.
Pixels are tokenized as ERC-721 tokens (Planck) and traded under Harberger Tax with ERC-20 tokens ($SPACE), where the owner of each plot must mark a price for his plot and make it available for purchase. They must also pay a tax, set at a certain percentage, of their plot price.
The majority of the tax is then redistributed to all pixel owners in the game as Universal Basic Income. Originally proposed by Glen Weyl and Eric Posner, radical market economics is one answer to the monopolization of private property by a wealthy few.
"The centralization of Web2 and the disappearance of online public spaces is terrifying. We no longer live in a physical world, but spend most of our hours interacting in the metaverse. Our digital world no longer has a public space. The Space is our vision for a truly decentralized, self-sustaining community in a public space," says Annie Zhang, award-winning journalist and founder of Matters Lab.
Since December 2021, The Space has launched 11 game-test events. Over 1,800 content creators participated and colored at least 35,000 tokens as pixels. Although these test launches did not include real money or tax mechanisms, they revealed how players collaborated with each other to tackle problems and create artworks together. This is one of the core goals of The Space: to create a self-sustaining and decentralized community.
Plans are underway for players to own and govern The Space completely through SpaceDAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization). Players will decide the rules of the game, the Harberger Tax rate, UBI ratio, canvas size, and the use of Community Funds. Members will also be able initiate bounty programs and recruit third-party developers.
During a test launch in March, fifty Taiwanese artists co-created on The Space and their final artwork was minted as NFT on akaSwap. Proceeds of this event went towards helping displaced adults and children.
To find out more about the project, visit The Space showcase at Booth 319 at Consensus 2022 by CoinDesk from June 9-12 in Austin, Texas. Visitors can claim $SPACE tokens at the conference.
Read The Space white paper, or follow us on Medium and @thespace2022 on Twitter for the latest news and insights on NFT and web3.
About The Space
Powered by Matters Lab, which was established in 2018, The Space's mission is to enable a truly decentralized, self-sustaining community in a public space for content creators to monetize their digital assets with complete control through the next evolution of the Internet, web3. Other initiatives include using decentralization tools to protect digital rights, designing a self-governing system and community, and inventing models for a new creator economy.
Media Contact
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/space-is-worlds-first-large-scale-nft-pixel-art-game-governed-by-radical-markets/
| 2022-06-01T03:14:22Z
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FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — An 8-year-old New Hampshire boy died Sunday after being shot in the neck the day before, authorities said, by a man who was firing at cars driving by his home in South Carolina, according to a county coroner.
The child’s father, who was driving the car, was also shot in the leg but is expected to survive, said Florence County coroner Keith von Lutcken. His name has not been released.
The shooting happened while the family was on vacation in South Carolina.
Quarius Naqua Dunham died after being taken off life-support, said von Lutcken. He had been in the hospital in critical condition since the shooting.
According to von Lutcken, an autopsy is planned for Friday at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Before the child’s death, authorities charged Charles Montgomery Allen, 40, of Florence, with two counts of attempted murder, three counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
“No motive. Just probably methed up. He’s got a history,” Sheriff TJ Joye said. “He’s incarcerated now without incident. Just a senseless, senseless act.”
In the family’s hometown in New Hampshire, Portsmouth School Department Superintendent Steve Zadravec gave WBZ-TV News a statement that went out to parents about the shooting, saying in part:
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share the sad news that one of our third grade students at LHS was killed this weekend. His family was on vacation and were victims of a random shooting in South Carolina. An event like this touches our community as a whole. Our hearts are with the family as we support each other through this unbelievable tragedy.”
The superintendent also said parents were being offered support in speaking with their children as well as grief counseling resources.
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https://cw33.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/8-year-old-boy-dies-in-senseless-gunfire-aimed-at-passing-cars-authorities-say/
| 2022-05-31T19:21:11Z
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Data Processing and Infrastructure Processing Units – DPU and IPU – are changing the way enterprises deploy and manage compute resources across their networks; OPI will nurture an ecosystem to enable easy adoption of these innovative technologies
SAN FRANCISCO, June 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Linux Foundation, the nonprofit organization enabling mass innovation through open source, today announced the new Open Programmable Infrastructure (OPI) Project. OPI will foster a community-driven, standards-based open ecosystem for next-generation architectures and frameworks based on DPU and IPU technologies. OPI is designed to facilitate the simplification of network, storage and security APIs within applications to enable more portable and performant applications in the cloud and datacenter across DevOps, SecOps and NetOps.
Founding members of OPI include Dell Technologies, F5, Intel, Keysight Technologies, Marvell, NVIDIA and Red Hat with a growing number of contributors representing a broad range of leading companies in their fields ranging from silicon and device manufactures, ISVs, test and measurement partners, OEMs to end users.
"When new technologies emerge, there is so much opportunity for both technical and business innovation but barriers often include a lack of open standards and a thriving community to support them," said Mike Dolan, senior vice president of Projects at the Linux Foundation. "DPUs and IPUs are great examples of some of the most promising technologies emerging today for cloud and datacenter, and OPI is poised to accelerate adoption and opportunity by supporting an ecosystem for DPU and IPU technologies."
DPUs and IPUs are increasingly being used to support high-speed network capabilities and packet processing for applications like 5G, AI/ML, Web3, crypto and more because of their flexibility in managing resources across networking, compute, security and storage domains. Instead of the servers being the infrastructure unit for cloud, edge or the data center, operators can now create pools of disaggregated networking, compute and storage resources supported by DPUs, IPUs, GPUs, and CPUs to meet their customers' application workloads and scaling requirements.
OPI will help establish and nurture an open and creative software ecosystem for DPU and IPU-based infrastructures. As more DPUs and IPUs are offered by various vendors, the OPI Project seeks to help define the architecture and frameworks for the DPU and IPU software stacks that can be applied to any vendor's hardware offerings. The OPI Project also aims to foster a rich open source application ecosystem, leveraging existing open source projects, such as DPDK, SPDK, OvS, P4, etc., as appropriate. The project intends to:
- Define DPU and IPU,
- Delineate vendor-agnostic frameworks and architectures for DPU- and IPU-based software stacks applicable to any hardware solutions,
- Enable the creation of a rich open source application ecosystem,
- Integrate with existing open source projects aligned to the same vision such as the Linux kernel, and,
- Create new APIs for interaction with, and between, the elements of the DPU and IPU ecosystem, including hardware, hosted applications, host node, and the remote provisioning and orchestration of software
With several working groups already active, the initial technology contributions will come in the form of the Infrastructure Programmer Development Kit (IPDK) that is now an official sub-project of OPI governed by the Linux Foundation. IPDK is an open source framework of drivers and APIs for infrastructure offload and management that runs on a CPU, IPU, DPU or switch. In addition, NVIDIA DOCA, an open source software development framework for NVIDIA's BlueField DPU, will be contributed to OPI to help developers create applications that can be offloaded, accelerated, and isolated across DPUs, IPUs, and other hardware platforms.
For more information visit: https://opiproject.org; start contributing here: https://github.com/opiproject/opi.
Geng Lin, EVP and Chief Technology Officer, F5
"The emerging DPU market is a golden opportunity to reimagine how infrastructure services can be deployed and managed. With collective collaboration across many vendors representing both the silicon devices and the entire DPU software stack, an ecosystem is emerging that will provide a low friction customer experience and achieve portability of services across a DPU enabled infrastructure layer of next generation data centers, private clouds, and edge deployments."
Patricia Kummrow, CVP and GM, Ethernet Products Group, Intel
Intel is committed to open software to advance collaborative and competitive ecosystems and is pleased to be a founding member of the Open Programmable Infrastructure project, as well as fully supportive of the Infrastructure Processor Development Kit (IPDK) as part of OPI. We look forward to advancing these tools, with the Linux Foundation, fulfilling the need for a programmable infrastructure across cloud, data center, communication and enterprise industries making it easier for developers to accelerate innovation and advance technological developments.
Ram Periakaruppan, VP and General Manager, Network Test and Security Solutions Group, Keysight Technologies
"Programmable infrastructure built with DPUs/IPUs enables significant innovation for networking, security, storage and other areas in disaggregated cloud environments. As a founding member of the Open Programmable Infrastructure Project, we are committed to providing our test and validation expertise as we collaboratively develop and foster a standards-based open ecosystem that furthers infrastructure development, enabling cloud providers to maximize their investment."
Cary Ussery, Vice President, Software and Support, Processors, Marvell
Data center operators across multiple industry segments are increasingly incorporating DPUs as an integral part of their infrastructure processing to offload complex workloads from general purpose to more robust compute platforms. Marvell strongly believes that software standardization in the ecosystem will significantly contribute to the success of workload acceleration solutions. As a founding member of the OPI Project, Marvell aims to address the need for standardization of software frameworks used in provisioning, lifecycle management, orchestration, virtualization and deployment of workloads.
Kevin Deierling, vice president of Networking at NVIDIA
"The fundamental architecture of data centers is evolving to meet the demands of private and hyperscale clouds and AI, which require extreme performance enabled by DPUs such as the NVIDIA BlueField and open frameworks such as NVIDIA DOCA. These will support OPI to provide BlueField users with extreme acceleration, enabled by common, multi-vendor management and applications. NVIDIA is a founding member of the Linux Foundation's Open Programmable Infrastructure Project to continue pushing the boundaries of networking performance and accelerated data center infrastructure while championing open standards and ecosystems."
Erin Boyd, director of emerging technologies, Red Hat
"As a founding member of the Open Programmable Infrastructure project, Red Hat is committed to helping promote, grow and collaborate on the emergent advantage that new hardware stacks can bring to the cloud-native community, and we believe that the formalization of OPI into the Linux Foundation is an important step toward achieving this in an open and transparent fashion. Establishing an open standards-based ecosystem will enable us to create fully programmable infrastructure, opening up new possibilities for better performance, consumption, and the ability to more easily manage unique hardware at scale."
Founded in 2000, the Linux Foundation and its projects are supported by more than 1,800 members and is the world's leading home for collaboration on open source software, open standards, open data, and open hardware. Linux Foundation's projects are critical to the world's infrastructure including Linux, Kubernetes, Node.js, Hyperledger, RISC-V, and more. The Linux Foundation's methodology focuses on leveraging best practices and addressing the needs of contributors, users and solution providers to create sustainable models for open collaboration. For more information, please visit us at linuxfoundation.org.
The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of The Linux Foundation, please see its trademark usage page: www.linuxfoundation.org/trademark-usage. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Red Hat is a registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and other countries.
Marvell Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future events or achievements. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contemplated in this press release. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and no person assumes any obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Media Contact
Carolyn Lehman
The Linux Foundation
clehman@linuxfoundation.org
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https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/06/21/linux-foundation-announces-open-programmable-infrastructure-project-drive-open-standards-new-class-cloud-native-infrastructure/
| 2022-06-21T12:08:38Z
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Crews work to install temporary light after SUV wipes out Lawrence traffic signal
LAWRENCE, Kan. (WIBW) - Crews have installed a temporary light at a busy Lawrence intersection after an SUV completely wiped out the traffic signal that stood there.
The Lawrence Police Department says crews worked on Friday night, July 29, to install a temporary light at the corner of 9th and Vermont St. to avoid the need for a 4-way stop at the busy intersection.
Around 5 p.m. on Friday, LPD said officials were called to the area of 9th and Vermont with reports of an accident. When officers arrived, they said it appeared that an SUV headed south on Vermont failed to stop at the red light and hit a car headed west.
LPD said this is when the SUV swerved and hit the pole. It said both drivers cooperated completely and alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the collision. It said a family member did come to take the driver of the SUV to the hospital and the other driver had been cleared to leave the scene.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wibw.com/2022/07/30/crews-work-install-temporary-light-after-suv-wipes-out-lawrence-traffic-signal/
| 2022-07-30T18:50:33Z
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NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Klein Law Firm announces that a class action complaint has been filed on behalf of shareholders of TuSimple Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: TSP) alleging that the Company violated federal securities laws.
This lawsuit is on behalf of all persons who: (a) purchased or otherwise acquired TuSimple common stock pursuant and/or traceable to documents issued in connection with TuSimple's April 15, 2021 initial public offering; and/or (b) that purchased or otherwise acquired TuSimple securities between April 15, 2021 and August 1, 2022, both dates inclusive.
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: October 31, 2022
No obligation or cost to you.
Learn more about your recoverable losses in TSP:
https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/tusimple-loss-submission-form?id=31581&from=4
TuSimple Holdings Inc. NEWS - TSP NEWS
CLASS ACTION CASE DETAILS: The filed complaint alleges that TuSimple Holdings Inc. made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) TuSimple's commitment to safety was significantly overstated and defendants concealed fundamental problems with the Company's technology; (ii) TuSimple was rushing the testing of its autonomous driving technology in order to deliver driverless trucks to the market ahead of its more safety-conscious competitors; (iii) there was a corporate culture within TuSimple that suppressed or ignored safety concerns in favor of unrealistically ambitious testing and delivery schedules; (iv) the aforementioned conduct made accidents involving the Company's autonomous driving technology more likely; (v) the aforementioned conduct invited enhanced regulatory scrutiny and investigatory action toward the Company; and (iv) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU AS A SHAREHOLDER: If you have suffered a loss in TuSimple you have until October 31, 2022 to petition the court for lead plaintiff status. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.
NO COST TO YOU: If you purchased TuSimple securities during the relevant period, you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS: For additional information about the TSP lawsuit, please contact J. Klein, Esq. by telephone at 212-616-4899 or click this link: https://www.kleinstocklaw.com/pslra-1/tusimple-loss-submission-form?id=31581&from=4.
ABOUT KLEIN LAW FIRM
J. Klein, Esq. represents investors and participates in securities litigations involving financial fraud throughout the nation. The Klein Law Firm is a boutique litigation firm with experience in a wide range of areas including securities law, corporate finance and commercial litigation. Since 2011, our experienced attorneys have achieved superior results for our clients with a personalized focus. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
CONTACT:
J. Klein, Esq.
535 Fifth Avenue
4th Floor
New York City, NY 10017
jk@kleinstocklaw.com
Telephone: (212) 616-4899
www.kleinstocklaw.com
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SOURCE The Klein Law Firm
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https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/09/13/tsp-alert-klein-law-firm-announces-lead-plaintiff-deadline-october-31-2022-class-action-filed-behalf-tusimple-holdings-inc-shareholders/
| 2022-09-13T11:08:45Z
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MAUMEE, Ohio, April 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dana Incorporated (NYSE: DAN) announced today that it has secured a leading spot across the Automotive News PACE and PACEpilot Award programs with five innovative electrification technologies being named to the lists.
Now in its 28th year, the prestigious PACE Awards program recognizes suppliers for game-changing technologies that deliver superior innovation, technological advancement, and business performance. The PACEpilot award recognizes pre-commercial, post-pilot innovations in the automotive or future mobility space, including products, processes, software, and IT systems.
"As electrification technologies continue to be rapidly embraced by our customers across the wide spectrum of vehicle classes that we support, our team is focused on designing innovative solutions to address some of the toughest challenges in our industry today," said Christophe Dominiak, senior vice president and chief technology officer for Dana. "Whether it is individual components, fully integrated systems, or complete vehicle e-Propulsion, Dana is leveraging our expertise in design, engineering, manufacturing, and integration to meet the electrification needs of our customers across all mobility segments."
Three Dana innovations were named finalists for the PACE Awards:
- Complete vehicle integration for e-Propulsion and e-Power systems
Dana's complete e-Propulsion and e-Power systems provide customers with a propulsion system, including, motor, inverter, and driveline, as well as the e-Power system, which generates, stores, and manages the energy for the vehicle. This includes the electrified auxiliary systems, such as the onboard charger, as well as the vehicle-level software and controls – all developed and integrated by Dana. - Dana TM4™ high-performance inverter
The compact, power-dense Dana TM4™ inverter leverages the company's in-house power modules to deliver high reliability and efficiency for a broad range of two, three, and four-wheeled high-performance vehicle applications. - Metallic bipolar plates for fuel cell stacks
Dana's highly durable metallic bipolar plates with integrated metal bead seal are an integral component in the fuel-cell stack and deliver improved cost, performance, and manufacturability, aiding original equipment manufacturers in realizing commercialization of fuel-cell-powered mobility.
Two Dana innovations were named finalists for the PACEpilot awards:
- Electric rigid beam axle
Designed to meet the rigorous requirements of light-vehicle pickup truck applications, Dana's electric rigid beam axle is a compact, robust three-in-one system capable of handling on- and off-road performance.
- Composite battery enclosure with integrated thermal management
Supporting the continued drive to reduce weight and maximize durability, Dana's composite battery enclosure with integrated thermal management leverages the company's sealing and thermal engineering expertise to deliver an integrated solution for hybrid and electric-vehicle applications.
The list of finalists will be narrowed through an evaluation by an independent panel of judges, and the winners are expected to be announced in September.
About Dana Incorporated
Dana is a leader in the design and manufacture of highly efficient propulsion and energy-management solutions that power vehicles and machines in all mobility markets across the globe. The company is shaping sustainable progress through its conventional and clean-energy solutions that support nearly every vehicle manufacturer with drive and motion systems; electrodynamic technologies, including software and controls; and thermal, sealing, and digital solutions.
Based in Maumee, Ohio, USA, the company reported sales of $8.9 billion in 2021 with 40,000 people in 31 countries across six continents. Founded in 1904, Dana was named one of "America's Most Responsible Companies 2022" by Newsweek for its emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility. The company is driven by a high-performance culture that focuses on valuing others, inspiring innovation, growing responsibly, and winning together, earning it global recognition as a top employer. Learn more at dana.com.
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https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/25/dana-leads-automotive-news-pace-award-nominations-list-with-five-electrification-innovations/
| 2022-04-25T11:19:54Z
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HARLEM, N.Y., June 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Reframe, the first tech-enabled change management platform that helps build inclusive experiences at scale, is working with Razorfish to bring inclusive experiences to the center of the leading digital agency's workplace.
While there's been progress in culturally transforming the marketing and communications industry, there's still work to be done. Commissioned by the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA), the first-ever global Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Census found that 1 in 7 employees would leave their company and the advertising industry on the basis of a lack of diversity and inclusion.
Razorfish is rising to the challenge by working with Reframe to uncover institutional DE&I gaps through an understanding of the level of cultural maturity for its organizational structure, strategy, segments, systems and solutions. Reframe's patent-pending Cultural Maturity Assessment, Inclusive Employee Experience™ (IEX) and Inclusive Customer Experience™ (ICX) change operating systems to address structural barriers by helping entire organizations — from early careers to executives — accelerate change, growth, and personalization.
"The workplace is two to three generations culturally behind the marketplace," said Jeffrey L. Bowman, Reframe founder and CEO. "The old approaches of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) as a way of integrating the marketing and communications industry fall short of the mark. It may address the symptom but not the underlying cultural underpinnings and structural shifts that are essential to affecting meaningful and sustainable change."
"To meet the demands of clients, talent and consumers, it's imperative that advertising giants build more inclusive workplaces, using a change management approach that drives both sustainable and scalable outcomes," added Bowman.
Reframe is helping to improve Razorfish's employee experience by first reviewing qualitative and quantitative data, gathered from talent interviews across identities, career stages, and capabilities. These insights enable leadership to assess the current state and identify core areas for transformation, as well as the strategy and timing for change management. A new employee experience and organizational action plan will be designed, leveraging technology to implement, scale, and sustain a more culturally inclusive workplace for all employees.
"We're proud to work with Reframe to realize our commitment to building a more inclusive workplace and becoming a thriving place to work for all people, supportive of all aspects of identity," said Josh Campo, president of Razorfish. "This partnership is a continuation of our ongoing DE&I efforts that will enable us to drive meaningful, sustained change for our talent and culture, leveraging the expertise of Reframe's scalable inclusive experience solutions."
About Reframe
Reframe is the first tech-enabled change management platform that helps build inclusive employee and customer experiences at scale. Through the company's patent-pending cultural maturity assessment and change operating system, Reframe helps C-Suite executives culturally transform the workplace and marketplace by enabling them to accelerate change, growth, and personalization. Learn more at getreframe.com.
Media Contact:
CJ Arlotta
Reframe
press@getframe.com
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/09/reframe-helps-razorfish-culturally-transform-by-building-inclusive-experiences-scale/
| 2022-06-09T15:45:21Z
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Demonstrating further integration of ESG into its business to address crucial sustainability challenges
TEL AVIV, Israel, July 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ADAMA Ltd. (SZSE 000553), a leading global crop protection company, has issued its 2021 ESG report. The publication of this report cements the company's commitment to high standards around transparency, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Ignacio Dominguez, CEO of ADAMA, said: "Climate change and the imminent global food crisis demand that agriculture and our industry must transform if we are to have sustainable food security for a growing population. ADAMA chooses to put ESG values in the center of its activity and to integrate sustainability into every aspect of the business – products, manufacturing, operations, and people. Our investment in novel formulation technologies to deliver superior products with enhanced biological performance is resulting in better solutions for farmers and a favorable sustainable footprint, ultimately benefiting all our stakeholders. We'll continue to listen to farmers and deliver what they need to succeed, making sustainable agriculture part of the solution".
Michal Arlosoroff, EVP, General Legal Counsel, Company Secretary, Chief Corporate Communication & Chief Sustainability Officer, said: "As an agrochemical company, we have an even greater obligation to put ESG at the forefront of our operations. We take this commitment seriously and I am proud of the results and progress that we have made in our ESG journey, including reducing our carbon footprint; improving safety; and reducing our products' environmental impact through a combination of efforts across the whole business. For 2022, we have set additional ambitious goals for even more sustainable processes."
- Outperformed regulatory requirements while growing production volumes. ADAMA reduced GHG emissions by 30% over the last decade; achieved a 51% decrease in TOC discharge per tonne during that same time period; and recycled and reused 36% more hazardous waste compared to the previous year.
- Funded $60 million toward greener manufacturing operations. Investments in this area included a new chlorine production facility, new wastewater reactor, balancing pool to enhance treatment efficiency and redundancy and new scrubbers to upgrade air emission controls.
- Increased portfolio of biological products. ADAMA continues to strengthen its portfolio and pipeline of biological products which give farmers alternative options in combination and programs with chemicals. The Bralic® product originally launched in Mexico, based on garlic oil extract alone and has a favorable impact on insect infestation, is expanding to additional markets.
- Invested 2.9% of total profit in social responsibility. $2.5 million were donated globally to support community activities. In addition, 20% of ADAMA's people in Israel were involved in volunteering activities. Community projects include academic excellence programs for educating future scientists; connecting youth with farmers to support labor needs and expose young people to working in agriculture; providing medical facilities with crucial COVID-related support such as oxygen generation equipment.
- Promoting diversity and inclusion. A global Diversity & Inclusion Committee was formed in 2021 and drives the execution of various initiatives to amplify the diversity of our teams and the inclusiveness of our culture. In Israel, cooperation begun with Co-Impact - a local NGO, to increase employment from the Arab society.
- Retained employees' rate at 87% in 2021.
ADAMA's sustainability report and ESG report, audited by KPMG, is available here.
About ADAMA
ADAMA Ltd. is a global leader in crop protection, providing solutions to farmers across the world to combat weeds, insects and disease. ADAMA has one of the widest and most diverse portfolios of active ingredients in the world, as well as state-of-the-art R&D, manufacturing and formulation facilities. With a culture that empowers our people to listen to farmers and ideate from the field, ADAMA is uniquely positioned to offer a vast array of distinctive mixtures, formulations and high-quality differentiated products, delivering solutions that meet local farmer and customer needs in over 100 countries globally. For more information, visit us at www.ADAMA.com and follow us on Twitter® at @ADAMAAgri.
ADAMA Contact:
Tal Moise
Public Relations
Email: pr@adama.com
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SOURCE ADAMA Ltd.
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/05/adama-publishes-its-2021-environmental-social-governance-esg-report/
| 2022-07-05T14:57:32Z
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ISIP™ Reading meets Tier 2 ESSA evidence standards
DALLAS, Aug. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Evidence for ESSA validated Istation's reading assessment meeting Tier 2 ESSA evidence standards (www.evidenceforessa.org). This designation supports a wide range of independent research studies that show Istation as a proven-to-work tool to improve learning outcomes.
Evidence for ESSA provides easy access to information on programs that meet the evidence requirements defined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Aligned with What Works Clearinghouse standards, Tier 2 ESSA standards indicate that Istation's reading assessment shows moderate evidence of being an effective digital learning tool that helps students close significant reading achievement gaps.
Istation's program efficacy was evaluated in a two-year quasi-experimental (matched) study involving 1,234 students in grades 2 through 4. The 617 students who used Istation came from six schools located in a district in the southeast United States. Istation users scored nearly a full point higher on the MAP® Reading™ assessment in comparison with demographically and academically similar students in a virtual control group who did not use Istation. These results show that Istation use was significantly associated with larger reading achievement gains.
"Gaining Tier 2 ESSA evidence is a great milestone as we further build the efficacy of our reading assessments," said Istation Vice President of Research and Assessment Dr. Victoria Locke. "Supporting educators with effective, research-backed digital tools is critical in empowering classrooms everywhere."
Powered by the science of reading, Istation's engaging assessments and instruction cover the National Reading Panel's "Big Five" foundational essentials. Istation's ISIP Reading assessment is a computer-adaptive testing system that provides actionable and insightful data that measures phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, as well as many other skills.
About Istation
Founded in 1998 and based in Dallas, Texas, Istation (Imagination Station) has become one of the nation's leading providers of richly animated, game-like educational technology. Winner of several national educational technology awards, the Istation program puts more instructional time in the classroom through small-group and collaborative instruction. Istation's innovative reading, math and Spanish programs immerse students in an engaging and interactive environment and inspire them to learn. Additionally, administrators and educators can use Istation to easily track the progress of their students, schools and classrooms. Istation now serves over 4 million students throughout the United States and in several other countries.
For more information please contact isumera@istation.com
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https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/08/02/evidence-essa-validates-istations-reading-assessment/
| 2022-08-02T13:51:54Z
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MINNEAPOLIS and CHICAGO, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Minneapolis Grain Exchange (MGEX™), a Designated Contract Market (DCM) and Derivatives Clearing Organization (DCO), and Intelligent Medicine Exchange (IMX)™, developer of the first dedicated futures marketplace based on multiple aspects of the health care economy, today announced that they have entered into an agreement for MGEX to provide clearing services to IMX for certain cash-settled futures and options on futures contracts. The services will include managing exposures, clearing trades, and collecting and maintaining performance bonds and security deposits for participants.
"We are pleased to be providing clearing services to IMX as MGEX continues to execute on its strategy of providing clearing-as-a-service solutions in futures markets," said Mark G. Bagan, President and CEO of MGEX. "As a DCO with an unrestricted license that allows us to offer margin on cleared positions, we believe this agreement with IMX furthers our strategy to provide innovative products and services to the futures industry."
Earlier this month, IMX announced its plans to launch the first financial exchange focused on the health care economy. The exchange has submitted an application to become a DCM with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and expects to list a number of contracts that will enable individual and institutional market participants the ability to manage risk and invest in multiple components of the health care ecosystem.
"MGEX is providing critical clearing services as we build out our portfolio of innovative products enabling institutional and individual market participants – and those whose businesses depend on health care – to manage risk and invest in various aspects of the health care ecosystem," said James Plante, IMX CEO and co-founder. "Health care is the number one economic problem facing the country, and we believe our forthcoming suite of health care futures will offer participants a powerful tool to more effectively manage risk and participate in this vital component of the economy."
About MGEX
Minneapolis Grain Exchange (MGEX™) is a registered exchange with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and is a Notice Registered Securities Futures Product Exchange with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). MGEX serves as the exclusive market for a variety of products including Hard Red Spring Wheat, SPIKES® Futures, BRIXX™ Commercial Real Estate Futures and TAX Futures. MGEX is a Designated Contract Market (DCM) and Derivatives Clearing Organization (DCO) under the CFTC, providing DCM, DCO and cash market services in an array of asset classes. MGEX is a wholly owned subsidiary of Miami International Holdings, Inc. To learn more about MGEX visit www.mgex.com.
About MIAX
MIAX's parent holding company, Miami International Holdings, Inc., owns Miami International Securities Exchange, LLC (MIAX®), MIAX PEARL, LLC (MIAX Pearl®), MIAX Emerald, LLC (MIAX Emerald®), Minneapolis Grain Exchange, LLC (MGEX™), and Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX™).
MIAX, MIAX Pearl and MIAX Emerald are national securities exchanges registered with the SEC that leverage MIAX's industry-leading technology and infrastructure to provide U.S. listed options trading to their member firms. MIAX serves as the exclusive exchange venue for cash-settled options on the SPIKES® Volatility Index (Ticker: SPIKE), a measure of the expected 30-day volatility in the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF (SPY). In addition to options, MIAX Pearl facilitates the trading of cash equities through MIAX Pearl Equities™.
BSX is a fully electronic, vertically integrated international securities market regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) specializing in the listing and trading of capital market instruments such as equities, debt issues, funds, hedge funds, derivative warrants and insurance linked securities. A full member of the World Federation of Exchanges and affiliate member of the International Organization of Securities Commissions, BSX is globally recognized, including by the SEC.
MIAX's executive offices and National Operations Center are located in Princeton, NJ, with additional offices located in Miami, FL, Minneapolis, MN, and Hamilton, Bermuda.
To learn more about MIAX visit www.MIAXOptions.com.
To learn more about BSX visit www.bsx.com.
About IMX
IMX Health, LLC, also known as Intelligent Medicine Exchange (IMX), a subsidiary of holding company IMX, LLC, is developing the first dedicated futures marketplace based on multiple aspects of the health care economy, which represents nearly 20% of the U.S. GDP. The company, based in Chicago, has filed for regulatory approval with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to be a Designated Contract Market (DCM). For more information, visit www.imxhealth.com.
Disclaimer and Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities of Miami International Holdings, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the Company) or IMX, LLC (together with its subsidiaries, IMX), and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer; solicitation or sale would be unlawful. This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
All third-party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by the Company and IMX remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, the Company's and IMX's use of third-party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship, or endorsement between the owners of these trademarks and either of the Company or IMX. Any references by the Company and IMX to third-party trademarks is to identify the corresponding third-party goods and/or services and shall be considered nominative fair use under the trademark law.
Media Contacts:
For MGEX:
Andy Nybo, SVP, Chief Communications Officer
(609) 955-2091
anybo@miami-holdings.com
For IMX:
Ellen G. Resnick, Crystal Clear Communications
(773) 929-9292; (312) 399-9295 (mobile)
eresnick@crystalclearPR.com
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/06/22/mgex-provide-clearing-as-a-service-intelligent-medicine-exchange-imx/
| 2022-06-22T14:00:40Z
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Mino-Lok® Phase 3 trial expanded to include sites outside the U.S.; trial enrollment expected to be completed by end of 2022
Topline results of Phase 3 trial in cancer immunotherapy I/ONTAK consistent with prior formulation; BLA submission on track for 2H 2022
$55.8 million in cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2022 and no debt
CRANFORD, N.J., May 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Citius" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CTXR), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing first-in-class critical care products, today reported business and financial results for the second fiscal quarter of 2022 ended March 31, 2022.
Fiscal Q2 2022 Business Highlights and Subsequent Developments
- Engaged global clinical research organization (CRO) to expand Mino-Lok® Phase 3 trial to include additional trial sites outside the U.S.;
- Reported topline results of Phase 3 trial of I/ONTAK (E7777) with no new safety signals and consistent with prior formulation (ONTAK); biologics license application (BLA) submission on track for the second half of 2022; and,
- Initiated Halo-Lido Phase 2b trial with first patient dosed in April 2022 and anticipated enrollment completion by end of 2022.
Financial Highlights
- Cash and cash equivalents of $55.8 million as of March 31, 2022;
- R&D expenses were $3.5 million and $8.9 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, respectively, compared to $1.6 million and $7.7 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, respectively;
- G&A expenses were $3.1 million and $6.0 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, respectively, compared to $2.3 million and $ 4.0 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, respectively;
- Stock-based compensation expense was $1.0 million and $1.9 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, respectively, compared to $0.3 million and $0.6 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, respectively; and,
- Net loss was $7.6 million and $16.8 million, or ($0.05) and ($0.11) per share for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, respectively, compared to a net loss of $4.1 million and $12.3 million, or ($0.04) and ($0.16) per share for the three and six months ended March 31, 2021, respectively.
"We continue to make significant progress with our three clinical development programs. To date in 2022, we actively engaged with our U.S. Mino-Lok trial sites to drive increased enrollment as COVID-19 infections waned, engaged an additional CRO to expand Mino-Lok patient recruitment to sites outside the U.S., announced topline results for the Phase 3 trial of I/ONTAK that were consistent with the prior FDA-approved formulation (ONTAK), and initiated a Phase 2b study of Halo-Lido for patients suffering from hemorrhoids. Moreover, we expect additional important catalysts from these programs in the second half of the calendar year as we remain on track with a BLA submission for I/ONTAK in the second half of 2022, and expect to complete enrollment in the Mino-Lok and Halo-Lido trials by the end of the year," stated Leonard Mazur, Chairman and CEO of Citius.
"Covid-19 remains an enduring challenge worldwide. Although our Mino-Lok trial has been impacted, we are actively engaging with existing sites to drive enrollment during periods of waning infection, and expanding recruitment sites outside the U.S. to mitigate the risk of future Covid-19 waves. Our aim is to achieve the events required to complete the Mino-Lok trial this year," added Mr. Mazur.
"The Citius balance sheet remains healthy with $55.8 million in cash available to execute our near-term plans. As stewards of Citius shareholders' capital, we focus on creating long-term value in the business and will continue to evaluate all strategic and financial options available to us. These may include non-equity financing, out-licensing agreements, asset sales or other strategic arrangements that would support the commercialization of our two late-Phase 3 assets," concluded Mr. Mazur.
SECOND QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2022 Financial Results:
Liquidity
As of March 31, 2022, the Company had $55.8 million in cash and cash equivalents and no debt.
As of March 31, 2022, the Company had 146,129,630 common shares issued and outstanding.
The Company estimates that its available cash resources will be sufficient to fund its operations through March 2023.
Research and Development (R&D) Expenses
R&D expenses were $3.5 million and $8.9 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, respectively, compared to $1.6 million and $7.7 million for the comparable periods ended March 31, 2021. The increase during the quarter is primarily due to additional R&D expenses related to I/ONTAK which Citius in-licensed in September 2021, and start-up costs associated with the Halo-Lido Phase 2b trial, offset by decreases in Mino-Lok® R&D expenses.
During the six months ended March 31, 2022, ARDS-related R&D expenses decreased by $4.7 million compared to $5.3 million during the prior year period. R&D expense for the six months ended March 31, 2021 reflected a $5.0 million license fee paid to Novellus.
We expect that research and development expenses will increase in fiscal 2022 as we continue to focus on our Phase 3 trials for Mino-Lok® and I/ONTAK, progress the Halo-Lido product candidate, and continue our research and development efforts related to ARDS and Mino-Wrap.
General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses
G&A expenses were $3.1 million and $6.0 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, respectively, compared to $2.3 million and $4.0 million for the comparable periods ended March 31, 2021. The increase is primarily due to additional compensation costs for new employees, increased investor relations costs and additional insurance expense. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation costs, professional fees for legal, regulatory, accounting, and corporate development services, and investor relations expenses.
Stock-based Compensation Expense
For the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2022, stock-based compensation expense was $1.0 million as compared to $0.3 million for the prior year period. For the six months ended March 31, 2022, stock-based compensation expense was $1.9 million as compared to $0.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2021. The increase primarily reflects expenses related to new grants made by Citius to employees (including new hires), directors and consultants.
Net loss
Net loss was $7.6 million, or ($0.05) per share for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to a net loss of $4.1 million, or ($0.04) per share for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Net loss was $16.0 million, or ($0.11) per share for the six months ended March 31, 2022, compared to a net loss of $12.2 million, or ($0.16) for the six months ended March 31, 2021.
The increase in net loss is primarily due to an increase in research and development and general and administrative expenses.
About Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Citius is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of first-in-class critical care products, with a focus on oncology, anti-infectives in adjunct cancer care, unique prescription products, and stem cell therapies. The Company has two late-stage product candidates, Mino-Lok®, an antibiotic lock solution for the treatment of patients with catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), which is currently enrolling patients in a Phase 3 Pivotal superiority trial, and I/ONTAK (E7777), a novel IL-2R immunotherapy for an initial indication in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), which has completed subject treatment in its Pivotal Phase 3 trial. Mino-Lok® was granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). I/ONTAK has received orphan drug designation by the FDA for the treatment of CTCL and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Through its subsidiary, NoveCite, Inc., Citius is developing a novel proprietary mesenchymal stem cell treatment derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for acute respiratory conditions, with a near-term focus on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). For more information, please visit www.citiuspharma.com.
Safe Harbor
This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Citius. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "plan," "should," and "may" and other words and terms of similar meaning or use of future dates. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition and stock price. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated are: our ability to successfully undertake and complete clinical trials and the results from those trials for our product candidates; our ability to commercialize our products if approved by the FDA; the estimated markets for our product candidates and the acceptance thereof by any market; the ability of our product candidates to impact the quality of life of our target patient populations; risks relating to the results of research and development activities, including those from existing and new pipeline assets; uncertainties relating to preclinical and clinical testing; our need for substantial additional funds; the early stage of products under development; our ability to attract, integrate, and retain key personnel; our dependence on third-party suppliers; market and other conditions; risks related to our growth strategy; patent and intellectual property matters; our ability to obtain, perform under and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships; our ability to identify, acquire, close and integrate product candidates and companies successfully and on a timely basis; our ability to procure cGMP commercial-scale supply; government regulation; competition; as well as other risks described in our SEC filings. These risks have been and may be further impacted by Covid-19. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Risks regarding our business are described in detail in our Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2021, filed with the SEC on December 15, 2021 and updated by our subsequent filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.
Investor Relations for Citius Pharmaceuticals:
Ilanit Allen
Vice President, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations
T: 908-967-6677 x113
E: ir@citiuspharma.com
-- Financial Tables Follow –
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SOURCE Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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| 2022-05-12T22:39:39Z
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Funding will accelerate commercial launch of DefineMBC™ and expand Epic Sciences' liquid biopsy solutions for key global oncology trials
SAN DIEGO, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Epic Sciences, Inc. ("Epic" or "Epic Sciences"), a privately held diagnostics company, has completed a $43 million first close of its Series F financing. The company will use the capital from this additional round of private investment to continue to advance its multi-omic platform and expand operations in areas such as single-cell sequencing and data analytics infrastructure.
Arsenal Capital Partners ("Arsenal"), a leading private equity firm specializing in building transformational healthcare businesses, led the growth investment, which included continued support from existing investors such as Blue Ox Healthcare Partners, Deerfield Management, and Labcorp.
"We are extremely proud to have a world-class group of strategic partners backing us to meet the growing demand for Epic's liquid biopsy offerings," says Lloyd Sanders, President and CEO, Epic Sciences. "We are continuing to innovate testing for both the research and clinical markets. Our biopharma partners are driving our presence into drug development efforts and an increasing number of clinical trials, while we continue to see growing excitement from practicing clinical oncologists for DefineMBC™ and future tests."
DefineMBC™, Epic's novel blood-based test for comprehensively characterizing metastatic breast cancer, has been reporting patient results since April 2022. The test's multi-analyte methods have demonstrated impressive sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision in the:
- detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs)
- assessment of protein expression (HER2, ER)
- determination of intra-cell copy number variations (CNV) within individual CTCs
- identification of single nucleotide variants (SNVs), indels, fusions, and CNVs from plasma-based cell-free DNA analysis, the calculation of microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor mutational burden (TMB)
Concurrent with the financing round, Epic has also appointed two new members to its Board of Directors: James Rothman PhD, the Chair of Arsenal's Healthcare Advisory Board, a renowned cell biologist and Nobel Laureate, who was formerly Chief Scientist of GE Healthcare, as well as Richard Eglen PhD, a Senior Advisor of Arsenal, who brings decades of industry leadership experience with companies such as PerkinElmer, Roche Bioscience, and Corning Inc.
"What is most exciting about Epic's approach is the ability to derive valuable insights from data at the cellular and subcellular level for both drug developers and clinicians in oncology," says Dr. Rothman, who also serves as the Sterling Professor and Chair of the Department of Cell Biology at Yale University School of Medicine.
Epic Sciences, Inc. is developing and marketing novel diagnostics to guide therapy selection and monitor disease progression, personalizing and advancing the treatment and management of prostate and breast cancers. The company's liquid biopsy platform leverages proven, proprietary cell analysis capabilities as well as cell-free analysis to provide more complete, efficient analysis and clearer insights – Comprehensive Cancer Profiling. Using its full-service CAP/CLIA-accredited laboratory and research support services, Epic Sciences partners with leading pharmaceutical companies and major cancer centers around the world to improve patient outcomes.
For more information, visit www.epicsciences.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.
Arsenal is a leading private equity firm that specializes in investments in healthcare and industrial growth companies. Since its inception in 2000, Arsenal has raised institutional equity investment funds of more than $10 billion, has completed more than 250 platform and add-on investments, and achieved more than 30 realizations. Arsenal invests in industry sectors in which the firm has significant prior knowledge and experience. The firm works with management teams to build strategically important companies with leading market positions, high growth, and high value-add. Visit www.arsenalcapital.com for more information.
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SOURCE Epic Sciences
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https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/06/01/epic-sciences-raises-42m-first-close-series-f-financing-advance-comprehensive-profiling-metastatic-cancer-patients/
| 2022-06-01T15:23:56Z
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NEW YORK, April 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP, a class action law firm dedicated to representing shareholders nationwide, is investigating a potential breach of fiduciary duty claim involving the board of directors of Spirit Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: SAVE).
If you are a shareholder of Spirit Airlines, Inc. and are interested in obtaining additional information regarding this investigation, free of charge, please visit us at:
You may also contact Robert H. Lefkowitz, Esq. either via email at rl@pjlfirm.com or by telephone at 212-725-1000. One of our attorneys will personally speak with you about the case at no cost or obligation.
Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP is a law firm exclusively committed to representing shareholders nationwide who are victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and other types of corporate misconduct. For more information about the firm and its attorneys, please visit http://pjlfirm.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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SOURCE Purcell & Lefkowitz LLP
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https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/04/04/shareholder-alert-purcell-amp-lefkowitz-llp-is-investigating-spirit-airlines-inc-potential-breaches-fiduciary-duty-by-its-board-directors/
| 2022-04-04T15:36:20Z
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NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- RoboKiller, the app that eliminates 99% of robocalls and robotexts, identified that Americans received 10.8 billion robotexts in August, a 9% decrease from a month earlier. Interestingly, robocalls increased by 12% to 7.4 billion.
Robotexts declined for the first time since April 2022
Robotexts have far outpaced robocalls since the beginning of 2022. However, for the first time since April 2022, they declined month-over-month. While it appears scammers pumped the brakes in August, Americans can expect robotexts to ramp back up in the coming months as scammers get back to work on delivery and bank-related scams.
Despite drop in robotexts, robocalls increase in August
Robocalls related to car warranties, and health insurance-related scams were among the top robocalls to hit American phones last month. Though August saw more robocalls overall compared to July, car warranty calls decreased by 40% month-over-month, marking a 67% overall decrease in these scams since the government began cracking down on them in July. However, Americans shouldn't count this robocall category out as it is still the leading overall robocall, with health insurance calls trailing slowly behind.
Political robotexts and robocalls surge as midterm elections near
Meanwhile, political messages spiked, seemingly impervious to fluctuations in robocalls and robotexts at large. In August, Americans received 13 million political calls and 7.4 million political texts, increases of 75% and 89%, respectively. Messages related to voter support and donation requests led the way. Americans can expect to receive more and more of these messages as the 2022 midterms come into focus.
Tips on how to stop phone scams:
- Don't answer phone calls from unknown numbers, especially those that call or text at odd hours.
- Don't follow prompts like "Press 1" or click any links.
- Never provide personal information like banking details or other sensitive information.
- Download a spam text and call blocker like RoboKiller to equip your phone with the latest technology to stop scams.
About RoboKiller
With more than 12 million downloads and $400 million in losses prevented, RoboKiller is the leading independent spam call and text blocker. RoboKiller has been named a leader in technical and mobile achievement by the Webby Awards, Media Excellence, Best in Biz, and more. RoboKiller was named the most effective solution to robocalls by the FTC.
RoboKiller's robocall and spam text insights are powered by a global database of millions of phone scams and audio fingerprints. RoboKiller's proprietary data insights have been featured by The New York Times, ABC World News, NBC Nightly News, and many others.
For custom data inquiries, contact RoboKiller's insights team here or at pr@robokiller.com.
RoboKiller is available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play. To learn more, visit www.robokiller.com.
RoboKiller, a Teltech brand, is a division of Mosaic Group, an IAC Company (NASDAQ: IAC).
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SOURCE RoboKiller
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/09/02/americans-feel-some-relief-robotexts-summer-comes-an-end-according-robokiller-insights/
| 2022-09-02T12:39:57Z
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BERLIN (AP) — A school employee was seriously wounded by an assailant wielding a crossbow in an attack Thursday at a high school in the northern German city of Bremerhaven and a suspect was detained, investigators said.
Police said they were alerted at 9:15 a.m. to someone having entered the Lloyd High School in the port city and wounding one person with a weapon.
They said the suspect, a 21-year-old man, was detained near the school shortly afterward without putting up resistance. Students stayed in classrooms while police searched the building. They were evacuated around lunchtime after investigators determined there were no other perpetrators on the premises.
The wounded woman was taken to a hospital and her life was still in danger, prosecutor Oliver Constien said.
The assailant used a crossbow, and Constien said the weapon was found when he was detained, the German news agency dpa reported. Investigators also seized a blank gun and two knives.
The investigation so far indicates that “a particular psychological disposition may have contributed” to the attack, Constien said. He added that investigators would work to determine whether the suspect knew the victim. There was no immediate word on a possible motive.
About 200 students were at the school and final exams had been scheduled, dpa reported. It wasn’t immediately clear how many teachers and other employees were on the premises at the time.
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https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/germany-1-person-wounded-1-detained-in-school-shooting/
| 2022-05-20T02:30:45Z
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MADRID (AP) — Politicians and experts met in Madrid on Friday to discuss ways to tackle drought and the increasing spread of deserts across the globe.
“The consequences of drought can affect up to three quarters of humanity by 2050. There is nowhere to hide if we are unable or unwilling to avert the severe alterations we are inflicting on the planet,” Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification, or UNCCD, said at the opening of the meeting.
“Let us be prepared to confront the new reality,” he added.
The half-day meeting is being held to mark the United Nations’ World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.
Thiaw said half the world population was expected to face severe water scarcity in the next eight years, adding that that could lead to as many as 700 million people — or about 10% of the world’s population — being at risk of being displaced during that period.
The meeting brought together numerous experts, including Kenya’s Patricia Kombo, founder of the PaTree Initiative to help Kenya achieve 10% forest cover by getting students to plant trees.
“I know majority of you have never come across drought,” said Kombo. “But I would like to tell you how drought feels like. Clean and safe drinking water is like a diamond. Three meals a day is a dream.”
She said communities had turned to violence because of the lack of food and water.
“You are fighting for the only available resources,” she said. “We are fighting for water.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez spoke at the meeting and U.N. Secretary General António Guterres was to make an address by video.
The UNCCD says that between 1900 and 2019, droughts have impacted 2.7 billion people in the world, and caused 11.7 million deaths.
Spain’s Ecological Transition ministry says 75% of Spanish land is vulnerable to desertification and this is increasing.
The meeting comes as Spain is suffering an unusually early heat wave that has helped fuel wildfires across the country.
The focus of the meeting will be on encouraging early action to prevent disastrous outcomes.
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https://cw33.com/news/international/ap-international/leaders-meet-in-madrid-to-mark-world-day-to-fight-drought/
| 2022-06-17T13:07:27Z
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VANCOUVER, CA and ERIE, Pa., April 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Imagine AR Inc. (CSE: IP) (OTCQB: IPNFF) ("ImagineAR" or "Company") an Augmented Reality Company that enables sports teams, businesses and enterprises to instantly create their own AR mobile campaigns, is pleased to announce the signing of three-year SDK licensing agreements with the Indoor Football Team's Arizona Rattlers & Tucson Sugar Skulls for Fanmaker integrate its Augmented Reality SDK Platform into their mobile apps that are available in the iOS and Android mobile app stores. This agreement is a revenue sharing partnership for all augmented reality activations and sponsorships.
Kevin Guy, President of the Arizona Rattlers & Owner of Tucson Sugar Skulls stated "We're thrilled to announce this exciting partnership with ImagineAR. We look forward to growing our mobile apps and developing a deeper connection with our fans in the marketplace. The creative campaigns we'll be able to offer through this partnership will enhance the gameday experience for both fans and corporate partners alike. It's vital to stay innovative in today's ever-changing business environment, and we look forward to executing this state-of-the-art venture."
Alen Paul Silverrstieen, CEO of ImagineAR, added: "It is wonderful to be working with both teams again, within their own mobile apps, to deliver immersive fan engagement campaigns to further grow their fan base and drive new sponsorship revenue. Player holograms, AR Treasure Hunts, Sweepstakes, and coupons can be integrated with campaigns during game days."
ImagineAR Inc. (CSE: IP) (OTC: IPNFF) is an augmented reality (AR) self-publishing patented platform, ImagineAR.com, that enables businesses of any size to create and implement their own AR campaigns with no programming or technology experience. Every organization, from professional sports franchises to small retailers, can develop interactive AR campaigns that blend the real and digital worlds. Customers simply point their mobile device at logos, signs, buildings, (products, landmarks and more to instantly engage videos, information, advertisements, coupons,3D holograms and any interactive content all hosted in the cloud and managed using a menu-driven portal. Integrated real-time analytics means that all customer interaction is tracked and measured in real-time. The AR Enterprise platform supports both IOS and Android mobile devices and upcoming wearable technologies. The AR Platform is available as an SDK Plug-in for existing mobile apps.
2021 STA Category Award Winner for Fan Engagement.
For more information or to explore working with ImagineAR, please email info@imaginear.com, or visit www.imagineAR.com.
All trademarks of the property of respective owners.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Alen Paul Silverrstieen
President & CEO
(818) 850-2490
https://twitter.com/IPtechAR
https://www.facebook.com/imaginationparktechnologies
https://www.instagram.com/iptechar
https://www.linkedin.com/company/imagination-park-technologies-inc.
The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Information and Statements
This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein may include, but is not limited to, information concerning the ability of the Company to generate revenues, roll out new programs and to successfully achieve business objectives, and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors.
By identifying such information and statements in this manner, the Company is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Company has made certain assumptions. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information and statements are the following: changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; compliance with extensive government regulation. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.
Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward- looking information and statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.
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SOURCE ImagineAR Inc.
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https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/04/12/imaginear-otcqb-ipnff-signs-three-year-licensing-agreement-with-indoor-football-league-teams-arizona-rattlers-amp-tucson-sugar-skulls-integrate-immersive-augmented-reality-both-team-mobile-apps/
| 2022-04-12T12:07:15Z
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SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Last September, the Chinese government unveiled the Plan for Comprehensively Deepening the Reform and Opening-up of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone ("Qianhai Plan"). The total area of the Qianhai cooperation zone, according to the Plan, is set to expand from 14.92 square kilometers to 120.56 square kilometers to build a hub for higher levels of openness, including on the legal front.
Three of the 21 Hong Kong and Macao lawyers granted recently a lawyer's license in Shenzhen, came to Qianhai. It represents an institutional innovation in China's legal services, and Qianhai's new endeavor to remove barriers in this area.
Wu Jiansheng, publicity chief of the Qianhai Belt and Road Legal Services Federation said, "A connected legal service is essential for Hong Kong's integration into the development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Many Hong Kong lawyers are licensed to practice law worldwide, and they will be an important force in the GBA to promote the Belt and Road Initiative."
To allow Hong Kong lawyers an easier access to the mainland, the Federation has organized multiple dialogues between governmental bodies of Hong Kong and Qianhai for a continued service and policy support, from the life necessities to procedural assistance. "The Federation established a Shenzhen-Hong Kong in-depth cooperation zone for legal services and international centers for legal services cooperation and commercial mediation," said Wu. Some lawyers from Hong Kong said those platforms offer opportunities of a professional development in Qianhai and even in the GBA.
William Ng, a lawyer born and raised in Hong Kong and recently licensed to practice law in the GBA, said he opted for a professional career in Qianhai because of its proximity to Hong Kong, "but above all, Qianhai has enjoyed sound development for the past few years."
"Qianhai's legal services have now grown 'ultra-popular'," said Wei Lin, Managing Partner at PC Woo & Zhonglun WD LLP, a Qianhai-based law firm, in an interview. "An increasing number of individuals and institutions providing legal services, including those from Hong Kong, are being drawn to Qianhai. And I found that many more law firms have sprung up since we launched our business in the Qianhai Kerry Center in 2021," he added.
Put into operation this January, the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong International Legal-Services District is now home to 122 legal institutions, including China (Shenzhen) Intellectual Property Protection Center. Of 15 law firms jointly run by lawyers from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, seven are established in Qianhai. This May, the authority of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone released interim measures for bringing high-end legal services to the International Legal-Services District, in order to attract legal institutions and talented lawyers from Hong Kong and Macao.
"The past few years have seen an increase in foreign-related services and an influx of multilingual lawyers with backgrounds in legal affairs. Overall, we are optimistic about Qianhai's emergence as a world-class hub for legal services," said Lin.
View original content:
SOURCE Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone
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https://www.wibw.com/prnewswire/2022/09/13/shenzhens-qianhai-opens-up-its-legal-services-wider-world-by-breaking-institutional-barriers/
| 2022-09-13T14:40:53Z
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AKRON, Ohio (AP) — A Black man was unarmed when Akron police chased him on foot and killed him in a hail of gunfire, but officers believed he had shot at them earlier from a vehicle and feared he was preparing to fire again, authorities said Sunday at a news conference.
Akron police released video of the shooting of Jayland Walker, 25, who was killed June 27 in a pursuit that had started with an attempted traffic stop. The mayor called the shooting “heartbreaking” while asking for patience from the community.
It’s not clear how many shots were fired by the eight officers involved, but Walker sustained more than 60 wounds. An attorney for Walker’s family said officers kept firing even after he was on the ground.
Officers attempted to stop Walker’s car around 12:30 a.m. for unspecified traffic and equipment violations, but less than a minute into a pursuit, the sound of a shot was heard from the car, and a transportation department camera captured what appeared to be a muzzle flash coming from the vehicle, Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett said. That changed the nature of the case from “a routine traffic stop to now a public safety issue,” he said.
Police body camera videos show what unfolded after the roughly six-minute pursuit. Several shouting officers with guns drawn approach the slowing car on foot, as it rolls up over a curb and onto a sidewalk. A person wearing a ski mask exits the passenger door and runs toward a parking lot. Police chase him for about 10 seconds before officers fire from multiple directions, in a burst of shots that lasts 6 or 7 seconds.
At least one officer had tried first to use a stun gun, but that was unsuccessful, police said.
Mylett said Walker’s actions are hard to distinguish on the video in real time, but a still photo seems to show him “going down to his waist area” and another appears to show him turning toward an officer. He said a third picture “captures a forward motion of his arm.”
In a statement shared Sunday with reporters, the local police union said the officers thought there was an immediate threat of serious harm, and that it believes their actions and the number of shots will be found justified in line with their training and protocols. The union said the officers are cooperating with the investigation.
Police said more than 60 wounds were found on Walker’s body but further investigation is needed to determine exactly how many rounds the officers fired and how many times Walker was hit.
The footage released by police ends with the officers’ gunfire and doesn’t show what happened next. Officers provided aid, and one can be heard saying Walker still had a pulse, but he was later pronounced dead, Mylett said.
The chief said an officer firing at someone has to be “ready to explain why they did what they did, they need to be able to articulate what specific threats they were facing … and they need to be held to account.” But he said he is withholding judgment on their actions until they give their statements.
A handgun, a loaded magazine and an apparent wedding ring were found on the seat of the car. A casing consistent with the weapon was later found in the area where officers believed a shot had come from the vehicle.
State Attorney General Dave Yost vowed a “complete, fair and expert investigation” by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and cautioned that “body-worn camera footage is just one view of the whole picture.”
Akron police are conducting a separate internal investigation about whether the officers violated department rules or policies.
The officers involved in the shooting are on paid administrative leave, which is standard practice in such cases. Seven of them are white, and one is Black, according to the department. Their length of service with Akron police ranges from one-and-a-half to six years, and none of them has a record of discipline, substantiated complaints or fatal shootings, it said.
Demonstrators marched peacefully through the city and gathered in front of the Akron justice center after the video was released. NAACP President Derrick Johnson said in a statement that Walker’s death wasn’t self-defense, but “was murder. Point blank.”
Late Sunday, police in full riot gear fired a dozen tear gas cannisters to disperse a handful of protesters outside the justice center, WKYC-TV reported.
Walker’s family is calling for accountability but also for peace, their lawyers said. One of the attorneys, Bobby DiCello, called the burst of police gunfire excessive and unreasonable, and said police handcuffed Walker before trying to provide first aid.
“How it got to this with a pursuit is beyond me,” DiCello said.
He said Walker’s family doesn’t know why he fled from police. Walker was grieving the recent death of his fiancee, but his family had no indication of concern beyond that, and he wasn’t a criminal, DiCello said.
“I hope we remember that as Jayland ran across that parking lot, he was unarmed,” DiCello said.
He said he doesn’t know whether the gold ring found near the gun in the car belonged to Walker.
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https://cw33.com/news/u-s-news/ap-us-headlines/police-man-shot-was-unarmed-officers-feared-he-would-fire/
| 2022-07-04T12:48:11Z
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Which standing desk converter is best?
It’s no secret that long days spent sitting at a desk can negatively impact your health. Studies have shown that this kind of sedentary lifestyle can lead to back pain, weight gain and even an increased risk of heart disease.
To prevent these issues, many people are looking into standing desks. If you lack the space, a standing desk converter is a great alternative. You can position these devices on any conventional work surface and adjust to your height preference. The VIVO 36-Inch Standing Desk Converter is the top pick because it’s durable, adjustable and quick to assemble.
What to know before you buy a standing desk converter
Benefits
- Standing desk converters are typically cheaper, more portable and require less space than a traditional standing desk device.
- Working at a standing desk burns more calories than sitting, thereby reducing your risk of obesity.
- A standing desk can alleviate back pain and improve posture.
- Standing while working can reduce the depressive symptoms and anxiety thought to be caused by excessive sitting time.
- Some research has shown that using a standing desk and reducing sedentary behaviors could increase your life expectancy.
- Standing desk converters can improve productivity, even if you only stand for brief periods throughout the day.
Tips for using a standing desk
For best results when using a standing desk converter, adjust the height of the device so your head, neck and torso are almost completely in line. The desk should allow you to keep your wrists straight and your hands level with your elbows. Your computer monitor should be about an arm’s length away and the top of the screen should be eye level. Try to wear shoes or insoles with comfortable arch support.
At first, you may have trouble working a full day at your standing desk. If this happens, try alternating between sitting and standing throughout the work day, slowly increasing your standing time as your body grows accustomed to the device.
What to look for in a quality standing desk converter
Adjustability
You can easily adjust the height of most standing desk converters with a lever or crank. Consider how tall your existing desk is and make sure the converter you choose can be raised enough to be at eye level.
Construction and portability
Look for a standing desk converter that’s durable enough to accommodate your monitor, keyboard and any other office supplies you want on hand. Most converters are constructed from sturdy materials such as metal and laminate, and often feature multiple surface levels for your keyboard and mouse. If your job requires you to work both at home and at the office, consider a device that’s tough but lightweight enough to collapse and carry with you.
Surface area
Consider everything you’ll need to place on your standing desk and make sure the model you choose has sufficient surface area. Most standing desk converters have a surface area of about 20-70 inches.
How much you can expect to spend on a standing desk converter
The cost of a standing desk converter can vary depending on the size and construction of the device. Most consumers can expect to pay $80-$300 for a high-quality converter.
Standing desk converter FAQ
Are standing desks bad for your knees?
A. Some people may experience knee pain when using a standing desk because they stay in one position for too long. Try walking around or changing your position every hour or so to reduce strain. You can also alternate between standing and sitting throughout the day until you have built sufficient strength in your knees.
Are standing desk converters difficult to set up?
A. Unlike traditional standing desks, standing desk converters are often almost completely assembled straight out of the box. Other models may require minimal assembly, so follow the instructions closely before attempting to use the device.
What’s the best standing desk converter to buy?
Top standing desk converter
VIVO Adjustable 36-Inch Standing Desk Converter
What you need to know: This popular standing desk is spacious, quick to assemble and affordable. It’s available in five color options.
What you’ll love: Backed by VIVO’s solid reputation, this sturdy standing desk has 36 inches of surface area and an integrated keyboard tray. This model uses a unique counterbalance tension design to reach 17 inches of height from the surface of your existing desk.
What you should consider: The built-in keyboard tray is not adjustable, which can be uncomfortable for some users.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top standing desk converter for the money
HUANUO Adjustable Standing Desk Converter
What you need to know: Simple and affordable, this adjustable standing desk converter is ideal for smaller work areas.
What you’ll love: This standing desk converter can support 22 pounds of weight and comes assembled straight out of the box. The budget-friendly device can reach a maximum standing height of 16.1 inches.
What you should consider: The surface area may be too small for some users, and others reported issues with the adjustable-height lever getting stuck.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
FlexiSpot Desk Riser Standing Desk Converter
What you need to know: Versatile and sleek, this converter comes in two color options and five sizes.
What you’ll love: Boasting an ergonomic two-tier design, this popular standing desk converter uses a gas spring system to support up to 33 pounds while reaching nearly 20 inches of height from the surface of your existing desk.
What you should consider: While the device itself is popular, multiple users reported issues with FlexiSpot’s customer service.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Patrick Farmer writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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https://cw33.com/reviews/br/office-br/furniture-br/best-standing-desk-converter/
| 2022-07-03T12:44:20Z
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Small plane crashes on bridge near Miami, striking an SUV
Published: May. 14, 2022 at 4:24 PM EDT|Updated: 38 minutes ago
MIAMI (AP) — A small plane has crashed on a bridge near Miami, striking an SUV and bursting into flames.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported the single-engine Cessna 172 lost power just before Saturday’s crash.
Social media posts showed the plane burning on the bridge.
Drone video showed the plane crumpled on the Haulover Inlet Bridge with a damaged SUV nearby.
A man can be seen on the video scrambling from the plane and being helped away by others just before the aircraft was engulfed in flames.
The Miami Herald reported at least one person was taken to a hospital, but there were no known fatalities.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/2022/05/14/small-plane-crashes-bridge-near-miami-striking-an-suv/
| 2022-05-14T21:02:16Z
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Unattended cooking fire costs Manhattan residence about $20K
MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - An unattended cooking fire has cost a Manhattan residence about $20,000.
Just after 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, the Manhattan Fire Department says crews were called to 208 Parker Dr. with reports of a structure fire.
Upon arrival, crews said they found a single-story duplex with light smoke coming from the home. Crews were able to enter and found the fire on the stove. They said they were able to use a fire extinguisher to put out the blaze.
At the time of the fire, MFD said there were two residents home. Both were able to exit the home without injury.
Investigators have estimated the loss of the fire to be about $10,000 in contents and $10,000 in structural damage.
The owner of the home is listed as Greg Gilman Trust, of Manhattan.
MFD noted that the fire was due to an unattended cooking fire.
Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wibw.com/2022/05/19/unattended-cooking-fire-costs-manhattan-residence-about-20k/
| 2022-05-19T21:07:21Z
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Kerrey is the latest addition to the rapidly growing company transforming how tickets are being sold and distributed
NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Project Admission, a technology company specializing in digital ticketing solutions for the sport and entertainment industries, announced today that the Honorable Bob Kerrey, former Nebraska Senator, U.S. Navy Seal, Medal of Honor recipient, and accomplished business leader, has joined its board of directors.
Currently, Kerrey serves as a Managing Director at Allen & Company.
"I've had the pleasure of knowing Stephen Glicken for the last several decades and have continued to be impressed by his business acumen," says Mr. Kerrey. "When he showed me the transformative power that Project Admission is positioned to have on ticketing and live events, I was thrilled at the opportunity to join the board and help its growth."
Prior to Allen & Company, from 2001 to 2011, Mr. Kerrey was President of The New School, a university founded on democratic ideals and daring educational practices. On his watch, The New School experienced unprecedented growth in enrollment, faculty, scholarships, capital projects, research, and international engagement. From 1989 to 2001, Mr. Kerrey represented Nebraska in the Senate, where he promoted equity for rural communities, led in farm and environmental legislation, strengthened taxpayers' rights, led in restructuring our intelligence agencies, and partnered with local leaders to build projects of lasting value to Nebraskans.
The announcement of Mr. Kerrey joining Project Admission's board comes on the heels of the company's acquisition of SplitSeasonTickets this past June. Earlier this year, Project Admission announced its partnership with Major League Baseball and its Clubs, including the Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, and Cincinnati Reds, while expanding its footprint in professional soccer with a client base that now includes Minnesota United, Austin FC, Portland Timbers, Houston Dynamo, LouCity, Hartford Athletic, and Chicago Red Stars, among others.
In addition to its presence in professional baseball and soccer, Project Admission's platform is being used by other sport and non-sport-related properties, including the NBA, the NFL, The Avett Brothers, One Republic, and Zac Brown.
For more information, please visit ProjectAdmission.com.
Media Contact: Josh Baron: josh@projectadmission.com
With an extensive and flexible platform, Project Admission works directly with the live event industry to provide unique monetizing features and opportunities around the life of the ticket, adding value and simplifying the commercialization of live events. Having closed a recent round of funding, Project Admission's evolving suite of features currently provides clients across the NFL, NBA, MLS and NWSL with promotional tools to assist fans, brands, and influencers to sell tickets from custom branded storefronts. The company's current roster of clients includes the New Orleans Pelicans, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota United FC and Portland Timbers, among others. Other clients from the past several years include the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, The Avett Brothers, One Republic, Zac Brown and Enterprise Rent-a-Car. For more information, visit https://projectadmission.com
View original content:
SOURCE Project Admission
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https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/20/senator-bob-kerrey-joins-project-admission-board/
| 2022-07-20T18:38:19Z
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Claude Mattessich and Will McCarthy join MUFG as Managing Directors and Senior Originators
NEW YORK, Sept. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) announced today the expansion of its newly formed Direct Lending business with the hiring of Claude Mattessich and Will McCarthy. Both Mr. Mattessich and Mr. McCarthy have joined the bank as Managing Directors and Senior Originators.
Mr. Mattessich will be based in New York City, while Mr. McCarthy will be based in Chicago. Both will report to Christopher Freeman, Managing Director, in the Direct Lending group.
Last month, MUFG announced the formation of a Direct Lending group that will focus on providing loans to the bank's private equity sponsor clients to support their portfolio company LBO and recapitalization transactions. The team will be led by Matt Maley, who joined MUFG in 2018 to run sponsor coverage. Mr. Freeman reports to Mr. Maley.
"We are excited to welcome Claude and Will to our team, as we continue to focus our efforts on serving our sponsor clients," Christopher Freeman, Managing Director in the Direct Lending group, said. "Claude's and Will's extensive expertise in successfully structuring tailored capital solutions, and strong regional industry relationships made them complimentary additions to our business."
With nearly 30 years of professional experience, Mr. Mattessich joins MUFG from CIT Bank, where he focused on managing relationships with private equity firms, investment banks, capital markets, turnaround advisors, and boutique capital providers on financing alternatives. Prior to that, Mr. Mattessich held various roles at Capital One Financial Corp., Merryll Lynch, and Webster Financial Corp.
Mr. McCarthy joins MUFG from LBC Credit Partners, where he was part of the Middle Market Leveraged Finance Group, responsible for generating unitranche and senior secured, private-equity owned, leveraged lending opportunities for middle-market funds in the Midwest, as well as in Boston and Connecticut markets. His additional past experience includes roles at ORIX Corporation, ING Capital, and GE Commercial Finance.
Press contact:
Oksana Poltavets
(646) 767-1326
opoltavets@us.mufg.jp
About Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.'s U.S. Operations including MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation
The U.S. operations of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG), one of the world's leading financial groups, has total assets of $332.4 billion at March 31, 2022. As part of that total, MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation (MUAH), a financial holding company, bank holding company, and intermediate holding company, has total assets of $159.2 billion at March 31, 2022. MUAH's main subsidiaries are MUFG Union Bank, N.A. and MUFG Securities Americas Inc. MUFG Union Bank, N.A. provides a wide range of financial services to consumers, small businesses, middle-market companies, and major corporations. As of March 31, 2022, MUFG Union Bank, N.A. operated 297 branches, consisting primarily of retail banking branches in the West Coast states. MUFG Securities Americas Inc. is a registered securities broker-dealer which engages in capital markets origination transactions, domestic and foreign debt and equities securities transactions, private placements, collateralized financings, and securities borrowing and lending transactions. MUAH is owned by MUFG Bank, Ltd. and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. MUFG Bank, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., has offices in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and Canada. Visit www.unionbank.com or www.mufgamericas.com for more information.
About MUFG
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is one of the world's leading financial groups. Headquartered in Tokyo and with over 360 years of history, MUFG has a global network with approximately 2,400 locations in more than 50 countries. The Group has about 170,000 employees and offers services including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, and leasing. The Group aims to "be the world's most trusted financial group" through close collaboration among our operating companies and flexibly respond to all of the financial needs of our customers, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world. MUFG's shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York stock exchanges. For more information, visit https://www.mufg.jp/english.
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| 2022-09-07T13:44:17Z
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BEIJING, June 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- China Online Education Group ("51Talk" or the "Company") (NYSE:COE), a global online education platform with core expertise in English education, announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022.
The Company Enters into Definitive Agreement to Spin off China Mainland Business
The company has entered into a definitive share purchase agreement, dated June 24, 2022 (the "Share Purchase Agreement"), with Dasheng Holding (HK) Limited ("Dasheng"), an entity controlled by Mr. Jiajia Jack Huang, chairman of the board of directors (the "Board") and chief executive officer of the Company, pursuant to which Mr. Jiajia Jack Huang, through Dasheng, will acquire all of the Company's online English tutoring businesses in the China mainland, including all associated liabilities and assets (the "China Mainland Business"), for US$1. Upon the Closing, the Company expects to shift from a negative net assets position to a positive net assets position, showing a significant improvement.
The Company's overseas business outside the China mainland and its associated assets and liabilities are not part of the Transaction and will be the Company's strategic focus going forward.
As the Company will focus on its overseas business going forward, starting from the first quarter of 2022, the Company changed its reporting currency from Renminbi ("RMB") to U.S. dollar ("US$"). Financial information of prior periods have been recast as if the Company always used US$ as the reporting currency during each period.
First Quarter 2022 Financial and Operating Highlights
- Net revenues were US$9.5 million, a 89.7% decrease from US$92.4 million for the first quarter of 2021.
- Gross margin was negative 14.0%, compared with 73.4% for the first quarter of 2021.
- GAAP net loss was US$21.2 million, compared with GAAP net income US$1.2 million for the first quarter of 2021.
- Non-GAAP net loss[1] was US$20.8 million, compared with non-GAAP net income US$2.6 million for the first quarter of 2021.
- Operating cash outflow was US$29.2 million, compared with US$6.0 million cash inflow for the first quarter of 2021.
- Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, time deposits and short-term investments balance reached US$126.4 million as of March 31, 2022.
"In order to comply with the government policies in China and focus on our overseas business, we have started restructuring our business and reached a definitive agreement to spin off our China Mainland Business on June 24. After the closing of the spin-off transaction, 100% of the Company's revenues will be derived from overseas markets, and the Company will have a positive net equity. Going forward, we will continue to work with our teachers to provide effective and advanced educational services to our overseas students." said Mr. Jack Jiajia Huang, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of 51Talk.
"With the rapid growth of our overseas business, we exceeded our target on gross billings in the first quarter. Our first quarter net gross billings have reached $5.3 million, representing 79.9% sequential growth. In the first quarter, the number of our paying students reached 6.5k and the number of our active students with attended lesson consumption reached 9.3k with students from more than 50 countries and regions outside the China mainland. In addition, our overseas business achieved its first positive monthly operating cash flow in March, within only eight months since we launched our overseas business. Revenues from overseas business in the first quarter was $1.9 million with gross margin of 78.0%. The rapid growth proved that the strong demand and the business model in overseas markets are very much similar to that in the China mainland and we are confident that overseas business will achieve sustainable growth similar to what we had accomplished in the China mainland." concluded Mr. Huang.
First Quarter 2022 Financial Results
Net Revenues
Net revenues for the first quarter of 2022 were US$9.5 million, a 89.7% decrease from US$92.4 million for the same quarter last year. We did not recognize US$48.0 million non-compliant lesson consumptions as revenues and recorded the amount as contingent liabilities instead. Meanwhile, the number of active students with general lesson consumption in the first quarter of 2022 was 298,600, a 24.0% decrease from 392,700 for the same quarter last year.
Net revenues for overseas business in the first quarter were US$ 1.9 million with 9.3 thousand active students with attended lesson consumption.
Cost of Revenues
Cost of revenues for the first quarter of 2022 was US$10.8 million, a 55.9% decrease from US$24.6 million for the same quarter last year. The decrease was primarily due to the decrease in total service fees paid to teachers, mainly resulting from an decreased number of paid lessons. Cost of revenues for overseas business in the first quarter was US$0.4 million.
Gross (Loss)/Profit and Gross Margin
Gross loss for the first quarter of 2022 was US$1.3 million, a 102.0% decrease from US$67.8 million for the same quarter last year. Gross profit for overseas business in the first quarter was US$1.5 million.
Gross margin for the first quarter of 2022 was negative 14.0%, compared with 73.4% for the same quarter last year. The decrease was because we did not recognize US$48.0 million non-compliant lesson consumptions as revenues for China Mainland Business but still recorded the corresponding cost of revenues of US$9.1 million. Gross margin for overseas business in the first quarter of 2022 was 77.9%.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were US$20.6 million, a 70.0% decrease from US$68.6 million for the same quarter last year. The decrease was mainly due to the decrease in sales and marketing expenses and product development expenses. Total operating expenses for overseas business were US$5.0 million in the first quarter of 2022.
Sales and marketing expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were US$7.1 million, a 85.6% decrease from US$49.1 million for the same quarter last year. The decrease was mainly due to lower sales personnel costs related to decreases in the number of sales and marketing personnel and lower marketing and branding expenses. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were US$7.1 million, a 85.5% decrease from US$48.7 million for the same quarter last year. Sales and marketing expenses for overseas business were US$2.0 million. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses for overseas business were US$2.0 million.
Product development expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were US$2.0 million, a 77.4% decrease from US$8.9 million for the same quarter last year. The decrease was primarily due to lower product development personnel costs related to decreases in the number of personnel. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP product development expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were US$2.0 million, a 77.1% decrease from US$8.6 million for the same quarter last year. Product development expenses for overseas business in the first quarter were US$1.1 million. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP product development expenses for overseas business in the first quarter of 2022 were US$1.1 million.
General and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were US$11.5 million, a 7.9% increase from US$10.7 million for the same quarter last year. The increase was primarily due to value added tax of US$2.9 million related to non-compliant lesson consumptions, accrued value added tax and related tax penalty of US$2.8 million, and restructuring cost of US$0.8 million during this quarter. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, non-GAAP general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were US$11.2 million, a 12.5% increase from US$10.0 million for the same quarter last year. Overseas business general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were US$1.9 million. Excluding share-based compensation expenses, overseas business non-GAAP general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2022 were US$1.6 million.
Other income
On September 30, 2019, the Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration announced that from October 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021, taxpayers engaging in the provision of essential services are allowed to deduct an extra 15% of the deductible input value-added tax for the current period from the payable value-added tax. In 2022, the tax preferential policy has been extended to December 31, 2022. The impact of the policy of additional value-added tax credit for the income generated by the essential services provided by enterprises was US$0.2 million and US$1.7 million in the first quarter of 2022 and 2021 respectively.
(Loss)/income from Operations
Loss from operations for the first quarter of 2022 was US$21.7 million, compared with operating income of US$0.9 million for the same quarter last year. Loss from operations for overseas business in the first quarter of 2022 was US$3.5 million.
Non-GAAP loss from operations for the first quarter of 2022 was US$21.4 million, compared with non-GAAP operating income of US$2.3 million for the same quarter last year. Non-GAAP loss from operations for overseas business in the first quarter were US$3.2 million.
Net (loss)/income
Net loss for the first quarter of 2022 was US$21.2 million, compared with net income of US$1.2 million for the same quarter last year. Net loss for overseas businss in the first quarter was US$3.4 million.
Non-GAAP net loss for the first quarter of 2022 was US$20.8 million, compared with non-GAAP net income of US$2.6 million for the same quarter last year. Non-GAAP net loss for overseas business in the first quarter was US$3.1 million.
Income tax expense for the first quarter of 2022 was US$2.1 million.
Basic net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders for the first quarter of 2022 was US$0.06, compared with basic net income per share of US$0.00 for the same quarter last year. Diluted net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders for the first quarter of 2022 was US$0.06, compared with diluted net income per share of US$0.00 for the same quarter last year.
Non-GAAP basic net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders for the first quarter of 2022 was US$0.06, compared with non-GAAP basic net income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of US$0.01 for the same quarter last year. Non-GAAP diluted net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders for the first quarter of 2022 was US$0.06, compared with non-GAAP diluted net income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders of US$0.01 for the same quarter last year.
Basic net loss per American depositary share ("ADS") attributable to ordinary shareholders for the first quarter of 2022 was US$0.95, compared with basic net income per ADS of US$0.06 for the same quarter last year. Diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders for the first quarter of 2022 was US$0.95, compared with diluted net income per ADS of US$0.05 for the same quarter last year. Each ADS represents 15 Class A ordinary shares.
Non-GAAP basic net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders for the first quarter of 2022 was US$0.94, compared with non-GAAP basic net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of US$0.12 for the same quarter last year. Non-GAAP diluted net loss per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders for the first quarter of 2022 was US$0.94, compared with non-GAAP diluted net income per ADS attributable to ordinary shareholders of US$0.11 for the same quarter last year.
Balance Sheet
As of March 31, 2022, the Company had total cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, time deposits and short-term investments of US$126.4 million, compared with US$155.7 million as of December 31, 2021. The Company had non-current time deposits of US$15.8 million, compared with US$15.8 million as of December 31, 2021. The Company had restricted cash of US$7.7 million, compared with US$7.9 million as of December 31, 2021.
The Company had advances from students[4] (current and non-current) of US$216.6 million as of March 31, 2022, compared with US$274.7 million as of December 31, 2021. The Company had contingent liabilities of US$51.0 million related to non-compliant lesson consumptions and corresponding VAT for China Mainland Business.
Outlook
For the second quarter of 2022, the Company currently expects net gross billings of oversea business to be between $7.2 million and $7.5 million,representing a sequential growth between 36.1% and 41.8%.
The above outlook is based on current market conditions and reflects the Company's current and preliminary estimates of market and operating conditions and customer demand, which are all subject to change.
In addition, the Company's future operational and financial performance depends on the future development of the implementation of the Opinion and the success of the Company's business adjustment plans, which is subject to inherent uncertainties at this time.
Conference Call
The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on June 24, 2022 (8:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong time on June 24, 2022).
Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:
Participants should dial-in at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start time and ask to be connected to the call for "China Online Education Group."
Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at http://ir.51talk.com.
A replay of the conference call will be accessible until July 1, 2022, by dialing the following telephone numbers:
About China Online Education Group
China Online Education Group (NYSE: COE) is a global online education platform with core expertise in English education. The Company's mission is to make quality education accessible and affordable. The Company's online and mobile education platforms enable students to take live interactive English lessons, on demand. The Company connects its students with a large pool of highly qualified teachers that it assembled using a shared economy approach, and employs student and teacher feedback and data analytics to deliver a personalized learning experience to its students.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In evaluating its business, 51Talk considers and uses the following measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the SEC as supplemental metrics to review and assess its operating performance: non-GAAP sales and marketing expenses, non-GAAP product development expenses, non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders, and non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary shareholders per share and per ADS. To present each of these non-GAAP measures, the Company excludes share-based compensation expenses. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures" set forth at the end of this press release.
51Talk believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance by excluding share-based compensation expenses that may not be indicative of its operating performance from a cash perspective. 51Talk believes that both management and investors benefit from these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing its performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management's internal comparisons to 51Talk's historical performance. 51Talk computes its non-GAAP financial measures using the same consistent method from quarter to quarter and from period to period. 51Talk believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision-making. A limitation of using non-GAAP measures is that these non-GAAP measures exclude share-based compensation expenses that have been and will continue to be for the foreseeable future a significant recurring expense in the 51Talk's business. Management compensates for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from each non-GAAP measure. The accompanying table at the end of this press release provides more details on the reconciliations between GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "aims", "future", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", "likely to" and similar statements. Among other things, 51Talk's business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as 51Talk's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. 51Talk may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about 51Talk's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: 51Talk's goals and strategies; 51Talk's expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its brand and platform; 51Talk's ability to retain and increase its student enrollment; 51Talk's ability to offer new courses; 51Talk's ability to engage, train and retain new teachers; 51Talk's future business development, results of operations and financial condition; 51Talk's ability to maintain and improve infrastructure necessary to operate its education platform; competition in the online education industry in China; the expected growth of, and trends in, the markets for 51Talk's course offerings in China; relevant government policies and regulations relating to 51Talk's corporate structure, business and industry; general economic and business condition in China, the Philippines and elsewhere and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in 51Talk's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and 51Talk does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
China Online Education Group
Investor Relations
ir@51talk.com
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| 2022-06-24T10:25:47Z
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Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan was granted an extension of his pre-arrest bail on Thursday while police investigate whether he violated anti-terror laws.
The news was celebrated by hundreds of Khan's supporters, who rallied outside the Anti-Terrorism Court in the capital, Islamabad, where the ousted leader's arrival was met with a heavy security presence.
The court extended Khan's pre-arrest bail until September 1, which means he cannot be arrested before then.
Police opened an investigation into Khan this week after he vowed to "take action" against the head of police and a magistrate during a speech in the capital on Saturday.
"Listen Director Inspector General (of police), we're not going to let you go, we're going to file a case against you. And madam magistrate you should also get ready, we will take action against you," Khan had told his supporters during a rally in support of his former chief of staff, Shahbaz Gill.
Gill was arrested earlier this month on sedition charges after he urged soldiers to disobey orders from military leaders.
Khan has alleged police tortured Gill while in custody and the claims have gained traction among his supporters. Islamabad police deny Khan's allegations.
Tensions between Khan and the ruling coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have simmered since the former star cricketer was ousted in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April.
Khan has claimed there is a US-led conspiracy against him, accusing Sharif and the Pakistani military of working with Washington to topple his government. The United States, Sharif and the Pakistani military have all denied the allegations.
But Khan's claims have struck a chord with a young population in a country where anti-American sentiment is common and anger at the establishment is being fueled by a rising cost-of-living crisis.
His enduring popularity has translated to recent provincial election victories for his party and he has repeatedly called for a new parliamentary vote at mass rallies held since his ouster.
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| 2022-08-25T09:22:59Z
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GRAPHIC: Officers race to save 4-year-old who survived 6-story fall
Published: Apr. 7, 2022 at 10:19 AM CDT|Updated: 46 minutes ago
NEW YORK (CNN) - A four-year-old New York boy who fell six stories from an apartment window Tuesday is listed in stable condition.
The New York Police Department released dramatic bodycam video of officers rushing to help the boy after the fall from a sixth-floor apartment window in the Bronx.
Police say he was alert and conscious after the fall.
Officers did not wait for an ambulance to arrive and rushed him to Lincoln Hospital in a squad car where he was immediately met by EMTs.
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| 2022-04-07T16:05:22Z
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Safdie's donation to his alma mater is one of the most extensive collections in Canada and features never-before-seen materials from more than 300 projects, including the thesis that inspired the iconic Habitat 67, designed as the Canada Pavilion for the 1967 World Exposition
MONTREAL, Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Moshe Safdie, the renowned architect behind some of the world's most celebrated buildings, has donated his professional archive to his alma mater, McGill University, and pledged his personal apartment at Habitat 67 to ensure that it remains a resource for the University and the public at large.
Consisting of over 100,000 pieces, including loose sketches, sketchbooks, models, drawings, and correspondence related to unbuilt and built projects across the globe, Safdie's collection represents one of the most extensive and thorough individual collections of architectural documentation in Canada. Included is the original model and master copy of his McGill undergraduate thesis, 'A Case for City Living', which inspired his design for the Habitat 67 residence – a major exhibition built for Expo 67 in Montreal, and a turning point in modern architecture.
The centerpiece of the archive will be Safdie's personal apartment at the iconic Habitat 67 housing complex. The four-module duplex unit will serve as a resource for scholarly research, artist-in-residence programs, exhibitions, and symposia, thereby expanding the impact of the collection. Fondation Habitat 67, a non-profit foundation, will collaborate with McGill on the preservation and maintenance of the apartment as part of its mandate to promote the property for public educational activities.
"On behalf of the McGill community, I would like to express our gratitude to Moshe Safdie for his remarkable gift," said McGill Principal Suzanne Fortier. "This is a historic moment for McGill. One of the most influential and important architectural archives in the world, from one of our most celebrated graduates, will forever be a part of our University."
Moshe Safdie noted, "I have always valued the great education I received at McGill that has guided me through my professional life. Moreover, Canada has embraced and supported me, making possible the realization of several seminal projects. It is therefore fitting that McGill, Quebec, and Canada will be the home of my life's work."
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| 2022-08-23T12:06:53Z
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- Tech entrepreneurs and investors Christian Angermayer, Louise Tabbiner and Henry Chalhoub, unite to launch the first non-profit incubator of its kind, focused on funding the world's leading individuals and NGOs dedicated to solving the mental health crisis
- The event took place in St Tropez on Saturday, July 23 with over 500 international attendees. Celebrity guests, award winners and supporters included: Robbie Williams, Kevin Love, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rob Raco, Cameron Winklevoss, Lola Tash & Nicole Argiris (@mytherapistsays), Peter Berg, Philippe Parenno, Kate Bock and Queen Latifah
- Live performances, presentations and art installations included Kool & The Gang, Tinie Tempah, BLOND:ISH, master mentalist Lior Suchard, Tino Sehgal, Jeppe Hein, Refik Anadol and the "first cyborg" Nathan Copeland
- In a groundbreaking moment Giannis Antetokounmpo opened up for the first time about his challenges after his meteoric rise to stardom, the pressure of being seen as the best player of his generation and his desire to give back to his community
- Robbie Williams announced the creation of a global concert series, in association with AURORA, to raise funds and destigmatize mental health
SAINT-TROPEZ, France, July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The AURORA Institute launched with its inaugural event honoring the first four AURORA Institute Prize winners. They were recognized for their significant contributions to ending the mental health crisis. Evening of Discovery was a one-of-a-kind celebration, focusing on the new science of mental health, mindful meditation, understanding the science behind psychedelics, and exploring the integration of the metaverse and virtual reality in mental health interventions.
Over USD 8m was committed during the evening, which will be both directed to the charities represented by winners of the AURORA Institute Prize on stage and the the ideas brought forward during the "call to action." Each recipient receives a grant and strategic consulting services for the mental health charitable organization that they represent. This year's winners for each category were:
Athlete: Kevin Love. Olympian and NBA All-Star Kevin Love is basketball's most vocal advocate for mental health. In 2018 he established the Kevin Love Fund to inspire people to live their healthiest lives while providing tools for both mental and physical health.
Science: Dr. Adam Gazzaley, M.D., PhD. Leading global neuroscientist and founder of the Neuroscape Lab at UC San Francisco, bridging technology and neuroscience to create real-world solutions to enhance brain function. Dr. Gazzaley said: "It is an honor to receive this recognition from the Aurora Institute and I am energized by the potential I saw it convene. Leveraging the collective power of the organization and my fellow Aurora Institute Prize winners will drive real progress and better mental health for all. I look forward to helping accomplish our mutual goals."
Non-profit: The Klitschko Foundation Since 2003, the Klitschko Foundation has taught over 2 million young people in Ukraine to fight for their dreams through its various projects. Kostya Kovalchuk, member of the supervisory board said: "The key goal of Klitschko foundation is to teach every child to fight for their dreams. We are grateful to our partners and AURORA for their efforts to bring a better future for children of Ukraine suffering from various mental health issues because of the devastating war."
Sports and entertainment: The Weight of Gold. The Weight of Gold is a documentary investigating the connection between elite athleticism and psychological struggle, drawing on the experience of several Olympic competitors including Apolo Anton Ohno, Sasha Cohen, and Shaun White. Sasha Cohen said: "I am deeply moved by the Aurora Institute's recognition of our efforts to shine a light on the mental health struggles that Olympians face. Dismantling the entrenched stigma towards mental illness is essential to making progress, as those who suffer will only get the help they need if they can first admit they struggle."
In response to a call to action made at the event, attendees not only pledged financial support, but also committed to significant actions over the next 12 months. Highlights include:
- Globally renowned entertainer Robbie Williams announced the creation of MIND AID, together with AURORA, a global concert series with the purpose of fundraising for and destigmatizing mental health. MIND AID will show the world that it is okay to not be okay, to let people know that help is there if they need it and to support charities and initiatives that will make the world a happier place.
- NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo announced the addition of mental health initiatives to the work of the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation, the social impact foundation that focuses on refugees and immigrants, youth, sport, education, food & shelter, and widows.
- Henrique Dubugras, Pedro Franceschi, founders of fintech leader BREX revealed a USD 3m plan to support their 15,000 customers to create more mental-health friendly workplaces.
One of the most touching moments of the entire evening was when the worlds of two legends collided: for the first time Giannis Antetokounmpo opened up publicly about his owns challenges after his meteoric rise to stardom, the pressures associated being seen as the best player of his generation, and also the desire to give back to his community. To Kevin Love's surprise, Giannis cited Kevin as his role model and guiding star in an emotional speech.
Speaking on behalf of the founders, Christian Angermayer said: "One billion people suffer from mental health issues around the world and this number is only going to rise as we come out of the Covid-19 pandemic. Louise, Henry and I created AURORA Institute to bring together an ecosystem of global leaders from a range of diverse stakeholder groups to fight the global mental health crisis, head-on."
The event marked a key milestone in AURORA's plans to raise US$50 million in the next 5 years, while increasing visibility and awareness around the need for global mental health funding and de-stigmatizing of mental health issues. The AURORA Institute believes that by exploring and opening our minds, we can build a healthier, happier, and more inclusive future for all.
ABOUT AURORA INSTITUTE
The AURORA Institute was founded by Louise Tabbiner, Christian Angermayer and Henry Chalhoub. AURORA's mandate is to be the first non-profit incubator of its kind, focused on funding the world's leading individuals and NGOs dedicated to solving our existing global mental health crisis. Our goal is to amplify the efforts of those already doing the most impactful work or to empower those that could do more - helping them build their own foundations or navigate how to make mental health a core focus in their companies, communities and organizations.
Founding partners of the Evening of Discovery include Asteya, Apeiron Investment Group, Introsight Advisors, and Impact One. Founding friends include Aethos Hotels, Mindmaze, Calm, SlimBiotics, Elie Saab, Gopuff, and Barents Re. Founding donors include flow and atai Life Sciences. Beverage sponsors include Armand de Brignac, HeavenSake, Rumor, Brother's Bond and TRIP.
For more information please visit: aurora.institute.
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SOURCE AURORA Institute
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https://www.mysuncoast.com/prnewswire/2022/07/26/aurora-institute-launch-raises-over-8m-star-studded-inaugural-evening-discovery/
| 2022-07-26T11:48:46Z
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LONDON (AP) — Monty Norman, a British composer who wrote the theme tune for the James Bond films, has died. He was 94.
A statement posted Monday on Norman’s official website said: “It is with sadness we share the news that Monty Norman died on 11th July 2022 after a short illness.”
Born Monty Noserovitch to Jewish parents in the East End of London in 1928, Norman got his first guitar when he was 16. He performed with big bands and in a variety double act with comedian Benny Hill before writing songs for early British rockers Cliff Richard and Tommy Steele and composing for stage musicals including “Make Me an Offer,” “Expresso Bongo,” “Songbook” and “Poppy.”
Norman was hired by producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli to compose a theme for the first James Bond film, “Dr. No,” released in 1962.
He drew on a piece he had written for a proposed musical adaptation of V.S. Naipaul’s “A House for Mr. Biswas,” shifting the key riff from sitar to electric guitar. The result — twangy, propulsive, menacing — has been used in all 25 Bond thrillers.
Producers hired composer John Barry to rearrange the theme, and Barry was widely assumed to have written it — to Norman’s chagrin. Barry, who died in 2011, went on to compose scores for almost a dozen Bond films, including “Goldfinger” and “You Only Live Twice.”
Norman went to court to assert his authorship, suing the Sunday Times newspaper for libel over a 1997 article asserting the theme was composed by Barry. He won in 2001 and was awarded 30,000 pounds in damages.
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https://cw33.com/entertainment-news/ap-entertainment/monty-norman-composer-of-the-james-bond-theme-dies-at-94/
| 2022-07-12T14:19:56Z
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Sri Lanka’s prime minister resigns amid protests over economic crisis
By Iqbal Athas, CNN
Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned on Monday, following weeks of protests against his government.
The country has been rocked by civil unrest since March, with demonstrations at times turning violent as anger builds over the government’s apparent mishandling of Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis since declaring independence from Britain in 1948.
A nationwide curfew was imposed after clashes broke out between supporters of the ruling party and anti-government demonstrators in the capital city Colombo, the police said Monday. The restrictions were announced shortly before Rajapaksa announced his resignation.
At least 80 people were admitted to the hospital following violence at the protests, Colombo National Hospital said. Armed troops have been deployed in Colombo, according to CNN team on the ground.
This is a breaking story, more to follow.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.
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https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-asia-pacific/2022/05/09/sri-lankas-prime-minister-resigns-amid-protests-over-economic-crisis/
| 2022-05-09T13:08:30Z
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Stern's Biggest SDCC to Date with New Booth, Return of the Pop-Up Arcade and Brand New Partners: the Nerdist, Toho, Rebellion Republic, Ozzy Osbourne and MORE!
CHICAGO, July 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Stern Pinball, Inc., announces the company's triumphant return to San Diego Comic-Con International. Making its biggest SDCC splash yet, Stern will be unveiling a new booth (#3721), exciting new partnerships, and of course its beloved Pop-up Arcade at the Marriott Marquis.
New booth partner, Rebellion Republic will be bringing its world-class music merchandise to the Con, and together with Stern will be hosting living legend and rock god Ozzy Osbourne and comic book artist Todd McFarlane. The pair will be unveiling new artwork and a special edition comic by McFarlane for Osbourne's highly anticipated album Patient Number 9. Just announced this week, both Osbourne and McFarlane will be doing signings at the Stern booth to celebrate this momentous collab. Stay tuned for the signing schedule and your chance to purchase SDCC exclusive merch.
Returning this year, the Stern Pinball Pop-up Arcade will include all of the latest Stern Pinball machines featuring the award-winning Insider Connected platform. Both casual and series players are encouraged to stop by the Pop-up Arcade to hang out, relax, earn achievements, high scores and enjoy endless hours of free pinball play. Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com/. Players can register at a connected game by scanning a QR code or at the Stern Pinball website. Once a player registers, they are issued a unique QR Code that can be used to identify that player at any connected Stern pinball machine anywhere in the world. When a player logs into the machine, they can track progress, earn new game specific achievements, engage with the player community, and participate in promotions and Challenge Quests.
New to the arcade this year will be special guest booths with partners the Nerdist and Toho. Nerdist is your leading source for the latest pop culture news and a welcoming space to geek out about the many things that we love. The media company will be setting up shop in Stern's Pop-up Arcade for the entirety of the Con. Expect to see live tapings of Nerdist News, interviews with celebrity guests, and more.
Toho Company, Limited, is a Japanese entertainment studio focused on the development, production, exhibition, and distribution of powerful live action and animated content including motion pictures, television, and theater. In 1954, the studio released the iconic film "Godzilla," giving birth to one of cinema's most enduring and celebrated icons loved by fans across the globe.
Come find Stern Pinball on the show floor at booth #3721 or stop by the Pop-up Arcade at the Marriott Marquis.
Stern Pinball, Inc. is a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball. Headquartered minutes from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in the heart of North America, the company creates, designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a full line of technologically advanced terrestrial and digital pinball games, parts, accessories, and merchandise. Stern Pinball serves digital, consumer, commercial, and corporate markets around the globe.
Recent Stern Pinball titles include Rush, Godzilla, The Mandalorian, Led Zeppelin, Avengers: Infinity Quest, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Stranger Things, Elvira's House of Horrors, Jurassic Park, Black Knight: Sword of Rage, The Munsters, The Beatles, Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, KISS, Metallica, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, AC/DC, Batman, and Spider-Man. A broad range of players enjoy Stern Pinball's games from professional pinball players who compete in high-stakes competitions around the globe to novice players who are discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time. To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com.
CONTACT: stern@rebelliouspr.com
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SOURCE Stern Pinball, Inc.
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https://www.kxii.com/prnewswire/2022/07/14/stern-pinball-announces-return-san-diego-comic-con-international-2022/
| 2022-07-14T14:57:49Z
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